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SECTION 1. TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Financial Assistance
Management Improvement Act of 1998''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) there are over 600 different Federal financial
assistance programs to implement domestic policy;
(2) while the assistance described in paragraph (1) has
been directed at critical problems, some Federal administrative
requirements may be duplicative, burdensome or conflicting,
thus impeding cost-effective delivery of services at the local
level;
(3) State, local, and tribal governments and private,
nonprofit organizations are dealing with increasingly complex
problems that require the delivery and coordination of many
kinds of services; and
(4) streamlining and simplification of Federal financial
assistance administrative procedures and reporting requirements
will improve the delivery of services to the public.
SEC. 3. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are to--
(1) improve the effectiveness and performance of Federal
financial assistance programs;
(2) simplify Federal financial assistance application and
reporting requirements;
(3) improve the delivery of services to the public; and
(4) facilitate greater coordination among those responsible
for delivering such services.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Common rule.--The term ``common rule'' means a
government-wide uniform rule for any generally applicable
requirement established to achieve national policy objectives
that applies to multiple Federal financial assistance programs
across Federal agencies.
(2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Office of Management and Budget.
(3) Federal agency.--The term ``Federal agency'' means any
agency as defined under section 551(1) of title 5, United
States Code.
(4) Federal financial assistance program.--The term
``Federal financial assistance program'' means a domestic
assistance program (as defined under section 6101(4) of title
31, United States Code) under which financial assistance is
available, directly or indirectly, to a State, local, or tribal
government or a qualified organization to carry out activities
consistent with national policy goals.
(5) Local government.--The term ``local government''
means--
(A) a political subdivision of a State that is a
unit of general local government (as defined under
section 6501(10) of title 31, United States Code);
(B) any combination of political subdivisions
described in subparagraph (A); or
(C) a local educational agency as defined under
section 14101(18) of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801(18)).
(6) Qualified organization.--The term ``qualified
organization'' means a private, nonprofit organization
described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(7) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam,
and the Virgin Islands.
(8) Tribal government.--The term ``tribal government''
means the governing entity of an Indian tribe, as that term is
defined in the Indian Self Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
SEC. 5. DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR.
(a) In General.--The Director, in consultation with agency heads,
shall direct, coordinate, and assist Federal agencies in establishing--
(1) a uniform application, or set of uniform applications,
to be used by an applicant to apply for assistance from
multiple Federal financial assistance programs that serve
similar purposes and are administered by different Federal
agencies;
(2) ways to streamline and simplify Federal financial
assistance administrative procedures and reporting requirements
for grantees;
(3) a uniform system wherein an applicant may apply for,
manage, and report on the use of, funding from multiple Federal
financial assistance programs across different Federal
agencies;
(4) a process for applicants to electronically apply for,
and report on the use of, funds from Federal financial
assistance programs;
(5) use of common rules for multiple Federal financial
assistance programs across different Federal agencies;
(6) improved interagency and intergovernmental coordination
of information collection and sharing of data pertaining to
Federal financial assistance programs, including the
development of a release form to be used by grantees to
facilitate the sharing of information across multiple Federal
financial assistance programs;
(7) a process to strengthen the information resources
management capacity of State, local, and tribal governments and
qualified organizations pertaining to the administration of
Federal financial assistance programs; and
(8) specific annual goals and objectives to further the
purposes of this Act.
(b) Actions Consistent With Statutory Requirements.--The actions
taken by the Director under subsection (a) shall be consistent with
statutory requirements relating to any applicable Federal financial
assistance program.
(c) Lead Agency and Working Groups.--The Director may designate a
lead agency to assist the Director in carrying out the responsibilities
under this section. The Director may use interagency working groups to
assist in carrying out such responsibilities.
(d) Review of Plans and Reports.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall--
(A) review agency plans and reports developed under
section 6 for adequacy;
(B) monitor the annual performance of each agency
toward achieving the goals and objectives stated in the
agency plan; and
(C) ensure that each agency plan does not diminish
standards to measure performance and accountability of
financial assistance programs.
(2) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall report to Congress on
implementation of this section. Such a report may be included
as part of any of the general management reports required under
law.
(e) Exemptions.--
(1) In general.--The Director may exempt any Federal agency
from the requirements of this Act if the Director determines
that the agency does not have a significant number of Federal
financial assistance programs.
(2) Agencies exempted.--Not later than November 1 of each
fiscal year, the Director shall submit to the Committee on
Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
Government Reform and Oversight of the House of
Representatives--
(A) a list of each agency exempted under this
subsection in the preceding fiscal year; and
(B) an explanation for each such exemption.
(f) Guidance.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Director shall issue guidance to Federal agencies on
implementation of the requirements of this Act. Such guidance shall
include a statement on the common rules that the Director intends to
review and standardize under this Act.
SEC. 6. DUTIES OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, each Federal agency shall develop and implement
a plan that--
(1) streamlines and simplifies the application,
administrative, and reporting procedures for each financial
assistance program administered by the agency;
(2) demonstrates active participation in the interagency
process required the applicable provisions of section 5(a);
(3) demonstrates agency use, or plans for use, of the
uniform application (or set of applications) and system
developed under section 5(a) (1) and (3);
(4) designates a lead agency official for carrying out the
responsibilities of the agency under this Act;
(5) allows applicants to electronically apply for, and
report on the use of, funds from the Federal financial
assistance program administered by the agency;
(6) strengthens the information resources management
capacity of State, local and tribal governments and qualified
organizations pertaining to the administration of the financial
assistance program administered by the agency; and
(7) in cooperation with State, local, and tribal
governments and qualified organizations, establishes specific
annual goals and objectives to further the purposes of this Act
and measure annual performance in achieving those goals and
objectives.
(b) Plan Consistent With Statutory Requirements.--Each plan
developed and implemented under this section shall be consistent with
statutory requirements relating to any applicable Federal financial
assistance program.
(c) Comment and Consultation on Agency Plans.--
(1) Comment.--Each Federal agency shall publish the plan
developed under subsection (a) in the Federal Register and
shall receive public comment on the plan through the Federal
Register and other means (including electronic means). To the
maximum extent practicable, each Federal agency shall hold
public hearings or related public forums on the plan.
(2) Consultation.--The lead official designated under
subsection (a)(4) shall consult regularly with representatives
of State, local and tribal governments and qualified
organizations during development of the plan. Consultation with
representatives of State, local, and tribal governments shall
be in accordance with section 204 of the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1534).
(d) Submission of Plan.--Each Federal agency shall submit the plan
developed under subsection (a) to the Director and Congress and report
annually thereafter on the implementation of the plan and performance
of the agency in meeting the goals and objectives specified under
subsection (a)(7). Such a report may be included as part of any of the
general management reports required under law.
SEC. 7. EVALUATION.
(a) In General.--The Director (or the lead agency designated under
section 5(c)) shall contract with the National Academy of Public
Administration to evaluate the effectiveness of this Act. Not later
than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act the evaluation
shall be submitted to the lead agency, the Director, and Congress.
(b) Contents.--The evaluation under subsection (a) shall--
(1) assess the effectiveness of this Act in meeting the
purposes of this Act and make specific recommendations to
further the implementation of this Act;
(2) evaluate actual performance of each agency in achieving
the goals and objectives stated in agency plans; and
(3) assess the level of coordination and cooperation among
the Director, Federal agencies, State, local, and tribal
governments, and qualified organizations in implementing this
Act.
SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE AND SUNSET.
This Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act and
shall cease to be effective on and after 5 years after such date of
enactment. | Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1998 - Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with Federal agency heads, to coordinate and assist Federal agencies in establishing: (1) a uniform Federal financial assistance application or set of such uniform applications; (2) ways to streamline Federal financial assistance administrative procedures and reporting requirements for grantees; (3) a uniform Federal financial assistance system; (4) an electronic application and reporting process; (5) use of common rules; (6) improved interagency and intergovernmental coordination of information collection and sharing of data, including the development of a release form to be used by grantees; (7) a process to strengthen the information resources management capacity of State and local governments and qualified organizations; and (8) specific annual goals and objectives to further the purposes of this Act. Permits the Director to designate a lead agency to assist him or her and use interagency working groups to assist in carrying out such responsibilities.
Requires the Director to: (1) review agency plans and reports developed under this Act for adequacy; (2) monitor each agency's annual performance toward achieving the goals and objectives stated in the agency's plan; (3) ensure that each agency plan does not diminish standards to measure performance and accountability of financial assistance programs; and (4) report to the Congress on implementation of this Act.
Exempts any Federal agency from the requirements of this Act if the Director determines that the agency does not have a significant number of Federal financial assistance programs. Requires the Director, not later than November 1 of each fiscal year, to submit to the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight: (1) a list of each agency exempted in the preceding fiscal year; and (2) an explanation for each such exemption.
Directs the Director to issue guidance on implementation of the requirements of this Act, including a statement on the common rules that he or she intends to review and standardize under this Act.
Sets specifications for the development and implementation of plans by Federal agencies, including for each agency to designate a lead agency official for carrying out the agency's responsibilities under this Act. Requires the lead official to consult regularly with representatives of State and local governments and qualified organizations during development of the plan. Requires each Federal agency to submit the plan to the Director and the Congress and report annually thereafter on the implementation of the plan and the agency's performance in meeting the goals and objectives specified under this Act.
Directs the Director or the lead agency to contract with the National Academy of Public Administration to evaluate the effectiveness of this Act. Requires the evaluation to be submitted to the lead agency, the Director, and the Congress. Terminates this Act five years after enactment. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1998"} | 2,200 | 591 | 0.576778 | 1.806502 | 0.710593 | 4.764065 | 3.838475 | 0.941924 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The National Science Foundation merits praise and
public recognition for its major contributions during the past
50 years to the development of the Nation's academic research
enterprise, which is the envy of the world.
(2) The economic strength and security of the United States
and the quality of life of all Americans are grounded in the
Nation's scientific and technological capabilities.
(3) The National Science Foundation plays a key role in the
support of basic research in all science and engineering
disciplines and in science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology education at all levels.
(4) The research and education activities of the National
Science Foundation promote the discovery, integration,
dissemination, and application of new knowledge in service to
society and prepare future generations of scientists,
mathematicians, and engineers who will be necessary to ensure
America's leadership in the global marketplace.
(5) The National Science Foundation must be provided with
sufficient resources to enable it to carry out its
responsibilities to develop intellectual capital, strengthen
the scientific infrastructure, integrate research and
education, and enhance the delivery of mathematics and science
education and improve the technological literacy of all
citizens.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2002.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the National Science Foundation $5,078,400,000 for fiscal year
2002.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under
paragraph (1)--
(A) $3,859,700,000 shall be made available to carry
out Research and Related Activities, of which--
(i) $561,000,000 shall be made available
for Biological Sciences;
(ii) $556,300,000 shall be made available
for Computer and Information Science and
Engineering;
(iii) $489,400,000 shall be made available
for Engineering;
(iv) $624,400,000 shall be made available
for Geosciences;
(v) $1,028,700,000 shall be made available
for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, of
which $210,000,000 shall be made available for
Mathematical Sciences;
(vi) $189,000,000 shall be made available
for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences;
(vii) $236,000,000 shall be made available
for United States Polar Research Programs;
(viii) $62,600,000 shall be made available
for United States Antarctic Logistical Support
Activities; and
(ix) $112,300,000 shall be made available
for Integrative Activities, of which
$75,000,000 shall be made available for Major
Research Instrumentation;
(B) $903,400,000 shall be made available for
Education and Human Resources, of which--
(i) such sums as may be necessary shall be
made available to allow for a minimum of 900
new awards for Graduate Research Fellowships;
(ii) $18,000,000 shall be made available
for evaluation activities carried out by the
Research, Evaluation and Communication
division; and
(iii) $67,000,000 shall be made available
for research activities carried out by the
Research, Evaluation and Communication
division, of which $25,000,000 shall be made
available for the Interagency Research
Initiative;
(C) $135,200,000 shall be made available for Major
Research Equipment, of which--
(i) $17,400,000 shall be made available for
the EarthScope;
(ii) $16,900,000 shall be made available
for the Large Hadron Collider;
(iii) $9,000,000 shall be made available
for Millimeter Array;
(iv) $12,500,000 shall be made available
for HIAPER;
(v) $55,000,000 shall be made available for
Terascale Computing Systems; and
(vi) $24,400,000 shall be made available
for the Network for Earthquake Engineering
Simulation;
(D) $173,300,000 shall be made available for
Salaries and Expenses; and
(E) $6,800,000 shall be made available for the
Office of Inspector General.
(b) Fiscal Year 2003.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the National Science Foundation $5,840,200,000 for fiscal year
2003.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under
paragraph (1)--
(A) $4,471,700,000 shall be made available to carry
out Research and Related Activities, of which--
(i) $634,000,000 shall be made available
for Biological Sciences;
(ii) $645,200,000 shall be made available
for Computer and Information Science and
Engineering;
(iii) $553,000,000 shall be made available
for Engineering;
(iv) $706,000,000 shall be made available
for Geosciences;
(v) $1,216,900,000 shall be made available
for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, of
which $300,000,000 shall be made available for
Mathematical Sciences;
(vi) $259,000,000 shall be made available
for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences;
(vii) $267,000,000 shall be made available
for United States Polar Research Programs;
(viii) $62,600,000 shall be made available
for United States Antarctic Logistical Support
Activities; and
(ix) $128,000,000 shall be made available
for Integrative Activities, of which
$85,000,000 shall be made available for Major
Research Instrumentation;
(B) $1,038,900,000 shall be made available for
Education and Human Resources, of which--
(i) such sums as may be necessary shall be
made available to allow for a minimum of 900
new awards for Graduate Research Fellowships;
(ii) $20,000,000 shall be made available
for evaluation activities carried out by the
Research, Evaluation and Communication
division; and
(iii) $77,000,000 shall be made available
for research activities carried out by the
Research, Evaluation and Communication
division, of which $28,000,000 shall be made
available for the Interagency Research
Initiative;
(C) $138,700,000 shall be made available for Major
Research Equipment, of which--
(i) $28,500,000 shall be made available for
the EarthScope;
(ii) $9,700,000 shall be made available for
the Large Hadron Collider;
(iii) $15,000,000 shall be made available
for Millimeter Array;
(iv) $12,000,000 shall be made available
for the National Ecological Observatory
Network;
(v) $39,500,000 shall be made available for
HIAPER; and
(vi) $4,500,000 shall be made available for
the Network for Earthquake Engineering
Simulation;
(D) $183,700,000 shall be made available for
Salaries and Expenses; and
(E) $7,200,000 shall be made available for the
Office of Inspector General.
(c) Fiscal Year 2004.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the National Science Foundation $6,716,200,000 for fiscal year
2004.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under
paragraph (1)--
(A) $5,176,300,000 shall be made available to carry
out Research and Related Activities, of which--
(i) $329,000,000 shall be made available
for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences;
(ii) $390,000,000 shall be made available
for Mathematical Sciences; and
(iii) $100,000,000 shall be made available
for the Major Research Instrumentation;
(B) $1,194,700,000 shall be made available to carry
out Education and Human Resources;
(C) $142,900,000 shall be made available for Major
Research Equipment, of which--
(i) $15,700,000 shall be made available for
the EarthScope;
(ii) $25,000,000 shall be made available
for Millimeter Array;
(iii) $20,000,000 shall be made available
for the National Ecological Observatory
Network;
(iv) $7,500,000 shall be made available for
HIAPER; and
(v) $17,000,000 shall be made available for
the Network for Earthquake Engineering
Simulation;
(D) $194,700,000 shall be made available for
Salaries and Expenses; and
(E) $7,600,000 shall be made available for the
Office of Inspector General.
(d) Fiscal Year 2005.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the National Science Foundation $7,723,600,000 for fiscal year
2005.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under
paragraph (1)--
(A) $5,988,000,000 shall be made available to carry
out Research and Related Activities, of which
$480,000,000 shall be made available for Mathematical
Sciences;
(B) $1,373,900,000 shall be made available to carry
out Education and Human Resources;
(C) $147,200,000 shall be made available for Major
Research Equipment, of which--
(i) $13,200,000 shall be made available for
the EarthScope;
(ii) $35,000,000 shall be made available
for Millimeter Array;
(iii) $27,000,000 shall be made available
for the National Ecological Observatory
Network; and
(iv) $7,500,000 shall be made available for
HIAPER;
(D) $206,400,000 shall be made available for
Salaries and Expenses; and
(E) $8,100,000 shall be made available for the
Office of Inspector General.
SEC. 4. PRIORITY FOR RESOURCE ALLOCATION.
In allocating resources made available under section 3 for Research
and Related Activities, the National Science Foundation shall give
priority to increasing average grant size and duration.
SEC. 5. PROPORTIONAL REDUCTION OF RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
AMOUNTS.
If the amount appropriated pursuant to section 3(a)(2)(A),
3(b)(2)(A), or 3(c)(2)(A) is less than the amount authorized under that
subparagraph, the amount available for each scientific directorate and
major activity under that subparagraph shall be reduced by the same
proportion.
SEC. 6. CONSULTATION AND REPRESENTATION EXPENSES.
From appropriations made under authorizations provided in this Act,
the Director of the National Science Foundation may use not more than
$10,000 in each fiscal year for official consultation, representation,
or other extraordinary expenses.
SEC. 7. MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION.
The National Science Foundation shall conduct a review and
assessment of the Major Research Instrumentation Program and provide a
report to Congress on its findings and recommendations by September 1,
2002. The report shall include--
(1) estimates of the needs, by major field of science and
engineering, of institutions of higher education for the types
of research instrumentation that are eligible for acquisition
under the guidelines of the Major Research Instrumentation
Program;
(2) the distribution of awards and funding levels by year
and by major field of science and engineering for the Major
Research Instrumentation Program, since the inception of the
Program; and
(3) an analysis of the impact of the Major Research
Instrumentation Program on the research instrumentation needs
that were documented in the National Science Foundation's 1994
survey of academic research instrumentation needs.
SEC. 8. ASSESSMENT AND PLAN FOR PROGRAMS TO ENCOURAGE CAREERS IN
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING BY UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS.
(a) Assessment.--The Director of the National Science Foundation
shall conduct a review and assessment of the precollege and
undergraduate programs of the National Science Foundation that are
focused on increasing the numbers of individuals pursuing careers in
science, mathematics, and engineering, who are from segments of the
population underrepresented in these career fields. The study shall--
(1) determine the effectiveness of the Foundation's
programs, with emphasis on quantitative evidence of the
programs' impact on increasing the numbers of individuals
obtaining baccalaureate and graduate degrees in science,
mathematics, and engineering and subsequently entering careers
in those fields;
(2) identify the principal characteristics of effective
programs and factors that would affect the replication of
effective programs at other sites; and
(3) develop recommendations for surveys and for other data
collection and analysis activities that would strengthen the
Foundation's capability to assess the effectiveness of these
programs and to replicate and enlarge successful programs.
(b) Plan.--On the basis of the assessment under subsection (a), the
Director shall develop a plan for--
(1) instituting a research grants program and allocating
resources for the Foundation's internal assessment activities
to address recommendations developed under subsection (a)(3);
and
(2) scaling up and replicating programs and activities that
have been determined to be effective in increasing the numbers
of baccalaureate and graduate degrees in science, mathematics,
and engineering from segments of the population
underrepresented in these career fields.
(c) Transmittal to Congress.--The National Science Foundation shall
transmit to Congress within 18 months after the date of enactment of
this Act a report setting forth the findings, conclusions, and
recommendations of the assessment conducted in accordance with
subsection (a) and the plan developed in accordance with subsection
(b), including recommended funding levels for proposed programs and
activities.
SEC. 9. NATIONAL RESEARCH FACILITIES PLAN.
Section 201 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of
1998 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Cost Categories.--All cost data on facilities construction,
repair and upgrades, operations, and maintenance provided in the plan
required under subsection (a) shall indicate the source of the funds by
appropriations account. Data supplied on operations costs shall
indicate current and planned funding for instrumentation development
and upgrades required to maintain the scientific value of the
facility.''.
SEC. 10. REPORTS ELIMINATION.
Section 3003(a)(1) of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset
Act of 1995 (31 U.S.C. 1113 note) does not apply to any report required
to be submitted under any of the following provisions of law:
(1) Section 4(j)(1) of the National Science Foundation Act
of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863(j)(1)).
(2) Section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal
Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885c(e)).
(3) Section 37 of the Science and Engineering Equal
Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885d).
(4) Section 108 of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986 (42 U.S.C. 1886).
(5) Section 101(a)(3) of the High-Performance Computing Act
of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511(a)(3)).
(6) Section 3(a)(7) and (f) of the National Science
Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1862(a)(7) and (f)).
(7) Section 7(a) of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act, 1977 (42 U.S.C. 1873 note). | National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Science (NSF) for FY 2002 through 2005, with specific allocations for Research and Related Activities, Education and Human Resources, Major Research Equipment, Salaries and Expenses, and the Office of Inspector General.Requires NSF, in allocating resources made available for Research and Related Activities, to give priority to increasing average grant size and duration.Prohibits the Director of NSF from using more than $10,000 in each fiscal year for official consultation, representation, or other extraordinary expenses.Requires NSF to assess and report to Congress on: (1) the Major Research Instrumentation Program; and (2) precollege and undergraduate programs of NSF that are focused on increasing the numbers of individuals pursuing careers in science, mathematics, and engineering who are from segments of the population underrepresented in these career fields.Prohibits the application of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995 with respect to specified NSF reports. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 for the National Science Foundation, and for other purposes."} | 3,196 | 216 | 0.491016 | 1.456459 | 0.82719 | 4.480874 | 15.79235 | 0.907104 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Investment Incentives Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. INCREASE IN LIMITATION ON CAPITAL LOSSES OF INDIVIDUALS
ALLOWABLE AGAINST ORDINARY INCOME.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 1211(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to limitation on capital losses of
taxpayers other than corporations) is amended--
(1) by striking ``$3,000'' and inserting ``$20,000'', and
(2) by striking ``$1,500'' and inserting ``$10,000''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001.
SEC. 3. ACCELERATION OF INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTIONS TO CERTAIN RETIREMENT
PLANS.
(a) IRAs.--
(1) In general.--Subparagraph (A) of section 219(b)(5) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining deductible amount)
is amended to read as follows:
``(A) The deductible amount shall be $5,000.''.
(2) Inflation adjustment.--Section 219(b)(5)(C) of such
Code is amended--
(A) by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2002'',
and
(B) by striking ``2007'' and inserting ``2001''.
(b) 401(k) Plans.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 402(g) of such
Code is amended--
(A) by striking subparagraph (B),
(B) by striking ``(A) Limitation.--'' and moving
the text 2 ems to the left, and
(C) in such text by striking ``the applicable
dollar amount'' and inserting ``$15,000''.
(2) Inflation adjustment.--Section 402(g)(4) of such Code
is amended--
(A) by striking ``2006'' and inserting ``2002'',
and
(B) by striking ``2005'' and inserting ``2001''.
(3) Conforming amendment.--Section 401(a)(30) of such Code
is amended by striking ``section 402(g)(1)(A)'' and inserting
``section 402(g)(1)''.
(c) 457 Plans.--
(1) In general.--Subparagraph (A) of section 457(b)(2) of
such Code is amended by striking ``the applicable dollar
amount'' and inserting ``$15,000''.
(2) Inflation adjustment.--Section 457(e)(15) of such Code
is amended to read as follows:
``(15) Cost-of-living adjustment.--In the case of taxable
years beginning after December 31, 2002, the Secretary shall
adjust the $15,000 amount under subsection (b)(2)(A) at the
same time and in the same manner as under section 415(d),
except that the base period shall be the calendar quarter
beginning July 1, 2001, and any increase under this paragraph
which is not a multiple of $500 shall be rounded to the next
lowest multiple of $500.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002.
SEC. 4. EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME FROM TAX.
(a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to amounts specifically
excluded from gross income) is amended by inserting after section 115
the following new section:
``SEC. 116. PARTIAL EXCLUSION OF DIVIDENDS AND INTEREST RECEIVED BY
INDIVIDUALS.
``(a) Exclusion From Gross Income.--Gross income does not include
dividends and interest otherwise includible in gross income which are
received during the taxable year by an individual.
``(b) Limitations.--
``(1) Maximum amount.--The aggregate amount excluded under
subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed $500
($1,000 in the case of a joint return).
``(2) Certain dividends excluded.--Subsection (a) shall not
apply to any dividend from a corporation which for the taxable
year of the corporation in which the distribution is made is a
corporation exempt from tax under section 521 (relating to
farmers' cooperative associations).
``(c) Special Rules.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Exclusion not to apply to capital gain dividends from
regulated investment companies and real estate investment
trusts.--
``For treatment of capital gain
dividends, see sections 854(a) and 857(c).
``(2) Certain nonresident aliens ineligible for
exclusion.--In the case of a nonresident alien individual,
subsection (a) shall apply only in determining the taxes
imposed for the taxable year pursuant to sections 871(b)(1) and
877(b).
``(3) Dividends from employee stock ownership plans.--
Subsection (a) shall not apply to any dividend described in
section 404(k).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subparagraph (C) of section 32(c)(5) of such Code is
amended by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (i), by
striking the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting ``;
or'', and by inserting after clause (ii) the following new
clause:
``(iii) interest and dividends received
during the taxable year which are excluded from
gross income under section 116.''.
(2) Subparagraph (A) of section 32(i)(2) of such Code is
amended by inserting ``(determined without regard to section
116)'' before the comma.
(3) Subparagraph (B) of section 86(b)(2) of such Code is
amended to read as follows:
``(B) increased by the sum of--
``(i) the amount of interest received or
accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year
which is exempt from tax, and
``(ii) the amount of interest and dividends
received during the taxable year which are
excluded from gross income under section
116.''.
(4) Subsection (d) of section 135 of such Code is amended
by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5) and by
inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:
``(4) Coordination with section 116.--This section shall be
applied before section 116.''.
(5) Paragraph (2) of section 265(a) of such Code is amended
by inserting before the period ``, or to purchase or carry
obligations or shares, or to make deposits, to the extent the
interest thereon is excludable from gross income under section
116''.
(6) Subsection (c) of section 584 of such Code is amended
by adding at the end the following new flush sentence:
``The proportionate share of each participant in the amount of
dividends or interest received by the common trust fund and to which
section 116 applies shall be considered for purposes of such section as
having been received by such participant.''.
(7) Subsection (a) of section 643 of such Code is amended
by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8) and by
inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:
``(7) Dividends or interest.--There shall be included the
amount of any dividends or interest excluded from gross income
pursuant to section 116.''.
(8) Section 854(a) of such Code is amended by inserting
``section 116 (relating to partial exclusion of dividends and
interest received by individuals) and'' after ``For purposes
of''.
(9) Section 857(c) of such Code is amended to read as
follows:
``(c) Restrictions Applicable to Dividends Received From Real
Estate Investment Trusts.--
``(1) Treatment for section 116.--For purposes of section
116 (relating to partial exclusion of dividends and interest
received by individuals), a capital gain dividend (as defined
in subsection (b)(3)(C)) received from a real estate investment
trust which meets the requirements of this part shall not be
considered as a dividend.
``(2) Treatment for section 243.--For purposes of section
243 (relating to deductions for dividends received by
corporations), a dividend received from a real estate
investment trust which meets the requirements of this part
shall not be considered as a dividend.''.
(10) The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of
chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 115 the following new item:
``Sec. 116. Partial exclusion of
dividends and interest received
by individuals.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001. | Investment Incentives Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from $1,500 to $10,000 ($3,000 to $20,000 on a joint return) the limitation on capital losses allowed against ordinary income; (2) make the increase to the $5,000 amount allowed as an annual retirement contribution deduction effective immediately, instead of starting in 2008; (3) exclude from gross income $500 ($1,000 on a joint return) of dividends and interest. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage saving and investment, and for other purposes."} | 2,064 | 92 | 0.533603 | 1.286376 | 0.640993 | 2.290323 | 18.967742 | 0.892473 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Identity Protection Act of
2006''.
SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible by
law for safeguarding and holding confidential the records of
the Department that contain personal identifying information
about present and former members of the Armed Forces and their
family members; and
(2) it is the responsibility of the Department when such
identifying information is lost or compromised due to the
carelessness of the Department or its employees to assist those
individuals whose identifying information is affected in
mitigating any affect of that loss or compromise.
SEC. 3. OFFICE OF IDENTITY PROTECTION IN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Department of
Veterans Affairs an Office of Identity Protection. The Office shall be
administered by a Director who shall be appointed by the Secretary.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Office shall be--
(1) to prevent the loss or compromise of personal
identifying information (including name, social security
number, financial records, and health records) about present
and former members of the Armed Forces and their family members
that is required by section 5701 of title 38, United States
Code, or any other provision of law to be held confidential and
privileged and protected from disclosure except as authorized
by law; and
(2) to assist any person whose personal identifying
information referred to in paragraph (1) is or may have been
compromised by the Department or a Department employee in
mitigating the effect of any such compromise.
(c) Responsibilities.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, acting
through the Office of Veterans Identity Protection, shall--
(1) whenever there is a loss or compromise of personal
identifying information described in subsection (b)(1), notify
each individual whose personal identifying information was lost
or compromised of that loss or compromise;
(2) contract with national credit reporting agencies to
provide one credit report every six months for three years,
without charge to the recipient, to any individual whose
personal identifying information held by the Department of
Veterans Affairs is or may have compromised due to the
carelessness of the Department or its employees in violation of
section 5701 of title 38, United States Code, or any other
provision of law;
(3) offer a 24-hour toll-free telephone number and a
website for individuals described in paragraph (2) to provide
them information regarding access to credit reporting services;
(4) work in coordination with the Department of Defense and
the Federal Trade Commission to ensure that active-duty
military personnel, especially those deployed in combat zones,
have access to credit reporting services; and
(5) make available to present and former members of the
Armed Forces and their family members, through internet web
pages, outreach activities, and other appropriate means,
information on possible fraudulent consumer credit or reporting
services that may be aimed at present or former members of the
Armed Forces.
(d) Agencies to Be Notified.--The Office shall be responsible for
ensuring that the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade
Commission are notified immediately when the Department of Veterans
Affairs knows or suspects that personal data in the records of the
Department have been compromised.
SEC. 4. INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT ON DATA SECURITY PRACTICES OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Study.--The Inspector General of the Department of Veterans
Affairs shall conduct a study of the data security practices of the
Department, including practices relating to access to personal
identifying information held by the Department and the authorization
process for removing such data from secure custody in the files of the
Department.
(b) Report.--Not later than six months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Inspector General shall submit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of
Representatives a report providing the results of the study under
subsection (a).
SEC. 5. CRIMINAL PENALTY.
Any officer or employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs who,
except as authorized by law or by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
removes from the custody of the Department of Veterans Affairs any
file, record, report, or document of the Department of Veterans Affairs
that is subject to section 5701 of title 38, United States Code, shall
be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not
more than 2 years, or both. | Veterans Identity Protection Act of 2006 - Expresses the sense of Congress that it is the responsibility of the Department of Veterans Afffairs: (1) to safeguard Department records that contain personal identifying information about present and former members of the Armed Forces and their family members; and (2) when such information is lost or compromised due to the carelessness of the Department or one of its employees, to assist the affected individuals in mitigating the effects of such loss or compromise.
Establishes within the Department an Office of Identity Protection to prevent such loss or compromise of information and to assist affected individuals.
Directs the Department's Inspector General to conduct a study of Department data security practices.
Provides criminal penalties for Department officers or employees who remove from Department custody any protected personnel file, record, report, or document. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To enhance protection of records of the Department of Veterans Affairs containing personal identifying information that is required by law to be confidential and privileged from disclosure except as authorized by law."} | 966 | 169 | 0.642345 | 2.036183 | 0.726871 | 3.897436 | 5.891026 | 0.923077 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Frank Adelmann Manufactured Housing
Community Sustainability Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) more than 17 million people live in manufactured homes,
benefitting from high-quality affordable homes that can provide
them stability;
(2) owners of manufactured homes are disproportionately
low-income households: in 2013, the median annual household
income for those living in manufactured housing was $28,400;
(3) about 75 percent of manufactured home households earn
less than $50,000;
(4) over 10 percent of United States veterans live in
manufactured homes;
(5) in the late 1990s, manufactured housing represented
two-thirds of the new affordable housing produced in the United
States, and it remains the largest source of unsubsidized
affordable housing in the country;
(6) as of 2015, the average cost per square foot for a new
manufactured home was $48, less than half the $101 per square
foot of the structure-only cost of a new site-built home;
(7) in 2009, 43 percent of all new homes that sold for less
than $150,000 were manufactured homes;
(8) manufactured homes accounts for 23 percent of new home
sales under $200,000;
(9) more than 50,000 manufactured home communities, or
``mobile home parks'', exist throughout the United States;
(10) more than 2.9 million manufactured homes are placed in
manufactured home communities;
(11) manufactured home communities provide critical
affordable housing but receive very little local, State, or
Federal funds subsidizing the cost of these homes;
(12) manufactured home owners in communities may own the
home, but they do not own the land under their homes, leaving
them vulnerable to rent increases, arbitrary rule enforcement,
and even closure of the community if the community owner
decides to convert the land to some other use;
(13) eviction or closure of manufactured home communities
is very disruptive to residents who may be unable to pay the
thousands of dollars it takes to move their home or even find a
new location for their home;
(14) in the past two decades, a national network of housing
providers has helped residents purchase and own the land and
manage the community in order to preserve a crucial source of
affordable housing;
(15) nationwide, there are more than 1,000 of these stable,
permanent ownership cooperatives or nonprofit-owned
developments in more than a dozen States;
(16) members continue to own their own homes individually
and an equal share of the land beneath the entire neighborhood
where everyone has a say in the way the resident-owned
community is run, and major decisions are made by democratic
vote by a member-elected board of directors;
(17) in New Hampshire, more than 20 percent of manufactured
home communities are owned by residents;
(18) in Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Washington,
Oregon, and Minnesota, resident-owned cooperatives and
nonprofit ownership have flourished;
(19) nationwide, only 2 percent of all manufactured home
communities are resident- or nonprofit-owned;
(20) owners are frequently reluctant to sell the community
because they would prefer to pass the property on to their
heirs tax free and avoid capital gains taxes;
(21) when the owner dies, the heirs frequently sell the
community to the highest bidder resulting in displacement for
dozens and sometimes hundreds of families; and
(22) a Federal tax benefit needs to be established to
induce owners to sell to residents they have known for decades
or to nonprofit organizations in order to preserve the
community for years to come.
SEC. 3. TAX CREDIT FOR MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY SALE TO RESIDENTS OR
NONPROFIT ENTITY.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business related
credits) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 45S. MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY SALE TO RESIDENTS OR NONPROFIT
ENTITY.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--For purposes of section 38, the
manufactured home community sale credit determined under this section
for any taxable year is an amount equal to 75 percent of the qualified
gain received by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified gain.--The term `qualified gain' means gain
from the sale or exchange of real property to a qualified
manufactured home community cooperative or corporation if--
``(A) the real property is acquired for use as a
manufactured home community, and
``(B) the requirements of paragraph (2) are met.
``(2) Requirements.--The requirements of this paragraph are
met if--
``(A) the seller (or any related person) owned the
property for not less than the 2-year period ending
before the sale or exchange, and
``(B) the property is transferred subject to a
binding covenant that the property will be used as a
manufactured home community for not less than 50 years.
``(3) Manufactured home community.--The term `manufactured
home community' means a community comprised primarily of
manufactured homes used solely for residential purposes and
owned by a manufactured home community cooperative or
corporation.
``(4) Manufactured home community cooperative or
corporation.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified manufactured
home community cooperative or corporation' means a
cooperative or a nonprofit corporation established
pursuant to the laws of the State in which the property
used as a manufactured home community is located and
which--
``(i) in the case of a community owned by a
nonprofit corporation whose membership
interests are sold on a nonappreciating basis,
has only one class of membership consisting of
residents, and
``(ii) in the case of a community owned by
a cooperative, has no more than two classes of
membership, which includes both members and a
tax-exempt organization actively engaged in
supporting affordable housing and resident-
owned manufactured home communities.
``(B) Governance.--An entity shall not be treated
as a qualified manufactured home community cooperative
or corporation for purposes of subparagraph (A) unless
governance of the entity is carried out by members
elected to a board of directors with voting structured
equitably among all members.
``(C) Member.--The term `member' means--
``(i) an individual--
``(I) has attained the age of 18,
``(II) is entitled by reason of the
individual's membership interest to
execute an occupancy agreement with the
manufactured home community cooperative
nonprofit with respect to one site in
the manufactured home community for the
purposes of situating a manufactured
home owned by the member or, as
permitted by the manufactured community
cooperative or corporation, the
member's trust or other entity, and
``(III) is a resident of the
manufactured home community, and
``(ii) a tax exempt organization.
``(5) Membership interest.--The term `membership interest'
means an ownership interest in a manufactured home community
cooperative or corporation or a membership interest in a
manufactured home community nonprofit corporation.
``(6) Manufactured home.--The term `manufactured home'
means a structure, transportable in one or more sections,
which--
``(A) in the traveling mode, is 8 body feet or more
in width and 40 body feet or more in length, or when
erected on site, is 320 square feet or more,
``(B) is built on a permanent chassis and designed
to be used as a dwelling (with or without a permanent
foundation when connected to required utilities) and
includes plumbing, heating, and electrical heating
systems, and
``(C) in the case of a structure manufactured after
June 15, 1976, is certified as meeting the Manufactured
Home Construction and Safety Standards issued under the
National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety
Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5401-5426) by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development and
displays a label of such certification on the exterior
of each transportable section.
``(c) Special Rules.--
``(1) Related person.--For purposes of subsection
(b)(2)(A), a person (hereafter in this subparagraph referred to
as the `related person') is related to the seller if--
``(A) the related person bears a relationship to
the seller specified in section 267(b) or 707(b)(1), or
``(B) the related person and the seller are engaged
in trades or businesses under common control (within
the meaning of subsections (a) and (b) of section 52).
``(2) Election by both seller and buyer.--The credit is
allowable under this section only if--
``(A) elected by both the seller and the buyer of
the real property and evidenced by an affidavit
executed by both parties, and
``(B) the buyer of the real property records the
affidavit and the affidavit is referenced in its deed
to the real property.
The seller shall elect the credit under this section on its
return of tax.
``(d) Tax Upon Violation of Covenant.--There is imposed a tax on
the buyer for a violation of the covenant specified in subsection
(b)(2)(B). The amount of such tax shall be 20 percent of the net
proceeds after settlement for the sale or exchange of the real property
referred to in subsection (b)(2). For purposes of section 501(a), the
tax imposed by this subsection shall not be treated as a tax imposed by
this subtitle.
``(e) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue such regulations or
other guidance as may be necessary to carry out this section, including
the recapture of the tax benefit under this section in any case in
which the real property described in subsection (b) is not used as a
manufactured home community for at least 50 years.''.
(b) Credit Allowed as Part of General Business Credit.--Section
38(b) of such Code is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of
paragraph (35), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (36) and
inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(37) the manufactured home community sale credit
determined under section 45S(a).''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subsection (c) of section 196 of such Code is amended
by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (13), by striking
the period at the end of paragraph (14) and inserting ``,
and'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(15) the manufactured home community sale credit
determined under section 45S(a).''.
(2) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at
the end the following new item:
``Sec. 45S. Manufactured home community sale to residents or nonprofit
entity.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. | Frank Adelmann Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit equal to 75% of the gain from the sale or exchange of real property to a qualified manufactured home community cooperative or corporation if: (1) the property is acquired for use as a manufactured home community, (2) the seller (or any related person) owned the property for at least two years before the sale or exchange, and (3) the property is transferred subject to a binding covenant that the property will be used as a manufactured home community for at least 50 years. A "qualified manufactured home community cooperative or corporation" is a cooperative or a nonprofit corporation established pursuant to the laws of the state in which the property is located. The bill specifies membership and governance requirements for the communities owned by the cooperative or nonprofit corporation. The bill also imposes a tax on buyers who violate the covenant to use the property for manufactured housing for at least 50 years. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Frank Adelmann Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act"} | 2,486 | 212 | 0.515556 | 1.654208 | 0.68498 | 4.958974 | 12.046154 | 0.917949 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Native American Contracting and
Federal Lands Management Demonstration Project Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall
apply:
(1) Federal lands.--The term ``Federal lands'' means any
land or interests in land owned by the United States, including
leasehold interests held by the United States, except Indian
trust lands.
(2) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the
meaning given such term by section 4(e) of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 3. PURPOSES.
(a) In General.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to expand the provisions of the Indian Self
Determination and Education Assistance Act, as amended (25
U.S.C. 450 et seq.), in order to expand Native employment and
income through greater contracting opportunities with the
Federal Government;
(2) to encourage Native contracting on Federal lands for
purposes of benefiting from the knowledge and expertise of
Native people in order to promote innovative management
strategies on Federal lands that will lead to greater
sensitivity toward, and respect for, Native American religious
beliefs and sacred sites;
(3) to better accommodate access to and ceremonial use of
Indian sacred lands by Indian religious practitioners; and
(4) to prevent significant damage to Indian sacred lands.
SEC. 4. NATIVE AMERICAN FEDERAL LANDS MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.
(a) In General.--The Indian Self Determination and Education
Assistance Act is amended by adding a new subsection as follows:
``SEC. --. NATIVE AMERICAN FEDERAL LANDS MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION
PROJECT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior shall establish
the `Native American Federal Lands Management Demonstration Project' to
enter contracts with Indian tribes or tribal organizations to perform
functions including, but not limited to, archeological, anthropological
and cultural surveys and analyses, and activities related to the
identification, maintenance, or protection of lands considered to have
religious, ceremonial or cultural significance to Indian tribes.
``(b) Participation.--During each of the 2 fiscal years immediately
following the date of the enactment, the Secretary shall select not
less than 12 eligible Indian tribes or tribal organizations to
participate in the demonstration project.
``(c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to participate in the
demonstration project, an Indian tribe or tribal organization, shall--
``(1) request participation by resolution or other official
action of the governing body of the Indian tribe or tribal
organization;
``(2) demonstrate financial and management stability and
capability, as evidenced by the Indian tribe or tribal
organization having no unresolved significant and material
audit exceptions for the previous 3 fiscal years; and
(3) demonstrate significant use of or dependency upon the
relevant conservation system unit or other public land unit for
which programs, functions, services, and activities are
requested to be placed under contract.
``(d) Planning Phase.--Each Indian tribe and tribal organization
selected by the Secretary to participate in the demonstration project
shall complete a planning phase prior to negotiating and entering into
a conservation system unit management contract. The planning phase
shall be conducted to the satisfaction of the Indian tribe or tribal
organization and shall include--
``(1) legal and budgetary research; and
``(2) internal tribal planning and organizational
preparation.
``(e) Contracts.--
``(1) In general.--Upon request of a participating Indian
tribe or tribal organization that has completed the planning
phase pursuant to subsection (e), the Secretary shall negotiate
and enter into a contract with the Indian tribe or tribal
organization for the Indian tribe or tribal organization to
plan, conduct, and administer programs, services, functions,
and activities, or portions thereof, requested by the Indian
tribe or tribal organization and related to archeological,
anthropological and cultural surveys and analyses, and
activities related to the identification, maintenance or
protection of lands considered to have religious, ceremonial or
cultural significance to Indian tribes.
``(2) Time limitation for negotiation of contracts.--Not
later than 90 days after a participating Indian tribe or tribal
organization has notified the Secretary that it has completed
the planning phase required by subsection (e), the Secretary
shall initiate and conclude negotiations, unless an alternative
negotiation and implementation schedule is otherwise agreed to
by the parties. The declination and appeals provisions of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act,
including section 110 of such Act, shall apply to contracts and
agreements requested and negotiated under this Act.
``(f) Contract Administration.--
``(1) Inclusion of certain terms.--At the request of the
contracting Indian tribe or tribal organization, the benefits,
privileges, terms, and conditions of agreements entered into
pursuant to titles I and IV of the Indian Self-Determination
and Education Assistance Act may be included in a contract
entered into under this Act. If any provisions of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act are
incorporated, they shall have the same force and effect as if
set out in full in this Act and shall apply notwithstanding any
other provision of law. The parties may include such other
terms and conditions as are mutually agreed to and not
otherwise contrary to law.
``(2) Audit.--Contracts entered into under this Act shall
provide for a single-agency audit report to be filed as
required by chapter 75 of title 31, United States Code.
``(3) Transfer of employees.--Any career Federal employee
employed at the time of the transfer of an operation or program
to an Indian tribe or tribal organization shall not be
separated from Federal service by reason of such transfer.
Intergovernmental personnel actions may be used to transfer
supervision of such employees to the contracting Indian tribe
or tribal organization. Such transferred employees shall be
given priority placement for any available position within
their respective agency, notwithstanding any priority
reemployment lists, directives, rules, regulations, or other
orders from the Department of the Interior, the Office of
Management and Budget, or other Federal agencies.
``(g) Available Funding; Payment.--Under the terms of a contract
negotiated pursuant to subsection (f), the Secretary shall provide each
Indian tribe or tribal organization funds in an amount not less than
the Secretary would have otherwise provided for the operation of the
requested programs, services, functions, and activities. Contracts
entered into under this Act shall provide for advance payments to the
tribal organizations in the form of annual or semiannual installments.
``(h) Timing; Contract Authorization Period.--An Indian tribe or
tribal organization selected to participate in the demonstration
project shall complete the planning phase required by subsection (c)
not later than 1 calendar year after the date that it was selected for
participation and may begin implementation of its requested contract no
later than the first day of the next fiscal year. The Indian tribe or
tribal organization and the Secretary may agree to an alternate
implementation schedule. Contracts entered into pursuant to this Act
are authorized to remain in effect for 5 consecutive fiscal years,
starting from the fiscal year the participating Indian tribe or tribal
organization first entered into its contract under this Act.
``(i) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the close of each of
fiscal years 2003 and 2006, the Secretary shall present to the Congress
detailed reports, including a narrative, findings, and conclusions on
the costs and benefits of this demonstration project.
``(j) Planning Grants.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of
appropriated funds, upon application the Secretary shall award
a planning grant in the amount of $100,000 to any Indian tribe
or tribal organization selected for participation in the
demonstration project to enable it to plan for the contracting
of programs, functions, services, and activities as authorized
under this Act and meet the planning phase requirement of
subsection (e). An Indian tribe or tribal organization may
choose to meet the planning phase requirement without applying
for a grant under this subsection. No Indian tribe or tribal
organization may receive more than 1 grant under this
subsection.
``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary for each of the 2
fiscal years immediately following the date of the enactment of
this Act to fund planning grants under this section.''.
SEC. 5. TRIBAL PROCUREMENT CONTRACTING AND RESERVATION DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 7 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450e) is amended by adding at the
end thereof the following new subsection (d):
``(d) Fostering Tribal Procurement Contracting and Reservation
Development.--
``(1) Upon the request and application of an Indian tribe
to provide certain services or deliverables which the Secretary
of the Interior would otherwise procure from a private sector
entity, and absent a request to contract those services or
deliverables pursuant to section 102 of this Act (25 U.S.C.
450f) made by the tribe or tribes to be directly benefited by
said services or deliverables, the Secretary of the Interior
shall contract for such services or deliverables through the
applicant Indian tribe pursuant to section 102 of this Act (25
U.S.C. 450f).
``(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply unless the applicant
tribe provides assurances to the Secretary that the principal
beneficiary of the contracted services remains the tribe or
tribes originally intended to benefit from the services or
deliverables. For purposes of this subsection, the contracting
tribe shall enjoy no less than the same rights and privileges
under this Act as would the beneficiary tribe if the
beneficiary tribe exercised its rights to contract under
section 102 of this Act. If at any time the beneficiary tribe
(or tribes) seeks to contract services being provided by the
contracting tribe, the beneficiary tribe (or tribes) shall give
the contracting tribe and the Secretary of the Interior no less
than 180 days' notice.''. | Native American Contracting and Federal Lands Management Demonstration Project Act - Amends the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Native American Federal Lands Management Demonstration Project.Requires the project to contract with at least 12 Indian tribes or tribal organizations to perform archeological, anthropological and cultural surveys and analyses, and activities related to the identification, maintenance, or protection of lands considered to have religious, ceremonial or cultural significance to Indian tribes.Sets forth criteria for participation, including demonstrated financial and management stability and capability and significant use of or dependency upon the relevant conservation system unit or other public land unit for which programs, functions, services, and activities are requested to be placed under contract.Makes funding available for planning grants.Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the Secretary to contract with an applying Indian tribe for the provision of certain services or deliverables that would otherwise be procured from the private sector and for which the tribe to be benefitted by such services or deliverables has not exercised its right to contract. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to encourage Native contracting over the management of Federal lands, and for other purposes."} | 2,220 | 246 | 0.629373 | 1.622164 | 0.982982 | 5.264706 | 10.137255 | 0.931373 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and
Treat Astronauts Act'' or the ``TREAT Astronauts Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Human space exploration can pose significant challenges
and is full of substantial risk, which has ultimately claimed
the lives of 24 National Aeronautics and Space Administration
astronauts serving in the line of duty.
(2) As United States government astronauts participate in
long-duration and exploration spaceflight missions they may
experience increased health risks, such as vision impairment,
bone demineralization, and behavioral health and performance
risks, and may be exposed to galactic cosmic radiation.
Exposure to high levels of radiation and microgravity can
result in acute and long-term health consequences that can
increase the risk of cancer and tissue degeneration and have
potential effects on the musculoskeletal system, central
nervous system, cardiovascular system, immune function, and
vision.
(3) To advance the goal of long-duration and exploration
spaceflight missions, United States government astronaut Scott
Kelly participated in a 1-year twins study in space while his
identical twin brother, former United States government
astronaut Mark Kelly, acted as a human control specimen on
Earth, providing an understanding of the physical, behavioral,
microbiological, and molecular reaction of the human body to an
extended period of time in space.
(4) Since the Administration currently provides medical
monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment for United States
government astronauts during their active employment, given the
unknown long-term health consequences of long-duration space
exploration, the Administration has requested statutory
authority from Congress to provide medical monitoring,
diagnosis, and treatment to former United States government
astronauts for psychological and medical conditions associated
with human space flight.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the United States should continue to seek the unknown
and lead the world in space exploration and scientific
discovery as the Administration prepares for long-duration and
exploration spaceflight in deep space and an eventual mission
to Mars;
(2) data relating to the health of astronauts will become
increasingly valuable to improving our understanding of many
diseases humans face on Earth;
(3) the Administration should provide the type of
monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment described in subsection
(a) only for conditions the Administration considers unique to
the training or exposure to the spaceflight environment of
United States government astronauts and should not require any
former United States government astronauts to participate in
the Administration's monitoring;
(4) such monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment should not
replace a former United States government astronaut's private
health insurance;
(5) expanded data acquired from such monitoring, diagnosis,
and treatment should be used to tailor treatment, inform the
requirements for new spaceflight medical hardware, and develop
controls in order to prevent disease occurrence in the
astronaut corps; and
(6) the 340-day space mission of Scott Kelly aboard the
ISS--
(A) was pivotal for the goal of the United States
for humans to explore deep space and Mars as the
mission generated new insight into how the human body
adjusts to weightlessness, isolation, radiation, and
the stress of long-duration space flight; and
(B) will help support the physical and mental well-
being of astronauts during longer space exploration
missions in the future.
SEC. 3. MEDICAL MONITORING AND RESEARCH RELATING TO HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT.
(a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 20148. Medical monitoring and research relating to human space
flight
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Administrator may provide for the medical monitoring and diagnosis of a
former United States government astronaut or a former payload
specialist for conditions that the Administrator considers potentially
associated with human space flight, and may provide for the treatment
of a former United States government astronaut or a former payload
specialist for conditions that the Administrator considers associated
with human space flight, including scientific and medical tests for
psychological and medical conditions.
``(b) Requirements.--
``(1) No cost sharing.--The medical monitoring, diagnosis,
or treatment described in subsection (a) shall be provided
without any deductible, copayment, or other cost sharing
obligation.
``(2) Access to local services.--The medical monitoring,
diagnosis, and treatment described in subsection (a) may be
provided by a local health care provider if it is unadvisable
due to the health of the applicable former United States
government astronaut or former payload specialist for that
former United States government astronaut or former payload
specialist to travel to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, as
determined by the Administrator.
``(3) Secondary payment.--Payment or reimbursement for the
medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment described in
subsection (a) shall be secondary to any obligation of the
United States government or any third party under any other
provision of law or contractual agreement to pay for or provide
such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment. Any costs for
items and services that may be provided by the Administrator
for medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment under
subsection (a) that are not paid for or provided under such
other provision of law or contractual agreement, due to the
application of deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, other cost
sharing, or otherwise, are reimbursable by the Administrator on
behalf of the former United States government astronaut or
former payload specialist involved to the extent such items or
services are authorized to be provided by the Administrator for
such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment under
subsection (a).
``(4) Conditional payment.--The Administrator may provide
for conditional payments for or provide medical monitoring,
diagnosis, or treatment described in subsection (a) that is
obligated to be paid for or provided by the United States or
any third party under any other provision of law or contractual
agreement to pay for or provide such medical monitoring,
diagnosis, or treatment if--
``(A) payment for (or the provision of) such
medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment services
has not been made (or provided) or cannot reasonably be
expected to be made (or provided) promptly by the
United States or such third party, respectively; and
``(B) such payment (or such provision of services)
by the Administrator is conditioned on reimbursement by
the United States or such third party, respectively,
for such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment.
``(c) Exclusions.--The Administrator may not--
``(1) provide for medical monitoring or diagnosis of a
former United States government astronaut or former payload
specialist under subsection (a) for any psychological or
medical condition that is not potentially associated with human
space flight;
``(2) provide for treatment of a former United States
government astronaut or former payload specialist under
subsection (a) for any psychological or medical condition that
is not associated with human space flight; or
``(3) require a former United States government astronaut
or former payload specialist to participate in the medical
monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment authorized under subsection
(a).
``(d) Privacy.--Consistent with applicable provisions of Federal
law relating to privacy, the Administrator shall protect the privacy of
all medical records generated under subsection (a) and accessible to
the Administration.
``(e) Regulations.--The Administrator shall promulgate such
regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
``(f) Definition of United States Government Astronaut.--In this
section, the term `United States government astronaut' has the meaning
given the term `government astronaut' in section 50902, except it does
not include an individual who is an international partner astronaut.
``(g) Data Use and Disclosure.--The Administrator may use or
disclose data acquired in the course of medical monitoring, diagnosis,
or treatment of a former United States government astronaut or a former
payload specialist under subsection (a), in accordance with subsection
(d). Former United States government astronaut or former payload
specialist participation in medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment
under subsection (a) shall constitute consent for the Administrator to
use or disclose such data.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for chapter 201 of
title 51, United States Code is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 20147 the following:
``20148. Medical monitoring and research relating to human space
flight''.
(c) Annual Reports.--
(1) In general.--Each fiscal year, not later than the date
of submission of the President's annual budget request for that
fiscal year under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code,
the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration shall publish a report, in accordance with
applicable Federal privacy laws, on the activities of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration under section
20148 of title 51, United States Code, as added by subsection
(a).
(2) Contents.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall
include a detailed cost accounting of the Administration's
activities under such section 20148 of title 51, United States
Code, and a 5-year budget estimate.
(3) Submission to congress.--The Administrator shall submit
to the appropriate committees of Congress each report under
paragraph (1) not later than the date of submission of the
President's annual budget request for that fiscal year under
section 1105 of title 31, United States Code.
(d) Cost Estimate.--
(1) Requirement.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration shall enter into an
arrangement with an independent external organization to
undertake an independent cost estimate of the cost to the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Federal
Government to implement and administer the activities of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration under section
20148 of title 51, United States Code, as added by subsection
(a). The independent external organization may not be an entity
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, such as
the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance.
(2) Submittal to congress.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
submit the independent cost estimate undertaken pursuant to
paragraph (1) to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
(e) Privacy Study.--
(1) Study.--The Administrator of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration shall carry out a study on any
potential privacy or legal issues related to the possible
sharing beyond the Federal Government of data acquired under
the activities of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration under section 20148 of title 51, United States
Code, as added by subsection (a).
(2) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report containing the results of
the study carried out under paragraph (1).
(f) Inspector General Audit.--The Inspector General of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration shall periodically audit or
review, as the Inspector General considers necessary to prevent waste,
fraud, and abuse, the activities of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration under section 20148 of title 51, United States Code, as
added by subsection (a).
Passed the House of Representatives December 7, 2016.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act or the TREAT Astronauts Act (Sec. 3) This bill authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to provide for: the medical monitoring and diagnosis of a former U.S. government astronaut or former payload specialist for conditions that NASA considers potentially associated with human space flight; and the treatment of such an astronaut or payload specialist for conditions that NASA considers associated with human space flight, including scientific and medical tests for psychological and medical conditions. The bill requires that such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment shall be provided without any deductible, copayment, or other cost sharing obligation. NASA may not require such an astronaut or payload specialist to participate in the medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment authorized by this bill. NASA shall protect the privacy of all medical records generated with respect to such medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment and accessible to NASA. The term "government astronaut" does not include individuals who are international partner astronauts. NASA shall arrange with an independent external organization to undertake an independent cost estimate of the cost to NASA and the federal government for the implementation and administration of the activities of NASA under this bill. NASA shall study any potential privacy or legal issues related to the possible sharing beyond the federal government of data acquired under the activities of NASA. The NASA Inspector General shall periodically audit or review NASA's activities to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "TREAT Astronauts Act"} | 2,517 | 308 | 0.545334 | 1.794035 | 0.847616 | 4.369718 | 8.584507 | 0.876761 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Investigative Commission Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) The term ``Commission'' means the Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac Investigative Commission established under section
3.
(2) The term ``Fannie Mae'' means the Federal National
Mortgage Corporation.
(3) The term ``Freddie Mac'' means the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a commission to be known as the ``Fannie Mae
and Freddie Mac Investigative Commission''.
SEC. 4. DUTY OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--The Commission shall investigate, determine, and
make recommendations to Congress with respect to the policies,
practices, and board decisions of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac subsequent
to the actions of the Resolution Trust Corporation during the late
1980s and from the 1990s through the present that led to the
enterprises' financial instability and the subsequent Federal
conservatorship of such enterprises.
(b) Specific Topics.--In carrying out its duty under subsection
(a), the Commission shall address and analyze, by year, beginning in
1990 and through the present, the following:
(1) The appropriate role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in
expanding homeownership and the appropriate role in helping the
housing market recover nationwide.
(2) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's involvement, if any, in
the development of faulty risk standards and accounting
practices and the creation and proliferation of the securitized
mortgage instrument, and how such instrument affected the
solvency of such enterprises.
(3) The role of the boards of directors of Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac in developing and voting for the investment,
accounting, and contracting policies of such enterprises,
particularly as they relate to risk assessments, subprime
mortgages, and the international securitization of mortgages.
(4) Any board members, working committees, or executive
officers responsible for making the decisions to adapt or
change risk assessments or grow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's
portfolios of subprime mortgage loans, a summary of actual
board votes on the same, and the process that led to such
decisions.
(5) The decisions of the boards or executive officers of
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that contributed or may have
contributed to the overvaluation of risky mortgage investments
in the stock market and, later, to the growth of the subprime
mortgage industry.
(6) The annual compensation, including all forms of
compensation, stock options, and other financial benefits
accrued to each of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's executive
officers and members of the boards of directors.
(7) Such other matters that the Congress may place before
the Commission.
SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 8
members, appointed as follows:
(A) Two members appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives.
(B) Two members appointed by the minority leader of
the House of Representatives.
(C) Two members appointed by the majority leader of
the Senate.
(D) Two members appointed by the minority leader of
the Senate.
(2) Qualifications.--Members of the Commission shall be
individuals who are of recognized standing and distinction in
the areas of banking, securities and finance regulation,
consumer advocacy and fair housing programs, and the mortgage
industry.
(3) Conflict of interest.--Members of the Commission shall
not have a conflict of interest that is relevant to any matter
the Commission is required to investigate under section 4.
(4) Deadline for appointment.--Members of the Commission
shall be appointed not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(5) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Commission shall
be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives at
the time of appointment.
(b) Terms.--
(1) In general.--Each member shall be appointed for the
life of the Commission.
(2) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission shall--
(A) not affect the power of the remaining members
to execute the duty of the Commission; and
(B) be filled in the manner in which the original
appointment was made.
(c) Compensation.--
(1) Rates of pay; travel expenses.--Each member shall serve
without pay, except that 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.
(2) Prohibition of compensation of federal employees.--
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), any member of the Commission who
is a full-time officer or employee of the United States may not
receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits because of
service on the Commission.
(d) Meeting Requirements.--
(1) Frequency.--
(A) Quarterly meetings.--The Commission shall meet
at least quarterly.
(B) Additional meetings.--In addition to quarterly
meetings, the Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson or a majority of its members.
(2) Quorum.--Five members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(3) Meeting by telephone or other appropriate technology.--
Members of the Commission are permitted to meet using
telephones or other suitable telecommunications technologies
provided that all members of the Commission can fully
communicate with all other members simultaneously.
SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.
(a) Director.--
(1) Appointment.--The Commission shall have a Director who
shall be appointed by the Chairperson with the approval of the
Commission.
(2) Credentials.--The Director shall have experience in the
areas of banking, securities and finance regulation, consumer
advocacy and fair housing programs, and the mortgage industry.
(3) Salary.--The Director shall be paid at a rate
determined by the Chairperson with the approval of the
Commission, except that such rate may not exceed the rate of
basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule.
(b) Staff.--With the approval of the Chairperson, the Director may
appoint and fix the pay of additional qualified personnel as the
Director considers appropriate.
(c) Experts and Consultants.--With the approval of the Commission,
the Director may procure temporary and intermittent services under
section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates for
individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent of the maximum annual
rate of basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule.
(d) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission,
Chairperson, or Director, the head of any Federal department or agency
may detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that
department or agency to the Commission to assist the Commission in
carrying out its duty under this Act.
SEC. 7. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the purposes of
carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at such times and
such places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission
considers appropriate.
(b) Subpoena Power.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may issue a subpoena to
require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the
production of evidence relating to any matter under
investigation by the Commission.
(2) Issuance and signature.--Subpoenas issued under
paragraph (1) shall bear the signature of the Chairperson of
the Commission and shall be served by any person or class of
persons designated by the Chairperson for that purpose.
(3) Enforcement.--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 that person
to appear before the Commission to give testimony, produce
evidence, or both, relating to the matter under investigation.
The application may be made within the judicial district where
the hearing is conducted or where that person is found,
resides, or transacts business. Any failure to obey the order
of the court may be punished by the court as civil contempt.
(c) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of the
Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which
the Commission is authorized to take under this Act.
(d) Obtaining Official Data.--The Commission may secure directly
from any department or agency of the United States information
necessary to enable it to carry out its duty under this Act. Upon
request of the Chairperson, the head of that department or agency shall
furnish that information to the Commission.
(e) Physical Facilities and Equipment.--The Architect of the
Capitol, in consultation with the appropriate entities in the
legislative branch, shall locate and provide suitable facilities and
equipment for the operation of the Commission on a nonreimbursable
basis.
(f) Administrative Support Services.--Upon request of the
Commission, the Architect of the Capitol and the Administrator of the
General Services shall provide to the Commission on a nonreimbursable
basis such administrative support services as the Commission may
request in order for the Commission to carry out its duty under this
Act.
(g) Bylaws, Rules, and Regulations.--The Commission may adopt,
amend, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the conduct
of its business and the performance of its duties.
(h) Commission Records.--The Commission shall keep accurate and
complete records of its doings and transactions which shall be made
available for public inspection, and for the purpose of audit and
examination by the Comptroller General or his designee.
SEC. 8. INFORMATION FROM FREDDIE MAC, FANNIE MAE, AND THE FHFA.
(a) Enterprises.--Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shall provide full and
prompt access to the Commission to any books, records, and other
information requested for the purposes of carrying out its duty under
this Act.
(b) FHFA.--Upon request of the Commission, the Director of the
Federal Housing Finance Agency shall provide access to any information
necessary to assist the Commission in carrying out its duty under this
Act.
SEC. 9. REPORT.
Not later than 12 months after the date on which all initial
members are appointed, the Commission shall submit to Congress a final
report containing a detailed statement of the findings, conclusions,
and recommendations of the Commission.
SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission such sums
as may be necessary for fiscal year 2011 to carry out this Act.
SEC. 11. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate following the submission and
presentation of its final report and recommendations under section 9,
but not later than 30 days after such submission and presentation. | Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Investigative Commission Act - Establishes the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Investigative Commission to investigate and make recommendations to Congress regarding certain decisions of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (enterprises) that led to financial instability and federal conservatorship.
Requires the Commission to analyze specified topics, including: (1) the role of the enterprises in expanding homeownership and in helping housing market recovery; (2) enterprise involvement in the development of faulty risk standards, accounting practices, and the creation and proliferation of the securitized mortgage instrument, and how such instrument affected the solvency of such enterprises; (3) the role of the respective boards of directors in voting for the policies relating to risk assessments, subprime mortgages, and the international securitization of mortgages; and (4) compensation, stock options, and financial benefits that accrued to executive officers and members of the boards of directors.
Requires the enterprises and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to grant the Commission access to requested records and information. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Investigative Commission to investigate the policies and practices engaged in by officers and directors at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac responsible for making the decisions that led to the enterprises' financial instability and the subsequent Federal conservatorship of such enterprises."} | 2,384 | 240 | 0.707207 | 2.311058 | 0.863607 | 3.557692 | 10.485577 | 0.942308 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Lending Improvement
Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL PREFERRED LENDERS PROGRAM.
Section 7(a)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(2)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(E) National preferred lenders program.--
``(i) Establishment.--There is established
the National Preferred Lenders Program in the
Preferred Lenders Program operated by the
Administration, in which a participant may
operate as a preferred lender in any State if
such lender meets appropriate eligibility
criteria established by the Administration.
``(ii) Terms and conditions.--An applicant
shall be approved under the following terms and
conditions:
``(I) Term.--Each participant
approved under this subparagraph shall
be eligible to make loans for not more
than 2 years under the program
established under this subparagraph.
``(II) Renewal.--At the expiration
of the term described in subclause (I),
the authority of a participant to make
loans for the program established under
this subparagraph may be renewed based
on a review of performance during the
previous term.
``(III) Effect of failure.--Failure
to meet the criteria under this
subparagraph shall not affect the
eligibility of a participant to
continue as a preferred lender in a
State or district in which the
participant is in good standing.
``(iii) Implementation.--
``(I) Regulations.--As soon as is
practicable, the Administrator shall
promulgate regulations to implement the
program established under this
subparagraph.
``(II) Program implementation.--Not
later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this subparagraph, the
Administrator shall implement the
program established under this
subparagraph.''.
SEC. 3. MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNT.
Section 7(a)(3)(A) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)(3)(A)) is amended by striking ``$1,500,000 (or if the gross loan
amount would exceed $2,000,000)'' and inserting ``$2,250,000 (or if the
gross loan amount would exceed $3,000,000)''.
SEC. 4. SECTION 7(A) AUTHORIZATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006.
Section 20(e)(1)(B)(i) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631
note) is amended by striking ``$17,000,000,000'' and inserting
``$18,000,000,000''.
SEC. 5. ALTERNATIVE SIZE STANDARD.
Section 3(a)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(3)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``When establishing'' and inserting the
following: ``Establishment of Size Standards.--
``(A) In general.--When establishing''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Alternative size standard.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the
Administrator shall establish an alternative size
standard under paragraph (2), that shall be applicable
to loan applicants under section 7(a) or under title V
of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C.
695 et seq.).
``(ii) Criteria.--The alternative size standard
established under clause (i) shall utilize the maximum
net worth and maximum net income of the prospective
borrower as an alternative to the use of industry
standards.
``(iii) Interim rule.--Until the Administrator
establishes an alternative size standard under clause
(i), the Administrator shall use the alternative size
standard in section 121.301(b) of title 13, Code of
Federal Regulations, for loan applicants under section
7(a) or under title V of the Small Business Investment
Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.).''. | Small Business Lending Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the current Preferred Lenders Program operated by the Small Business Administration (SBA) the National Preferred Lenders Program, under which a participant may operate as a preferred lender in any state if the lender meets eligibility criteria established by the SBA. Allows each approved participant to make loans for up to two years under the program.
Increases: (1) to up to $3 million the maximum authorized SBA gross loan amount for small businesses; and (2) the FY2006 authorization of appropriations to the SBA for such loans.
Directs the SBA Administrator to establish an alternative size standard (measuring the size of a business for purposes of eligibility for small business loans) utilizing the maximum net worth and net income of the prospective borrower as an alternative to the use of industry standards. Requires, in the interim, the use of an alternative size standard regulation. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to establish a National Preferred Lender Program, facilitate the delivery of financial assistance to small businesses, and for other purposes."} | 938 | 206 | 0.597346 | 1.654135 | 0.773239 | 2.888268 | 4.240223 | 0.854749 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hawaiian Waters Chemical Munitions
Safety Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Until 1970 the United States Armed Forces routinely
dumped military chemical munitions in ocean waters.
(2) According to the report entitled ``Off-Shore Disposal
of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United
States'', which was prepared by the Army's Historical Research
and Response Team in 2001, chemical munitions were dumped at a
minimum of three locations near the Hawaiian Islands, and the
weapons disposed of at these sites included 1,100 one-thousand
pound cyanogen chloride bombs, 20 one-thousand pound hydrogen
cyanide bombs, 125 five-hundred pound cyanogen chloride bombs,
15,000 one-hundred-and-fifteen pound mustard gas bombs, 31,000
mustard gas-filled mortar shells, 1,000 one-ton containers of
mustard gas agent, 190 one-ton containers of lewisite agent,
16,000 one-hundred pound mustard gas bombs, and 4,220 tons of
various ordinance filled with hydrogen cyanide.
(3) The report also specified that chemical munitions were
dumped off the coasts of Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida,
Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South
Carolina, and Virginia.
(4) The lack of research into the effect of long-term
seawater exposure on chemical munitions and the potential risks
to the public and the environment has created significant
public concern in Hawaii, especially among communities near
coastal military facilities and military munitions disposal
areas.
(5) The dumping of chemical munitions in the ocean is now
prohibited by the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries
Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).
(6) The United States is a signatory of both the Convention
on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and
Other Matter, with annexes, done at Washington, London, Mexico
City, and Moscow December 29, 1972, and entered into force
August 30, 1975 (26 UST 2403) and the Convention on the
Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use
of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction, with annexes,
done at Paris January 13, 1993, and entered into force April
29, 1997 (commonly known as the ``Chemical Weapons
Convention'').
SEC. 3. RESPONSE TO DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL MUNITIONS WITHIN HAWAIIAN
WATERS.
(a) Survey and Identification of Disposal Sites.--
(1) Survey required.--The Secretary of the Army shall
conduct a survey of all underwater sites within 12 miles of the
Hawaiian Islands where chemical munitions are known or believed
to have been disposed of by the Armed Forces between 1941 and
1972.
(2) Survey purpose.--The purpose of the survey is to
characterize the location and size of the disposal sites, the
types and numbers of chemical munitions at the sites, and the
condition of chemical munitions at the sites.
(3) Report required.--Not later than September 30, 2009,
the Secretary of the Army shall submit to Congress a report
containing the results of the survey.
(b) Identification of Navigational Hazards.--The Secretary of the
Army shall cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that
nautical charts and other navigation materials for Hawaiian coastal
waters include hazards to private activities and commercial shipping or
fishing operations identified as a result of the survey conducted under
subsection (a).
(c) Monitoring.--
(1) Monitoring required.--Within one year after the
completion of the survey required by subsection (a), the
Secretary of the Army shall implement the appropriate
monitoring mechanisms to recognize and track the potential
release of hazardous chemical agents into the marine
environment from the disposal sites covered by the survey.
(2) Elements.--The monitoring regime shall include
appropriate sampling, testing, and evaluation of Hawaiian
coastal waters for signs of contamination from chemical
munitions that may pose a risk to public health and the marine
environment.
(d) Research.--The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Office
of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and
Environment, shall establish a program to conduct research and provide
research grants for the purpose of studying the long-term effects of
seawater exposure on chemical munitions, potential public health risks
associated with ocean disposal of chemical munitions, and the
environmental impact of the ocean disposal of chemical munitions.
