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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mississippi Sioux Tribes Judgment
Fund Distribution Act of 1998''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Covered indian tribe.--The term ``covered Indian tribe''
means an Indian tribe listed in section 4(a).
(2) Fund account.--The term ``Fund Account'' means the
consolidated account for tribal trust funds in the Treasury of the
United States that is managed by the Secretary--
(A) through the Office of Trust Fund Management of the
Department of the Interior; and
(B) in accordance with the American Indian Trust Fund
Management Reform Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
the Interior.
(4) Tribal governing body.--The term ``tribal governing body''
means the duly elected governing body of a covered Indian tribe.
SEC. 3. DISTRIBUTION TO, AND USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS BY, THE SISSETON AND
WAHPETON TRIBES OF SIOUX INDIANS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including Public Law
92-555 (25 U.S.C. 1300d et seq.), any funds made available by
appropriations under chapter II of Public Law 90-352 (82 Stat. 239) to
the Sisseton and Wahpeton Tribes of Sioux Indians to pay a judgment in
favor of those Indian tribes in Indian Claims Commission dockets
numbered 142 and 359, including interest, that, as of the date of
enactment of this Act, have not been distributed, shall be distributed
and used in accordance with this Act.
SEC. 4. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO TRIBES.
(a) In General.--
(1) Amount distributed.--
(A) In general.--Subject to section 8(e) and if no action
is filed in a timely manner (as determined under section 8(d))
raising any claim identified in section 8(a), not earlier than
365 days after the date of enactment of this Act and not later
than 415 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall transfer to the Fund Account to be credited to
accounts established in the Fund Account for the benefit of the
applicable governing bodies under paragraph (2) an aggregate
amount determined under subparagraph (B).
(B) Aggregate amount.--The aggregate amount referred to in
subparagraph (A) is an amount equal to the remainder of--
(i) the funds described in section 3; minus
(ii) an amount equal to 71.6005 percent of the funds
described in section 3.
(2) Distribution of funds to accounts in the fund account.--The
Secretary shall ensure that the aggregate amount transferred under
paragraph (1) is allocated to the accounts established in the Fund
Account as follows:
(A) 28.9276 percent of that amount shall be allocated to
the account established for the benefit of the tribal governing
body of the Spirit Lake Tribe of North Dakota.
(B) 57.3145 percent of that amount, after payment of any
applicable attorneys' fees and expenses by the Secretary under
the contract numbered A00C14202991, approved by the Secretary
on August 16, 1988, shall be allocated to the account
established for the benefit of the tribal governing body of the
Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.
(C) 13.7579 percent of that amount shall be allocated to
the account established for the benefit of the tribal governing
body of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck
Reservation in Montana, as designated under subsection (c).
(b) Use.--Amounts distributed under this section to accounts
referred to in subsection (d) for the benefit of a tribal governing
body shall be distributed and used in a manner consistent with section
5.
(c) Tribal Governing Body of Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of Fort
Peck Reservation.--For purposes of making distributions of funds
pursuant to this Act, the Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux Council of the
Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes shall act as the governing body of the
Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation.
(d) Tribal Trust Fund Accounts.--The Secretary of the Treasury, in
cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the
Office of Trust Fund Management of the Department of the Interior,
shall ensure that such accounts as are necessary are established in the
Fund Account to provide for the distribution of funds under subsection
(a)(2).
SEC. 5. USE OF DISTRIBUTED FUNDS.
(a) Prohibition.--No funds allocated for a covered Indian tribe
under section 4 may be used to make per capita payments to members of
the covered Indian tribe.
(b) Purposes.--The funds allocated under section 4 may be used,
administered, and managed by a tribal governing body referred to in
section 4(a)(2) only for the purpose of making investments or
expenditures that the tribal governing body determines to be reasonably
related to--
(1) economic development that is beneficial to the covered
Indian tribe;
(2) the development of resources of the covered Indian tribe;
(3) the development of programs that are beneficial to members
of the covered Indian tribe, including educational and social
welfare programs;
(4) the payment of any existing obligation or debt (existing as
of the date of the distribution of the funds) arising out of any
activity referred to in paragraph (1), (2), or (3);
(5)(A) the payment of attorneys' fees or expenses of any
covered Indian tribe referred to in subparagraph (A) or (C) of
section 4(a)(2) for litigation or other representation for matters
arising out of the enactment of Public Law 92-555 (25 U.S.C. 1300d
et seq.); except that
(B) the amount of attorneys' fees paid by a covered Indian
tribe under this paragraph with funds distributed under section 4
shall not exceed 10 percent of the amount distributed to that
Indian tribe under that section;
(6) the payment of attorneys' fees or expenses of the covered
Indian tribe referred to in section 4(a)(2)(B) for litigation and
other representation for matters arising out of the enactment of
Public Law 92-555 (25 U.S.C. 1300d et seq.), in accordance, as
applicable, with the contracts numbered A00C14203382 and
A00C14202991, that the Secretary approved on February 10, 1978 and
August 16, 1988, respectively; or
(7) the payment of attorneys' fees or expenses of any covered
Indian tribe referred to in section 4(a)(2) for litigation or other
representation with respect to matters arising out of this Act.
(c) Management.--Subject to subsections (a), (b), and (d), any
funds distributed to a covered Indian tribe pursuant to sections 4 and
7 may be managed and invested by that Indian tribe pursuant to the
American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C.
4001 et seq.).
(d) Withdrawal of Funds by Covered Tribes.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), each covered Indian
tribe may, at the discretion of that Indian tribe, withdraw all or
any portion of the funds distributed to the Indian tribe under
sections 4 and 7 in accordance with the American Indian Trust Fund
Management Reform Act (25 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.).
(2) Exemption.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the requirements
under subsections (a) and (b) of section 202 of the American Indian
Trust Fund Management Reform Act (25 U.S.C. 4022 (a) and (b)) and
section 203 of such Act (25 U.S.C. 4023) shall not apply to a
covered Indian tribe or the Secretary.
(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (2) may be
construed to limit the applicability of section 202(c) of the
American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act (25 U.S.C.
4022(c)).
SEC. 6. EFFECT OF PAYMENTS TO COVERED INDIAN TRIBES ON BENEFITS.
A payment made to a covered Indian tribe or an individual under
this Act shall not--
(1) for purposes of determining the eligibility for a Federal
service or program of a covered Indian tribe, household, or
individual, be treated as income or resources; or
(2) otherwise result in the reduction or denial of any service
or program to which, pursuant to Federal law (including the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.)), the covered Indian tribe,
household, or individual would otherwise be entitled.
SEC. 7. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO LINEAL DESCENDANTS.
(a) In General.--Subject to section 8(e), the Secretary shall, in
the manner prescribed in section 202(c) of Public Law 92-555 (25 U.S.C.
1300d-4(c)), distribute to the lineal descendants of the Sisseton and
Wahpeton Tribes of Sioux Indians an amount equal to 71.6005 percent of
the funds described in section 3, subject to any reduction determined
under subsection (b).
(b) Adjustments.--
(1) In general.--Subject to section 8(e), if the number of
individuals on the final roll of lineal descendants certified by
the Secretary under section 201(b) of Public Law 92-555 (25 U.S.C.
1300d-3(b)) is less than 2,588, the Secretary shall distribute a
reduced aggregate amount to the lineal descendants referred to in
subsection (a), determined by decreasing--
(A) the percentage specified in section 4(a)(B)(ii) by a
percentage amount equal to--
(i) .0277; multiplied by
(ii) the difference between 2,588 and the number of
lineal descendants on the final roll of lineal descendants,
but not to exceed 600; and
(B) the percentage specified in subsection (a) by the
percentage amount determined under subparagraph (A).
(2) Distribution.--If a reduction in the amount that otherwise
would be distributed under subsection (a) is made under paragraph
(1), an amount equal to that reduction shall be added to the amount
available for distribution under section 4(a)(1), for distribution
in accordance with section 4(a)(2).
(c) Verification of Ancestry.--In seeking to verify the Sisseton
and Wahpeton Mississippi Sioux Tribe ancestry of any person applying
for enrollment on the roll of lineal descendants after January 1, 1998,
the Secretary shall certify that each individual enrolled as a lineal
descendant can trace ancestry to a specific Sisseton or Wahpeton
Mississippi Sioux Tribe lineal ancestor who was listed on--
(1) the 1909 Sisseton and Wahpeton annuity roll;
(2) the list of Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux prisoners convicted
for participating in the outbreak referred to as the ``1862
Minnesota Outbreak'';
(3) the list of Sioux scouts, soldiers, and heirs identified as
Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux on the roll prepared pursuant to the
Act of March 3, 1891 (26 Stat. 989 et seq., chapter 543); or
(4) any other Sisseton or Wahpeton payment or census roll that
preceded a roll referred to in paragraph (1), (2), or (3).
(d) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) In general.--Section 202(a) of Public Law 92-555 (25 U.S.C.
1300d-4(a)) is amended--
(A) in the matter preceding the table--
(i) by striking ``, plus accrued interest,''; and
(ii) by inserting ``plus interest received (other than
funds otherwise distributed to the Sisseton and Wahpeton
Tribes of Sioux Indians in accordance with the Mississippi
Sioux Tribes Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 1998),''
after ``docket numbered 359,''; and
(B) in the table contained in that subsection, by striking
the item relating to ``All other Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux''.
(2) Roll.--Section 201(b) of Public Law 92-555 (25 U.S.C.
1300d-3(b)) is amended by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting
``Subject to the Mississippi Sioux Tribes Judgment Fund
Distribution Act of 1998, the Secretary''.
SEC. 8. JURISDICTION; PROCEDURE.
(a) Actions Authorized.--In any action brought by or on behalf of a
lineal descendant or any group or combination of those lineal
descendants to challenge the constitutionality or validity of
distributions under this Act to any covered Indian tribe, any covered
Indian tribe, separately, or jointly with another covered Indian tribe,
shall have the right to intervene in that action to--
(1) defend the validity of those distributions; or
(2) assert any constitutional or other claim challenging the
distributions made to lineal descendants under this Act.
(b) Jurisdiction and Venue.--
(1) Exclusive original jurisdiction.--Subject to paragraph (2),
only the United States District Court for the District of Columbia,
and for the districts in North Dakota and South Dakota, shall have
original jurisdiction over any action brought to contest the
constitutionality or validity under law of the distributions
authorized under this Act.
(2) Consolidation of actions.--After the filing of a first
action under subsection (a), all other actions subsequently filed
under that subsection shall be consolidated with that first action.
(3) Jurisdiction by the united states court of federal
claims.--If appropriate, the United States Court of Federal Claims
shall have jurisdiction over an action referred to in subsection
(a).
(c) Notice to Covered Tribes.--In an action brought under this
section, not later than 30 days after the service of a summons and
complaint on the Secretary that raises a claim identified in subsection
(a), the Secretary shall send a copy of that summons and complaint,
together with any responsive pleading, to each covered Indian tribe by
certified mail with return receipt requested.
(d) Statute of Limitations.--No action raising a claim referred to
in subsection (a) may be filed after the date that is 365 days after
the date of enactment of this Act.
(e) Special Rule.--
(1) Final judgment for lineal descendants.--
(A) In general.--If an action that raises a claim referred
to in subsection (a) is brought, and a final judgment is
entered in favor of 1 or more lineal descendants referred to in
that subsection, section 4(a) and subsections (a) and (b) of
section 7 shall not apply to the distribution of the funds
described in subparagraph (B).
(B) Distribution of funds.--Upon the issuance of a final
judgment referred to in subparagraph (A) the Secretary shall
distribute 100 percent of the funds described in section 3 to
the lineal descendants in a manner consistent with--
(i) section 202(c) of Public Law 92-555 (25 U.S.C.
1300d-4(c)); and
(ii) section 202(a) of Public Law 92-555, as in effect
on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Final judgment for covered indian tribes.--
(A) In general.--If an action that raises a claim referred
to in subsection (a) is brought, and a final judgment is
entered in favor of 1 or more covered Indian tribes that
invalidates the distributions made under this Act to lineal
descendants, section 4(a), other than the percentages under
section 4(a)(2), and subsections (a) and (b) of section 7 shall
not apply.
(B) Distribution of funds.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the issuance of a final judgment referred to in
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall distribute 100 percent of
the funds described in section 3 to each covered Indian tribe
in accordance with the judgment and the percentages for
distribution contained in section 4(a)(2).
(f) Limitation on Claims by a Covered Indian Tribe.--
(1) In general.--If any covered Indian tribe receives any
portion of the aggregate amounts transferred by the Secretary to a
Fund Account or any other account under section 4, no action may be
brought by that covered Indian tribe in any court for a claim
arising from the distribution of funds under Public Law 92-555 (25
U.S.C. 1300d et seq.).
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to limit the right of a covered Indian tribe to--
(A) intervene in an action that raises a claim referred to
in subsection (a); or
(B) limit the jurisdiction of any court referred to in
subsection (b), to hear and determine any such claims.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Mississippi Sioux Tribes Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 1998 - Provides for the distribution of certain funds to the Sisseton and Wahpeton Tribes of Sioux Indians to pay a judgment in favor of those tribes.
(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer a specified aggregate amount to be credited to accounts established in a Fund Account for the benefit of the applicable governing bodies of the : (1) Spirit Lake Tribe of North Dakota; (2) Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota; and (3) Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana. Designates the Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux Council of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes as the tribal governing body of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation for purposes of making such distributions.
(Sec. 5) Prohibits funds allocated for a covered Indian tribe from being used to make per capita payments to tribe members.
Allows funds allocated to be used, administered, and managed by a tribal governing body only for the purpose of making investments or expenditures that the tribal governing body determines to be reasonably related to: (1) economic development; (2) tribal resources development; (3) the development of beneficial tribal programs, including educational and social welfare programs; (4) any existing obligation or debt arising out of any such activities; and (5) specified attorneys' fees.
(Sec. 6) Sets forth provisions concerning the effect of payments to a covered Indian tribe or an individual on eligibility for, or the reduction or denial of, Federal benefits.
(Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to distribute a specified amount to the lineal descendants of the Sisseton and Wahpeton Tribes of Sioux Indians. Requires ancestral verification of such descendants.
(Sec. 8) Sets forth procedural requirements for civil actions brought by or on behalf of a lineal descendant or any group or combination thereof to challenge the constitutionality or validity of such distributions. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Mississippi Sioux Tribes Judgment Fund Distribution Act of 1998"} | 3,979 | 486 | 0.61068 | 2.137972 | 0.735765 | 4.413158 | 8.781579 | 0.934211 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Accountability in Rulemaking Act''.
SEC. 2. REGULATORY REVIEW TRANSPARENCY.
(a) Unified Regulatory Agenda.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than December 31, March 31,
June 30, and September 30, of each year, the head of each
agency shall submit to the Administrator of the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs a unified regulatory agenda.
The Administrator shall make each unified regulatory agenda
available on a public website in an accessible format.
(2) Contents.--The unified regulatory agenda shall contain
a list of each regulation under development or review by the
agency. Each entry for a regulation shall include, at a
minimum, the following:
(A) A regulation identifier number.
(B) A brief summary of the regulation.
(C) The legal authority for the regulation.
(D) A statement of whether the Administrator has
declared the regulation a significant regulatory
action.
(E) The stage in the process of issuing the
regulation.
(F) A statement of whether the regulation has been
submitted to the Administrator for review.
(G) Any legal deadline for the regulation,
including the Public Law number of the statute that
mandates such a deadline.
(H) Any written communication between an employee
or officer of the agency and an employee or officer of
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
regarding the regulation.
(I) Any communication received from the
Administrator regarding the regulation describing why
further consideration of the regulation is necessary.
(3) Guidance.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review
agency compliance with the provisions of this subsection and
provide recommendations to bring any noncompliant agency into
compliance.
(b) Significant Regulatory Action Review.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date on
which the unified regulatory agenda is submitted under
subsection (a)(1), the Administrator shall review each
significant regulatory action listed in the agenda to ensure
each action is consistent with applicable law.
(2) Extension of review period.--The deadline for review
described in paragraph (1) may be extended--
(A) once by not more than 30 days upon written
approval of the Director of the Office of Management
and Budget; and
(B) at the request of the head of the issuing
agency.
(3) Documentation of extension.--The Administrator shall
provide written documentation of the reasoning for any
extension of review of a regulation made under paragraph (3)
and include such documentation in the unified regulatory agenda
listing for the regulation.
(4) Third-party communication.--During any review process
of a significant regulatory action described in this
subsection--
(A) an employee or officer of the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs may not meet with an
individual who is not a Federal employee or officer
regarding the substance of such action unless a
representative from the issuing agency has been
invited;
(B) within 10 working days of receipt of any
written communication regarding the substance of such
action from an individual who is not a Federal employee
or officer, the Administrator shall provide such
communication to the issuing agency; and
(C) within 10 working days of any oral
communication regarding the substance of such action
with an individual who is not a Federal employee or
officer, the Administrator shall provide the date and
the name or names of individuals involved in such
communication to the issuing agency.
(5) Documentation of changes.--
(A) Office of information and regulatory affairs
changes.--The Administrator shall document any change
made by the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs to a significant regulatory action during the
review process under this subsection and make such
change available on a public website in a redline or
other easily understood format.
(B) Agency changes.--After the Administrator has
reviewed a significant regulatory action under this
subsection, the head of an agency shall document any
change made by the agency to the regulation and make
such change available on a public website in a redline
or other easily understood format.
(6) Return letter.--For each significant regulatory action
that the Administrator returns to an agency for further
consideration of any provision, the Administrator shall provide
the issuing agency with a written explanation of why further
consideration is necessary.
(c) Agency Removal of a Regulation.--With regard to any proposed
regulation that was listed and subsequently removed from a unified
regulatory agenda, the head of the agency shall publish a written
explanation for such removal on a publicly available website.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs.
(2) Agency.--The term ``agency'' has the meaning given that
term in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code, but does
not include an independent regulatory agency as that term is
defined in such section.
(3) Regulation.--The term ``regulation''--
(A) means an agency statement of general
applicability and future effect, which the agency
intends to have the force and effect of law, that is
designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or
policy or to describe the procedure or practice
requirements of an agency; and
(B) does not include--
(i) regulations issued in accordance with
the formal rulemaking provisions of sections
556 and 557 of title 5, United States Code;
(ii) regulations that pertain to a military
or foreign affairs function of the United
States, other than procurement regulations and
regulations involving the import or export of
non-defense articles and services; and
(iii) regulations that are limited to an
agency organization, management, or personnel
matters.
(4) Regulatory action.--The term ``regulatory action''
means any substantive action by an agency normally published in
the Federal Register that promulgates or is expected to lead to
the promulgation of a final regulation, including notices of
inquiry, advance notices of proposed rulemaking, and notices of
proposed rulemaking.
(5) Significant regulatory action.--The term ``significant
regulatory action'' means any regulatory action that is likely
to result in a regulation that may--
(A) have an annual effect on the economy of
$167,000,000 or more, adjusted annually for inflation
to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index for
All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, rounding to the nearest $1,000,000;
(B) adversely affect in a material way the economy,
a sector of the economy, productivity, competition,
jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or
State, local, or tribal governments or communities;
(C) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise
interfere with an action taken or planned by another
agency;
(D) materially alter the budgetary impact of
entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or
the rights and obligations of recipients therein; or
(E) raise novel legal or policy issues arising out
of legal mandates. | Accountability in Rulemaking Act This bill requires each federal agency to submit to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), by December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30 of each year, a unified regulatory agenda listing each regulation under development or review by such agency. The agenda shall include a brief summary of, and the legal authority for, such regulation and a statement of whether the OIRA has declared the regulation to be a significant regulatory action. A "significant regulatory action" is defined as any regulatory action that is likely to result in a regulation that may: have an annual effect on the economy of $167 million or more; adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities; create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action of another agency; materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients; or raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates. The OIRA shall: (1) make each such agenda available on a public website, and (2) review each significant regulatory action listed within 90 days of its submission to ensure such action is consistent with applicable law. The bill sets forth limitations on third-party communication during the review process. The OIRA shall: (1) document any change made by it to a significant regulatory action during the review process and make such change available on a public website; and (2) for each such action the OIRA returns to an agency for further consideration, it shall provide a written explanation of why further consideration is necessary. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Accountability in Rulemaking Act"} | 1,491 | 364 | 0.582549 | 1.909411 | 0.799515 | 4.634006 | 4.178674 | 0.92219 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fair Telephone Billing Act of
2013''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) For years, telephone users have complained that their
wireline telephone bills included unauthorized third-party
charges.
(2) This problem, commonly referred to as ``cramming'',
first appeared in the 1990s, after wireline telephone companies
opened their billing platforms to an array of third-party
vendors offering a variety of services.
(3) Since the 1990s, the Federal Communications Commission,
the Federal Trade Commission, and State attorneys general have
brought multiple enforcement actions against dozens of
individuals and companies for engaging in cramming.
(4) An investigation by the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate confirmed that cramming is a
problem of massive proportions and has affected millions of
telephone users, costing them billions of dollars in
unauthorized third-party charges over the past decade.
(5) The Committee showed that third-party billing through
wireline telephone numbers has largely failed to become a
reliable method of payment that consumers and businesses can
use to conduct legitimate commerce.
(6) Telephone companies regularly placed third-party
charges on their customers' telephone bills without their
customers' authorization.
(7) Many companies engaged in third-party billing were
illegitimate and created solely to exploit the weaknesses in
the third-party billing platforms established by telephone
companies.
(8) In the last decade, millions of business and
residential consumers have transitioned from wireline telephone
service to interconnected VoIP service.
(9) Users of interconnected VoIP service often use the
service as the primary telephone line for their residences and
businesses.
(10) Millions more business and residential consumers are
expected to migrate to interconnected VoIP service in the
coming years as the evolution of the nation's traditional voice
communications networks to IP-based networks continues.
(11) Users of interconnected VoIP service that have
telephone numbers through the service should be protected from
the same vulnerabilities that affected third-party billing
through wireline telephone numbers.
SEC. 3. UNAUTHORIZED THIRD-PARTY CHARGES.
(a) In General.--Section 258 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 258) is amended--
(1) by amending the heading to read as follows: ``sec. 258.
preventing illegal changes in subscriber carrier selections and
unauthorized third-party charges.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Prohibition.--
``(1) In general.--No local exchange carrier or provider of
interconnected VoIP service shall place or cause to be placed a
third-party charge that is not directly related to the
provision of telephone services on the bill of a customer,
unless--
``(A) the third-party charge is from a contracted
third-party vendor;
``(B) the third-party charge is for a product or
service that a local exchange carrier or provider of
interconnected VoIP service jointly markets or jointly
sells with its own service;
``(C) the customer was provided with clear and
conspicuous disclosure of all material terms and
conditions prior to consenting under subparagraph (D);
``(D) the customer provided affirmative consent for
the placement of the third-party charge on the bill;
and
``(E) the local exchange carrier or provider of
interconnected VoIP service has implemented reasonable
procedures to ensure that the third-party charge is for
a product or service requested by the customer.
``(2) Forfeiture and refund.--
``(A) In general.--Any person who commits a
violation of paragraph (1) shall be subject to a civil
forfeiture, which shall be determined in accordance
with section 503 of title V of this Act, except that
the amount of the penalty shall be double the otherwise
applicable amount of the penalty under that section.
``(B) Refund.--Any local exchange carrier or
provider of interconnected VoIP service that commits a
violation of paragraph (1) shall be liable to the
customer in an amount equal to all charges paid by that
customer related to the violation of paragraph (1), in
accordance with such procedures as the Commission may
prescribe.
``(3) Additional remedies.--The remedies under this
subsection are in addition to any other remedies provided by
law.
``(4) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Affirmative consent.--The term `affirmative
consent' means express verifiable authorization.
``(B) Contracted third-party vendor.--The term
`contracted third-party vendor' means a person that has
a contractual right to receive billing and collection
services from a local exchange carrier or a provider of
interconnected VoIP service for a product or service
that the person provides directly to a customer.
``(C) Third-party charge.--The term `third-party
charge' means a charge for a product or service not
provided by a local exchange carrier or a provider of
interconnected VoIP service.''.
(b) Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission,
in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, shall
prescribe any rules necessary to implement the provisions of
this section.
(2) Minimum contents.--At a minimum, the regulations
promulgated by the Federal Communications Commission under this
subsection shall--
(A) define how local exchange carriers and
providers of interconnected VoIP service will obtain
affirmative consent from a consumer for a third-party
charge;
(B) include adequate protections to ensure that
consumers are fully aware of the charges to which they
are consenting; and
(C) impose recordkeeping requirements on local
exchange carriers and providers of interconnected VoIP
service related to any grants of affirmative consent by
consumers.
(c) Effective Date.--The Federal Communications Commission shall
prescribe that any rule adopted under subsection (b) shall become
effective for a local exchange carrier or provider of interconnected
VoIP service not later than the date that the carrier's or provider's
contractual obligation to permit another person to charge a customer
for a good or service on a bill rendered by the carrier or provider
expires, or 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, whichever
is earlier.
SEC. 4. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS.
(a) No Preemption of State Laws.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed to preempt any State law, except that no State law may
relieve any person of a requirement otherwise applicable under this
Act.
(b) Preservation of FTC Authority.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed as modifying, limiting, or otherwise affecting the
applicability of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et
seq.) or any other law enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
SEC. 5. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Act or the application of that provision
to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this
Act and the application of that provision to any other person or
circumstance shall not be affected thereby. | Fair Telephone Billing Act of 2013 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit local exchange carriers or providers of interconnected VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service from placing, or causing to be placed, a third-party charge that is not directly related to the provision of telephone services on the bill of a customer, unless: (1) the third-party charge is from a contracted third-party vendor and for a product or service that the carrier or provider markets or sells jointly with its own service, (2) the customer provided affirmative consent for the charge, (3) the customer was provided with a disclosure of material terms and conditions prior to such consent, and (4) the charge is implemented with reasonable procedures to ensure that the customer has requested the product or service. Defines: (1) a "third-party charge" as a charge for a product or service not provided by a local exchange carrier or a provider of interconnected VoIP service, and (2) a "contracted third-party vendor" as a person with a contractual right to receive billing and collection services from such a carrier or provider for a product or service the person provides directly to a customer. Subjects violators to civil forfeiture and specified penalties and refund requirements. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promulgate rules to: (1) define how local exchange carriers and providers of interconnected VoIP service will obtain affirmative consent from a consumer for a third-party charge, (2) ensure that consumers are fully aware of the charges to which they are consenting, and (3) impose recordkeeping requirements on such carriers and providers related to any grants of affirmative consent by consumers. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Fair Telephone Billing Act of 2013"} | 1,572 | 368 | 0.53274 | 1.796837 | 0.626064 | 4.496951 | 4.496951 | 0.929878 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Trade Advisory Committee Reform
Act'' or the ``TAC Act''.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL ADVISERS FOR TRADE POLICY AND NEGOTIATIONS.
(a) Selection.--Section 161 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2211) is amended in subsection (a)--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking the first sentence and
inserting the following: ``The following members of Congress
shall be selected and designated as congressional advisers on
trade policy and negotiations: From the Committee on Ways and
Means of the House of Representatives, the chairman and ranking
minority member of the full committee, and the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Subcommittee on Trade; from the
Committee on Finance of the Senate, the chairman and ranking
minority member of the full committee, and the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Subcommittee on Trade.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Of the total number of members from a House
of Congress selected as congressional advisers under
this paragraph, not more than half may be of the same
political party.''.
(b) Expansion of Role.--Such section is further amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(d) Recommendations by Congressional Advisers on Trade Agreement
Effects.--Each congressional adviser under subsection (a) shall, on an
annual basis and at any other time the congressional adviser considers
appropriate, transmit written recommendations to the covered executive
branch officials on trade agreement effects. Each official to which
recommendations are transmitted shall give due regard to the
recommendations.
``(e) Appointments to Trade Advisory Committees.--
``(1) Number.--Every trade advisory committee, whether
established before, on, or after the date of the enactment of
this subsection, shall have a number of members the total of
which is evenly divisible by three.
``(2) Appointment.--For purposes of appointing the members
of a trade advisory committee, the congressional advisers under
subsection (a) shall be grouped by party affiliation. The group
with the greatest number of advisers shall appoint one-third of
the members; the group with the next-greatest number of
advisers shall appoint one-third of the members; and the
President (or the President's designee) shall appoint the
remaining members.
``(3) Consultation.--The congressional advisers are
encouraged to consult with other committees of Congress,
including but not limited to committees with jurisdiction over
health, environmental, labor, and consumer issues, in making
such appointments.
``(4) Interests represented.--The officials responsible for
appointing the members of a trade advisory committee shall
ensure that each trade advisory committee includes--
``(A) at least 1 member from labor organizations;
``(B) at least 1 member from consumer interest
organizations; and
``(C) at least 1 member from public health
organizations.
``(5) Terms.--Each member of a trade advisory committee
shall serve a term of 2 years.
``(6) Other provisions superseded.--This subsection
supersedes any other provision of law to the extent that
provision is inconsistent with this subsection, whether enacted
before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this
subsection.
``(f) Reports to Congress by Trade Advisory Committees.--Before the
President submits trade agreement legislation to Congress, each trade
advisory committee that has advised with respect to that legislation
shall submit to the congressional advisers under subsection (a) a
report on the legislation. The report shall include an examination of
the trade agreement effects of the legislation.
``(g) Reports to Congress by Executive Branch Officials.--Each
covered executive branch official shall, on an annual basis, submit to
Congress a report on the trade advisory process. The report shall
identify the concerns raised by members of trade advisory committees on
the effectiveness of the process and explain the steps taken by that
official to address those concerns.
``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered executive branch official.--The term `covered
executive branch official' applies to the following:
``(A) The United States Trade Representative.
``(B) The Secretary of Labor.
``(C) The Secretary of Agriculture.
``(D) The Secretary of Commerce.
``(E) The Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency.
``(2) Trade advisory committee.--The term `trade advisory
committee' includes any advisory committee with respect to
United States trade policy, and specifically includes any
committee established under section 135.
``(3) Trade agreement effects.--The term `trade agreement
effects'--
``(A) means the effects on the United States and
its trading partners of international trade agreements;
and
``(B) includes effects in areas including but not
limited to public health, the environment, worker
rights, and consumer rights.''.
SEC. 3. PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRADE.
Section 135(c)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2155(c)(1))
is amended by adding at the end the following: ``The President shall
establish, among the committees established under this paragraph, a
Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade.''. | Trade Advisory Committee Reform Act or the TAC Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to: (1) revise the selection process for congressional advisers for trade policy and negotiations; and (2) expand the duties of such congressional advisers, including to provide recommendations to executive officials on trade agreement effects and to provide for the appointment of members to a trade advisory committee.
Establishes a Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To reform the Trade Advisory Committee system to ensure that a broad range of views are represented and accommodated in developing United States trade policy."} | 1,214 | 91 | 0.634781 | 1.593135 | 0.753759 | 3.037037 | 13.567901 | 0.888889 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Summer Meals and Learning Act of
2018''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Eligible local educational agency.--The term ``eligible
local educational agency'' means a local educational agency, as
defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)--
(A) that serves lunch at a school served by the
local educational agency during the summer as part of--
(i) the summer food service program for
children established under section 13 of the
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
(42 U.S.C. 1761); or
(ii) the seamless summer option authorized
by section 13(a)(8) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
1761(a)(8)); and
(B) where at least 50 percent of the students in
grades prekindergarten through grade 3 at such school--
(i) are reading below grade level at grade
3; or
(ii) are at risk of reading below grade
level at grade 3.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the United States
Virgin Islands.
(4) State library administrative agency.--The term ``State
library administrative agency'' has the meaning given the term
in section 213 of the Museum and Library Services Act (20
U.S.C. 9122).
(5) Summer early reading program.--The term ``summer early
reading program'' means a program held in the summer, and not
less than 6 weeks in duration, that--
(A) is held at a school with a summer lunch site
described in paragraph (1)(A); and
(B) provides students participating in the lunch
program--
(i) access to the school library; and
(ii) literacy activities or expanded
learning opportunities at the school.
SEC. 3. GRANTS FOR SUMMER EARLY READING PROGRAMS AT SUMMER MEAL SITES.
(a) Program Authorized.--From amounts made available under
subsection (f) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants, on
a competitive basis, to State library administrative agencies to enable
the State library administrative agencies to award subgrants to
eligible local educational agencies for summer early reading programs.
(b) Applications.--A State library administrative agency desiring a
grant under this section shall submit an application at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require. Each application shall include--
(1) how the State library administrative agency will award
subgrants described in subsection (d), including any priorities
or considerations that the State library administrative agency
will apply in making such awards, with an emphasis toward
supporting eligible local educational agencies with a
disproportionately high ratio of students served at school
lunch sites described in section 2(1)(A) to such school lunch
sites;
(2) how the State library administrative agency will
disseminate, in a timely manner, information regarding the
subgrants described in subsection (d) and the application
process for such subgrants to eligible local educational
agencies;
(3) the criteria that the State library administrative
agency will require for the summer early reading programs,
including the minimum number of hours that the school library
shall remain accessible and any other criteria regarding the
activities to be offered; and
(4) an assurance from the State library administrative
agency that each eligible local educational agency that
receives a subgrant will provide a summer early reading program
at each school lunch site served by the local educational
agency.
(c) Use of Funds.--A State library administrative agency receiving
a grant under this section shall use grant funds to award subgrants to
eligible local educational agencies under subsection (d).
(d) Subgrants.--
(1) In general.--Each State library administrative agency
receiving a grant under this section shall award subgrants, on
a competitive basis, to eligible local educational agencies to
enable the eligible local educational agencies to provide
summer early reading programs.
(2) Applications.--An eligible local educational agency
desiring a subgrant under this section shall submit an
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the State library administrative agency may
require. Each application shall include--
(A) a description of the school lunch sites
described in section 2(1)(A) that will be participating
in the summer early reading program, and the ratio, as
of the date of application, of the number of students
served to the number of such school lunch sites;
(B) proof that the eligible local educational
agency meets the requirements of section 2(1);
(C) a description of the summer early reading
program that the eligible local educational agency will
provide at each school lunch site to be served; and
(D) a description of how community partners will be
involved in the summer early reading program.
(3) Award basis.--A State library administrative agency
receiving a grant under this section shall award subgrants
based on--
(A) the proposed number of school lunch sites and
the number of students that will be served under the
summer early reading program; and
(B) any other criteria established by the State
library administrative agency in the application
submitted under subsection (b).
(4) Use of funds.--An eligible local educational agency
receiving a subgrant under this subsection shall use the
subgrant funds to work with community partners to--
(A) develop and implement the summer early reading
programs proposed in the application submitted under
paragraph (2);
(B) develop and carry out other activities and
strategies related to such summer early reading
programs; and
(C) hire and train appropriate State library
administrative agency personnel to teach the summer
early reading programs during the summer.
(e) Reports.--For each year of a grant or subgrant awarded under
this section, a State library administrative agency receiving such
grant, or an eligible local educational agency receiving such subgrant,
shall submit a report regarding the progress made in achieving the
purposes of the grant or subgrant, respectively, to the Secretary.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this Act $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal
years 2019 through 2023. | Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to state library administrative agencies to enable them to award subgrants to eligible local educational agencies for summer early reading programs held at schools with a summer lunch site. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2018"} | 1,407 | 54 | 0.542985 | 1.343047 | 1.072671 | 4.765957 | 27.914894 | 0.893617 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Human Exploitation Rescue
Operations Act of 2015'' or the ``HERO Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The illegal market for the production and distribution
of child abuse imagery is a growing threat to children in the
United States. International demand for this material creates a
powerful incentive for the rape, abuse, and torture of children
within the United States.
(2) The targeting of United States children by
international criminal networks is a threat to the homeland
security of the United States. This threat must be fought with
trained personnel and highly specialized counter-child-
exploitation strategies and technologies.
(3) The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement
of the Department of Homeland Security serves a critical
national security role in protecting the United States from the
growing international threat of child exploitation and human
trafficking.
(4) The Cyber Crimes Center of the United States
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a vital national
resource in the effort to combat international child
exploitation, providing advanced expertise and assistance in
investigations, computer forensics, and victim identification.
(5) The returning military heroes of the United States
possess unique and valuable skills that can assist law
enforcement in combating global sexual and child exploitation,
and the Department of Homeland Security should use this
national resource to the maximum extent possible.
(6) Through the Human Exploitation Rescue Operative (HERO)
Child Rescue Corps program, the returning military heroes of
the United States are trained and hired to investigate crimes
of child exploitation in order to target predators and rescue
children from sexual abuse and slavery.
SEC. 3. CYBER CRIMES CENTER, CHILD EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATIONS UNIT,
AND COMPUTER FORENSICS UNIT.
(a) In General.--Subtitle H of title VIII of the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 451 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 890A. CYBER CRIMES CENTER, CHILD EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATIONS
UNIT, COMPUTER FORENSICS UNIT, AND CYBER CRIMES UNIT.
``(a) Cyber Crimes Center.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall operate, within
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a Cyber
Crimes Center (referred to in this section as the `Center').
``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the Center shall be to
provide investigative assistance, training, and equipment to
support United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement's
domestic and international investigations of cyber-related
crimes.
``(b) Child Exploitation Investigations Unit.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall operate, within the
Center, a Child Exploitation Investigations Unit (referred to
in this subsection as the `CEIU').
``(2) Functions.--The CEIU--
``(A) shall coordinate all United States
Immigration and Customs Enforcement child exploitation
initiatives, including investigations into--
``(i) child exploitation;
``(ii) child pornography;
``(iii) child victim identification;
``(iv) traveling child sex offenders; and
``(v) forced child labor, including the
sexual exploitation of minors;
``(B) shall, among other things, focus on--
``(i) child exploitation prevention;
``(ii) investigative capacity building;
``(iii) enforcement operations; and
``(iv) training for Federal, State, local,
tribal, and foreign law enforcement agency
personnel, upon request;
``(C) shall provide training, technical expertise,
support, or coordination of child exploitation
investigations, as needed, to cooperating law
enforcement agencies and personnel;
``(D) shall provide psychological support and
counseling services for United States Immigration and
Customs Enforcement personnel engaged in child
exploitation prevention initiatives, including making
available other existing services to assist employees
who are exposed to child exploitation material during
investigations;
``(E) is authorized to collaborate with the
Department of Defense and the National Association to
Protect Children for the purpose of the recruiting,
training, equipping and hiring of wounded, ill, and
injured veterans and transitioning service members,
through the Human Exploitation Rescue Operative (HERO)
Child Rescue Corps program; and
``(F) shall collaborate with other governmental,
nongovernmental, and nonprofit entities approved by the
Secretary for the sponsorship of, and participation in,
outreach and training activities.
``(3) Data collection.--The CEIU shall collect and maintain
data concerning--
``(A) the total number of suspects identified by
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement;
``(B) the number of arrests by United States
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, disaggregated by
type, including--
``(i) the number of victims identified
through investigations carried out by United
States Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and
``(ii) the number of suspects arrested who
were in positions of trust or authority over
children;
``(C) the number of cases opened for investigation
by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement;
and
``(D) the number of cases resulting in a Federal,
State, foreign, or military prosecution.
``(4) Availability of data to congress.--In addition to
submitting the reports required under paragraph (7), the CEIU
shall make the data collected and maintained under paragraph
(3) available to the committees of Congress described in
paragraph (7).
``(5) Cooperative agreements.--The CEIU is authorized to
enter into cooperative agreements to accomplish the functions
set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3).
``(6) Acceptance of gifts.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to
accept monies and in-kind donations from the Virtual
Global Taskforce, national laboratories, Federal
agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and educational
institutions to create and expand public awareness
campaigns in support of the functions of the CEIU.
``(B) Exemption from federal acquisition
regulation.--Gifts authorized under subparagraph (A)
shall not be subject to the Federal Acquisition
Regulation for competition when the services provided
by the entities referred to in such subparagraph are
donated or of minimal cost to the Department.
``(7) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of the HERO Act of 2015, and annually for the
following 4 years, the CEIU shall--
``(A) submit a report containing a summary of the
data collected pursuant to paragraph (3) during the
previous year to--
``(i) the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
``(ii) the Committee on the Judiciary of
the Senate;
``(iii) the Committee on Appropriations of
the Senate;
``(iv) the Committee on Homeland Security
of the House of Representatives;
``(v) the Committee on the Judiciary of the
House of Representatives; and
``(vi) the Committee on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives; and
``(B) make a copy of each report submitted under
subparagraph (A) publicly available on the website of
the Department.
``(c) Computer Forensics Unit.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall operate, within the
Center, a Computer Forensics Unit (referred to in this
subsection as the `CFU').
``(2) Functions.--The CFU--
``(A) shall provide training and technical support
in digital forensics to--
``(i) United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement personnel; and
``(ii) Federal, State, local, tribal,
military, and foreign law enforcement agency
personnel engaged in the investigation of
crimes within their respective jurisdictions,
upon request and subject to the availability of
funds;
``(B) shall provide computer hardware, software,
and forensic licenses for all computer forensics
personnel within United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement;
``(C) shall participate in research and development
in the area of digital forensics, in coordination with
appropriate components of the Department; and
``(D) is authorized to collaborate with the
Department of Defense and the National Association to
Protect Children for the purpose of recruiting,
training, equipping, and hiring wounded, ill, and
injured veterans and transitioning service members,
through the Human Exploitation Rescue Operative (HERO)
Child Rescue Corps program.
``(3) Cooperative agreements.--The CFU is authorized to
enter into cooperative agreements to accomplish the functions
set forth in paragraph (2).
``(4) Acceptance of gifts.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to
accept monies and in-kind donations from the Virtual
Global Task Force, national laboratories, Federal
agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and educational
institutions to create and expand public awareness
campaigns in support of the functions of the CFU.
``(B) Exemption from federal acquisition
regulation.--Gifts authorized under subparagraph (A)
shall not be subject to the Federal Acquisition
Regulation for competition when the services provided
by the entities referred to in such subparagraph are
donated or of minimal cost to the Department.
``(d) Cyber Crimes Unit.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall operate, within the
Center, a Cyber Crimes Unit (referred to in this subsection as
the `CCU').
``(2) Functions.--The CCU--
``(A) shall oversee the cyber security strategy and
cyber-related operations and programs for United States
Immigration and Customs Enforcement;
``(B) shall enhance United States Immigration and
Customs Enforcement's ability to combat criminal
enterprises operating on or through the Internet, with
specific focus in the areas of--
``(i) cyber economic crime;
``(ii) digital theft of intellectual
property;
``(iii) illicit e-commerce (including
hidden marketplaces);
``(iv) Internet-facilitated proliferation
of arms and strategic technology; and
``(v) cyber-enabled smuggling and money
laundering;
``(C) shall provide training and technical support
in cyber investigations to--
``(i) United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement personnel; and
``(ii) Federal, State, local, tribal,
military, and foreign law enforcement agency
personnel engaged in the investigation of
crimes within their respective jurisdictions,
upon request and subject to the availability of
funds;
``(D) shall participate in research and development
in the area of cyber investigations, in coordination
with appropriate components of the Department; and
``(E) is authorized to recruit participants of the
Human Exploitation Rescue Operative (HERO) Child Rescue
Corps program for investigative and forensic positions
in support of the functions of the CCU.
``(3) Cooperative agreements.--The CCU is authorized to
enter into cooperative agreements to accomplish the functions
set forth in paragraph (2).
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out
this section.''.
(b) Table of Contents Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 note) is
amended by adding after the item relating to section 890 the following:
``Sec. 890A. Cyber crimes center, child exploitation investigations
unit, computer forensics unit, and cyber
crimes unit.''.
SEC. 4. HERO CORPS HIRING.
It is the sense of Congress that Homeland Security Investigations
of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement should hire,
recruit, train, and equip wounded, ill, or injured military veterans
(as defined in section 101, title 38, United States Code) who are
affiliated with the HERO Child Rescue Corps program for investigative,
intelligence, analyst, and forensic positions.
SEC. 5. INVESTIGATING CHILD EXPLOITATION.
Section 307(b)(3) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
187(b)(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) conduct research and development for the
purpose of advancing technology for the investigation
of child exploitation crimes, including child victim
identification, trafficking in persons, and child
pornography, and for advanced forensics.''. | Human Exploitation Rescue Operations Act of 2015 or the HERO Act of 2015 This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to operate, within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a Cyber Crimes Center to provide investigative assistance, training, and equipment to support domestic and international investigations by ICE of cyber-related crimes. Within the Cyber Crimes Center, DHS shall operate a Child Exploitation Investigations Unit, which shall: coordinate all ICE child exploitation initiatives, including investigations into child exploitation, child pornography, child victim identification, traveling child sex offenders, and forced child labor, including the sexual exploitation of minors; focus on child exploitation prevention, investigative capacity building, enforcement operations, and training for law enforcement personnel; provide training and technical expertise to cooperating law enforcement agencies and personnel; provide psychological support and counseling services for ICE personnel engaged in child exploitation prevention initiatives; collaborate with the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Association to Protect Children to recruit, train, equip, and hire wounded, ill, and injured veterans and transitioning service members through the Human Exploitation Rescue Operative (HERO) Child Rescue Corps program; collaborate with other governmental and nongovernmental entities for the sponsorship of, and participation in, outreach and training activities; and collect and maintain data on the total number of suspects identified by ICE, the number of arrests and cases opened for investigation by ICE, and the number of cases resulting in prosecution and report on such data. DHS shall operate, within the Cyber Crimes Center, a Computer Forensics Unit (CFU). The CFU is directed to: (1) provide training and technical support in digital forensics to ICE personnel and other law enforcement personnel investigating crimes; (2) provide computer hardware, software, and forensic licenses for all computer forensics personnel within ICE; (3) participate in research and development in the area of digital forensics; and (4) collaborate with DOD and the National Association to Protect Children to recruit, train, equip, and hire wounded, ill, and injured veterans and transitioning service members through the Human Exploitation Rescue Operative (HERO) Child Rescue Corps program. DHS shall also operate, within the Cyber Crimes Center, a Cyber Crimes Unit (CCU). The CCU shall: (1) oversee the cyber security strategy and cyber-related operations and programs for ICE, (2) enhance the ability of ICE to combat criminal enterprises operating on or through the Internet, (3) provide training and technical support in cyber investigations to ICE personnel and other law enforcement personnel, (4) participate in research and development in the area of cyber investigations, and (5) recruit participants in the Human Exploitation Rescue Operative (HERO) Child Rescue Corps program for investigative and forensic positions. Congress declares that Homeland Security Investigations of ICE should hire, recruit, train, and equipment wounded, ill, or injured military veterans who are affiliated with the HERO Child Rescue Corps program for investigative, intelligence, analyst, and forensic positions. The bill further amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to expand the purposes of the DHS Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Homeland Security Technologies to include conducting research and development to advance technology for the investigation of child exploitation crimes, including child victim identification, trafficking in persons, child pornography, and for advanced forensics. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "HERO Act of 2015"} | 2,803 | 742 | 0.668424 | 2.266977 | 0.562876 | 4.09313 | 4 | 0.926718 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Commission to Establish the National
Museum of the American Latino Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) American Latinos are an ethnically and racially diverse
population. Still, whether known by the term ``Hispanic'' or
``Latino,'' or by the various national identities from which
they obtain their ethnicity, American Latinos share a common
heritage rooted in the mixture of the cultures of the
indigenous peoples of the American continent, of the European
colonizers from Spain, and of Africans who were brought to
those colonies as slaves.
(2) While the history of the United States formally dates
from 1776, American civilization was already centuries old by
then. Latinos were present on the continent for more than 200
years prior to the Declaration of Independence. Spanish
colonists founded the first permanent settlement on future
United States territory in St. Augustine, Florida in 1565.
Indigenous nations that had thrived for centuries prior to the
landing of Columbus would later mix with colonists of various
ethnicities from Spain to create a third culture, one that
continues to thrive in various forms throughout the Americas
today.
(3) Since before our Nation's founding, Latinos have come
to this land searching for opportunity, prosperity, and chance.
In this regard, not much has changed in over 3 centuries.
Through every era of our Nation's history, whether in the
fields of plenty or on the field of battle, a Latino presence
was felt. Since before the early colonization of the west,
Latinos have labored under the harsh sun to put food on
America's tables. From the earliest days of American industry,
Latinos have worked in our factories. Through every war and
conflict, Latinos have served honorably and proudly next to
their fellow Americans to defend the ideals of freedom,
democracy, and liberty worldwide, earning countless awards for
valor and sacrifice.
(4) The history, art, politics, economy, and culture of the
United States have been enriched since the Nation's founding by
the influence of American Latinos and their traditions and
innovations. Both native and foreign-born Latinos in the United
States continue to make significant contributions to the arts
and humanities, academia, and the popular culture that have
benefited all Americans.
(5) According to the Bureau of the Census, the population
of American Latinos recently grew to become the largest
demographic minority group in the country. As of July 2002,
there were an estimated 38.8 million Latinos in the United
States. One out of every three of these is under the age of 18,
and four out of every 10 is under the age of 25. The
youthfulness and rapid growth of this population ensure that
American Latinos will have a substantial role in American life
ranging from public policy to popular entertainment. Greater
understanding of this role will benefit all of American
society.
(6) The American Latino population historically has been
concentrated in certain regions of the United States. In the
last several decades, however, there has been more dispersed
growth of the community throughout the entire country. In the
southern states other than Texas, most have seen the population
of Latinos, primarily immigrants, double between the years 1990
and 2000, adding to the mixture of cultures already there as
these individuals adapt to Southern life.
(7) Despite the history and demography as well as the
ongoing contributions that American Latinos make to the
cultural life of the United States, there remains a great gap
in the level and quality of awareness that other Americans
possess about the rich and diverse character of Latino culture
and history. Sometimes the lack of awareness manifests itself
in the development of stereotypes or misconceptions about
Latinos. Greater effort is needed at a national level to
educate other Americans about Latinos, and to celebrate and
disseminate information about Latino arts and history.
Americans of all backgrounds benefit from greater understanding
of the diversity that exists in the United States.
(8) The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest
museum and research complex, with 16 museums in the District of
Columbia and New York City. The Smithsonian Institution
museums, especially those on the National Mall, play a unique
and important role in educating visitors to the Nation's
capital about our history, arts, and culture. The American
people and international visitors recognize the Smithsonian
Institution as the premier American museum, representing the
vast diversity of cultural history of the United States.
(9) After extensive dialogue, conferences, and
collaboration among educators, scholars, and community leaders,
as well as museums, universities, cultural, and public
institutions, a task force appointed to examine the Smithsonian
Institution's representation of American Latinos in its
permanent exhibits and other public programs published
``Willful Neglect: The Smithsonian Institution and U.S.
Latinos'' (May 1994) and ``Toward a Shared Vision: U.S. Latinos
and the Smithsonian Institution'' (October 1997). The reports
indicate that the Smithsonian historically had a poor record of
representing Latinos. This criticism led to the creation of the
Smithsonian's Center for Latino Initiatives in 1998.
(10) The Center for Latino Initiatives has increased the
profile of Latino arts and culture and should be commended for
promoting diversity and understanding of American Latino
culture by the Smithsonian's patrons. The Center's short
history has shown that American Latino exhibits and programs
are well received by the public and by the Latino community,
which benefits from having some representation at the
Smithsonian. Still, the level of representation at the
Smithsonian of the Latino community is far from where it should
be given American Latino history, demography, and contributions
to the American cultural landscape.
(11) For these reasons, it is necessary to establish a
commission to draft a plan of action for creating a National
Museum of the American Latino within the Smithsonian
Institution, on or near the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--There is established the Commission to Establish
the National Museum of the American Latino (hereafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Commission'').
(b) Membership.--The Commission shall consist of 23 members
appointed not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act as follows:
(1) The President shall appoint 7 voting members.
(2) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the
minority leader of the House of Representatives, the Majority
Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the Senate
shall each appoint 3 voting members.
(3) In addition to the members appointed under paragraph
(2), the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the minority
leader of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of
the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the Senate shall each
appoint 1 nonvoting member.
(c) Qualifications.--Members of the Commission shall be chosen from
among individuals, or representatives of institutions or entities, who
possess either--
(1) a demonstrated commitment to the research, study, or
promotion of American Latino life, art, history, political or
economic status, or culture, together with--
(A) expertise in museum administration;
(B) expertise in fundraising for nonprofit or
cultural institutions;
(C) experience in the study and teaching of Latino
culture and history at the post-secondary level;
(D) experience in studying the issue of the
Smithsonian Institution's representation of American
Latino art, life, history, and culture; or
(E) extensive experience in public or elected
service; or
(2) experience in the administration of, or the planning
for the establishment of, museums devoted to the study and
promotion of the role of ethnic, racial, or cultural groups in
American history.
SEC. 4. FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Plan of Action for Establishment and Maintenance of Museum.--
The Commission shall submit a report to the President and the Congress
containing its recommendations with respect to a plan of action for the
establishment and maintenance of the National Museum of the American
Latino in Washington, D.C. (hereafter in this Act referred to as the
``Museum'').
(b) Fundraising Plan.--The Commission shall develop a fundraising
plan for supporting the creation and maintenance of the Museum through
contributions by the American people, and a separate plan on
fundraising by the American Latino community.
(c) Report on Issues.--The Commission shall examine (in
consultation with the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution), and
submit a report to the President and the Congress on, the following
issues:
(1) The availability and cost of collections to be acquired
and housed in the Museum.
(2) The impact of the Museum on regional Hispanic- and
Latino-related museums.
(3) Possible locations for the Museum on or adjacent to the
National Mall in Washington, D.C., to be considered in
consultation with the National Capital Planning Commission.
(4) Whether the Museum should be located within the
Smithsonian Institution.
(5) The governance and organizational structure from which
the museum should operate.
(6) How to engage the American Latino community in the
development and design of the Museum.
(d) Legislation to Carry Out Plan of Action.--Based on the
recommendations contained in the report submitted under subsection (a)
and the report submitted under subsection (c), the Commission shall
submit for consideration to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on House
Administration of the House of Representatives, the Committee on
Resources of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Rules and
Administration of the Senate, and the Committees on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives and Senate a legislative plan of action to
create and construct the Museum.
(e) National Conference.--In carrying out its functions under this
section, the commission shall convene a national conference on the
Museum, comprised of individuals committed to the advancement of
American Latino life, art, history, and culture, not later than 9
months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) Facilities and Support of Secretary of Interior.--The Secretary
of the Interior shall provide the administrative services, facilities,
and funds necessary for the performance of the Commission's functions.
(b) Compensation.--Each member of the Commission who is not an
officer or employee of the Federal government may receive compensation
for each day on which the member is engaged in the work of the
Commission, at a daily rate to be determined by the Secretary of the
Interior.
(c) Travel Expenses.--Each member shall receive travel expenses,
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with
applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5,
United States Code.
SEC. 6. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF REPORTS; TERMINATION.
(a) Deadline.--The Commission shall submit final versions of the
reports and plans required under section 4 not later than 18 months
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate not later than 30
days after submitting the final versions of reports and plans pursuant
to subsection (a).
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated for carrying out the
activities of the Commission $2,100,000 for fiscal year 2005 and
$1,100,000 for fiscal year 2006. | Commission to Establish the National Museum of the American Latino Act of 2003 - Establishes the Commission to Establish a National Museum of the American Latino.
Directs the Commission to: (1) report to the President and Congress with recommendations on a plan of action to establish and maintain, in Washington, DC, the National Museum of the American Latino; (2) develop a fundraising plan, examine specified issues (including whether the Museum should be within the Smithsonian Institution), and make legislative recommendations; and (3) convene a national conference on the Museum.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide administrative services, facilities, and funds necessary for performance of Commission functions. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish the Commission to Establish a National Museum of the American Latino to develop a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of the National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, D.C., and for other purposes."} | 2,534 | 139 | 0.384152 | 1.099319 | 0.55447 | 3.473282 | 18 | 0.954198 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Waste Transportation
Protection Amendments Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The transportation of nuclear waste to a Yucca Mountain
repository would require a massive transportation undertaking.
More nuclear waste would be shipped in the first full year of
repository operations than has been transported in the entire
five-decade history of nuclear waste shipments in the United
States.
(2) The transportation of this waste would require over
96,000 truck shipments over four decades. Almost every major
east-west interstate highway and mainline railroad in the
country would experience nuclear waste shipments as waste is
moved from reactors and other sites in 39 States.
(3) The Department of Energy proposes to directly impact 44
States, many of the major metropolitan areas in the Nation, and
at least 109 cities with populations exceeding 100,000. Highway
shipments alone will impact at least 703 counties with a
combined population of 123,000,000 people. Nationally, between
7,000,000 and 11,000,000 people reside within one-half mile of
the anticipated truck or rail routes.
(4) This never-before-attempted nuclear waste
transportation effort would bring with it a constellation of
hazards and risks, including potentially serious economic
damage and property value losses in cities and communities
along shipping routes. Also of concern are the increased
security risks from shipments that represent numerous mobile
targets within some of the country's most populous and
vulnerable metropolitan areas.
(5) Before any nuclear waste shipments occur, the Federal
Government must ensure the safety and security of these
shipments. This Act requires the Secretary of Energy to develop
a comprehensive safety program that establishes new safety and
security measures that greatly exceed the minimal level of
protection offered today.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS.
Section 180 of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C.
10175) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(d) Comprehensive Safety Program.--The Secretary shall develop a
comprehensive safety program that includes, consistent with this title,
driver selection, independent inspections, bad weather protocols, road
condition reporting, safe parking areas, advance notice, real time
tracking and monitoring, emergency response, medical preparedness,
equipment standards, training and exercises, mutual aid agreements,
emergency alternative routing, program evaluation, and public
information.
``(e) Protecting Populated Communities.--The Secretary may not
transport high-level radioactive waste through an incorporated
community with a population in excess of 50,000 unless the waste
originates in that community.
``(f) Oldest Fuel First.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
oldest spent nuclear fuel shall be transported before other spent
nuclear fuel.
``(g) Full-Scale Cask Testing.--No spent nuclear fuel or high-level
radioactive waste may be transported by or for the Secretary under this
Act except in packages the design of which has been certified by the
Commission and tested at full-scale, including physical tests to
destruction, to demonstrate compliance with the Commission performance
standards. The Commission shall ensure a stakeholder role in the
development of a cask testing program for testing under this
subsection, including selection of test facilities, personnel, and peer
review.
``(h) State and Local Route Consultation.--Affected State, local,
and tribal governments shall be consulted in the selection of routes
for the transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive
waste.
``(i) Private Carrier Prohibition.--Spent nuclear fuel and high-
level radioactive waste shall not be transported under this Act by a
private sector carrier.
``(j) Advance Notification.--The Secretary shall provide a minimum
of 14 days advance notification to States, Indian tribes, and local
communities through whose jurisdiction the Secretary plans to transport
spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.
``(k) Security Precautions.--All transportation of spent nuclear
fuel and high-level radioactive waste under this Act shall--
``(1) if by train, be on a train dedicated solely to such
transportation;
``(2) include at least 3 armed escorts for each nuclear
waste convoy, including a lead vehicle and a trailer vehicle;
``(3) be scheduled to avoid regular transportation
patterns;
``(4) be planned in order to minimize storage times; and
``(5) occur at a time when the receiver at the final
delivery point will be present to accept shipment.''. | Nuclear Waste Transportation Protection Amendments Act of 2002 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary of Energy to develop a comprehensive safety program governing the transportation of nuclear waste to a Yucca Mountain repository that includes: driver selection, independent inspections, bad weather protocols, road condition reporting, safe parking areas, advance notice, real time tracking and monitoring, emergency response, medical preparedness, equipment standards, training and exercises, mutual aid agreements, emergency alternative routing, program evaluation, and public information.Prohibits the Secretary from transporting high-level radioactive waste through certain populated communities unless the waste originates in such community.Instructs the Secretary to ensure that the oldest spent nuclear fuel is transported before other spent nuclear fuel.Mandates transportation of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste in packages whose design has been certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and tested at full scale to demonstrate compliance with Commission performance standards.Mandates consultation with affected State, local, and tribal governments in the selection of routes for the transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.Prohibits private sector transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.Requires the Secretary to provide advance notification to States, Indian tribes, and local communities through whose jurisdiction the Secretary plans to transport spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.Sets forth security precautions for all transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 with respect to transportation of nuclear waste."} | 967 | 315 | 0.590292 | 1.819884 | 0.980222 | 6.388278 | 3.384615 | 0.937729 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Center for Excellence in
Research and Development Act of 1996''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Due to the end of the Cold War, the United States has
not recently conducted underground nuclear testing at the
Department of Energy facility known as the Nevada Test Site,
Nevada, and the United States does not plan to conduct such
testing in the foreseeable future.
(2) Because the world political situation is ever-changing
and dangerous, it is imperative that the United States remain
strong militarily and continue to be a nuclear superpower.
(3) It is imperative that portions of the Nevada Test Site
be maintained in a full state of readiness to ensure the
capability of the nuclear arsenal of the United States.
(4) The Nevada Test Site is in a beneficial location for
activities suitable for research and development of emerging
technologies that will be important to the United States in the
21st century.
(5) Technology development carried out at the Nevada Test
Site should include both private-sector and military projects.
(6) The Nevada Test Site can support the stewardship of the
Nation's nuclear weapons stockpile, the nonproliferation of
nuclear weapons, and the technological competitiveness of the
United States by providing the environment for nuclear and non-
nuclear test and demonstration experiments and projects for
government, industry, and academia.
(7) The Nevada Test Site can provide the infrastructure to
support industrial and civilian tests of environmentally
demanding projects and programs in addition to maintaining its
readiness capability in support of the nuclear arsenal.
(8) The Nevada Test Site can support the testing and
demonstration of environmental clean-up technologies by
government and industry.
(9) The Nevada Test Site can support the testing of
alternative and renewable energy sources for environmentally
clean and economically competitive replacements for traditional
fossil energy sources and uses in many parts of Nevada and in
the United States as a whole.
(10) The Nevada Test Site can provide support for
disarmament activities such as the demonstration of rocket
motor destruction technology and conventional munitions
destruction technology.
(11) The Nevada Test Site can support non-proliferation
experiments in disablement, nuclear forensics, sensors, and
verification and monitoring.
(12) The Nevada Test Site can support treaty-compliant
experiments for stockpile stewardship purposes.
(13) The size and remoteness of the Nevada Test Site make
the Nevada Test Site well-suited for a multitude of activities
associated with the restructuring of the United States
military.
(14) The Nevada Test Site can also support non-
proliferation, counter-proliferation, and counter-terrorism
activities.
SEC. 3. PURPOSES.
It is the purpose of this Act--
(1) to ensure full operational readiness of the underground
nuclear testing facilities and infrastructure of the Nevada
Test Site;
(2) to ensure an appropriate level of funds for such
readiness to be maintained;
(3) to create a National Test and Demonstration Center of
Excellence at the Nevada Test Site for the promotion of
disarmament, demilitarization, alternative and renewable energy
sources, the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons, counter-
proliferation of nuclear weapons, sensor development, and
environmentally sensitive technologies; and
(4) to ensure the availability of the Nevada Test Site,
within appropriate restrictions, for use by private-sector
industries seeking to make use of the inherent qualities that
make the Nevada Test Site the greatest outdoor laboratory in
the world.
SEC. 4. MAINTENANCE OF READINESS CAPABILITY OF NEVADA TEST SITE.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--The amount referred to in paragraph (2) is
hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy
for fiscal year 1995 and each fiscal year thereafter to
maintain the operational readiness of the underground nuclear
testing facilities and infrastructure of the Nevada Test Site.
(2) Authorized amount.--The amount referred to in paragraph
(1) is not less than the amount appropriated to the Secretary
of Energy for fiscal year 1992 to maintain the operational
readiness of the underground nuclear testing facilities and
infrastructure of the Nevada Test Site.
(b) Staffing Levels.--The Secretary of Energy shall maintain a
staffing level at the Nevada Test Site that the Secretary considers
sufficient to carry out activities under this Act in addition to any
other activities conducted by the Department of Energy at the Nevada
Test Site.
(c) Infrastructure Assessments and Activities.--The Secretary of
Energy, through the Nevada Test Site Operations Office, shall carry out
any infrastructure assessments and activities necessary to accommodate
new projects and initiatives at the Nevada Test Site.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL TEST AND DEMONSTRATION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE.
(a) Establishment.--There is hereby established within the
Department of Energy a National Test and Demonstration Center of
Excellence (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Center''), to be
located at the Nevada Test Site, Nevada.
(b) Purpose.--It shall be the purpose of the Center to promote
disarmament, demilitarization, alternative and renewable energy
sources, the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons, counter-proliferation
of nuclear weapons, sensor development, and environmentally sensitive
technologies.
(c) Activities Related to Alternative and Renewable Energy
Sources.--The Center shall carry out the following testing and
demonstration activities that are related to alternative and renewable
energy sources:
(1) The characterization of solar and geothermal resources
at the Nevada Test Site.
(2) The development of alternative and renewable energy
sources, including, as a goal of the Center, the development
and completion of two 100-megawatt solar power plants by the
year 2000.
(3) The conduct of a National Alternative-Fueled Vehicles
Program, the objective of which shall be to demonstrate the
regional use of natural gas, electricity, and hydrogen as
vehicle fuels.
(d) Activities Related to Disarmament and Demilitarization.--The
Center shall carry out testing and demonstration activities that are
related to changes occurring in United States military as a result of
the end of the Cold War, including activities--
(1) that involve the demilitarization of large rocket motor
and conventional ordnance;
(2) that assist in disarmament and demilitarization,
generally; and
(3) that test and demonstrate the nonmilitary application
of technologies and resources the military application of which
has decreased or otherwise changed due to disarmament and
demilitarization.
(e) Activities Related to Nuclear Stockpile Stewardship.--The
Center shall carry out testing and demonstration activities related to
the stewardship of the nuclear stockpile of the United States. Such
activities shall include--
(1) the conduct of experiments that assist in monitoring
compliance with international agreements on the
nonproliferation of nuclear weapons;
(2) the provision of support to the Department of Energy
nuclear weapons complex;
(3) the conduct of programs for the Department of Energy
and the Department of Defense to develop simulator technologies
for nuclear weapons design and effects, including advanced
hydrodynamic simulators, inertial confinement fusion test
facilities, and nuclear weapons effects simulators; and
(4) the conduct of the stockpile stewardship program
established pursuant to section 3138 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (107 Stat. 1946; Public
Law 103-160).
(f) Activities Related to Nonproliferation.--The Center shall carry
out experiments related to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons,
including experiments with respect to disablement, nuclear forensics,
sensors, and verification and monitoring.
(g) Activities Related to Counter-Proliferation.--The Center shall
carry out experiments related to the counter-proliferation of nuclear
weapons.
(h) Activities Related to Environmental Technologies.--The Center
shall carry out testing and demonstration activities related to the
development of environmental technologies, including--
(1) the demonstration of technologies concerning the
remediation of toxic and hazardous chemicals; and
(2) the conduct of training activities pertaining to
emergency response to hazardous and toxic accidents and
emergencies.
(i) Other Activities.--The Center may carry out the testing and
demonstration of any other technology which, in the determination of
the Secretary of Energy, is appropriate for testing and demonstration
at the Nevada Test Site.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Except as provided in section 4, there is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for fiscal year 1997 such sums
as may be necessary to carry out this Act. | National Center for Excellence in Research and Development Act of 1996 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Energy for FY 1995 and beyond to maintain the operational readiness of the underground nuclear testing facilities and infrastructure of the Nevada Test Site.
Establishes within the Department of Energy a national Test and Demonstration Center of Excellence at the Nevada Test Site, Nevada, to implement testing and demonstration activities related to: (1) certain alternative and renewable energy sources, including solar and geothermal energy, as well as natural gas, electricity, and hydrogen as components of a National Alternative-Fueled Vehicles Program; (2) certain changes in the U.S. military as a result of the end of the Cold War, including demilitarization and disarmament activities and the nonmilitary application of military technologies and resources; (3) stewardship of the Federal nuclear stockpile; (4) non-proliferation and counter-proliferation of nuclear weapons; and (5) development of certain environmental technologies, including technologies for remediation of toxic and hazardous chemicals, and activities pertaining to emergency response to hazardous and toxic accidents. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "National Center for Excellence in Research and Development Act of 1996"} | 1,786 | 237 | 0.651229 | 2.022297 | 0.767004 | 4.460784 | 8.441176 | 0.941176 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Clinical Research Enhancement Act of
1997''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Clinical research is critical to the advancement of
scientific knowledge and to the development of cures and
improved treatment for disease.
(2) Tremendous advances in biology are opening doors to new
insights into human physiology, pathophysiology and disease,
creating extraordinary opportunities for clinical research.
(3) Clinical research includes translational research which
is an integral part of the research process leading to general
human applications. It is the bridge between the laboratory and
new methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and is thus
essential to progress against cancer and other diseases.
(4) The United States will spend more than $1 trillion on
health care in 1997, but the Federal budget for health research
at the National Institutes of Health was $12.7 billion, only 1
percent of that total.
(5) Studies at the Institute of Medicine, the National
Research Council, and the National Academy of Sciences have all
addressed the current problems in clinical research.
(6) The Director of the National Institutes of Health has
recognized the current problems in clinical research and has
through the use of an advisory committee begun to evaluate
these problems.
(7) The current level of training and support for health
professionals in clinical research is fragmented, frequently
undervalued, and potentially underfunded.
(8) Young investigators are not only apprentices for future
positions but a crucial source of energy, enthusiasm, and ideas
in the day-to-day research that constitutes the scientific
enterprise. Serious questions about the future of life-science
research are raised by the following:
(A) The number of young investigators applying for
grants dropped by 54 percent between 1985 and 1993.
(B) The number of federally funded research (R01)
grants awarded to persons under the age of 36 have
decreased by 70 percent from 1985 to 1993.
(C) Newly independent life-scientists are expected
to raise funds to support their new research programs
and a substantial proportion of their own salaries.
(9) The following have been cited as reasons for the
decline in the number of active clinical researchers, and those
choosing this career path:
(A) A medical school graduate incurs an average
debt of $80,000, as reported in the Medical School
Graduation Questionnaire by the American Association of
Medical Colleges (AAMC).
(B) The prolonged period of clinical training
required increases the accumulated debt burden.
(C) The decreasing number of mentors and role
models.
(D) The perceived instability of funding from the
National Institutes of Health and other Federal
agencies.
(E) The almost complete absence of clinical
research training in the curriculum of training grant
awardees.
(F) Academic Medical Centers are experiencing
difficulties in maintaining a proper environment for
research in a highly competitive health care
marketplace, which are compounded by the decreased
willingness of third party payers to cover health care
costs for patients engaged in research studies and
research procedures.
(10) In 1960, general clinical research centers were
established under the Office of the Director of the National
Institutes of Health with an initial appropriation of
$3,000,000.
(11) Appropriations for general clinical research centers
in fiscal year 1997 equaled $153,000,000.
(12) In fiscal year 1997, there were 74 general clinical
research centers in operation, supplying patients in the areas
in which such centers operate with access to the most modern
clinical research and clinical research facilities and
technologies.
(13) The average annual amount allocated for each general
clinical research center is $1,900,000, establishing a current
funding level of 75 percent of the amounts approved by the
Advisory Council of the National Center for Research Resources.
(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to provide additional
support for and to expand clinical research programs.
SEC. 3. INCREASING THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
IN CLINICAL RESEARCH.
Section 402 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 282) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(l)(1) The Director of NIH shall undertake activities to support
and expand the involvement of the National Institutes of Health in
clinical research.
``(2) In carrying out paragraph (1), the Director of NIH shall--
``(A) design test pilot projects and implement the
recommendations of the Division of Research Grants Clinical
Research Study Group and other recommendations for enhancing
clinical research, where applicable; and
``(B) establish an intramural clinical research fellowship
program and a continuing education clinical research training
program at NIH.
``(3) The Director of NIH, in cooperation with the Directors of the
Institutes, Centers, and Divisions of the National Institutes of
Health, shall support and expand the resources available for the
diverse needs of the clinical research community, including inpatient,
outpatient, and critical care clinical research.
``(4) The Director of NIH shall establish peer review mechanisms to
evaluate applications for--
``(A) clinical research career enhancement awards;
``(B) innovative medical science awards;
``(C) graduate training in clinical investigation awards;
``(D) intramural clinical research fellowships.
Such review mechanisms shall include individuals who are exceptionally
qualified to appraise the merits of potential clinical research
training and research grant proposals.''.
SEC. 4. GENERAL CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTERS.
Part B of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284
et seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 409B. GENERAL CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTERS.
``(a) Grants.--The Director of the National Center for Research
Resources shall award grants for the establishment of general clinical
research centers to provide the infrastructure for clinical research
including clinical research training and career enhancement. Such
centers shall support clinical studies and career development in all
settings of the hospital or academic medical center involved.
``(b) Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Director of
NIH shall expand the activities of the general clinical research
centers through the increased use of telecommunications and
telemedicine initiatives.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary.
``SEC. 409C. ENHANCEMENT AWARDS.
``(a) Clinical Research Career Enhancement Award.--
``(1) In general.--The Director of the National Center for
Research Resources shall make grants (to be referred to as
`clinical research career enhancement awards') to support
individual careers in clinical research at general clinical
research centers or at other institutions that have the
infrastructure and resources deemed appropriate for conducting
patient-oriented clinical research. The Director of the
National Center for Research Resources shall, where
practicable, collaborate or consult with other Institute
Directors in making awards under this subsection.
``(2) Applications.--An application for a grant under this
subsection shall be submitted by an individual scientist at
such time as the Director may require.
``(3) Limitations.--The amount of a grant under this
subsection shall not exceed $125,000 per year per grant. Grants
shall be for terms of 5 years. The Director shall award not
more than 20 grants in the first fiscal year, and not more than
40 grants in the second fiscal year, in which grants are
awarded under this subsection.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to make grants under paragraph (1),
$3,000,000 for fiscal year 1998, and such sums as may be
necessary for each subsequent fiscal year.
``(b) Innovative Medical Science Award.--
``(1) In general.--The Director of the National Center for
Research Resources shall make grants (to be referred to as
`innovative medical science awards') to support individual
clinical research projects at general clinical research centers
or at other institutions that have the infrastructure and
resources deemed appropriate for conducting patient-oriented
clinical research. The Director of the National Center for
Research Resources shall, where practicable, collaborate or
consult with other Institute Directors in making awards under
this subsection.
``(2) Applications.--An application for a grant under this
subsection shall be submitted by an individual scientist at
such time as the Director requires.
``(3) Limitations.--The amount of a grant under this
subsection shall not exceed $175,000 per year per grant.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to make grants under this subsection,
$52,500,000 for fiscal year 1998, and such sums as may be
necessary for each subsequent fiscal year.
``(c) Graduate Training in Clinical Investigation Award.--
``(1) In general.--The Director of the National Center for
Research Resources shall make grants (to be referred to as
`graduate training in clinical investigation awards') to
support individuals pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in
clinical investigation.
``(2) Applications.--An application for a grant under this
subsection shall be submitted by an individual scientist at
such time as the Director may require.
``(3) Limitations.--The amount of a grant under this
subsection shall not exceed $75,000 per year per grant. Grants
shall be for terms of 2 years or more and will provide stipend,
tuition, and institutional support for individual advanced
degree programs in clinical investigation.
``(4) Definition.--As used in this subsection, the term
`advanced degree programs in clinical investigation' means
programs that award a master's or Ph.D. degree after 2 or more
years of training in areas such as the following:
``(A) Analytical methods, biostatistics, and study
design.
``(B) Principles of clinical pharmacology and
pharmacokinetics.
``(C) Clinical epidemiology.
``(D) Computer data management and medical
informatics.
``(E) Ethical and regulatory issues.
``(F) Biomedical writing.
``(5) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to make grants under this subsection,
$3,000,000 for fiscal year 1998, and such sums as may be
necessary for each subsequent fiscal year.''.
SEC. 5. CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANCE.
(a) National Research Service Awards.--Section 487(a)(1)(C) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 288(a)(1)(C)) is amended by
striking ``50 such'' and inserting ``100 such''.
(b) Loan Repayment Program.--Section 487E of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 288-5) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``from
disadvantaged backgrounds'';
(2) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``who are from disadvantaged
backgrounds''; and
(B) by striking ``as employees of the National
Institutes of Health'' and inserting ``as part of a
clinical research training position'';
(3) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (3) and
inserting the following:
``(3) Applicability of certain provisions regarding
obligated service.--With respect to the National Health Service
Corps Loan Repayment Program established under subpart III of
part D of title III, the provisions of such subpart shall,
except as inconsistent with this section, apply to the program
established in this section in the same manner and to the same
extent as such provisions apply to such loan repayment
program.'';
(4) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``Amounts'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--Amounts''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Disadvantaged backgrounds set-aside.--In carrying out
this section, the Secretary shall ensure that not less than 50
percent of the contracts involve those appropriately qualified
health professionals who are from disadvantaged backgrounds.'';
and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Definition.--As used in subsection (a)(1), the term `clinical
research training position' means an individual serving in a general
clinical research center or in clinical research at the National
Institutes of Health, or a physician receiving a clinical research
career enhancement award, an innovative medical science award, or a
graduate training in clinical investigation award.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for each fiscal year.''.
SEC. 6. DEFINITION.
Section 409 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284d) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``For purposes'' and inserting ``(a) Health
Service Research.--For purposes''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Clinical Research.--As used in this title, the term `clinical
research' means patient oriented clinical research conducted with human
subjects, or research on the causes and consequences of disease in
human populations involving material of human origin (such as tissue
specimens and cognitive phenomena) for which an investigator or
colleague directly interacts with human subjects in an outpatient or
inpatient setting to clarify a problem in human physiology,
pathophysiology, or disease; or epidemiologic or behavioral studies,
outcomes research, or health services research, or developing new
technologies or therapeutic interventions.''. | Clinical Research Enhancement Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) support and expand the NIH's involvement in clinical research; (2) support and expand the resources available for the clinical research community; and (3) establish peer review mechanisms.
(Sec. 4) Mandates grants to: (1) establish general clinical research centers to provide the infrastructure for clinical research, including clinical research training and career enhancement; (2) support individual careers in clinical research at general clinical research centers or other institutions (to be known as clinical research career enhancement awards); (3) support individual clinical research projects at general clinical research centers or other institutions (to be known as innovative medical science awards); and (4) support individuals pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in clinical investigation (to be known as graduate training in clinical investigation awards). Authorizes appropriations.
(Sec. 5) Increases the limit on the aggregate number of scholarship (regarding professions needed by the NIH) and loan repayment (regarding clinical researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds) contracts under specified provisions.
Modifies the loan repayment program to: (1) remove current references to disadvantaged backgrounds; and (2) require a period of service in a general clinical research center, in clinical NIH research, or as a physician receiving a clinical research career enhancement award, an innovative medical science award, or a graduate training in clinical investigation award (currently, a period of service as an NIH employee). Requires that at least 50 percent of the loan repayment contracts involve individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the loan repayment provisions. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Clinical Research Enhancement Act of 1997"} | 2,985 | 359 | 0.514542 | 1.649973 | 0.863087 | 3.590504 | 8.281899 | 0.925816 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Partnerships for the Future Act of
2016''.
SEC. 2. COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS STEM PILOT GRANT
PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Labor shall establish a
competitive grant pilot program to award grants to eligible entities
for the purpose of developing, offering, improving, or providing STEM
education or career training programs for workers.
(b) Eligible Entity.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of this Act, an ``eligible
entity'' means one of the following in partnership with
employers or an association of employers:
(A) A junior or community college (as defined in
section 312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1085(f))).
(B) A postsecondary vocational institution (as
defined in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c))).
(C) A 4-year public institution of higher education
(as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that offers two-year degrees,
will use funds provided under this section for
activities at the certificate and associate degree
levels, and is not reasonably close, as determined by
the Secretary of Labor, to a community college.
(D) A tribal college or university (as defined in
section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1059c(b))).
(E) At the discretion of the Secretary of Labor, a
private, not-for-profit, 2-year institution of higher
education in Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States
Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the
Republic of Palau.
(F) A consortium of any of the entities described
in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
(2) Additional partnerships.--An eligible entity described
in paragraph (1) may partner with any of the following:
(A) An adult education provider or institution of
higher education (as defined in section 101 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)).
(B) A community-based organization, a nonprofit
organization, or other public or private entity with a
demonstrated record of successfully meeting student and
family needs.
(C) A joint labor-management partnership.
(D) Any other organization that the Secretary of
Labor considers appropriate.
(3) Workforce development board.--Any such partnership
shall collaborate with, and may include, the State board or
local board.
(c) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under this
section shall submit a grant proposal to the Secretary of Labor at such
time and containing such information as the Secretary may require. The
proposal shall include, at a minimum, a detailed description of--
(1) the specific project for which the grant proposal is
submitted, including the manner in which the grant will be used
to develop, offer, improve, or provide a STEM education or
career training program;
(2) the extent to which the project will meet the STEM
education or career training needs of workers in the area
served by the eligible entity;
(3) the extent to which the project will meet the needs of
employers in the region for skilled workers in in-demand
industry sectors and in-demand occupations, including high
technology areas, nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing;
(4) the extent to which the project fits within any overall
strategic plan developed by an eligible entity; and
(5) any previous experience of the eligible entity in
providing STEM education or career training programs, the
absence of which shall not automatically disqualify an eligible
institution from receiving a grant under this section.
(d) Specifications of Grants.--
(1) Duration.--A grant shall be awarded under this section
for a period of up to 36 months in duration.
(2) Size of grant.--The amount of a grant awarded under
this subsection may not exceed $3,000,000 for an individual
entity and $20,000,000 for a consortium.
(e) Criteria for Award.--
(1) In general.--Grants under this section shall be awarded
based on--
(A) a determination of the merits of the grant
proposal submitted by the eligible entity to develop,
offer, improve, or provide STEM education or career
training programs to be made available to workers;
(B) an assessment of the likely employment
opportunities available in the region to individuals
who complete a STEM education or career training
program that the eligible entity proposes to develop,
offer, improve, or provide;
(C) an assessment of prior demand for STEM training
programs by individuals eligible for training served by
the eligible entity as well as availability and
capacity of existing STEM training programs to meet
future demand for STEM training programs; and
(D) any additional criteria established by the
Secretary of Labor.
(2) Priority.--The Secretary of Labor shall give priority
to eligible entities that--
(A) include a partnership with a business or
industry or sector partnership that--
(i) pays a portion of the costs of such
programs; or
(ii) agrees to hire individuals who have
completed a particular postsecondary degree,
certificate, or credential resulting from the
training program of the eligible entity;
(B) enter into a partnership with a labor
organization or labor-management training program that
provides technical expertise for occupationally
specific education necessary for a recognized
postsecondary STEM credential leading to an occupation
in an in-demand industry sector;
(C) are focused on serving individuals with
barriers to employment, particularly individuals who
have been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer;
(D) are community colleges serving areas with high
unemployment rates, including rural areas; and
(E) are eligible entities that include an
institution of higher education eligible for assistance
under title III or V of the Higher Education Act of
1965.
(f) Use of Funds.--Grants awarded under this section shall be used
for one or more of the following:
(1) The development, offering, improvement, or provision of
STEM academic programs or training programs that provide
relevant job training for skilled occupations that will meet
the needs of employers in in-demand industry sectors, which may
include registered apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training
programs, and programs that support employers in upgrading the
skills of their workforce.
(2) The development and implementation of policies and
programs to expand opportunities for students to earn a
recognized postsecondary STEM credential or degree in in-demand
industry sectors and in-demand occupations, including by--
(A) facilitating the transfer of academic credits
between institutions of higher education, including the
transfer of academic credits for courses in the same
field of study;
(B) expanding articulation agreements and policies
that guarantee transfer between such institutions,
including through common course numbering and general
core curriculum; and
(C) developing or enhancing student support
services programs.