(e) Remediation.--
(1) Report required.--Within one year after the completion
of the survey required by subsection (a), the Secretary of the
Army shall submit to Congress a report containing the
following:
(A) An analysis of the feasibility of implementing
multiple remediation measures at the disposal sites
covered by the survey.
(B) Cost estimates for such remediation measures.
(C) An analysis of the public health and
environmental safety risks of the disposal sites.
(2) Special considerations.--The feasibility analysis
required by paragraph (1)(A) shall take into account the cost
of remediation measures, the public health and environmental
damage risk of remediation measures, and the risk to personnel
engaged in remediation measures.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this Act. | Hawaiian Waters Chemical Munitions Safety Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) conduct a survey of all Hawaiian underwater sites where chemical munitions are known to have been disposed of by the Armed Forces between 1941 and 1972; and (2) identify on Hawaiian coastal nautical charts and other navigational materials navigational hazards to private activities and commercial shipping or fishing operations as identified in the survey. Requires the Secretary to implement appropriate monitoring mechanisms to recognize and track the potential release of hazardous chemical agents into the marine environment from such disposal sites.
Directs the Secretary to establish a program to conduct research and provide research grants to study the long-term effects of seawater exposure on chemical munitions, including the potential public health risks associated with, and the environmental impact of, ocean disposal of chemical munitions. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the feasibility and cost of implementing multiple remediation measures at the disposal sites covered by the survey, including an analysis of the public health and environmental safety risks of such sites. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to require the Secretary of the Army to conduct a survey and monitoring of off-shore sites in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands where chemical munitions were disposed of by the Army Forces, to support research regarding the public and environmental health impacts of chemical munitions disposal in the ocean, and to require the preparation of a report on remediation plans for such disposal sites."} | 1,201 | 221 | 0.560261 | 1.666708 | 0.71079 | 4.598985 | 5.467005 | 0.954315 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ambassador's Fund for Strategic
Exchanges Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The United States has a strategic national interest in
improving its image around the world, given the historically
low levels of public opinion toward the United States in many
countries.
(2) International exchange programs have been proven to be
one of the most beneficial and cost-effective means by which to
promote mutual understanding between citizens of the United
States and citizens of other countries and to advance United
States national interests through closer working partnerships
with leaders around the world.
(3) Prominent world leaders during recent decades, such as
Tony Blair and Anwar Sadat, have deepened their friendship and
openness to the United States through international exchanges,
and many persons who previously had highly anti-American
opinions have changed their views after participating in
exchange programs organized by the United States Government.
(4) United States exchange programs, such as the
International Visitors Program, make a tremendous impact in the
lives of those individuals who participate and consistently are
ranked by public diplomacy experts as some of the most
effective public diplomacy programs.
(5) The International Visitors Program of the United States
Department of State organizes exchange programs for anticipated
future leaders in their countries who travel to the United
States for programs generally of three weeks, and it produces
very positive results among its target audience.
(6) Another key target audience for United States exchanges
is not addressed by the International Visitors Program; this
group includes current political, economic, and civil society
leaders, often from less privileged backgrounds, who have not
traveled to the United States previously.
(7) Such persons currently in leadership positions in their
countries are often unable to leave their jobs for a period of
three weeks, given the press of their responsibilities, and
United States embassies administering exchange programs not
infrequently find that identified candidates for International
Visitor Program exchanges decline participation because of this
fact.
(8) A number of United States embassies, including the
embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, have piloted country-specific,
embassy-initiated exchange programs targeted to such groups of
current leaders who have never traveled to the United States.
These programs generally last from 5-7 program days and bring
together 8-10 participants from a country who work on similar
issues but have not worked with each other before. Some of
these programs have been coordinated with the Voluntary
Visitors Division of the International Visitors Office in the
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of
State.
(9) Such programs have proven highly effective in having an
immediate impact on current leaders working in key sectors and
in helping advance United States interests such as greater
democratization, observance of human rights, economic reform
and poverty alleviation, empowerment of women and girls, and
improved cooperation with the United States in confronting
threats from organized crime, narco-trafficking, and terrorist
groups. These programs also promote greater cooperation across
sectors, agencies, and regions within a country, given the
shared experience the exchange visitors have together during
their trip to the United States.
(10) A key element of the success of these pilot exchanges
is that they are conceived and developed in individual
embassies overseas, keyed to specific interests of the United
States in each country.
(11) However, these pilot exchanges currently have not been
replicated widely within the Department of State, being
confined to only a few United States embassies around the
world, because there are no Department-wide programmatic
guidelines or central funding for these exchange programs.
SEC. 3. AMBASSADOR'S FUND FOR STRATEGIC EXCHANGES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall establish in the
Voluntary Visitors Division of the Office of International Visitors in
the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs a program to conduct
public diplomacy exchanges, to be known as the ``Ambassador's Fund for
Strategic Exchanges'', to bring political, economic, civil society, and
other leaders to the United States for short-term exchange visits in
order to advance key United States strategic goals.
(b) Coordination.--Under the program established pursuant to
subsection (a), each United States embassy and the Office of
International Visitors shall coordinate to develop the short-term
exchange visits described in such subsection.
(c) Number and Duration.--The short-term exchange visits shall be
for groups of up to between eight and ten participants, and shall be
for visits of five to eight days.
(d) Areas of Focus.--The key United States strategic goals referred
to in subsection (a) may include the following, as determined by the
individual United States embassy and the Office of International
Visitors:
(1) Strengthening democracy and human rights.
(2) Advancing the rule of law.
(3) Strengthening cooperation in the fight against
terrorism, organized crime, and drug trafficking.
(4) Reducing poverty and promoting economic reform.
(5) Empowering women and girls.
(6) Broadening political and economic participation to
include traditionally excluded groups.
(7) Other embassy and Office of International Visitors-
identified priority purposes.
(e) Selection.--The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
shall solicit proposals from United States embassies for short-term
exchange visits and select among them on a competitive basis.
(f) Cost-sharing and Funding.--
(1) In general.--In accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3),
as appropriate, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
and the United States embassies shall engage in cost-sharing in
carrying out the short-term exchange visits.
(2) Bureau of educational and cultural affairs.--From
amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act
pursuant to section 4 and from amounts made available for the
regular program budget of the Voluntary Visitors Division, such
sums as may be necessary are authorized to be appropriated to
the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to carry out the
short-term exchange visits. Such visits shall be treated in the
same manner as Voluntary Visitor trips are treated.
(3) United states embassies.--
(A) In general.--From amounts authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this Act and from amounts
made available for the public diplomacy budgets of
United States embassies, such sums as may be necessary
are authorized to be appropriated to such embassies to
carry out the short-term exchange visits. Allowable
expenses associated with such visits include airfares,
pre-departure expenses, and such other expenses as are
needed to allow individuals to travel to the United
States to participate in such visits.
(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section
may be construed as imposing any restrictions, such as
restrictions included in the Foreign Affairs Manual of
the Department of State, on the ability of United
States embassies to pay for airfares of individuals
participating in the short-term exchange visits.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary of State such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
(b) Additional Amounts.--In addition to amounts authorized to be
appropriated pursuant to subsection (a), there are authorized to be
appropriated $1,500,000 to the International Visitors Program for
Professional and Cultural Exchanges for short-term exchange visits
conducted under the auspices of the Ambassador's Fund for Strategic
Exchanges. Such amounts shall be administered by the Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs. | Ambassador's Fund for Strategic Exchanges Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish in the Voluntary Visitors Division of the Office of International Visitors in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs the Ambassador's Fund for Strategic Exchanges to bring political, economic, civil society, and other leaders to the United States for short-term exchange visits in order to advance U.S. strategic goals.
Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish a public diplomacy international exchange program to be known as the Ambassador's Fund for Strategic Exchanges, and for other purposes."} | 1,626 | 92 | 0.447874 | 1.264356 | 0.459591 | 7.064935 | 20.116883 | 0.961039 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``After School for America's Children
Act of 2012''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS.
Section 4201 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 7171) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, such as
reading and mathematics'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``service learning,
nutrition and health education,'' before ``drug
and'';
(ii) by striking ``and character education
programs,'' and inserting ``social and
emotional learning programming, character
education programs, and physical fitness and
wellness programs,''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
following:
``(3) offer families of students served by community
learning centers opportunities for active and meaningful
engagement in their children's education, including
opportunities for literacy and related educational
development.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (A) and
inserting the following:
``(A) assists students in meeting State and local
academic achievement standards in core academic
subjects by providing the students with academic and
enrichment activities and a broad array of other
activities (such as drug and violence prevention,
physical education, wellness education, art, music,
counseling, and technology programs) during nonschool
hours or periods when school is not in session (such as
before or after school or during summer recess) that--
``(i) reinforce and complement the regular
academic programs of the schools attended by
the students served; and
``(ii) are targeted to the students'
academic needs and aligned with the instruction
students receive during the school day; and'';
and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
``and opportunities for active and meaningful
engagement in their children's education''
before the period at the end;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
(7); and
(C) be redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as
paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively;
(D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Social and emotional learning.--The term `social and
emotional learning' means the process through which children
and adults acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills
associated with the core areas of social and emotional
competency including--
``(A) self-awareness and self management to achieve
school and life success, such as identifying and
recognizing strengths, needs, emotions, values and
self-efficacy, impulse control and stress management,
self-motivation and discipline, and goal setting and
organization skills;
``(B) social awareness and interpersonal skills to
establish and maintain positive relationships, such as
perspective taking and respect for others,
communication, working cooperatively, negotiation,
conflict management, and help-seeking; and
``(C) decision-making skills and responsible
behaviors in personal, academic and community contexts,
such as situational analysis, problem solving,
reflection, and social and ethical responsibility.
``(3) Social and emotional learning programming.--The term
`social and emotional learning programming' refers to classroom
instruction and schoolwide activities and initiatives that--
``(A) integrate social and emotional learning into
school curriculum;
``(B) provide systematic instruction whereby social
and emotional skills are taught, modeled, practiced,
and applied so that students use them as part of their
daily behavior;
``(C) teach children to apply social and emotional
skills to prevent specific problem behaviors such as
substance use, violence, bullying, and school failure,
and to promote positive behaviors in class, school, and
community activities; and
``(D) establish safe and caring learning
environments that foster student participation,
engagement, and connection to learning and school.'';
(E) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by
inserting ``Indian tribe or tribal organization (as
such terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)),''
after ``community-based organization,''; and
(F) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) External organizations.--The term `external
organization' means a nonprofit organization with a record of
success in running or working with after school programs.''.
SEC. 3. ALLOTMENTS TO STATES.
Section 4202(c) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 7172(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``95 percent'' and
inserting ``93 percent'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``rigorous''
before ``peer review''; and
(B) by striking ``supervising the'' and inserting
the following:
``(C) supervising the''; and
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``3 percent'' and inserting ``5 percent''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Ensuring that any eligible entity that
receives an award under this part from the State aligns
the activities provided by the afterschool program with
State academic standards.
``(F) Ensuring that any such eligible entity
identifies and partners with external organizations, if
available, in the community.
``(G) Working with teachers, principals, parents,
and other stakeholders to review and improve State
policies and practices to support the implementation of
effective programs.
``(H) Coordinating funds received under this
program with other Federal and State funds to implement
high-quality programs.
``(I) Providing a list of prescreened external
organizations, as described in section 4203(a)(12).''.
SEC. 4. STATE APPLICATION.
(a) In General.--Section 4203(a) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 7173(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (6), by inserting ``and coordinating
professional development for staff in specific content areas as
well as youth development'' before the semicolon at the end;
(2) in paragraph (11)--
(A) by striking ``provides an assurance'' and
inserting the following:
``provides--
``(A) An assurance'';
(B) by striking ``and representatives of teachers''
and all that follows through ``organizations;'' and
inserting ``statewide after school networks (where
applicable), representatives of teachers, local
educational agencies, and community-based
organizations; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) a description of any other representatives of
teachers, parents, students, or the business community
that the State has selected to assist in the
development of the application, if applicable;'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (13) and (14) as paragraphs
(14) and (15), respectively;
(4) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
``(13) describes how the State will prescreen external
organizations that could provide assistance in carrying out the
activities under this section, and develop and make available
to eligible entities a list of external organizations that
successfully completed the prescreening process; and''; and
(5) in paragraph (14) (as redesignated by paragraph (3))--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``activities;
and'' at the end and insert the following:
``activities, with emphasis on alignment with the
regular academic program of the school and the academic
needs of participating students, including performance
indicators and measures that--
``(i) are able to track student success and
improvement over time; and
``(ii) include State assessment results and
other indicators of students success and
improvement, such as improved attendance during
the school day, better classroom grades,
regular (or consistent) program attendance, and
on-time advancement to the next grade level;'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) a description of how data collected for the
purposes of subparagraph (A) will be collected; and''.
(b) Limitation.--Section 4203 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 7173) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Limitation.--The Secretary may not impose a priority or
preference for eligibility for, or applications by, States or eligible
entities that seek to use funds made available under this part to
extend the regular school day.''.
SEC. 5. LOCAL COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 4204 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 7174) is amended--
(1) in subsections (b), (c), (d), (g), (h), and (i), by
striking ``under this part'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``under this section''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting ``, if
applicable'' after ``home'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, as well
as overall student success'' before the semicolon;
(C) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
following:
``(C) a demonstration of how the proposed program
will coordinate Federal, State, and local programs and
make the most effective use of public resources;'';
(D) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by inserting ``and alignment'' after
``collaboration''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, including the sharing
of relevant student data among the schools, all
participants in the eligible entity, and any
partnering entities described in subparagraph
(H) while complying with applicable laws
relating to privacy and confidentiality''
before the semicolon; and
(E) by striking subparagraph (J) and inserting the
following:
``(J) a demonstration that the eligible entity uses
research or evidence-based practices to provide
educational and related activities that will complement
and enhance the academic performance, achievement, and
positive youth development of the students;'';
(3) in subsection (e), by inserting ``rigorous'' before
``peer review'';
(4) in subsection (i)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' after
the semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking the period
at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) demonstrating that the activities proposed in
the application--
``(i) are, as of the date of the submission
of the application, not accessible to students
who would be served; or
``(ii) would expand accessibility to high-
quality services that may be available in the
community.'';
(5) by adding at the end of subsection (i) the following:
``(3) Limitation.--A State educational agency may not
impose a priority or preference for eligibility for, or
applications by, eligible entities that seek to use funds made
available under this part to extend the regular school day.'';
and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Renewability of Awards.--A State educational agency may renew
a grant provided under this section to an eligible entity, based on the
eligible entity's performance during the original grant period.''.
SEC. 6. LOCAL ACTIVITIES.
Section 4205 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 7175) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``under this part'' and
inserting ``under section 4204''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and support student
success'' after ``academic achievement'';
(B) by redesignating paragraph (6), (7), and (8)
through (12) as paragraphs (7), (8), and (9) through
(13), respectively;
(C) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and
inserting the following:
``(1) academic enrichment learning programs, mentoring
programs, remedial education activities, and tutoring services,
that are aligned with local school curricula and State and
local content and student academic achievement standards;
``(2) core academic subject education activities, including
such activities that enable students to be eligible for credit
recovery or attainment;
``(3) literacy education programs;
``(4) programs that support a healthy, active lifestyle,
including nutritional education and regular, structured
physical activity programs;
``(5) art and music education activities;
``(6) services for individuals with disabilities;'';
(D) by striking paragraph (8) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (B)) and inserting the following:
``(8) activities and programs that support global education
and global competence, including those that foster learning
about other countries, cultures, languages, and global
issues;'';
(E) in paragraph (9) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (B)), by inserting ``to serve community
needs'' before the semicolon:
(F) in paragraph (10) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (B)), by inserting ``to serve community
needs'' before the semicolon;
(G) in paragraph (11) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (B)), by inserting ``parenting skills''
before ``programs'';
(H) in paragraph (12) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (B)), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(I) in paragraph (13) (as redesginated by
subparagraph (B)), insert ``social and emotional
learning programming'' before ``and character''; and
(J) by adding at the end the following:
``(14) programs that build skills in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this paragraph as
`STEM') and that foster innovation in learning by supporting
nontraditional STEM education teaching methods.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking
``Principles of'' and inserting ``Measures of'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the
period and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) ensure that measures of student success align
with the regular academic program of the school and the
academic needs of participating students and include
performance indicators and measures described in
section 4203(a)(13)(A); and
``(E) collect the data necessary for the measures
of student success described in subparagraph (D).'';
and
(C) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``and overall
student success'' before the period at the end.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 4206 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 7176) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 4206. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2012 and each of the 5
succeeding fiscal years.''
SEC. 8. TRANSITION.
The recipient of a multiyear grant award under part B of title IV
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7171
et seq.), as such Act was in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act, shall continue to receive funds in accordance
with the terms and conditions of such award. | After School for America's Children Act of 2012 - Amends the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program under part B of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). (21st Century Community Learning Centers provide students with before and afterschool programs to improve their academic performance.)
Requires the Centers to provide: (1) students with activities that are targeted to their academic needs and aligned with the instruction they receive during the school day, and (2) students' families with opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children's education.
Includes Indian tribes or organizations among the local public or private entities that are eligible for grants from states to establish the Centers.
Requires states to use at least 93% (currently 95%) of their allotment from the Secretary of Education to provide grants to those entities.
Allows states to use up to 5% (currently, 3%) of their allotment for certain state activities.
Requires states to use a rigorous peer review process in reviewing grant applications.
Allows states to renew a grant under part B based on the grantee's performance during the original grant period.
Prohibits the Secretary or states from giving funding priority to applicants that propose to use the funds to extend the regular school day.
Includes among the activities grants may fund: (1) core academic subject education activities, including those that allow students to recover or attain credits; (2) literacy education programs; (3) programs that support a healthy, active lifestyle; (4) services for the disabled; (5) programs that support global education and competence; (6) social and emotional learning programming; and (7) programs that build science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills and support innovative STEM teaching methods.
Reauthorizes the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program through FY2017. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To reauthorize 21st century community learning centers, and for other purposes."} | 3,598 | 392 | 0.538521 | 1.705915 | 0.76321 | 2.78453 | 9.530387 | 0.867403 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fort Hood Families Benefits
Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WHO WERE KILLED OR WOUNDED
IN THE SHOOTINGS AT FORT HOOD.
(a) Treatment.--For purposes of the laws specified in subsection
(b), a member of the Armed Forces or civilian employee of the
Department of Defense who was killed or wounded by gunfire in the
shootings that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009, shall
be deemed--
(1) in the case of a member, to have been killed or wounded
in a combat zone as the result of an act of an enemy of the
United States; and
(2) in the case of a civilian employee of the Department of
Defense, to have been killed or wounded while serving with the
Armed Forces in a contingency operation or to have been killed
or wounded in a terrorist attack.
(b) Covered Laws.--Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the
following laws (and related regulations and policies):
(1) Executive Order 11016 (relating to the award of the
Purple Heart to members of the Armed Forces).
(2) The Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of
Freedom (for civilian employees of the Department of Defense
who are killed or wounded in the line of duty).
(3) Section 8102a of title 5, United States Code (relating
to a death gratuity for deaths incurred in connection with an
employee's service with the Armed Forces in a contingency
operation).
(4) Section 1413a of title 10, United States Code (relating
to combat-related special compensation for retired members).
(5) Section 1482a of title 10, United States Code (relating
to payment of expenses incident to the death of a civilian
employee while serving with the Armed Forces in a contingency
operation).
(6) Sections 303a(e) and 373(b)(2) of title 37, United
States Code (relating to repayment of unearned portion of
bonuses and other benefits when a uniformed services dies or is
retired or separated with a combat-related disability).
(7) Section 310 of title 37, United States Code (relating
to special pay for members for duty subject to hostile fire or
imminent danger).
(8) Section 328 of title 37, United States Code (relating
to combat-related injury rehabilitation pay for members).
(9) Section 372 of title 37, United States Code (relating
to continuation of special pays and allowances for members
during hospitalization and rehabilitation resulting from wounds
incurred while on duty in a combat zone).
(10) Section 402(h) of title 37, United States Code
(relating to no payment for meals received at military
treatment facilities by members recovering from an injury
incurred in a combat zone).
(11) Section 411h of title 37, United States Code (relating
to transportation of family members incident to illness or
injury of members).
(12) Section 1007(c)(4) of title 37, United States Code
(relating to deductions from pay of members).
(13) Section 112 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to tax treatment of combat zone compensation of
members).
(14) Section 134(b)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to tax treatment of certain State payments received
by members in a combat zone).
(15) Section 692 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to income taxes of members who die in a combat zone
or from injuries sustained therein and victims of terrorist
attacks).
(16) Section 2201 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to selection of rate schedule to estate of members
who die in a combat zone or from injuries sustained therein and
victims of terrorist attacks).
(17) Section 7508 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to postponement of time for performing certain
actions under internal revenue laws for members serving in a
combat zone or recovering from injuries sustained therein).
(18) Any other provision of law that treats the death or
injury of a member of the Armed Forces in a combat zone as the
result of an act of an enemy of the United States or the death
or injury of a civilian employee in a terrorist attack or while
serving with the Armed Forces in a contingency operation
differently from the death or injury of members and civilian
employees under other circumstances.
(c) Maximum Coverage Under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.--
If a member of the Armed Forces who was killed in the shootings that
occurred at Fort Hood or dies of wounds sustained in the shootings was
insured under subchapter III of chapter 19 of title 38, United States
Code, but elected to be insured in an amount less than the amount
provided for under section 1967(a)(3)(A)(i) of such title, the amount
for which the person is deemed to be insured under such subchapter
shall be $400,000 notwithstanding such election.
(d) Exception.--Subsections (a) and (c) shall not apply to a member
of the Armed Forces whose wounds or death is the result of the willful
misconduct of the member. | Fort Hood Families Benefits Protection Act - Treats members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense (DOD) who were killed or wounded in the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, as members killed or wounded in a combat zone or civilian employees killed or wounded in a terrorist attack or while serving in a contingency operation, respectively, for purposes of specified laws, regulations, and policies concerning compensation, awards, and other benefits for which such members and employees are eligible.
Provides the maximum amount of coverage ($400,000) under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance for any member killed in such shootings, as well as any member who dies of wounds sustained in the shootings, notwithstanding that the member elected to be insured in a lesser amount.
Excludes from the above provisions members whose wounds or death is the result of willful misconduct. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To ensure that the members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense who were killed or wounded in the shootings at Fort Hood are treated in the same manner as members who are killed or wounded in combat zones or civilian employees who are killed or wounded in a terrorist attack or while serving with the Armed Forces in a contingency operation."} | 1,142 | 190 | 0.599482 | 1.702905 | 0.798085 | 3.219512 | 6.560976 | 0.926829 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Emergency Rural and Small Railroad
Preservation Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) a well-developed system of transportation and
infrastructure is critical to the economic well being, health,
and welfare of the United States;
(2) a national emergency exists that threatens the survival
of essential rail transportation infrastructure, especially
infrastructure serving rural areas of the country;
(3) a failure to address the growing crisis will result in
rail line abandonments which will add to highway costs and
congestion, thus increasing highway traffic that will lead to a
degradation of safety, increase environmental damage, and
further economically disadvantage rural areas of the country;
(4) traditional funding techniques are unable to keep pace
with the rail infrastructure investment needs in rural areas,
including the requirement to upgrade track and bridges, to
ensure safety, and to accommodate 286,000 pound freight cars;
(5) the requirement that railroads pay a 4.3-cent diesel
fuel excise tax into the general fund of the Treasury, while
similar taxes on competing modes of transportation improve the
infrastructures for those competing modes, is inequitable; and
(6) a temporary Federal program utilizing the proceeds of
the 4.3-cent railroad fuel tax to address the national
emergency and preserve freight rail service is in the national
interest as long as the 4.3-cent diesel tax on railroads is in
existence.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish
a program to preserve, rehabilitate, and improve rail tracks and
bridges of Class II and III freight railroads to ensure that such
railroads can be operated safely and can accommodate 286,000 pound rail
cars.
(b) Allocation of Funds.--
(1) Eligible recipients.--The Secretary shall allocate
funds made available to carry out this section to entities
making applications to the Secretary for such funds, including
State and local governments, government-sponsored authorities
and corporations, and Class II and III railroads.
(2) Criteria.--In allocating funds made available to carry
out this section, the Secretary shall give priority to
applications that--
(A) propose the rehabilitation or improvement of
track and bridges to a condition sufficient to
accommodate 286,000 pound rail cars at speeds of at
least 25 mph; or
(B) are designated by a State Department of
Transportation as--
(i) preserving an essential link in the
State's transportation network;
(ii) providing a cost efficient alternative
to a highway connection or highway project; or
(iii) enhancing safety.
(3) Equitable distribution.--In allocating funds to carry
out this section, the Secretary shall ensure the equitable
distribution of funds to a diversity of geographic regions.
(c) Use of Funds.--
(1) Types of projects.--Funds available under this section
may be used only for capital rehabilitation and improvement
projects to Class II and III rail freight lines to--
(A) upgrade track and bridges to accommodate
286,000 pound freight cars; or
(B) promote essential service and enhance safety.
(2) Types of funding.--The Secretary may make direct grants
for the purposes stated in paragraph (1), and may make grants
to supplement direct loans and loan guarantees under title V of
the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976
(45 U.S.C. 821 et seq.) to provide for such benefits as a
holiday on early payments, lowering rates of interest, or
paying credit risk premiums or premium risk subsidy amounts in
whole or in part.
(d) Railroad Trust Fund.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter A of chapter 98 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to trust fund code) is amended
by adding at the end the following section:
``SEC. 9511. RAILROAD TRUST FUND.
``(a) Creation of Trust Fund.--There is established in the Treasury
of the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Railroad Trust
Fund', consisting of any amount appropriated or credited to the Trust
Fund as provided in this section or section 9602(b).
``(b) Transfers to Trust Fund.--There are hereby appropriated to
the Railroad Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the taxes received in the
Treasury under clause (ii) of section 4041(a)(1)(C) (relating to rate
of tax on trains).
``(c) Expenditures.--Amounts in the Railroad Trust Fund shall be
available, as provided by appropriation Acts, for making expenditures
under the Emergency Rural and Small Railroad Preservation Act, as in
effect on the date of the enactment of this section.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for
subchapter A of chapter 98 of such Code is amended by adding at
the end the following new item:
``Sec. 9511. Railroad Trust Fund.''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply to amounts received after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(e) Administration.--The Secretary shall give priority to projects
that are economically viable, and shall require a non-Federal matching
contribution of at least 10 percent. The Secretary shall make grants
available no later than 90 days following the availability of
appropriations for each fiscal year.
(f) Study.--Section 22301(d) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting ``, and of projects carried out with assistance
under the Emergency Rural and Small Railroad Preservation Act,'' after
``under this section''. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the Railroad Trust Fund consisting of amounts derived from taxes on trains to be used to carry out this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Emergency Rural and Small Railroad Preservation Act"} | 1,240 | 33 | 0.438917 | 1.06639 | 0.100572 | 2.178571 | 40.142857 | 0.892857 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) In 1978, the Judicial Conference of the United States
established a procedure for creating new Federal judicial
districts, which is still in force. According to the
``Proceedings of the Judicial Conference, September 21-22,
1978'', this procedure requires that 4 principal criteria be
taken into consideration in evaluating the establishment of a
new Federal judicial district: caseload, judicial
administration, geography, and community convenience.
(2) The criterion of ``caseload'' is found to include the
total number of Federal court cases and the number of cases per
Federal judge, for both criminal and civil Federal cases.
(3) The criterion of ``judicial administration'' is found
to include the backlog of pending cases in a Federal judicial
district, which hinders the effective resolution of pending
business before the court.
(4) The criterion of ``geography'' is found to mean the
accessibility of the central administration of the Federal
judicial district to officers of the court, parties with
business before the court, and other citizens living within the
Federal judicial district.
(5) The criterion of ``community convenience'' is found to
mean the extent to which creating a new Federal judicial
district will allow the court to better serve the population
and diverse communities of the area.
(6)(A) The 13 southern counties of New Jersey, consisting
of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland,
Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem,
Somerset, and Warren Counties, have a substantial criminal
caseload which requires the creation of a separate judicial
district.
(B) 352 Federal criminal cases originated in the 13
southern New Jersey counties in fiscal year 2002 and were
handled principally by the 4 judges of the Camden vicinage and
the 3 judges of the Trenton vicinage.
(C) In fiscal year 2002, the criminal cases originating in
the 13 southern New Jersey counties exceeded that of 32 of the
current 93 Federal judicial districts other than the District
of New Jersey. Only 61 of the other current Federal judicial
districts had more criminal cases than the southern region of
New Jersey.
(D) For example, in the Eastern District of Louisiana (12
judges), 304 criminal cases were filed in fiscal year 2002. In
the District of Connecticut (8 judges), only 251 criminal cases
were filed in fiscal year 2002.
(7)(A) The substantial civil caseload concentrated in the
southern counties of New Jersey requires the creation of a
separate judicial district.
(B) Approximately 2,744 Federal civil cases originated in
the 13 southern New Jersey counties in fiscal year 2002 and
were handled principally by the 4 judges of the Camden vicinage
and the 3 judges of the Trenton vicinage.
(C) In the fiscal year 2002, the civil cases originating in
the 13 southern New Jersey counties exceeded that of 61 of the
current Federal judicial districts other than the District of
New Jersey. Only 32 of the other Federal judicial districts had
more civil cases than the southern region of New Jersey.
(D) For example, in the Western District of Tennessee (5
judges), 1,410 civil cases were filed in fiscal year 2002. In
the Southern District of West Virginia (5 judges), only 1,778
civil cases were filed in fiscal year 2002.
(8)(A) The size of the backlog of pending cases
concentrated in the 13 southern counties of New Jersey requires
the creation of a separate judicial district.
(B) In fiscal year 2002, the pending criminal cases
attributed to the 13 southern New Jersey counties exceeded that
of 58 of the current 93 Federal judicial districts other than
the District of New Jersey. Only 35 of the other current
Federal judicial districts had more pending criminal cases than
the southern region of New Jersey.
(C) In fiscal year 2002, the pending civil cases attributed
to the 13 southern New Jersey counties exceeded that of 72 of
the current 93 Federal judicial districts other than the
District of New Jersey. Only 21 of the other current Federal
judicial districts had more pending civil cases than the
southern region of New Jersey.
(D) The number of pending cases in the Camden vicinage of
New Jersey exceeds the number of cases pending before entire
judicial districts with similar numbers of judges, clearly
indicating that southern New Jersey merits a separate Federal
judicial district. For example, as of October 1, 2002, there
were 1,846 civil cases pending before the Camden vicinage. The
Western District of Tennessee, with 5 judges, had only 991
civil cases pending in fiscal year 2002. The Western District
of Oklahoma, with 6 judges, had only 1,400 civil cases pending
during the same period. Finally, there were 250 criminal cases
pending before the Camden vicinage at the end of fiscal year
2002, while the entire Eastern District of Louisiana, with 12
judges, had only 191 criminal cases pending. Also, the Western
District of Pennsylvania, with 10 judges, had only 275 criminal
cases pending at the end of fiscal year 2002.
(9)(A) The distance between the northern and southern
regions of New Jersey and the density of New Jersey's
population create a substantial barrier to the efficient
administration of justice.
(B) The distance from Newark, New Jersey to Camden, New
Jersey is more than 85 miles.
(C) When a new Federal court district was created in
Louisiana in 1971, the distance between New Orleans and Baton
Rouge (nearly 80 miles) was cited as a major factor in creating
a new district court, as travel difficulties were impeding the
timely administration of justice.
(10)(A) New Jersey's culturally and regionally diverse
population of over 8,000,000 citizens, widely distributed
across a densely populated State, is inconvenienced by having
only 1 judicial district.
(B) The District of New Jersey is the fourth most populous
Federal judicial district in the United States.
(C) The population of the 13 southern New Jersey counties
exceeds the population of 69 of the current 93 Federal judicial
districts other than the District of New Jersey. The population
of the 8 northern New Jersey counties (consisting of Bergen,
Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Union)
exceeds the population of 73 of the current 93 Federal judicial
districts other than the District of New Jersey.
(D) Of the 27 States and territories that have only a
single Federal judicial district (including Puerto Rico and the
District of Columbia), New Jersey has the highest population.
(E) More than a dozen States have smaller populations than
New Jersey, yet they have multiple Federal judicial districts,
including Washington, Oklahoma, Iowa, West Virginia, and
Missouri.
(11) In evaluating the creation of a new Southern District
of New Jersey, the Judicial Conference should seek the views of
the chief judge of the affected district, the judicial council
for the affected circuit court, and the affected United States
Attorney as representative of the views of the Department of
Justice, as required in the procedure established by the
``Proceedings of the Judicial Conference, September 21-22,
1978''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF 2 DISTRICTS IN NEW JERSEY.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) Creation.--Section 110 of title 28, United States Code,
is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 110. New Jersey
``New Jersey is divided into 2 judicial districts to be known as
the Northern and Southern Districts of New Jersey.
``Northern District
``(a) The Northern District comprises the counties of Bergen,
Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Union.
``Court for the Northern District shall be held at Newark.
``Southern District
``(b) The Southern District comprises the counties of Atlantic,
Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon,
Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, and Warren.
``Court for the Southern District shall be held at Camden and
Trenton.''.
(2) Judgeships.--The item relating to New Jersey in the
table set forth in section 133(a) of title 28, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
``New Jersey:
``Northern............................................. 10
``Southern............................................. 7''.
(3) Bankruptcy judgeships.--The item relating to New Jersey
in the table set forth in section 152(a)(1) of title 28, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``New Jersey:
``Northern............................................. 4
``Southern............................................. 4''.
(b) District Judges, Bankruptcy Judges, Magistrate Judges, United
States Attorney, United States Marshal, and Federal Public Defender.--
(1) Transfer of district judges.--(A) Any district judge of
the District Court of New Jersey who is holding office on the
day before the effective date of this Act and whose official
duty station is in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris,
Passaic, Sussex, or Union County shall, on and after such
effective date, be a district judge for the Northern District
of New Jersey. Any district judge of the District Court of New
Jersey who is holding office on the day before the effective
date of this Act and whose official duty station is in
Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester,
Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, or Warren
County shall, on and after such effective date, be a district
judge of the Southern District of New Jersey.
(B) Whenever a vacancy occurs in a judgeship in either
judicial district of New Jersey, the vacancy shall first be
offered to those judges appointed before the enactment of this
Act and in active service in the other judicial district of New
Jersey at the time of the vacancy, and of those judges wishing
to fill the vacancy, the judge most senior in service shall
fill that vacancy. In such a case, the President shall appoint
a judge to fill the vacancy resulting in the district of New
Jersey from which such judge left office.
(2) Transfer of bankruptcy and magistrate judges.--Any
bankruptcy judge or magistrate judge of the District Court of
New Jersey who is holding office on the day before the
effective date of this Act and whose official duty station is
in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex,
or Union County shall, on and after such effective date, be a
bankruptcy judge or magistrate judge, as the case may be, for
the Northern District of New Jersey. Any bankruptcy judge or
magistrate judge of the District Court of New Jersey who is
holding office on the day before the effective date of this Act
and whose official duty station is in Atlantic, Burlington,
Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer,
Monmouth, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, or Warren County shall, on
and after such effective date, be a bankruptcy judge or
magistrate judge, as the case may be, of the Southern District
of New Jersey.
(3) United states attorney, united states marshal, and
federal public defender.--
(A) Those in office.--This section and the
amendments made by this section shall not affect the
tenure of office of the United States attorney, the
United States marshal, and the Federal Public Defender,
for the District of New Jersey who are in office on the
effective date of this Act, except that such
individuals shall be the United States attorney, the
United States marshal, and the Federal Public Defender,
respectively, for the Northern District of New Jersey
as of such effective date.
(B) Appointments.--The President shall appoint, by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a United
States attorney and a United States marshal for the
Southern District of New Jersey. The Court of Appeals
for the Third Circuit shall appoint a Federal Public
Defender for the Southern District of New Jersey.
(4) Pending cases not affected.--This section and the
amendments made by this section shall not affect any action
commenced before the effective date of this Act and pending in
the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
on such date.
(5) Juries not affected.--This section and the amendments
made by this section shall not affect the composition, or
preclude the service, of any grand or petit jury summoned,
empaneled, or actually serving in the Judicial District of New
Jersey on the effective date of this Act.
SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall
take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Appointments.--Notwithstanding subsection (a)--
(1) the President may make the appointments under section
2(b)(3)(B), and
(2) the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit may make the
appointment under section 2(b)(3)(B),
at any time after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act,
including such sums as may be necessary for facilities for the District
Court for the Southern District of New Jersey. | Amends the Federal judicial code to establish two judicial districts in New Jersey (currently, one), the Northern and Southern Districts of New Jersey. Sets forth provisions regarding the allocation of judgeships, including bankruptcy judgeships, among those districts.Provides for the transfer of district judges, bankruptcy judges, and magistrate judges to the Northern and Southern Districts of New Jersey.Transfers U.S. attorneys, U.S. marshals, and Federal public defenders for the District of New Jersey to the Northern District of New Jersey. Directs the President to appoint, by and with the advice of the Senate, a U.S. attorney and a U.S. marshal for the Southern District of New Jersey.Specifies that neither pending cases nor juries shall be affected. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title 28, United States Code, to divide New Jersey in 2 judicial districts."} | 2,967 | 178 | 0.413421 | 1.208268 | 0.622902 | 3.274074 | 20.355556 | 0.814815 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Global Forest Restoration Investment
Tax Credit Act''.
SEC. 2. CARBON SEQUESTRATION INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business-related
credits) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 45S. CARBON SEQUESTRATION INVESTMENT CREDIT.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 38, in the case
of an eligible taxpayer's investment in a carbon sequestration
project approved by the implementing panel under section 2 of
the International Carbon Conservation Act, the carbon
sequestration investment credit determined under this section
for the taxable year is an amount equal to--
``(A) $3.00, multiplied by
``(B) the number of tons of carbon the implementing
panel determines was sequestrated in such project
during the calendar year ending with or within such
taxable year, multiplied by
``(C) the percentage of the total investment in
such project which is represented by the investment in
such project which is attributable, directly or
indirectly, to the eligible taxpayer, as determined by
the implementing panel.
``(2) Aggregate dollar limitation.--The credit determined
under paragraph (1) for any taxable year, when added to any
credit allowed to the eligible taxpayer with respect to the
such project in any preceding taxable year, shall not exceed 50
percent of the investment attributable to the eligible taxpayer
with respect to such project through such taxable year.
``(b) Annual Limitation on Aggregate Credit Allowable.--
``(1) In general.--The amount of the carbon sequestration
investment credit determined under subsection (a) for any
taxable year, when added to all such credits allowed to all
eligible taxpayers with respect to the such project for such
taxable year shall not exceed the credit dollar amount
allocated to such project under this subsection by the
implementing panel for the calendar year ending with or within
such taxable year.
``(2) Time for making allocation.--An allocation shall be
taken into account under paragraph (1) only if it is made not
later than the close of the calendar year in which the carbon
sequestration project proposal with respect to such project is
approved by the implementing panel under section 2 of the
International Carbon Conservation Act.
``(3) Aggregate credit dollar amount.--The aggregate credit
dollar amount which the implementing panel may allocate for any
calendar year is equal to $250,000,000.
``(c) Eligible Taxpayer; Implementing Panel.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) Eligible taxpayer.--A taxpayer is eligible for the
credit under this section with respect to a carbon
sequestration project if such taxpayer has not elected the
application of sections 3 and 4 of the International Carbon
Conservation Act with respect to such project.
``(2) Implementing panel.--The term `implementing panel'
means the implementing panel established under section 2 of
such Act.
``(d) Recapture of Credit in Certain Cases.--
``(1) In general.--If, at any time during the 30-year
period of a carbon sequestration project, there is a recapture
event with respect to such project, then the tax imposed by
this chapter for the taxable year in which such event occurs
shall be increased by the credit recapture amount.
``(2) Credit recapture amount.--For purposes of paragraph
(1)--
``(A) In general.--The credit recapture amount is
an amount equal to the recapture percentage of all
carbon sequestration investment credits previously
allowable to an eligible taxpayer with respect to any
investment in such project that is attributable to such
taxpayer.
``(B) Recapture percentage.--The recapture
percentage shall be 100 percent if the recapture event
occurs during the first 10 years of the project, 66\2/
3\ percent if the recapture event occurs during the
second 10 years of the project, 33\1/3\ percent if the
recapture event occurs during the third 10 years of the
project, and 0 percent if the recapture event occurs at
any time after the 30th year of the project.
``(3) Recapture event.--For purposes of paragraph (1),
there is a recapture event with respect to a carbon
sequestration project if--
``(A) the eligible taxpayer violates a term or
condition of the approval of the project by the
implementing panel at any time,
``(B) the eligible taxpayer adopts a practice which
the implementing panel has specified in its approval of
the project as a practice which would tend to defeat
the purposes of the carbon sequestration program, or
``(C) the eligible taxpayer disposes of any
ownership interest arising out of its investment that
the implementing panel has determined is attributable
to the project, unless the implementing panel
determines that such disposition will not have any
adverse effect on the carbon sequestration project.
If an event which otherwise would be a recapture event is
outside the control of the eligible taxpayer, as determined by
the implementing panel, such event shall not be treated as a
recapture event with respect to such taxpayer.
``(4) Special rules.--
``(A) Tax benefit rule.--The tax for the taxable
year shall be increased under paragraph (1) only with
respect to credits allowed by reason of this section
which were used to reduce tax liability. In the case of
credits not so used to reduce tax liability, the
carryforwards and carrybacks under section 39 shall be
appropriately adjusted.
``(B) No credits against tax.--Any increase in tax
under this subsection shall not be treated as a tax
imposed by this chapter for purposes of determining the
amount of any credit under this chapter or for purposes
of section 55.
``(e) Disallowance of Double Benefit.--
``(1) Basis reduction.--The basis of any investment in a
carbon sequestration project shall be reduced by the amount of
any credit determined under this section with respect to such
investment.
``(2) Charitable deduction disallowed.--No deduction shall
be allowed to an eligible taxpayer under section 170 with
respect to any contribution which the implementing panel
certifies pursuant to section 2 of the International Carbon
Conservation Act to the Secretary constitutes an investment in
a carbon sequestration project that is attributable to such
taxpayer.
``(f) Certification to Secretary.--The implementing panel shall
certify to the Secretary before January 31 of each year with respect to
each eligible taxpayer which has made an investment in a carbon
sequestration project--
``(1) the amount of the carbon sequestration investment
credit allowable to such taxpayer for the preceding calendar
year,
``(2) whether a recapture event occurred with respect to
such taxpayer during the preceding calendar year, and
``(3) the credit recapture amount, if any, with respect to
such taxpayer for the preceding calendar year.
``(g) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations
as may be appropriate to carry out this section, including
regulations--
``(1) which limit the credit for investments which are
directly or indirectly subsidized by other Federal benefits,
``(2) which prevent the abuse of the provisions of this
section through the use of related parties, and
``(3) which impose appropriate reporting requirements.''.
(b) Credit Made Part of General Business Credit.--Subsection (b) of
section 38 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by striking the period at the
end of paragraph (36) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(37) the carbon sequestration investment credit
determined under section 45S(a).''.
(c) Deduction for Unused Credit.--Subsection (c) of section 196 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``and'' at the
end of paragraph (13), by striking the period at the end of paragraph
(14) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(15) the carbon sequestration investment credit
determined under section 45S(a).''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 45S. Carbon sequestration investment credit''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to investments made after December 31, 2010.
SEC. 3. ALLOWANCE OF DEDUCTION FOR DIVIDENDS RECEIVED FROM CONTROLLED
FOREIGN CORPORATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL YEAR.
(a) In General.--Section 965 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Allowance for Deduction for an Additional Year.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of an election under this
subsection, subsection (f)(1) shall be applied by substituting
`January 1, 2011,' for `the date of the enactment of this
section'.
``(2) Special rules.--For purposes of paragraph (1)--
``(A) Extraordinary dividends.--Subsection (b)(2)
shall be applied by substituting `June 30, 2010' for
`June 30, 2003'.
``(B) Determinations relating to related party
indebtedness.--Subsection (b)(3)(B) shall be applied by
substituting `October 3, 2011' for `October 3, 2004'.
``(C) Applicable financial statement.--Subsection
(c)(1) shall be applied by substituting `June 30, 2010'
for `June 30, 2003' each place it occurs.
``(D) Determinations relating to base period.--
Subsection (c)(2) shall be applied by substituting
`June 30, 2010' for `June 30, 2003'.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to taxable years ending on or after January 1, 2011. | Global Forest Restoration Investment Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a business-related tax credit for investment in a carbon sequestration project approved under the International Carbon Conservation Act; and (2) extend through 2011 the taxpayer election to deduct dividends received from a controlled foreign corporation. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a carbon sequestration investment tax credit, and for other purposes."} | 2,303 | 67 | 0.568046 | 1.426936 | 0.63596 | 2.55 | 34.483333 | 0.916667 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as ``Deamonte's Law'' .
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports
that tooth decay in baby teeth has increased 15 percent among
United States toddlers and preschoolers 2 to 5 years old,
between 1988 to 1994 and 1994 to 2004.
(2) During the period of 1999 to 2004, 28 percent of young
children had experienced cavities.
(3) Tooth decay is the single most common childhood chronic
disease, and it disproportionately affects poor and minority
children.
(4) Eighty percent of dental decay occurs in just 25
percent of children.
(5) Parents are 3 times more likely to report that their
children's dental needs are unmet, when compared with general
medical care needs.
(6) While 9,000,000 of the children in this Nation do not
have medical insurance, more than twice that number--
20,000,000--do not have dental insurance.
(7) The Department of Health and Human Services estimates
that more than 31,000,000 people live in dental health provider
shortage areas, and 4,650 additional dentists would be needed
to meet the need that exists in those areas.
(8) Health centers serve as the health care home for
16,000,000 individuals, including 5,200,000 children, aged 18
and under.
(9) A significant number of health centers provide dental
services, but in many instances those services are inadequate
to meet the needs of low-income children in the communities
they serve.
SEC. 3. ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE PILOT PROGRAM.
Subpart I of part D of title III of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 254b et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 330M. ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants to Federally
qualified health centers to expand and improve the provision of
pediatric dental services to medically underserved populations.
``(b) Use of Funds.--The Secretary may not make a grant to a
Federally qualified health center under this section unless the center
agrees to use the grant to expand and improve the provision of
pediatric dental services to medically underserved populations by--
``(1) recruiting dentists, pediatric dentists, or dentists
with pediatric training to provide pediatric dental services to
populations served by the center;
``(2) purchasing or renting equipment for the provision of
dental services;
``(3) constructing and expanding physical space for the
provision of dental services; or
``(4) allowing contractual relationships between Federally
qualified health centers and private dental providers to
increase access to dental care for adults and children.
``(c) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary
shall conduct an evaluation of the activities funded through grants
under this section and submit a report to the Congress on the results
of such evaluation.
``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `Federally qualified health center' has the
meaning given to such term in section 1861(aa)(4) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)(4)).
``(2) The term `pediatric dentist' means an individual who
has successfully completed residency training from a pediatric
dentistry program accredited by the Commission on Dental
Accreditation.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2008 through 2013.''.
SEC. 4. DENTISTRY WORKFORCE PILOT PROGRAM.
Title VII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 292 et seq.)
is amended by inserting after section 747 the following:
``SEC. 747A. DENTISTRY WORKFORCE PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to schools of
dentistry and hospitals with accredited training programs in pediatric
dentistry to increase the number of individuals who pursue academic
programs in pediatric dentistry.
``(b) Use of Funds.--The Secretary may not make a grant to a school
of dentistry or a hospital under this section unless the school or
hospital agrees to use the grant to increase the number of individuals
who pursue academic programs in pediatric dentistry by--
``(1) establishing, maintaining, or improving both pre- and
post-doctoral academic programs in pediatric dentistry;
``(2) recruiting and training dental students to pursue
training in pediatric dentistry;
``(3) strengthening training in pediatric dentistry within
advanced education in general dentistry and general practice
dentistry residencies in dentistry programs; or
``(4) recruiting and training practicing dentists through
continuing education programs in pediatric dentistry.
``(c) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary
shall conduct an evaluation of the activities funded through grants
under this section and submit a report to the Congress on the results
of such evaluation.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2008 through 2013.''. | Deamonte's Law - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to federally qualified health centers to expand and improve the provision of pediatric dental services to medically underserved populations by: (1) recruiting dentists, pediatric dentists, or dentists with pediatric training to provide pediatric dental services; (2) purchasing or renting dental equipment; (3) constructing and expanding space; and (4) allowing contractual relationships between such health centers and private dental providers to increase access to dental care for adults.
Requires the Secretary to make grants to schools of dentistry and hospitals with accredited training programs to increase the number of individuals who pursue academic programs in pediatric dentistry by: (1) establishing, maintaining, or improving pre- and post-doctoral academic programs in pediatric dentistry; (2) recruiting and training dental students to pursue training in pediatric dentistry; (3) strengthening training in pediatric dentistry within advanced education in general dentistry and general practice residencies in dentistry programs; or (4) recruiting and training practicing dentists through continuing education programs in pediatric dentistry. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Public Health Service Act to expand and improve the provision of pediatric dental services to medically underserved populations, and for other purposes."} | 1,177 | 224 | 0.562274 | 1.688404 | 0.85675 | 6.804762 | 5.119048 | 0.985714 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Power Act Amendments of
1999''.
SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION OF JURISDICTION.
(a) Declaration of Policy.--Section 201(a) of the Federal Power Act
(16 U.S.C. 824(a)) is amended by--
(1) inserting after ``transmission of electric energy in
interstate commerce'' the following: ``, including the
unbundled transmission of electric energy sold at retail,'';
and
(2) striking ``such Federal regulation, however, to extend
only to those matters which are not subject to regulation by
the States.'' and inserting the following: ``such Federal
regulation shall not extend, however, to the bundled retail
sale of electric energy or to unbundled local distribution
service, which are subject to regulation by the States.''.
(b) Application of Part.--Section 201(b) of the Federal Power Act
(16 U.S.C. 824(b)(1)) is amended by--
(1) inserting after ``the transmission of electric energy
in interstate commerce'' the following: ``, including the
unbundled transmission of electric energy sold at retail,'';
and
(2) adding at the end the following:
``(3) The Commission, after consulting with the appropriate
State regulatory authorities, shall determine, by rule or
order, which facilities used for the transmission and delivery
of electric energy are used for transmission in interstate
commerce subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission under
this Part, and which are used for local distribution subject to
State jurisdiction.''.
(c) Definition of Interstate Commerce.--Section 201(c) of the
Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824(c)) is amended by inserting after
``outside thereof'' the following: ``(including consumption in a
foreign country)''.
(d) Definitions of Types of Sales.--Section 201(d) of the Federal
Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824(d)) is amended by--
(1) inserting ``(1) after the subsection designation;
(2) adding at the end the following:
``(2) The term `bundled retail sale of electric energy'
means the sale of electric energy to an ultimate consumer in
which the generation and transmission service are not sold
separately.
``(3) The term `unbundled local distribution service' means
the delivery of electric energy to an ultimate consumer if--
``(A) the electric energy and the service of
delivering it are sold separately, and
``(B) the delivery uses facilities for local
distribution as determined by the Commission under
subsection (b)(3).
``(4) The term `unbundled transmission of electric energy
sold at retail' means the transmission of electric energy to an
ultimate consumer if--
``(A) the electric energy and the service of
transmitting it are sold separately, and
``(B) the transmission uses facilities for
transmission in interstate commerce as determined by
the Commission under subsection (b)(3).''.
(e) Definitions of Public Utility.--Section 201 of the Federal
Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824) is amended by striking subsection (e) and
inserting the following:
``(e) The term `public utility' when used in this Part or in the
Part next following means--
``(1) any person who owns or operates facilities subject to
the jurisdiction of the Commission under this Part (other than
facilities subject to such jurisdiction solely by reason of
section 210, 211, or 212); or
``(2) any electric utility or Federal power marketing
agency not otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the
Commission under this Part, including--
``(A) the Tennessee Valley Authority,
``(B) a Federal power marketing agency,
``(C) a State or any political subdivision of a
State, or any agency, authority, or instrumentality of
a State or political subdivision,
``(D) a corporation or association that has ever
received a loan for the purpose of providing electric
service from the Administrator of the Rural
Electrification Administration or the Rural Utilities
Service under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936; or
``(E) any corporation or association which is
wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by any one or
more of the foregoing,
but only with respect to determining, fixing, and otherwise
regulating the rates, terms, and conditions for the
transmission of electric energy under this Part (including
sections 217, 218, and 219).''.
(f) Application of Part to Government Utilities.--Section 201(f) of
the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824(f)) is amended by striking ``No
provision'' and inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (e)(2) and
section 3(23), no provision''.
(g) Definition of Transmitting Utility.--Section 3 of the Federal
Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796) is amended by striking paragraph (23) and
inserting the following:
``(23) Transmitting utility.--The term `transmitting
utility' means any electric utility, qualifying cogeneration
facility, qualifying small power production facility, Federal
power marketing agency, or any public utility, as defined in
section 201(e)(2), that owns or operates electric power
transmission facilities which are used for the sale of electric
energy.''.
SEC. 3. FEDERAL WHEELING AUTHORITY.
(a) Commission Authority To Order Retail Wheeling.--
(1) Section 211(a) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
824j(a)) is amended by striking ``for resale''.
(2) Section 212(a) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
824k(a)) is amended by striking ``wholesale transmission
services'' each place it appears and inserting ``transmission
services''.
(3) Section 212(g) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C.
824k(g)) is repealed.
(b) Limitation on Commission Authority To Order Retail Wheeling.--
Section 212 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824k) is further
amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:
``(h) Limitation on Commission Authority To Order Retail
Wheeling.--No rule or order issued under this Act shall require or be
conditioned upon the transmission of electric energy:
``(1) directly to an ultimate consumer in connection with a
sale of electric energy to the consumer unless the seller of
such energy is permitted or required under applicable State law
to make such sale to such consumer, or
``(2) to, or for the benefit of, an electric utility if
such electric energy would be sold by such utility directly to
an ultimate consumer, unless the utility is permitted or
required under applicable State law to sell electric energy to
such ultimate consumer.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16
U.S.C. 796) is amended by striking paragraph (24) and inserting the
following:
``(24) Transmission services.--The term `transmission
services' means the transmission of electric energy in
interstate commerce.''.
SEC. 4. STATE AUTHORITY TO ORDER RETAIL ACCESS.
Part II of the Federal Power Act is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 215. STATE AUTHORITY TO ORDER RETAIL ACCESS.
``(a) State Authority.--Neither silence on the part of Congress nor
any Act of Congress shall be construed to preclude a State or State
commission, acting under authority of state law, from requiring an
electric utility subject to its jurisdiction to provide unbundled local
distribution service to any electric consumer within such State.
``(b) Nondiscriminatory Service.--If a State or State commission
permits or requires an electric utility subject to its jurisdiction to
provide unbundled local distribution service to any electric consumer
within such State, the electric utility shall provide such service on a
not unduly discriminatory basis. Any law, regulation, or order of a
State or State commission that results in unbundled local distribution
service that is unjust, unreasonable, unduly discriminatory, or
preferential is hereby preempted.
``(c) Reciprocity.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), a State or
state commission may bar an electric utility from selling electric
energy to an ultimate consumer using local distribution facilities in
such State if such utility or any of its affiliates owns or controls
local distribution facilities and is not itself providing unbundled
local distribution service.
``(d) State Charges.--Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a State or
State regulatory authority from assessing a nondiscriminatory charge on
unbundled local distribution service within the State, the retail sale
of electric energy within the State, or the generation of electric
energy for consumption by the generator within the State.''.
SEC. 5. UNIVERSAL AND AFFORDABLE SERVICE.
Part II of the Federal Power Act is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 216. UNIVERSAL AND AFFORDABLE SERVICE.
``(a) Sense of the Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that--
``(1) every consumer of electric energy should have access
to electric energy at reasonable and affordable rates, and
``(2) the Commission and the States should ensure that
competition in the electric energy business does not result in
the loss of service to rural, residential, or low-income
consumers.
``(b) Consideration and Reports.--Any State or State commission
that requires an electric utility subject to its jurisdiction to
provide unbundled local distribution service shall--
``(1) consider adopting measures to--
``(A) ensure that every consumer of electric energy
within such State shall have access to electric energy
at reasonable and affordable rates, and
``(B) prevent the loss of service to rural,
residential, or low-income consumers; and
``(2) report to the Commission on any measures adopted
under paragraph (1).''.
SEC. 6. NATIONAL ELECTRIC RELIABILITY STANDARDS.
Part II of the Federal Power Act is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 217. NATIONAL ELECTRIC RELIABILITY STANDARDS.
``(a) Reliability Standards.--The Commission shall establish and
enforce national electric reliability standards to ensure the
reliability of the electric transmission system.
``(b) Designation of National and Regional Councils.--
``(1) For purposes of establishing and enforcing national
electric reliability standards under subsection (a), the
Commission may designate an appropriate number of regional
electric reliability councils composed of electric utilities or
transmitting utilities, and one national electric reliability
council composed of designated regional electric reliability
councils, whose mission is to promote the reliability of
electric transmission system.
``(2) The Commission shall not designate a regional
electric reliability council unless the Commission determines
that the council--
``(A) permits open access to membership from all
entities engaged in the business of selling,
generating, transmitting, or delivering electric energy
within its region;
``(B) provides fair representation of its members
in the selection of its directors and the management of
its affairs; and
``(C) adopts and enforces appropriate standards of
operation designed to promote the reliability of the
electric transmission system.
``(c) Incorporation of Council Standards.--The Commission may
incorporate, in whole or in part, the standards of operation adopted by
the regional and national electric reliability councils in the national
electric reliability standards adopted by the Commission under
subsection (a).
``(d) Enforcement.--The Commission may, by rule or order, require
any public utility or transmitting utility to comply with any standard
adopted by the Commission under this section.
SEC. 7. SITING NEW INTERSTATE TRANSMISSION FACILITIES.
Part II of the Federal Power Act is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 218. SITING NEW INTERSTATE TRANSMISSION FACILITIES.
``(a) Commission Authority.--Whenever the Commission, after notice
and opportunity for hearing, finds such action necessary or desirable
in the public interest, it may order a transmitting utility to enlarge,
extend, or improve its facilities for the interstate transmission of
electric energy.
``(b) Procedure.--The Commission may commence a proceeding for the
issuance of an order under subsection (a) upon the application of an
electric utility, transmitting utility, or state regulatory authority,
or upon its own motion.
``(c) Compliance With Other Laws.--Commission action under this
section shall be subject to the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and all other applicable state and
federal laws.
``(d) Use of Joint Boards.--Before issuing an order under
subsection (a), the Commission shall refer the matter to a joint board
appointed under section 209(a) for advice and recommendations on the
need for, design of, and location of the proposed enlargement,
extension, or improvement. The Commission shall consider the advice and
recommendations of the Board before ordering such enlargement,
extension, or improvement.
``(e) Limitation on Authority.--The Commission shall have no
authority to compel a transmitting utility to extend or improve its
transmission facilities if such enlargement, extension, or improvement
would unreasonably impair the ability of the transmitting utility to
render adequate service to its customers.''.
SEC. 8. REGIONAL INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATORS.
Part II of the Federal Power Act is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 219. REGIONAL INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATORS.
``(a) Regional Transmission Systems.--Whenever the Commission finds
such action necessary or desirable in the public interest to ensure the
fair and non-discriminatory access to transmission services within a
region, the Commission may order the formation of a regional
transmission system and may order any transmitting utility operating
within such region to participate in the regional transmission system.
``(b) Oversight Board.--The Commission shall appoint a regional
oversight board to oversee the operation of the regional transmission
system. Such oversight board shall be composed of a fair representation
of all of the transmitting utilities participating in the regional
transmission system, electric utilities and consumers served by the
system, and State regulatory authorities within the region. The
regional oversight board shall ensure that the independent system
operator formulates policies, operates the system, and resolves
disputes in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.
``(c) Independent System Operator.--The regional oversight board
shall appoint an independent system operator to operate the regional
transmission system. No independent system operator shall--
``(1) own generating facilities or sell electric energy, or
``(2) be subject to the control of, or have a financial
interest in, any electric utility or transmitting utility
within the region served by the independent system operator.
``(d) Commission Rules.--The Commission shall establish rules
necessary to implement this section.''.
SEC. 9. ENFORCEMENT.
``(a) General Penalties.--Section 316(c) of the Federal Power Act
(16 U.S.C. 825o(c)) is amended by--
(1) striking ``subsection'' and inserting ``section''; and
(2) striking ``or 214'' and inserting: ``214, 217, 218, or
219''.
``(b) Civil Penalties.--Section 316A of the Federal Power Act (16
U.S.C. 825o-1) is amended by striking ``or 214'' each place it appears
and inserting: ``214, 217, 218, or 219''.
SEC. 10. AMENDMENT TO THE PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES ACT.
Section 210 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
(16 U.S.C. 824a-3) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(m) Protection of Existing Wholesale Power Purchase Contracts.--
No State or State regulatory authority may bar a State regulated
electric utility from recovering the cost of electric energy the
utility is required to purchase from a qualifying cogeneration facility
or qualifying small power production facility under this section.''. | (Sec. 2) Requires FERC, after consulting with appropriate State regulatory authorities, to determine by rule or order which electric energy transmission and delivery facilities are used for transmission in interstate commerce, subject to FERC jurisdiction, and which are used for local distribution subject to State jurisdiction.
Redefines the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce to include electric energy that will be consumed in a foreign country.
Includes among public utilities subject to FERC jurisdiction over electric energy transmission any electric utility or Federal power marketing agency (including the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)), municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives not otherwise subject to FERC.
Redefines a transmitting utility to include any public utility, qualifying cogeneration facility, qualifying small power production facility, or Federal power marketing agency that owns or operates electric power transmission facilities used for electric energy sales.
(Sec. 3) Authorizes any person generating electric energy for sale (currently only for resale) to apply to FERC for an order requiring a transmitting utility to provide transmission services (currently only wholesale transmission services) to the applicant.
Repeals the prohibition against mandatory retail wheeling and sham wholesale transactions.
Limits FERC authority to order retail wheeling to sales permitted or required by State law.
(Sec. 4) Declares that neither the silence of the Congress nor any Act of the Congress shall be construed to preclude a State or State commission, acting under State law, from requiring an electric utility subject to its jurisdiction to provide unbundled local distribution service to any electric consumer within such State.
Requires any electric utility permitted or required by a State to provide unbundled local distribution service to any electric consumer within such State, to do so on a not unduly discriminatory basis. Preempts any State law, regulation, or order that results in unbundled local distribution service that is unjust, unreasonable, unduly discriminatory, or preferential.
Authorizes a State or State commission to bar an electric utility from selling electric energy to an ultimate consumer using local distribution facilities if such utility or any of its affiliates owns or controls local distribution facilities and is not itself providing unbundled local distribution service.
Declares that nothing in this Act shall prohibit a State or State regulatory authority from assessing a nondiscriminatory charge on unbundled local distribution service, the retail sale of electric energy, or the generation of electric energy for consumption by the generator within the State.
(Sec. 5) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) every electric energy consumer should have access to electric energy at reasonable and affordable rates; and (2) FERC and the States should ensure that competition in the electric energy business does not result in the loss of service to rural, residential, or low-income consumers.
Requires any State or State commission that requires an electric utility subject to its jurisdiction to provide unbundled local distribution service to: (1) consider adopting measures to implement such policy; and (2) report to FERC on any measures so adopted.
(Sec. 6) Instructs FERC to establish and enforce national electric reliability standards to ensure the reliability of the electric transmission system. Authorizes FERC to: (1) designate national and regional councils to promote such reliability; (2) incorporate into its own standards the operational standards adopted by such councils; and (3) enforce compliance with such standards on the part of any public or transmitting utility.
(Sec. 7) Prescribes procedural guidelines under which FERC may order a transmitting utility to broaden or improve its facilities for the interstate transmission of electric energy.
(Sec. 8) Authorizes FERC to order the formation of a regional transmission system, and to order any transmitting utility operating within such region to participate in it. Requires FERC to appoint a regional oversight board to oversee such system operation, and such board to appoint an independent system operator to operate the system.
(Sec. 9) Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act.
(Sec. 10) Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prohibit any State or State authority from barring a State regulated electric utility from recovering the cost of electric energy the utility is required to purchase from a qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Federal Power Act Amendments of 1999"} | 3,699 | 950 | 0.531106 | 1.697415 | 0.691274 | 4.592365 | 4.036946 | 0.919951 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Wind Energy Development Act''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR INSTALLATION OF WIND ENERGY PROPERTY INCLUDING BY
RURAL HOMEOWNERS, FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND SMALL
BUSINESSES.
(a) In General.--Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 30D. WIND ENERGY PROPERTY.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--There shall be allowed as a credit
against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount
equal to $1,500 with respect to each half kilowatt of capacity of
qualified wind energy property placed in service or installed by the
taxpayer during such taxable year.
``(b) Limitation.--No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a)
unless at least 50 percent of the energy produced annually by the
qualified wind energy property is consumed on the site on which the
property is placed in service or installed.
``(c) Qualified Wind Energy Property.--For purposes of this
section, the term `qualified wind energy property' means a wind turbine
of 100 kilowatts of rated capacity or less if--
``(1) such turbine is placed in service or installed on or
in connection with property located in the United States,
``(2) in the case of an individual, the property on or in
connection with which such turbine is installed is a dwelling
unit,
``(3) the original use of such turbine commences with the
taxpayer, and
``(4) such turbine carries at least a 5-year limited
warranty covering defects in design, material, or workmanship,
and, for property that is not installed by the taxpayer, at
least a 5-year limited warranty covering defects in
installation.
``(d) Limitation Based on Amount of Tax.--
``(1) In general.--The credit allowed under subsection (a)
for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess of--
``(A) the sum of the regular tax liability (as
defined in section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by
section 55, over
``(B) the sum of the credits allowable under this
part (other than under this section and subpart C
thereof, relating to refundable credits) and section
1397E.
``(2) Carryover of unused credit.--If the credit allowable
under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation imposed by
paragraph (1) for such taxable year, such excess shall be
carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the credit
allowable under subsection (a) for such taxable year.
``(e) Special Rules.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Tenant-stockholder in cooperative housing
corporation.--In the case of an individual who is a tenant-
stockholder (as defined in section 216(b)(2)) in a cooperative
housing corporation (as defined in section 216(b)(1)), such
individual shall be treated as having paid his tenant-
stockholder's proportionate share (as defined in section
216(b)(3)) of any expenditures paid or incurred for qualified
wind energy property by such corporation, and such credit shall
be allocated appropriately to such individual.
``(2) Condominiums.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of an individual who
is a member of a condominium management association
with respect to a condominium which he owns, such
individual shall be treated as having paid his
proportionate share of expenditures paid or incurred
for qualified wind energy property by such association,
and such credit shall be allocated appropriately to
such individual.
``(B) Condominium management association.--For
purposes of this paragraph, the term `condominium
management association' means an organization which
meets the requirements of section 528(c)(2) with
respect to a condominium project of which substantially
all of the units are used by individuals as dwelling
units.
``(f) Basis Adjustment.--For purposes of this subtitle, if a credit
is allowed under this section for any expenditure with respect to a
dwelling unit or other property, the increase in the basis of such
dwelling unit or other property which would (but for this subsection)
result from such expenditure shall be reduced by the amount of the
credit so allowed.
``(g) Application of Credit.--The credit allowed under this section
shall apply to property placed in service or installed after December
31, 2006, and before January 1, 2012.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--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 dwelling unit or other property
with respect to which a credit was allowed under section 30D,
to the extent provided in section 30D(f).''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart B of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 30C the
following new item:
``Sec. 30D. Wind energy property.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2006.
SEC. 3. 3-YEAR ACCELERATED DEPRECIATION PERIOD FOR WIND ENERGY
PROPERTY.
(a) In General.--Subparagraph (A) of section 168(e)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 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 inserting after clause (iii) the following
new clause:
``(iv) any property which would be
described in subparagraph (A) of section
48(a)(3) if `wind energy' were substituted for
`solar energy' in clause (i) thereof and the
last sentence of such section did not apply to
such subparagraph.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 168(e)(3)(B)(vi)(I) of such Code
is amended to read as follows:
``(I) is described in subparagraph
(A) of section 48(a)(3) if the last
sentence of such section did not apply
to such subparagraph,''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2006. | Rural Wind Energy Development Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for the installation of wind energy property; and (2) an accelerated depreciation allowance for such property. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide credits for the installation of wind energy property, including by rural homeowners, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, and for other purposes."} | 1,547 | 45 | 0.540546 | 1.21693 | 1.151043 | 2.725 | 33.875 | 0.925 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Reservoir Operations Improvement
Act''.
SEC. 2. REVISION OF WATER MANUALS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date on which
the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers,
identifies all eligible projects under section 3(c), the Secretary
shall revise the water manuals of not more than 15 such projects
(including not fewer than 6 projects that are not wholly owned and
operated by the Corps of Engineers, if a sufficient number of such
projects are identified) in accordance with this section.
(b) Data for Revisions.--A revision of a water manual under
subsection (a) shall incorporate--
(1) a forecast-informed reservoir operations plan, in
accordance with subsection (c);
(2) new watershed data; and
(3) as applicable, the effects of any structural
improvement completed after the date of the most recent
revision of the water manual.
(c) Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations Plan.--The Secretary, in
collaboration with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, shall create a forecast-informed reservoir
operations plan for each selected project and incorporate such a plan
into the applicable revision of a water manual under subsection (a). A
forecast-informed reservoir operations plan shall include each of the
following components:
(1) A consideration of the relationship between ocean and
atmospheric conditions, including the El Nino and La Nina
cycles, and the potential for above-normal, normal, or below-
normal rainfall for the coming water year, including a
consideration of atmospheric river forecasts.
(2) The precipitation and runoff index specific to the
basin and watershed in which the relevant project is located,
including information regarding the hydrological and
meteorological conditions, at each 10-digit hydrologic unit (as
defined by the U.S. Geological Survey) within such watershed,
that influence the timing and quantity of runoff.
(3) Updated hydrologic forecasting for precipitation,
snowpack, and soil moisture conditions.
(4) An adjustment of flood control rule curves to optimize,
as applicable, water supply storage and reliability, hydropower
production, environmental benefits related to flows and
temperature, or other authorized project benefits, without a
reduction in flood safety.
(5) Proactive management in response to changes in
forecasts.
(d) Consultation and Coordination Requirement.--In revising a water
manual under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
(1) consult with affected entities, including--
(A) non-Federal interests responsible for the
operations and maintenance costs of the flood control
project for which the water manual is to be revised;
(B) water rights holders;
(C) individuals or entities with a right to any
portion of the water within the reservoir of such
project; and
(D) local agencies with flood control
responsibilities downstream of such project; and
(2) enter into a cooperative agreement, memorandum of
understanding, or other agreement with each non-Federal
interest for the project, describing the scope and goals of the
revision and the coordination among the parties.
(e) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the
Secretary completes a revision of a water manual under subsection (a),
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report regarding the
components of the forecast-informed reservoir operations plan
incorporated into such revision.
(f) Funding.--The Secretary may accept and expend amounts from non-
Federal interests to fund all or a portion of the costs of carrying out
a revision of a water manual under this section.
SEC. 3. IDENTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE PROJECTS.
(a) Report on Flood Control Projects.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Appropriations and Environment and Public Works of
the Senate and the Committees on Appropriations and Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes,
with respect to any State that is a drought State during water year
2015 or 2016--
(1) a list of each flood control project located in such a
State;
(2) the year during which the original water manual for
each such project was approved;
(3) the year or years during which any revisions to the
water manual of any such project occurred or are requested to
occur;
(4) a list of each such project for which operational
deviations for drought contingency have been requested, and the
status of such request;
(5) a list of each such project for which permanent or
seasonal changes to storage allocations have been requested,
and the status of such request; and
(6) a description of the means by which water conservation
and water quality improvements were addressed in any response
to a request under paragraph (4) or (5).
(b) Incorporation of Prior Studies.--The Secretary shall
incorporate into the report under subsection (a) any information or
finding that is--
(1) included in or gathered for a report required by
section 1046(a)(2) of the Water Resources Reform and
Development Act of 2014 (33 U.S.C. 2319 note); and
(2) relevant to the subject matter of the report under
subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Eligible Projects.--Not later than 60 days after the date on
which the report under subsection (a) is submitted, the Secretary shall
identify each flood control project--
(1) that is included in the report under subsection (a);
(2) that includes a reservoir; and
(3) for which a non-Federal interest has submitted to the
Secretary a written request, pursuant to subsection (d), to
revise the water manual for the project.
(d) Written Request.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal
Register the manner in which a non-Federal interest for a flood control
project may submit to the Secretary a written request under subsection
(c)(3) to revise the water manual for the project.
SEC. 4. EFFECTS.
(a) Authorized Purposes of Projects.--
(1) No effect on existing purposes.--In accordance with all
applicable laws, a revision of a water manual under section
2(a) may not reduce the water supply for any authorized
purpose, other than flood control, of a flood control project.
(2) New purposes not authorized.--Nothing in this Act
authorizes the Secretary to carry out, with respect to any
flood control project, any activity for a purpose not
authorized on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) State Law.--Nothing in this Act--
(1) affects or modifies any obligation of the Secretary
under State law; or
(2) authorizes the diversion or use of water in a manner
that is inconsistent with State water rights law.
(c) Federal Law.--Nothing in this Act preempts or waives any
provision of Federal law concerning the procedures that apply to a
revision of a water manual.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Drought state.--The term ``drought State'' means a
State--
(A) for which the Governor has declared a drought;
or
(B) that contains at least one county for which the
Secretary of Agriculture has designated a drought
disaster.
(2) Flood control project.--The term ``flood control
project'' means a project operated, wholly or in part, for
flood control, in accordance with rules prescribed by the
Secretary pursuant to section 7 of the Act of December 22, 1944
(commonly known as the ``Flood Control Act of 1944'') (33
U.S.C. 709).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers.
(4) Water manual.--The term ``water manual'' means, with
respect to a flood control project, the water operations
manual, the flood control rule curves, and the water control
manual, as applicable. | Reservoir Operations Improvement Act This bill directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to submit a report with respect to each drought state (a state for which the governor has declared a drought or that contains at least one county for which the Department of Agriculture has designated a drought disaster) during water year 2015 or 2016 that includes: a list of flood control projects in such state; the year during which the original water manual (water operations manuals, flood control rule curves, and water control manuals) for each project was approved; the years during which any revisions to a project's water manual occurred or are requested to occur; a list of projects for which operational deviations for drought contingency, and changes to storage allocations, have been requested and the status of such requests; and a description of the means by which water conservation and water quality improvements were addressed in any response to such requests. The Corps of Engineers shall: (1) identify each project included in the report that includes a reservoir and for which a non-federal interest has submitted a written request to revise the project's water manual; (2) revise the water manuals of not more than 15 of such projects; and (3) in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, create a forecast-informed reservoir operations plan for each selected project. The water manual revision shall incorporate such plan, new watershed data, and the effects of any structural improvement completed after the date of the most recent prior revision of the water manual. A revision of a water manual may not reduce the water supply for any authorized purpose, other than flood control, of a flood control project. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Reservoir Operations Improvement Act"} | 1,787 | 357 | 0.668985 | 1.999559 | 0.76063 | 4.864615 | 5.107692 | 0.956923 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Eightmile Wild and Scenic River
Act''.
SEC. 2. WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATION, EIGHTMILE RIVER,
CONNECTICUT.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of
2001 (Public Law 107-65; 115 Stat. 484) required the Secretary
to complete a study of the Eightmile River in the State of
Connecticut from its headwaters downstream to its confluence
with the Connecticut River for potential inclusion in the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System;
(2) the segments of the Eightmile River that were assessed
in the study continue to be in a free-flowing condition;
(3) the segments of the Eightmile River contain outstanding
resource values relating to--
(A) cultural landscapes;
(B) water quality;
(C) watershed hydrology;
(D) unique species;
(E) natural communities;
(F) geology; and
(G) watershed ecosystems;
(4) the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Study Committee has
determined that--
(A) the outstanding resource values of those
segments of the Eightmile River depend on the continued
integrity and quality of the Eightmile River watershed;
(B) those resource values that are manifested
throughout the entire watershed; and
(C) the continued protection of the entire
watershed is intrinsically important to the designation
of the Eightmile River under this Act;
(5) the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Study Committee
took a watershed approach in studying and recommending
management options for the river segments and the Eightmile
River watershed as a whole;
(6) during the study, the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic
Study Committee prepared the Eightmile River Management Plan to
establish objectives, standards, and action programs to ensure
long-term protection of the outstanding values of the river,
and compatible management of the land and water resources of
the Eightmile River and its watershed, without Federal
management of affected land not owned by the United States;
(7) the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Study Committee--
(A) voted in favor of including the Eightmile River
in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; and
(B) included that recommendation as an integral
part of the Eightmile River Watershed Management Plan;
(8) the residents of the towns located adjacent to the
Eightmile River and comprising most of its watershed, including
Salem, East Haddam, and Lyme, Connecticut, as well as the
boards of selectmen and land use commissions of those towns,
voted--
(A) to endorse the Eightmile River Watershed
Management Plan; and
(B) to seek designation of the river as a component
of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
(9) the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut
enacted Public Act 05-18--
(A) to endorse the Eightmile River Watershed
Management Plan; and
(B) to seek the designation of the Eightmile River
as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers
System.
(b) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Eightmile river.--The term ``Eightmile River'' means
segments of the main stem and certain tributaries of the
Eightmile River in the State of Connecticut that are designated
as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System by
the amendment made by subsection (c).
(2) Management plan.--The term ``Management Plan'' means
the plan prepared by the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Study
Committee, with assistance from the National Park Service,
known as the ``Eightmile River Watershed Management Plan'', and
dated December 8, 2005.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(c) Designation.--Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
(16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended--
(1) by designating the undesignated paragraph relating to
the White Salmon River, Washington, following paragraph (166)
as paragraph (167); and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(168) Eightmile River, Connecticut.--The following segments in
the Eightmile River in the State of Connecticut, totaling approximately
25.3 miles, to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior:
``(A) The 10.8-mile segment of the main stem of the
Eightmile River, from Lake Hayward Brook to the Connecticut
River at the mouth of Hamburg Cove, as a scenic river.
``(B) The 8.0-mile segment of the East Branch of the
Eightmile River from Witch Meadow Road to the main stem of the
Eightmile River, as a scenic river.
``(C) The 3.9-mile segment of Harris Brook from the
confluence of an unnamed stream lying 0.74 miles due east of
the intersection of Hartford Road (State Route 85) and Round
Hill Road to the East Branch of the Eightmile River, as a
scenic river.
``(D) The 1.9-mile segment of Beaver Brook from Cedar Pond
Brook to the main stem of the Eightmile River, as a scenic
river.
``(E) The 0.7-mile segment of Falls Brook from Tisdale
Brook to the main stem of the Eightmile River at Hamburg Cove,
as a scenic river.''.
(d) Management.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Eightmile
River in accordance with the Management Plan and such
amendments to the Plan as the Secretary determines to be
consistent with this section.
(2) Management plan.--The Management Plan shall be
considered to satisfy each requirement for a comprehensive
management plan that is required by section 3(d) of the Wild
and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(d)).
(e) Committee.--The Secretary shall coordinate the management
responsibilities of the Secretary relating to the Eightmile River with
the Eightmile River Coordinating Committee, as described in the
Management Plan.
(f) Cooperative Agreements.--
(1) In general.--Pursuant to sections 10(e) and 11(b)(1) of
the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1281(e), 1282(b)(1)),
the Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement with--
(A) the State of Connecticut;
(B) the towns of--
(i) Salem, Connecticut;
(ii) Lyme, Connecticut; and
(iii) East Haddam, Connecticut; and
(C) appropriate local planning and environmental
organizations.
(2) Consistency with management plan.--Each cooperative
agreement authorized by this subsection--
(A) shall be consistent with the Management Plan;
and
(B) may include provisions for financial or other
assistance from the United States.
(g) Relation to National Park System.--Notwithstanding section
10(c) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1281(c)), the
Eightmile River shall not--
(1) be administered as part of the National Park System; or
(2) be subject to laws (including regulations) that govern
the National Park System.
(h) Land Management.--
(1) Zoning ordinances.--With respect to the Eightmile
River, each zoning ordinance adopted by the towns of Salem,
East Haddam, and Lyme, Connecticut, in effect as of December 8,
2005 (including provisions for conservation of floodplains,
wetland and watercourses associated with the segments), shall
be considered to satisfy each standard and requirement under
section 6(c) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C.
1277(c)).
(2) Acquisition of land.--The authority of the Secretary to
acquire land for the purpose of managing the Eightmile River as
a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System shall
be--
(A) limited to acquisition--
(i) by donation; or
(ii) with the consent of the owner of the
land; and
(B) subject to the additional criteria set forth in
the Management Plan.
(i) Watershed Approach.--
(1) Statement of policy.--In furtherance of the watershed
approach to resource preservation and enhancement articulated
in the Management Plan, the tributaries of the Eightmile River
watershed specified in paragraph (2) are recognized as integral
to the protection and enhancement of the Eightmile River and
that watershed.
(2) Covered tributaries.--The tributaries referred to in
paragraph (1) include--
(A) Beaver Brook;
(B) Big Brook;
(C) Burnhams Brook;
(D) Cedar Pond Brook;
(E) Cranberry Meadow Brook;
(F) Early Brook;
(G) Falls Brook;
(H) Fraser Brook;
(I) Harris Brook;
(J) Hedge Brook Lake Hayward Brook;
(K) Malt House Brook;
(L) Muddy Brook;
(M) Ransom Brook;
(N) Rattlesnake Ledge Brook;
(O) Shingle Mill Brook;
(P) Strongs Brook;
(Q) Tisdale Brook;
(R) Witch Meadow Brook; and
(S) all other perennial streams within the
Eightmile River watershed.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act. | Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate specified segments in the Eightmile River in Connecticut as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) manage Eightmile River in accordance with the Eightmile Watershed Management Plan, dated December 8, 2005, and such amendments to the Plan as the Secretary determines to be consistent with this Act; and (2) coordinate the management responsibilities of the Secretary relating to the River with the Eightmile River Coordinating Committee, as described in such Plan.
Bars the Eightmile River from: (1) being administered as part of the National Park System; nor (2) being subject to laws and regulations that govern such System.
Recognizes specified tributaries of the Eightmile River Watershed as integral to the protection and enhancement of the River and that watershed. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Eightmile River in the State of Connecticut as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes."} | 2,069 | 196 | 0.749055 | 2.210977 | 0.788304 | 4.654762 | 11.089286 | 0.952381 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``High Risk Protection Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the term ``critical infrastructure'' has the meaning
given the term in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 101);
(2) the term ``Department'' means the Department of
Homeland Security;
(3) the term ``high-threat area'' means an area determined
to be a high-threat area under section 3(a)(1);
(4) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Homeland
Security; and
(5) the term ``Urban Area Security Initiative Grant
Program'' means the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant
Program administered by the Department from funds appropriated
for discretionary grants to high-threat, high-density urban
areas.
SEC. 3. FUNDING FOR THE URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--
(1) Allocation based on risk only.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, amounts appropriated to the Department
for the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program shall be
allocated based solely on risk (which shall include an
evaluation of threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences and
consideration of any previous terrorist attacks), as determined
by the Secretary based on the considerations listed in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2).
(2) Determination of high-threat areas.--In determining
which areas qualify as high-threat areas for the Urban Area
Security Initiative Grant Program, the Secretary shall
consider--
(A) whether the area--
(i) contains critical infrastructure,
including--
(I) skyscrapers and large
commercial buildings;
(II) transportation assets,
including rail and mass transit,
bridges and tunnels, and airports;
(III) commuting populations;
(IV) a national monument or icon;
(V) a nuclear power plant or
nonpower reactor;
(VI) a seaport;
(VII) a chemical facility;
(VIII) a military facility;
(IX) a Federal facility;
(X) a dam;
(XI) a nonnuclear electric power
plant;
(XII) a food or agriculture center;
(XIII) an oil or natural gas
refinery or pipeline;
(XIV) a financial center; and
(XV) a stadium or arena; and
(ii) is located on an international border
or coastline, including the number of border
crossings; and
(B) the population, population density, law
enforcement investigative and enforcement activity, and
tourism in the area.
(3) Determination of allocation.--In allocating amounts
among high-threat areas for the Urban Area Security Initiative
Grant Program, the Secretary shall evaluate all threats
(including threats to national monuments and icons) and
critical infrastructure vulnerabilities located in high-threat
areas using the considerations listed in subparagraphs (A) and
(B) of paragraph (2).
(b) Peer Review.--The Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program
shall not be subject to the peer review process of the Department.
(c) Use of Funds.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
funds made available under the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant
Program may be used for overtime and other employment costs directly
relating to the prevention of terrorist activities and any other
activity determined to be necessary by the Secretary.
(d) Reporting Regarding Grants.--Not later than 30 days before
making a final allocation of grants to high-threat areas under the
Urban Area Security Initiative Program, the Secretary shall submit to
each Member of the Senate and the House of Representatives who
represents a high-threat area a report regarding the proposed
allocation of funds, including a description of the analysis of
critical infrastructure used in making the proposed allocation.
SEC. 4. REPORTING REGARDING DETERMINATION AND EVALUATION.
The Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Homeland
Security and Government Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of
the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives regarding the
determination of high-threat areas, evaluation of threats,
vulnerabilities, and consequences, and consideration of any previous
terrorist attacks under section 3(a). | High Risk Protection Act of 2007 - Requires amounts appropriated to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program to be allocated based solely on risk (which shall include an evaluation of threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences and consideration of any previous terrorist attacks).
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security: (1) in determining which areas qualify as high-threat areas, to consider whether the area contains critical infrastructure and is located on an international border or coastline and the area's population, population density, law enforcement investigative and enforcement activity, and tourism; and (2) in allocating amounts among high-threat areas, to evaluate all threats (including threats to national monuments and icons) and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Provides that the Program shall not be subject to the DHS peer review process. Allows funds made available under the Program to be used for overtime and other employment costs directly relating to the prevention of terrorist activities.
Requires the Secretary to submit reports to each Member of Congress who represents a high-threat area regarding the proposed allocation of funds and to specified congressional committees on the determinations made. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to ensure adequate funding for high-threat areas, and for other purposes."} | 966 | 244 | 0.644598 | 1.852986 | 0.898165 | 4.723982 | 3.968326 | 0.923077 |
SECTION 1. IMPROVING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS
IN TWO-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Widows.--Section 202(e) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 402(e)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (C)(iii), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(iii) by striking subparagraph (D);
(iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and
(F) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively;
and
(v) in the flush matter following
subparagraph (E)(ii), as so redesignated, by
striking ``or becomes entitled to an old-age
insurance benefit'' and all that follows
through ``such deceased individual,'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (A) in paragraph (2)
and inserting the following:
``(2)(A) Except as provided in subsection (k)(5),
subsection (q), and subparagraph (D) of this paragraph, such
widow's insurance benefit for each month shall be equal to the
greater of--
``(i) subject to paragraph (9), the primary
insurance amount (as determined for purposes of
this subsection after application of
subparagraphs (B) and (C)) of such deceased
individual; or
``(ii) subject to paragraphs (9) and (10),
in the case of a fully insured widow or
surviving divorced wife, 75 percent of the sum
of any old-age or disability insurance benefit
for which the widow or the surviving divorced
wife is entitled for such month and the primary
insurance amount (as determined for purposes of
this subsection after application of
subparagraphs (B) and (C)) of such deceased
individual.'';
(C) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``paragraph (1)(F)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(1)(E)''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``paragraph (1)(F)(i)'' and inserting
``paragraph (1)(E)(i)''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
paragraphs:
``(9) For purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph
(2)(A), in the case of a surviving divorced wife, the amount
determined under either such clause (and, for purposes of
clause (ii) of paragraph (2)(A), as determined after
application of paragraph (10)) shall be equal to the applicable
percentage (as determined under section 202(b)(2)(B)) of such
amount (as determined before application of this paragraph but
after application of subsection (k)(3)).
``(10) For purposes of paragraph (2)(A)(ii), the amount
determined under such paragraph shall not exceed the primary
insurance amount for such month of a hypothetical individual--
``(A) who became entitled to old-age insurance
benefits upon attaining early retirement age during the
month in which the deceased individual referred to in
paragraph (1) became entitled to old-age or disability
insurance benefits, or died (before becoming entitled
to such benefits); and
``(B) to whom wages and self-employment income were
credited in each of such hypothetical individual's
elapsed years (within the meaning of section
215(b)(2)(B)(iii)) in an amount equal to the national
average wage index (as described in section 209(k)(1))
for each such year.''.
(2) Widowers.--Section 202(f) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 402(f)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (C)(iii), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(iii) by striking subparagraph (D);
(iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and
(F) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively;
and
(v) in the flush matter following
subparagraph (E)(ii), as so redesignated, by
striking ``or becomes entitled to an old-age
insurance benefit'' and all that follows
through ``such deceased individual,'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (A) in paragraph (2)
and inserting the following:
``(2)(A) Except as provided in subsection (k)(5),
subsection (q), and subparagraph (D) of this paragraph, such
widower's insurance benefit for each month shall be equal to
the greater of--
``(i) subject to paragraph (9), the primary
insurance amount (as determined for purposes of
this subsection after application of
subparagraphs (B) and (C)) of such deceased
individual; or
``(ii) subject to paragraphs (9) and (10),
in the case of a fully insured widower or
surviving divorced husband, 75 percent of the
sum of any old-age or disability insurance
benefit for which the widower or the surviving
divorced husband is entitled for such month and
the primary insurance amount (as determined for
purposes of this subsection after application
of subparagraphs (B) and (C)) of such deceased
individual.'';
(C) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``paragraph (1)(F)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(1)(E)''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``paragraph (1)(F)(i)'' and inserting
``paragraph (1)(E)(i)''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
paragraphs:
``(9) For purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph
(2)(A), in the case of a surviving divorced husband, the amount
determined under either such clause (and, for purposes of
clause (ii) of paragraph (2)(A), as determined after
application of paragraph (10)) shall be equal to the applicable
percentage (as determined under section 202(c)(2)(B)) of such
amount (as determined before application of this paragraph but
after application of subsection (k)(3)).
``(10) For purposes of paragraph (2)(A)(ii), the amount
determined under such paragraph shall not exceed the primary
insurance amount for such month of a hypothetical individual--
``(A) who became entitled to old-age insurance
benefits upon attaining early retirement age during the
month in which the deceased individual referred to in
paragraph (1) became entitled to old-age or disability
insurance benefits, or died (before becoming entitled
to such benefits); and
``(B) to whom wages and self-employment income were
credited in each of such hypothetical individual's
elapsed years (within the meaning of section
215(b)(2)(B)(iii)) in an amount equal to the national
average wage index (as described in section 209(k)(1))
for each such year.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to widow's and widower's insurance benefits payable
for months after December 2016. | This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to revise the widow's or widower's insurance benefit for any month to equal the greater of: (1) the primary insurance amount of a deceased individual (as under current law); or (2) in the case of a fully-insured widow or surviving divorced spouse, 75% of the sum of any old-age or disability insurance benefit to which the widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse is entitled plus the primary insurance amount of the deceased individual. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title II of the Social Security Act to improve social security benefits for widows and widowers in two-income households."} | 1,689 | 127 | 0.561153 | 1.427741 | 0.452193 | 3.009009 | 13.711712 | 0.900901 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Job Access and Reverse Commute
Program Improvements Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. JOB ACCESS AND REVERSE COMMUTE PROGRAM.
(a) Combined Applications.--Section 5316(b) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Combined applications.--
``(A) In general.--A State may accept a single
combined application for a project that will use funds
provided under not less than 2 of the programs
described in subparagraph (C).
``(B) Incentives.--For any State that determines to
accept combined applications under subparagraph (A),
the Secretary may--
``(i) reduce the amount of the cost share
required under a program described in
subparagraph (C);
``(ii) increase the amount of funds the
State may use for administrative expenses under
a program described in subparagraph (C); or
``(iii) make a grant to the State for
expenses relating to accepting combined
applications.
``(C) Programs.--The programs described in this
subparagraph are the program under this section, the
elderly and disabled specialized transit program under
section 5310, the new freedom program under section
5317, and any other program determined appropriate by
the Secretary.''.
(b) Job Access and Reverse Commute Formula Grants.--
(1) In general.--Section 5316 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) subsidizing the costs associated with the
transportation of low income high school students and
young adults to career or technical education, job
training, or apprenticeship programs.'';
(B) in subsection (h)(2)--
(i) by striking ``operating assistance may
not'' and inserting ``operating assistance--
``(A) may not'';
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) may not exceed 80 percent of the net
operating costs of the project, if the State notifies
the Secretary that it is necessary to achieve program
goals.'';
(C) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the
following:
``(4) Transfers to states.--A local governmental authority
may transfer to the State in which the local governmental
authority is located any funds apportioned to the local
governmental authority under this section. A State may use
funds transferred under this paragraph for any eligible job
access or reverse commute project under this section.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Reporting and Certification Streamlining.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may waive or streamline
reporting and certification requirements relating to the
program under this section at the request of a State if the
Secretary determines that the primary goals of the program are
still being met.
``(2) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study of the
feasibility of the elimination, revision, or reduced frequency
of collection for any reporting or certification requirements
relating to the program under this section, particularly
examining the burden on and needs of nonprofit organizations
that receive funding and are unaccustomed to Federal Transit
Administration regulations.
``(3) Flexibility.--The Secretary shall encourage
flexibility and experimentation by allowing States to use other
assessment and eligibility measures such as outcome based
assessment of the transportation access improvements to
targeted populations instead of documenting individuals either
on a State-by-State trial basis or through the pilot program
under subsection (k).
``(4) Workforce boards.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) encourage coordination and review of
applications by local workforce boards; and
``(B) consider using workforce board reviews as an
alternative to streamline reporting requirements.
``(k) Pilot Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out a pilot
program to make grants to recipients to--
``(A) improve education and employment related
transportation for eligible teens and young adults,
such as linking high schools to technical colleges, job
centers, and apprenticeships;
``(B) evaluate streamlined reporting and
certification requirements developed under subsection
(j) in order to determine whether the requirements
still ensure sufficient accountability and whether the
projects are still primarily addressing the goals of
this section;
``(C) support more comprehensive projects that are
integrated with other Federal, State, and local
transportation and human service programs while
ensuring the paperwork burden is minimized, including--
``(i) bundling funds from and allowing
combined applications with streamlined
reporting requirements for other programs of
the Department of Transportation (such as the
elderly and disabled specialized transit
program under section 5310 and the new freedom
program under section 5317) or other Federal
departments and agencies (such as the
Department of Labor, the Department of Health
and Human Services, and the Department of
Education) to address more comprehensive human
service transportation needs;
``(ii) developing programs that cross local
government boundaries and involve multiple
localities, particularly programs that serve
more than 1 of the categories of areas
described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of
subsection (c)(1); and
``(iii) developing comprehensive projects
that integrate workforce development with
transportation needs during the different
phases of training and job placement.
``(2) Authorization.--There shall be available from the
Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to carry out this
subsection.
``(l) Continuation and Expansion of JARC Technical Assistance and
Clearinghouse.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall continue technical
assistance and peer-to-peer network activities being carried
out on the date of enactment of this subsection and expand the
assistance and activities as appropriate, so that the
Department supports efforts that--
``(A) act as an information clearinghouse and
information network;
``(B) provide technical assistance to potential
applicants for a grant under this section;
``(C) provide technical assistance to grant
recipients in meeting Federal reporting and
certification requirements, especially entities such as
first-time grant recipients and small nonprofit
organizations;
``(D) conduct outreach and education of employers
and employees regarding transportation assistance,
including tax benefits for providing fringe benefits
and earned income tax credit benefits for employees;
and
``(E) as appropriate, coordinate the combined
activities of and support memorandums of understanding
between related Federal programs in the Department of
Transportation or another Federal department or agency,
such as the Department of Labor, the Department of
Housing and Urban Development, the Economic Development
Agency, or the Department of Education.
``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2010 through 2014 to carry out expanded technical
assistance and peer-to-peer network activities under this
subsection.''.
(2) Authorization.--Section 5338 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Job Access and Reverse Commute Formula Grants.--
``(1) In general.--There shall be available from the Mass
Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund to carry out section
5316 of this title--
``(A) $185,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
``(B) $205,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(C) $225,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;
``(D) $245,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
``(E) $265,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
``(2) Availability of amounts.--Amounts made available by
paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.''.
(c) Application.--Subparagraph (B) of section 5316(h)(2) of title
49, United States Code, as added by subsection (b) of this section,
shall apply to unexpended amounts made available before, on, or after
the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Offset.--Any amounts authorized to carry out a project under
section 1602 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century
(Public Law 105-178; 112 Stat. 256) for which no funds had been
obligated as of June 9, 2008, are rescinded. | Job Access and Reverse Commute Program Improvements Act of 2008 - Revises the job access and reverse commute (JARC) program to authorize a state to accept a single combined application for a project funded from at least two of the following programs that provide individuals with transportation to and from a job: (1) the JARC program; (2) the elderly and disabled specialized transit program; (3) the new freedom program (for disabled workers); and (4) any other program the Secretary deems appropriate.
Makes eligible for JARC formula grant funding the subsidizing of costs associated with the transportation of low income high school students and young adults to career or technical education, job training, or apprenticeship programs.
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, at state request, to waive or streamline JARC program reporting and certification requirements, provided program goals are met.
Directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of eliminating, revising, or reducing frequency of collection for any reporting or certification requirements relating to the JARC formula grant program, particularly examining the burden on and needs of nonprofit organizations that receive funding and are unaccustomed to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations.
Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a grant pilot program to: (1) improve education and employment related transportation activities for eligible teens and young adults; (2) evaluate streamlined reporting and certification requirements; and (3) support more comprehensive projects integrated with other federal, state, and local transportation and human service programs, while ensuring the paperwork burden is minimized.
Requires the Secretary to continue and expand JARC technical assistance activities so that the Department of Transportation supports various specified efforts, including those that act as an information clearinghouse and information network. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to improve the job access and reverse commute program, and for other purposes."} | 1,910 | 350 | 0.578243 | 1.638489 | 0.769034 | 3.626911 | 5.525994 | 0.941896 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National AMBER Alert Network Act of
2002''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL COORDINATION OF AMBER ALERT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
(a) Coordination Within Department of Justice.--The Attorney
General shall assign an officer of the Department of Justice to act as
the national coordinator of the AMBER Alert communications network
regarding abducted children. The officer so designated shall be known
as the AMBER Alert Coordinator of the Department of Justice.
(b) Duties.--In acting as the national coordinator of the AMBER
Alert communications network, the Coordinator shall--
(1) seek to eliminate gaps in the network, including gaps
in areas of interstate travel;
(2) work with States to encourage the development of
additional elements (known as local AMBER plans) in the
network;
(3) work with States to ensure appropriate regional
coordination of various elements of the network; and
(4) act as the nationwide point of contact for--
(A) the development of the network; and
(B) regional coordination of alerts on abducted
children through the network.
(c) Consultation With Federal Bureau of Investigation.--In carrying
out duties under subsection (b), the Coordinator shall notify and
consult with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
concerning each child abduction for which an alert is issued through
the AMBER Alert communications network.
(d) Cooperation.--The Coordinator shall cooperate with the
Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Communications Commission
in carrying out activities under this section.
SEC. 3. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ISSUANCE AND DISSEMINATION OF ALERTS
THROUGH AMBER ALERT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
(a) Establishment of Minimum Standards.--Subject to subsection (b),
the AMBER Alert Coordinator of the Department of Justice shall
establish minimum standards for--
(1) the issuance of alerts through the AMBER Alert
communications network; and
(2) the extent of the dissemination of alerts issued
through the network.
(b) Limitations.--(1) The minimum standards established under
subsection (a) shall be adoptable on a voluntary basis only.
(2) The minimum standards shall, to the maximum extent practicable
(as determined by the Coordinator in consultation with State and local
law enforcement agencies), provide that the dissemination of an alert
through the AMBER Alert communications network be limited to the
geographic areas most likely to facilitate the recovery of the abducted
child concerned.
(3) In carrying out activities under subsection (a), the
Coordinator may not interfere with the current system of voluntary
coordination between local broadcasters and State and local law
enforcement agencies for purposes of the AMBER Alert communications
network.
(c) Cooperation.--(1) The Coordinator shall cooperate with the
Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Communications Commission
in carrying out activities under this section.
(2) The Coordinator shall also cooperate with local broadcasters
and State and local law enforcement agencies in establishing minimum
standards under this section.
SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM FOR NOTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS ALONG
HIGHWAYS FOR RECOVERY OF ABDUCTED CHILDREN.
(a) Program Required.--The Secretary of Transportation shall carry
out a program to provide grants to States for the development or
enhancement of notification or communications systems along highways
for alerts and other information for the recovery of abducted children.
(b) Activities.--Activities funded by grants under the program
under subsection (a) may include--
(1) the development or enhancement of electronic message
boards along highways and the placement of additional signage
along highways; and
(2) the development or enhancement of other means of
disseminating along highways alerts and other information for
the recovery of abducted children.
(c) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of any activities
funded by a grant under the program under subsection (a) may not exceed
50 percent.
(d) Distribution of Grant Amounts on Geographic Basis.--The
Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure the
distribution of grants under the program under subsection (a) on an
equitable basis throughout the various regions of the United States.
(e) Administration.--The Secretary shall prescribe requirements,
including application requirements, for grants under the program under
subsection (a).
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) There is authorized to be
appropriated for the Department of Transportation $20,000,000 for
fiscal year 2003 to carry out this section.
(2) Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of
appropriations in paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.
SEC. 5. GRANT PROGRAM FOR SUPPORT OF AMBER ALERT COMMUNICATIONS PLANS.
(a) Program Required.--The Attorney General shall carry out a
program to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement
of programs and activities for the support of AMBER Alert
communications plans.
(b) Activities.--Activities funded by grants under the program
under subsection (a) may include--
(1) the development and implementation of education and
training programs, and associated materials, relating to AMBER
Alert communications plans;
(2) the development and implementation of law enforcement
programs, and associated equipment, relating to AMBER Alert
communications plans; and
(3) such other activities as the Secretary considers
appropriate for supporting the AMBER Alert communications
program.
(c) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of any activities
funded by a grant under the program under subsection (a) may not exceed
50 percent.
(d) Distribution of Grant Amounts on Geographic Basis.--The
Attorney General shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure the
distribution of grants under the program under subsection (a) on an
equitable basis throughout the various regions of the United States.
(e) Administration.--The Attorney General shall prescribe
requirements, including application requirements, for grants under the
program under subsection (a).
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) There is authorized to be
appropriated for the Department of Justice $5,000,000 for fiscal year
2003 to carry out this section.
(2) Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of
appropriations in paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended. | National AMBER Alert Network Act of 2002 - Requires the Attorney General to assign an AMBER Alert Coordinator of the Department of Justice to act as the national coordinator of the AMBER Alert communications network regarding abducted children. Requires the coordinator to: (1) seek to eliminate gaps in the network; (2) work with States to encourage the development of additional network elements and to ensure regional coordination; and (3) act as the nationwide point of contact for network development and for regional coordination of alerts on abducted children through the network.Directs the Coordinator to: (1) notify and consult with the Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning each child abduction for which an AMBER Alert is issued; and (2) establish minimum standards for the issuance of alerts and for the extent of their dissemination (limited to the geographic areas most likely to facilitate the recovery of the abducted child).Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement of notification or communications systems along highways for alerts and other information for the recovery of abducted children. Includes among permissible activities the development or enhancement of electronic message boards, and the placement of additional signage, along highways.Directs the Attorney General to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement of programs and activities for the support of AMBER Alert communications plans. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To enhance the operation of the AMBER Alert communications network in order to facilitate the recovery of abducted children, to provide for enhanced notification on highways of alerts and information on such children, and for other purposes."} | 1,315 | 272 | 0.8094 | 2.425888 | 0.96968 | 5.875502 | 4.891566 | 0.951807 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Steel Industry National Historic
Site Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) Certain sites and structures in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania symbolize in physical form the heritage of the
steel industry of the United States.
(2) Certain buildings and other structures in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are nationally significant
historical resources, including the United States Steel
Homestead Works, the Carrie Furnace complex, and the Hot Metal
Bridge.
(3) Despite substantial efforts for cultural preservation
and historical interpretation by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and by individuals and public and private entities
in the Commonwealth, these buildings and other structures may
be lost without the assistance of the Federal Government.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to ensure the
preservation, interpretation, visitor enjoyment, and maintenance of the
nationally significant historical and cultural sites and structures
described in subsection (a) for the benefit and inspiration of present
and future generations.
SEC. 3. STEEL INDUSTRY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, PENNSYLVANIA.
(a) Establishment.--The Steel Industry National Historic Site is
hereby established as a unit of the National Park System in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(b) Description.--
(1) Inclusion of certain property.--Subject to paragraph
(2), the historic site shall consist of the following
properties, each of which relate to the former United States
Steel Homestead Works, as depicted on the map entitled ``Steel
Industry National Historic Site'', dated November 2003, and
numbered 80,000:
(A) The historic location of the Battle of
Homestead site in the borough of Munhall, Pennsylvania,
consisting of approximately 3 acres of land, including
the pumphouse and water tower and related structures,
within the property bounded by the Monongahela River,
the CSX railroad, Waterfront Drive, and the Damascus-
Marcegaglia Steel Mill.
(B) The historic location of the Carrie Furnace
complex in the boroughs of Swissvale and Rankin,
Pennsylvania, consisting of approximately 35 acres of
land, including blast furnaces 6 and 7, the ore yard,
the cast house, the blowing engine house, the AC power
house, and related structures, within the property
bounded by the proposed southwesterly right-of-way line
needed to accommodate the Mon/Fayette Expressway and
the relocated CSX railroad right-of-way, the
Monongahela River, and a property line drawn northeast
to southwest approximately 100 yards east of the AC
power house.
(C) The historic location of the Hot Metal Bridge,
consisting of the Union railroad bridge and its
approaches, spanning the Monongahela River and
connecting the mill sites in the boroughs of Rankin and
Munhall, Pennsylvania.
(2) Availability of map.--The map referred to in paragraph
(1) shall be available for public inspection in an appropriate
office of the National Park Service.
(c) Acquisition of Property.-- To further the purposes of this
section, the Secretary of the Interior may acquire, only by donation,
property for inclusion in the historic site as follows:
(1) Any land or interest in land with respect to the
property identified in subsection (b)(1).
(2) Up to 10 acres of land adjacent to or in the general
proximity of the property identified in such subsection, for
the development of visitor, administrative, museum, curatorial,
and maintenance facilities.
(3) Personal property associated with, and appropriate for,
the interpretation of the historic site.
(d) Private Property Protections.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed--
(1) to require any private property owner to permit public
access (including Federal, State, or local government access)
to the private property; or
(2) to modify any provision of Federal, State, or local law
with regard to public access to or use of private property.
(e) Administration.--The Secretary of the Interior shall administer
the historic site in accordance with this Act and the provisions of law
generally applicable to units of the National Park System, including
the Act of August 25, 1916 (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.), and the Act of August
21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.).
(f) Cooperative Agreements.--
(1) In general.--Until such time as the Secretary of the
Interior has acquired the property identified in subsection
(b)(1), as depicted on the map referred to in such subsection,
the Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement with any
interested individual, public or private agency, organization,
or institution to further the purposes of the historic site.
(2) Contrary purposes.--Any payment made by the Secretary
pursuant to a cooperative agreement under this subsection shall
be subject to an agreement that conversion, use, or disposal of
the project so assisted for purposes contrary to the purpose of
the historic site, as determined by the Secretary, shall result
in a right of the United States to reimbursement of all funds
made available to such a project or the proportion of the
increased value of the project attributable to such funds as
determined at the time of such conversion, use, or disposal,
whichever is greater.
(g) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary of the Interior may
provide technical assistance to any person for--
(1) the preservation of historic structures within the
historic site; and
(2) the maintenance of the natural and cultural landscape
of the historic site.
(h) General Management Plan.--
(1) Preparation.--Not later than three years after the date
on which funds are first made available to carry out this Act,
the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare a general
management plan for the historic site that will incorporate or
otherwise address substantive comments made during the
consultation required by paragraph (2).
(2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall prepare the general
management plan in consultation with--
(A) an appropriate official of each appropriate
political subdivision of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania that has jurisdiction over all or a
portion of the lands included in the historic site;
(B) an appropriate official of the Steel Industry
Heritage Corporation; and
(C) private property owners in the vicinity of the
historic site.
(3) Submission of plan to congress.--Upon the completion of
the general management plan, the Secretary shall submit a copy
of the plan to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of
the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of
Representatives. | Steel Industry National Historic Site Act - Establishes the Steel Industry National Historic Site in Pennsylvania as a unit of the National Park System. Requires the Historic Site to consist of the following properties (the properties) which relate to the former U.S. Steel Homestead Works: (1) the Battle of Homestead site; (2) the Carrie Furnace complex; and (3) the Hot Metal Bridge.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire only by donation the following property for inclusion within the Site: (1) any land or interest in land in the properties; (2) up to ten acres of land adjacent to or in the general proximity of such properties for the development of visitor, administrative, museum, curatorial, and maintenance facilities; and (3) personal property associated with and appropriate for interpretation of such Site. Prohibits anything in this Act from being construed to: (1) require any private property owner to permit public access (including Federal, State, or local government access) to the private property; or (2) modify any provision of Federal, State, or local law with regard to public access to or use of private property. Allows the Secretary, until such time as the Secretary has acquired the properties, to enter into a cooperative agreement with any interested individual, public or private agency, organization, or institution to further the historic purposes of the Site. Provides that, any payment made by the Secretary pursuant to a cooperative agreement shall be subject to an agreement that conversion, use, or disposal of the project so assisted for purposes contrary to the purpose of the Site shall result in a right of the United States to reimbursement of all funds made available to such a project or the proportion of the increased value of the project attributable to such funds at the time of such conversion, use, or disposal, whichever is greater. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance for the: (1) preservation of historic structures within the Site; and (2) maintenance of the natural and cultural landscape of such Site. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a general management plan for the Site, which will incorporate or otherwise address substantive comments made during consultation with: (1) an appropriate official of each appropriate political subdivision of Pennsylvania that has jurisdiction over all or part of the lands included in the Site; (2) an appropriate official of the Steel Industry Heritage Corporation; and (3) private property owners in the vicinity of such Site. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish the Steel Industry National Historic Site in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."} | 1,395 | 500 | 0.587939 | 2.157597 | 0.752656 | 5.813665 | 2.759834 | 0.960663 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery
Act of 2018''.
SEC. 2. CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 219 the following:
``Sec. 220. Illegal remunerations for referrals to recovery homes,
clinical treatment facilities, and laboratories
``(a) Offense.--Except as provided in subsection (b), whoever, with
respect to services covered by a health care benefit program, in or
affecting interstate or foreign commerce, knowingly and willfully--
``(1) solicits or receives any remuneration (including any
kickback, bribe, or rebate) directly or indirectly, overtly or
covertly, in cash or in-kind, in return for referring a patient
or patronage to a recovery home, clinical treatment facility,
or laboratory; or
``(2) pays or offers any remuneration (including any
kickback, bribe, or rebate) directly or indirectly, overtly or
covertly, in cash or in-kind--
``(A) to induce a referral of an individual to a
recovery home, clinical treatment facility, or
laboratory; or
``(B) in exchange for an individual using the
services of that recovery home, clinical treatment
facility, or laboratory,
shall be fined not more than $200,000, imprisoned not more than 10
years, or both, for each occurrence.
``(b) Applicability.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to--
``(1) a discount or other reduction in price obtained by a
provider of services or other entity under a health care
benefit program if the reduction in price is properly disclosed
and appropriately reflected in the costs claimed or charges
made by the provider or entity;
``(2) a payment made by an employer to an employee or
independent contract (who has a bona fide employment or
contractual relationship with such employer) for employment, if
the employee's payment is not determined by or does not vary
by--
``(A) the number of individuals referred to a
particular recovery home, clinical treatment facility,
or laboratory;
``(B) the number of tests or procedures performed;
or
``(C) the amount billed to or received from, in
part or in whole, the health care benefit program from
the individuals referred to a particular recovery home,
clinical treatment facility, or laboratory;
``(3) a discount in the price of an applicable drug of a
manufacturer that is furnished to an applicable beneficiary
under the Medicare coverage gap discount program under section
1860D-14A(g) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-
114a(g));
``(4) a payment made by a principal to an agent as
compensation for the services of the agent under a personal
services and management contract that meets the requirements of
section 1001.952(d) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations,
as in effect on the date of enactment of this section;
``(5) a waiver or discount (as defined in section
1001.952(h)(5) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, or any
successor regulation) of any coinsurance or copayment by a
health care benefit program if--
``(A) the waiver or discount is not routinely
provided; and
``(B) the waiver or discount is provided in good
faith;
``(6) a remuneration described in section 1128B(b)(3)(I) of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b(b)(3)(I));
``(7) a remuneration made pursuant to an alternative
payment model (as defined in section 1833(z)(3)(C) of the
Social Security Act) or pursuant to a payment arrangement used
by a State, health insurance issuer, or group health plan if
the Secretary of Health and Human Services has determined that
such arrangement is necessary for care coordination or value-
based care; or
``(8) any other payment, remuneration, discount, or
reduction as determined by the Attorney General, in
consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services,
by regulation.
``(c) Rule of Construction.--Neither actual knowledge of this
section nor specific intent to commit a violation of this section shall
be an element of an offense under this section.
``(d) Regulations.--The Attorney General, in consultation with the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, may promulgate regulations to
clarify the exceptions described in subsection (b).
``(e) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the terms `applicable beneficiary' and `applicable
drug' have the meanings given those terms in section 1860D-
14A(g) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-114a(g));
``(2) the term `clinical treatment facility' means a
medical setting, other than a hospital, that provides
detoxification, risk reduction, outpatient treatment and care,
residential treatment, or rehabilitation for substance use,
pursuant to licensure or certification under State law;
``(3) the term `health care benefit program' has the
meaning given the term in section 24(b);
``(4) the term `laboratory' has the meaning given the term
in section 353 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
263a); and
``(5) the term `recovery home' means a shared living
environment that is, or purports to be, free from alcohol and
illicit drug use and centered on peer support and connection to
services that promote sustained recovery from substance use
disorders.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 11 of
title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item
related to section 219 the following:
``220. Illegal remunerations for referrals to recovery homes, clinical
treatment facilities, and laboratories.''. | Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 This bill amends the federal criminal code make it a crime to knowingly and willfully solicit, receive, pay, or offer payment for referrals to a recovery home, clinical treatment facility, or laboratory, subject to limitations. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to 10 years, or both. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018"} | 1,370 | 89 | 0.512348 | 1.466145 | 0.641532 | 2.2 | 17.271429 | 0.742857 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young
Adult Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) An estimated 13,500 children and adolescents under age
20 are diagnosed with cancer each year.
(2) In 1960, only 4 percent of children with cancer
survived more than 5 years, but by 2011, cure rates have
increased to 78 percent for children and adolescents under age
20.
(3) As of June 2013, there are more than 360,000 childhood
cancer survivors living in the United States.
(4) As many as \2/3\ of childhood cancer survivors are
likely to experience at least one late effect of treatment,
with as many as \1/4\ experiencing a late effect that is
serious or life-threatening. The most common late effects of
childhood cancer are neurocognitive, psychological,
cardiopulmonary, endocrine, and musculoskeletal effects and
secondary malignancies.
(5) The late effects of cancer treatment may change as
treatments evolve, which means that the monitoring and
treatment of cancer survivors may need to be modified on a
routine basis.
(6) The Institute of Medicine, in its report on cancer
survivorship entitled ``Childhood Cancer Survivorship:
Improving Care and Quality of Life'', states that an organized
system of care and a method of care for pediatric cancer
survivors is needed.
SEC. 3. CANCER SURVIVORSHIP PROGRAMS.
(a) Cancer Survivorship Programs.--Subpart 1 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:
``SEC. 417H. PILOT PROGRAMS TO EXPLORE MODEL SYSTEMS OF CARE FOR
PEDIATRIC CANCER SURVIVORS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make grants to eligible
entities to establish pilot programs to develop, study, or evaluate
model systems for monitoring and caring for childhood cancer survivors.
``(b) Eligible Entities.--In this section, the term `eligible
entity' means--
``(1) a medical school;
``(2) a children's hospital;
``(3) a cancer center; or
``(4) any other entity with significant experience and
expertise in treating survivors of childhood cancers.
``(c) Use of Funds.--The Secretary may make a grant under this
section to an eligible entity only if the entity agrees--
``(1) to use the grant to establish a pilot program to
develop, study, or evaluate one or more model systems for
monitoring and caring for cancer survivors; and
``(2) in developing, studying, and evaluating such systems,
to give special emphasis to--
``(A) the design of protocols for different models
of follow-up care, monitoring, and other survivorship
programs (including peer support and mentoring
programs);
``(B) the development of various models for
providing multidisciplinary care;
``(C) the dissemination of information and the
provision of training to health care providers about
how to provide linguistically and culturally competent
follow-up care and monitoring to cancer survivors and
their families;
``(D) the development of support programs to
improve the quality of life of cancer survivors;
``(E) the design of systems for the effective
transfer of treatment information and care summaries
from cancer care providers to other health care
providers (including risk factors and a plan for
recommended follow-up care);
``(F) the dissemination of the information and
programs described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) to
other health care providers (including primary care
physicians and internists) to cancer survivors and
their families, where appropriate; and
``(G) the development of initiatives that promote
the coordination and effective transition of care
between cancer care providers, primary care physicians,
and mental health professionals.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2014 through 2018.
``SEC. 417H-1. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE ON MEDICAL AND
PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer
Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2013, the Secretary
may convene a Workforce Development Collaborative on Medical and
Psychosocial Care for Pediatric Cancer Survivors (referred to in this
section as the `Collaborative'). The Collaborative shall be a cross-
specialty, multidisciplinary group composed of educators, consumer and
family advocates, and providers of psychosocial and biomedical health
services.
``(b) Goals and Reports.--The Collaborative shall submit to the
Secretary a report establishing a plan to meet the following objectives
for medical and psychosocial care workforce development:
``(1) Identifying, refining, and broadly disseminating to
healthcare educators information about workforce competencies,
models, and preservices curricula relevant to providing medical
and psychosocial services to individuals with pediatric
cancers.
``(2) Adapting curricula for continuing education of the
existing workforce using efficient workplace-based learning
approaches.
``(3) Developing the skills of faculty and other trainers
in teaching psychosocial health care using evidence-based
teaching strategies.
``(4) Strengthening the emphasis on psychosocial healthcare
in educational accreditation standards and professional
licensing and certification exams by recommending revisions to
the relevant oversight organizations.
``(5) Evaluating the effectiveness of patient navigators in
pediatric cancer survivorship care.
``(6) Evaluating the effectiveness of peer support programs
in the psychosocial care of pediatric cancer patients and
survivors.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2014 through 2018.''.
(b) Technical Amendment.--
(1) In general.--Section 3 of the Hematological Cancer
Research Investment and Education Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-
172; 116 Stat. 541) is amended by striking ``section 419C'' and
inserting ``section 417C''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect as if included in section 3 of the
Hematological Cancer Research Investment and Education Act of
2002 (Public Law 107-172; 116 Stat. 541). | Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2013 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to eligible entities to establish pilot programs to develop, study, or evaluate model systems for monitoring and caring for childhood cancer survivors. Authorizes the Secretary to convene a Workforce Development Collaborative on Medical and Psychosocial Care for Pediatric Cancer to establish a plan to meet specified objectives relating to medical and psychosocial care workforce development, including: (1) disseminating to health care educators information relevant to providing medical and psychosocial services to individuals with pediatric cancers, (2) adapting curricula for continuing education of the existing workforce, and (3) strengthening the emphasis on psychosocial health care in educational accreditation standards and professional licensing and certification. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act of 2013"} | 1,466 | 182 | 0.572501 | 1.637258 | 0.925067 | 5.726115 | 8.44586 | 0.949045 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Indian Tribal Surface Transportation
Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS RELATING TO INDIAN TRIBES.
(a) Obligation Limitation.--Section 1102(c)(1) of the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (23 U.S.C. 104 note) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Code, and'' and inserting ``Code,''; and
(2) by inserting before the semicolon the following: ``,
and for each of fiscal years 2002 and 2003, amounts authorized
for Indian reservation roads under section 204 of title 23,
United States Code''.
(b) Pilot Program.--Section 202(d)(3) of title 23, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Federal lands highway program demonstration
project.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
establish a demonstration project under which
all funds made available under this title for
Indian reservation roads and for highway
bridges located on Indian reservation roads as
provided for in subparagraph (A), shall be made
available, upon request of the Indian tribal
government involved, to the Indian tribal
government for contracts and agreements for the
planning, research, engineering, and
construction described in such subparagraph in
accordance with the Indian Self-Determination
and Education Assistance Act.
``(ii) Exclusion of agency participation.--
In accordance with subparagraph (B), all funds
for Indian reservation roads and for highway
bridges located on Indian reservation roads to
which clause (i) applies, shall be paid without
regard to the organizational level at which the
Federal lands highway program has previously
carried out the programs, functions, services,
or activities involved.
``(iii) Selection of participating
tribes.--
``(I) Participants.--
``(aa) In general.--The
Secretary shall select 12
geographically diverse Indian
tribes in each fiscal year from
the applicant pool described in
subclause (II) to participate
in the demonstration project
carried out under clause (i).
``(bb) Consortia.--Two or
more Indian tribes that are
otherwise eligible to
participate in a program or
activity to which this title
applies may form a consortium
to be considered as a single
tribe for purposes of becoming
part of the applicant pool
under subclause (II).
``(cc) Funding.--An Indian
tribe participating in the
pilot program under this
subparagraph shall receive
funding in an amount equivalent
to the funding that such tribe
would otherwise receive
pursuant to the funding formula
established under section
1115(b) of the Transportation
Equity Act for the 21st
Century, plus an additional
percentage of such amount, such
additional percentage to be
equivalent to the percentage of
funds withheld during the
fiscal year involved for the
road program management costs
of the Bureau of Indian Affairs
under section 202(f)(1) of
title 23, United States Code.
``(II) Applicant pool.--The
applicant pool described in this
subclause shall consist of each Indian
tribe (or consortium) that--
``(aa) has successfully
completed the planning phase
described in subclause (III);
``(bb) has requested
participation in the
demonstration project under
this subparagraph through the
adoption of a resolution or
other official action by the
tribal governing body; and
``(cc) has, during the 3-
fiscal year period immediately
preceding the fiscal year for
which participation under this
subparagraph is being
requested, demonstrated
financial stability and
financial management capability
through a showing of no
material audit exceptions by
the Indian tribe during such
period.
``(III) Criteria for determining
financial stability and financial
management capacity.--For purposes of
this subparagraph, evidence that,
during the 3-year period referred to in
subclause (II)(cc), an Indian tribe had
no uncorrected significant and material
audit exceptions in the required annual
audit of the Indian tribe's self-
determination contracts or self-
governance funding agreements with any
Federal agency shall be conclusive
evidence of the required stability and capability.
``(IV) Planning phase.--An Indian
tribe (or consortium) requesting
participation in the project under this
subparagraph shall complete a planning
phase that shall include legal and
budgetary research and internal tribal
government and organization
preparation. The tribe (or consortium)
shall be eligible to receive a grant
under this subclause to plan and
negotiate participation in such
project.''.
(c) Administration.--Section 202 of title 23, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
``(f) Indian Reservation Roads, Administration.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, not to exceed 6 percent of the contract authority amounts
made available from the Highway Trust Fund to the Bureau of
Indian Affairs shall be used to pay the administrative expenses
of the Bureau for the Indian reservation roads program and the
administrative expenses related to individual projects that are
associated with such program. Such administrative funds shall
be made available to an Indian tribal government, upon the
request of the government, to be used for the associated
administrative functions assumed by the Indian tribe under
contracts and agreements entered into pursuant to the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
``(2) Health and safety assurances.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, an Indian tribe or tribal organization
may commence road and bridge construction under the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (25 U.S.C. 104)
that is funded through a contract or agreement under the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act so long as the
Indian tribe or tribal organization has--
``(A) provided assurances in the contract or
agreement that the construction will meet or exceed
proper health and safety standards;
``(B) obtained the advance review of the plans and
specifications from a licensed professional who has
certified that the plans and specifications meet or
exceed the proper health and safety standards; and
``(C) provided a copy of the certification under
subparagraph (B) to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
``(g) Indian Reservation Roads Program, Safety Incentive Grants.--
``(1) Seat belt safety incentive grant eligibility.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an Indian tribe
that is eligible to participate in the Indian reservation roads
program under subsection (d) shall be deemed to be a State for
purposes of being eligible for safety incentive allocations
under section 157 to assist Indian communities in developing
innovative programs to promote increased seat belt use rates.
``(2) Intoxicated driver safety incentive grant
eligibility.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an
Indian tribe that is eligible to participate in the Indian
reservation roads program under subsection (d) shall be deemed
to be a State for purposes of being eligible for safety
incentive grant funding under section 163 to assist Indian
communities in the prevention of the operation of motor
vehicles by intoxicated persons.
``(3) Grant funding procedures and eligibility criteria.--
The Secretary, in consultation with Indian tribal governments,
may develop funding procedures and eligibility criteria
applicable to Indian tribes with respect to allocations or
grants described in paragraphs (1) and (2). The Secretary shall
ensure that any such procedures or criteria are published
annually in the Federal Register.''. | Indian Tribal Surface Transportation Act of 2001 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from distributing the obligation authority for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for FY 2002 and 2003 with respect to amounts authorized for Indian reservation roads under the Federal Lands Highways Program.Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a demonstration project under which all funds made available for Indian reservation roads and highway bridges located on such roads shall be made available to an Indian tribal government, upon its request, for contracts and agreements for planning, research, engineering, and construction of any highway, road, bridge, parkway, or transit facility that provides access to or is located within the reservation or community of the Indian tribe.Deems an Indian tribe eligible to participate in the Indian reservation roads program to be a State eligible for: (1) safety incentive allocations to assist Indian communities in developing innovative programs to promote increased seat belt use rates; and (2) safety incentive grant funding to assist such communities in the prevention of the operation of motor vehicles by intoxicated persons. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to make certain amendments with respect to Indian tribes."} | 1,594 | 232 | 0.620781 | 1.635568 | 0.823495 | 3.774648 | 7.150235 | 0.920188 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Affordable Food and Fuel for America
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The Volumetric Excise Tax Credit was created to
encourage gasoline refiners to blend domestically produced corn
ethanol into the Nation's gasoline supplies.
(2) The 54-cent temporary tariff on imported ethanol was
created to encourage the development of a domestic grain
ethanol industry.
(3) Domestic corn ethanol production has increased five-
fold since 2000 to more than 9,000,000,000 gallons of corn
ethanol produced at more than 150 facilities.
(4) Domestic corn ethanol production will soon exceed
12,000,000,000 gallons, diverting at least one-third of the
Nation's corn supply from food and feed to fuel.
(5) Federal ethanol mandates require gasoline refiners to
blend 15,000,000,000 gallons of ethanol into gasoline supplies
by 2015.
(6) The United States is now the world's largest producer
of ethanol and our domestic corn ethanol industry is no longer
in need of tax subsidies or tariffs.
(7) In combination, the rapid growth of the corn ethanol
industry and Federal ethanol mandates has made the tax credit
for corn ethanol and tariff obsolete.
(8) Scarce Federal resources should be dedicated to the
development of new and emerging sources of renewable energy,
including biomass fuels that meet environmental goals.
SEC. 3. REDUCTION OF INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR ALCOHOL USED AS A FUEL.
(a) In General.--The table in section 40(h)(2) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking the last row and inserting
the following new rows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009.......................... 28 cents 22 cents
2010.......................... 21 cents 16 cents
2011.......................... 16 cents 12 cents
2012.......................... 11 cents 9 cents
2013.......................... 7 cents 6 cents
2014.......................... 0 0.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Extension of credit.--Section 40(e)(1) of such Code is
amended--
(A) by striking ``2010'' in subparagraph (A) and
inserting ``2013,'', and
(B) by striking ``2011'' in subparagraph (B) and
inserting ``2014''.
(2) Repeal of delayed reduction.--Section 40(h) of such
Code is amended by striking paragraph (3).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to alcohol produced, and sold or used, in taxable years beginning
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. REDUCTION OF EXCISE TAX CREDIT FOR ALCOHOL FUEL MIXTURES.
(a) In General.--Section 6426(b)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (i), by
striking clause (ii), and by inserting after clause (i) the following
new clauses:
``(ii) in the case of calendar year 2009,
28 cents,
``(iii) in the case of calendar year 2010,
21 cents,
``(iv) in the case of calendar year 2011,
16 cents,
``(v) in the case of calendar year 2012, 11
cents,
``(vi) in the case of calendar year 2013, 7
cents, and
``(vii) in the case of calendar year 2014
and thereafter, zero cents.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 6426(b) of such Code is amended--
(A) by striking subparagraph (C) of paragraph (2),
and
(B) by striking paragraph (6).
(2) Section 6427(e)(5)(A) of such Code is amended by
striking ``2010'' and inserting ``2013''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to fuel sold or used after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. REDUCTION AND ELIMINATION OF TARIFFS ON ETHANOL.
(a) Reduction of Temporary Tariff Duty on Imported Ethanol.--
(1) Calendar year 2009.--
(A) In general.--Heading 9901.00.50 of Subchapter 1
of Chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States is amended by striking ``14.27 cents''
each place it appears and inserting ``8 cents''.
(B) Applicability.--The amendment made by
subparagraph (A) shall apply to goods entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after
January 1, 2009, and before January 1, 2010.
(C) Retroactive application.--Notwithstanding
section 514 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1514)
or any other provision of law, upon proper request
filed with the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection
before the 90th day after the date of the enactment of
this Act, any entry, or withdrawal from warehouse for
consumption, of any good--
(i) that was made on or after January 1,
2009 and before the date of the enactment of
this Act; and
(ii) with respect to which there would have
been a lower rate of duty if the amendment made
by this subsection applied to such entry, or
withdrawal, shall be liquidated or reliquidated
as if such amendment applied to such entry or
withdrawal.
(2) Calendar year 2010.--
(A) In general.--Such heading is amended by
striking ``14.8 cents'' each place it appears and
inserting ``6 cents''.
(B) Applicability.--The amendment made by
subparagraph (A) shall apply to goods entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after
January 1, 2010, and before January 1, 2011.
(3) Calendar year 2011.--
(A) In general.--Such heading is amended by
striking ``11.1 cents'' each place it appears and
inserting ``4 cents''.
(B) Applicability.--The amendment made by
subparagraph (A) shall apply to goods entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after
January 1, 2011, and before January 1, 2012.
(4) Calendar year 2012.--
(A) In general.--Such heading is amended by
striking ``8.5 cents'' each place it appears and
inserting ``3 cents''.
(B) Applicability.--The amendment made by
subparagraph (A) shall apply to goods entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after
January 1, 2012, and before January 1, 2013.
(5) Calendar year 2013.--
(A) In general.--Such heading is amended by
striking ``5.8 cents'' each place it appears and
inserting ``2 cents''.
(B) Applicability.--The amendment made by
subparagraph (A) shall apply to goods entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after
January 1, 2013, and before January 1, 2014.
(b) Duty-free Treatment Beginning in 2014.--
(1) Addition of alternative fuels subchapter.--Chapter 98
of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule is amended by adding at the
end the following new subchapter:
``Subchapter XXIII
Alternative Fuels
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rates of Duty
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Heading/Subheading Article Description 1
----------------------------------------------- 2
General Special
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9823.01.01 Ethyl alcohol Free Free 20%''.
(provided for in
subheadings
2207.10.60 and
2207.20) or any
mixture containing
such ethyl alcohol
(provided for in
heading 2710 or 3824)
if such ethyl alcohol
or mixture is to be
used as a fuel or in
producing a mixture
of gasoline and
alcohol, a mixture of
a special fuel and
alcohol, or any other
mixture to be used as
fuel (including motor
fuel provided for in
subheading
2710.11.15,
2710.19.15 or
2710.19.21), or is
suitable for any such
uses.................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Conforming amendments.--Subchapter I of chapter 99 of
the Harmonized Tariff Schedule is amended--
(A) by striking heading 9901.00.50; and
(B) by striking U.S. notes 2 and 3.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from
warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2014.
SEC. 6. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the organization ``Feeding America'' formerly known as
America's Second Harvest, issued the results of a national
study on hunger and poverty in America and found that for 1 in
8 Americans hunger is a reality, that the numbers of hungry
Americans is on the rise, and 37.3 million people lived in
poverty, including over 7.6 million families, 3.6 million
seniors, and over 13.3 million children under the age of 18;
(2) the Department of Agriculture, Economic Research
Service, found that an estimated 35.5 million Americans are
food insecure, meaning their access to enough food is limited
by a lack of money and other resources;
(3) the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities reports
that ``the current downturn is likely to cause significant
increases both in the number of Americans who are poor and the
number living in `deep poverty,' with incomes below half of the
poverty line. Because this recession is likely to be deep and
the government safety net for very poor families who lack jobs
has weakened significantly in recent years, increases in deep
poverty in this recession are likely to be severe'';
(4) World Hunger Year (WHY), a non-profit organization
which operates a national hunger hotline with funding from the
Department of Agriculture, has experienced a significant
increase in calls for food assistance or information about
where to find food, shelter, child-care, or job-finding
assistance; and
(5) the production of cellulosic and advanced biofuels in
the United States will assist the Nation in becoming less
vulnerable to foreign supplies of oil, will create a
significant number of jobs, and could achieve significant
reductions in the generation of greenhouse gas emissions as
determined by several recent studies.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
savings achieved under this Act should be used to combat hunger in the
United States and to develop domestic supplies of cellulosic and
advanced biofuels by being used to--
(1) increase the assistance provided for Federal nutrition
programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture,
including school nutrition programs;
(2) provide assistance to non-profit organizations
dedicated to responding to the needs of low-income families in
the United States; and
(3) provide loan guarantees or grants to companies ready to
construct cellulosic and advanced biofuel processing facilities
in the United States. | Affordable Food and Fuel for America Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to phaseout the income and excise tax credits for alcohol-based fuels and eliminate such credits in 2014.
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to phaseout the tariff on ethanol and provide duty free treatment of ethanol in 2014.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the savings achieved by this Act should be used to combat hunger in the United States and to develop domestic supplies of cellulosic and advanced biofuels. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To reduce and eliminate the tax credit for alcohol fuel mixtures and the tariff on imported ethanol."} | 2,623 | 112 | 0.510807 | 1.245786 | 0.777633 | 4.086022 | 23.548387 | 0.903226 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Foreign Anti-Sex Offender Protection
Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Immigration law allows citizens and aliens lawfully
admitted for permanent residence to bring foreign family
members to the United States on the basis of immediate relative
status or a preference classification.
(2) Immediate relative status and preference
classifications are obtained by filing petitions with the
Secretary of Homeland Security.
(3) For national security purposes, the Secretary of
Homeland Security conducts background checks on the
beneficiaries of such petitions and, since September 11, 2001,
on the petitioners as well.
(4) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has
determined that, in fiscal year 2005, at least 398 of the
petitioners who filed family-based visa petitions were on the
National Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Federal Bureau
of Investigations.
(5) GAO was only able to ascertain the nature of the sex
offense for 194 of the 398 petitioners.
(6) GAO was able to ascertain, however, that 119 of the
convictions were for sex assault, 35 for child fondling, 9 for
strong arm rape, 9 for carnal abuse combined with a sexual
assault, 7 were for statutory rape, 4 for crimes against
persons, 3 for indecent exposure, 2 for kidnapping, 2 for
obscene material possession, 1 for exploitation of a minor with
photographs, 1 for incest with a minor, 1 for sodomizing a boy,
and 1 for restricting movement.
(7) At least 14 of the 398 petitioners were classified as
``sexual predators'', which means a determination had been made
that they are likely to commit additional sex offenses.
(8) At least 45 of the petitioners were convicted of sex
offenses against children.
(9) The Immigration and Nationality Act does not provide
the Secretary of Homeland Security with authorization to deny
family-based petitions on the basis of a petitioner's
conviction for a sex offense, even when the conviction record
indicates that a spouse or a child beneficiary may be in grave
danger.
SEC. 3. DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY TO DENY FAMILY-SPONSORED CLASSIFICATION
PETITION BY PETITIONER LISTED ON NATIONAL SEX OFFENDER
REGISTRY.
Section 204 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Authority to Deny Family-Based Petition by Petitioner Listed
on National Sex Offender Registry.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary Homeland Security may, in
the discretion of the Secretary, deny a petition under
subsection (a) for classification of a spouse or child if--
``(A) the Secretary has confirmed that the
petitioner is on the national sex offender registry
maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a
conviction that individually (disregarding any
aggregation due to any other conviction) resulted in
incarceration for more than 1 year;
``(B) the petitioner has been given at least 90
days to establish that the petitioner is not the person
named on the registry or that the conviction did not
result in incarceration for more than 1 year and has
failed to establish such fact; and
``(C) the Secretary finds that granting the
petition would put a primary or derivative spouse or
child beneficiary in grave danger of being sexually
abused.
``(2) Determining danger.--In making the determination
under paragraph (1)(C), the Secretary shall use the following
principles:
``(A) Nature of the relationship.--In evaluating a
petitioner who has filed a petition for a spouse,
consideration should be given to indications of how
well the petitioner and the spouse know each other.
Petitions filed on the basis of marriages between men
and women who have had little direct, personal contact
with each other should be viewed with suspicion. In
cases where the petitioner and the spouse have had
little direct, personal contact with each other,
evidence should be submitted to establish that they
have gotten to know each other in some other way.
``(B) Nature of the sex offense.--Consideration
should be given to when each offense occurred for which
the petitioner was incarcerated for more than a year,
how serious it was, the sentence that was imposed, how
long the petitioner was incarcerated, the age of the
petitioner when it was committed, and the
characteristics of the victim.
``(C) Rehabilitation.--Evidence of rehabilitation
should be evaluated with respect to whether it
diminishes the risk of sexual abuse to the primary or
derivative spouse or child beneficiaries.
``(D) Previous visa petitions.--The records for any
previous petitions shall be examined to determine
whether they provide or might lead to evidence that is
pertinent to determining whether granting the petition
would put a primary or derivative spouse or child
beneficiary in grave danger of being sexually abused.
``(3) Rebuttal.--If the Secretary intends to deny a
petition under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide the
petitioner with a notice that states the reasons for the
intended denial and provides the petitioner with at least 90
days to submit rebuttal evidence. Rebuttal should focus
primarily on the factors that led the Secretary to believe that
granting the petition would put a primary or derivative spouse
or child beneficiary in grave danger of being sexually abused.
``(4) Post-denial remedies.--
``(A) Appeal.--All final denials under paragraph
(1) may be appealed to the Board of Immigration
Appeals.
``(B) New petition.--The petitioner may file a new
petition whenever the petitioner has additional
evidence that the petitioner believes might be
sufficient to warrant granting the new petition.
``(5) Disclosure by the secretary of homeland security to
beneficiaries.--In all cases in which it has been confirmed
that the name of a petitioner under subsection (a) is listed on
the national sex offender registry maintained by the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, and regardless of whether the
Secretary may exercise discretion under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall give the petitioner at least 90 days to
establish that the petitioner is not the person named on the
registry. If the petitioner fails to establish that the
petitioner is not the person named on the registry within the
time allotted, the Secretary shall provide the beneficiaries
with a written copy of the information on the registry that is
available to the public before making a decision on the
petition. The beneficiary shall be informed that the registry
information is based on available records and may not be
complete.
``(6) Disclosure to department of state.--In all cases in
which it has been confirmed that the name of a petitioner under
subsection (a) is listed on the national sex offender registry
maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and
regardless of whether the Secretary may exercise discretion
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide the Secretary
of State with--
``(A) a separate document with information about
the record on the national sex offender registry that
is available to the public;
``(B) any additional information it has that raises
concern that a primary or derivative spouse or child
beneficiary may be subject to sexual abuse, including
information from the registry that is not available to
the public; and
``(C) information about any previous petitions
under subsection (a) filed by the petitioner.
``(7) Disclosure by consular officer to beneficiaries.--
When a petition under subsection (a) is granted, if the
petition is filed by a petitioner who has failed to make the
demonstration of mis-identification described in paragraph (5),
the consular officer shall conduct an interview with the
primary or derivative spouse or child beneficiary of the
petition before issuing a visa to the beneficiary. At least
part of the interview must be held without the presence of the
petitioner. During the private part of the interview, the
beneficiary will be given a written copy of the information
about the petitioner from the registry that is available to the
public. This document must be written in the beneficiary's
primary language. The consular officer is required to advise
the beneficiary that approval of the visa petition does not
mean that there are no reasons to be concerned about his or her
safety.
``(8) Additional responsibilities of consular officer.--The
consular officer may return files to the Secretary of Homeland
Security for further consideration in cases where the consular
officer is concerned that granting the visa might put a primary
or derivative spouse or child beneficiary in grave danger of
being sexually abused. When returning a file under the previous
sentence, the consular officer may add any additional
information or observations the officer has that might have a
bearing on whether the visa should be granted, including the
results of any field examination that has been conducted.''.
SEC. 4. REMOVAL OF CONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS.
(a) Identify and Provide Assistance for Spouses and Children Who
Are Subject to Sexual Abuse or Related Types of Harm.--Section
216(d)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1186a(d)(3))
is amended--
(1) by inserting before ``The interview'' the following:
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
interview''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Petitioner listed on national sex offender
registry.--In all cases where the Secretary of Homeland
Security has confirmed that a petitioning spouse is
listed on the national sex offender registry maintained
by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, an interview
with the alien spouse, and any alien sons or daughters,
shall be required prior to removal of the conditional
status, and at least part of the interview shall be
held without the presence of the petitioning spouse.
During the private portion of the interview, questions
will be asked to determine whether an investigation
should be conducted regarding the welfare of the alien
spouse, or any alien son or daughter. If it is
determined that any alien spouse, son, or daughter is
being abused or harmed by the petitioning spouse, the
victim shall be offered whatever assistance is
appropriate, including information on ways to remain in
the United State that do not depend on continuing the
qualifying marriage.''.
(b) Hardship Waiver in Cases Where the Alien Spouse or Child Is
Subject to Sexual Abuse.--Section 216(c)(4) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1186a(c)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the end
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``, or''; and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) the qualifying marriage was entered into in
good faith by the alien spouse and during the marriage
the alien spouse, or a son or daughter of the spouse,
was sexually abused and the alien was not at fault in
failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (1).''.
SEC. 5. SPECIAL TASK FORCE TO IDENTIFY PEOPLE NAMED ON THE NATIONAL SEX
OFFENDER REGISTRY WHO HAVE FILED FAMILY-BASED
CLASSIFICATION PETITIONS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish
a task force, to be known as the ``Task Force to Rescue Immigrant
Victims of American Sex Offenders''. The task force shall consist of
officials from Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies with
experience in domestic violence, sex crimes, immigration law,
trafficking in humans, organized crime, or any other area of experience
which may be useful in completing the duties described in subsection
(b).
(b) Duties.--The duties of the task force shall be the following:
(1) Working back in time from the date of the establishment
of the task force, identifying individuals on the Federal
Bureau of Investigation's sex offender registry who have filed
family-based petitions under section 204(a) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act. When a confirmed match has been made with
the sex offender registry, the task force should ascertain
whether the petitioner filed previous petitions.
(2) Maintaining the information about the petitioners in a
comprehensive database.
(3) Prioritizing the information according to the
likelihood that primary or derivative spouse or child
beneficiaries are in danger of sexual abuse.
(4) Developing a system for investigating the cases in
which beneficiaries may be at risk and providing them with
information on how to seek assistance if they are abused.
(5) Except for information on the registry that is
available to the public, protecting the information produced by
its investigations in accordance with the privacy rights of
everyone involved in the investigation.
(6) Taking whatever other actions as are reasonable and
appropriate when investigations lead to information about
sexual abuse or other criminal activities, including notifying
State and local police departments, government offices, public
organizations that provide assistance to victims of sexual
abuse, and religious organizations.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a
report on the findings and recommendations of the task force. The
report shall include the following:
(1) An analysis of the information obtained in searching
visa petition and national sex offender registry records.
(2) The results of any investigations conducted by the task
force.
(3) Recommendations on administrative and legislative
actions that would assist in identifying and protecting
immigrant victims of sexual abuse or related harm.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Amounts appropriated
under this section shall remain available until expended.
SEC. 7. REGULATIONS.