(3) The creation of workforce programs that provide a
sequence of education and occupational training that leads to a
recognized postsecondary STEM credential or degree, including
programs that--
(A) blend basic skills and occupational training;
(B) facilitate means of transitioning from
noncredit occupational, basic skills, or developmental
coursework to for-credit coursework within and across
institutions;
(C) build or enhance linkages including the
development of dual enrollment programs and early
college high schools between secondary education or
adult education programs (including programs
established under the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006);
(D) implement other innovative programs designed to
increase the provision of training for students,
including students who are veteran members of the
National Guard or Reserves, to enter skilled
occupations in in-demand industry sectors; and
(E) support paid internships that will allow
students to simultaneously earn credit for work-based
learning and gain relevant employment experience in an
in-demand industry sector or in-demand occupation,
which shall include opportunities that transition
individuals into employment.
(4) The support of regional or national in-demand industry
sectors to develop skills consortia that will identify pressing
workforce needs and develop solutions such as--
(A) standardizing industry certifications;
(B) developing new training technologies; and
(C) collaborating with industry employers to define
and describe how specific skills lead to particular
jobs and career opportunities.
(g) Authorizations of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Labor $100,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2017 through 2019 to carry out this section.
(h) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section:
(1) The terms ``in-demand industry sector or occupation'',
``local board'', and ``State board'' have the meanings given
the terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
(2) The term ``STEM'' means science, technology, education,
and mathematics. | Partnerships for the Future Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Labor to establish a competitive grant pilot program to award grants to eligible entities for developing, offering, improving, or providing science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM) education or career training programs for workers. "Eligible entity" means one of the following in partnership with employers or an association of employers: a junior or community college; a postsecondary vocational institution; a four-year public institution of higher education that offers two-year degrees, will use provided funds for activities at the certificate and associate degree levels, and is not reasonably close to a community college; a tribal college or university; at Labor's discretion, a private, not-for-profit, two-year institution of higher education in a specified U.S. territory or possession; or a consortium of any such entities. An eligible entity may partner with an adult education provider or institution of higher education, an entity with a demonstrated record of successfully meeting student and family needs, or a joint labor-management partnership. The bill sets forth criteria and priorities for awarding grants. Grants shall be used for: the development, offering, improvement, or provision of STEM academic programs or training programs that provide relevant job training for skilled occupations that will meet the needs of employers in in-demand industry sectors; the development and implementation of policies and programs to expand opportunities for students to earn a recognized postsecondary STEM credential or degree in such sectors and in-demand occupations; the creation of workforce programs that provide a sequence of education and occupational training that leads to a recognized postsecondary STEM credential or degree; and/or the support of regional or national in-demand industry sectors to develop skills consortia that will identify pressing workforce needs and develop solutions. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Partnerships for the Future Act of 2016"} | 1,925 | 389 | 0.643899 | 2.096129 | 0.927174 | 5.841499 | 5.43804 | 0.936599 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Public Benefit Bonds Innovative
Financing Act''.
SEC. 2. TAX TREATMENT OF DISTRIBUTIONS FROM QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS
INVESTING IN PUBLIC BENEFIT BONDS.
(a) In General.--Section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to annuities; certain proceeds of endowment and life
insurance contracts) is amended by redesignating subsection (w) as
subsection (x) and by inserting after subsection (v) the following new
subsection:
``(w) Treatment of Distribution From Qualified Retirement Plans
Investing in Public Benefit Bonds.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of any qualified retirement
plan which receives directly or indirectly any interest on any
public benefit bond (including any payments in respect thereof
made by a surety or guarantor) for purposes of applying this
section to any distribution from such plan, the distributee's
investment in the contract shall be treated as including such
distributee's allocable share of such interest under the terms
of the qualified retirement plan, and any such distribution
shall be treated as a distribution described in subsection
(e)(2)(B) in which the distribution is allocable first to the
investment in the contract attributable to such interest.
``(2) Treatment of installments.--In the case of a
distribution to be made over more than one calendar year, the
amount of public benefit bond interest to be taken into account
with respect to a given calendar year shall be the aggregate
amount of such interest allocable to the distributee as of the
end of the prior calendar year. With respect to the final
calendar year, the amount of public benefit bond interest to be
taken into account shall include the amount of such interest
received by the plan during such year that is allocable to the
plan participant with respect to whom the distribution is made.
``(3) Public benefit bond.--The term `public benefit bond'
means any obligation issued after the date of the enactment of
this subsection if--
``(i) 95 percent or more of the net proceeds of
such obligation are used in connection with the
financing or refinancing of 1 or more infrastructure
facilities,
``(ii) such obligation has received a published
rating, and
``(iii) the development of such infrastructure
facilities have been or will be undertaken by a
governmental entity or public-private partnership,
as such terms are defined in paragraph (7).
``(4) Legend required.--No obligation shall be a public
benefit bond for purposes of this subsection unless it is
designated as intended to be a public benefit bond on the date
of issuance and bears a legend to such effect.
``(5) Qualified retirement plan.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `qualified retirement plan' means--
``(A) a qualified retirement plan (as defined in
section 4974(c)), and
``(B) an eligible deferred compensation plan (as
defined in section 457(b)).
``(6) Treatment of dividends from mutual funds.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subsection,
in the case of any dividend (other than a dividend
described in section 854(a)) received from a regulated
investment company which meets the requirements of
section 852 for the taxable year in which it paid the
dividend--
``(i) the entire amount of such dividend
shall be treated as interest on a public
benefit bond if the aggregate interest on such
bonds received by such company during the
taxable year equals or exceeds 75 percent of
its gross income, or
``(ii) if clause (i) does not apply, a
portion of such dividend shall be treated as
interest on a public benefit bond based on the
portion of the company's gross income which
consists of such interest.
``(B) Notice to shareholders.--The amount of any
distribution by a regulated investment company which
may be taken into account as interest on a public
benefit bond for purposes of this section 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.
``(C) Gross income.--For purposes of this section,
the term `gross income' does not include gain from the
sale or other disposition of stock or securities.
``(7) Definitions.--In this section, the following
definitions apply:
``(A) Entity.--The term `entity' means an
individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust or governmental entity or instrumentality.
``(B) Infrastructure facility.--The term
`infrastructure facility' means a road, highway,
bridge, tunnel, airport, mass transportation vehicle or
system, passenger rail vehicle or system, intermodal
transportation facility, waterway, commercial port,
drinking or waste water treatment facility, solid waste
disposal facility, pollution control system, hazardous
waste facility, federally designated national
information highway facility, school, and any ancillary
facility which forms a part of any such facility or is
reasonably related to such facility, whether owned,
leased or operated by a public entity or a private
entity or by a combination of such entities, and the
financing or refinancing of the development of which
is, or will be, supported in whole or in part by user
fees or other dedicated revenue sources.
``(C) Public-private partnership.--The term
`public-private partnership' means any entity--
``(i) which is undertaking the development
of all or part of any infrastructure facility--
``(I) pursuant to requirements
established in 1 or more contracts
between such entity and a State or an
instrumentality of a State, or
``(II) the activities of which with
respect to such facility are subject to
regulation by a State or any
instrumentality of a State, and
``(ii) which owns, leases, or operates, or
will own, lease, or operate, such
infrastructure facility in whole or in part,
and at least 1 of the participants in such
entity is a nongovernmental entity.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (w) of section 72 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding the following new
paragraph:
``(4) Treatment of qualifying public benefit bond
interest.--For purposes of subsections (c)(1)(A) and (c)(2)(A),
the total amount of public benefit bond interest described in
subsection (w) with respect to a participant in a qualified
retirement plan (determined without reference to the annuity
starting date) shall be treated as an investment in the
contract.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made this section shall apply
to distributions after the date of the enactment of this Act. | Public Benefit Bonds Innovative Financing Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the tax treatment of distributions from qualified retirement plans investing in public benefit bonds. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Public Benefit Bonds Innovative Financing Act"} | 1,532 | 38 | 0.501199 | 1.113642 | 0.725754 | 4.733333 | 46.433333 | 0.933333 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Freeze and Investigate Affordable
Care Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. FREEZE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH REFORM LAW.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
provisions of the health reform law that are not in effect on the date
of the enactment of this Act shall not take effect.
(b) Regulations Under Health Reform Law.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Federal Government shall not promulgate or
enforce regulations under the provisions of the health reform law that
are not in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, or otherwise
prepare to implement such provisions.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
There is established in the legislative branch a commission to be
known as the Affordable Care Evaluation Commission (in this Act
referred to as the ``Commission'').
SEC. 4. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION; INVESTIGATIVE REPORT.
The duties of the Commission shall be--
(1) to prepare and, not later than 270 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, to submit to the President and
Congress a report that contains--
(A) a projection of the impact that the
implementation of the provisions of the health reform
law that are not in effect on the date of the enactment
of this Act would have on--
(i) the quality of health care delivered to
individuals who are Medicare recipients on the
date of the enactment of this Act;
(ii) health insurance coverage of
individuals who are insured on such date;
(iii) participation in State exchanges and
the effect on the Federal deficit; and
(iv) job creation and the size of the tax
base;
(B) an evaluation of the findings, conclusions, and
recommendations developed by all other relevant
governmental agencies regarding the facts and
circumstances surrounding such implementation; and
(C) a recommendation of corrective measures to
mitigate any negative impact of such implementation;
and
(2) to make available to the public the report submitted
under paragraph (1).
SEC. 5. MEMBERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 10 members,
of whom--
(1) 1 member shall be appointed by the President, who shall
serve as chair of the Commission;
(2) 1 member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
House, who shall serve as vice chair of the Commission;
(3) 2 members shall be appointed by the majority leader of
the Senate;
(4) 2 members shall be appointed by the minority leader of
the Senate;
(5) 2 members shall be appointed by the majority leader of
the House of Representatives; and
(6) 2 members shall be appointed by the minority leader of
the House of Representatives.
(b) Deadline for Appointment.--All members of the Commission shall
be appointed before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date
of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Qualifications.--
(1) Political party affiliation.--Not more than 5 members
of the Commission shall be from the same political party.
(2) Nongovernmental appointees.--An individual appointed to
the Commission may not be an officer or employee of the Federal
Government or any State or local government.
(3) Other qualifications.--Individuals appointed to the
Commission shall be prominent citizens, with national
recognition and significant depth of experience in such
professions as government service, financial services,
economics, law, public administration, commerce, and the United
States healthcare system.
SEC. 6. OPERATION OF COMMISSION.
(a) Initial Meeting.--The Commission shall meet and begin the
operations of the Commission as soon as practicable.
(b) Public Meetings.--Meetings of the Commission shall be held in
public to the extent practicable.
(c) Quorum; Vacancies.--After its initial meeting, the Commission
shall meet upon the call of the chair, the vice chair, or a majority of
its members. Six members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum.
Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be
filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
SEC. 7. COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.
(a) Compensation.--Each member of the Commission shall be paid at a
rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay
for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5,
United States Code, for each day during which that member is engaged in
the actual performance of duties vested in the Commission.
(b) Travel Expenses.--Each member shall receive travel expenses,
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with
applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5,
United States Code.
(c) Members Not Treated as Federal Employees.--The Members of the
Commission shall not be considered employees under section 2105 of
title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 8. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION.
(a) Appointment and Compensation.--The chair of the Commission, in
consultation with the vice chair of the Commission, in accordance with
rules agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the pay of a
director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the
Commission to carry out its functions, without regard to the provisions
of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the
competitive service, and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51
and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to
classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that no rate of
pay fixed under this subsection may exceed the annual rate of basic pay
for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5,
United States Code.
(b) Detailees.--Upon request of the Commission, the head of a
Federal department or agency may detail, without reimbursement from the
Commission, any of the personnel of that department or agency to the
Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act.
(c) Consultant Services.--The Commission may procure the services
of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109(b) of title
5, United States Code, but at rates for individuals not to exceed the
daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 9. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings and Evidence.--The Commission may, for the purpose of
carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places,
take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers
appropriate. The Commission may administer oaths or affirmations to
witnesses appearing before it.
(b) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
directly from any Federal department or agency information necessary to
enable it to carry out this Act. Upon the request of the chair or a
majority of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall
furnish such information to the Commission.
(c) Subpoenas.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may issue subpoenas
requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the
production of any evidence relating to any matter under
investigation by the Commission only--
(A) by the agreement of the chair and the vice
chair; or
(B) by the affirmative vote of 6 members of the
Commission.
(2) Service of subpoenas.--Subpoenas of the Commission may
be served by any person designated by the chair or by a
majority of the Commission.
(3) Enforcement.--
(A) In general.--If a person refuses to obey a
subpoena issued under paragraph (1), the Commission may
apply to a United States district court for an order
requiring such person to appear before the Commission
to give testimony, produce evidence, or both, relating
to the matter under investigation. Any failure to obey
the order of the court may be punished by the court as
civil contempt.
(B) Additional enforcement.--If a person refuses to
obey a subpoena issued under paragraph (1), the
Commission may, by majority vote, certify a statement
of fact constituting such failure to the appropriate
United States attorney, who may bring the matter before
the grand jury for its action, under the same statutory
authority and procedures as if the United States
attorney had received a certification under sections
102 through 104 of the Revised Statutes of the United
States (2 U.S.C. 192 through 194).
(d) Contracting.--To the extent or in the amounts provided in
advance in appropriation Acts, the Commission may enter into contracts
to enable the Commission to carry out its duties under this Act.
(e) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the
Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the
Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support
services necessary for the Commission to carry out its duties under
this Act.
(f) Gifts.--To the extent or in the amounts provided in advance in
appropriations Acts, the Commission may accept, use, and dispose of
gifts or donations of services or property.
(g) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
departments and agencies of the United States.
SEC. 10. NONAPPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT.
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply
with respect to the Commission.
SEC. 11. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate not later than 30 days after the
report is submitted under section 4.
SEC. 12. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) The term ``health reform law'' means the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) and the
health care-related provisions of the Health Care and Education
Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-152), including the
amendments made by such provisions.
(2) The term ``health care-related provisions'' means, with
respect to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of
2010, title I and subtitle B of title II of such Act.
SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out the activities of the Commission under this Act,
to remain available until the termination of the Commission. | Freeze and Investigate Affordable Care Act of 2011 - Declares that the provisions of the health reform law that are not in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act shall not take effect.
Prohibits the federal government from promulgating or enforcing regulations under the provisions of the health reform law that are not in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, or otherwise prepare to implement such provisions.
Establishes the Affordable Care Evaluation Commission to report to the President and Congress a projection of the impact that the implementation of the provisions of the health reform law that are not in effect on the enactment of this Act would have on: (1) the quality of health care delivered to individuals who are Medicare recipients on the date of the enactment of this Act, (2) health insurance coverage of individuals insured as of such date, (3) participation in state exchanges and the effect on the federal deficit, and (4) job creation and the size of the tax base. Requires the report also to: (1) evaluate findings, conclusions, and recommendations developed by all other relevant government agencies regarding the facts and circumstances surrounding such implementation, and (2) recommend corrective measures to mitigate any negative impact of such implementation. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To freeze the implementation of the health reform law, to establish a commission to evaluate its impact on the delivery of health care to current Medicare recipients, job creation, current health insurance coverage, participation in State exchanges, and the Federal deficit, and for other purposes."} | 2,310 | 262 | 0.787686 | 2.277 | 0.984222 | 6.289916 | 8.865546 | 0.962185 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Secure Our Schools Act''.
SEC. 2. MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL SECURITY.
Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
is amended by inserting after part Z the following new part:
``PART AA--MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL SECURITY
``SEC. 2701. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``(a) In General.--The Attorney General is authorized to make
grants to States, units of local government, and Indian tribes to
provide improved security, including the placement and use of metal
detectors and other deterrent measures, at schools and on school
grounds.
``(b) Uses of Funds.--Grants awarded under this section shall be
distributed directly to the State, unit of local government, or Indian
tribe, and shall be used to improve security at schools and on school
grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through one or more of the
following:
``(1) Placement and use of metal detectors, locks,
lighting, and other deterrent measures.
``(2) Security assessments.
``(3) Security training of personnel and students.
``(4) Coordination with local law enforcement.
``(5) Any other measure that, in the determination of the
Attorney General, may provide a significant improvement in
security.
``(c) Preferential Consideration.--In awarding grants under this
part, the Attorney General shall give preferential consideration, if
feasible, to an application from a jurisdiction that has a demonstrated
need for improved security, has a demonstrated need for financial
assistance, and has evidenced the ability to make the improvements for
which the grant amounts are sought.
``(d) Matching Funds.--
``(1) The portion of the costs of a program provided by a
grant under subsection (a) may not exceed 50 percent.
``(2) Any funds appropriated by Congress for the activities
of any agency of an Indian tribal government or the Bureau of
Indian Affairs performing law enforcement functions on any
Indian lands may be used to provide the non-Federal share of a
matching requirement funded under this subsection.
``(3) The Attorney General may provide, in the guidelines
implementing this section, for the requirement of paragraph (1)
to be waived or altered in the case of a recipient with a
financial need for such a waiver or alteration.
``(e) Equitable Distribution.--In awarding grants under this part,
the Attorney General shall ensure, to the extent practicable, an
equitable geographic distribution among the regions of the United
States and among urban, suburban, and rural areas.
``(f) Administrative Costs.--The Attorney General may reserve not
more than 2 percent from amounts appropriated to carry out this Act for
administrative costs.
``SEC. 2702. APPLICATIONS.
``(a) In General.--To request a grant under this part, the chief
executive of a State, unit of local government, or Indian tribe shall
submit an application to the Attorney General at such time, in such
manner, and accompanied by such information as the Attorney General may
require. Each application shall--
``(1) include a detailed explanation of--
``(A) the intended uses of funds provided under the
grant; and
``(B) how the activities funded under the grant
will meet the purpose of this part; and
``(2) be accompanied by an assurance that the application
was prepared after consultation with individuals not limited to
law enforcement officers (such as school violence researchers,
child psychologists, social workers, teachers, principals, and
other school personnel) to ensure that the improvements to be
funded under the grant are--
``(A) consistent with a comprehensive approach to
preventing school violence; and
``(B) individualized to the needs of each school at
which those improvements are to be made.
``(b) Guidelines.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this part, the Attorney General shall promulgate
guidelines to implement this section (including the information that
must be included and the requirements that the States, units of local
government, and Indian tribes must meet) in submitting the applications
required under this section.
``SEC. 2703. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.
``Not later than November 30th of each year, the Attorney General
shall submit a report to the Congress regarding the activities carried
out under this part. Each such report shall include, for the preceding
fiscal year, the number of grants funded under this part, the amount of
funds provided under those grants, and the activities for which those
funds were used.
``SEC. 2704. DEFINITIONS.
``For purposes of this part--
``(1) the term `school' means a public elementary or
secondary school;
``(2) the term `unit of local government' means a county,
municipality, town, township, village, parish, borough, or
other unit of general government below the State level; and
``(3) the term `Indian tribe' has the same meaning as in
section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)).
``SEC. 2705. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part
the following amounts:
``(1) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2001.
``(2) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2002.
``(3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.''. | Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) permissible uses of funds (including for locks, lighting, and security assessments and training), preferential consideration, matching funds, equitable geographical distribution of funds, and limits on administrative costs; and (2) application and reporting requirements. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Secure Our Schools Act"} | 1,233 | 53 | 0.494367 | 1.211018 | 0.857939 | 1.698113 | 22.018868 | 0.867925 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Cooperator Program Act of 1995''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS, POLICY, AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the future prosperity of United States agriculture
increasingly will be determined by access to foreign markets
and, as agricultural producers of the United States move into
the world market, the producers are becoming more dependent on
agricultural exports;
(2) despite gains made in the recently concluded Uruguay
Round of trade negotiations as well as pre-existing rules under
the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, world agricultural
trade is neither free nor fair and United States agriculture
will continue to face unfair trade practices in the
international marketplace;
(3) 11 of the major agricultural trade competitors of the
United States spend a total of $500,000,000 annually on foreign
market development programs for the benefit of their producers;
(4) the foreign market development cooperator program of
the Foreign Agricultural Service and the activities of
individual foreign market cooperator organizations--
(A) have been among the most successful and cost-
effective means of expanding United States agricultural
exports; and
(B) provide ongoing, long-term market development
services to advance the economic interests of the
United States;
(5) the program and the activities of the cooperator
organizations should be supported;
(6) the Secretary of Agriculture and the private sector
should work together to ensure that the program, and the
activities of the cooperator organizations, are expanded in the
future; and
(7) as agricultural producers move into the world market,
it is timely and appropriate to take steps to preserve and
strengthen the foreign market development cooperator program of
the Department of Agriculture and the activities of the
cooperator organizations.
(b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States that it is
essential and in the public interest to preserve and strengthen the
foreign market development cooperator program of the Department of
Agriculture under which eligible trade organizations funded primarily
by agricultural producers cooperate with the Department in an
effective, continuous, and coordinated effort to maintain and develop
foreign markets for United States agricultural commodities and
products.
(c) Purposes.--It is the purpose of this Act to provide specific
authorization for the foreign market development cooperator program of
the Department of Agriculture, and establish terms governing the
program, to ensure the continued effective and efficient operation of
the program.
SEC. 3. FOREIGN MARKET DEVELOPMENT COOPERATOR PROGRAM.
The Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5601 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``TITLE VII--FOREIGN MARKET DEVELOPMENT COOPERATOR PROGRAM
``SEC. 701. DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE TRADE ORGANIZATION.
``In this title, the term `eligible trade organization' means a
United States trade organization that--
``(1) promotes the export of 1 or more United States
agricultural commodities or products; and
``(2) does not have a business interest in or receive
remuneration from specific sales of agricultural commodities or
products.
``SEC. 702. FOREIGN MARKET DEVELOPMENT COOPERATOR PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish and, in
cooperation with eligible trade organizations, carry out a foreign
market development cooperator program to maintain and develop foreign
markets for United States agricultural commodities and products.
``(b) Cost Sharing Assistance.--The program established under
subsection (a) shall be carried out through multiyear contracts or
agreements between the Secretary and eligible trade organizations under
which cost sharing assistance shall be provided by the Secretary to the
organizations as cooperators for the conduct of foreign market
development activities, and to third party cooperators, under annual
marketing plans established under section 705.
``SEC. 703. ELIGIBILITY.
``(a) Eligible Trade Organizations.--To be eligible to enter into a
contract or agreement with the Secretary for the conduct of foreign
market development activities as a cooperator under this title, an
eligible trade organization shall--
``(1) demonstrate to the Secretary that the organization is
funded primarily by United States members of the industry that
the organization represents;
``(2) prepare and submit to the Secretary annually a
marketing plan under section 705; and
``(3) meet other requirements established by the Secretary
for participation in the program established under this title.
``(b) Criteria for Approval of Contracts and Agreements.--The
Secretary may enter into a contract or agreement with an eligible trade
organization for the conduct of foreign market development activities
under this title only if the Secretary determines that the activities
under the marketing plan of the organization--
``(1) have a strong likelihood of achieving success in
maintaining or increasing foreign consumption and imports of 1
or more United States agricultural commodities or products;
``(2) will make long-range contributions to United States
agricultural exports;
``(3) focus on a commodity or commodities, or a product or
products, the export of which is important to agriculture and
the foreign balance of payments of the United States;
``(4) include the provision by the eligible trade
organization of a competent United States-based staff and other
resources to ensure adequate development, supervision, and
execution of project activities;
``(5) are combined with a commitment by private
organizations to support promotional activities with aggressive
selling and the quantity and quality of the commodity or
product involved that is desired by foreign buyers; and
``(6) are focused on markets for which the United States is
in competition with other exporting countries.
``SEC. 704. COOPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES.
``(a) Trade Servicing, Technical Assistance, and Consumer
Education.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible trade organization
participating in the foreign market development cooperator
program under this title shall provide market development and
customer support services outside the United States directed at
foreign purchasers, potential purchasers, and users of United
States agricultural commodities and products, through trade
servicing, technical assistance, and consumer education.
``(2) Specific goals.--Trade servicing, technical
assistance, and consumer education by each eligible trade
organization provided under paragraph (1) shall be designed
to--
``(A) increase foreign consumer and commercial use
of the United States commodity and product involved,
develop long-term foreign demand for the commodity or
product, and help overcome constraints to United States
exports of the commodity or product;
``(B) establish a long-term presence in foreign
markets for the commodity or product;
``(C) enable foreign users of the commodity or
product to enhance the competitiveness of the users,
analyze markets, improve end use quality, and respond
to consumption trends;
``(D) make maximum use of new technologies,
including satellite transmissions, to disseminate trade
information, and enhance industry technologies, that
will expand demand for the commodity or product;
``(E) increase technical contact between the United
States production industry for the commodity or product
and foreign customers and users so as to achieve better
and more accurate market analyses and trade
intelligence collected in the public and private
sector;
``(F) identify third parties that will contribute
to the implementation of activities conducted under the
annual marketing plan of the organization through cash
or in-kind contributions; and
``(G) achieve other goals specified by the
Secretary.
``(b) Coordination, Assistance, and Consultation.--
``(1) Coordination and assistance.--
``(A) Eligible trade organization.--An eligible
trade organization participating in the foreign market
development cooperator program established under this
title shall coordinate the activities of the
organization with the activities of the Foreign
Agricultural Service.
``(B) Foreign agricultural service.--The Foreign
Agricultural Service shall assist eligible trade
organizations in the development and operation of trade
promotion programs that use product exhibits, trade
teams, market information services, and trade referral
services to expand international markets for United
States agricultural commodities and products.
``(2) Consultation.--An eligible trade organization shall
consult with the Foreign Agricultural Service to ensure that
the annual marketing plan of the organization under this title
is consistent with and complements the foreign market
development activities of the Service.
``SEC. 705. ANNUAL MARKETING PLANS.
``(a) In General.--An eligible trade organization participating in
and receiving assistance for any year under the foreign market
development cooperator program established under this title shall
develop and submit to the Secretary a marketing plan to carry out trade
servicing, technical assistance, and consumer education, as provided
for in section 704(a), for the year.
``(b) Requirement for Plans.--An annual marketing plan submitted by
an eligible trade organization under subsection (a) shall specifically
describe the manner in which assistance received by the organization,
in conjunction with funds and services provided by or through the
organization, will be expended in carrying out the plan.
``(c) Amendments.--An annual marketing plan may be amended at any
time by the eligible trade organization with the approval of the
Secretary.
``SEC. 706. OVERSIGHT.
``(a) Monitoring.--The Secretary shall monitor the expenditure of
funds received by each trade organization under this title.
``(b) Reports, Books, and Records.--An eligible trade organization
receiving assistance under this title shall--
``(1) keep financial accounts of, and submit regular
reports providing information on, activities conducted and
funds expended under the annual marketing plan of the
organization; and
``(2) make available to the Secretary for inspection, at
any reasonable time and place, the books and records of the
business and financial transactions of the organization.
``(c) Audits.--An eligible trade organization receiving assistance
under the foreign market development cooperator program established
under this title shall have an audit or financial review conducted of
the activities of the organization under the program. The audit or
review shall accurately account for funds and services received and
expended under this title.
``(d) Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall periodically
evaluate the foreign market development activities of each
eligible trade organization to determine--
``(A) whether the organization is in compliance
with the annual marketing plan of the organization; and
``(B) the effectiveness of the activities of the
organization under the plan in maintaining and
developing markets for United States agricultural
commodities and products, taking into account the
difficulty of precisely quantifying the effects of
long-term trade servicing and technical assistance.
``(2) High-volume agricultural commodities and products.--
In the case of activities directed toward maintenance and
development of markets for high-volume agricultural commodities
and products, in performing the evaluations, the Secretary
shall consider--
``(A) the long-term benefits of a United States
presence in foreign markets for the commodity or
product given the benefit to the United States economy
as a whole or to a strong high-volume commodity and
product export sector; and
``(B) the intensity of the competition by other
exporting countries in the international markets for
the commodities and products.
``SEC. 707. COOPERATOR ORGANIZATIONS.
``(a) Commodities for Cooperator Organizations.--The Secretary may
make available to cooperator organizations agricultural commodities
owned by the Commodity Credit Corporation, for use by the cooperators
in projects designed to expand markets for United States agricultural
commodities and products.
``(b) Relationship to Funds.--Commodities made available to
cooperator organizations under this section shall be in addition to,
and not in lieu of, funds made available for market development
activities of the cooperator organizations.
``(c) Conflicts of Interest.--The Secretary shall take appropriate
action to prevent conflicts of interest among cooperator organizations
participating in the foreign market development cooperator program
established under this title.
``SEC. 708. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2002.''.
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Collection of Information on Foreign Markets.--Section 601 of
the Act of August 28, 1954 (commonly known as the ``Agricultural Act of
1954'') (68 Stat. 908, chapter 104; 7 U.S.C. 1761) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Sec. 601. For'' and inserting the
following:
``SEC. 601. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION ON FOREIGN MARKETS.
``(a) In General.--For''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Coordination With Foreign Market Development Cooperator
Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate activities
conducted under subsection (a) with the foreign market development
cooperator program established under title VII of the Agricultural
Trade Act of 1978.''.
(b) Cooperator Organizations.--Section 4214 of the Agricultural
Competitiveness and Trade Act of 1988 (7 U.S.C. 5234) is repealed.
SEC. 5. IMPLEMENTATION AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Implementation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish
the foreign market development cooperator program under title VII of
the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (as added by section 3) (referred to
in this section as ``the program'') not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Transition.--In establishing the program, the Secretary shall
ensure that ongoing foreign market development cooperator projects and
activities are continued and appropriately incorporated into the
program.
(c) Transfer of Funds.--Funding made available for obligation for
the ongoing projects and activities shall be transferred for use in
carrying out the program. The amount made available to the Department
of Agriculture for the ongoing projects and activities for fiscal year
1996 shall be adjusted to reflect the funds transferred under this
subsection. | Cooperator Program Act of 1995 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and, in cooperation with eligible trade organizations (ETOs), carry out a foreign market development cooperator program to maintain and develop foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. Directs that such program be carried out through multiyear contracts or agreements between the Secretary and ETOs under which cost sharing assistance shall be provided by the Secretary to the ETOs as cooperators for the conduct of foreign market development activities, and to third party cooperators, under specified annual marketing plans.
Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) eligibility requirements; and (2) criteria for contract approval.
Requires an ETO participating in the program to provide market development and customer support services outside the United States directed at foreign purchasers, potential purchasers, and users of U.S. agricultural commodities and products through trade servicing, technical assistance, and consumer education. Sets forth specific goals, such as to increase foreign consumer and commercial use of, develop long-term foreign demand for, and help overcome constraints to U.S. exports of, the commodity or product.
Requires: (1) a participating ETO to coordinate its activities with those of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) which shall assist ETOs in the development and operation of trade promotion programs that use product exhibits, trade teams, market information services, and trade referral services to expand international markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products; and (2) an ETO to consult with the FAS to ensure that the ETO's annual marketing plan is consistent with and complements the FAS's foreign market development activities.
Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) annual marketing plans; (2) oversight; and (3) cooperator organizations. Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Cooperator Program Act of 1995"} | 3,022 | 381 | 0.636051 | 2.049236 | 0.837552 | 4.539359 | 8.329446 | 0.883382 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Commercial Seafood Consumer
Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. COMMERCIALLY MARKETED SEAFOOD CONSUMER PROTECTION SAFETY NET.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Commerce shall, in coordination
with the Federal Trade Commission and other appropriate Federal
agencies, and consistent with the international obligations of the
United States, strengthen Federal consumer protection activities for
ensuring that commercially distributed seafood in the United States
meets the food quality and safety requirements of applicable Federal
laws.
(b) Interagency Agreements.--
(1) In general.--Within 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary and other appropriate
Federal agencies shall execute memoranda of understanding or
other agreements to strengthen interagency cooperation on
seafood safety, seafood labeling, and seafood fraud.
(2) Scope of agreements.--The agreements shall include
provisions, as appropriate for each such agreement, for--
(A) cooperative arrangements for examining and
testing seafood imports that leverage the resources,
capabilities, and authorities of each party to the
agreement;
(B) coordination of inspections of foreign
facilities to increase the percentage of imported
seafood and seafood facilities inspected;
(C) standardizing data on seafood names, inspection
records, and laboratory testing to improve interagency
coordination;
(D) coordination of the collection, storage,
analysis, and dissemination of all applicable
information, intelligence, and data related to the
importation, exportation, transportation, sale,
harvest, processing, or trade of seafood in order to
detect and investigate violations under applicable
Federal laws, and to carry out the provisions of this
Act;
(E) developing a process for expediting imports of
seafood into the United States from foreign countries
and exporters that consistently adhere to the highest
standards for ensuring seafood safety;
(F) coordination to track shipments of seafood in
the distribution chain within the United States;
(G) enhancing labeling requirements and methods of
assuring compliance with such requirements to clearly
identity species and prevent fraudulent practices;
(H) a process by which officers and employees of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may
be commissioned by the head of any other appropriate
Federal agency to conduct or participate in seafood
examinations and investigations under applicable
Federal laws administered by such other agency;
(I) the sharing of information concerning observed
non-compliance with United States seafood requirements
domestically and in foreign countries and new
regulatory decisions and policies that may affect
regulatory outcomes;
(J) conducting joint training on subjects that
affect and strengthen seafood inspection effectiveness
by Federal authorities;
(K) sharing, to the maximum extent allowable by
law, all applicable information, intelligence, and data
related to the importation, exportation,
transportation, sale, harvest, processing, or trade of
seafood in order to detect and investigate violations
under applicable Federal laws, or otherwise to carry
out the provisions of this Act; and
(L) outreach to private testing laboratories,
seafood industries, and the public on Federal efforts
to enhance seafood safety and compliance with labeling
requirements, including education on Federal
requirements for seafood safety and labeling and
information on how these entities can work with
appropriate Federal agencies to enhance and improve
seafood inspection and assist in detecting and
preventing seafood fraud and mislabeling.
(3) Annual reports on implementation of agreements.--The
Secretary, the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, and
the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies that are
parties to agreements executed under paragraph (1) shall
submit, jointly or severally, an annual report to the Congress
concerning--
(A) specific efforts taken pursuant to the
agreements;
(B) the budget and personnel necessary to
strengthen seafood safety and labeling and prevent
seafood fraud; and
(C) any additional authorities necessary to improve
seafood safety and labeling and prevent seafood fraud.
(c) Marketing, Labeling, and Fraud Report.--Within 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Chairman of the
Federal Trade Commission shall submit a joint report to the Congress on
consumer protection and enforcement efforts with respect to seafood
marketing and labeling in the United States. The report shall include--
(1) findings with respect to the scope of seafood fraud and
deception in the United States market and its impact on
consumers;
(2) information on how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the Federal Trade Commission can work
together more effectively to address fraud and unfair or
deceptive acts or practices with respect to seafood;
(3) detailed information on the enforcement and consumer
outreach activities undertaken by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Trade Commission
during the preceding year pursuant to this Act; and
(4) an examination of the scope of unfair or deceptive acts
or practices in the United States market with respect to foods
other than seafood and whether additional enforcement authority
or activity is warranted.
(d) NOAA Seafood Inspection and Marking Coordination.--
(1) Deceptive marketing and fraud.--The National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration shall report deceptive seafood
marketing and fraud to the Federal Trade Commission pursuant to
an agreement under subsection (b).
(2) Application with existing agreements.--Nothing in this
Act shall be construed to impede, minimize, or otherwise affect
any agreement or agreements regarding cooperation and
information sharing in the inspection of fish and fishery
products and establishments between the Department of Commerce
and the Department of Health and Human Services in effect on
the date of enactment of this Act. Within 6 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce and
the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit a joint
report to the Congress on implementation of any such agreement
or agreements, including the extent to which the Food and Drug
Administration has taken into consideration information
resulting from inspections conducted by the Department of
Commerce in making risk-based determinations such as the
establishment of inspection priorities for domestic and foreign
facilities and the examination and testing of imported seafood.
(3) Coordination with sea grant program.--The Administrator
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall
ensure that the NOAA Seafood Inspection Program is coordinated
with the Sea Grant Program to provide outreach to States,
consumers, and the seafood industry on seafood testing, seafood
labeling, and seafood substitution, and strategies to combat
mislabeling and fraud.
SEC. 3. CERTIFIED LABORATORIES.
Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, shall increase the number of laboratories certified to the
standards of the Food and Drug Administration in the United States and
in countries that export seafood to the United States for the purpose
of analyzing seafood and ensuring that the laboratories, including
Federal, State, and private facilities, comply with applicable Federal
laws. Within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Commerce shall publish in the Federal Register a list of
certified laboratories. The Secretary shall update and publish the list
no less frequently than annually.
SEC. 4. NOAA LABORATORIES.
In any fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary may increase the number and capacity of laboratories
operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
involved in carrying out testing and other activities under this Act to
the extent that the Secretary determines that increased laboratory
capacity is necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and as
provided for in appropriations Acts.
SEC. 5. CONTAMINATED SEAFOOD.
(a) Refusal of Entry.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
may issue an order refusing admission into the United States of all
imports of seafood or seafood products originating from a country or
exporter if the Secretary determines that shipments of such seafood or
seafood products do not meet the requirements established under
applicable Federal law.
(b) Increased Testing.--If the Secretary of Health and Human
Services determines that seafood imports originating from a country may
not meet the requirements of Federal law, and determines that there is
a lack of adequate certified laboratories to provide for the entry of
shipments pursuant to section 3, then the Secretary may order an
increase in the percentage of shipments tested of seafood originating
from such country to improve detection of potential violations of such
requirements.
(c) Allowance of Individual Shipments from Exporting Country or
Exporter.--Notwithstanding an order under subsection (a) with respect
to seafood originating from a country or exporter, the Secretary may
permit individual shipments of seafood originating in that country or
from that exporter to be admitted into the United States if--
(1) the exporter presents evidence from a laboratory
certified by the Secretary that a shipment of seafood meets the
requirements of applicable Federal laws; and
(2) the Secretary, or other agent of a Federal agency
authorized to conduct inspections of seafood, has inspected the
shipment and has found that the shipment and the conditions of
manufacturing meet the requirements of applicable Federal laws.
(d) Cancellation of Order.--The Secretary may cancel an order under
subsection (a) with respect to seafood exported from a country or
exporter if all shipments into the United States under subsection (c)
of seafood originating in that country or from that exporter more than
1 year after the date on which the Secretary issued the order have been
found, under the procedures described in subsection (c), to meet the
requirements of Federal law. If the Secretary determines that an
exporter has failed to comply with the requirements of an order under
subsection (a), the 1-year period in the preceding sentence shall run
from the date of that determination rather than the date on which the
order was issued.
(e) Effect.--This section shall be in addition to, and shall have
no effect on, the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human
Services under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301
et seq.) with respect to seafood, seafood products, or any other
product.
SEC. 6. INSPECTION TEAMS.
(a) Inspection of Foreign Sites.--The Secretary, in cooperation
with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, may send 1 or more
inspectors to a country or exporter from which seafood exported to the
United States originates. The inspection team shall assess practices
and processes being used in connection with the farming, cultivation,
harvesting, preparation for market, or transportation of such seafood
and may provide technical assistance related to the requirements
established under applicable Federal laws to address seafood fraud and
safety. The inspection team shall prepare a report for the Secretary of
Commerce with its findings. The Secretary of Commerce shall make a copy
of the report available to the country or exporter that is the subject
of the report and provide a 30-day period during which the country or
exporter may provide a rebuttal or other comments on the findings to
the Secretary.
(b) Distribution and Use of Report.--The Secretary shall provide
the report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services as information
for consideration in making risk-based determinations such as the
establishment of inspection priorities of domestic and foreign
facilities and the examination and testing of imported seafood. The
Secretary shall provide the report to the Executive Director of the
Federal Trade Commission for consideration in making recommendations to
the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission regarding consumer
protection to prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices
in the marketplace.
SEC. 7. SEAFOOD IDENTIFICATION.
(a) Standarized List of Names for Seafood.--The Secretary and the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall initial a joint rulemaking
proceeding to develop and make public a list of standardized names for
seafood identification purposes at distribution, marketing, and
consumer retail stages. The list of standardized names shall take into
account taxonomy, current labeling regulations, international law and
custom, market value, and naming precedence for all commercially
distributed seafood distributed in interstate commerce in the United
States and may not include names, whether similar to existing or
commonly used names for species, that are likely to confuse or mislead
consumers.
(b) Publication of List.--The list of standardized names shall be
made available to the public on Department of Health and Human Services
and the Department of Commerce Web sites, shall be open to public
review and comment, and shall be updated annually.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Applicable federal laws.--The term ``applicable laws
and regulations'' means Federal statutes, regulations, and
international agreements pertaining to the importation,
exportation, transportation, sale, harvest, processing, or
trade of seafood, including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act, section 801 of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 381), section 203 of
the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004
(21 U.S.C. 374a), and the Seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point regulations in part 123 of title 21, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(2) Appropriate federal agencies.--The term ``appropriate
Federal agencies'' includes the Department of Health and Human
Services, the Federal Food and Drug Administration, the
Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of
Agriculture.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce. | Commercial Seafood Consumer Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to strengthen federal activities for ensuring that commercially distributed seafood meets federal food quality and safety requirements.
Directs the Secretary and other appropriate federal agencies to enter into agreements to strengthen interagency cooperation on seafood safety, labeling, and fraud, including regarding examining and testing seafood imports, inspections of foreign facilities, establishing a distribution chain tracking system, data sharing, and public outreach.
Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report deceptive seafood marketing and fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Directs the Secretary to increase the number of laboratories certified to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards in the United States and in countries that export seafood to the United States to analyze food and ensure that the laboratories comply with applicable federal laws.
Authorizes the Secretary to increase the number and capacity of laboratories operated by NOAA involved in testing and other activities under this Act as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and as provided for in appropriations Acts.
Sets forth provision authorizing: (1) the refusal of admission of imported seafood or seafood products originating from a country or exporter if such seafood does not meet federal requirements, and (2) increased inspection of shipments of seafood from countries that do not meet federal requirements and that lack adequate certified laboratories.
Authorizes the Secretary to send inspectors to an originating country or exporter to assess seafood practices and processes and to provide technical assistance related to U.S. requirements.
Requires the development and publication of an annual list of standardized names to identify seafood at the distribution, marketing, and consumer retail stages. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to strengthen Federal consumer product safety programs and activities with respect to commercially marketed seafood by directing the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and other appropriate Federal agencies to strengthen and coordinate those programs and activities."} | 2,855 | 362 | 0.68958 | 2.152069 | 0.934935 | 3.495268 | 8.529968 | 0.927445 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Higher Education Affordability and
Equity Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF DEDUCTION FOR INTEREST ON EDUCATION LOANS.
(a) Repeal of Dollar Limitation; Increase in Phaseout Beginning
Point.--Subsection (b) of section 221 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (relating to maximum deduction) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Limitation Based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income.--
``(1) In general.--The amount which would (but for this
subsection) be allowable as a deduction under this section
shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount determined
under paragraph (2).
``(2) Amount of reduction.--The amount determined under
this paragraph is the amount which bears the same ratio to the
amount which would be so taken into account as--
``(A) the excess of--
``(i) the taxpayer's modified adjusted
gross income for such taxable year, over
``(ii) $100,000 ($200,000 in the case of a
joint return), bears to
``(B) $15,000 ($30,000 in the case of a joint
return).
``(3) Modified adjusted gross income.--The term `modified
adjusted gross income' means adjusted gross income determined--
``(A) without regard to this section and sections
222, 911, 931, and 933, and
``(B) after application of sections 86, 135, 137,
219, and 469.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 221(f)(1) of such Code is
amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--In the case of a taxable year beginning
after 2004, the $100,000 and $200,000 amounts in subsection (b)
shall each 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 the calendar year in which
the taxable year begins, determined by substituting
`calendar year 2003' for `calendar year 1992' in
subparagraph (B) thereof.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2003.
SEC. 3. DEDUCTION FOR QUALIFIED TUITION AND RELATED EXPENSES MADE
PERMANENT.
(a) Repeal of Termination.--Section 222 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by striking subsection (e).
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Subparagraph (B) of section 222(b)(2)
of such Code is amended--
(1) by striking ``2004 or 2005'' and inserting ``2004 or
thereafter'', and
(2) in the heading by striking ``and 2005'' and inserting
``and thereafter''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2003.
SEC. 4. EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.
(a) Increase in Allowable Contributions.--
(1) In general.--Clause (iii) of section 530(b)(1)(A) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
``$2,000'' and inserting ``$5,000''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 4973(e)(1)(A) of such
Code is amended by striking ``$2,000'' and inserting
``$5,000''.
(b) Reports.--Subsection (h) of section 530 of such Code is amended
by striking the period at the end of the last sentence and inserting
``, except that reports shall be so filed and furnished for any
calendar year not later than June 30 of the following year.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2003.
SEC. 5. ALLOWANCE OF ROOM, BOARD, AND SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES IN THE
CASE OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND TUITION REDUCTION PROGRAMS WITH
RESPECT TO HIGHER EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 117(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (defining qualified scholarship) is amended by
inserting before the period at the end the following: ``or, in the case
of enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution, for
qualified higher education expenses.''.
(b) Definitions.--Subsection (b) of section 117 of such Code is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Qualified higher education expenses; eligible
educational institution.--The terms `qualified higher education
expenses' and `eligible educational institution' have the
meanings given such terms in section 529(e).''.
(c) Tuition Reduction Programs.--Paragraph (5) of section 117(d) of
such Code (relating to special rules for teaching and research
assistants) is amended by striking ``shall be applied as if it did not
contain the phrase `(below the graduate level)'.'' and inserting
``shall be applied--
``(A) as if it did not contain the phrase `(below
the graduate level)', and
``(B) by substituting `qualified higher education
expenses' for `tuition' the second place it appears.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to expenses paid after December 31, 2003 (in taxable years ending
after such date), for education furnished in academic periods beginning
after such date.
SEC. 6. TREATMENT OF PREPAYMENT AND SAVINGS PLANS UNDER STUDENT
FINANCIAL AID NEEDS ANALYSIS.
(a) Definition of Assets.--Subsection (f) of section 480 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087vv(j)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``qualified education
benefit (except as provided in paragraph (3)),'' after ``tax
shelters,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(3) A qualified education benefit shall not be considered an
asset of the student under section 475 of this part.
``(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term `qualified
education benefit' means--
``(A) a program which is described in clause (i) of section
529(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and which
meets the requirements of section 529(b)(1)(B) of such Code;
``(B) a State tuition program described in clause (ii) of
section 529(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which
meets the requirements of section 529(b)(1)(B) of such Code;
and
``(C) a Coverdell education savings account (as defined in
section 530(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).''.
(b) Definition of Other Financial Assistance.--Subsection (j) of
section 480 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087vv(j))
is amended--
(1) by striking ``; Tuition Prepayment Plans'' in the
heading of such subsection;
(2) by striking ``(1) For purposes'' and inserting ``For
purposes''; and
(3) by striking paragraph (2).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to determinations of need under part F of title IV
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 for academic years beginning on or
after July 1, 2005.
SEC. 7. REPEAL OF EGTRRA SUNSET APPLICABILITY TO CERTAIN EDUCATION
PROVISIONS.
Title IX of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act
of 2001 (relating to sunset of provisions of such Act) shall not apply
to subtitles A, B, and D of title IV of such Act. | Higher Education Affordability and Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand education incentives, including: (1) the deduction for interest on education loans; (2) making the deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses permanent; (3) increasing allowable contributions to Coverdell education savings accounts; (4) allowing qualified higher education expenses (books, supplies, room, board, and special needs services) to be excluded from gross income in the case of scholarship programs for higher education; and (5) repealing the sunset provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 applicable to title IV (Affordable Education Provisions) of such Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand incentives for education."} | 1,845 | 144 | 0.477855 | 1.150691 | 0.626117 | 3.333333 | 11.592593 | 0.888889 |
SECTION 1. RENEWAL COMMUNITY TAX INCENTIVES.
(a) In General.--Subsection (b) of section 1400E of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(1) by striking ``December 31, 2009'' in paragraphs (1)(A)
and (3) and inserting ``December 31, 2012''; and
(2) by striking ``January 1, 2010'' in paragraph (3) and
inserting ``January 1, 2013''.
(b) Zero-Percent Capital Gains Rate.--
(1) Acquisition date.--Paragraphs (2)(A)(i), (3)(A),
(4)(A)(i), and (4)(B)(i) of section 1400F(b) of such Code are
each amended by striking ``January 1, 2010'' and inserting
``January 1, 2013''.
(2) Limitation on period of gains.--Paragraph (2) of
section 1400F(c) of such Code is amended--
(A) by striking ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting
``December 31, 2017''; and
(B) by striking ``2014'' in the heading and
inserting ``2017''.
(3) Applicable rules.--Subsection (d) of section 1400F is
amended--
(A) by striking ``December 31, 2014'' the first
place it appears and inserting ``December 31, 2017'',
and
(B) by striking ``December 31, 2014'' the second
place it appears and inserting ``December 31, 2016''.
(c) Commercial Revitalization Deduction.--
(1) Extension.--
(A) In general.--Subsection (g) of section 1400I of
such Code is amended by striking ``December 31, 2009''
and inserting ``December 31, 2012''.
(B) Conforming amendment.--Subparagraph (A) of
section 1400I(d)(2) of such Code is amended by striking
``after 2001 and before 2010'' and inserting ``which
begins after 2001 and before the date referred to in
subsection (g)''.
(2) Carryforward of unallocated state commercial
revitalization expenditure ceiling.--
(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 1400I(d)
of such Code is amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--The aggregate commercial revitalization
expenditure amount which a commercial revitalization agency may
allocate for any calendar year is the amount equal to the sum
of--
``(A) the amount of the State commercial
revitalization expenditure ceiling determined under
this paragraph for such calendar year for such agency
(determined without regard to subparagraph (B)), and
``(B) the aggregate of the unused State commercial
revitalization expenditure ceilings determined under
this paragraph for such agency for each of the 2
preceding calendar years.
For purposes of subparagraph (B), amounts of expenditure
ceiling shall be treated as allocated by an agency first from
unused amounts for the second preceding calendar year, then
from unused amounts for the 1st preceding calendar year, and
then from amounts from the current year State allocation.''.
(B) Effective date.--The amendment made by this
subsection shall apply to calendar years beginning
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d) Increased Expensing Under Section 179.--Subparagraph (A) of
section 1400J(b)(1) of such Code is amended by striking ``January 1,
2010'' and inserting ``January 1, 2013''.
(e) Treatment of Certain Termination Dates Specified in
Nominations.--In the case of a designation of a renewal community the
nomination for which included a termination date which is
contemporaneous with the date specified in subparagraph (A) of section
1400E(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect before
the enactment of this Act), subparagraph (B) of such section shall not
apply with respect to such designation unless, after the date of the
enactment of this section, the entity which made such nomination
reconfirms such termination date, or amends the nomination to provide
for a new termination date, in such manner as the Secretary of the
Treasury (or the Secretary's designee) may provide.
(f) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, the amendments made by this section shall apply to
periods after December 31, 2009.
(2) Acquisitions.--The amendments made by subsections
(b)(1) and (d) shall apply to acquisitions after December 31,
2009.
(3) Commercial revitalization deduction.--
(A) In general.--The amendment made by subsection
(c)(1) shall apply to buildings placed in service after
December 31, 2009.
(B) Conforming amendment.--The amendment made by
subsection (c)(2) shall apply to calendar years
beginning after December 31, 2009. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2012, the designation period of areas as renewal communities and tax incentives for investment in such areas, including: (1) the exclusion from gross income for income tax purposes of gain from the sale or exchange of assets (stock or business property) in such areas, (2) the tax deduction for commercial revitalization expenditures in such areas, and (3) an increased expensing allowance for the acquisition of business and investment assets in such areas. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the Renewal Community program through end of 2012."} | 1,084 | 98 | 0.494453 | 1.226677 | 0.762695 | 1.360825 | 9.814433 | 0.721649 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants
Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. NUMERICAL LIMITATION TO ANY SINGLE FOREIGN STATE.
(a) In General.--Section 202(a)(2) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(a)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``and employment-
based'';
(2) by striking ``(3), (4), and (5),'' and inserting ``(3)
and (4),'';
(3) by striking ``subsections (a) and (b) of section 203''
and inserting ``section 203(a)'';
(4) by striking ``7'' and inserting ``15''; and
(5) by striking ``such subsections'' and inserting ``such
section''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 202 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1152) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``both subsections
(a) and (b) of section 203'' and inserting ``section 203(a)'';
(2) by striking subsection (a)(5); and
(3) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
``(e) Special Rules for Countries at Ceiling.--If it is determined
that the total number of immigrant visas made available under section
203(a) to natives of any single foreign state or dependent area will
exceed the numerical limitation specified in subsection (a)(2) in any
fiscal year, in determining the allotment of immigrant visa numbers to
natives under section 203(a), visa numbers with respect to natives of
that state or area shall be allocated (to the extent practicable and
otherwise consistent with this section and section 203) in a manner so
that, except as provided in subsection (a)(4), the proportion of the
visa numbers made available under each of paragraphs (1) through (4) of
section 203(a) is equal to the ratio of the total number of visas made
available under the respective paragraph to the total number of visas
made available under section 203(a).''.
(c) Country-Specific Offset.--Section 2 of the Chinese Student
Protection Act of 1992 (8 U.S.C. 1255 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsection (e))'' and
inserting ``subsection (d))''; and
(2) by striking subsection (d) and redesignating subsection
(e) as subsection (d).
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect as if enacted on September 30, 2011, and shall apply to fiscal
year 2012 and each subsequent fiscal year.
(e) Transition Rules for Employment-Based Immigrants.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) through (4), and
notwithstanding title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.), the following rules shall apply:
(A) For fiscal year 2012, 15 percent of the
immigrant visas made available under each of paragraphs
(2) and (3) of section 203(b) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1153(b)) shall be allotted to immigrants who are
natives of a foreign state or dependent area that was
not 1 of the 2 States with the largest aggregate
numbers of natives obtaining immigrant visas during
fiscal year 2010 under such paragraphs.
(B) For fiscal year 2013, 10 percent of the
immigrant visas made available under each of such
paragraphs shall be allotted to immigrants who are
natives of a foreign state or dependent area that was
not 1 of the 2 States with the largest aggregate
numbers of natives obtaining immigrant visas during
fiscal year 2011 under such paragraphs.
(C) For fiscal year 2014, 10 percent of the
immigrant visas made available under each of such
paragraphs shall be allotted to immigrants who are
natives of a foreign state or dependent area that was
not 1 of the 2 States with the largest aggregate
numbers of natives obtaining immigrant visas during
fiscal year 2012 under such paragraphs.
(2) Per-country levels.--
(A) Reserved visas.--With respect to the visas
reserved under each of subparagraphs (A) through (C) of
paragraph (1), the number of such visas made available
to natives of any single foreign state or dependent
area in the appropriate fiscal year may not exceed 25
percent (in the case of a single foreign state) or 2
percent (in the case of a dependent area) of the total
number of such visas.
(B) Unreserved visas.--With respect to the
immigrant visas made available under each of paragraphs
(2) and (3) of section 203(b) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1153(b)) and not reserved under paragraph (1), for each
of fiscal years 2012, 2013, and 2014, not more than 85
percent shall be allotted to immigrants who are natives
of any single foreign state.
(3) Special rule to prevent unused visas.--If, with respect
to fiscal year 2012, 2013, or 2014, the application of
paragraphs (1) and (2) would prevent the total number of
immigrant visas made available under paragraph (2) or (3) of
section 203(b) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) from being
issued, such visas may be issued during the remainder of such
fiscal year without regard to paragraphs (1) and (2).
(4) Rules for chargeability.--Section 202(b) of such Act (8
U.S.C. 1152(b)) shall apply in determining the foreign state to
which an alien is chargeable for purposes of this subsection.
SEC. 3. E-VISA REFORM.
(a) Definition.--Section 101(a)(15)(E)(iii) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii)) is amended by inserting
``, or solely to perform services as an employee who meets the
requirements under section 203(d)(2) if the alien is a national of the
Republic of Ireland,'' after ``Australia''.
(b) Temporary Admission.--Section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(3)(A)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(A) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection--
``(i) an alien who is applying for a nonimmigrant
visa and who the consular officer knows or believes to
be ineligible for such visa under subsection (a) (other
than subparagraphs (A)(i)(I), (A)(ii), (A)(iii), (C),
(E)(i), and (E)(ii) of paragraph (3) of such
subsection)--
``(I) after approval by the Secretary of
Homeland Security of a recommendation by the
Secretary of State or by the consular officer
that the alien be admitted temporarily despite
the alien's inadmissibility, may be granted
such a visa and may be admitted into the United
States temporarily as a nonimmigrant, in the
discretion of the Secretary of Homeland
Security; or
``(II) absent such recommendation and
approval, be granted a nonimmigrant visa
pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(E) if such
ineligibility is based solely on conduct in
violation of paragraph (6), (7), or (9) of
section 212(a) that occurred before the date of
the enactment of the Fairness for High-Skilled
Immigrants Act of 2011;
``(ii) an alien who is inadmissible under
subsection (a) (other than subparagraphs (A)(i)(I),
(A)(ii), (A)(iii), (C), (E)(i), and (E)(ii) of
paragraph (3) of such subsection), is in possession of
appropriate documents or was granted a waiver from such
document requirement, and is seeking admission, may be
admitted into the United States temporarily as a
nonimmigrant, in the discretion of the Secretary of
Homeland Security, who shall prescribe conditions,
including exaction of such bonds as may be necessary,
to control and regulate the admission and return of
inadmissible aliens applying for temporary admission
under this paragraph.''.
(c) Numerical Limitation.--Section 214(g)(11)(B) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(11)(B)) is amended by inserting
``for each of the nationalities identified under section
101(a)(15)(E)(iii)'' before the period at the end. | Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2011 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) eliminate the per country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, and (2) increase the per country numerical limitation for family based immigrants from 7% to 15% of the total number of family-sponsored visas.
Amends the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 to eliminate the provision requiring the reduction of annual Chinese (PRC) immigrant visas to offset status adjustments under such Act.
Sets forth the following transition period for employment-based second and third preference (EB-2 and EB-3) immigrant visas: (1) for FY2012, 15% of such visas allotted to natives of countries other than the two countries with the largest aggregate numbers of natives obtaining such visas in FY2010; (2) for FY2013, 10% of such visas allotted in each category to natives of countries other than the two with the largest aggregate numbers of natives obtaining such visas in FY2011; and (3) for FY2014, 10% of such visas allotted in each category to natives of countries other than the two with the largest aggregate numbers of natives obtaining such visas in FY2012.
Sets forth the following per country distribution rules: (1) for transition period visas, not more than 25% of the total number of EB-2 and EB-3 visas for natives of a single country; and (2) for non-transition period visas, not more than 85% of EB-2 and EB-3 visas for natives of a single country.
Includes nationals of Ireland coming to the United States under a treaty of commerce to perform specialty occupation services in the nonimmigrant E-3 visa category.
Transfers specified approval authority regarding the temporary admission of certain aliens not otherwise admissible from the Attorney General (DOJ) to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS). Expands the grounds for such approval. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes."} | 2,053 | 420 | 0.534052 | 1.756852 | 0.747923 | 1.946927 | 4.787709 | 0.807263 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Recognizing Achievement in
Classified School Employees Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Classified school employees provide valuable service to
public schools in the United States.
(2) Classified school employees provide essential services,
such as transportation, facilities maintenance and operations,
food service, safety, and health care.
(3) Classified school employees play a vital role in
providing for the welfare and safety of students.
(4) Classified school employees strive for excellence in
all areas of service to the education community.
(5) Exemplary classified school employees should be
recognized for their outstanding contributions to quality
education in the United States.
SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE.
In this Act:
(1) Classified school employee.--The term ``classified
school employee'' means a public employee of a State or of any
political subdivision of a State, who works in any grade from
prekindergarten through higher education in any of the
following occupational specialties:
(A) Paraeducator services.
(B) Clerical and administrative services.
(C) Transportation services.
(D) Food and nutrition services.
(E) Custodial and maintenance services.
(F) Security services.
(G) Health and student services.
(H) Technical services.
(I) Skilled trades.
(2) Other definitions.--The terms used in this Act have the
meaning given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
SEC. 4. RECOGNITION PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Education shall establish a
national recognition program to be known as the ``Recognizing Inspiring
School Employees Award Program'' or the ``award program''. The purpose
of the award program shall be to recognize and promote the commitment
and excellence exhibited by classified school employees in public
schools who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten
through higher education.
(b) Award.--Prior to March 31 of each year (beginning with the
second calendar year that begins after the date of the enactment of
this Act), the award program shall recommend to the Secretary a
classified school employee to receive the Recognizing Inspiring School
Employees Award for the year.
(c) Selection Process.--
(1) Nomination process.--
(A) In general.--Not later than November 1 of each
year (beginning with the first calendar year that
begins after the date of the enactment of this Act),
the Secretary shall solicit nominations of classified
school employees in public schools from the
occupational specialties described in section 3(1) from
the chief State school officer of each State.
(B) Nomination submissions.--In order for
individuals in a State to be eligible to receive
recognition under this section, the chief State school
officer shall consider nominations submitted by the
following:
(i) Local educational agencies.
(ii) School administrators.
(iii) Professional associations.
(iv) Labor organizations.
(v) Educational service agencies.
(vi) Any other group determined appropriate
by the award program.
(2) Demonstration.--Each chief State school officer of a
State who desires individuals in the State to receive
recognition under this section shall submit the nominations
described in paragraph (1) to the Secretary in such manner as
may be required by the award program. Each such nomination
shall contain, at a minimum, demonstrations of excellence in
the following areas:
(A) Work performance.
(B) School and community involvement.
(C) Leadership and commitment.
(D) Local support.
(E) Enhancement of classified school employees'
image in the community and schools.
(F) Any other area of superior performance, such as
health and safety promotion or efficient use of energy
or other resources.
(3) Selection.--The award program shall develop uniform
national guidelines for evaluating nominations submitted under
paragraph (2) in order to select the most deserving nominees
based on the demonstrations made in the areas described in such
paragraph. | Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to grant "Recognizing Inspiring School Employees" awards to classified public school employees, within certain occupational specialties, who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through higher education. ED must annually select an awardee, out of nominations received from states, from any of the following occupational specialties: (1) paraeducator services, (2) clerical and administrative services, (3) transportation services, (4) food and nutrition services, (5) custodial and maintenance services, (6) security services, (7) health and student services, (8) technical services, and (9) skilled trades. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act"} | 904 | 154 | 0.648754 | 1.817313 | 0.723463 | 2.481203 | 6.383459 | 0.842105 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Aircraft Passenger Whole-Body
Imaging Limitations Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. LIMITATIONS ON USE OF ADVANCED IMAGING TECHNOLOGY AND ENHANCED
PAT-DOWN SEARCHES FOR AIRCRAFT PASSENGER SCREENING.
Section 44901 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(l) Limitations on Use of Advanced Imaging Technology and
Enhanced Pat-Down Searches for Screening Passengers.--
``(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary of Homeland
Security (Transportation Security Administration) shall ensure
that advanced imaging technology is used for the screening of
passengers under this section only in accordance with this
subsection.
``(2) Advanced imaging technology.--Advanced imaging
technology may not be used as a method of screening a passenger
under this section unless--
``(A) the National Academy of Sciences determines
that the technology poses no threat to public health;
``(B) the technology is equipped with a privacy
filter or other privacy-protecting technology; and
``(C) another method of screening, such as metal
detection, explosive trace detection, or behavioral
profiling, demonstrates reasonable cause for utilizing
advanced imaging technology to detect a possible threat
to aviation security.
``(3) Enhanced pat-down searches.--An enhanced pat-down
search may not be used as a method of screening a passenger
under this section unless another method of screening, such as
metal detection, explosive trace detection, behavioral
profiling, or use of advanced imaging technology in accordance
with paragraph (2), demonstrates reasonable cause for utilizing
advanced imaging technology to detect a possible threat to
aviation security.
``(4) Provision of information.--A passenger for whom
screening by advanced imaging technology is permissible under
paragraph (2) shall be provided, prior to the utilization of
such technology with respect to such passenger, information
on--
``(A) the operation of such technology;
``(B) the image generated by such technology;
``(C) privacy policies relating to such technology;
and
``(D) the right to request an advanced pat-down
search under paragraph (5).
``(5) Pat-down search option.--A passenger for whom
screening by advanced imaging technology is permissible under
paragraph (2) shall be offered an advanced pat-down search in
lieu of such screening.
``(6) Prohibition on use of images.--An image of a
passenger generated by advanced imaging technology may not be
stored, transferred, shared, or copied in any form after the
boarding determination with respect to such passenger is made.
``(7) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of
enactment of the Aircraft Passenger Whole-Body Imaging
Limitations Act of 2011, and annually thereafter, the Assistant
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing
information on--
``(A) the implementation of this subsection;
``(B) the number of passengers for whom screening
by advanced imaging technology was permissible under
paragraph (2) as a percentage of all screened
passengers;
``(C) the number of passengers who chose an
advanced pat-down search when presented the offer under
paragraph (5) as a percentage of all passengers
presented such offer;
``(D) privacy protection measures taken with
respect to advanced imaging technology;
``(E) privacy violations that occurred with respect
to such technology; and
``(F) the effectiveness and safety of such
technology.
``(8) Advanced imaging technology.--The term `advanced
imaging technology' means a device, including a device using
backscatter x-rays or millimeter waves, used to detect objects
carried on individuals and that creates a visual image of the
individual's full body, showing the surface of the skin and
revealing objects that are on the body.''.
SEC. 3. PENALTY RELATING TO VIOLATION OF PROHIBITION ON IMAGE STORING.
(a) In General.--Chapter 93 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 1925. Misuse of certain images relating to aircraft passenger
screening
``Whoever, being an officer or employee of the United States,
knowingly stores, transfers, shares, or copies an image in violation of
section 44901(l)(6) of title 49, United States Code, shall be fined
under this title.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 93 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``1925. Misuse of certain images relating to aircraft passenger
screening.''.
SEC. 4. PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 44901 of title 49, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(m) Performance Measure and Cost-Benefit Analysis Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may not use any security
technology or methodology for screening under this section
unless the Secretary has--
``(A) established quantifiable and validated
performance measures to determine if the technology or
methodology is cost effective, reliable, and safe, and
demonstrated that the technology or methodology
satisfies those measures;
``(B) performed a full assessment of the costs and
benefits of such technology or methodology; and
``(C) determined that there is no other equally
effective and less invasive technology or methodology
that satisfies those standards.
``(2) Emergency exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply
with respect to use of a technology or methodology to address a
temporary emergency determined by the Secretary.''.
(b) Application.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to
any use of a security technology or methodology after the date
of enactment of this Act.
(2) Advanced imaging technology and pat-down searches.--The
amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to
any use of advanced imaging technology or pat-down search (as
those terms are used in section 44901(l) of title 49, United
States Code, as amended by this section) for the screening of
passengers, beginning upon the end of the 12-month period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sections 2 and 3 of this Act shall take effect on the date that is
30 days after the date of enactment of this Act. | Aircraft Passenger Whole-Body Imaging Limitations Act of 2011 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) (TSA) to ensure that advanced imaging technology is used for the screening of passengers only in accordance with this Act.
Prohibits the use of advanced imaging technology as a method of screening a passenger unless: (1) the National Academy of Sciences determines the technology does not pose a threat to public health; (2) the technology is equipped with a privacy filter or other privacy-protecting technology; and (3) another method of screening, such as metal detection, explosive trace detection, or behavioral profiling, demonstrates reasonable cause for using advanced imaging technology to detect a possible threat to aviation security.
Allows use of an enhanced pat-down search of passengers if such other screening methods, including use of advanced imaging technology, demonstrate reasonable cause for utilizing advanced imaging technology to detect a possible threat to aviation security.
Requires that passengers: (1) be provided information on the operation of such technology and specified related matters, including privacy policies and the right to request a pat-down search; and (2) be offered such a pat-down search in lieu of such screening.
Prohibits the storage, transfer, sharing, or copying in any form of an image of a passenger generated by advanced imaging technology after a boarding determination is made. Imposes a civil penalty upon any U.S. officer or employee who knowingly stores, transfers, shares, or copies advanced imaging screening images.
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from using any security technology or methodology for screening passengers unless there are established performance measures to determine if: (1) such technology is cost effective, reliable, and safe; and (2) there is no other equally effective and less invasive technology. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish limitations on the use of advanced imaging technology for aircraft passenger screening, and for other purposes."} | 1,501 | 383 | 0.833705 | 2.588876 | 0.913021 | 4.321839 | 3.925287 | 0.936782 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Advancement in Pediatric Autism
Research Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Infantile autism and autism spectrum disorders are
biologically-based neurodevelopmental diseases that cause
severe impairments in language and communication and generally
manifest in young children sometime during the first two years
of life.
(2) Best estimates indicate that 1 in 500 children born
today will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and
that 400,000 Americans have autism or an autism spectrum
disorder.
(3) There is little information on the prevalence of autism
and other pervasive developmental disabilities in the United
States. There have never been any national prevalence studies
in the United States, and the two studies that were conducted
in the 1980s examined only selected areas of the country.
Recent studies in Canada, Europe, and Japan suggest that the
prevalence of classic autism alone may be 300 percent to 400
percent higher than previously estimated.
(4) Three quarters of those with infantile autism spend
their adult lives in institutions or group homes, and usually
enter institutions by the age of 13.
(5) The cost of caring for individuals with autism and
autism spectrum disorder is great, and is estimated to be $13.3
billion per year solely for direct costs.
(6) The rapid advancements in biomedical science suggest
that effective treatments and a cure for autism are attainable
if--
(A) there is appropriate coordination of the
efforts of the various agencies of the Federal
Government involved in biomedical research on autism
and autism spectrum disorders;
(B) there is an increased understanding of autism
and autism spectrum disorders by the scientific and
medical communities involved in autism research and
treatment; and
(C) sufficient funds are allocated to research.
(7) The discovery of effective treatments and a cure for
autism will be greatly enhanced when scientists and
epidemiologists have an accurate understanding of the
prevalence and incidence of autism.
(8) Recent research suggests that environmental factors may
contribute to autism. As a result, contributing causes of
autism, if identified, may be preventable.
(9) Finding the answers to the causes of autism and related
developmental disabilities may help researchers to understand
other disorders, ranging from learning problems, to
hyperactivity, to communications deficits that affect millions
of Americans.
(10) Specifically, more knowledge is needed concerning--
(A) the underlying causes of autism and autism
spectrum disorders, how to treat the underlying
abnormality or abnormalities causing the severe
symptoms of autism, and how to prevent these
abnormalities from occurring in the future;
(B) the epidemiology of, and the identification of
risk factors for, infantile autism and autism spectrum
disorders;
(C) the development of methods for early medical
diagnosis and functional assessment of individuals with
autism and autism spectrum disorders, including
identification and assessment of the subtypes within
the autism spectrum disorders, for the purpose of
monitoring the course of the disease and developing
medically sound strategies for improving the outcomes
of such individuals;
(D) existing biomedical and diagnostic data that
are relevant to autism and autism spectrum disorders
for dissemination to medical personnel, particularly
pediatricians, to aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of this
disease; and
(E) the costs incurred in educating and caring for
individuals with autism and autism spectrum disorders.
(11) In 1998, the National Institutes of Health announced a
program of research on autism and autism spectrum disorders. A
sufficient level of funding should be made available for
carrying out the program.
SEC. 3. EXPANSION, INTENSIFICATION, AND COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES OF
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH WITH RESPECT TO RESEARCH ON
AUTISM.
Part B of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following section:
``autism
``Sec. 409C. (a) In General.--
``(1) Expansion of activities.--The Director of NIH (in
this section referred to as the `Director') shall expand,
intensify, and coordinate the activities of the National
Institutes of Health with respect to research on autism.
``(2) Administration of program; collaboration among
agencies.--The Director shall carry out this section acting
through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health
and in collaboration with any other agencies that the Director
determines appropriate.
``(b) Centers of Excellence.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall under subsection
(a)(1) make awards of grants and contracts to public or
nonprofit private entities to pay all or part of the cost of
planning, establishing, improving, and providing basic
operating support for centers of excellence regarding research
on autism.
``(2) Research.--Each center under paragraph (1) shall
conduct basic and clinical research into the cause, diagnosis,
early detection, prevention, control, and treatment of autism,
including research in the fields of developmental neurobiology,
genetics, and psychopharmacology.
``(3) Services for patients.--A center under paragraph (1)
may expend amounts provided under such paragraph to carry out a
program to make individuals aware of opportunities to
participate as subjects in research conducted by the centers.
The program may provide fees to such subjects. The program may,
in accordance with such criteria as the Director may establish,
provide to such subjects health care, referrals for health and
other services, and such incidental services as will facilitate
the participation of individuals as such subjects.
``(4) Coordination of centers; reports.--The Director
shall, as appropriate, provide for the coordination of
information among centers under paragraph (1) and ensure
regular communication between such centers, and may require the
periodic preparation of reports on the activities of the
centers and the submission of the reports to the Director.
``(5) Organization of centers.--Each center 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.
``(6) Number of centers; duration of support.--The Director
shall, subject to the extent of amounts made available in
appropriations Acts, provide for the establishment of not less
than five centers under paragraph (1). Support of such a center
may be for a period not exceeding 5 years. Such period may be
extended for one or more additional periods not exceeding 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 should be extended.
``(c) Facilitation of Research.--The Director shall under
subsection (a)(1) provide for a program under which samples of tissues
and genetic materials that are of use in research on autism are
donated, collected, preserved, and made available for such research.
The program shall be carried out in accordance with accepted scientific
and medical standards for the donation, collection, and preservation of
such samples.
``(d) Public Input.--The Director shall under subsection (a)(1)
provide for means through which the public can obtain information on
the existing and planned programs and activities of the National
Institutes of Health with respect to autism and through which the
Director can receive comments from the public regarding such programs
and activities.
``(e) Funding.--For the purpose of carrying out this section, there
are authorized to be appropriated $33,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, and
such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2001 through
2004. Such authorizations of appropriations are in addition to any
other authorization of appropriations that is available for such
purpose.''.
SEC. 4. DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SURVEILLANCE AND RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
(a) National Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disabilities
Surveillance Program.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in
this Act referred to as the ``Secretary''), acting through the Director
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may make awards of
grants and cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and
reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities.
An entity may receive such an award only if the entity is a public or
nonprofit private entity (including health departments of States and
political subdivisions of States, and including universities and other
educational entities). In making such awards, the Secretary may provide
direct technical assistance in lieu of cash.
(b) Centers of Excellence in Autism and Pervasive Developmental
Disabilities Epidemiology.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Director
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall
(subject to the extent of amounts made available in
appropriations Acts) establish not less than 3, and not more
than 5, regional centers of excellence in autism and pervasive
developmental disabilities epidemiology for the purpose of collecting
and analyzing information on the number, incidence, correlates, and
causes of autism and related developmental disabilities.
(2) Recipients of awards for establishment of centers.--
Centers under paragraph (1) shall be established and operated
through the awarding of grants or cooperative agreements to
public or nonprofit private entities that conduct research,
including health departments of States and political
subdivisions of States, and including universities and other
educational entities.
(3) Certain requirements.--An award for a center under
paragraph (1) may be made only if the entity involved submits
to the Secretary an application containing such agreements and
information as the Secretary may require, including an
agreement that the center involved will operate in accordance
with the following:
(A) The center will collect, analyze, and report
autism and pervasive developmental disabilities data
according to guidelines prescribed by the Director,
after consultation with relevant State and local public
health officials, private sector developmental
disability researchers, and advocates for those with
developmental disabilities.
(B) The center will assist with the development and
coordination of State autism and pervasive
developmental disabilities surveillance efforts within
a region.
(C) The center will provide education, training,
and clinical skills improvement for health
professionals aimed at better understanding and
treatment of autism and related developmental
disabilities.
(D) The center will identify eligible cases and
controls through its surveillance systems and conduct
research into factors which may cause autism and
related developmental disabilities. Each program will
develop or extend an area of special research expertise
(including genetics, environmental exposure to
contaminants, immunology, and other relevant research
specialty areas).
(c) Clearinghouse.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall carry out the
following:
(1) The Secretary shall establish a clearinghouse within
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the
collection and storage of data generated from the monitoring
programs created by this Act. Through the clearinghouse, such
Centers shall serve as the coordinating agency for autism and
pervasive developmental disabilities surveillance activities.
The functions of such a clearinghouse shall include
facilitating the coordination of research and policy
development relating to the epidemiology of autism and other
pervasive developmental disabilities.
(2) The Secretary, acting through the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, shall coordinate the Federal response
to requests for assistance from State health department
officials regarding potential or alleged autism or
developmental disability clusters.
(d) Definition.--In this Act, the term ``State'' means each of the
several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Virgin Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there is authorized to be appropriated $7,500,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2000 through 2004.
SEC. 5. INFORMATION AND EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish and implement a
program to provide information and education on autism to health
professionals and the general public, including information and
education on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of autism and
training and continuing education through programs for scientists,
physicians, and other health professionals who provide care for
patients with autism.
(b) Stipends.--The Secretary may use amounts made available under
this section to provide stipends for health professionals who are
enrolled in training programs under this section.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there is authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2000 through 2004.
SEC. 6. INTER-AGENCY AUTISM COORDINATING COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a committee to be
known as the ``Autism Coordinating Committee'' (in this section
referred to as the ``Committee'') to coordinate all efforts within the
Department of Health and Human Services concerning autism, including
activities carried out through the National Institutes of Health and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under this Act (and the
amendment made by this Act).
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Committee shall be composed of the
Directors of such national research institutes, of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and of such other agencies
and such other officials as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(2) Additional members.--If determined appropriate by the
Secretary, the Secretary may appoint to the Committee--
(A) parents or legal guardians of individuals with
autism or other pervasive developmental disorders; and
(B) representatives of other governmental agencies
that serve children with autism such as the Department
of Education.
(c) Administrative Support; Terms of Service; Other Provisions.--
The following shall apply with respect to the Committee:
(1) The Committee shall receive necessary and appropriate
administrative support from the Department of Health and Human
Services.
(2) Members of the Committee appointed under subsection
(b)(2)(A) shall serve for a term of 3 years, and may serve for
an unlimited number of terms if reappointed.
(3) The Committee shall meet not less than 2 times per
year.
(4) Members of the Committee shall not receive additional
compensation for their service. Such members may receive
reimbursement for appropriate and additional expenses that are
incurred through service on the Committee which would not have
incurred had they not been a member of the Committee.
SEC. 7. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than January 1, 2000, and each January 1 thereafter, the
Secretary shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress, a report concerning the implementation of this Act and the
amendments made by this Act. | Advancement in Pediatric Autism Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of NIH with respect to autism. Requires the Director, among other things, to make awards of grants and contracts to public or nonprofit entities for centers of excellence regarding research on autism. Authorizes appropriations.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) make awards of grants and cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities to public or nonprofit private entities; (2) establish up to five regional centers of excellence in autism and pervasive developmental disabilities epidemiology, through grants or cooperative agreements, for purposes of collecting and analyzing information on autism and developmental disabilities; (3) establish a clearinghouse within the Center for the collection and storage of data generated from the monitoring programs created by this Act; and (4) coordinate the Federal response to requests for assistance from State health department officials regarding potential or alleged autism or developmental disability clusters.
Authorizes appropriations.
Requires the Secretary to establish a program to provide information and education on autism to health professionals and the general public. Authorizes appropriations.
Directs the Secretary to establish an Autism Coordinating Committee to coordinate HHS efforts concerning autism. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Advancement in Pediatric Autism Research Act"} | 3,095 | 306 | 0.496233 | 1.429488 | 0.702831 | 4.586957 | 10.869565 | 0.942029 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission
Indians Land Transfer Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. TRANSFER OF LAND IN TRUST FOR PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO MISSION
INDIANS.
(a) Transfer and Administration.--
(1) Transfer.--Effective on the date of the enactment of this
Act and subject to valid existing rights, all right, title, and
interest of the United States in and to the Federal lands described
in subsection (b) (including all improvements thereon,
appurtenances thereto, and rights to all minerals thereon or
therein, including oil and gas, water, and related resources) shall
be held by the United States in trust for the Pechanga Band of
Luiseno Mission Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe. Such
transfer shall not include the 12.82 acres of lands more or less,
including the facilities, improvements, and appurtenances
associated with the existing 230 kV transmission line in San Diego
County and its 300 foot corridor, more particularly described as a
portion of sec. 6, T. 9 S., R. 2 W., San Bernardino Base and
Meridian, which shall be sold by the Bureau of Land Management for
fair market value to San Diego Gas & Electric Company not later
than 30 days after the completion of the cadastral survey described
in subsection (c) and the appraisal described in subsection (d).
(2) Administration.--The land transferred under paragraph (1)
shall be part of the Pechanga Indian Reservation and administered
in accordance with--
(A) the laws and regulations generally applicable to
property held in trust by the United States for an Indian
tribe; and
(B) a memorandum of understanding entered into between the
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians the Bureau of Land
Management, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on
November 11, 2005, which shall remain in effect until the date
on which the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan expires.
(3) Notification.--At least 45 days before terminating the
memorandum of understanding entered into under paragraph (2)(B),
the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, the Director of the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Pechanga Band of
Luiseno Mission Indians, as applicable, shall submit notice of the
termination to--
(A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives;
(B) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;
(C) the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs; and
(D) the members of Congress representing the area subject
to the memorandum of understanding.
(4) Termination or violation of the memorandum of
understanding.--The Director of the Bureau of Land Management and
the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians shall submit to
Congress notice of the termination or a violation of the memorandum
of understanding entered into under paragraph (2)(B) unless the
purpose for the termination or violation is the expiration or
cancellation of the Western Riverside County Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan.
(b) Description of Land.--The lands referred to in subsection (a)
consist of approximately 1,178 acres in Riverside County, California,
and San Diego County, California, as referenced on the map titled,
``H.R. 28, the Pechanga Land Transfer Act'' and dated May 2, 2007,
2007, which, before the transfer under such subsection, were
administered by the Bureau of Land Management and are more particularly
described as follows:
(1) Sections 24, 29, 31, and 32 of township 8 south, range 2
west, San Bernardino base and meridian.
(2) Section 6 of township 9 south, range 2 west, lots 2, 3, 5
and 6, San Bernardino Base and Meridian.
(3) Mineral Survey 3540, section 22 of township 5 south, range
4 west, San Bernardino base and meridian.
(c) Survey.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Office of Cadastral Survey of the Bureau of
Land Management shall complete a survey of the lands transferred and to
be sold under subsection (a) for the purpose of establishing the
boundaries of the lands.
(d) Conveyance of Utility Corridor.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall convey to the San Diego
Gas & Electric Company all right, title, and interest of the United
States in and to the utility corridor upon--
(A) the completion of the survey required under subsection
(c);
(B) the receipt by the Secretary of all rents and other
fees that may be due to the United States for use of the
utility corridor, if any; and
(C) the receipt of payment by United States from the San
Diego Gas & Electric Company of consideration in an amount
equal to the fair market value of the utility corridor, as
determined by an appraisal conducted under paragraph (2).
(2) Appraisal.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date on
which the survey of the utility corridor is completed under
subsection (c), the Secretary shall complete an appraisal of
the utility corridor.
(B) Applicable law.--The appraisal under subparagraph (A)
shall be conducted in accordance with--
(i) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisitions; and
(ii) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(3) Costs.--The San Diego Gas & Electric Company shall pay the
costs of carrying out the conveyance of the utility corridor under
paragraph (1), including any associated survey and appraisal costs.
(4) Disposition of proceeds.--The Secretary shall deposit any
amounts received under paragraph (1)(C) of this section in the
Federal Land Disposal Account established under section 206(a) of
the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (43 U.S.C. 2305(a)).
(e) Map on File.--The map referred to in subsection (b) shall be on
file in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
(f) Legal Descriptions.--
(1) Publication.--On approval of the survey completed under
subsection (c) by the duly elected tribal council of the Pechanga
Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, the Secretary of the Interior
shall publish in the Federal Register--
(A) a legal description of the boundary lines; and
(B) legal description of the lands transferred under
subsection (a).
(2) Effect.--Beginning on the date on which the legal
descriptions are published under paragraph (1), such legal
descriptions shall be the official legal descriptions of the
boundary lines and the lands transferred under subsection (a).
(g) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this Act shall--
(1) enlarge, impair, or otherwise affect any right or claim of
the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians to any land or
interest in land that is in existence before the date of the
enactment of this Act;
(2) affect any water right of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno
Mission Indians in existence before the date of the enactment of
this Act; or
(3) terminate any right-of-way or right-of-use issued, granted,
or permitted before the date of enactment of this Act.