Regulations implementing this Act shall be promulgated in final
form not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act. | Foreign Anti-Sex Offender Protection Act of 2006 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to deny a family-based immigration petition by a U.S. petitioner for an alien spouse or child if: (1) the Secretary has confirmed that the petitioner is on the national sex offender registry for a conviction that individually resulted in incarceration for more than one year; (2) the petitioner has been given at least 90 days to rebut such information and has failed to do so; and (3) the Secretary finds that granting the petition would put a primary or derivative spouse or child beneficiary in grave danger of being sexually abused.
Directs the Secretary to base such petitioner evaluation upon: (1) the nature of the relationship; (2) the nature of the sex offense; (3) rehabilitation; and (4) previous visa petitions.
Directs the Secretary to provide the petitioner with a notice that states the reasons for the intended denial and provides the petitioner with at least 90 days to submit rebuttal evidence.
Provides post-denial remedies through: (1) the Board of Immigration Appeals; and (2) a new petition filing based on additional evidence.
States that where the Secretary has confirmed that the petitioner is listed on the national sex offender registry: (1) an interview with the alien spouse, and any alien sons or daughters, shall be required prior to removal of conditional permanent resident status; and (2) if there is abuse or harm by the petitioner the victim shall be offered appropriate assistance, including information on ways to remain in the United State that do not depend on continuing the qualifying marriage. Provides a hardship waiver in cases of sexual abuse of the alien spouse or child.
Directs the Secretary to establish the Task Force to Rescue Immigrant Victims of American Sex Offenders. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To prevent sex offenders from using immigration laws to bring innocent, unsuspecting victims into the United States."} | 3,149 | 397 | 0.642102 | 2.181032 | 0.786806 | 4.542135 | 8.067416 | 0.957865 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``529 and ABLE Account Improvement Act
of 2016''.
SEC. 2. EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS TO QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS AND
QUALIFIED ABLE PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 132 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of
paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (8) and
inserting ``, or'', and by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(9) qualified tuition program and qualified ABLE program
contributions.''.
(b) Qualified Tuition Program and Qualified ABLE Program
Contributions Defined.--Section 132 of such Code is amended by
redesignating subsection (o) as subsection (p) and inserting after
subsection (n) the following new subsection:
``(o) Qualified Tuition Program and Qualified ABLE Program
Contributions Defined.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term
`qualified tuition and qualified ABLE program contributions'
means contributions (including matching contributions) made by
an employer directly to a qualified tuition program (as
described in section 529) or qualified ABLE program (as
described in section 529A) designated by an employee if--
``(A) such contribution is made to an account under
such program for which the designated beneficiary is
the employee or a member of the family of the employee
(within the meaning of section 529(e)(2)), and
``(B) such contribution is made in connection with
a qualified payroll deduction contribution program
established by the employer.
``(2) Qualified payroll deduction contribution program.--
For purposes of this subsection, the term `qualified payroll
deduction contribution program' means a program established by
an employer--
``(A) under which employees may elect to make
contributions to accounts described in paragraph (1)(A)
which reduce the amount of wages received directly by
such employee by the amount of such contribution, and
``(B) which is made available on substantially the
same terms to each member of a group of employees which
is defined under a reasonable classification set up by
the employer which does not discriminate in favor of
highly compensated employees (as defined in section
414(q)).
``(3) Limitation on exclusion.--The amount of qualified
tuition and qualified ABLE program contributions which may be
excluded from gross income under subsection (a)(9) with respect
to any employee shall not exceed $100 in any calendar year.
``(4) Nondiscrimination rule for employer contributions.--
Subsection (a)(9) shall only apply to contributions provided
with respect to a highly compensated employee if such
contributions meet the requirements of paragraph (2)(B).
``(5) Inflation adjustment.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of any taxable year
beginning in a calendar year after 2016, the $100
amount contained in paragraph (3) shall be increased by
an amount equal to--
``(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment
determined under section 1(f)(3) for the
calendar year in which the taxable year begins,
determined by substituting `calendar year 2015'
for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B)
thereof.
``(B) Rounding.--Any increase determined under
subparagraph (A) shall be rounded to the nearest
multiple of $25.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to contributions made after December 31, 2016.
SEC. 3. TAX CREDIT FOR SMALL EMPLOYER COSTS OF ESTABLISHING DIRECT
PAYROLL DEDUCTION INTO QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS AND
QUALIFIED ABLE PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 45E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) Application to Programs for Payroll Deduction Contributions
to Qualified Tuition Programs and Qualified ABLE Programs.--In the case
of a qualified payroll deduction contribution program (as defined in
section 132(o)(2)) established by an employer--
``(1) such program shall be treated as an eligible employer
plan for purposes of this section,
``(2) this section (including the limitation of subsection
(b)) shall be applied separately with respect to such programs
and any other eligible employer plans of the employer, and
``(3) subsection (d)(1)(A)(ii) shall be applied by
substituting `education' for `retirement-related education'.''.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) The heading for section 45E of such Code is amended by
striking ``pension''.
(2) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking
the item relating to section 45E and inserting the following
new item:
``Sec. 45E. Small employer plan startup costs.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to costs paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. EXEMPTIONS FROM ADDITIONAL TAX FOR CERTAIN DISTRIBUTIONS FROM
QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 529(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by striking the last sentence and inserting the
following: ``This paragraph shall not apply to the extent that--
``(A) a payment or distribution is contributed to
an individual retirement plan of the account owner or
the designated beneficiary with respect to the calendar
year in which the payment or distribution is received,
``(B) a payment or distribution is used (within 90
days of the payment or distribution) to make a payment
of interest or principal on a qualified education loan
(as defined in section 222(d)(1)) on behalf of the
designated beneficiary or a member of the family of
such designated beneficiary within the meaning of
section 529(e)(2)), or
``(C) the recipient of a payment or distribution
makes (within 90 days of the receipt of the payment or
distribution) a contribution to an organization
described in section 170(b)(1)(A) (other than any
organization described in section 509(a)(3) or any fund
or account described in section 4966(d)(2)), but only
if--
``(i) a deduction for the entire payment or
distribution is allowable under section 170,
and
``(ii) the total payments and distributions
taken into account under this subparagraph with
respect to such recipient for any taxable year
does not exceed $1,000.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to distributions after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION REGARDING INVESTMENT DIRECTION IN QUALIFIED
TUITION PROGRAMS AND QUALIFIED ABLE PROGRAMS.
(a) Investment Direction in Qualified Tuition Programs.--Paragraph
(4) of section 529(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended
by adding at the end the following: ``For purposes of this paragraph,
rebalancing investments among broad-based investment strategies
established under the program shall not be treated as investment
direction by a contributor or designated beneficiary unless the
specific investments within those broad-based strategies are directed
by the contributor or designated beneficiary.''.
(b) Investment Direction in Qualified ABLE Programs.--Paragraph (4)
of section 529A(b) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``For purposes of this paragraph, rebalancing investments
among broad-based investment strategies established under the program
shall not be treated as investment direction by a designated
beneficiary unless the specific investments within those broad-based
strategies are directed by the designated beneficiary.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to calendar years beginning after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6. ROLLOVERS BETWEEN QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS AND QUALIFIED ABLE
PROGRAMS.
(a) Rollovers From Qualified Tuition Programs to Qualified ABLE
Programs.--Clause (i) of section 529(c)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of subclause (I),
by striking the period at the end of subclause (II) and inserting ``,
or'', and by adding at the end the following new subclause:
``(III) to an ABLE account (as
defined in section 529A(e)(6)) of the
designated beneficiary or a member of
the family of the designated
beneficiary.
Subclause (III) shall not apply to so much of a
distribution which, when added to all other
contributions made to the ABLE account for the
taxable year, exceeds the limitation under
section 529A(b)(2)(B).''.
(b) Rollovers From Qualified ABLE Programs to Qualified Tuition
Programs.--Clause (i) of section 529A(c)(1)(C) of such Code is
amended--
(1) by striking ``such payment or distribution, into
another'' and inserting ``such payment or distribution--
``(I) into another'';
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``,
or'', and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subclause:
``(II) to a qualified tuition
program (as described in section 529)
for the benefit of the same designated
beneficiary or a member of the family
of such designated beneficiary.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to distributions after the date of the enactment of this Act. | 529 and ABLE Account Improvement Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the tax treatment of qualified tuition programs (known as 529 plans) and ABLE accounts. (Tax-favored ABLE [Achieving a Better Life Experience] accounts are designed to enable individuals with disabilities to save for and pay for disability-related expenses.) The bill excludes from gross income a fringe benefit consisting of up to $100 per year (adjusted for inflation after 2016) of employer contributions to an employee's 529 or ABLE account. The employer contribution must be made: (1) to an account for which the designated beneficiary is the employee or a member of the employee's family, and (2) in connection with a payroll deduction contribution program established by the employer. The bill also: (1) expands the tax credit for small employer pension plan startup costs to include the costs of establishing a payroll deduction contribution program for 529 plans and ABLE accounts;(2) permits 529 funds to be used for transfers to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), education loan payments, or charitable contributions without being subject to the additional tax for distributions that are not used for qualified higher education expenses; and (3) permits tax-free rollovers of funds between 529 and ABLE accounts for the benefit of the same beneficiary or a family member of the beneficiary. For the purpose of current law restrictions on the frequency of investment directions that a beneficiary or contributor may provide for a 529 or ABLE account, rebalancing investments among broad-based investment strategies established under the program is not an investment direction unless the beneficiary or contributor directs the specific investments within the strategies. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "529 and ABLE Account Improvement Act of 2016"} | 2,310 | 353 | 0.645736 | 1.759898 | 0.655292 | 2.23511 | 6.112853 | 0.811912 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Information Protection and Security
Act''.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS; PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Entities commonly known as ``information brokers'' have
created up to several billion personal records on individuals.
(2) Information made available by information brokers is
used in the determination of opportunities for credit,
employment, housing, insurance, means of travel, and other
commercial decisions, and must therefore be as accurate,
transparent to the individual, and secure as possible.
Inaccurate information pertaining to an individual that is made
available by an information broker may significantly interfere
with the individual's economic opportunities. For these
reasons, there is a vital need to ensure that information
brokers exercise their important responsibilities with
fairness, impartiality, accuracy, and respect for individuals'
rights to privacy and security, and that information brokers
properly safeguard individuals' personally identifiable
information.
(3) In 2004, an identity theft operation improperly gained
access to hundreds of thousands of individual profiles
maintained by one large information broker. Many of these
individuals have and will become victims of identity theft. The
full extent of this incident will not be known for years.
(4) Identity thieves illegally exploit information
technology to take advantage of innocent individuals. Identity
thieves typically steal individuals' names, addresses,
telephone numbers, social security numbers, bank account
information, and personal financial and medical data. Due to
identity thieves misusing this personal information, some
individuals are denied jobs, faced with debts that are not
their own, and arrested for crimes they did not commit.
(5) According to the Federal Trade Commission, 10,000,000
Americans were affected by identity theft in 2004, and the
problem is growing worse. Identity theft is now the most common
fraud perpetrated on individuals. In 2004, identity theft
accounted for 39 percent of consumer fraud complaints filed
with the Federal Trade Commission.
(6) According to a survey cited by the Federal Trade
Commission, identity theft cost the United States
$52,600,000,000 in 2004. Both individuals and businesses bear
this heavy financial burden.
(7) The increasing power of computers and information
technology has greatly magnified the risk to individual privacy
that can occur from any collection, maintenance, use, or
dissemination of personally identifiable information, as well
as the number of individuals who can be harmed.
(8) There is a clear difference between a compilation of
personally identifiable information and the compilation's
component parts. Even for information contained in public
records, items of data that appear in widely scattered sources
are different from the collection and assembly of that
information into databases, reports, or profiles. The interest
in maintaining the privacy and security of such databases has
always been, and will continue to be, very high.
(9) In order to protect the privacy and security of
individuals whose personally identifiable information resides
in systems maintained by information brokers, it is necessary
and proper for Congress to regulate the collection,
maintenance, use, and dissemination of such information by
information brokers by adopting a framework of fair information
principles. It is the policy of Congress that information
brokers have an affirmative and continuing obligation to
protect the privacy and security of an individual's personally
identifiable information.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to regulate the narrow category of business entities
commonly known as ``information brokers'', but not to extend
the regulations to businesses other than information broker
businesses, or to weaken or alter the protections provided by
other applicable laws;
(2) to protect individual rights in relation to information
brokers; and
(3) to ensure that information brokers compete fairly in
the processing and sale of personally identifiable information.
SEC. 3. REGULATION BY FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION.
(a) Regulations.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Federal Trade Commission (in this
Act referred to as ``the Commission'') shall promulgate
regulations with respect to the conduct of information brokers
and the protection of personally identifiable information held
by such brokers.
(2) Content of regulations.--The regulations promulgated
under paragraph (1) shall include rules--
(A) requiring that procedures for the collection
and maintenance of data guarantee maximum possible
accuracy of personally identifiable information held by
any information broker;
(B) allowing an individual the right to obtain
disclosure of all personally identifiable information
pertaining to the individual held by an information
broker, and to be informed of the identity of each
entity that procured any personally identifiable
information from the broker;
(C) allowing individuals the right to request and
receive prompt correction of errors in personally
identifiable information held by information brokers;
(D) requiring information brokers to safeguard and
protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable
information, appropriate to the nature and type of
information involved;
(E) requiring information brokers to authenticate
users before allowing access to personally identifiable
information, and requiring that each use of personal
information is employed only for a lawful purpose;
(F) requiring procedures to be established to
prevent and detect fraudulent, unlawful, or
unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of personally
identifiable information held by an information broker,
and to mitigate any potential harm to individuals from
threats to the privacy or security of such information;
(G) requiring information brokers to establish and
maintain procedures that track users' access to
personally identifiable information held by the broker,
and the lawful purpose for which each access was made;
and
(H) prohibiting information brokers from engaging
in activities that fail to comply with the Commission's
regulations.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Information broker.--
(A) In general.--The term ``information broker''
means a commercial entity whose business is to collect,
assemble, or maintain personally identifiable
information for the sale or transmission of such
information or the provision of access to such
information to any third party, whether such
collection, assembly, or maintenance of personally
identifiable information is performed by the
information broker directly, or by contract or
subcontract with any other entity.
(B) Exemptions.--The Commission, in promulgating
regulations under subsection (a), may exempt any
commercial entity from such regulations, in whole or in
part, if the Commission determines that granting such
an exemption is in the public interest, consistent with
the purposes of this Act, and if the entity's
collection, assembly, and maintenance of personally
identifiable information is only incidental to the
entity's primary business.
(2) Personally identifiable information.--The term
``personally identifiable information'' means any personal
information, as determined by the Commission, which may be used
to identify a person or cause harm to such person.
SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Enforcement by Federal Trade Commission.--
(1) Unfair or deceptive acts or practices.--A violation of
a regulation promulgated under section 2 shall be treated as a
violation of a regulation under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)) regarding
unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
(2) Powers of commission.--The Commission shall enforce the
regulations promulgated under section 2 in the same manner, by
the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and
duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were
incorporated into and made a part of this Act. Any person who
violates such regulations shall be subject to the penalties and
entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in that Act.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority
of the Commission under any other provision of law.
(b) Actions by States.--
(1) Civil actions.--In any case in which the attorney
general of a State has reason to believe that an interest of
the residents of that State has been or is threatened or
adversely affected by an act or practice that violates any
regulation of the Commission promulgated under section 2, the
State may bring a civil action on behalf of the residents of
the State in a district court of the United States of
appropriate jurisdiction, or any other court of competent
jurisdiction, to--
(A) enjoin that act or practice;
(B) enforce compliance with the regulation;
(C) obtain damages, restitution, or other
compensation on behalf of residents of the State; or
(D) obtain such other legal and equitable relief as
the court may consider to be appropriate.
(2) Notice.--Before filing an action under this subsection,
the attorney general of the State involved shall provide to the
Commission and to the Attorney General a written notice of that
action and a copy of the complaint for that action. If the
State attorney general determines that it is not feasible to
provide the notice described in this subparagraph before the
filing of the action, the State attorney general shall provide
the written notice and the copy of the complaint to the
Commission and to the Attorney General as soon after the filing
of the complaint as practicable.
(3) Commission and attorney general authority.--On
receiving notice under paragraph (2), the Commission and the
Attorney General each shall have the right--
(A) to move to stay the action, pending the final
disposition of a pending Federal matter as described in
paragraph (4);
(B) to intervene in an action under paragraph (1);
and
(C) to file petitions for appeal.
(4) Pending criminal proceedings.--If the Attorney General
has instituted a criminal proceeding or the Commission has
instituted a civil action for a violation of this Act or any
regulations thereunder, no State may, during the pendency of
such proceeding or action, bring an action under this
subsection against any defendant named in the criminal
proceeding or civil action for any violation that is alleged in
that proceeding or action.
(5) Rule of construction.--For purposes of bringing any
civil action under paragraph (1), nothing in this Act shall be
construed to prevent an attorney general of a State from
exercising the powers conferred on the attorney general by the
laws of that State to conduct investigations, administer oaths
and affirmations, or compel the attendance of witnesses or the
production of documentary and other evidence.
(c) Private Right of Action.--
(1) In general.--Any individual injured by an act in
violation of the regulations promulgated under section 2, if
otherwise permitted by the laws or rules of the court of a
State, bring in an appropriate court of that State--
(A) an action to enjoin such violation;
(B) an action to recover for actual monetary loss
from such a violation, or to receive up to $1000 in
damages for each such violation, whichever is greater;
or
(C) both such actions.
(2) Limitation.--An action may be commenced under this
subsection within 2 years after the date on which the alleged
violation occurred, except that where a defendant has
materially and willfully misrepresented or disclosed any
information under this Act or the regulations promulgated
pursuant to this Act and the information so misrepresented or
disclosed is material to the establishment of the defendant's
liability under this Act or such regulations, the action may be
brought by the individual under paragraph (1) at any time
within 3 years after discovery by the individual of the
misrepresentation or disclosure.
(3) Nonexclusive remedy.--The remedy provided under this
subsection shall be in addition to any other remedies available
to the individual.
SEC. 5. RELATION TO OTHER LAWS.
(a) Fair Credit Reporting Act.--Nothing in this Act or the
regulations promulgated under this Act shall be construed to modify,
limit or supersede the operation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. A
person or entity subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act shall comply
with that Act as well as with this Act and the regulations promulgated
under this Act. To the extent that there is any conflict between the
Fair Credit Reporting Act and this Act or such regulations, the Act
that affords an individual greater protection shall apply. Multiple
requirements with respect to the same information, transaction, or
individual shall not be considered a conflict.
(b) State Laws.--This Act and the regulations promulgated under
this Act shall not be construed as superseding, altering, or affecting
any statute, regulation, order, or interpretation in effect in any
State, except to the extent that such statute, regulation, order, or
interpretation is inconsistent with the provisions of this Act or the
regulations promulgated under this Act, and then only to the extent of
the inconsistency. For purposes of this section, a State statute,
regulation, order, or interpretation shall not be considered
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act or the regulations
promulgated under this Act if the protection such statute, regulation,
order, or interpretation affords any person is greater than the
protection under this Act or the regulations promulgated under this
Act.
SEC. 6. REPORT.
Not later than 12 months after the issuance of the regulations
required by section 2, the Commission shall transmit to Congress a
report on the information brokerage industry and its impact on the
privacy of personally identifiable information. Such report shall
describe the regulations promulgated pursuant to this Act, compliance
with such regulations by the information brokerage industry, and any
recommendations by the Commission for additional measures (including
any necessary legislation) to ensure the privacy of personally
identifiable information. | Information Protection and Security Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate regulations governing the conduct of information brokers and the protection of personally identifiable information held by such brokers. States that such regulations shall include rules: (1) requiring procedures for maximum data accuracy, confidentiality, user authentication and tracking, the prevention and detection of illegal or unauthorized activity, and mitigation of potential harm to individuals; (2) allowing individuals to obtain disclosure of such information pertaining to them held by an information broker, to be informed of each entity that procured such information, and to request and receive prompt correction of errors; and (3) prohibiting brokers from engaging in activity that fails to comply with FTC regulations.
Requires violations of such regulations to be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Authorizes States, after providing notice to the FTC and the Attorney General, to bring civil actions on behalf of State residents in Federal district court or any other court of competent jurisdiction to: (1) enjoin such acts or practices; (2) enforce compliance with FTC regulations; or (3) obtain damages, restitution, compensation, or other appropriate relief. Prohibits State actions during the pendency of criminal proceedings brought by the Attorney General or civil actions instituted by the FTC against the same defendant for violations of this Act.
Establishes a private right of action for individuals injured by violations of regulations promulgated under this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to regulate information brokers and protect individual rights with respect to personally identifiable information."} | 2,880 | 308 | 0.476111 | 1.595568 | 0.71261 | 2.672598 | 9.953737 | 0.900356 |
SECTION 1. SAFE SCHOOLS.
(a) Amendments.--Part F of title XIV of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8921 et seq.) is amended to
read as follows:
``PART F--ILLEGAL DRUG AND GUN POSSESSION
``SEC. 14601. DRUG-FREE AND GUN-FREE REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the `Safe Schools
Act of 1997'.
``(b) Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--Each State receiving Federal funds under
this Act shall have in effect a State law requiring local
educational agencies to expel from school for a period of not
less than one year a student who is determined--
``(A) to be in possession of an illegal drug, or
illegal drug paraphernalia, on school property under
the jurisdiction of, or on a vehicle operated by an
employee or agent of, a local educational agency in
that State; or
``(B) to have brought a weapon to a school under
the jurisdiction of a local educational agency in that
State,
except that such State law shall allow the chief administering
officer of such local educational agency to modify such
expulsion requirement for a student on a case-by-case basis.
``(2) Construction.--Nothing in this title shall be
construed to prevent a State from allowing a local educational
agency that has expelled a student from such a student's
regular school setting from providing educational services to
such student in an alternative setting.
``(3) Definition.--For the purpose of this section, the
term `weapon' means a firearm as such term is defined in
section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code.
``(c) Special Rule.--The provisions of this section shall be
construed in a manner consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.).
``(d) Report to State.--Each local educational agency requesting
assistance from the State educational agency that is to be provided
from funds made available to the State under this Act shall provide to
the State, in the application requesting such assistance--
``(1) an assurance that such local educational agency is in
compliance with the State law required by subsection (b); and
``(2) a description of the circumstances surrounding any
expulsions imposed under the State law required by subsection
(b), including--
``(A) the name of the school concerned;
``(B) the number of students expelled from such
school; and
``(C) the type of illegal drugs, illegal drug
paraphernalia, or weapons concerned.
``(e) Reporting.--Each State shall report the information described
in subsection (d) to the Secretary on an annual basis.
``(f) Report to Congress.--Two years after the date of enactment of
the Safe Schools Act of 1997, the Secretary shall report to Congress
with respect to any State that is not in compliance with the
requirements of this part.
``SEC. 14602. POLICY REGARDING CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM REFERRAL.
``(a) In General.--No funds shall be made available under this Act
to any local educational agency unless such agency has a policy
requiring referral to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency
system of any student who is in possession of an illegal drug, or
illegal drug paraphernalia, on school property under the jurisdiction
of, or on a vehicle operated by an employee or agent of, such agency,
or who brings a firearm or weapon to a school served by such agency.
``(b) Definitions.--For the purpose of this section, the terms
`firearm' and `school' have the same meaning given to such terms by
section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code.
``SEC. 14603. DATA AND POLICY DISSEMINATION UNDER IDEA.
``The Secretary shall--
``(1) widely disseminate the policy of the Department in
effect on the date of enactment of the Safe Schools Act of 1997
with respect to disciplining children with disabilities;
``(2) collect data on the incidence of children with
disabilities (as such term is defined in section 602(a)(1) of
the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.
1401(a)(1))) possessing illegal drugs, or illegal drug
paraphernalia, on school property under the jurisdiction of, or
on a vehicle operated by an employee or agent of, a local
educational agency, engaging in life threatening behavior at
school, or bringing weapons to schools; and
``(3) submit a report to Congress not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of the Safe Schools Act of 1997
analyzing the strengths and problems with the current
approaches regarding disciplining children with disabilities.
``SEC. 14604. DEFINITIONS.
``In this part:
``(1) Illegal drug.--
``(A) In general.--The term `illegal drug' means a
controlled substance, as defined in section 102(6) of
the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(6)), the
possession of which is unlawful under such Act (21
U.S.C. 801 et seq.) or the Controlled Substances Import
and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.).
``(B) Exclusion.--The term `illegal drug' does not
mean a controlled substance used pursuant to a valid
prescription or as authorized by law.
``(2) Illegal drug paraphernalia.--The term `illegal drug
paraphernalia' means drug paraphernalia, as defined in section
422 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 863), except
that the first sentence of section 422(d) of such Act shall be
applied by inserting `or under the Controlled Substances Import
and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.)' before the period.''.
(b) Effective Date.--This Act and the amendments made by this Act
take effect 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act. | Safe Schools Act of 1997 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require a local educational agency that receives ESEA funds to expel a student determined to be in possession of an illegal drug, or illegal drug paraphernalia (or, as under current law, in possession of a gun) on school property. Renames the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 as the Safe Schools Act of 1997. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Safe Schools Act of 1997"} | 1,461 | 98 | 0.561343 | 1.283594 | 0.92084 | 3.52439 | 14.878049 | 0.890244 |
SECTION 1. RESTORATION OF DEDUCTION FOR INTEREST ON EDUCATIONAL LOANS.
(a) In General.--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 on a qualified educational loan
(within the meaning of paragraph (5)), and''.
(b) Qualified Educational Loan Defined.--Paragraph (5) of section
163(h) of such Code is amended to read as follows:
``(5) Qualified educational loan.--For purposes of this
subsection--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified educational
loan' means any indebtedness--
``(i) which is provided--
``(I) pursuant to a Federal, State,
or State-based guarantee program or
insurance program,
``(II) by an organization described
in section 501(c)(3) and exempt from
tax under section 501(a), or
``(III) by a financial institution
under a supplemental education program
which requires that repayments on the
loan be made to the educational
institution referred to in subparagraph
(D)(i), and
``(ii) which is incurred to pay qualified
educational expenses which are paid or incurred
within a reasonable period of time before or
after the indebtedness is incurred.
``(B) Phaseout of benefit.--
``(i) In general.--The amount of interest
which would (but for this subparagraph) be
taken into account under paragraph (2)(E) 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.
``(ii) Applicable dollar amount; phaseout
range.--For purposes of clause (i)--
``(I) in the case of a return of an
unmarried individual, the applicable
dollar amount is $40,000 and the
phaseout range is $15,000,
``(II) in the case of a joint
return, the applicable dollar amount is
$60,000 and the phaseout range is
$30,000, and
``(III) in any other case, the
applicable dollar amount is zero.
``(C) Deduction allowable only for first 48 months
loan is in repayment status.--Paragraph (2)(E) shall
apply only to interest which is paid or incurred during
the first 48 months (whether or not consecutive) for
which a payment is required to be made on the loan.
``(D) Qualified educational expenses.--For purposes
of this paragraph--
``(i) In general.--The term `qualified
educational expenses' means qualified tuition
and related expenses of the taxpayer, his
spouse, or a dependent (as defined in section
152) for attendance at an educational
institution described in section
170(b)(1)(A)(ii).
``(ii) Qualified tuition and related
expenses.--The term `qualified tuition and
related expenses' has the meaning given such
term by section 117(b), except that such term
shall include any reasonable living expenses
while away from home.
``(E) Adjustment of phaseout for inflation.--
``(i) In general.--In the case of any
taxable year beginning in a calendar year after
1998, the $40,000 and $60,000 amounts contained
in subparagraph (B) shall be increased by an
amount equal to--
``(I) such dollar amount,
multiplied by
``(II) 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 1997' for `calendar year
1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.
``(ii) Rounding.--If any amount as adjusted
under clause (i) is not a multiple of $50, such
amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple
of $50 (or, if such amount is a multiple of
$25, such amount shall be rounded to the next
highest multiple of $50).''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1997, but only with
respect to loans the first required payment on which is after such
date. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited income tax deduction for interest on a qualified educational loan. Defines such a loan. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the deduction for interest on certain educational loans."} | 1,041 | 33 | 0.513552 | 1.227149 | 0.459476 | 1.961538 | 35.423077 | 0.807692 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Sewage Sludge in Food Production
Consumer Notification Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. NOTIFICATION TO CONSUMERS OF FOOD PRODUCTS PRODUCED ON LAND ON
WHICH SEWAGE SLUDGE HAS BEEN APPLIED.
(a) Adulterated Food Under Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.--
Section 402 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 342)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i)(1) Effective one year after the date of the enactment of the
Sewage Sludge in Food Production Consumer Notification Act of 2003, if
it is a food (intended for human consumption and offered for sale) that
was produced, or contains any ingredient that was produced, on land on
which sewage sludge was applied, unless--
``(A) the application of sewage sludge to the land
terminated more than one year before the date on which the
production of the food or ingredient on the land commenced;
``(B) the food bears a label that clearly indicates that
the food, or an ingredient of the food, was produced on land on
which sewage sludge was applied; or
``(C) in the case of a raw agricultural commodity or other
food generally offered for sale without labeling, a sign is
posted within close proximity of the food to notify consumers
that the food, or an ingredient of the food, was produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied.''.
(b) Adulterated Food Under Egg Products Inspection Act.--Section
4(a) of the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1033(a)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (7);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (8) and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) effective one year after the date of the enactment of
the Sewage Sludge in Food Production Consumer Notification Act
of 2003, if it is derived from poultry that were raised, or
that consumed animal feed produced, on land on which sewage
sludge was applied, unless--
``(A) the application of sewage sludge to the land
terminated more than one year before the date on which
the poultry began to be raised on the land or the date
on which the production of the animal feed on the land
commenced; or
``(B) the container bears a label that clearly
indicates that the egg or egg product was derived from
poultry that--
``(i) were raised on land on which sewage
sludge was applied; or
``(ii) consumed animal feed produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied.''.
(c) Adulterated Food Under Federal Meat Inspection Act.--Section
1(m) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601(m)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (8);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (9) and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(10) effective one year after the date of the enactment
of the Sewage Sludge in Food Production Consumer Notification
Act of 2003, if it is derived from livestock that grazed, or
consumed animal feed produced, on land on which sewage sludge
was applied, unless--
``(A) the application of sewage sludge to the land
terminated more than one year before the date on which
the livestock began grazing on the land or the date on
which the production of the animal feed on the land
commenced;
``(B) the carcass, part thereof, meat or meat food
product bears a label that clearly indicates that the
livestock--
``(i) grazed on land on which sewage sludge
was applied; or
``(ii) consumed animal feed produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied; or
``(C) in the case of a carcass, part thereof, meat
or meat food product generally offered for sale without
labeling, a sign is posted within close proximity of
the item to notify consumers that the livestock--
``(i) grazed on land on which sewage sludge
was applied; or
``(ii) consumed animal feed produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied.''.
(d) Adulterated Food Under Poultry Products Inspection Act.--
Section 4(g) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 453(g))
is amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (7);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (8) and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(9) effective one year after the date of the enactment of
the Sewage Sludge in Food Production Consumer Notification Act
of 2003, if it is derived from poultry that were raised, or
that consumed animal feed produced, on land on which sewage
sludge was applied, unless--
``(A) the application of sewage sludge to the land
terminated more than one year before the date on which
the poultry began to be raised on the land or the date
on which the production of the animal feed on the land
commenced;
``(B) the poultry product bears a label that
clearly indicates that the poultry contained in the
product--
``(i) were raised on land on which sewage
sludge was applied; or
``(ii) consumed animal feed produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied; or
``(C) in the case of a poultry product generally
offered for sale without labeling, a sign is posted
within close proximity of the item to notify consumers
that the poultry contained in the product--
``(i) were raised on land on which sewage
sludge was applied; or
``(ii) consumed animal feed produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied.''.
(e) Relation to National Organic Program.--Nothing in this section
or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to modify the
prohibition contained in part 205 of title 7, Code of Federal
Regulations, on the use of sewage sludge, including ash, grit, or
screenings from the production of sewage sludge, in organic food
production under the National Organic Program of the Department of
Agriculture. | Sewage Sludge in Food Production Consumer Notification Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to classify a food as adulterated if it was produced, or contains any ingredient that was produced, on land on which sewage sludge was applied. Permits the following exceptions: (1) if the application of sewage sludge ended more than one year before the production of the food commenced; (2) if a labeling requirement is met; or (3) in the case of a food that is generally offered for sale without labeling, if an informative sign is posted near the product.Amends the Egg Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to classify specified foods under those Acts as adulterated if sewage sludge was involved in specified ways in their production. Allows exceptions for each food similar to those to be permitted under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify the prohibition under a specified Federal regulation on the use of sewage sludge in organic food production under the National Organic Program of the Department of Agriculture. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the egg, meat, and poultry inspection laws to ensure that consumers receive notification regarding food products produced from crops, livestock, or poultry raised on land on which sewage sludge was applied."} | 1,544 | 269 | 0.73179 | 2.09016 | 0.801461 | 4.657407 | 6.240741 | 0.861111 |
SECTION. 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as ``Social Security Information Act of
1997''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) information regarding the solvency of the social
security trust funds, and personal earnings and benefits
estimates is vital for working Americans to plan a financially
secure retirement;
(2) over the next 35 years, the number of American people
age 65 and older will double, while the number of people age 20
to 64 will increase by only 20 percent, and these demographic
changes will have a significant impact on the future of the
social security system;
(3) simplified and accurate information regarding the
social security system is needed to enable working Americans to
understand and adjust to those demographic changes;
(4) more than 50 percent of the workers in the United
States do not have a pension and that percentage is increasing
for younger age groups, 50 percent of families in the United
States have less than $1,000 in net financial assets, and the
median amount of savings among adults who are in their late
50s, the age of a worker facing immediate retirement, is still
less than $10,000;
(5) lack of information has, in part, caused poor financial
planning for future retirement, resulting in insufficient
savings;
(6) the General Accounting Office reports that the Personal
Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statements (PEBES) initiative is
an important step towards better informing the public about the
programs and benefits under the social security system, but
extensive revisions to the PEBES are needed to ensure better
understanding of that system and effective communication to the
general public about that system; and
(7) public awareness of the long-term financial soundness
of the social security system will facilitate necessary reform
of that system and increase public confidence in the system.
SEC. 3. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to require the Commissioner of Social Security to
provide simple and accurate information on the fiscal status of
the social security trust funds and on the personal earnings
and benefits estimates of all eligible individuals in order to
allow working Americans to better plan their retirement;
(2) to prohibit the use of any message or design relating
to such information that may mislead or confuse the general
public; and
(3) to build public confidence in the social security
system through the requirement of full disclosure and increased
awareness of the fiscal soundness of the system.
SEC. 4. INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STATEMENTS.
(a) Information Requirements for Social Security Account
Statement.--Section 1143(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1320b-13(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, including
a separate estimate of the amount of interest earned on
the contributions,'' after ``disability insurance'';
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by inserting ``, including a separate
estimate of the amount of interest earned on
the contributions,'' after ``hospital
insurance''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon;
(D) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), (C),
and (D) as subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E),
respectively;
(E) by inserting after the matter preceding
subparagraph (B), as redesignated by subparagraph (D),
the following:
``(A) the name, age, gender, mailing address, and marital
status of the eligible individual;'';
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) the total amount of the employer and employee
contributions for the eligible individual for old-age and
survivors insurance benefits, as of the end of the month
preceding the date of the statement, in both actual dollars and
dollars adjusted for inflation;
``(G) the projected value of--
``(i) the aggregate amount of the employer and
employee contributions for old-age and survivors
insurance benefits that are expected to be made by or
on behalf of the individual prior to the individual
attaining retirement age, in both actual dollars and
dollars adjusted for inflation;
``(ii) the annual amount of old-age and survivors
insurance benefits that are expected to be payable on
the eligible individual's account for a single
individual and for a married couple, in dollars
adjusted for inflation;
``(iii) the total amount of old-age and survivors
insurance benefits payable on the eligible individual's
account for the individual's life expectancy, in
dollars adjusted for inflation, identifying--
``(I) the life expectancy assumed;
``(II) the amount of benefits received on
the basis of each $1 of contributions made by
or on behalf of the individual; and
``(III) the projected annual rate of return
for the individual, taking into account the
date on which the contributions are made in the
eligible individual's account and the date on
which the benefits are paid;
``(iv) the total amount of old-age and survivors
insurance benefits that would have accumulated on the
eligible individual's account on the date on which the
individual attains retirement age if the contributions
for such individual had been invested in Treasury 10-
year saving bonds at the prevailing interest rate for
such bonds as of the end of the month preceding the
date of the statement, in dollars adjusted for
inflation, identifying--
``(I) the date of retirement assumed;
``(II) the interest rate used for the
projection; and
``(III) the amount that would be received
on the basis of each $1 of contributions made
by or on behalf of the individual;
``(H) the average annual rate of return, adjusted for
inflation, on the Treasury 10-year saving bond as of the date
of the statement;
``(I) the average annual rate of return, adjusted for
inflation, on the Standard and Poor's 500, or an equivalent
portfolio of common stock equities that are based on a broad
index of United States market performance, for the preceding 25
years;
``(J) a brief statement that identifies--
``(i) the balance of the trust fund accounts as of
the end of the month preceding the date of the
statement;
``(ii) the annual estimated balance of the trust
fund accounts for each of the succeeding 30 years; and
``(iii) the assumptions used to provide the
information described in clauses (i) and (ii),
including the rates of return and the nature of the
investments of such trust fund accounts; and
``(K) a simple 1-page summary and comparison of the
information that is provided to an eligible individual under
subparagraphs (G), (H), and (I).''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) The estimated amounts required to be provided in a statement
under this section shall be determined by the Commissioner using a
general methodology for making such estimates, as formulated and
published at the beginning of each calendar year by the Board of
Trustees of the trust fund accounts. A description of the general
methodology used shall be provided to the eligible individual as part
of the statement required under this section.
``(4) The Commissioner of Social Security shall notify an
individual who receives a social security account statement under this
section that the individual may request that the information described
in paragraph (2) be determined on the basis of relevant information
provided by the individual, including information regarding the
individual's future income, marital status, date of retirement, or
race.
``(5) For purposes of this section--
``(A) the term `dollars adjusted for inflation' means--
``(i) dollars in constant or real value terms on
the date on which the statement is issued; and
``(ii) an amount that is adjusted on the basis of
the Consumer Price Index.
``(B) the term `eligible individual' means an individual
who--
``(i) has a social security account number;
``(ii) has attained age 25 or over; and
``(iii) has wages or net earnings from self-
employment; and
``(C) the term `trust fund account' means--
``(i) the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance
Trust Fund; and
``(ii) the Federal Disability Insurance Trust
Fund.''.
(b) Mandatory Provision of Statements.--Section 1143(c)(2) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-13(c)(2)) is amended by striking
``With respect to'' and all that follows.
(c) Technical Amendment.--Section 1143 of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1320b-13) is amended by striking ``Secretary'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Commissioner of Social Security''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall apply to
statements provided for fiscal years beginning after the date of
enactment of this Act. | Social Security Information Act of 1997 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the social security account statements distributed annually by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires such statements to include: (1) a separate estimate of the interest earned on employee and self-employment contributions for hospital insurance and old-age, survivors, and disability insurance; (2) specified information on the projected value of the aggregate amount of employer and employee contributions for old-age and survivors insurance, as well as annual and total amounts of benefits, in dollars adjusted for inflation; (3) the average annual rates of return on Treasury ten-year savings bonds and the Standard and Poor's 500; and (4) monthly and projected annual trust fund balances. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Social Security Information Act of 1997"} | 1,991 | 158 | 0.526433 | 1.569302 | 0.663807 | 2.5 | 12.901316 | 0.881579 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Lucid Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. SAFETY INCENTIVES TO PREVENT OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES BY
INTOXICATED PERSONS.
(a) In General.--Section 163 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
``(f) Marijuana-Impaired Driving.--In addition to the other
requirements of this section, in the case of a State in which the
possession or use of marijuana is legal under the laws of the State
with or without medical justification, the State shall be eligible for
a grant under subsection (b), and shall be exempt from withholding
under subsection (e), for a fiscal year only if the State--
``(1) has in effect a law that prohibits an individual from
driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle
while impaired by marijuana, as determined using measures
established by the State; and
``(2) enforces that law using training and methods for
determining cognitive or physical marijuana impairment.''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to--
(1) the earlier of--
(A) the second fiscal year beginning after the date
of enactment of this Act; and
(B) the first fiscal year beginning after the 90th
day following the date of publication of the report
required under section 4(b); and
(2) each fiscal year thereafter.
SEC. 3. MINIMUM PENALTIES FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS FOR DRIVING WHILE
INTOXICATED OR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.
(a) In General.--Section 164(a)(2) of title 23, United States Code,
is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Driving while intoxicated; driving under the
influence.--The terms `driving while intoxicated' and `driving
under the influence' mean--
``(A) driving or being in actual physical control
of a motor vehicle while having an alcohol
concentration above the permitted limit, as established
by each State; and
``(B) in the case of a State in which the
possession or use of marijuana is legal under the laws
of the State with or without medical justification,
driving or being in actual physical control of a motor
vehicle while impaired by marijuana as determined using
measures established by the State, if the State has
implemented such measures.''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 4. EVALUATION OF MEASURES TO TEST FOR MARIJUANA IMPAIRMENT.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration shall conduct scientific testing
to determine--
(A) the extent to which marijuana impairs an
individual's ability to drive a motor vehicle;
(B) how the magnitude of such impairment varies
among individuals depending on certain characteristics,
including age, sex, body mass index, health status, and
history of marijuana use;
(C) whether or not it is possible to reliably
determine whether and to what extent an individual is
cognitively or physically impaired by marijuana solely
by measuring the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol
(in this subsection referred to as ``THC'') and
derivatives in the individual's bloodstream or saliva;
(D) the most accurate methods for law enforcement
officers to measure THC concentration in the body of an
individual who is suspected of marijuana-impaired
driving, including blood testing and oral fluid
testing;
(E) how the effectiveness of such testing methods
is compromised if there is a delay between when an
individual is pulled over on suspicion of impaired
driving and when the individual is subjected to a
physical test to determine the individual's level of
impairment; and
(F) the most accurate field sobriety tests to
determine the level of physical and cognitive
impairment of drivers who have ingested marijuana.
(2) Nature of study.--The testing described in paragraph
(1) shall--
(A) include--
(i) laboratory experimentation that
measures the impact of marijuana on the
physical and cognitive performance areas
involved in driving, such as reaction time,
tracking, motor coordination, visual functions,
divided attention, signal detection,
concentration, and hazard perception; and
(ii) experimentation on a driving course or
driving simulator (or both) that measures the
impact of marijuana on driving performance; and
(B) be completed not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Availability of marijuana to nhtsa for research
purposes.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a request for
research-grade marijuana from the Administrator, the National
Institute on Drug Abuse shall make marijuana available to the
Administrator in an amount sufficient for the Administrator to
carry out the requirements of this subsection. Such marijuana
shall be as similar as practicable in THC concentration to
marijuana typically sold at marijuana dispensaries in States in
which the use of marijuana is legal with or without medical
justification.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a report
that--
(A) contains recommendations to States on how to
prevent marijuana-impaired driving, including--
(i) the most effective measures for
determining marijuana impairment;
(ii) the most effective methods for testing
for marijuana impairment at the roadside,
including an analysis of the affordability and
feasibility of such testing for State and local
law enforcement agencies; and
(iii) strategies for addressing the dangers
posed by drivers who are impaired
simultaneously by marijuana and other
substances such as alcohol and prescription
opioid medications;
(B) incorporates the results of other available
cognitive, experimental, and epidemiological studies;
and
(C) summarizes any findings from the study
conducted under subsection (a) that are available at
the time of the report.
(2) Publication.--The Administrator shall--
(A) make the report described in paragraph (1)
available without cost in an electronic, publicly
accessible format;
(B) publish updates to the report every 6 months to
account for further findings derived from the study
conducted under subsection (a) and other relevant
cognitive, experimental, and epidemiological research;
and
(C) make all raw statistical data derived from the
study conducted under subsection (a) available in an
electronic, publicly accessible format, which shall
be--
(i) made available without charge, license,
or registration requirement;
(ii) capable of being searched and
aggregated;
(iii) permitted to be downloaded, including
downloaded in bulk; and
(iv) updated every 6 months until the study
is completed and the entirety of the results of
the study has been published. | Lucid Act of 2015 Makes eligible for federal-aid highway project grants a state whose law legalizes the possession or use of marijuana with or without medical justification only if that state: has in effect a law prohibiting an individual from driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while impaired by marijuana, and enforces that law using training and methods for determining cognitive or physical marijuana impairment. Exempts those states from specified administrative penalties. Revises the terms "driving while intoxicated" and "driving under the influence" to accord with this Act. Subjects repeat offenders to minimum civil and criminal penalties for driving a motor vehicle while impaired by marijuana in those states. Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to: study through scientific testing the extent to which marijuana impairs an individual's ability to drive a motor vehicle; and issue a report, and make it available electronically to the public, with recommendations to states on how to prevent marijuana-impaired driving. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Lucid Act of 2015"} | 1,534 | 229 | 0.581989 | 1.545519 | 0.846323 | 3.687831 | 7.550265 | 0.830688 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``No More Solyndras Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) President Obama took office amidst a weak economy and
high unemployment, yet he remained committed to advancing an
expansive ``green jobs'' agenda that received substantial
funding with the passage of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009, commonly known as the stimulus
package.
(2) The stimulus package allocated $90 billion to various
green energy programs, and related appropriations provided $47
billion for loan guarantees authorized under title XVII of the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16511 et seq.).
(3) Such title XVII authorized the Secretary of Energy to
issue loan guarantees for projects that avoid, reduce, or
sequester air pollutants or greenhouse gases and employ new or
significantly improved technologies compared with commercial
technologies in service at the time the guarantee is issued.
(4) Loan guarantees issued under such title XVII were
required to provide a reasonable prospect of repayment and were
expressly required to be subject to the condition that the
obligation is not subordinate to other financing.
(5) The stimulus package expanded such title XVII by adding
section 1705 to include projects that use commercial technology
for renewable energy systems, electric power transmission
systems, and leading-edge biofuels projects and by
appropriating $6,000,000,000 in funding to pay the credit
subsidy costs for section 1705 loan guarantees for projects
that commence construction no later than September 30, 2011.
(6) The Department of Energy, since the enactment of the
stimulus package, has issued loan guarantees under such title
XVII for 28 projects totaling $15,100,000,000 under the section
1705 program, and, according to the Government Accountability
Office, issued conditional loan guarantees for four projects
totaling $4,400,000,000 under the section 1705 program and four
projects totaling $10,600,000,000 under the section 1703
program.
(7) Three of the first five companies that received section
1705 loan guarantees for their projects, Solyndra, Inc., Beacon
Power Corporation, and Abound Solar, Inc., have declared
bankruptcy.
(8) The bankruptcy of the first section 1705 loan guarantee
recipient, Solyndra, Inc., could result in a loss to taxpayers
of over $530,000,000.
(9) The investigation of the Solyndra loan guarantee by the
Committee on Energy and Commerce has demonstrated that the
review in 2009 of the Solyndra application by the Department of
Energy and the Office of Management and Budget was driven by
politics and ideology and divorced from economic reality where
the Department of Energy ignored concerns about the company's
financial condition and market for its products.
(10) Despite an express provision in such title XVII
prohibiting subordination of the United States taxpayers'
financial interest, the Department of Energy restructured the
Solyndra loan guarantee in February 2011, resulting in the
taxpayers losing priority to Solyndra's investors in the event
of a default.
(11) The Inspector General of the Department of the
Treasury concluded that it was unclear whether the Department
of Energy's consultation requirement with the Secretary of the
Treasury on the Solyndra loan guarantee was met; that the
consultation that did occur was rushed with the Department of
the Treasury expressing that ``the train really has left the
station on this deal''; and that no documentation was retained
as to how the Department of the Treasury's serious concerns
with the loan guarantee were addressed.
(12) The Government Accountability Office concluded that
the Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program under title
XVII has treated applicants inconsistently; that the Department
of Energy did not follow its own process for reviewing
applications and documenting its analysis and decisions,
increasing the likelihood of taxpayer exposure to financial
risk from a default; and that the Department of Energy's
absence of adequate documentation made it difficult for the
Department to defend its decisions on loan guarantees as sound
and fair.
(13) A memorandum prepared for the President dated October
25, 2010, from Carol Browner, Ron Klain, and Larry Summers,
principal advisors to the President, noted the risk presented
by loan guarantee projects because most of the projects had
little ``skin in the game'' from private investors.
(14) A January 2012 report conducted at the request of the
Chief of Staff to the President concluded that the portfolio of
projects the Department of Energy included in the loan program
were higher risk investments that private capital markets do
not generally invest in.
(15) The Department of Energy's section 1705 program has
expired but the Department of Energy has announced that it will
continue to consider applications for loan guarantees under the
section 1703 program.
(16) The Department of Energy has approximately
$34,000,000,000 in remaining lending authority to issue new
loan guarantees under the section 1703 program.
SEC. 3. SUNSET.
(a) No New Applications.--The Secretary of Energy shall not issue
any new loan guarantee pursuant to title XVII of the Energy Policy Act
of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16511 et seq.) for any application submitted to the
Department of Energy after December 31, 2011.
(b) Pending Applications.--With respect to any application
submitted pursuant to section 1703 or 1705 of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 before December 31, 2011:
(1) No guarantee shall be made until the Secretary of the
Treasury has provided to the Secretary of Energy a written
analysis of the financial terms and conditions of the proposed
loan guarantee, pursuant to section 1702(a) of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16512(a)).
(2) The Secretary of the Treasury shall transmit the
written analysis required under paragraph (1) to the Secretary
of Energy not later than 30 days after receiving the proposal
from the Secretary of Energy.
(3) Before making a guarantee under such title XVII, the
Secretary of Energy shall take into consideration the written
analysis made by the Secretary of the Treasury under paragraph
(1).
(4) If the Secretary of Energy makes a guarantee that is
not consistent with the written analysis provided by the
Secretary of the Treasury under paragraph (1), not later than
30 days after making such guarantee the Secretary of Energy
shall transmit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate a written explanation of any material
inconsistencies.
(c) Transparency.--
(1) Reports to congress.--Not later than 60 days after
making a guarantee as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary
of Energy shall transmit to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate a report that includes
information regarding--
(A) the review and decisionmaking process utilized
by the Secretary in making the guarantee;
(B) the terms of the guarantee;
(C) the recipient; and
(D) the technology and project for which the loan
guarantee will be used.
(2) Protecting confidential business information.--A report
under paragraph (1) shall provide all relevant information, but
the Secretary shall take all necessary steps to protect
confidential business information with respect to the recipient
of the loan guarantee and the technology used.
SEC. 4. RESTRUCTURING OF LOAN GUARANTEES.
With respect to any restructuring of the terms of a loan guarantee
issued pursuant to title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the
Secretary of Energy shall consult with the Secretary of the Treasury
regarding any restructuring of the terms and conditions of the loan
guarantee, including any deviations from the financial terms of the
loan guarantee.
SEC. 5. RESTATING THE PROHIBITION ON SUBORDINATION.
Section 1702(d)(3) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16512(d)(3)) is amended by striking ``is not subordinate'' and
inserting ``, including any reorganization, restructuring, or
termination thereof, shall not at any time be subordinate''.
SEC. 6. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND CIVIL PENALTIES.
(a) In General.--Any Federal official who is responsible for the
issuance of a loan guarantee under title XVII of the Energy Policy Act
of 2005 in a manner that violates the requirements of such title or of
this Act shall be--
(1) subject to appropriate administrative discipline
provided for under title 5 of the United States Code, or any
other applicable Federal law, including, when circumstances
warrant, suspension from duty without pay or removal from
office; and
(2) personally liable for a civil penalty in an amount of
at least $10,000 but not more than $50,000 for each violation.
(b) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``Federal
official'' means--
(1) an individual serving in a position in level I, II,
III, IV, or V of the Executive Schedule, as provided in
subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code; and
(2) an individual serving in a Senior Executive Service
position, as provided in subchapter II of chapter 31 of title
5, United States Code.
SEC. 7. GAO STUDY OF FEDERAL SUBSIDIES IN ENERGY MARKETS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of
the Federal subsidies in energy markets provided from fiscal year 2003
through fiscal year 2012.
(b) Focus.--The study required under subsection (a) shall have
particular focus on Federal subsidies in energy markets provided in
support of--
(1) electricity production, transmission, and consumption;
(2) transportation fuels and infrastructure;
(3) energy-related research and development; and
(4) facilities that manufacture energy-related components.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate a report that describes the results of the
study conducted under subsection (a), including an identification and
quantification of--
(1) costs to the United States Treasury;
(2) impacts on United States energy security;
(3) impacts on electricity prices, including any potential
negative pricing impact on wholesale electricity markets;
(4) impacts on transportation fuel prices;
(5) impacts on private energy-related industries not
benefitting from Federal subsidies in energy markets;
(6) any Federal subsidies in energy markets that are
provided to foreign persons or corporations; and
(7) subsidies and direct financial interest any of the 15
foreign countries with the largest gross domestic product are
providing to support energy markets in their respective
countries.
(d) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``Federal
subsidies'' means Federal grants, direct loans, loan guarantees, and
tax credits, and other programmatic activities targeted at energy
markets and related sectors, relating to specific energy technologies.
Passed the House of Representatives September 14, 2012.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | No More Solyndras Act - (Sec. 3) Prohibits the Secretary of Energy (DOE) from issuing any new loan guarantee of an innovative energy project under title XVII (Incentives for Innovative Technologies) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 for any application submitted to DOE after December 31, 2011.
Prohibits a loan guarantee for any application pending before that date until the Secretary of the Treasury furnishes, within 30 days after receiving the guarantee proposal from DOE, a written analysis of the its financial terms and conditions. Requires DOE, before making such a guarantee, to take the written analysis into consideration.
Requires DOE also, if it makes a guarantee inconsistent with that written analysis, to give certain congressional committees, within 30 days after making the guarantee, a written explanation of any material inconsistencies.
Requires DOE, within 60 days after making a loan guarantee on a pending application, to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the review and decisionmaking process used in making the guarantee; (2) the terms of the guarantee; and (3) the recipient, the technology, and project for which the loan guarantee will be used.
(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of the Treasury regarding any restructuring of the terms and conditions of an innovative energy project loan guarantee, including any deviations from the financial terms of the guarantee.
(Sec. 5) Revises the condition on the loan guarantee that the obligation shall not be subordinate to any other financing for the project. Prohibits likewise subordination to other financing of any reorganization, restructuring, or termination of the obligation.
(Sec. 6) Subjects to certain administrative actions and civil penalties any federal official responsible for the issuance of an innovative energy project loan guarantee in violation of either the requirements of this Act or of title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Specifies such sanctions as: (1) administrative discipline including, when circumstances warrant, suspension from duty without pay or removal from office; and (2) personal liability for a civil penalty of between $10,000 and $50,000 for each violation.
(Sec. 7) Directs the Comptroller General to study federal subsidies in energy markets from FY2003-FY2012, with particular focus upon subsidies supporting: (1) electricity production, transmission, and consumption; (2) transportation fuels and infrastructure; (3) energy-related research and development; and (4) facilities that manufacture energy-related components.
Requires the report to Congress on such study to identify and quantify: (1) costs to the U.S. Treasury; (2) impacts on U.S. energy security, electricity and transportation fuel prices, and private energy-related industries not benefitting from federal subsidies in energy markets; (3) federal subsidies in energy markets provided to foreign persons or corporations; and (4) subsidies and direct financial interest any of the 15 foreign countries with the largest gross domestic product (GDP) are providing to support energy markets in their respective countries. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To limit further taxpayer exposure from the loan guarantee program established under title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005."} | 2,382 | 642 | 0.604858 | 2.484517 | 0.646118 | 4.042955 | 3.934708 | 0.908935 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Transportation Act''.
SEC. 2. RURAL ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that it is in the vital interest of
the Nation that a rural road safety program be established to ensure
that the safety of the traveling public is enhanced on rural two-lane
highways.
(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and implement a
rural road safety program in accordance with this section.
(c) Apportionments.--
(1) In general.--On October 1 of each fiscal year, the
Secretary shall apportion to each State to carry out this
section an amount in the ratio of the percentage of the
centerline mileage of two-lane roads in rural areas
functionally classified as minor and major collectors and
arterials in each State bears to the total centerline mileage
of two-lane roads in rural areas functionally classified as
minor and major collectors and arterials in all the States.
(2) Allocation of apportioned funds.--Within each State,
funds for the rural road safety program for each fiscal year
shall be allocated among State, county, city, and other levels
of government commensurate with each entity's ownership ratio
of eligible two-lane road mileage of two-lane roads in rural
areas functionally classified as minor and major collectors and
arterials.
(c) Location of Projects.--Funds authorized to carry out this
section shall be available for expenditure only for activities
described in subsection (g).
(d) Obligation of Funds.--Funds authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section shall be available for obligation in the same
manner and the same extent as if such funds were apportioned under
section 104(b) of title 23, United States Code,, except that the
Secretary is authorized to waive provisions that the Secretary
considers inconsistent with the purposes of this section.
(e) Cost Sharing.--The Federal share of a project under this
section shall be 80 percent of the total cost for such project.
(f) Transferability.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law no
portion of a State's apportionment allocated for the rural road safety
program may be transferred to any other apportionment of the State for
such fiscal year.
(g) Use of Funds.--A State that receives an apportionment under
this section may use funds--
(1) to improve horizontal and vertical alignment;
(2) to eliminate wheel lane rutting, increase skid
resistance, and smooth roadways;
(3) to improve sight distances;
(4) to widen lanes and shoulders;
(5) to install dedicated turn lanes;
(6) to install and upgrade guardrails, traffic barriers,
crash cushions, protective devices, and rumblestrips;
(7) to install traffic and safety lights, improve signage
and pavement markings; and
(8) to implement other safety activities designated by the
Secretary.
(h) Program.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, each State that receives an apportionment under this
section shall conduct and systematically maintain an engineering survey
of all two-lane rural roads classified as minor and major collectors
and minor arterials--
(1) to identify dangerous locations, sections, and
elements, including roadside obstacles and unmarked or poorly
marked roads, which may constitute a danger to motorists,
bicyclists, pedestrians, impaired, and ``older'' drivers;
(2) to assign priorities for the correction of such
locations, sections, and elements; and
(3) establish and implement a schedule of projects for
improvement of such roads.
(i) Evaluation.--
(1) In general.--Each State shall establish an evaluation
process approved by the Secretary to analyze and assess results
achieved by safety improvement projects carried out in
accordance with the procedures and criteria established by this
section.
(2) Priorities.--Such evaluation process shall develop
cost-benefit data for various types of corrections and
treatments, which shall be used in setting priorities for
safety improvement projects.
(j) Reporting.--
(1) In general.--Each State shall report to the Secretary
not later than December 30 of each year, regarding the progress
of implementing safety improvement projects for danger
elimination and the effectiveness of such improvements.
(2) State assessment.--Each State report shall contain an
assessment of the cost of, and safety benefits derived from,
the various means and methods used to mitigate or eliminate
dangers and the previous and subsequent accident experience at
dangerous locations.
(3) Secretary's report.--The Secretary shall submit a
report to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the
Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
of the House of Representatives not later than April 1 of each
year regarding the progress of the States in implementing the
rural road safety program. The report shall--
(A) include the number of projects undertaken,
their distribution by cost range, road system, means
and methods used, the previous and subsequent accident
experience at improved locations and a cost-benefit
analysis; and
(B) analyze and evaluate each State's program,
identify any State found not to be in compliance with
the schedule of improvements required by subsection
(a), and include recommendations for future
implementation of the rural road safety program.
(k) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) the term ``rural area'' means all areas of the State
not included in urban areas as defined in section 101(a)(29);
(2) the term ``rural road'' means all roads in rural areas;
and
(3) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Transportation.
(l) Authorization of Appropriations Rural Road Safety Program.--To
carry out the rural road safety program under this section there are
authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2005 through 2010.
SEC. 3. DIVISION BETWEEN CERTAIN AREAS.
Section 105(c)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and inserting ``paragraphs (1)
and (2)''.
SEC. 4. SPECIAL RULE FOR AREAS LESS THAN 5,000 POPULATION.
Section 133(d)(3)(B) of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``for roads functionally classified as
minor arterials and major and minor collectors'' after
``5,000)''; and
(2) by striking ``110'' and inserting ``150''.
SEC. 5. HIGHWAY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT AND REHABILITATION.
Section 144 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking ``Funds'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) State apportionment.--Funds''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Division between state, cities, towns, and
counties.--Funds apportioned to each State shall be spent on
bridges owned by the State and local governments based on the
cost of deficient bridges at each level of government divided
by the total cost of deficient bridges in that State.''.
(2) in subsection (g)(3)--
(A) by striking ``15 percent'' and inserting ``25
percent''; and
(B) by striking ``1987 through 2003'' and inserting
``2005 through 2010''.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 504(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2010.''
SEC. 7. STATE PLANNING AND RESEARCH.
Section 505 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``Two percent'' and
inserting ``two and \1/2\ percent'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as (d) and
(e), respectively; and
(3) by adding after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Local Distribution.--Not less than 20 percent of the funds
subject to subsection (a) that are apportioned to a State for a fiscal
year shall be distributed to local governments, local planning
agencies, including multi-jurisdictional rural planning agencies
governed by local officials, and other transportation bodies
responsible for transportation planning in nonmetropolitan areas to be
used for the development of the statewide transportation improvement
program.''.
SEC. 8. APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit
Account) for the Appalachian development highway system program under
section 14501 of title 40, United States Code, $611,800,000 for each of
fiscal years 2005 through 2010.
(b) Apportionment.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall apportion funds made available by subsection
(a) for fiscal years 2005 through 2010 among the States based
on the latest available cost to complete estimate for the
Appalachian development highway system under section 14501
title 40, United States Code.
(2) Local development districts.--Before apportioning
amounts to the States under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
make available $11,800,000 to be equally divided among local
development districts (as such term is defined in section 14102
of title 40, United States Code) to carry out comprehensive
regional transportation planning activities, including
activities related to linking transportation and economic
development investment within the region.
(b) Applicability of Title 23.--Funds made available by section
1101(a)(6) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century for
the Appalachian development highway system shall be available for
obligation in the same manner as if such funds were apportioned under
chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code; except that the Federal
share of the cost of any project under this section shall be determined
in accordance with section 14501 of title 40, United States Code, and
such funds shall be available to construct highways and access roads
under such section and shall remain available until expended. | Rural Transportation Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish and implement a rural road safety program under which funds shall be apportioned to each State to: (1) improve horizontal and vertical alignment, signage and pavement markings, and sight distances; (2) eliminate wheel lane rutting, increase skid resistance, and smooth roadways; (3) widen lanes and shoulders; (4) install dedicated turn lanes and traffic and safety lights; and (5) install and upgrade guardrails, traffic barriers, crash cushions, protective devices, and rumblestrips. Requires States to: (1) conduct and maintain an engineering survey of all two-lane rural roads classified as minor and major collectors and minor arterials to identify dangerous locations and to assign priorities and establish a schedule for improvements; and (2) establish a process to analyze and assess results achieved. Increases certain apportionments for: (1) Federal highway aid to rural areas for roads functionally classified as minor arterials and major and minor collectors; (2) highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation; and (3) State planning and research programs. Authorizes appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund for the Appalachian development highway system program. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To improve the safety of rural roads."} | 2,296 | 253 | 0.599439 | 1.626154 | 0.691544 | 4.361607 | 9.232143 | 0.96875 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Women Veterans and Other Health Care
Improvements Act of 2012''.
SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION THAT FERTILITY COUNSELING AND TREATMENT ARE
MEDICAL SERVICES WHICH THE SECRETARY MAY FURNISH TO
VETERANS LIKE OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES.
Section 1701(6) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(H) Fertility counseling and treatment, including
treatment using assisted reproductive technology.''.
SEC. 3. REPRODUCTIVE TREATMENT AND CARE FOR SPOUSES AND SURROGATES OF
VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 1788. Reproductive treatment and care for spouses and surrogates
of veterans
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall furnish fertility counseling
and treatment, including through the use of assisted reproductive
technology, to a spouse or surrogate of a severely wounded, ill, or
injured veteran who has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated
in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service and who
is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established
under section 1705(a) of this title if the spouse or surrogate and the
veteran apply jointly for such counseling and treatment through a
process prescribed by the Secretary.
``(b) Coordination of Care for Other Spouses and Surrogates.--In
the case of a spouse or surrogate of a veteran not described in
subsection (a) who is seeking fertility counseling and treatment, the
Secretary may coordinate fertility counseling and treatment for such
spouse or surrogate.
``(c) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
require the Secretary to find or certify a surrogate for a veteran or
to connect a surrogate with an injured veteran.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 1787 the following new item:
``1788. Reproductive treatment and care for spouses and surrogates of
veterans.''.
SEC. 4. ADOPTION ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 of title 38, United
States Code, as amended by section 3, is further amended by adding at
the end the following new section:
``Sec. 1789. Adoption assistance
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may pay an amount, not to exceed
the limitation amount, to assist a covered veteran in the adoption of
one or more children.
``(b) Covered Veteran.--For purposes of this section, a covered
veteran is any severely wounded, ill, or injured veteran who--
``(1) has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated
in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service;
and
``(2) is enrolled in the system of annual patient
enrollment established under section 1705(a) of this title.
``(c) Limitation Amount.--For purposes of this section, the
limitation amount is the amount equal to the lesser of--
``(1) the cost the Department would incur if the Secretary
were to provide a covered veteran with one cycle of in vitro
fertilization, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(2) the cost the Department would incur by paying the
expenses of three adoptions by covered veterans, as determined
by the Secretary.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 of such title, as amended by section 3, is further amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 1788 the following new
item:
``1789. Adoption assistance.''.
SEC. 5. REPORT ON PROVISION OF FERTILITY COUNSELING AND TREATMENT.
(a) In General.--Each year, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on the fertility counseling and treatment furnished by the Department
of Veterans Affairs during the year preceding the submittal of the
report.
(b) Elements.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall
include, for the period covered by the report, the following:
(1) The number of veterans who received fertility
counseling or treatment furnished by the Department of Veterans
Affairs, disaggregated by era of military service of such
veterans.
(2) The number of spouses and surrogates of veterans who
received fertility counseling or treatment furnished by the
Department.
(3) The cost to the Department of furnishing fertility
counseling and treatment, disaggregated by cost of services and
administration.
(4) The average cost to the Department per recipient of
such counseling and treatment.
(5) In cases in which the Department furnished fertility
treatment through the use of assisted reproductive technology,
the average number of cycles per person furnished.
(6) A description of how fertility counseling and treatment
services of the Department are coordinated with similar
services of the Department of Defense.
SEC. 6. REGULATIONS ON FURNISHING OF FERTILITY COUNSELING AND TREATMENT
AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 540 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
prescribe regulations--
(1) on the furnishing of fertility treatment to veterans
using assisted reproductive technology;
(2) to carry out section 1788 of title 38, United States
Code, as added by section 3; and
(3) to carry out section 1789 of such title, as added by
section 4.
(b) Limitation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during
the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and
ending on the date on which the Secretary prescribes regulations under
subsection (a), the Secretary may not furnish--
(1) to any veteran, any fertility treatment using assisted
reproductive technology;
(2) any fertility counseling or treatment under section
1788 of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 3; or
(3) any assistance under section 1789 of such title, as
added by section 4.
SEC. 7. COORDINATION WITH DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ON FURNISHING OF
FERTILITY COUNSELING AND TREATMENT.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall coordinate the furnishing
of fertility counseling and treatment by the Department of Veterans
Affairs with the furnishing of fertility counseling and treatment by
the Department of Defense.
SEC. 8. FUNDING.
Amounts for a fiscal year to carry out this Act, section 7330B of
title 38, United States Code, as added by section 2(a), section 1787 of
such title, as added by section 4(a), and the amendments made by this
Act shall be derived from amounts made available for an overseas
contingency operation in that fiscal year, if amounts were made
available for an overseas contingency operation in that fiscal year.
Passed the Senate December 13, 2012.
Attest:
NANCY ERICKSON,
Secretary. | Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish fertility counseling and treatment, including assisted reproductive technology, to a spouse or surrogate of a severely wounded, ill, or injured veteran who has an infertility condition incurred or aggravated during active duty and is enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient enrollment system.
Authorizes the Secretary to pay, to any such veteran, an amount to assist in the adoption of one or more children.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually to the congressional veterans committees on the counseling and treatment provided under this Act; (2) prescribe regulations on the furnishing of such counseling, treatment, and adoption assistance; and (3) coordinate the furnishing of such counseling and treatment with that provided by the Department of Defense (DOD). | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the reproductive assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to severely wounded, ill, or injured veterans and their spouses, and for other purposes."} | 1,609 | 178 | 0.656309 | 1.862999 | 0.814349 | 3.908537 | 8.713415 | 0.932927 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Sustaining Access
to Vital Emergency Medical Services Act of 2000''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Rural emergency medical service training and equipment
assistance program.
Sec. 3. Tax credit for volunteer emergency medical service providers.
Sec. 4. Study and report on the costs of rural ambulance services.
Sec. 5. Elimination of reduction in inflation adjustments for ambulance
services.
SEC. 2. RURAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Part E of title XII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
300d-51 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``SEC. 1253. RURAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
``(a) Grants.--The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of
the Health Resources and Services Administration (referred to in this
section as the `Secretary') shall award grants to eligible entities to
enable such entities to provide for improved emergency medical services
in rural areas.
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
section, an entity shall--
``(1) be--
``(A) a State emergency medical services office;
``(B) a State department of Transportation;
``(C) a State emergency medical services
association;
``(D) a State office of rural health; or
``(E) any other entity determined appropriate by
the Secretary; and
``(2) prepare and submit to the Secretary an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Secretary may require, that includes--
``(A) a description of the activities to be carried
out under the grant; and
``(B) an assurance that the applicant will comply
with the matching requirement of subsection (d).
``(c) Use of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--An entity shall use amounts received
under a grant made under subsection (a), either directly or
through grants to emergency medical service squads that are
located in, or that serve residents of, non-metropolitan
statistical areas, to--
``(A) hire or recruit emergency medical service
personnel;
``(B) recruit or retain volunteer emergency medical
service personnel;
``(C) train emergency medical service personnel in
emergency response, injury prevention, safety
awareness, and other topics relevant to the delivery of
emergency medical services;
``(D) fund specific training to meet State
certification requirements;
``(E) develop new ways to educate emergency health
care providers through the use of technology-enhanced
educational methods (such as distance learning);
``(F) acquire emergency medical services vehicles,
including ambulances;
``(G) acquire emergency medical services equipment,
including cardiac defibrillators;
``(H) acquire personal protective equipment for
emergency medical services personnel as required by the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration; and
``(I) educate the public concerning cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), first aid, injury prevention,
safety awareness, illness prevention, and other related
emergency preparedness topics.
``(2) Preference.--In awarding grants under this section
the Secretary shall give preference to entities that intend to
use amounts provided under the grant to fund activities
described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph
(1).
``(d) Matching Requirement.--The Director may not make a grant
under this section to an entity unless the entity agrees that the
entity will make available (directly or through contributions from
other public or private entities) non-Federal contributions toward the
activities to be carried out under the grant in an amount equal to 5
percent of the amount received under the grant.
``(e) Emergency Medical Services.--In this section, the term
`emergency medical services'--
``(1) means resources used by a qualified public or private
nonprofit entity, or by any other entity recognized as
qualified by the State involved, to deliver medical care
outside of a medical facility under emergency conditions that
occur--
``(A) as a result of the condition of the patient;
or
``(B) as a result of a natural disaster or similar
situation; and
``(2) includes services delivered by an emergency medical
services provider (either compensated or volunteer) or other
provider recognized by the State involved that is licensed or
certified by the State as an emergency medical technician, a
para- medic, a registered nurse, a physician assistant, or a
physician that provides services similar to services provided by such
an emergency medical services provider.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this section, $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2001 through 2006.
``(2) Administrative costs.--The Director may use not more
than 10 percent of the amount appropriated under paragraph (1)
for a fiscal year for the administrative expenses of carrying
out this section.''.
SEC. 3. TAX CREDIT FOR VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE PROVIDERS.
(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 adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 25B. VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE PROVIDER CREDIT.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an eligible volunteer
emergency medical service provider, there shall be allowed as a credit
against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount
equal to $500.