(h) Restricted Use of Transferred Lands.--
(1) In general.--The lands transferred under subsection (a) may
be used only as open space and for the protection, preservation,
and maintenance of the archaeological, cultural, and wildlife
resources thereon.
(2) No roads.--There shall be no roads other than for
maintenance purposes constructed on the lands transferred under
subsection (a).
(3) Development prohibited.--
(A) In general.--There shall be no development of
infrastructure or buildings on the land transferred under
subsection (a).
(B) Open space.--The land transferred under subsection (a)
shall be--
(i) maintained as open space; and
(ii) used only for--
(I) purposes consistent with the maintenance of the
land as open space; and
(II) the protection, preservation, and maintenance
of the archaeological, cultural, and wildlife resources
on the land transferred.
(C) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the
construction or maintenance of utilities or structures that
are--
(i) consistent with the maintenance of the land
transferred under subsection (a) as open space; and
(ii) constructed for the protection, preservation, and
maintenance of the archaeological, cultural, and wildlife
resources on the land transferred.
(4) Gaming prohibited.--The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission
Indians may not conduct, on any land acquired by the Pechanga Band
of Luiseno Mission Indians pursuant to this Act, gaming activities
or activities conducted in conjunction with the operation of a
casino--
(A) as a matter of claimed inherent authority; or
(B) under any Federal law (including the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) (including any
regulations promulgated by the Secretary or the National Indian
Gaming Commission under that Act)).
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2007 - Transfers certain lands in Riverside and San Diego Counties, California, from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the United States to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians.
Prohibits such transfer from including the 12.82 acres of lands more or less, including the facilities, improvements, and appurtenances associated with the existing 230kV transmission line in San Diego County and its 300 foot corridor, which shall be sold by BLM for fair market value to the San Diego Gas & Electric Company not later than 30 days after the completion of the cadastral survey and appraisal described in this Act.
Requires: (1) conveyance of the utility corridor to the Gas & Electric Company; and (2) the Company to pay the costs of carrying out the conveyance of the utility corridor, including any associated survey and appraisal costs.
Allows the transferred lands to be used only as open space and for the protection, preservation, and maintenance of archeological, cultural, and wildlife resources. Bars the construction of any roads on such lands other than for maintenance purposes. Prohibits the development of infrastructure or buildings on the transferred land.
Prohibits the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians from conducting gaming activities or activities conducted in conjunction with the operation of a casino: (1) as a matter of claimed inherent authority; or (2) under any federal law, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (including any regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior or the National Indian Gaming Commission under such Act). | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To transfer certain land in Riverside County, California, and San Diego County, California, from the Bureau of Land Management to the United States to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, and for other purposes."} | 2,038 | 360 | 0.710999 | 2.434159 | 0.74104 | 4.940789 | 6.095395 | 0.947368 |
That (a) part III of
subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to items specifically excluded from income) is amended by
redesignating section 137 as section 138 and by inserting after section
136 the following new section:
``SEC. 137. CERTAIN PENSIONS AND ANNUITIES UNDER STATE OR LOCAL
RETIREMENT SYSTEMS.
``(a) General Rule.--Gross income does not include any amount
(otherwise includible in gross income) received by an individual as a
qualified governmental pension.
``(b) Dollar Limitation.--The aggregate amount excluded under
subsection (a) for the taxable year shall not exceed--
``(1) the social security exclusion amount applicable to
the taxpayer for such year, reduced by
``(2) the sum of--
``(A) the aggregate amount excluded from gross
income under section 72(b) with respect to any
qualified governmental pension, and
``(B) the social security benefits (within the
meaning of section 86(d)) received by the taxpayer
during such year which were excluded from gross income.
``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified governmental pension.--The term `qualified
governmental pension' means any pension or annuity received
under a State or local retirement system to the extent such
pension or annuity is not attributable to service--
``(A) which constitutes employment for purposes of
chapter 21 (relating to the Federal Insurance
Contributions Act), or
``(B) which is covered by an agreement made
pursuant to section 218 of the Social Security Act.
``(2) Social security exclusion amount.--The social
security exclusion amount applicable to any taxpayer for any
taxable year is the portion of the aggregate amount received as
a qualified governmental pension by such individual during such
taxable year which would not be includible in gross income if
the amounts so received were social security benefits (as
defined in section 86(d)). For purposes of the preceding
sentence, amounts received as a qualified governmental pension
during such taxable year shall not be taken into account to the
extent such amounts exceed the applicable maximum benefit
amount.
``(3) Applicable maximum benefit amount.--The term
`applicable maximum benefit amount' means--
``(A) in the case of an unmarried individual, the
maximum individual social security benefit,
``(B) in the case of a joint return, 150 percent of
the maximum individual social security benefit, or
``(C) in the case of a married individual filing a
separate return, 75 percent of the maximum individual
social security benefit.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, marital status shall be
determined under section 143.
``(4) Maximum individual social security benefit.--
``(A) In general.--The term `maximum individual
social security benefit' means, with respect to any
taxable year, the maximum total amount (as certified by
the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the
Secretary) which could be paid for all months in the
calendar year ending in the taxable year as old-age
insurance benefits under section 202(a) of the Social
Security Act (without regard to any reduction,
deduction, or offset under section 202(k) or section
203 of such Act) to any individual who attained age 65,
and filed application for such benefits, on the first
day of such calendar year.
``(B) Part years.--In the case of an individual who
receives a qualified governmental pension with respect
to a period of less than a full taxable year, the
maximum individual social security benefit for such
individual for such year shall be reduced as provided
in regulations prescribed by the Secretary to properly
correspond to such period.
``(5) State or local retirement system.--The term `State or
local retirement system' means any pension, annuity,
retirement, or similar fund or system established by a State,
any political subdivision of a State, or the District of
Columbia.''
(b) Subparagraph (A) of section 86(b)(2) of such Code (defining
modified adjusted gross income) is amended by inserting ``137,'' before
``911''.
(c) The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of chapter 1
of such Code (relating to items specifically excluded from income) is
amended by redesignating the item relating to section 137 as section
138 and by inserting after the item relating to section 136 the
following new item:
``Sec. 137. Certain pensions and
annuities under State or local
retirement systems.''
(d) The amendments made by this Act shall apply to taxable years
beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any amount received by an individual as a governmental pension under a State or local retirement system. Limits such amount to the applicable social security exclusion. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide individuals receiving State or local governmental pensions an exclusion equivalent to that received by social security recipients."} | 1,065 | 46 | 0.560839 | 1.220796 | 0.954137 | 3.512821 | 24.871795 | 0.897436 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Guaranteed 3 Percent COLA for
Seniors Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR ELDERLY CONSUMERS.
(a) In General.--The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department
of Labor shall prepare and publish an index for each calendar month to
be known as the ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers'' that
indicates changes over time in expenditures for consumption which are
typical for individuals in the United States who are 62 years of age or
older.
(b) Effective Date.--Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to
calendar months ending on or after July 31 of the calendar year
following the calendar year in which this Act is enacted.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of
this section.
SEC. 3. COMPUTATION OF COST-OF-LIVING INCREASES.
(a) In General.--Section 215(i) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 415(i)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(G), by inserting before the period the
following: ``, and, solely with respect to any monthly
insurance benefit payable under this title to an individual who
has attained age 62, effective for adjustments under this
subsection to the primary insurance amount on which such
benefit is based (or to any such benefit under section 227 or
228) occurring after such individual attains such age, the
applicable Consumer Price Index shall be the Consumer Price
Index for Elderly Consumers and such primary insurance amount
shall be adjusted under this subsection using such Index'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(A)(ii), by adding at the end the
following: ``In the case of individuals referred to in
subdivision (I) or (II) who have attained age 62, irrespective
of whether the Commissioner makes a determination described in
the first sentence of this clause with respect to the base
quarter in any year, effective for adjustments under this
subsection to the primary insurance amount on which such
individual's monthly insurance benefit is based occurring after
such individual attains such age (or to any such benefit under
section 227 or 228), the Commissioner shall, effective with the
month of December of such year, increase benefit amounts and
primary insurance amounts of such individuals under this clause
as if such base quarter were a cost of living computation
quarter and the applicable increase percentage with respect to
such base quarter were equal to the greater of 3 percent or the
applicable increase percentage (if any) with respect to such
base quarter.''; and
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and by section 9001''
and inserting ``, by section 9001'', and by inserting after
``1986,'' the following: ``and by section 3 of the Guaranteed 3
Percent COLA for Seniors Act of 2015,''.
(b) Conforming Amendments in Applicable Former Law.--Section 215(i)
of such Act, as in effect in December 1978 and applied in certain cases
under the provisions of such Act in effect after December 1978, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting before the period the
following: ``, and, solely with respect to any monthly
insurance benefit payable under this title to an individual who
has attained age 62, effective for adjustments under this
subsection to the primary insurance amount on which such
benefit is based (or to any such benefit under section 227 or
228) occurring after such individual attains such age, the
applicable Consumer Price Index shall be the Consumer Price
Index for Elderly Consumers and such primary insurance amount
shall be adjusted under this subsection using such Index''; and
(2) by adding at the end of paragraph (2)(A)(ii) the
following: ``In the case of individuals referred to in the
first sentence of this clause who have attained age 62,
irrespective of whether the Commissioner makes a determination
described in the first sentence of this clause with respect to
the base quarter in any year, effective for adjustments under
this subsection to the primary insurance amount on which such
individual's monthly insurance benefit is based occurring after
such individual attains such age (or to any such benefit under
section 227 or 228), the Commissioner shall, effective with the
month of December of such year, increase benefit amounts and
primary insurance amounts of such individuals under this clause
as if such base quarter were a cost of living computation
quarter and the percentage referred to in the first sentence of
this clause with respect to such base quarter were equal to the
greater of 3 percent or the percentage (if any) otherwise
referred to in the first sentence of this clause with respect
to such base quarter.''.
(c) Protection of Benefits Subject to the Family Maximum.--Section
203(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 403(a)) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(11) In determining whether total monthly benefits based on any
primary insurance amount exceed the amount permitted under this
subsection, the Commissioner shall disregard the portion of any benefit
otherwise payable to any beneficiary under this title which is
attributable to so much of any increases in benefits which would not
have occurred but for the application of the last sentence of section
215(i)(2)(A)(ii) (or the last sentence of section 215(i)(2)(A)(ii) as
in effect in December 1978 (as amended) and applied in certain cases
under the provisions of such Act in effect after December 1978).''.
(d) Rule of Construction.--This section and the amendments made
thereby shall not be construed as a general benefit increase for
purposes of section 215(i) of the Social Security Act (and section
215(i) of such Act as in effect in December 1978 and applied in certain
cases under the provisions of such Act in effect after December 1978).
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to determinations made with respect to base quarters ending on or
after September 30 of the second calendar year following the calendar
year in which this Act is enacted. | Guaranteed 3 Percent COLA for Seniors Act of 2015 Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor to prepare and publish a monthly Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers that indicates changes over time in expenditures for consumption which are typical for individuals in the United States age 62 or older. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require the use of such index to compute cost-of-living increases for Social Security benefits; and (2) provide, in the case of individuals who have attained age 62, for an annual cost-of-living increase of at least 3%. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Guaranteed 3 Percent COLA for Seniors Act of 2015"} | 1,371 | 148 | 0.592772 | 1.767358 | 0.682298 | 3.924242 | 9.477273 | 0.893939 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Regulatory
Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION
Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 1994 and
1995.
Sec. 102. Allocation of amounts authorized.
Sec. 103. Retention of funds.
Sec. 104. Transfer of certain funds.
Sec. 105. Limitation.
TITLE II--NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SAFETY AND SECURITY
Sec. 201. Notification requirements.
Sec. 202. Civil monetary penalties for violations of rules,
regulations, orders, or licensing
requirements.
Sec. 203. Report of Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards.
Sec. 204. Carrying of firearms by licensee employees.
Sec. 205. Unauthorized introduction of dangerous weapons.
Sec. 206. Sabotage of production, utilization, or waste storage
facilities under construction.
Sec. 207. Civil penalties for violations of medical therapy licenses.
Sec. 208. Training and education for medical therapy licenses.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION
SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEARS 1994 AND
1995.
(a) Salaries and Expenses.--In accordance with section 261 of the
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2017) and section 305 of the
Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5875), there are
authorized to be appropriated to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to
remain available until expended--
(1) $530,200,000 for fiscal year 1994, of which $22,000,000
are authorized to be appropriated from the Nuclear Waste Fund
established by section 302(c) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act
of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10222(c)) (referred to in this title as the
``Nuclear Waste Fund''); and
(2) $541,417,000 for fiscal year 1995, of which $22,000,000
are authorized to be appropriated from the Nuclear Waste Fund.
(b) Office of the Inspector General.--In accordance with section
1105(a)(25) of title 31, United States Code, there are authorized to be
appropriated to the Office of the Inspector General of the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, to remain available until expended--
(1) $4,800,000 for fiscal year 1994; and
(2) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1995.
SEC. 102. ALLOCATION OF AMOUNTS AUTHORIZED.
(a) In General.--The amounts authorized to be appropriated under
section 101(a) for fiscal years 1994 and 1995 shall be allocated as
follows:
(1) Reactor safety and safeguards regulation.--Not more
than $161,002,000 for fiscal year 1994, and not more than
$166,215,000 for fiscal year 1995, may be used for reactor
safety and safeguards regulation.
(2) Reactor safety research.--Not more than $92,795,000 for
fiscal year 1994, and not more than $89,318,000 for fiscal year
1995, may be used for reactor safety research.
(3) Reactor special and independent reviews,
investigations, and enforcement.--Not more than $30,731,000 for
fiscal year 1994, and not more than $31,674,000 for fiscal year
1995, may be used for reactor special and independent reviews,
investigations, and enforcement.
(4) Nuclear material and low-level waste safety and
safeguards regulation.--Not more than $61,627,000 for fiscal
year 1994, and not more than $66,556,000 for fiscal year 1995,
may be used for nuclear material and low-level waste safety and
safeguards regulation.
(5) High-level nuclear waste regulation.--Not more than
$22,000,000 for fiscal year 1994, and not more than $22,000,000
for fiscal year 1995, from the Nuclear Waste Fund, may be used
for high-level nuclear waste regulation.
(6) Nuclear safety management and support.--Not more than
$162,045,000 for fiscal year 1994, and not more than
$165,654,000 for fiscal year 1995, may be used for nuclear
safety management and support.
(b) Limitations Concerning Reactor Safety Research.--The Nuclear
Regulatory Commission may use not more than 1 percent of the amounts
allocated under subsection (a)(2) to exercise the authority of the
Commission under section 31 a. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42
U.S.C. 2051(a)) to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements
with organizations, including universities, State and local
governments, and not-for-profit institutions. Grants made by the
Commission under such section shall be made in accordance with chapter
63 of title 31, United States Code, and other applicable law.
(c) Reallocation.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and
(3), an amount allocated for a fiscal year to the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission pursuant to a paragraph of subsection (a)
for the purpose of the program referred to in the paragraph,
may be reallocated by the Commission for use in a program
referred to in any other paragraph of such subsection.
(2) Limitation on reallocation.--The amount available from
appropriations for a fiscal year for use in a program referred
to in subsection (a) may not, as a result of reallocations made
under paragraph (1), be increased or reduced by more than
$500,000 until the date that is 30 days after the date on which
the Commission notifies the Committee on Energy and Commerce
and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public
Works of the Senate of the increase or reduction. The
notification shall contain a full and complete statement of the
reallocation to be made and the facts and circumstances relied
on in support of the reallocation.
(3) Use of certain funds.--Amounts authorized to be
appropriated from the Nuclear Waste Fund under this title may
be used only for the high-level nuclear waste activities of the
Commission and may not be reallocated for other Commission
activities.
SEC. 103. RETENTION OF FUNDS.
Amounts received by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the
cooperative nuclear safety research program, services rendered to
foreign governments and international organizations, and the material
and information access authorization programs (including criminal
history checks under section 149 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42
U.S.C. 2169))--
(1) notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, United States
Code, may be retained and used, subject to appropriations, for
salaries and expenses associated with the activities referred
to in this section; and
(2) shall remain available until expended.
SEC. 104. TRANSFER OF CERTAIN FUNDS.
(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), from amounts
appropriated to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission pursuant to section
101(a), except for appropriations from the Nuclear Waste Fund, the
Commission may transfer amounts to the Office of the Inspector General
of the Commission.
(b) Maximum Transfer.--For each fiscal year, the total amount
transferred under subsection (a) may not exceed 5 percent of the amount
authorized to be appropriated under section 101(b) for the fiscal year.
SEC. 105. LIMITATION.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, no authority to
make payments under this title shall be effective except to such extent
or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts.
TITLE II--NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SAFETY AND SECURITY
SEC. 201. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
Section 206 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C.
5846) is amended to read as follows:
``noncompliance
``Sec. 206. (a) In General.--A person who constructs, owns,
operates, or supplies a component of a facility or activity that is
licensed or otherwise regulated by the Commission pursuant to the
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) (including a
facility leased by the United States Enrichment Corporation established
under title II of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2297 et
seq.)), or pursuant to this Act, and who obtains information reasonably
indicating that the facility or activity or a basic component supplied
to the facility or activity contains a defect, or fails to comply with
the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or an applicable rule, regulation, order,
or license of the Commission, shall immediately notify the Commission
of the defect or failure to comply--
``(1) if the defect or failure to comply could create a
substantial safety hazard (as defined by regulations issued by
the Commission); and
``(2) unless the person has actual knowledge that the
Commission has been informed in writing of the defect or
failure to comply.
``(b) Regulations.--The Commission may issue such regulations and
orders as the Commission considers necessary to ensure compliance with
this section, including regulations and orders that require a person
subject to this section to develop and implement procedures, consistent
with the notification requirements of subsection (a), to identify,
evaluate, and report defects and failures to comply.
``(c) Penalties for Failure to Notify.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a
person who fails to provide a notification required under
subsection (a), or who violates a regulation or order issued
under subsection (b), shall be subject to a civil penalty in
the same manner and amount as is provided for a violation that
is subject to a civil penalty under section 234 of the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2282).
``(2) Exception.--An individual who is subject to this
section solely because of the employment of the individual by a
person subject to this section shall be assessed a civil
penalty for failure to provide notice pursuant to subsection
(a) only if the individual has actual knowledge of--
``(A) the notification requirement of subsection
(a); and
``(B) a defect or a failure to comply described in
subsection (a).
``(d) Posting of Requirements.--A description of the requirements
of this section shall be prominently posted on the business premises of
a person who is required to notify the Commission of a defect or
failure to comply under subsection (a).
``(e) Inspection and Enforcement.--The Commission may conduct such
reasonable inspections, investigations, and other enforcement
activities as the Commission considers necessary to ensure compliance
with this section and with any regulations and orders issued under this
section.
``(f) Applicability.--
``(1) Definition of person.--As used in this section, the
term `person' has the same meaning as is provided in section 11
s. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014(s)), except
that--
``(A) the term also includes the Department of
Energy with respect to--
``(i) a facility of the Department
regulated by the Commission; and
``(ii) an item provided by the Department
as a component to a licensee; and
``(B) the term does not include an individual
unless the individual is--
``(i) a sole proprietor or partner of a
business that constructs, owns, operates, or
supplies a component referred to in subsection
(a); or
``(ii) a director or responsible officer
employed by a person subject to such
subsection.
``(2) United states enrichment corporation.--This section
shall apply to the United States Enrichment Corporation
established under title II of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42
U.S.C. 2297 et seq.) and a facility leased by the Corporation,
and a director or officer of the Corporation, to the same
extent as this section applies to any other person subject to
this section.''.
SEC. 202. CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF RULES,
REGULATIONS, ORDERS, OR LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Subsection a. of section 234 of the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2282(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``a. Civil Penalties.--
``(1) In general.--A person who--
``(A) violates--
``(i) a licensing provision of section 53,
57, 62, 63, 81, 82, 101, 103, 104, 107, or 109,
or a rule, regulation, or order issued under
the provision;
``(ii) a certification provision of section
1701, or a rule or regulation issued under the
provision;
``(iii) a term, condition, or limitation of
a license or certification issued under a
section referred to in clause (i) or (ii); or
``(iv) a rule, regulation, or order issued
under subsection b., i., or o. of section 161;
or
``(B) commits a violation for which a license may
be revoked under section 186;
shall be subject to a civil penalty, to be imposed by the
Commission, of not to exceed $100,000 for each such violation.
``(2) Continuing violations.--If a violation described in
paragraph (1) continues for more than 1 day, each day of the
violation shall constitute a separate violation for the purpose
of determining the applicable civil penalty.
``(3) Modification of penalty.--The Commission may
compromise, mitigate, or remit a penalty required to be imposed
under this subsection.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 234 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2282) is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by inserting ``Rules,
Regulations, Orders, or'' before ``Licensing
Requirements'';
(B) by inserting after ``b.'' the following:
``Notification by the Commission.--''; and
(C) by inserting after ``c.'' the following:
``Action by the Attorney General.--''.
(2) The table of contents of such Act (42 U.S.C. prec.
2011) is amended by striking the item relating to section 234
and inserting the following new item:
``Sec. 234. Civil monetary penalties for violations of rules,
regulations, orders, or licensing
requirements.''.
SEC. 203. REPORT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REACTOR SAFEGUARDS.
The sixth sentence of section 29 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954
(42 U.S.C. 2039) is amended by striking ``annually'' and inserting
``every 2 years''.
SEC. 204. CARRYING OF FIREARMS BY LICENSEE EMPLOYEES.
Section 161 k. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2201(k))
is amended--
(1) in the first complete sentence--
(A) by inserting ``and licensees (including
employees of contractors of licensees)'' after ``(at
any tier)''; and
(B) by striking ``owned by or contracted to the
United States or being transported to or from such
facilities'' and inserting ``owned by or contracted to
the United States or licensed by the Commission, or
being transported to or from the facilities,'';
(2) in paragraph (1) of the fourth complete sentence, by
inserting ``or a licensee of the Commission'' after ``or a
contractor of the Department of Energy or Nuclear Regulatory
Commission''; and
(3) in the last complete sentence, by inserting ``and the
Commission'' after ``The Secretary''.
SEC. 205. UNAUTHORIZED INTRODUCTION OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS.
The first sentence of section 229 a. of the Atomic Energy Act of
1954 (42 U.S.C. 2278a(a)) is amended by inserting before the period at
the end the following: ``, or a production facility, utilization
facility, or facility for the receipt, storage, or disposal of spent
nuclear fuel that is subject to the licensing authority of the
Commission under this Act or any other Act''.
SEC. 206. SABOTAGE OF PRODUCTION, UTILIZATION, OR WASTE STORAGE
FACILITIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
(a) In General.--Subsection a. of section 236 of the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2284(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``a. In General.--A person who intentionally and willfully destroys
or causes physical damage to, or who intentionally and willfully
attempts to destroy or cause physical damage to--
``(1) a production facility or utilization facility
licensed under this Act;
``(2) a nuclear waste storage or disposal facility licensed
by the Commission under this Act or any other Act;
``(3) a production, utilization, or waste storage or
disposal facility subject to licensing by the Commission under
this Act or any other Act during the construction of the
facility, if the destruction or damage caused or attempted to
be caused could affect public health and safety during the
operation of the facility;
``(4) a nuclear fuel for a utilization facility licensed
under this Act, or a spent nuclear fuel from such a facility;
or
``(5) a uranium enrichment facility licensed by the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission;
shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 10
years, or both.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 236 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2284)
is amended by inserting after ``b.'' the following: ``Interruptions of
Normal Operation.--''.
SEC. 207. CIVIL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF MEDICAL THERAPY LICENSES.
Section 234(a)(1) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C.
2282(a)(1)) (as amended by section 202) is further amended by adding at
the end the following new sentence: ``The Commission shall set a base
amount of $20,000 for a violation of section 104 if the violation is of
either a Severity Level I or II magnitude.''.
SEC. 208. TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR MEDICAL THERAPY LICENSES.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall upgrade the education, training,
and experience requirements for those persons permitted under license
to possess nuclear byproduct materials for medical use. | TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Authorization of Appropriations for the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission
Title II: Nuclear Power Plant Safety and Security
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 -
Title I: Authorization of Appropriations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Authorizes appropriations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for FY 1994 and 1995 for salaries and expenses and for the Office of the Inspector General. Prescribes guidelines for allocation and transfer of funds.
Title II: Nuclear Power Plant Safety and Security
- Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to modify the notification requirements for NRC-regulated facilities that contain a defect or otherwise fail to comply with statutory safety requirements (including those leased by the United States Enrichment Corporation). Includes within such notification requirements Department of Energy (DOE) facilities regulated by the NRC and components supplied by DOE to licensees.
Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to: (1) modify the civil monetary penalties for violations of rules, regulations, orders, or licensing requirements; (2) revise from annual to biennial the dateline by which the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards must report to the Congress on reactor safety research; (3) permit NRC licensees and the employees of such licensees' contractors to carry firearms at NRC facilities; (4) authorize the NRC to promulgate regulations regarding the unauthorized introduction of dangerous weapons unto facilities within its licensing purview; (5) impose criminal penalties for the sabotage of NRC-licensed production, utilization, or waste storage facilities under construction; and (6) increase the base level penalty for certain violations of a medical therapy license.
Directs the NRC to upgrade the professional requirements for persons licensed to possess nuclear byproduct materials for medical use. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Nuclear Regulatory Commission Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995"} | 4,350 | 393 | 0.611188 | 1.998111 | 0.752331 | 3.011696 | 10.842105 | 0.847953 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Retirement Savings Security Act of
2011''.
SEC. 2. PARTICIPANT LOAN DEATH AND DISABILITY PROTECTION.
(a) Qualified Participant Loan Protection Arrangement.--Section 414
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting at the end
the following new subsection:
``(y) Qualified Participant Loan Protection Arrangement.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this title, the term
`qualified participant loan protection arrangement' means an
arrangement under which a participant or beneficiary who
receives (directly or indirectly) any amount as a loan from an
eligible retirement plan described in clause (iii), (iv), or
(vi) of section 402(c)(8)(B) has the option to obtain
protection against death and disability in the manner described
in paragraph (2).
``(2) Manner of providing protection.--For purposes of
paragraph (1)--
``(A) Manner of protection.--Protection against
death and disability described in this paragraph is
protection provided through--
``(i) a group insurance policy issued to
the plan for the sole purpose of providing
participant and beneficiary loan death and
disability insurance, or
``(ii) a debt protection product in which
debt protection is provided through appropriate
commercial contractual liability insurance.
``(B) Cost of debt protection.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A)(ii), a product shall not be treated as
a debt protection product unless the cost of such
product is allocated to the accounts of participants or
beneficiaries with outstanding loans.
``(C) Reimbursement requirement.--An arrangement
shall not be treated as providing protection against
death and disability for purposes of paragraph (1)
unless under such arrangement--
``(i) the plan, upon death or disability of
the participant or beneficiary, is required to
cancel any outstanding loan balance, and
``(ii) such protection provides for payment
to the plan of--
``(I) an amount equal to the
outstanding loan balance of the
participant or beneficiary, and
``(II) the amount taken into
account under section 402(m)(1)(B).
``(D) Election to opt out of coverage.--Protection
against death and disability under a qualified
participant loan protection arrangement shall apply
unless a participant or beneficiary elects in writing
to receive a loan without protection against
participant death or disability. Any such election
shall be irrevocable.
``(3) Rate of interest.--A loan described in paragraph (1)
shall not be treated as failing to bear a reasonable rate of
interest for purposes of any requirement of law solely because
the rate of interest under the loan is reduced by the cost of
the death and disability protection provided pursuant to this
subsection, and such protection may be taken into account in
determining whether a loan bears a reasonable rate of interest.
``(4) Definitions.--For purpose of this subsection--
``(A) Debt protection product.--The term `debt
protection product' means a loan term or contractual
arrangement modifying loan terms under which a plan
agrees to--
``(i) cancel all or part of a participant's
or beneficiary's obligation to repay an
extension of credit from that plan upon the
occurrence of a specified event; and
``(ii) in the event of a participant's or
beneficiary's death or disability, credit to
the account of such participant or beneficiary
of an additional amount equal to the amount
taken into account under section 402(m)(1)(B).
Such loan term or contractual arrangement may be
separate from or a part of other loan documents.
``(B) Disability.--The term `disability' means an
impairment described in section 72(m)(7) that causes a
participant to be disabled within the meaning of
section 72(m)(7).
``(5) Special rule.--A debt protection product used in
connection with a qualified participant loan protection
arrangement shall not be treated as a swap (as defined by
section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1a(47)))
or as a security-based swap (as defined by section 3(a)(68) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(68))).''.
(b) Deemed Distribution in Event of Death or Disability.--Paragraph
(2) of section 72(p) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by
redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E) and by inserting
after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph:
``(D) Qualified participant loan protection
arrangement.--In the event of the death or disability
of a participant or beneficiary, the amount of any
outstanding loan to the participant or beneficiary that
is cancelled pursuant to a group insurance policy or
debt protection product that was made available under a
qualified participant loan protection arrangement
described in section 414(y) shall be--
``(i) paid to the plan and credited to the
interest in the plan of the participant or
beneficiary,
``(ii) deemed distributed to such
participant or beneficiary (or his or her
specified beneficiaries) on the date of such
payment, and
``(iii) treated as an amount described in
paragraph (1)(A) on the date of such payment
and not as an amount described in section
61(a)(12).''.
(c) Exception to Income Inclusion Rules Relating to Purchase of
Life Insurance Protection.--Subparagraph (B) of section 72(m)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
following new sentence: ``This subparagraph shall not apply to any
amount that is a repayment of a loan to a participant or beneficiary by
a plan described in subparagraph (A)(i) or a trust described in
subparagraph (A)(ii), if that repayment is applied to the purchase of
participant and beneficiary loan death and disability protection
pursuant to a qualified participant loan protection arrangement
described in section 414(y).''.
(d) Exclusion From Gross Income for Certain Distributions Pursuant
to Cancelled Loan.--Section 402 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to the taxability of beneficiary of employees' trust) is
amended by inserting at the end the following new subsection:
``(m) Certain Distributions Pursuant to Cancelled Loan.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of an employee to whom
paragraph (2) applies (or the beneficiary of such employee),
gross income of such employee (or such beneficiary) does not
include any distribution from the eligible retirement plan
described in paragraph (2)(A) to the extent that--
``(A) such distribution is made on or before the
day prescribed by law (including extensions of time)
for filing such employee's or beneficiary's return for
the taxable year in which such employee dies or becomes
disabled, and
``(B) the aggregate amount of such distributions
does not exceed the excess of--
``(i) the proceeds of the group insurance
policy or debt protection product through which
the protection described in paragraph (2)(B) is
provided, over
``(ii) the amount of the deemed
distribution described in paragraph (2)(D).
For purposes of clause (i), not more than 135 percent
of the amount described in clause (ii) shall be taken
into account.
``(2) Application.--This paragraph shall apply to an
employee who--
``(A) receives a loan from an eligible retirement
plan described in clause (iii), (iv) or (vi) of
subsection (c)(8)(B),
``(B) obtains the protection described in section
414(y)(2) pursuant to a qualified participant and
beneficiary death and disability protection arrangement
described in section 414(y) with respect to such loan,
``(C) dies or becomes disabled, and
``(D) is deemed to receive a distribution pursuant
to section 72(p)(2)(D) following such death or
disability with respect to such loan.
``(3) Distribution.--A distribution described in paragraph
(1) shall be treated as not violating the requirements of
sections 401(k)(2), 403(b)(7)(A)(ii), and 403(b)(11).
``(4) Otherwise distributable amount.--A group insurance
policy or debt protection product may provide that the amount
that would otherwise be distributable pursuant to this
subsection may be paid directly by the issuer of such group
insurance policy or debt protection product to the employee.
Any such amount shall be treated as paid to the eligible
retirement plan and distributed to the employee pursuant to
this subsection.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall be
take effect with respect to loans made after the one year period
beginning on the day after the date of enactment of this Act.
(f) Application of Fiduciary Standards Under Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 With Respect to A Qualified Participant
Loan Protection Arrangement.--No person that, as a fiduciary of an
eligible retirement plan described in clause (iii), (iv) or (vi) of
section 402(c)(8)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, whether or
not such person has adopted a qualified participant loan protection
arrangement (as defined section 414(y) of such Code (added by
subsection (a) of this section)), shall be deemed to have violated
section 404 or 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 in connection with adopting or not adopting such an arrangement. | Retirement Savings Security Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a qualified participant loan protection arrangement to allow a participant or beneficiary who receives any amount as a loan from an eligible retirement plan (i.e., a qualified trust, an annuity plan, or an annuity contract) the option to obtain protection against death and disability through: (1) a group insurance policy issued to the plan for the sole purpose of providing participant and beneficiary loan death and disability insurance, or (2) a debt protection product in which debt protection is provided through appropriate commercial contractual liability insurance. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for death and disability protection for loans from qualified employer plans."} | 2,164 | 128 | 0.675947 | 1.745336 | 0.67091 | 4.380531 | 16.964602 | 0.946903 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Smarter Approach to Nuclear
Expenditures Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, the U.S.S.R. no longer
exists, and the Cold War is over. The nature of threats to the
national security and military interests of the United States
has changed. However, the United States continues to maintain
an enormous arsenal of nuclear weapons and delivery systems
that were devised with the Cold War in mind.
(2) The current nuclear arsenal of the United States
includes approximately 5,000 total nuclear warheads, of which
approximately 2,000 are deployed with three delivery
components: long-range strategic bomber aircraft, land-based
intercontinental ballistic missiles, and submarine-launched
ballistic missiles. The bomber fleet of the United States
comprises 93 B-52 and 20 B-2 aircraft. The United States
maintains 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles. The United
States also maintains 14 Ohio-class submarines, up to 12 of
which are deployed at sea. Each of these submarines is armed
with up to 96 independently targetable nuclear warheads.
(3) This Cold War-based approach to nuclear security comes
at significant cost. Over the next 10 years, the United States
will spend hundreds of billions of dollars maintaining its
nuclear force. A substantial decrease in the nuclear arsenal of
the United States is prudent for both the budget and national
security.
(4) The national security interests of the United States
can be well served by reducing the total number of deployed
nuclear warheads and their delivery systems, as suggested by
the Department of Defense's January 2012 strategic guidance
titled ``Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st
Century Defense''. Furthermore, a number of arms control,
nuclear, and national security experts have urged the United
States to reduce the number of deployed nuclear warheads to no
more than 1,000.
(5) Economic security and national security are linked and
both will be well served by smart defense spending. Admiral
Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated on
June 24, 2010, that ``Our national debt is our biggest national
security threat'' and on August 2, 2011, stated that ``I
haven't changed my view that the continually increasing debt is
the biggest threat we have to our national security.''.
(6) The Government Accountability Office has found that
there is significant waste in the construction of the nuclear
facilities of the National Nuclear Security Administration of
the Department of Energy.
SEC. 3. REDUCTION IN NUCLEAR FORCES.
(a) Prohibition on Use of B-2 and B-52 Aircraft for Nuclear
Missions.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the
funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for
fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year thereafter for the Department of
Defense may be obligated or expended to arm a B-2 or B-52 aircraft with
a nuclear weapon.
(b) Prohibition on New Long-Range Penetrating Bomber Aircraft.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds
authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any of
fiscal years 2013 through 2023 for the Department of Defense may be
obligated or expended for the research, development, test, and
evaluation or procurement of a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft.
(c) Prohibition on F-35 Nuclear Mission.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or
otherwise made available for fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year
thereafter for the Department of Defense or the Department of Energy
may be used to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of
carrying nuclear weapons.
(d) Termination of B61 LEP.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made
available for fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year thereafter for the
Department of Defense or the Department of Energy may be obligated or
expended for the B61 life extension program.
(e) Termination of W78 LEP.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made
available for fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year thereafter for the
Department of Defense or the Department of Energy may be obligated or
expended for the W78 life extension program.
(f) Reduction of Nuclear-Armed Submarines.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, beginning in fiscal year 2013, the forces of
the Navy shall include not more than eight operational ballistic-
missile submarines available for deployment.
(g) Limitation on SSBN-X Submarines.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law--
(1) none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or
otherwise made available for any of fiscal years 2013 through
2023 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended
for the procurement of an SSBN-X submarine; and
(2) none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or
otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 or any fiscal
year thereafter for the Department of Defense may be obligated
or expended for the procurement of more than eight such
submarines.
(h) Reduction of ICBMs.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made
available for fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year thereafter for the
Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to maintain more
than 200 intercontinental ballistic missiles.
(i) Reduction of SLBMs.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made
available for fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year thereafter for the
Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to maintain more
than 250 submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
(j) Prohibition on New ICBM.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise
made available for fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year thereafter for
the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended for the
research, development, test, and evaluation or procurement of a new
intercontinental ballistic missile.
(k) Termination of MOX Fuel Plant Project.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated
or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year
thereafter for the Department of Defense or the Department of Energy
may be obligated or expended for the Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication
Facility project.
(l) Termination of CMRR Project.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or
otherwise made available for fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year
thereafter for the Department of Defense or the Department of Energy
may be obligated or expended for the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research
Replacement nuclear facility.
(m) Termination of UPF.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made
available for fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year thereafter for the
Department of Defense or the Department of Energy may be obligated or
expended for the Uranium Processing Facility located at the Y-12
National Security Complex.
(n) Termination of MEADS.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made
available for fiscal year 2013 or any fiscal year thereafter for the
Department of Defense may be obligated or expended for the medium
extended air defense system.
SEC. 4. REPORTS REQUIRED.
(a) Initial Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of
Energy shall jointly submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report outlining the plan of each Secretary to carry out section 3.
(b) Annual Report.--Not later than March 1, 2013, and each year
thereafter, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy shall
jointly submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
outlining the plan of each Secretary to carry out section 3, including
any updates to previously submitted reports.
(c) Annual Nuclear Weapons Accounting.--Not later than September
30, 2013, and each year thereafter, the President shall transmit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing a comprehensive
accounting by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget of
the amounts obligated and expended by the Federal Government for each
nuclear weapon and related nuclear program during--
(1) the fiscal year covered by the report; and
(2) the life cycle of such weapon or program.
(d) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this section,
the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Foreign Relations, the Committee on Appropriations, and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee
on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Natural Resources
of the House of Representatives. | Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act - Prohibits using funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2013 or thereafter: (1) to arm a B-2 or B-52 aircraft with a nuclear weapon; (2) for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or procurement of a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft; (3) to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; or (4) for the B61 or W78 life extension program.
Requires that, beginning in FY2013, the Navy shall include no more than eight operational ballistic-missile submarines available for deployment.
Prohibits the use of DOD funds: (1) for FY2013-FY2023 to procure an SSBN-X submarine, and (2) for FY2024 and thereafter to procure more than eight such submarines.
Prohibits using DOD funds for FY2013 or thereafter: (1) to maintain more than 200 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), (2) to maintain more than 250 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, (3) for the RDT&E or procurement of a new ICBM, or (4) for the medium extended air defense system.
Prohibits using DOD or Department of Energy (DOE) funds for FY2013 or thereafter for: (1) the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility project, (2) the chemistry and metallurgy research replacement nuclear facility, and (3) the uranium processing facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex.
Requires an initial and subsequent annual reports from the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to Congress outlining their respective plans to carry out the requirements of this Act.
Directs the President to submit annually to Congress a comprehensive accounting by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the amounts obligated or expended by the federal government for each nuclear weapon and related nuclear program during the fiscal year covered by the report and the life cycle of such weapon or program. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To reduce the number of nuclear-armed submarines operated by the Navy, to prohibit the development of a new long-range penetrating bomber aircraft, to reduce the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles operated by the Department of Defense, and for other purposes."} | 1,987 | 441 | 0.48019 | 1.608461 | 0.767939 | 3.725067 | 4.838275 | 0.90027 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit
Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. REFUNDABLE CREDIT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS.
(a) In General.--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 inserting after section 36 the following new section:
``SEC. 36A. PURCHASE OF PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE BY FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of an individual who is a
first-time homebuyer of a principal residence in the United
States during any taxable year, there shall be allowed as a
credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable
year an amount equal to so much of the purchase price of the
residence as does not exceed $20,000.
``(2) Taxable income limitation.--No credit shall be
allowed under subsection (a) if the taxpayer's adjusted gross
income for the taxable year immediately preceding the taxable
year in which the purchase of the principal residence occurs
exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return).
``(b) Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) First-time homebuyer.--
``(A) In general.--The term `first-time homebuyer'
has the same meaning as when used in section
72(t)(8)(D)(i).
``(B) One-time only.--If an individual is treated
as a first-time homebuyer with respect to any principal
residence, such individual may not be treated as a
first-time homebuyer with respect to any other
principal residence.
``(C) Married individuals filing jointly.--In the
case of married individuals who file a joint return,
the credit under this section is allowable only if both
individuals are first-time homebuyers.
``(D) Other taxpayers.--If 2 or more individuals
who are not married purchase a principal residence--
``(i) the credit under this section is
allowable only if each of the individuals is a
first-time homebuyer, and
``(ii) the amount of the credit allowed
under subsection (a) shall be allocated among
such individuals in such manner as the
Secretary may prescribe.
``(2) Principal residence.--The term `principal residence'
has the same meaning as when used in section 121. Except as
provided in regulations, an interest in a partnership, S
corporation, or trust which owns an interest in a residence
shall not be treated as an interest in a residence.
``(3) Purchase.--
``(A) In general.--The term `purchase' means any
acquisition, but only if--
``(i) the property is not acquired from a
person whose relationship to the person
acquiring it 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 the
individual's spouse, ancestors, and lineal
descendants), 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.
``(4) Purchase price.--The term `purchase price' means the
adjusted basis of the principal residence on the date of
acquisition (within the meaning of section 72(t)(8)(D)(iii)).
``(c) Denial of Double Benefit.--No credit shall be allowed under
subsection (a) for any expense for which a deduction or credit is
allowed under any other provision of this chapter.
``(d) 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.
``(e) Property To Which Section Applies.--The provisions of this
section shall apply to a principal residence if the taxpayer purchases
the residence during the period beginning on the date of enactment, and
ending on the date which is 1 year after such date.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subsection (a) of section 1016 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to general rule for adjustments to
basis) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph
(36), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (37) and
inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(38) in the case of a residence with respect to which a
credit was allowed under section 36A, to the extent provided in
section 36A(d).''.
(2) Section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is
amended by inserting ``or 36A'' after ``36''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart C 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 36 the
following new item:
``Sec. 36A. Purchase of principal residence by first-time homebuyer.''. | First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer (i.e., an individual who had no ownership interest in a principal residence within the past two years) a one-time refundable credit for up to $20,000 of the purchase price of a principal residence. Reduces such credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes exceeding $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples filing jointly). | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refundable credit against income tax for the purchase of a principal residence by a first-time homebuyer."} | 1,319 | 111 | 0.664921 | 1.662366 | 0.918599 | 2.703297 | 12.912088 | 0.813187 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nation Building Here at Home Act of
2012''.
SEC. 2. TRANSFORMATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish
a transformational infrastructure competitive grant program to assist
infrastructure projects with the potential to significantly impact a
metropolitan area, a region, or all of the United States.
(b) Grant Authority.--In carrying out the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary may make a grant, on a competitive basis,
to any of the following:
(1) A State government.
(2) A local government.
(3) A transit agency.
(4) A port authority.
(c) Eligible Projects.--
(1) In general.--A grant made under subsection (b) may be
used for any of the following, if the Secretary determines that
the project will significantly impact a metropolitan area, a
region, or all of the United States:
(A) A highway or bridge project eligible under
title 23, United States Code, including interstate
rehabilitation, improvements to the rural collector
road system, the reconstruction of overpasses and
interchanges, bridge replacements, bridge painting,
seismic retrofit projects for bridges, and road
realignments.
(B) A public transportation project eligible under
chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, including
investment in a project participating in the New Starts
or Small Starts programs that will expedite the
completion of that project and its entry into revenue
service.
(C) A passenger or freight rail transportation
project.
(D) A port infrastructure investment, including a
project that connects ports to other modes of
transportation and improves the efficiency of freight
movement.
(E) An aviation infrastructure project.
(F) A water infrastructure project.
(2) Coordination.--With respect to a project described in
paragraph (1)(F), the Secretary shall coordinate any grant for
such a project with the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Secretary of the Army (acting through
the Chief of Engineers).
(d) Applications and Criteria for Grant Awards.--
(1) Applications.--To be eligible for a grant made under
subsection (b), an entity described in paragraph (1), (2), (3),
or (4) of that subsection shall submit to the Secretary an
application in such form, at such time, and containing such
information as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(2) Criteria for grant awards.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
issue regulations specifying the criteria that the Secretary
will use to make grants on a competitive basis under subsection
(b).
(3) Financial commitments.--The criteria specified by the
Secretary under paragraph (2) shall include criteria for the
consideration of--
(A) whether there are financial commitments in
place with respect to a proposed project;
(B) the degree of certainty with respect to such
financial commitments; and
(C) whether such financial commitments are from
non-Federal sources.
(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of a project
assisted with a grant made under subsection (b) may not exceed 100
percent of that cost.
(f) Considerations.--In making grants under subsection (b), the
Secretary shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that the grants--
(1) are distributed geographically in an equitable manner;
(2) address the needs of both urban and rural areas
appropriately;
(3) promote the training and employment of veterans,
including by having applicable contractors provide to veterans
a preference during the hiring and referral of laborers; and
(4) are utilized in a manner that ensures an appropriate
percentage of grant amounts are expended through small business
concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals (as determined by the Secretary).
(g) Applicability of Title 40.--Each project conducted using funds
provided with a grant made under subsection (b) shall comply with the
requirements of subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States
Code.
(h) Buy America.--
(1) In general.--None of the funds made available for a
project under this Act may be used for the project unless all
of the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the project
are produced in the United States.
(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply in any case
or category of cases in which the Secretary finds that--
(A) applying paragraph (1) would be inconsistent
with the public interest;
(B) iron, steel, or the relevant manufactured goods
are not produced in the United States in sufficient and
reasonably available quantities or to a satisfactory
quality; or
(C) inclusion of iron, steel, and manufactured
goods produced in the United States will increase the
cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent.
(3) Justifications.--If the Secretary determines that it is
necessary to waive the application of paragraph (1) based on a
finding under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall publish in the
Federal Register a detailed justification for the waiver.
(4) International agreements.--This subsection shall be
applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations
under international agreements.
(i) Transparency and Accountability.--In carrying out the program
established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
(1) take actions to ensure that grants made under
subsection (b) are utilized as expeditiously and efficiently as
possible;
(2) make available to the public, on an appropriate Web
site of the Department of Transportation, information on each
grant made under subsection (b); and
(3) submit to Congress, not later than 1 year after the
first grant is made under subsection (b), and annually
thereafter, information on grants made under subsection (b),
including the progress made on projects funded by such grants.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the program established under subsection (a)
the following:
(1) $250,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
(2) $250,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
(3) $250,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2015.
(4) $250,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.
(5) $250,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2017.
SEC. 3. NATION BUILDING HERE AT HOME FINANCING INITIATIVE.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation
with the Secretary of Transportation, shall establish a Nation Building
Here at Home Financing Initiative in accordance with this section.
(b) Authority To Issue Bonds.--In carrying out the initiative
established under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury may
issue bonds. The aggregate face amount of bonds issued under this
subsection may not exceed $300,000,000,000.
(c) Characteristics of Bonds.--Bonds issued under subsection (b)
shall be issued in such amounts, bear such rates of interest, and be
subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary of the Treasury
may prescribe.
(d) Use of Bond Proceeds.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall make
available to the Secretary of Transportation the proceeds resulting
from bonds issued under subsection (b). The Secretary of Transportation
may use such proceeds only to carry out the program established under
section 2(a) of this Act.
SEC. 4. REPORT.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress a
comprehensive report describing the transportation needs of the United
States for each of the following:
(1) The 20-year period beginning on the date of enactment
of this Act.
(2) The 30-year period beginning after the period described
in paragraph (1).
(3) The 50-year period beginning after the period described
in paragraph (2). | Nation Building Here at Home Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a transformational infrastructure competitive grant program to award grants to state and local governments, transit agencies, and port authorities for certain public transportation projects (including water infrastructure projects) with potential to significantly impact a metropolitan area, a region, or all of the United States.
Specifies the federal share of project costs at 100%.
Requires the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in projects funded under this Act to have been produced in the United States, except in specified circumstances.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Nation Building Here at Home Financing Initiative. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a transformational infrastructure competitive grant program, and for other purposes."} | 1,676 | 143 | 0.547994 | 1.442048 | 0.684438 | 4.374046 | 12.625954 | 0.877863 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Public Transportation Systems
Vulnerability Assessment and Reduction Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) Frontline transit employee.--The term ``frontline
transit employee'' means an employee of a mass transportation
agency who is a bus driver, transit operator, transit
maintenance employee, or community representative or is
otherwise employed in a position with direct interaction with
the public.
(2) Eligible transportation agency.--The term ``eligible
transportation agency'' means a designated recipient as defined
in section 5307(a) of title 49, United States Code, and any
other transportation agency designated by the Secretary.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Homeland Security.
SEC. 3. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS.
(a) Assessment.--The Secretary, in consultation with the heads of
other appropriate Federal departments and agencies, shall--
(1) conduct a review of all government assessments
conducted after September 11, 2001, of terrorist-related
threats to all forms of public transportation, including public
gathering areas related to public transportation; and
(2) as necessary, conduct additional assessments of
vulnerabilities associated with any public transportation
system.
(b) Adequacy of Training.--In conducting the review and assessments
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine the percentage of
frontline transit employees who have received training in emergency
preparedness and response activities.
(c) Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the
President and Congress a report on the results of the review
and assessments conducted under this subsection (a), including
the Secretary's finding under subsection (b), and the
Secretary's recommendations for legislative and administrative
actions.
(2) Updates.--The Secretary shall update the report,
including the Secretary's finding under subsection (b),
annually for 2 years and transmit the updated reports to the
President and Congress.
SEC. 4. GRANTS FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE TRAINING OF
FRONTLINE TRANSIT EMPLOYEES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may make grants to eligible
transportation agencies for--
(1) the training of frontline transit employees in
emergency preparedness and response activities; and
(2) the acquisition of equipment and technologies, approved
by the Secretary, to assist in carrying out such training and
activities.
(b) Training Activities.--Training activities under subsection
(a)(1) may include the teaching of best practice methods, planning,
testing, drills, and the development of agency and regional emergency
preparedness and response programs.
(c) Applications.--To be eligible for a grant under this section,
an eligible transportation agency shall submit to the Secretary an
application at the time and containing the information that the
Secretary requires by regulation.
(d) Terms and Conditions.--A grant to an eligible transportation
agency in a fiscal year under this section shall be subject to the
following terms and conditions:
(1) Emergency management committee.--The agency shall
certify that the agency will establish a committee on emergency
preparedness and response training consisting of at least one
frontline transit employee representative and at least one
management employee representative. The committee shall be
composed of an equal number of frontline transit employee
representatives and management employee representatives.
Committee positions shall not be vacant for any period in the
fiscal year of more than 30 days.
(2) Report.--The agency shall agree to submit to the
Secretary before the last day of the fiscal year a report on
the use of the grant, including a statement of the number of
frontline transit employees receiving training under the grant.
(e) Allocation of Grant Amounts.--The Secretary shall allocate
amounts made available for grants under this section in a fiscal year
among eligible transportation agencies based on the needs of the
agencies for emergency preparedness and response training and
equipment. Not less than 10 percent of such amounts shall be allocated
to eligible transportation agencies in non-urban areas.
(f) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of activities
funded using amounts from a grant under this section may not exceed 90
percent.
(g) Regulations.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to
carry out this section.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act
$8,000,000 per fiscal year for each of fiscal years 2004, 2005, and
2006. Such amounts shall remain available until expended. | Public Transportation Systems Vulnerability Assessment and Reduction Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to: (1) review all government assessments conducted after September 11, 2001, of terrorist-related threats to all forms of public transportation, including related public gathering areas; (2) conduct, as necessary, additional assessments of vulnerabilities associated with any public transportation system; and (3) determine the percentage of frontline transit employees who have received training in emergency preparedness and response activities.Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible transportation agencies for the training of frontline transit employees in emergency preparedness and response activities and the acquisition of approved equipment and technologies to assist in carrying out such training and activities. Allocates grant amounts among eligible transportation agencies based on their needs for emergency preparedness and response training and equipment, requiring not less than ten percent of such amounts to eligible transportation agencies in non-urban areas. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out activities to assess and reduce the vulnerabilities of public transportation systems."} | 1,016 | 192 | 0.714888 | 1.939922 | 0.952672 | 5.148571 | 5.348571 | 0.965714 |
SECTION 1. REDUCTION IN AMOUNT THAT A NONPARTY MULTICANDIDATE POLITICAL
COMMITTEE MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CANDIDATE IN A
CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION.
Section 315(a)(2)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
(2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting after ``$5,000'' the
following: ``, except that, with respect to an election for the office
of Senator or Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner
to, the Congress, the limitation applicable to a nonparty
multicandidate political committee under this subparagraph shall be
$1,000''.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION LIMITATION ON CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PERSONS
OTHER THAN IN-STATE INDIVIDUAL RESIDENTS.
Section 315 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
441a) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(i)(1) A candidate for the office of Senator or Representative
in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress may not, with
respect to a reporting period for an election, accept contributions
from persons other than in-State individual residents that, in total,
are equal to or greater than the total of contributions accepted from
in-State individual residents.
``(2) The exceptions relating to the name and address of a person
making a contribution of $50 or less and the date of such contribution,
as contained in subsection (b)(1), subsection (b)(2)(A), and subsection
(c)(2) of section 302, shall not apply to contributions with respect to
elections for the office of Senator or Representative in, or Delegate
or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress.
``(3) As used in this subsection, the term `in-State individual
resident' means an individual who resides in the State in which the
election involved is held.''.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITION OF CASH CONTRIBUTIONS IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS.
Section 321 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
441g), is amended by striking out ``which, in the aggregate, exceed
$100,''.
SEC. 4. PROHIBITION OF INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES WITHIN 7 DAYS BEFORE A
CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION.
Section 315 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
441a), as amended by section 2, is further amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, during the
period beginning 7 days before the date of an election for the office
of Senator or Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner
to, the Congress, and ending on the date of the election, no person may
make any independent expenditure with respect to the election.''.
SEC. 5. PROHIBITION ON CONTRIBUTIONS BETWEEN MULTICANDIDATE POLITICAL
COMMITTEES.
Section 315 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
441a), as amended by sections 2 and 4, is further amended by adding at
the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, a
multicandidate political committee may not make a contribution to
another multicandidate political committee.''.
SEC. 6. MULTICANDIDATE POLITICAL COMMITTEE NAME REQUIREMENT.
Section 303 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
433) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Any multicandidate political committee that is affiliated
with another organization shall include the entire name of the
organization in the name of the multicandidate political committee.''.
SEC. 7. PROHIBITION OF BUNDLING.
Section 315(a)(8) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2
U.S.C. 441a(a)(8)) is amended to read as follows:
``(8) No person may make a contribution through an intermediary or
conduit, except that a person may facilitate a contribution by
providing--
``(A) advice to another person as to how the other person
may make a contribution; and
``(B) addressed mailing material or similar items to
another person for use by the other person in making a
contribution.''.
SEC. 8. REQUIREMENT FOR DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYIST STATUS BY LOBBYISTS WHO
MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS.
Section 315 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
441a), as amended by sections 2, 4, and 5, is further amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(l) Any person who is a lobbyist and who makes a contribution
shall include with the contribution a statement in writing that
discloses the status of the person as a lobbyist.''.
SEC. 9. REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR LOBBYISTS.
Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
434) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d)(1) Not later than 20 days after the end of the month in which
a lobbyist makes a contribution, the lobbyist, in such form and manner
as the Commission shall prescribe by regulation, shall report the
contribution to the Commission.''.
SEC. 10. REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR OUT-OF-STATE CONTRIBUTIONS IN HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES ELECTIONS.
Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
434), as amended by section 9, is further amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(e) Any report of contributions with respect to an election for
the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner
to, the Congress, shall segregate and itemize all out-of-State
contributions.''.
SEC. 11. BAN ON SOFT MONEY.
Section 315 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
441a), as amended by sections 2, 4, 5, and 8, is further amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(m)(1) It shall be unlawful for the purpose of influencing any
election to Federal office--
``(A) to solicit or receive any soft money; or
``(B) to make any payments from soft money.
``(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `soft money' means
any amount--
``(A) solicited or received from a source which is
prohibited under section 316(a);
``(B) contributed, solicited, or received in excess of the
contribution limits under section 315; or
``(C) not subject to the recordkeeping, reporting, or
disclosure requirements under section 304 or any other
provision of this Act.''.
SEC. 12. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the amendments made by
this Act shall apply with respect to elections beginning with the
general election on November 5, 1998. | Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the contribution that a multicandidate political committee may make to a congressional candidate.
Prohibits: (1) a congressional candidate from accepting contributions from out-of-State persons that, in total, equal or exceed contributions from in-State residents; (2) cash contributions in Federal elections; (3) independent expenditures within seven days before a congressional election; (4) contributions between multicandidate political committees; and (5) bundling of funds.
Requires: (1) a multicandidate political committee affiliated with another organization to include such organization's entire name in its own name; and (2) a lobbyist who makes a contribution to disclose his or her lobbyist status.
Sets forth reporting requirements for: (1) contributing lobbyists; and (2) out-of-State contributions in House of Representatives elections.
Bans soft money in Federal elections. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the amount that a nonparty multicandidate political committee may contribute to a candidate in a congressional election, and for other purposes."} | 1,635 | 198 | 0.566222 | 1.640075 | 0.811831 | 2.635359 | 7.61326 | 0.889503 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Investment in After-School Programs
Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. FINDING.
Congress finds that--
(1) 21 percent of the children in the United States attend
public schools in rural areas;
(2) more than 14,000,000 school-age children (25 percent of
all school-age children) are left alone after school, including
more than 40,000 kindergartners;
(3) only 6,500,000 (11 percent) of children in kindergarten
through twelfth grade participate in after-school programs,
although an additional 15,000,000 would participate if a
quality program were available in the communities of the
children;
(4) in rural areas of the United States, 2,500,000 children
live in deep and persistent poverty;
(5) among children living in rural areas, 19 percent live
in poverty, compared to 15 percent among non-rural children;
(6) rural schools have fewer financial resources that non-
rural schools, largely as a result of diminished local property
tax bases and inequitable distributions of State funds;
(7) low literacy rates among parents in poor rural
communities affect the early language development and
educational aspirations of children;
(8) children living in poverty experience less cognitive
stimulation and enrichment than children living in middle-
income households;
(9) the poorer and more diverse the rural population, the
lower the scores of the students of the population are on the
National Assessment of Educational Progress;
(10) academic outcomes that are linked to after-school
programs include--
(A) better performance in school as measured by
achievement test scores and grades;
(B) better attitudes toward school and higher
educational aspirations;
(C) higher school attendance; and
(D) less disciplinary action;
(11) investing in after-school programs helps children in
rural communities break out of the cycle of poverty and creates
opportunities for at-risk youth;
(12) in areas in which resources are limited, after-school
programs are often the only source of supplemental enrichment
in literacy, nutrition education, technology, and preparation
for college entrance exams;
(13) children attending rural schools have the lowest
median per-student funding for after-school programs under the
21st century community learning center program under part B of
title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 7171 et seq.), as compared to children attending
urban and suburban schools;
(14) after-school program providers in rural communities
face unique barriers that include--
(A) higher transportation costs;
(B) fewer economies of scale, because of the
smaller population base, which results in less funding
per child; and
(C) fewer trained staff and community-based
organizations with whom to partner;
(15) in the 30 years before the date of enactment of this
Act--
(A) the percentage of children in the United States
who are overweight has more than doubled; and
(B) the number of teenagers who are overweight has
nearly tripled;
(16) rural, low-income children represent the highest
obesity group among all children in the United States; and
(17) after-school programs provide--
(A) much-needed opportunities to promote and
support healthy lifestyles in youth in addition to
constructive learning environments; and
(B) effective venues for improving nutrition,
nutrition education, and physical activity.
SEC. 3. AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS.
Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is
amended by inserting after section 365 (7 U.S.C. 2008) the following:
``SEC. 366. AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to enhance after-
school programs in rural areas by helping communities--
``(1) to establish after-school programs; and
``(2) to improve existing programs by overcoming barriers
to service.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) After-school program.--The term `after-school
program' means a program that carries out a broad array of
activities during periods when school is not in session (such
as before school, after school, or during summer recess and
other vacation periods) that advance student academic
achievement and promote positive youth development.
``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
local educational agency (as such term is defined in section
9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801)), educational service agency, community-based
organization, another public or private entity, or a consortium
of 2 or more such agencies, organizations, or entities.
``(3) Rural area.--The term `rural area' means an area that
is served by an elementary or secondary school that is
designated with a school locale code of Distant Town, Remote
Town, Fringe Rural, Distant Rural, or Remote Rural, as
determined by the Secretary of Education.
``(c) Grants.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants to
eligible entities to improve, expand, or establish after-school
programs in rural areas.
``(2) Requirement.--Each grant under this section shall be
in an amount of not less than $25,000.
``(d) Duration.--
``(1) Term of grant.--The term of a grant under this
section may not be for less than 3 years.
``(2) Renewal.--The Secretary may renew a grant under this
section for a period of not less than 3 years, based on the
performance of the eligible entity during the previous grant
term.
``(e) Uses.--As a condition of the receipt of a grant under this
section, an eligible entity shall use the grant to fund projects and
activities described in subsection (c), including transportation,
professional development, training, recruitment and retention of staff,
increasing access to technology, and planning.
``(f) Evaluation.--The Secretary may use not more than 1 percent of
the funds under this section--
``(1) to conduct evaluations of the effectiveness of
programs and activities assisted under subsection (c); and
``(2) to disseminate the results of those evaluations for
the purpose of refining, improving, and strengthening programs.
``(g) Outreach, Training, and Technical Assistance.--The Secretary
may use not more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry
out this section--
``(1) to conduct outreach, including bidders' conferences,
to ensure widespread knowledge of the availability of resources
described in subsection (c);
``(2) to disseminate information on best practices and
successful program models for serving children and youth in
rural areas; and
``(3) to provide capacity building, training, and technical
assistance to after-school programs and providers in rural
areas.
``(h) Application.--
``(1) In general.--To be considered for a grant under this
section, each eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by
such information as the Secretary may require.
``(2) Contents.--An application submitted pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) a description of the after-school program to
be funded, including--
``(i) an assurance that the program will
take place in a safe and easily accessible
facility;
``(ii) a description of how children and
youth participating in the program will travel
safely between the program site and home;
``(iii) a description of how the eligible
entity will disseminate information about the
program, including the location of the program,
to the community in a manner that is
understandable and accessible;
``(iv)(I) a description of the services to
be provided to children and youth, which may
include a broad array of activities, such as--
``(aa) academic enrichment and
youth development activities;
``(bb) drug and violence prevention
programs;
``(cc) counseling programs;
``(dd) art, music, physical
fitness, and recreational programs;
``(ee) technology education
programs;
``(ff) character education
programs; and
``(gg) service-learning programs;
``(II) the roles and responsibilities of
the partners in providing the services; and
``(III) how the services enhance an
existing after-school program; and
``(v) an assurance that the program will
provide a nutritious snack or meal that meets
nutrition standards established by the
Secretary;
``(B) an assurance that the proposed program was
developed, and will be carried out, in active
collaboration with the schools the students attend;
``(C) an assurance that funds provided under this
section will be used to increase the level of State,
local, and other non-Federal funds that would, in the
absence of funds under this section, be made available
for programs and activities authorized under this
section, and in no case supplant Federal, State, local,
or non-Federal funds;
``(D) a description of the partnership between a
local educational agency, a community-based
organization, or another public entity or private
entity, if applicable; and
``(E) such additional assurances as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to ensure compliance with
this section.
``(i) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority to applications
that--
``(1) propose partnerships between 2 or more eligible
entities; or
``(2) propose that a majority of the students participating
in the after-school program are eligible for free or reduced
price school meals under the Richard B. Russell National School
Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) and section 4 of the Child
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773).
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
``(2) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
``(3) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2012 through 2014.''. | Investment in After-School Programs Act of 2009 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to local educational agencies, educational service agencies, community-based organizations, or other entities to improve, expand, or establish rural after-school programs that provide students with a broad array of activities when school is not in session that improve their academic performance and promote their positive development.
Requires eligible programs to be implemented in active collaboration with the schools the students attend and take place in safe and easily accessible facilities.
Gives priority to applicants that are partnerships between eligible entities or propose to serve students a majority of whom are eligible for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to enhance after-school programs in rural areas of the United States by establishing a pilot program to help communities establish and improve rural after-school programs."} | 2,212 | 155 | 0.467443 | 1.281425 | 0.697772 | 3.270833 | 15.034722 | 0.909722 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Prescription Reimportation,
Improvement, Correction, and Enhancement Act''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO PROGRAM FOR IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS BY PHARMACISTS AND WHOLESALERS.
Section 804 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (as added
by section 745(c)(2) of Public Law 106-387) is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the
following subsections:
``(e) Testing; Approved Labeling.--
``(1) Testing.--Regulations under subsection (a)--
``(A) shall require that testing referred to in
paragraphs (6) through (8) of subsection (d) be
conducted by the importer of the covered product
pursuant to subsection (a), or the manufacturer of the
product;
``(B) shall require that, if such tests are
conducted by the importer, information needed to
authenticate the product being tested be supplied by
the manufacturer of such product to the importer; and
``(C) shall provide for the protection of any
information supplied by the manufacturer under
subparagraph (B) that is a trade secret or commercial
or financial information that is privileged or
confidential.
``(2) Approved labeling.--For purposes of importing a
covered product pursuant to subsection (a), the importer
involved may use the labeling approved for the product under
section 505, notwithstanding any other provision of law.
``(f) Discretion of Secretary Regarding Testing.--The Secretary may
waive or modify testing requirements described in subsection (d) if,
with respect to specific countries or specific distribution chains, the
Secretary has entered into agreements or otherwise approved
arrangements that the Secretary determines ensure that the covered
products involved are not adulterated or in violation of section
505.'';
(2) by striking subsections (h) and (i) and inserting the
following subsections:
``(h) Prohibited Agreements; Nondiscrimination.--
``(1) Prohibited agreements.--No manufacturer of a covered
product may enter into a contract or agreement that includes a
provision to prevent the sale or distribution of covered
products imported pursuant to subsection (a).
``(2) Nondiscrimination.--No manufacturer of a covered
product may take actions that discriminate against, or cause
other persons to discriminate against, United States
pharmacists, wholesalers, or consumers regarding the sale or
distribution of covered products.
``(i) Study and Report.--
``(1) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct a study on the imports permitted under this
section, taking into consideration the information received
under subsection (a). In conducting such study, the Comptroller
General shall--
``(A) evaluate importers' compliance with
regulations, determine the number of shipments, if any,
permitted under this section that have been determined
to be counterfeit, misbranded, or adulterated; and
``(B) consult with the United States Trade
Representative and United States Patent and Trademark
Office to evaluate the effect of importations permitted
under this section on trade and patent rights under
Federal law.
``(2) Report.--Not later than 5 years after the effective
date of final regulations issued pursuant to this section, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and
submit to Congress a report containing the study described in
paragraph (1).'';
(3) in subsection (k)(2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (E)
as subparagraphs (B) through (F), respectively; and
(B) by inserting before subparagraph (B) (as so
redesignated) the following subparagraph:
``(A) The term `discrimination' includes a contract
provision, a limitation on supply, or other measure
which has the effect of providing United States
pharmacists, wholesalers, or consumers access to
covered products on terms or conditions that are less
favorable than the terms or conditions provided to any
foreign purchaser of such products.'';
(4) by striking subsection (m); and
(5) by inserting after subsection (l) the following
subsection:
``(m) Funding.--For the purpose of carrying out this section, there
are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for
fiscal year 2002 and each subsequent fiscal year.''. | Prescription Reimportation, Improvement, Correction, and Enhancement Act - Amends Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provisions concerning the importation by pharmacists and wholesalers of certain prescription drugs with respect to: (1) testing and labeling; (2) nondiscrimination; and (3) a study and report. Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the importation of certain prescription drugs by pharmacists and wholesalers."} | 1,000 | 77 | 0.472232 | 1.191318 | 0.985017 | 3.4 | 15 | 0.9 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Equitable Health Care for
Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) there are sufficient neuroscientific data to document
that many severe ``mental'' illnesses are actually physical
illnesses known as neurobiological disorders that are
characterized by significant neuroanatomical and neurochemical
abnormalities;
(2) American families should have adequate health insurance
protection for the costs of treating neurobiological disorders
that is commensurate with the protections provided for other
illnesses;
(3) currently, many public and private health insurance
programs discriminate against persons with neurobiological
disorders by providing more restrictive coverage for treatments
of those illnesses in comparison to coverage provided for
treatments of other medical problems;
(4) unequal health insurance coverage contributes to the
destructive and unfair stigmatization of persons with
neurobiological disorders that are as beyond the control of the
individuals as are cancer, diabetes, and other serious physical
health problems;
(5) about 95 percent of what is known about both normal and
abnormal structure and function of the brain has been learned
in the last 10 years, but millions of severely mentally ill
people have yet to benefit from these startling research
advances in clinical and basic neuroscience; and
(6) according to the National Institutes of Mental Health,
equitable insurance coverage for severe mental disorders will
yield $2.2 billion annually in net savings through decreased
use of general medical services and a substantial decrease in
social costs.
SEC. 3. STANDARDS FOR NONDISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT OF NEUROBIOLOGICAL
DISORDERS FOR EMPLOYER HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS.
(a) In General.--The standards for the nondiscriminatory and
equitable treatment by employer health benefit plans of individuals
with neurobiological disorders are requirements that such plans (and
carriers offering such plans) provide for coverage of services that are
essential to the effective treatment of neurobiological disorders in a
manner that--
(1) is not more restrictive than coverage provided for
other major physical illnesses;
(2) provides adequate financial protection to the person
requiring the medical treatment for a neurobiological disorder;
and
(3) is consistent with effective and common methods of
controlling health care costs for other major physical
illnesses.
(b) Plan Deemed to Meet Standards.--An employer health benefit plan
shall be deemed to meet the standards described in subsection (a) if
the plan provides for the following:
(1) Stop-loss protection for catastrophic expenses.
(2) Coverage of facility-based care.
(3) Coverage of outpatient medical management on a par with
other medical procedures to encourage the use of cost-effective
ambulatory treatment, including treatment in non-traditional
settings.
(4) Coverage of visits for psychological supportive,
therapeutic, and rehabilitative services, with coinsurance and
fees set to ensure effective cost control of high demand
services.
(5) Coverage of prescription drugs essential to the cost
effective treatment of neurobiological disorders.
(6) Coverage of medically necessary services for
comorbidity of other disorders.
SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT THROUGH EXCISE TAX.
(a) In General.--Chapter 43 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to qualified pension, etc., plans) is amended by adding at
the end thereof the following new section:
``SEC. 4980C. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH EMPLOYER HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN
STANDARDS FOR NONDISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT FOR
NEUROBIOLOGICAL DISORDERS.
``(a) Imposition of Tax.--There is hereby imposed a tax on the
failure of a carrier or an employer health benefit plan to comply with
the standards relating to the nondiscriminatory treatment of
neurobiological disorders under section 3 of the Equitable Health Care
for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1993.
``(b) Amount of Tax.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the tax
imposed by subsection (a) shall be an amount not to exceed 25
percent of the amounts received by the carrier or under the
plan for coverage during the period such failure persists.
``(2) Limitation in case of individual failures.--In the
case of a failure that only relates to specified individuals or
employers (and not to the plan generally), the amount of the
tax imposed by subsection (a) shall not exceed the aggregate of
$100 for each day during which such failure persists for each
individual to which such failure relates. A rule similar to the
rule of section 4980B(b)(3) shall apply for purposes of this
section.<plus-minus>
``(c) Liability for Tax.--The tax imposed by this section shall be
paid by the carrier.
``(d) Exceptions.--
``(1) Corrections within 30 days.--No tax shall be imposed
by subsection (a) by reason of any failure if--
``(A) such failure was due to reasonable cause and
not to willful neglect, and
``(B) such failure is corrected within the 30-day
period beginning on earliest date the carrier knew, or
exercising reasonable diligence would have known, that
such failure existed.
``(2) Waiver by secretary.--In the case of a failure which
is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the
Secretary may waive part or all of the tax imposed by
subsection (a) to the extent that payment of such tax would be
excessive relative to the failure involved.
``(e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the terms
`carrier' and `employer health benefit plan' have the respective
meanings given such terms in section 5 of the Equitable Health Care for
Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1993.''
(ii) Clerical amendment.--The table of
sections for chapter 43 of such Code is amended
by adding at the end thereof the following new
items:
``Sec. 4980C. Failure to comply with
employer health benefit plan
standards for nondiscriminatory
treatment for neurobiological
disorders.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall
apply to plan years beginning after December 31, 1993.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Carrier.--The term ``carrier'' means any entity which
provides health insurance or health benefits in a State, and
includes a licensed insurance company, a prepaid hospital or
medical service plan, a health maintenance organization, the
plan sponsor of a multiple employer welfare arrangement or an
employee benefit plan (as defined under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974), or any other entity providing a
plan of health insurance subject to State insurance regulation.
(2) Employer health benefit plan.--The term ``employer
health benefit plan'' means a health benefit plan (including an
employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in section 3(1) of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) which is
offered to employees through an employer and for which the
employer provides for any contribution to such plan or any
premium for such plan are deducted by the employer from
compensation to the employee.
(3) Health benefit plan.--The term ``health benefit plan''
means any hospital or medical expense incurred policy or
certificate, hospital or medical service plan contract, or
health maintenance subscriber contract, or a multiple employer
welfare arrangement or employee benefit plan (as defined under
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) which
provides benefits with respect to health care services, but
does not include--
(A) coverage only for accident, dental, vision,
disability income, or long-term care insurance, or any
combination thereof,
(B) medicare supplemental health insurance,
(C) coverage issued as a supplement to liability
insurance,
(D) worker's compensation or similar insurance, or
(E) automobile medical-payment insurance,
or any combination thereof.
(4) Neurobiological disorder.--
(A) In general.--An individual with a
``neurobiological disorder'' is an individual diagnosed
with one or more of the following conditions:
(i) Affective disorders, including bipolar
disorder and major depressive disorder.
(ii) Anxiety disorders, including
obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic
disorder.
(iii) Attention deficit disorders.
(iv) Autism and other pervasive
developmental disorders.
(v) Psychotic disorders, including
schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
(vi) Tourette's disorder.
(B) Periodic review of definition.--
(i) In general.--Not later than 6 months
after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall promulgate regulations directing the
National Institute of Mental Health to conduct
a biannual review of the definition of
neurobiological disorders under subparagraph
(A). In conducting such review, the National
Institute of Mental Health shall consult with
extramural researchers to review such
definition and make recommendations for
necessary revisions.
(ii) Review by advisory council required.--
The Secretary may not promulgate any regulation
modifying the definition of neurobiological
disorders under subsection (a) until the
recommendations of the National Institute of
Mental Health under clause (i) have been
reviewed by the National Advisory Mental Health
Council. | Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1993 - Sets standards for the nondiscriminatory and equitable treatment by employer health benefit plans of individuals with neurobiological disorders (defined as affective, anxiety, attention deficit, developmental, psychotic, and Tourette's disorders), including coverage that is no more restrictive than that provided for other major physical illnesses.
Deems a plan to meet such standards if it provides for: (1) stop-loss protection for catastrophic expenses; (2) coverage of facility-based care and specified outpatient medical management; (3) coverage of visits for psychological, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services, with coinsurance and fees to ensure effective cost control; and (4) coverage of prescription drugs and medically necessary services for comorbidity of other disorders.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on the failure of a heath insurance carrier or an employer health benefit plan to comply with standards under this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1993"} | 2,042 | 209 | 0.675014 | 2.22712 | 0.852013 | 4.394444 | 10.333333 | 0.961111 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Presidential Gifts Accountability
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) There is no clear accountability for Presidential
gifts, since multiple lists of such gifts are separately
maintained by different Federal agencies, including by the
White House Gifts Unit, the National Park Service, and the
National Archives and Records Administration.
(2) House Report 107-768, ``Problems with the Presidential
Gifts System'', presents additional information about the
complexity of and problems with the current system.
(3) The lack of a consolidated record of the receipt,
administration, and disposition of Presidential gifts creates
confusion about the status of some of those gifts.
(4) Requiring the National Archives and Records
Administration to maintain an inventory of Presidential gifts
would eliminate such confusion and ensure accountability.
SEC. 3. INVENTORY OF PRESIDENTIAL GIFTS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 22 of title 44, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 2208. Inventory of Presidential gifts
``(a) The Archivist shall maintain a current inventory of all
Presidential gifts.
``(b) The inventory shall include, with respect to each
Presidential gift, the following information:
``(1) The date of receipt by the Federal Government.
``(2) A description.
``(3) The estimated cost or appraised value.
``(4) The donor.
``(5) Any indication of whether the intent of the donor was
to make the gift to the United States or to the President
personally.
``(6) The current location and status of the gift,
including identification of the Federal agency or other person
having control of the gift.
``(c) The head of a Federal office or agency, including any unit in
the Executive Office of the President, having possession of any record
containing information regarding the receipt, location, control, or
disposition of a Presidential gift shall, upon receipt of such
information, report such information to the Archivist in accordance
with regulations issued by the Archivist under this section.
``(d)(1) The Archivist shall make available to the public, upon
request, any information in the inventory maintained under this
section.
``(2)(A) With respect to each Presidential gift in a year from any
person who makes Presidential gifts in the year having a cumulative
value of $100 or more, the Archivist shall disclose to the public by
not later than May 15 of the succeeding year the following information:
``(i) The date of receipt by the Federal Government.
``(ii) A description.
``(iii) The estimated cost or appraised value.
``(iv) The donor and the donor's employer.
``(v) The circumstance under which the gift was made.
``(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to any gift
from a foreign government (as that term is defined in section 7342(a)
of title 5).
``(e) The Archivist shall report to the Committee on Governmental
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Reform of the
House of Representatives each disposition of a Presidential gift other
than a gift having a value of less than $100.
``(f)(1) The Archivist shall issue regulations implementing this
section.
``(2) The Archivist may not issue any nonbinding guidance for
purposes of this section.
``(g) In this section:
``(1) The term `gift' has the meaning that term has under
section 109 of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
``(2) The term `Presidential gift'--
``(A) subject to subparagraph (B), means any gift
to or for the benefit of--
``(i) the President personally, the spouse
of the President, or any dependent child of the
President;
``(ii) the President in his or her official
capacity;
``(iii) the Executive Residence at the
White House; or
``(iv) a Presidential archival depository
(as that term is used in chapter 21); and
``(B) does not include a gift from a relative of an
individual to whom the gift is made.
``(3) The term `relative', with respect to an individual--
``(A) means another individual--
``(i) who is related to the individual
concerned, as father, mother, son, daughter,
brother, sister, uncle, aunt, great aunt, great
uncle, first cousin, nephew, niece, husband,
wife, grandfather, grandmother, grandson,
granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law,
son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law,
sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson,
stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half
brother, half sister, or
``(ii) who is the grandfather or
grandmother of the spouse of the individual
concerned; and
``(B) includes the fiance or fiancee of the
individual concerned.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 22 of
title 44, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``2208. Inventory of Presidential gifts.''.
SEC. 4. RESTRICTIONS RELATING TO GIFTS TO THE PRESIDENT OR SPOUSE OF
THE PRESIDENT.
Title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 App. U.S.C.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``restrictions relating to gifts to the president or spouse of the
president.
``Sec. 112. (a) The President, and the spouse of the President, may
not--
``(1) accept any gift of stock in a corporation or any gift
certificate;
``(2) accept gifts from a single source in a year having a
cumulative value greater than $1,000, except a personalized,
honorific award;
``(3) accept any gift in the period beginning on the date
of any presidential election occurring in the President's term
of office and ending on the date of the beginning of the next
presidential term of office, unless the President is reelected
to serve as President for that next term;
``(4) solicit or coordinate the making of any gift to the
President or the spouse of the President; or
``(5) seek to have any other person solicit or coordinate
the making of any gift to the President or the spouse of the
President.
``(b) An individual elected as President, and the spouse of the
individual, may not accept any gift in the period beginning on the date
of the election of the individual as President and ending on the date
of the beginning of the next presidential term of office.
``(c) Any gift that a President, individual elected as President,
or spouse is prohibited from accepting under this section--
``(1) shall be returned to the person making the gift, by
not later than 90 days after the date the gift is made; or
``(2) if not returned within that period--
``(A) shall be the property of the United States;
and
``(B) shall not be deposited in a Presidential
archival depository, as that term is used in chapter 21
of title 44, United States Code.
``(d) This section does not apply with respect to any gift from a
foreign government (as that term is defined in section 7342(a) of title
5) or from a relative of an individual to whom the gift is made.''. | Presidential Gifts Accountability Act - Directs the Archivist of the United States to maintain a current inventory of all presidential gifts.Requires the head of a Federal office or agency to report to the Archivist any information regarding a presidential gift.Requires the Archivist to: (1) make inventory information available to the public; (2) disclose to the public additional information regarding each gift from any person who makes presidential gifts in a year having a cumulative value of $100 or more; and (3) report to specified congressional committees on each disposition of a gift other than a gift from a relative or a gift having a value of less than $100.Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to prohibit the President and any spouse from: (1) accepting any gift of stock in a corporation or any gift certificate; (2) accepting gifts from a single source in a year having a cumulative value greater than $1,000, except a personalized, honorific award; (3) accepting any gift beginning on the date of a presidential election occurring during the President's term and ending on the date of the beginning of the next presidential term, unless the President is reelected for that next term; or (4) soliciting or coordinating, or seeking another to solicit or coordinate, the making of any gift to the President or spouse. Requires any gift wrongfully accepted to be returned or to become property of the United States and not deposited in a presidential archival depository. Makes this section inapplicable with respect to gifts from a foreign government or a relative. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title 44, United States Code, to direct the Archivist of the United States to maintain an inventory of all gifts received from domestic sources for the President, the Executive Residence at the White House, or a Presidential archival depository."} | 1,655 | 337 | 0.666667 | 1.980973 | 0.696613 | 4.381757 | 5.577703 | 0.942568 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mosquito Abatement for Safety and
Health Act''.
SEC. 2. GRANTS REGARDING PREVENTION OF MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES.
Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 243
et seq.), as amended by section 4 of Public Law 107-84 and section 312
of Public Law 107-188, is amended--
(1) by transferring section 317R from the current placement of
the section and inserting the section after section 317Q; and
(2) by inserting after section 317R (as so transferred) the
following:
``SEC. 317S. MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES; COORDINATION GRANTS TO STATES;
ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL GRANTS TO POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS.
``(a) Coordination Grants to States; Assessment Grants to Political
Subdivisions.--
``(1) In general.--With respect to mosquito control programs to
prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases (referred to in this
section as `control programs'), the Secretary, acting through the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may
make grants to States for the purpose of--
``(A) coordinating control programs in the State involved;
and
``(B) assisting such State in making grants to political
subdivisions of the State to conduct assessments to determine
the immediate needs in such subdivisions for control programs,
and to develop, on the basis of such assessments, plans for
carrying out control programs in the subdivisions.
``(2) Preference in making grants.--In making grants under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to States that
have one or more political subdivisions with an incidence,
prevalence, or high risk of mosquito-borne disease, or a population
of infected mosquitoes, that is substantial relative to political
subdivisions in other States.
``(3) Certain requirements.--A grant may be made under
paragraph (1) only if--
``(A) the State involved has developed, or agrees to
develop, a plan for coordinating control programs in the State,
and the plan takes into account any assessments or plans
described in subsection (b)(3) that have been conducted or
developed, respectively, by political subdivisions in the
State;
``(B) in developing such plan, the State consulted or will
consult (as the case may be under subparagraph (A)) with
political subdivisions in the State that are carrying out or
planning to carry out control programs;
``(C) the State agrees to monitor control programs in the
State in order to ensure that the programs are carried out in
accordance with such plan, with priority given to coordination
of control programs in political subdivisions described in
paragraph (2) that are contiguous;
``(D) the State agrees that the State will make grants to
political subdivisions as described in paragraph (1)(B), and
that such a grant will not exceed $10,000; and
``(E) the State agrees that the grant will be used to
supplement, and not supplant, State and local funds available
for the purpose described in paragraph (1).
``(4) Reports to secretary.--A grant may be made under
paragraph (1) only if the State involved agrees that, promptly
after the end of the fiscal year for which the grant is made, the
State will submit to the Secretary a report that--
``(A) describes the activities of the State under the
grant; and
``(B) contains an evaluation of whether the control
programs of political subdivisions in the State were
effectively coordinated with each other, which evaluation takes
into account any reports that the State received under
subsection (b)(5) from such subdivisions.
``(5) Number of grants.--A State may not receive more than one
grant under paragraph (1).
``(b) Prevention and Control Grants to Political Subdivisions.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Director
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may make grants
to political subdivisions of States or consortia of political
subdivisions of States, for the operation of control programs.
``(2) Preference in making grants.--In making grants under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give preference to a political
subdivision or consortium of political subdivisions that--
``(A) has--
``(i) a history of elevated incidence or prevalence of
mosquito-borne disease;
``(ii) a population of infected mosquitoes; or
``(iii) met criteria determined by the Secretary to
suggest an increased risk of elevated incidence or
prevalence of mosquito-borne disease in the pending fiscal
year;
``(B) demonstrates to the Secretary that such political
subdivision or consortium of political subdivisions will, if
appropriate to the mosquito circumstances involved, effectively
coordinate the activities of the control programs with
contiguous political subdivisions;
``(C) demonstrates to the Secretary (directly or through
State officials) that the State in which such a political
subdivision or consortium of political subdivisions is located
has identified or will identify geographic areas in such State
that have a significant need for control programs and will
effectively coordinate such programs in such areas; and
``(D) is located in a State that has received a grant under
subsection (a).
``(3) Requirement of assessment and plan.--A grant may be made
under paragraph (1) only if the political subdivision or consortium
of political subdivisions involved--
``(A) has conducted an assessment to determine the
immediate needs in such subdivision or consortium for a control
program, including an entomological survey of potential
mosquito breeding areas; and
``(B) has, on the basis of such assessment, developed a
plan for carrying out such a program.
``(4) Requirement of matching funds.--
``(A) In general.--With respect to the costs of a control
program to be carried out under paragraph (1) by a political
subdivision or consortium of political subdivisions, a grant
under such paragraph may be made only if the subdivision or
consortium agrees to make available (directly or through
donations from public or private entities) non-Federal
contributions toward such costs in an amount that is not less
than \1/3\ of such costs ($1 for each $2 of Federal funds
provided in the grant).
``(B) Determination of amount contributed.--Non-Federal
contributions required in subparagraph (A) may be in cash or in
kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or
services. Amounts provided by the Federal Government, or
services assisted or subsidized to any significant extent by
the Federal Government, may not be included in determining the
amount of such non-Federal contributions.
``(C) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the requirement
established in subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines
that extraordinary economic conditions in the political
subdivision or consortium of political subdivisions involved
justify the waiver.
``(5) Reports to secretary.--A grant may be made under
paragraph (1) only if the political subdivision or consortium of
political subdivisions involved agrees that, promptly after the end
of the fiscal year for which the grant is made, the subdivision or
consortium will submit to the Secretary, and to the State within
which the subdivision or consortium is located, a report that
describes the control program and contains an evaluation of whether
the program was effective.
``(6) Amount of grant; number of grants.--
``(A) Amount of grant.--
``(i) Single political subdivision.--A grant under
paragraph (1) awarded to a political subdivision for a
fiscal year may not exceed $100,000.
``(ii) Consortium.--A grant under paragraph (1) awarded
to a consortium of 2 or more political subdivisions may not
exceed $110,000 for each political subdivision. A
consortium is not required to provide matching funds under
paragraph (4) for any amounts received by such consortium
in excess of amounts each political subdivision would have
received separately.
``(iii) Waiver of requirement.--A grant may exceed the
maximum amount in clause (i) or (ii) if the Secretary
determines that the geographical area covered by a
political subdivision or consortium awarded a grant under
paragraph (1) has an extreme need due to the size or
density of--
``(I) the human population in such geographical
area; or
``(II) the mosquito population in such geographical
area.
``(B) Number of grants.--A political subdivision or a
consortium of political subdivisions may not receive more than
one grant under paragraph (1).
``(c) Applications for Grants.--A grant may be made under
subsection (a) or (b) only if an application for the grant is submitted
to the Secretary and the application is in such form, is made in such
manner, and contains such agreements, assurances, and information as
the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this section.
``(d) Technical Assistance.--Amounts appropriated under subsection
(f) may be used by the Secretary to provide training and technical
assistance with respect to the planning, development, and operation of
assessments and plans under subsection (a) and control programs under
subsection (b). The Secretary may provide such technical assistance
directly or through awards of grants or contracts to public and private
entities.
``(e) Definition of Political Subdivision.--In this section, the
term `political subdivision' means the local political jurisdiction
immediately below the level of State government, including counties,
parishes, and boroughs. If State law recognizes an entity of general
government that functions in lieu of, and is not within, a county,
parish, or borough, the Secretary may recognize an area under the
jurisdiction of such other entities of general government as a
political subdivision for purposes of this section.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--For the purpose of carrying out this
section, there are authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for
fiscal year 2003, and such sums as may be necessary for each of
fiscal years 2004 through 2007.
``(2) Public health emergencies.--In the case of control
programs carried out in response to a mosquito-borne disease that
constitutes a public health emergency, the authorization of
appropriations under paragraph (1) is in addition to applicable
authorizations of appropriations under the Public Health Security
and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.
``(3) Fiscal year 2004 appropriations.--For fiscal year 2004,
50 percent or more of the funds appropriated under paragraph (1)
shall be used to award grants to political subdivisions or
consortia of political subdivisions under subsection (b).''.
SEC. 3. RESEARCH PROGRAM OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
SCIENCES.
Subpart 12 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 285 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following
section:
``methods of controlling certain insect and vermin populations
``Sec. 463B. The Director of the Institute shall conduct or support
research to identify or develop methods of controlling insect and
vermin populations that transmit to humans diseases that have
significant adverse health consequences.''.
SEC. 4. REPORT.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Health and Human Services, after consultation with the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall submit to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate
and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives a report containing the following:
(1) A description of the status of the development of protocols
for ensuring the safety of the blood supply of the United States
with respect to West Nile Virus, including--
(A) the status of the development of screening mechanisms;
(B) changes in donor screening protocols; and
(C) the implementation of surveillance systems for the
transmission of the virus via the blood supply.
(2) Recommendations for improvements to be made to the safety
of the blood supply based on the development of protocols pursuant
to paragraph (1), including the need for expedited review of
screening mechanisms or other protocols.
(3) The benefits and risks of the spraying of insecticides as a
public health intervention, including recommendations and
guidelines for such spraying.
(4) The overall role of public health pesticides and the
development of standards for the use of such pesticides compared to
the standards when such pesticides are used for agricultural
purposes.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to make grants to States for the purposes of: (1) coordinating mosquito control programs; and (2) assisting States to make grants to localities to conduct assessments regarding the need for control programs and to develop plans for carrying out such programs. Declares that a State may receive only one grant. Directs the Secretary to give preference to States that have one or more localities with high incidences or high risk of mosquito-borne disease or substantial populations of infected mosquitoes. Sets a maximum amount of $10,000 for grants to localities for assessments and plans.
Requires States receiving grants to: (1) have developed, or to have agreed to develop, a plan for coordinating control programs in the State which takes into account any assessments or plans for control programs that have been conducted or developed in the State; (2) agree to monitor control programs in the State to ensure they are carried out in accordance with such plan; and (3) submit a report to the Secretary describing the activities of the State under the grant and evaluating whether the control programs of localities were effectively coordinated with each other.
Allows the Secretary, acting through the Director, to make grants for control programs to localities or consortia of localities that have: (1) conducted an assessment of the needs for a program, with such assessment including an entomological survey of potential mosquito breeding areas; and (2) developed, based on the assessment, a plan for carrying out a control program. Directs the Secretary to give preference to localities and consortia that meet any of certain criteria, including having a history of elevated incidence of mosquito-borne disease or a population of infected mosquitoes. Requires each locality or consortium receiving a grant for a control program to make available matching funds in an amount not less than 1/3 of the cost of the program. Allows the Secretary to waive the matching requirement in the case of extraordinary economic conditions in a locality or consortium. Requires a locality or consortium receiving a grant to submit a report to the Secretary and to the State in which the locality or consortium is located describing the control program and its effectiveness.
Limits grants to localities to a maximum amount of $100,000 for a fiscal year. Limits grants to consortia to a maximum amount of $110,000 for each constituent locality. Sets forth exceptions to such limits. States that a locality or consortium may receive only one grant.
Permits the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to localities and consortia with respect to the planning, development, and operation of control programs and to States with respect to assessments and plans. States that such assistance may be provided either directly or through award of grants or contracts to public and private entities.
Authorizes appropriations. Requires that for FY 2004, at least 50 percent of appropriated funds be used to award grants to localities or consortia of localities.
(Sec. 3) Requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to conduct or support research into methods to control the population of insects and vermin that transmit dangerous diseases to humans.
(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on various topics, including: (1) the status of the development of protocols for ensuring the safety of the U.S. blood supply with respect to the West Nile Virus; and (2) the benefits and risks of the spraying of insecticides as a public health intervention, including recommendations and guidelines for such spraying. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to authorize grants through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for mosquito control programs to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, and for other purposes."} | 2,794 | 810 | 0.674758 | 2.053615 | 0.830207 | 3.34136 | 3.71813 | 0.907932 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Trade Enforcement Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERAGENCY TRADE ENFORCEMENT CENTER.
(a) In General.--Chapter 4 of title I of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
U.S.C. 2171) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 142. INTERAGENCY TRADE ENFORCEMENT CENTER.
``(a) Establishment of Center.--There is established in the Office
of the United States Trade Representative an Interagency Trade
Enforcement Center (in this section referred to as the `Center').
``(b) Functions of Center.--
``(1) In general.--The Center shall--
``(A) serve as the primary forum within the Federal
Government for the Office of the United States Trade
Representative and other agencies to coordinate the
enforcement of United States trade rights under
international trade agreements and the enforcement of
United States trade remedy laws;
``(B) coordinate among the Office of the United
States Trade Representative, other agencies with
responsibilities relating to trade, and the
intelligence community the exchange of information
related to potential violations of international trade
agreements by foreign trading partners of the United
States; and
``(C) conduct outreach to United States workers,
businesses, and other interested persons to foster
greater participation in the identification and
reduction or elimination of foreign trade barriers and
unfair foreign trade practices.
``(2) Coordination of trade enforcement.--
``(A) In general.--The Center shall coordinate
matters relating to the enforcement of United States
trade rights under international trade agreements and
the enforcement of United States trade remedy laws
among the Office of the United States Trade
Representative and the following agencies:
``(i) The Department of State.
``(ii) The Department of the Treasury.
``(iii) The Department of Justice.
``(iv) The Department of Agriculture.
``(v) The Department of Commerce.
``(vi) The Department of Homeland Security.
``(vii) The Office of the Director of
National Intelligence.
``(viii) Such other agencies as the
President, or the United States Trade
Representative, may designate.
``(B) Consultations on intellectual property
rights.--In matters relating to the enforcement of
United States trade rights involving intellectual
property rights, the Center shall consult with the
Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator appointed
pursuant to section 301 of the Prioritizing Resources
and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008
(15 U.S.C. 8111).
``(c) Personnel.--
``(1) Director.--The head of the Center shall be the
Director, who shall be the Deputy United States Trade
Representative for Trade Enforcement.
``(2) Deputy director.--There shall be in the Center a
Deputy Director, who shall--
``(A) be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce
from among full-time senior-level officials of the
Department of Commerce and detailed to the Center; and
``(B) report directly to the Director.
``(3) Intelligence community liaison.--There shall be in
the Center an Intelligence Community Liaison, who shall be--
``(A) appointed from among officials of agencies in
the intelligence community at the recommendation of the
Director of National Intelligence; and
``(B) detailed to the Center by the official's
agency.
``(4) Additional employees.--The agencies specified in
subsection (b)(2)(A) and agencies in the intelligence community
recommended by the Director of National Intelligence may, in
consultation with the Director, detail or assign their
employees to the Center without reimbursement to support the
functions of the Center.
``(d) Administration.--Funding and administrative support for the
Center shall be provided by the Office of the United States Trade
Representative.
``(e) Annual Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this section, and not less frequently than annually
thereafter, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Finance of
the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives a report on the actions taken by the Center in the
preceding year with respect to the enforcement of United States trade
rights under international trade agreements and the enforcement of
United States trade remedy laws.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Intelligence community.--The term `intelligence
community' has the meaning given that term in section 3(4) of
the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4)).
``(2) United states trade remedy laws.--The term `United
States trade remedy laws' means the following:
``(A) Chapter 1 of title II of the Trade Act of
1974 (19 U.S.C. 2251 et seq.).
``(B) Chapter 1 of title III of that Act (19 U.S.C.
2411 et seq.).
``(C) Sections 406 and 421 of that Act (19 U.S.C.
2436 and 2451).
``(D) Sections 332 and 337 of the Tariff Act of
1930 (19 U.S.C. 1332 and 1337).
``(E) Investigations initiated by the administering
authority (as defined in section 771 of that Act (19
U.S.C. 1677)) under title VII of that Act (19 U.S.C.
1671 et seq.).
``(F) Section 281 of the Uruguay Round Agreements
Act (19 U.S.C. 3571).
``(3) United states trade rights.--The term `United States
trade rights' means any right, benefit, or advantage to which
the United States is entitled under an international trade
agreement and that could be effectuated through the use of a
dispute settlement proceeding.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Trade Act of
1974 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 141 the
following:
``Sec. 142. Interagency Trade Enforcement Center.''.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPUTY UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE FOR
TRADE ENFORCEMENT AND CHIEF MANUFACTURING NEGOTIATOR.
(a) Establishment of Positions.--Section 141(b)(2) of the Trade Act
of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2171(b)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) There shall be in the Office 4 Deputy United States Trade
Representatives, including the Deputy United States Trade
Representative for Trade Enforcement, one Chief Agricultural
Negotiator, and one Chief Manufacturing Negotiator who shall all be
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate. As an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate, any
nomination of a Deputy United States Trade Representative, the Chief
Agricultural Negotiator, or the Chief Manufacturing Negotiator
submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent, and referred to a
committee, shall be referred to the Committee on Finance. Each Deputy
United States Trade Representative, the Chief Agricultural Negotiator,
and the Chief Manufacturing Negotiator shall hold office at the
pleasure of the President and shall have the rank of Ambassador.''.
(b) Functions of Positions.--Section 141(c) of the Trade Act of
1974 (19 U.S.C. 2171(c)) is amended--
(1) by moving paragraph (5) 2 ems to the left; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(6)(A) The principal function of the Deputy United States Trade
Representative for Trade Enforcement shall be to ensure that United
States trading partners comply with trade agreements to which the
United States is a party.
``(B) The Deputy United States Trade Representative for Trade
Enforcement shall--
``(i) serve as the Director of the Interagency Trade
Enforcement Center under section 142 and oversee the operations
of the Center;
``(ii) assist the United States Trade Representative in
investigating and prosecuting disputes before the World Trade
Organization and pursuant to other bilateral or regional trade
agreements to which the United States is a party;
``(iii) assist the United States Trade Representative in
carrying out the functions of the United States Trade
Representative under subsection (d);
``(iv) make recommendations with respect to the
administration of United States trade remedy laws relating to
barriers imposed by foreign governments to the importation of
United States goods, services, and intellectual property, and
other trade matters; and
``(v) perform such other functions as the United States
Trade Representative may direct.
``(7)(A) The principal function of the Chief Manufacturing
Negotiator shall be to conduct trade negotiations and to enforce trade
agreements relating to United States manufacturing products and
services. The Chief Manufacturing Negotiator shall be a vigorous
advocate on behalf of United States manufacturing interests and shall
perform such other functions as the United States Trade Representative
may direct.
``(B) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this paragraph, and not less frequently than annually thereafter, the
Chief Manufacturing Negotiator shall submit to the Committee on Finance
of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives a report on the actions taken by the Chief
Manufacturing Negotiator in the preceding year.''.
(c) Compensation.--Section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Deputy United States Trade
Representatives (3).'' and inserting ``Deputy United States
Trade Representatives (4).''; and
(2) by inserting ``Chief Manufacturing Negotiator.'' after
``Chief Agricultural Negotiator.''.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 141(c)(4) of the Trade Act of
1974 (19 U.S.C. 2171(c)(4)) is amended by inserting ``(other than the
Deputy United States Trade Representative for Trade Enforcement)''
after ``Deputy United States Trade Representative''.
(e) Technical Amendments.--Section 141(e) of the Trade Act of 1974
(19 U.S.C. 2171(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5314'' and inserting
``5315''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``the maximum rate of pay
for grade GS-18, as provided in section 5332'' and inserting
``the maximum rate of pay for level IV of the Executive
Schedule in section 5315''. | Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish within the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) an Interagency Trade Enforcement Center to: serve as the primary forum within the federal government for coordinating with specified agencies the enforcement of U.S. trade rights under international trade agreements and of U.S. trade remedy laws; coordinate among the USTR, other agencies with trade-related responsibilities, and the intelligence community the exchange of information related to potential violations of international trade agreements by foreign trading partners of the United States; and conduct outreach to U.S. workers, businesses, and other interested persons to foster greater participation in the identification and reduction or elimination of foreign trade barriers and unfair foreign trade practices. Establishes in the Center the position of a Director, who shall be the Deputy USTR for Trade Enforcement to head the Trade Enforcement Division, as well as a Deputy Director and an Intelligence Community Liaison. Establishes within the Office of the USTR a Chief Manufacturing Negotiator to conduct trade negotiations and enforce trade agreements relating to U.S. manufacturing products and services. Makes it the principal functions of the Deputy USTR for Trade Enforcement to: ensure that U.S. trading partners comply with trade agreements to which the United States is a party, and assist the USTR in investigating and prosecuting disputes before the World Trade Organization and pursuant to other bilateral or regional trade agreements to which the United States is a party. Makes it the principal function of the Chief Manufacturing Negotiator to act as a vigorous advocate on behalf of this country's manufacturing interests. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Trade Enforcement Act of 2015"} | 2,348 | 341 | 0.659774 | 1.869358 | 0.893129 | 4.370748 | 7.180272 | 0.901361 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Unilateral Sanction Reporting Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) in the face of a more politically complicated and
commercially integrated world in the post-cold war era, the
unilateral economic sanctions policy of the United States must
become a more sophisticated tool in order to better serve the
national interests of the United States;
(2) Members of Congress need more detailed and unbiased
information that can be compared on a yearly basis in order to
evaluate accurately the costs and benefits of unilateral
economic sanctions; and
(3) a comprehensive annual report to pertinent
congressional committees from the executive branch on sanctions
policy will allow the United States Government to view economic
sanctions in a more effective, targeted, and flexible manner
and better analyze the success of meeting foreign policy
objectives.
SEC. 3. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS BY THE PRESIDENT.
(a) In General.--The President shall, in consultation with the
Secretaries of State, Commerce, Defense, Agriculture, Energy, and
Transportation, and the United States Trade Representative, by not
later than January 31 of each year, report to all committees of
Congress with jurisdiction affected by United States policies on
unilateral economic sanctions on--
(1) the costs and benefits within the United States, and,
to the extent possible, the economic implications for the
targeted foreign countries or entities concerned, of the
imposition of unilateral economic sanctions by the United
States during the preceding calendar year; and
(2) the policy goals intended to be achieved by such
sanctions, and the extent to which such goals were achieved.
(b) Specific Reports.--
(1) Secretary of state.--The Secretary of State shall
prepare and submit to the President an annual report on the
policy goals intended to be achieved by unilateral economic
sanctions imposed by the United States, and the extent to which
such goals were achieved. The report shall cover the same
period as the report by the President under subsection (a) and
shall be included with the President's report under subsection
(a).
(2) Assistant secretary of commerce for information and
technology.--The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Information and Technology shall prepare and submit to the
President an annual report on the costs and benefits on the
information and technology sectors within the United States,
and, to the extent possible, the implications for the
information and technology sectors in targeted foreign
countries or entities concerned, of the imposition of
unilateral economic sanctions by the United States. The report
shall cover the same period as the report by the President
under subsection (a) and shall be included with the President's
report under subsection (a).
(3) Securities and exchange commission.--The Securities and
Exchange Commission shall prepare and submit to the President
an annual report on the costs and benefits on securities
markets within the United States, and, to the extent possible,
the implications for the securities markets of targeted foreign
countries or entities concerned, of the imposition of
unilateral economic sanctions by the United States. The report
shall cover the same period as the report by the President
under subsection (a) and shall be included with the President's
report under subsection (a).
(4) Small business administration.--The Administrator of
the Small Business Administration shall prepare and submit to
the President an annual report on the costs and benefits on
small business concerns in the United States, and, to the
extent possible, the implications for small businesses of
targeted foreign countries or entities concerned, of the
imposition of unilateral economic sanctions by the United
States. The report shall cover the same period as the report by
the President under subsection (a) and shall be included with
the President's report under subsection (a).
(c) Details of Reports.--
(1) In general.--Each report under subsection (a) shall set
forth the costs and benefits of unilateral economic sanctions
to specific sectors of the United States economy, including the
services sector, expressed in terms of economic indicators.
Among other indicators, the report shall compare levels of
imports and exports of domestic products and services with
those of internationally competitive products and services. The
analyses in the reports under subsection (a) shall be presented
in a consistent fashion so as to ensure an accurate comparison
of the costs and effects of unilateral economic sanctions from
year to year. Each report shall, as well as stating current
effects, project future effects of the unilateral economic
sanctions at issue.
(2) Economic effects on targeted countries or entities.--To
the extent possible, each report shall address the economic
effects of unilateral economic sanctions on the countries and
entities on which the sanctions are imposed, and the extent to
which the foreign policy goals of the United States have been
achieved by the sanctions. The report shall also project the
economic effects of the continued application of unilateral
economic sanctions on each such country or entity and how this
will further achieve the foreign policy goals of the United
States.
(3) Relationship to specific sanctions.--The analyses in
each report under subsection (a) and (b) shall be made with
respect to the specific provision of law or Executive Order
imposing the sanctions addressed in the report.
(d) Applicability.--The reports under this section shall apply to
unilateral economic sanctions imposed before the enactment of this Act
that are in effect during the period covered by the reports, and to
unilateral economic sanctions imposed on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Unilateral economic sanction.--
(A) In general.--The term ``unilateral economic
sanction'' means any prohibition, restriction, or
condition on economic activity, including economic
assistance, with respect to a foreign country or
foreign entity that is imposed by the United States for
reasons of foreign policy or national security,
including any of the measures described in subparagraph
(B), except in a case in which the United States
imposes the measure pursuant to a multilateral regime
and the other members of that regime have agreed to
impose substantially equivalent measures.
(B) Particular measures.--The measures referred to
in subparagraph (A) are the following:
(i) The suspension, restriction, or
prohibition of exports or imports of any
product, technology, or service to or from a
foreign country or entity.
(ii) The suspension of, or any restriction
or prohibition on, financial transactions with
a foreign country or entity.
(iii) The suspension of, or any restriction
or prohibition on, direct or indirect
investment in or from a foreign country or
entity.
(iv) The imposition of increased tariffs
on, or other restrictions on imports of,
products of a foreign country or entity,
including the denial, revocation, or
conditioning of nondiscriminatory trade
treatment (normal trade relations treatment).
(v) The suspension of, or any restriction
or prohibition on--
(I) the authority of the Export-
Import Bank of the United States to
give approval to the issuance of any
guarantee, insurance, or extension of
credit in connection with the export of
goods or services to a foreign country
or entity;
(II) the authority of the Trade and
Development Agency to provide
assistance in connection with projects
in a foreign country or in which a
particular foreign entity participates;
or
(III) the authority of the Overseas
Private Investment Corporation to
provide insurance, reinsurance, or
financing, or conduct other activities
in connection with projects in a
foreign country or in which a
particular foreign entity participates.
(vi) Any prohibition or restriction on the
sale, export, lease, or other transfer of any
defense article, defense service, or design and
construction service under the Arms Export
Control Act, or on any financing provided under
that Act.
(vii) A requirement that the United States
representative to an international financial
institution vote against any loan or other
utilization of funds to, for, or in a foreign
country or particular foreign entity.
(viii) A measure imposing any restriction
or condition on economic activity on any
foreign government or entity on the grounds
that such government or entity does business in
or with a foreign country.
(ix) A measure imposing any restriction or
condition on economic activity on any person
that is a national of a foreign country, or on
any government or other entity of a foreign
country, on the grounds that the government of
that country has not taken measures in
cooperation with, or similar to, sanctions
imposed by the United States on a third
country.
(x) The suspension of, or any restriction
or prohibition on, travel rights or air
transportation to or from a foreign country.
(xi) Any restriction on the filing or
maintenance in a foreign country of any
proprietary interest in intellectual property
rights (including patents, copyrights, and
trademarks), including payment of patent
maintenance fees.
(C) Multilateral regime.--In this paragraph, the
term ``multilateral regime'' means an agreement,
arrangement, or obligation under which the United
States cooperates with other countries in restricting
commerce for reasons of foreign policy or national
security, including--
(i) obligations under resolutions of the
United Nations;
(ii) nonproliferation and export control
arrangements, such as the Australia Group, the
Nuclear Supplier's Group, the Missile
Technology Control Regime, and the Wassenaar
Arrangement;
(iii) treaty obligations, such as under the
Chemical Weapons Convention, the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and the
Biological Weapons Convention; and
(iv) agreements concerning protection of
the environment, such as the International
Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic
Tunas, the Declaration of Panama referred to in
section 2(a)(1) of the International Dolphin
Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 note), the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species, the Montreal Protocol on Substances
that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and the Basel
Convention on the Control of Transboundary
Movements of Hazardous Wastes.
(D) Economic assistance.--In this paragraph, the
term ``economic assistance'' means--
(i) any assistance under part I or chapter
2, 4, 5, or 8 of part II of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961 (including programs
under title IV of chapter 2, relating to the
Overseas Private Investment Corporation), any
benefits under part IV of that Act (relating to
the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative), or
any benefits under part V of that Act, relating
to tropical forest preservation;
(ii) the provision of agricultural
commodities, or other assistance or benefits,
under the Agricultural Trade Development and
Assistance Act of 1954, including the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative; and
(iii) any assistance under the FREEDOM
Support Act or the Support for East European
Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989.
(E) Financial transaction.--In this paragraph, the
term ``financial transaction'' has the meaning given
that term in section 1956(c)(4) of title 18, United
States Code.
(F) Investment.--In this paragraph, the term
``investment'' means any contribution or commitment of
funds, commodities, services, patents, or other forms
of intellectual property, processes, or techniques,
including--
(i) a loan or loans;
(ii) the purchase of a share of ownership;
(iii) participation in royalties, earnings,
or profits; and
(iv) the furnishing or commodities or
services pursuant to a lease or other contract.
(G) Exclusions.--The term ``unilateral economic
sanction'' does not include--
(i) any measure imposed to remedy unfair
trade practices or to enforce United States
rights under a trade agreement, including under
section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, title
VII of that Act, title III of the Trade Act of
1974, and sections 1374, 1376, and 1377 of the
Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988
(19 U.S.C. 3103, 3106, and 3107);
(ii) any measure imposed to remedy market
disruption or to respond to injury to a
domestic industry for which increased imports
are a substantial cause or threat thereof,
including remedies under sections 201, 406,
421, and 422 of the Trade Act of 1974, and
textile import restrictions (including those
imposed under section 204 of the Agricultural
Act of 1956 (7 U.S.C. 1784));
(iii) any measure imposed to restrict
imports of agricultural commodities to protect
food safety or to ensure the orderly marketing
of commodities in the United States, including
actions taken under section 22 of the
Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 624);
(iv) any measure imposed to restrict
imports of any other products in order to
protect domestic health or safety; and
(v) any measure authorized by, or imposed
under, a multilateral or bilateral trade
agreement to which the United States is a
signatory, including the Uruguay Round
Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the
Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3501)),
the North American Free Trade Agreement, the
United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement, and
the United States-Canada Free Trade Agreement.
(2) Agricultural commodity.--The term ``agricultural
commodity'' has the meaning given that term in section 102(1)
of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602(1)). | Unilateral Sanction Reporting Act - Directs the President to report annually to all committees of Congress with jurisdiction affected by U.S. policies on unilateral economic sanctions on: (1) the costs and benefits within the United States, and, to the extent possible, the economic implications for the targeted foreign countries or entities concerned, of the imposition of unilateral economic U.S. sanctions during the previous calendar year; and (2) the policy goals intended to be achieved by such sanctions, and the extent to which they were achieved. Requires other specified reports with respect to such sanctions. Defines "unilateral economic sanction" to include export and import restrictions, financial transaction suspensions, investment suspensions, increased tariffs, restrictions on the authority of the Export-Import Bank, restrictions on defense articles, and voting requirements for U.S. representatives to international financial institutions. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To require the President to report annually to the Congress on the effects of the imposition of unilateral economic sanctions by the United States."} | 2,851 | 182 | 0.639436 | 1.966597 | 0.856378 | 5 | 17.815287 | 0.872611 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting Health as Youth Skills In
Classrooms And Life Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in
the United States.
(2) Researchers estimate that the medical costs of the
obesity epidemic in the United States may total
$270,000,000,000 annually.
(3) More than one-third of children and adolescents are
estimated to be overweight or obese.
(4) Of all United States deaths from major chronic disease,
23 percent are linked to sedentary lifestyles that now begin at
childhood.
(5) Overweight adolescents have a 70- to 80-percent chance
of becoming overweight adults, increasing their risk for
chronic disease, disability, and death.
(6) Studies show that children born today, for the first
time in 2 centuries, have a shorter life expectancy than their
parents.
(7) According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention in 2006--
(A) 1 in 5 students in grades 9-12 seriously
considers suicide;
(B) 1 in 3 12th graders, 1 in 4 10th graders, and 1
in 10 8th graders binge drink; and
(C) 1 in 10 children suffer mental illness causing
some level of impairment.
(8) Studies show that--
(A) students who receive social-psychological
support and prevention have improved academic
achievement;
(B) instruction in personal and social skills
improves decisionmaking and reduces risky health
behaviors; and
(C) comprehensive programs linking rigorous
instruction with health, education, social services,
and health services in schools can reduce absenteeism.
(9) The American Association for Health Education
recommends that students receive a minimum of 50 hours of
health education per year in order to ensure health literacy.
(10) According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, only 6.4 percent of elementary schools, 20.6
percent of middle schools, and 35.8 percent of high schools
require health instruction in all 14 recommended health topics
and only 3.8 percent of elementary schools, 7.8 percent of
middle schools, and 2.1 percent of high schools provide daily
physical education or its equivalent.
(11) The Institute of Medicine in 2004 reported that
enhanced school health education programs are essential to
developing a health literate society in the United States as
the Nation faces increasing health care challenges.
(12) According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, studies suggest that physical activity can impact
cognitive skills and attitudes, and important components of
improved academic performance, including enhanced concentration
and attention as well as improved classroom behavior.
(13) The White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity Report
recommends increasing the quality and frequency of sequential,
age, and developmentally appropriate physical education for all
students, taught by certified physical education teachers.
(14) The National Association for Sport and Physical
Education recommends that elementary school students receive
150 minutes per week of physical education and that middle
school and high school students receive 225 minutes per week of
physical education.
(15) The American school system is already situated to
reach 50,000,000 children and youth to provide the health and
physical education they need and a place for them to engage in
these behaviors, such as nutritious eating and participating in
physical activity.
(16) Military readiness is vulnerable, as almost 30 percent
of 17- to 24-year-olds are too overweight to serve in the U.S.
military.
(17) Physical education and health education are critical
to combating these harmful trends and are key components to
educating the whole child.
SEC. 3. OFFICE OF SAFE AND HEALTHY STUDENTS.
Title II of the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C.
3411 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 221. OFFICE OF SAFE AND HEALTHY STUDENTS.
``(a) Office of Safe and Healthy Students.--There shall be an
Office of Safe and Healthy Students (referred to in this section as the
`Office') in the Department of Education to advise the Secretary on
Departmental matters related to health education, physical education,
and providing a safe and supportive school climate for students'
learning, including promoting the acquisition of knowledge and skills
needed to be healthy, productive citizens. The Office shall assume the
responsibilities of the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools and expand
such responsibilities and oversight for broader health and physical
education issues.
``(b) Director.--
``(1) Appointment and reporting.--The Office shall be under
the direction of a Director, who shall be appointed by the
Secretary and who shall report directly to the Deputy
Secretary.
``(2) Duties.--The Director shall--
``(A) promote health education activities designed
to prevent, protect, and remediate the health and
safety of students, including nutrition, health
literacy, mental health, bullying, physical activity,
and drug and alcohol abuse;
``(B) promote physical education in elementary
schools and secondary schools;
``(C) coordinate such activities within the
Department of Education and with other agencies and
organizations sharing a similar mission, including the
Department of Health and Human Services, the Department
of Agriculture, and the Department of Justice;
``(D) administer, coordinate, and recommend policy
for improving quality and excellence of programs and
activities that are designed to--
``(i) provide financial assistance for
activities that promote the health, safety, and
well-being of students in elementary schools,
secondary schools, and institutions of higher
education, that are carried out by State
educational agencies, local educational
agencies, tribal schools, and public or private
nonprofit organizations;
``(ii) participate in the formulation and
development of education program policy and
legislative proposals and in overall Department
policies related to health and safety promotion
in schools;
``(iii) participate in interagency
committees, groups, and partnerships related to
health and safety promotion, that includes drug
and violence prevention (including bullying
prevention), coordinating with other Federal
agencies on issues related to comprehensive
school health and physical education, and
advising the Secretary on the formulation of
comprehensive policies related to school health
and physical education;
``(iv) participate with other Federal
agencies in the development of a national
research agenda for health, physical activity,
and safety promotion, prevention and reduction
of risky health behaviors, and positive youth
development, and serve as a clearinghouse for
research data documenting the connection
between student health, safety, and academic
performance, attendance and future job success;
``(v) serve a coordinating function within
the Department to identify all programs that
address any aspect of student health and safety
promotion within schools and ensure that the
programs work in a coordinated manner;
``(vi) analyze data to assess progress and
achievement of relevant national health
objectives for the Nation; and
``(vii) serve as a clearinghouse for local
educational agencies and schools needing
technical assistance in addressing student
health and safety issues; and
``(E) submit a biennial report to Congress
regarding--
``(i) the expansion of--
``(I) physical education, health
education and school health programs,
and the improvement of student
knowledge, skills, and behavior; and
``(II) teachers and others prepared
to provide such programs and services;
and
``(ii) the integration of physical activity
and health programs throughout the school day,
including before and after school and in the
community.''.
SEC. 4. HEALTH EDUCATION AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
(a) Definitions.--Section 9101(11) of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(11)) is amended by striking ``and
geography'' and inserting ``geography, physical education, and health
education''.
(b) Assessments.--Section 1111(b)(3) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(3)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(E) Assessments for health education and physical
education.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Act, each State shall determine the most feasible
measure for assessing students in health education and
physical education, including the use of adaptive
assessments, to measure student knowledge and
performance according to State standards and
benchmarks.''.
SEC. 5. HEALTH EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``PART D--HEALTH EDUCATION
``SEC. 4401. HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to award grants
and contracts to initiate, expand, and improve health education
programs for all kindergarten through 12th-grade students.
``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants
to, and enter into contracts with, local educational agencies,
including tribal schools and tribal school education agencies,
community-based organizations, and nonprofit organizations to initiate,
expand, and improve health education programs for kindergarten through
grade 12 students, especially in rural areas, by--
``(1) providing resources and support to enable students to
develop health literacy and skills to live more healthfully;
``(2) developing or enhancing health education curricula to
meet national goals for health education developed by the
Secretary in consultation with the Director of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention;
``(3) providing funds for technology, curriculum, related
materials, and training, including on-line learning; and
``(4) providing funds for professional development for
teachers, school nurses, wellness coordinators, and other
personnel involved in student health.
``(c) Application.--
``(1) Submission.--Each local educational agency,
community-based organization, or nonprofit organization
desiring a grant or contract under this section shall submit to
the Secretary an application that contains a plan to initiate,
expand, or improve health education programs in order to make
progress toward meeting State or national standards for health
education.
``(2) Proportionality.--To the extent practicable, the
Secretary shall ensure that grants awarded under this section
shall be equitably distributed among local educational
agencies, community-based organizations, and nonprofit
organizations serving urban and rural areas.
``(d) Program Elements.--A health education program funded under
this section may provide for 1 or more of the following:
``(1) Curriculum development activities designed to enhance
school curricula efforts.
``(2) Instruction in health designed to enhance the
physical, mental, and social or emotional development of every
student.
``(3) Development of personal and life skills designed to
reduce risky behaviors.
``(4) Opportunities to develop decisionmaking and problem
solving skills.
``(5) Instruction in healthy eating habits and good
nutrition.
``(6) Opportunities for professional development for
teachers of health education to stay current with the latest
research, issues, and trends in the field of health education.
``(7) Opportunities to assess school health curriculum
needs and priorities and to assess students' progress in
meeting health education standards.
``(e) Requirements.--
``(1) Annual report to the secretary.--In order to continue
receiving funding after the first year of a multi-year grant or
contract under this section, the administrator of the grant or
contract for the local educational agency, community-based
organization, or nonprofit organization shall submit to the
Secretary an annual report that--
``(A) describes the activities conducted during the
preceding year; and
``(B) demonstrates progress and achievements made
toward meeting State or national standards for health
education.
``(2) Administrative expenses.--Not more than 5 percent of
the grant funds made available to a local educational agency,
community-based organization, or nonprofit organization under
this section for any fiscal year may be used for administrative
expenses.
``(f) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Funds made available under this
section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, any other
Federal, State, or local funds available for health education
activities.''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 2 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 4304 the following:
``Part D--Health Education
``Sec. 4401. Health Education Programs.''.
SEC. 6. CAROL M. WHITE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Carol M. White Physical Education Program (20
U.S.C. 7261 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 5508. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2012 and each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 2 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 5507 the following:
``Sec. 5508. Authorization of appropriations.''. | Promoting Health as Youth Skills In Classrooms And Life Act - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish an Office of Safe and Healthy Students in the Department of Education to assume the responsibilities of the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools and expand such responsibilities to broader health and physical education issues.
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include health education and physical education in the definition of "core academic subjects."
Requires each state to determine the most feasible measure for assessing students in health education and physical education, including through adaptive assessments, to measure student knowledge and performance against state standards.
Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to, and enter into contracts with, local educational agencies (LEAs), community-based organizations, and nonprofit organizations to initiate, expand, and improve health education programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12, especially in rural areas.
Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for the Carol M. White Physical Education Program, which provides matching grants to LEAs and community-based organizations to initiate, expand, and improve physical education programs (including after-school programs) for students in kindergarten through grade 12. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To support and encourage the health and well-being of elementary school and secondary school students by enhancing school physical education and health education."} | 2,861 | 248 | 0.413671 | 1.22253 | 0.693978 | 4.867841 | 12.215859 | 0.911894 |
SECTION 1. SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS OF THE WYANDOTTE NATION.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The Wyandotte Nation has a valid interest in certain
lands located in the Fairfax Business District in Wyandotte
County, Kansas, that are located within the Nation's
reservation established pursuant to an agreement between the
Wyandotte Nation and the Delaware Nation dated December 14,
1843, which agreement was ratified by the Senate on July 25,
1848.
(2) The Wyandotte Nation filed a lawsuit, Wyandotte Nation
v. Unified Government of Kansas City and Wyandotte County,
Kansas, U.S. D.C. Kan., Case No. 012303-CM, against certain
landowners within the Fairfax Business District to ascertain
and adjudicate ownership of lands that were once owned and held
in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Wyandotte
Nation but were not conveyed to the United States by the
Wyandotte Nation pursuant to the Treaty of January 31, 1855.
(3) The Lawsuit also contends that certain major roads in
Kansas City encroach upon a certain parcel of land, known as
the Huron Cemetery, which was reserved for the Wyandotte Nation
in the Treaty of January 31, 1855.
(4) The pendency of this Lawsuit has resulted in severe
economic hardships for the residents of the Fairfax Business
District of Wyandotte County, Kansas, by clouding title to much
of the land within that District.
(5) Congress shares with the residents of the Fairfax
Business District of Wyandotte County, Kansas, a desire to
remove all clouds on title resulting from the Lawsuit without
additional cost or expense to either the United States, the
State of Kansas, the Unified Government of Kansas City and
Wyandotte County, Kansas, and all other landowners within the
Fairfax Business District of Wyandotte County, Kansas.
(6) The Wyandotte Nation and the Unified Government of
Kansas City and Wyandotte County have reached an agreement
settling the Lawsuit which requires implementing legislation by
Congress.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are as follows: --
(1) To settle the Lawsuit.
(2) To direct the Secretary to take into trust for the
benefit of the Wyandotte Nation the Settlement Lands in
settlement of the Wyandotte Nation's Lawsuit and the land
claims asserted therein.
(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this Act, the following
definitions apply: --
(1) Kansas lands.--The term ``Kansas Lands'' means all of
the lands described and identified as ``Gifted Lands'' and
``Accreted Lands'' in the Wyandotte Nation's complaint filed in
the Lawsuit, as well as those portions of Seventh Street and
Minnesota Avenue located within Kansas City, Kansas, which the
Wyandotte Nation claim in the Lawsuit were included within the
Huron Cemetery under the Treaty of January 31, 1855.
(2) Lawsuit.--The term ``Lawsuit'' means Wyandotte Nation
v. Unified Government of Kansas City and Wyandotte County,
Kansas, U.S. D.C. Kan., Case No. 012303-CM.
(3) secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(4) Settlement lands.--The term ``Settlement Lands'' means
the following parcel of real property located in the City of
Edwardsville, Wyandotte County, Kansas and more particularly
described in Quit Claim Deed filed for record as Parcel I.D.
944806, Book 3190 at Page 198 and Book 4408 at Page 789 in the
Wyandotte County, Kansas, Register of Deeds Office.
(5) Unified government.--The term ``Unified Government''
means the Unified Government of Kansas City and Wyandotte
County, Kansas.
(6) Wyandotte nation.--The term ``Wyandotte Nation'' means
the Wyandotte Nation, a federally-recognized Indian tribe.
(d) Extinguishment of Land Claims.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this section and as part of the settlement
of the Lawsuit and the Wyandotte Nation's land claims asserted therein,
the Secretary shall take and hold title to the Settlement Lands in
trust for the benefit of the Wyandotte Nation pursuant to and within
the scope and meaning of section 20(b)(1)(B)(i) of the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2719(b)(1)(B)(i)). Any and all claims which
the Wyandotte Nation has or could have asserted in the Lawsuit shall be
extinguished upon--
(1) the Secretary accepting title to the Settlement Lands
in trust for the Wyandotte Nation; and
(2) publication in the Federal Register of a notice of
approval of tribal-State compact between the Wyandotte Nation
and the State of Kansas pursuant to section 11(d)(3)(B) of the
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2710(d)(3)(B)).
(e) Shriner Property.--Congress confirms that the United States
acquired title to the Shriner's Property in trust for the benefit of
the Wyandotte Nation effective July 15, 1996. Notwithstanding the trust
status of the Shriner's Property, the Wyandotte Nation shall have no
rights to conduct gaming on the Shriner's Property upon-
(1) the Secretary accepting title to the Settlement Lands
in trust for the Wyandotte Nation; and
(2) publication in the Federal Register of a notice
approval of a tribal-State compact between the Wyandotte Nation
and the State of Kansas pursuant to section 11(d)(3)(B) of the
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2710(d)(3)(B)). | Requires the Secretary of the Interior to take specified Settlement Lands into trust for the benefit of the Wyandotte Nation as part of the settlement of claims in a certain lawsuit of the Wyandotte Nation against the United Government of Kansas City and Wyandotte County, Kansas. Extinguishes any and all claims which the Wyandotte Nation has or could have asserted in the lawsuit upon specified conditions being met.Denies the Wyandotte Nation gaming rights on the Shriner's Property, a property already held in trust for it by the United States, upon specified conditions being met. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for and approve settlement of certain land claims of the Wyandotte Nation, and for other purposes."} | 1,324 | 129 | 0.562917 | 1.859432 | 0.566833 | 3.970588 | 10.45098 | 0.872549 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Equity in Excellence Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. EQUITY IN EXCELLENCE GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating part I as part J; and
(2) by inserting after section 1830 the following:
``PART I--EQUITY IN EXCELLENCE GRANTS
``SEC. 1841. PURPOSE.
``The purpose of this part is to support high-need local
educational agencies to develop programs that ensure that the rate of
growth in academic achievement of high-achieving, educationally
disadvantaged students in grades 1 through 4 who are served by the
high-need local educational agencies is comparable to that of such
students' more advantaged, high-achieving peers.
``SEC. 1842. DEFINITIONS.
``In this part:
``(1) Cohort.--The term `cohort' means a group of high-
achieving students in any of grades 1 through 4 who attend
schools served by the same local educational agency.
``(2) Educationally disadvantaged student.--The term
`educationally disadvantaged student' means a student who is
from a low-income family, as determined by the measure of
poverty used for the purposes of section 1113(a)(5) by the
local educational agency serving the student.
``(3) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) a high-need local educational agency;
``(B) a consortium of local educational agencies
that includes a high-need local educational agency; or
``(C) an eligible partnership.
``(4) Eligible partnership.--The term `eligible
partnership' means a partnership consisting of--
``(A) not less than 1 eligible high-need local
educational agency; and
``(B) not less than 1 institution of higher
education, or nonprofit organization, with significant
expertise in educating students with gifts and talents.
``(5) High-achieving.--The term `high-achieving', when used
with respect to a student, means a student who--
``(A) based on a valid and reliable assessment
administered upon the student's entry into grade 1, is
performing academically in the top 10 percent of the
students entering grade 1 at the school, for any
subgroup described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) that
includes the student; or
``(B) is identified by the local educational agency
or elementary school for gifted education services
through teacher or family referrals.
``(6) High-need local educational agency.--The term `high-
need local educational agency' means a local educational agency
that meets the requirements of section 2102(3)(A).
``SEC. 1843. EQUITY IN EXCELLENCE GRANTS.
``(a) Program Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--From amounts appropriated to carry out
this part and not reserved under section 1845(b)(2), the
Secretary is authorized to award demonstration grants, on a
competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable the eligible
entities to develop targeted interventions and academic
services to ensure that, among the students served by high-need
local educational agencies, the rate of growth in academic
achievement of the cohort of high-achieving, educationally
disadvantaged students is comparable to the cohort of such
students' more advantaged, high-achieving peers.
``(2) Duration.--A grant awarded under this part shall be
for a period of not more than 3 years and may be extended by
the Secretary for an additional 2 years, in accordance with
section 1845(a)(2).
``(b) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this
part shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
``SEC. 1844. AUTHORIZED USE OF FUNDS.
``An eligible entity receiving a grant under this part shall use
grant funds to carry out, for the cohorts of high-achieving students
served by the high-need local educational agency participating in the
eligible entity, all of the following activities:
``(1) Ensuring that assessments provide diagnostic
information that informs instruction for high-achieving
students.
``(2) Implementing evidence-based, innovative educational
strategies, such as enrichment programs and academic
acceleration strategies, designed to maximize the learning of
high-potential and high-achieving students.
``(3) Procuring or utilizing high-quality instructional
materials.
``(4) Carrying out training and professional development
for school personnel involved in the teaching of high-
achieving, educationally disadvantaged students, such as
instructional staff, principals, counselors, and psychologists.
``(5) Conducting education and training for parents of
high-achieving, educationally disadvantaged students to support
educational excellence for such students.
``SEC. 1845. REPORTS AND DATA COLLECTION.
``(a) Third-Year Report.--
``(1) In general.--At the end of the third year of a grant
under this part, the eligible entity receiving such grant shall
prepare, and submit to the Secretary, a report regarding--
``(A) how grant funds were expended; and
``(B) the outcomes produced by the grant.
``(2) Review.--Upon review of a third-year report submitted
by an eligible entity under paragraph (1), the Secretary may
extend a grant awarded under this part for not more than 2 more
years based on the eligible entity's performance.
``(b) Data Collection.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director of the Institute of Education Sciences, shall--
``(A) collect data annually comparing longitudinal
achievement levels of the cohorts of high-achieving,
educationally disadvantaged students served by a grant
under this part with such students' more advantaged
peers; and
``(B) release such data for analysis by independent
research institutions.
``(2) Reservation.--The Secretary may reserve not more than
1 percent of the total amount appropriated for this part to
carry out subsection (a).
``SEC. 1846. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
``Nothing in this part shall be construed to prohibit a recipient
of a grant under this part from serving high-achieving, educationally
disadvantaged students simultaneously with students with similar
educational needs in the same educational settings, where
appropriate.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--The Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is further amended--
(1) in the table of contents in section 2--
(A) by striking the item relating to part I and
inserting the following:
``Part J--General Provisions'';
and
(B) by inserting after the item relating to section
1830 the following:
``PART I--Equity in Excellence Grants
``Sec. 1841. Purpose.
``Sec. 1842. Definitions.
``Sec. 1843. Equity in excellence grants.
``Sec. 1844. Authorized use of funds.
``Sec. 1845. Reports and data collection.
``Sec. 1846. Rule of construction.'';
(2) in section 1304(c)(2) (20 U.S.C. 6394(c)(2)), by
striking ``part I'' and inserting ``part J''; and
(3) in section 1415(a)(2)(C) (20 U.S.C. 6435(a)(2)(C)), by
striking ``part I'' and inserting ``part J''.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 1002 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 6302) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Equity in Excellence Grants.--For the purpose of carrying out
part I, there is authorized to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal
year 2011 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''. | Equity in Excellence Act of 2010 - Amends title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish an Equity in Excellence Grant program authorizing the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible entities for efforts to ensure that the academic achievement rates of high-achieving students in grades one through four, who are from impoverished families and served by high-need local educational agencies (LEAs), do not fall behind the achievement rates of their more advantaged, high-achieving peers.
Lists as eligible grantees: (1) high-need LEAs; (2) consortia of LEAs that include high-need LEAs; and (3) partnerships composed of high-need LEAs and institutions of higher education or nonprofits that have expertise in educating gifted students.
Requires the use of grant funds to: (1) ensure that assessments provide diagnostic information that informs the instruction of high-achieving students; (2) implement evidence-based, innovative educational strategies, such as enrichment programs and academic acceleration strategies; (3) procure or use high-quality instructional materials; (4) train school personnel involved in teaching high-achieving students from impoverished families; and (5) conduct education and training for such students' parents that supports their children's excellence.
Allows the Secretary to extend such grants based on recipient performance.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) collect data annually comparing the longitudinal achievement levels of the students served by this Act's grants with their more advantaged peers; and (2) release such data for analysis to independent research institutions. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To support high-achieving, educationally disadvantaged elementary school students in high-need local educational agencies, and for other purposes."} | 1,866 | 327 | 0.631552 | 1.821528 | 0.871637 | 2.789474 | 5.417763 | 0.868421 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Animal Feed Protection Act of
2004''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) BSE.--The term ``BSE'' means bovine spongiform
encephalopathy.
(2) Covered article.--
(A) In general.--The term ``covered article''
means--
(i) feed for an animal;
(ii) a nutritional supplement for an
animal;
(iii) medicine for an animal; and
(iv) any other article of a kind that is
ordinarily ingested, implanted, or otherwise
taken into an animal.
(B) Exclusions.--The term ``covered article'' does
not include--
(i) an unprocessed agricultural commodity
that is readily identifiable as nonanimal in
origin, such as a vegetable, grain, or nut;
(ii) an article described in subparagraph
(A) that, based on compelling scientific
evidence, the Secretary determines does not
pose a risk of transmitting prion disease; or
(iii) an article regulated by the Secretary
that, as determined by the Secretary--
(I) poses a minimal risk of
carrying prion disease; and
(II) is necessary to protect animal
health or public health.
(3) Specified risk material.--
(A) In general.--The term ``specified risk
material'' means--
(i) the skull, brain, trigeminal ganglia,
eyes, tonsils, spinal cord, vertebral column,
or dorsal root ganglia of--
(I) cattle and bison 30 months of
age and older; or
(II) sheep, goats, deer, and elk 12
months of age and older;
(ii) the intestinal tract of a ruminant of
any age; and
(iii) any other material of a ruminant that
may carry a prion disease, as determined by the
Secretary, based on scientifically credible
research.
(B) Modification.--The Secretary shall conduct an
annual review of scientific research and may modify the
definition of specified risk material based on
scientifically credible research (including the conduct
of ante-mortem and post-mortem tests certified by the
Secretary of Agriculture).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
SEC. 3. PROTECTION OF ANIMAL FEED AND PUBLIC HEALTH.
It shall be unlawful for any person to introduce into interstate or
foreign commerce a covered article if the covered article contains--
(1)(A) specified risk material from a ruminant; or
(B) any material from a ruminant that--
(i) was in any foreign country at a time at which
there was a risk of transmission of BSE in the country,
as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture; and
(ii) may contain specified risk material from a
ruminant; or
(2) any material from a ruminant exhibiting signs of a
neurological disease.
SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Cooperation.--The Secretary and the heads of other Federal
agencies, as appropriate, shall cooperate with the Attorney General in
enforcing this Act.
(b) Due Process.--Any person subject to enforcement action under
this section shall have the opportunity for an informal hearing on the
enforcement action as soon as practicable after, but not later than 10
days after, the enforcement action is taken.
(c) Remedies.--In addition to any remedies available under other
provisions of law, the head of a Federal agency may enforce this Act
by--
(1) seizing and destroying an article that is introduced
into interstate or foreign commerce in violation of this Act;
or
(2) issuing an order requiring any person that introduces
an article into interstate or foreign commerce in violation of
this Act--
(A) to cease the violation;
(B)(i) to recall any article that is sold; and
(ii) to refund the purchase price to the purchaser;
(C) to destroy the article or forfeit the article
to the United States for destruction; or
(D) to cease operations at the facility at which
the article is produced until the head of the
appropriate Federal agency determines that the
operations are no longer in violation of this Act.
(d) Civil and Monetary Penalties.--The Secretary is directed to
promulgate regulations on the appropriate level of civil and monetary
penalties necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, within 180
days following enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. TRAINING STANDARDS.
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture,
shall issue training standards to industry for the removal of specified
risk materials.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 to carry out this
Act.
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act takes effect on the date that is 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act. | Animal Feed Protection Act of 2004 - Makes it unlawful for any person to introduce into interstate or foreign commerce a covered article that contains: (1) specified risk material from a ruminant, or any material from a ruminant that was in any foreign country when there was a risk of transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and may contain specified risk material from a ruminant; or (2) any material from a ruminant exhibiting signs of a neurological disease.
States that the head of a Federal agency may: (1) seize and destroy an article that is introduced into interstate or foreign commerce in violation of this Act; or (2) require any person who is in violation of this Act to cease the violation, to recall any sold article and refund the purchase price, to destroy or forfeit the article to the United States for destruction, or to cease production operations until the head of the appropriate Federal agency determines that there is no longer a violation of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for related civil and monetary penalties.
Defines "covered article" as: (1) animal feed, nutritional supplement, or medicine; and (2) any other article that is ordinarily ingested, implanted, or otherwise taken into an animal. Sets forth exceptions.
Defines "specified risk material" as: (1) the skull, brain, trigeminal ganglia, eyes, tonsils, spinal cord, vertebral column, or dorsal root ganglia of cattle and bison 30 months of age and older, or sheep, goats, deer, and elk 12 months of age and older; (2) the intestinal tract of any ruminant; and (3) any other material of a ruminant that may carry a prion disease. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to promote food safety and to protect the animal feed supply from bovine spongiform encephalopathy."} | 1,151 | 404 | 0.717595 | 2.423824 | 0.80485 | 4.726471 | 2.926471 | 0.944118 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Social Media Working Group Act of
2014''.
SEC. 2. SOCIAL MEDIA WORKING GROUP.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 181 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``SEC. 318. SOCIAL MEDIA WORKING GROUP.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish within the
Department a social media working group (in this section referred to as
the `Group').
``(b) Purpose.--In order to enhance information sharing between the
Department and appropriate stakeholders, the Group shall provide
guidance and best practices to the emergency preparedness and response
community on the use of social media technologies before, during, and
after a terrorist attack or other emergency.
``(c) Membership.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary for Science and
Technology shall serve as the permanent chairperson of the
Group, and shall designate, on a rotating basis, a
representative from a State or local government who is a member
of the Group to serve as co-chairperson. The Under Secretary
shall establish term limits for individuals appointed to the
Group pursuant to paragraph (2). Membership of the Group shall
be composed of a cross section of subject matter experts from
Federal, State, local, tribal, and nongovernmental organization
practitioners, including representatives from the following
entities:
``(A) The Office of Public Affairs of the
Department.
``(B) The Office of the Chief Information Officer
of the Department.
``(C) The Privacy Office of the Department.
``(D) The Federal Emergency Management Agency.
``(E) The Office of Disability Integration and
Coordination of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
``(F) The American Red Cross.
``(G) The Forest Service.
``(H) The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
``(I) The United States Geological Survey.
``(J) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
``(2) Additional members.--The Under Secretary for Science
and Technology shall appoint, on a rotating basis, qualified
individuals to the Group. The total number of such additional
members shall--
``(A) be equal to or greater than the total number
of regular members under paragraph (1); and
``(B) include--
``(i) not fewer than three representatives
from the private sector; and
``(ii) representatives from--
``(I) State, local, and tribal
entities, including from--
``(aa) law enforcement;
``(bb) fire services;
``(cc) emergency management
services; and
``(dd) public health
entities;
``(II) universities and academia;
and
``(III) non-profit disaster relief
organizations.
``(d) Consultation With Non-members.--To the extent practicable,
the Group shall work with existing bodies in the public and private
sectors to carry out subsection (b).
``(e) Meetings.--
``(1) Initial meeting.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this section, the Group shall hold its
initial meeting. Such initial meeting may be held virtually.
``(2) Subsequent meetings.--After the initial meeting under
paragraph (1), the Group shall meet at least twice each year,
or at the call of the Chairperson. Such subsequent meetings may
be held virtually.
``(f) Nonapplicability of FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act
(5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Group.
``(g) Reports.--Not later than March 30 of each year, the Group
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that
includes the following:
``(1) A review of current and emerging social media
technologies being used to support preparedness and response
activities related to terrorist attacks and other emergencies.
``(2) A review of best practices and lessons learned on the
use of social media during the response to terrorist attacks
and other emergencies that occurred during the period covered
by the report at issue.
``(3) Recommendations to improve the Department's use of
social media for emergency management purposes.
``(4) Recommendations to improve public awareness of the
type of information disseminated through social media, and how
to access such information, during a terrorist attack or other
emergency.
``(5) Recommendations to improve information sharing among
the Department and its components.
``(6) Recommendations to improve information sharing among
State and local governments.
``(7) A review of available training for Federal, State,
local, and tribal officials on the use of social media in
response to a terrorist attack or other emergency.
``(8) A summary of coordination efforts with the private
sector to discuss and resolve legal, operational, technical,
privacy, and security concerns.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 317 the following new item:
``Sec. 318. Social media working group.''.
Passed the House of Representatives July 8, 2014.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 19, 2014. Social Media Working Group Act of 2014 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a social media working group (the Group) to provide guidance and best practices to the emergency preparedness and response community on the use of social media technologies before, during, and after a terrorist attack or other emergency. Requires the Group to submit an annual report that includes: (1) a review of current and emerging social media technologies being used to support preparedness and response activities related to terrorist attacks and other emergencies; (2) a review of best practices and lessons learned on the use of social media during the response to terrorist attacks and other emergencies that occurred during the period covered by the report; (3) recommendations to improve DHS's use of social media for emergency management purposes, to improve public awareness of the type of information disseminated through social media and how to access such information during a terrorist attack or other emergency, and to improve information sharing among DHS and its components and among state and local governments; (4) a review of available training for government officials on the use of social media in response to a terrorist attack or other emergency; and (5) a summary of coordination efforts with the private sector to discuss and resolve legal, operational, technical, privacy, and security concerns. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Social Media Working Group Act of 2014"} | 1,194 | 302 | 0.576216 | 1.63552 | 0.785747 | 6.235294 | 3.948097 | 0.934256 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``2005 BRAC Selection Criteria Act''.
SEC. 2. SPECIFICATION OF 2005 BRAC FINAL SELECTION CRITERIA.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Title XXX of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2002 (Public Law 107-107; 115 Stat. 1342) amended
the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of
title XXIX of Public Law 101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note) to
authorize the Secretary of Defense to conduct a round of base
realignments and closures in 2005.
(2) In section 2822 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136; 117 Stat. 1726),
approved November 24, 2003, Congress required the Secretary of
Defense to assess the probable threats to national security and
determine the potential, prudent, surge requirements for the
Armed Forces and military installations to meet those threats.
Such section specifically requires the Secretary of Defense to
use the determination of surge requirements in exercising the
authority of the Secretary to conduct the 2005 round of base
realignments and closures.
(3) Section 2913 of the Defense Base Closure and
Realignment Act of 1990, as added by title XXX of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, specified the
process by which the Secretary of Defense was to prepare the
criteria to be used by the Secretary in making recommendations
for the 2005 round of base realignments and closures and listed
certain requirements the Secretary had to comply with as part
of the process, including the advance publication of the
proposed criteria and the solicitation and consideration of
public comments.
(4) In subsection (e) of such section, Congress required
the Secretary of Defense to publish in the Federal Register and
transmit to Congress not later than February 16, 2004, the
final criteria intended to be used by the Secretary in making
recommendations for the 2005 round of base realignments and
closures. Pursuant to such subsection, the Secretary of Defense
published the final selection criteria in the Federal Register
on February 12, 2004 (69 Fed. Reg. 6948).
(5) In addition to specifically reserving its right to
disapprove the final selection criteria, Congress may modify or
otherwise amend the criteria by Act of Congress.
(b) Congressional Specification of Final BRAC Selection Criteria.--
Section 2913 of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990
(part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note), as
added by section 3002 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2002 (Public Law 107-107; 115 Stat. 1344), is amended to
read as follows:
``SEC. 2913. FINAL SELECTION CRITERIA FOR 2005 ROUND.
``(a) Final Selection Criteria.--The final criteria to be used by
the Secretary in making recommendations for the closure or realignment
of military installations inside the United States under this part in
2005 are as follows:
``(1) The current and future mission requirements and the
impact on operational readiness of the total force of the
Department of Defense, including the impact on joint
warfighting, training, readiness, and research, development,
test, and evaluation of weapons systems and equipment.
``(2) The availability and condition of land, facilities,
infrastructure, and associated air and water space (including
preservation of training areas suitable for maneuver by ground,
naval, or air forces throughout a diversity of climate and
terrain areas, the preservation of testing ranges able to
accommodate current or future military weapons systems and
equipment, and the preservation of staging areas for the use of
the Armed Forces in homeland defense missions) at both existing
and potential receiving locations.
``(3) The ability to accommodate contingency, mobilization,
and future total force requirements at both existing and
potential receiving locations to support operations, training,
maintenance, and repair.
``(4) Preservation of land, air, and water space,
facilities, and infrastructure necessary to support training
and operations of military forces determined to be surge
requirements by the Secretary of Defense, as required by
section 2822 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136; 117 Stat. 1726).
``(5) The extent and timing of potential costs and savings
of base realignment and closure actions on the entire Federal
budget, as well as the Department of Defense, including the
number of years, beginning with the date of completion of the
closure or realignment, for the savings to exceed the costs.
Costs shall include those costs related to potential
environmental restoration, waste management, and environmental
compliance activities.
``(6) The economic impact on existing communities in the
vicinity of military installations.
``(7) The ability of the infrastructure of both existing
and potential receiving communities to support forces,
missions, and personnel, including quality of living standards
for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents.
``(8) The environmental impact on receiving locations.
``(b) Priority Given to Military Value.--In recommending military
installations for closure or realignment, the Secretary shall give
priority consideration to the first four criteria specified in
subsection (a).
``(c) Relation to Other 2005 Round Materials.--The final selection
criteria specified in subsection (a) shall be the only criteria to be
used, along with the force-structure plan and infrastructure inventory
referred to in section 2912, in making recommendations for the closure
or realignment of military installations inside the United States under
this part in 2005.
``(d) Relation to Criteria for Earlier Rounds.--Section 2903(b),
and the selection criteria prepared under such section, shall not apply
with respect to the process of making recommendations for the closure
or realignment of military installations in 2005.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--The Defense Base Closure and
Realignment Act of 1990 is amended--
(1) in section 2912(c)(1)(A), by striking ``criteria
prepared under section 2913'' and inserting ``criteria
specified in section 2913''; and
(2) in section 2914(a), by striking ``criteria prepared by
the Secretary under section 2913'' and inserting ``criteria
specified in section 2913''. | 2005 BRAC Selection Criteria Act - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to add the following to the final criteria to be used by the Secretary of Defense in making recommendations in 2005 for the closure or realignment of military installations inside the United States: (1) the current and future mission requirements and the impact on operational readiness of the total force of the Department of Defense; (2) the availability and condition of land, facilities, infrastructure, and associated air and water space at both existing and potential receiving locations; (3) the ability to accommodate contingency, mobilization, and future total force requirements at both existing and potential receiving locations to support operations, training, maintenance, and repair; and (4) preservation of land, air, and water space, facilities, and infrastructure necessary to support training and operations of military forces determined by the Secretary to be surge (manpower) requirements. Requires the added criteria to be given priority in recommending installations for closure or realignment. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to specify the criteria to be used by the Secretary of Defense in making recommendations in 2005 for the closure or realignment of military installations inside the United States under such Act."} | 1,368 | 206 | 0.646723 | 1.938923 | 0.723121 | 7.078125 | 6.765625 | 0.984375 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National Capital
Transportation Amendments Act of 2007''.
(b) Findings.--Congress finds as follows:
(1) Metro, the public transit system of the Washington
metropolitan area, is essential for the continued and effective
performance of the functions of the Federal Government, and for
the orderly movement of people during major events and times of
regional or national emergency.
(2) On 3 occasions, Congress has authorized appropriations
for the construction and capital improvement needs of the
Metrorail system.
(3) Additional funding is required to protect these
previous Federal investments and ensure the continued
functionality and viability of the original 103-mile Metrorail
system.
SEC. 2. FEDERAL CONTRIBUTION FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS FOR WASHINGTON
METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM.
The National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 (sec. 9-1111.01 et
seq., D.C. Official Code) is amended by adding at the end the following
new section:
``authorization of additional federal contribution for capital and
preventive maintenance projects
``Sec. 18. (a) Authorization.--Subject to the succeeding
provisions of this section, the Secretary of Transportation is
authorized to make grants to the Transit Authority, in addition to the
contributions authorized under sections 3, 14, and 17, for the purpose
of financing in part the capital and preventive maintenance projects
included in the Capital Improvement Program approved by the Board of
Directors of the Transit Authority.
``(b) Use of Funds.--The Federal grants made pursuant to the
authorization under this section shall be subject to the following
limitations and conditions:
``(1) The work for which such Federal grants are authorized
shall be subject to the provisions of the Compact (consistent
with the amendments to the Compact described in subsection
(d)).
``(2) Each such Federal grant shall be for 50 percent of
the net project cost of the project involved, and shall be
provided in cash from sources other than Federal funds or
revenues from the operation of public mass transportation
systems. Consistent with the terms of the amendment to the
Compact described in subsection (d)(1), any funds so provided
shall be solely from undistributed cash surpluses, replacement
or depreciation funds or reserves available in cash, or new
capital.
``(c) Applicability of Requirements for Mass Transportation Capital
Projects Receiving Funds Under Federal Transportation Law.--Except as
specifically provided in this section, the use of any amounts
appropriated pursuant to the authorization under this section shall be
subject to the requirements applicable to capital projects for which
funds are provided under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code,
except to the extent that the Secretary of Transportation determines
that the requirements are inconsistent with the purposes of this
section.
``(d) Amendments to Compact.--No amounts may be provided to the
Transit Authority pursuant to the authorization under this section
until the Transit Authority notifies the Secretary of Transportation
that each of the following amendments to the Compact (and any further
amendments which may be required to implement such amendments) have
taken effect:
``(1)(A) An amendment requiring that all payments by the
local signatory governments for the Transit Authority for the
purpose of matching any Federal funds appropriated in any given
year authorized under subsection (a) for the cost of operating
and maintaining the adopted regional system are made from
amounts derived from dedicated funding sources.
``(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `dedicated
funding source' means any source of funding which is earmarked
or required under State or local law to be used to match
Federal appropriations authorized under this Act for payments
to the Transit Authority.
``(2) An amendment establishing the Office of the Inspector
General of the Transit Authority in accordance with section 3
of the National Capital Transportation Amendments Act of 2007.
``(3) An amendment expanding the Board of Directors of the
Transit Authority to include 4 additional Directors appointed
by the Administrator of General Services, of whom 2 shall be
nonvoting and 2 shall be voting, and requiring one of the
voting members so appointed to be a regular passenger and
customer of the bus or rail service of the Transit Authority.
``(e) Amount.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary of Transportation for grants under this section an aggregate
amount not to exceed $1,500,000,000 to be available in increments over
10 fiscal years beginning in fiscal year 2009, or until expended.
``(f) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization under this section--
``(1) shall remain available until expended; and
``(2) shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, amounts
available to the Transit Authority under chapter 53 of title
49, United States Code, or any other provision of law.''.
SEC. 3. WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY INSPECTOR
GENERAL.
(a) Establishment of Office.--
(1) In general.--The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit
Authority (hereafter referred to as the ``Transit Authority'')
shall establish in the Transit Authority the Office of the
Inspector General (hereafter in this section referred to as the
``Office''), headed by the Inspector General of the Transit
Authority (hereafter in this section referred to as the
``Inspector General'').
(2) Definition.--In paragraph (1), the ``Washington
Metropolitan Area Transit Authority'' means the Authority
established under Article III of the Washington Metropolitan
Area Transit Authority Compact (Public Law 89-774).
(b) Inspector General.--
(1) Appointment.--The Inspector General shall be appointed
by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the
Transit Authority, and shall be appointed without regard to
political affiliation and solely on the basis of integrity and
demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial
analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, or
investigations, as well as familiarity or experience with the
operation of transit systems.
(2) Term of service.--The Inspector General shall serve for
a term of 5 years, and an individual serving as Inspector
General may be reappointed for not more than 2 additional
terms.
(3) Removal.--The Inspector General may be removed from
office prior to the expiration of his term only by the
unanimous vote of all of the members of the Board of Directors
of the Transit Authority, and the Board shall communicate the
reasons for any such removal to the Governor of Maryland, the
Governor of Virginia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia,
the chair of the Committee on Government Reform of the House of
Representatives, and the chair of the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
(c) Duties.--
(1) Applicability of duties of inspector general of
executive branch establishment.--The Inspector General shall
carry out the same duties and responsibilities with respect to
the Transit Authority as an Inspector General of an
establishment carries out with respect to an establishment
under section 4 of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C.
App. 4), under the same terms and conditions which apply under
such section.
(2) Conducting annual audit of financial statements.--The
Inspector General shall be responsible for conducting the
annual audit of the financial accounts of the Transit
Authority, either directly or by contract with an independent
external auditor selected by the Inspector General.
(3) Reports.--
(A) Semiannual reports to transit authority.--The
Inspector General shall prepare and submit semiannual
reports summarizing the activities of the Office in the
same manner, and in accordance with the same deadlines,
terms, and conditions, as an Inspector General of an
establishment under section 5 of the Inspector General
Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 5). For purposes of applying
section 5 of such Act to the Inspector General, the
Board of Directors of the Transit Authority shall be
considered the head of the establishment, except that
the Inspector General shall transmit to the General
Manager of the Transit Authority a copy of any report
submitted to the Board pursuant to this paragraph.
(B) Annual reports to local signatory governments
and congress.--Not later than January 15 of each year,
the Inspector General shall prepare and submit a report
summarizing the activities of the Office during the
previous year, and shall submit such reports to the
Governor of Maryland, the Governor of Virginia, the
Mayor of the District of Columbia, the chair of the
Committee on Government Reform of the House of
Representatives, and the chair of the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the
Senate.
(4) Investigations of complaints of employees and
members.--
(A) Authority.--The Inspector General may receive
and investigate complaints or information from an
employee or member of the Transit Authority concerning
the possible existence of an activity constituting a
violation of law, rules, or regulations, or
mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of
authority, or a substantial and specific danger to the
public health and safety.
(B) Nondisclosure.--The Inspector General shall
not, after receipt of a complaint or information from
an employee or member, disclose the identity of the
employee or member without the consent of the employee
or member, unless the Inspector General determines such
disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the
investigation.
(C) Prohibiting retaliation.--An employee or member
of the Transit Authority who has authority to take,
direct others to take, recommend, or approve any
personnel action, shall not, with respect to such
authority, take or threaten to take any action against
any employee or member as a reprisal for making a
complaint or disclosing information to the Inspector
General, unless the complaint was made or the
information disclosed with the knowledge that it was
false or with willful disregard for its truth or
falsity.
(5) Independence in carrying out duties.--Neither the Board
of Directors of the Transit Authority, the General Manager of
the Transit Authority, nor any other member or employee of the
Transit Authority may prevent or prohibit the Inspector General
from carrying out any of the duties or responsibilities
assigned to the Inspector General under this section.
(d) Powers.--
(1) In general.--The Inspector General may exercise the
same authorities with respect to the Transit Authority as an
Inspector General of an establishment may exercise with respect
to an establishment under section 6(a) of the Inspector General
Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 6(a)), other than paragraphs (7),
(8), and (9) of such section.
(2) Staff.--
(A) Assistant inspector generals and other staff.--
The Inspector General shall appoint and fix the pay
of--
(i) an Assistant Inspector General for
Audits, who shall be responsible for
coordinating the activities of the Inspector
General relating to audits;
(ii) an Assistant Inspector General for
Investigations, who shall be responsible for
coordinating the activities of the Inspector
General relating to investigations; and
(iii) such other personnel as the Inspector
General considers appropriate.
(B) Independence in appointing staff.--No
individual may carry out any of the duties or
responsibilities of the Office unless the individual is
appointed by the Inspector General, or provides
services procured by the Inspector General, pursuant to
this paragraph. Nothing in this subparagraph may be
construed to prohibit the Inspector General from
entering into a contract or other arrangement for the
provision of services under this section.
(C) Applicability of transit system personnel
rules.--None of the regulations governing the
appointment and pay of employees of the Transit System
shall apply with respect to the appointment and
compensation of the personnel of the Office, except to
the extent agreed to by the Inspector General. Nothing
in the previous sentence may be construed to affect
subparagraphs (A) through (B).
(3) Equipment and supplies.--The General Manager of the
Transit Authority shall provide the Office with appropriate and
adequate office space, together with such equipment, supplies,
and communications facilities and services as may be necessary
for the operation of the Office, and shall provide necessary
maintenance services for such office space and the equipment
and facilities located therein.
(e) Transfer of Functions.--To the extent that any office or entity
in the Transit Authority prior to the appointment of the first
Inspector General under this section carried out any of the duties and
responsibilities assigned to the Inspector General under this section,
the functions of such office or entity shall be transferred to the
Office upon the appointment of the first Inspector General under this
section.
SEC. 4. STUDY AND REPORT BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the
use of the funds provided under section 18 of the National Capital
Transportation Act of 1969 (as added by this Act).
(b) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to the
Committee on Government Reform of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate
on the study conducted under subsection (a). | National Capital Transportation Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide additional funding through grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to finance in part the capital and preventive maintenance projects included in the Capital Improvement Program. Subjects such grants to specified limitations and conditions. Prohibits funding to the WMATA until it notifies the Secretary that certain amendments to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Compact have taken effect, including: (1) requiring that all local payments for the cost of operating and maintaining the adopted regional rail system are made from dedicated funding sources (i.e., funding which is earmarked or required under state or local law to be used to match federal appropriations authorized under this Act for payments to the WMATA); (2) establishing the Office of the Inspector General of WMATA; and (3) expanding the WMATA Board of Directors to include four additional Directors appointed by the Administrator of General Services.
Authorizes appropriations in increments over ten fiscal years beginning in FY2009.
Establishes within WMATA the Office of Inspector General. Requires the Inspector General to make specified reports on Office activities: (1) semiannually, to the WMATA Board of Directors and General Manager who shall transmit reports to the appropriate committees or subcommittees of Congress; and (2) annually, to the Governors of Maryland and Virginia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, and Congress.
Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the use of funds provided under this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize additional Federal contributions for maintaining and improving the transit system of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and for other purposes."} | 2,817 | 341 | 0.616764 | 1.885816 | 0.831544 | 3.648464 | 9.177474 | 0.890785 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Enhanced Security Clearance Act of
2014''.
SEC. 2. ENHANCING GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL SECURITY PROGRAMS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) the term ``covered individual'' means an individual who
has been determined eligible for access to classified
information or eligible to hold a sensitive position; and
(2) the term ``periodic reinvestigations'' means
investigations conducted for the purpose of updating a
previously completed background investigation--
(A) every 5 years in the case of--
(i) eligibility for access to top secret
information or access to a highly sensitive
program; or
(ii) eligibility to hold a special
sensitive or critical sensitive position;
(B) every 10 years in the case of--
(i) eligibility for access to secret
information; or
(ii) eligibility to hold a noncritical
sensitive position; or
(C) every 15 years in the case of eligibility for
access to confidential information.
(b) Resolution of Backlog of Overdue Periodic Reinvestigations.--
(1) In general.--The Director of National Intelligence
shall develop and implement a plan to eliminate the backlog of
overdue periodic reinvestigations of covered individuals.
(2) Requirements.--The plan developed under paragraph (1)
shall--
(A) use a risk-based approach to--
(i) identify high-risk populations; and
(ii) prioritize reinvestigations that are
due or overdue to be conducted; and
(B) use random automated record checks (consistent
with the requirements of paragraph (3)) of covered
individuals that shall include all covered individuals
in the pool of individuals subject to a one-time check.
(3) Automated record checks.--An automated record check
with respect to a covered individual shall use and examine
comprehensive sources of information, including--
(A) publicly available online electronic
information regarding such individual, including blogs,
microblogs, forums, news Web sites, and picture and
video sharing Web sites;
(B) publicly available social media data regarding
such individual, including pictures, videos, posts, or
comments;
(C) information relating to criminal or civil legal
proceedings applicable to such individual;
(D) public news article, press reports, or media
clippings which detail relevant security or
counterintelligence information; and
(E) financial information relating to the covered
individual, including the credit worthiness of the
covered individual.
(c) Enhanced Security Clearance Programs.--Part III of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Subpart J--Enhanced Personnel Security Programs
``CHAPTER 110--ENHANCED PERSONNEL SECURITY PROGRAMS
``Sec.
``11001. Enhanced personnel security programs.
``Sec. 11001. Enhanced personnel security programs
``(a) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `agency' has the meaning given that term in
section 3001 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2004 (50 U.S.C. 3341);
``(2) the term `consumer reporting agency' has the meaning
given that term in section 603 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act
(15 U.S.C. 1681a);
``(3) the term `covered individual' means an individual who
has been determined eligible for access to classified
information or eligible to hold a sensitive position;
``(4) the term `enhanced personnel security program' means
a program implemented by an agency at the direction of the
Director of National Intelligence under subsection (b); and
``(5) the term `periodic reinvestigations' means
investigations conducted for the purpose of updating a
previously completed background investigation--
``(A) every 5 years in the case of--
``(i) eligibility for access to top secret
information or access to a highly sensitive
program; or
``(ii) eligibility to hold a special
sensitive or critical sensitive position;
``(B) every 10 years in the case of--
``(i) eligibility for access to secret
information; or
``(ii) eligibility to hold a noncritical
sensitive position; or
``(C) every 15 years in the case of eligibility for
access to confidential information.
``(b) Enhanced Personnel Security Program.--The Director of
National Intelligence shall direct each agency to implement a program
to provide enhanced security review of covered individuals--
``(1) in accordance with this section; and
``(2) not later than the earlier of--
``(A) the date that is 5 years after the date of
enactment of the Enhanced Security Clearance Act of
2014; or
``(B) the date on which the backlog of overdue
periodic reinvestigations of covered individuals is
eliminated, as determined by the Director of National
Intelligence.
``(c) Comprehensiveness.--
``(1) Sources of information.--The enhanced personnel
security program of an agency shall integrate relevant
information from various sources, including government,
publicly available, and commercial data sources, consumer
reporting agencies, social media, and such other sources as
determined by the Director of National Intelligence.
``(2) Types of information.--Information obtained and
integrated from sources described in paragraph (1) may
include--
``(A) information relating to any criminal or civil
legal proceeding;
``(B) financial information relating to the covered
individual, including the credit worthiness of the
covered individual;
``(C) public information, including news articles
or reports, that includes relevant security or
counterintelligence information about the covered
individual;
``(D) publicly available electronic information, to
include relevant security or counterintelligence
information on any social media Web site or forum,
blog, microblog, picture or video sharing Web site and
other public online content that may suggest ill
intent, vulnerability to blackmail, compulsive
behavior, allegiance to another country, illegal drug
use, criminal activity, material falsification, change
in ideology, or any other information that may suggest
the covered individual lacks good judgment, reliability
or trustworthiness; and
``(E) data maintained on any terrorist or criminal
watch list maintained by any agency, State or local
government, or international organization.
``(d) Reviews of Covered Individuals.--
``(1) Reviews.--
``(A) In general.--The enhanced personnel security
program of an agency shall require that, not less than
2 times every 5 years, the head of the agency shall
conduct or request the conduct of automated record
checks and checks of information from sources under
subsection (c) to ensure the continued eligibility of
each covered individual employed or contracted with by
the agency, unless more frequent reviews of automated
record checks and checks of information from sources
under subsection (c) are conducted on the covered
individual.
``(B) Scope of reviews.--Except for a covered
individual who is subject to more frequent reviews to
ensure the continued eligibility of the covered
individual, the reviews under subparagraph (A) shall
consist of random or aperiodic checks of covered
individuals, such that each covered individual is
subject to at least 2 reviews during the 5-year period
beginning on the date on which the agency implements
the enhanced personnel security program of an agency,
and during each 5-year period thereafter.
``(C) Individual reviews.--A review of the
information relating to the continued eligibility of a
covered individual under subparagraph (A) may not be
conducted until after the end of the 120-day period
beginning on the date the covered individual receives
the notification required under paragraph (3).
``(2) Results.--The head of an agency shall take
appropriate action if a review under paragraph (1) finds
relevant information that may affect the continued eligibility
of a covered individual.
``(3) Information for covered individuals.--The head of an
agency shall ensure that each covered individual employed by
the agency or a contractor of the agency is adequately advised
of the types of relevant security or counterintelligence
information the covered individual is required to report to the
head of the agency.
``(4) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to affect the authority of an agency to determine the
appropriate weight to be given to information relating to a
covered individual in evaluating the continued eligibility of
the covered individual.
``(5) Guidance for minor financial or mental health
issues.--The Director of National Intelligence shall issue
guidance defining minor financial or mental health issues, in
accordance with this section and any direction from the
President.
``(6) Authority of the president.--Nothing in this
subsection shall be construed as limiting the authority of the
President to direct or perpetuate periodic reinvestigations of
a more comprehensive nature or to delegate the authority to
direct or perpetuate such reinvestigations.