``(b) Eligible Volunteer Emergency Medical Service Provider.--For
purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `eligible volunteer emergency
medical service provider' means an individual who--
``(A) is an emergency medical service provider or
other provider (within the meaning of section
1253(e)(2) of the Public Health Service Act) providing
emergency medical services in connection with an
emergency medical service squad,
``(B) volunteers with respect to such services, and
``(C) is listed as active on the official staff
roster of such squad for the taxable year.
``(2) Emergency medical services.--For purposes of
paragraph (1), the term `emergency medical services' means--
``(A) emergency medical services (as defined in
section 1253(e)(1) of such Act), and
``(B) any other services provided in relation to
such emergency medical services, such as administrative
and operational duties and community education and
training programs.
``(3) Volunteer.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the term
`volunteer' means to provide services without compensation,
other than reimbursement or payment of reasonable and necessary
expenses incurred in the performance of the emergency medical
service provider's duty.''.
``(c) Verification.--The Secretary may require additional
information to be provided, in such form and such manner as the
Secretary deems necessary, to verify the eligibility for the credit
under this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 25A the
following new item:
``Sec. 25B. Volunteer emergency services
provider credit.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2000.
SEC. 4. STUDY AND REPORT ON THE COSTS OF RURAL AMBULANCE SERVICES.
(a) Study.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in
consultation with the Director of the Office of Rural Health Policy and
with the assistance of the Administrator of the Health Care Financing
Administration, shall conduct a study of the means by which rural areas
with low population densities can be identified for the purpose of
designating areas in which the cost of providing ambulance services
would be expected to be higher than similar services provided in more
heavily populated areas because of low usage. Such study shall also
include--
(1) an examination of the cost differences between
independent volunteer ambulance providers and hospital-based
ambulance providers serving rural areas; and
(2) an identification and analysis of the factors that
contribute to the additional costs of providing ambulance
services in areas designated under the previous sentence.
(b) Report.--Not later than June 30, 2001, the Secretary shall
submit to Congress a report on the results of the study conducted under
this section, together with a proposed regulation based on that study
which adjusts the fee schedule under section 1834(l) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(l)) with respect to payment rates for
ambulance services provided in low density rural areas to take into
account the increased cost of providing such services in such areas.
(c) Implementation of Regulation.--The regulation submitted under
clause (ii) shall take effect not later than January 1, 2002.
SEC. 5. ELIMINATION OF REDUCTION IN INFLATION ADJUSTMENTS FOR AMBULANCE
SERVICES.
Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 1834(l)(3) (42 U.S.C.
1395m(l)(3)(A)) are each amended by striking ``reduced in the case of
2001 and 2002 by 1.0 percentage points'' and inserting ``increased in
the case of 2001 by 1.0 percentage point''. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a volunteer emergency medical service provider tax credit of $500.
Requires the Secretary to study the means by which rural areas can be identified for purposes of designating areas in which the cost of providing ambulance services would be expected to be higher than in more populated areas.
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 2001 and 2002 reduction in inflation adjustments for ambulance services and to increase such adjustment by one percent for 2001. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Sustaining Access to Vital Emergency Medical Services Act of 2000"} | 2,183 | 107 | 0.554001 | 1.310763 | 0.212159 | 3.810526 | 20.957895 | 0.905263 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Prescription Drug Competition Act of
2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) prescription drug costs are increasing at an alarming
rate and are a major concern of senior citizens and American
families;
(2) there is a potential for drug companies owning patents
on brand-name drugs to enter to private financial deals with
generic drug companies in a manner that could tend to restrain
trade and greatly reduce competition and increase prescription
drug costs for American citizens; and
(3) enhancing competition between generic drug
manufacturers and brand name manufacturers can significantly
reduce prescription drug costs to American families.
SEC. 3. PURPOSE.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to provide timely notice to the Food and Drug
Administration and the Federal Trade Commission regarding
agreements between companies owning patents on branded drugs
and companies who could manufacture generic or bioequivalent
versions of such branded drugs; and
(2) by providing timely notice, to--
(A) ensure the prompt availability of safe and
effective generic drugs;
(B) enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the
enforcement of the antitrust laws of the United States;
and
(C) deter pharmaceutical companies from engaging in
anticompetitive actions or actions that tend to
unfairly restrain trade.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Agreement.--The term ``agreement'' means an agreement
under section 1 of the Sherman Act (15 U.S.C. 1) or section 5
of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45).
(2) Antitrust laws.--The term ``antitrust laws'' has the
same meaning as in section 1 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12),
except that such term includes section 5 of the Federal Trade
Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) to the extent that such section
applies to unfair methods of competition.
(3) ANDA.--The term ``ANDA'' means an Abbreviated New Drug
Application, as defined under section 505(j) of the Federal
Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
(4) Brand name drug company.--The term ``brand name drug
company'' means a person engaged in the manufacture or
marketing of a drug approved under section 505(b) of the
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
(5) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Trade Commission.
(6) FDA.--The term ``FDA'' means the United States Food and
Drug Administration.
(7) Generic drug.--The term ``generic drug'' means a
product that is the subject of an ANDA.
(8) Generic drug applicant.--The term ``generic drug
applicant'' means a person who has filed or received approval
for an ANDA under section 505(j) of the Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act.
(9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
SEC. 5. NOTIFICATION OF AGREEMENTS AFFECTING THE SALE OR MARKETING OF
GENERIC DRUGS.
A brand name drug company and a generic drug applicant that enter
into an agreement regarding the sale or manufacture of a generic drug
that the Secretary has determined is the therapeutic equivalent of a
brand name drug that is manufactured or marketed by that brand name
drug company, or for which the generic drug applicant seeks such a
determination of therapeutic equivalence, and which agreement could
have the effect of limiting the research, development, manufacture,
marketing, or selling of a generic drug that has been or could be
approved for sale by the FDA pursuant to an ANDA, shall file with the
Commission and the Secretary the text of the agreement, an explanation
of the purpose and scope of the agreement, and an explanation of
whether the agreement could delay, restrain, limit, or in any way
interfere with the production, manufacture, or sale of the generic
version of the drug in question.
SEC. 6. FILING DEADLINES.
Any notice, agreement, or other material required to be filed under
section 5 shall be filed with the Commission and the Secretary not
later than 10 business days after the date the agreement is executed.
SEC. 7. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Civil Fine.--Any person, or any officer, director, or partner
thereof, who fails to comply with any provision of this Act shall be
liable for a civil penalty of not more than $20,000 for each day during
which such person is in violation of this Act. Such penalty may be
recovered in a civil action brought by the United States, or brought by
the Commission in accordance with the procedures established in section
16(a)(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 56(a)).
(b) Compliance and Equitable Relief.--If any person, or any
officer, director, partner, agent, or employee thereof, fails to comply
with the notification requirement under section 5 of this Act, the
United States district court may order compliance, and may grant such
other equitable relief as the court in its discretion determines
necessary or appropriate, upon application of the Commission or the
Assistant Attorney General.
SEC. 8. RULEMAKING.
The Commission, in consultation with the Secretary, and with the
concurrence of the Assistant Attorney General and by rule in accordance
with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, consistent with the
purposes of this Act--
(1) may require that the notice described in section 5 of
this Act be in such form and contain such documentary material
and information relevant to the agreement as is necessary and
appropriate to enable the Commission and the Assistant Attorney
General to determine whether such agreement may violate the
antitrust laws;
(2) may define the terms used in this Act;
(3) may exempt classes of persons or agreements from the
requirements of this Act; and
(4) may prescribe such other rules as may be necessary and
appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act.
SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATES.
This Act shall take effect 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act. | Prescription Drug Competition Act of 2001 - Requires brand name drug companies and generic drug applicants to file with the Federal Trade Commission and the Secretary of Health and Human Services specified information regarding any agreement regarding the sale or manufacture of a generic drug which the Secretary has determined is the therapeutic equivalent of the brand name drug or for which the applicant seeks a determination of therapeutic equivalence, if such agreement could have the effect of limiting the research, development, manufacture, marketing, or selling of a generic drug product. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To ensure the timely availability of generic drugs through enhancement of drug approval and antitrust laws enforced by the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission regarding brand name drugs and generic drugs."} | 1,316 | 113 | 0.578332 | 1.417913 | 0.532104 | 5.536082 | 12.793814 | 0.958763 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Assistive Technology Information Act
of 1998''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) Assistive technology devices and services enable
individuals with disabilities to assume greater control over
their lives and to contribute more fully to society.
(2) Rapid advancements in assistive technology continue to
provide important new tools to help individuals with
disabilities to become more independent and participate in
activities related to home, school, work, and community.
(3) Although substantial progress has been made in both the
development of new assistive technology devices and the
transfer and adaptation of existing assistive technology,
information relating to assistive technology devices is often
difficult to find and inconsistent.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish a national
public Internet site to provide to individuals with disabilities and
the general public increased access to information on technology-
related assistance and other related disability resources under title
II of the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With
Disabilities Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2231 et seq.), including
information on assistive technology devices and assistive technology
services.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL PUBLIC INTERNET SITE FOR INCREASED
ACCESS TO INFORMATION UNDER THE TECHNOLOGY-RELATED
ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1988.
(a) In General.--Title II of the Technology-Related Assistance for
Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2231 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subtitle C as subtitle D;
(2) by redesignating section 221 as section 231; and
(3) by inserting after subtitle B the following:
``Subtitle C--Internet Site for Increased Access to Information on
Technology-Related Assistance
``SEC. 221. ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNET SITE.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with
an institution of higher education described in subsection (b) to
establish a national public Internet site for the purpose of providing
to individuals with disabilities and the general public increased
access to information on technology-related assistance and other
related disability resources under this Act, including information on
assistive technology devices and assistive technology services.
``(b) Institution of Higher Education.--An institution of higher
education described in this subsection is an institution of higher
education that has a curriculum focus in science and engineering at the
undergraduate and graduate education levels and that has an existing
multidisciplinary research center and with demonstrated expertise in--
``(1) assistive technology and `intelligent agent'
interactive information dissemination systems;
``(2) managing libraries of assistive technologies and
disability resources;
``(3) delivering education, information, and referral
services to individuals with disabilities, including
technology-based curriculum development for adults with low-
level reading skills;
``(4) developing cooperative partnerships with the private
sector, particularly with private sector computer software and
hardware and Internet services entities; and
``(5) advanced Internet site development and design.
``(c) Features of Internet Site.--The national public Internet site
described in subsection (a) shall contain the following features:
``(1) Any member of the public may obtain information
posted on the site at any time.
``(2) The site shall be constructed with an innovative
automated `intelligent agent' that is a diagnostic tool for
assisting users in problem definition and the selection of
appropriate assistive technology devices and assistive
technology services resources.
``(3)(A) The site shall include access to a comprehensive
working library on assistive technology for all environments,
including the home, workplace, transportation, and other
environments.
``(B) The site shall include resources for the largest
number of disabilities, including resources relating to low-
level reading skills.
``(4) To the extent feasible, relevant private sector
resources and information shall be linked to the site under
agreements developed between the university and cooperating
private sector entities.
``SEC. 222. APPLICATION.
``The Secretary may not enter into a contract under section 221
with an institution of higher education unless the institution submits
to the Secretary an application in such form and containing such
information as the Secretary may require.
``SEC. 223. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this subtitle--
``(1) $1,042,000 for fiscal year 1999;
``(2) $1,023,000 for fiscal year 2000;
``(3) $998,000 for fiscal year 2001;
``(4) $543,000 for fiscal year 2002; and
``(5) $565,000 for fiscal year 2003.
``(b) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated under
subsection (a) are authorized to remain available until expended.
``SEC. 224. DEFINITION.
``As used in this subtitle, the term `Internet' means the
international computer network of both Federal and non-Federal
interoperable packet-switched data networks.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 231 of such Act, as redesignated
by subsection (a)(2), is amended by inserting ``(except subtitle C)''
after ``to carry out this title''. | Assistive Technology Information Act of 1998 - Amends the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 to direct the Secretary of Education to contract with an institution of higher education to establish a national public Internet site for providing to individuals with disabilities and the general public increased access to information on technology-related assistance and other related disability resources under the Act, including information on assistive technology devices and services. Requires the institution chosen to have demonstrated experience in assistive technology, among other requirements. Outlines information features required on the Internet site.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Assistive Technology Information Act of 1998"} | 1,222 | 134 | 0.604617 | 1.55079 | 0.579399 | 4.079646 | 9.849558 | 0.876106 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer Privacy Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) People in the United States lack important privacy
protections.
(2) The opportunities for an individual to secure
employment, insurance, and credit, to obtain medical care, and
to participate in electronic commerce are endangered by the
potential for misuse of certain personal information.
(3) Because markets work through trust, predictability, and
stability, privacy protections should help businesses gain the
trust of consumers and compliment existing practices.
(4) 84 percent of Internet users are concerned about
businesses and people they do not know obtaining personal
information about them.
(5) Nearly 80 percent of online consumers have at some time
abandoned e-commerce transactions due to privacy concerns,
resulting in an estimated loss to companies of $12.4 billion in
2000.
(6) In order to protect the privacy of individuals in the
Information Age, it is necessary and appropriate for public
officials to take steps to safeguard this essential freedom.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to assure that personal
information about an individual consumer in the United States is
properly protected and that any use of such information by others is
consistent with the prior consent of the consumer.
SEC. 3. PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION.
(a) Limitations on Disclosure of Personal Information.--An
information recipient shall not disclose to any other person personal
information collected or obtained from or about a consumer, unless--
(1) such disclosure is made after the consumer has been
provided with a clear and concise description of the extent and
circumstances under which such a disclosure may occur;
(2) such disclosure does not exceed the scope of the
consumer's prior consent, which shall be--
(A) in the case of disclosure of personal
information, granted tacitly or affirmatively by the
consumer after receiving the description required by
paragraph (1); or
(B) in the case of disclosure of sensitive personal
information, granted affirmatively by the consumer
after receiving the description required by paragraph
(1); and
(3) the consent granted under paragraph (2) has not
subsequently been withdrawn by the consumer.
(b) Limitation on Collection of Optional Information.--An
information recipient may not require a consumer to provide, as a
condition of entering into or completing a transaction with the
information recipient, personal information that is not necessary to
complete the transaction.
(c) Limitation on Refusal to Transact.--An information recipient
may not terminate or refuse to enter into a transaction with a consumer
because the consumer has not granted, or has withdrawn, the consent
required by subsection (a), except when the sole purpose of the
transaction is the acquisition of such information for disclosure.
(d) Reasonable Access to Personal Information.--An information
recipient shall provide to a consumer about whom personal information
has been obtained reasonable access to the consumer's personal
information.
SEC. 4. EXCEPTIONS.
Section 3 does not apply to the disclosure of personal
information--
(1) as necessary to effect, administer, or enforce a
transaction requested or authorized by the consumer;
(2) to protect the confidentiality or security of personal
information;
(3) to prevent or investigate fraud, an unauthorized
transaction, a claim, or other liability;
(4) to collect a debt or dishonored item;
(5) for the purpose of a securitization or secondary market
sale (including servicing rights);
(6) for the purposes of legal process;
(7) for law enforcement purposes;
(8) for governmental regulatory purposes;
(9) as otherwise authorized or required under a Federal
law; or
(10) if the Federal Trade Commission has made a finding
that such a disclosure is consistent with the purposes of this
Act and in the public interest.
SEC. 5. UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACT OR PRACTICE.
(a) Violation of Act.--Disclosure of personal information about a
consumer in a manner that violates this Act constitutes an unfair or
deceptive act or practice in or affecting commerce (within the meaning
of section 5(a)(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45)).
(b) Violation of Rule.--Violation of a rule made under this Act
constitutes violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or
practice made under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission
Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).
SEC. 6. SAFE HARBOR.
(a) Practices and Procedures, Guidelines.--A person does not commit
a violation of this Act if such person--
(1) establishes, implements, and follows reasonable
practices and procedures to effectively prevent a violation of
this Act;
(2) implements and follows a set of guidelines setting
forth reasonable practices and procedures to effectively
prevent a violation of this Act, if such guidelines are--
(A) issued by a self-regulatory organization to
which such person is, or could be, subject; and
(B) approved under subsection (b), after submission
by such organization to the Federal Trade Commission;
or
(3) implements and follows a set of model guidelines issued
by the Commission, after notice and opportunity for comment,
setting forth reasonable practices and procedures to
effectively prevent a violation of this Act.
(b) Approval of Guidelines.--Not later than 90 days after receiving
a request by a self-regulatory organization for approval of guidelines
under subsection (a)(2) and after notice and an opportunity for
comment, the Federal Trade Commission shall approve or disapprove such
proposed guidelines (setting forth in writing the reasons for any
disapproval).
SEC. 7. PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION.
A consumer may bring in an appropriate district court of the United
States or, if otherwise permitted by the laws or rules of court of a
State, in an appropriate court of that State--
(1) a civil action to enjoin a violation of this Act;
(2) a civil action to recover--
(A) the greater of actual monetary loss or $1,000
in damages for each such violation; and
(B) up to $10,000, to be determined in the
discretion of the court, if the court finds that the
defendant willfully or knowingly violated such rules;
or
(3) both such actions.
SEC. 8. ACTIONS BY STATES.
(a) Authority of States.--Whenever the attorney general of a State,
or an official or agency designated by a State, has reason to believe
that any person has engaged or is engaging in a pattern or practice of
violations of this Act, the State, on behalf of its residents, may
bring--
(1) a civil action to enjoin such violations; and
(2) a civil action to recover--
(A) the greater of actual monetary loss of such
residents or $1,000 in damages for each such violation;
and
(B) up to $10,000, to be determined in the
discretion of the court, if the court finds that the
defendant willfully or knowingly violated such rules;
or
(3) both such actions.
(b) Exclusive Jurisdiction of Federal Courts.--(1) The district
courts of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all
civil actions brought under this section.
(2) Upon a proper showing in a civil action brought under this
section, a permanent or temporary injunction or restraining order shall
be granted without bond.
(c) Rights of Federal Trade Commission.--(1) The State shall serve
prior written notice of any civil action brought under this section
upon the Federal Trade Commission and provide the Commission with a
copy of its complaint, except in any case where such prior notice is
not feasible, in which case the State shall serve such notice
immediately upon instituting such action.
(2) The Commission shall have the right--
(A) to intervene in the action;
(B) upon so intervening, to be heard on all matters arising
therein; and
(C) to file petitions for appeal.
(d) Limitation.--Whenever the Federal Trade Commission has
commenced a civil action for violation of this Act, no State may,
during the pendency of such action commenced by the Commission,
subsequently commence a civil action against any defendant named in the
Commission's complaint for any violation as alleged in the Commission's
complaint.
SEC. 9. PREEMPTION.
This Act and the rules made under this Act preempt any inconsistent
provision of State law.
SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) The term ``information recipient'' means any person who
obtains personal information from or about a consumer, through
a transaction in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce.
Such term does not include--
(A) an affiliate, parent entity, or subsidiary of
such person; or
(B) the consumer about whom such information has
been obtained.
(2) The term ``consumer'' means an individual who is or was
in a consumer relationship with an information recipient.
(3) The term ``personal information'' means personally
identifiable information and sensitive personal information.
(4) The term ``personally identifiable information''
includes, with respect to a consumer--
(A) a name;
(B) an address;
(C) a phone number; and
(D) an electronic mail address.
(5) The term ``sensitive personal information'' includes,
with respect to a consumer--
(A) a Social Security identification number; and
(B) financial information.
(6) The term ``State'' includes any commonwealth,
territory, or possession of the United States.
(7) The term ``violation of this Act'' includes violation
of a rule made under this Act.
SEC. 11. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Federal Trade Commission shall prescribe rules, in accordance with
section 553 of title 5, United States Code, to carry out this Act,
which shall take effect not later than 180 days after their publication
in final form.
SEC. 12. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act (other than section 11) shall take effect on the same date
that the rules prescribed under section 11 take effect. | Consumer Privacy Protection Act - Prescribes limitations upon the disclosure by an information recipient of consumer personal and optional information, with certain exceptions. Mandates reasonable consumer access to such personal information.Deems disclosures in violation of this Act to constitute unfair or deceptive practices within the purview of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Specifies practices and procedures that shall not be deemed a violation of this Act. Authorizes civil suits brought in Federal district courts by: (1) a consumer for violations of this Act; and (2) a State, for any person engaging in a pattern or practice of such violations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To protect consumer privacy."} | 2,228 | 131 | 0.466237 | 1.336183 | 0.636554 | 2.734513 | 18.920354 | 0.911504 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Tribal Sovereignty Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) In response to a California Supreme Court decision that
overturned Proposition 5, the passage of which in 1998
confirmed gaming rights for California tribes, the United
States attorney declared that all tribal gaming in California
must cease unless Tribal-State compacts were signed by October
13, 1999.
(2) It is estimated that Indian gaming in California
directly supports more than 16,000 jobs and indirectly supports
another 34,000 jobs in California, while it has reduced welfare
payments by $50,000,000.
(3) Faced with the prospect that their most valuable
economic assets would be shut down, 61 California tribes were
essentially forced to sign gaming compacts with California
Governor Gray Davis.
(4) The Governor of California acted in bad faith by
conditioning those compacts on the tribes' signing separate
labor agreements that could result in the forced intrusion by
labor unions on sovereign tribal lands and the unprecedented
unionization of Indian casino employees.
(5) The United States Constitution recognizes Indian tribes
as sovereign governmental entities.
(6) Indian tribes have an inherent right to govern
themselves consistent with the United States Constitution,
treaties, laws, and court decisions.
(7) The National Labor Relations Board has held that
tribally-owned and operated businesses located on Indian lands
are exempt from the National Labor Relations Act under the
Act's exemption for government entities.
(8) The labor agreements forced on the tribes in California
establish jurisdiction outside of the National Labor Relations
Board and would instead be enforceable in State court.
(9) By signing these labor agreements, California tribes
were forced to cede their sovereignty and their constitutional
rights to the State of California in order to save their
enterprises from being shut down by the United States
Department of Justice.
(10) The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was established to
``[promote] tribal economic development'' and ``for the
regulation of gaming by an Indian tribe adequate to shield it
from organized crime . . . and to ensure that the Indian tribe
is the primary beneficiary of the gaming operation''.
(11) Labor agreements have never been part of Tribal-State
compacts outside California and could undermine the stated
purposes of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
(12) The situation in California is part of a broader
attack on tribal sovereignty led by labor-backed interests.
(13) The recently-released report of the National Gambling
Impact Study Commission, at the insistence of commission member
John Wilhelm, president of the Hotel Employee and Restaurant
Employee International Union, recommends that Indian tribes
voluntarily enter into agreements with organized labor that
could lead to the unionization of Indian casino employees, and
states that if the tribes do not reach such agreements within a
``reasonable period of time'' that ``Congress should enact
legislation establishing'' labor organizing rights, essentially
forcing the tribes to unionize their casino employees.
(14) The decision to allow access to tribal employees and
the unionization of tribally owned and operated casinos located
on tribal lands should be determined solely by the individual
sovereign tribes, not the State or Federal Government.
(15) Amending the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to ensure
that Indian tribes cannot be forced to provide access to or
otherwise unionize their casino employees as a condition of
obtaining a federally approved Tribal-State gaming compact
under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act would protect the
constitutional rights of all federally recognized tribes and
honor the Federal Government's treaty obligations to Native
Americans, and would ensure that no tribe could be forced into
any labor agreement against its will.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON LABOR AGREEMENTS AS PART OF TRIBAL-STATE
COMPACTS.
Section 11(d)(3) of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C.
2710(d)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) No Tribal-State compact negotiated under
subparagraph (A) shall include, or be conditioned by
another agreement which includes, any provision
relating to labor terms or conditions (including terms
or conditions related to free association, organizing,
or collective bargaining) for employees of tribally
owned businesses located on Indian lands. Any such
provision entered into before, on, or after the date of
the enactment of this subparagraph shall be null and
void. If such a provision is included in, or otherwise
is purported to condition the effectiveness of, a
Tribal-State compact, such provision shall be deemed as
severed from and not conditioning the effectiveness of
the Tribal-State compact which shall remain in force as
if such provision had never been executed.''. | Tribal Sovereignty Protection Act - Amends the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to prohibit negotiated Tribal-State compacts from including, or being conditioned upon, any provision relating to labor terms or conditions for employees of tribally owned businesses located on Indian lands. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to protect Indian tribes from coerced labor agreements."} | 1,027 | 64 | 0.489642 | 1.203955 | 0.84297 | 4.177778 | 21.688889 | 0.933333 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Family Building
Act of 2007''.
(b) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Infertility is a disease affecting more than 6,000,000
American women and men, about 10 percent of the reproductive
age population.
(2) Recent improvements in therapy make pregnancy possible
for more couples than in past years.
(3) The majority of group health plans do not provide
coverage for infertility therapy.
(4) A fundamental part of the human experience is
fulfilling the desire to reproduce.
SEC. 2. STANDARDS RELATING TO BENEFITS FOR TREATMENT OF INFERTILITY.
(a) Group Health Plans.--
(1) Public health service act amendment.--(A) Subpart 2 of
part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 2707. STANDARDS RELATING TO BENEFITS FOR TREATMENT OF
INFERTILITY.
``(a) Requirements for Coverage of Treatment of Infertility.--
``(1) In general.--In a case in which a group health plan,
and a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance
coverage provides coverage for obstetrical services, such plan
or issuer shall include (consistent with this section) coverage
for treatment of infertility.
``(2) Infertility defined.--For purposes of this section,
the term `infertility' means a disease or condition that
results in the abnormal function of the reproductive system,
which results in--
``(A) the inability to conceive after 1 year of
unprotected intercourse, or
``(B) the inability to carry a pregnancy to live
birth.
``(b) Required Coverage.--
``(1) In general.--A group health plan, and a health
insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage shall
provide coverage for treatment of infertility deemed
appropriate by a participant or beneficiary and the treating
physician. Such treatment shall include ovulation induction,
artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete
intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer
(ZIFT), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and any other
treatment provided it has been deemed as `non-experimental' by
the Secretary of Health and Human Services after consultation
with appropriate professional and patient organizations such as
the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, RESOLVE, and
the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
``(2) Limitation on coverage of assisted reproductive
technology.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of assisted
reproductive technology, coverage shall be provided
if--
``(i) the participant or beneficiary has
been unable to bring a pregnancy to a live
birth through less costly medically appropriate
infertility treatments for which coverage is
available under the insured's policy, plan, or
contract;
``(ii) the participant or beneficiary has
not undergone 4 complete oocyte retrievals,
except that if a live birth follows a completed
oocyte retrieval, then at least 2 more
completed oocyte retrievals shall be covered,
with a lifetime cap of 6 retrievals; and
``(iii) the treatment is performed at a
medical facility that--
``(I) conforms to the standards of
the American Society for Reproductive
Medicine; and
``(II) is in compliance with any
standards set by an appropriate Federal
agency.
``(B) Definition of assisted reproductive
technology.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term
`assisted reproductive technology' includes all
treatments or procedures that involve the handling of
human egg and sperm for the purpose of helping a woman
become pregnant. Types of Assisted Reproductive
Technology include in vitro fertilization, gamete
intrafallopian transfer, zygote intrafallopian
transfer, embryo cryopreservation, egg or embryo
donation, and surrogate birth.
``(3) Review by the secretary of health and human
services.--Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment
of the Family Building Act of 2007, the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, in consultation with the American Society for
Reproductive Medicine and RESOLVE: the National Infertility
Association, shall review the requirements for treatment of
infertility established under paragraphs (1) and (2).
``(c) Limitation.--Deductibles, coinsurance, and other cost-sharing
or other limitations for infertility therapy may not be imposed to the
extent they exceed the deductibles, coinsurance, and limitations that
are applied to similar services under the group health plan or health
insurance coverage.
``(d) Prohibitions.--A group health plan, and a health insurance
issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with a
group health plan, may not--
``(1) deny to a participant or beneficiary eligibility, or
continued eligibility, to enroll or to renew coverage under the
terms of the plan, solely for the purpose of avoiding the
requirements of this section;
``(2) provide incentives (monetary or otherwise) to a
participant or beneficiary to encourage such participant or
beneficiary not to be provided infertility treatments to which
they are entitled under this section or to providers to induce
such providers not to provide such treatments to qualified
participants or beneficiaries;
``(3) prohibit a provider from discussing with a
participant or beneficiary infertility treatment techniques or
medical treatment options relating to this section; or
``(4) penalize or otherwise reduce or limit the
reimbursement of a provider because such provider provided
infertility treatments to a qualified participant or
beneficiary in accordance with this section.
``(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to require a participant or beneficiary to undergo
infertility therapy.
``(f) Notice.--A group health plan under this part shall comply
with the notice requirement under section 713(b) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the requirements
of this section as if such section applied to such plan.
``(g) Level and Type of Reimbursements.--Nothing in this section
shall be construed to prevent a group health plan or a health insurance
issuer offering group health insurance coverage from negotiating the
level and type of reimbursement with a provider for care provided in
accordance with this section.
``(h) Preemption.--The provisions of this section do not preempt
State law relating to health insurance coverage to the extent such
State law provides greater benefits with respect to infertility
treatments or prevention.''.
(B) Section 2723(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-23(c)) is
amended by striking ``section 2704'' and inserting ``sections
2704 and 2707''.
(2) ERISA amendment.--(A) Subpart B of part 7 of subtitle B
of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 714. STANDARDS RELATING TO BENEFITS FOR TREATMENT OF
INFERTILITY.
``(a) In General.--A group health plan and a health insurance
issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with such
a plan shall comply with the requirements of section 2707 of the Public
Health Service Act, and such requirements shall be deemed to be
incorporated into this subsection.
``(b) Notice.--A health insurance issuer offering health insurance
coverage in connection with a group health plan shall comply with the
notice requirement under section 713(b) with respect to the
requirements referred to in subsection (a) as if such section applied
to such issuer and such issuer were a group health plan.''.
(B) Section 732(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1191a(a)) is
amended by striking ``section 711'' and inserting ``sections
711 and 714''.
(C) The table of contents in section 1 of such Act is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 713 the
following new item:
``714. Standards relating to benefits for treatment of infertility.''.
(b) Individual Health Insurance.--(1) Part B of title XXVII of the
Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 2752
the following new section:
``SEC. 2753. STANDARD RELATING TO BENEFITS FOR TREATMENT OF
INFERTILITY.
``(a) In General.--The provisions of section 2707 shall apply to
health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the
individual market in the same manner as they apply to health insurance
coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in connection with a
group health plan in the small or large group market.
``(b) Notice.--A health insurance issuer under this part shall
comply with the notice requirement under section 713(b) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the requirements
referred to in subsection (a) as if such section applied to such issuer
and such issuer were a group health plan.''.
(2) Section 2762(b)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-62(b)(2)) is
amended by striking ``section 2751'' and inserting ``sections 2751 and
2753''.
(c) Effective Dates.--
(1) Group health plans and group health insurance
coverage.--Subject to paragraph (3), the amendments made by
subsection (a) apply with respect to group health plans for
plan years beginning on or after the date occurring 6 months
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Individual health insurance coverage.--The amendments
made by subsection (b) apply with respect to health insurance
coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed, in effect, or operated
in the individual market on or after such date.
(3) Collective bargaining exception.--In the case of a
group health plan maintained pursuant to one or more collective
bargaining agreements between employee representatives and one
or more employers ratified before the date of enactment of this
Act, the amendments made by subsection (a) shall not apply to
plan years beginning before the later of--
(A) the date on which the last collective
bargaining agreements relating to the plan terminates
(determined without regard to any extension thereof
agreed to after the date of enactment of this Act), or
(B) the date occurring 6 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
For purposes of subparagraph (A), any plan amendment made
pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement relating to the
plan which amends the plan solely to conform to any requirement
added by subsection (a) shall not be treated as a termination
of such collective bargaining agreement.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE.
(a) In General.--Section 8902 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(p)(1) Each contract under this chapter which provides
obstetrical benefits shall also provide (in a manner consistent with
section 2707 of the Public Health Service Act) coverage for the
diagnosis and treatment of infertility (as defined by such section).
``(2) Subsection (m)(1) shall not, with respect to any contract
under this chapter, prevent the inclusion of any terms which, under
paragraph (1), are required by reason of section 2707(h) of the Public
Health Service Act.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
with respect to contracts entered into or renewed for contract years
beginning at least 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. DEFENSE HEALTH CARE PLANS.
(a) In General.--(1) Chapter 55 of title 10, is amended by
inserting after section 1099 the following new section:
``Sec. 1099a. Health care plans: obstetrical and infertility benefits
``(a) In General.--Any health care plan under this chapter that
provides obstetrical benefits shall also provide (in a manner
consistent with section 2707 of the Public Health Service Act) coverage
for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility (as defined by such
section).
``(b) Regulations.--The Secretary of Defense shall precribe any
regulations necessary to carry out this section.''.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``1099a. Health care plans: obstetrical and infertility benefits.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
with respect to contracts entered into or renewed for contract years
beginning at least 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act. | Family Building Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to require a group health plan that provides coverage for obstetrical services to include coverage for non-experimental treatment of infertility that is deemed appropriate by a participant or beneficiary and the treating physician. Requires coverage for assisted reproductive technology only if certain conditions are met. Prohibits a group health plan from taking specified actions to avoid the requirements of this Act.
Applies such requirements to health insurance coverage offered in the individual market and coverage offered through Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) plans and Department of Defense health care plans. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, and title 10, United States Code, to require coverage for the treatment of infertility."} | 2,939 | 148 | 0.531233 | 1.409662 | 0.682059 | 2.991736 | 20.92562 | 0.876033 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE, FINDINGS, AND PURPOSE.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``More Water, More
Energy, and Less Waste Act of 2007''.
(b) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) development of energy resources, including oil, natural
gas, coalbed methane, and geothermal resources, frequently
results in bringing to the surface water extracted from
underground sources;
(2) some of that produced water is used for irrigation or
other purposes, but most of the water is returned to the
subsurface or otherwise disposed of as waste;
(3) reducing the quantity of produced water returned to the
subsurface and increasing the quantity of produced water that
is made available for irrigation and other uses--
(A) would augment water supplies;
(B) could reduce the costs to energy developers for
disposing of the water; and
(C) in some cases, could increase the efficiency of
energy development activities; and
(4) it is in the national interest--
(A) to limit the quantity of produced water
disposed of as waste;
(B) to optimize the production of energy resources;
and
(C) to remove or reduce obstacles to use of
produced water for irrigation or other purposes in ways
that will not adversely affect water quality or the
environment.
(c) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to optimize the production of energy resources--
(A) by minimizing the quantity of produced water;
and
(B) by facilitating the use of produced water for
irrigation and other purposes without adversely
affecting water quality or the environment; and
(2) to demonstrate means of accomplishing those results.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Lower basin state.--The term ``Lower Basin State''
means any of the States of--
(A) Arizona;
(B) California; and
(C) Nevada.
(2) Produced water.--The term ``produced water'' means
water from an underground source that is brought to the surface
as part of the process of exploration for, or development of--
(A) oil;
(B) natural gas;
(C) coalbed methane; or
(D) any other substance to be used as an energy
source.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(4) Upper basin state.--The term ``Upper Basin State''
means any of the States of--
(A) Colorado;
(B) New Mexico;
(C) Utah; and
(D) Wyoming.
SEC. 3. IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS.
(a) Study.--The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of
Reclamation, the Director of the United States Geological Survey, and
the Director of the Bureau of Land Management shall conduct a study to
identify--
(1) the technical, economic, environmental, and other
obstacles to reducing the quantity of produced water;
(2) the technical, economic, environmental, legal, and
other obstacles to increasing the extent to which produced
water can be used for irrigation and other purposes without
adversely affecting water quality or the environment;
(3) the legislative, administrative, and other actions that
could reduce or eliminate the obstacles identified in
paragraphs (1) and (2); and
(4) the costs and benefits associated with reducing or
eliminating the obstacles identified in paragraphs (1) and (2).
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources of the Senate a report describing the results of
the study under subsection (a).
SEC. 4. IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Grants.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Secretary shall provide financial assistance for the development of
facilities, technologies, and processes to demonstrate the feasibility,
effectiveness, and safety of--
(1) optimizing energy resource production by reducing the
quantity of produced water generated; or
(2) increasing the extent to which produced water may be
recovered and made suitable for use for irrigation, municipal,
or industrial uses, or other purposes without adversely
affecting water quality or the environment.
(b) Limitations.--Assistance under this section--
(1) shall be provided for--
(A) at least 1 project in each of the Upper Basin
States; and
(B) at least 1 project in at least 1 of the Lower
Basin States;
(2) shall not exceed $1,000,000 for any project;
(3) shall be used to pay not more than 50 percent of the
total cost of a project;
(4) shall not be used for the operation or maintenance of
any facility; and
(5) may be in addition to assistance provided by the
Federal Government pursuant to other provisions of law.
SEC. 5. CONSULTATION, ADVICE, AND COMMENTS.
In carrying out this Act, including in preparing the report under
section 3(b) and establishing criteria to be used in connection with an
award of financial assistance under section 4, the Secretary shall--
(1) consult with the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator
of the Environmental Protection Agency, and appropriate
Governors and local officials;
(2)(A) review any relevant information developed in
connection with research carried out by others, including
research carried out pursuant to subtitle J of title IX of the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16371 et seq.); and
(B) to the extent the Secretary determines to be advisable,
include that information in the report under section 3(b);
(3) seek the advice of--
(A) individuals with relevant professional or
academic expertise; and
(B) individuals or representatives of entities with
industrial experience, particularly experience relating
to production of oil, natural gas, coalbed methane, or
other energy resources (including geothermal
resources); and
(4) solicit comments and suggestions from the public.
SEC. 6. RELATION TO OTHER LAWS.
Nothing in this Act supersedes, modifies, abrogates, or limits--
(1) the effect of any State law or any interstate authority
or compact relating to--
(A) any use of water; or
(B) the regulation of water quantity or quality; or
(2) the applicability or effect of any Federal law
(including regulations).
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated--
(1) $1,000,000 to carry out section 3; and
(2) $7,500,000 to carry out section 4. | More Water, More Energy, and Less Waste Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to conduct a study to identify: (1) the obstacles to reducing the quantity of produced water (water from an underground source that is brought to the surface as part of the exploration for or development of oil, natural gas, coal-bed methane, or any other substance to be used as an energy source) and to increasing the extent to which produced water can be used for irrigation or other purposes without adversely affecting water quality or the environment; and (2) the actions that could reduce or eliminate such obstacles and the associated costs and benefits.
Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for the development of facilities, technologies, and processes to demonstrate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of: (1) optimizing energy resource production by reducing the quantity of produced water generated; or (2) increasing the extent to which produced water may be recovered and made suitable for specified purposes. Requires such assistance to be provided for at least one project in: (1) each of the Upper Basin States (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming); and (2) each of the Lower Basin States (Arizona, California, and Nevada). Prohibits such assistance from exceeding $1 million per project, from being used to pay more than 50% of the total project cost, or from being used for facility operation or maintenance. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to facilitate the use for irrigation and other purposes of water produced in connection with development of energy resources."} | 1,422 | 326 | 0.688831 | 2.176035 | 0.730717 | 4.909968 | 4.434084 | 0.92926 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Caging Prohibition Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON VOTER CAGING.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Voter caging document.--The term ``voter caging
document'' means--
(A) any nonforwardable document that is sent to an
individual at the address at which such individual is
registered or seeking to become registered as a voter
in a Federal election and that is returned to the
sender or to a third party as undelivered or
undeliverable; and
(B) any document (other than a notice described in
section 8(d) of the National Voter Registration Act of
1993) that is sent to an individual at the address at
which such individual is registered as a voter in a
Federal election and that contains instructions to
return the document to the sender or a third party but
is not so returned.
(2) Voter caging list.--The term ``voter caging list''
means any list of individuals compiled from voter caging
documents.
(3) Unverified list match.--The term ``unverified list
match'' means a list produced by either of the following:
(A) Matching--
(i) the identity of registered voters or
applicants for voter registration, with
(ii) the identity of individuals who are
ineligible to vote in the registrar's
jurisdiction, by virtue of death, conviction,
change of address, mental impairment, or
otherwise,
unless the process for matching the identities under
this subparagraph establishes beyond a reasonable doubt
that the identities belong to the same individual.
(B) Failing to match--
(i) the identity of registered voters or
applicants for voter registration, with
(ii) the identity of individuals who are
listed in the database of the State motor
vehicle authority or in information provided by
the Commissioner of Social Security under an
agreement under section 205(r)(8) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405(r)(8)).
(b) Conduct by Election Officials Prohibited.--No State or local
election official shall prevent an individual from registering or
voting (including voting by provisional ballot) in any election for
Federal office, or permit in connection with any election for Federal
office a formal challenge under State law to an individual's
registration status or eligibility to vote (including eligibility to
cast a provisional ballot), if the sole basis for such decision or
challenge is evidence consisting of--
(1) a voter caging document or voter caging list;
(2) an unverified list match;
(3) the foreclosure status of the individual's residence;
or
(4) information indicating a change of residence, except in
the case of change of residence information obtained in
conformance with section 8(d) of the National Voter
Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg-6(d)).
(c) Requirements for Challenges by Persons Other Than Election
Officials.--
(1) Attestation of first-hand knowledge of ineligibility.--
No person, other than a State or local election official, shall
submit a formal challenge to an individual's eligibility to
register to vote in an election for Federal office or to vote
in an election for Federal office unless the challenge--
(A) sets forth in writing the specific reason to
believe that the individual who is the subject of the
challenge is ineligible, including a description of the
evidence supporting that belief; and
(B) is subject to an oath or attestation under
penalty of perjury that such individual is ineligible
to register to vote or to vote in that election.
(2) Prohibiting challenges based on certain evidence.--No
person shall submit a formal challenge to an individual's
eligibility to register to vote in an election for Federal
office or to vote in an election for Federal office if the sole
basis for such challenge is evidence consisting of--
(A) a voter caging document or voter caging list;
(B) an unverified list match;
(C) the foreclosure status of the individual's
residence; or
(D) information indicating a change of residence,
except in the case of change of residence information
obtained in conformance with section 8(d) of the
National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C.
1973gg-6(d)).
(3) Penalties for knowing misconduct.--Whoever, other than
a State or local election official, knowingly challenges the
eligibility of any individual to register or vote or knowingly
causes the eligibility of such individuals to be challenged in
violation of paragraph (1) or (2) with the intent that one or
more such individuals be disqualified from voting, shall be
fined not more than $50,000 for each such violation.
(d) No Effect on National Voter Registration Act of 1993.--Nothing
in this section shall be construed to override the protections of the
National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg et seq.). | Caging Prohibition Act of 2009 - Prohibits state or local election officials from preventing an individual from registering or voting (including by provisional ballot) in any election for federal office, or permitting a formal challenge under state law to an individual's registration status or eligibility to vote in a federal election, if the sole basis for such decision or challenge is evidence consisting of: (1) a voter caging document or voter caging list; (2) an unverified match list; (3) the foreclosure status of the individual's residence; or (4) certain information indicating a change of residence.
Defines "voter caging document" as: (1) any nonforwardable document that is sent to an individual at the address at which such individual is registered (or seeking to become registered) as a voter in a federal election, and that is returned to the sender or to a third party as undelivered or undeliverable; and (2) any document (other than a notice warning of possible removal from the voting rolls) sent to an individual at the address at which such individual is registered containing instructions to return the document to the sender or a third party, but is not so returned.
Defines "unverified match list" as one produced by: (1) matching the identity of registered voters or voter registration applicants with the identity of individuals who are ineligible to vote in the registrar's jurisdiction, by virtue of death, conviction, change of address, mental impairment, or otherwise, unless the process for matching the identities establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that the identities belong to the same individual; or (2) failing to match the identity of registered voters or voter registration applicants with the identity of individuals listed in the database of the state motor vehicle authority or in information provided by the Commissioner of Social Security under a verification agreement.
Outlines requirements for challenges to an individual's registration or voting eligibility by persons other than election officials. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to prevent voter caging."} | 1,114 | 415 | 0.796669 | 2.659988 | 0.823965 | 5.641711 | 2.652406 | 0.957219 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Air Force Science and Technology for
the 21st Century Act''.
SEC. 2. OFFICE OF AIR FORCE RESEARCH.
(a) In General.--(1) Chapter 803 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following new sections:
``Sec. 8023. Office of Air Force Research
``(a)(1) There is in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force
an Office of Air Force Research, at the head of which is a Director of
Air Force Research.
``(2) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the
Secretary of the Air Force, the Director of Air Force Research serves
as--
``(A) the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Air
Force on all research matters;
``(B) the principal advisor to the Chief of Staff of the
Air Force on all research matters; and
``(C) the principal Air Force representative on research
matters to other Government, academic, scientific, and
corporate agencies.
``(3) Unless appointed to higher grade under another provision of
law, an officer, while serving as Director of Air Force Research, has
the grade of major general.
``(b)(1) There is a Deputy Director of Air Force Research, who
shall be an employee in the Senior Executive Service and shall be
located at and assigned to a major laboratory or field installation.
``(2) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the
Director of Air Force Research, the Deputy Director of Air Force
Research is--
``(A) responsible for the execution of the Air Force
Research Laboratory technical program; and
``(B) responsible for operational aspects of the Air Force
Research Laboratory.
``(c) The Office of Air Force Research shall perform such duties as
the Secretary of the Air Force prescribes relating to--
``(1) the encouragement, promotion, planning, initiation,
and coordination of Air Force research;
``(2) the conduct of Air Force research in augmentation of
and in conjunction with the research and development conducted
by the bureaus and other agencies and offices of the Department
of the Air Force; and
``(3) the supervision, administration, and control of
activities within or for the Department relating to patents,
inventions, trademarks, copyrights, and royalty payments, and
matters connected therewith.
``(d) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the
Secretary of the Air Force, the Director of Air Force Research shall
ensure that the management and conduct of the science and technology
programs of the Air Force are carried out in a manner that will foster
the transition of science and technology to higher levels of research,
development, test, and evaluation.
``(e) Sufficient information relative to estimates of
appropriations for research by the several bureaus and offices shall be
furnished to the Office of Air Force Research to assist it in
coordinating Air Force research and carrying out its other duties.
``(f) The Office of Air Force Research shall perform its duties
under the authority of the Secretary, and its orders are considered as
coming from the Secretary.
``Sec. 8024. Air Force Science and Technology Policy Council
``(a) There is in the Department of the Air Force a Science and
Technology Policy Council consisting of--
``(1) the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, as
chairman, with the power of decision;
``(2) the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force with
responsibilities for acquisition;
``(3) the Director of Air Force Research;
``(4) the commander of the Air Force Materiel Command; and
``(5) The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force with
responsibilities for installations.
``(b) The responsibilities of the Council include the following:
``(1) To advise the Secretary of the Air Force and the
Chief of Staff of the Air Force on matters of broad policy and
budget relating to the Air Force science and technology
program.
``(2) To identify, set priorities among, and endorse future
Air Force technological capabilities.
``(3) To oversee and review major science and technology
programs as they relate to meeting capabilities identified
pursuant to paragraph (2).
``(4) To determine the appropriate balance between programs
for the purpose of meeting requirements and programs for the
purpose of pursuing long-term technologies.
``(5) To identify, set priorities among, and endorse
planning and budgeting for the transition of science and
technology to higher levels of research, development, test, and
evaluation.
``(c) Subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Air Force,
the Council shall appoint, from among personnel of the Department of
the Air Force, a staff to assist the Council in carrying out its
responsibilities.
``Sec. 8025. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board
``(a) The Secretary of the Air Force may appoint an Air Force
Scientific Advisory Board consisting of not more than 15 civilians
preeminent in the fields of science, research, and development work.
Each member serves for such term as the Secretary specifies.
``(b) The Board shall meet at such times as the Secretary specifies
to consult with and advise the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the
Director of Air Force Research.
``(c) No law imposing restrictions, requirements, or penalties in
relation to the employment of persons, the performance of services, or
the payment or receipt of compensation in connection with any claim,
proceeding, or matter involving the United States applies to members of
the Board solely by reason of their membership on the Board.''.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
amended by adding at the end the following new items:
``8023. Office of Air Force Research.
``8024. Air Force Science and Technology Policy Council.
``8025. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 8014(b) of title 10, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new
paragraph:
``(6) The Director of Air Force Research.''. | Establishes within the Air Force a Science and Technology Policy Council to perform advisory and oversight responsibilities with respect to Air Force policy and budget relating to its science and technology program.
Authorizes the Secretary to appoint an Air Force Scientific Advisory Board to consult with and advise the Chief of Staff and the Director. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Air Force Science and Technology for the 21st Century Act"} | 1,316 | 69 | 0.596033 | 1.311873 | 0.687903 | 3.482759 | 23.431034 | 0.931034 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``The 9-11 Commission Combating
Proliferation Implementation Act''.
TITLE I--OFFICE FOR COMBATING THE PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS
DESTRUCTION
SEC. 101. OFFICE FOR COMBATING THE PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS
DESTRUCTION.
(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Executive
Office of the President an office to be known as the ``Office for
Combating the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction'' (in this
title referred to as the ``Office'').
(b) Officers.--(1) The head of the Office shall be the Director of
the Office.
(2) There shall be a Deputy Director of the Office, who shall--
(A) assist the Director in carrying out the
responsibilities of the Director under this title; and
(B) serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Director
and during any vacancy in the office of Director.
(3) The Director and Deputy Director--
(A) shall be appointed by the President, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate; and
(B) shall serve at the pleasure of the President.
(4) No person shall serve as Director or Deputy Director while
serving in any other position in the Federal Government.
(c) Responsibilities.--Subject to the direction and control of the
President, the responsibilities of the Director shall include the
following:
(1) To develop policies, goals, objectives, and priorities
for the United States for preventing the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction.
(2) To serve as the principal advisor to the President with
respect to those policies, goals, objectives, and priorities.
(3) To develop a comprehensive strategy for the United
States for the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction, to be known as the ``Strategy for Combating
the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction'' (in this
title referred to as the ``Strategy'').
(4) To coordinate, oversee, and evaluate the implementation
and execution of the Strategy by the agencies of the Federal
Government with responsibilities for preventing the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
(5) To direct the development of comprehensive annual
budgets submitted under section 1105(a) of title 31, United
States Code, for the programs and activities under the
Strategy.
(6) To certify to the President, prior to the submission to
Congress of each annual budget under that section, whether the
budget for each element of preventing the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction is consistent with and adequate for
carrying out the Strategy.
(7) To carry out any other responsibilities relating to
development, coordination, funding, and implementation of
United States policy on the prevention of the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction that the President considers
appropriate.
(d) Authorities of the Director.--In carrying out subsection (c),
the Director shall have authority to--
(1) develop and present to the President annual unified
budgets for the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction, including the authorities to--
(A) provide guidance on the development of annual
budgets for each element of the prevention of the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction;
(B) direct, coordinate, and modify the annual
budgets of the elements of the prevention of the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in
consultation with the heads of those elements; and
(C) approve the budget of each element of the
prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction before that budget may be provided to the
President for transmission to the Congress;
(2) transfer between accounts and agencies funds
appropriated and associated resources available for the
prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
and detail personnel when the Director makes a determination
that doing so is necessary in order to--
(A) respond to an emergent risk of proliferation;
(B) eliminate duplication of effort; or
(C) significantly increase programmatic efficiency;
(3) select, appoint, employ, and fix compensation of such
officers and employees of the Office as may be necessary to
carry out the functions of the Office;
(4) subject to paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (e),
request the head of a department or agency, or program of the
Federal Government to place department, agency, or program
personnel who are engaged in activities involving the
prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
on temporary detail to another department, agency, or program
in order to implement the Strategy, and the head of the
department or agency shall comply with such a request;
(5) use for administrative purposes, on a reimbursable
basis, the available services, equipment, personnel, and
facilities of Federal agencies;
(6) procure the services of experts and consultants in
accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code,
relating to appointments in the Federal Service, at rates of
compensation for individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent
of the rate of pay payable under level IV of the Executive
Schedule under section 5311 of that title;
(7) use the mails in the same manner as any other
department or agency of the executive branch; and
(8) monitor implementation of the Strategy, including--
(A) conducting program and performance audits and
evaluations; and
(B) requesting assistance from the Inspector
General of the relevant agency in such audits and
evaluations.
(e) Personnel Detailed to Office.--(1) Notwithstanding any
provision of chapter 43 of title 5, United States Code, the Director
shall perform the evaluation of the performance of any employee
detailed to the Office for purposes of the applicable performance
appraisal system established under that chapter for any rating period,
or part thereof, that the employee is detailed to the Office.
(2)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Director may
provide periodic bonus payments to any employee detailed to the Office.
(B) An amount paid under this paragraph to an employee for any
period--
(i) shall not be greater than 20 percent of the basic pay
paid or payable to such employee for such period; and
(ii) shall be in addition to the basic pay of such
employee.
(C) The aggregate amount paid during any fiscal year to an employee
detailed to the Office as basic pay, awards, bonuses, and other
compensation shall not exceed the annual rate payable at the end of
such fiscal year for positions at level III of the Executive Schedule.
(3) The maximum number of personnel who may be detailed to another
department or agency (including the Office) under subsection (d)(4)
during any fiscal year is--
(A) for the Department of Defense, 5;
(B) for the Department of Energy, 5;
(C) for the Department of State, 5; and
(D) for any other department or agency, 2.
(4) A detail under subsection (d)(4) shall expire on the last day
of the fiscal year after the fiscal year in which it is ordered by the
Director unless extended by law or by an official having authority to
extend it further.
(f) Report on Strategic Plan.--(1) Not later than June 1, 2008, the
Director shall submit to Congress the Strategy developed under
subsection (c)(3), together with any recommendations of the Director
for legislative changes that the Director considers appropriate with
respect to either the Strategy and its implementation or the Office.
(2) Not later than December 31 of each year after 2007, the
Director shall submit to the Congress an updated Strategy and any such
recommendations.
(g) Global Coalition.--(1) The Director shall develop the Strategy
and, in consultation with the Secretary of State, carry out the
programs for which the Director is responsible in coordination with
appropriate officials of the foreign governments concerned.
(2) In consultation with the Secretary of State, the Director shall
seek to develop and provide leadership for a coalition of United States
and foreign governments committed to achieving the prevention of the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction through programs similar
to those specified in section 103.
(h) Oversight by Congress.--The location of the Office in the
Executive Office of the President shall not be construed as affecting
access by Congress, or any committee of Congress, to--
(1) any information, document, record, or paper in the
possession of the Office or any study conducted by or at the
direction of the Director; or
(2) any personnel of the Office, including the Director.
(i) Pay of Director and of Deputy Director.--Chapter 53 of title 5,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 5312, by inserting after the item relating
to the Director of National Intelligence the following new
item:
``Director of the Office for Combating the Proliferation of
Weapons of Mass Destruction.''; and
(2) in section 5313, by inserting after the item relating
to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
the following new item:
``Deputy Director of the Office for Combating the
Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.''.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There all authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. 102. REQUEST FOR CORRESPONDING RUSSIAN DIRECTOR.
It is the sense of the Congress that, as soon as practical, the
President should personally request the President of the Russian
Federation to designate an official of the Russian Federation having
authorities and responsibilities for the prevention of the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction commensurate with those of
the Director and with whom the Director should coordinate with respect
to the planning and implementation in the Russian Federation of
activities having the purpose of securing weapons of mass destruction.
SEC. 103. SCOPE.
In this title:
(1) The term ``prevention of the proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction'' includes activities under--
(A) the programs specified in section 1501(b) of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1997 (Public Law 104-201; 110 Stat. 2731; 50 U.S.C.
2362 note);
(B) the programs carried out by the National
Nuclear Security Administration using amounts made
available pursuant to an authorization of
appropriations for defense nuclear nonproliferation
activities;
(C) programs authorized by section 504 of the
Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies
and Open Markets Support Act of 1992 (the FREEDOM
Support Act) (22 U.S.C. 5854) and programs authorized
by section 1412 of the Former Soviet Union
Demilitarization Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5902); and
(D) a program of any agency of the Federal
Government having a purpose similar to that of any of
the programs identified in subparagraphs (A) through
(C), as designated by the Director and the head of the
agency.
(2) The term ``weapons of mass destruction'' means
chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, and chemical,
biological, and nuclear materials that can be used in the
manufacture of such weapons.
TITLE II--GLOBAL CLEANOUT
SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
In addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes, there
are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy to carry
out the program under section 3132 of the Ronald W. Reagan National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (50 U.S.C. 2569)
$100,000,000 for each fiscal year.
TITLE III--EXPANSION OF PROLIFERATION SECURITY INITIATIVE
SEC. 301. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the President should strive to expand and strengthen
the Proliferation Security Initiative announced by the
President on May 31, 2003, placing particular emphasis on
including countries outside of NATO; and
(2) the United States should engage the United Nations to
develop a Security Council Resolution to authorize the
Proliferation Security Initiative under international law,
including by providing legal authority to stop shipments of
weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and
related materials.
SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2008,
$50,000,000 to conduct joint training exercises regarding interdiction
of weapons of mass destruction under the Proliferation Security
Initiative. Particular emphasis should be given to allocating money
from this total--
(1) to invite other countries that do not participate in
the Proliferation Security Initiative to observe the joint
training exercises; and
(2) to conduct training exercises with countries that
openly join the Proliferation Security Initiative after the
date of enactment of this Act.
TITLE IV--COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION PROGRAMS
SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated for Cooperative Threat
Reduction programs not less than--
(1) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(2) $550,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(3) $600,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(4) $650,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
(5) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
SEC. 402. PERMANENT WAIVER AUTHORITY FOR CHEMICAL WEAPONS DESTRUCTION
FACILITY IN RUSSIA.
Section 1305 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2000 (22 U.S.C. 5952 note) shall not apply to the obligation and
expenditure of funds during a fiscal year for the planning, design, or
construction of a chemical weapons destruction facility in the Russian
Federation if the President submits to Congress a written certification
with respect to that fiscal year that includes--
(1) a statement as to why the waiver of the conditions
during the fiscal year covered by such certification is
consistent with the national security interests of the United
States; and
(2) a plan to promote a full and accurate disclosure by the
Russian Federation regarding the size, content, status, and
location of its chemical weapons stockpile.
SEC. 403. REMOVAL OF FUNDING LIMITATION ON ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE
FORMER SOVIET UNION.
Section 1308(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-135; 117 Stat. 1662; 22 U.S.C.
5963(c)) is repealed.
SEC. 404. LIABILITY REPORT.
Not later than April 1, 2008, and every 6 months thereafter, the
President shall submit to Congress a report identifying liability
concerns regarding, and impediments to, the renegotiation of the
Cooperative Threat Reduction umbrella agreement and ongoing
negotiations for the implementation of the Plutonium Disposition,
Nuclear Cities, and other cooperative nonproliferation programs. The
report shall also outline a plan to address and resolve such concerns
and impediments.
SEC. 405. DEFINITION.
In this title, the term ``Cooperative Threat Reduction programs''
means the programs specified in section 1501(b) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104-201; 110 Stat.
2731; 50 U.S.C. 2362 note). | 9-11 Commission Combating Proliferation Implementation Act - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Office for Combating the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). Requires the Director of the Office to: (1) develop and advise the President on WMD anti-proliferation policies; and (2) implement a Strategy for Combating the Proliferation of WMDs.
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should request the President of the Russian Federation to appoint a corresponding official to the Director; (2) the President should expand and strengthen the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI); and (3) the United States should engage the United Nations to develop a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing the PSI under international law.
Authorizes funding for: (1) acceleration of removal or security of fissile materials, radiological materials, and related equipment at vulnerable sites worldwide; (2) joint training exercises regarding interdiction of weapons of mass destruction under the PSI; and (3) Cooperative Threat Reduction programs (CTR).
Gives the President permanent waiver authority over provisions prohibiting the use of certain CTR funds for chemical weapons destruction facilities in Russia.
Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 to repeal specified CTR fund limits for activities outside the former Soviet Union. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for counterproliferation measures."} | 3,246 | 285 | 0.54325 | 1.587116 | 0.792236 | 3.096774 | 12.306452 | 0.870968 |
SECTION 1. PORTABILITY OF ADVANCE DIRECTIVES.
(a) In General.--An advance directive validly executed outside the
State in which such directive is presented must be given effect to the
same extent as an advance directive validly executed under the law of
the State in which presented.
(b) No Inference.--Nothing in this section may be construed to
authorize the administration, withholding, or withdrawal of health care
otherwise prohibited by the laws of the State.
(c) Preemption.--The provisions of this section shall preempt any
State law to the extent such law is inconsistent with such provisions.
The provisions of this section shall not preempt any State law that
provides for greater portability, more deference to a patient's wishes,
or more latitude in determining a patient's wishes.
(d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the date
that is 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO RULES UNDER MEDICARE AND MEDICAID.
(a) Medicare.--Section 1866(f)(1) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395cc(f)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end of
clause (i), by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii), and
by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause:
``(ii) the result under such State law if the
individual is incapacitated in the absence of an
advance directive, and'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and to include the
content of such directive if the individual so desires'' before
the semicolon;
(3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(4) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(5) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new
subparagraph:
``(F) to provide for effective communication between the
individual (or surrogate decision maker when appropriate) and
the appropriate provider regarding all relevant aspects of
health care decisions affecting the individual, including
obtaining informed consent, individual prognosis and treatment
decisions, and the formulation of advance directives.''.
(b) Medicaid.--Section 1902(a) (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)) is amended by
inserting in paragraph 58, ``and what occurs in the absence of an
advance directive'' after ``subsection (w) of this section.'' Section
1902(w)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(w)(1)) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end of
clause (i), by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii), and
by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause:
``(ii) the result under such State law if the
individual is incapacitated in the absence of an
advance directive, and'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and to include the
content of such directive if the individual so desires'' before
the semicolon;
(3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(4) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(5) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new
subparagraph:
``(F) to provide for effective communication between the
individual (or surrogate decision maker when appropriate) and
the appropriate provider regarding all relevant aspects of
health care decisions affecting the individual, including
obtaining informed consent, individual prognosis and treatment
decisions, and the formulation of advance directives.''.
(c) Application to Kidney Dialysis Centers of Provisions Relating
to Advance Directives.--
(1) Medicare.--Section 1866(a)(1)(Q) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc(a)(1)(Q)) is amended by striking ``and
hospice programs'' and inserting ``hospice programs, and kidney
dialysis centers''.
(2) Medicaid.--Section 1902(a)(57) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
1396(a)(57)) is amended by striking ``hospice program'' and
inserting ``hospice program, kidney dialysis center''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on and after the date which is 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. STUDY OF ISSUES RELATED TO END OF LIFE CARE.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--Within 6 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into an
agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National
Academy of Sciences (or with another nonprofit, nongovernmental
organization or consortium of institutions if the Institute
declines to perform the study) to investigate and report on
issues relating to care at the end of life, including how to
determine the application of medically necessary or appropriate
care for gravely or terminally ill or injured persons of all
ages.
(2) Specific issues.--The study described in paragraph (1)
shall specifically include an examination of the following
issues:
(A) The epidemiology of dying.
(B) Conditions that promote or impede appropriate
care (such as professional training and beliefs,
financing and organization of services, patient and
public knowledge and attitudes).
(C) Concerns of health care practitioners and
providers, medical educators, the religious and medical
ethics communities, the general public, and others
responsible for public and private decisions about the
organization, financing, and quality of health care in
the United States.
(D) Measures to evaluate systems of care on the
quality of care they provide for gravely or terminally
ill or injured patients.
(E) Methods of communication and health care
decisionmaking among providers, patients, and
surrogates.
(F) Priorities for research on the issues described
in the preceding subparagraphs.
(b) Report.--The Institute of Medicine (or the organization
conducting the study under this section) shall submit to the Secretary
and the Congress a report on the study described in subsection (a)
within 27 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of
this section. | Provides for the portability among States of validly executed advance directives under Medicare and Medicaid provisions of the Social Security Act.
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require written policies and procedures of service providers to provide for effective communication with individuals regarding relevant aspects of health care decisions affecting such individual, including obtaining informed consent, individual prognosis and treatment decisions, and the formulation of advance directives.
Requires a report to the Congress on a study of issues relating to care at the end of life, including how to determine the application of medically necessary or appropriate care for gravely or terminally ill or injured persons. Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to provide for the portability of validly executed advance directives, to provide patients with a better understanding of their health care choices, and to promote study of the quality of care for the gravely or terminally ill or injured, and for other purposes."} | 1,500 | 163 | 0.512611 | 1.363263 | 0.694731 | 4.763359 | 9.908397 | 0.885496 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita
Fairness in Contracting Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS.
In entering into a contract to procure property or services in
connection with Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita reconstruction
efforts, the head of an executive agency shall comply with the
requirements under section 303 of the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 253), except that the
exceptions to the requirement for competitive procedures provided under
paragraphs (3), (4), and (7) of subsection (c) of such section shall
not apply to such contract.
SEC. 3. WRITTEN APPROVAL FOR USE OF NON-COMPETITIVE PROCEDURES REQUIRED
FOR CERTAIN CONTRACTS.
(a) Approval Required.--The head of an executive agency may enter
into a contract to procure property or services in connection with
Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita reconstruction efforts using other
than full and open competition only upon the written approval of the
President or the President's designee.
(b) Congressional Notification Required.--In any case in which
procedures other than full and open competitive procedures are to be
used to enter into such a contract, the head of such executive agency
shall submit not later than 7 calendar days before the award of the
contract a notification to the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives, and the standing committees of the Senate and the
House of Representatives that have jurisdiction over the executive
agency. Such notification shall provide the justification for use of
other than full and open competitive procedures, a brief description of
the contract's scope, the amount of the contract, a discussion of how
the contracting agency identified and solicited offers from
contractors, a list of the contractors solicited, and the justification
and approval documents (as required under section 303(f)(1) of the
Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C.
253(f)(1)) on which was based the determination of use of procedures
other than full and open competitive procedures.
(c) Scope of Requirements.--
(1) Size of contracts.--This section shall not apply to
contracts of less than $5,000,000.
(2) Applicability.--This section also shall apply to any
extension, amendment or modification of contracts for the
procurement of property or services in connection with
Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita reconstruction efforts
entered into prior to the enactment of this Act using other
than full and open competitive procedures.
(3) Small business exception.--This section shall not apply
to contracts authorized by the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
631 et seq.).
SEC. 4. DISCLOSURE REQUIRED.
(a) Publication and Public Availability.--
(1) In general.--The head of an executive agency that
enters into a contract for the procurement of property or
services in connection with Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita
reconstruction efforts through the use of other than full and
open competitive procedures shall publish in the Federal
Register or Federal Business Opportunities, and otherwise make
available to the public not later than 7 calendar days before
the date on which the contract is entered into, the following
information:
(A) The amount of the contract.
(B) A brief description of the scope of the
contract.
(C) A discussion of how the executive agency
identified, and solicited offers from, potential
contractors to perform the contract, together with a
list of the potential contractors that were issued
solicitations for the offers.
(D) The justification and approval documents (as
required under section 303(f)(1) of the Federal
Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41
U.S.C. 253(f)(1)) on which was based the determination
to use procedures other than competitive procedures.
(2) Scope of requirements.--
(A) Size of contracts.--This section shall not
apply to contracts of less than $5,000,000.
(B) Applicability.--This section shall also apply
to any extension, amendment, or modification of
contracts entered into prior to the enactment of this
Act using other than full and open competitive
procedures.
(C) Small business exception.--This section shall
not apply to contracts authorized by the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.).
(b) Relationship to Other Disclosure Laws.--Nothing in this section
shall be construed as affecting obligations to disclose United States
Government information under any other provision of law.
SEC. 5. CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO UNDER UNUSUAL AND COMPELLING URGENCY
EXCEPTION.
(a) Requirement for Performance Within 6-Month Period.--The head of
an executive agency may not rely on the exception provided under
section 303(c)(2) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services
Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 253(c)(2)) to enter into a contract to procure
property or services in connection with Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane
Rita reconstruction efforts using procedures other than competitive
procedures unless the contract will be performed within a 6-month
period.
(b) Extended Notification and Disclosure Deadlines.--The
notification and disclosure deadlines specified in section 3(b) and
section 4(a)(1), respectively, shall be 7 calendar days after the date
a contract is entered into in the case of a contract described in
subsection (a).
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the terms ``full and open competitive procedures'' and
``executive agency'' have the meanings given such terms in section 4 of
the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403). | Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita Fairness in Contracting Act of 2005 - Requires agencies, in entering into a contract to procure property or services in connection with Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita reconstruction efforts, to use specified competitive procedures.
Allows agencies to enter into a contract to procure property or services in connection with such reconstruction efforts using other than full and open competition only upon the written approval of the President or the President's designee. Requires congressional notification when procedures other than full and open competitive procedures are to be used.
Instructs agencies that enter into a contract for the procurement of property or services in connection with such reconstruction efforts through the use of other than full and open competitive procedures to publish in the Federal Register or Federal Business Opportunities and otherwise make available to the public specified information concerning the contract.
Permits the use of noncompetitive procedures by agencies when: (1) a contract will be performed within a six-month period; and (2) the need for the property or services is of such an unusual and compelling urgency that the government would otherwise be seriously injured. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to provide for full and open competition for Federal contracts related to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita reconstruction efforts."} | 1,294 | 237 | 0.698514 | 2.048713 | 0.891243 | 5.081731 | 5.322115 | 0.908654 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hurricane Andrew Supplemental
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1993''.
SEC. 2. EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS.
The following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to provide emergency supplemental
appropriations for fiscal year 1993:
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farmers Home Administration
rural housing for domestic farm labor
For an additional amount for ``Rural housing for domestic farm
labor'' for the cost of repair and replacement of uninsured losses
resulting from Hurricane Andrew in the southern portion of Dade County,
Florida, $30,000,000, to remain available until expended.
The Congress hereby designates the entire such amount as an
emergency requirement for all purposes of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Such amount shall be available only to the extent of a specific
dollar amount for such purpose that is included in an official budget
request submitted by the President to the Congress and that is
designated as an emergency requirement for all purposes of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economic Development Administration
economic development assistance programs
For an additional amount for ``Economic development assistance
programs'' pursuant to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of
1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.), to be used for grants to the State of
Florida and local communities in recovering from the consequences of
Hurricane Andrew, $20,000,000, to remain available until expended.
The Congress hereby designates the entire such amount as an
emergency requirement for all purposes of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Such amount shall be available only to the extent of a specific
dollar amount for such purpose that is included in an official budget
request submitted by the President to the Congress and that is
designated as an emergency requirement for all purposes of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health
For an additional amount for ``Alcohol, drug abuse, and mental
health'', $20,300,000, to remain available until expended, of which
amount $16,200,000 shall be available for the continuation of post-
Hurricane Andrew mental health and substance abuse treatment programs
in Dade County, Florida, $2,500,000 shall be available for a
comprehensive multidisciplinary drug research, education, and training
center in the Homestead, Florida, area to carry out a combined
treatment and assessment program during a 3-year period, and $1,600,000
shall be available for residential psychiatric services for children in
the Homestead, Florida, area.
The Congress hereby designates the entire such amount as an
emergency requirement for all purposes of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Such amount shall be available only to the extent of a specific
dollar amount for such purpose that is included in an official budget
request submitted by the President to the Congress and that is
designated as an emergency requirement for all purposes of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Impact Aid
For an additional amount for ``Impact Aid'' for carrying out
disaster assistance activities authorized by section 7 of Public Law
81-874 (20 U.S.C. 241-1) with respect to the Dade County, Florida,
public schools, $38,000,000, to remain available until expended.
The Congress hereby designates the entire such amount as an
emergency requirement for all purposes of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Such amount shall be available only to the extent of a specific
dollar amount for such purpose that is included in an official budget
request submitted by the President to the Congress and that is
designated as an emergency requirement for all purposes of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
The Secretary may waive or modify any requirement of law or
regulation (except requirements relating to civil rights,
discrimination, or safety) that the Secretary determines is necessary
in order to provide such disaster assistance as efficiently and
expeditiously as possible. Any waiver or modification under the
preceding sentence with respect to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 shall
be limited to requirements for the matching of Federal funds,
maintenance of effort, and the time period for the obligation of
Federal funds, and may be made only if the recipient demonstrates to
the satisfaction of the Secretary in its written application that such
requirements impose a demonstrable barrier to the progress of the
recipient in overcoming the effects of Hurricane Andrew.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Housing Programs
home investment partnerships program
(transfer of funds)
For an additional amount for the ``HOME investment partnerships
program'' for use only in areas of Florida damaged by Hurricane Andrew,
$82,200,000, to remain available until expended, and to be derived by
transfer of $62,000,000 from the amount made available by the 1st
paragraph under the heading ``Annual contributions for assisted
housing'' in Public Law 102-368 (106 Stat. 1157) and by transfer of
$20,200,000 from the amount made available by the 2d paragraph under
such heading in such Public Law.