``(e) Audit.--
``(1) In general.--Beginning 2 years after the date of
implementation of the enhanced personnel security program of an
agency under subsection (b), the Inspector General of the
agency shall conduct at least 1 audit to assess the
effectiveness and fairness, which shall be determined in
accordance with performance measures and standards established
by the Director of National Intelligence, to covered
individuals of the enhanced personnel security program of the
agency.
``(2) Submissions to the dni.--The results of each audit
conducted under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the
Director of National Intelligence to assess the effectiveness
and fairness of the enhanced personnel security programs across
the Federal Government.''.
(d) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of chapters for
part III of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end following:
``Subpart J--Enhanced Personnel Security Programs
``110. Enhanced personnel security programs................ 11001''. | Enhanced Security Clearance Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to implement a plan to eliminate backlogs of overdue periodic reinvestigations of individuals eligible for access to classified information or eligible to hold a sensitive position. Sets forth time intervals within which periodic reinvestigations updating previously completed background investigations are to occur. Requires the DNI to direct specified agencies (executive agencies, military departments, and elements of the intelligence community identified in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004) to implement enhanced personnel security programs for security reviews of such individuals. Requires implementation of such programs by the earlier of: (1) five years after enactment of this Act, or (2) the date on which the backlog is eliminated. Requires agency programs to integrate information from government, publicly available, and commercial data sources, consumer reporting agencies, and social media. Permits information obtained from such sources to include: (1) security or counterintelligence information on any public online website that may suggest ill intent, vulnerability to blackmail, compulsive behavior, allegiance to another country, illegal drug use, criminal activity, material falsification, change in ideology, or a lack of good judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness; and (2) data maintained on any terrorist or criminal watch list maintained by any agency, state or local government, or international organization. Requires automated record checks at least twice every five years to ensure continued eligibility of individuals employed or contracted with by such agencies. Directs the DNI to issue guidance defining minor financial or mental health issues. Requires inspectors general of such agencies to assess the effectiveness and fairness of agency programs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Enhanced Security Clearance Act of 2014"} | 2,167 | 375 | 0.626598 | 2.1432 | 0.833616 | 3.722045 | 6.507987 | 0.904153 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Main Street Recovery Act''.
SEC. 2. TEMPORARY REINSTATEMENT OF REGULAR INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT.
The current year business credit under section 38 of Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 shall include the amount that would be determined
under section 46(a) of such Code (without regard to paragraphs (2) and
(3) of such subsection) (as such Code was in effect before the
amendments made by the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990 (Public Law
101-508)) with respect to property placed in service after 2008 and
before July 1, 2010, if the regular percentage were 15 percent.
SEC. 3. TEMPORARY EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF SPECIAL ALLOWANCE FOR
CERTAIN PROPERTY.
(a) Temporary Extension.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (2) of section 168(k) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(A) by striking ``January 1, 2010'' and inserting
``July 1, 2011'', and
(B) by striking ``January 1, 2009'' each place it
appears and inserting ``July 1, 2010''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) The heading for subsection (k) of section 168
of such Code is amended by striking ``January 1, 2009''
and inserting ``July 1, 2010''.
(B) The heading for clause (ii) of section
168(k)(2)(B) of such Code is amended by striking ``pre-
january 1, 2009'' and inserting ``pre-july 1, 2010''.
(C) Subparagraph (D) of section 168(k)(4) of such
Code is amended--
(i) by striking ``and'' at the end of
clause (i),
(ii) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause
(v), and
(iii) by inserting after clause (i) the
following new clauses:
``(ii) `April 1, 2008' shall be substituted
for `January 1, 2008' in subparagraph
(A)(iii)(I) thereof,
``(iii) `January 1, 2009' shall be
substituted for `July 1, 2010' each place it
appears,
``(iv) `January 1, 2010' shall be
substituted for `July 1, 2011' in subparagraph
(A)(iv) thereof, and''.
(D) Subparagraph (B) of section 168(l)(5) of such
Code is amended by striking ``January 1, 2009'' and
inserting ``July 1, 2010''.
(E) Subparagraph (B) of section 1400N(d)(3) of such
Code is amended by striking ``January 1, 2009'' and
inserting ``July 1, 2010''.
(b) Expansion to Certain Real Property.--
(1) In general.--Section 168(k)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``or'' at the end
of subclause (III), by inserting ``or'' at the end of subclause
(IV), and by inserting after subclause (IV) the following new
subclause:
``(V) which is nonresidential real
property or residential rental
property,''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Sections 1400L(b)(2)(A)(i)(I)
and 1400N(d)(2)(A)(i)(I) of such Code are each amended by
inserting ``subclause (I), (II), (III), or (IV) of'' before
``section 168(k)(2)(A)(i)''.
(c) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed
in service after December 31, 2008, in taxable years ending
after such date.
(2) Technical amendment.--Section 168(k)(4)(D)(ii) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by subsection
(a)(2)(C)(iii), shall apply to taxable years ending after March
31, 2008.
SEC. 4. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN LIMITATIONS ON, AND MODIFICATION OF,
EXPENSING OF CERTAIN DEPRECIABLE BUSINESS ASSETS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (7) of section 179(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(1) by inserting ``, 2009, and 2010'' after ``2008'' in the
heading, and
(2) by inserting ``, 2009, or 2010'' after ``In the case of
any taxable year beginning in 2008''.
(b) Expensing Available for All Tangible Depreciable Property.--
Section 179(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining
section 179 property) is amended by inserting ``and'' at the end of
subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking subparagraph (B), and by
redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008. | Main Street Recovery Act - Provides for a 15% investment tax credit through June 30, 2010, for the purchase of business equipment and machinery.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through June 30, 2010, the additional 50% depreciation allowance (bonus depreciation) for business and investment property; (2) allow such depreciation for nonresidential real property or residential rental property; and (3) extend through 2010 the increased expensing allowance for depreciable business assets and expand the types of depreciable property eligible for expensing. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to stimulate business investment, and for other purposes."} | 1,232 | 119 | 0.49072 | 1.253786 | 0.615658 | 1.533981 | 9.660194 | 0.718447 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation Establishment Act Amendments of 2000''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
Section 2(b) of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3701(b)) is amended by striking paragraph
(1) and inserting the following:
``(1) to encourage, accept, and administer private gifts of
property for the benefit of, or in connection with, the
activities and services of the Department of the Interior and
the Department of Commerce to further the conservation and
management of fish, wildlife, plants, and other natural
resources;''.
SEC. 3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FOUNDATION.
(a) Establishment and Membership.--Section 3 of the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3702) is amended
by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Establishment and Membership.--
``(1) In general.--The Foundation shall have a governing
Board of Directors (referred to in this Act as the `Board'),
which shall consist of 25 Directors appointed in accordance
with subsection (b), each of whom shall be a United States
citizen.
``(2) Representation of diverse points of view.--To the
maximum extent practicable, the membership of the Board shall
represent diverse points of view relating to conservation and
management of fish, wildlife, plants, and other natural
resources.
``(3) Not federal employees.--Appointment as a Director of
the Foundation shall not constitute employment by, or the
holding of an office of, the United States for the purpose of
any Federal law.''.
(b) Appointment and Terms.--Section 3 of the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3702) is amended by
striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Appointment and Terms.--
``(1) Agency heads.--The Director of the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service and the Under Secretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere shall be Directors of the Foundation.
``(2) Appointments by the secretary of the interior.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
after consulting with the Secretary of Commerce and
considering the recommendations submitted by the Board,
the Secretary of the Interior shall appoint 23
Directors who meet the criteria established by
subsection (a), of whom--
``(i) at least 6 shall be educated or
experienced in fish, wildlife, or other natural
resource conservation;
``(ii) at least 4 shall be educated or
experienced in the principles of fish,
wildlife, or other natural resource management;
and
``(iii) at least 4 shall be educated or
experienced in ocean and coastal resource
conservation.
``(B) Transition provision.--
``(i) Continuation of terms.--The 15
Directors serving on the Board as of the date
of enactment of this paragraph shall continue
to serve until the expiration of their terms.
``(ii) New directors.--The Secretary of the
Interior shall appoint 8 new Directors. To the
maximum extent practicable, those appointments
shall be made not later than 45 calendar days
after the date of enactment of this paragraph.
``(3) Terms.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
each Director (other than a Director described in
paragraph (1)) shall be appointed for a term of 6
years.
``(B) Initial appointments to new member
positions.--Of the Directors appointed by the Secretary
of the Interior under paragraph (2)(B)(ii), the
Secretary shall appoint--
``(i) 2 Directors for a term of 2 years;
``(ii) 3 Directors for a term of 4 years;
and
``(iii) 3 Directors for a term of 6 years.
``(4) Vacancies.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall fill a vacancy on the Board. To the maximum
extent practicable, a vacancy shall be filled not later
than 45 calendar days after the occurrence of the
vacancy.
``(B) Term of appointments to fill unexpired
terms.--An individual appointed to fill a vacancy that
occurs before the expiration of the term of a Director
shall be appointed for the remainder of the term.
``(5) Reappointment.--An individual (other than an
individual described in paragraph (1)) shall not serve more
than 2 consecutive terms as a Director, excluding any term of less than
6 years.
``(6) Request for removal.--The Executive Committee of the
Board may submit to the Secretary a letter describing the
nonperformance of a Director and requesting the removal of the
Director from the Board.
``(7) Consultation before removal.--Before removing any
Director from the Board, the Secretary shall consult with the
Secretary of Commerce.''.
(c) Technical Amendments.--
(1) Section 4(c)(5) of the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3703(c)(5)) is amended
by striking ``Directors of the Board'' and inserting
``Directors of the Foundation''.
(2) Section 6 of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3705) is amended--
(A) by striking ``Secretary'' and inserting
``Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of
Commerce''; and
(B) by inserting ``or the Department of Commerce''
after ``Department of the Interior''.
SEC. 4. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE FOUNDATION.
(a) Principal Office of the Foundation.--Section 4(a)(3) of the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C.
3703(a)(3)) is amended by inserting after ``the District of Columbia''
the following: ``or in a county in the State of Maryland or Virginia
that borders on the District of Columbia''.
(b) Investment and Deposit of Federal Funds.--Section 4(c) of the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C.
3703(c)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as
paragraphs (7) through (11), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) to invest any funds provided to the Foundation by the
Federal Government in obligations of the United States or in
obligations or securities that are guaranteed or insured by the
United States;
``(4) to deposit any funds provided to the Foundation by
the Federal Government into accounts that are insured by an
agency or instrumentality of the United States;
``(5) to make use of any interest or investment income that
accrues as a consequence of actions taken under paragraph (3)
or (4) to carry out the purposes of the Foundation;
``(6) to use Federal funds to make payments under
cooperative agreements entered into with willing private
landowners to provide substantial long-term benefits for the
restoration or enhancement of fish, wildlife, plants, and other
natural resources on private land;''.
(c) Agency Approval of Acquisitions of Property.--Section 4(e)(1)
of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16
U.S.C. 3703(e)(1)) is amended by striking subparagraph (B) and
inserting the following:
``(B) the Foundation notifies the Federal agency that
administers the program under which the funds were provided of
the proposed acquisition, and the agency does not object in
writing to the proposed acquisition within 60 calendar days
after the date of the notification.''.
(d) Repeal.--Section 304 of Public Law 102-440 (16 U.S.C. 3703
note) is repealed.
(e) Agency Approval of Conveyances and Grants.--Section 4(e)(3)(B)
of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16
U.S.C. 3703(e)(3)(B)) is amended by striking clause (ii) and inserting
the following:
``(ii) the Foundation notifies the Federal agency that
administers the Federal program under which the funds were
provided of the proposed conveyance or provision of Federal
funds, and the agency does not object in writing to the
proposed conveyance or provision of Federal funds within 60
calendar days after the date of the notification.''.
(f) Reconveyance of Real Property.--Section 4(e) of the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3703(e)) is
amended by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) Reconveyance of real property.--The Foundation shall
convey at not less than fair market value any real property
acquired by the Foundation in whole or in part with Federal
funds if the Foundation notifies the Federal agency that
administers the Federal program under which the funds were
provided, and the agency does not disagree within 60 calendar
days after the date of the notification, that--
``(A) the property is no longer valuable for the
purpose of conservation or management of fish,
wildlife, plants, and other natural resources; and
``(B) the purposes of the Foundation would be
better served by use of the proceeds of the conveyance
for other authorized activities of the Foundation.''.
(g) Expenditures for Printing Services or Capital Equipment.--
Section 4 of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment
Act (16 U.S.C. 3703) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Expenditures for Printing Services or Capital Equipment.--The
Foundation shall not make any expenditure of Federal funds in
connection with any 1 transaction for printing services or capital
equipment that is greater than $10,000 unless the expenditure is
approved by the Federal agency that administers the Federal program
under which the funds were provided.''.
SEC. 5. FUNDING.
Section 10 of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 3709) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 10. FUNDING.
``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this Act for each of fiscal years 2001 through
2006--
``(A) $30,000,000 to the Department of the
Interior; and
``(B) $10,000,000 to the Department of Commerce.
``(2) Requirement of advance payment.--The amount made
available for a fiscal year under paragraph (1), and any other
amounts provided to the Foundation for a fiscal year by the
Department of Commerce or the Department of the Interior, shall
be provided to the Foundation in an advance payment of the
entire amount on October 1, or as soon as practicable
thereafter, of the fiscal year.
``(3) Use of appropriated funds.--Subject to paragraph (4),
amounts made available under paragraph (1) shall be provided to
the Foundation for use for matching, on a 1-to-1 basis,
contributions (whether in currency, services, or property) made
to the Foundation by private persons and State and local
government agencies.
``(4) Prohibition on use for administrative expenses.--No
Federal funds made available under paragraph (1) shall be used
by the Foundation for administrative expenses of the
Foundation, including for salaries, travel and transportation
expenses, and other overhead expenses.
``(b) Additional Authorization.--
``(1) In general.--In addition to the amounts authorized to
be appropriated under subsection (a), the Foundation may accept
Federal funds from a Federal agency under any other Federal law
for use by the Foundation to further the conservation and
management of fish, wildlife, plants, and other natural
resources in accordance with the requirements of this Act.
``(2) Use of funds accepted from federal agencies.--Federal
funds provided to the Foundation under paragraph (1) shall be
used by the Foundation for matching, in whole or in part,
contributions (whether in currency, services, or property) made
to the Foundation by private persons and State and local
government agencies.
``(c) Prohibition on Use of Grant Amounts for Litigation and
Lobbying Expenses.--Amounts provided as a grant by the Foundation shall
not be used for--
``(1) any expense related to litigation; or
``(2) any activity the purpose of which is to influence
legislation pending before Congress.''.
SEC. 6. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (16
U.S.C. 3701 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 11. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY.
``Nothing in this Act authorizes the Foundation to perform any
function the authority for which is provided to the National Park
Foundation by Public Law 90-209 (16 U.S.C. 19e et seq.).''. | (Sec. 3) Increases the Foundation's Board of Directors from 15 to 25 members, including the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Foundation to have its principal offices in Washington, D.C. (as currently provided), or in the bordering counties of Maryland or Virginia.
Sets forth conditions for the Foundation to: (1) acquire and convey property, including agency approval; and (2) invest and deposit Federal funds.
Revises provisions relating to agency approval of acquisitions of property and of conveyances and grants. Sets forth limitations relating to the Foundation's: (1) reconveyance of real property; and (2) expenditures for printing services or capital equipment.
(Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2006 for the Departments of Commerce and the Interior to carry out activities under the Act (conservation or management of fish, wildlife, plants, and other natural resources). Authorizes the Foundation to accept funds from a Federal agency under any other Federal law to further its conservation and management activities. Sets forth matching funds requirements.
Prohibits Foundation grants from being used for litigation expenses or for lobbying Congress.
Declares that nothing in this Act authorizes the Foundation to perform any function for which authority is provided to the National Park Foundation by specified Federal law. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act Amendments of 2000"} | 2,903 | 305 | 0.517383 | 1.652701 | 0.762523 | 3.267658 | 9.750929 | 0.881041 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Helping Veterans Exposed to Toxic
Chemicals Act''.
SEC. 2. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, MITIGATION,
TREATMENT, AND REHABILITATION OF HEALTH CONDITIONS
RELATING TO EXPOSURE TO OPEN BURN PITS AND OTHER EXPOSURE
TO OPEN BURN PITS AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish within
the Department of Defense three centers of excellence in the
prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of
health conditions relating to exposure to open burn pits and other
environmental exposures to carry out the responsibilities specified in
subsection (c). Such centers shall be established using--
(1) the directives, policies, and Comptroller General and
Inspector General recommendations in effect as of the date of
the enactment of this Act; and
(2) guidance issued pursuant to section 313 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-
239; 126 Stat. 1692; 10 U.S.C. 1074 note).
(b) Selection of Sites.--In selecting sites for the centers of
excellence under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall select
entities that--
(1) are equipped with the specialized equipment needed to
study, diagnose, and treat health conditions relating to
exposure to open burn pits and other environmental exposures;
(2) have a publication track record of post-deployment
health exposures among veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan;
(3) have collaborated with a geosciences department that
has a medical geology division;
(4) have developed animal models and in vitro models of
dust immunology and lung injury from Iraq and Afghanistan; and
(5) have expertise in allergy and immunology, pulmonary
diseases, and industrial and management engineering.
(c) Partnerships.--The Secretary shall ensure that the centers
collaborate to the maximum extent practicable with the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, institutions of higher education, and other
appropriate public and private entities (including international
entities) to carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection
(d).
(d) Responsibilities.--The center shall have responsibilities as
follows:
(1) To implement the comprehensive plan and strategy for
the Department of Defense for the prevention, diagnosis,
mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of health conditions
relating to exposure to open burn pits and other environmental
exposures.
(2) To provide for the development, testing, and
dissemination within the Department of best practices for the
treatment of health conditions relating to exposure to open
burn pits and other environmental exposures.
(3) To provide guidance for the health system of the
Department in determining the personnel required to provide
quality health care for members of the Armed Forces with health
conditions relating to exposure to open burn pits and other
environmental exposures.
(4) To establish, implement, and oversee a comprehensive
program to train health professionals of the Department in the
treatment of health conditions relating to exposure to open
burn pits and other environmental exposures.
(5) To facilitate advancements in the study of the short-
term and long-term effects of exposure to open burn pits and
other environmental exposures.
(6) To disseminate within the military medical treatment
facilities of the Department best practices for training health
professionals with respect to health conditions relating to
exposure to open burn pits and other environmental exposures.
(7) To conduct basic science and translational research on
health conditions relating to exposure to open burn pits and
other environmental exposures for the purposes of understanding
the etiology of such conditions and developing preventive
interventions and new treatments.
(8) To provide medical treatment to all veterans identified
as part of the burn pits registry established under section 201
of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits
Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-260; 38 U.S.C. 527
note).
(e) Use of Burn Pits Registry Data.--In carrying out its
responsibilities under subsection (c), the center shall have access to
and make use of the data accumulated by the burn pits registry
established under section 201 of the Dignified Burial and Other
Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-260; 38
U.S.C. 527 note).
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``open burn pit'' means an area of land
located in Afghanistan or Iraq that--
(A) is designated by the Secretary of Defense to be
used for disposing solid waste by burning in the
outdoor air; and
(B) does not contain a commercially manufactured
incinerator or other equipment specifically designed
and manufactured for the burning of solid waste.
(2) The term ``other environmental exposures'' means
exposure to environmental hazards, including burn pits, dust or
sand, hazardous materials, and waste at any site in Afghanistan
or Iraq that emits smoke containing pollutants present in the
environment or smoke from fires or explosions.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2014 through 2019. | Helping Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish within the Department of Defense (DOD) three centers of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of health conditions relating to exposure to open burn pits and other environmental exposures. Requires the Secretary to select for such centers entities that: (1) are equipped with the specialized equipment needed to study, diagnose, and treat health conditions relating to such exposure; (2) have a publication track record of post-deployment health exposures among veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan; (3) have collaborated with a geosciences department that has a medical geology division; (4) have developed animal models and in vitro models of dust immunology and lung injury from Iraq and Afghanistan; and (5) have expertise in allergy and immunology, pulmonary diseases, and industrial and management engineering. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the centers collaborate with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), institutions of higher education, and other appropriate public and private entities to carry out specified responsibilities, including to: (1) implement the comprehensive plan and strategy for DOD for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of health conditions relating to such exposure; and (2) provide for dissemination within DOD of best practices for the treatment of such conditions and the training of health professionals. Requires the center to have access to and make use of the data accumulated by the burn pits registry established under the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Helping Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals Act"} | 1,136 | 330 | 0.807788 | 2.912597 | 0.817335 | 6.852349 | 3.456376 | 0.973154 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Consular Review Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF A BOARD OF VISA APPEALS.
(a) In General.--The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended by
inserting after section 224 the following new section:
``SEC. 225. BOARD OF VISA APPEALS.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of State shall establish within
the Department of State a Board of Visa Appeals. The Board shall be
composed of 5 members who shall be appointed by the Secretary. No more
than 2 members of the Board may be consular officers. The Secretary
shall designate a member who shall be chairperson of the Board.
``(b) Authority and Functions.--The Board shall have authority to
review any discretionary decision of a consular officer with respect to
an alien concerning the denial, revocation, or cancellation of an
immigrant visa and of a nonimmigrant visa or petition and the denial of
an application for waiver of one or more grounds of excludability under
section 212. The review of the Board shall be made upon the record for
decision of the consular officer, including all documents, notes, and
memoranda filed with the consular officer, supplemented by affidavits
and other writings if offered by the consular officer or alien. Upon a
conclusive showing that the decision of the consular official is
contrary to the preponderance of the evidence, the Board shall have
authority to overrule, or remand for further consideration, the
decision of such consular officer.
``(c) Procedure.--Proceedings before the Board shall be in
accordance with such regulations, not inconsistent with this Act and
sections 556 and 557 of title 5, United States Code, as the Secretary
of State shall prescribe. Such regulations shall include requirements
that provide that--
``(1) at the time of any decision of a consular officer
under subsection (b), an alien, attorney of record, and any
interested party defined in subsection (d) shall be given
notice of the availability of the review process and the
necessary steps to request such review,
``(2) a written record of the proceedings and decision of
the consular officer (in accordance with sections 556 and 557)
shall be available to the Board, and on payment of lawfully
prescribed costs, shall be made available to the alien,
``(3) upon receipt of request for review under this
section, the Board shall, within 30 days, notify the consular
officer with respect to whose decision review is sought, and,
upon receipt of such notice, such officer shall promptly (but
in no event more than 30 days after such receipt) forward to
the Board the record of proceeding as described in subsection
(b),
``(4) the appellant shall be given notice, reasonable under
all the circumstances of the time and place at which the Board
proceedings will be held,
``(5) the appellant may be represented (at no expense to
the Government) by such counsel, authorized to practice in such
proceedings, as the appellant shall choose, and
``(6) a request for review under this section must be made
in writing to the Board within 60 days after receipt of notice
of the denial, revocation or cancellation.
``(d) Interested Parties.--The Board shall review each decision
described in subsection (b) upon request of the alien or any of the
following interested parties:
``(1) The petitioner or beneficiary of an immigrant visa
petition approved under section 203(a), 203(b)(1), 203(b)(4),
203(b)(5), 203(c), or the petitioner of an immigrant visa
petition approved under sections 203(b)(2) and 203(b)(3).
``(2) The petitioner of a nonimmigrant visa petition.
``(3) The postsecondary educational institution approved
for the attendance of nonimmigrant students under section
101(a)(15)(F)(i) or 101(a)(15)(M)(i) which has provided notice
of the acceptance of the alien in its program.
``(4) A recognized international agency or organization
approved as a program sponsor under section 101(a)(15)(J) which
has provided notice of the acceptance of the alien in its
program.
``(5) A treaty investor or trader individual or
organization in the United States that, under section
101(a)(15)(E), has made an offer of employment to an alien to
perform executive or supervisory management functions.
``(e) Limitation.--A review may not be requested under this section
more than once in any 24 month period.
``(f) Construction.--This section may not be construed to restrict
any right to further administrative or judicial review established
under any other provision of law.
``(g) Fees.--The Secretary of State shall charge, and collect, an
appropriate fee associated with a request to the Board for a review.
Such fee shall be sufficient to cover the cost of the administration of
this section.''.
(b) Effective Dates.--
(1) The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect
120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Proposed regulations with respect to the amendment made
by subsection (a) shall be promulgated not later than 30 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(3) Members of the Board of Visa Appeals under section 225
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as inserted by
subsection (a)) shall be appointed not later than 120 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Technical Amendments.--
(1) Section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1202(f)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``except that'' and all that
follows up to the period, and
(B) by adding: ``An interested party under section
225(d) or court shall be permitted to inspect the
record of proceeding as described in subsections (c)(2)
and (c)(3) of section 225,''.
(2) Section 104(a)(1) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1104(a)(1)) is
amended by striking the ``except'' and inserting ``including'',
(3) The table of contents of such Act is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 224 the following
new item:
``Sec. 225. Board of Visa Appeals.''. | Consular Review Act of 1993 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish within the Department of State a Board of Visa Appeals to review, and revise if appropriate, consular determinations of alien excludability and visa denial or revocation.
Authorizes specified interested parties to act on behalf of an alien seeking Board review. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Consular Review Act of 1993"} | 1,462 | 79 | 0.58539 | 1.438953 | 1.240578 | 2.966102 | 22.033898 | 0.864407 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Northern Border States Council
Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF COUNCIL.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a council to be known as
the Northern Border States-Canada Trade Council (hereafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Council'').
(b) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Council shall be composed of 24
members consisting of 2 members from each of the following
States:
(A) Maine.
(B) New Hampshire.
(C) Vermont.
(D) New York.
(E) Michigan.
(F) Minnesota.
(G) Wisconsin.
(H) North Dakota.
(I) Montana.
(J) Idaho.
(K) Washington.
(L) Alaska.
(2) Appointment by state governors.--Not later than 6
months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Commerce (hereafter in this Act referred to as the
``Secretary'') shall appoint two members from each of the
States described in paragraph (1) to serve on the Council. The
appointments shall be made from a list of nominees submitted by
the Governor of each such State.
(c) Period of Appointment; Vacancies.--Members shall be appointed
for terms that are coterminous with the term of the Governor of the
State who nominated the member. Any vacancy in the Council shall not
affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the
original appointment.
(d) Initial Meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date on
which all members of the Council have been appointed, the Council shall
hold its first meeting.
(e) Meetings.--The Council shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson.
(f) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Council shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(g) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.--The Council shall select a
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among its members. The
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall each serve in their respective
positions for a period of 2 years, unless such member's term is
terminated before the end of the 2-year period.
SEC. 3. DUTIES OF THE COUNCIL.
(a) In General.--The duties and responsibilities of the Council
shall include--
(1) advising the President, the Congress, the United States
Trade Representative, the Secretary, and other appropriate
Federal and State officials, with respect to--
(A) the development and administration of United
States-Canada trade policies, practices, and relations,
(B) taxation and regulation of cross-border
wholesale and retail trade in goods and services
between the United States and Canada,
(C) taxation, regulation, and subsidization of
agricultural products, energy products, and forest
products, and
(D) the potential for any United States or Canadian
customs or immigration law or policy to result in a
barrier to trade between the United States and Canada,
(2) monitoring the nature and cause of trade issues and
disputes that involve one of the Council-member States and
either the Canadian Government or one of the provincial
governments of Canada; and
(3) if the Council determines that a Council-member State
is involved in a trade issue or dispute with the Government of
Canada or one of the provincial governments of Canada, making
recommendations to the President, the Congress, the United
States Trade Representative, and the Secretary concerning how
to resolve the issue or dispute.
(b) Response to Requests by Certain People.--
(1) In general.--Upon the request of the United States
Trade Representative, the Secretary, a Member of Congress who
represents a Council-member State, or the Governor of a
Council-member State, the Council shall review and comment on--
(A) reports of the Federal Government and reports
of a Council-member State government concerning United
States-Canada trade,
(B) reports of a binational panel or review
established pursuant to chapter 19 of the North
American Free Trade Agreement concerning the settlement
of a dispute between the United States and Canada,
(C) reports of an arbitral panel established
pursuant to chapter 20 of the North American Free Trade
Agreement concerning the settlement of a dispute
between the United States and Canada, and
(D) reports of a panel or Appellate Body
established pursuant to the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade concerning the settlement of a
dispute between the United States and Canada.
(2) Determination of scope.--Among other issues, the
Council shall determine whether a trade dispute between the
United States and Canada is the result of action or inaction on
the part of the Federal Government of Canada or a provincial
government of Canada.
(c) Council-Member State.--For purposes of this section, the term
``Council-member State'' means a State described in section 2(b)(1)
which is represented on the Council established under section 2(a).
SEC. 4. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act
and at the end of each 2-year period thereafter, the Council shall
submit a report to the President and the Congress which contains a
detailed statement of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of
the Council.
SEC. 5. POWERS OF THE COUNCIL.
(a) Hearings.--The Council may hold such hearings, sit and act at
such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence
as the Council considers advisable to carry out the provisions of this
Act. Notice of Council hearings shall be published in the Federal
Register in a timely manner.
(b) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Council may secure
directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the
Council considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Upon the request of the Chairperson of the Council, the head of such
department or agency shall furnish such information to the Council.
(c) Postal Services.--The Council may use the United States mails
in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments
and agencies of the Federal Government.
(d) Gifts.--The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.
SEC. 6. COUNCIL PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) Members To Serve Without Compensation.--Except as provided in
subsection (b), members of the Council shall receive no compensation,
allowances, or benefits by reason of service to the Council.
(b) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Council 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 Council.
(c) Staff.--
(1) In general.--The Chairperson of the Council may,
without regard to the civil service laws, appoint and terminate
an executive director and such other additional personnel as
may be necessary to enable the Council to perform its duties.
The employment of an executive director shall be subject to
confirmation by the Council and the Secretary.
(2) Compensation.--The Chairperson of the Council 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,
except that the rate of pay for the executive director and
other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of
the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
(d) Detail of Government Employees.--Any Federal Government
employee may be detailed to the Council without reimbursement, and such
detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or
privilege.
(e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--The
Chairperson of the Council may procure temporary and intermittent
services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates
for individuals which do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual
rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule
under section 5316 of such title.
(f) Office Space.--The Secretary shall provide office space for
Council activities and for Council personnel.
SEC. 7. TERMINATION OF THE COUNCIL.
The Council shall terminate on the date that is 54 months after the
date of the enactment of this Act and shall submit a final report to
the President and the Congress under section 4 at least 90 days before
such termination.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated from
amounts made available by appropriations to the Department of Commerce
an amount not to exceed $250,000 for fiscal year 1996 and for each
fiscal year thereafter to the Council to carry out the provisions of
this Act.
(b) Availability.--Any sums appropriated under the authorization
contained in this section shall remain available, without fiscal year
limitation, until expended. | Northern Border States Council Act - Establishes the Northern Border States-Canada Trade Council.
Sets forth the duties of the Council, including: (1) advising the President, the Congress, the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary of Commerce, and other appropriate Federal and State officials with respect to the administration of U.S.-Canada trade policies, taxation of trade in goods and services, and customs and immigration matters; (2) monitoring trade issues and disputes that involve one of the Council-member States and either the Canadian Government or one of Canada's provinces; and (3) making recommendations with respect to such disputes.
Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Northern Border States Council Act"} | 1,989 | 135 | 0.555961 | 1.482651 | 0.690824 | 4.928 | 14.816 | 0.944 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Service-Disabled Veterans' Small
Business Federal Procurement Preference Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are as follows:
(1) Provide veterans, who sacrificed a portion of their
potential life earnings in order to serve the United States, a
more effective opportunity to compete in the marketplace by
establishing a Government-wide procurement goal for small
business concerns owned and controlled by veterans.
(2) Establish a presumption that service-disabled veterans
and other handicapped individuals are socially disadvantaged
for purposes of the Disadvantaged Business Program administered
by the Small Business Administration under section 8(a) of the
Small Business Act.
(3) Simplify and coordinate the Government-wide and agency
procurement goals for small business concerns.
SEC. 3. PRESUMPTION THAT HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS ARE SOCIALLY
DISADVANTAGED FOR PURPOSES OF THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 8(a)(5) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 637(a)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``For
purposes of this Act, handicapped individuals shall be treated as
socially disadvantaged individuals unless the Administrator determines
on the basis of credible evidence that such individual is not socially
disadvantaged.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 2(f)(1)(C) of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 631(f)(1)(C)) is amended by striking ``and other
minorities'' and inserting ``other minorities, and handicapped
individuals''.
SEC. 4. INCLUSION OF VETERANS AND HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS IN
GOVERNMENT-WIDE PROCUREMENT GOALS FOR SMALL BUSINESS
CONCERNS, REQUIREMENT THAT AGENCY GOALS NOT BE LESS THAN
GOVERNMENT-WIDE GOALS, ETC.
Section 15(g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(g)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(g) Government-Wide and Agency Small Business Procurement
Goals.--
``(1) Establishment by president of government-wide
goals.--The President shall annually establish Government-wide
goals for procurement contracts awarded to small business
concerns and each of the specified subcategories of small
business concerns.
``(2) Small business concerns.--The Government-wide goal
for participation by small business concerns shall be
established at not less than 28 percent of the total value of
all prime contract and subcontract awards for each fiscal year.
``(3) Small business concerns owned and controlled by
veterans.--
``(A) In general.--The Government-wide goal for
participation by small business concerns owned and
controlled by veterans shall be established at not less
than 3 percent of the total value of all prime contract
and subcontract awards for each fiscal year.
``(B) Service-disabled veterans.--Prime contract
and subcontract awards to small business concerns owned
and controlled by service-disabled veterans may be
counted toward the attainment of the goal established
under subparagraph (A) only if such concerns are not
certified by the Administration as eligible to receive
benefits under section 8(a).
``(4) Qualified hubzone small business concerns.--The
Government-wide goal for participation by qualified HUBZone
small business concerns shall be established at not less than
2.5 percent of the total value of all prime contract awards for
fiscal year 2002, and not less than 3 percent of the total
value of all prime contract awards for fiscal year 2003 and
each fiscal year thereafter.
``(5) Small business concerns owned and controlled by
socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.--
``(A) In general.--The Government-wide goal for
participation by small business concerns owned and
controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged
individuals shall be established at not less than 10
percent of the total value of all prime contract and
subcontract awards for each fiscal year.
``(B) Service-disabled veterans.--The Government-
wide goal for participation by small business concerns
owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans which
are certified by the Administration as eligible to
receive benefits under section 8(a) shall be
established at not less than 3 percent of the total value of all prime
contract and subcontract awards for each fiscal year.
``(C) Handicapped individuals.--The Government-wide
goal for participation by small business concerns owned
and controlled by handicapped individuals which are
certified by the Administration as eligible to receive
benefits under section 8(a) shall be established at not
less than 2 percent of the total value of all prime
contract and subcontract awards for each fiscal year.
``(6) Small business concerns owned and controlled by
women.--The Government-wide goal for participation by small
business concerns owned and controlled by women shall be
established at not less than 5 percent of the total value of
all prime contract and subcontract awards for each fiscal year.
``(7) Agency goals.--
``(A) In general.--Each Federal agency shall have
annual goals that present, for that agency, the maximum
practicable opportunity for small business concerns and
each of the specified subcategories of small business
concerns to perform prime contracts let by such agency
and subcontracts under such prime contracts.
``(B) Not less than government-wide goals.--No
Federal agency may have an agency goal under
subparagraph (A) which is less than the corresponding
Government-wide goal established by the President under
paragraph (1).
``(C) Procedure for establishment.--Each year, the
Administration and the head of each Federal agency
shall jointly establish the goals described in
subparagraph (A) for such agency. Whenever the
Administration and the head of any Federal agency fail
to agree on established goals, the disagreement shall
be submitted to the Administrator of the Office of
Federal Procurement Policy for final determination.
``(D) Expansion of participation.--For the purpose
of establishing goals under this paragraph, the head of
each Federal agency shall make consistent efforts to
annually expand participation by small business
concerns from each industry category in procurement
contracts of the agency, including participation by
small business concerns and each of the specified
subcategories of small business concerns. The head of
each Federal agency, in attempting to attain such
participation, shall consider--
``(i) contracts awarded as the result of
unrestricted competition; and
``(ii) contracts awarded after competition
restricted to eligible small business concerns
under this section and under the program
established under section 8(a).''.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Definitions Relating to Handicapped Individuals.--
(1) In general.--Section 3(f) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 632(f)) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) Definitions Relating to Small Business Concerns Owned and
Controlled by Handicapped Individuals.--For purposes of this Act:
``(1) Small business concern owned and controlled by
handicapped individuals.--The term `small business concern
owned and controlled by handicapped individuals' means any
small business concern--
``(A) not less than 51 percent of which is owned by
one or more handicapped individuals or, in the case of
any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent
of the stock of which is owned by one or more
handicapped individuals;
``(B) the management and daily business operations
of which are controlled by one or more handicapped
individuals or, in the case of a handicapped individual
with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or
permanent caregiver of such an individual; and
``(C) which is not a small business concern owned
and controlled by service-disabled veterans.
``(2) Handicapped individual.--The term `handicapped
individual' means an individual--
``(A) who has a physical, mental, or emotional
impairment, defect, ailment, disease, or disability of
a permanent nature which in any way limits the
selection of any type of employment for which the
person would otherwise be qualified or qualifiable; or
``(B) who is a service-disabled veteran.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 15(c)(1) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(c)(1)) is amended by striking
subparagraph (C).
(b) Specified Subcategories of Small Business Concerns.--Section 3
of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632) is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(r) Specified Subcategories of Small Business Concerns.--For
purposes of this Act, the term `specified subcategories of small
business concerns' means the following subcategories of small business
concerns:
``(1) Small business concerns owned and controlled by
veterans (including small business concerns owned and
controlled by service-disabled veterans only if such concerns
are not certified by the Administration as eligible to receive
benefits under section 8(a)).
``(2) Qualified HUBZone small business concerns.
``(3) Small business concerns owned and controlled by
socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
``(4) Small business concerns owned and controlled by
service-disabled veterans which are certified by the
Administration as eligible to receive benefits under section
8(a).
``(5) Small business concerns owned and controlled by
handicapped individuals which are certified by the
Administration as eligible to receive benefits under section
8(a).
``(6) Small business concerns owned and controlled by
women.''.
(c) Small Business Concern Owned and Controlled by Socially and
Economically Disadvantaged Individuals.--Section 3 of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632) is further amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(s) Small Business Concern Owned and Controlled by Socially and
Economically Disadvantaged Individuals.--For purposes of this Act:
``(1) In general.--The term `small business concern owned
and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged
individuals' means a small business concern--
``(A) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or
more socially and economically disadvantaged
individuals; or, in the case of any publicly owned
business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is
owned by one or more socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals; and
``(B) whose management and daily business
operations are controlled by one or more of such
individuals.''.
``(2) Application of definition by persons other than the
administration.--Any individual or entity (other than the
Administration) shall presume for purposes of carrying out any
program that socially and economically disadvantaged
individuals include Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native
Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, other minorities,
handicapped individuals, and any other individual found to be
disadvantaged by the Administration pursuant to section 8(a) of
the Small Business Act.''.
SEC. 6. UNIFORM APPLICATION OF DEFINITION OF SPECIFIED SUBCATEGORIES OF
SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Section 8(d)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
637(d)(1)) is amended--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``, small
business concerns owned and controlled by veterans''
and all that follows through ``women,'' and inserting
``and each of the specified subcategories of small
business concerns''; and
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ``, small
business concerns owned and controlled by veterans''
and all that follows through ``women'' and inserting
``and each of the specified subcategories of small
business concerns''.
(2) Section 8(d)(4)(D) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
637(d)(4)(D)) is amended by striking ``, qualified HUBZone''
and all that follows through ``women'' and inserting ``and each
of the specified subcategories of small business concerns''.
(3) Section 8(d)(4)(E) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
637(d)(4)(E)) is amended by striking ``, small business
concerns owned and controlled by veterans'' and all that
follows through ``women,'' and inserting ``and each of the
specified subcategories of small business concerns''.
(4) Paragraphs (6)(A), (6)(C), (6)(F), and (10)(B) of
section 8(d) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)) are
each amended by striking ``, small business concerns owned and
controlled by veterans'' and all that follows through ``women''
and inserting ``and each of the specified subcategories of
small business concerns''.
(5) Section 15(h)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
644(h)(1)) is amended by striking ``, small business concerns
owned and controlled by veterans'' and all that follows through
``women'' and inserting ``and each of the specified
subcategories of small business concerns''.
(6) Subparagraphs (A), (D), and (E) of section 15(h)(2) of
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(h)(2)) are each amended
by striking ``, small business concerns owned and controlled by
service-disabled veterans'' and all that follows through
``women'' and inserting ``and each of the specified
subcategories of small business concerns''.
(7) Section 16(d)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
645(d)(1)) is amended by striking ```small business concern'''
and all that follows through ``women','' and inserting ``small
business concern or as any of the specified subcategories of
small business concerns''.
(8) Section 16(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
645(e)) is amended by striking ```small business concern''' and
all that follows through ``women''' and inserting ``small
business concern or as any of the specified subcategories of
small business concerns''.
(b) Application to Contract Clauses.--
(1) In general.--Section 8(d)(3) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(3)) is amended--
(A) in the first and second sentences of
subparagraph (A), by striking ``, small business
concerns owned and controlled by veterans'' and all
that follows through ``women'' and inserting ``and each
of the specified subcategories of small business
concerns'';
(B) by striking subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), (F),
and (G); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
following new subparagraphs:
``(C) As used in this contract, the terms `small
business concern' and `specified subcategories of small
business concerns' have the respective meanings given
such terms pursuant to section 3 of the Small Business
Act and relevant regulations promulgated thereto.
``(D) The contractor shall presume that socially
and economically disadvantaged individuals include
Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans,
Asian Pacific Americans, other minorities, handicapped
individuals, and any other individual found to be
disadvantaged by the Administration pursuant to section
8(a) of the Small Business Act.
``(E) Contractors acting in good faith may rely on
written representations by their subcontractors
regarding their status as a small business concern or
as any of the specified subcategories of small business
concerns.''.
(2) Treatment of references to definitions.--Any reference
in a law, regulation, or other document of the United States to
the meaning or definition given to the term ``small business
concern owned and controlled by socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals'', ``small business concern owned and
controlled by women'', ``small business concern owned and
controlled by veterans'', or ``qualified HUBZone small business
concern'' in section 8(d)(3) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 637(d)(3)) (as in effect on the day before the date of
the enactment of this Act) shall be treated as a reference to
the meaning or definition given such term in section 3 of the
Small Business Act (as amended by this Act). | Service-Disabled Veterans' Small Business Federal Procurement Preference Act of 2002 - Amends the Small Business Act to treat handicapped individuals as socially disadvantaged individuals for purposes of programs available to such individuals under such Act, unless the Administrator of the Small Business Administration determines that such an individual is not socially disadvantaged.Increases the Government-wide goal of awarding Federal prime contracts and subcontracts to certain small businesses to 28 (currently 23) percent of all such contracts and subcontracts awarded in a fiscal year. Includes small businesses owned by veterans and handicapped individuals as eligible small businesses. Requires contracts and subcontracts so awarded to small businesses owned and controlled by: (1) veterans to comprise at least three percent of such total; (2) socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to comprise at least ten percent; and (3) women to comprise at least five percent. Requires that, of the ten percent required under (2), at least three percent be awarded to small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans and two percent be awarded to small businesses owned and controlled by handicapped individuals. Establishes the goal for participation by qualified HUBZone small businesses at no less than 2.5 percent of such total for FY 2002 and three percent for FY 2003 and thereafter.Requires each Federal agency to: (1) have annual goals that present the maximum practicable opportunity for eligible small businesses to perform such contracts and subcontracts; and (2) undertake efforts to annually expand small business participation. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Small Business Act to establish a Government-wide procurement goal for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, to establish a presumption that service-disabled veterans and other handicapped individuals are eligible for benefits under the Small Business Development Program, and for other purposes."} | 3,754 | 322 | 0.663824 | 2.266891 | 0.787132 | 2.442857 | 11.625 | 0.864286 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mount Hood Cooper Spur Land Exchange
Clarification Act''.
SEC. 2. COOPER SPUR LAND EXCHANGE CLARIFICATION AMENDMENTS.
Section 1206(a) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009
(Public Law 111-11; 123 Stat. 1018) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``120 acres''
and inserting ``107 acres''; and
(B) in subparagraph (E)(ii), by inserting
``improvements,'' after ``buildings,''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``As soon as
practicable after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary and Mt. Hood Meadows shall
select'' and inserting ``Not later than 120
days after the date of enactment of the Mount
Hood Cooper Spur Land Exchange Clarification
Act, the Secretary and Mt. Hood Meadows shall
jointly select'';
(ii) in clause (ii), in the matter
preceding subclause (I), by striking ``An
appraisal under clause (i) shall'' and
inserting ``Except as provided under clause
(iii), an appraisal under clause (i) shall
assign a separate value to each tax lot to
allow for the equalization of values and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) Final appraised value.--
``(I) In general.--Subject to
subclause (II), after the final
appraised value of the Federal land and
the non-Federal land are determined and
approved by the Secretary, the
Secretary shall not be required to
reappraise or update the final
appraised value for a period of up to 3
years, beginning on the date of the
approval by the Secretary of the final
appraised value.
``(II) Exception.--Subclause (I)
shall not apply if the condition of
either the Federal land or the non-
Federal land referred to in subclause
(I) is significantly and substantially
altered by fire, windstorm, or other
events.
``(iv) Public review.--Before completing
the land exchange under this Act, the Secretary
shall make available for public review the
complete appraisals of the land to be
exchanged.''; and
(B) by striking subparagraph (G) and inserting the
following:
``(G) Required conveyance conditions.--Prior to the
exchange of the Federal and non-Federal land--
``(i) the Secretary and Mt. Hood Meadows
may mutually agree for the Secretary to reserve
a conservation easement to protect the
identified wetland in accordance with
applicable law, subject to the requirements
that--
``(I) the conservation easement
shall be consistent with the terms of
the September 30, 2015, mediation
between the Secretary and Mt. Hood
Meadows; and
``(II) in order to take effect, the
conservation easement shall be
finalized not later than 120 days after
the date of enactment of the Mount Hood
Cooper Spur Land Exchange Clarification
Act; and
``(ii) the Secretary shall reserve a 24-
foot-wide nonexclusive trail easement at the
existing trail locations on the Federal land
that retains for the United States existing
rights to construct, reconstruct, maintain, and
permit nonmotorized use by the public of
existing trails subject to the right of the
owner of the Federal land--
``(I) to cross the trails with
roads, utilities, and infrastructure
facilities; and
``(II) to improve or relocate the
trails to accommodate development of
the Federal land.
``(H) Equalization of values.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), in addition to or in lieu of
monetary compensation, a lesser area of Federal
land or non-Federal land may be conveyed if
necessary to equalize appraised values of the
exchange properties, without limitation,
consistent with the requirements of this Act
and subject to the approval of the Secretary
and Mt. Hood Meadows.
``(ii) Treatment of certain compensation or
conveyances as donation.--If, after payment of
compensation or adjustment of land area subject
to exchange under this Act, the amount by which
the appraised value of the land and other
property conveyed by Mt. Hood Meadows under
subparagraph (A) exceeds the appraised value of
the land conveyed by the Secretary under
subparagraph (A) shall be considered a donation
by Mt. Hood Meadows to the United States.''. | . Mount Hood Cooper Spur Land Exchange Clarification Act (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to revise details of the Cooper Spur-Government Camp land exchange between the United States and Oregon. After the final appraised value of the federal and nonfederal lands is determined and approved by Department of Agriculture (USDA), the USDA shall not be required to reappraise or update that value for a period of up to three years, unless the condition of any of the lands is significantly and substantially altered by fire, windstorm, or other events. The bill revises conveyance conditions regarding reservation of a conservation easement to protect identified wetland, reservation of a nonexclusive trail easement, and equalization of values of the exchange properties. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Mount Hood Cooper Spur Land Exchange Clarification Act"} | 1,079 | 175 | 0.58323 | 1.710642 | 0.708221 | 3.034247 | 6.582192 | 0.815068 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act''.
SEC. 2. INVENTORY OF GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 1122(a) of title 31, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs
(2) and (3), respectively;
(2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(1) Definition of program.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `program' means an organized set of
activities by 1 or more agencies directed toward a common
purpose or goal.'';
(3) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated--
(A) by striking ``In general.--Not later than
October 1, 2012, the Office of Management and Budget
shall'' and inserting ``Website and program
inventory.--The Director of the Office of Management
and Budget shall'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
following:
``(C) include on the website--
``(i) a program inventory that shall
identify each program of the Federal Government
for which there is more than $1,000,000 in
annual budget authority, which shall include--
``(I) any activity that is commonly
referred to as a program by a Federal
agency in communications with Congress,
including any activity identified as a
program in a budget request;
``(II) any activity that is
commonly referred to as a program by a
Federal agency in communications with
the public, including each program for
which financial awards are made on a
competitive basis; and
``(III) any activity referenced in
law as a program after June 30, 2019;
and
``(ii) for each program identified in the
program inventory, the information required
under paragraph (3) or paragraph (4), as
applicable.'';
(4) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``Information.--Information for each program
described under paragraph (1)'' and inserting
``Information for larger programs.--Information for
each program identified in the program inventory
required under paragraph (2) for which there is more
than $10,000,000 in annual budget authority'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (C);
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (D);
(D) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) an identification of the program activities
that are aggregated, disaggregated, or consolidated as
part of identifying programs;
``(B) for each program activity described in
subparagraph (A), the amount of funding for the current
fiscal year and previous 2 fiscal years;
``(C) an estimate of the amount of funding for the
program;'';
(E) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by
striking ``and'' at the end; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) an identification of the statutes that
authorize the program and any major regulations
specific to the program;
``(F) for any program that provides grants or other
financial assistance to individuals or entities, for
the most recent fiscal year--
``(i) a description of the individuals
served by the program and beneficiaries who
received financial assistance under the
program, including an estimate of the number of
individuals and beneficiaries, to the extent
practicable;
``(ii) for each program for which the head
of an agency determines it is not practicable
to provide an estimate of the number of
individuals and beneficiaries served by the
program--
``(I) an explanation of why data
regarding the number of such
individuals and beneficiaries cannot be
provided; and
``(II) a discussion of the measures
that could be taken to gather the data
required to provide such an estimate;
and
``(iii) a description of--
``(I) the Federal employees who
administer the program, including the
number of full-time equivalents with a
pro rata estimate for full-time
equivalents associated with multiple
programs; and
``(II) other individuals whose
salary is paid in part or full by the
Federal Government through a grant,
contract, cooperative agreement, or
another form of financial award or
assistance who administer or assist in
any way in administering the program,
including the number of full-time
equivalents, to the extent practicable;
``(G) links to any evaluation, assessment, or
program performance reviews by the agency, an Inspector
General, or the Government Accountability Office
(including program performance reports required under
section 1116) released during the preceding 5 years;
and
``(H) to the extent practicable, financial and
other information for each program activity required to
be reported under the Federal Funding Accountability
and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).'';
and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Information for smaller programs.--Information for
each program identified in the program inventory required under
paragraph (2) for which there is more than $1,000,000 and not
more than $10,000,000 in annual budget authority shall, at a
minimum, include--
``(A) an identification of the program activities
that are aggregated, disaggregated, or consolidated as
part of identifying programs;
``(B) for each program activity described in
subparagraph (A), the amount of funding for the current
fiscal year and previous 2 fiscal years;
``(C) an identification of the statutes that
authorize the program and any major regulations
specific to the program;
``(D) for any program that provides grants or other
financial assistance to individuals or entities, a
description of the individuals served by the program
and beneficiaries who received financial assistance
under the program for the most recent fiscal year; and
``(E) links to any evaluation, assessment, or
program performance reviews by the agency, an Inspector
General, or the Government Accountability Office
(including program performance reports required under
section 1116) released during the preceding 5 years.
``(5) Archiving.--After the end of each fiscal year, the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall archive
and preserve the information included in the program inventory
required under paragraph (2) relating to that fiscal year.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to
carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act a total of
$18,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2018, 2019, and 2020.
SEC. 3. GUIDANCE, IMPLEMENTATION, REPORTING, AND REVIEW.
(a) In General.--The Director of the Office of Management and
Budget--
(1) not later than June 30, 2018--
(A) shall prescribe initial guidance to implement
this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, which
shall include ongoing reporting on at least an annual
basis;
(B) shall issue initial guidance to agencies to
identify how the program activities used for reporting
under the Federal Funding Accountability and
Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note) are
associated with programs identified in the program
inventory required under section 1122(a)(2)(C)(i) of
title 31, United States Code, as amended by section 2;
and
(C) may issue initial guidance to agencies to
ensure that the programs identified in the program
inventory required under section 1122(a)(2)(C)(i) of
title 31, United States Code, as amended by section 2,
are presented at a similar level of detail across
agencies and are not duplicative or overlapping; and
(2) may, based on an analysis of the costs of
implementation, and after submitting to Congress a notification
of the action by the Director--
(A) extend the implementation deadline under
subsection (b)--
(i) in 1-year increments; and
(ii) by not more than a total of 2 years;
and
(B) exempt from the requirements under section
1122(a) of title 31, United States Code, an agency
that--
(i) is not listed in section 901(b) of
title 31, United States Code; and
(ii) for the fiscal year during which the
exemption is made, has budget authority (as
defined in section 3 of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 622)) of not more
than $10,000,000.
(b) Implementation.--This Act, and the amendments made by this Act,
shall be implemented not later than June 30, 2019.
(c) Reporting.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit to Congress a report regarding the
implementation of this Act and the amendments made by this Act,
which shall--
(A) review how the Office of Management and Budget
and agencies determined what activities constitute a
program (as defined under section 1122 of title 31,
United States Code, as amended by this Act) and what
activities do not constitute a program;
(B) evaluate the extent to which the program
inventory required under section 1122 of title 31,
United States Code, as amended by this Act, provides
useful information for decisionmakers;
(C) evaluate the extent to which the program
inventory provides a coherent picture of the scope of
Federal involvement in particular areas; and
(D) include the recommendations of the Comptroller
General, if any, for improving implementation of this
Act and the amendments made by this Act.
(2) Hearings.--After receipt of the report required under
paragraph (1), the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives
shall hold hearings to review the findings of the report. | Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act (Sec. 2) This bill requires that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website include an inventory that identifies each federal program for which there is more than $1 million in annual budget authority. For programs for which there is more than $1 million but not more than $10 million in annual budget authority (smaller programs), the inventory must include: an identification of the program activities that are aggregated, disaggregated, or consolidated; for each such program activity, the amount of funding for the current fiscal year and the previous two fiscal years; an identification of the statutes that authorize the program and any major regulations specific to the program; a description of the individuals served by a program and beneficiaries who received financial assistance under a program for the most recent fiscal year; and links to any evaluation, assessment, or program performance reviews by the agency, an Inspector General, or the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released during the preceding five years. For programs for which there is more than $10 million in annual budget authority (larger programs), the inventory must also include specified additional information, including financial information for each program activity required to be reported under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006. The OMB shall archive and preserve the program inventory. (Sec. 3) The bill requires the OMB to issue initial guidance to assist agencies in identifying how the program activities used in budget or appropriations accounts correspond with programs identified in the program inventory. The OMB may: (1) issue initial guidance to agencies to ensure that programs are presented at a similar level of detail across agencies and are not duplicative; (2) exempt from the requirements of this bill, based on an analysis of the costs of implementation, agencies that are not required to have a chief financial officer and that have not more than $10 million in budget authority; and (3) based on an analysis of the costs of implementation, extend the bill's implementation deadline (June 30, 2019) in one-year increments and by not more than two years. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress by five years after this bill's enactment regarding its implementation. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act"} | 2,150 | 463 | 0.629125 | 1.766529 | 0.77004 | 3.940367 | 4.844037 | 0.885321 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Regulatory Accountability Act of
1993''.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds and declares that--
(1) the overall cost of Federal regulation in the United
States has risen to well over $400,000,000,000 per year;
(2) this regulatory burden is paid by individual citizens
and their families in the form of a ``hidden tax'' because
intermediaries have no options that do not pass these
expenditures to individuals;
(3) the most recent data reveals that the ``hidden tax''
paid by the citizens of this Nation now exceeds $4,100 annually
for each household;
(4) left unchecked, this ``hidden tax'' will increase by 50
percent between now and the year 2000; and
(5) it is in the best interests of the American people to
have the Federal Government devise a systematic way to account
for the new regulatory costs that taxpayers are forced to
absorb and to have this financial burden better controlled.
(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to establish that each
agency shall, as a mandatory requirement for the issuance of--
(1) any proposed regulation--
(A) thoroughly assess and document the anticipated
benefits, reasonable alternative approaches, and all
foreseeable compliance costs of each approach; and
(B) assess, and include in all proposed regulatory
actions, a range of possible offsets for the costs; and
(2) any final regulation--
(A) have selected the most cost-effective
alternative; and
(B) for a period of 3 years following enactment,
have fully offset all foreseeable costs through
revocation or revision of one or more existing
regulations.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ``agency'' has the same meaning given such
term in section 3502(1) of title 44, United States Code,
excluding those agencies specified in section 3502(10) of title
44, United States Code; and
(2) the term ``regulation'' or ``rule'' means any agency
statement of general applicability and future effect designed
to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or
describing the procedure or practice requirements of an agency,
but does not include--
(A) administrative actions governed by the
provisions of sections 556 and 557 of title 5, United
States Code;
(B) regulations issued with respect to a military
or foreign affairs function of the United States; or
(C) regulations related to agency organization,
management, or personnel.
SEC. 4. MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NEW REGULATION.
In taking any regulatory action, each agency shall strictly adhere
to the following requirements:
(1) Administrative regulatory decisions shall be based on
substantial evidence on the public record documenting--
(A) the ability of an action to result in specific,
reasonably anticipated benefits;
(B) all alternative regulatory approaches,
including performance-based approaches, that will
result in the benefits documented under subparagraph
(A); and
(C) all foreseeable costs that can reasonably be
expected to flow, directly or incidentally, from each
approach documented under subparagraph (B).
(2) No final regulatory actions may be taken unless the
specific benefits resulting from a specific regulatory approach
documented under paragraph (1) clearly outweigh the costs
documented under paragraph (1).
(3) Agencies shall--
(A) for all proposed new regulatory actions that
will generate any cost, propose a range of position
revisions to, or revocation of, one or more exciting
regulations, that can reasonably be expected to fully
offset the reasonably anticipated costs of such
proposed regulatory action; and
(B) fully offset the costs documented under
paragraph (1) through revision to, or revocation of,
existing Federal regulation.
SEC. 5. EXEMPTION.
The requirements of section 4(3) shall not apply in the case of
regulatory actions for which the President includes in the Federal
Register, accompanying the regulatory action, a statement of waiver
that fully outlines the reasons and needs for waiving the requirements
of section 4(3) because of emergency need for such specific regulatory
action and includes a timetable for satisfying the requirements of
section 4 at the earliest possible date thereafter.
SEC. 6. INDEPENDENT EVALUATION.
(a) In General.--Three years following the date of enactment of
this Act, the President shall provide for independent evaluation of the
regulatory process and the effect of regulations on the different areas
of the economy, including--
(1) business startups and viability;
(2) employment, including job creation, compensation, and
employment of foreign nationals by United States firms;
(3) international trade and competitiveness with foreign
entities;
(4) research and development;
(5) impact on State and local governments; and
(6) direct Federal spending for enforcement of regulations.
(b) Study Focus.--The evaluation required by this section shall
also include a study of--
(1) the effect of the regulatory cost cap imposed by this
Act;
(2) the methodologies used by regulatory agencies to
estimate the cost of a rule or regulation; and
(3) the use of alternative regulatory approaches described
in section 4(1)(B).
(c) OMB.--The Office of Management and Budget shall carry out the
provisions of this section.
(d) Funding.--Notwithstanding section 1346 of title 31, United
States Code, the President is authorized to transfer up to $50,000 from
the funds available to any agency for administrative purposes to the
Office of Management and Budget for the purpose of carrying out this
section.
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE; SUNSET PROVISION.
(a) Effective Date.--The provisions of this Act shall take effect
upon the date of enactment of this Act, except that the effective date
for regulations or rules promulgated pursuant to a law enacted after
the date that is 2 years before the date of enactment of this Act and
not later than the date of enactment of this Act shall be 6 months
after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Sunset.--The requirements of section 4(3) shall cease to have
effect on the date that is 3 years following the date of enactment of
this Act. | Regulatory Accountability Act of 1993 - Sets forth specific requirements Federal agencies must adhere to in taking any regulatory action.
Provides an exemption from certain requirements for regulatory actions for which the President publishes in the Federal Register a statement of waiver that: (1) outlines the reasons for waiving such requirements because of emergency need for such specific regulatory action; and (2) includes a timetable for satisfying remaining requirements as early as possible.
Requires the President to provide for independent evaluation of the regulatory process and the effect of regulations on different areas of the economy. Provides funding for such evaluation. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Regulatory Accountability Act of 1993"} | 1,354 | 125 | 0.375533 | 1.064158 | 0.583105 | 3.33913 | 11.330435 | 0.886957 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as ``Medicaid/SCHIP Optional Coverage for
Young Adults Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. PROVIDING STATE OPTION FOR SCHIP AND MEDICAID COVERAGE OF YOUNG
ADULTS UP TO AGE 23.
(a) In General.--
(1) Medicaid.--(A) Section 1902(l)(1)(D) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(l)(1)(D)) is amended by inserting
``(or, at the option of the State, who have not attained 20,
21, or 22 years of age, as the State may elect)'' after ``have
not attained 19 years of age''.
(B) Clause (i) of section 1905(a) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)) is amended by striking ``under the age
of 21, or, at the option of the State, under the age of 20, 19,
or 18 as the State may choose'' and inserting ``under the age
of 23, or, at the option of the State, under the age of 22, 21,
20, 19, or 18 as the State may elect''.
(2) SCHIP.--Section 2110(c)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
1397jj(c)(1)) is amended by inserting after ``19 years of age''
the following: ``(or, at the option of the State and subject to
the availability of additional allotments under section
2104(d), 20, 21, 22, or 23 years of age)''.
(b) Availability of Enhanced Matching Funds.--
(1) Under medicaid.--Section 1905 of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d) is amended--
(A) in the fourth sentence of subsection (b), by
striking ``or subsection (u)(3)'' and inserting ``,
(u)(3), or (u)(4)(A)''; and
(B) in subsection (u)--
(i) by adding at the end of paragraph (1)
the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Only with respect to expenditures described in
paragraph (4)(A), if the State is providing for benefits under
its State child health plan under title XXI for children under
19 years of age exclusively through benefits under its State
plan under this title, the State is also providing under such
plan the benefits for individuals over 18 years of age who are
eligible for such benefits only because of an election referred
to in such paragraph.'';
(ii) by redesignating paragraph (4) as
paragraph (5); and
(iii) by inserting after paragraph (3) the
following new paragraph:
``(4) For purposes of the fourth sentence of subsection (b) and
section 2105(a), the expenditures described in this paragraph are
expenditures for medical assistance for individuals who are over 18
(and less than 23) years of age and who are eligible for such medical
assistance because of an election by the State under section
1902(l)(1)(D) or clause (i) of section 1905(a).''.
(2) Additional allotments for providing coverage of
optional young adults.--
(A) In general.--Section 2104 of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1397dd) is amended by inserting after subsection
(c) the following:
``(d) Additional Allotments for the Provision of Coverage to
Optional Young Adults.--
``(1) Appropriation; total allotment.--For the purpose of
providing additional allotments to States under this title,
there is appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not
otherwise appropriated, for each of fiscal years 2004 through
2007, $200,000,000.
``(2) State and territorial allotments.--In addition to the
allotments provided under subsections (b) and (c), subject to
paragraph (3), of the amount available for the additional
allotments under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary
shall allot to each State with a State child health plan
approved under this title--
``(A) in the case of such a State other than a
commonwealth or territory described in subparagraph
(B), the same proportion as the proportion of the
State's allotment under subsection (b) (determined
without regard to subsection (f)) to the total amount
of the allotments under subsection (b) for such States
eligible for an allotment under this paragraph for such
fiscal year; and
``(B) in the case of a commonwealth or territory
described in subsection (c)(3), the same proportion as
the proportion of the commonwealth's or territory's
allotment under subsection (c) (determined without
regard to subsection (f)) to the total amount of the
allotments under subsection (c) for commonwealths and
territories eligible for an allotment under this
paragraph for such fiscal year.
``(3) Use of additional allotment.--Additional allotments
provided under this subsection are not available for amounts
expended before October 1, 2003. Such amounts are available for
amounts expended on or after such date only for--
``(A) expenditures described in section
1905(u)(4)(A); and
``(B) child health assistance for individuals who
are targeted low-income children and over 18 years of
age and who are low-income children only because of an
election by the State under section 2110(c)(1).''.
(B) Conforming amendments.--Section 2104 of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd) is amended--
(i) in subsection (a), in the matter
preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``subject
to subsection (d),'' after ``under this
section,'';
(ii) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting
``and subsection (d)'' after ``Subject to
paragraph (4)''; and
(iii) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting
``subject to subsection (d),'' after ``for a
fiscal year,''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section apply to
items and services furnished on or after October 1, 2003, without
regard to whether regulations implementing such amendments have been
promulgated.
SEC. 3. GRANTS TO IMPLEMENT MEDICAID AND SCHIP EXPANSIONS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
provide for grants to small and rural States (as defined by the
Secretary) in order to enable such States to implement expansions of
eligibility for children and young adults their State medicaid plans
under title XIX of the Social Security Act and State child health plans
under title XXI of such Act. Such grants shall be available for
planning, implementation, and outreach with respect to such expanded
eligibility populations.
(b) Terms and Conditions.--Grants under this section shall be made
available under such terms and conditions, including the approval of a
grant application, as the Secretary shall specify.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to provide for grants under
this section. | Medicaid/SCHIP Optional Coverage for Young Adults Act of 2003 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of providing SCHIP and Medicaid coverage, with an enhanced matching rate, to low-income youth up to age 23.
Directs the Secretary to provide for grants to small and rural States in order to enable them to implement expansions of eligibility for children and young adults under SSA titles XIX and XXI. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to permit States to cover low-income youth up to age 23 with an enhanced matching rate."} | 1,656 | 126 | 0.508458 | 1.24236 | 0.583521 | 3.020408 | 14.591837 | 0.897959 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Intermediary Lending
Pilot Program Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. SMALL BUSINESS INTERMEDIARY LENDING PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 7 of the Small Business Act is amended by
striking subsection (l) and inserting the following:
``(l) Small Business Intermediary Lending Pilot Program.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection--
``(A) the term `eligible intermediary'--
``(i) means a private, nonprofit entity
that--
``(I) seeks or has been awarded a
loan from the Administrator to make
loans to small business concerns under
this subsection; and
``(II) has not less than 1 year of
experience making loans to startup,
newly established, or growing small
business concerns; and
``(ii) includes--
``(I) a private, nonprofit
community development corporation;
``(II) a consortium of private,
nonprofit organizations or nonprofit
community development corporations; and
``(III) an agency of or nonprofit
entity established by a Native American
Tribal Government; and
``(B) the term `Program' means the small business
intermediary lending pilot program established under
paragraph (2).
``(2) Establishment.--There is established a 3-year small
business intermediary lending pilot program, under which the
Administrator may make direct loans to eligible intermediaries,
for the purpose of making loans to startup, newly established,
and growing small business concerns.
``(3) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program are--
``(A) to assist small business concerns in areas
suffering from a lack of credit due to poor economic
conditions or changes in the financial market; and
``(B) to establish a loan program under which the
Administrator may provide loans to eligible
intermediaries to enable the eligible intermediaries to
provide loans to startup, newly established, and
growing small business concerns for working capital,
real estate, or the acquisition of materials, supplies,
or equipment.
``(4) Loans to eligible intermediaries.--
``(A) Application.--Each eligible intermediary
desiring a loan under this subsection shall submit an
application to the Administrator that describes--
``(i) the type of small business concerns
to be assisted;
``(ii) the size and range of loans to be
made;
``(iii) the interest rate and terms of
loans to be made;
``(iv) the geographic area to be served and
the economic, poverty, and unemployment
characteristics of the area;
``(v) the status of small business concerns
in the area to be served and an analysis of the
availability of credit; and
``(vi) the qualifications of the applicant
to carry out this subsection.
``(B) Loan limits.--No loan may be made to an
eligible intermediary under this subsection if the
total amount outstanding and committed to the eligible
intermediary by the Administrator would, as a result of
such loan, exceed $3,000,000 during the participation
of the eligible intermediary in the Program.
``(C) Loan duration.--Loans made by the
Administrator under this subsection shall be for a term
of 20 years.
``(D) Applicable interest rates.--Loans made by the
Administrator to an eligible intermediary under the
Program shall bear an annual interest rate equal to
1.00 percent.
``(E) Fees; collateral.--The Administrator may not
charge any fees or require collateral with respect to
any loan made to an eligible intermediary under this
subsection.
``(F) Delayed payments.--The Administrator shall
not require the repayment of principal or interest on a
loan made to an eligible intermediary under the Program
during the 2-year period beginning on the date of the
initial disbursement of funds under that loan.
``(G) Maximum participants and amounts.--During
each of fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2012, the
Administrator may make loans under the Program--
``(i) to not more than 20 eligible
intermediaries; and
``(ii) in a total amount of not more than
$60,000,000.
``(5) Loans to small business concerns.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator, through an
eligible intermediary, shall make loans to startup,
newly established, and growing small business concerns
for working capital, real estate, and the acquisition
of materials, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and
equipment.
``(B) Maximum loan.--An eligible intermediary may
not make a loan under this subsection of more than
$200,000 to any 1 small business concern.
``(C) Applicable interest rates.--A loan made by an
eligible intermediary to a small business concern under
this subsection, may have a fixed or a variable
interest rate, and shall bear an interest rate
specified by the eligible intermediary in the
application of the eligible intermediary for a loan
under this subsection.
``(D) Review restrictions.--The Administrator may
not review individual loans made by an eligible
intermediary to a small business concern before
approval of the loan by the eligible intermediary.
``(6) Termination.--The authority of the Administrator to
make loans under the Program shall terminate 3 years after the
date of enactment of the Small Business Intermediary Lending
Pilot Program Act of 2009.''.
(b) Rulemaking Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue regulations to
carry out section 7(l) of the Small Business Act, as amended by
subsection (a).
(c) Availability of Funds.--Any amounts provided to the
Administrator for the purposes of carrying out section 7(l) of the
Small Business Act, as amended by subsection (a), shall remain
available until expended. | Small Business Intermediary Lending Pilot Program Act of 2009 - Establishes a three-year small business intermediary lending pilot program under which the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) may make direct loans to eligible nonprofit lending intermediaries for the purpose of making loans of up to $200,000 each to startup, newly-established, and growing small businesses. Authorizes the Administrator, under the program, to make one percent, 20-year loans of up to $3 million to up to 20 lending intermediaries. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Small Business Act to establish a small business intermediary lending pilot program."} | 1,288 | 109 | 0.693158 | 1.703499 | 0.800039 | 2.802083 | 12.5625 | 0.885417 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Financial Freedom Act of 1997''.
SEC. 2. FIELD OF MEMBERSHIP OF FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONS.
Section 109 of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1759) is
amended by striking ``Federal credit union membership shall be limited
to groups having a common bond'' and inserting ``the membership of any
Federal credit union shall be limited to 1 or more groups each of which
have (within such group) a common bond''.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT OF 1977.
The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (12 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.) is
hereby repealed.
SEC. 4. REDUCED TAX RATE FOR QUALIFIED COMMUNITY LENDERS.
(a) In General.--Section 11 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to tax on corporations) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(e) Reduced Tax Rate for Qualified Community Lenders.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of a qualified community
lender, the tax imposed by subsection (a) for any taxable year
shall not exceed 15 percent of the excess (if any) of--
``(A) taxable income for such year, over
``(B) $250,000.
``(2) Qualified community lender.--For purposes of this
paragraph, the term `qualified community lender' means an
insured depository institution (as defined by section 3(c) of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Act) if, as determined at the end
of the institution's taxable year--
``(A) 60 percent of the aggregate outstanding loans
made by such institution, its parent, and its
affiliates, consist of loans made to borrowers who
are--
``(i) not related persons with respect to
such institution, and
``(ii)(I) are residents of the local
community in which such institution is
chartered, or
``(II) are engaged in a trade or business
in such community, but only if such loans are
made with respect to such trade or business in
such community,
``(B) two-thirds or more of the common stockholders
of record of such institution or its parent company are
residents of, or engaged in a trade or business in,
such community,
``(C) less than 10 percent of all outstanding
common stock of such institution or its parent is owned
directly or indirectly by persons other than
individuals,
``(D) neither the common stock of such institution
nor the common stock of its parent is publicly traded
on an established securities market, and
``(E) the aggregate assets of such institution, its
parent, and its affiliates do not exceed
$5,000,000,000.
``(3) Definitions and special rules.--For purposes of this
subsection--
``(A) Affiliate.--The term `affiliate', with
respect to any institution, has the meaning given such
term by paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 23A(b) of the
Federal Reserve Act (determined without regard to
section 23A(b)(2)(E) of such Act).
``(B) Parent.--
``(i) In general.--The term `parent' means,
with respect to an institution--
``(I) any company which has control
of such institution, and
``(II) any company which has
control of a company described in
subclause (I).
``(ii) Company and control.--The terms
`company' and `control' have the respective
meanings given such terms by section 2 of the
Bank Holding Company Act of 1956.
``(C) Related person.--Persons shall be treated as
related to each other if the relationship between such
persons is described in section 267(b) or 707(b).
``(4) Inflation adjustment.--In the case of a taxable year
beginning in a calendar year after 1997, the $250,000 amount
contained in paragraph (1)(B) shall be increased by an amount
equal to--
``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment under section
1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year
begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 1996'
for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.
If any amount as adjusted under the preceding sentence is not a
multiple of $500, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest
multiple of $500.''
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this
Act. | Financial Freedom Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to limit Federal credit union membership to one or more groups each of which has a common bond within such group.
Repeals the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the corporate tax rate for qualified community lenders. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Financial Freedom Act of 1997"} | 1,086 | 69 | 0.580583 | 1.293425 | 1.177788 | 3.85 | 15.95 | 0.883333 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Better Health in the Arctic Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The United States is an Arctic nation with--
(A) an approximately 700-mile border on the Arctic
Ocean;
(B) more than 100,000,000 acres of land above the
Arctic Circle; and
(C) an even broader area that is defined as Arctic
by temperature, including the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands.
(2) The Arctic region of the United States--
(A) is known to the indigenous population as
Inuvikput, or the ``place where we live''; and
(B) is home to an indigenous population that has
subsisted for millennia on the abundance of marine
mammals, fish, and wildlife, many species of which are
unique to the Arctic region.
(3) Since 1959, temperatures in the Arctic region of the
United States have warmed by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, a rate of
increase more than twice the global average. The Arctic ice
pack is rapidly diminishing and thinning, and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the Arctic
Ocean may be ice free during the summer months in as few as 30
years.
(4) These changes are having a significant impact on the
communities and ecosystems of the indigenous people of the
Arctic, and the marine mammals, fish, and wildlife upon which
the indigenous population depends.
(5) The negative impacts of climate change include health
problems, which are even more exacerbated among indigenous
people of the North.
(6) Northern people have shorter life expectancy and
increased mortality related to suicide and injuries, when
compared to populations living in more moderate climates.
(7) Among the greatest health disparities affecting Arctic
people are higher rates of alcohol abuse, Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder (FASD), diabetes, high blood pressure,
injury, and cancer. The FASD prevalence rate among Alaska
Native people (4.8) is 3\1/2\ times that for all Alaskans
(1.4).
(8) Rates of suicide in Alaska are among the highest in the
Nation, with the suicide rate among Alaska Native people about
3 times that of non-Native Alaskans and 4 times that of the
national average of the United States.
(9) Alaska Native children are more than twice as likely to
live in poverty than Alaskans of other races, 25.7 percent
compared to 10.9 percent.
(10) It is unclear why many of these health problems are
greater among northern people or whether the health problems
are related to toxic influences, socioeconomic status, cultural
change, distance from sophisticated medical care, or other
factors.
(11) More research is necessary into the causes of
disparities in rates of particular public health problems in
the Arctic and intervention into the prevention and treatment
of these problems.
SEC. 3. STUDY OF MENTAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND PHYSICAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE
ARCTIC.
(a) Study Authorized.--The Arctic Research Commission established
under section 103 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15
U.S.C. 4102) shall, in collaboration with Federal health agencies,
directly or through contract, prepare and submit to Congress a 2-year
study to examine the science base, gaps in knowledge, and strategies
for the prevention and treatment of mental, behavioral, and physical
health problems faced by populations in the Arctic, with a focus on
Alaska.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section a total of $1,200,000 for fiscal
years 2010 and 2011.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL ARCTIC HEALTH SCIENCE POLICY.
(a) Updating 1984 Policy.--The Director of the National Institutes
of Health shall, in collaboration with other governmental agencies and
private and nonprofit entities involved in Arctic health issues,
develop a national Arctic health science policy. In developing the
policy, the Director shall review and take into consideration the
National Arctic Health Science Policy developed by the American Public
Health Association Task Force in 1984.
(b) Desk for Arctic Health.--Section 401(c) of the Public Health
Services Act (42 U.S.C. 281(c)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(3) Desk for arctic health.--
``(A) Establishment.--Within the Division, there is
established a Desk for Arctic Health.
``(B) Duties.--The Desk for Arctic Health shall--
``(i) work with the Interagency Arctic
Research Policy Committee established under
section 107(b) of the Arctic Research and
Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4106(b)) to
ensure adequate health representation from
Federal agencies;
``(ii) collaborate and consult with
governmental entities and United States
nongovernmental organizations involved in
Arctic health issues, including the State of
Alaska, University of Alaska, and entities that
handle issues regarding the health of the
indigenous people of the Arctic; and
``(iii) collaborate with the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research on indigenous
Arctic people health issues, in accordance with
the 2004 agreement between the National
Institutes of Health and the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research, and with other
international entities dealing with pan-Arctic
health issues.''.
SEC. 5. ARCTIC HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENTS.
Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
280g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 399U. ARCTIC HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENTS.
``(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
``(1) The health impact assessment process can be a
valuable tool for better Arctic health by objectively
evaluating the potential health benefits and risks of a project
or policy before the project or policy is built or put into
place.
``(2) Health impact assessments can provide recommendations
to increase positive health outcomes and minimize adverse
health outcomes.
``(3) A major benefit of the health impact assessment
process is that it brings public health issues to the attention
of people who make decisions about areas that fall outside
traditional public health arenas, such as transportation or
land use.
``(b) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall establish a
program at the National Center of Environmental Health of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention to foster advances and help provide
technical support in the field of Arctic health impact assessments.
``(c) Definition of Health Impact Assessments.--In this section,
the term `health impact assessment' means a combination of procedures,
methods, and tools by which a policy, program, or project may be judged
as to its potential effects on the health of a population, and the
distribution of those effects within the population.''. | Better Health in the Arctic Act - Directs the Arctic Research Commission, in collaboration with federal health agencies, to prepare and submit to Congress a two-year study to examine the science base, gaps in knowledge, and strategies for the prevention and treatment of mental, behavioral, and physical health problems faced by populations in the Arctic, with a focus on Alaska.
Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH): (1) in collaboration with other governmental agencies and private and nonprofit entities involved in Arctic health issues, to develop a national Arctic health science policy; and (2) in developing the policy, to review and take into consideration the National Arctic Health Science Policy developed by the American Public Health Association Task Force in 1984.
Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a Desk for Arctic Health within the Office of the Director's Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, which shall: (1) work with the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee to ensure adequate health representation from federal agencies; (2) collaborate and consult with governmental entities and U.S. nongovernmental organizations involved in Arctic health issues; and (3) collaborate with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research on indigenous Arctic people health issues.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish a program at CDC's National Center of Environmental Health to foster advances and help provide technical support in the field of Arctic health impact assessments. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to improve Arctic health."} | 1,500 | 314 | 0.484755 | 1.599029 | 0.6311 | 5.611486 | 4.733108 | 0.935811 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Justice for United States Prisoners
of War Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) During World War II, members of the United States Armed
Forces held as prisoners of war by Japan were forced to provide
labor for Japanese privately owned corporations in functions
unrelated to the prosecution of the war.
(2) International law, including international conventions
relating to the protection of prisoners of war, was violated
when these Japanese corporations--
(A) failed to pay wages to captured United States
servicemembers for their labor;
(B) allowed and promoted torture and mistreatment
of captured United States servicemembers; and
(C) withheld food and medical treatment from
captured United States servicemembers.
(3) In the Treaty of Peace with Japan, signed at San
Francisco September 8, 1951 (3 UST 3169), the Government of
Japan admitted liability for illegal conduct toward the Allied
Powers and, in particular, liability for illegal and inhumane
conduct toward members of the armed forces of the Allied Powers
held as prisoners of war.
(4) Despite this admission of liability, Article 14(b) of
the Treaty has been construed to waive all private claims by
nationals of the United States, including private claims by
members of the United States Armed Forces held as prisoners of
war by Japan during World War II.
(5) Under Article 26 of the Treaty, the government of Japan
agreed that if Japan entered into a war claims settlement
agreement with a country that is not a party to the Treaty that
provides more favorable terms to that country than the terms
Japan extended to the parties to the Treaty, then Japan would
extend those more favorable terms to each of the parties to the
Treaty, including to the United States.
(6) Since the entry into force of the Treaty in 1952, the
Government of Japan has entered into war claims settlement
agreements with countries that are not party to the Treaty that
provide more favorable terms than those extended to the parties
to the Treaty, such as terms that allow claims by nationals of
those countries against Japanese nationals to be pursued
without limitation, restriction, or waiver or any type.
(7) In accordance with Article 26 of the Treaty, Japan is
obligated to extend those same favorable terms to the United
States, including to nationals of the United States, who as
members of the United States Armed Forces, were held as
prisoners of war by Japan during World War II and who were
forced to provide labor without compensation and under inhumane
conditions.
(8) The people of the United States owe a deep and eternal
debt to the heroic United States servicemembers held as
prisoners of war by Japan for the sacrifices those
servicemembers made on behalf of the United States in the days
after the ignominious aggression of Japan against the United
States at Pearl Harbor, Bataan, and Corregidor.
(9) The pursuit of justice by those servicemembers through
lawsuits filed in the United States, where otherwise supported
by Federal, State, or international law, is consistent with the
interests of the United States and should not be preempted by
any other provision of law or by the Treaty.
(10) Despite repeated requests for disclosure by United
States servicemembers, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and
Congress, the United States Government has withheld from those
servicemembers and their physicians Japanese records that were
turned over to the United States and that relate to chemical
and biological experiments conducted on United States
servicemembers held as prisoners of war by Japan during World
War II.
SEC. 3. SUITS AGAINST JAPANESE NATIONALS.
(a) In General.--In an action brought in a Federal court against a
Japanese defendant by a member of the United States Armed Forces who
was held as a prisoner of war by Japan during World War II that seeks
compensation for mistreatment or failure to pay wages in connection
with labor performed by such a member to the benefit of the Japanese
defendant during World War II, the court--
(1) shall apply the applicable statute of limitations of
the State in which the Federal court hearing the case is
located;
(2) shall not construe Article 14(b) of the Treaty as
constituting a waiver by the United States of claims by
nationals of the United States, including claims by members of
the United States Armed Forces, so as to preclude the pending
action.
(b) Sunset.--Paragraph (1) of subsection (a) shall cease to apply
at the end of the 10-year period beginning on the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 4. APPLICABILITY OF RIGHTS UNDER ARTICLE 26 OF THE TREATY OF PEACE
WITH JAPAN.