In administering such funds, the Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development may waive any provision of any statute or regulation
administered by the Secretary (except requirements relating to fair
housing, nondiscrimination, the environment, or labor standards) if the
Secretary finds that the waiver is required to facilitate the
obligation or use of the funds and is consistent with the general
purposes of the HOME Investment Partnerships Act (42 U.S.C. 12721 et
seq.).
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall not, as a
condition of assisting a participating jurisdiction with such funds,
require any contribution by or in behalf of such jurisdiction,
notwithstanding section 220 of the HOME Investment Partnerships Act (42
U.S.C. 12750).
Community Planning and Development
community development grants
(transfer of funds)
For an additional amount for ``Community development grants'' for
use only in Dade County, the City of Homestead, and Florida City,
Florida, $54,800,000, to remain available until expended, and to be
derived by transfer from the amount made available by the 2d paragraph
under the heading ``Annual contributions for assisted housing'' in
Public Law 102-368 (106 Stat. 1157).
In administering such funds, the Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development may waive any provision of any statute or regulation
administered by the Secretary (except requirements relating to fair
housing, nondiscrimination, the environment, or labor standards) if the
Secretary finds that the waiver is required to facilitate the
obligation or use of the funds and is consistent with the general
purposes of title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of
1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.). | Hurricane Andrew Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1993 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations available to the following entities due to disasters in Florida resulting from Hurricane Andrew: (1) the Farmers Home Administration of the Department of Agriculture; (2) the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce; (3) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services; (4) the Department of Education; and (5) housing and community development programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Hurricane Andrew Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1993"} | 1,511 | 107 | 0.561418 | 1.442822 | 0.211927 | 2.95098 | 13.637255 | 0.892157 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Working Together for Rural Access to
Mental Health and Wellness for Children and Seniors Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Providing adequate mental health care in rural
communities is a national problem. Mental health is an integral
part of a person's general health and well-being. In rural
areas, where specialized mental health services are scarce,
accessing mental health professional services is difficult.
Primary care is often the only system for delivering mental
health services.
(2) Rural primary care providers are seeing an increase in
mental health issues in their clinics.
(3) The need is overwhelming with the Surgeon General
estimating 21 percent of children experience the signs or
symptoms of a mental disorder. Left untreated, these problems
lead to rampant school failure, drug abuse, and often
incarceration.
(4) The Department of Health and Human Services indicates
that 1 in 5 children and adolescents may have a diagnosable
disorder, yet 70 percent to 80 percent receive little or no
help.
(5) Few schools have the resources to implement a full
range of school mental health interventions. Identifying
sustainable and flexible funding sources for these programs is
extremely important.
(6) Health, and especially mental health, is a fundamental
cornerstone for ensuring that all youth have an equal
opportunity to succeed at school.
(7) Promoting and expanding telemental health
collaborations to strengthen delivery of mental health services
in remote and underserved areas is needed.
(8) Telemental health is an effective tool for diagnosing
and treating some mental health conditions. For rural and
remote areas, telemental health offers patients access and
care.
(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to--
(1) provide assistance to rural schools, hospitals, and
communities for the conduct of collaborative efforts to secure
a progressive and innovative system to improve access to mental
health care for youth, seniors and families;
(2) increase access of elementary and secondary school
students to mental health services in rural areas by operating
a mobile health services van program in such areas; or
(3) increase access of individuals of all ages to mental
health services in rural areas by providing telemental health
services in such areas.
SEC. 3. RURAL ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) State Grants.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall award grants
to States to enable such States to award subgrants to carry out the
purposes of this Act.
(b) Eligibility and Amount.--
(1) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant under
subsection (a), a State shall submit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require, including an
assurance that the State will designate a lead agency in
accordance with subsection (c) and submit a State plan in
accordance with subsection (d).
(2) Amount.--The Secretary shall award a grant to a State
under this section in an amount that is based on the respective
number of critical access hospitals (as defined in section 1861
(mm)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(mm)(1)) in
the State as such compares to the total number of critical
access hospitals in all States that are awarded grants under
this section.
(c) State Lead Agency.--
(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this section, the governor of a State shall select a lead
agency within the State to administer the State programs under
the grant. If the governor of the State selects a lead agency
other than the State Office of Rural Health, the governor shall
ensure the involvement of the State Office of Rural Health in
the development and administration of the State program under
this section.
(2) Duties.--The lead agency of a State shall--
(A) administer, directly or through other
governmental or nongovernmental agencies, amounts
received under a grant under subsection (a); and
(B) develop the State plan under subsection (d) and
coordinate the expenditure of funds in consultation
with appropriate representatives of the State and local
educational agencies and the rural mental health
providers and State hospital associations.
(d) State Plan.--To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection
(a), a State shall submit to the Secretary a State plan that shall--
(1) identify the lead agency of the State;
(2) contain assurances that the State shall use the amounts
provided to the State under the grant to address--
(A) in the case of mobile van services, the mental
health needs of elementary school and secondary school
students; or
(B) in the case of telemental health services, the
mental health needs of individuals of all ages through
telemental health services, and to pay administrative
costs incurred in connection with providing the
assistance to grant recipients;
(3) contain assurances that benefits and services under the
grant shall be available throughout the entire State; and
(4) contain assurances that the lead agency shall consult
with rural mental health providers and hospital associations
that represent such providers in such State on the most
appropriate ways to use the funds received under the grant.
(e) Awarding of Subgrants.--
(1) In general.--The lead agency of the State shall use
amounts received under a grant under subsection (a) to award
subgrants to eligible entities on a competitive basis.
(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a subgrant
under paragraph (1), a grant applicant shall be located in or
serving a rural area and be a government-owned or private
nonprofit hospital (or, in the case of a mobile van services
program, a governmental, tribal, or private nonprofit school
district or educational institution which provides elementary
education or secondary education (kindergarten through grade
12) and that collaborates with such a hospital), a community
mental health center, a primary care clinic, or other nonprofit
agency providing mental health services.
(3) Selection criteria.--In establishing procedures for the
awarding of subgrants under paragraph (1), the lead agency of
the State shall provide for the use of the following selection
criteria:
(A) The extent to which a grant applicant
demonstrates a need to improve the access of mental
health services within the community served by such
applicant.
(B) The extent to which a grant applicant will
serve a rural community with a significant low-income
or other population that is underserved with respect to
the provision of mental health services.
(4) Application and approval.--To be eligible to receive a
subgrant under paragraph (1), an entity shall submit an
application to the lead agency of the State that includes--
(A) a description of the manner in which the entity
intends to use amounts provided under the subgrant;
(B) such information as the lead agency may require
to apply the selection criteria under paragraph (3);
(C) measurable objectives for the use of funds
provided under the subgrant;
(D) a description of the manner in which the
applicant will evaluate the effectiveness of the
program carried out under the subgrant;
(E) an agreement to maintain such records, make
such reports, and cooperate with such reviews or audits
as the lead agency and the Secretary may find necessary
for purposes of oversight of program activities and
expenditures;
(F) a plan for sustaining activities and services
funded under the subgrant after Federal support for
such activities and services has ended; and
(G) such other information and assurances as the
Secretary may require.
(5) Use of funds.--A recipient of a subgrant under
paragraph (1) shall use amounts awarded under the grant to--
(A) in the case of mobile van health services,
offset costs incurred after December 31, 2007, that are
related to operating a mobile van outreach program
under which a hospital and one or more elementary or
secondary schools provide mental health care services
to students of such schools in the rural area, which
may include the costs of--
(i) purchasing or leasing a mobile van in
which mental health services are provided to
elementary school or secondary school students;
(ii) repairs and maintenance for such a
mobile van;
(iii) purchasing or leasing communications
capabilities reasonable and necessary to
operate the mobile van;
(iv) providing education and training to
staff on operating the mobile van program; and
(v) providing for additional mental health
services professional staff that are employed
to provide mental health services as part of
the mobile van program; and
(B) in the case of telemental health services,
offset costs incurred after December 31, 2007, that are
related to providing telemental health services to
persons of all ages in the rural area, which may
include the cost of--
(i) purchasing, leasing, repairing,
maintaining, or upgrading telemental health
services equipment;
(ii) operating telemental health services
equipment, including telecommunications,
utilities, and software costs;
(iii) providing education and training to
staff concerning the provision of telemental
health services; and
(iv) employing additional mental health
services professional staff to provide
telemental health services.
(6) Limits.--The amount awarded to an entity as a subgrant
under paragraph (1) for any fiscal year shall not exceed
$300,000.
(f) Reporting, Monitoring, and Evaluation.--The lead agency of each
State that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall submit a report
to the Secretary that contains--
(1) the amounts received under the grant;
(2) the amounts allocated as subgrants under subsection
(e);
(3) the types of expenditures made by subgrant recipients
with such funds; and
(4) such other information as may be required by the
Secretary to assist the Secretary in monitoring the
effectiveness of this section.
(g) Review of Compliance With State Plan.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall review and monitor
State compliance with the requirements of this section and the
State plan submitted under subsection (d).
(2) Failure to comply.--If the Secretary, after reasonable
notice to a State and opportunity for a hearing, determines
that there has been a failure by the State to comply
substantially with any provision or requirement set forth in
the State plan or a requirement of this section, the Secretary
shall notify the lead agency of the State of such determination
and that no further payments to the State will be made with
respect to the State grant until the Secretary is satisfied
that there is no longer any failure to comply or that the
noncompliance will be promptly corrected.
(h) Interaction of Federal and State Law.--Federal and State
procurement laws shall be preempted to the extent necessary to carry
out this section.
(i) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Hospital.--The term ``hospital'' means a non-Federal
short-term general acute care facility located in or serving a
rural area.
(2) Mobile van.--The term ``mobile van'' means a mobile
wellness center the purpose of which is to improve access to,
and focuses on, early intervention of mental health, and that
provides consultation, education, comprehensive
interdisciplinary education, and collaborative treatment
planning services.
(3) Rural area.--The term ``rural area'', with respect to
the location of an eligible applicant, or with respect to the
location of mental health services, means that the entity or
services--
(A) is located in a rural census tract of a
metropolitan statistical area, as determined under the
most recent version of the Goldsmith Modification, the
Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes, as determined by the
Office of Rural Health Policy of the Health Resources
and Services Administration; or
(B) is located in an area designated by any law or
regulation of such State as a rural area (or, in the
case of a hospital, is designated by such State as a
rural hospital).
(4) Telemental health services.--The term ``telemental
health services'' means mental health services that are
provided through the use of videoconferencing or similar means
of electronic communications and information technology.
(5) Telemental health services equipment.--The term
``telemental health services equipment'' includes
telecommunications and peripheral equipment used to provide
patient evaluations, case management, medication management,
crisis response, pre-admission and pre-discharge planning,
treatment planning, individual and group therapy, family
therapy, mental status evaluations, case conferences, family
visits, staff training, and administrative activities relating
to the mental health services.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2008 through 2010. | Working Together for Rural Access to Mental Health and Wellness for Children and Seniors Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to enable states to award grants for: (1) operating a mobile van outreach program under which a hospital and elementary or secondary schools provide mental health care services to students in a rural area; and (2) providing telemental health services to persons of all ages in a rural area. Requires the governor of a state to designate a lead agency to: (1) administer the state program under the grant; and (2) develop a state plan for the provision of mental health services in rural areas. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to provide assistance to rural schools, hospitals, and communities for the conduct of collaborative efforts to secure a progressive and innovative system to improve access to mental health care for youth, seniors and families."} | 2,751 | 138 | 0.6327 | 1.713932 | 0.710281 | 4.063492 | 21.134921 | 0.984127 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Gas Tax Fairness Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. SIX-MONTH SUSPENSION OF FUEL TAXES.
(a) Six-Month Suspension of Fuel Taxes.--Section 4081 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to imposition of tax on
gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene) is amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(f) Temporary Suspension of Fuel Taxes.--
``(1) In general.--During the suspension period, each rate
of tax referred to in paragraph (2) shall be reduced to zero.
``(2) Rates of tax.--The rates of tax referred to in this
paragraph are the rates of tax otherwise applicable under--
``(A) subsection (a)(2)(A) (relating to gasoline,
diesel fuel, and kerosene),
``(B) sections 4091(b)(3)(A) (relating to aviation
fuel),
``(C) section 4042(b)(2)(C) (relating to fuel used
on inland waterways),
``(D) paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 4041(a)
(relating to diesel fuel, special fuels, and compressed
natural gas), and
``(E) section 4041(m)(1)(A)(i) (relating to certain
methanol or ethanol fuels).
``(3) Suspension period.--For purposes of this subsection,
the term `suspension period' means the period beginning on July
1, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2001.''
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. FLOOR STOCK REFUNDS.
(a) In General.--If--
(1) before the tax suspension date, tax has been imposed
under section 4081 or 4091 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
on any liquid, and
(2) on such date such liquid is held by a dealer and has
not been used and is intended for sale,
there shall be credited or refunded (without interest) to the person
who paid such tax (hereafter in this section referred to as the
``taxpayer'') an amount equal to the excess of the tax paid by the
taxpayer over the amount of such tax which would be imposed on such
liquid had the taxable event occurred on such date.
(b) Time for Filing Claims.--No credit or refund shall be allowed
or made under this section unless--
(1) claim therefor is filed with the Secretary of the
Treasury before the date which is 6 months after the tax
suspension date, and
(2) in any case where liquid is held by a dealer (other
than the taxpayer) on the tax suspension date--
(A) the dealer submits a request for refund or
credit to the taxpayer before the date which is 3
months after the tax suspension date, and
(B) the taxpayer has repaid or agreed to repay the
amount so claimed to such dealer or has obtained the
written consent of such dealer to the allowance of the
credit or the making of the refund.
(c) Exception for Fuel Held in Retail Stocks.--No credit or refund
shall be allowed under this section with respect to any liquid in
retail stocks held at the place where intended to be sold at retail.
(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
(1) the terms ``dealer'' and ``held by a dealer'' have the
respective meanings given to such terms by section 6412 of such
Code; except that the term ``dealer'' includes a producer, and
(2) the term ``tax suspension date'' means the date on
which the suspension period begins under section 4081(f) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by section 2).
(e) Certain Rules To Apply.--Rules similar to the rules of
subsections (b) and (c) of section 6412 of such Code shall apply for
purposes of this section.
SEC. 4. FLOOR STOCKS TAX.
(a) Imposition of Tax.--In the case of any taxable liquid which is
held on the floor stocks tax date by any person, there is hereby
imposed a floor stocks tax equal to the excess of the tax which would
be imposed under section 4041, 4081, or 4091 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 on such liquid had the taxable event occurred on the floor
stocks tax date over the tax paid under such sections on such liquid.
(b) Liability for Tax and Method of Payment.--
(1) Liability for tax.--A person holding a liquid on the
floor stocks tax date to which the tax imposed by subsection
(a) applies shall be liable for such tax.
(2) Method of payment.--The tax imposed by subsection (a)
shall be paid in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe.
(3) Time for payment.--The tax imposed by subsection (a)
shall be paid on or before the date which is 6 months after the
floor stocks tax date.
(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
(1) Held by a person.--A liquid shall be considered as
``held by a person'' if title thereto has passed to such person
(whether or not delivery to the person has been made).
(2) Taxable liquid.--The term `taxable liquid' means any
liquid on which tax is imposed under section 4041, 4081, or
4091 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 on the floor stocks
tax date.
(3) Gasoline and diesel fuel.--The terms ``gasoline'' and
``diesel fuel'' have the respective meanings given such terms
by section 4083 of such Code.
(4) Aviation fuel.--The term ``aviation fuel'' has the
meaning given such term by section 4093 of such Code.
(5) Floor stocks tax date.--The term ``floor stocks tax
date'' means the day after the end of the suspension period
under section 4081(f) of such Code (as added by section 2).
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Treasury or the Secretary's delegate.
(d) Exception for Exempt Uses.--The tax imposed by subsection (a)
shall not apply to taxable liquid held by any person exclusively for
any use to the extent a credit or refund of the tax imposed by section
4041, 4081, or 4091 of such Code is allowable for such use.
(e) Exception for Fuel Held in Vehicle Tank.--No tax shall be
imposed by subsection (a) on taxable liquid held in the tank of a motor
vehicle or motorboat.
(f) Exception for Certain Amounts of Fuel.--
(1) In general.--No tax shall be imposed by subsection
(a)--
(A) on gasoline held on the floor stocks tax date
by any person if the aggregate amount of gasoline held
by such person on such date does not exceed 4,000
gallons, and
(B) on diesel fuel, kerosene, or aviation fuel held
on such date by any person if the aggregate amount of
diesel fuel, kerosene, or aviation fuel held by such
person on such date does not exceed 2,000 gallons.
The preceding sentence shall apply only if such person submits
to the Secretary (at the time and in the manner required by the
Secretary) such information as the Secretary shall require for
purposes of this paragraph.
(2) Exempt fuel.--For purposes of paragraph (1), there
shall not be taken into account fuel held by any person which
is exempt from the tax imposed by subsection (a) by reason of
subsection (d) or (e).
(3) Controlled groups.--For purposes of this subsection--
(A) Corporations.--
(i) In general.--All persons treated as a
controlled group shall be treated as 1 person.
(ii) Controlled group.--The term
``controlled group'' has the meaning given to
such term by subsection (a) of section 1563 of
such Code; except that for such purposes the
phrase ``more than 50 percent'' shall be
substituted for the phrase ``at least 80
percent'' each place it appears in such
subsection.
(B) Nonincorporated persons under common control.--
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary,
principles similar to the principles of subparagraph
(A) shall apply to a group of persons under common
control where 1 or more of such persons is not a
corporation.
(g) Other Law Applicable.--All provisions of law, including
penalties, applicable with respect to the taxes imposed by section
4041(a)(2) of such Code in the case of special fuels; by section 4081
of such Code in the case of gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene; and by
section 4091 of such Code in the case of aviation fuel shall, insofar
as applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of this
subsection, apply with respect to the floor stock taxes imposed by
subsection (a) to the same extent as if such taxes were imposed by such
section 4041, 4081, or 4091.
SEC. 5. PROTECTION OF HIGHWAY TRUST FUND.
The amounts transferred to the Highway Trust Fund under section
9503 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be determined as if
this Act had not been acted. | Gas Tax Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend, for six months, motor fuels taxes. States that amounts transferred to the Highway Trust Fund shall be determined as if this Act had not been enacted. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to suspend all motor fuel taxes for six months."} | 2,107 | 53 | 0.481095 | 1.18147 | 0.447491 | 3.772727 | 42.704545 | 0.909091 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Alien Children Protection Act of
2000''.
SEC. 2. USE OF APPROPRIATE FACILITIES FOR THE DETENTION OF ALIEN
CHILDREN.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), in the case
of any alien under 18 years of age who is awaiting final adjudication
of the alien's immigration status and who does not have a parent,
guardian, or relative in the United States into whose custody the alien
may be released, the Attorney General shall place such alien in a
facility appropriate for children not later than 72 hours after the
Attorney General has taken custody of the alien.
(b) Exception.--The provisions of subsection (a) do not apply to
any alien under 18 years of age who the Attorney General finds has
engaged in delinquent behavior, is an escape risk, or has a security
need greater than that provided in a facility appropriate for children.
(c) Definition.--In this section, the term ``facility appropriate
for children'' means a facility, such as foster care or group homes,
operated by a private nonprofit organization, or by a local
governmental entity, with experience and expertise in providing for the
legal, psychological, educational, physical, social, nutritional, and
health requirements of children. The term ``facility appropriate for
children'' does not include any facility used primarily to house adults
or delinquent minors.
SEC. 3. ADJUSTMENT TO PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS.
Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(l)(1) The Attorney General may, in the Attorney General's
discretion, adjust the status of an alien under 18 years of age (or who
was under 18 years of age when taken into Government custody) who has
no lawful immigration status in the United States to that of an alien
lawfully admitted for permanent residence if--
``(A)(i) the alien (or a parent or legal guardian acting on
the alien's behalf) has applied for the status; and
``(ii) the alien has resided in the United States for a
period of 5 consecutive years; or
``(B)(i) no parent or legal guardian requests the alien's
return to the country of the parent's or guardian's domicile,
or with respect to whom the Attorney General finds that
returning the child to his or her country of origin would
subject the child to mental or physical abuse; and
``(ii) the Attorney General determines that it is in the
best interests of the alien to remain in the United States
notwithstanding the fact that the alien is not eligible for
asylum protection under section 208 or protection under section
101(a)(27)(J).
``(2) The Attorney General shall make a determination under
paragraph (1)(B)(ii) based on input from a person or entity that is not
employed by or a part of the Service and that is qualified to evaluate
children and opine as to what is in their best interest in a given
situation.
``(3) Upon the approval of adjustment of status of an alien under
paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall record the alien's lawful
admission for permanent residence as of the date of such approval, and
the Secretary of State shall reduce by one the number of visas
authorized to be issued under sections 201(d) and 203(b)(4) for the
fiscal year then current.
``(4) Not more than 500 aliens may be granted permanent resident
status under this subsection in any fiscal year.''.
SEC. 4. ASSIGNMENT OF GUARDIANS AD LITEM TO ALIEN CHILDREN.
(a) Assignment.--Whenever a covered alien is a party to an
immigration proceeding, the Attorney General shall assign such covered
alien a child welfare professional or other individual who has received
training in child welfare matters and who is recognized by the Attorney
General as being qualified to serve as a guardian ad litem (in this
section referred to as the ``guardian''). The guardian shall not be an
employee of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
(b) Responsibilities.--The guardian shall ensure that--
(1) the covered alien's best interests are promoted while
the covered alien participates in, or is subject to, the
immigration proceeding; and
(2) the covered alien understands the proceeding.
(c) Requirements on the Attorney General.--The Attorney General
shall serve notice of all matters affecting a covered alien's
immigration status (including all papers filed in an immigration
proceeding) on the covered alien's guardian.
(d) Definition.--In this section, the term ``covered alien'' means
an alien--
(1) who is under 18 years of age;
(2) who has no lawful immigration status in the United
States and is not within the physical custody of a parent or
legal guardian; and
(3) whom no parent or legal guardian requests the person's
return to the country of the parent's or guardian's domicile or
with respect to whom the Attorney General finds that returning
the child to his or her country of origin would subject the
child to physical or mental abuse.
SEC. 5. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
Congress commends the Immigration and Naturalization Service for
its issuance of its ``Guidelines for Children's Asylum Claims'', dated
December 1998, and encourages and supports the Service's implementation
of such guidelines in an effort to facilitate the handling of
children's asylum claims.
SEC. 6. GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE REPORT.
The General Accounting Office shall prepare a report to Congress
regarding whether and to what extent U.S. Embassy and consular
officials are fulfilling their obligation to reunify, on a priority
basis, children in foreign countries whose parent or parents are
legally present in the United States. | Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Attorney General to adjust the status of an alien under the age of 18 with no lawful immigration status to that of a permanent resident alien if: (1) the alien or parent or guardian has so applied, and the alien has resided in the United States for five consecutive years; or (2) no foreign-domiciled parent or guardian has requested the alien's return, and the Attorney General determines that a return would subject the alien to physical or mental abuse, and it is in the alien's best interests to remain in the United States. Limits the annual number of such status adjustments.
Directs the Attorney General to appoint a child welfare professional or trained individual as such alien's guardian ad litem.
Expresses the sense of Congress commending the Immigration and Naturalization Service for issuance and implementation of specified children's asylum claims guidelines.
Directs the General Accounting Office to report with respect to U.S. embassy and consular efforts to reunify on a priority basis children in foreign countries with parents who are legally present in the United States. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Alien Children Protection Act of 2000"} | 1,340 | 249 | 0.58247 | 1.667656 | 0.900902 | 3.1875 | 5.711538 | 0.908654 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``No Substitute for Quality Teaching
Demonstration Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Each day about 5 million children walk into 274,000
classrooms nationwide and find a substitute teacher. Students
will spend the equivalent of one full year with a substitute
teacher before they graduate from high school.
(2) Virtually every State in the country is facing a
substitute teacher shortage, a problem that has been
exacerbated by increased demand for professional development
opportunities for teachers.
(3) In 73 percent of school districts, there is an
immediate, urgent need for substitute teachers.
(4) Nationwide, substitute teacher salaries average only
$65 per day. In rural areas, rates are often as low as $40.
Rarely do substitutes receive benefits.
(5) This shortage is likely to grow to a crisis level
within the next 10 years, as an acute shortage of substitute
teachers develops because an unprecedented number of children
will enter our schools.
(6) The substitute teacher shortage has lead schools to
relax their requirements and hire substitute teachers that are
often underqualified. In all but one State, substitute teachers
need no teaching certification.
(7) In 28 States, principals may hire anyone with a high
school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED) who is
age 18 years or older.
(8) Nearly 12 percent of districts do not require
substitute teachers to fill out a job application.
(9) Over half (56 percent) of school districts never have a
face-to-face interview with potential substitutes.
(10) In 30 percent of all school districts, no background
checks are conducted on applicants for substitute teaching
positions, and only half the districts check applicants'
references.
(11) Poorly trained substitute teachers have a negative
impact on student academic performance.
(12) States with lower academic achievement are twice as
likely to allow less qualified substitutes in the classroom.
Nine out of the ten lowest-ranked States in National Assessment
of Educational Progress (NAEP) testing allowed substitute
teachers with only a high school diploma to teach in their
schools. In each of those States, education spending is
thousands of dollars below the national average.
(13) Of the top 25 States in education spending, 9 require
at least a college degree for substitute teachers.
(14) In 77 percent of school districts across the country,
substitute teachers are given no training at all.
(15) Alleviating the substitute teacher crisis would free
up precious time for other teachers to spend in professional
development programs.
SEC. 3. DEMONSTRATION GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of
Education shall establish a competitive demonstration grant program to
provide grants for a single academic year directly to not fewer than 50
nor more than 100 local educational agencies (as that term is defined
in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965),
or to regional consortia of such agencies acting together, that vary
geographically and socioeconomically, to enable such agencies or
consortia to experiment with ways to alleviate the substitute teacher
shortage described in section 2.
SEC. 4. SELECTION OF GRANT RECIPIENTS.
In selecting grant recipients under section 3, the Secretary of
Education shall select applicants that, collectively, will explore a
range of options for addressing the substitute teacher shortage, such
as--
(1) developing a public relations campaign targeted at
likely substitute teacher candidates (such as retired
teachers);
(2) establishing permanent substitute teacher pools;
(3) addressing issues that hinder the ability of
administrators to find qualified substitute teachers; or
(4) increasing the availability of content and skills
training for substitute teachers.
SEC. 5. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 1 year after the date the last grant made under
section 3 expires, the Secretary of Education shall submit a report to
the Congress describing the findings and results of the demonstration
program under this Act, including--
(1) the programs or methods that best alleviated the
substitute teacher shortage, and where those programs or
methods worked best; and
(2) the impact of economic conditions on the quality and
availability of substitute teachers.
SEC. 6. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
The Secretary of Education may prescribe rules to carry out this
Act.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act
$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2003. | No Substitute for Quality Teaching Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a competitive demonstration grant program to provide grants for a single academic year directly to between 50 and 100 local educational agencies, or to regional consortia of such agencies acting together, that vary geographically and socioeconomically, to enable them to experiment with ways to alleviate the substitute teacher shortage. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a competitive demonstration grant program to provide funds for local educational agencies to experiment with ways to alleviate the substitute teacher shortage, and for other purposes."} | 947 | 87 | 0.508493 | 1.337754 | 0.42836 | 6.75 | 13.852941 | 0.955882 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Food Promotion Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. REPLACEMENT OF MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING WITH
VOLUNTARY PROGRAM OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING.
Subtitle D of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C.
1638-1638d) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 281. VOLUNTARY PROGRAM OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING FOR CERTAIN
MEAT PRODUCTS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `beef' means meat produced from cattle
(including veal).
``(2) The term `covered meat product' means ground beef,
ground pork, and ground lamb, and raw unprocessed muscle cuts
of beef, pork and lamb.
``(3) The term `lamb' means meat produced from sheep.
``(4) The term `pork' means meat produced from hogs.
``(b) Country of Origin Labeling.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall establish a voluntary program of country of origin labeling for
covered meat products.
``(c) Label.--In the program established under subsection (b), the
Secretary shall--
``(1) create a label to be used to designate the country of
origin of covered meat products; and
``(2) require persons participating in the program to use
the label created under paragraph (1), or such other label as
the Secretary determines appropriate, to designate the country
of origin of covered meat products.
``(d) Limitation on Use of United States Country of Origin Label.--
A person participating in the program established under subsection (b)
may not designate a covered meat product as having a United States
country of origin unless the covered meat product is derived
exclusively from--
``(1) an animal born, raised, and slaughtered in the United
States; or
``(2) an animal born and raised in Alaska or Hawaii,
transported for a period not to exceed 60 days outside of those
States, and slaughtered in the United States.
``SEC. 282. VOLUNTARY PROGRAM OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING FOR FISH
PRODUCTS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `farm-raised fish' means all fish that are
not wild fish. The term includes net-pen, aquacultural, and
other farm-raised fish.
``(2) The term `farm-raised shellfish' means all shellfish
that are not wild shellfish. The term includes net-pen,
aquacultural, and other farm-raised fish.
``(3) The term `wild fish' means naturally-born or
hatchery-raised fish harvested in the wild.
``(4) The term `wild shellfish' means naturally-born or
hatchery-raised shellfish harvested in the wild.
``(b) Country of Origin Labeling.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall establish a voluntary program of country of origin labeling for
wild fish, wild shellfish, farm-raised fish, farm-raised shellfish, and
products thereof.
``(c) Label.--In the program established under subsection (b), the
Secretary shall--
``(1) create a label to be used to designate the country of
origin of wild fish, wild shellfish, farm-raised fish, farm-
raised shellfish, and products thereof; and
``(2) require persons participating in the program to use
the label created under paragraph (1), or such other label as
the Secretary determines appropriate, to designate the country
of origin of wild fish, wild shellfish, farm-raised fish, farm-
raised shellfish, and products thereof.
``(d) Limitation on Use of United States Country of Origin Label.--
A person participating in the program established under subsection (b)
may not designate wild fish, wild shellfish, farm-raised fish, farm-
raised shellfish, or products thereof as having a United States country
of origin unless--
``(1) in the case of wild fish or wild shellfish (or a
product thereof), the wild fish or wild shellfish is harvested
in the waters of the United States or by a United States vessel
on the high seas; or
``(2) in the case of farm-raised fish or farm-raised
shellfish (or a product thereof), the farm-raised fish or farm-
raised shellfish is raised and harvested in the United States.
``SEC. 283. VOLUNTARY PROGRAM OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING FOR
PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.
``(a) Definition.--In this section the term `perishable
agricultural commodity'--
``(1) means fresh fruits and vegetables of every kind and
character, except frozen fruits and vegetables; and
``(2) includes cherries packed in brine as defined by the
Secretary in accordance with trade usages.
``(b) Country of Origin Labeling.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall establish a voluntary program of country of origin labeling for
perishable agricultural commodities.
``(c) Label.--In the program established under subsection (b), the
Secretary shall--
``(1) create a label to be used to designate the country of
origin of perishable agricultural commodities; and
``(2) require persons participating in the program to use
the label created under paragraph (1), or such other label as
the Secretary determines appropriate, to designate the country
of origin of perishable agricultural commodities.
``(d) Limitation on Use of United States Country of Origin Label.--
A person participating in the program established under subsection (b)
may not designate a perishable agricultural commodity as having a
United States country of origin unless the perishable agricultural
commodity is exclusively grown in the United States.
``(e) Survey of Country of Origin Labeling; Purpose.--
``(1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `label'
means a method to provide information to consumers by means of
a stamp, mark, placard, or other clear and visible sign
(including printed packaging, cello wraps, twist ties, brand
tags, bands, stickers, or other identifiers) affixed to or
placed directly on a perishable agricultural commodity or on
the display, holding unit, or bin containing the commodity at
the final point of sale.
``(2) Survey required; intervals.--Subject to subsection
(f)(2)(C), during the 12-month period beginning on the date of
the enactment of the Food Promotion Act of 2004, and every two
years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct, using existing
resources, a national survey--
``(A) to estimate the types and quantities of
perishable agricultural commodities sold in the United
States that are labeled with respect to country of
origin;
``(B) to measure the extent of the voluntary
efforts of the perishable agricultural commodity
industry to provide country of origin information to
consumers, including the overall percentage of
perishable agricultural commodities that bear labels
with country of origin information;
``(C) to determine methods by which country of
origin information is provided with regard to
perishable agricultural commodities sold in the United
States;
``(D) to estimate the types of quantities of
perishable agricultural commodities sold in the United
States that are labeled, but for which no country of
origin information is provided;
``(E) to estimate the types of quantities of
perishable agricultural commodities sold in the United
States that are not labeled;
``(F) to estimate the extent of participation in
the voluntary program established under subsection (b);
and
``(G) to determine whether consumers can reasonably
ascertain the country of origin of a substantial
majority of perishable agricultural commodities for
sale.
``(3) Location of survey.--The survey may be conducted at
retail stores and other locations selected by the Secretary.
``(4) Special considerations.--For the purposes of
conducting the survey, the Secretary shall consider--
``(A) bulk displays containing covered perishable
agricultural commodities from more than one country to
be labeled with country of origin information if a
majority of the perishable agricultural commodities
therein bear country of origin labels; and
``(B) label information regarding a State, region,
or locality of the United States as information
sufficient to identify the United States as the country
of origin.
``(f) Use and Availability of Survey Results.--
``(1) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall submit to
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate a report containing the results of each survey
conducted under subsection (e).
``(2) Subsequent surveys.--
``(A) Determination of consumer awareness.--In
other than the first survey conducted under subsection
(e), if the Secretary makes a determination that
consumers cannot reasonably ascertain the country of
origin of a substantial majority of perishable
agricultural commodities, the Secretary shall include
in the report submitted under paragraph (1) with
respect to that survey--
``(i) specific action steps that would
provide the perishable agricultural commodity
distribution chain with incentives to increase
country of origin labeling levels; and
``(ii) proposed guidelines that would
increase the use of country of origin
identification labels.
``(B) Effect of failure to ascertain country of
origin.--If the Secretary makes the determination that
consumers cannot reasonably ascertain the country of
origin of a substantial majority of perishable
agricultural commodities in two consecutive surveys
conducted under subsection (e), the Secretary shall
include in the report submitted under paragraph (1)
with respect to the second of the two surveys such
recommendations as the Secretary determines appropriate
regarding ways to increase labeling to achieve that
goal.
``(C) Effect of ability to ascertain country of
origin.--If the Secretary makes the determination that
consumers can reasonably ascertain the country of
origin of a substantial majority of perishable
agricultural commodities in two consecutive surveys
conducted under subsection (e), the Secretary shall no
longer be required to conduct surveys under such
subsection.
``(3) Public availability.--The Secretary shall make the
results of each survey conducted under subsection (e) available
to the perishable agricultural commodity industry and the
public.
``SEC. 284. VERIFICATION.
``The Secretary of Agriculture may require participants in a
program of country of origin labeling under section 281, 282, or 283 to
maintain a verifiable recordkeeping audit trail that will permit the
Secretary to verify compliance with the program.
``SEC. 285. ENFORCEMENT.
``(a) Civil Penalty.--
``(1) Assessment.--The Secretary of Agriculture may assess
a civil penalty against a participant in a program of country
of origin labeling under section 281, 282, or 283 that
purposely or knowingly violates the terms of the program.
``(2) Amount of penalty.--The amount of the civil penalty
assessed under paragraph (1) may not exceed $10,000 for each
violation.
``(3) Continuing violation.--Each day during which a
violation continues shall be considered to be a separate
violation.
``(b) Notice and Hearing.--The Secretary may not assess a penalty
under subsection (a) against a person unless the person is given notice
and an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with section 554 of
title 5, United States Code, with respect to the violation.''. | Food Promotion Act of 2004 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing of 1946 to replace current mandatory country of origin labeling requirements with voluntary country of origin labeling programs for: (1) meat and meat products; (2) wild fish, wild shellfish, farm-raised fish, farm-raised shellfish, and related products; and (3) perishable agricultural commodities.
Sets forth: (1) limitations on use of United States country of origin labels; and (2) civil penalties for program violations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to establish a voluntary program for the provision of country of origin information with respect to certain agricultural products, and for other purposes."} | 2,570 | 102 | 0.552408 | 1.356504 | 0.766941 | 5.505155 | 24.453608 | 0.886598 |
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this Act, the term--
(1) ``ANCSA'' means the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.);
(2) ``ANILCA'' means the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.);
(3) ``Calista'' means the Calista Corporation, an Alaska Native
Regional Corporation established pursuant to ANCSA;
(4) ``Identified Lands'' means approximately 10,943 acres of
lands (including surface and subsurface estates) designated as
``Proposed Village Site'' on a map entitled ``Proposed Newtok
Exchange,'' dated September, 2002, and available for inspection in
the Anchorage office of the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service;
(5) ``limited warranty deed'' means a warranty deed which is,
with respect to its warranties, limited to that portion of the
chain of title from the moment of conveyance from the United States
to Newtok to and including the moment at which such title is
validly reconveyed to the United States;
(6) ``Newtok'' means the Newtok Native Corporation, an Alaska
Native Village Corporation established pursuant to ANCSA;
(7) ``Newtok lands'' means approximately 12,101 acres of
surface estate comprising conveyed lands and selected lands
identified as Aknerkochik on the map referred to in paragraph (4)
and that surface estate selected by Newtok on Baird Inlet Island as
shown on the map; and
(8) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.
SEC. 2. LANDS TO BE EXCHANGED.
(a) Lands Exchanged to the United States.--If, within 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, Newtok expresses to the
Secretary in writing its intent to enter into a land exchange with the
United States, the Secretary shall accept from Newtok a valid,
unencumbered conveyance, by limited warranty deed, of the Newtok lands
previously conveyed to Newtok. The Secretary shall also accept from
Newtok a relinquishment of irrevocable prioritized selections for
approximately 4,956 acres for those validly selected lands not yet
conveyed to Newtok.
(b) Lands Exchanged to Newtok.--In exchange for the Newtok lands
conveyed and selections relinquished under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall, subject to valid existing rights and notwithstanding
section 14(f) of ANCSA, convey to Newtok the surface and subsurface
estates of the Identified Lands. The conveyance shall be by interim
conveyance. Subsequent to the interim conveyance, the Secretary shall
survey Identified Lands at no cost to Newtok and issue a patent to the
Identified Lands subject to the provisions of ANCSA and this Act.
SEC. 3. CONVEYANCE.
(a) Timing.--The Secretary shall issue interim conveyances pursuant
to subsection 2(b) at the earliest possible time after acceptance of
the Newtok conveyance and relinquishment of selections under subsection
2(a).
(b) Relationship to ANCSA.--Lands conveyed to Newtok under this Act
shall be treated as having been conveyed under the provisions of ANCSA,
except that the provisions of 14(c) and 22g of ANCSA shall not apply to
these lands. Consistent with section 103(c) of ANILCA, these lands
shall not be included as a portion of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife
Refuge and shall not be subject to regulations applicable solely to
public lands within this Conservation System Unit.
(c) Effect on Entitlement.--Except as otherwise provided, nothing
in this Act shall be construed to change the total acreage of land to
which Newtok is entitled under ANCSA.
(d) Effect on Newtok Lands.--The Newtok Lands shall be included in
the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge as of the date of acceptance
of the conveyance of those lands from Newtok, except that residents of
the Village of Newtok, Alaska, shall retain access rights to
subsistence resources on those Newtok lands as guaranteed under section
811 of ANILCA (16 U.S.C. 3121), and to subsistence uses, such as
traditional subsistence fishing, hunting and gathering, consistent with
section 803 of ANILCA (16 U.S.C. 3113).
(e) Adjustment to Calista Corporation ANCSA Entitlement for
Relinquished Newtok Selections.--To the extent that Calista subsurface
rights are affected by this Act, Calista shall be entitled to an
equivalent acreage of in lieu subsurface entitlement for the Newtok
selections relinquished in the exchange as set forth in subsection 2(a)
of this Act. This equivalent entitlement shall come from subsurface
lands already selected by Calista, but which have not been conveyed. If
Calista does not have sufficient subsurface selections to accommodate
this additional entitlement, Calista Corporation is hereby authorized
to make an additional in lieu selection for the deficient acreage from
lands within the region but outside any conservation system unit.
(f) Adjustment to Exchange.--If requested by Newtok, the Secretary
may consider and make adjustments to the exchange to meet the purposes
of this Act, subject to all the same terms and conditions of this Act.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to accept from the Newtok Native Corporation a conveyance, by limited warranty deed, of certain Alaskan lands previously conveyed to Newtok if such Corporation expresses an intent to enter into a land exchange with the United States within 180 days of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to also accept a relinquishment of irrevocable prioritized selections from Newtok for those validly selected lands not yet conveyed to Newtok.
Requires the Secretary, in exchange for the lands from Newtok, to convey to Newtok the surface and subsurface estate of specified Federal lands. States that such conveyance shall be by interim conveyance. (Sec. 3) Declares that land conveyed to Newtok under this Act shall be deemed to have been conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), except that specified provisions of ANCSA concerning patents and lands in the National Wildlife Refuge System shall not apply to such lands. States that, consistent with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980, such lands shall not be considered part of the Yukon National Wildlife Refuge. Includes the Newtok lands conveyed to the United States in the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, except that residents of the village of Newtok, Alaska, shall retain access rights guaranteed under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act for subsistence fishing, hunting, and gathering. Entitles the Calista Corporation to an equivalent acreage of in-lieu subsurface entitlement for the relinquished Newtok selections to the extent that Calista subsurface rights are affected by this Act. Directs that such entitlement shall come from subsurface lands already selected by Calista, but which have not yet been conveyed. Permits Calista to make an additional in lieu selection from lands within the region but outside any conservation system unit if such action is necessary to equalize the acreage. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to authorize the exchange of lands between an Alaska Native Village Corporation and the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes."} | 1,285 | 453 | 0.716998 | 2.402042 | 0.846107 | 4.141593 | 2.973451 | 0.932153 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Transparency and Accountability for
Business Standards Act''.
SEC. 2. COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN PRUDENTIAL
REGULATIONS.
(a) Rulemaking Requirement.--An appropriate Federal banking agency
may not adopt or otherwise establish a prudential regulation that is
substantively more stringent than a corresponding international
prudential standard unless the appropriate Federal banking agency
publishes, for public notice and comment--
(1) a description of the agency's rationale for doing so;
and
(2) a comprehensive analysis of the costs and benefits of
the difference between the prudential regulation and the
corresponding international prudential standard, including--
(A) any impact on the pricing and availability of
credit in the aggregate and for specific types of
borrowers;
(B) any impact on liquidity in markets for
financial instruments in the aggregate and for specific
types of instruments;
(C) any impact of doing so on the competitiveness
of affected institutions; and
(D) any impact on employment, economic growth, and
the execution of monetary policy.
(b) Requirements With Respect to Superseded Prudential
Regulations.--An appropriate Federal banking agency may not adopt or
otherwise establish a prudential regulation to implement an
international standard that will result in a prudential regulation that
is then in effect becoming a superseded prudential regulation, unless
the appropriate Federal banking agency publishes for public notice and
comment--
(1) a proposal to repeal or amend the superseded prudential
regulation, or applicable part thereof; or
(2) if the appropriate Federal banking agency does not
propose to repeal or amend the superseded prudential
regulation, or applicable part thereof, a description of the
agency's rationale for not doing so, which shall include a
comprehensive analysis of the incremental costs and benefits of
the superseded prudential regulation after the adoption of the
prudential regulation to implement an international standard.
(c) Lookback Requirement.--With respect to a final rule issued by
an appropriate Federal banking agency on or after January 1, 2007, but
before the date of the enactment of this Act that established a
prudential regulation that is substantively more stringent than a
corresponding international prudential standard, or that resulted in
another prudential regulation becoming a superseded prudential
regulation, each appropriate Federal banking agency shall, not later
than the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the
enactment of this Act, issue a report to the Congress (and make such
report available on the website of the agency) with respect to such
rule, containing the description and analysis described under
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) or paragraph (2) of subsection
(b), as applicable.
(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Appropriate federal banking agency.--The term
``appropriate Federal banking agency'' has the meaning given
that term under section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
(2) Banking organization.--The term ``banking
organization'' means a depository institution or a depository
institution holding company, as such terms are defined,
respectively, under section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Act.
(3) Corresponding international prudential standard.--The
term ``corresponding international prudential standard'' means
an international prudential standard on which a prudential
regulation is based, from which a prudential regulation is
derived, or to which a prudential regulation is otherwise
substantively similar.
(4) Prudential regulation.--The term ``prudential
regulation'' means any rule or regulation relating to capital
requirements, leverage requirements, liquidity requirements, or
any similar requirements, including any rule or regulation that
imposes any minimum requirement on a banking organization's
amount of capital, debt, or liquid assets, either in absolute
terms or as a ratio of any measure of assets, exposures, or
cash inflows and outflows, or that conditions the ability of a
banking organization to take any action or imposes any
requirement based on any absolute or proportional measure of
capital, leverage, debt, or liquidity.
(5) Prudential regulation to implement an international
standard.--The term ``prudential regulation to implement an
international standard'' means a prudential regulation that is
based on, derived from, or otherwise substantively similar to
an international prudential standard.
(6) International prudential standard.--The term
``international prudential standard'' means any standard that
has been adopted by an international institution comprised of
an appropriate Federal banking agency and banking supervisors
or central banks of jurisdictions other than the United States,
including the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the
Financial Stability Board, relating to capital requirements,
leverage requirements, liquidity requirements, or any similar
requirements, including any standard that contemplates minimum
requirements on a banking organization's amount of capital,
debt, or liquid assets, either in absolute terms or as a ratio
of any measure of assets, exposures, or cash inflows and
outflows, or that contemplates conditioning the ability of a
banking organization to take any action or imposing any
requirement based on any measure of capital, leverage, debt, or
liquidity.
(7) Superseded prudential regulation.--The term
``superseded prudential regulation'' means a prudential
regulation, with respect to which a prudential regulation to
implement an international standard addresses or would address
the same or similar risks or otherwise achieves or would
achieve the same or similar goals. | Transparency and Accountability for Business Standards Act This bill requires a federal banking agency to publish for notice and comment: (1) the agency's rationale for, and cost-benefit analysis regarding, the adoption of any prudential regulation that is substantively more stringent than a corresponding international prudential standard; and (2) a proposal for, or the agency's rationale for not proposing, the repeal or amendment of any prudential regulation that is effectively superseded by the implementation of an international prudential standard. A federal banking agency must issue a report regarding any such final rule issued before the bill's enactment and on or after January 1, 2007. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Transparency and Accountability for Business Standards Act"} | 1,256 | 178 | 0.708156 | 1.943842 | 0.818978 | 3.078261 | 9.46087 | 0.852174 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Perkins Loan Program
Extension Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM.
(a) Authority to Make Loans.--
(1) In general.--Section 461 of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087aa) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``of stimulating and
assisting in the establishment and maintenance of funds at
institutions of higher education for the making of low-interest
loans to students in need thereof'' and inserting ``assisting
in the maintenance of funds at institutions of higher education
for the making of loans to undergraduate students in need'';
(B) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Authority to Make Loans.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Loans for new undergraduate federal perkins loan
borrowers.--Through September 30, 2017, an institution of
higher education may make a loan under this part to an eligible
undergraduate student who, on the date of disbursement of a
loan made under this part, has no outstanding balance of
principal or interest on a loan made under this part from the
student loan fund established under this part by the
institution, but only if the institution has awarded all
Federal Direct Loans, as referenced under subparagraphs (A) and
(D) of section 455(a)(2), for which such undergraduate student
is eligible.
``(B) Loans for current undergraduate federal perkins loan
borrowers.--Through September 30, 2017, an institution of
higher education may make a loan under this part to an eligible
undergraduate student who, on the date of disbursement of a
loan made under this part, has an outstanding balance of
principal or interest on a loan made under this part from the
student loan fund established under this part by the
institution, but only if the institution has awarded all
Federal Direct Stafford Loans as referenced under section
455(a)(2)(A) for which such undergraduate student is eligible.
``(C) Loans for certain graduate borrowers.--Through
September 30, 2016, with respect to an eligible graduate
student who has received a loan made under this part prior to
October 1, 2015, an institution of higher education that has
most recently made such a loan to the student for an academic
program at such institution may continue making loans under
this part from the student loan fund established under this
part by the institution to enable the student to continue or
complete such academic program.
``(2) No additional loans.--An institution of higher education
shall not make loans under this part after September 30, 2017.
``(3) Prohibition on additional appropriations.--No funds are
authorized to be appropriated under this Act or any other Act to
carry out the functions described in paragraph (1) for any fiscal
year following fiscal year 2015.''; and
(C) by striking subsection (c).
(2) Rule of construction.--Notwithstanding the amendments made
under paragraph (1) of this subsection, an eligible graduate
borrower who received a disbursement of a loan under part E of
title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087aa et
seq.) after June 30, 2016 and before October 1, 2016, for the 2016-
2017 award year, may receive a subsequent disbursement of such loan
by June 30, 2017, for which the borrower received an initial
disbursement after June 30, 2016 and before October 1, 2016.
(b) Distribution of Assets From Student Loan Funds.--Section 466 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ff) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``After September 30, 2003, and not later than March 31, 2004''
and inserting ``Beginning October 1, 2017''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``September 30, 2003''
and inserting ``September 30, 2017'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``After October 1, 2012'' and inserting
``Beginning October 1, 2017''; and
(B) by striking ``September 30, 2003'' and inserting
``September 30, 2017''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``October 1, 2004'' and
inserting ``October 1, 2017''.
(c) Additional Extensions Not Permitted.--Section 422 of the
General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1226a) shall not apply to
further extend the duration of the authority under paragraph (1) of
section 461(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087aa(b)), as amended by subsection (a)(1) of this section, beyond
September 30, 2017, on the basis of the extension under such
subsection.
SEC. 3. DISCLOSURE REQUIRED PRIOR TO DISBURSEMENT.
Section 463A(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087cc-1(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (12), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (13), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(14) a notice and explanation regarding the end to future
availability of loans made under this part;
``(15) a notice and explanation that repayment and forgiveness
benefits available to borrowers of loans made under part D are not
available to borrowers participating in the loan program under this
part;
``(16) a notice and explanation regarding a borrower's option
to consolidate a loan made under this part into a Federal Direct
Loan under part D, including any benefit of such consolidation;
``(17) with respect to new undergraduate Federal Perkins loan
borrowers, as described in section 461(b)(1)(A), a notice and
explanation providing a comparison of the interest rates of loans
under this part and part D and informing the borrower that the
borrower has reached the maximum annual borrowing limit for which
the borrower is eligible as referenced under subparagraphs (A) and
(D) of section 455(a)(2); and
``(18) with respect to current undergraduate Federal Perkins
loan borrowers, as described in section 461(b)(1)(B), a notice and
explanation providing a comparison of the interest rates of loans
under this part and part D and informing the borrower that the
borrower has reached the maximum annual borrowing limit for which
the borrower is eligible on Federal Direct Stafford Loans as
referenced under section 455(a)(2)(A).''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 16, 2015. Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the authority of institutions of higher education (IHEs) to disburse Federal Perkins Loans to new undergraduate borrowers through September 30, 2017. A student must first exhaust Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility. IHEs may continue to disburse Perkins Loans to current undergraduate borrowers through September 30, 2017. A student must first exhaust all Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan eligibility. IHEs may continue to disburse Perkins Loans to certain graduate borrowers through September 30, 2016, to enable students to continue or complete an academic program. A student must have received a Perkins loan prior to October 1, 2015. The bill prohibits Perkins Loan disbursement beyond September 30, 2017. It also prohibits authorization of additional appropriations for the Federal Perkins Loan program beyond September 30, 2016. Beginning October 1, 2017, each participating IHE must pay to the Department of Education: (1) a portion of the federal share of the balance of its Perkins Loan funds; (2) a portion of the Perkins student loan payments, including principal and interest, received by the institution; and (3) a capital distribution from its Perkins Loan fund. (Sec. 3) The bill also expands disclosure requirements for IHEs that participate in the Federal Perkins Loan program. Specifically, prior to Perkins Loan disbursement, an IHE must provide notice and explanation to all borrowers regarding unavailability of future Perkins loans, limited Perkins loan repayment and forgiveness options, and Direct Loan consolidation options. Also, an IHE must provide notice and explanation to new and current undergraduate borrowers regarding a comparison of Perkins and Direct loan interest rates. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015"} | 1,529 | 415 | 0.608966 | 1.83014 | 0.704711 | 1.896648 | 3.871508 | 0.784916 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Peopling of America Theme Study
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) an important facet of the history of the United States
is the story of how the United States was populated;
(2) the migration, immigration, and settlement of the
population of the United States--
(A) is broadly termed the ``peopling of America'';
and
(B) is characterized by--
(i) the movement of groups of people across
external and internal boundaries of the United
States and territories of the United States;
and
(ii) the interactions of those groups with
each other and with other populations;
(3) each of those groups has made unique, important
contributions to American history, culture, art, and life;
(4) the spiritual, intellectual, cultural, political, and
economic vitality of the United States is a result of the
pluralism and diversity of the American population;
(5) the success of the United States in embracing and
accommodating diversity has strengthened the national fabric
and unified the United States in its values, institutions,
experiences, goals, and accomplishments;
(6)(A) the National Park Service's official thematic
framework, revised in 1996, responds to the requirement of
section 1209 of the Civil War Sites Study Act of 1990 (16
U.S.C. 1a-5 note; Public Law 101-628), that ``the Secretary
shall ensure that the full diversity of American history and
prehistory are represented'' in the identification and
interpretation of historic properties by the National Park
Service; and
(B) the thematic framework recognizes that ``people are the
primary agents of change'' and establishes the theme of human
population movement and change--or ``peopling places''--as a
primary thematic category for interpretation and preservation;
and
(7) although there are approximately 70,000 listings on the
National Register of Historic Places, sites associated with the
exploration and settlement of the United States by a broad
range of cultures are not well represented.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to foster a much-needed understanding of the diversity
and contribution of the breadth of groups who have peopled the
United States; and
(2) to strengthen the ability of the National Park Service
to include groups and events otherwise not recognized in the
peopling of the United States.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(2) Theme study.--The term ``theme study'' means the
national historic landmark theme study required under section
4.
(3) Peopling of america.--The term ``peopling of America''
means the migration to and within, and the settlement of, the
United States.
SEC. 4. THEME STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall prepare and submit to Congress
a national historic landmark theme study on the peopling of America.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the theme study shall be to identify
regions, areas, trails, districts, communities, sites, buildings,
structures, objects, organizations, societies, and cultures that--
(1) best illustrate and commemorate key events or decisions
affecting the peopling of America; and
(2) can provide a basis for the preservation and
interpretation of the peopling of America that has shaped the
culture and society of the United States.
(c) Identification and Designation of Potential New National
Historic Landmarks.--
(1) In general.--The theme study shall identify and
recommend for designation new national historic landmarks.
(2) List of appropriate sites.--The theme study shall--
(A) include a list in order of importance or merit
of the most appropriate sites for national historic
landmark designation; and
(B) encourage the nomination of other properties to
the National Register of Historic Places.
(3) Designation.--On the basis of the theme study, the
Secretary shall designate new national historic landmarks.
(d) National Park System.--
(1) Identification of sites within current units.--The
theme study shall identify appropriate sites within units of
the National Park System at which the peopling of America may
be interpreted.
(2) Identification of new sites.--On the basis of the theme
study, the Secretary shall recommend to Congress sites for
which studies for potential inclusion in the National Park
System should be authorized.
(e) Continuing Authority.--After the date of submission to Congress
of the theme study, the Secretary shall, on a continuing basis, as
appropriate to interpret the peopling of America--
(1) evaluate, identify, and designate new national historic
landmarks; and
(2) evaluate, identify, and recommend to Congress sites for
which studies for potential inclusion in the National Park
System should be authorized.
(f) Public Education and Research.--
(1) Linkages.--
(A) Establishment.--On the basis of the theme
study, the Secretary may identify appropriate means for
establishing linkages--
(i) between--
(I) regions, areas, trails,
districts, communities, sites,
buildings, structures, objects,
organizations, societies, and cultures
identified under subsections (b) and
(d); and
(II) groups of people; and
(ii) between--
(I) regions, areas, districts,
communities, sites, buildings,
structures, objects, organizations,
societies, and cultures identified
under subsection (b); and
(II) units of the National Park
System identified under subsection (d).
(B) Purpose.--The purpose of the linkages shall be
to maximize opportunities for public education and
scholarly research on the peopling of America.
(2) Cooperative arrangements.--On the basis of the theme
study, the Secretary shall, subject to the availability of
funds, enter into cooperative arrangements with State and local
governments, educational institutions, local historical
organizations, communities, and other appropriate entities to
preserve and interpret key sites in the peopling of America.
(3) Educational initiatives.--
(A) In general.--The documentation in the theme
study shall be used for broad educational initiatives
such as--
(i) popular publications;
(ii) curriculum material such as the
Teaching with Historic Places program;
(iii) heritage tourism products such as the
National Register of Historic Places Travel
Itineraries program; and
(iv) oral history and ethnographic
programs.
(B) Cooperative programs.--On the basis of the
theme study, the Secretary shall implement cooperative
programs to encourage the preservation and
interpretation of the peopling of America.
SEC. 5. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.
The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with
educational institutions, professional associations, or other entities
knowledgeable about the peopling of America--
(1) to prepare the theme study;
(2) to ensure that the theme study is prepared in
accordance with generally accepted scholarly standards; and
(3) to promote cooperative arrangements and programs
relating to the peopling of America.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this Act.
Passed the Senate October 5 (legislative day, September
22), 2000.
Attest:
GARY SISCO,
Secretary. | Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative arrangements under this Act.
Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Peopling of America Theme Study Act"} | 1,610 | 22 | 0.33957 | 0.802801 | -0.374449 | 2.25 | 94.375 | 0.875 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Human Cloning Prohibition Act of
2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the National Bioethics Advisory Commission (referred to
in this Act as the ``NBAC'') has reviewed the scientific and
ethical implications of human cloning and has determined that
the cloning of human beings is morally unacceptable;
(2) the NBAC recommended that Federal legislation be
enacted to prohibit anyone from conducting or attempting human
cloning, whether using Federal or non-Federal funds;
(3) the NBAC also recommended that the United States
cooperate with other countries to enforce mutually supported
prohibitions on human cloning;
(4) the NBAC found that somatic cell nuclear transfer (also
known as nuclear transplantation) may have many important
applications in medical research;
(5) the Institute of Medicine has found that nuclear
transplantation may enable stem cells to be developed in a
manner that will permit such cells to be transplanted into a
patient without being rejected;
(6) the NBAC concluded that any regulatory or legislative
actions undertaken to prohibit human cloning should be
carefully written so as not to interfere with other important
areas of research, such as stem cell research; and
(7)(A) biomedical research and clinical facilities engage
in and affect interstate commerce;
(B) the services provided by clinical facilities move in
interstate commerce;
(C) patients travel regularly across State lines in order
to access clinical facilities; and
(D) biomedical research and clinical facilities engage
scientists, doctors, and other staff in an interstate market,
and contract for research and purchase medical and other
supplies in an interstate market.
SEC. 3. PURPOSES.
It is the purpose of this Act to prohibit any attempt to clone a
human being while protecting important areas of medical research,
including stem cell research.
SEC. 4. PROHIBITION ON HUMAN CLONING.
(a) In General.--Title 18, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after chapter 15, the following:
``CHAPTER 16--PROHIBITION ON HUMAN CLONING
``Sec.
``301. Prohibition on human cloning.
``Sec. 301. Prohibition on human cloning
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Human cloning.--The term `human cloning' means
asexual reproduction by implanting or attempting to implant the
product of nuclear transplantation into a uterus.
``(2) Human somatic cell.--The term `human somatic cell'
means a mature, diploid cell that is obtained or derived from a
living or deceased human being at any stage of development.
``(3) Nuclear transplantation.--The term `nuclear
transplantation' means transferring the nucleus of a human
somatic cell into an oocyte from which the nucleus or all
chromosomes have been or will be removed or rendered inert.
``(4) Nucleus.--The term `nucleus' means the cell structure
that houses the chromosomes, and thus the genes.
``(5) Oocyte.--The term `oocyte' means the female germ
cell, the egg.
``(b) Prohibitions on Human Cloning.--It shall be unlawful for any
person or other legal entity, public or private--
``(1) to conduct or attempt to conduct human cloning;
``(2) to ship the product of nuclear transplantation in
interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of human cloning
in the United States or elsewhere; or
``(3) to use funds made available under any provision of
Federal law for an activity prohibited under paragraph (1) or
(2).
``(c) Protection of Medical Research.--Nothing in this section
shall be construed to restrict areas of biomedical and agricultural
research or practices not expressly prohibited in this section,
including research or practices that involve the use of--
``(1) nuclear transplantation to produce human stem cells;
``(2) techniques to create exact duplicates of molecules,
DNA, cells, and tissues;
``(3) mitochondrial, cytoplasmic or gene therapy; or
``(4) nuclear transplantation techniques to create nonhuman
animals.
``(d) Penalties.--
``(1) In general.--Whoever intentionally violates any
provision of subsection (b) shall be fined under this title and
imprisoned not more than 10 years.
``(2) Civil penalties.--Whoever intentionally violates
paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b) shall be subject
to a civil penalty of $1,000,000 or three times the gross
pecuniary gain resulting from the violation, whichever is
greater.
``(3) Civil actions.--If a person is violating or about to
violate the provisions of subsection (b), the Attorney General
may commence a civil action in an appropriate Federal district
court to enjoin such violation.
``(4) Forfeiture.--Any property, real or personal, derived
from or used to commit a violation or attempted violation of
the provisions of subsection (b), or any property traceable to
such property, shall be subject to forfeiture to the United
States in accordance with the procedures set forth in chapter
46 of title 18, United States Code.
``(5) Advisory opinions.--The Attorney General shall, upon
request, render binding advisory opinions regarding the scope,
applicability, interpretation, and enforcement of this section
with regard to specific research projects or practices.
``(e) Cooperation With Foreign Countries.--It is the sense of
Congress that the President should cooperate with foreign countries to
enforce mutually supported restrictions on the activities prohibited
under subsection (b).
``(f) Right of Action.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
to give any individual or person a private right of action.
``(g) Preemption of State Law.--The provisions of this section
shall preempt any State or local law, that is inconsistent with this
section or section 498C of the Public Health Service Act, that
prohibits or restricts research regarding, or practices constituting,
nuclear transplantation or human cloning.''.
(b) Ethical Requirements for Nuclear Transplantation Research.--
Part H of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 289 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 498C. ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NUCLEAR TRANSPLANTATION RESEARCH.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Human somatic cell.--The term `human somatic cell'
means a mature, diploid cell that is obtained or derived from a
living or deceased human being at any stage of development.
``(2) Nuclear transplantation.--The term `nuclear
transplantation' means transferring the nucleus of a human
somatic cell into an oocyte from which the nucleus or all
chromosomes have been or will be removed or rendered inert.
``(3) Nucleus.--The term `nucleus' means the cell structure
that houses the chromosomes, and thus the genes.
``(4) Oocyte.--The term `oocyte' means the female germ
cell, the egg.
``(b) Applicability of Federal Ethical Standards to Nuclear
Transplantation Research.--Research involving nuclear transplantation
shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of part
46 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date
of enactment of the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001).
``(c) Civil Penalties.--Whoever intentionally violates subsection
(b) shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $250,000.
``(d) Enforcement.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall have the exclusive authority to enforce this section.''. | Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) conducting or attempting to conduct human cloning; (2) shipping the product of nuclear transplantation for the purpose of human cloning in the United States or elsewhere; and (3) using funds made available under Federal law for any such activity. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action to enjoin a violation.Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to restrict areas of biomedical and agricultural research or practices not expressly prohibited, including nuclear transplantation to produce human stem cells or to create nonhuman animals.Subjects to forfeiture any real or personal property derived from or used to commit a violation.Directs the Attorney General, upon request, to render binding advisory opinions regarding the applicability of such prohibition with respect to specific research projects or practices.Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should cooperate with foreign countries to enforce mutually supported restrictions on such prohibited activities.Amends the Public Health Service Act to require research involving nuclear transplantation to be conducted in accordance with applicable Federal standards for the protection of human subjects. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to prohibit human cloning while preserving important areas of medical research, including stem cell research."} | 1,813 | 255 | 0.631957 | 1.785189 | 0.765408 | 4.104265 | 7.379147 | 0.938389 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and
Empower Act of 2016'' or the ``RISE Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. PERFECTING AMENDMENT TO THE DEFINITION OF DISABILITY.
Section 103(6) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1003(6)) is amended by striking ``section 3(2)'' and inserting
``section 3''.
SEC. 3. SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES TO SUCCEED ONCE ENROLLED
IN COLLEGE.
Section 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1094(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(30) The institution will carry out the following:
``(A) Adopt policies that, at a minimum, make the
following documentation submitted by an individual
sufficient to establish that such individual is an
individual with a disability:
``(i) Documentation that the individual has
had an individualized education program (IEP)
in accordance with section 614(d) of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
including an IEP that may not be current or up-
to-date on the date of the determination. The
institution may ask for additional
documentation from an individual who had an IEP
who was found ineligible for services or exited
from eligibility under such Act during
elementary school.
``(ii) Documentation that the individual
has had a plan prepared under section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794).
``(iii) A plan or record of service for the
individual from a private school, a local
educational agency, a State educational agency,
or an institution of higher education provided
in accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et
seq.).
``(iv) A record or evaluation from a
relevant licensed professional finding that the
individual has a disability.
``(v) A plan or record of disability from
another institution of higher education.
``(vi) Documentation of a disability due to
service in the uniformed services, as defined
in section 484C(a).
``(B) Adopt policies that are transparent and
explicit regarding information about the process by
which the institution determines eligibility for
accommodations.
``(C) Disseminate such information to students,
parents, and faculty in an accessible format, including
during any student orientation and making such
information readily available on a public website of
the institution.''.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS FOR THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR INFORMATION
AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR POSTSECONDARY STUDENTS WITH
DISABILITIES.
Section 777(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1140q(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``From amounts
appropriated under section 778,'' and inserting ``From amounts
appropriated under paragraph (5),''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000.''.
SEC. 5. INCLUSION OF INFORMATION ON STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.
Section 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1094(a)), as amended by section 3, is further amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(31) The institution will submit, for inclusion in the
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) or any
other Federal postsecondary institution data collection effort,
key data related to undergraduate students enrolled at the
institution who are formally registered as students with
disabilities with the institution's office of disability
services (or the equivalent office), including graduation rates
for students with disabilities and the number and percentage of
students with disabilities accessing or receiving
accommodations at the institution. An institution shall not be
required to submit the information described in the preceding
sentence if the number of such students is equal to or less
than 10, so as not to reveal personally identifiable
information about an individual student.''.
SEC. 6. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
None of the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to
affect the meaning of the terms ``reasonable accommodation'' or
``record of impairment'' under the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) or the rights or remedies provided under
such Act. | Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower Act of 2016 or the RISE Act of 2016 This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to set forth requirements about data collection related to students with disabilities. Specifically, the bill requires institutions of higher learning to outline which documents disabled students need to submit in order to ensure they are eligible for student disability support services. Institutions must submit key data related to their undergraduate students with disabilities for inclusion in federal postsecondary institution data collection efforts. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "RISE Act of 2016"} | 1,055 | 104 | 0.503031 | 1.330844 | 0.539068 | 2.473118 | 9.795699 | 0.752688 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Universal Prekindergarten Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) High-quality prekindergarten programs help children to
succeed academically. Children who attended a high-quality
prekindergarten program have higher academic achievement, lower
rates of grade retention, are less likely to be placed in
special education, and graduate from high school at higher
rates than those who did not.
(2) Early childhood education can reduce juvenile
delinquency rates. A 15-year study following 989 low-income
children who attended high-quality, comprehensive
prekindergarten found that they were 33 percent less likely to
be arrested, and 42 percent less likely to be arrested for a
violent crime, than children in the control group.
(3) There is currently a drastic shortage of affordable,
quality early education programs that are accessible for
working families.
(4) Full-day, full-calendar-year universal prekindergarten
programs would ensure all children 3, 4, and 5 years old have
access to school readiness programs and quality child care.
(5) Research shows that investing in quality
prekindergarten programs will provide savings in the form of
reduced need for remedial education, decreased crime rates,
lower school dropout rates, and decreased welfare dependence.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to ensure that all
children 3, 4, and 5 years old have access to a high-quality full-day,
full-calendar-year prekindergarten program by providing grants to
States to assist in developing a universal prekindergarten program that
is voluntary and free-of-charge.
SEC. 3. PREKINDERGARTEN GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with
the Secretary of Education, shall provide grants to an agency
designated by each State (hereafter in this Act referred to as the
``designated State agency'') for the development of high-quality full-
day, full-calendar-year universal prekindergarten programs for all
children 3, 4, and 5 years old in the State.
SEC. 4. STATE REQUIREMENTS.
(a) State Matching Funds.--Federal funds made available to a
designated State agency under this Act shall be matched at least 20
percent by State funds.
(b) State Application.--To be eligible to receive funds under this
Act, a designated State agency shall submit an application at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
of Health and Human Services may require. The application shall include
the following:
(1) How the designated State agency, in overseeing the
State's universal prekindergarten program, will coordinate with
other State agencies responsible for early childhood education
and health programs.
(2) A State plan to establish and implement a statewide
universal prekindergarten program, in accordance with
subsection (c).
(c) State Plan.--The State plan required under subsection (b)(2)
shall include each of the following:
(1) A description of the universal prekindergarten program
that will be established and how it will support children's
cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
(2) A statement of the goals for universal prekindergarten
programs and how program outcomes will be measured.
(3) A description of--
(A) how funding will be distributed to eligible
prekindergarten program providers based on the need for
early childhood education in each geographical area
served by such providers; and
(B) how the designated State agency will involve
representatives of early childhood program providers
(including child care providers, Head Start programs,
and State and local agencies) that sponsor programs
addressing children 3, 4, and 5 years old.
(4) A description of how the designated State agency will
coordinate with existing State-funded prekindergarten programs,
federally funded programs (such as Head Start programs), public
school programs, and child care providers.
(5) A description of how an eligible prekindergarten
program provider may apply to the designated State agency for
funding under this Act.
(6) A plan to address the shortages of qualified early
childhood education teachers, including how to increase such
teachers' compensation to be comparable to that of public
school teachers.
(7) How the designated State agency will provide ongoing
professional development opportunities to help increase the
number of teachers in early childhood programs who meet the
State's education or credential requirements for
prekindergarten teachers.
(8) A plan to address how the universal prekindergarten
program will meet the needs of children with disabilities,
limited English proficiency, and other special needs.
(9) A plan to provide transportation to children to and
from the universal prekindergarten program.
(10) A description of how the State will provide the 20
percent match of Federal funds.
(d) Administration.--A designated State agency may not use more
than 5 percent of a grant under this Act for costs associated with
State administration of the program under this Act.
SEC. 5. LOCAL REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--An eligible prekindergarten program provider
receiving funding under this Act shall--
(1) maintain a maximum class size of 20 children;
(2) maintain a ratio of not more than 10 children for each
member of the teaching staff;
(3)(A) ensure that all prekindergarten teachers meet the
requirements for teachers at a State-funded prekindergarten
program under an applicable State law; and
(B) document that the State is demonstrating significant
progress in assisting prekindergarten teachers on working
toward a bachelor of arts degree with training in early
childhood development or early childhood education;
(4)(A) be accredited by a national organization with
demonstrated experience in accrediting prekindergarten
programs; or
(B) provide assurances that it shall obtain such
accreditation not later than 3 years after first receiving
funding under this Act; and
(5) meet applicable State and local child care licensing
health and safety standards.
(b) Local Application.--Eligible prekindergarten program providers
desiring to receive funding under this Act shall submit an application
to the designated State agency overseeing funds under this Act
containing the following:
(1) A description of the prekindergarten program.
(2) A statement of the demonstrated need for a program, or
an enhanced or expanded program, in the area served by the
eligible prekindergarten program provider.