It is the policy of the United States Government to ensure that all
terms under any war claims settlement agreement between Japan and any
other country that are more favorable than those terms extended to the
United States under the Treaty, will be extended to the United States
in accordance with Article 26 of the Treaty with respect to claims by
nationals of the United States who, as members of the United States
Armed Forces, were held as prisoners of war by Japan during World War
II and who were forced to provide labor without compensation and under
inhumane conditions.
SEC. 5. AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION RELATING TO CERTAIN CHEMICAL AND
BIOLOGICAL TESTS CONDUCTED BY JAPAN DURING WORLD WAR II.
(a) Availability of Information to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs may request from, and the head of the department or
agency so requested shall provide to the Secretary, information
relating to chemical or biological tests conducted by Japan on members
of the United States Armed Forces held as prisoners of war by Japan
during World War II, including any information provided to the United
States Government by Japan.
(b) Availability of Information to Interested Members of the Armed
Forces.--Any information received by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
under subsection (a), with respect to an individual member of the
United States Armed Forces held as a prisoner of war by Japan during
World War II, may be made available to that individual to the extent
otherwise provided by law.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Japanese defendant.--
(A) In general.--The term ``Japanese defendant''
means a Japanese national, an entity organized or
incorporated under Japanese law, an affiliate of an
entity organized or incorporated under Japanese law
that is organized or incorporated under the laws of any
State, and any predecessor of that entity or affiliate.
(B) Limitation.--The term does not include the
Government of Japan.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means the several States,
the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory or
possession of the United States.
(3) Treaty.--The term ``Treaty'' mean the Treaty of Peace
with Japan, signed at San Francisco on September 8, 1951 (3 UST
3169). | Justice for United States Prisoners of War Act of 2001 - Requires any Federal court in which an action is brought against a Japanese defendant by a member of the U.S. armed forces seeking compensation for mistreatment or failure to pay wages in connection with labor performed in Japan for such national as a prisoner of war during World War II to: (1) apply the applicable statute of limitations of the State in which the Federal court hearing the case is located; and (2) not construe a specified provision of the Treaty of Peace With Japan as a waiver by the United States of such claims.States that it is U.S. policy to ensure that any war claims settlement terms between Japan and any other country that are more favorable than terms extended to the United States under the above Treaty will be extended to the United States with respect to claims under this Act.Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to secure information relating to chemical or biological tests conducted by Japan on members of the U.S. armed forces held as prisoners of war during World War II. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to preserve certain actions brought in Federal court against Japanese defendants by members of the United states Armed Forces held by Japan as prisoners of war during World War II."} | 1,543 | 228 | 0.645607 | 1.922412 | 0.725569 | 4.863636 | 7.282828 | 0.954545 |
SECTION 1. INDEXING OF CAPITAL ASSETS.
(a) In General.--Part II of subchapter O of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to basis rules of general
application) is amended by inserting after section 1021 the following
new section:
``SEC. 1022. INDEXING OF CERTAIN ASSETS FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING
GAIN OR LOSS.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Indexed basis substituted for adjusted basis.--Except
as otherwise provided in this section, if an indexed asset
which the taxpayer has held for 1 year or longer is sold or
otherwise disposed of, for purposes of this title the indexed
basis of the asset shall be substituted for its adjusted basis.
``(2) Exception for depreciation, etc.--The deductions for
depreciation, depletion, and amortization shall be determined
without regard to the application of paragraph (1) to the
taxpayer or any other person.
``(b) Indexed Asset.--For purposes of this section, the term
`indexed asset' means--
``(1) stock in a corporation,
``(2) bonds,
``(3) tangible property which is property used in the trade
or business (as defined in section 1231(b)),
``(4) land held in connection with a trade or business
(other than property described in section 1231(b)(1)(B)), and
``(5) the principal residence (within the meaning of
section 1034) of the taxpayer.
``(c) Indexed Basis.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The indexed basis of any asset is--
``(A) the adjusted basis of the asset, increased by
``(B) the applicable inflation adjustment.
``(2) Applicable inflation adjustment.--The applicable
inflation adjustment for any asset is an amount equal to--
``(A) the adjusted basis of the asset, multiplied
by
``(B) the percentage (if any) by which--
``(i) the gross domestic product deflator
for the calendar year in which the asset is
disposed of, exceeds
``(ii) the gross domestic product deflator
for the calendar year in which the asset was
acquired by the taxpayer (or, if later, for
1986).
The percentage under subparagraph (B) shall be rounded to the
nearest \1/10\ of 1 percent.
``(3) Gross domestic product deflator.--The gross domestic
product deflator for any calendar year is the implicit price
deflator for the gross domestic product for such year (as shown
in the first revision thereof).
``(d) Not an Indexed Asset and Holding Period Restarted If
Diminished Risk of Loss.--If the taxpayer (or a related person) enters
into any transaction which substantially reduces the risk of loss from
holding any asset--
``(1) such asset shall not be treated as an indexed asset
for the period of such reduced risk, and
``(2) for purposes of determining whether the 1-year
holding requirement of subsection (a) has been met, the
taxpayer shall be treated as first acquiring the asset on the
day after the last day of such period.
``(e) Pass-Thru Entities.--
``(1) Partnerships.--In the case of a partnership, the
adjustment made under subsection (a) at the partnership level
shall be passed through to the partners.
``(2) Subchapter s corporations.--In the case of an S
corporation, the adjustment under subsection (a) at the
corporate level shall be passed through to the shareholders.
``(3) Common trust funds.--In the case of a common trust
fund, the adjustment made under subsection (a) at the trust
level shall be passed through to the participants.
``(4) Regulated investment companies and real estate
investment trusts.--
``(A) In general.--Stock in a qualified investment
entity shall be an indexed asset for any calendar month
in the same ratio as the fair market value of the
assets held by such entity at the close of such month
which are indexed assets bears to the fair market value
of all assets of such entity at the close of such
month.
``(B) Ratio of 90 percent or more.--If the ratio
for any calendar month determined under subparagraph
(A) would (but for this subparagraph) be 90 percent or
more, such ratio for such month shall be 100 percent.
``(C) Ratio of 10 percent or less.--If the ratio
for any calendar month determined under subparagraph
(A) would (but for this subparagraph) be 10 percent or
less, such ratio for such month shall be zero.
``(D) Valuation of assets in case of real estate
investment trusts.--Nothing in this paragraph shall
require a real estate investment trust to value its
assets more frequently than once each 36 months (except
where such trust ceases to exist). The ratio under
subparagraph (A) for any calendar month for which there
is no valuation shall be the trustee's good faith
judgment as to such valuation.
``(E) Qualified investment entity.--For purposes of
this paragraph, the term `qualified investment entity'
means--
``(i) a regulated investment company
(within the meaning of section 851), and
``(ii) a real estate investment trust
(within the meaning of section 856).
``(f) Dispositions Between Related Persons.--
``(1) In general.--This section shall not apply to any sale
or other disposition of property between related persons except
to the extent that the basis of such property in the hands of
the transferee is a substituted basis.
``(2) Related persons defined.--For purposes of this
section, the term `related persons' means--
``(A) persons bearing a relationship set forth in
section 267(b), and
``(B) persons treated as single employer under
subsection (b) or (c) of section 414.
``(g) Additions to Basis By Means of Improvements or Contributions
to Capital.--If there is an addition to the adjusted basis of any
tangible property or of any stock in a corporation during the taxable
year by reason of an improvement to such property or a contribution to
capital of such corporation, and the aggregate amount of such addition
during the taxable year with respect to such property or stock is
$10,000 or more, such addition shall be treated as a separate asset
acquired at the close of such taxable year.
``(h) Section Cannot Increase Ordinary Loss.--To the extent that
(but for this subsection) this section would create or increase a net
ordinary loss to which section 1231(a)(2) applies or an ordinary loss
to which any other provision of this title applies, such provision
shall not apply. The taxpayer shall be treated as having a long-term
capital loss in an amount equal to the amount of the ordinary loss to
which the preceding sentence applies.
``(i) Special Rules.--
``(1) Assets which are not indexed assets throughout
holding period.--The applicable inflation ratio shall be
appropriately reduced for periods during which the asset was
not an indexed asset.
``(2) Treatment of certain distributions.--A distribution
with respect to stock in a corporation which is not a dividend
shall be treated as a disposition.
``(3) Acquisition date where prior application of
subsection (a)(1) with respect to such asset of taxpayer.--If
there has been a prior application of subsection (a)(1) to an
asset while such asset was held by the taxpayer, the date of
acquisition of such asset by the taxpayer shall be treated as
not earlier than the date of the most recent such prior
application.
``(4) Collapsible corporations.--The application of section
341(a) (relating to collapsible corporations) shall be
determined without regard to this section.
``(j) Transfers To Increase Indexing Adjustment or Depreciation
Allowance.--If any person transfers cash, debt, or any other property
to another person and the principal purpose of such transfer is--
``(1) to secure or increase an adjustment under subsection
(a), or
``(2) to increase (by reason of an adjustment under
subsection (a)) a deduction for depreciation, depletion, or
amortization,
the Secretary may disallow part or all of such adjustment or
increase.''
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for part II of
subchapter O of chapter 1 is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 1021 the following new item:
``Sec. 1022. Indexing of certain assets
for purposes of determining
gain or loss.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to dispositions of property after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 2. EXCLUSION OF GAIN FROM SALE OF PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE.
(a) In General.--Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to one-time exclusion of gain from sale of principal
residence by individual who has attained age 55) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 121. EXCLUSION OF GAIN FROM SALE OF PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE.
``(a) Exclusion.--Gross income shall not include gain from the sale
or exchange of property which has been owned and used by the taxpayer
as the taxpayer's principal residence.
``(b) Limitation.--The amount of gain excluded under subsection (a)
with respect to any sale or exchange shall not exceed $250,000
($500,000 in the case of a joint return).
``(c) Special Rules.--
``(1) Property held jointly by husband and wife.--For
purposes of this section, if--
``(A) property is held by a husband and wife as
joint tenants, tenants by the entirety, or community
property,
``(B) such husband and wife make a joint return
under section 6013 for the taxable year of the sale or
exchange, and
``(C) one spouse satisfies the holding and use
requirements of subsection (a) with respect to such
property,
then both husband and wife shall be treated as satisfying the
holding and use requirements of subsection (a) with respect to
such property.
``(2) Property of deceased spouse.--For purposes of this
section, in the case of an unmarried individual whose spouse is
deceased on the date of the sale or exchange of property, if
the deceased spouse satisfied the holding and use requirements
of subsection (a) with respect to such property then such
individual shall be treated as satisfying the holding and use
requirements of subsection (a) with respect to such property.
``(3) Tenant-stockholder in cooperative housing
corporation.--For purposes of this section, if the taxpayer
holds stock as a tenant-stockholder (as defined in section 216)
in a cooperative housing corporation (as defined in such
section), then--
``(A) the holding requirements of subsection (a)
shall be applied to the holding of such stock, and
``(B) the use requirements of subsection (a) shall
be applied to the house or apartment which the taxpayer
was entitled to occupy as such stockholder.
``(4) Involuntary conversions.--For purposes of this
section, the destruction, theft, seizure, requisition, or
condemnation of property shall be treated as the sale of such property.
``(5) Property used in part as principal residence.--In the
case of property only a portion of which has been owned and
used by the taxpayer as his principal residence, this section
shall apply with respect to so much of the gain from the sale
or exchange of such property as is determined, under
regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to be attributable to
the portion of the property so owned and used by the taxpayer.
``(6) Determination of marital status.--In the case of any
sale or exchange, for purposes of this section--
``(A) the determination of whether an individual is
married shall be made as of the date of the sale or
exchange; and
``(B) an individual legally separated from his
spouse under a decree of divorce or of separate
maintenance shall not be considered as married.
``(7) Application of sections 1033 and 1034.--In applying
sections 1033 (relating to involuntary conversions) and 1034
(relating to sale or exchange of residence), the amount
realized from the sale or exchange of property shall be treated
as being the amount determined without regard to this section,
reduced by the amount of gain not included in gross income
pursuant to an election under this section.
``(8) Property acquired after involuntary conversion.--If
the basis of the property sold or exchanged is determined (in
whole or in part) under subsection (b) of section 1033
(relating to basis of property acquired through involuntary
conversion), then the holding and use by the taxpayer of the
converted property shall be treated as holding and use by the
taxpayer of the property sold or exchanged.
``(9) Determination of use during periods of out-of-
residence care.--In the case of a taxpayer who--
``(A) becomes physically or mentally incapable of
self-care, and
``(B) owns property and has previously used such
property as the taxpayer's principal residence,
then the taxpayer shall be treated as using such property as
the taxpayer's principal residence during any time in which the
taxpayer owns the property and resides in any facility
(including a nursing home) licensed by a State or political
subdivision to care for an individual in the taxpayer's
condition.
``(d) Election To Have Section Not Apply.--This section shall not
apply to any sale or exchange with respect to which the taxpayer elects
not to have this section apply.''
(b) Clerical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Paragraph (3) of section 1033(k) of such Code is
amended to read as follows:
``(3) For exclusion from gross income of gain from
involuntary conversion of principal residence, see section
121.''
(2) Subparagraph (A) of section 1038(e)(1) of such Code is
amended to read as follows:
``(A) section 121 (relating to exclusion of gain
from sale or exchange of principal residence) applies,
or''.
(3) Subparagraph (B) of section 1250(d)(7) of such Code is
amended by striking ``age and'' and by striking the
parenthetical and inserting the following: ``(relating to
exclusion of gain from sale of principal residence)''.
(4) The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of
chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the item relating
to section 121 and inserting the following new item:
``Sec. 121. Exclusion of gain from sale
of principal residence.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to sales and exchanges after the date of the enactment of this
Act. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that an inflation indexed basis rather than an adjusted basis be used to determine gain or loss in the disposition of the following assets held at least one year: (1) corporate stock; (2) bonds; (3) tangible property used in, or land held in connection with, a business or trade; and (4) a principal residence.
Replaces the existing one-time "55 years or older" exclusion of $125,000 of gain from the sale of a principal residence with an exclusion of $250,000 ($500,000 in the case of a joint return) from the sale of a principal residence (eliminating age and one-time provisions). | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow indexing of capital assets for purposes of determining gain or loss and to allow an exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence."} | 3,358 | 141 | 0.463357 | 1.194937 | 0.723773 | 2.860294 | 22.801471 | 0.904412 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Bond Price Competition Improvement
Act of 1999''.
SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF TRANSACTION REPORTING TO DEBT SECURITIES.
(a) Amendment.--Subsection (d) of section 11A of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78k-1(d)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(d) Minimum Requirements for Transaction Information on Debt
Securities.--
``(1) Action Required.--The Commission shall adopt such
rules and take such other actions under this section as may be
necessary or appropriate, having due regard for the public
interest, the protection of investors, and the maintenance of
fair and orderly markets to assure the prompt, accurate,
reliable, and fair collection, processing, distribution, and
publication of transaction information, including last sale
data, with respect to covered debt securities so that such
information is available to all exchange members, brokers,
dealers, securities information processors, and all other
persons. In determining the rules or other actions to take
under this subsection, the Commission shall take into
consideration, among other factors, private sector systems for
the collection and distribution of transaction information on
corporate debt securities.
``(2) Effect on other authority.--Nothing in this
subsection limits or otherwise alters the Commission's
authority under the other provisions of this section or any
other provision of this title.
``(3) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
``(A) Covered debt securities.--The term `covered
debt securities' means bonds, debentures, or other debt
instruments of an issuer, other than--
``(i) exempted securities; and
``(ii) securities that the Commission
determines by rule to except from the
requirements of this subsection.
``(B) Transaction information.--The term
`transaction information' means information concerning
such price, volume, and yield information associated
with a transaction involving the purchase or sale of a
covered debt security as may be prescribed by the
Commission by rule for purposes of this subsection.
``(C) Factors in definitional rules.--In
prescribing rules pursuant to this paragraph, the
Commission shall take into consideration the extent to
which a security is actively traded, market liquidity,
competition, the protection of investors and the public
interest, and other relevant factors.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 11A(a)(3)(A) of such Act is
amended by striking ``(which shall be in addition to the National
Market Advisory Board established pursuant to subsection (d) of this
section)''.
(c) Deadline for Action.--The Securities and Exchange Commission
shall take action to implement the requirements of section 11A(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78k-1(d)), as amended by
subsection (a) of this section, within 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. EXCHANGE LISTING OF DEBT SECURITIES.
Section 12(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.
78l(a)) is amended by striking the period at the end thereof and
inserting the following: ``, except that a registration is not required
to be effective for trading on an exchange of a class of debt
securities of an issuer that has another class of securities for which
a registration is effective for such exchange. Such a class of debt
securities shall, for purposes of any provision of this title or the
rules or regulations thereunder, be treated as a class of securities
registered under this section upon approval of the listing of such
class of debt securities by the exchange.''.
SEC. 4. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.
Section 3(a)(12)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15
U.S.C. 78c(a)(12)(B)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
clause:
``(iii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(i) of this
paragraph, securities, other than equity securities, that are
described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (42) of
this subsection shall not be deemed to be exempted securities
for purposes of section 11A of this title.''.
SEC. 5. STUDIES.
(a) Studies Required.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a
study of measures needed in the public interest and for the protection
of investors to improve the prompt, accurate, reliable, and fair
collection, processing, distribution, and publication of information
concerning transactions--
(1) in debt securities as to which transaction information
is collected but not disseminated pursuant to section 11A(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by this Act (15
U.S.C. 78k-1(d)); and
(2) in municipal securities (as such term is defined in
section 3(a)(29) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(29)).
(b) Commission and MSRB Participation.--The Comptroller General
shall conduct the study required by subsection (a)(1) in consultation
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the study required by
subsection (a)(2) in consultation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.
(c) Submission of Reports.--The Comptroller General shall submit to
the Congress a report on the studies required by subsection (a) within
one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Such reports shall
include an identification of the measures needed to improve the prompt,
accurate, reliable, and fair collection, processing, distribution, and
publication of information concerning transactions in the debt
securities and municipal securities described in such subsection,
including measures requiring legislative or regulatory action.
Passed the House of Representatives June 14, 1999.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Bond Price Competition Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Act) to replace requirements regarding the National Market Advisory Board with the requirement that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopt rules and take actions to assure prompt, comprehensive public dissemination of transaction information, including last sale date, regarding covered debt securities (i.e., bonds, debentures, or other debt instruments besides exempted securities). Directs the SEC, when determining such actions to consider private sector collection and distribution systems for transaction information on corporate debt securities. Modifies securities' registration requirements to provide that: (1) a registration is not required to be effective for exchange trading of a class of debt securities of an issuer that has another class of securities for which a registration is effective for such exchange; and (2) such class of debt securities shall be treated as registered upon approval of its listing by the exchange. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on investor protection measures needed to improve information dissemination and transparency concerning transactions in: (1) debt securities as to which transaction information is collected but not disseminated pursuant to the Act; and (2) municipal securities. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Bond Price Competition Improvement Act of 1999"} | 1,318 | 252 | 0.6069 | 1.782293 | 0.802547 | 3.58952 | 5.0131 | 0.908297 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE, ETC.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Tax
Fairness and Simplification Act of 2007''.
(b) References to Internal Revenue Code.--Except as otherwise
expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is
expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other
provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or
other provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(c) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title, etc.
Sec. 2. Application of cafeteria plan rules, etc., to self-employed
individuals.
Sec. 3. Long-term care insurance permitted to be offered under
cafeteria plans and flexible spending
arrangements.
Sec. 4. Amortization of certain intangibles acquired from eligible
small businesses.
Sec. 5. Increase in exclusion of gain from qualified small business
stock.
Sec. 6. Standard home office deduction.
Sec. 7. Qualified small businesses election of taxable year ending in a
month from April to November.
Sec. 8. Increase in maximum number of S corporation shareholders.
Sec. 9. Government contracts with small businesses not subject to tax
withholding.
SEC. 2. APPLICATION OF CAFETERIA PLAN RULES, ETC., TO SELF-EMPLOYED
INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--Section 125(d) (defining cafeteria plan) is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Employee to include self-employed.--
``(A) In general.--The term `employee' includes an
individual who is an employee within the meaning of
section 401(c)(1) (relating to self-employed
individuals).
``(B) Limitation.--The amount which may be excluded
under subsection (a) with respect to a participant in a
cafeteria plan by reason of being an employee under
subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the employee's earned
income (within the meaning of section 401(c)) derived
from the trade or business with respect to which the
cafeteria plan is established.''
(b) Application to Benefits Which May Be Provided Under Cafeteria
Plan.--
(1) Group-term life insurance.--Section 79 (relating to
group-term life insurance provided to employees) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) Employee Includes Self-Employed.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term
`employee' includes an individual who is an employee within the
meaning of section 401(c)(1) (relating to self-employed
individuals).
``(2) Limitation.--The amount which may be excluded under
the exceptions contained in subsection (a) or (b) with respect
to an individual treated as an employee by reason of paragraph
(1) shall not exceed the employee's earned income (within the
meaning of section 401(c)) derived from the trade or business
with respect to which the individual is so treated.''
(2) Accident and health plans.--Section 105(g) is amended
to read as follows:
``(g) Employee Includes Self-Employed.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term
`employee' includes an individual who is an employee within the
meaning of section 401(c)(1) (relating to self-employed
individuals).
``(2) Limitation.--The amount which may be excluded under
this section by reason of subsection (b) or (c) with respect to
an individual treated as an employee by reason of paragraph (1)
shall not exceed the employee's earned income (within the
meaning of section 401(c)) derived from the trade or business
with respect to which the accident or health insurance was
established.''
(3) Contributions by employers to accident and health
plans.--
(A) In general.--Section 106 is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Employer to Include Self-Employed.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term
`employee' includes an individual who is an employee within the
meaning of section 401(c)(1) (relating to self-employed
individuals).
``(2) Limitation.--The amount which may be excluded under
subsection (a) with respect to an individual treated as an
employee by reason of paragraph (1) shall not exceed the
employee's earned income (within the meaning of section 401(c))
derived from the trade or business with respect to which the
accident or health insurance was established.''
(B) Clarification of limitations on other coverage.--The
first sentence of section 162(l)(2)(B) is amended to read as
follows: ``Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any taxpayer for
any calendar month for which the taxpayer participates in any
subsidized health plan maintained by any employer (other than
an employer described in section 401(c)(4)) of the taxpayer or
the spouse of the taxpayer.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 3. LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PERMITTED TO BE OFFERED UNDER
CAFETERIA PLANS AND FLEXIBLE SPENDING ARRANGEMENTS.
(a) Cafeteria Plans.--The last sentence of section 125(f) (defining
qualified benefits) is amended to read as follows: ``Such term shall
include the payment of premiums for any qualified long-term care
insurance contract (as defined in section 7702B) to the extent the
amount of such payment does not exceed the eligible long-term care
premiums (as defined in section 213(d)(10)) for such contract''.
(b) Flexible Spending Arrangements.--Section 106 (relating to
contributions by employer to accident and health plans), as amended by
section 2, is amended by striking subsection (c) and redesignating
subsection (d) as subsection (c).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 4. AMORTIZATION OF CERTAIN INTANGIBLES ACQUIRED FROM ELIGIBLE
SMALL BUSINESSES.
(a) In General.--Section 197 (relating to amortization of goodwill
and certain other intangibles) is amended by redesignating subsection
(g) as subsection (h) and inserting after subsection (f) the following
new subsection:
``(g) Amortization of Intangibles Acquired From Eligible Small
Businesses.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of any qualified amortizable
section 197 intangible, subsection (a) shall be applied by
substituting `5-year period' for `15-year period'.
``(2) Qualified amortizable section 197 intangible.--For
purposes of this subsection, the term `qualified amortizable
section 197 intangible' means any amortizable section 197
intangible which is acquired in a transaction (or series of
transactions) involving the acquisition of assets constituting
a trade or business or substantial portion thereof from an
eligible small business (as defined in section 474(c)) after
the date of the enactment of this subsection.
``(3) Maximum amount per business.--
``(A) In general.--The aggregate adjusted basis of
qualified amortizable section 197 intangibles of each
eligible small business which the taxpayer may amortize
under paragraph (1) shall not exceed $5,000,000.
``(B) Allocation of dollar amount.--
``(i) Controlled group.--For purposes of
applying the dollar limitations in subparagraph
(A)--
``(I) all component members of a
controlled group shall be treated as
one taxpayer, and
``(II) such dollar limitations
shall be allocated among the component
members of such controlled group in
such manner as the Secretary
prescribes.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, the
term `controlled group' has the meaning given
to such term by section 1563(a), except that
`more than 50 percent' shall be substituted for
`at least 80 percent' each place it appears in
section 1563(a)(1).
``(ii) Partnerships and s corporations.--In
the case of a partnership, the dollar
limitations in subparagraph (A) shall apply
with respect to the partnership and with
respect to each partner. A similar rule shall
apply in the case of an S corporation and its
shareholders.
``(C) Subsection not to apply to trusts.--This
subsection shall not apply to trusts.
``(D) Estates.--The benefit of the special
deduction provided by this subsection shall be allowed
to estates in the same manner as in the case of an
individual. The allowable deduction shall be
apportioned between the income beneficiary and the
fiduciary in the manner prescribed by the Secretary.
Any amount so apportioned to a beneficiary shall be
taken into account for purposes of determining the
amount allowable as a deduction under this subsection
to such beneficiary.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to acquisitions of qualified amortizable section 197 intangibles (as
defined in section 197(g)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
added by this section) after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. INCREASE IN EXCLUSION OF GAIN FROM QUALIFIED SMALL BUSINESS
STOCK.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 1202(a) is amended by
striking ``50 percent'' and inserting ``62.5 percent''.
(b) Empowerment Zone Businesses.--Subparagraph (A) of section
1202(a)(2) is amended--
(1) by striking ``60 percent'' and inserting ``75
percent'', and
(2) by striking ``50 percent'' and inserting ``62.5
percent''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to sales or exchanges of qualified small business stock in
taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6. STANDARD HOME OFFICE DEDUCTION.
(a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 280A (relating to
disallowance of certain expenses in connection with business use of
home, rental of vacation homes, etc.) is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraph:
``(7) Standard home office deduction.--Subject to the
limitation of paragraph (5), in the case of a use described in
paragraph (1), (2), or (4), and in the case of a use described
in paragraph (3) where the dwelling unit is used by the
taxpayer during the taxable year as a residence, the deductions
allowed under this chapter for the taxable year by reason of
being attributed to such use shall not be less than $2,500.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 7. QUALIFIED SMALL BUSINESSES ELECTION OF TAXABLE YEAR ENDING IN A
MONTH FROM APRIL TO NOVEMBER.
(a) In General.--Part I of subchapter E of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to accounting periods) is
amended by inserting after section 444 the following new section:
``SEC. 444A. QUALIFIED SMALL BUSINESSES ELECTION OF TAXABLE YEAR ENDING
IN A MONTH FROM APRIL TO NOVEMBER.
``(a) General Rule.--A qualified small business may elect to have a
taxable year, other than the required taxable year, which ends on the
last day of any of the months of April through November (or at the end
of an equivalent annual period (varying from 52 to 53 weeks)).
``(b) Years for Which Election Effective.--An election under
subsection (a)--
``(1) shall be made not later than the due date (including
extensions thereof) for filing the return of tax for the first
taxable year of the qualified small business, and
``(2) shall be effective for such first taxable year or
period and for all succeeding taxable years of such qualified
small business until such election is terminated under
subsection (c).
``(c) Termination.--
``(1) In general.--An election under subsection (a) shall
be terminated on the earliest of--
``(A) the first day of the taxable year following
the taxable year for which the entity fails to meet the
gross receipts test,
``(B) the date on which the entity fails to qualify
as an S corporation, or
``(C) the date on which the entity terminates.
``(2) Gross receipts test.--For purposes of paragraph (1),
an entity fails to meet the gross receipts test if the entity
fails to meet the gross receipts test of section 448(c).
``(3) Effect of termination.--An entity with respect to
which an election is terminated under this subsection shall
determine its taxable year for subsequent taxable years under
any other method that would be permitted under subtitle A.
``(4) Income inclusion and deduction rules for period after
termination.--If the termination of an election under paragraph
(1)(A) results in a short taxable year--
``(A) items relating to net profits for the period
beginning on the day after its last fiscal year-end and
ending on the day before the beginning of the taxable
year determined under paragraph (4) shall be includible
in income ratably over the succeeding 4 taxable years,
or (if fewer) the number of taxable years equal to the
fiscal years for which the election under this section
was in effect, and
``(B) items relating to net losses for such period
shall be deductible in the first taxable year after the
taxable year with respect to which the election
terminated.
``(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified small business.--The term `qualified small
business' means an entity--
``(A)(i) for which an election under section
1362(a) is in effect for the first taxable year or
period of such entity and for all subsequent years, or
``(ii) which is treated as a partnership for the
first taxable year or period of such entity for Federal
income tax purposes,
``(B) which conducts an active trade or business or
which would qualify for an election to amortize start-
up expenditures under section 195, and
``(C) which is a start-up business.
``(2) Start-up business.--For purposes of paragraph (1)(C),
an entity shall be treated as a start-up business so long as
not more than 75 percent of the entity is owned by any person
who previously conducted a similar trade or business at any
time within the 1-year period ending on the date on which such
entity is formed. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a
person and any other person bearing a relationship to such
person specified in section 267(b) or 707(b)(1) shall be
treated as one person, and sections 267(b) and 707(b)(1) shall
be applied as if section 267(c)(4) provided that the family of
an individual consists of the individual's spouse and the
individual's children under the age of 21.
``(3) Required taxable year.--The term `required taxable
year' has the meaning given to such term by section 444(e).
``(e) Tiered Structures.--The Secretary shall prescribe rules
similar to the rules of section 444(d)(3) to eliminate abuse of this
section through the use of tiered structures.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 444(a)(1) of such Code is
amended by striking ``section,'' and inserting ``section and section
444A''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for part I of
subchapter E of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 444 the following new item:
``Sec. 444A. Qualified small businesses election of taxable year ending
in a month from April to November.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 8. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM NUMBER OF S CORPORATION SHAREHOLDERS.
(a) In General.--Subparagraph (A) of section 1361(b)(1) is amended
by striking ``100'' and inserting ``150''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 9. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS WITH SMALL BUSINESSES NOT SUBJECT TO TAX
WITHHOLDING.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 3402(t) is amended by
striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (H), by striking the period
at the end of subparagraph (I) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding
at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(J) to any specified small business.''.
(b) Specified Small Business.--Subsection (t) of section 3402 is
amended by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4) and by
inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:
``(3) Specified small business.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `specified small business' means a
corporation or partnership which meets the gross receipts test
of section 448(c) for the taxable year prior to the taxable
year in which the payment is received (or, in the case of a
sole proprietorship, which would meet such test if such
proprietorship were a corporation).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect as if included in section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and
Reconciliation Act of 2005. | Small Business Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow self-employed individuals to participate in cafeteria pension plans; (2) allow long-term care insurance under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements; (3) allow accelerated amortization of certain intangible assets (e.g., good will) acquired from a small business; (4) increase the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of certain small business stock; (5) provide a $2,500 standard tax deduction for home business expenses; (6) permit certain small businesses to elect a taxable year ending in a month from April to November; (7) increase the allowable number of S corporation shareholders; and (8) exempt certain small businesses from withholding of tax requirements for payments made by government entities. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for small businesses, and for other purposes."} | 4,205 | 172 | 0.560681 | 1.437256 | 0.949406 | 2.352564 | 23.192308 | 0.839744 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carryback
Act''.
SEC. 2. 5-YEAR CARRYBACK OF OPERATING LOSSES.
(a) In General.--Subparagraph (H) of section 172(b)(1) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:
``(H) Carryback for 2008 and 2009 net operating
losses.--
``(i) In general.--In the case of an
applicable 2008 or 2009 net operating loss with
respect to which the taxpayer has elected the
application of this subparagraph--
``(I) subparagraph (A)(i) shall be
applied by substituting any whole
number elected by the taxpayer which is
more than 2 and less than 6 for `2',
``(II) subparagraph (E)(ii) shall
be applied by substituting the whole
number which is one less than the whole
number substituted under subclause (I)
for `2', and
``(III) subparagraph (F) shall not
apply.
``(ii) Applicable 2008 or 2009 net
operating loss.--For purposes of this
subparagraph, the term `applicable 2008 or 2009
net operating loss' means--
``(I) the taxpayer's net operating
loss for any taxable year ending in
2008 or 2009, or
``(II) if the taxpayer elects to
have this subclause apply in lieu of
subclause (I), the taxpayer's net
operating loss for any taxable year
beginning in 2008 or 2009.
``(iii) Election.--Any election under this
subparagraph shall be made in such manner as
may be prescribed by the Secretary, and shall
be made by the due date (including extension of
time) for filing the taxpayer's return for the
taxable year of the net operating loss. Any
such election, once made, shall be irrevocable.
``(iv) Coordination with alternative tax
net operating loss deduction.--In the case of a
taxpayer who elects to have clause (ii)(II)
apply, section 56(d)(1)(A)(ii) shall be applied
by substituting `ending during 2001 or 2002 or
beginning during 2008 or 2009' for `ending
during 2001, 2002, 2008, or 2009'.''.
(b) Alternative Tax Net Operating Loss Deduction.--Subclause (I) of
section 56(d)(1)(A)(ii) is amended to read as follows:
``(I) the amount of such deduction
attributable to the sum of carrybacks
of net operating losses from taxable
years ending during 2001, 2002, 2008,
or 2009 and carryovers of net operating
losses to such taxable years, or''.
(c) Loss From Operations of Life Insurance Companies.--Subsection
(b) of section 810 is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(4) Carryback for 2008 and 2009 losses.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of an applicable
2008 or 2009 loss from operations with respect to which
the taxpayer has elected the application of this
paragraph, paragraph (1)(A) shall be applied, at the
election of the taxpayer, by substituting `5' or `4'
for `3'.
``(B) Applicable 2008 or 2009 loss from
operations.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term
`applicable 2008 or 2009 loss from operations' means--
``(i) the taxpayer's loss from operations
for any taxable year ending in 2008 or 2009, or
``(ii) if the taxpayer elects to have this
clause apply in lieu of clause (i), the
taxpayer's loss from operations for any taxable
year beginning in 2008 or 2009.
``(C) Election.--Any election under this paragraph
shall be made in such manner as may be prescribed by
the Secretary, and shall be made by the due date
(including extension of time) for filing the taxpayer's
return for the taxable year of the loss from
operations. Any such election, once made, shall be
irrevocable.
``(D) Coordination with alternative tax net
operating loss deduction.--In the case of a taxpayer
who elects to have subparagraph (B)(ii) apply, section
56(d)(1)(A)(ii) shall be applied by substituting
`ending during 2001 or 2002 or beginning during 2008 or
2009' for `ending during 2001, 2002, 2008, or 2009'.''.
(d) Anti-Abuse Rules.--The Secretary of Treasury or the Secretary's
designee shall prescribe such rules as are necessary to prevent the
abuse of the purposes of the amendments made by this section, including
anti-stuffing rules, anti-churning rules (including rules relating to
sale-leasebacks), and rules similar to the rules under section 1091 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 relating to losses from wash sales.
(e) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, the amendments made by this section shall apply to
net operating losses arising in taxable years ending after
December 31, 2007.
(2) Alternative tax net operating loss deduction.--The
amendment made by subsection (b) shall apply to taxable years
ending after 1997.
(3) Loss from operations of life insurance companies.--The
amendment made by subsection (d) shall apply to losses from
operations arising in taxable years ending after December 31,
2007.
(4) Transitional rule.--In the case of a net operating loss
(or, in the case of a life insurance company, a loss from
operations) for a taxable year ending before the date of the
enactment of this Act--
(A) any election made under section 172(b)(3) or
810(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with
respect to such loss may (notwithstanding such section)
be revoked before the applicable date,
(B) any election made under section 172(b)(1)(H) or
810(b)(4) of such Code with respect to such loss shall
(notwithstanding such section) be treated as timely
made if made before the applicable date, and
(C) any application under section 6411(a) of such
Code with respect to such loss shall be treated as
timely filed if filed before the applicable date.
For purposes of this paragraph, the term ``applicable date''
means the date which is 60 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(f) Exception for TARP Recipients.--The amendments made by this
section shall not apply to--
(1) any taxpayer if--
(A) the Federal Government acquires, at any time,
an equity interest in the taxpayer pursuant to the
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, or
(B) the Federal Government acquires, at any time,
any warrant (or other right) to acquire any equity
interest with respect to the taxpayer pursuant to such
Act,
(2) the Federal National Mortgage Association and the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and
(3) any taxpayer which at any time in 2008 or 2009 is a
member of the same affiliated group (as defined in section 1504
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, determined without regard
to subsection (b) thereof) as a taxpayer described in paragraph
(1) or (2). | Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carryback Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses, including the operating losses of life insurance companies, incurred in 2008 and 2009.
Denies such extended loss carryover period to: (1) taxpayers in whom the federal government acquires an equity interest under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008; (2) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac); and (3) members of certain affiliated groups. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a 5-year carryback of operating losses, and for other purposes."} | 1,644 | 117 | 0.448808 | 1.189821 | 0.556622 | 2.943396 | 13.792453 | 0.811321 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rapid Pathogen Identification to
Delivery of Cures Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND POLICY.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds as follows:
(1) The possibility exists today that terrorists or others
who intend harm to United States forces deployed abroad or to
the homeland will use techniques in biotechnology to enhance
the transmissibility, stability, virulence, or host range of a
biological agent, or to render existing diagnostic,
therapeutic, and vaccine strategies or innate immune responses
against a biological agent less effective.
(2) This possibility will likely grow over time as such
techniques develop, improve, and spread as an inevitable result
of biotechnology innovation.
(3) Natural processes can also lead to the emergence of
previously unknown and harmful pathogens or render known
pathogens resistant to existing diagnostic, therapeutic, or
adaptive immune approaches.
(4) Long delays in developing new and effective responses
to pathogens are typical. The discovery, development, and
approval process for new drugs and vaccines typically requires
10 to 20 years and costs an average of $800 million. These
constraints reflect the long, costly research and development
process, including the failure of most drug or vaccine
candidates to demonstrate favorable characteristics in pre-
clinical testing, as well as the expensive, time-consuming
clinical trials required to prove the safety and effectiveness
of new treatments.
(5) Congress has already authorized the abridgement of the
long testing and approval process required to ensure safety and
efficacy under the emergency conditions of a severe outbreak of
a harmful pathogen. However, it will likely still take years
for even an experimental treatment or vaccine to become
available.
(6) There is no coordinated, focused research and
development program or overall national strategy to achieve
significant and dramatic reductions in the timeframe from the
identification of a pathogen to the development and emergency
approval for human use of reasonably safe and effective new
biodefense medical countermeasures against a previously unknown
or engineered pathogen or toxin.
(7) Even utilizing existing technologies, there is no
organized capability in the public or private sector to rapidly
screen drug candidates for potential therapeutic activity
against pathogens, develop and manufacture drug, biological, or
medical device products, or test already approved treatments
for efficacy against a previously unknown or engineered
biological threat that puts our deployed armed forces or the
homeland at risk.
(8) In the area of infectious disease in particular,
private sector firms are abandoning all types of innovation and
research and development in favor of investments in more
profitable medical markets.
(9) Tremendous potential exists for benefits to health by
concerted, targeted public-private investment to dramatically
reduce the timeframe for the development of new
countermeasures. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology
industries are fundamentally innovative and are quick to
integrate new technologies. Useful and important discoveries
and technological advances will be rapidly absorbed by the
private sector, leading to faster delivery of new medicines and
reductions in the costs of drug development.
(b) Policy.--The Congress hereby declares it to be the national
policy of the United States to promote technological advancements that
will dramatically reduce the timeframe for the development of new
medical countermeasures to treat or prevent disease caused by
infectious disease agents or toxins that, through natural processes or
intentional introduction, may pose a significant risk to public health
now or in the future.
SEC. 3. RAPID BIODEFENSE COUNTERMEASURES DEVELOPMENT NATIONAL STRATEGY.
Title III of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 181 et
seq.) (Public Law 107-296) is amended by inserting after section 304
the following section:
``SEC. 304A. RAPID BIODEFENSE COUNTERMEASURES DEVELOPMENT NATIONAL
STRATEGY.
``(a) National Strategy for Shortening the Medical Countermeasure
Development Timeframe.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of the Rapid Pathogen Identification to Delivery of Cures
Act, the Secretaries of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services,
and Defense shall submit to Congress a report setting forth a strategy
to achieve dramatic reductions in the timeframe from pathogen
identification to the development and emergency approval for human use
of reasonably safe and effective priority countermeasure against a
novel or unknown pathogen or toxin.
``(b) Elements.--The report under subsection (a) shall include the
following:
``(1) The identification of the technical impediments to
reductions in the timeframe from pathogen identification to
priority countermeasure development and approval under
emergency conditions.
``(2) The identification of the research, development, and
technology needs and clinical research needs to address these
impediments.
``(3) The identification of existing research and
development efforts in Federal agencies, academia and industry
that are addressing the needs identified in subsection (c)(2).
``(4) The identification of facilities, programs and
resources that can be utilized to address these research,
development, and technology needs and clinical research needs
among--
``(A) Federal agencies;
``(B) colleges and universities;
``(C) not-for-profit institutions;
``(D) industry, including information technology,
software, robotics, pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies and their consortia; and
``(E) foreign research and technological
institutions.
``(5) A proposal for the establishment of a coordinated and
integrated federal program to address these research,
development, and technology needs, including--
``(A) the application of Federal Government
resources, including recommendations for the allocation
and prioritization of Federal funds;
``(B) interagency management and coordination
mechanisms;
``(C) the establishment of partnerships between
private corporations and Federal agencies or Federally
funded entities;
``(D) information and technology sharing and
coordination mechanisms among public, private,
academic, not-for-profit, and international
institutions;
``(E) the use of incentives to promote private
sector participation; and
``(F) the adjustment of Federal regulatory
requirements to promote private sector innovation.
``(6) The identification of potential liability concerns
stemming from distribution of rapidly-developed priority
countermeasures under emergency conditions and a proposal for
regulatory or legislative approaches to eliminating these
concerns.
``(7) A proposal for managing the transfer of new
technologies and associated intellectual property rights.
``(c) Considerations.--In developing the national strategy under
subsection (a), the Secretaries shall consider--
``(1) the research, development, and technology needs and
clinical research needs of the entire pathogen identification
to priority countermeasures discovery, development, production,
and approval process, including--
``(A) initial identification and characterization
of a pathogen or toxin, including the identification of
any genetic or other manipulations;
``(B) priority countermeasures discovery;
``(C) pre-clinical testing and evaluation of
priority countermeasures;
``(D) safety and efficacy animal testing, including
the needs for approval under emergency conditions and
accelerated approval of new priority countermeasure
under the final rule `New Drug and Biological Drug
Products; Evidence Needed to Demonstrate Effectiveness
of New Drugs When Human Efficacy Studies Are Not
Ethical or Feasible' published in the Federal Register
on May 31, 2002 (67 Fed. Reg. 37988);
``(E) safety and efficacy human testing, including
mechanisms for the conduct of clinical trials under
emergency conditions;
``(F) research-scale and full production-scale
manufacturing, including biologics manufacturing
sciences; and
``(G) the approval of priority countermeasure under
emergency conditions;
``(2) the potential importance of advanced technologies
such as automation, computer modeling and simulation,
bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics, and bioengineering techniques
for manufacturing;
``(3) the availability of sufficient manufacturing capacity
for priority countermeasures production to meet potential
public demand under emergency conditions; and
``(4) the current state of national and international
collaborative research networks and applications to facilitate
and encourage the rapid and coordinated development and sharing
of laboratory and clinical research planning and results.
``(d) Authority to Contract.--The Secretary of Homeland Security,
after consultation with the Secretaries of Health and Human Services
and Defense and the working group established under section 319F(a) of
the Public Health Service Act, may contract with any one or more for-
profit or non-profit firm or institution to conduct the necessary
research and analysis needed to complete any one or more of the
elements described in subsection (b) of the report required in this
section, provided the considerations described in subsection (c) are
met.
``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `emergency conditions' refers to a
declaration of emergency under section 564 of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
``(2) The term `pathogen identification' means the point in
time in which a specific agent that can be reasonably assumed
to be the cause of (or has the potential to be the cause of) an
infectious disease or toxin-induced syndrome has been
identified and partially or wholly characterized
scientifically.
``(3) The term `priority countermeasure' has the same
meaning given such term in section 319F(h) of the Public Health
Service Act.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000
for fiscal year 2005.''.
SEC. 4. CLINICAL RESEARCH UNDER EMERGENCY CONDITIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
establish a system for the rapid establishment of clinical research
programs to examine the safety and efficacy of new or existing
treatments for novel, unknown, or bioengineered pathogens or toxins.
The Secretary shall also provide the means for rapid dissemination of
results and recommendations to clinicians nationwide.
(b) Emergency Fund.--A fund is authorized to be established for
use, at the discretion of the Secretary, solely for the support of
clinical research as described in subsection (a).
SEC. 5. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.
Section 319F(a) of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by
Public Law 107-188, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``the Secretary of Homeland Security,''
after ``in coordination with the'';
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (L) as
subparagraphs (E) through (M), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following
subparagraph:
``(D) development of a national strategy to achieve
dramatic reductions in the timeframe from the
identification of a pathogen to the development and
approval for human use under emergency conditions of
priority countermeasures against a novel, unknown, or
engineered pathogen or toxin;''.
SEC. 6. DEVELOPING THE CAPABILITY FOR RAPID BIODEFENSE COUNTERMEASURE
DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Research.--Section 319F(h)(1) of the Public Health Service Act,
as amended by Public Law 107-188, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E);
and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following
subparagraph:
``(D) the development of a capability to rapidly
identify, develop, produce, and approve for human use
under emergency conditions priority countermeasures
against a novel, unknown, or engineered pathogen or
toxin; and''.
(b) Research and Development at the Department of Defense.--Section
1601(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004
(Public Law 108-136) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``The program shall also include research, development, and procurement
to provide the Federal Government with the capability to rapidly
identify, develop, produce, and approve for human use under emergency
conditions priority countermeasures against a novel, unknown, or
engineered pathogen or toxin, and for which no existing countermeasure
has been determined to be safe or efficacious.''.
(c) Research and Development at the Department of Homeland
Security.--Title III of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended
by section 3 of this Act, is amended by inserting after section 304A
the following section:
``SEC. 304B. DEVELOPING THE CAPABILITY FOR RAPID BIODEFENSE
COUNTERMEASURE DEVELOPMENT.
``The Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretaries of Defense
and Health and Human Services, shall carry out a program for research,
development, and procurement to provide the Federal Government with the
capability to rapidly identify, develop, produce, and approve for human
use under emergency conditions priority countermeasures against a
novel, unknown, or engineered pathogen or toxin, and for which no
existing countermeasure has been determined to be safe or
efficacious.''. | Rapid Pathogen Identification to Delivery of Cures Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretaries of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and Defense to submit a report setting forth a strategy to reduce the time frame from the identification of a pathogen to the development and emergency approval of a safe and effective countermeasure, which should include: (1) technical impediments to reducing this time frame; (2) research, development, and technology needs to address these impediments; (3) existing efforts to address such needs; (4) a proposal to establish a coordinated and integrated Federal program to address such needs; and (5) potential liability concerns stemming from distribution of rapidly developed priority countermeasures.
Allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to contract with any firm or institution to conduct research and analysis needed for this report.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a system to rapidly: (1) establish clinical research programs to examine the safety and efficacy of treatments for novel, unknown, or bioengineered pathogens; and (2) disseminate results and recommendations to clinicians. Authorizes establishment of a fund to support such clinical research.
Amends the Public Health Service Act to add the Secretary of Homeland Security to the working group on bioterrorism and to require the working group to assist in developing such a strategy.
Requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense, and Homeland Security to conduct programs to develop the capability to rapidly identify, develop, produce, and approve countermeasures. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To promote technological advancements that will dramatically reduce the timeframe for the development of new medical countermeasures to treat or prevent disease caused by infectious disease agents or toxins that, through natural processes or intentional introduction, may pose a significant risk to public health now or in the future."} | 2,885 | 330 | 0.556138 | 1.862554 | 0.797937 | 4.051546 | 9.202749 | 0.95189 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nanomanufacturing Investment Act of
2004''.
SEC. 2. NANOMANUFACTURING INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP.
(a) Establishment.--If $250,000,000 is made available for such
purposes from the private sector within 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall establish the
Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, in partnership with such
private sector investors.
(b) Purpose.--The Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership shall
provide funding for precommercial nanomanufacturing research and
development projects, but not for basic research projects, through
funding mechanisms described in subsection (c) in a manner so as to
advance the commercialization of nanomanufacturing technologies to
address critical scientific and engineering needs of national
importance, especially with respect to projects that would not be
adequately funded or pursued by the private sector or pursuant to the
21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act or other law,
and to increase the commercial application of federally supported
research results. To the extent that a sufficient number of viable
applications have been submitted, at least 85 percent of the funding
provided by the Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership under this
section shall be provided to startup companies.
(c) Funding Mechanisms.--The Nanomanufacturing Investment
Partnership may provide funding through direct investment in
nanomanufacturing firms, contracts, loans or loan guarantees, unsecured
subordinated debt, or any other mechanism designed to advance
nanomanufacturing technologies.
(d) Return on Investment.--
(1) Requirement.--Each transaction through which the
Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership provides funding under
subsection (c) shall provide for the return to the
Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership of fair and reasonable
amounts resulting from the commercialization of technologies
developed with the funding provided by the Nanomanufacturing
Investment Partnership.
(2) Distribution.--Amounts received by the
Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership pursuant to paragraph
(1) shall be distributed as follows:
(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), amounts
shall be distributed to all investors in the
Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, including the
Federal Government, in proportion to their monetary
contribution to the Nanomanufacturing Investment
Partnership.
(B) After the total monetary investment of the
Federal Government has been recovered under
subparagraph (A), the Federal share of distributions
under this paragraph shall be reduced to 7 percent of
the proportional distribution under subparagraph (A),
and the remaining amounts shall be distributed
proportionately to all non-Federal investors.
(e) Cost Sharing.--Each applicant for funding assistance from the
Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership for a project shall be
required to provide a portion of the cost of the project.
(f) Peer Review.--Each application for funding assistance for a
project from the Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership shall be peer
reviewed.
(g) Administration.--The Secretary of Commerce, based on guidance
from the Advisory Board established under section 3 and on the results
of peer review under subsection (f), shall make awards of funding under
this Act.
(h) Progress Reports.--The Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership
shall require periodic project progress reports from recipients of
funding under this Act.
SEC. 3. ADVISORY BOARD.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Commerce shall establish an
Advisory Board to assist the Secretary in carrying out this Act,
including by establishing requirements for progress reports under
section 2(h). The Advisory Board shall consist of--
(1) representatives of each investor providing more than
$10,000,000 to the Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership,
whose votes shall--
(A) be distributed proportional to the size of
their investment in the Nanomanufacturing Investment
Partnership; and
(B) collectively amount to 40 percent of the votes
on the Advisory Board; and
(2) independent experts on nanomanufacturing and finance
appointed by the President from among representatives of
government, industry, and academia, whose votes shall
collectively amount to 60 percent of the votes on the Advisory
Board.
(b) Terms.--Members of the Advisory Board appointed under
subsection (a)(2) shall be appointed for 3 year terms, except that the
President shall make some initial appointments for terms of 1 year and
some for terms of 2 years, in order to ensure continuity of membership
on the Advisory Board.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of
Commerce for the Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership $750,000,000,
to remain available until expended. | Nanomanufacturing Investment Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish: (1) the Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, in partnership with private sector investors, if $250 million is made available for such purposes from the private sector within two years after this Act's enactment; and (2) an advisory board.
Directs that: (1) the Partnership provide funding for precommercial nanomanufacturing research and development (but not for basic research) projects, through specified funding mechanisms in a manner that advances the commercialization of nanomanufacturing technologies to address critical scientific and engineering needs of national importance, especially regarding projects that would not be adequately funded or pursued by the private sector or pursuant to other law, and to increase the commercial application of federally supported research results; and (2) to the extent that a sufficient number of viable applications have been submitted, at least 85 percent of the funding provided by the Partnership be provided to startup companies.
Authorizes the Partnership to provide funding through direct investment in nanomanufacturing firms, contracts, loans or loan guarantees, unsecured subordinated debt, or any other mechanism designed to advance nanomanufacuring technologies. Requires that each transaction through which the Partnership provides such funding provide for the return of fair and reasonable amounts resulting from the commercialization of technologies developed with the funding provided by the Partnership, and be distributed as specified. Directs that: (1) each applicant for funding assistance be required to provide a portion of the cost; and (2) each application be peer reviewed. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for the establishment of the Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, and for other purposes."} | 1,019 | 325 | 0.834767 | 2.772812 | 0.857719 | 5.146853 | 3.055944 | 0.944056 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Patient Choice Act of 2012''.
SEC. 2. PROVISIONAL APPROVAL FOR FAST TRACK PRODUCTS.
(a) In General.--Section 506 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 356(d)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(e) Provisional Approval.--
``(1) Provisional approval for adequately safe fast track
products.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to the requirements of
this subsection, if the Secretary determines that a
drug that is designated as a fast track product under
this section is adequately safe (as such term is
defined in paragraph (2)), the Secretary shall grant
provisional approval and the drug may be introduced
into interstate commerce on or after the date such
provisional approval is granted.
``(B) Treatment of provisional approval status.--
The provisional approval of a drug under subparagraph
(A) shall be treated in the same manner as approval of
a drug under section 505 or section 351 of the Public
Health Service Act, except that such provisional
approval shall be subject to the requirements of this
section, including the following:
``(i) The requirements under paragraph (3),
including requirements related to--
``(I) informed consent; and
``(II) continued pursuit of safety
and efficacy data for purposes of
gaining approval for such drug under
section 505 or section 351 of the
Public Health Service Act.
``(ii) The rules under paragraphs (4) and
(5) relating to the length of the termination
of the provisional approval and withdrawal of a
drug subject to provisional approval.
``(C) Request for provisional approval.--
``(i) In general.--The sponsor of a drug
that is designated as a fast track product
under this section may request that the
Secretary grant provisional approval for such
drug under subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Response to request.--Not later than
90 days after receiving such a request, the
Secretary shall either--
``(I) grant provisional approval
for the drug under subparagraph (A); or
``(II) provide notice to the
sponsor of the drug that such request
is denied.
``(2) Adequately safe defined.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subsection,
with respect to a drug, the term `adequately safe'
means that--
``(i) for at least one population, the risk
of death or morbidity caused directly by an
adverse effect of the drug, as determined in
one or more safety studies or through other
data that the Secretary determines are
sufficient, is unlikely to be greater than the
combined direct and secondary risks of death or
morbidity, as established in the literature or
historical data, of--
``(I) the disease that such drug is
intended to treat; and
``(II) existing therapies
(including infection) for such disease;
or
``(ii) the drug has had a valid marketing
authorization, for a period of at least 4
years, by an authority in a country described
in section 802(b)(1)(A), or designated by the
Secretary under section 802(b)(1)(B), and data
adequate for the approval of such marketing
authorization for such drug in such country
have been submitted to the Secretary.
``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary may not impose any
requirements for purposes of the safety studies or data
under subparagraph (A)(i) that are in addition to, or
different than, the requirements for studies to
establish safety for purposes of Phase 1 or Phase 2, as
such terms are described in subsection (a) and (b),
respectively, of section 312.21 of title 21, Code of
Federal Regulations.
``(3) Requirements.--Provisional approval of a fast track
product under this subsection shall be subject to the following
requirements:
``(A) Informed consent.--
``(i) In general.--As a condition of
provisional approval under paragraph (1), the
sponsor of a drug shall ensure that, before
such drug is dispensed to an individual--
``(I) the individual shall be
informed that the drug is subject to
provisional approval based on limited
safety data and that the efficacy of
the drug has not been proven;
``(II) the individual shall be
informed of the known risks of the drug
and any unknown but reasonably
predictable risks of the drug,
including, as appropriate, potential
risks of death, complications, or
injury resulting from use of the drug,
and risks related to the potential
ineffectiveness of the drug, including
progression of the disease that may
result in death or morbidity, or the
potential for the drug to accelerate or
exacerbate the disease process; and
``(III) the individual provides
written informed consent acknowledging
that individual has been provided with
and understands the information under
subclauses (I) or (II).
``(ii) Regulations.--The Secretary shall
issue regulations on the requirements for
informed consent under clause (i). Such
regulations shall be similar to the
requirements for informed consent for human
subjects under subpart B of part 50 of title
21, Code of Federal Regulations, adjusted as
appropriate for purposes of this subsection.
``(B) Pursuit of full approval required.--A sponsor
of a drug that receives a provisional approval under
paragraph (1) shall continue to diligently conduct
appropriate studies, after such provisional approval is
granted, to--
``(i) establish that the drug has an effect
on a clinical endpoint or on a surrogate
endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict
clinical benefit; and
``(ii) collect the data necessary to
demonstrate that the drug is safe and effective
(or, in the case of a biologic, safe and
potent) for purpose of obtaining approval for
such drug under section 505(c) or section 351
of the Public Health Service Act.
``(C) Promotional materials.--During the period
that provisional approval under paragraph (1) applies
to a drug, the sponsor of the drug shall submit copies
of all promotional materials related to the drug at
least 30 days prior to dissemination of the materials.
``(D) Risk evaluation and mitigation strategy.--
``(i) In general.--Section 505-1 shall
apply to a drug subject to provisional approval
under this subsection in the same manner that
such section applies to a drug approved under
section 505 or section 351 of the Public Health
Service Act.
``(ii) Rule of construction.--Nothing in
this subparagraph shall be construed to limit
the Secretary's authority under section 505-1
to determine if a risk evaluation and
mitigation strategy is necessary.
``(E) Indication of use.--The provisional approval
under paragraph (1) shall only apply to the indication
of use for the drug--
``(i) which is related to the treatment of
the condition with respect to which such drug
was designated as a fast track product; and
``(ii) for which the drug is demonstrated
to be adequately safe.
``(4) Termination of provisional approval.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a drug that is
not designated under section 526, the provisional
approval of the drug under paragraph (1) shall
terminate on the earlier of the following:
``(i) The date that the drug is approved
under section 505(c) or section 351 of the
Public Health Service Act.
``(ii) At the end of the 5-year period
beginning on the date on which provisional
approval was granted for such drug, except--
``(I) if the Secretary determines
that the sponsor of the drug is
diligently engaging in actions
(including conducting clinical trials)
for the purpose of seeking approval
under section 505(c) or section 351 of
the Public Health Service Act
(excluding provisional approval under
paragraph (1)) and the Secretary
determines that the sponsor requires
additional time to complete such
actions and attain such approval, the
Secretary may extend such period for an
appropriate length of time to allow the
sponsor to complete such actions and
attain such approval; or
``(II) if the Secretary determines
that the termination of the provisional
approval is adverse to protecting or
promoting the public health, the
Secretary may extend such period for an
appropriate length of time to protect
or promote the public health.
``(B) Special rule for orphan drugs.--In the case
of a drug designated under section 526, the provisional
approval of the drug under paragraph (1) shall
terminate on the date that the drug is approved under
section 505(c) or section 351 of the Public Health
Service Act.
``(C) Rule of construction.--For purposes of this
paragraph, the phrase `approved under section 505(c) or
section 351 of the Public Health Service Act' shall not
be construed to include a provisional approval under
paragraph (1).
``(5) Withdrawal.--
``(A) In general.--Subsection (b)(3) shall apply to
a drug subject to a provisional approval under this
subsection in the same manner as such subsection
applies to any fast track product.
``(B) Additional withdrawal authority.--In addition
to subparagraph (A), the Secretary may withdraw
approval of a fast track product using the expedited
procedures applied under subsection (b)(3) if the
requirements of paragraph (3)(A) have not been met with
respect to the drug.
``(6) Impact on marketing exclusivity.--The rules related
to marketing exclusivity under sections 505(c)(3)(E),
505(j)(5)(F), 505A, and 527 shall apply to a drug subject to
provisional approval under this subsection in the same manner
that such rules apply to drugs approved under section 505 or
section 351 of the Public Health Service Act, except that the
period of provisional approval under this subsection for a drug
shall be an addition to the applicable period of marketing
exclusivity for such drug.''.
(b) Misbranding for Marketing of Terminated Drug.--Section 502 of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(aa) If it is a drug that is introduced or delivered for
introduction into interstate commerce after the date of the termination
of the provisional approval for such drug under section 506(e), unless,
on or before the date such drug is so introduced or delivered, such
drug is approved under section 505(c) or section 351 of the Public
Health Service Act.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--The chapter V of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351) is further amended--
(1) in section 502(a), by inserting ``(or an indication
subject to a provisional approval under section 506(e))'' after
``an indication approved under section 505 or under section
351(a) of the Public Health Service Act'';
(2) in section 506A--
(A) in subsection (a), by inserting ``(or a
provisional approval under section 506(e))'' after ``a
license under section 351 of the Public Health Service
Act''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Special Rule for Drugs Subject to Provisional Approval.--In
the case of a drug subject to a provisional approval under section
506(e), any reference to safety and efficacy under this section shall
be treated as a reference to adequate safety, as such term is defined
for purposes of such section 506(e).'';
(3) in section 506B(a), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Special rule for provisional approval.--A sponsor of
a drug that is subject to a provisional approval under section
506(e) shall submit the reports required under this section on
the studies conducted on such drug that are described in
section 506(e)(3)(B). For purposes of this section, such
reports shall be treated as reports on postmarketing studies
described in paragraph (1).'';
(4) in section 506(a)(2), by inserting ``(or that is
subject to a provisional approval under section 506(e))'' after
``505(j)''; and
(5) in section 551(b)(1)(A) by inserting ``(or a
provisional approval under section 506(e))'' after ``Public
Health Service Act''. | Patient Choice Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize provisional approval of fast track products determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to be adequately safe. Treats provisional approval in the same manner as approval of a drug, except that provisional approval is subject to requirements related to informed consent and continued pursuit of safety and efficacy data for purposes of gaining approval for the drug.
Defines the term “adequately safe” to mean that: (1) for at least one population, the risk of death or morbidity caused directly by an adverse effect of the drug is unlikely to be greater than the combined direct and secondary risks of death or morbidity of the disease and existing therapies; or (2) the drug has had a valid marketing authorization for at least four years in specified countries and data adequate for the approval of such marketing authorization has been submitted to the Secretary.
Prohibits the Secretary from imposing any requirements for safety studies or data in addition to, or different than, the requirements for studies to establish safety for purposes of Phase 1 (initial introduction of an investigational new drug into humans) or Phase 2 (controlled clinical studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication in patients with the disease or condition under study and to determine the common short-term side effects and risks associated with the drug).
Applies the provisional approval only to the indication for the drug: (1) which is related to the treatment of the condition with respect to which the drug was designated as a fast track product, and (2) for which the drug is demonstrated to be adequately safety.
Prescribes requirements for termination of provisional approval, withdrawal of such approval, and application of market exclusivity to fast-track approval products. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit provisional approval of fast track products."} | 2,800 | 373 | 0.649484 | 1.945763 | 0.842281 | 3.715517 | 7.445402 | 0.91092 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Catch-Up Lost Retirement Savings
Act''.
SEC. 2. ALLOWANCE OF CATCH-UP PAYMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 219(b)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (relating to deductible amount) is amended by redesignating
subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D) and by inserting after
subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Catch-up contributions for certain
individuals.--
``(i) In general.--In the case of an
eligible individual who elects to make a
qualified retirement contribution in addition
to the deductible amount determined under
subparagraph (A)--
``(I) the deductible amount for any
taxable year shall be increased by an
amount equal to 3 times the applicable
amount determined under subparagraph
(B) for such taxable year, and
``(II) subparagraph (B) shall not
apply.
``(ii) Eligible individual.--For purposes
of this subparagraph, the term `eligible
individual' means, with respect to any taxable
year, any individual who was a qualified
participant in a qualified cash or deferred
arrangement (as defined in section 401(k)) of
an employer described in clause (ii) under
which the employer matched at least 50 percent
of the employee's contributions to such
arrangement with stock of such employer.
``(iii) Employer described.--An employer is
described in this clause if, in any taxable
year preceding the taxable year described in
clause (ii)--
``(I) such employer (or any
controlling corporation of such
employer) was a debtor in a case under
title 11 of the United States Code, or
similar Federal or State law, and
``(II) such employer (or any other
person) was subject to an indictment or
conviction resulting from business
transactions related to such case.
``(iv) Qualified participant.--For purposes
of clause (ii), the term `qualified
participant' means any eligible individual who
was a participant in the cash or deferred
arrangement described in clause (i) at least 6
months before the filing of the case described
in clause (iii).
``(v) Termination.--This subparagraph shall
not apply to taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2007.''.
(b) Credit Allowed for Catch-Up Contributions.--Subpart A of part
IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to nonrefundable personal credits) is amended by inserting
after section 25B the following new section:
``SEC. 25C. CERTAIN CATCH-UP IRA CONTRIBUTIONS.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an eligible individual
who makes an election under section 219(b)(5)(C) for the taxable year,
there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this
chapter for such taxable year an amount equal to 50 percent of so much
of the qualified retirement savings contributions of the eligible
individual for the taxable year as do not exceed the increase in the
deductible amount determined under section 219(b)(5)(C).
``(b) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction or other credit shall
be allowed with respect to any contribution to which a credit is
allowed under subsection (a).
``(c) Investment in the Contract.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, a qualified retirement savings contribution shall not
fail to be included in determining the investment in the contract for
purposes of section 72 by reason of the credit under this section.
``(d) Termination.--This section shall not apply to taxable years
beginning after December 31, 2007.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 25B the
following new item:
``Sec. 25C. Certain catch-up IRA
contributions.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002. | Catch-Up Lost Retirement Savings Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, until December 31, 2007, an individual who participated in a retirement plan under which the employer matched at least 50 percent of the employee's contribution with the employer's stock and whose employer filed for bankruptcy and was subject to a related prosecution resulting from business transactions to make three times the otherwise applicable deductible retirement contributions and to receive a credit for 50 percent for such contributions. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to assist individuals who have lost their 401(k) savings to make additional retirement savings through individual retirement account contributions, and for other purposes."} | 968 | 100 | 0.543224 | 1.399636 | 0.721087 | 2.590909 | 9.511364 | 0.863636 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Max Cleland Minority Serving
Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE.
(a) In General.--There is established within the National Science
Foundation an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and
Wireless Technology to carry out the provisions of this Act.
(b) Purpose.--The Office shall--
(1) strengthen the ability of eligible institutions to
provide capacity for instruction in digital and wireless
network technologies by providing grants to, or executing
contracts or cooperative agreements with, those institutions to
provide such instruction; and
(2) strengthen the national digital and wireless
infrastructure by increasing national investment in
telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible
institutions.
SEC. 3. ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED.
An eligible institution shall use a grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement awarded under this Act--
(1) to acquire equipment, instrumentation, networking
capability, hardware and software, digital network technology,
wireless technology, and infrastructure;
(2) to develop and provide educational services, including
faculty development, related to science, mathematics,
engineering, or technology;
(3) to provide teacher education, library and media
specialist training, and preschool and teacher aid
certification to individuals who seek to acquire or enhance
technology skills in order to use technology in the classroom
or instructional process;
(4) to implement joint projects and consortia to provide
education regarding technology in the classroom with a State or
State education agency, local education agency, community-based
organization, national non-profit organization, or business,
including minority businesses;
(5) to provide professional development in science,
mathematics, engineering, or technology to administrators and
faculty of eligible institutions with institutional
responsibility for technology education;
(6) to provide capacity-building technical assistance to
eligible institutions through remote technical support,
technical assistance workshops, distance learning, new
technologies, and other technological applications;
(7) to foster the use of information communications
technology to increase scientific, mathematical, engineering,
and technology instruction and research; and
(8) to develop proposals to be submitted under this Act and
to develop strategic plans for information technology
investments.
SEC. 4. APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURE.
(a) In General.--To be eligible to receive a grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement under this Act, an eligible institution shall
submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such information as the Director may reasonably require.
The Director, in consultation with the advisory council established
under subsection (b), shall establish a procedure by which to accept
and review such applications and publish an announcement of such
procedure, including a statement regarding the availability of funds,
in the Federal Register.
(b) Advisory Council.--The Director shall establish an advisory
council to advise the Director on the best approaches for involving
eligible institutions in the activities described in section 3, and for
reviewing and evaluating proposals submitted to the program. In
selecting the members of the advisory council, the Director may consult
with representatives of appropriate organizations, including
representatives of eligible institutions, to ensure that the membership
of the advisory council reflects participation by technology and
telecommunications institutions, minority businesses, eligible
institution communities, Federal agency personnel, and other
individuals who are knowledgeable about eligible institutions and
technology issues. Any panel assembled to review a proposal submitted
to the program shall include members from minority serving
institutions. Program review criteria shall include consideration of--
(1) demonstrated need for assistance under this Act; and
(2) diversity among the types of institutions receiving
assistance under this Act.
(c) Data Collection.--An eligible institution that receives a
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under section 2 shall provide
the Office with any relevant institutional statistical or demographic
data requested by the Office.
(d) Information Dissemination.--The Director shall convene an
annual meeting of eligible institutions receiving grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under section 2 for the purposes of--
(1) fostering collaboration and capacity-building
activities among eligible institutions; and
(2) disseminating information and ideas generated by such
meetings.
SEC. 5. MATCHING REQUIREMENT.
The Director may not award a grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement to an eligible institution under this Act unless such
institution agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred by
the institution in carrying out the program for which the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement was awarded, such institution will
make available (directly or through donations from public or private
entities) non-Federal contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of
the amount of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement awarded by
the Director, or $500,000, whichever is the lesser amount. The Director
shall waive the matching requirement for any institution or consortium
with no endowment, or an endowment that has a current dollar value
lower than $50,000,000.
SEC. 6. LIMITATIONS.
(a) In General.--An eligible institution that receives a grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement under this Act that exceeds
$2,500,000, shall not be eligible to receive another grant, contract,
or cooperative agreement under this Act until every other eligible
institution that has applied for a grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement under this Act has received such a grant, contract, or
cooperative.
(b) Awards Administered by Eligible Institution.--Each grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement awarded under this Act shall be made
to, and administered by, an eligible institution, even when it is
awarded for the implementation of a consortium or joint project.
SEC. 7. ANNUAL REPORT AND EVALUATION.
(a) Annual Report Required From Recipients.--Each institution that
receives a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this Act
shall provide an annual report to the Director on its use of the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement.
(b) Evaluation by Director.--The Director, in consultation with the
Secretary of Education, shall--
(1) review the reports provided under subsection (a) each
year; and
(2) evaluate the program authorized by section 3 on the
basis of those reports every 2 years.
(c) Contents of Evaluation.--The Director, in the evaluation, shall
describe the activities undertaken by those institutions and shall
assess the short-range and long-range impact of activities carried out
under the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement on the students,
faculty, and staff of the institutions.
(d) Report to Congress.--The Director shall submit a report to the
Congress based on the evaluation. In the report, the Director shall
include such recommendations, including recommendations concerning the
continuing need for Federal support of the program, as may be
appropriate.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Eligible Institution.--The term ``eligible
institution'' means an institution that is--
(A) a historically Black college or university that
is a part B institution, as defined in section 322(2)
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1061(2));
(B) a Hispanic-serving institution, as defined in
section 502(a)(5) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(5));
(C) a tribally controlled college or university, as
defined in section 316(b)(3) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3));
(D) an Alaska Native-serving institution under
section 317(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1059d(b));
(E) a Native Hawaiian-serving institution under
section 317(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1059d(b)); or
(F) an institution determined by the Director, in
consultation with the Secretary of Education, to have
enrolled a substantial number of minority, low-income
students during the previous academic year who received
assistance under subpart I of part A of title IV of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a et seq.)
for that year.
(2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the
National Science Foundation $250,000,000 for each of the fiscal years
2008 through 2012 to carry out this Act. | Max Cleland Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act - Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions.
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions. Makes the following institutions eligible for such assistance: (1) a historically Black college or university; (2) a Hispanic-, Alaska Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution determined to have enrolled a substantial number of minority, low-income students who received assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides a matching funds requirement. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes."} | 1,805 | 228 | 0.658131 | 1.930724 | 0.839954 | 4.068293 | 8.404878 | 0.946341 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Hydroelectric and
Environmental Enhancement Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) Federal multi-purpose dams and reservoirs with
hydroelectric generation provide necessary power to respective
regions, enhance recreational pursuits and help meet various
environmental needs;
(2) hydroelectric generation is a renewable resource that
plays a significant role in meeting the growing power needs of
many communities throughout the Nation;
(3) Federal dams along the Savannah River generate
electricity for consumers who depend on such power at peak
times and provide recreational and environmental benefits to
the region;
(4) a number of technological advancements have been made
at these and other Federal hydropower facilities to provide
even greater protections to fish and other aquatic resources;
and
(5) the value of these and other Federal hydropower
facilities can be further enhanced to optimize more
hydroelectric generation and environmental protection.
SEC. 3. STUDY AND REPORT ON INCREASING ELECTRIC POWER PRODUCTION
CAPABILITY OF EXISTING FEDERAL FACILITIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of
the Army, in consultation with the Administrator of each Federal power
marketing administration, shall conduct a study of the potential for
creating or increasing electric power production capability at existing
facilities under their administrative jurisdiction.
(b) Content.--The study under this section shall include
identification and description in detail of each facility that is
capable, with or without modification, of producing additional
hydroelectric power, including estimation of the existing potential for
the facility to generate hydroelectric power.
(c) Report.--Each Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report
on the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study under
this section by not later than 12 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act. Each Secretary shall include the following in
the report:
(1) The identifications, descriptions, and estimations
referred to in subsection (b).
(2) A description of activities the Secretary is currently
conducting or considering, or that could be considered, to
produce additional hydroelectric power from each identified
facility.
(3) A summary of action that has already been taken by the
Secretary to produce additional hydroelectric power from each
identified facility.
(4) The costs to install, upgrade, or modify equipment or
take other actions to produce new or additional hydroelectric
power from each identified facility and the level of Federal
power customer involvement in the Secretary's determination of
such costs.
(5) The benefits that would be achieved by such
installation, upgrade, modification, or other action, including
quantified estimates of any additional energy or capacity from
each facility identified under subsection (b).
(6) A description of actions that are planned, underway, or
might reasonably be considered to create or increase
hydroelectric power production by replacing turbines.
(7) The impact of increased hydroelectric power production
on irrigation, fish, wildlife, Indian tribes, river health,
water quality, navigation, recreation, fishing, and flood
control.
(8) Any additional recommendations the Secretary considers
advisable to increase hydroelectric power production from, and
reduce costs and improve efficiency at, facilities under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary.
SEC. 4. STUDY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INCREASED OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES
IN HYDROELECTRIC POWER PROJECTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of
the Army shall conduct a study of operational methods and water
scheduling techniques at all hydroelectric power plants under the
administrative jurisdiction of each Secretary that have an electric
power production capacity greater than 50 megawatts, to--
(1) determine whether such power plants and associated
river systems are operated so as to optimize energy and
capacity capabilities; and
(2) identify measures that can be taken to improve
operational flexibility at such plants to achieve such
optimization.
(b) Report.--Each Secretary shall submit a report on the findings,
conclusions, and recommendations of the study under this section by not
later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act,
including a summary of the determinations and identifications under
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a). Each Secretary shall include
in the report the impact of optimized hydroelectric power production on
irrigation, fish, wildlife, Indian tribes, river health, water quality,
navigation, recreation, fishing, and flood control.
(c) Cooperation With Federal Power Marketing Administrations.--Each
Secretary shall coordinate with the Administrator of each Federal power
marketing administration in determining how the value of electric power
produced by each hydroelectric power facility that produces power
marketed by the administration can be optimized. | Federal Hydroelectric and Environmental Enhancement Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of the Army to study and report to Congress on: (1) the potential for creating or increasing electric power production capability at facilities under their respective administrative jurisdiction; and (2) operational methods and water scheduling techniques to increase operational efficiencies at certain-sized hydroelectric power plants.
Requires each Secretary to coordinate with the Administrator of each Federal power marketing administration in determining how the value of electric power produced by each hydroelectric power facility that produces power marketed by the administration can be optimized. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for a study of the potential for increasing hydroelectric power production at existing Federal facilities, and for other purposes."} | 987 | 120 | 0.615226 | 1.697566 | 0.689664 | 5.053571 | 8.535714 | 0.964286 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Spending Safeguard Act''.
SEC. 2. SPENDING LIMITATION ON DIRECT SPENDING PROGRAMS.
(a) Establishment of Spending Safeguard Limitation.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Office of Management
and Budget shall establish a spending limitation (in this Act
referred to as a ``spending safeguard limitation'') with
respect to any direct spending program not later than 90 days
after any such program is enacted or reauthorized (as the case
may be).
(2) Determination of spending safeguard limitation.--The
spending safeguard limitation established under paragraph (1)
for a direct spending program shall be equal to?
(A) with respect to any such program within budget
function 050 (Defense), 550 (Health), 570 (Medicare),
600 (Income Security), 650 (Social Security), or 700
(Veterans Benefits and Services), 120 percent of the
cost of the program; and
(B) with respect to any such program within any
other budget function, 110 percent of the cost of the
program.
(3) Determination of cost of program.--For purposes of
paragraphs (2) (A) and (B), the cost of the program shall be
the estimated six-year cost of the program, as determined by
the Director using the scorecards or estimate (as the case may
be) applicable to the program under section 4 of the Statutory
Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933).
(b) Spending Safeguard Limitation Scorecards.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall maintain and make
publicly available a spending safeguard limitation scorecard
displaying the spending level for any direct spending program
that is subject to a spending safeguard limitation pursuant to
this Act.
(2) Monthly costs.--Not later than 7 days after the end of
each month beginning after the first full month in which such a
direct spending program is operational, the Secretary of the
Treasury shall transmit to the Director a report listing the
total amount of spending for any direct spending program listed
on the scorecard.
(3) OMB biannual report.--After the end of any six-month
period, the Director shall submit a report to the Committees on
the Budget of the House of Representatives and the Senate
containing the total level of spending for any such direct
spending program and the relation between such level and the
spending safeguard limitation applicable to such program.
(c) President Budget Submissions.--
(1) Annual.--Section 1105(a) of title 31, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(40) a report on the total level of spending for any
direct spending program subject to a spending safeguard
limitation pursuant to the Spending Safeguard Act, and the
relation between such level and the spending safeguard
limitation applicable to such program.''.
(2) Mid-session.--Section 1106(a)(1)(C) of such title is
amended by striking ``section 1105(a)(8) and (9)(B) and (C)''
and inserting ``section 1105(a)(8), (9) (B) and (C), and
(40)''.
(d) Procedures in Case of Breach.--
(1) Spending limitation breach report.--If the Director
determines, using the reports submitted under subsection
(b)(2), that a direct spending program listed on the scorecard
established under subsection (b) will reach the applicable
spending safeguard limitation within six months, the Director
shall transmit, not later than 15 days after the date of such
determination, a report to the Committees on the Budget of the
House of Representatives and the Senate and the committees that
have jurisdiction over the program.
(2) Obligation limitation.--If the Director determines,
using the reports submitted under subsection (b)(2), that such
a direct spending program has reached the applicable spending
safeguard limitation?
(A) effective 30 days after such determination, no
funds may be obligated to carry out such program; and
(B) on the date of such determination, the Director
shall submit a report to the Committees on the Budget
of the House of Representatives and the Senate and the
committees that have jurisdiction over the program that
such an obligation limitation has been imposed.
(e) Agency Procedures.--Any Federal agency implementing a direct
spending program listed on the scorecard established under subsection
(b) shall ensure that any contract, offer of benefits, or other
material provided to the program participants includes information
specifying that the program is subject to a spending safeguard
limitation that may impact future availability of funds to pay
benefits.
(f) Definitions.--In this Act?
(1) the term ``Director'' means the Director of the Office
of Management and Budget;
(2) the term ``direct spending'' has the meaning given such
term in section 250(c)(8) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900(c)(8)); and
(3) the term ``direct spending program'' means any Federal
program funded by direct spending that?
(A) is enacted or reauthorized after the date of
enactment of this Act; and
(B) does not have, in statute, a specific level
(expressed as a dollar amount) of authorization of
appropriations.
(g) Prohibition on New Authorization of Funding.--No additional
funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act. | Spending Safeguard Act This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish spending limits for direct spending programs that: (1) are enacted or reauthorized after enactment of this bill, and (2) do not have a specific level of authorized spending expressed as a dollar amount. The spending limits must be equal to: (1) 120% of the cost of the program for defense, health, Medicare, income security, Social Security, and veterans benefits and services programs; and (2) 110% of the cost for any other program. The OMB must maintain a publicly available scorecard that displays the spending level for any program that is subject to the limits. The OMB and the President must submit specified reports to Congress comparing current spending to the limits. The bill prohibits obligations for programs that have reached the applicable spending limit. Agencies implementing programs listed on the OMB's scorecard must ensure that any contract, offer of benefits, or other material provided to program participants specifies that the program is subject to a spending limit that may impact future availability of funds to pay benefits. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Spending Safeguard Act"} | 1,214 | 231 | 0.645275 | 1.81368 | 0.684351 | 2.976852 | 5.125 | 0.856481 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Driver's Privacy Protection Act of
1993''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON RELEASE OF CERTAIN PERSONAL INFORMATION BY
STATES.
(a) In General.--Title 18, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after chapter 121 the following:
``CHAPTER 123--PROHIBITION ON RELEASE OF CERTAIN PERSONAL INFORMATION
BY STATES
``Sec.
``2721. Prohibition on release of certain personal information by
States.
``2722. Additional unlawful acts.
``2723. Penalties and remedies.
``2724. Effect on State and local law.
``2725. Definitions.
``Sec. 2721. Prohibition on release of certain personal information by
States
``(a) In General.--It shall be unlawful for any person or other
entity to disclose personal information derived from an individual's
motor vehicle records to any other person or entity, other than to the
individual, except as permitted under this chapter.
``(b) Exceptions.--Personal information referred to in subsection
(a) of this section may be disclosed for any of the following uses:
``(1) For use by any Federal or State court in carrying out
its functions.
``(2) For use by any Federal or State agency in carrying
out its functions.
``(3) For use in connection with matters of automobile and
driver safety, including manufacturers of motor vehicles
conducting a recall of motor vehicles.
``(4) For use in the normal course of business by a
legitimate business (including an insurer or insurance support
organization) or its agents or employees or contractors, but
only--
``(A) to verify the accuracy of personal
information submitted by the individual to the
business; and
``(B) if such information as so submitted was not
correct, to obtain the correct information, but only
for the purpose of pursuing remedies against an
individual who provided false information or presented
a check or similar item that was not honored.
``(5) For use in any civil or criminal proceeding in any
Federal or State court.
``(6) For use in research activities, if the motor vehicle
department determines that such personal information will not
be used to solicit the individual and that the individual is
not identified or associated with the requested information.
``(7) For use in marketing activities, if the motor vehicle
department--
``(A) has provided in a clear and conspicuous
manner to the individual an opportunity to prohibit
such disclosure;
``(B) has received assurances that the information
will be used, rented, or sold solely for a permissible
use under this chapter, including marketing activities;
and
``(C) has received assurances that each entity that
sells or uses the information so obtained keeps
complete records identifying each purpose for which the
information is used and each organization that receives
the information.
``(8) For purposes of reselling the personal information
for a permissible use under paragraph (7) of this subsection,
but only if each person or other entity that sells or uses the
information so obtained keeps complete records identifying--
``(A) each purpose for which the information is
used; and
``(B) each person or other entity that receives the
information.
``(9) For use by any insurer or insurance support
organization, or its employees, agents, and contractors, but
only in connection with claims investigation activities or
antifraud activities.
``(c) Waiver Procedures.--(1) Each State shall establish and carry
out procedures under which--
``(A) an individual to whom the information pertains may
authorize the agency to disclose such information; and
``(B) any motor vehicle department of the State may enter
into an agreement with any business (including an insurer or
insurance support organization) or its agents, employees, or
contractors, based upon a certification that the business has
obtained or will have obtained consent from the individual to
whom the information pertains, to obtain requested personal
information from such department.
``(2) Any State department of motor vehicles, upon receiving a
request for personal information referred to in subsection (a) of this
section, other than for a use referred to in subsection (b) of this
section, shall, if such request is not accompanied by a waiver in
accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, mail, within 10 days
following the receipt of such request, a copy of that request to the
individual concerning whom the personal information was requested
informing such individual of the request, together with a statement to
the effect that such information will not be released unless the
individual waives such individual's right to confidentiality under this
section.
``Sec. 2722. Additional unlawful acts
``(a) Procurement for Unlawful Purpose.--It shall be unlawful for
any person knowingly to obtain or use personal information, derived
from a motor vehicle record, for any purpose not described in section
2721(b) of this title.
``(b) False Representations; Unlawful Distribution.--It shall be
unlawful for any person to make any false representation to obtain or
use any personal information derived from an individual's motor vehicle
record.
``Sec. 2723. Penalties and remedies
``(a) Willful Violations by Non-Governmental Entities.--Any person
or other entity (other than a State or agency thereof) that willfully
violates this chapter shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not
more than 1 year, or both.
``(b) Nonwillful Violations by Non-Governmental Entities.-- Any
person or other entity (other than a State or agency thereof) that
violates this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount
not to exceed $5,000.
``(c) Violation by Governmental Entities.--If a State or agency
thereof willfully violates this chapter, the State shall be subject to
a civil penalty in the amount of $10,000. Each day of continued
noncompliance by the State shall constitute a separate violation.
``Sec. 2724. Effect on State and local law
``A State or local government may prohibit conduct that is
permitted in the exceptions set forth in section 2721(b) of this title.
``Sec. 2725. Definitions
``As used in this chapter--
``(1) the term `personal information' means an individual's
name, address, telephone number, social security number,
driver's identification number, medical and disability
information, photograph, or other information that identifies a
particular individual;
``(2) the term `State' includes the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, and any other possession or territory of the
United States; and
``(3) the term `motor vehicle record information' means--
``(A) information about who is licensed to drive
vehicles on the public highways, including any personal
information about the licensed driver that is
maintained as part of, or is associated with, a listing
of who is so licensed;
``(B) registration information about a motor
vehicle; and
``(C) information about violations of traffic laws
and similar information kept about a licensed driver in
connection with the operations of a governmental
authority that controls such licensing.''.
(B) Clerical Amendment.--The table of chapters at the beginning of
part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
the item relating to chapter 121 the following new item:
``123. Prohibition on Release of Certain Personal 2721''.
Information by States. | Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit disclosure of personal information derived from an individual's motor vehicle records to anyone other than that individual.
Makes exceptions for use: (1) by any Federal or State court or agency in carrying out its functions; (2) in connection with matters of automobile and driver safety; (3) in the normal course of business by a legitimate business, in research activities, and in marketing activities (subject to specified limitations); (4) in any civil or criminal proceeding in any Federal or State court; and (5) by any insurer in connection with claims investigation or antifraud activities. Permits reselling the personal information for a permissible use under specified circumstances.
Requires each State to establish and carry out procedures under which: (1) an individual to whom the information pertains may authorize its disclosure; and (2) a State motor vehicle department may enter into an agreement with any business based upon a certification that the business has consent from the individual to obtain the requested personal information.
Prohibits: (1) knowingly obtaining or using personal information, derived from a motor vehicle record, for any impermissible purpose; and (2) making a false representation to obtain or use any such information.
Sets penalties and remedies for willful and nonwillful violations by non-governmental entities and by governmental entities. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1993"} | 1,686 | 291 | 0.6301 | 2.044767 | 0.873036 | 3.772894 | 5.831502 | 0.923077 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Major Medical Facilities
Construction Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following major
medical facility projects, with each project to be carried out in an
amount not to exceed the amount specified for that project:
(1) Seismic corrections at the Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, as follows:
(A) Building Number 2, $14,020,000.
(B) Building Number 4, $21,750,000.
(2) Seismic correction at the Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, $31,000,000.
(3) Seismic correction at the Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center, West Los Angeles, California,
$27,200,000.
(4) Seismic correction and clinical improvement at the
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach,
California, $24,600,000.
(5) Seismic correction for Building Number 1 at the
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego,
California, $47,100,000.
(6) Ambulatory Surgery and Clinical Consolidation at the
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio,
$32,500,000.
(7) Consolidation of Department of Veterans Affairs and
Department of Defense health and benefits offices, Anchorage
Alaska, $59,000,000.
(8) Ward Renovation at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut, $15,300,000.
(9) Ambulatory Care Expansion at the Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center, Tampa, Florida, $18,230,000.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF A MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY LEASE.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into a lease for a
Satellite Outpatient Clinic, Charlotte, North Carolina, in an amount
not to exceed $2,626,000.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2003--
(1) for the Construction, Major Projects, account
$285,000,000 for the projects authorized in section 2; and
(2) for the Medical Care account, $2,626,000 for the lease
authorized in section 3.
(b) Limitation.--The projects authorized in section 2 may only be
carried out using--
(1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2003 pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations in subsection (a);
(2) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects,
for a fiscal year before fiscal year 2003 that remain available
for obligation; and
(3) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects,
for fiscal year 2003 for a category of activity not specific to
a project.
SEC. 5. INCREASE IN THRESHOLD FOR MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY CONSTRUCTION
PROJECTS.
(a) Increase in Threshold.--Section 8104(a)(3)(A) of title 38,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``$4,000,000'' and inserting
``$6,000,000''.
(b) Applicability to Projects Already Funded.--The amendment made
by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any facility project of
the Department of Veterans Affairs, except for a project for which the
Secretary obligated funds before October 1, 2002.
SEC. 6. CRITERIA FOR MINOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
Section 8103 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Purpose of Minor Construction Projects.--In selecting medical
facilities (including research facilities) for projects under
subsection (a) other than major medical facility projects subject to
section 8104 of this title, the Secretary shall, to the extent
practicable, select projects to improve, replace, renovate, or update
facilities to achieve one or more of the following:
``(1) Seismic protection improvements related to patient
safety (or, in the case of a research facility, patient or
employee safety).
``(2) Fire safety improvements.
``(3) Improvements to utility systems and ancillary patient
care facilities (including such systems and facilities that may
be exclusively associated with research facilities).
``(4) Improved accommodation for persons with disabilities,
including barrier-free access.
``(5) Improvements at patient care facilities to
specialized programs of the Department, including the
following:
``(A) Blind rehabilitation centers.
``(B) Inpatient and residential programs for
seriously mentally ill veterans, including mental
illness research, education, and clinical centers.
``(C) Residential and rehabilitation programs for
veterans with substance-use disorders.
``(D) Physical medicine and rehabilitation
activities.
``(E) Long-term care, including geriatric research,
education, and clinical centers, adult day care
centers, and nursing home care facilities.
``(F) Amputation care, including facilities for
prosthetics, orthotics programs, and sensory aids.
``(G) Spinal cord injury centers.
``(H) Traumatic brain injury programs.
``(I) Women veterans' health programs (including
particularly programs involving privacy and
accommodation for female patients).
``(J) Facilities for hospice and palliative care
programs.''.
Passed the House of Representatives May 21, 2002.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Veterans' Major Medical Facilities Construction Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out specified major medical facility projects in California, Ohio, Alaska, Connecticut, and Florida, in specified amounts.Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a lease for a satellite outpatient clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina, in a specified amount.Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 for the Construction, Major Projects, account and the Medical Care account.Increases from $4 million to $6 million the major medical facility project threshold.Directs the Secretary, in selecting medical facilities for projects other than major medical facility projects, to the extent practicable, to select projects to improve, replace, renovate, or update facilities to achieve one or more specified purposes, including improvements in: (1) seismic protection related to patient safety; (2) fire safety; (3) utility systems and ancillary patient care facilities; (4) accommodation for person with disabilities; and (5) patient care facilities to specialized programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out construction projects for the purpose of improving, renovating, and updating patient care facilities at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, and for other purposes."} | 1,177 | 215 | 0.633476 | 1.95136 | 1.058835 | 3.603015 | 5.517588 | 0.939698 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Twice since 1989, the northwestern coast of Maui,
Hawaii, has been plagued with massive blooms of the green alga,
Cladorphora sericea. Blooms of the red alga, Hypnea
musciformis, have also occurred in the area and in the Kihei
area.
(2) The algal blooms have destroyed corals and other reef-
building organisms, and have washed up on beaches and severely
impeded the recreational use of affected coastal areas.
(3) The algal blooms are particularly detrimental to the
natural ecological balance of the near-shore reef environment.
(4) Although the specific causes of the algal blooms are
uncertain, algal growth is stimulated in a proportional manner
by concentrations of chemicals such as fertilizers and
insecticides, which enter the ocean through freshwater runoff.
(5) The Department of Health of the State of Hawaii has
indicated that the department does not have the resources at
this time to determine the cause of the algal blooms.
(6) Extensive research will be required to determine the
factors that contribute to algal growth.
(7) Potential sources of nutrients that may contribute to
algal growth include the near-shore disposal of sewage in
injection wells from the Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Plant,
surface runoff from agricultural lands and urban resort areas,
and subsurface point sources in the areas.
(8) The long-term environmental impacts of the algal blooms
are unknown, but in the short term, reefs exposed to the algae
are being destroyed and the deterioration of the coral has
detrimental effects on fish and other wildlife that depend on
the reefs for survival.
(9) The algal blooms are generating negative economic
impacts as well as negative biological impacts, as additional
reports indicate that the algae are decreasing the intake of
fish caught by local fishermen in the affected marine waters.
(10) The Maui Algae Task Force is comprised of community
environmental activists and has been assembled to address the
problem of algal blooms.
(11) The Maui Algae Task Force hopes to work in cooperation
with the Department of Health of the State of Hawaii and the
Environmental Protection Agency to identify and eradicate the
causes of the algal blooms.
SEC. 2. STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Administrator'')
shall conduct a study to--
(1) determine the causes of recent algal blooms off the
northwestern coast of Maui, Hawaii; and
(2) research alternatives for the improved management of
chemicals present in wastewater treatment and fresh water
runoff.
(b) Study Requirements.--In carrying out the study under this
section, the Administrator shall--
(1) survey and monitor--
(A) seaweed populations and animals for which the
seaweed is a food source;
(B) surface water runoff sediments in the study
area; and
(C) inputs into the study area from subsurface
point sources, including any such inputs from the
Lahaina wastewater treatment plant; and
(2) study the responses of--
(A) the seaweed populations referred to in
paragraph (1)(A) to different concentrations of
nutrients; and
(B) the animals referred to in paragraph (1)(A) to
pesticides and other biological toxins.
(c) Equipment; Grants.--
(1) Acquisition of equipment.--In carrying out the study
under this section, the Administrator is authorized to acquire
such monitoring and testing equipment as the Administrator
determines necessary.
(2) Grants.--In carrying out the study under this section,
the Administrator is authorized to establish a grant program to
provide grants to eligible entities that submit approved
applications to the Administrator. The following entities may
submit an application to conduct study activities under this
section:
(A) The Department of Health of the State of
Hawaii.
(B) The Maui Algae Task Force.
(C) Appropriate Federal, State, or county
departments or agencies.
(D) Any other entity that the Administrator
determines to be appropriate.
(d) Demonstration Projects.--In carrying out the study under this
section, the Administrator is authorized to establish demonstration
projects to identify and implement best management practices for the
control of nonpoint source pollution from erosion and agricultural
runoff.
(e) Reports.--
(1) Interim report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to
Congress a report that includes interim results of the study
conducted under this section, and such recommendations as the
Administrator determines to be appropriate.
(2) Final report.--Not later than January 31, 1996, the
Administrator shall submit to Congress a final report that
summarizes the results of the study conducted under this
section and includes such recommendations as the Administrator
determines to be appropriate.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out this
section $500,000 for each of fiscal years 1994 and 1995. | Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report to the Congress on the causes of recent algal blooms off the northwestern coast of Maui, Hawaii, and to research alternatives for the improved management of chemicals present in wastewater treatment and fresh water runoff.
Authorizes the Administrator to establish: (1) a grant program to enable eligible entities to conduct study activities; and (2) demonstration projects to implement best management practices for the control of nonpoint source pollution from erosion and agricultural runoff.
Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study of algal blooms off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, and for other purposes."} | 1,098 | 110 | 0.4905 | 1.317487 | 0.306996 | 4.465347 | 10.09901 | 0.940594 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities
Prevention Act of 2018''.
SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that the United States Government's
efforts at atrocity prevention and response through interagency
coordination, such as the Atrocities Prevention Board (referred to in
this Act as the ``Board'') or successor entity are critically
important, and that appropriate officials of the United States
Government should--
(1) meet regularly to monitor developments throughout the
world that heighten the risk of atrocities;
(2) identify any gaps in United States foreign policy
concerning regions or particular countries related to atrocity
prevention and response;
(3) facilitate the development and implementation of
policies to enhance the capacity of the United States to
prevent and respond to atrocities worldwide;
(4) provide the President and Congress with recommendations
to improve policies, programs, resources, and tools related to
atrocity prevention and response;
(5) conduct outreach, including consultations, not less
frequently than biannually, with representatives of
nongovernmental organizations and civil society dedicated to
atrocity prevention and response;
(6) operate with regular consultation and participation of
designated interagency representatives of relevant Federal
agencies, executive departments, or offices; and
(7) ensure resources are made available for the policies,
programs, and tools related to atrocity prevention and
response.
SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
It shall be the policy of the United States to--
(1) regard the prevention of atrocities as in its national
interest;
(2) work with partners and allies, including to build their
capacity, and enhance the capacity of the United States, to
identify, prevent, and respond to the causes of atrocities,
including insecurity, mass displacement, violent conflict, and
other conditions that may lead to such atrocities; and
(3) pursue a United States Government-wide strategy to
identify, prevent, and respond to the risk of atrocities by--
(A) strengthening the diplomatic, risk analysis and
monitoring, strategic planning, early warning, and
response capacities of the Government;
(B) improving the use of foreign assistance to
respond early, effectively, and urgently in order to
address the causes of atrocities;
(C) strengthening diplomatic response and the
effective use of foreign assistance to support
appropriate transitional justice measures, including
criminal accountability, for past atrocities;
(D) supporting and strengthening local civil
society, including human rights defenders and others
working to help prevent and respond to atrocities;
(E) promoting financial transparency and enhancing
anti-corruption initiatives as part of addressing
causes of conditions that may lead to atrocities; and
(F) employing a variety of unilateral, bilateral,
and multilateral means to prevent and respond to
atrocities by--
(i) placing a high priority on timely,
preventive diplomatic efforts; and
(ii) exercising leadership in promoting
international efforts to prevent atrocities.
SEC. 4. TRAINING OF FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS IN CONFLICT AND ATROCITIES
PREVENTION.
Section 708 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4028) is
amended in subsection (a)(1)--
(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 new subparagraph:
``(D) for Foreign Service Officers who will be
assigned to a country experiencing or at risk of mass
atrocities, as determined by the Secretary of State, in
consultation with the Director of National Intelligence
and relevant civil society organizations, instruction
on recognizing patterns of escalation and early warning
signs of potential atrocities, and methods of
preventing and responding to atrocities, including
conflict assessment methods, peacebuilding, mediation
for prevention, early action and response, and
appropriate transitional justice measures to address
atrocities.''.
SEC. 5. REPORTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act and annually thereafter for the following six
years, the President shall transmit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations
of the Senate a report, with a classified annex if necessary, that
includes--
(1) a review, in consultation with appropriate interagency
representatives, including the Board, consisting of a detailed
description of--
(A) current efforts to prevent and respond to
atrocities, based on United States and locally
identified indicators, including an analysis of
capacities and constraints for interagency detection,
early warning and response, information-sharing,
contingency planning, and coordination;
(B) recommendations to further strengthen United
States capabilities described in subparagraph (A);
(C) funding expended by relevant Federal
departments and agencies on atrocities prevention
activities, including appropriate transitional justice
measures and the legal, procedural, and resource
constraints faced by the Department of State and the
United States Agency for International Development
throughout respective budgeting, strategic planning,
and management cycles regarding support for atrocity
prevention activities;
(D) a global assessment of ongoing atrocities,
including the findings of such assessment and, where
relevant, the efficacy of any steps taken by the Board
or relevant Federal agency to respond to such
atrocities;
(E) countries and regions at risk of atrocities,
including a description of specific risk factors, at-
risk groups, and likely scenarios in which atrocities
would occur; and
(F) the atrocities prevention training for Foreign
Service officers authorized under subparagraph (D) of
section 708(a)(1) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980,
as added by section 4;
(2) recommendations to ensure shared responsibility by--
(A) enhancing multilateral mechanisms for
preventing atrocities, including strengthening the role
of international organizations and international
financial institutions in conflict prevention,
mitigation, and response; and
(B) strengthening relevant regional organizations;
(3) the implementation status of the recommendations
contained in the previous review required by this section; and
(4) identification of the Federal agencies and civil
society, academic, and nongovernmental organizations and
institutions consulted for preparation of such report.
(b) Consideration of Recommendations.--The preparation of the
report required by subsection (a) shall include a consideration of
analysis, reporting, and policy recommendations to prevent and respond
to atrocities produced by civil society, academic, and other
nongovernmental organizations and institutions.
(c) Availability to Congress.--The report required by subsection
(a) shall be made available to all members of Congress.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the term ``genocide'' means an offense under subsection
(a) of section 1091 of title 18, United States Code;
(2) the term ``atrocities'' means war crimes, crimes
against humanity, and genocide;
(3) the term ``transitional justice'' means the range of
judicial, nonjudicial, formal, informal, retributive, and
restorative measures employed by countries transitioning out of
armed conflict or repressive regimes to redress legacies of
atrocities and to promote long-term, sustainable peace; and
(4) the term ``war crime'' has the meaning given the term
in section 2441(c) of title 18, United States Code.
SEC. 7. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the use of
military force.
Passed the Senate December 12, 2018.
Attest:
Secretary.
115th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 1158
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To help prevent acts of genocide and other atrocity crimes, which
threaten national and international security, by enhancing United
States Government capacities to prevent, mitigate, and respond to such
crises. | Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2017 This bill states that it is U.S. policy to regard the prevention of genocide and other atrocity crimes as a core national security interest and a core moral responsibility. The President shall instruct the Department of State to establish a Mass Atrocities Task Force to strengthen State Department efforts and assist other agency efforts at atrocity prevention and response. The Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended to provide for the training of Foreign Service Officers in conflict and atrocity crimes prevention. The Director of National Intelligence is encouraged to include in his or her annual testimony to Congress on threats to U.S. national security: (1) a review of countries and regions at risk of atrocity crimes; and (2) specific countries and regions at immediate risk of atrocity crimes, including most likely pathways to violence, specific risk factors, potential perpetrators, and at-risk target groups. The bill establishes the Complex Crises Fund to enable the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to support programs and activities to prevent or respond to emerging or unforeseen foreign challenges and complex crises overseas, including potential atrocity crimes. Fund amounts may not be expended for lethal assistance or to respond to natural disasters. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2017"} | 1,747 | 274 | 0.6504 | 2.117793 | 0.73134 | 2.282051 | 7.282051 | 0.811966 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Long-Term Care Insurance Consumer
Right-to-Know Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Long-term care insurance policy.--The term ``long-term
care insurance policy'' means--
(A) a qualified long-term care insurance contract
(as defined in section 7702B(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986); and
(B) a qualified long-term care insurance contract
that covers an insured who is a resident of a State
with a qualified State long-term care insurance
partnership under clause (iii) of section 1917(b)(1)(C)
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396p(b)(1)(C))
or a long-term care insurance policy offered in
connection with a State plan amendment described in
clause (iv) of such section.
(2) Model act and regulation.--The term ``model Act and
regulation'' means the long-term care insurance model
regulation, and the long-term care insurance model Act,
respectively, promulgated by the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners (as adopted as of October 2000 and as
of December 2006).
(3) NAIC.--The term ``NAIC'' means the National Association
of Insurance Commissioners.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
United States Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.
SEC. 3. NAIC STUDY AND REPORT ON STATE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR
LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall request the NAIC to carry out
the activities described in subsection (b) and issue the report
described in subsection (c).
(b) Review and Development of Proposed Model Disclosure
Requirements.--The activities described in this subsection are the
following:
(1) Model act and regulation disclosure requirements.--
Review and describe disclosure requirements for long-term care
insurance policies under the Model Act and regulation.
(2) State law disclosure requirements.--Review and describe
disclosure requirements for long-term care insurance policies
under State laws.
(3) Long-term care services.--Review and describe
differences in long-term care services, including with respect
to providers of such services and the settings in which such
services are provided among States and develop a standardized
definition for long-term care services.
(4) Identification of key issues for development of model
disclosure marketing form.--Identify and describe key issues to
consider in the development of a proposed model form for
marketing long-term care insurance policies.
(c) Report.--The report described in this subsection is a NAIC
White Paper that is issued not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act and contains the results of the reviews conducted
under subsection (a) and the descriptions required under that
subsection.
SEC. 4. NAIC WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP MODEL DISCLOSURE FORM FOR LONG-
TERM CARE INSURANCE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall request the NAIC to establish,
not later than 60 days after the date on which the NAIC White Paper
described in section 3(c) is issued and in consultation with the
Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury, a Working Group to develop
a model disclosure form for marketing long-term care insurance
policies.
(b) Working Group Members.--The Working Group established under
subsection (a) shall be composed of the following:
(1) Representatives from State Departments of Health (or
the most appropriate State agencies with responsibility for
oversight of the provision of long-term care).
(2) Representatives of long-term care providers and
facilities.
(3) Consumer advocates.
(4) Representatives of issuers of long-term care insurance
policies.
(5) Representatives of the NAIC or State insurance
commissioners.
(6) Other experts in long-term care and long-term care
insurance policies selected by the Secretary and Secretary of
the Treasury or the NAIC.
(c) Requirements for Development of Form.--
(1) Considerations.--In developing the model form, the
Working Group shall consider the following:
(A) Variations among providers, services, and
facilities in the long-term care and long-term care
insurance markets.
(B) The results of the reviews and the descriptions
included in the NAIC White Paper issued under section
3(c).
(C) Such other information and factors as the
Working Group determines appropriate.
(2) Standardizations.--The Working Group shall ensure that
the model has--
(A) minimum standard definitions for coverage of
the various types of services and benefits provided
under long-term care insurance policies;
(B) minimum standard language for use by issuers of
such policies, and for agents selling such policies, in
explaining the services and benefits covered under the
policies and restrictions on the services and benefits;
(C) minimum standard format, color and type size
for disclosure documents; and
(D) such other minimum standards as the Working
Group determines appropriate.
(d) Deadline for Development.--The Working Group shall issue a
proposed model disclosure form for marketing long-term care insurance
policies not later than 1 year after the date on which the Working
Group is established.
(e) Adoption and Incorporation Into Model Act and Regulation.--The
Secretary shall request the NAIC to amend the Model Act and regulation
to require the use of the proposed model disclosure form issued by the
Working Group, not later than 1 year after the date on which the
Working Group issues the form.
SEC. 5. REQUIRED USE OF MODEL DISCLOSURE FORM IN MARKETING LONG-TERM
CARE INSURANCE POLICIES.
(a) Application to Tax-qualified and Medicaid Partnership
Policies.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Working
Group issues the proposed model disclosure form for marketing long-term
care insurance policies under section 4:
(1) Tax-qualified policies.--The Secretary of the Treasury
shall promulgate a regulation requiring, not later than 1 year
after the date on which the regulation is final, any issuer of
a qualified long-term care insurance contract (as defined in
section 7702B(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) to use
the proposed model disclosure form for marketing such
contracts.
(2) Medicaid partnership policies.--The Secretary shall
promulgate a regulation requiring, not later than 1 year after
the date on which the regulation is final, any issuer of a
qualified long-term care insurance contract that covers an
insured who is a resident of a State with a qualified State
long-term care insurance partnership under clause (iii) of
section 1917(b)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1396p(b)(1)(C)) or a long-term care insurance policy offered in
connection with a State plan amendment described in clause (iv)
of such section to use the proposed model disclosure form for
marketing such contracts.
(b) Application to All Other Long-term Care Insurance Policies.--
Not later than 18 months, or the earliest date on which an amendment
could be enacted for those States with legislatures which meet only
every other year, after the date on which the NAIC adopts an amended
Model Act and regulation to require the use of the proposed model
disclosure form issued by the Working Group under section 4, each State
shall require by statute or regulation any issuer of a long-term care
insurance policy to use the proposed model disclosure form when
marketing such a policy in the State. | Long-Term Care Insurance Consumer Right-to-Know Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to issue a white paper with its results from the following activities: (1) review and describe disclosure requirements for long-term care insurance policies under the long-term care insurance model regulation and model act promulgated by NAIC (as adopted as of October 2000 and December 2006), (2) review and describe disclosure requirements for long-term care insurance policies under state laws, (3) review and describe differences in long-term care services among states and develop a standardized definition of long-term care services, and (4) identify and describe key issues to consider in the development of a proposed model form for marketing long-term care insurance policies.
Directs the Secretary to request NAIC to: (1) establish a Working Group to develop and issue a model disclosure form for marketing long-term care insurance policies, and (2) amend the model regulation and model act to require the use of such form.
Requires the Secretaries of the Treasury and HHS to promulgate regulations requiring issuers of a qualified long-term care insurance contract under certain tax-qualified or Medicaid Partnership policies to use the model form for marketing such contracts.
Directs each state to require any issuer of a long-term care insurance policy to use the model form for marketing a policy. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to develop a model disclosure form to assist consumers in purchasing long-term care insurance."} | 1,713 | 306 | 0.720232 | 2.085457 | 0.81481 | 4.772727 | 5.486014 | 0.961538 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Screening Applied Fairly and
Equitably to Truckers Act of 2008'' or the ``SAFE Truckers Act of
2008''.
TITLE I--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
SEC. 101. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY.
(a) In General.--The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``TITLE XXI--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
``SEC. 2101. DESIGNATION OF SECURITY SENSITIVE MATERIAL.
``(a) Designation.--The Secretary shall designate a material, or a
group or class of material, in a particular amount and form as security
sensitive when the Secretary determines that transporting the material
by motor vehicle in commerce poses a significant risk to national
security due to the potential use of the material in an act of
terrorism.
``(b) Consultation.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary
shall consult with--
``(1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the
inclusion of chemical or biological materials or agents; and
``(2) the Secretary of Transportation, as appropriate.
``(c) Notice and Comment.--The Secretary shall make the
designations under subsection (a) by regulation after providing notice
and an opportunity for public comment.
``SEC. 2102. TRANSPORTATION OF SECURITY SENSITIVE MATERIALS.
``(a) Motor Vehicle Operators.--The Secretary shall prohibit an
individual from operating a motor vehicle in commerce while
transporting a security sensitive material unless the individual holds
a transportation security card issued by the Secretary under section
70105 of title 46, United States Code.
``(b) Shippers.--The Secretary shall prohibit a person from--
``(1) offering a security sensitive material for
transportation by motor vehicle in commerce; or
``(2) causing a security sensitive material to be
transported by motor vehicle in commerce,
unless the motor vehicle operator transporting the security sensitive
material holds a valid transportation security card.
``SEC. 2103. ENROLLMENT LOCATIONS.
``The Secretary shall--
``(1) work with appropriate entities to ensure that
fingerprinting locations for individuals applying for a
transportation security card under section 70105 of title 46,
United States Code, have flexible operating hours; and
``(2) permit an individual applying for a transportation
security card to utilize a fingerprinting location outside of
the individual's State of residence to the greatest extent
practicable.
``SEC. 2104. AUTHORITY TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to ensure compliance
with this title.
``(b) Memorandum of Understanding.--The Secretary may enter into a
memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Transportation to
ensure compliance with sections 2102 and 2107(b).
``SEC. 2105. CIVIL PENALTIES.
``(a) Penalty.--
``(1) In general.--A person that violates this title or a
regulation or order issued under this title is liable to the
United States Government for a civil penalty of at least $250
but not more than $75,000 for each violation.
``(2) Increased penalties.--If the Secretary finds that a
violation under paragraph (1) results in a transportation
security incident, the Secretary may increase the amount of the
civil penalty for such violation to not more than $100,000.
``(3) Separate violations.--A separate violation occurs for
each day the violation continues.
``(b) Hearing Requirement.--The Secretary may find that a person
has violated this title or a regulation or order issued under this
title only after notice and an opportunity for a hearing. The Secretary
shall impose a penalty under this section by giving the person written
notice of the amount of the penalty.
``(c) Penalty Considerations.--In determining the amount of a civil
penalty under this section, the Secretary shall consider--
``(1) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the
violation;
``(2) with respect to the violator, the degree of
culpability, any history of prior violations, the ability to
pay, and any effect on the ability to continue to do business;
and
``(3) other matters that justice requires.
``(d) Civil Actions To Collect.--The Attorney General may bring a
civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States to
collect a civil penalty under this section and any accrued interest on
the civil penalty as calculated in accordance with section 1005 of the
Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2705). In the civil action, the
amount and appropriateness of the civil penalty shall not be subject to
review.
``(e) Compromise.--The Secretary may compromise the amount of a
civil penalty imposed under this section before referral to the
Attorney General.
``(f) Setoff.--The Government may deduct the amount of a civil
penalty imposed or compromised under this section from amounts it owes
the person liable for the penalty.
``(g) Depositing Amounts Collected.--Amounts collected under this
section shall be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
``SEC. 2106. CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
``A person that willfully violates this title or a regulation or
order issued under this title shall be fined under title 18, United
States Code, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both; except that
the maximum amount of imprisonment shall be 10 years in any case in
which the violation results in a transportation security incident.
``SEC. 2107. ENFORCEMENT.
``(a) In General.--At the request of the Secretary, the Attorney
General may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of
the United States to enforce this title or a regulation or order issued
under this title. The court may award appropriate relief, including a
temporary or permanent injunction, punitive damages, and assessment of
civil penalties considering the same penalty amounts and factors as
prescribed for the Secretary in an administrative case under section
2105.
``(b) Imminent Security Hazards.--
``(1) In general.--If the Secretary has reason to believe
that an imminent security hazard exists, the Secretary may
bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the
United States--
``(A) to suspend or restrict the transportation of
the security sensitive material responsible for the
hazard; or
``(B) to eliminate or mitigate the hazard.
``(2) Actions by the attorney general.--On request of the
Secretary, the Attorney General shall bring an action under
paragraph (1).
``SEC. 2108. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATORS REGISTERED TO OPERATE
IN MEXICO OR CANADA.
``A commercial motor vehicle operator registered to operate in
Mexico or Canada shall not operate a commercial motor vehicle
transporting a security sensitive material in commerce in the United
States until the operator has undergone a background records check
similar to the background records check required for commercial motor
vehicle operators licensed in the United States to transport security
sensitive materials in commerce.
``SEC. 2109. TRANSITION.
``(a) Treatment of Individuals Receiving Prior Hazardous Materials
Endorsements.--An individual who has obtained a hazardous materials
endorsement in accordance with section 1572 of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations, before the date of enactment of this title, shall
be treated as having met the background check requirements of the
transportation security card under section 70105 of title 46, United
States Code, subject to reissuance or expiration dates as determined by
the Secretary.
``(b) Reduction in Fees.--The Secretary shall reduce, to the great
extent practicable, any fees associated with obtaining a transportation
security card under section 70105 of title 46, United Sates Code, for
any individual referred to in subsection (a).
``SEC. 2110. SAVINGS CLAUSE.
``Nothing in the title shall be construed as affecting the
authority of the Secretary of Transportation to regulate hazardous
materials under chapter 51 of title 49, United States Code.
``SEC. 2111. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title, the following definitions apply:
``(1) Commerce.--The term `commerce' means trade or
transportation in the jurisdiction of the United States--
``(A) between a place in a State and a place
outside of the State; or
``(B) that affects trade or transportation between
a place in a State and a place outside of the State.
``(2) Hazardous material.--The term `hazardous material'
means a substance or material the Secretary of Transportation
designates under section 5103(a) of title 49, United States
Code.
``(3) Imminent security hazard.--The term `imminent
security hazard' means the existence of a condition relating to
security sensitive materials that--
``(A) presents a substantial likelihood of a
transportation security incident; and
``(B) may occur before the reasonably foreseeable
completion date of a formal proceeding begun to lessen
the risk of that incident.
``(4) Person.--The term `person', in addition to its
meaning under section 1 of title 1, United States Code--
``(A) includes a government, Indian tribe, or
authority of a government or tribe offering security
sensitive material for transportation in commerce or
transporting security sensitive material to further a
commercial enterprise; but
``(B) does not include--
``(i) the United States Postal Service; and
``(ii) in sections 2105 and 2106, a
department, agency, or instrumentality of the
Government.
``(5) Security sensitive material.--The term `security
sensitive material' means a substance or material in quantity
and form the Secretary designates under section 2101.
``(6) Transports; transportation.--The term `transports' or
`transportation' means the movement of property and loading,
unloading, or storage incidental to the movement.
``(7) Transportation security incident.--The term
`transportation security incident' has the meaning given that
term by section 70101 of title 46, United States Code.''.
SEC. 102. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.
The table of contents contained in section 1(b) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (116 Stat. 2135) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``TITLE XXI--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
``Sec. 2101. Designation of security sensitive material.
``Sec. 2102. Transportation of security sensitive materials.
``Sec. 2103. Enrollment locations.
``Sec. 2104. Authority to ensure compliance.
``Sec. 2105. Civil penalties.
``Sec. 2106. Criminal penalties.
``Sec. 2107. Enforcement.
``Sec. 2108. Commercial motor vehicle operators registered to operate
in Mexico or Canada.
``Sec. 2109. Transition.
``Sec. 2110. Savings clause.
``Sec. 2111. Definitions.''.
SEC. 103. LIMITATION ON ISSUANCE OF HAZMAT LICENSES.
Section 5103a of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Limitation.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
periodically conduct a name-based background check of all individuals
who possess a license to operate a motor vehicle transporting in
commerce a hazardous material for which the Secretary of Transportation
requires placarding. Such a name-based check shall be conducted against
the integrated and consolidated terrorism watch list maintained by the
Federal Government and relevant databases.'';
(2) by striking subsections (b) and (d) and redesignating
subsections (c), (e), (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (b),
(c), (d), (e), and (f), respectively;
(3) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (3) of
this section)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and redesignating
paragraphs (2) through (5) as paragraphs (1) through
(4), respectively;
(B) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph) by striking
``Director'' and inserting ``Assistant Secretary of
Homeland Security (Transportation Security
Administration)'';
(C) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph) by striking
``Director'' and inserting ``Assistant Secretary''; and
(D) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph)--
(i) in subparagraph (A) --
(I) by striking ``Director'' and
inserting ``Assistant Secretary'';
(II) by striking ``paragraph (4)''
and inserting ``paragraph (3)''; and
(III) by striking ``Director's''
and inserting ``Assistant
Secretary's''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii) by striking
``Director'' and inserting ``Assistant
Secretary''; and
(4) in subsection (f)(2) (as redesignated by paragraph (3)
of this section) by striking ``Director of the Transportation
Security Administration'' and inserting ``Assistant Secretary
of Homeland Security (Transportation Security
Administration)''.
SEC. 104. DEADLINES AND EFFECTIVE DATES.
(a) Designation of Security Sensitive Materials.--Not later than 6
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Homeland Security shall promulgate regulations establishing the list of
security sensitive materials under section 2101 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (as added by this Act).
(b) Issuance of Transportation Security Cards.--Not later than 18
months after enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall begin issuance
of transportation security cards under section 70105 of title 46,
United States Code, to individuals who seek to operate a motor vehicle
in commerce while transporting security sensitive materials.
(c) Effective Date of Prohibitions.--The prohibitions contained in
sections 2102 and 2108 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (as added
by this Act) shall take effect on the date that is 3 years after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Effective Date of Section 103 Amendments.--The amendments made
by section 103 of this Act shall take effect on the date that is 3
years after the date of enactment of this Act.
TITLE II--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 201. TASK FORCE ON HIGHWAY SECURITY.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
establish a task force to assess security risks to motor vehicles
transporting security sensitive material, including the vulnerabilities
of such motor vehicles to hijacking, en route sabotage, theft, and
insider threats.
(b) Membership.--The task force shall be composed of
representatives of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department
of Transportation, appropriate industries, including employee
organizations, and other appropriate entities.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the task force shall transmit to the Secretary and Congress a
report containing the results of the assessment, including proposed
solutions for any vulnerabilities identified.
SEC. 202. TASK FORCE ON DISQUALIFYING CRIMES.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
establish a task force to review the lists of crimes that disqualify
individuals from certain transportation-related employment under
current regulations of the Transportation Security Administration and
assess whether such lists of crimes are accurate indicators of a
terrorism security risk.
(b) Membership.--The task force shall be composed of
representatives of appropriate industries, including representatives of
employee organizations, Federal agencies, and other appropriate
entities.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the task force shall transmit to the Secretary and Congress a
report containing the results of the review, including recommendations
for a common list of disqualifying crimes and the rationale for the
inclusion of each crime on the list. | Screening Applied Fairly and Equitably to Truckers Act of 2008, or the SAFE Truckers Act of 2008 - Amends the Homeland Security Act 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) designate security sensitive material; and (2) prohibit an individual from operating a motor vehicle in commerce while transporting such material, unless the operator of the motor vehicle holds a transportation security card issued by the Secretary.
Directs the Secretary to prohibit a person (shipper) from offering a security sensitive material for transportation by motor vehicle, or causing the transportation of such material by motor vehicle, unless the operator of the motor vehicle holds a transportation security card.
Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for persons who violate the requirements of this Act.
Prohibits a motor vehicle registered in Mexico or Canada from transporting security sensitive material in U.S. commerce until the operator of the motor vehicle has undergone a background records check similar to that required for U.S. commercial motor vehicle operators licensed to transport security sensitive materials in U.S. commerce.
Requires the Secretary to conduct periodically a named-based background check against the U.S. integrated terrorism watch list of all individuals licensed to operate a motor vehicle to transport a hazardous material in commerce.
Establishes task forces on: (1) highway security; and (2) crimes disqualifying individuals from certain transportation-related employment. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require motor vehicle operators transporting security sensitive material in commerce to obtain a transportation security card from the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for other purposes."} | 3,755 | 299 | 0.68613 | 2.00226 | 0.896638 | 3.093385 | 12.789883 | 0.937743 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Academic Success Centers and
Education Networks for Dreamers (ASCEND) Act''.
SEC. 2. PROGRAMS FOR DREAMER STUDENT SUCCESS IN COMPLETING
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.
(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to encourage programs
that support Dreamer student success in completing postsecondary
education by coordinating educational and community services to address
the academic, financial, and social needs of Dreamer students.
(b) Grants Authorized.--
(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations under subsection (h), the Secretary of Education
shall award grants to not-for-profit institutions of higher
education to develop programs to support Dreamer student
success in completing postsecondary education.
(2) Grant period.--A grant awarded under this section shall
be awarded for a period of 4 years.
(c) Use of Grants.--
(1) Required activities.--An institution of higher
education receiving a grant under this section shall use such
grant to carry out a program that includes--
(A) developing a team of professionals who provide
services to Dreamer students and provide training to
faculty on how to support Dreamer students;
(B) providing a coordinator whose primary
responsibility is to coordinate the program carried out
under this section; and
(C) establishing a plan to sustain the program
after the grant period.
(2) Other authorized activities.--An institution of higher
education receiving a grant under this section may use such
grant to carry out any of the following authorized activities
with respect to Dreamer students and students described in
section 212(a)(6) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1182(a)(6)) or subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section
237(a)(1) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(1)):
(A) Outreach to such students.
(B) Supportive instructional services for such
students, which may include--
(i) personal, academic, and career
counseling, as an ongoing part of the program;
(ii) tutoring and academic skill-building
instruction assistance, as needed; and
(iii) assistance with special admissions
and transfer of credit from previous
postsecondary education or experience.
(C) Assistance in obtaining student financial aid.
(D) Assistance with applications for in-state
tuition, where applicable.
(E) Establishing a scholarship program modeled
after Federal work-study programs.
(F) Other support services and planning activities
the institution determines to be necessary to ensure
the success of such students in achieving educational
goals.
(d) Application; Selection.--
(1) Application.--To be considered for a grant under this
section, an institution of higher education shall submit to the
Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require.
(2) Selection considerations.--
(A) In general.--In awarding grants under this
section, the Secretary shall consider--
(i) the need for a new program for Dreamer
students; or
(ii) the need for additional services
provided by an existing program for Dreamer
students.
(B) Grant criteria depending on established source
of funding.--The Secretary shall set criteria for
grants awarded based on the differing objectives of
programs for Dreamer students with, or without, an
established source of funding. With respect to an
institution of higher education having a program with
an established source of funding at the time the
application under paragraph (1) is submitted, the
institution shall provide in the application an
assurance that it will use Federal funds received under
this section only to supplement the funds that would,
in the absence of such Federal funds, be made available
from State, local, and private sources for the program,
and not to supplant such funds.
(e) Evaluation and Accountability Plan.--The Secretary shall
develop an evaluation and accountability plan for programs funded under
this section to measure objectively the following:
(1) The ability of the program to establish or expand
services provided to Dreamer students.
(2) Graduation rates of Dreamer students.
(f) Online Publication of Progress Results.--The Secretary of
Education shall publish progress results online.
(g) Dreamer Students.--In this section, the term ``Dreamer
student'' means an individual who is a beneficiary of, or eligible for,
the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program pursuant to the
memorandum by the Secretary of Homeland Security dated June 15, 2012,
or November 20, 2014.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for fiscal year 2017 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years. | Academic Success Centers and Education Networks for Dreamers (ASCEND) Act This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to not-for-profit institutions of higher education to develop programs that support Dreamer students in successfully completing postsecondary education. A "Dreamer student" is an individual who is a beneficiary of, or eligible for, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Academic Success Centers and Education Networks for Dreamers (ASCEND) Act"} | 1,052 | 93 | 0.546194 | 1.400068 | 0.68307 | 6.338028 | 13.478873 | 0.901408 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Dine College Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) The Treaty of 1868 between the United States of America
and the Navajo Tribe of Indians provides for the education of
the citizens of the Navajo Nation.
(2) The Navajo Nation created and chartered the Navajo
Community College by Resolution CN-95-68 as a wholly owned
educational entity of the Navajo Nation.
(3) In 1971, Congress enacted the Navajo Community College
Act (Public Law 92-189; 25 U.S.C. 640a et seq.).
(4) The Navajo Nation officially changed the name of the
Navajo Community College to Dine College by Resolution CAP-35-
97.
(5) The purpose of Dine College is to provide educational
opportunities to the Navajo people and others in areas
important to the economic and social development of the Navajo
Nation.
(6) The educational philosophy of Dine College is to apply
principles of Sa'ah Naaghai Bik'eh Hozhoon (Dine Philosophy) to
advance quality student learning through training of the mind
and heart.
(7) The United States has a trust and treaty responsibility
to the Navajo Nation to provide for the educational
opportunities for Navajo people.
(8) Significant portions of the Dine College's
infrastructure are dilapidated and pose a serious health and
safety risk to students, employees, and the public.
(9) This Act is consistent with Executive Order 13592 (76
Fed. Reg. 76603, relating to improving American Indian and
Alaska Native educational opportunities and strengthening
tribal colleges and universities) and fulfills the United
States Government's trust responsibility to serve the
educational needs of the Navajo people.
SEC. 3. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure that the Navajo Nation and
Navajo people--
(1) exercise their right to self-determination,
particularly in matters relating to their internal and local
affairs;
(2) maintain and strengthen their distinct institutions of
higher education through the teaching of the Navajo language,
culture, traditions, and history; and
(3) improve their economic and social conditions through
higher education and postsecondary vocational training.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Indian Affairs and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Natural Resources, the
Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
(2) College.--The term ``College'' means Dine College.
(3) Operation and maintenance.--The term ``operation and
maintenance'' means all cost and expenses associated with the
customary daily operation of the Dine College and necessary
maintenance costs.
(4) Infrastructure.--The term ``infrastructure'' means Dine
College buildings, water and sewer facilities, roads,
foundation, information technology, and telecommunications,
including classrooms and external matters such as walkways.
(5) Renovations and repairs.--The term ``renovations and
repairs'' means modernization and improvements to the
infrastructure.
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF DINE COLLEGE.
Congress authorizes the Dine College to receive all Federal funding
and resources under this Act and other laws for its operation,
improvement, and growth, including--
(1) to provide programs of higher education for citizens of
the Navajo Nation and others;
(2) to provide vocational and technical education for
citizens of the Navajo Nation and others;
(3) to preserve and protect the Navajo language,
philosophy, and culture for citizens of the Navajo Nation and
others;
(4) to provide Navajo communities and people with
employment and training opportunities;
(5) to provide economic development and community outreach
for Navajo communities and people; and
(6) to provide a safe learning, working, and living
environment for students, employees, and the public.
SEC. 6. FACILITIES AND CAPITAL PROJECTS.
From amounts made available under section 8(c), the Dine College
may undertake any renovations and repairs to the infrastructure of the
College identified in the survey, study, and report carried out under
section 9.
SEC. 7. STATUS OF FUNDS.
Funds provided under this Act to the Dine College may be treated as
non-Federal, private funds of the College for purposes of any provision
of Federal law which requires that non-Federal or private funds of the
College be used in a project for a specific purpose.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are hereby authorized to be appropriated to
the Dine College, for each fiscal year, such sums as may be necessary
to pay for the operation and maintenance of the College.
(b) Budget Placement.--The Secretary shall fund the operation and
maintenance of the Dine College separately from tribal colleges and
universities recognized and funded by the Tribally Controlled College
or University Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).
(c) Facilities and Capital Projects.--In addition to amounts
appropriated under subsection (a), there are authorized to be
appropriated $7,500,000, for each fiscal year, to carry out section 6.
SEC. 9. SURVEY, STUDY, AND REPORT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a detailed survey and
study of all capital projects and facility needs of the Dine College,
and shall report the results of such survey and study to the
appropriate committees of Congress not later than October 31, 2016.
Such report shall include recommendations by the Secretary and any
recommendations or views submitted by the College and the Navajo Nation
regarding the capital projects and facility needs of the College.
(b) Inventory.--Not later than January 31, 2016, an inventory
prepared by Dine College identifying repairs, alterations, and
renovations to facilities required to meet health and safety standards
and other factors shall be submitted to the Secretary. The Secretary
shall use the inventory as baseline data to inform the survey, study,
and report required under subsection (a).
(c) Administrative Expenses.--Funds to carry out this section may
be drawn from general administrative appropriations to the Secretary.
SEC. 10. SUPERSESSION OF NAVAJO COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACT.
This Act supersedes--
(1) the Navajo Community College Act (Public Law 92-189; 25
U.S.C., 640a et seq.);
(2) the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978
(Public Law 95-471, 92 Stat. 1325, 1329); and
(3) the Navajo Nation Higher Education Act of 2010 (Public
Law 110-315, 122 Stat. 3468).
SEC. 11. CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY FOR OTHER FEDERAL FUNDS.
Except as explicitly provided for in other Federal law, nothing in
this Act shall preclude the eligibility of the Dine College to received
Federal funding and resources under any program authorized under the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), the Equity in
Educational Land Grant Status Act (Title V, Part C, of Public Law 103-
382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note), or any other applicable program for the
benefit of institutions of higher education, community colleges, or
postsecondary educational institutions. | Dine College Act of 2015 Authorizes Dine College to receive federal funding and resources for its operation, improvement, and growth, including to: provide higher education programs and vocational and technical education for citizens of the Navajo Nation and others; preserve and protect the Navajo language, philosophy, and culture for citizens of the Navajo Nation and others; provide Navajo communities and people with employment and training opportunities; provide economic development and community outreach for Navajo communities and people; and provide a safe learning, working, and living environment for students, employees, and the public. Authorizes appropriations to Dine College to pay for its operation and maintenance. Allows such funds to be treated as non-federal, private funds for purposes of any provision of federal law that requires that non-federal or private funds of the College be used in a project for a specific purpose. Directs the Department of the Interior to fund the operation and maintenance of the College separately from tribal colleges and universities recognized and funded by the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978. Directs: (1) an inventory prepared by the College identifying repairs, alterations, and renovations to facilities required to meet health and safety standards and other factors to be submitted to Interior by January 31, 2016; (2) Interior to conduct a detailed survey of all capital projects and facility needs of the College and to report to specified congressional committees by October 31, 2016; and (3) Interior to use the College's inventory as baseline data to inform the survey. Authorizes the College to use funds provided under this Act to undertake any renovations and repairs to the infrastructure of the College identified in the survey. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Dine College Act of 2015"} | 1,728 | 355 | 0.669967 | 2.401501 | 0.873203 | 5.590062 | 4.686335 | 0.968944 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) After significant work educating the people of the
United States about the February 17, 2009, digital television
transition, efforts to delay the transition will confuse
people, leaving them less, rather than more, prepared. Delay
will--
(A) not move a single consumer off of the waiting
list for analog-to-digital converter box coupons;
(B) require an additional appropriation of $650
million in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
of 2009;
(C) jeopardize the availability of the spectrum
that the transition clears for police, firefighters,
and emergency personnel (spectrum that public safety
officials stated 5 years to the day before September
11, 2001, they needed), and jeopardize that spectrum
despite the support in the 2004 report of the 9/11
Commission for legislation setting an even earlier firm
date; and
(D) jeopardize the availability of the spectrum
that the transition clears for advanced wireless
services, perhaps our Nation's best and quickest way to
improve broadband deployment, stimulating the economy
and creating job growth.
(2) The program sending households up to 2 coupons, each
worth $40, to use for the purchase of analog-to-digital
converter boxes is not out of funds. Only approximately half of
the $1.5 billion in the coupon program has been spent on
redeemed coupons; the other half remains in circulation, which
is why there is a waiting list. Under current law, the coupons
expire 90 days after issuance if not redeemed. Approximately
300,000 coupons expire every week, and the recouped funding is
used to send more coupons.
(3) In a January 14, 2009, letter, the Commerce Department
said that the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration could immediately resume sending coupons even
before existing ones expire if Congress authorized another $250
million for the program. The Treasury of the United States
might even recoup those funds because of unredeemed coupons
that expire at the end of the program.
(4) Industry has spent more than $1 billion successfully
educating consumers about the transition and the February 17,
2009, transition date. According to Nielsen, as of the end of
November 2008, approximately 93 percent of television
households already had one or more televisions ready for the
transition because the televisions had a digital tuner, were
connected to cable or satellite service, or were connected to a
converter box. Approximately 83 percent of television
households had all their televisions ready.
(5) Only households that rely exclusively on over-the-air
antennas to receive television service and that do not have a
digital television or a converter box are at risk of losing all
television service. According to Nielsen, there are
approximately 14.3 million exclusively over-the-air households.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration
reports that it has already sent coupons to approximately 13.5
million households that identify themselves as relying
exclusively on over-the-air antennas. Thus, only 800,000
exclusively over-the-air households have not yet received a
coupon. Approximately 600,000 of those households are on the
waiting list to receive a coupon. Authorizing an additional
$250 million for the coupon program should help those
households receive coupons before the transition date.
(6) Based on these figures, only 200,000 households could
lose all service if such households do not take action. Such
households represent less than 2 percent of exclusively over-
the-air households, and less than two-tenths of one percent of
all television households. Such a small number of households
with the potential to lose service is not reason enough to
delay the transition. Government and industry can help
households get coupons and converter boxes if such households
want them, but a small group will always be unprepared no
matter what the government and industry do. In addition,
households can always get a converter box without a coupon,
either before or after the transition. The converter boxes only
cost $40 to $80. Such households have additional options, as
well, by which they can receive television service.
SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL COUPONS.
(a) Amendment.--Section 3005 of the Digital Television Transition
and Public Safety Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171; 120 Stat. 23) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ``$1,500,000,000'' and
inserting ``$1,750,000,000''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``by
substituting `$160,000,000''' and inserting ``by
substituting `$170,000,000'''; and
(B) by striking ``by substituting
`$1,500,000,000''' each place it appears in
subparagraphs (A)(ii) and (B) and inserting ``by
substituting `$1,750,000,000'''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 309(j)(8)(E)(iii) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)(iii)) is amended by
striking ``$7,363,000,000'' and inserting ``$7,113,000,000''.
SEC. 3. EXPEDITING DELIVERY.
Not later than 7 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the
Department of Commerce shall expedite the distribution of coupons
issued under section 3005 of the Digital Television Transition and
Public Safety Act of 2005 by directing that such coupons shall be
delivered via pre-sorted first class mail service until February 17,
2009. The Assistant Secretary shall continue to direct that such
coupons be delivered by such service subsequent to such date if the
Assistant Secretary determines that doing so will significantly improve
coupon redemption rates without jeopardizing the availability of
administrative funds.
SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF AUCTION AUTHORITY.
Section 309(j)(11) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
309(j)(11)) is amended by striking ``2011'' and inserting ``2012''. | Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to increase funding for the program to provide coupons for digital-to-analog converter boxes.
Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to: (1) expedite the distribution of such coupons by delivering them via presorted first class mail service until February 17, 2009; and (2) continue such delivery after that date if the Assistant Secretary determines that doing so will significantly improve coupon redemption rates without jeopardizing the availability of administrative funds.
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend through September 30, 2012 (currently until September 30, 2011), the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license or permit under provisions relating to competitive bidding. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide additional coupons for the digital-to-analog converter box program and to expedite delivery of coupons under such program."} | 1,329 | 157 | 0.475164 | 1.459836 | 0.66283 | 3.131944 | 8.409722 | 0.854167 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Safe and Affordable Drugs from
Canada Act of 2014''.
SEC. 2. SAFE AND AFFORDABLE DRUGS FROM CANADA.
Chapter VIII of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
381 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 810. IMPORTATION BY INDIVIDUALS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM
CANADA.
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act,
not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section,
the Secretary shall promulgate regulations permitting individuals to
safely import into the United States a prescription drug described in
subsection (b).
``(b) Prescription Drug.--A prescription drug described in this
subsection--
``(1) is a prescription drug that--
``(A) is purchased from an approved Canadian
pharmacy;
``(B) is dispensed by a pharmacist licensed to
practice pharmacy and dispense prescription drugs in
Canada;
``(C) is purchased for personal use by the
individual, not for resale, in quantities that do not
exceed a 90-day supply;
``(D) is filled using a valid prescription issued
by a physician licensed to practice in a State in the
United States; and
``(E) has the same active ingredient or
ingredients, route of administration, dosage form, and
strength as a prescription drug approved by the
Secretary under chapter V; and
``(2) does not include--
``(A) a controlled substance (as defined in section
102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802));
``(B) a biological product (as defined in section
351 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262));
``(C) an infused drug (including a peritoneal
dialysis solution);
``(D) an intravenously injected drug;
``(E) a drug that is inhaled during surgery;
``(F) a parenteral drug;
``(G) a drug manufactured through 1 or more
biotechnology processes, including--
``(i) a therapeutic DNA plasmid product;
``(ii) a therapeutic synthetic peptide
product of not more than 40 amino acids;
``(iii) a monoclonal antibody product for
in vivo use; and
``(iv) a therapeutic recombinant DNA-
derived product;
``(H) a drug required to be refrigerated at any
time during manufacturing, packing, processing, or
holding; or
``(I) a photoreactive drug.
``(c) Approved Canadian Pharmacy.--
``(1) In general.--In this section, an approved Canadian
pharmacy is a pharmacy that--
``(A) is located in Canada; and
``(B) that the Secretary certifies--
``(i) is licensed to operate and dispense
prescription drugs to individuals in Canada;
and
``(ii) meets the criteria under paragraph
(3).
``(2) Publication of approved canadian pharmacies.--The
Secretary shall publish on the Internet Web site of the Food
and Drug Administration a list of approved Canadian pharmacies,
including the Internet Web site address of each such approved
Canadian pharmacy, from which individuals may purchase
prescription drugs in accordance with subsection (a).
``(3) Additional criteria.--To be an approved Canadian
pharmacy, the Secretary shall certify that the pharmacy--
``(A) has been in existence for a period of at
least 5 years preceding the date of such certification
and has a purpose other than to participate in the
program established under this section;
``(B) operates in accordance with pharmacy
standards set forth by the provincial pharmacy rules
and regulations enacted in Canada;
``(C) has processes established by the pharmacy, or
participates in another established process, to certify
that the physical premises and data reporting
procedures and licenses are in compliance with all
applicable laws and regulations, and has implemented
policies designed to monitor ongoing compliance with
such laws and regulations;
``(D) conducts or commits to participate in ongoing
and comprehensive quality assurance programs and
implements such quality assurance measures, including
blind testing, to ensure the veracity and reliability
of the findings of the quality assurance program;
``(E) agrees that laboratories approved by the
Secretary shall be used to conduct product testing to
determine the safety and efficacy of sample
pharmaceutical products;
``(F) has established, or will establish or
participate in, a process for resolving grievances and
will be held accountable for violations of established
guidelines and rules;
``(G) does not resell products from online
pharmacies located outside Canada to customers in the
United States; and
``(H) meets any other criteria established by the
Secretary.''. | Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promulgate regulations permitting individuals to safely import into the United States, with exceptions, a prescription drug purchased from an approved Canadian pharmacy that: is dispensed by a pharmacist licensed in Canada; is purchased for personal use in quantities not greater than a 90-day supply; is filled using a valid prescription issued by a physician licensed to practice in the United States; and has the same active ingredient or ingredients, route of administration, dosage form, and strength as a prescription drug approved under the FFDCA. Provides criteria for approval of a Canadian pharmacy. Requires HHS to publish a list of approved Canadian pharmacies, including their website address, from which individuals may purchase prescription drugs in accordance with this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2014"} | 1,119 | 201 | 0.605826 | 1.605438 | 0.935229 | 4.526012 | 5.913295 | 0.895954 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy
Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The muscular dystrophies are devastating diseases that
have a significant impact on quality of life, not only for the
individual who experiences its painful symptoms and resulting
disability, but also for family members and caregivers.
(2) Duchenne muscular dystrophy (referred to in this
section as ``DMD'') is the most common lethal genetic disorder
of childhood worldwide, affecting approximately 1 in every
3,500 boys born each year around the globe. It is characterized
by a rapidly progressive muscle weakness that almost always
results in death from respiratory or cardiac failure, typically
in the late teens or twenties.
(3) Myotonic muscular dystrophy is the second most
prominent form of muscular dystrophy and the type most commonly
found in adults, affecting an estimated 1 in 8,000 people.
However, it can affect people of any age, from birth to old
age. Described as the most variable disease known in medicine,
it is multisystemic and can cause not only muscle atrophy and
myotonia, but also serious cardiac, respiratory, endocrine,
gastrointestinal, skeletal and central nervous system
complications, as well as problems with the eyes, teeth, and
hair. As it passes from one generation to the next, it
generally worsens with earlier onset. Congenital myotonic
muscular dystrophy is the most severe form of myotonic muscular
dystrophy affecting infants and causing severe cognitive
delays. It often causes sudden death; however, others can live
for many years with this slowly degenerative disorder.
(4) Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (referred to in
this section as ``FSHD'') is the second most prevalent adult
muscular dystrophy and the third most prevalent muscular
dystrophy of men, women and children. It is inherited
genetically and has an estimated incidence of 1 in 20,000
persons. Many leading FSHD scientists note that the prevalence
may be 3 times higher due to undiagnosed and misdiagnosed
cases. FSHD, affecting between 15,000 to 40,000 persons, causes
a lifelong progressive and severe loss of all skeletal muscles
gradually bringing weakness and reduced mobility. It is
genetically transmitted to children, can occur spontaneously,
and may affect entire families. Persons with FSHD may also
experience hearing loss, vision problems, and respiratory
insufficiency; some may become severely physically disabled and
spend decades in a wheelchair and on a ventilator. FSHD is
caused by a novel epigenetic phenomenon not found in other
forms of muscular dystrophy and is caused by a contraction of
repetitive DNA previously thought to be ``junk DNA''. The
unique epigenetic structure of FSHD is unprecedented in other
muscular dystrophies and genetic disorders and demands novel
approaches and new research groups. Understanding this
mechanism will have great benefit to other areas of biomedical
research including cancer and other disease of epigenetic
origin.
(5) Congenital muscular dystrophies represent a group of
distinct diseases, which begin at birth, with varying severity
and involvement of both muscle strength and brain. These
diseases often lead to premature infant death, or severely
disabled young children who require 24-hour care given their
developmental delay compounded by muscle weakness. Other
children live to young adulthood and typically require the use
of a wheelchair for mobility.
(6) Forms of muscular dystrophy affecting children and
adults include Becker, congenital, distal, Duchenne, Emery-
Dreifuss, facioscapulohumeral, limb-girdle, myotonic, and
oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophies. The limb-girdle muscular
dystrophies are of 15 known different types.
(7) Each of the muscular dystrophies, though distinct in
progressivity and severity of symptoms, has a devastating
impact on hundreds of thousands of children and adults
throughout the United States and worldwide, as well as imposes
severe physical and economic burdens on those affected. In many
of the muscular dystrophies, there are associated medical
problems arising from pulmonary issues, respiratory
insufficiency, cardiomyopathy, which in many cases is the cause
of death for persons with muscular dystrophy.
(8) In the 5 years since enactment of the Muscular
Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research and Education
Amendments of 2001 (the MD-CARE Act (Public Law 107-84)), and
due directly to the momentum established by such Act, progress
has been made in the battle against the muscular dystrophies.
(9) Investments made by the Federal Government as a result
of the MD-CARE Act include the creation of the MD Coordinating
Committee (MDCC), the development of the MDCC Action Plan,
expansion of the National Institutes of Health (referred to in
this section as the ``NIH'') research portfolios, establishment
of 6 Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research
Centers, funding of a $15,400,000 National Institutes of Health
U54 grant and others focused on DMD, development of the
Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network
(MD STARnet), and the launch of a comprehensive education and
outreach initiative.
(10) In the past few years, the NIH program in
translational research in muscular dystrophy has grown
significantly and funded a number of large-scale projects to
further the development of therapies for muscular dystrophy. As
part of this program, the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute of
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) of the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a $15,400,000, 5-
year cooperative agreement to develop new small molecule drugs
for the treatment of DMD and potentially other forms of
muscular dystrophy as well. The project is a unique research
collaboration between private, public, and nonprofit partners
to build upon previous research and discovery work originally
initiated by non-profit partners to identify new treatments for
muscular dystrophy. Also through the translational program, 3
other major cooperative agreements have been awarded for highly
targeted therapy development projects in the muscular
dystrophies.
(11) Due to the initiatives made possible through the MD-
CARE Act, national nonprofit organizations have joined in model
strategic collaborations with academic research institutions,
public funders of muscular dystrophy research, and industry to
expand investments in muscular dystrophy research activities
and to create new platforms for translational research. These
have led to the development of the first potential therapies
for DMD, myotonic, facioscapulohumeral, limb-girdle, and other
conditions that are proceeding through clinical trials.
(12) Advancements in care have helped prolong life and
quality of life for patients with muscular dystrophy.
(13) Notwithstanding these promising developments, the
majority of the directions envisioned by the Action Plan for
the Muscular Dystrophies, developed pursuant to the MD-CARE
Act, have not been realized. Where recent momentum has been
achieved, its sustainability is fragile and directly dependent
upon continued Federal support for the early phase planning and
programs created through the MD-CARE Act.
(14) There remains a shortage of qualified researchers in
the field of muscular dystrophy research. Many family
physicians and health care professionals still lack the
knowledge and resources to detect and properly diagnose
muscular dystrophy as early as possible, thus delaying
management of symptoms in cases that go undetected or
misdiagnosed.
(15) As new understandings of the genetic basis for disease
and potential treatment has emerged, the public and health care
communities are in urgent need of education and outreach to
ensure competent, informed engagement in genetic testing and
counseling and appropriate patient characterization so that
patients are able to participate in new avenues of research and
clinical trials.
(16) As basic research into the muscular dystrophies points
the way to new therapeutic targets, there is an urgent need to
support the clinical research infrastructure necessary to bring
these therapeutic leads to human trials; these infrastructure
needs include validated endpoints, current natural history
studies, biomarkers, clinical research networks, patient
registries, and databases.
(17) In order to improve lives and develop effective
treatments for individuals with muscular dystrophy, there must
be improved communications and partnerships between patients,
patient advocacy, researchers, and clinical care providers. To
that end, renewed effort to work together by all parties is a
critical element for successful outcomes in the years to come.
(18) Continued focus and investment are required to build
on the current momentum, respond to public need, and ensure
that federally funded research and other innovation is
translated to therapeutic targets as quickly as possible.
SEC. 3. EXPANSION, INTENSIFICATION, AND COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES OF
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH WITH RESPECT TO RESEARCH ON
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY.
Section 404E of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 283g) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ``the National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute,'' after ``Child Health and
Human Development,'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by adding at the end the
following: ``Such centers of excellence shall be known as the
`Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research
Centers'.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Clinical Research.--The Coordinating Committee shall give
special consideration to the urgent need to enhance the clinical
research infrastructure required to test emerging therapies for the
various forms of muscular dystrophy by prioritizing the achievement of
those goals in the plan related to this topic.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.''.
SEC. 4. DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF ACTIVITIES OF CENTERS FOR DISEASE
CONTROL AND PREVENTION WITH RESPECT TO EPIDEMIOLOGICAL
RESEARCH ON MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY.
Section 317Q of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-18)
is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (f); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Data.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall
ensure that any data on patients that is collected as part of the
Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network
(referred to in this section as the `MD STARnet') under a grant under
this section is regularly updated to reflect changes in patient
condition over time, particularly with respect to any improvements
realized through patient adherence to care considerations or
utilization of a treatment or therapy.
``(e) Reports and Tracking.--
``(1) Annual report.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of the Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy
Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments Act of
2008, and annually thereafter, the Director of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report--
``(A) concerning the activities carried out by MD
STARnet sites funded under this section during the year
for which the report is prepared;
``(B) containing the data collected and findings
derived from the MD STARnet sites each fiscal year (as
funded under a grant under this section during the
periods of fiscal years 2008 through 2012); and
``(C) that every 2 years outlines prospective data
collection objectives and strategies.
``(2) Tracking health outcomes.--The Director of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall make publicly
available prospective health outcome data on the health and
survival of people with muscular dystrophy.''.
SEC. 5. INFORMATION AND EDUCATION.
Section 5 of the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research
and Education Amendments of 2001 (42 U.S.C. 247b-19) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b), the following:
``(c) Requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.--In carrying out this section, the Director of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention shall--
``(1) partner with leaders in the muscular dystrophy
patient community; and
``(2) widely disseminate the Duchenne-Becker Muscular
Dystrophy care considerations described in section 904 as
broadly as possible, including through partnership
opportunities with the muscular dystrophy patient community.''.
SEC. 6. STANDARDS OF CARE.
Part A of title IX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 299
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 904. STANDARDS OF CARE RELATING TO MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY.
``The Director shall--
``(1) evaluate the available scientific evidence for the
appropriate medical or patient organizations for purposes of
the development and issuance of an initial set of care
considerations for Duchenne-Becker Muscular Dystrophy and
provide ongoing review and updates where appropriate; and
``(2) replicate the same systematic review methodology used
to develop the Duchenne-Becker Muscular Dystrophy care
considerations developed under paragraph (1) as a model for
other muscular dystrophies.''. | Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to designate centers of excellence for research on various forms of muscular dystrophy as Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers.
Requires the Muscular Dystrophy Interagency Coordinating Committee to give special consideration to enhancing the clinical research infrastructure required to test emerging therapies for the various forms of muscular dystrophy.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that any data on patients that is collected as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet) is regularly updated to reflect changes in patient condition over time. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) report to the appropriate congressional committees on MD STARnet and data collection; and (2) make publicly available prospective health outcome data on the health and survival of people with muscular dystrophy.
Requires the Director of CDC, in carrying out a program to provide information and education on muscular dystrophy to health professionals and the general public, to: (1) partner with leaders in the muscular dystrophy patient community; and (2) widely disseminate the Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy care considerations.
Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to: (1) evaluate the available scientific evidence to develop and issue an initial set of care considerations for Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy and provide ongoing review and updates where appropriate; and (2) replicate the same systematic review methodology used to develop such care considerations as a model for other muscular dystrophies. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for research with respect to various forms of muscular dystrophy, including Becker, congenital, distal, Duchenne, Emery-Dreifuss Facioscapulohumeral, limb-girdle, myotonic, and oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophies."} | 3,017 | 379 | 0.467089 | 1.625478 | 0.700024 | 5.166667 | 8.702614 | 0.944444 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Adoption and Foster Care
Home Study Act''.
SEC. 2. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A NATIONAL HOME
STUDY PROCESS.
Title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and
Adoption Reform Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. 5111 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 203(b) (42 U.S.C. 5113(b))--
(A) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``(including''
and inserting ``(including the national database
established under section 203A(c) but containing'';
(B) in paragraph (10), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting ``;'';
(C) in paragraph (11), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(12) establish a demonstration program, not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of the National Adoption and
Foster Care Home Study Act, through which each participating
State or Indian tribe--
``(A) adopts the uniform, research-based home study
methodology for the evaluation of prospective foster
parents and adoptive parents developed by the Secretary
under section 203A(a); and
``(B) provides data gathered through operation of
the program to the Secretary, as the Secretary may
require for purposes of the national database under
section 203A(c).'';
(2) by inserting after section 203 (42 U.S.C. 5113) the
following:
``SEC. 203A. NATIONAL HOME STUDY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS; NATIONAL
DATABASE.
``(a) Program Methodology.--Each demonstration program established
by a State or Indian tribe in accordance with section 203(b)(12) shall
use a uniform, research-based home study methodology for the evaluation
of prospective foster parents and adoptive parents (developed by the
Secretary after consultation with stakeholders and professionals in the
field of child welfare) that shall--
``(1) incorporate--
``(A) information gathering tools, including--
``(i) an initial written questionnaire that
is a uniform set of closed-ended questions with
a variety of possible answers that provides
significant family information;
``(ii) a secondary in-person questionnaire
that is administered in a private setting in
the home, and, if applicable, with both
applicants present together; and
``(iii) guidelines that describe
standardized questions that an individual
serving as a reference for the applicant uses
in writing a reference letter, to be sent
directly to such individual and not shared with
the applicant, and which is consistent with the
questionnaires described in clauses (i) and
(ii);
``(B) a written guidance document to assist home
study practitioners in performing a psychosocial
evaluation of the applicant that--
``(i) provides instructions on how to
systematically analyze information learned from
the information gathering tools described in
subparagraph (A) in order to identify specific
strengths and concerns of the applicant;
``(ii) provides sufficient information for
the home study practitioner to determine the
significance of behaviors and events in the
applicant's life in relation to being a
successful foster care or adoption provider;
and
``(iii) includes a rating system that will
be incorporated into the home study report
described in subparagraph (C); and
``(C) a model home study report that may, at the
discretion of the Secretary, be customized by a State
or Indian tribe as necessary to comply with State or
tribal and local regulations and requirements;
``(2) ensure ongoing training of home study certified
personnel; and
``(3) designate a home study auditor to ensure quality
control and accuracy of information provided to placing
agencies.
``(b) Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to States and Indian
tribes to enable and encourage the States and Indian tribes to
establish demonstration programs in accordance with section 203(b)(12).
``(c) National Database.--The Secretary shall establish a secure
national database of home study reports filed by home study
practitioners using the home study methodology described in subsection
(a). Such database shall be accessible only to State and tribal foster
care and adoption agencies, or a designated entity, as determined by
the lead agency in the State, to assist with the selection of
prospective foster parents and adoptive parents.
``(d) Condition on Participation in Demonstration Project.--As a
condition for participating in the demonstration program under section
203(b)(12), a State or Indian tribe shall agree to recognize as valid
all home study reports listed in the database described in subsection
(c), including such reports filed by other States or Indian tribes.
``(e) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall enter into a contract with
an independent entity to--
``(1) carry out a periodic evaluation of the home study
methodology established under subsection (a) and the
demonstration programs established in accordance with section
203(b)(12); and
``(2) submit to the Secretary a report that includes--
``(A) a description of the extent to which such
methodology--
``(i) meets the requirements of each of
paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a);
``(ii) expedites the screening of
caregivers to promote more family-based care
over institutional care for children;
``(iii) provides cost savings to State or
Indian tribe foster care and adoption systems,
``(iv) reduces the number of children
waiting for foster care or adoptive placement;
and
``(v) reduces the number of prospective
families waiting for foster care or adoptive
placement; and
``(B) recommendations for expanding the
demonstration program and home study methodology to all
States and Indian tribes.''; and
(3) in section 205(b) (42 U.S.C. 5115(b)), by adding at the
end the following: ``The Secretary may allocate such sums as
the Secretary determines to be appropriate from the funds
appropriated under subsection (a) for activities under sections
203(b)(12) and 203A.''. | National Adoption and Foster Care Home Study Act This bill amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a demonstration program through which each participating state or Indian tribe: (1) adopts the uniform, research-based home study methodology developed by HHS for the evaluation of prospective foster parents and adoptive parents; and (2) provides data gathered through operation of the program to HHS, as HHS may require for purposes of the national database established by this bill. HHS shall: (1) make grants to states and Indian tribes to enable and encourage them to establish demonstration programs, (2) establish a secure national database of home study reports, and (3) contract with an independent entity to carry out a periodic evaluation of the home study methodology developed by HHS and the demonstration programs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "National Adoption and Foster Care Home Study Act"} | 1,386 | 198 | 0.626659 | 1.849321 | 0.935166 | 3.929825 | 7.491228 | 0.888889 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Reforming Access for Investments in
Startup Enterprises Act of 2015'' or the ``RAISE Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. EXEMPTED TRANSACTIONS.
(a) Exempted Transactions.--Section 4 of the Securities Act of 1933
(15 U.S.C. 77d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(7) transactions meeting the requirements of subsection
(d).'';
(2) by redesignating the second subsection (b) (relating to
securities offered and sold in compliance with Rule 506 of
Regulation D) as subsection (c); and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Certain Accredited Investor Transactions.--The transactions
referred to in subsection (a)(7) are transactions meeting the following
requirements:
``(1) Accredited investor requirement.--Each purchaser is
an accredited investor, as that term is defined in section
230.501(a) of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations (or any
successor regulation).
``(2) Prohibition on general solicitation or advertising.--
Neither the seller, nor any person acting on the seller's
behalf, offers or sells securities by any form of general
solicitation or general advertising.
``(3) Information requirement.--In the case of a
transaction involving the securities of an issuer that is
neither subject to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m; 78o(d)), nor exempt from
reporting pursuant to section 240.12g3-2(b) of title 17, Code
of Federal Regulations, nor a foreign government (as defined in
section 230.405 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations)
eligible to register securities under Schedule B, the seller
and a prospective purchaser designated by the seller obtain
from the issuer, upon request of the seller, and the seller in
all cases makes available to a prospective purchaser, the
following information (which shall be reasonably current in
relation to the date of resale under this section):
``(A) The exact name of the issuer and the issuer's
predecessor (if any).
``(B) The address of the issuer's principal
executive offices.
``(C) The exact title and class of the security.
``(D) The par or stated value of the security.
``(E) The number of shares or total amount of the
securities outstanding as of the end of the issuer's
most recent fiscal year.
``(F) The name and address of the transfer agent,
corporate secretary, or other person responsible for
transferring shares and stock certificates.
``(G) A statement of the nature of the business of
the issuer and the products and services it offers,
which shall be presumed reasonably current if the
statement is as of 12 months before the transaction
date.
``(H) The names of the officers and directors of
the issuer.
``(I) The names of any persons registered as a
broker, dealer, or agent that shall be paid or given,
directly or indirectly, any commission or remuneration
for such person's participation in the offer or sale of
the securities.
``(J) The issuer's most recent balance sheet and
profit and loss statement and similar financial
statements, which shall--
``(i) be for such part of the 2 preceding
fiscal years as the issuer has been in
operation;
``(ii) be prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles or, in
the case of a foreign private issuer, be
prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles or the International
Financial Reporting Standards issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board;
``(iii) be presumed reasonably current if--
``(I) with respect to the balance
sheet, the balance sheet is as of a
date less than 16 months before the
transaction date; and
``(II) with respect to the profit
and loss statement, such statement is
for the 12 months preceding the date of
the issuer's balance sheet; and
``(iv) if the balance sheet is not as of a
date less than 6 months before the transaction
date, be accompanied by additional statements
of profit and loss for the period from the date
of such balance sheet to a date less than 6
months before the transaction date.
``(K) To the extent that the seller is a control
person with respect to the issuer, a brief statement
regarding the nature of the affiliation, and a
statement certified by such seller that they have no
reasonable grounds to believe that the issuer is in
violation of the securities laws or regulations.
``(4) Issuers disqualified.--The transaction is not for the
sale of a security where the seller is an issuer or a
subsidiary, either directly or indirectly, of the issuer.
``(5) Bad actor prohibition.--Neither the seller, nor any
person that has been or will be paid (directly or indirectly)
remuneration or a commission for their participation in the
offer or sale of the securities, including solicitation of
purchasers for the seller is subject to an event that would
disqualify an issuer or other covered person under Rule
506(d)(1) of Regulation D (17 CFR 230.506(d)(1)) or is subject
to a statutory disqualification described under section
3(a)(39) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
``(6) Business requirement.--The issuer is engaged in
business, is not in the organizational stage or in bankruptcy
or receivership, and is not a blank check, blind pool, or shell
company that has no specific business plan or purpose or has
indicated that the issuer's primary business plan is to engage
in a merger or combination of the business with, or an
acquisition of, an unidentified person.
``(7) Underwriter prohibition.--The transaction is not with
respect to a security that constitutes the whole or part of an
unsold allotment to, or a subscription or participation by, a
broker or dealer as an underwriter of the security or a
redistribution.
``(8) Outstanding class requirement.--The transaction is
with respect to a security of a class that has been authorized
and outstanding for at least 90 days prior to the date of the
transaction.
``(e) Additional Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--With respect to an exempted transaction
described under subsection (a)(7):
``(A) Securities acquired in such transaction shall
be deemed to have been acquired in a transaction not
involving any public offering.
``(B) Such transaction shall be deemed not to be a
distribution for purposes of section 2(a)(11).
``(C) Securities involved in such transaction shall
be deemed to be restricted securities within the
meaning of Rule 144 (17 CFR 230.144).
``(2) Rule of construction.--The exemption provided by
subsection (a)(7) shall not be the exclusive means for
establishing an exemption from the registration requirements of
section 5.''.
(b) Exemption in Connection With Certain Exempt Offerings.--Section
18(b)(4) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77r(b)(4)) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating the second subparagraph (D) and
subparagraph (E) as subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively;
(2) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by striking
``; or'' and inserting a semicolon;
(3) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by striking
the period and inserting ``; or''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(G) section 4(a)(7).''.
Passed the House of Representatives October 6, 2015.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | Reforming Access for Investments in Startup Enterprises Act of 2015 or the RAISE Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) The Securities Act of 1933 is amended to exempt from security registration requirements, and related prohibitions against using interstate commerce and the mails for the sale or delivery of securities after sale, any transaction where: each purchaser is an accredited investor; neither the seller, nor any person acting on the seller's behalf, offers or sells securities by general solicitation or advertising; the seller and prospective purchaser obtain from an issuer meeting certain criteria reasonably current specified information; the transaction is not for the sale of a security whose seller is neither an issuer nor a subsidiary of the issuer; neither the seller, nor any person receiving remuneration for participating in the offer or sale of the securities, is subject to certain legal disqualification (bad actor); the issuer is engaged in business, is not in the organizational stage or in bankruptcy or receivership, and is not a blank check, blind pool, or shell company with no specific business plan or purpose or has indicated that the issuer's primary business plan is to engage in a merger or combination of the business with, or an acquisition of, an unidentified person; the transaction does not involve a security that constitutes the whole or part of an unsold allotment to, or a subscription or participation by, a broker or dealer as an underwriter of the security or a redistribution; and the transaction does involve a security of a class authorized and outstanding for at least 90 days before the transaction. Securities acquired in such exempt transactions shall be deemed to: (1) have been acquired in a transaction not involving any public offering, (2) not be a distribution involving an underwriter, and (2) be restricted securities not subject to certain transaction requirements. All transactions under this Act shall be exempt from state regulation of securities offerings. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Reforming Access for Investments in Startup Enterprises Act of 2015 or the RAISE Act of 2015"} | 1,759 | 410 | 0.610255 | 2.069182 | 0.795375 | 5.252055 | 4.463014 | 0.923288 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Citizen Congress Act''.
SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON RETIREMENT COVERAGE FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
effective at the beginning of the Congress next beginning after the
date of the enactment of this Act, a Member of Congress shall be
ineligible to participate in the Civil Service Retirement System or the
Federal Employees' Retirement System, except as otherwise provided
under this section.
(b) Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan.--Notwithstanding
subsection (a), a Member may participate in the Thrift Savings Plan
subject to section 8351 of title 5, United States Code, at anytime
during the 12-year period beginning on the date the Member begins his
or her first term.
(c) Refunds of Contributions.--
(1) In general.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall prevent
refunds from being made, in accordance with otherwise
applicable provisions of law (including those relating to the
Thrift Savings Plan), on account of an individual's becoming
ineligible to participate in the Civil Service Retirement
System or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (as the case
may be) as a result of the enactment of this section.
(2) Treatment of refund.--For purposes of any refund
referred to in paragraph (1), a Member who so becomes
ineligible to participate in either of the retirement systems
referred to in paragraph (1) shall be treated in the same way
as if separated from service.
(d) Annuities Not Affected to the Extent Based on Prior Service.--
Subsection (a) shall not be considered to affect--
(1) any annuity (or other benefit) entitlement to which is
based on a separation from service occurring before the date of
the enactment of this Act (including any survivor annuity based
on the death of the individual who so separated); or
(2) any other annuity (or benefit), to the extent provided
under subsection (e).
(e) Preservations of Rights Based on Prior Service.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of determining eligibility
for, or the amount of, any annuity (or other benefit) referred
to in subsection (d)(2) based on service as a Member of
Congress--
(A) all service as a Member of Congress shall be
disregarded except for any such service performed
before the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B) all pay for service performed as a Member of
Congress shall be disregarded other than pay for
service which may be taken into account under
subparagraph (A).
(2) Preservation of rights.--To the extent practicable,
eligibility for, and the amount of, any annuity (or other
benefit) to which an individual is entitled based on a
separation of a Member of Congress occurring after such Member
becomes ineligible to participate in the Civil Service
Retirement System or the Federal Employees' Retirement System
(as the case may be) by reason of subsection (a) shall be
determined in a manner that preserves any rights to which the
Member would have been entitled, as of the date of the
enactment of this Act, had separation occurred on such date.
(f) Regulations.--Any regulations necessary to carry out this
section may be prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management and the
Executive Director (referred to in section 8401(13) of title 5, United
States Code) with respect to matters within their respective areas of
responsibility.
(g) Definition.--As used in this section, the terms ``Member of
Congress'' and ``Member'' mean any individual under section 8331(2) or
8401(20) of title 5, United States Code.
(h) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
considered to apply with respect to any savings plan or other matter
outside of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5,
United States Code.
SEC. 3. DISCLOSURE OF ESTIMATES OF FEDERAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS OF
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
(a) In General.--Section 105(a) of the Legislative Branch
Appropriations Act, 1965 (2 U.S.C. 104a; Public Law 88-454; 78 Stat.
550) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) The Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of
Representatives shall include in each report submitted under paragraph
(1), with respect to Members of Congress, as applicable--
``(A) the total amount of individual contributions made by
each Member to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund
and the Thrift Savings Fund under chapters 83 and 84 of title
5, United States Code, for all Federal service performed by the
Member as a Member of Congress and as a Federal employee;
``(B) an estimate of the annuity each Member would be
entitled to receive under chapters 83 and 84 of such title
based on the earliest possible date to receive annuity payments
by reason of retirement (other than disability retirement)
which begins after the date of expiration of the term of office
such Member is serving; and
``(C) any other information necessary to enable the public
to accurately compute the Federal retirement benefits of each
Member based on various assumptions of years of service and age
of separation from service by reason of retirement.''.