(3) A description of the age-appropriate and
developmentally appropriate educational curriculum to be
provided that will help children be ready for school and assist
them in the transition to kindergarten.
(4) A description of how the eligible prekindergarten
program provider will collaborate with existing community-based
child care providers and Head Start programs.
(5) A description of how students and families will be
assisted in obtaining supportive services available in their
communities.
(6) A plan to promote parental involvement in the
prekindergarten program.
(7) A description of how teachers will receive ongoing
professional development in early childhood development and
education.
(8) An assurance that prekindergarten programs receiving
funds under this Act provide the data required in section 7(c).
SEC. 6. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SET-ASIDE.
(a) In General.--A designated State agency may set aside up to 5
percent of a grant under this Act for ongoing professional development
activities for teachers and staff at prekindergarten programs that wish
to participate in the universal prekindergarten grant program under
this Act. A designated State agency using the set-aside for
professional development must include in its application the following:
(1) A description of how the designated State agency will
ensure that eligible prekindergarten program providers in a
range of settings (including child care providers, Head Start
programs, and schools) will participate in the professional
development programs.
(2) An assurance that, in developing its application and in
carrying out its program, the professional development provider
has consulted, and will consult, with relevant agencies, early
childhood organizations, early childhood education experts, and
early childhood program providers.
(3) A description of how the designated State agency will
ensure that the professional development is ongoing and
accessible to educators in all geographic areas of the State,
including by the use of advanced educational technologies.
(4) A description of how the designated State agency will
ensure that such set-aside funds will be used to pay the cost
of additional education and training.
(5) A description of how the designated State agency will
work with other agencies and institutions of higher education
to provide scholarships and other financial assistance to
prekindergarten staff.
(6) A description of how the State educational agency will
provide a financial incentive, such as a financial stipend or a
bonus, to educators who participate in and complete such
professional development.
(7) A description of how the professional development
activities will be carried out, including the following:
(A) How programs and educators will be selected to
participate.
(B) How professional development providers will be
selected, based on demonstrated experience in providing
research-based professional development to early
childhood educators.
(C) The types of research-based professional
development activities that will be carried out in all
domains of children's physical, cognitive, social, and
emotional development and on early childhood pedagogy.
(D) How the program will train early childhood
educators to meet the diverse educational needs of
children in the community, especially children who have
limited English proficiency, disabilities, and other
special needs.
(E) How the program will coordinate with and build
upon, but not supplant or duplicate, early childhood
education professional development activities that
exist in the community.
(b) Uses of Funds.--Funds set aside under this section may be used
for ongoing professional development--
(1) to provide prekindergarten teachers and staff with the
knowledge and skills for the application of recent research on
child cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development,
including language and literacy development, and on early
childhood pedagogy;
(2) to provide the cost of education needed to obtain a
credential or degree with specific training in early childhood
development or education;
(3) to work with children who have limited English
proficiency, disabilities, and other special needs; and
(4) to select and use developmentally appropriate screening
and diagnostic assessments to improve teaching and learning and
make appropriate referrals for services to support
prekindergarten children's development and learning.
SEC. 7. REPORTING.
(a) Report by Secretary.--For each year in which funding is
provided under this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall submit an annual report to the Congress on the implementation and
effectiveness of the universal prekindergarten program under this Act.
(b) Report by Designated State Agency.--Each designated State
agency that provides grants to eligible prekindergarten program
providers under this Act shall submit to the Secretary an annual report
on the implementation and effectiveness of the programs in the State
supported under this Act. Such report shall contain such additional
information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
(c) Report by Grant Recipient.--Each eligible prekindergarten
program provider that receives a grant under this Act shall submit to
the designated State agency an annual report that includes, with
respect to the program supported by such grant, the following:
(1) A description of the type of program and a statement of
the number and ages of children served by the program, as well
as the number and ages of children with a disability or a
native language other than English.
(2) A description of the qualifications of the program
staff and the type of ongoing professional development provided
to such staff.
(3) A statement of all sources of Federal, State, local,
and private funds received by the program.
(4) A description of the curricula, materials, and
activities used by the program to support early childhood
development and learning.
(5) Such other information as the designated State agency
may reasonably require.
SEC. 8. FEDERAL FUNDS SUPPLEMENTARY.
Funds made available under this Act may not be used to supplant
other Federal, State, local, or private funds that would, in the
absence of such Federal funds, be made available for the program
assisted under this Act.
SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) The term ``eligible prekindergarten program provider''
means a prekindergarten program provider that is--
(A) a school;
(B) supported, sponsored, supervised, or carried
out by a local educational agency;
(C) a Head Start program; or
(D) a child care provider.
(2) The term ``prekindergarten program'' means a program
serving children 3, 4, and 5 years old that supports children's
cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development and
helps prepare those children for the transition to
kindergarten.
(3) The term ``local educational agency'' has the meaning
given that term in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.).
(4) The term ``prekindergarten teacher'' means an
individual who has received, or is working toward, a bachelor
of arts degree in early childhood education.
SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act--
(1) $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2003;
(2) $20,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
(3) $30,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
(4) $40,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2006; and
(5) $50,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2007. | Universal Prekindergarten Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to a designated State agency for development of universal prekindergaten programs for all children three, four, and five years old in the State.
Requires the State to: (1) match Federal funds by at least 20 percent; and (2) submit a State plan to establish, coordinate, and implement a statewide universal prekindergarten program. Authorizes State agencies to set aside up to five percent of a grant for ongoing professional development activities for teachers and staff of prekindergarten programs that wish to participate. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To assist States in establishing a universal prekindergarten program to ensure that all children 3, 4, and 5 years old have access to a high-quality full-day, full-calendar-year prekindergarten education."} | 2,818 | 128 | 0.557389 | 1.519771 | 0.676321 | 3.218182 | 25.554545 | 0.927273 |
SECTION 1. REDUCTION IN LIMITATION AMOUNT APPLICABLE TO CONTRIBUTIONS
BY A MULTICANDIDATE POLITICAL COMMITTEE TO A HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CANDIDATE.
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 in the case of an election for the office of
Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the
Congress, the limitation shall be $1,000.''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GENERAL ELECTION
CONTRIBUTIONS IN NONELECTION YEARS.
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) A candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate
or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress may not solicit or accept any
contribution in an odd-numbered year with respect to a general election
for such office or any primary election relating to the general
election.''.
SEC. 3. BAN ON SOFT MONEY.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``limitations and reporting requirements for amounts paid for mixed
political activities
``Sec. 323. (a) Any payment by the national committee of a
political party or a State committee of a political party for a mixed
political activity--
``(1) shall be subject to limitation and reporting under
this Act as if such payment were an expenditure; and
``(2) may be paid only from an account that is subject to
the requirements of this Act.
``(b) As used in this section, the term `mixed political activity'
means, with respect to a payment by the national committee of a
political party or a State committee of a political party, an activity,
such as a voter registration program, a get-out-the-vote drive, or
general political advertising, that is both (1) for the purpose of
influencing an election for Federal office, and (2) for any purpose
unrelated to influencing an election for Federal office.''.
(b) Repeal of Building Fund Exception to the Definition of the Term
``Contribution''.--Section 301(8)(B) of the Federal Election Campaign
Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431(8)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking out clause (viii); and
(2) by redesignating clauses (ix) through (xiv) as clauses
(viii) through (xiii), respectively.
SEC. 4. VOLUNTARY EXPENDITURE LIMITATION FOR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ELECTIONS.
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) In such form and manner as the Commission may prescribe, each
candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident
Commissioner to, the Congress in a general election or a primary
election for such office shall be given the opportunity to comply with
a voluntary expenditure limitation of $500,000 with respect to the
general election and any primary election relating to the general
election. In the case of a candidate who declines to comply with the
voluntary limitation, the limitation under subsection (a)(1)(A) shall
be $250.''.
SEC. 5. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ELECTION LIMITATION ON CONTRIBUTIONS
FROM PERSONS OTHER THAN IN-STATE RESIDENTS.
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)(1) A candidate for the office of 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 residents totaling in excess of one-
half of the total of contributions accepted with respect to the
reporting period.
``(2) As used in this subsection, the term `in-State resident'
means an individual who resides in the State in which the congressional
district involved is located.''.
SEC. 6. PROHIBITION OF FRANKED MASS MAILINGS BY MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES IN ELECTION YEARS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, or any rule or other
authority, a Member of the House of Representatives may not make any
franked mass mailing in an even-numbered year. As used in this
section--
(1) the term ``mass mailing'' has the meaning given that
term in section 3210 of title 39, United States Code; and
(2) the term ``Member of the House of Representatives''
means a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident
Commissioner to, the Congress.
SEC. 7. ELIMINATION OF CARRY-OVER OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS BETWEEN HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES ELECTIONS.
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) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, if after
satisfying all financial obligations with respect to a general election
and any primary election relating to the general election, a candidate
for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident
Commissioner to, the Congress has a campaign account balance, the
candidate shall return the excess funds to contributors or, at the
option of the candidate, donate the excess funds to charity. No excess
funds may be carried forward or used for any other purpose.''. | Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the amount of contributions that a multicandidate political committee (PAC) may make to a House of Representatives candidate.
Prohibits House general election contributions in nonelection years.
Sets forth: (1) limitations and reporting requirements for amounts paid for mixed political activities ("soft money"); (2) voluntary expenditure limitations for House elections; and (3) House contribution limitations from persons other than in-State residents.
Prohibits election-year franked mass mailings by House members.
Requires House members to return or give to charity unused campaign funds. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to lower the maximum amount of contributions a multicandidate political committee may make to a House of Representatives candidate, and for other purposes."} | 1,398 | 131 | 0.555637 | 1.50299 | 0.602824 | 3.260504 | 9.915966 | 0.890756 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Oregon National Forest
Administrative Site Disposal Act''.
SEC. 2. DISPOSAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE SITES, NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS,
OREGON.
(a) Conveyance Authority.--The Secretary of Agriculture (in this
section referred to as the ``Secretary'') may sell or exchange, under
such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, any or all
right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the following
National Forest System lands and improvements thereon located in the
Rogue River, Siskiyou, Siuslaw, Umpqua, and Willamette National Forests
in the State of Oregon:
(1) Tract ror-a.--Star Gulch Complex, Jacksonville, Oregon,
consisting of approximately 2.25 acres in the north half of
section 28, township 39 south, range 3 west, Willamette
meridian, and containing the Star Gulch complex buildings of
the Applegate Ranger District.
(2) Tract ror-b.--Butte Falls Houses, Butte Falls, Oregon,
consisting of approximately 0.50 acres in the S1/2NE1/4 of
section 10, township 35 south, range 2 east, Willamette
meridian, and containing those Forest lands in the Butte Falls
Ranger District associated with Butte Falls Houses.
(3) Tract sis-a.--Old Agness Guard Station, Agness, Oregon,
consisting of approximately 2.5 acres in the SE1/4, NE1/4, Lot
14, of section 7, township 35 south, range 11 west, Willamette
meridian, and containing those Forest lands in the Gold Beach
Ranger District and associated administrative buildings at the
Old Agness Guard Station.
(4) Tract sis-b.--Chetco Ranger District Housing Complex,
Brookings, Oregon, consisting of approximately 1.5 acres in the
SW1/4, Block 29, of section 5, township 41 south, range 13
west, Willamette meridian, and containing the Chetco Ranger
District and the associated housing complex.
(5) Tract sis-c.--Daycare center on Wallace Street in Gold
Beach, Oregon, consisting of approximately 0.25 acres.
(6) Tract sis-d.--Powers South Work Center, Powers, Oregon,
consisting of approximately 1.59 acres in the east 1/2 of
section 13, township 31 south, range 12 west, Willamette
meridian, and containing the South Compound site and associated
administrative buildings.
(7) Tract siu-b.--Gardiner Administrative Site, Gardiner,
Oregon, consisting of approximately 3.4 acres in the NW1/4NE1/4
of section 22, township 21 south, range 12 west, Willamette
meridian, and containing the Gardiner Administrative Site and
the associated administrative buildings.
(8) Tract siu-c.--Waldport Administrative Site, Waldport,
Oregon, consisting of approximately 6.65 acres in the SW1/4SW1/
4 of section 19, township 13 south, range 11 west, and the SE1/
4SE1/4 of section 24, township 13 south, range 12 west,
Willamette meridian, and containing the Waldport Administrative
Site and the associated administrative buildings.
(9) Tract ump-a.--Roseburg Service Center Administrative
Site, Roseburg, Oregon, consisting of approximately 2.92 acres
in the NE\1/4\NW\1/4\ of section 20, township 27 south, range 5
west, Umpqua meridian.
(10) Tract ump-b.--Roseburg Powder House Administrative
Site, Roseburg, Oregon, consisting of approximately 1.34 acres
in section 15, township 27 south, range 5 west, Umpqua
meridian.
(11) Tract ump-c.--Brown Street Residence Administrative
Site, Glide, Oregon, consisting of approximately 2.35 acres in
the E\1/2\NW\1/4\ of section 19, township 26 south, range 3
west, Umpqua meridian.
(12) Tract wil-a.--Blue River Administrative Site, Blue
River, Oregon, consisting of approximately 31.91 acres in the
SW1/4S1/2 of section 28, township 16 south, range 4 east,
Willamette meridian, and containing the upper portion of the
Blue River Ranger District Compound and the associated
administrative buildings.
(13) Tract wil-b.--Hemlock Houses, Westfir, Oregon,
consisting of approximately 6 acres in section 12, township 21
south, range 2 east, Willamette meridian, and containing those
lands in Lot 2 associated with the Hemlock Houses.
(14) Tract wil-c.--Flat Creek Administrative Site,
Oakridge, Oregon, consisting of approximately 45 acres in the
NW1/4 of section 14, township 21 south, range 3 east,
Willamette meridian, and containing the Rigdon Ranger District
Compound and the associated administrative buildings.
(15) Tract wil-d.--Subject to section 3, Rigdon
Administrative Site, Oakridge, Oregon, consisting of
approximately 15 acres in the NE1/4NE1/4 of section 21,
township 21 south, range 3 east, Willamette meridian, and
containing the Rigdon Ranger District Compound and the
associated administrative buildings.
(16) Tract wil-f.--Cascadia Administrative Site, Sweet
Home, Oregon, consisting of approximately 15 acres in the SE1/4
of section 36, township 13 south, range 2 east, Willamette
meridian, and containing the Cascadia Administrative Site and
the associated administrative buildings.
(17) Tract wil-o.--Willamette National Forest Warehouse
Administrative Site, Eugene, Oregon, consisting of
approximately 2.4 acres in the NW1/4SE1/4 of section 25,
township 17 south, range 4 west, Willamette meridian, and
containing the Willamette National Forest Warehouse
Administrative Site and the associated administrative
buildings.
(18) Tract wil-p.--Westfir Residences, Westfir, Oregon,
consisting of approximately 20 acres in the NW1/4SW1/4 of
section 8, township 21 south, range 3 east, Willamette
meridian, and containing those lands associated with the
Westfir Residences of a community nature.
(b) Maps and Correction Authority.--The lands described in
subsection (a) (other than in paragraphs (9), (10), and (11) of such
subsection) are depicted on maps entitled ``Oregon Land Dispositions''
and dated June 30, 2003. The lands described in paragraphs (9), (10),
and (11) of such subsection, Tracts UMP-A, UMP-B, and UMP-C, are
depicted on the map entitled ``Umpqua National Forest Land
Dispositions'' and dated June 1, 2003. The maps shall be on file and
available for public inspection in the office of the Chief of the
Forest Service until such time as the lands are conveyed. The Secretary
may make minor corrections to the maps and may modify the descriptions
in subsection (a) to correct errors or to reconfigure the lands to
facilitate their conveyance.
(c) Consideration.--
(1) Authorized consideration.--Consideration for the
conveyance of land described in subsection (a) may include
cash, land, including land with improvements constructed to the
specifications of the Secretary, or a combination thereof.
(2) Conveyances to public entities.--The Secretary may
convey, without consideration, to the State of Oregon or a
local government for public purposes any or all right, title
and interest of the United States in and to land described in
subsection (a). The conveyance of land without consideration
under this paragraph shall be subject to such terms,
conditions, and restrictions as the Secretary considers
appropriate, and the Secretary shall include in the deed of
conveyance a right of the United States to reenter and take
title to the land if the land is sold or conveyed to another
party or is devoted to a use other than the use for which the
land was conveyed.
(3) Authorization of direct sale.--In the case of the land
described in paragraph (17) of subsection (a), Tract WIL-O, the
Secretary shall grant the Eugene Mission the right to acquire
the land in a direct sale for market value.
(d) Conveyance Methods.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may convey land under
subsection (a) at public or private sale, including competitive
sale by auction, bid, or otherwise, in accordance with such
terms, conditions, and procedures as the Secretary determines
will be in the best interests of the United States.
(2) Solicitations of offers.--The Secretary may solicit
offers for the conveyance of land under subsection (a) on such
terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate.
The Secretary may reject any offer if the Secretary determines
that the offer is not adequate or not in the public interest.
(3) Use of brokers.--The Secretary may use real estate
brokers in the conveyance of lands under subsection (a), and
may pay appropriate commissions commensurate with the
prevailing rates in the area.
(e) Valuation.--Any appraisal considered necessary by the Secretary
to convey land described in subsection (a) shall conform to the Uniform
Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions.
(f) Cash Equalization Payments.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary may accept a cash equalization payment
in excess of 25 percent of the value of any land conveyed by exchange
under authority of subsection (a).
(g) Deposit and Treatment of Proceeds.--The Secretary shall deposit
the proceeds from the conveyance of the land described in subsection
(a) in the fund established under Public Law 90-171 (commonly known as
the ``Sisk Act''; 16 U.S.C. 484a). No portion of the proceeds may be
paid or distributed to the State of Oregon or a county in the State
under any provision of law, and the proceeds are not moneys received
from the National Forest for any purpose.
(h) Use of Deposited Funds.--
(1) Authorized uses.--Funds deposited pursuant to
subsection (g) shall be available to the Secretary, without
further appropriation and until expended, for the following
purposes:
(A) The acquisition of land and interests in land
for inclusion in a unit of the National Forest System
specified in subsection (a).
(B) The payment or reimbursement of costs incurred
by the Forest Service in processing and arranging
conveyances under this section, including the payment
of real estate broker commissions authorized under
subsection (d).
(C) The acquisition or construction of new
facilities, or the rehabilitation of existing
facilities, in a unit of the National Forest System
specified in subsection (a).
(2) Land acquisition.--The use of the land acquisition
authority provided by paragraph (1)(A) is subject to the
following conditions:
(A) The amount available for expenditure in each
unit of the National Forest System referred to in
subsection (a) shall be equal to the amount derived
from the conveyance of land described in such
subsection in that unit, reduced by any costs incurred
by the Forest Service in processing those conveyances.
(B) Funds derived from conveyances under this
section may be used for the acquisition of lands and
interests in land in other units of the National Forest
System in Oregon if the Regional Forester for Region 6
agrees to such use.
(3) Administration of lands acquired by the united
states.--Lands acquired by the Secretary under this subsection
or acquired by exchange under this section shall be managed in
accordance with the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the
Weeks Act; 16 U.S.C. 480 et seq.), and other laws and
regulations pertaining to the National Forest System.
(i) Departmental Regulations.--The Agriculture Property Management
Regulations shall not apply to any action taken pursuant to this
section.
(j) Withdrawals and Revocations.--
(1) Public land orders.--Effective as of the date of the
enactment of this Act, any public land orders applicable to the
land described in subsection (a) are revoked with respect to
that lands.
(2) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, land
described in subsection (a) are withdrawn from location, entry,
and patent under the mining laws of the United States.
SEC. 3. LAND CONVEYANCE, PORTION OF RIGDON ADMINISTRATIVE SITE,
OAKRIDGE, OREGON, TRACT WIL-D.
(a) Conveyance Required.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
convey, without consideration, to the City of Oakridge, Oregon (in the
section referred to as the ``City)'', all right, title, and interest of
the United States in and to the lower portion of the land described in
section 2(a)(15), Tract WIL-D, for the purpose of facilitating the
establishment of a timber museum on the conveyed land to be managed by
the Upper Willamette Pioneer Association.
(b) Legal Description.--The portion of Tract WIL-D to be conveyed
to the City under this section is located generally west of Rigdon
Drive, but the Secretary shall determine the exact acreage and
description of the land to be conveyed. The conveyed land may not
include the five residential properties on the upper portion of Tract
WIL-D, generally located northeast of the intersection of Highway 58
and Rigdon Drive.
(c) Condition of Conveyance.--As a condition of the conveyance
under this section, the City and the Upper Willamette Pioneer
Association shall agree to honor the life and contributions of Loran L.
``Stub'' Stewart with an appropriate display in the museum established
on the conveyed property.
SEC. 4. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT, ROGUE-UMPQUA DIVIDE WILDERNESS, OREGON.
(a) Boundary Adjustment.--The Rogue-Umpqua Divide wilderness
boundary, as established by the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984 (Public
Law 98-328; 98 Stat. 273; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note) and approved by the
Forest Service on May 4, 1987, is adjusted as depicted on the map
entitled ``Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness Boundary Modification'' and
dated May 6, 2003. The adjustment is more fully described as follows:
(1) Beginning at township 30 south, range 3 east,
Willamette base and meridian, from Angle Point 927 of the legal
boundary description monumented with a 2 inch diameter brass
cap, set in cement, marked ``USDA FOREST SERVICE AP 927 2001''.
(2) Thence north 63 deg.39'34'' east, 3700.00 feet to new
Angle Point 927B.
(3) Thence south 84 deg.20'00'' east, 360.00 feet to new
Angle Point 927C.
(4) Thence on a line northeasterly, approximately 330 feet,
to original Angle Point 928, which is monumented with a 1-1/2
inch diameter aluminum cap, on a 5/8 diameter rod driven flush
with the ground, marked ``AP 928 1999''.
(5) Thence north 23 deg.00'00'' west, 175.00 feet to new
Angle Point 928A.
(6) Thence on a line northeasterly, 1260 feet, more or
less, to original Angle Point 929, which is described in the
legal boundary description as ``A high point on a ridge'' in
section 7, township 30 south, range 3 east, Willamette base and
meridian, with an elevation of approximately 4150 feet.
(b) Map.--The map referred to in subsection (a) shall be on file
and available for public inspection in the office of the Chief of the
Forest Service. The Secretary of Agriculture may correct technical
errors in the map and legal description specified in subsection (a). | Oregon National Forest Administrative Site Disposal Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange any or all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to specified National Forest System lands, and improvements on those lands, located in the Rogue River, Siskiyou, Siuslaw, Umpqua, and Williamette National Forests in Oregon.
Allows the Secretary to convey, without consideration, any or all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to such land to the State of Oregon or a local government for public purposes.
Grants the Eugene Mission the first right to acquire certain of such land in a direct sale for market value.
Allows the Secretary to accept a cash equalization payment exceeding 25 percent of the value of any such land conveyed by exchange as directed above.
Provides for the deposit and treatment of the proceeds from the conveyance of all such land. Describes the authorized uses of deposited funds.
Revokes any public land orders applicable to such land. Withdraws such land from location, entry, and patent under the U.S. mining laws.
Directs the Secretary to convey, without consideration, certain of such land to the city of Oakridge, Oregon, to facilitate the establishment of a timber museum on such land to be managed by the Upper Williamette Pioneer Association.
Adjusts the the Rogue-Umpqua Divide wilderness boundary as identified on the "Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness Boundary Modification" map, dated May 6, 2003.
. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for the disposal of certain Forest Service administrative sites in the State of Oregon, and for other purposes."} | 3,632 | 330 | 0.499541 | 1.792022 | 0.746371 | 4.34629 | 10.689046 | 0.918728 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ocean Energy Safety and Technology
Improvement Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. PRIORITY IN PERMITTING FOR NEW SAFETY-ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) Exploration Plans and Permits.--Section 11 of the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1340) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(g) In considering exploration plans and applications for permits
and other authorizations required under this section, the Secretary may
give priority to reviewing and processing plans and applications that
use, develop, or demonstrate new safety-enhancing technologies.''.
(b) Development and Production Plans and Permits.--Section 25 of
such Act (43 U.S.C. 1351) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(m) In considering exploration plans and applications for permits
and other authorizations required under this section, the Secretary may
give priority to reviewing and processing plans and applications that
use, develop, or demonstrate new safety-enhancing technologies.''.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF A SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 31. ESTABLISHMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a small business
innovation research program or small business technology transfer
program, or both, in accordance with this section to broaden
participation by smaller industry participants in the development of
safer technologies for offshore oil and gas exploration and
development.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section each of the terms `small
business innovation research program' and `small business technology
transfer program' has the meaning given such term in section 9(e) of
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(e)), as in effect on the date of
the enactment of the Ocean Energy Safety and Technology Improvement Act
of 2013.''.
SEC. 4. OCEAN ENERGY SAFETY INSTITUTE.
(a) In General.--The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C.
1331 et seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 32. OCEAN ENERGY SAFETY INSTITUTE.
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an
independent Ocean Energy Safety Institute (in this section
referred to as the `Institute') to enhance safe and responsible
operations across the offshore oil and gas industry.
``(2) Form.--The Secretary may establish the Institute as--
``(A) a federally funded research and development
center through an agreement in accordance with Federal
Acquisition Regulation 35.017-1; or
``(B) a university-affiliated research center
managed by an institution of higher education.
``(3) Collaboration.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
Institute is a collaborative initiative involving government,
academia, and scientific experts.
``(b) Functions.--The Institute shall--
``(1) develop a program of research, technical assistance,
and education that serves as a center of expertise in oil and
gas exploration, development, and production technology;
``(2) provide a forum for dialogue, shared learning, and
cooperative research among academia, government, industry, and
other nongovernmental organizations, in offshore energy-related
technologies and activities that ensure safe and
environmentally responsible offshore oil and gas exploration,
development, and production operations;
``(3) serve as a technical center that captures and
preserves knowledge and experience to improve such operations;
``(4) provide recommendations and technical assistance to
the Secretary related to the determination of best available
and safest technology and environmentally sound offshore oil
and gas development practices;
``(5) evaluate design, test protocols, and test results on
behalf of the Secretary to certify new best available and
safest technologies for such operations that have health,
safety, or environment ramifications;
``(6) facilitate training of Federal workers on
identification and verification of best available and safest
technology, and implementation of operational improvements, in
the areas of offshore drilling safety and environmental
protection, blowout containment, and oil spill response;
``(7) develop and maintain a domestic and international
equipment failure reporting system and database of critical
offshore oil and gas operations equipment failures related to
well control;
``(8) provide recommendations and technical assistance
related to geological and geophysical sciences relevant to
understanding the technical challenges of offshore oil and gas
operations; and
``(9) provide knowledgeable independent assessments
concerning technology maturity, suitability, and cost.
``(c) Funding.--
``(1) Fee.--The Secretary shall issue regulations to
establish an annual nonproducing lease fee with respect to
areas of the outer Continental Shelf that are subject to a
lease under this Act for production of oil or natural gas under
which production is not occurring.
``(2) Application.--Such fee shall apply with respect to
land that is subject to such a lease that is in effect on the
date final regulations are promulgated under this subsection or
that is issued thereafter.
``(3) Amount.--The amount of the fee shall be $1 for each
acre of such land from which oil or natural gas is produced for
less than 90 days in a calendar year.
``(4) Assessment and collection.--The Secretary shall
assess and collect the fee established under this subsection.
``(5) Use.--Amounts received by the United States as the
fee under this subsection may be used by the Secretary for
operations of the Institute.
``(6) Preventing evasion.--The Secretary may include in the
regulations provisions to prevent evasion of the fee.
``(d) Reporting and Meetings.--The Institute shall provide a report
to the Secretary on all Institute activities on a quarterly basis, and
conduct an in-person meeting with the Secretary or the Secretary's
designees at least once each year.''.
(b) Deadline for Fee Regulations.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall issue regulations establishing the fee under the amendment made
by subsection (a) within 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act. | Ocean Energy Safety and Technology Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, with respect to the consideration of permits for geological explorations and development and production, to allow the Secretary of the Interior to give priority to reviewing and processing plans and applications that use, develop, or demonstrate new safety-enhancing technologies. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a small business innovation research program or technology transfer program, or both, to broaden participation in the development of safer technologies for offshore oil and gas exploration and development; and (2) an Ocean Energy Safety Institute, as a collaborative federally funded research and development center or university-affiliated research center, to enhance safe and responsible operations across the offshore oil and gas industry. Funds operations of the Institute through an annual fee applicable to areas of the outer Continental Shelf subject to an oil or gas lease under which production is not occurring. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Ocean Energy Safety and Technology Improvement Act of 2013"} | 1,400 | 187 | 0.657836 | 1.825136 | 0.818506 | 4.891429 | 7.234286 | 0.96 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Secure Authentication Feature and
Enhanced Identification Defense Act of 2003'' or ``SAFE ID Act''.
SEC. 2. FRAUD AND FALSE STATEMENTS.
(a) Offenses.--Section 1028(a) of title 18, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, authentication
feature,'' after ``an identification document'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``, authentication feature,''
after ``an identification document''; and
(B) by inserting ``or feature'' after ``such
document'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, authentication
features,'' after ``possessor)'';
(4) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by inserting ``, authentication feature,''
after ``possessor)''; and
(B) by inserting ``or feature'' after ``such
document'';
(5) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``or authentication
feature'' after ``implement'' each place that term appears;
(6) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by inserting ``or authentication feature''
before ``that is or appears'';
(B) by inserting ``or authentication feature''
before ``of the United States'';
(C) by inserting ``or feature'' after ``such
document''; and
(D) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(7) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``or'' after the
semicolon; and
(8) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
``(8) knowingly traffics in false authentication features
for use in false identification documents, document-making
implements, or means of identification;''.
(b) Penalties.--Section 1028(b) of title 18, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by inserting ``, authentication
feature,'' before ``or false''; and
(ii) in clause (i), by inserting ``or
authentication feature'' after ``document'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``,
authentication features,'' before ``or false''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``, authentication
feature,'' before ``or a false''.
(c) Circumstances.--Section 1028(c)(1) of title 18, United States
Code, is amended by inserting ``, authentication feature,'' before ``or
false'' each place that term appears.
(d) Definitions.--Section 1028(d) of title 18, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5),
(6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (7), (8), (9),
(10), and (11), respectively;
(2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the
following:
``(1) the term `authentication feature' means any hologram,
watermark, certification, symbol, code, image, sequence of
numbers or letters, or other feature that either individually
or in combination with another feature is used by the issuing
authority on an identification document, document-making
implement, or means of identification to determine if the
document is counterfeit, altered, or otherwise falsified;'';
(3) in paragraph (4)(A), as redesignated, by inserting ``or
was issued under the authority of a governmental entity but was
subsequently altered for purposes of deceit'' after ``entity'';
(4) by inserting after paragraph (4), as redesignated, the
following:
``(5) the term `false authentication feature' means an
authentication feature that--
``(A) is genuine in origin, but, without the
authorization of the issuing authority, has been
tampered with or altered for purposes of deceit;
``(B) is genuine, but has been distributed, or is
intended for distribution, without the authorization of
the issuing authority and not in connection with a
lawfully made identification document, document-making
implement, or means of identification to which such
authentication feature is intended to be affixed or
embedded by the respective issuing authority; or
``(C) appears to be genuine, but is not;
``(6) the term `issuing authority'--
``(A) means any governmental entity or agency that
is authorized to issue identification documents, means
of identification, or authentication features; and
``(B) includes the United States Government, a
State, a political subdivision of a State, a foreign
government, a political subdivision of a foreign
government, or an international government or quasi-
governmental organization;'';
(5) in paragraph (10), as redesignated, by striking ``and''
at the end;
(6) in paragraph (11), as redesignated, by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(12) the term `traffic' means--
``(A) to transport, transfer, or otherwise dispose
of, to another, as consideration for anything of value;
or
``(B) to make or obtain control of with intent to
so transport, transfer, or otherwise dispose of.''.
(e) Additional Penalties.--Section 1028 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
``(h) Forfeiture; Disposition.--In the circumstance in which any
person is convicted of a violation of subsection (a), the court shall
order, in addition to the penalty prescribed, the forfeiture and
destruction or other disposition of all illicit authentication
features, identification documents, document-making implements, or
means of identification.''.
(f) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--Section 1028 of title 18,
United States Code, is amended in the heading by inserting ``,
authentication features,'' after ``documents''. | Secure Authentication Feature and Enhanced Identification Defense Act of 2003 (SAFE ID Act) - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly trafficking in false authentication features for use in false identification documents, document-making implements, or means of identification.Directs the court, in addition to any penalty prescribed for fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents and information, to order the forfeiture and destruction or other disposition of all illicit authentication features, identification documents, document-making implements, or means of identification. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to prohibit fraud and related activity in connection with authentication features, and for other purposes."} | 1,431 | 112 | 0.557346 | 1.356183 | 0.944749 | 4.948454 | 14.092784 | 0.907216 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Energy and Water Research
Integration Act''.
SEC. 2. ENERGY AND WATER RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall assess each of the
energy research, development, and demonstration programs and projects
of the Department of Energy and identify those programs and projects
into which it is appropriate to integrate water considerations. In
carrying out this section the Secretary shall, as appropriate--
(1) seek to advance energy and energy efficiency
technologies and practices that would--
(A) minimize freshwater withdrawal and consumption;
(B) increase water use efficiency; and
(C) utilize nontraditional water sources with
efforts to improve the quality of that water;
(2) consider the effects climate variability and change may
have on water supplies and quality for energy generation and
fuel production; and
(3) improve understanding of the energy required to provide
water supplies and the water required to provide reliable
energy supplies throughout the United States.
(b) Strategic Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall develop a
Strategic Plan (in this section referred to as the ``Strategic
Plan'') outlining the research, development, and demonstration
needs for the programs and projects identified under subsection
(a), in accordance with subsections (a) through (c) of this
section, as appropriate.
(2) Milestones and specific considerations.--In carrying
out the development and updating of the Strategic Plan in
accordance with this subsection, the Secretary shall evaluate
and, as appropriate, establish technical milestones for--
(A) new advanced cooling technologies for energy
generation and fuel production technologies;
(B) performance improvement of existing cooling
technologies and cost reductions associated with using
those technologies;
(C) innovative water reuse, recovery, and treatment
in energy generation and fuel production;
(D) technology development for carbon capture and
storage systems that utilize efficient water use design
strategies;
(E) technologies that are life-cycle cost
effective;
(F) systems analysis and modeling of issues
relating to the energy required to provide water
supplies and the water required to provide reliable
energy supplies throughout the United States;
(G) technologies to treat and utilize produced
waters discharged from oil, natural gas, coalbed
methane, and mining activities;
(H) advanced materials for the use of
nontraditional water sources for energy generation and
fuel production;
(I) biomass production and utilization and the
impact on hydrologic systems;
(J) technologies that reduce impacts on water from
energy resource development;
(K) increases in energy efficiency of water
distribution and collection systems;
(L) technologies for energy generation from water
distribution and collection systems; and
(M) any other area of the energy-water nexus that
the Secretary considers appropriate.
(3) Interagency collaboration and nonduplication.--In
carrying out the development and updating of the Strategic Plan
in accordance with this subsection, the Secretary shall, where
appropriate, work collaboratively with other Federal agencies
operating related programs and avoid duplication.
(4) Intra-agency coordination and nonduplication.--In
carrying out the development and updating of the Strategic Plan
in accordance with this subsection, the Secretary shall
coordinate and avoid duplication of activities across programs
and projects of the Department of Energy, including with those
of the National laboratories.
(5) Relevant information and recommendations.--In carrying
out the development and updating of the Strategic Plan in
accordance with this subsection, the Secretary shall consider
and incorporate, as appropriate, relevant information and
recommendations, including those of the National Water
Availability and Use Assessment Program under section 9508(d)
of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (42 U.S.C.
10368(d)).
(6) Nongovernmental participation.--In carrying out the
development and updating of the Strategic Plan in accordance
with this subsection, the Secretary shall consult and
coordinate with a diverse group of representatives from
research and academic institutions and industry who have
expertise in technologies and practices relating to the energy
required to provide water supplies and the water required to
provide reliable energy supplies throughout the United States.
(7) Submission to congress.--Not later than 9 months after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit
to Congress the Strategic Plan.
(8) Updating the strategic plan.--Not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
utilize relevant information produced by Federal Government
agencies, academia, and industry to update the Strategic Plan,
and submit a report to Congress describing the changes from the
initial Strategic Plan.
(c) Implementation.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Energy shall implement
the Strategic Plan, as appropriate, in carrying out energy
research, development, and demonstration programs of the
Department of Energy.
(2) Application to projects.--Not later than 3 months after
the submission of the report to Congress in subsection (b)(7)),
the Secretary shall as appropriate apply the Strategic Plan to
projects--
(A) identified as the most energy and water
intensive; and
(B) with the most potential to achieve the purposes
of this section.
(3) Delay or disruption.--In carrying out this subsection,
the Secretary shall ensure that no program or project of the
Department is unnecessarily delayed or disrupted.
(d) Reports.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, and at least once every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary
shall transmit to Congress a report on its findings and activities
under this section.
(e) Additional Activities.--The Secretary may provide for such
additional research, development, and demonstration activities as may
be appropriate to integrate water considerations into the research,
development, and demonstration activities of the Department as
described in subsection (a).
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for carrying out this section
$60,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2011 through 2015.
SEC. 3. ENERGY-WATER ARCHITECTURE COUNCIL.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with
other relevant Federal agencies, shall establish an Energy-Water
Architecture Council to promote and enable improved energy and water
resource data collection, reporting, and technological innovation. The
Council shall consist of--
(1) representation from each Federal agency that conducts
research related to energy and water resource data; and
(2) non-Federal members, including representatives of
research and academic institutions and industry, who have
expertise in technologies and practices relating to the energy
required to provide water supplies and the water required to
provide reliable energy supplies throughout the United States.
(b) Functions.--The Council shall--
(1) make recommendations on the development of data
collection and data communication standards and protocols to
agencies and entities currently engaged in collecting the data
for the energy required to provide water supplies and the water
required to provide reliable energy supplies throughout the
United States;
(2) recommend ways to make improvements to Federal water
use data to increase understanding of trends in energy
generation and fuel production;
(3) recommend best practices for utilizing information from
existing monitoring networks to provide nationally uniform
water and energy use and infrastructure data; and
(4) conduct annual technical workshops, including at least
one regional workshop annually, to facilitate information
exchange among Federal, State, and private sector experts on
technologies that encourage the conservation and efficient use
of water and energy.
(c) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, and at least once every 2 years thereafter, the Council,
through the Secretary of Energy, shall transmit to the Congress a
report on its findings and activities under this section.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for carrying out this section
$5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2011 through 2015.
SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON FEDERAL REGULATIONS.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to allow the establishment
of regulations by the Federal Government that would infringe or impair
the use of water by State, tribal, or local governments.
SEC. 5. MANDATES.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require State, tribal, or
local governments to take any action that may result in an increased
financial burden to such governments by restricting the use of water by
such governments.
SEC. 6. COORDINATION AND NONDUPLICATION.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary of Energy shall
coordinate activities under this Act with other programs of the
Department of Energy and other Federal research programs.
Passed the House of Representatives December 1, 2009.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | Energy and Water Research Integration Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Energy to identify each of the Department of Energy's (DOE's) energy research, development, and demonstration programs and projects into which it is appropriate to integrate water considerations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) seek to advance energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices that would minimize freshwater withdrawal and consumption, increase water use efficiency, and utilize nontraditional water sources with efforts to improve water quality; and (2) consider the effects climate variability and change may have on water supplies and quality for energy generation and fuel production; and (3) improve understanding of the energy required to provide water supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy supplies throughout the United States.
Requires the Secretary to develop, submit to Congress within nine months, and update every three years a Strategic Plan outlining the research, development, and demonstration needs of such programs and projects. Requires the Secretary to evaluate and establish technical milestones for: (1) new advanced cooling technologies for energy generation and fuel production technologies; (2) performance improvement and cost reductions of cooling technologies; (3) innovative water reuse, recovery, and treatment in energy generation and fuel production; (4) technology development for carbon capture and storage systems that utilize efficient water use design strategies; (5) technologies that are life-cycle cost effective; (6) systems analysis and modeling of issues relating to the energy required to provide water supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy supplies; (7) technologies to treat and utilize produced waters discharged from oil, natural gas, coal-bed methane, and mining activities; (8) advanced materials for the use of nontraditional water sources for energy generation and fuel production; (9) biomass production and utilization and the impact on hydrologic systems; (10) technologies that reduce impacts on water from energy resource development; (11) increases in energy efficiency of water distribution and collection systems; and (12) technologies for energy generation from such systems.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) implement the Strategic Plan in carrying out DOE energy research, development, and demonstration programs; and (2) report to Congress every two years on findings and activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
(Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to establish an Energy-Water Architecture Council to promote and enable improved energy and water resource data collection, reporting, and technological innovation. Requires the Council to: (1) make recommendations on the development of data collection and communication standards and protocols to entities engaged in collecting data for the energy required to provide water supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy supplies throughout the United States; (2) recommend ways to make improvements to federal water use data to increase understanding of trends in energy generation and fuel production; (3) recommend best practices for utilizing information from monitoring networks to provide nationally uniform water and energy use and infrastructure data; and (4) conduct annual technical workshops to facilitate information exchange among federal, state, and private sector experts on technologies that encourage the conservation and efficient use of water and energy.
(Sec. 4) Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) allow the establishment of regulations by the federal government that would infringe or impair the use of water by state, tribal, or local governments; and (2) require state, tribal, or local governments to take any action that may result in an increased financial burden by restricting their water use.
(Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to coordinate activities under this Act with other DOE programs and other federal research programs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To ensure consideration of water intensity in the Department of Energy's energy research, development, and demonstration programs to help guarantee efficient, reliable, and sustainable delivery of energy and water resources."} | 1,860 | 730 | 0.797723 | 2.679756 | 0.909229 | 6.047686 | 2.531557 | 0.962132 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange
Initiative Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Mohandas (Mahatma) Karamchand Gandhi and Martin Luther
King, Jr., were dedicated leaders of peace, civil rights,
social justice, and social change in their respective
communities and countries and in the world.
(2) Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on October 2, 1869, was
murdered on January 30, 1948, after dedicating his life to the
peaceful empowerment of the people of India and to their
liberation from British occupation.
(3) Martin Luther King, Jr., who was born on January 15,
1929, was murdered on April 4, 1968, after a life dedicated to
peaceful movements against segregation, discrimination, racial
injustice, and poverty.
(4) Mahatma Gandhi, who employed the principle of
satyagraha, or non-violent resistance, has come to represent
the moral force inspiring many civil and social rights
movements around the world.
(5) King's effective use of Gandhian principles was
instrumental to the American civil rights movement.
(6) In February 2009, a congressional delegation traveled
to India to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the pilgrimage
of Martin Luther King, Jr., and his wife, Coretta Scott King,
to that country in 1959, and to study Gandhi's life and work,
highlighting the need for further progress in peaceful conflict
resolution and combating poverty.
(7) In February 2009, United States Special Envoy for
Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke visited India to
determine how the international community can better contribute
to peace and stability in Afghanistan and South Asia.
(8) According to the 2009 Global Peace Index prepared by
the Institute for Economics and Peace, if there had been no
global violence in 2007, $4,800,000,000 in new business would
have been created and $7,200,000,000 in expenses would have
been saved, indicating that there is significant economic value
associated with peace.
SEC. 3. GANDHI-KING SCHOLARLY EXCHANGE INITIATIVE.
(a) Initiative Established.--The Secretary of State is authorized
to carry out, in cooperation with the appropriate representatives of
the Government of India, an initiative to be known as the ``Gandhi-King
Scholarly Exchange Initiative''. The initiative shall be comprised of
educational, scholarly, and professional exchange programs, including
the following:
(1) An annual public diplomacy forum for scholars from the
United States and India that focuses on the legacies of Mahatma
Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., which shall--
(A) be held alternately in the United States and in
India;
(B) include representatives from governments, non-
governmental organizations, educational institutions,
cultural organizations, and civic organizations; and
(C) focus on studying the work of Gandhi and King
and applying their philosophies to current issues,
including the status of poverty, conflict, human
rights, civil rights, peace, nonviolence, and democracy
in the United States and India.
(2) A professional development training initiative for
government employees to develop international conflict
solutions based on the principles of nonviolence developed in
consultation with the president and chief executive officer of
the United States Institute of Peace, the Under Secretary for
Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs of the Department of State,
and United States cooperating partners, which shall--
(A) target Federal, State, and local government
employees in countries with ongoing political, social,
ethnic, or violent conflict;
(B) include a specific focus on the success of
nonviolent movements in conflict resolution;
(C) develop a curriculum for teaching conflict
resolution and make such curriculum available to
participating government employees; and
(D) be made publically available through a variety
of media.
(3) An undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate student
exchange for students to--
(A) study the history and legacies of Martin Luther
King, Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi;
(B) visit historic sites in India and the United
States that were integral to the American civil rights
movement and the Indian independence movement; and
(C) research and develop papers on the importance
of peace, nonviolence, and reconciliation in current
conflict regions.
(b) United States Cooperating Partners Defined.--The term ``United
States cooperating partners'' means--
(1) an institution of higher education (as such term is
defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1001(a))), including, to the maximum extent
practicable, an historically Black college or university that
is a part B institution (as such term is defined in section
322(2) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1061(2))) or an Hispanic-serving
institution (as such term is defined in section 502(5) of such
Act (20 U.S.C. 1101a(5)));
(2) a combination of institutions of higher education (as
that term is defined in section 103 of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003(2)));
(3) a nongovernmental organization incorporated in the
United States; or
(4) a consortium consisting of two or more such
institutions of higher education, higher education
associations, or nongovernmental organizations.
SEC. 4. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Initial Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit 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 on the Secretary's
plan to carry out the initiative authorized under section 3.
(b) Periodic Updates.--Upon the request of the committees referred
to in subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to such committees an
update on the Secretary's progress in implementing the plan referred to
in subsection (a).
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
To carry out this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of State such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal
years 2010 through 2015. Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations under this section are in addition to
amounts otherwise available for such purpose. | Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to carry out, in cooperation with the government of India, the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative comprised of educational, scholarly, and professional exchange programs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To authorize the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative focusing on peace and nonviolence in global conflict resolution, and for other purposes."} | 1,386 | 55 | 0.525052 | 1.465939 | 0.818627 | 5.511111 | 28.733333 | 0.977778 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Restoring America's Commitment to
Consumers Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL CREDIT CARD USURY RATE.
Section 107 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1606) is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) National Consumer Credit Usury Rate.--
``(1) Limitation established.--Except as provided in
paragraph (3) and notwithstanding subsection (a) or any other
provision of law, the annual percentage rate applicable to any
extension of credit under, or any outstanding balance on, any
credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan may
not exceed 16 percent.
``(2) Inclusion of certain fees in determining apr.--In
determining the annual percentage rate applicable to any
extension of credit under, or any outstanding balance on, any
credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan for
purposes of paragraph (1), any fee compensating a creditor or
prospective creditor for opening or maintaining the account or
for an extension of credit or making available a line of
credit, such as a membership fee, or an annual fee shall be
included in the finance charge for purposes of section 107.
``(3) Adjustments.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (4) and
(6), the Board may make adjustments to the maximum
annual percentage rate limitation under paragraph (1)
when any such adjustment is in the public interest and
economic conditions warrant to the extent the
limitation, after the adjustment, continues to fully
protect consumers from exploitive and unreasonable
lending practices.
``(B) Presumption concerning increases.--Any
increase in the maximum annual percentage rate
limitation under paragraph (1) shall be presumed to not
be in the public interest unless the Board determines,
after opportunity for comment, that severe economic
conditions exist to justify an increase in such
limitation, taking into account the prevailing bank
prime rates, the rates in effect for overnight loans to
member banks (as defined in section 3 of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act) and statistical information the
Board determines to be relevant.
``(4) Notice to the congress.--Upon making any adjustment
to the maximum annual percentage rate limitation in effect
under paragraph (1), the Board shall promptly submit a notice
of such adjustment to the Congress.
``(5) Hearing.--
``(A) In general.--After receipt by the House of
Representatives of a notice from the Board pursuant to
paragraph (4) of an adjustment to the maximum annual
percentage rate limitation in effect under paragraph
(1), the Committee on Financial Services of the House
of Representatives shall promptly conduct a hearing on
such adjustment.
``(B) Rules of house of representatives.--The
provisions of subparagraph (A) are enacted--
``(i) as an exercise of the rulemaking
power of the House of Representatives, and, as
such, they shall be considered as part of the
rules of the House, and such rules shall
supersede any other rule of the House only to
the extent that rule is inconsistent therewith;
and
``(ii) with full recognition of the
constitutional right of the House to change
such rules (so far as relating to the procedure
in the House) at any time, in the same manner,
and to the same extent as in the case of any
other rule of the House.
``(6) Delayed effective date of any increase.--An increase,
in accordance with paragraph (3)(B), in the maximum annual
percentage rate limitation under paragraph (1)--
``(A) may not take effect before the end of the 90-
day period beginning on the date the notice to the
Congress is submitted by the Board under paragraph (4);
and
``(B) shall cease to be effective as of the date of
the enactment of a joint resolution with respect to
such increase.
``(7) Clarification of congressional intent.--
``(A) No endorsement of 16 percent credit card
rates.--No provision of this subsection may be
construed as an endorsement by Congress of an interest
rate of 16 percent on credit card accounts to which
paragraph (1) applies.
``(B) Rates most advantageous to the borrower.--It
is the intention of the Congress in enacting this
subsection that--
``(i) the maximum annual percentage rate
limitation under paragraph (1) should merely
serve as a ceiling on the annual percentage
rate applicable consumer credit cards and few,
if any, consumer credit card accounts would
ever bear the maximum rate; and
``(ii) consumer credit card issuers should
strive to maintain the rates on consumer credit
card accounts that are the most advantageous to
borrowers.
``(8) Unfair and deceptive act or practice.--In the case of
any credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan
which, as of December 11, 2009, bears an annual percentage rate
that is less than 16 percent, any increase in the annual
percentage on such account during the period beginning on
December 11, 2009, and ending at the end of the 60-day period
beginning on the date of the enactment of the Restoring
America's Commitment to Consumers Act of 2009 shall be treated
by the agency with jurisdiction over the creditor under section
108 as an unfair or deceptive act or practice.
``(9) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `joint
resolution' means only a joint resolution--
``(A) which does not have a preamble;
``(B) the title of which is as follows: `Joint
resolution relating to the increase in the interest
rates on credit card accounts pursuant to section
107(f)(3) of the Truth in Lending Act.'; and
``(C) the sole matter after the resolving clause of
which is as follows: `That the Congress disapproves of
any increase, pursuant to section 107 (f)(3) in the
maximum annual percentage rate limitation applicable to
any extension of credit under, or any outstanding
balance on, any credit card account under an open end
consumer credit plan, notice of which was transmitted
to the Congress on ___ by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System', the blank space being filled
with the appropriate date.''.
SEC. 3. CAP ON CERTAIN CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT FEES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 3 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C.
1661 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 150 (as added by
section 109(a) of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and
Disclosure Act of 2009) the following: new section:
``Sec. 151. Cap on certain credit card account fees.
``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the amount
of any fee that a card issuer may impose with respect to a credit card
account under an open end consumer credit plan, including any fee for
default or breach by a borrower of a condition upon which credit was
extended, such as a late fee, creditor-imposed not sufficient funds fee
charged when a borrower tenders payment on a debt with a check drawn on
insufficient funds, overdraft fee, and over-the-limit transaction fee,
or other charge that a card issuer may impose with respect to a credit
card account under an open end consumer credit plan may not exceed $15.
``(b) Exception for Fees Taken Into Account Under Section
107(f)(2).--Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to any fee
taken into account pursuant to subsection (f)(2) of section 107.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 3 of the
Truth in Lending Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 150 (as added by section 109(b) of the Credit Card
Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009) the following
new item:
``151. Cap on certain credit card account fees.''.
SEC. 4. CLARIFICATION OF COORDINATION WITH STATE LAW.
The first sentence of section 111(a)(1) of the Truth in Lending Act
(15 U.S.C. 1610(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``the disclosure of
information in connection with''.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by sections 2 and 3 shall take effect on the
date of the enactment of this Act. | Restoring America's Commitment to Consumers Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit the annual percentage rate (APR) applicable to an extension of credit on a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan from exceeding 16%.
Includes in an APR any compensation fee (including a membership fee or an annual fee) for: (1) opening or maintaining the account; (2) granting an extension of credit; or (3) making available a line of credit.
Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make adjustments to the maximum APR limitation; but creates the presumption that any increase by the Board to the maximum limitation is not in the public interest unless severe economic conditions justify the increase.
Prohibits construction of this Act as an endorsement by Congress of a 16% APR.
Declares the intention of Congress that: (1) such maximum APR limitation should merely serve as a ceiling on consumer credit cards and few, if any, consumer credit card accounts would ever bear the maximum rate; and (2) consumer credit card issuers should strive to maintain APRs most advantageous to borrowers.
Treats as an unfair or deceptive act or practice a credit card account which, as of December 11, 2009, bears an APR that is less than 16%, and subsequently increases it between December 11, 2009, and 60 days after enactment of this Act.
Imposes a $15 cap upon certain credit card account fees, including fees (such as late fees, overdraft fees, or over-the-limit transaction fees) for borrower default or breach of any condition upon which credit was extended. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish a national usury rate for consumer credit card accounts under open end consumer credit plans, and for other purposes."} | 1,879 | 359 | 0.640292 | 2.020814 | 0.824384 | 3.806854 | 5.398754 | 0.909657 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Upper Mississippi
River Basin Protection Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Reliance on sound science.
TITLE I--SEDIMENT AND NUTRIENT MONITORING NETWORK
Sec. 101. Establishment of monitoring network.
Sec. 102. Data collection and storage responsibilities.
Sec. 103. Relationship to existing sediment and nutrient monitoring.
Sec. 104. Collaboration with other public and private monitoring
efforts.
Sec. 105. Reporting requirements.
Sec. 106. National Research Council assessment.
TITLE II--COMPUTER MODELING AND RESEARCH
Sec. 201. Computer modeling and research of sediment and nutrient
sources.
Sec. 202. Use of electronic means to distribute information.
Sec. 203. Reporting requirements.
TITLE III--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS AND RELATED MATTERS
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 302. Cost-sharing requirements.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) The terms ``Upper Mississippi River Basin'' and
``Basin'' mean the watershed portion of the Upper Mississippi
River and Illinois River basins, from Cairo, Illinois, to the
headwaters of the Mississippi River, in the States of
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. The
designation includes the Kaskaskia watershed along the Illinois
River and the Meramec watershed along the Missouri River.
(2) The terms ``Upper Mississippi River Stewardship
Initiative'' and ``Initiative'' mean the activities authorized
or required by this Act to monitor nutrient and sediment loss
in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
(3) The term ``sound science'' refers to the use of
accepted and documented scientific methods to identify and
quantify the sources, transport, and fate of nutrients and
sediment and to quantify the effect of various treatment
methods or conservation measures on nutrient and sediment loss.
Sound science requires the use of documented protocols for data
collection and data analysis, and peer review of the data,
results, and findings.
SEC. 3. RELIANCE ON SOUND SCIENCE.
It is the policy of Congress that Federal investments in the Upper
Mississippi River Basin must be guided by sound science.
TITLE I--SEDIMENT AND NUTRIENT MONITORING NETWORK
SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT OF MONITORING NETWORK.
(a) Establishment.--As part of the Upper Mississippi River
Stewardship Initiative, the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a
sediment and nutrient monitoring network for the Upper Mississippi
River Basin for the purposes of--
(1) identifying and evaluating significant sources of
sediment and nutrients in the Upper Mississippi River Basin;
(2) quantifying the processes affecting mobilization,
transport, and fate of those sediments and nutrients on land
and in water;
(3) quantifying the transport of those sediments and
nutrients to and through the Upper Mississippi River Basin;
(4) recording changes to sediment and nutrient loss over
time;
(5) providing coordinated data to be used in computer
modeling of the Basin, pursuant to section 201; and
(6) identifying major sources of sediment and nutrients
within the Basin for the purpose of targeting resources to
reduce sediment and nutrient loss.
(b) Role of United States Geological Survey.--The Secretary of the
Interior shall carry out this title acting through the office of the
Director of the United States Geological Survey.
SEC. 102. DATA COLLECTION AND STORAGE RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) Guidelines for Data Collection and Storage.--The Secretary of
the Interior shall establish guidelines for the effective design of
data collection activities regarding sediment and nutrient monitoring,
for the use of suitable and consistent methods for data collection, and
for consistent reporting, data storage, and archiving practices.
(b) Release of Data.--Data resulting from sediment and nutrient
monitoring in the Upper Mississippi River Basin shall be released to
the public using generic station identifiers and hydrologic unit codes.
In the case of a monitoring station located on private lands,
information regarding the location of the station shall not be
disseminated without the landowner's permission.
(c) Protection of Privacy.--Data resulting from sediment and
nutrient monitoring in the Upper Mississippi River Basin is not subject
to the mandatory disclosure provisions of section 552 of title 5,
United States Code, but may be released only as provided in subsection
(b).
SEC. 103. RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING SEDIMENT AND NUTRIENT MONITORING.
(a) Inventory.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary of
the Interior shall inventory the sediment and nutrient monitoring
efforts, in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act, of
Federal, State, local, and nongovernmental entities for the purpose of
creating a baseline understanding of overlap, data gaps and
redundancies.
(b) Integration.--On the basis of the inventory, the Secretary of
the Interior shall integrate the existing sediment and nutrient
monitoring efforts, to the maximum extent practicable, into the
sediment and nutrient monitoring network required by section 101.
(c) Consultation and Use of Existing Data.--In carrying out this
section, the Secretary of the Interior shall make maximum use of data
in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act and of ongoing
programs and efforts of Federal, State, tribal, local, and
nongovernmental entities in developing the sediment and nutrient
monitoring network required by section 101.
(d) Coordination With Long-Term Estuary Assessment Project.--The
Secretary of the Interior shall carry out this section in coordination
with the long-term estuary assessment project authorized by section 902
of the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-457; 33
U.S.C. 2901 note).
SEC. 104. COLLABORATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MONITORING
EFFORTS.
To establish the sediment and nutrient monitoring network, the
Secretary of the Interior shall collaborate, to the maximum extent
practicable, with other Federal, State, tribal, local and private
sediment and nutrient monitoring programs that meet guidelines
prescribed under section 102(a), as determined by the Secretary.
SEC. 105. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
The Secretary of the Interior shall report to Congress not later
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act on the
development of the sediment and nutrient monitoring network.
SEC. 106. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL ASSESSMENT.
The National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences
shall conduct a comprehensive water resources assessment of the Upper
Mississippi River Basin.
TITLE II--COMPUTER MODELING AND RESEARCH
SEC. 201. COMPUTER MODELING AND RESEARCH OF SEDIMENT AND NUTRIENT
SOURCES.
(a) Modeling Program Required.--As part of the Upper Mississippi
River Stewardship Initiative, the Director of the United States
Geological Survey shall establish a modeling program to identify
significant sources of sediment and nutrients in the Upper Mississippi
River Basin.
(b) Role.--Computer modeling shall be used to identify
subwatersheds which are significant sources of sediment and nutrient
loss and shall be made available for the purposes of targeting public
and private sediment and nutrient reduction efforts.
(c) Components.--Sediment and nutrient models for the Upper
Mississippi River Basin shall include the following:
(1) Models to relate nutrient loss to landscape, land use,
and land management practices.
(2) Models to relate sediment loss to landscape, land use,
and land management practices.
(3) Models to define river channel nutrient transformation
processes.
(d) Collection of Ancillary Information.--Ancillary information
shall be collected in a GIS format to support modeling and management
use of modeling results, including the following:
(1) Land use data.
(2) Soils data.
(3) Elevation data.
(4) Information on sediment and nutrient reduction
improvement actions.
(5) Remotely sense data.
SEC. 202. USE OF ELECTRONIC MEANS TO DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Director of the United States Geological Survey shall establish a
system that uses the telecommunications medium known as the Internet to
provide information regarding the following:
(1) Public and private programs designed to reduce sediment
and nutrient loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
(2) Information on sediment and nutrient levels in the
Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries.
(3) Successful sediment and nutrient reduction projects.
SEC. 203. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Monitoring Activities.--Commencing one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Director of the United States Geological
Survey shall provide to Congress and make available to the public an
annual report regarding monitoring activities conducted in the Upper
Mississippi River Basin.
(b) Modeling Activities.--Every three years, the Director of the
United States Geological Survey shall provide to Congress and make
available to the public a progress report regarding modeling
activities.
TITLE III--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS AND RELATED MATTERS
SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) United States Geological Survey Activities.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the United States Geological Survey
$6,250,000 each fiscal year to carry out this Act (other than section
106). Of the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to this
authorization of appropriations, one-third shall be made available for
the United States Geological Survey Cooperative Water Program and the
remainder shall be made available for the United States Geological
Survey Hydrologic Networks and Analysis Program.
(b) Water Resource and Water Quality Management Assessment.--There
is authorized to be appropriated $650,000 to allow the National
Research Council to perform the assessment required by section 106.
SEC. 302. COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS.
Funds made available for the United States Geological Survey
Cooperative Water Program under section 301(a) shall be subject to the
same cost sharing requirements as specified in the last proviso under
the heading ``united states geological survey-surveys, investigations,
and research'' of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (Public Law 109-54; 119 Stat.
510; 43 U.S.C. 50).
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk.
By Deborah M. Spriggs,
Deputy Clerk. | Upper Mississippi River Basin Protection Act - Title I: Sediment and Nutrient Monitoring Network - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), to establish a sediment and nutrient monitoring network for the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
(Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish guidelines for related data collection and storage activities; (2) inventory the sediment and monitoring efforts of governmental and nongovernmental entities for the purpose of creating a baseline understanding of overlap, data gaps, and redundancies; (3) integrate the existing monitoring efforts into the network; (4) make maximum use of existing data and ongoing programs and efforts in developing the network; (5) carry out this section in coordination with the long-term estuary assessment project authorized by the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000; (6) collaborate with other public and private monitoring programs; and (7) report to Congress on the network's development. (Sec. 106) Directs the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a water resources assessment of the Basin. Title II: Computer Modeling and Research - (Sec. 201) Requires the Director to establish: (1) a computer modeling program to identify nutrient and sediment sources in the Basin; and (2) an Internet-based system to provide information about nutrient and sediment loss reduction programs and projects and nutrient and sediment levels in the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries. (Sec. 203) Requires the Director to provide to Congress and make available to the public: (1) an annual report regarding monitoring activities conducted in the Upper Mississippi River Basin; and (2) a progress report every three years regarding modeling activities.Title III: Authorization of Appropriations and Related Matters - (Sec. 301) Authorizes appropriations to: (1) the USGS each fiscal year to carry out this Act, requiring one-third of the appropriated funds for the Cooperative Water Program and the remainder for the Hydrologic Networks and Analysis Program; and (2) the National Research Council for the water resources assessment.(Sec. 302) Makes funds available for the Cooperative Water Program subject to the same cost-sharing requirements as specified in the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To promote Department of the Interior efforts to provide a scientific basis for the management of sediment and nutrient loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, and for other purposes."} | 2,458 | 519 | 0.683679 | 2.34701 | 0.795262 | 4.011086 | 4.620843 | 0.968958 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Low-Income Rate Payer Disaster
Recovery Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED FACILITIES OF
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMPANIES SERVING LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS.
(a) Conditions for Contributions.--Section 406(a) of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5172(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) subject to paragraph (4), to an owner or
operator of a private or investor-owned electric
utility company serving low-income households for the
repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of
facilities of the owner or operator damaged or
destroyed by a major disaster and for associated
expenses incurred by the owner or operator.'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Conditions for assistance to private or investor-
owned electric utility companies serving low-income
households.--
``(A) In general.--The President may make
contributions to the owner or operator of a private or
investor-owned electric utility company serving low-
income households under paragraph (1)(C) only if--
``(i) the costs of repairing, restoring,
reconstructing, or replacing its facilities
damaged or destroyed by the major disaster;
exceed
``(ii) the amount that is--
``(I) 10 percent of the facilities'
total transmission and distribution
rate base; less
``(II)(aa) in the case of a single
major disaster, accumulated
depreciation on the date of the
disaster; or
``(bb) in the case of an
aggregation under subparagraph (B),
accumulated depreciation on the date of
the first major disaster included in
such aggregation.
``(B) Aggregation for purposes of determining
costs.--For purposes of determining under this
paragraph the costs of repairing, restoring, or
replacing the facilities of an owner or operator, the
costs of damage from all previous major disasters
during the 12-month period preceding the date of the
declaration of the major disaster for which the owner
or operator is seeking contributions under paragraph
(1)(C) shall be aggregated.
``(C) Application deadline.--An owner or operator
may apply for contributions under paragraph (1)(C)--
``(i) in the case of a single major
disaster, not later than 60 months after the
date of the declaration of the disaster; or
``(ii) in the case of an aggregation under
subparagraph (B), not later than 60 months
after the date of the most recent major
disaster for which the owner or operator is
seeking contributions.
``(D) Available funding.--Subject to subparagraph
(E), an owner or operator may apply for contributions
under paragraph (1)(C) in the amount determined by
multiplying--
``(i) the amount by which the costs
described in subparagraph (A)(i) attributable
to the owner or operator exceed the amount
described in subparagraph (A)(ii) attributable
to the owner or operator; by
``(ii) the percent of retail residential
customers comprised of low-income households
served by the facilities of the owner or
operator.
``(E) Limit on federal assistance for disaster
relief.--
``(i) In general.--The total amount of
contributions made to an owner or operator
under paragraph (1)(C) may not exceed
$50,000,000 in any 12-month period.
``(ii) Presidential waiver.--For any major
disaster occurring after the date of enactment
of this clause, the President may waive the
limit established by clause (i) if the
President determines that the event is of an
extraordinary nature; except that in no case
may the total amount of contributions made to
an owner or operator under paragraph (1)(C)
exceed 100 percent of the cost of repair,
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of
the damaged facilities of the owner or
operator.
``(F) Approval or disapproval of applications.--The
President shall approve or disapprove an application
for contributions submitted by an owner or operator for
contributions under paragraph (1)(C) not later than 30
days after the date of receipt of the application.''.
(b) Federal Share.--Section 406(b)(2) of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(b)(2)) is
amended by striking ``public facility or private nonprofit facility''
and inserting ``public facility, private nonprofit facility, or private
or investor-owned electric utility company serving low-income
households''.
(c) Large In-Lieu Contributions.--Section 406(c) of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5172(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) For private or investor-owned electric utility
companies serving low-income households.--
``(A) In general.--In any case in which the owner
or operator of a private or investor-owned electric
utility company serving low-income households
determines that the public welfare would not best be
served by repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or
replacing the facility, the owner or operator may elect
to receive, in lieu of a contribution under subsection
(a)(1)(C), a contribution in an amount equal to 75
percent of the available funding pursuant to subsection
(a)(4)(D) or (a)(4)(E).
``(B) Use of funds.--Funds contributed to an owner
or operator under this paragraph may be used by the
owner or operator to--
``(i) repair, restore, or improve other
private or investor-owned power facilities;
``(ii) construct a new private or investor-
owned power facility; or
``(iii) fund hazard mitigation measures
that the owner or operator determines to be
necessary to meet a need for the services and
functions of the owner or operator in the area
affected by the major disaster.''.
(d) Eligible Cost.--Section 406(e)(1)(A) of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(e)(1)(A))
is amended by striking ``public facility or private nonprofit
facility'' and inserting ``public facility, private nonprofit facility,
or private or investor-owned electric utility company serving low-
income households''.
(e) Definitions.--Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(f) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Private or investor-owned electric utility company
serving low-income households.--The term `private or investor-
owned electric utility company serving low-income households'
means a privately-owned or investor-owned electric utility
company in which no less than 25 percent of its retail
residential customers are low-income households.
``(2) Company.--The term `company' means a corporation,
partnership, association, or joint stock company.
``(3) Electric utility company.--The term `electric utility
company' means any company that owns, operates, or leases
facilities used for transmission or distribution of electric
energy for sale.
``(4) Low-income household.--The term `low-income
household' means a household with a total annual household
income that does not exceed the greater of--
``(A) an amount equal to 150 percent of the poverty
level of a State; or
``(B) an amount equal to 60 percent of the State
median income.
``(5) Poverty level.--The term `poverty level' has the
meaning given the term in section 2603 of the Low-Income Home
Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8622).
``(6) State median income.--The term `State median income'
has the meaning given the term in section 2603 of the Low-
Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8622).''.
SEC. 3. REGULATIONS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Homeland Security in consultation with the Chairman of
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall promulgate regulations
necessary to implement this Act and the amendments made by this Act.
SEC. 4. APPLICABILITY.
This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall apply to a major
disaster occurring after the date of enactment of this Act. | Low-Income Rate Payer Disaster Recovery Act of 2008 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to make contributions to the owner or operator of a private or investor-owned electric utility company serving low-income households for facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster only if the costs of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing such facilities exceed 10% of the facilities' total transmission and distribution rate base minus: (1) accumulated depreciation on the date of the disaster in the case of a single major disaster; or (2) accumulated depreciation on the date of the first major disaster in the case of an aggregation of major disasters during the preceding 12 months.
Sets forth application deadlines.
Prohibits the total amount of contributions made to an owner or operator from exceeding $50 million in any 12-month period. Authorizes the President, for any major disaster occurring after enactment of this Act, to waive the limit upon determining that the event is of an extraordinary nature. Requires the President to approve or disapprove applications within 30 days after receipt.
Allows an owner or operator who determines that the public welfare would not best be served by repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing a facility to elect to receive, in lieu of the cost-based contribution, 75% of the funding that would have been available. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide for disaster assistance for electric utility companies serving low-income households, and for other purposes."} | 2,035 | 306 | 0.684735 | 2.010184 | 0.890491 | 4.267925 | 6.849057 | 0.916981 |
SECTION 1. REFERENCES TO SOCIAL SECURITY ACT.
Except as otherwise specifically provided, whenever in this Act an
amendment 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 that section or other provision of the Social Security Act.
SEC. 2. HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE FOR THE FRAIL ELDERLY.
(a) Definition of Functionally Disabled Elderly Individual.--
Section 1929(b)(1)(C) (42 U.S.C. 1396t(b)(1)(C)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(C) subject to section 1902(f) (as applied
consistent with section 1902(r)(2))--
``(i) is receiving supplemental security
income benefits under title XVI (or under a
State plan approved under title XVI), or
``(ii) at the option of the State--
``(I) is described in section
1902(a)(10)(C), or
``(II) has income (as determined
under section 1612 for purposes of the
supplementary security income program)
that does not exceed three times the
maximum amount of income that an
individual may have and obtain benefits
under such program.''.
(b) Determinations of Functional Disability.--Section 1929(c)(1)
(42 U.S.C. 1396t(c)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``3'' and inserting ``5'', and
(B) by striking ``toileting, transferring, and
eating; or'' and inserting ``bathing, dressing,
toileting, transferring, and eating;'',
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by striking ``of the following 5 activities of
daily living: bathing, dressing, toileting,
transferring, and eating'' and inserting ``of the 5
activities of daily living described in subparagraph
(A)'', and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
a semicolon, and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(C) needs substantial supervision due to
cognitive or other mental impairment and needs
substantial assistance or supervision from another
individual with at least 1 of the 5 activities of daily
living described in subparagraph (A) or in complying
with a daily drug regimen; or
``(D) needs substantial supervision from another
individual because such individual engages in
inappropriate behaviors that pose serious health or
safety hazards to such individual or others.''.
(c) Survey and Certification for Certain Community Care Settings.--
(1) In general.--Section 1929(i) (42 U.S.C.1395t(i)) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(D) Special rule for certain small community care
settings.--For purposes of this paragraph, the terms
`community care setting' and `setting' shall not
include a small community care setting that is not a
provider of home and community care.'', and
(B) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(F) Special rule for certain small community care
settings.--For purposes of this paragraph, the terms
`community care setting' and `setting' shall not
include a small community care setting that is not a
provider of home and community care.''.