(b) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. ELIMINATION OF AUTOMATIC ANNUITY ADJUSTMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF
CONGRESS.
The portion of the annuity of a Member of Congress which is based
solely on service as a Member of Congress shall not be subject to a
COLA adjustment under section 8340 or 8462 of title 5, United States
Code.
SEC. 5. ELIMINATION OF AUTOMATIC PAY ADJUSTMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF
CONGRESS.
(a) Pay Adjustments.--Paragraph (2) of section 601(a) of the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 601(a)(1) of such Act is
amended--
(1) by striking ``(a)(1)'' and inserting ``(a)'';
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively; and
(3) by striking ``, as adjusted by paragraph (2) of this
subsection''.
SEC. 6. ROLLCALL VOTE FOR ANY CONGRESSIONAL PAY RAISE.
It shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of
Representatives to dispose of any amendment, bill, resolution, motion,
or other matter relating to the pay of Members of Congress unless the
matter is decided by a rollcall vote.
SEC. 7. TRAVEL AWARDS FROM OFFICIAL TRAVEL OF A MEMBER, OFFICER, OR
EMPLOYEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO BE USED ONLY
WITH RESPECT TO OFFICIAL TRAVEL.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, or any
rule, regulation, or other authority, any travel award that accrues by
reason of official travel of a Member, officer, or employee of the
House of Representatives may be used only with respect to official
travel.
(b) Regulations.--The Committee on House Oversight of the House of
Representatives shall have authority to prescribe regulations to carry
out this section.
(c) Definitions.--As used in this section--
(1) the term ``travel award'' means any frequent flier
mileage, free travel, discounted travel, or other travel
benefit, whether awarded by coupon, membership, or otherwise;
and
(2) the term ``official travel'' means, with respect to the
House of Representatives, travel performed for the conduct of
official business of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 8. BAN ON MASS MAILINGS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (6)(A) of section 3210(a) of title 39,
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(6)(A) It is the intent of Congress that a Member of, or Member-
elect to, Congress may not mail any mass mailing as franked mail.''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) The second sentence of section 3210(c) of title 39,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (a) (4)
and (5)'' and inserting ``subsection (a) (4), (5), and (6)''.
(2) Section 3210 of title 39, United States Code, is
amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(3)--
(i) in subparagraph (G) by striking ``,
including general mass mailings,''; and
(ii) in subparagraphs (I) and (J) by
striking ``or other general mass mailing'';
(B) in subsection (a)(6) by repealing subparagraphs
(B), (C), and (F), and the second sentence of
subparagraph (D);
(C) by repealing paragraph (7) of subsection (a);
and
(D) by repealing subsection (f).
(3) Section 316(a) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations
Act, 1990 (39 U.S.C. 3210 note) is repealed.
(4) Subsection (f) of section 311 of the Legislative Branch
Appropriations Act, 1991 (2 U.S.C. 59e(f)) is repealed.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect at the beginning of the Congress next beginning after the date
of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 9. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF MILITARY AIR COMMAND BY MEMBERS OF
CONGRESS.
(a) Restrictions.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 157 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 2646. Restrictions on provision of air transportation to Members
of Congress
``(a) Restrictions.--A Member of Congress may not receive
transportation in an aircraft of the Military Air Command unless--
``(1) the transportation is provided on a space-available
basis as part of the scheduled operations of the military
aircraft unrelated to the provision of transportation to
Members of Congress;
``(2) the use of the military aircraft is necessary because
the destination of the Member of Congress, or an airfield
located within reasonable distance of the destination, is not
accessible by regularly scheduled flights of commercial
aircraft; or
``(3) the use of the military aircraft is the least
expensive method for the Member of Congress to reach the
destination by aircraft, as demonstrated by information
released before the trip by the member or committee of Congress
sponsoring the trip.
``(b) Destination.--In connection with transportation provided
under subsection (a)(1), the destination of the military aircraft may
not be selected to accommodate the travel plans of the Member of
Congress requesting such transportation.
``(c) Aircraft Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term
`aircraft' includes both fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters.''.
(2) Technical and conforming amendment.--The table of
sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``2646. Restrictions on provision of air transportation to Members of
Congress.''.
(b) Effect on Members Currently Receiving Transportation.--Section
2643 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall
not apply with respect to a Member of Congress who, as of the date of
the enactment of this Act, is receiving air transportation or is
scheduled to receive transportation in an aircraft of the Military Air
Command until the Member completes the travel plans for which the
transportation is being provided or scheduled.
SEC. 10. PROHIBITION ON USE OF MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES BY
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
(a) Prohibition.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 55 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 1107. Prohibition on provision of medical and dental care to
Members of Congress
``A Member of Congress may not receive medical or dental care in
any facility of any uniformed service unless--
``(1) the Member of Congress is eligible or entitled to
such care as a member or former member of a uniformed service
or as a covered beneficiary; or
``(2) such care is provided on an emergency basis unrelated
to the person's status as a Member of Congress.''.
(2) Technical and conforming amendment.--The table of
sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``1107. Prohibition on provision of medical and dental care to Members
of Congress.''.
(b) Effect on Members Currently Receiving Care.--Section 1107 of
title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall not
apply with respect to a Member of Congress who is receiving medical or
dental care in a facility of the uniformed services on the date of the
enactment of this Act until the Member is discharged from that
facility.
SEC. 11. ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN RESERVED PARKING AREAS AT WASHINGTON
NATIONAL AIRPORT AND WASHINGTON DULLES INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT.
(a) In General.--Effective 30 days after the date of the enactment
of this section, the Airports Authority--
(1) shall not provide any reserved parking areas free of
charge to Members of Congress, other Government officials, or
diplomats at Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles
International Airport; and
(2) shall establish a parking policy for such airports that
provides equal access to the public, and does not provide
preferential parking privileges to Members of Congress, other
Government officials, or diplomats.
(b) Definitions.--As used in this section, the terms ``Airports
Authority'', ``Washington National Airport'', and ``Washington Dulles
International Airport'' have the same meanings as in section 6004 of
the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. App. 2453). | Citizen Congress Act - Makes Members of Congress (Members) ineligible to participate in the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) except as otherwise provided under this Act.
Allows Members to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan during the 12-year period beginning on the date the Member begins his or her first term. Permits refunds to be made in accordance with otherwise applicable law on account of an individual becoming ineligible to participate in CSRS or FERS as a result of this Act's enactment (provides that, for purposes of any such refund, a Member who becomes ineligible to participate in either of the retirement systems shall be treated as if separated from service).
Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) annuities; and (2) preservation of rights based on prior service.
(Sec. 3) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1965 to provide for the disclosure of information necessary to enable the public to accurately compute the Federal retirement benefits of each Member based on various assumptions of years of service and age of separation from service by reason of retirement.
(Sec. 4) Eliminates for Members automatic: (1) annuity cost-of-living adjustments; and (2) pay adjustments under the legislative Reorganization Act of 1946.
(Sec. 6) Requires a roll call vote for any matter relating to congressional pay.
(Sec. 7) Permits any travel award that accrues by reason of official travel of a House Member, officer, or employee to be used only for official travel.
(Sec. 8) Expresses the intent of the Congress that a Member or Member-elect may not mail any mass mailing as franked mail.
(Sec. 9) Prohibits a Member from receiving transportation in an aircraft of the Military Air Command unless: (1) the transportation is provided on a space-available basis as part of the aircraft's scheduled operations; (2) the use of the aircraft is necessary because the Member's destination or an airfield located within reasonable distance thereof is inaccessible by regularly scheduled flights of commercial aircraft; or (3) such use is the least expensive method for the Member to reach the destination by aircraft.
(Sec. 10) Bars a Member from receiving medical or dental care in a facility of any uniformed service unless: (1) such Member is eligible or entitled to such care as a member or former member of a uniformed service or as a covered beneficiary; or (2) such care is provided on an emergency basis unrelated to the person's status as a Member.
(Sec. 11) Prohibits the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority from providing reserved parking areas free of charge to Members, other Government officials, or diplomats at Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport. Directs such Authority to establish a parking policy for such airports that provides equal access to the public and does not provide preferential parking privileges to such individuals. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Citizen Congress Act"} | 3,285 | 666 | 0.611682 | 1.93723 | 0.800976 | 4.802426 | 4.974003 | 0.941075 |
SECTION 1. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS JOINT
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment of Joint Committee.--(1) Chapter 3 of title 38,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``Sec. 320. Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint
Executive Committee
``(a) Joint Executive Committee.--(1) There is established an
interagency committee to be known as the Department of Veterans
Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee (hereinafter in
this section referred to as the `Committee').
``(2) The Committee is composed of--
``(A) the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs and such
other officers and employees of the Department of Veterans
Affairs as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may designate; and
``(B) the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and
Readiness and such other officers and employees of the
Department of Defense as the Secretary of Defense may
designate.
``(b) Administrative Matters.--(1) The Deputy Secretary of Veterans
Affairs and the Under Secretary of Defense shall determine the size and
structure of the Committee, as well as the administrative and
procedural guidelines for the operation of the Committee.
``(2) The two Departments shall supply appropriate staff and
resources to provide administrative support and services. Support for
such purposes shall be provided at a level sufficient for the efficient
operation of the Committee, including a subordinate Health Executive
Committee, a subordinate Benefits Executive Committee, and such other
committees or working groups as considered necessary by the Deputy
Secretary and Under Secretary.
``(c) Recommendations.--(1) The Committee shall recommend to the
Secretaries strategic direction for the joint coordination and sharing
efforts between and within the two Departments under section 8111 of
this title and shall oversee implementation of those efforts.
``(2) The Committee shall submit to the two Secretaries and to
Congress an annual report containing such recommendations as the
Committee considers appropriate.
``(d) Functions.--In order to enable the Committee to make
recommendations in its annual report under subsection (c)(2), the
Committee shall do the following:
``(1) Review existing policies, procedures, and practices
relating to the coordination and sharing of resources between
the two Departments.
``(2) Identify changes in policies, procedures, and
practices that, in the judgment of the Committee, would promote
mutually beneficial coordination, use, or exchange of use of
services and resources of the two Departments, with the goal of
improving the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the
delivery of benefits and services to veterans, service members,
military retirees and their families through an enhanced
Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense
partnership.
``(3) Identify and assess further opportunities for the
coordination and collaboration between the Departments that, in
the judgment of the Committee, would not adversely affect the
range of services, the quality of care, or the established
priorities for benefits provided by either Department.
``(4) Review the plans of both Departments for the
acquisition of additional resources, especially new facilities
and major equipment and technology, in order to assess the
potential effect of such plans on further opportunities for the
coordination and sharing of resources.
``(5) Review the implementation of activities designed to
promote the coordination and sharing of resources between the
Departments.''.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``320. Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint
Executive Committee.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Subsection (c) of section 8111 of
such title is repealed.
(2) Such section is further amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``subsection (c)''
and inserting ``section 320 of this title'';
(B) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``Committee
established in subsection (c)'' and inserting ``Department of
Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive
Committee'';
(C) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``Committee under
subsection (c)(2)'' and inserting ``Department of Veterans
Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee with
respect to health care resources''; and
(D) in subsection (f)(2), by striking subparagraphs (B) and
(C) and inserting the following:
``(B) The assessment of further opportunities identified by
the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint
Executive Committee under subsection (d)(3) of section 320 of
this title for the sharing of health-care resources between the
two Departments.
``(C) Any recommendation made by that committee under
subsection (c)(2) of that section during that fiscal year.''.
(c) Technical Amendments.--Subsection (f) of such section is
further amended by inserting ``(Public Law 107-314)'' in paragraphs
(3), (4)(A), (4)(B), and (5) after ``for Fiscal Year 2003''.
(d) Effective Date.--(1) If this Act is enacted before October 1,
2003--
(A) section 320 of title 38, United States Code, as added
by subsection (a), shall take effect on October 1, 2003; and
(B) the amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) shall
take effect on October 1, 2003, immediately after the amendment
made by section 721(a)(1) of the Bob Stump National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314; 116
2589).
(2) If this Act is enacted on or after October 1, 2003, the
amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act.
Passed the House of Representatives May 21, 2003.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Establishes an interagency committee to be known as the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee to: (1) recommend to the Secretary of each department strategic direction for joint health-care resources coordination and sharing efforts between and within such departments; and (2) oversee implementation of those efforts. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance cooperation and the sharing of resources between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense."} | 1,300 | 63 | 0.654787 | 1.689208 | 1.627377 | 4.866667 | 20.6 | 0.966667 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE, FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as ``Fire Safe Cigarette
Act of 1994''.
(b) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) cigarette ignited fires are the leading cause of fire
deaths in the United States,
(2) in 1990 there were 1,200 deaths from cigarette ignited
fires, 3,360 civilian injuries from such fires, and $400
million in property damage caused by such fires,
(3) over 100 children are killed each year from cigarette
related fires,
(4) the results accomplished under the Cigarette Safety Act
of 1984 and the Fire Safe Cigarette Act of 1990 complete the
necessary technical work for a cigarette fire safety standard,
(5) it is appropriate for the Congress to require by law
the establishment of a cigarette fire safety standard for the
manufacture and importation of cigarettes,
(6) the most recent study by the Consumer Product Safety
Commission found that the cost of the loss of human life and
personal property from not having a cigarette fire safety
standard is $4,000,000,000 a year, and
(7) it is appropriate that the regulatory expertise of the
Consumer Product Safety Commission be used to implement a
cigarette fire safety standard.
SEC. 2. CIGARETTE FIRE SAFETY STANDARD.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shall by
rule issue a cigarette fire safety standard for cigarettes to reduce
the risk of ignition presented by cigarettes. In establishing the
standard the Commission shall--
(1) consult with the National Institute of Standards and
Technology and make use of its capabilities as it deems
necessary and seek the advice and expertise of other Federal
and State agencies engaged in fire safety, and
(2) take into account the final report to the Congress made
by the Commission and the Technical Advisory Group established
under section 3 of the Fire Safe Cigarette Act of 1990 in which
it was found that cigarettes with a low ignition propensity are
already on the market.
(b) Stockpiling.--The Commission shall include in the rule issued
under subsection (a) a prohibition of stockpiling of cigarettes to
which the standard issued under subsection (a) will not apply. For
purposes of this subsection, the term ``stockpile'' means the
manufacturing or importing of a cigarette between the date a standard
is issued under subsection (a) and the date the standard is to take
effect at a rate greater than the rate the cigarettes were manufactured
or imported for the one year period ending on the date the standard was
issued.
(c) Procedure.--The rule under subsection (a) shall be issued in
accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code.
(d) Effective Date.--The Commission shall prescribe the effective
date of the rule issued under subsection (a), except that such date may
not be later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(e) Judicial Review.--
(1) General rule.--Any person who is adversely affected by
a rule issued under subsection (a) may, at any time before the
60th day after the Commission issues the rule, file a petition
with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit or for any other circuit in which such person
resides or has its principal place of business to obtain
judicial review of the rule. A copy of the petition shall be
forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the
Secretary. The Commission shall file in the court the record of
the proceedings on which the Commission based the rule as
provided in section 2112 of title 28, United States Code.
(2) Additional evidence.--If the petitioner applies to the
court for leave to adduce additional evidence, and shows to the
satisfaction of the court that such additional evidence is
material and that there was no opportunity to adduce such
evidence in the proceeding before the Commission, the court may
order such additional evidence (and evidence in rebuttal
thereof) to be taken before the Commission in a hearing or in
such other manner, and upon such terms and conditions, as the
court deems proper. The Commission may modify the Commission's
findings as to the facts, or make new findings, by reason of
the additional evidence so taken, and the Commission shall file
such modified or new findings, and the Commission's
recommendations, if any, for the modification of the rule.
(3) Court jurisdiction.--Upon the filing of a petition
under paragraph (1), the court shall have jurisdiction to
review the rule of the Commission, as modified, in accordance
with chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 3. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Prohibition.--No person may manufacture or import a cigarette
unless the cigarette is in compliance with a cigarette fire safety
standard issued under section 2(a).
(b) Penalty.--A violation of subsection (a) shall be considered a
violation of section 19 of the Consumer Product Safety Act.
SEC. 4. PREEMPTION.
(a) In General.--This Act and the cigarette fire safety standard
promulgated under section 2(a) do not preempt or otherwise affect in
any way any law of a State or political subdivision which prescribes a
fire safety standard for cigarettes which is more stringent than the
standard promulgated under section 2(a).
(b) Defenses.--In any civil action for damages compliance with the
fire safety standard promulgated under section 2(a) may not be admitted
as a defense.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) The term ``Commission'' means the Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
(2) The term ``cigarette'' has the meaning prescribed by
section 3 of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising
Act. | Fire Safe Cigarette Act of 1994 - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue by rule a fire safety standard for cigarettes. Prohibits stockpiling of cigarettes between the issuing and effective dates of the standard. Provides for judicial review of the standard. Prohibits manufacture or importing of cigarettes unless in compliance with such standard. States that this Act and the standard issued under it does not preempt any law of a State which prescribes a more stringent fire safety standard for cigarettes. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Fire Safe Cigarette Act of 1994"} | 1,270 | 113 | 0.551256 | 1.362706 | 0.963646 | 2.586957 | 12.836957 | 0.869565 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Systematic Foreclosure Prevention
and Mortgage Modification Act''.
SEC. 2. SYSTEMATIC FORECLOSURE PREVENTION AND MORTGAGE MODIFICATION
PLAN ESTABLISHED.
(a) In General.--The Chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation shall establish a systematic foreclosure prevention and
mortgage modification program by--
(1) paying servicers $1,000 to cover expenses for each loan
modified according to the required standards; and
(2) sharing up to 50 percent of any losses incurred if a
modified loan should subsequently re-default.
(b) Program Components.--The program established under subsection
(a) shall include the following components:
(1) Eligible borrowers.--The program shall be limited to
loans secured by owner-occupied properties.
(2) Exclusion for early payment default.--To promote
sustainable mortgages, government loss sharing shall be
available only after the borrower has made a minimum of 6
payments on the modified mortgage.
(3) Standard net present value test.--In order to promote
consistency and simplicity in implementation and audit, a
standard test comparing the expected net present value of
modifying past due loans compared to the net present value of
foreclosing on them will be applied. Under this test, standard
assumptions shall be used to ensure that a consistent standard
for affordability is provided based on a 31 percent borrower
mortgage debt-to-income ratio.
(4) Systematic loan review by participating servicers.--
Participating servicers shall be required to undertake a
systematic review of all of the loans under their management,
to subject each loan to a standard net present value test to
determine whether it is a suitable candidate for modification,
and to modify all loans that pass this test. The penalty for
failing to undertake such a systematic review and to carry out
modifications where they are justified would be
disqualification from further participation in the program
until such a systematic program was introduced.
(5) Modifications.--Modifications may include any of the
following:
(A) Reduction in interest rates and fees.
(B) Forbearance of principal.
(C) Extension of the term to maturity.
(D) Other similar modifications.
(6) Reduced loss share percentage for ``underwater
loans''.--For loan-to-value ratios above 100 percent, the
government loss share shall be progressively reduced from 50
percent to 20 percent as the current loan-to-value ratio rises,
except that loss sharing shall not be available if the loan-to-
value ratio of the first lien exceeds 150 percent.
(7) Simplified loss share calculation.--In order to ensure
the administrative efficiency of this program, the calculation
of loss share basis would be as simple as possible. In general
terms, the calculation shall be based on the difference between
the net present value, as defined by the Chairperson of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, of the modified loan and
the amount of recoveries obtained in a disposition by
refinancing, short sale, or real estate owned sale, net of
disposal costs as estimated according to industry standards.
Interim modifications shall be allowed.
(8) De minimis test.--To lower administrative costs, a de
minimis test shall be used to exclude from loss sharing any
modification that does not lower the monthly payment at least
10 percent.
(9) 8-year limit on loss sharing payment.--The loss sharing
guarantee shall terminate at the end of the 8-year period
beginning on the date the modification was consummated.
(c) Regulations.--The Corporation shall prescribe such regulations
as may be necessary to implement this Act and prevent evasions thereof.
(d) Troubled Assets.--The costs incurred by the Federal Government
in carrying out the loan modification program established under this
section shall be covered out of the funds made available to the
Secretary of the Treasury under section 118 of the Emergency Economic
Stabilization Act of 2008.
(e) Modifications to Program.--The Chairperson of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation may make any modification to the program
established under subsection (a) that the Chairperson determines are
appropriate for the purpose of maximizing the number of foreclosures
prevented.
(f) Report.--Before the end of the 6-month period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Chairperson of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation shall submit a progress report to the
Congress containing such findings and such recommendations for
legislative or administrative action as the Chairperson may determine
to be appropriate. | Systematic Foreclosure Prevention and Mortgage Modification Act - Directs the Chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to establish a systematic foreclosure prevention and mortgage modification program by: (1) paying mortgage servicers $1,000 to cover expenses for each loan modified according to specified standards; and (2) sharing up to 50% of any losses incurred if a modified loan should subsequently re-default. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish a systematic mortgage modification program at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and for other purposes."} | 987 | 87 | 0.58616 | 1.531245 | 1.36762 | 5.16 | 11.893333 | 0.946667 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act
of 1996''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) Members of Congress pledge to uphold the Constitution
and the laws of the United States;
(2) Members of Congress are elected to serve in the public
trust and pledge to uphold the public trust;
(3) a breach of the public trust by a Member of Congress is
a serious offense that should have serious consequences; and
(4) taxpayers should not pay for the retirement benefits of
Members of Congress who have breached the public trust.
SEC. 3. FORFEITURE.
(a) Civil Service Retirement System.--Section 8332 of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(o)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter,
the service of an individual convicted of an offense described in
paragraph (2) shall not, if or to the extent rendered as a Member
(irrespective of when rendered), be taken into account for purposes of
this subchapter. Any such individual (or other person determined under
section 8342(c), if applicable) shall be entitled to be paid so much of
such individual's lump-sum credit as is attributable to service to
which the preceding sentence applies.
``(2)(A) An offense described in this paragraph is any offense
described in subparagraph (B) for which the following apply:
``(i) The offense is committed by the individual (referred
to in paragraph (1)) while a Member.
``(ii) The conduct on which the offense is based is
directly related to the individual's service as a Member.
``(iii) The offense is committed during the One Hundred
Fifth Congress or later.
``(B) The offenses described in this subparagraph are as follows:
``(i) An offense within the purview of--
``(I) section 201 of title 18 (bribery of public
officials and witnesses);
``(II) section 203 of title 18 (compensation to
Members of Congress, officers, and others in matters
affecting the Government);
``(III) section 204 of title 18 (practice in United
States Court of Federal Claims or the United States
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit by Members of
Congress);
``(IV) section 207 of title 18 (restrictions on
former officers, employees, and elected officials of
the executive and legislative branches);
``(V) section 219 of title 18 (officers and
employees acting as agents of foreign principals);
``(VI) section 286 of title 18 (conspiracy to
defraud the Government with respect to claims);
``(VII) section 287 of title 18 (false, fictitious,
or fraudulent claims);
``(VIII) section 371 of title 18 (conspiracy to
commit offense or to defraud the United States;
``(IX) section 597 of title 18 (expenditures to
influence voting);
``(X) section 599 of title 18 (promise of
appointment by candidate);
``(XI) section 602 of title 18 (solicitation of
political contributions);
``(XII) section 606 of title 18 (intimidation to
secure political contributions);
``(XIII) section 607 of title 18 (place of
solicitation);
``(XIV) section 641 of title 18 (public money,
property or records);
``(XV) section 1001 of title 18 (statements or
entries generally);
``(XVI) section 1341 of title 18 (frauds and
swindles);
``(XVII) section 1343 of title 18 (fraud by wire,
radio, or television);
``(XVIII) section 1503 of title 18 (influencing or
injuring officer or juror);
``(XIX) section 1951 of title 18 (interference with
commerce by threats or violence);
``(XX) section 1952 of title 18 (interstate and
foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering
enterprises);
``(XXI) section 1962 of title 18 (prohibited
activities); or
``(XXII) section 7201 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (attempt to evade or defeat tax).
``(ii) Perjury committed under the statutes of the United
States in falsely denying the commission of an act which
constitutes an offense within the purview of a statute named by
clause (i).
``(iii) Subornation of perjury committed in connection with
the false denial of another individual as specified by clause
(ii).
``(3) An individual convicted of an offense described in paragraph
(2) shall not, after the date of the conviction, be eligible to
participate in the retirement system under this subchapter while
serving as a Member.
``(4) Except as provided in paragraph (5), the Office shall
prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this
subsection, including provisions under which interest on any lump-sum
payment under the second sentence of paragraph (1) shall be limited in
a manner similar to that specified in the last sentence of section
8316(b).
``(5) The Executive Director (within the meaning of section
8401(13)) shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry
out the purposes of this subsection with respect to the Thrift Savings
Plan. Regulations under this paragraph shall include provisions
requiring the return of all vested amounts.
``(6) Nothing in this subsection shall restrict any authority under
subchapter II or any other provision of law to deny or withhold
benefits authorized by statute.
``(7) For purposes of this subsection, the term `Member' has the
meaning given such term by section 2106, notwithstanding section
8331(2).''.
(b) Federal Employees' Retirement System.--Section 8411 of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the
service of an individual convicted of an offense described in paragraph
(2) shall not, if or to the extent rendered as a Member (irrespective
of when rendered), be taken into account for purposes of this chapter.
Any such individual (or other person determined under section 8424(d),
if applicable) shall be entitled to be paid so much of such
individual's lump-sum credit as is attributable to service to which the
preceding sentence applies.
``(2) An offense described in this paragraph is any offense
described in section 8332(o)(2)(B) for which the following apply:
``(A) The offense is committed by the individual (referred
to in paragraph (1)) while a Member.
``(B) The conduct on which the offense is based is directly
related to the individual's service as a Member.
``(C) The offense is committed during the One Hundred Fifth
Congress or later.
``(3) An individual convicted of an offense described in paragraph
(2) shall not, after the date of the conviction, be eligible to
participate in the retirement system under this chapter while serving
as a Member.
``(4) Except as provided in paragraph (5), the Office shall
prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this
subsection, including provisions under which interest on any lump-sum
payment under the second sentence of paragraph (1) shall be limited in
a manner similar to that specified in the last sentence of section
8316(b).
``(5) The Executive Director shall prescribe such regulations as
may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection with
respect to the Thrift Savings Plan. Regulations under this paragraph
shall include provisions requiring the return of all vested amounts.
``(6) Nothing in this subsection shall restrict any authority under
subchapter II of chapter 83 or any other provision of law to deny or
withhold benefits authorized by statute.
``(7) For purposes of this subsection, the term `Member' has the
meaning given such term by section 2106, notwithstanding section
8401(20).''.
Passed the House of Representatives September 26, 1996.
Attest:
ROBIN H. CARLE,
Clerk. | Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act of 1996 - Amends Federal law to provide that any service as a Member of Congress of an individual convicted of specified offenses committed while a Member during the 105th Congress or later, if the conduct on which the offense is based is directly related to the individual's service as a Member, shall not be taken into account as creditable service for purposes of annuity or retirement provisions. Entitles such individual (or his or her beneficiary or estate, if applicable) to be paid so much of such individual's lump-sum credit as is attributable to such service. Includes among such offenses: (1) bribery of public officials and witnesses; (2) defrauding the United States; (3) making prohibited expenditures to influence voting; and (4) committing perjury in falsely denying the commission of such an offense. Prohibits: (1) the individual, while serving as a Member after the date of the conviction, from being eligible to participate in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employee's Retirement System; and (2) interest from being computed on such lump-sum payment for the period after the conviction or commission of the violation, or after September 26, 1961, whichever is later. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act of 1996"} | 1,814 | 272 | 0.637252 | 1.956514 | 0.896449 | 3.372385 | 7.317992 | 0.878661 |
SECTION 1. REQUIREMENT FOR POST-DELIVERY FOLLOW-UP CARE FOR EARLY
HOSPITAL DISCHARGES AFTER CHILDBIRTH.
(a) Public Health Service Act Amendment.--
(1) Group health coverage.--Section 2704(a) of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-4(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Paragraph'' and
inserting ``Subject to paragraph (3), paragraph'', and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) Requiring coverage of post-delivery follow-up care.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a decision
described in paragraph (2) (relating to early
discharge), the group health plan or health insurance
issuer offering the coverage shall provide coverage for
timely post-delivery care in any of the following
settings (as selected by the mother): the mother's
home, a provider's office, a hospital, a federally
qualified health center, a federally qualified rural
health clinic, a State health department maternity clinic, or another
setting (which may include a birthing center or an intermediate care
facility) determined appropriate under regulations promulgated by the
Secretary.
``(B) Timely care.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A), the term `timely post-delivery care' means health
care that is provided--
``(i) to a mother and her newborn child
following the discharge of a mother and her
newborn child from the hospital;
``(ii) by a registered nurse, physician (as
defined in section 1861(r)(1) of the Social
Security Act), nurse practitioner, nurse
midwife, or physician assistant experienced in
maternal and child health, as selected by the
mother; and
``(iii) in a manner that meets the health
care needs of the mother and her newborn child,
that provides for the appropriate monitoring of
the conditions of the mother and child, and
that occurs within 72 hours following
discharge.
``(C) Consistency with state law.--The Secretary
shall, with respect to regulations promulgated under to
carry out this paragraph and concerning appropriate
post-delivery care settings, ensure that, to the extent
practicable, such regulations are consistent with State
licensing and practice laws.''.
(2) Application to individual health insurance coverage.--
The amendments made by paragraph (1) apply to health insurance
coverage in the individual market under section 2751(a) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-51).
(b) ERISA Amendments.--Section 711(a) of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1185(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Paragraph'' and
inserting ``Subject to paragraph (3), paragraph'', and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Requiring coverage of post-delivery follow-up care.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a decision
described in paragraph (2) (relating to early
discharge), the group health plan or health insurance
issuer offering the coverage shall provide coverage for
timely post-delivery care in any of the following
settings (as selected by the mother): the mother's
home, a provider's office, a hospital, a federally
qualified health center, a federally qualified rural
health clinic, a State health department maternity
clinic, or another setting (which may include a
birthing center or an intermediate care facility)
determined appropriate under regulations promulgated by
the Secretary.
``(B) Timely care.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A), the term `timely post-delivery care' means health
care that is provided--
``(i) to a mother and her newborn child
following the discharge of a mother and her
newborn child from the hospital;
``(ii) by a registered nurse, physician (as
defined in section 1861(r)(1) of the Social
Security Act), nurse practitioner, nurse
midwife, or physician assistant experienced in
maternal and child health, as selected by the
mother; and
``(iii) in a manner that meets the health
care needs of the mother and her newborn child,
that provides for the appropriate monitoring of
the conditions of the mother and child, and
that occurs within 72 hours following
discharge.
``(C) Consistency with state law.--The Secretary
shall, with respect to regulations promulgated under to
carry out this paragraph and concerning appropriate
post-delivery care settings, ensure that, to the extent
practicable, such regulations are consistent with State
licensing and practice laws.''.
(c) Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Amendment.--Section 9811 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as inserted by section 1531(a)(4) of the
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Paragraph'' and
inserting ``Subject to paragraph (3), paragraph'', and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Requiring coverage of post-delivery follow-up care.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a decision
described in paragraph (2) (relating to early
discharge), the group health plan or health insurance
issuer offering the coverage shall provide coverage for
timely post-delivery care in any of the following
settings (as selected by the mother): the mother's
home, a provider's office, a hospital, a federally
qualified health center, a federally qualified rural
health clinic, a State health department maternity
clinic, or another setting (which may include a
birthing center or an intermediate care facility)
determined appropriate under regulations promulgated by
the Secretary.
``(B) Timely care.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A), the term `timely post-delivery care' means health
care that is provided--
``(i) to a mother and her newborn child
following the discharge of a mother and her
newborn child from the hospital;
``(ii) by a registered nurse, physician (as
defined in section 1861(r)(1) of the Social
Security Act), nurse practitioner, nurse
midwife, or physician assistant experienced in
maternal and child health, as selected by the
mother; and
``(iii) in a manner that meets the health
care needs of the mother and her newborn child,
that provides for the appropriate monitoring of
the conditions of the mother and child, and
that occurs within 72 hours following
discharge.
``(C) Consistency with state law.--The Secretary
shall, with respect to regulations promulgated under to
carry out this paragraph and concerning appropriate
post-delivery care settings, ensure that, to the extent
practicable, such regulations are consistent with State
licensing and practice laws.''.
(d) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the amendments
made by this section shall apply with respect to--
(A) group health plans, and health insurance
coverage offered in connection with group health plans,
for plan years beginning after January 1, 1999; and
(B) health insurance coverage offered, sold,
issued, renewed, in effect, or operated in the
individual market after such date.
(2) Special rule for collective bargaining agreements.--In
the case of a group health plan maintained pursuant to one or
more collective bargaining agreements between employee
representatives and one or more employers ratified before the
date of the enactment of this Act, the amendments made by this
section shall not apply to plan years beginning before the
later of--
(A) the date on which the last of the collective
bargaining agreements relating to the plan terminates
(determined without regard to any extension thereof
agreed to after the date of the enactment of this Act),
or
(B) January 1, 1999.
For purposes of subparagraph (A), any plan amendment made
pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement relating to the
plan which amends the plan solely to conform to any requirement
imposed under an amendment made by this Act shall not be
treated as a termination of such collective bargaining
agreement. | Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to require that, when an attending provider and the mother decide to discharge the mother or her newborn prior to specified minimum inpatient periods following delivery, the group health plan or insurer offering coverage provide coverage for timely post-delivery care in any of specified settings, as selected by the mother. Applies the requirement to coverage in the individual market under specified provisions of the PHSA. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group health plans and group and individual health insurance coverage to provide post-delivery follow-up care for mothers and newborns discharged less than 48 hours following a vaginal delivery or less than 96 following a delivery by cesarean section."} | 1,831 | 104 | 0.567367 | 1.383133 | 0.887646 | 3.010309 | 17.402062 | 0.824742 |
SECTION 1. CREDIT FOR INTEREST ON EDUCATION LOANS.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 22 the
following new section:
``SEC. 23. INTEREST ON EDUCATION LOANS.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an individual, there
shall be allowed as credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for
the taxable year an amount equal to 15 percent of the interest paid by
the taxpayer during the taxable year on any qualified education loan.
``(b) Maximum Credit.--The credit allowed by subsection (a) for the
taxable year shall not exceed $300.
``(c) Limitation on Taxpayers Eligible for Credit.--No credit shall
be allowed by this section to an individual for the taxable year if a
deduction under section 151 with respect to such individual is allowed
to another taxpayer for the taxable year beginning in the calendar year
in which such individual's taxable year begins.
``(d) Limit on Period Credit Allowed.--
``(1) Taxpayer and taxpayer's spouse.--Except as provided
in paragraph (2), a credit shall be allowed under this section
only with respect to interest paid on any qualified education
loan during the first 48 months (whether or not consecutive) in
which interest payments are required. For purposes of this
paragraph, any loan and refinancings of such loans shall be
treated as one loan.
``(2) Dependent.--If the qualified education loan was used
to pay education expenses of an individual other than the
taxpayer of the taxpayer's spouse, a credit shall be allowed
under this section for any taxable year with respect to such
loan only if a deduction under section 151 with respect to such
individual is allowed to the taxpayer for such taxable year.
``(e) Phaseout of Benefit.--
``(1) In general.--The amount of interest which would (but
for this subparagraph) be taken into account under paragraph
(a) for the taxable year shall be reduced (but not below zero)
by the amount which bears the same ratio to such interest as
the excess of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income for such
taxable year over the applicable dollar amount bears to
phaseout range.
``(2) Applicable dollar amount; phaseout range.--For
purposes of subparagraph (1)--
``(A) in the case of a return of an unmarried
individual, the applicable dollar amount is $40,000 and
the phaseout range is $15,000,
``(B) in the case of joint return, the applicable
dollar amount is $60,000 and the phaseout range is
$30,000, and
``(C) in the case of a married individual filing a
separate return, the applicable dollar amount is
$30,000 and the phaseout range is $15,000.
``(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified education loan.--The term `qualified
education loan' means any indebtedness incurred to pay
qualified higher education expenses--
``(A) which are incurred on behalf of the taxpayer,
the taxpayer's spouse, or a dependent of the taxpayer,
``(B) which are paid or incurred within a
reasonable period of time before or after the
indebtedness is incurred, and
``(C) which are attributable to education furnished
during a period during which the recipient was at least
a half-time student.
Such term includes indebtedness used to refinance indebtedness which
qualifies as a qualified education loan. The term `qualified education
loan' shall not include any indebtedness owed to a person who is
related (within the meaning of section 267(b) or 707(b)(1)) to the
taxpayer.
``(2) Qualified higher education expenses.--The term
`qualified higher education expenses' means the cost of
attendance (as defined in section 472 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965, (section 1087ll of title 20 United States Code),
20 U.S.C. 1087 11, as in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act) of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse,
or a dependent of the taxpayer at an eligible educational
institution. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term
`eligible educational institution' has the same meaning given
such term by section 135(c)(3), except that such term shall
also include an institution conducting an internship or
residency program leading to a degree or certificate awarded by
an institution of higher education, a hospital, or a health
care facility which offers postgraduate training.
``(3) Half-time student.--The term `half-time student'
means any individual who would be a student as defined in
section 151(c)(4) if `half-time' were substituted for `full-
time' each place it appears in such section.
``(4) Dependent.--The term `dependent' has the meaning
given such term by section 152.
``(g) Special Rules.--
``(1) Denial of double benefit.--No credit shall be allowed
under this section for any amount for which a deduction is
allowable under any other provision of this chapter.
``(2) Marital status.--Marital status shall be determined
in accordance with section 7703.''
(b) Optional Deduction for Interest on Education Loans.--Paragraph
(2) of section 163(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining
personal interest) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of
subparagraph (D), by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph
(F), and by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new
subparagraph:
``(E) any interest paid on a qualified education
loan (as defined in section 23(f)) during the period
described in section 23(d) and subject to the income
limitations described in section 23(e), unless a credit
or deduction is taken with respect to such interest
under any other provisions of this chapter, and''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for such subpart A
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 22 the
following new item:
``Section 23. Interest on education loans.''
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993, but only with
respect to loans the first required payment on which is after such
date. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for interest paid or incurred on any qualified education loan during the first 48 months (whether or not consecutive) for which interest payments are required to be made. Limits such credit to $300.
Allows such tax credit to parents only if the dependent is a student and a personal exemption is claimed for such dependent student.
Reduces interest by the amount bearing the same ratio to the interest as the excess of adjusted gross income over the applicable dollar amount bears to the phaseout range. Establishes applicable dollar amounts and phaseout ranges.
Excludes interest paid on education loans from the definition of "personal interest" (thus, allowing a deduction to be taken) unless a credit or deduction with respect to such interest is taken. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit or deduction for interest paid on education loans."} | 1,484 | 170 | 0.634243 | 1.782143 | 0.722518 | 2.927632 | 8.644737 | 0.861842 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Park Service Employee
Housing Program Act of 1994''.
SEC. 2. REQUIREMENTS REGARDING PROVISION OF HOUSING TO EMPLOYEES.
The Secretary of the Interior (in this Act referred to as the
``Secretary''), acting through the Director of the National Park
Service, shall, in accordance with this Act and section 5911 of title
5, United States Code--
(1) provide housing to employees of the National Park
Service only when and where such housing is necessary and
justified; and
(2) ensure that such housing, if necessary and justified,
is available and adequate.
SEC. 3. REVIEW AND REVISION OF HOUSING CRITERIA.
(a) In General.--Upon the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall review and revise the existing criteria under which housing is
provided to employees of the National Park Service. The review and
revision shall include consideration of the following criteria:
(1) Required occupancy (whether and under what
circumstances the Park Service requires, as a condition of
employment, that an employee live at a particular site or in a
specific geographic area). For each instance in which occupancy
is required, full consideration shall be given to the concept
of adequate response time.
(2) Availability and adequacy of non-Federal housing in the
geographic area, including consideration of the degree of
isolation (the time and distance that separate other potential
housing from the workplace of a Park Service employee).
(3) Category of employment (seasonal or permanent).
(4) Any other factor that the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(b) Submission of Report.--A report detailing the results of the
revisions required by subsection (a) shall be submitted to the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate not later than
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. The report shall
include justifications for keeping, or for changing, each of the
criteria or factors used by the Department of the Interior with regard
to the provision of housing to employees of the National Park Service.
SEC. 4. REVIEW OF CONDITION OF AND COSTS RELATING TO HOUSING.
(a) In General.--Using the revised criteria developed under section
3, the Secretary shall undertake a review, for each unit of the
National Park System, of existing government-owned housing provided to
employees of the National Park Service. The review shall include an
assessment of the physical condition of such housing and the
suitability of such housing to effectively carry out the missions of
the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. For each
unit of such housing, the Secretary shall determine whether the unit is
needed and justified. The review shall include estimates of the cost of
bringing each such unit that is needed and justified into usable
condition that meets all applicable legal housing requirements or, if
the unit is determined to be obsolete but is still warranted to carry
out the missions of the Department of the Interior and the National
Park Service, the cost of replacing the unit.
(b) Submission of Report and Proposed Plan.--The Secretary shall
submit a report detailing the results of the review required by
subsection (a), and a proposed plan to meet the housing needs of
employees of the National Park Service, to the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources of the Senate not later than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. ALTERNATIVES TO MEET HOUSING NEEDS.
(a) Authorization for Housing Agreements.--For those units of the
National Park Service for which the review required by section 4 has
been completed, the Secretary is authorized to enter into housing
agreements with housing entities under which such housing entities may
develop, construct, rehabilitate, or manage housing, located on or off
public lands, for rent or lease to National Park Service employees who
meet the housing eligibility criteria developed by the Secretary
pursuant to this Act. In entering such housing agreements, the
Secretary may guarantee to such entities a reasonable rate of occupancy
of rental units. The authority granted by this subsection is in
addition to the authorities of the Secretary to acquire or construct
housing for employees of the National Park Service using appropriated
funds.
(b) Limitation on Placement of Housing.--Housing made available on
public lands pursuant to subsection (a) shall be located only in areas
designated for administrative use.
(c) Prohibition of Aquisition Without Consent.--No private lands,
or interests therein, located outside the boundaries of a Federally
administered area may be acquired pursuant to this Act without the
consent of the owner thereof.
(d) Study Regarding Housing Allowances.--The Secretary shall
undertake a study to determine the feasibility of providing eligible
employees of the National Park Service with housing allowances rather
than government housing. If the Secretary finds, pursuant to the study,
that the provision of such allowances would be beneficial to the
Federal Government, the Secretary is authorized to institute a program
for the provision of the allowances, subject to the availability of
funds.
(e) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``housing
entity'' means an individual who, or a public or private corporation or
organization that, the Secretary finds is qualified to provide and
capable of providing housing.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this Act. | National Park Service Employee Housing Program Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to: (1) provide housing to employees of the National Park Service (Service) only when and where such housing is necessary and justified; and (2) ensure that such housing is available and adequate.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) review and revise the existing criteria under which housing is provided to Service employees; (2) use the revised criteria to undertake a review of the physical condition and suitability of existing federally-owned housing provided to Service employees for each National Park System (NPS) unit; and (3) report to specified congressional committees on the review and on a plan to meet employee housing needs.
Authorizes the Secretary to enter into housing agreements with housing entities concerning the reviewed NPS units under which the entities may develop, construct, rehabilitate, or manage housing located on or off public lands in areas designated for administrative use for rent or lease to Service employees who meet this Act's housing eligibility criteria. Prohibits the acquisition of private lands pursuant to this Act without the owner's consent.
Requires the Secretary to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of providing eligible Service employees with housing allowances rather than Federal housing. Authorizes the Secretary to institute a program for the provision of the allowances, subject to the availability of funds, if it would be beneficial to the Government.
Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "National Park Service Employee Housing Program Act of 1994"} | 1,204 | 313 | 0.685119 | 2.134652 | 0.861852 | 4.572917 | 3.927083 | 0.934028 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Expanding DHS Overseas Passenger
Security Screening and Vetting Operations Act''.
SEC. 2. COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR DHS
OPERATIONS ABROAD.
(a) Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate a comprehensive five-year
strategy for existing and future international programs.
(2) Contents.--The strategy required under paragraph (1)
shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(A) Specific Department of Homeland Security
strategic risk-based priorities for implementing
international programs.
(B) A risk-based method for determining whether to
establish new international programs or expand existing
international programs to new locations, given resource
constraints.
(C) A mechanism to ensure alignment of resource
allocations on international programs with the highest
Department-wide and Government-wide strategic
priorities.
(D) A common reporting framework for the submission
of reliable, comparable cost data by components of the
Department on overseas expenditures attributable to
international programs.
(3) Considerations.--In developing the strategy required
under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
consider, at a minimum, the following:
(A) Existing operations of international programs,
together with specific information on the locations in
which each such program operates.
(B) The number of Department personnel deployed to
each location at which an international program
referred to in subparagraph (A) is in operation during
the current and preceding fiscal year.
(C) Analysis of the impacts of each international
program on domestic operations of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, as the case may be, including staffing
levels and the availability of resources.
(D) Analysis of opportunities and barriers to a
regional approach and coordination with partner
governments on international law enforcement efforts
abroad in line with Department-wide and United States
Government-wide priorities.
(E) Analysis of barriers to international program
expansion.
(F) Relevant Department strategy documents,
including the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review and
component strategies.
(b) Implementation Plans.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate, on an annual basis, an
implementation plan based on the strategy required under
subsection (a) for the following fiscal year. Each such plan
shall be submitted with the President's budget request for the
next fiscal year through fiscal year 2022, except that the
first such plan may be submitted together with the President's
budget request for the next fiscal year or 180 days after
submission of the strategy, whichever is later.
(2) Contents.--Each implementation plan required under
paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(A) Information, specified on a location-by-
location basis, on each international program,
including an explanation of program goals and
requirements.
(B) Information on planned deployments of
Department personnel for each international program
referred to in subparagraph (A), specified on a
location-by-location basis, together with an accounting
of resource and personnel allocation required per
program per location.
(C) A plan to ensure Department personnel deployed
at locations outside the United States have appropriate
oversight and support to ensure performance in support
of program and departmental goals.
(D) Mechanisms for cross-component operations,
coordination, and communication abroad.
(3) Format.--The implementation plan required under
paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may
contain a classified annex if the Secretary of Homeland
Security determines that such is appropriate.
SEC. 3. U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION STAFFING EXPANSION.
(a) In General.--The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection shall--
(1) by not later than September 30, 2017, increase by 1,000
the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and
300 the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Agriculture Specialists over the number of such officers and
Specialists, respectively, for fiscal year 2016; and
(2) by not later than September 30, 2018, increase by 1,000
the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and
300 the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Agriculture Specialists over the number of such officers and
Specialists, respectively, for fiscal year 2017.
(b) Periodic Reporting.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting
through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shall
provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives or the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate, upon request by either of such committees,
information on the status of efforts to implement the requirements of
subsection (a), including information on any impediments to such
implementation.
SEC. 4. VISA SECURITY PROGRAM EXPANSION.
(a) Deployment Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit
to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the
Senate a plan for expanding, by not later than five years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Visa Security Program in a risk-
based manner to not fewer than 50 United States diplomatic and consular
posts that issue visas. Such a plan shall include a prioritized list of
such visa issuing posts based on the following:
(1) Risk and volume.
(2) The number of personnel necessary to operate each such
post.
(3) The expected costs of establishing and operating each
such post.
(4) Any potential security concerns regarding each such
post.
(b) Periodic Reporting.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives or the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate, upon request by either of such committees,
information on the status of efforts to implement the requirements of
subsection (a), including information on any impediments to such
implementation.
SEC. 5. PRE-ADJUDICATED THREAT RECOGNITION AND INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS
TEAM (PATRIOT) PROGRAM EXPANSION.
(a) Deployment Plan.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit
to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the
Senate a plan for deploying the Department of Homeland Security's Pre-
Adjudicated Threat Recognition and Intelligence Operations Team
(PATRIOT) program to not fewer than 50 United States diplomatic and
consular posts that issue visas, based on risk and volume, the minimum
number of personnel necessary to operate each such post, the estimated
costs of establishing and operating each such post, any potential
security concerns for each such post, and anticipated timelines for
deployment. Such plan shall include, at a minimum, the locations of
visa issuing posts to be covered, an accounting of the technology,
infrastructure, and personnel necessary to carry out deployment and
operation of the PATRIOT program at such posts, and the estimated costs
to deploy and operate such program.
(b) Implementation.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
implement the plan required under subsection (a) to ensure the PATRIOT
program referred to in such subsection is being utilized to vet all
visa applications, to the maximum extent practicable, at each United
States diplomatic and consular post that issues visas to which such
program has been expanded.
(c) Periodic Reporting.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives or the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate, upon request by either of such committees,
information on the status of efforts to implement the requirements of
this section, including information on any impediments to such
implementation.
SEC. 6. IMMIGRATION COOPERATION PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION.
(a) In General.--Subtitle B of title IV of the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after section 415 the following new
section:
``SEC. 416. IMMIGRATION COOPERATION PROGRAM.
``There is established within U.S. Customs and Border Protection a
program to be known as the `Immigration Cooperation Program'. Under
such Program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers, pursuant to
an arrangement with a foreign country, may cooperate with foreign
authorities, air carriers, and security employees at foreign airports
to identify persons who may be inadmissible to the United States or
otherwise pose a risk to the security of the United States.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 415 the following new item:
``Sec. 416. Immigration Cooperation Program.''.
SEC. 7. INTERNATIONAL TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAMS MODERNIZATION.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committee
on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a plan for
expanding participation in trusted traveler programs administered by
U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Such plan shall include the
following:
(1) A strategy for increasing outreach to and awareness
among the members of the traveling public regarding trusted
traveler programs, requirements, and benefits.
(2) An analysis of any barriers to expansion of trusted
traveler programs.
(3) An assessment of possible impacts on U.S. Customs and
Border Protection staffing and resource requirements as a
result of increased participation in trusted traveler programs.
(4) An assessment of measures utilized to address potential
risks or vulnerabilities of trusted traveler programs,
including resulting from increased enrollment.
(5) An analysis of the facilitation and security benefits
from increased participation in trusted traveler programs.
SEC. 8. SECURITY VETTING FOR NONIMMIGRANT VISAS EVALUATION.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a
review and submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate a report on the adequacy and appropriateness of
the security screening process for each United States nonimmigrant visa
category. Such review shall include the processes for determining visa
eligibility, including security screening and background checks, and
coordination among relevant agencies.
SEC. 9. DEFINITION.
In this Act, the term ``international program'' means an
international program or operation of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeted at
vetting and screening persons seeking to enter the United States in
which Department of Homeland Security personnel and resources are
deployed abroad.
SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDING.
There is authorized to be appropriated $250,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2017 and 2018 to carry out this Act and the amendment made
by this Act. | Expanding DHS Overseas Passenger Security Screening and Vetting Operations Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report to Congress: a comprehensive five-year strategy for international programs or operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that are targeted at vetting and screening persons seeking to enter the United States and in which DHS personnel and resources are deployed abroad; annually with the President's budget request for each fiscal year through FY2022, an implementation plan based on such strategy; a plan for expanding, within five years, the Visa Security Program in a risk-based manner, and a plan for deploying the Pre-Adjudicated Threat Recognition and Intelligence Operations Team program, to at least 50 U.S. diplomatic and consular posts that issue visas; and a plan for expanding participation in trusted traveler programs. CBP shall increase the numbers of CBP officers and Agriculture Specialists for each of FY2017-FY2018. The bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within CBP the Immigration Cooperation Program, under which CBP may cooperate with foreign authorities, air carriers, and security employees at foreign airports to identify persons who may be inadmissible to the United States or otherwise pose a risk to U.S. security. The Government Accountability Office shall review and report on the adequacy and appropriateness of the security screening process for each U.S. nonimmigrant visa category. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Expanding DHS Overseas Passenger Security Screening and Vetting Operations Act"} | 2,525 | 335 | 0.602884 | 1.861396 | 0.781295 | 4.388679 | 8.690566 | 0.909434 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Ag Science Center Act of
2007''.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL AG SCIENCE CENTER IN STANISLAUS COUNTY,
CALIFORNIA.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the State of California is a preeminent producer of
more than 350 different agricultural commodities, including--
(A) more than 90 percent of all of the tomatoes and
grapes produced in the United States;
(B) all of the commercial almonds, dates, figs,
olives, cling peaches, prunes, and raisins produced in
the United States; and
(C) 1 out of every 5 glasses of milk consumed in
the United States;
(2) California is the leading State in terms of
agricultural exports, annually shipping more than
$7,000,000,000 in agricultural commodities around the world;
(3) the total investment by the 78,500 farms in the State
of California, in terms of direct and indirect economic impact,
is staggering;
(4) if California intends to keep its agricultural industry
strong and vibrant, the State must focus on the needs of
farmers who are valuable contributors to the economic, social,
and cultural life of the State and the United States;
(5) since 1945, agricultural land has been rapidly
disappearing across California, as soil erosion, urbanization,
the growth of deserts, and salinization have all contributed to
loss of productive farmland;
(6) if those trends continue, California will no longer be
able to supply food for its population, let alone the United
States, and will be unable to export food to the rest of the
world;
(7) as people in the United States grow more and more
detached from the great agrarian history of the United States,
fewer of those people understand the fundamental importance of
agriculture to society in the United States;
(8) educating young people in the United States about
agriculture and its importance to the United States is an
investment that will pay off in future benefits;
(9) greater public understanding and appreciation of the
importance of agriculture to California, the United States, and
the world is needed to secure a positive future, in which the
United States can rely on healthy food that is produced
domestically;
(10) citizens of all ages, especially youth, must play a
meaningful, hands-on role in determining the future of
California agriculture;
(11) as planners, conservationists, and other interested
persons around the State of California organize to help protect
agricultural resources, the proposed National Ag Science Center
in Stanislaus County, California, is preparing to educate and
alert future generations about the need to preserve
agricultural land and to foster an understanding of the
importance of agriculture;
(12) the mission of the National Ag Science Center will be
to provide exciting and fun agricultural learning opportunities
and resources in order--
(A) for young people to learn how a vibrant
agricultural economy is necessary for a vibrant
society;
(B) to prepare young people for career and
leadership opportunities in agriculture; and
(C) to ensure a bright future for all aspects of
the agriculture industry;
(13) according to findings of the Center for Public Policy
Studies at California State University, Stanislaus, the
National Ag Science Center will create or support up to 359 new
local jobs, create or support up to $57,500,000 in economic
activity and $15,200,000 in labor income through construction
of the new facility, generate as much as $8,500,000 in total
annual economic activity, and result in as much as $3,400,000
in total annual labor income;
(14) on September 14, 2005, the Yosemite Community College
District Board, in Stanislaus County, California, voted
unanimously to approve the dedication of a 3.5 acre site on the
West Campus of Modesto Community College for the National Ag
Science Center; and
(15) establishment of the National Ag Science Center is in
the national interest, as the proposed Center will enable
future generations to help ensure a healthy and profitable
place for agriculture in the economy of California and the
United States.
(b) Designation.--
(1) In general.--The facility under development by the
Stanislaus Ag Center Foundation, in Stanislaus County,
California, shall be known and designated as the ``National Ag
Science Center''.
(2) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the
facility under development referred to in paragraph (1) shall
be deemed to be a reference to the National Ag Science Center. | National Ag Science Center Act of 2007 - Designates the facility under development by the Stanislaus Ag Center Foundation in Stanislaus county, California, as the "National Ag Science Center." | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to designate the facility under development by the Stanislaus Ag Center Foundation, in Stanislaus County, California, as the National Ag Science Center."} | 974 | 42 | 0.412864 | 1.13279 | 0.371885 | 4.264706 | 28 | 0.911765 |
SECTION 1. ASSIGNMENT OR ALIENATION OF PENSION PLANS FOR PAYMENT OF
CRIMINAL FINES AND VICTIM RESTITUTION.
(a) Amendments to ERISA.--
(1) In general.--Section 206(d) of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1056(d)) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4)(A) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a qualified
criminal restitution order and each pension plan shall provide
for payments in accordance with the applicable requirements of
a qualified criminal restitution order.
``(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `qualified
criminal restitution order' means a judgment, order, or
decree--
``(i) which is issued by a Federal or State court
in connection with a criminal conviction of a
participant under a plan,
``(ii) which imposes a criminal fine on the
participant or which requires the participant to make
restitution to 1 or more victims of the crime for which
convicted,
``(iii)(I) which creates or recognizes a right to
attach all or a portion of the benefits payable with
respect to the participant under a plan, or
``(II) which creates or recognizes the existence of
a victim's right to, or assigns to a victim the right
to, receive all or a part of those benefits, and
``(iv) with respect to which the requirements of
subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (3) are met
(determined after application of paragraph (3)(E)),
except that in applying such subparagraphs, the term
`criminal restitution order' shall be substituted for
the term `domestic relations order'.
``(C) The requirements of subparagraphs (G), (H), and (I)
of paragraph (3) shall apply to any plan administrator or
fiduciary of a plan to which this paragraph applies.
``(D) Rules similar to the rules of subparagraph (J) and
(N) of paragraph (3) shall apply for purposes of this
paragraph.''
(2) Preemption.--Paragraph (7) of section 514(b) of such
Act (29 U.S.C. 1144(b)(7)) is amended by inserting ``or to
qualified criminal restitution orders (within the meaning of
section 206(d)(3)(B))'' before the period at the end.
(b) Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (13) of section 401(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to assignment of
benefits) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) Special rules for criminal restitution
orders.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a
qualified criminal restitution order (within the
meaning of section 414(u)).''
(2) Qualified criminal restitution order.--Section 414 of
such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(u) Qualified Criminal Restitution Order.--For purposes of this
title--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified criminal restitution
order' means a judgment, order, or decree--
``(A) which is issued by a Federal or State court
in connection with a criminal conviction of a
participant under a plan,
``(B) which imposes a criminal fine on the
participant or which requires the participant to make
restitution to 1 or more victims of the crime for which
convicted,
``(C)(i) which creates or recognizes a right to
attach all or a portion of the benefits payable with
respect to the participant under a plan, or
``(ii) which creates or recognizes the existence of
a victim's right to, or assigns to a victim the right
to, receive all or a part of those benefits, and
``(D) with respect to which the requirements of
paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (p) are met
(determined after application of subsection (p)(4)),
except that in applying such paragraphs, the term
`criminal restitution order' shall be substituted for
the term `domestic relations order'.
``(2) Plan and fiduciary.--The provisions of paragraphs (6)
and (7) of subsection (p) shall apply to any plan administrator
or fiduciary of a plan to which this paragraph applies.
``(3) Special rules.--Rules similar to the rules of
paragraphs (9), (10), (11), and (12) of subsection (p) shall
apply for purposes of this subsection.''
(3) Tax treatment of distributions.--
(A) Section 402(e)(1) is amended by adding the end
the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Criminal restitution orders.--Rules similar
to the rules of subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall apply
to payments or distributions to victims of a criminal
offense pursuant to a qualified criminal restitution
order described in section 414(u).''
(B) Section 72(m)(10) is amended--
(i) by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``The preceding sentence shall also
apply to payments or distributions made to
victims of a criminal offense pursuant to a
qualified criminal restitution order described
in section 414(u).'', and
(ii) by inserting ``or qualified criminal
restitution orders'' after ``orders'' in the
heading.
(C) Subparagraph (J) of section 402(d)(4) is
amended by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``This subparagraph shall also apply to any
distributions or payments to victims of a criminal
offense pursuant to a qualified criminal restitution
order described in section 414(u).''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to qualified criminal restitution orders issued on and after the
date of the enactment of this Act. | Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code to provide that certain restrictions on the assignment or alienation of pension plan benefits shall not apply to court-ordered criminal fines or victim restitution. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the restriction on the assignment or alienation of pension plan benefits shall not apply to court-ordered criminal fines or victim restitution."} | 1,391 | 50 | 0.548418 | 1.345767 | 0.63699 | 2.682927 | 29.268293 | 0.878049 |
SECTION 1. 15-YEAR RECOVERY PERIOD FOR DEPRECIATION OF DESIGNATED LOW-
INCOME BUILDINGS.
(a) In General.--Subparagraph (E) of section 168(e)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to 15-year property) is amended
by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (ii), by striking the period
at the end of clause (iii) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at
the end the following new clause:
``(iv) any designated low-income
building.''
(b) Designated Low-Income Building.--Subsection (e) of section 168
of such Code (relating to classification of property) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) Designated low-income building.--
``(A) In general.--The term `designated low-income
building' means any building which is a qualified low-
income building (as defined in section 42(c)(2)) if--
``(i) no housing credit dollar amount has
been allocated to such building under section
42(h), and
``(ii) the taxpayer has made the election
described in subparagraph (B) with respect to
such building.
``(B) Election.--An election is described in this
subparagraph if made by the taxpayer at such time and
in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe. Any
election under the preceding sentence, once made, shall
be irrevocable.
``(C) Coordination with low-income housing
credit.--No credit shall be allowed under section 42
with respect to any designated low-income building.
``(D) Recapture of accelerated depreciation.--A
designated low-income building which ceases to be a
qualified low-income building (as defined in section
42(c)(2)) at any time during the recapture period
shall, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary,
be treated as though paragraph (3)(E)(iv) were never
enacted. The statutory period for the assessment of any
deficiency attributable to this subparagraph shall not
expire before the expiration of the 1-year period
beginning on the date the Secretary is notified by the
taxpayer (in such manner as the Secretary may
prescribe) of the change in status of such building.
For purposes of this subparagraph, the term `recapture
period' has the meaning given the term `compliance
period' under section 42(i)(1) except `20 taxable
years' shall be substituted for `15 taxable years'.''.
(c) Alternative Depreciation System.--The table contained in
section 168(g)(3)(B) of such Code is amended by inserting after the
item relating to subparagraph (E)(iii) the following:
``(E)(iv)...................................................... 20''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 2. QUALIFIED LOW-INCOME BUILDINGS NOT SUBJECT TO LIMITATION ON
PASSIVE ACTIVITY LOSSES AND CREDITS.
(a) In General.--Section 469 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to passive activity losses and credits limited) is amended by
redesignating subsections (l) and (m) as subsections (m) and (n),
respectively, and by inserting after subsection (k) the following new
subsection:
``(l) Special Rule for Qualified Low-Income Buildings.--Subsection
(a) shall not apply to that portion of the passive activity loss and
passive activity credit for any taxable year which is attributable to
any qualified low-income building (as defined in section 42(c)(2)).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Paragraph (3) of section 469(i) of such Code is amended
by striking subparagraph (D) and by redesignating subparagraphs
(E) and (F) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively.
(2) Subparagraph (D) of section 469(i) of such Code (as so
redesignated) is amended to read as follows:
``(D) Ordering rules to reflect exceptions and
separate phase-outs.--If subparagraph (B) or (C)
applies for a taxable year, paragraph (1) shall be
applied--
``(i) first to the portion of the passive
activity loss to which subparagraph (C) does
not apply,
``(ii) second to the portion of such loss
to which subparagraph (C) applies,
``(iii) third to the portion of the passive
activity credit to which subparagraph (B) does
not apply, and
``(iv) fourth to the portion of such credit
to which subparagraph (B) applies.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of
this Act. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 15-year recovery period for depreciation of certain low-income buildings eligible for the tax credit for low-income housing; and (2) exempt such buildings from provisions disallowing certain passive investment activity tax losses and credits. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a 15-year recovery period for depreciation of designated low-income buildings and to allow passive losses and credits attributable to qualified low-income buildings."} | 1,171 | 60 | 0.509963 | 1.195773 | 0.800972 | 2.909091 | 17.836364 | 0.763636 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Pre-College Engineering Education
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) According to studies by the National Academy of
Engineering, there is a widespread interest in improving
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
education in elementary and secondary schools.
(2) STEM education is important in part because it can
develop student interest and aptitude in subjects directly
relevant to the Nation's capacity for research and innovation.
This capacity is largely credited with supporting United States
economic health, national security, and quality of life.
(3) STEM education contributes to scientific and
technological literacy, important attributes for all citizens.
(4) Science is the intellectual and practical activity
encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior
of the physical and natural world through observation and
experiment.
(5) Engineering is the application of scientific and
mathematical principles to innovate, analyze, design, evaluate,
and manufacture machines, processes, and systems.
(6) The share of engineering education in the Federal STEM
education portfolio, according to a survey by the National
Science and Technology Council, is only 0.4 percent of the
nearly $3,500,000,000 annual expenditures.
(7) Available evidence suggests that pre-college
engineering education can stimulate interest and improve
learning in mathematics and science as well as improve
understanding of engineering and technology.
(8) Engineering education is a vital component in attaining
licensure as a professional engineer that requires rigorous
education, training, experience, and continuing education.
(9) According to the National Academy of Engineering there
is relatively limited experience with engineering education in
elementary and secondary schools.
(10) Some States have included engineering in their science
or technology and vocational standards, and many school
districts provide informal or after-school engineering
education.
(11) The Next Generation Science Standards developed by a
consortium of States, the National Science Teachers
Association, the American Association for the Advancement of
Science, the National Research Council, and Achieve has
identified content and science and engineering practices that
all students should learn from kindergarten to high school
graduation. States and local districts will have the
responsibility for providing more detailed guidance to
classroom teachers to help students learn the key ideas in the
standards.
(12) According to the National Academy of Engineering there
is not at present a critical mass of teachers qualified to
deliver engineering instruction.
(13) It is imperative that teachers have relevant
professional training that coordinates concepts in engineering
with the diverse learning styles of students.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
(2) Elementary school.--The term ``elementary school'' has
the meaning given that term by section 8101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that
term by section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(4) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational
agency'' has the meaning given that term by section 8101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801).
(5) Secondary school.--The term ``secondary school'' has
the meaning given that term by section 8101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(6) STEM education.--The term ``STEM education'' has the
meaning given that term in section 2 of the STEM Education Act
of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note).
SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Director shall establish a grant program to
encourage States and local educational agencies to develop and
implement sustainable engineering education programs in elementary and
secondary schools through public-private partnerships to--
(1) conduct research, review, and analyze the effectiveness
of existing formal and informal research-based instructional
materials;
(2) select or develop new research-based instructional
materials;
(3) teach students the overall analytical approach used in
engineering to prepare them to deal with complex technical and
non-technical problems and issues;
(4) prepare students who may enter STEM-related careers;
(5) prepare students who may pursue engineering studies in
college;
(6) increase participation of underrepresented student
groups in the engineering pipeline; and
(7) provide professional development for pre-service and
in-service teachers to teach pre-college engineering.
(b) Eligible Recipients.--Grants under this section shall be
provided to an institution of higher education, with at least two co-
principal investigators, one from the college of engineering and one
from the college of education, except that if the institution does not
have colleges of both engineering and education, faculty from a college
of education or engineering from another institution in the area of
jurisdiction of the same local educational agency or the same State may
participate as a co-principal investigator.
(c) Consortia.--Public private partnerships shall be established
for program coordination, consisting of, but not limited to--
(1) an institution or institutions of higher education
described in subsection (b);
(2) one or more local educational agencies in the same
State as the institution or institutions described in paragraph
(1), with participation by at least three elementary or
secondary schools; and
(3) one or more private sector or government organizations
in the same State that employ one or more engineers.
(d) Grants.--
(1) Duration; distribution.--Grants under this section
shall be awarded in amounts sufficient to cover a period of
four years.
(2) First 2-year period.--
(A) Grant activities.--The first two years of
funding provided under a grant shall be used for the
selection, development, or both of research-based and
evidenced-based--
(i) engineering instructional materials
that respond to local needs; and
(ii) professional training and
methodologies guidelines for teachers
associated with engineering concepts and
approaches.
(B) Nature of materials.--Instructional materials
developed pursuant to subparagraph (A)(i) shall--
(i) emphasize--
(I) engineering fundamentals and
concepts;
(II) engineering design,
manufacturing, and testing; and
(III) essential skills such as
systems thinking, creativity, teamwork,
communication, and ethical
considerations;
(ii) be designed to introduce students to
modern engineering tools such as computer-aided
design, computer-aided manufacturing,
statistical analysis, codes and standards,
human factors, and reliability analysis;
(iii) provide information for teachers on
science inquiry activities related to
engineering; and
(iv) be aligned with and integrated into
relevant science, engineering, and mathematics
standards that may exist in the State or may be
developed.
(3) Second 2-year period.--
(A) Pilot instructional program.--The third year of
funding provided under a grant shall be used for the
implementation in one elementary or secondary school of
an engineering education program--
(i) based on the instructional materials
selected or developed under paragraph (2); and
(ii) using engineering students and pre-
service teachers from the institution or
institutions described in subsection (b) as
mentors for the elementary or secondary school
students.
(B) Expanded instructional program.--The fourth
year of funding provided under a grant shall be used
for the implementation of the engineering instructional
education program in the remaining elementary or
secondary schools described in subsection (c)(2), as
revised based on evaluation of the third year
experience.
(e) Applications.--
(1) Required commitments.--An application for a grant under
this section shall demonstrate strong long-term commitment for
the proposed program from--
(A) the institution or institutions described in
subsection (b), through--
(i) providing laboratory and instructional
space;
(ii) establishing ongoing professional
training programs for pre-service and in-
service teachers and teachers in-residence; and
(iii) collaboration with the local
educational agency or agencies described in
subsection (c)(2), private sector or government
organizations described in subsection (c)(3),
and nonprofit educational enterprises, as
appropriate;
(B) the local educational agency described in
subsection (c)(2) and the State, including
commitments--
(i) to provide total funding to the
institution or institutions of higher education
described in subsection (b) or the elementary
or secondary schools described in subsection
(c)(2), or both, collectively with
organizations described in subparagraph (C)(i),
at least as great as that provided by the grant
awarded under this section;
(ii) to support continuance or expansion of
the engineering education program after the
expiration of grant funding under this section,
with the goal of offering engineering education
in all elementary and secondary schools under
the jurisdiction of the local educational
agency or agencies; and
(iii) for continuing collaboration with the
institution or institutions described in
subsection (b) and private sector or government
organizations described in subsection (c)(3);
and
(C) private sector or government organizations
through--
(i) financial support to the institution or
institutions of higher education described in
subsection (b) or the elementary or secondary
schools described in subsection (c)(2);
(ii) participation of personnel in the
development and implementation of the program;
(iii) provision of expertise, equipment,
and materials;
(iv) provisions of guidance on
instructional materials and needed supplies and
equipment; or
(v) other support.
(2) Selection.--A sufficient number of new grants shall be
made in each fiscal year, subject to the availability of
appropriations to achieve a measurable impact.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--No additional funds are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act. This Act shall be
carried out using amounts otherwise made available for such purposes.
SEC. 5. STUDY.
Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Director shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of
Engineering for a study to--
(1) conduct a formal review of the activities under this
Act and analyze the extent to which such activities will change
the quality, scale, equity, and impact of pre-college
engineering education, specifically taking into account how the
development of teaching guidelines and instructional materials
under this Act could contribute to such change;
(2) benchmark the results with relevant recent studies
conducted by cognizant organizations and the National Academy
of Engineering; and
(3) recommend if revisions to the program established under
this Act are needed to establish engineering education in all
secondary schools across the United States.
SEC. 6. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and
annually thereafter, the Director shall provide a report to Congress on
activities and results under this Act. Such reports shall describe--
(1) the total number of grant applications received in each
year;
(2) the number and geographic distribution of the grants
each year and in total;
(3) participation of minority-serving institutions of
higher education such as historically black colleges and
universities and Hispanic-serving institutions;
(4) participation of underrepresented student groups;
(5) plans for collaboration among grantees;
(6) overall program outcomes and issues of concern; and
(7) recommendations for program revisions to achieve the
desired program outcome. | Pre-College Engineering Education Act This bill establishes a grant program to encourage, through public-private partnerships, the development and implementation by states and local educational agencies of sustainable engineering education programs in elementary and secondary schools. The National Science Foundation (NSF) shall administer the program. Grantees may use funds to: research, review, and analyze the effectiveness of existing research-based instructional materials; select or develop new research-based instructional materials; teach students the overall analytical approached used in engineering; prepare students who may pursue engineering studies in college or enter careers related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; increase participation of underrepresented student groups in the engineering pipeline; and provide professional development for teachers to teach pre-college engineering. The NSF shall study and report on program activities and results. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Pre-College Engineering Education Act"} | 2,397 | 186 | 0.461359 | 1.326295 | 0.678505 | 4.333333 | 15.810458 | 0.921569 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of
2002''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Currently, it is possible to test for at least 30
disorders through newborn screening.
(2) There is a lack of uniform newborn screening throughout
the United States. While a newborn with a debilitating
condition may receive screening, early detection, and treatment
in one location, in another location the condition may go
undetected and result in catastrophic consequences.
(3) Each year more than 4,000,000 babies are screened to
detect conditions that may threaten their long-term health.
(4) There are more than 2,000 babies born every year in the
United States with detectable and treatable disorders that go
unscreened through newborn screening.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT.
Part Q of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
280h et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 399AA. NEWBORN SCREENING.
``(a) Authorization of Grant Programs.--
``(1) Grants to assist health care professionals.--From
funds appropriated under subsection (h), the Secretary, acting
through the Associate Administrator of the Maternal and Child
Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services
Administration (referred to in this section as the `Associate
Administrator') and in consultation with the Advisory Committee
on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (referred to in
this section as the `Advisory Committee'), shall award grants
to eligible entities to enable such entities to assist in
providing health care professionals and State health department
laboratory personnel with--
``(A) education in newborn screening; and
``(B) training in--
``(i) relevant and new technologies in
newborn screening; and
``(ii) congenital, genetic, and metabolic
disorders.
``(2) Grants to assist families.--From funds appropriated
under subsection (h), the Secretary, acting through the
Associate Administrator and in consultation with the Advisory
Committee, shall award grants to eligible entities to enable
such entities to develop and deliver educational programs about
newborn screening to parents, families, and patient advocacy
and support groups.
``(3) Grants for newborn screening followup.--From funds
appropriated under subsection (h), the Secretary, acting
through the Associate Administrator and in consultation with
the Advisory Committee, shall award grants to eligible entities
to enable such entities to establish, maintain, and operate a
system to assess and coordinate treatment relating to
congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders.
``(b) Application.--An eligible entity that desires to receive a
grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary
at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as
the Secretary may require.
``(c) Selection of Grant Recipients.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after receiving
an application under subsection (b), the Secretary, after
considering the approval factors under paragraph (2), shall
determine whether to award the eligible entity a grant under
this section.
``(2) Approval factors.--
``(A) Requirements for approval.--An application
submitted under subsection (b) may not be approved by
the Secretary unless the application contains
assurances that the eligible entity--
``(i) will use grant funds only for the
purposes specified in the approved application
and in accordance with the requirements of this
section; and
``(ii) will establish such fiscal control
and fund accounting procedures as may be
necessary to assure proper disbursement and
accounting of Federal funds paid to the
eligible entity under the grant.
``(B) Existing programs.--Prior to awarding a grant
under this section, the Secretary shall--
``(i) conduct an assessment of existing
educational resources and training programs and
coordinated systems of followup care with
respect to newborn screening; and
``(ii) take all necessary steps to minimize
the duplication of the resources and programs
described in clause (i).
``(d) Coordination.--The Secretary shall take all necessary steps
to coordinate programs funded with grants received under this section.
``(e) Use of Grant Funds.--
``(1) Grants to assist health care professionals.--An
eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a)(1)
may use the grant funds to work with appropriate medical
schools, nursing schools, schools of public health, internal
education programs in State agencies, nongovernmental
organizations, and professional organizations and societies to
develop and deliver education and training programs that
include--
``(A) continuing medical education programs for
health care professionals and State health department
laboratory personnel in newborn screening;
``(B) education, technical assistance, and training
on new discoveries in newborn screening and the use of
any related technology;
``(C) models to evaluate what a newborn should be
screened for and when and where that screening should
take place;
``(D) models to evaluate the prevalence of, and
assess and communicate the risks of, newborn disorders,
including the prevalence and risk of certain newborn
disorders based on family history;
``(E) models to communicate effectively with
parents and families about--
``(i) the process and benefits of newborn
screening;
``(ii) how to use information gathered from
newborn screening;
``(iii) the meaning of screening results,
including the rate of false positives;
``(iv) the right of refusal of newborn
screening; and
``(v) the potential need for followup care
after newborns are screened;
``(F) information and resources on coordinated
systems of followup care after newborns are screened;
``(G) information on the disorders for which States
require and offer newborn screening and options for
newborn screening relating to conditions in addition to
such disorders;
``(H) information on supplemental newborn screening
that the States do not require and offer but that
parents may want; and
``(I) other items to carry out the purpose
described in subsection (a)(1) as determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
``(2) Grants to assist families.--An eligible entity that
receives a grant under subsection (a)(2) may use the grant
funds to develop and deliver to parents, families, and patient
advocacy and support groups, educational programs about newborn
screening that include information on--
``(A) what is newborn screening;
``(B) how newborn screening is performed;
``(C) who performs newborn screening;
``(D) where newborn screening is performed;
``(E) the disorders for which the State requires
newborns to be screened;
``(F) different options for newborn screening for
disorders other than those included by the State in the
mandated newborn screening program;
``(G) the meaning of various screening results
including the rate of false positives;
``(H) the prevalence and risk of newborn disorders,
including the increased risk of disorders that may stem
from family history;
``(I) coordinated systems of followup care after
newborns are screened; and
``(J) other items to carry out the purpose
described in subsection (a)(2) as determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
``(3) Grants for quality newborn screening followup.--An
eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a)(3)
shall use the grant funds to--
``(A) expand on existing procedures and systems,
where appropriate and available, for the timely
reporting of newborn screening results to individuals,
families, primary care physicians, and subspecialists
in congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders;
``(B) coordinate ongoing followup treatment with
individuals, families, primary care physicians, and
subspecialists in congenital, genetic, and metabolic
disorders after a newborn receives an indication of the
presence of a disorder on a screening test;
``(C) ensure the seamless integration of
confirmatory testing, tertiary care medical services,
comprehensive genetic services including genetic
counseling, and information about access to developing
therapies by participation in approved clinical trials
involving the primary health care of the infant;
``(D) analyze data, if appropriate and available,
collected from newborn screenings to identify
populations at risk for disorders affecting newborns,
examine and respond to health concerns, recognize and
address relevant environmental, behavioral,
socioeconomic, demographic, and other relevant risk
factors; and
``(E) carry out such other activities as the
Secretary may determine necessary.
``(f) Reports to Congress.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress
reports--
``(A) evaluating the effectiveness and the impact
of the grants awarded under this section--
``(i) in promoting newborn screening--
``(I) education and resources for
families; and
``(II) education, resources, and
training for health care professionals;
``(ii) on the successful diagnosis and
treatment of congenital, genetic, and metabolic
disorders; and
``(iii) on the continued development of
coordinated systems of followup care after
newborns are screened;
``(B) describing and evaluating the effectiveness
of the activities carried out with grant funds received
under this section; and
``(C) that include recommendations for Federal
actions to support--
``(i) education and training in newborn
screening; and
``(ii) followup care after newborns are
screened.
``(2) Timing of reports.--The Secretary shall submit--
``(A) an interim report that includes the
information described in paragraph (1), not later than
30 months after the date on which the first grant funds
are awarded under this section; and
``(B) a subsequent report that includes the
information described in paragraph (1), not later than
60 months after the date on which the first grant funds
are awarded under this section.
``(g) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term
`eligible entity' means--
``(1) a State or a political subdivision of a State;
``(2) a consortium of 2 or more States or political
subdivisions of States;
``(3) a territory;
``(4) an Indian tribe or a hospital or outpatient health
care facility of the Indian Health Service; or
``(5) a nongovernmental organization with appropriate
expertise in newborn screening, as determined by the Secretary.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2003; and
``(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal
years 2004 through 2007.''. | Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Associate Administrator of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants for newborn screening education and training, including followup. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish grant programs to provide for education and outreach on newborn screening and coordinated followup care once newborn screening has been conducted, and for other purposes."} | 2,342 | 68 | 0.580159 | 1.396504 | 1.208794 | 4.087719 | 40.298246 | 0.964912 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Pollution Prevention
Opportunity Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR DRY OR WET CLEANING EQUIPMENT USING NONHAZARDOUS
PRIMARY PROCESS SOLVENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 46 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to amount of credit) is amended by striking ``and'' at the
end of paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end of paragraph
(3) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end thereof the
following paragraph:
``(4) the dry or wet cleaning equipment credit.''.
(b) Dry or Wet Cleaning Equipment Credit.--Section 48 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to energy credit; reforestation
credit) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Dry or Wet Cleaning Equipment Using Nonhazardous Primary
Process Solvents.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 46, the dry or
wet cleaning equipment credit for any taxable year is 20
percent of the basis of each qualified dry or wet cleaning
property placed in service during the taxable year (40 percent
of such basis in the case of such property placed in service in
an empowerment zone, enterprise community, or renewal
community).
``(2) Limitation.--The credit under this subsection for the
taxable year shall apply to qualified dry or wet cleaning
property placed in service during such year at each business
premise of the taxpayer.
``(3) Qualified dry or wet cleaning property.--For purposes
of this subsection, the term `qualified dry or wet cleaning
property' means equipment designed primarily to clean textiles
by professionals using special technology, detergents and
additives to minimize potential for adverse effects, or
appropriately dry or apply restorative finishing procedures to
such textiles if--
``(A) such equipment does not use any hazardous
solvent as the primary process solvent,
``(B) the original use of such property commences
with the taxpayer, and
``(C) with respect to which depreciation (or
amortization in lieu of depreciation) is allowable.
``(4) Primary process solvent.--For purposes of paragraph
(3), the term `primary process solvent' means the primary
liquid in which clothing, other fabric, and sensitive textiles
are cleaned or which is used to appropriately dry or apply
restorative finishing procedures to textiles, cleaned,
excluding detergent formulations.
``(5) Hazardous solvent.--For purposes of paragraph (3),
the term `hazardous solvent' means any solvent any portion of
which consists of a chlorinated solvent, a volatile organic
compound, or any other hazardous regulated substance, or which
contains any substance determined by the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Director of
the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the Director
of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences'
National Toxicology Program, or the director of any other
appropriate Federal agency to possess--
``(A) carcinogenic potential in humans, or
``(B) bioaccumulative properties.''.
(c) Credit Allowed Against Regular and Minimum Tax.--
(1) In general.--Section 38(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (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:
``(3) Special rules for dry or wet cleaning equipment
credit.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of the dry or wet
cleaning equipment 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) subparagraph (A) 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 dry or wet
cleaning equipment credit).
``(B) Dry or wet cleaning equipment credit.--For
purposes of this subsection, the term `dry or wet
cleaning equipment credit' means the credit allowable
under subsection (a) by reason of section 46(4).''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Subclause (II) of section
38(c)(2)(A)(ii) of such Code is amended by inserting ``or the
dry or wet cleaning equipment credit'' after ``employment
credit''.
(d) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) The section heading for section 48 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 48. ENERGY CREDIT; REFORESTATION CREDIT; DRY OR WET CLEANING
EQUIPMENT CREDIT.''.
(2) The item relating to section 48 in the table of
sections for subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of such Code is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 48. Energy credit; reforestation
credit; dry or wet cleaning
equipment credit.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service on or after January 1, 2001. | Small Business Pollution Prevention Opportunity Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a dry or wet cleaning equipment credit for any taxable year equivalent to 20 percent of the basis of each qualified dry or wet cleaning property placed in service during the year (40 percent of such basis in the case of such property placed in service in an empowerment zone, enterprise community, or renewal community) which is designed primarily to clean textiles if: (1) such equipment does not use any hazardous solvent as the primary process solvent; (2) the original use of such property commences with the taxpayer; and (3) with respect to which depreciation (or amortization in lieu of depreciation) is allowable. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against income tax for dry and wet cleaning equipment which uses non-hazardous primary process solvents."} | 1,213 | 150 | 0.715046 | 2.166207 | 0.787322 | 6.355556 | 8.111111 | 0.962963 |
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