(2) Additional responsibilities for case managers.--Section
1929(d)(2) (42 U.S.C. 1396t(d)(2)) is amended--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
follows:
``(A) has experience or has been trained--
``(i) in establishing, and in periodically
reviewing and revising, individual community
care plans;
``(ii) in the provision of case management
services to the elderly; and
``(iii) with respect to case managers for
individuals residing in small community care
settings that are not providers of home and
community care, in reviewing the compliance of
such settings with the requirements set forth
in subsection (g)(2);'', and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``and (iii)'' and inserting
``(iii)'', and
(ii) by striking ``occur;'' and inserting
``occur; and (iv) reviewing the compliance of
small community care settings that are not
providers of home and community care with the
requirements set forth in subsection (g)(2) in
coordination with Ombudsmen selected under the
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program
(described in section 712 of the Older
Americans Act of 1965) and reporting any
noncompliance of such settings with such
subsection to the State;''.
(d) Limitation on Amount of Expenditures as Medical Assistance.--
Section 1929(m) (42 U.S.C. 1396t(m)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The amount of funds''
and inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (5), the amount
of funds'',
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``Individual Community Care Plan''
and inserting ``individual community care plan'', and
(B) by striking ``an election period is the period
of 4 or more calendar quarters'' and inserting ``an
election period is a Federal fiscal year'',
(3) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
``(4) Allocation of medical assistance.--
``(A) In general.--All of the funds available to be
expended under paragraph (1) during a fiscal year shall
be available as Federal medical assistance to the
States electing to provide services under this section
during such fiscal year.
``(B) General allocation formula.--For each fiscal
year, beginning with fiscal year 1994, a State which
has provided a notice to the Secretary under paragraph
(6)(A) shall be allocated an amount of the funds that
may be expended under paragraph (1) for such fiscal
year equal to the product of--
``(i) the total amount of funds that may be
expended under paragraph (1) for such fiscal
year; and
``(ii) the amount determined by dividing--
``(I) the number of individuals age
65 or older residing in such State
during such fiscal year, by
``(II) the total number of
individuals age 65 or older residing in
all States which have submitted notices
to the Secretary under such paragraph
during such fiscal year.
``(C) Reallocation of funds.--
``(i) Formula for reallocation.--
``(I) General rule.--Except as
provided in subclause (II), within 60
days after the end of each fiscal year,
beginning with fiscal year 1993, the
Secretary shall pay to each State which
provided services under this section
during such fiscal year an amount equal
to the product of--
``(aa) the total amount of
funds that may be expended
under paragraph (1) for such
fiscal year which remain
available at the end of such
fiscal year; and
``(bb) the amount
determined by dividing the
unavailable Federal amount (as
defined in clause (ii)) for
such State by the total
unavailable Federal amount for
all the States which provided
services under this section
during such fiscal year.
``(II) Special rule.--The amount
determined for payment to a State under
subclause (I) shall not exceed the
unavailable Federal amount for such
State.
``(ii) Definition.--For purposes of this
subparagraph, the term `unavailable Federal
amount' means the excess of--
``(I) the amount a State would have
received in Federal medical assistance
based on such State's expenditures for
services provided under this section
but for the allocation under
subparagraph (B), over
``(II) the amount of Federal
medical assistance allocated to such
State under subparagraph (B).'', and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(5) Carryover of funds to next fiscal year.--Beginning
with fiscal year 1993, any funds available under the
limitations set forth in paragraph (1) for a fiscal year which
remain available at the end of such fiscal year shall be
available to be expended in the following fiscal year.
``(6) Notice to states of amounts available for
assistance.--
``(A) In general.--
``(i) Notice to secretary.--In order to
receive Federal medical assistance for
expenditures for home and community care under
this section for any fiscal year (beginning
with fiscal year 1994), a State shall submit
not later than 3 months before the beginning of
such fiscal year a notice to the Secretary of
its intention to provide such care.
``(ii) Notice to states.--Not later than 2
months before the beginning of each fiscal year
(beginning with fiscal year 1994), the
Secretary shall notify each State that has
submitted a notice to the Secretary under
clause (i) for the fiscal year of the amount of
Federal medical assistance that will be
available to the State for such fiscal year (as
established under paragraph (4)(B)).''.
(e) Evaluations and Reports.--Section 1929 (42 U.S.C. 1396t) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(n) Evaluations and Reports.--The Secretary shall evaluate the
provision of home and community care by States under this section and
shall submit to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and
Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of
the Senate an annual report on the effectiveness of such care,
including the cost effectiveness of providing such care, and any
recommendations for appropriate legislative action.''.
(f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall be
effective on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SUPPORTED LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
SERVICES.
(a) Developmentally Disabled Individual Defined.--Section 1930(b)
(42 U.S.C. 1396u(b)), is amended--
(1) by striking ``guardian'' and inserting ``guardian or'',
and
(2) by striking ``3 other'' and inserting ``3''.
(b) Carryover of Available Funds.--Section 1930(j) (42 U.S.C.
1396u(j)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence:
``Beginning with fiscal year 1993, any funds available under the
limitations set forth in this subsection for a fiscal year which remain
available at the end of such fiscal year shall be available to be
expended in the following fiscal year.''.
(c) Evaluations and Reports.--Section 1930 (42 U.S.C. 1396u) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Evaluations and Reports.--The Secretary shall evaluate the
provision of community supported living arrangements services by States
under this section and shall submit to the Committees on Energy and
Commerce and Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Finance of the Senate an annual report on the
effectiveness of such services, including the cost effectiveness of
providing such services, and any recommendations for appropriate
legislative action.''.
(d) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
amendments made by this section shall be effective on the date
of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Special rule.--In the case of any State which, on the
date of enactment of this Act, provides services under section
1930 of the Social Security Act to 4 individuals residing
together for purposes of subsection (b) of such section, the
amendment made by subsection (a)(2) shall be effective on
October 1, 1994.
SEC. 4. ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
(a) In General.--Section 9342 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act of 1986, as amended by section 4164(a)(2) of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1990, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``4 years'' and
inserting ``6 years'',
(2) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``fourth year'' and
inserting ``sixth year'', and
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) by striking ``$55,000,000'' and inserting
``$70,000,000''; and
(B) by striking ``$3,000,000'' and inserting
``$4,000,000''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall be
effective on the date of the enactment of this Act. | Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow the participation in home- and community-based care programs of functionally disabled elderly individuals with: (1) incomes of up to three times the maximum amount allowed under the Supplemental Security Income program, at the State's option; and (2) two of five (currently, two of three) impaired activities of daily living.
Exempts small community care settings which are not providers of home- and community-based care from survey and certification requirements.
Requires case managers who have been properly trained to review such small settings for compliance with applicable requirements.
Revises program funding provisions to: (1) guarantee States with a certain amount of funding over one year's election period; and (2) allow remaining funds to be carried over to the next fiscal year.
Requires: (1) a State to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services of its intention to provide home- and community-based care in order to receive Federal funding for it; and (2) the Secretary to notify each State which has submitted such a notice of the Federal funding amount available to it for the fiscal year.
Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report annually to specified congressional committees on the provision of home-and community-based care by States.
Revises the definition of developmentally disabled individual with respect to eligibility for community supported living arrangements program services.
Allows program funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year to be carried over to the next fiscal year.
Requires the Secretary to evaluate and report annually to specified congressional committees on the provision of community supported living arrangement services by States.
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 to reauthorize Alzheimer's disease demonstration projects. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to improve programs related to home and community based care and community supported living arrangements, and for other purposes."} | 2,914 | 367 | 0.435411 | 1.254432 | 0.642686 | 1.844575 | 7.615836 | 0.829912 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Healthy Fields and Farm Economies
Act''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE SOIL AND WATER RESOURCES CONSERVATION ACT OF
1977.
The Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 (16 U.S.C.
2001 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 5(e), by striking ``and December 31, 2015''
and inserting ``December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2022'';
(2) in section 6(d), by striking ``, respectively'' and
inserting ``, and a program update shall be completed by
December 31, 2023'';
(3) in section 7--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``and 2016'' and
inserting ``, 2016, and 2022''; and
(B) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by striking ``and 2017'' and inserting
``, 2017, and 2023'';
(4) in section 10, by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023'';
(5) by redesignating sections 8 through 10 as sections 9
though 11, respectively; and
(6) by inserting after section 7 the following:
``SEC. 8. CONSERVATION PROGRAMS ASSESSMENT.
``(a) In General.--In coordination with the appraisal of soil,
water, and related resources and with the national soil and water
conservation program established under this Act, the Secretary may
carry out a conservation effects assessment project to quantify the
environmental and economic effects of conservation practices, develop
the science base for managing the agricultural landscape for
environmental quality and sustainable productive capacity, and improve
the efficacy of conservation practices and programs by evaluating
conservation effects.
``(b) Scope.--The project under this subsection may be carried out
at national, regional, and watershed scales, and may include cropland,
grazing lands, wetlands, forests, and such other lands as the Secretary
may determine appropriate.
``(c) Activities.--The project under this subsection may include
research, literature reviews and bibliographies, modeling, assessment,
monitoring and data collection, outreach, extension education, and such
other activities as the Secretary may determine appropriate.
``SEC. 9. GOALS AND ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.
``(a) Natural Resource and Environmental Objectives and Outcomes.--
``(1) In general.--In coordination with the appraisal of
soil, water, and related resources, the soil and water
conservation program, and the conservation effects assessment
project established by this Act, the Secretary shall identify,
and periodically revise, specific natural resource and
environmental objectives and anticipated conservation outcomes
and results, by resource concern, for the conservation programs
established under subtitles D and H of title XII of the Food
Security Act of 1985 and the landscape conservation initiatives
developed by the Secretary.
``(2) Assessments.--To help measure outcomes and results,
the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make
assessments of changes in the status and conditions of natural
resources and the environment that result from the application
of conservation activities supported directly by such
conservation programs and initiatives.
``(3) Monitoring and program evaluation.--The Secretary
shall establish a coordinated monitoring and evaluation process
for programs and initiatives to assess progress toward the
identified objectives, to gather information to improve program
and initiative implementation in accordance with desired
program and initiative outcomes and results, and to assess the
need for modifications to program or initiative rules or
statutes.
``(b) Monitoring and Program Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall use not more than
one percent of the total annual funding from the funds of the
Commodity Credit Corporation made available for new annual
enrollments for the conservation programs established under
subtitles D and H of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985
to establish a comprehensive monitoring and program evaluation
process to assess progress in reaching natural resource and
environmental objectives identified in accordance with
subsection (a) and the contribution of individual programs and
initiatives, as well as the programs and initiatives
collectively, to that progress.
``(2) Implementation.--In implementing the monitoring and
program evaluation process under paragraph (1), the Secretary
may consider and incorporate resource concern inventories,
quality criteria, conservation practices and enhancements, and
such other information as the Secretary determines relevant for
applying the monitoring and program evaluation process across
each of the major land uses identified by the Secretary.
``(3) Monitoring and evaluation process.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than two years after
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary
shall issue a design for the comprehensive monitoring
and evaluation process, a schedule for implementing the
process, and a plan for coordinating the process with
the national soil and water conservation program and
conservation effects assessment project established
under this Act.
``(B) Methodology.--The design for the monitoring
and evaluation process shall--
``(i) include detailed information
concerning the requisite frequency of the
monitoring process at the field, water body,
habitat, or other level and the manner in which
the data will be aggregated at the landscape or
watershed level, county or local level, State
level, national level, and any other level the
Secretary determines necessary; and
``(ii) take into account the cumulative
nature of conservation over time, the
interactions and sequencing effects between
conservation activities, the differing times
for conservation effects to be realized, and
other related measurement challenges.
``(C) Public research.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, in order to facilitate implementation
of the monitoring and evaluation process, the Secretary
shall make available conservation activity and program
data to cooperators and researchers engaged in public
research and evaluation activities to improve
conservation outcomes under this subsection, provided
that--
``(i) adequate assurances are provided to
the Secretary that any resulting research or
information will be made publicly available and
in a form that protects personally identifiable
information; and
``(ii) the National Technical Committee
finds that any such research is likely to
generate information that furthers the purpose
of this section.
``(4) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may implement
the monitoring evaluation process in part through cooperative
or contribution agreements with Federal, State, and local
agencies, universities and colleges, nongovernmental
organizations with requisite expertise, as determined by the
Secretary in consultation with the National Technical
Committee.
``(5) National technical committee.--
``(A) Composition.--The monitoring and evaluation
process shall be administered by the Natural Resources
Conservation Service with assistance from a national
technical committee appointed by the Secretary and
composed of individuals with relevant technical and
scientific expertise representing--
``(i) the Agricultural Research Service of
the Department of Agriculture;
``(ii) the Economic Research Service of the
Department of Agriculture;
``(iii) the Farm Service Agency of the
Department of Agriculture;
``(iv) the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service;
``(v) the Forest Service;
``(vi) the National Institute for Food and
Agriculture;
``(vii) the United States Geological
Survey;
``(viii) the Environmental Protection
Agency;
``(ix) State and tribal agencies;
``(x) land grant university natural
resource research programs;
``(xi) nongovernmental organizations with
expertise in the full array of conservation
issues and measurement and evaluation of
conservation outcomes; and
``(xii) such other agencies, institutions,
or organizations as the Secretary may determine
appropriate.
``(B) FACA exemption.--The national technical
committee shall be exempt from the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
``(C) Transparency.--The Secretary shall ensure the
proceedings and recommendations of the national
technical committee are available to the public.
``(6) Voluntary participation.--In carrying out this
subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that any on-farm
monitoring activities that may be included as part of the
monitoring and program evaluation process are voluntary on the
part of the producer, and may include appropriate compensation,
as determined by the Secretary.
``(c) Reporting.--
``(1) Report on objectives and methods.--Beginning in the
fiscal year that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this
subsection, and periodically thereafter, as determined by the
Secretary, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make
publicly available, a report that includes--
``(A) a description of conservation outcome
objectives that are, to the maximum extent practicable,
quantitative, measurable, and time-bound for each
program established under subtitle D or H of the Food
Security Act of 1985 and the landscape conservation
initiatives developed by the Secretary;
``(B) a description of the approaches, tools, and
methods used to measure or model the conservation
outcomes and results and to estimate the cost-
effectiveness of each such program; and
``(C) guidance to the conservation project partners
working to implement conservation programs within a
landscape-level project that provides a description of
the approaches, tools, and methods the partners might
consider using to measure and model the conservation
outcomes and results of their projects.
``(2) Report on outcomes.--In conjunction with each of the
reports to Congress pursuant to section 7, the Secretary shall
submit to Congress, and make publicly available, a report that
includes--
``(A) an assessment of progress made towards
achieving conservation program objectives and
anticipated outcomes and results for each conservation
program established under subtitle D or H of title XII
of the Food Security Act of 1985, as well as for such
programs collectively, and the landscape conservation
initiatives developed by the Secretary;
``(B) an evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of
each such conservation program and initiative; and
``(C) recommendations, in light of the assessment
and evaluation, to improve program implementation and
improve the scientific and economic tools (including
any new or revised conservation practices, conservation
enhancements, or conservation planning tools) used to
achieve stated natural resource conservation and
environmental objectives.
``(3) Coordination.--The Secretary may coordinate the
reports required under paragraphs (1) and (2) with any reports
developed as part of the conservation effects assessment
project authorized by section 8, whenever such coordination is
feasible and warranted, as determined by the Secretary.''. | Healthy Fields and Farm Economies Act This bill reauthorizes and modifies the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977, which provides the Department of Agriculture (USDA) with strategic assessment and planning authority for the conservation, protection, and enhancement of soil, water, and related natural resources. The bill authorizes USDA to establish a conservation effects assessment project to: quantify the environmental and economic effects of conservation practices, develop the science base for managing the agricultural landscape for environmental quality and sustainable productive capacity, and improve the efficacy of conservation practices and programs by evaluating conservation effects. USDA must establish a goals and assessment process for conservation programs that includes: the identification of natural resource and environmental objectives, outcomes, and results for the programs; assessments of the resulting changes in the status and conditions of natural resource and the environment; and a monitoring and evaluation process for the programs and initiatives. In implementing the monitoring and evaluation process, USDA must use certain funds provided for conservation programs and establish a National Technical Committee. USDA may enter into cooperative agreements with government agencies, universities and colleges, and nongovernmental organizations to assist in implementing the monitoring and evaluation process. The bill also sets forth reporting requirements regarding the progress conservation programs have made in achieving the objectives and outcomes. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Healthy Fields and Farm Economies Act"} | 2,219 | 264 | 0.590611 | 1.658445 | 0.846491 | 3.449799 | 8.803213 | 0.84739 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Community Coalitions for Access and
Quality Improvement Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
Is it the purpose of this Act to provide assistance to community
health coalitions (as defined in section (c)(1)) that have a clearly
defined local need to increase access to and improve the quality of
health care services through activities that--
(1) develop or strengthen the coordination of services to
allow all individuals, including uninsured and low-income
individuals, to receive efficient and higher quality care and
to gain entry into and receive services from a comprehensive
system of medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and behavioral
health care;
(2) develop efficient and sustainable infrastructure for a
healthcare delivery system characterized by effective
collaboration, information sharing, and clinical and financial
coordination among all types of providers of care in the
community; and
(3) develop or strengthen activities related to providing
coordinated care for individuals with chronic conditions.
SEC. 3. COMMUNITY COALITIONS FOR ACCESS AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT.
(a) Grants To Strengthen the Effectiveness, Efficiency, and
Coordination of Services.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall award grants
to eligible entities assist in the development of integrated health
care delivery systems to serve defined communities of individuals to--
(1) improve the efficiency of and coordination among the
providers providing services through such systems;
(2) assist local communities in developing programs
targeted toward preventing and managing chronic diseases; and
(3) expand and enhance the services provided through such
systems.
(b) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this section, an entity shall--
(1) represent a balanced consortium--
(A) whose principal purpose is to assure the
sustainable capacity for the provision of a broad range
of coordinated services for all residents within a
community defined in the entity's grant application as
described in paragraph (2); and
(B) that includes at least one of each of the
following providers that serve the community (unless
such provider does not exist within the community,
declines or refuses to participate, or places
unreasonable conditions on their participation)--
(i) a federally qualified health center (as
defined in section 1861(aa) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)));
(ii) rural health clinics and rural health
networks (as defined in section 1861(aa) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)));
(iii) a hospital with a low-income
utilization rate that is greater than 25
percent (as defined in section 1923(b)(3) of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r-
4(b)(3))), or a Critical Access Hospital (as
defined in section 19(c)(2) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1395i-4(c)(2)));
(iv) a public health department; and
(v) an interested public or private sector
health care provider or an organization that
has traditionally served the medically
uninsured and low-income individuals; and
(2) submit to the Secretary an application, at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information and the
Secretary may require, including--
(A) a clear description of the community to be
served and access, quality, and efficiency outcomes to
be achieved under the grant;
(B) a description of the providers who will
participate in the community coalition under the grant
and each provider's contribution to the care of
individuals in the community;
(C) a description of the activities that the
applicant and the community coalition propose to
perform under the grant to further the objectives of
this section;
(D) evidence demonstrating that the applicant is an
established coalition with an ability to build on the
current system for serving the community by involving
providers who have traditionally provided a significant
volume of care for uninsured and low-income individuals
for that community;
(E) evidence demonstrating the coalition's ability
to develop coordinated systems of care that either
directly provide or ensure the prompt provision of a
broad range of high quality, accessible services,
including, as appropriate, primary, secondary, and
tertiary services as well as pharmacy, substance abuse,
behavioral health and oral health services, in a manner
that assures continuity of care in the community;
(F) evidence of community involvement, including
the business community, in the development,
implementation, and direction of the system of care
that the coalition proposes to assure;
(G) evidence demonstrating the coalition's ability
to ensure that participating individuals are enrolled
in health care coverage programs, both public and
private, for which the individuals are eligible;
(H) a plan for leveraging other sources of revenue,
which may include State and local sources and private
grant funds, and integrating current and proposed new
funding sources in a manner to assure long-term
sustainability of the system of care;
(I) a plan for the evaluation of the activities
carried out under the grant, including measurement of
progress toward the goals and objectives of the program
and the use of evaluation findings to improve system
performance;
(J) evidence demonstrating fiscal responsibility
through the use of appropriate accounting procedures
and management systems;
(K) evidence demonstrating commitment to serve the
community without regard to the ability of an
individual or family to pay by arranging for or
providing free or reduced charge care for the poor; and
(L) such other information as the Secretary may
require.
(c) Limitations.--The term of an initial grant to an eligible
entity under this section shall be 3 fiscal years. An entity may
receive an extension for 2 additional years if--
(1) the eligible entity submits to the Secretary a request
for a grant for such additional period;
(2) the Secretary determines that current performance
justifies the granting of such an extension; and
(3) the Secretary determines that granting such extension
is necessary to further the objectives described in subsection
(a).
(d) Priorities.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Secretary--
(1) may provide priority to applicants that demonstrate the
greatest extent of unmet need in the community to be served for
a more coordinated system of care; and
(2) shall provide priority to applicants that best promote
the objectives of this section, taking into consideration the
extent to which the applicant--
(A) identifies a community whose geographical area
has a high or increasing percentage of individuals who
are uninsured or low-income;
(B) demonstrates that the applicant has included in
its community coalition providers, support systems, and
programs that have a tradition of serving individuals
and families in the community who are uninsured or earn
below 200 of the Federal poverty level;
(C) demonstrates that the proposed coalition
activities would expand the utilization of preventive
and primary care services for uninsured and
underinsured individuals and families in the community,
including pharmaceuticals, behavioral and mental health
services, oral health services, or substance abuse
services;
(D) proposes approaches that would improve
coordination between health care providers and
appropriate social service providers;
(E) demonstrates collaboration with State and local
governments;
(F) demonstrates that the applicant makes use of
non-Federal contributions to the greatest extent
possible; or
(G) demonstrates the likelihood that the proposed
activities will lead to sustainable integrated delivery
systems as additional efforts of health systems
development evolve.
(e) Use of Funds.--
(1) Use by grantees.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs
(2) and (3), a grantee shall use amounts provided under
this section only for--
(i) direct expenses associated with
achieving the greater integration of a health
care delivery system so that the system either
directly provides or ensures the provision of a
broad range of culturally competent services,
including, as appropriate, primary, secondary,
and tertiary care as well as oral health,
substance abuse, behavioral and mental health,
and pharmaceutical services; and
(ii) direct patient care and service
expansions to fill identified or documented
gaps within an integrated delivery system.
(B) Specific uses.--Upon compliance with
subparagraph (A) a grantees may use amounts provided
under this section for the following:
(i) To provide increases in outreach
activities and to close gaps in health care
service, including referrals to specialty
services and prescription drugs and conducting
ongoing outreach to health disparity
populations.
(ii) To make improvements to care
management and delivery of patient-centered
care, including patient navigation services.
(iii) To make improvements to coordinate
transportation to health care facilities.
(iv) The development of provider networks
and other innovative models to engage
physicians in voluntary efforts to serve the
medically underserved within a community.
(v) Recruitment, training, and compensation
of necessary personnel.
(vi) The acquisition of technology for the
purpose of coordinating care and improving
provider communication, including the
implementation of shared information systems or
shared clinical systems.
(vii) The development of common processes
such as mechanisms for determining eligibility
for the programs provided through the system,
common identification cards, sliding scale
discounts, and the monitoring and tracking of
outcomes.
(viii) The development of specific
prevention and disease management tools and
processes.
(ix) Language access services.
(x) The facilitation of the involvement of
community organizations to provide better
access to high quality health care services to
individuals at risk for, or who have, chronic
diseases or cancer.
(xi) Helping patients overcome barriers
within the health care system to ensure prompt
diagnostic and treatment resolution of an
abnormal finding of cancer or chronic disease.
(2) Direct patient care limitation.--Not to exceed 20
percent of the amounts received under a grant under this
section may be used for providing direct patient care and
services.
(3) Reservation of funds for national program purposes.--
The Secretary may use not to exceed 7 percent of the amount
appropriated to carry out this section each fiscal year to
enter into contracts with an organization that has expertise in
facilitating peer to peer technical assistance among grantees,
to obtain assistance of experts and consultants, to hold
meetings, to develop tools, to disseminate information, to
demonstrate access, quality and efficiency outcomes for
sustainability, and for evaluations.
(f) Requirements.--
(1) Evaluation of effectiveness.--An entity that receive a
grant under this section shall annually submit to the Secretary
a report concerning--
(A) the progress made in meeting the goals and
measurable objectives set forth in the grant
application submitted by the entity under subsection
(b);
(B) the extent to which activities carried out by
the entity under the grant have--
(i) improved the effectiveness, efficiency,
and coordination of services for uninsured and
low-income individuals in the community served
by such entity, using commonly accepted outcome
measures;
(ii) resulted in the provision of better
quality health care for individuals and
families in the community served; and
(iii) resulted in the provision of health
care to such individuals at lower cost than
would have been possible in the absence of the
activities conducted by such entity; and
(C) the findings of an independent financial audit
conducted on all records that relate to the disposition
of funds received under the grant.
(2) Progress.--The Secretary may not renew a grant under
this section unless the Secretary determines that the coalition
has made reasonable and demonstrable progress in meeting the
goals and objectives set forth in the grant application for the
preceding fiscal year.
(g) Maintenance of Effort.--With respect to activities for which a
grant under this section is authorized, the Secretary may award such a
grant only if the applicant and each of the participating providers
agree that the grantee and each such provider will maintain its
expenditures of non-Federal funds for such activities at a level that
is not less then the level of such expenditures during the fiscal year
immediately preceding the fiscal year for which the applicant is
applying to receive such grant.
(h) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may, either directly or by
grant or contract, provide any entity that receives a grant under this
section with technical and other nonfinancial assistance necessary to
enable the entity to comply with the requirements of this section. The
purposes of this section may be achieved by grant or contract with
State and national not-for-profit organizations with expertise in
building successful community coalitions.
(i) Evaluation of Program.--Not later than September 30, 2012, the
Secretary shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report that describes the extent to which projects funded
under this section have been successful in improving the effectiveness,
efficiency, and coordination of services in the communities served by
such projects, including whether the projects resulted in the provision
of better quality health care for such individuals, and whether such
care was provided at lower costs than would have been provided in the
absence of such projects.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section--
(1) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(2) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(3) $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(4) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
(5) $175,000,000 for fiscal year 2012. | Community Coalitions for Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to assist in developing integrated health care delivery systems to serve defined communities to: (1) improve efficiency and coordination among providers; (2) assist local communities in developing programs targeted toward preventing and managing chronic diseases; and (3) expand and enhance services provided.
Requires eligible entities to represent a balanced consortium whose principal purpose is to assure sustained capacity for the provision of a broad range of coordinated services for all residents, including at least one of each of the following providers that serve the community (with exceptions): (1) a federally qualified health center; (2) rural health clinics and rural health networks; (3) a hospital with a low-income utilization rate greater than 25% or a critical access hospital; (4) a public health department; and (5) an interested public or private sector health care provider or organization that has traditionally served medically uninsured and low-income individuals.
Authorizes the Secretary, in awarding grants, to provide priority to applicants that demonstrate the greatest unmet need for a more coordinated system of care.
Requires a grantee to use amounts provided only for: (1) direct expenses associated with achieving greater integration of a health care delivery system to directly provide or ensure the provision of a broad range of culturally competent services; and (2) direct patient care and service expansions to fill identified or documented gaps within an integrated delivery system.
Requires entities to report annually to the Secretary. Conditions grant renewal on demonstrable progress in meeting goals. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to provide assistance to community health coalitions to increase access to and improve the quality of health care services."} | 2,845 | 337 | 0.678996 | 1.924983 | 0.872392 | 4.439873 | 8.829114 | 0.96519 |
SECTION 1. PERMANENT EXTENSION OF RESEARCH CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to credit for increasing research activities) is amended by
striking subsection (h).
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 45C(b)(1) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subparagraph (D).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to amounts paid or incurred after June 30, 1998.
SEC. 2. MODIFICATIONS OF CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED RESEARCH EXPENSES.
(a) Fixed-Base Percentage.--Subparagraph (A) of section 41(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining fixed-base percentage) is
amended to read as follows:
``(A) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in
this paragraph, the fixed-base percentage is the
percentage which the aggregate qualified research
expenses of the taxpayer for taxable years beginning in
the base period is of the aggregate gross receipts of
the taxpayer for such taxable years. For purposes of
the preceding sentence, the base period for any taxable
year is any period of 4 consecutive taxable years
elected by the taxpayer from the 10 immediately
preceding taxable years.''
(b) Start-Up Companies.--
(1) Fixed-base percentage.--
(A) In general.--Clause (i) of section 41(c)(3)(B)
of such Code (relating to start-up companies) is
amended to read as follows:
``(i) Taxpayers to which subparagraph
applies.--The fixed-base percentage shall be
determined under this subparagraph if the
taxpayer did not have both gross receipts and
qualified research expenses in each of the 10
taxable years described in subparagraph (A).''
(B) Maximum percentage not to apply.--Section
41(c)(3)(C) of such Code (relating to maximum fixed-
base percentage) is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``This subparagraph shall not apply to a
taxpayer to which subparagraph (B) applies.''
(C) Conforming amendments.--Section 41(c)(3)(B)(ii)
of such Code is amended--
(i) by striking ``1st 5 taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1993'' and
inserting ``1st 5 taxable years in the 10-year
period described in subparagraph (A)'', and
(ii) by inserting ``and'' at the end of
subclause (V), by striking ``, and'' at the end
of subclause (VI), and by striking subclause
(VII).
(2) Repeal of minimum base amount for start-up
companies.--Section 41(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to minimum base amount) is
amended by adding at the end the following: ``This
paragraph shall not apply to a taxpayer to which
paragraph (3)(B) applies.''
(c) Repeal of Limitation on Contract Research Expenses.--Section
41(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining contract
research expenses) is amended--
(1) by striking ``65 percent of'' in subparagraph (A), and
(2) by striking subparagraph (C).
(d) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998.
(2) Transition rule.--In the case of a taxpayer's 1st 5
taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998, the taxpayer
may elect to have section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 applied without regard to the amendments made by
subsections (a) and (b).
SEC. 3. MODIFICATIONS OF BASIC RESEARCH CREDIT.
(a) Expansion of Credit to Research Done With National Laboratories
and Federal Research Centers.--Section 41(e)(6) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(E) National laboratories and research centers.--
Any organization which is--
``(i) a national laboratory specified by
the Secretary of Energy as being under contract
with the Department of Energy, or
``(ii) a federally funded research and
development center (within the meaning of
section 2367 of title 10, United States
Code).''
(b) Basic Research.--Section 41(e)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (relating to definitions and special rules) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(F) Specific commercial objective.--For purposes
of subparagraph (A), research shall not be treated as
having a specific commercial objective if--
``(i) all results of such research are to
be published in such a manner as to be
available to the general public prior to their
use for a commercial purpose, or
``(ii) such research is done for a
consortium of domestic corporations which
represent substantially all of the domestic
corporations conducting business within the
sector to which the research relates.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the credit for increasing research activities. Modifies the fixed-base percentage used in determining such credit. Makes the credit available to additional laboratories and centers. Revises the definition of basic research. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to enhance the global competitiveness of United States businesses by permanently extending the research credit, and for other purposes."} | 1,198 | 52 | 0.534344 | 1.190923 | 0.524937 | 2.085106 | 21.659574 | 0.723404 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``TANF Substance Abuse Prevention
Act''.
SEC. 2. DRUG SCREENING AND TESTING PROGRAM FOR APPLICANTS FOR AND
RECIPIENTS OF ASSISTANCE UNDER STATE TANF PROGRAMS.
(a) State Plan Requirement of Drug Testing Program.--Section 402(a)
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(8) Certification that the state will operate an illegal
drug use screening and testing program.--
``(A) In general.--A certification by the chief
executive officer of the State that the State will
operate a program in accordance with section 408(a)(13)
to screen all applicants for assistance under the State
program funded under this part, and all individuals
described in subparagraph (C) of such section, for the
use of illegal drugs (as defined in subparagraph (E) of
such section), and to test all such applicants and
individuals who are found as a result of the screening
to have a high risk of substance abuse.
``(B) Authority for continued testing.--The program
described in subparagraph (A) may include a plan to
continue screening or testing individuals receiving
assistance under the State program funded under this
part for illegal drug use at random or set intervals
after the initial screening or testing of the
individuals, at the discretion of the State agency
administering such State program.''.
(b) Requirement That Applicants and Individuals Receiving
Assistance Be Screened, and if Necessary Tested, for Illegal Drug
Use.--Section 408(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(13) Requirement for drug screening and testing; denial
of assistance for individuals not screened, or if necessary,
tested for the use of illegal drugs.--
``(A) In general.--A State to which a grant is made
under section 403 shall not use any part of the grant
to provide assistance to any individual who has not
been screened for the use of illegal drugs, or who,
having been found as a result of the screening to have
a high risk of substance abuse, has not been tested for
the use of illegal drugs, under the program required
under section 402(a)(8).
``(B) Screening method.--The method by which
substance abuse screening is to be conducted under this
paragraph is by means of a survey that has been shown
to be effective in identifying likely substance abuse
and that is administered by an interview or a self-
administered test designed to determine whether an
individual should be further evaluated for substance
abuse.
``(C) Transition rule.--In the case of an
individual who is receiving assistance under the State
program funded under this part on the effective date of
this paragraph, or whose application for assistance is
approved before such date if the assistance has not
begun as of such date, a State may not provide
assistance to the individual unless the individual is
screened for illegal drug use in accordance with this
paragraph after the 3rd month that begins after such
date and, if found as a result of the screening to have
a high risk of substance abuse, is tested for the use
of illegal drugs, under the program so described.
``(D) Limitation on waiver authority.--The
Secretary may not waive the provisions of this
paragraph under section 1115.
``(E) Illegal drug defined.--In this paragraph, the
term `illegal drug' means a controlled substance as
defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act
(21 U.S.C. 802).
``(F) Preservation of assistance for other family
members.--If an individual is denied assistance under
this paragraph, the State shall continue to provide the
assistance that would otherwise be provided in respect
of the other members of the family of the individual,
through protective or vendor payments to a 3rd party
for the benefit of the other family members.''.
(c) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
amendments made by this section shall take effect on the 1st
day of the 1st calendar quarter that begins on or after the
date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(2) Delay permitted if state legislation required.--In the
case of a State plan under section 402(a) of the Social
Security Act which the Secretary of Health and Human Services
determines requires State legislation (other than legislation
appropriating funds) in order for the plan to meet the
additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by this
Act, the State plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply
with the requirements of such section 402(a) solely on the
basis of the failure of the plan to meet such additional
requirements before the 1st day of the 1st calendar quarter
beginning after the close of the 1st regular session of the
State legislature that begins after the date of enactment of
this Act. For purposes of the previous sentence, in the case of
a State that has a 2-year legislative session, each year of
such session shall be deemed to be a separate regular session
of the State legislature. | TANF Substance Abuse Prevention Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require state TANF programs to operate a program to screen and test all TANF applicants and recipients of assistance for illegal drug use. Requires state TANF programs to deny assistance to individuals who have not been screened for the use of illegal drugs, or who, having been found as a result of the screening to have a high risk of substantive abuse, have not been tested for the use of illegal drugs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "TANF Substance Abuse Prevention Act"} | 1,198 | 132 | 0.631899 | 1.732167 | 0.669088 | 4.238095 | 10.085714 | 0.92381 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Health Insurance Rate Review Act''.
SEC. 2. PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS FROM EXCESSIVE, UNJUSTIFIED, OR
UNFAIRLY DISCRIMINATORY RATES.
(a) Protection From Excessive, Unjustified, or Unfairly
Discriminatory Rates.--The first section 2794 of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-94), as added by section 1003 of the
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Protection From Excessive, Unjustified, or Unfairly
Discriminatory Rates.--
``(1) Authority of states.--Nothing in this section shall
be construed to prohibit a State from imposing requirements
(including requirements relating to rate review standards and
procedures and information reporting) on health insurance
issuers with respect to rates that are in addition to the
requirements of this section and are more protective of
consumers than such requirements.
``(2) Consultation in rate review process.--In carrying out
this section, the Secretary shall consult with the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners and consumer groups.
``(3) Determination of who conducts reviews for each
state.--The Secretary shall determine, after the date of
enactment of this section and periodically thereafter, the
following:
``(A) In which markets in each State the State
insurance commissioner or relevant State regulator
shall undertake the corrective actions under paragraph
(4), based on the Secretary's determination that the
State regulator is adequately undertaking and utilizing
such actions in that market.
``(B) In which markets in each State the Secretary
shall undertake the corrective actions under paragraph
(4), in cooperation with the relevant State insurance
commissioner or State regulator, based on the
Secretary's determination that the State is not
adequately undertaking and utilizing such actions in
that market.
``(4) Corrective action for excessive, unjustified, or
unfairly discriminatory rates.--In accordance with the process
established under this section, the Secretary or the relevant
State insurance commissioner or State regulator shall take
corrective actions to ensure that any excessive, unjustified,
or unfairly discriminatory rates are corrected prior to
implementation, or as soon as possible thereafter, through
mechanisms such as--
``(A) denying rates;
``(B) modifying rates; or
``(C) requiring rebates to consumers.
``(5) Noncompliance.--Failure to comply with any corrective
action taken by the Secretary under this subsection may result
in the application of civil monetary penalties under section
2723 and, if the Secretary determines appropriate, make the
plan involved ineligible for classification as a qualified
health plan.''.
(b) Clarification of Regulatory Authority.--Such section is further
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Premium'' and
inserting ``Rate'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``unreasonable
increases in premiums'' and inserting ``potentially
excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory
rates, including premiums,''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``an unreasonable premium
increase'' and inserting ``a potentially
excessive, unjustified, or unfairly
discriminatory rate'';
(ii) by striking ``the increase'' and
inserting ``the rate''; and
(iii) by striking ``such increases'' and
inserting ``such rates''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``premium increases'' each place it
appears and inserting ``rates''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``premium''
and inserting ``rate''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Title XXVII of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 2723 (42 U.S.C. 300gg-22), as redesignated
by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and
section 2794'' after ``this part''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or
section 2794'' after ``this part''; and
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and
section 2794'' after ``this part''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2)--
(I) in subparagraph (A), by
inserting ``or section 2794 that is''
after ``this part''; and
(II) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by
inserting ``or section 2794'' after
``this part''; and
(2) in section 2761 (42 U.S.C. 300gg-61)--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and
section 2794'' after ``this part''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2)--
(I) by inserting ``or section
2794'' after ``set forth in this
part''; and
(II) by inserting ``and section
2794'' after ``the requirements of this
part''; and
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) by inserting ``and section 2794'' after
``this part''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and section 2794''
after ``part A''.
(d) Applicability to Grandfathered Plans.--Section 1251(a)(4)(A) of
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), as
added by section 2301 of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation
Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-152), is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(v) Section 2794 (relating to
reasonableness of rates with respect to health
insurance coverage).''.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this Act, such sums as may be necessary.
(f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date of enactment of this Act and shall be implemented
with respect to health plans beginning not later than January 1, 2017. | Health Insurance Rate Review Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that federal requirements that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review unreasonable premium increases in health care coverage do not prohibit a state from imposing additional rate requirements on health insurance issuers that are more protective of consumers. The review is expanded to include all rate increases, not only premium increases. HHS or the relevant state insurance commissioner or state regulator must ensure that any excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates are corrected before, or as soon as possible after, implementation, including through mechanisms such as denying rates, modifying rates, or requiring rebates to consumers. HHS may apply civil monetary penalties to health insurance issuers that fail to comply with a corrective action taken by HHS and may make the plan involved ineligible for classification as a qualified health plan. HHS must determine whether HHS or the state insurance commissioner or regulator will undertake such corrective actions based on whether the state can adequately undertake the actions. This Act applies to health plans grandfathered under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Health Insurance Rate Review Act"} | 1,499 | 238 | 0.639505 | 1.888176 | 0.824587 | 2.776699 | 6.291262 | 0.854369 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Senior Year Community Service Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to promote community service among
United States youth by connecting secondary school seniors to community
service opportunities.
SEC. 3. PROGRAM.
The National and Community Service Act of 1990 is amended by
inserting after section 198D (42 U.S.C. 12653d) the following:
``SEC. 198E. SENIOR YEAR COMMUNITY SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Definition.--In this section:
``(1) Community service opportunity.--The term `community
service opportunity', used with respect to a student, means a
service opportunity in the student's community or school.
``(2) Graduation rate.--The term `graduation rate' means
the percentage described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(vi) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6311(b)(2)(C)(ii)).
``(b) Senior Year Community Service Pilot Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Corporation shall establish and
carry out a national pilot program. In carrying out the
program, the Corporation shall make grants on a competitive
basis to local educational agencies, to enable the agencies to
establish local programs to match secondary school seniors to
community service opportunities.
``(2) Amount, number, and duration of grants.--
``(A) Amount of grants.--In determining the amount
of a grant to be made to a local educational agency
under paragraph (1), the Corporation shall consider the
number and percentage of secondary school seniors the
local educational agency plans to match to community
service opportunities under the local program involved.
``(B) Number and duration of grants.--The
Corporation shall make not less than 6 grants under
paragraph (1) and the grants shall be for periods of 2
years.
``(3) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
paragraph (1), a local educational agency shall submit an
application to the Corporation at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Corporation may require.
The local educational agency shall demonstrate in the
application that the local educational agency--
``(A) is well-positioned to successfully implement
a local program through the national pilot program;
``(B) demonstrates that appropriate leaders in the
education, civic, and private sectors exhibit a strong
commitment to community service;
``(C) is able to leverage additional funds to
support the local program;
``(D) has a full commitment to match as many
secondary school seniors as possible with service
opportunities within the community or school involved;
and
``(E) has worked with a local community-based
organization to establish goals for the service that
participating secondary school seniors will provide.
``(4) Use of funds.--A local educational agency that
receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall use the grant funds
to--
``(A) establish a partnership with the local
community-based organization described in paragraph
(3)(E) to carry out the local program;
``(B) provide meaningful community service
opportunities for students in their senior year, for
terms of service described in section 139(b)(1);
``(C) supply a service coordinator to assist
secondary schools participating in the local program;
and
``(D) provide information to students in their
junior year of secondary school regarding the community
service opportunities available under the local
program.
``(5) Responsibilities of the corporation.--The Corporation
shall support the local educational agencies participating in
the national pilot program, by--
``(A) providing a downloadable template for the
local educational agencies to use when providing
information to students in their junior year as
described in paragraph (4)(D);
``(B) offering assistance to the local educational
agencies in finding community service opportunities for
all participating seniors;
``(C) offering assistance to the local educational
agencies regarding completing the paperwork necessary
for participating seniors to be eligible for national
service educational awards under subtitle D; and
``(D) providing any technical assistance the
Corporation determines to be necessary.
``(6) Eligibility for national service educational award.--
A participant under this section shall be eligible for the
national service educational award described in subtitle D if
the participant meets the requirements of sections 139(b)(1)
and 146(b).
``(7) Evaluation.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall award a
contract to an independent agency with expertise in
evaluating trends in student achievement to study the
effects of the national pilot program on the
achievement of participating students.
``(B) Measurement.--The evaluation described in
subparagraph (A)--
``(i) shall compare--
``(I) secondary school seniors who
are participating in the program; to
``(II) similar secondary school
seniors who are not participating in
the program;
``(ii) shall include measurements of--
``(I) academic achievement on the
student academic assessments described
in section 1111(b)(3) of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6311(b)(3));
``(II) graduation rates;
``(III) student attendance rates;
``(IV) student rates of enrollment,
persistence, and attainment in
institutions of higher education; and
``(V) success with respect to any
other academic factor the Corporation
determines is necessary; and
``(iii) shall measure whether the goals
established by the local educational agency
under paragraph (3)(E) were met.
``(8) Building on the senior year community service pilot
program.--If the evaluation under paragraph (7) demonstrates
that the national pilot program was effective in improving
student achievement, as measured by the indicators described in
paragraph (7)(B)(ii), the Corporation, in collaboration with
the agency described in paragraph (7)(A), shall develop a plan
to include in the program as many secondary school seniors as
possible.''.
SEC. 4. EDUCATIONAL AWARDS.
(a) National Service Position Eligible for National Service
Educational Award.--Section 123 of the National and Community Service
Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12573) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(2) by inserting before paragraph (8) the following:
``(7) A position involving service as a participant under
section 198E.''.
(b) Reservation of Approved Positions.--Section 129 of the National
and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12581) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``The Corporation'' and inserting
the following:
``(1) VISTA volunteers and civilian community corps
participants.--The Corporation''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Senior year community service participants.--The
Corporation shall ensure that each individual selected by a
local educational agency during a fiscal year as a participant
under section 198E shall receive the national service
educational award described in subtitle D if the individual
satisfies the eligibility requirements for the award. Funds for
approved national service positions required by this paragraph
for a fiscal year shall be deducted from the funds appropriated
under section 501(a)(2)(B)(ii).''; and
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) by inserting before ``The Corporation'' the
following:
``(1) In general.--''; and
(B) by striking the second sentence and inserting
the following:
``(2) Adjustments.--The Corporation is authorized to make
necessary and reasonable adjustments to the program rules--
``(A) relating to participants described in
subsection (b)(2), if appropriations under section
501(a)(2)(B)(ii) are insufficient to provide the
maximum allowable national service educational awards
under subtitle D for all those participants who are
eligible for such an award; and
``(B) relating to participants (other than those
referred to in subparagraph (A)), if appropriations
under section 501(a)(2)(A) are insufficient to provide
the maximum allowable national service educational
awards under subtitle D for all those participants who
are eligible for such an award.''.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 501(a)(2) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990
(42 U.S.C. 12681(a)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by inserting ``(other
than assistance described in subparagraph (B)(i))'' after ``H
of title I'';
(2) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(other than awards
described in subparagraph (B)(ii))'' after ``subtitle D of
title I'';
(3) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
and
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) Senior year community service pilot
program.--
``(i) Financial assistance.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to provide
financial assistance under section 198E, such
sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal
years 2009 through 2011.
``(ii) National service positions for
senior year community service participants.--
There are authorized to be appropriated to
provide national service educational awards
under subtitle D of title I for participants
under section 198E, such sums as may be
necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through
2011.''. | Senior Year Community Service Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to direct the Corporation for National and Community Service to implement a national pilot program awarding six competitive grants to local educational agencies to establish local programs matching secondary school seniors to community service opportunities for which such students receive national service educational awards.
Directs the Corporation to contract with an independent agency to study the effects of the national pilot program on the achievement of participating students. Requires the Corporation to plan an expansion of such program if it is shown to be effective in improving student achievement. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to promote community service among United States youth by connecting secondary school seniors to community service opportunities."} | 2,144 | 118 | 0.611953 | 1.469726 | 0.630134 | 3.268519 | 18.157407 | 0.898148 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Violent Crime Intervention Act of
1994''.
TITLE I--NATIONAL CRIMINAL RECORDS DATABASE
SEC. 101. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) nationwide--
(A) many State criminal record systems are not up
to date and contain incomplete or incorrect
information; and
(B) less than 20 percent of all criminal records
are fully computerized, include court dispositions, and
are accessible through the Interstate Identification
Index of the Department of Justice; and
(2) a complete and accurate nationwide criminal record
database is an essential element in fighting crime and
development of such a database and is a national urgent
priority.
SEC. 102. STATE CRIMINAL RECORD UPGRADES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall issue guidelines
establishing specific requirements for a State to qualify as a fully
participating member of the Interstate Identification Index.
(b) Minimum Requirements.--The guidelines referred to in subsection
(a) shall require--
(1) that all arrest reports and final disposition orders
are submitted to the State records repository within 21 days;
(2) the State repository to enter these records and orders
into the State database not more than 14 days after the
repository receives the information;
(3) the State to conduct audits, at least annually, of
State criminal records to ensure that such records contain
correct and complete information about every felony arrest and
report the results of each audit to the Attorney General;
(4) the State to certify to the Attorney General, on
January 1 of each year, that the law enforcement agencies,
courts, and records officials of the State are in compliance
with this section; and
(5) such other conditions as the Attorney General
determines are necessary.
(c) Fees.--A State that does not qualify as a fully participating
State, pursuant to the guidelines referred to in subsection (a), within
2 years after the date on which the Attorney General issues such
guidelines shall pay a user fee for each identification request made to
the Interstate Identification Index in an amount equal to the average
cost of a single Federal database inquiry, as determined by the
Attorney General each year.
SEC. 103. AUTHORIZATION.
There are authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for fiscal
years 1995 and 1996 to the Attorney General for grants to States to
establish or improve their criminal record databases to qualify as a
fully participating member of the Interstate Identification Index.
TITLE II--LIABILITY FOR EARLY RELEASE OF VIOLENT FELONS
SEC. 201. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) violent criminals often serve only a small portion of
their original sentences;
(2) a significant proportion of the most serious violent
crimes committed in the United States are committed by
criminals who have been released early from a sentence for a
previous violent crime;
(3) violent criminals who are released early from prison
often travel to other States to commit additional violent
crimes;
(4) the crime and threat of crime committed by violent
criminals released early from prison affects tourism, economic
development, use of the interstate highway system, federally
owned or supported facilities, and other commercial activities
of individuals; and
(5) the policies of one State regarding the early release
of criminals sentenced in that State for a violent crime often
affects the citizens of other States, who can influence those
policies only through Federal law.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this title is to reduce violent crime
by requiring States to bear the responsibility for the consequences of
releasing violent criminals before they serve the full term for which
they were sentenced.
SEC. 202. CAUSE OF ACTION.
(a) In General.--The victim (or in the case of a homicide, the
family of the victim) of a violent crime shall have a Federal cause of
action in any district court against a State if the individual
committing the crime--
(1) previously had been convicted by the State of a violent
offense;
(2) was released from incarceration prior to serving his or
her full sentence for such offense; and
(3) committed the violent crime before the original
sentence would have expired.
(b) Exception.--A State shall not be liable under subsection (a) if
the State requires a violent criminal to be incarcerated for the entire
term of imprisonment to which the criminal is sentenced.
(c) Definition.--As used in this title, the term ``crime of
violence'' has the same meaning as in section 16 of title 18, United
States Code.
(d) Damages.--A State shall be liable to the victim in an action
brought under this title for the actual damages resulting from the
violent crime, but not for punitive damages. | TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: National Criminal Records Database
Title II: Liability for Early Release of Violent Felons
Violent Crime Intervention Act of 1994 -
Title I: National Criminal Records Database
- Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines establishing specific requirements for a State to qualify as a fully participating member of the Interstate Identification Index of the Department of Justice.
Specifies that such guidelines shall require that: (1) all arrest reports and final disposition orders be submitted to the State records repository within 21 days; (2) the State repository enter such records and orders into the State database within 14 days after receiving the information; (3) the State conduct and report to the Attorney General on annual audits to ensure that State criminal records contain correct and complete information about every felony arrest; and (4) the State certify to the Attorney General on January 1 of each year that the law enforcement agencies, courts, and records officials of the State are in compliance.
Requires a State that does not qualify as a fully participating State pursuant to such guidelines to pay a user fee for each identification request made to the Index.
Authorizes appropriations to the Attorney General for grants to States to establish or improve their criminal record databases to qualify as a fully participating member.
Title II: Liability for Early Release of Violent Felons
- Grants the victim (or in the case of a homicide, the family of the victim) of a violent crime a Federal cause of action in any district court against a State if the individual committing the crime previously had been convicted by the State of a violent offense, was released from incarceration prior to serving his or her full sentence, and committed the violent crime before the original sentence would have expired. Immunizes a State from such liability if the State requires a violent criminal to be incarcerated for the entire term of imprisonment to which the criminal is sentenced.
Makes a State liable to the victim in an action brought under this title for the actual damages resulting from the violent crime, but not for punitive damages. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Violent Crime Intervention Act of 1994"} | 1,070 | 449 | 0.724847 | 2.53476 | 0.782198 | 6.137931 | 2.458128 | 0.926108 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Florida Wetlands Mitigation Banking
Study Act of 1996''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Mitigating the environmental impacts of necessary
development actions on the Nation's wetlands and other aquatic
resources is a central premise of Federal wetlands programs.
While mitigation is required to prevent loss of the Nation's
wetland resources, mitigation should be undertaken in a manner
that is flexible, efficient, reliable, and effective.
(2) Mitigation banking is wetland resource restoration,
enhancement, creation, and in exceptional circumstances
preservation, undertaken to provide mitigation ``credits'' to
offset unavoidable wetland losses.
(3) Mitigation banks often provide greater flexibility,
efficiency, reliability, and effectiveness in meeting
mitigation requirements than on-site mitigation can and often
have significant environmental advantages over individual
mitigation projects, such as--
(A) maintaining the integrity of a larger aquatic
ecosystem by consolidating compensatory mitigation into
a single large parcel;
(B) bringing together financial resources,
planning, and scientific expertise not practicable to
bring to many project-specific compensatory mitigation
proposals;
(C) reducing permit processing times and providing
more cost-effective compensatory mitigation
opportunities for projects that qualify;
(D) improving regulatory oversight by focusing
regulatory agency resources more effectively; and
(E) contributing toward attainment of the goal of
no net loss of the Nation's wetlands by providing
opportunities to compensate for authorized impacts when
mitigation might not otherwise be appropriate or
practicable.
(4) The State of Florida has developed one of the most
advanced regulatory frameworks in the Nation for authorizing
the establishment and use of mitigation banks. Florida's
statutes and regulations governing mitigation banks contain
provisions for evaluating the suitability of mitigation banks,
determining the number of mitigation ``credits'' to be awarded
a mitigation bank, and ensuring the success and perpetual
protection and management of mitigation banks. As a result, a
number of mitigation banks have been successfully established
and used in Florida.
(5) In determining whether Federal legislation or further
administrative action is necessary to encourage the
establishment of mitigation banks, to allow for the use of
mitigation banks to meet the requirements of applicable Federal
statutes and regulations, and to ensure the proper location,
success, and perpetual protection and management of mitigation
banks, a study of the authorization and use of mitigation banks
in Florida is necessary and useful.
SEC. 3. MITIGATION BANKING STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Army shall conduct a study of
mitigation banking in the State of Florida for the purpose of
evaluating the potential and problems of mitigation banking. By July 1,
1997, the Secretary shall submit a written report on the results of the
study to the President, the Committee on Environment and Public Works
of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
of the House of Representatives.
(b) Consultation.--In conducting this mitigation banking study and
preparing the report under this section, the Secretary shall consult
with the following:
(1) The Environmental Protection Agency.
(2) The Natural Resources Conservation Service of the
Department of Agriculture.
(3) The Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the
Interior.
(4) The National Marine Fisheries Service of the Department
of Commerce.
(5) The Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
(6) The Northwest Florida Water Management District.
(7) The Suwannee River Water Management District.
(8) The St. Johns River Water Management District.
(9) The Southwest Florida Water Management District.
(10) The South Florida Water Management District.
(c) Matters To Be Addressed.--The Secretary's mitigation bank study
and report under this section shall address all subjects relating to
the effective and responsible establishment, use, and perpetual
protection and management of mitigation banks and shall specifically
address the following issues:
(1) Whether Federal legislation is necessary to encourage
the responsible establishment, use, and perpetual protection
and management of mitigation banks.
(2) The manner in which mitigation banks should be
authorized.
(3) The legal restrictions which should be placed on lands
within a mitigation bank to ensure the perpetual protection of
that mitigation bank.
(4) The financial responsibility that entities establishing
a mitigation bank should provide to ensure the success and
perpetual protection and management of that mitigation bank.
(5) The manner in which wetland and upland areas within a
mitigation bank should be evaluated in the award of mitigation
``credits'' to a mitigation bank.
(6) The manner in which mitigation ``credits'' from a
mitigation bank can be used as compensation for unavoidable
impacts to wetlands and other aquatic resources.
(7) The manner in which the service area of a mitigation
bank should be established.
(8) The relationship of mitigation banks to public
acquisition or restoration programs designed to restore or
enhance the environment.
(9) The manner in which the siting of mitigations banks can
be directed to assure compatibility with adjacent land uses and
furtherance of local or regional goals for the restoration or
protection of watersheds, floodplains, particular habitat types
or functions, and water quality.
(10) The procedure by which Federal and any State
authorizations of the establishment and use of mitigation banks
can be coordinated to reduce duplication and increase
governmental efficiency.
(d) Public Comment.--Prior to submitting the report, the Secretary
shall provide notice and an opportunity for public comment on the
report. The Secretary shall also solicit comments on the report from
other States by submitting a copy of the report to the Interstate
Counsel on Water Policy for comment. | Florida Wetlands Mitigation Banking Study Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to study and report to specified congressional committees and the President on the potential and problems of mitigation banking in Florida. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Florida Wetlands Mitigation Banking Study Act of 1996"} | 1,180 | 45 | 0.577394 | 1.657092 | 0.1198 | 2.945946 | 31.837838 | 0.891892 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Cybercrime Enforcement Training
Assistance Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Attorney General shall award grants under this section to States and
units of local government for the prevention, enforcement, and
prosecution of cybercrimes against individuals.
(b) Application.--
(1) In general.--To request a grant under this section, the
chief executive officer of a State or unit of local government
shall submit an application to the Attorney General within 90
days after the date on which funds to carry out this section
are appropriated for a fiscal year, in such form as the
Attorney General may require. Such application shall include
the following:
(A) A certification that Federal funds made
available under this section will not be used to
supplant State or local funds, but will be used to
increase the amounts of such funds that would, in the
absence of Federal funds, be made available for law
enforcement activities.
(B) An assurance that, not fewer than 30 days
before the application (or any amendment to the
application) was submitted to the Attorney General, the
application (or amendment) was submitted for review to
the governing body of the State or unit of local
government (or to an organization designated by that
governing body).
(C) An assurance that, before the application (or
any amendment to the application) was submitted to the
Attorney General--
(i) the application (or amendment) was made
public; and
(ii) an opportunity to comment on the
application (or amendment) was provided to
citizens and to neighborhood or community-based
organizations, to the extent applicable law or
established procedure makes such an opportunity
available.
(D) An assurance that, for each fiscal year covered
by an application, the applicant shall maintain and
report such data, records, and information
(programmatic and financial) as the Attorney General
may reasonably require.
(E) A certification, made in a form acceptable to
the Attorney General and executed by the chief
executive officer of the applicant (or by another
officer of the applicant, if qualified under
regulations promulgated by the Attorney General),
that--
(i) the programs to be funded by the grant
meet all the requirements of this section;
(ii) all the information contained in the
application is correct;
(iii) there has been appropriate
coordination with affected agencies; and
(iv) the applicant will comply with all
provisions of this section and all other
applicable Federal laws.
(F) A certification that the State or in the case
of a unit of local government, the State in which the
unit of local government is located, has in effect
criminal laws which prohibit cybercrimes against
individuals.
(G) A certification that any equipment described in
subsection (c)(7) purchased using grant funds awarded
under this section will be used primarily for
investigations and forensic analysis of evidence in
matters involving cybercrimes against individuals.
(c) Use of Funds.--Grants awarded under this section may only be
used for programs that provide--
(1) training for State or local law enforcement personnel
relating to cybercrimes against individuals, including--
(A) training such personnel to identify and protect
victims of cybercrimes against individuals;
(B) training such personnel to utilize Federal,
State, local, and other resources to assist victims of
cybercrimes against individuals;
(C) training such personnel to identify and
investigate cybercrimes against individuals;
(D) training such personnel to enforce and utilize
the laws that prohibit cybercrimes against individuals;
(E) training such personnel to utilize technology
to assist in the investigation of cybercrimes against
individuals and enforcement of laws that prohibit such
crimes; and
(F) the payment of overtime incurred as a result of
such training;
(2) training for State or local prosecutors, judges, and
judicial personnel, relating to cybercrimes against
individuals, including--
(A) training such personnel to identify,
investigate, prosecute, or adjudicate cybercrimes
against individuals;
(B) training such personnel to utilize laws that
prohibit cybercrimes against individuals;
(C) training such personnel to utilize Federal,
State, local, and other resources to assist victims of
cybercrimes against individuals; and
(D) training such personnel to utilize technology
to assist in the prosecution or adjudication of acts of
cybercrimes against individuals, including the use of
technology to protect victims of such crimes;
(3) training for State or local emergency dispatch
personnel relating to cybercrimes against individuals,
including--
(A) training such personnel to identify and protect
victims of cybercrimes against individuals;
(B) training such personnel to utilize Federal,
State, local, and other resources to assist victims of
cybercrimes against individuals;
(C) training such personnel to utilize technology
to assist in the identification of and response to
cybercrimes against individuals; and
(D) the payment of overtime incurred as a result of
such training;
(4) assistance to State or local law enforcement agencies
in enforcing laws that prohibit cybercrimes against
individuals, including expenses incurred in performing
enforcement operations, such as overtime payments;
(5) assistance to State or local law enforcement agencies
in educating the public in order to prevent, deter, and
identify violations of laws that prohibit cybercrimes against
individuals;
(6) assistance to State or local law enforcement agencies
to establish task forces that operate solely to conduct
investigations, forensic analyses of evidence, and prosecutions
in matters involving cybercrimes against individuals;
(7) assistance to State or local law enforcement and
prosecutors in acquiring computers, computer equipment, and
other equipment necessary to conduct investigations and
forensic analysis of evidence in matters involving cybercrimes
against individuals, including expenses incurred in the
training, maintenance, or acquisition of technical updates
necessary for the use of such equipment for the duration of a
reasonable period of use of such equipment;
(8) assistance in the facilitation and promotion of
sharing, with State and local law enforcement officers and
prosecutors, of the expertise and information of Federal law
enforcement agencies about the investigation, analysis, and
prosecution of matters involving laws that prohibit cybercrimes
against individuals, including the use of multijurisdictional
task forces; or
(9) assistance to State and local law enforcement and
prosecutors in processing interstate extradition requests for
violations of laws involving cybercrimes against individuals,
including expenses incurred in the extradition of an offender
from one State to another.
(d) Report to the Secretary.--On the date that is one year after
the date on which a State or unit of local government receives a grant
under this section, and annually thereafter, the chief executive of
such State or unit of local government shall submit to the Attorney
General a report which contains--
(1) a summary of the activities carried out during the
previous year with any grant received by such State or unit of
local government;
(2) an evaluation of the results of such activities; and
(3) such other information as the Attorney General may
reasonably require.
(e) Report to Congress.--Not later than November 1 of each even-
numbered fiscal year, the Attorney General shall submit to the
Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate a report that contains a
compilation of the information contained in the report submitted under
subsection (d).
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2017 through 2021.
(2) Limitation.--Of the amount made available under
paragraph (1) in any fiscal year, not more than 5 percent may
be used for evaluation, monitoring, technical assistance,
salaries, and administrative expenses.
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``cybercrimes against individuals'' means the
criminal offenses applicable in the relevant State or unit of
local government that involve the use of a computer to cause
personal harm to an individual, such as the use of a computer
to harass, threaten, stalk, extort, coerce, cause fear,
intimidate, without consent distribute intimate images of, or
violate the privacy of, an individual, except that--
(A) use of a computer need not be an element of
such an offense; and
(B) such term does not include the use of a
computer to cause harm to a commercial entity,
government agency, or any non-natural persons.
(2) The term ``computer'' includes a computer network and
an interactive electronic device.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER GRANT.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Attorney General shall award a grant under this section to an eligible
entity for the purpose of the establishment and maintenance of a
National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals to provide
resource information, training, and technical assistance to improve the
capacity of individuals, organizations, governmental entities, and
communities to prevent, enforce, and prosecute cybercrimes against
individuals.
(b) Application.--To request a grant under this section, an
eligible entity shall submit an application to the Attorney General not
later than 90 days after the date on which funds to carry out this
section are appropriated for fiscal year 2017 in such form as the
Attorney General may require. Such application shall include the
following:
(1) An assurance that, for each fiscal year covered by an
application, the applicant shall maintain and report such data,
records, and information (programmatic and financial) as the
Attorney General may reasonably require.
(2) A certification, made in a form acceptable to the
Attorney General, that--
(A) the programs funded by the grant meet all the
requirements of this section;
(B) all the information contained in the
application is correct; and
(C) the applicant will comply with all provisions
of this section and all other applicable Federal laws.
(c) Use of Funds.--The eligible entity awarded a grant under this
section shall use such amounts for the establishment and maintenance of
a National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals, which
shall--
(1) offer a comprehensive array of technical assistance and
training resources to Federal, State, and local governmental
agencies, community-based organizations, and other
professionals and interested parties, related to cybercrimes
against individuals, including programs and research related to
victims;
(2) maintain a resource library which shall collect,
prepare, analyze, and disseminate information and statistics
related to--
(A) the incidence of cybercrimes against
individuals;
(B) the enforcement, and prosecution of laws
relating to cybercrimes against individuals; and
(C) the provision of supportive services and
resources for victims of cybercrimes against
individuals; and
(3) conduct research related to--
(A) the causes of cybercrimes against individuals;
(B) the effect of cybercrimes against individuals
on victims of such crimes; and
(C) model solutions to prevent or deter cybercrimes
against individuals or to enforce the laws relating to
cybercrimes against individuals.
(d) Duration of Grant.--
(1) In general.--The grant awarded under this section shall
be awarded for a period of 5 years.
(2) Renewal.--A grant under this section may be renewed for
additional 5-year periods if the Attorney General determines
that the funds made available to the recipient were used in a
manner described in subsection (c), and if the recipient
resubmits an application described in subsection (b) in such
form, and at such time as the Attorney General may reasonably
require.
(e) Subgrants.--The eligible entity awarded a grant under this
section may make subgrants to other nonprofit private organizations
with relevant subject matter expertise in order to establish and
maintain the National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against
Individuals in accordance with subsection (c).
(f) Report to the Secretary.--On the date that is one year after
the date on which an eligible entity receives a grant under this
section, and annually thereafter for the duration of the grant period,
the entity shall submit to the Attorney General a report which
contains--
(1) a summary of the activities carried out under the grant
program during the previous year;
(2) an evaluation of the results of such activities; and
(3) such other information as the Attorney General may
reasonably require.
(g) Report to Congress.--Not later than November 1 of each even-
numbered fiscal year, the Attorney General shall submit to the
Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate a report that contains a
compilation of the information contained in the report submitted under
subsection (d).
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $4,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2017 through 2021.
(i) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Cybercrimes against individuals.--The term
``cybercrimes against individuals'' has the meaning given such
term in section 2(g).
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a
nonprofit private organization that focuses on cybercrimes
against individuals and that--
(A) provides documentation to the Attorney General
demonstrating experience working directly on issues of
cybercrimes against individuals; and
(B) includes on the entity's advisory board
representatives who have a documented history of
working directly on issues of cybercrimes against
individuals and who are geographically and culturally
diverse. | Cybercrime Enforcement Training Assistance Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award grants to state and local governments to prevent, enforce, and prosecute cybercrimes against individuals. A cybercrime against an individual is a criminal offense that involves use of a computer, including a computer network or interactive electronic device, to harm an individual. DOJ must also award a grant to a nonprofit private cybercrime organization to establish and maintain the National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals. It must provide technical assistance and training resources, maintain a resource library, and conduct research to improve the capacity of governments, communities, and individuals to prevent, enforce, and prosecute cybercrimes against individuals. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Cybercrime Enforcement Training Assistance Act of 2016"} | 2,896 | 156 | 0.485128 | 1.31488 | 0.748618 | 3.253846 | 21.638462 | 0.9 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Women's Progress Assessment Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Timely and reliable data on the situation of women in
the United States and around the world is critical to the
effective implementation of the Platform for Action agreed upon
at the International Conference on Population and Development
and in evaluating the cost effectiveness of United States
domestic and foreign assistance programs.
(2) Statistics on women exist in every country, including
the United States, but are not generally published or analyzed
in a form accessible to those, including laypersons, concerned
with gender issues.
(3) Many of the statistical indicators currently used fail
to provide a complete picture of women's health and their roles
within the family, the economy, and political and social
spheres.
(4) Many topics relevant to gender issues in society have
not been adequately measured, such as access to resources,
time-use, extent of family responsibilities, and the quality
and effectiveness of programs and policies designed to meet
women's needs. Efforts to develop appropriate approaches to
data collection and to refine old approaches to data collection
are required.
(5) Comparable measurements and standard methodologies for
collection and analysis of gender statistics must be integrated
into the ongoing programs of the United States Census Bureau's
national and international statistical services, and the
statistical services funded by United States Agency for
International Development, so that they can provide an unbiased
basis for the design, implementation and monitoring of
programs, policies, and legislation.
SEC. 3. SURVEY OF STATUS OF WOMEN.
(a) Periodic Surveys Required.--Title 13, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 11--COLLECTION AND PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION ON THE STATUS
OF WOMEN
``Sec.
``501. Collection and publication.
``502. Reports.
``503. Federal Forum on Women's Statistics.
``Sec. 501. Collection and publication
``(a) The Secretary shall collect, compile, and publish statistics
concerning the status of women and girls of all ages in the United
States, and compile and publish statistics concerning the status of
women and girls of all ages in foreign countries and in refugee camps,
including statistics in the following priority areas--
``(1) participation in the labor force, and educational and
political institutions;
``(2) the structure of, care of, and support for families;
``(3) fertility regulation behavior and health; and
``(4) such additional categories as the Secretary may
determine.
``(b) To assist the Secretary in carrying out the provisions of
this chapter in foreign countries and refugee camps, the Administrator
of the United States Agency for International Development, acting
through its regional bureaus as well as its offices of population and
women in development, and the Secretary of State acting through the
Bureau for Refugee Programs, shall collect the information described in
this chapter in the form and manner which shall be agreed to between
the Secretary, the Secretary of State, and the Administrator.
``(c) The Secretary, the Secretary of State, and the Administrator
shall seek to develop and establish internationally comparable measures
and standard methodologies for collection of information on women and
their roles under this chapter in both a large scale quantitative
manner and in-depth descriptive manner based on smaller samples,
surveys, or case studies. The United States Agency for International
Development, the State Department, and the Bureau of the Census shall
incorporate these measures and methodologies into their current and
future, data collection effort. The Bureau of the Census shall promote
these measures and methodologies in their international programs.
``Sec. 502. Reports
``(a) The Secretary shall publish the statistics collected under
section 501, together with information obtained from other departments,
agencies, or establishments of the Federal Government--
``(1) for the United States, in 1997 and every second year
thereafter; and
``(2) for foreign countries, in 1999 and every fifth year
thereafter.
``(b) Each report under subsection (a) (after the first such
report) shall include historical comparisons and interpretive
comparisons on the changes in the status of women since the preceding
report.
``(c) Each report under this section shall be submitted to the
Congress.
``Sec. 503. Federal Forum on Women's Statistics
``(a) To assist in carrying out the provisions in this chapter, the
Secretary shall establish a Federal Forum on Women's Statistics. The
Forum may include representatives from appropriate departments,
agencies, and establishments of the Federal Government that collect,
compile, analyze, or publish data on the status of women and girls, and
those entities that receive Federal grants or contracts to collect,
compile, analyze, or publish data on the status of women and girls.
``(b) The Forum shall meet semiannually to exchange information on
current collection and survey initiatives and to avoid duplication of
efforts, to identify gaps in data, and to carry out other activities as
the Secretary shall designate.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of chapters at the beginning of
title 13, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``11. Collection and publication of information on the 501''.
status of women. | Women's Progress Assessment Act - Amends Federal census law to require the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to collect, compile, and publish statistics concerning the status of women and girls of all ages in the United States, in foreign countries, and in refugee camps, including statistics in the following priority areas: (1) participation in the labor force and educational and political institutions; (2) the structure of, care of, and support for families; and (3) fertility regulation behavior and health.
Requires the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, acting through its regional bureaus as well as its offices of population and women in development, and the Secretary of State, acting through the Bureau for Refugee Programs, to collect the information concerning the foreign countries and refugee camps.
Requires the Secretary, the Secretary of State, and the Administrator to seek to develop and establish internationally comparable measures and standard methodologies for collection of information on women and their roles in both a large scale quantitative manner and in-depth descriptive manner based on smaller samples, surveys, or case studies. Requires the U.S. Agency for International Development, the State Department, and the Bureau of the Census to incorporate these measures and methodologies into their current and future data collection effort. Requires the Bureau of the Census to promote these measures and methodologies in international programs.
Requires the Secretary to publish the collected statistics, together with information obtained from other Federal entities: (1) for the United States, in 1997 and every second year thereafter; and (2) for foreign countries, in 1999 and every fifth year thereafter.
Requires: (1) the Secretary to establish a Federal Forum on Women's Statistics; and (2) the Forum to meet semiannually to exchange information on current collection and survey initiatives and to avoid duplication of efforts, to identify gaps in data, and to carry out other activities as the Secretary shall designate. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Women's Progress Assessment Act"} | 1,135 | 399 | 0.682683 | 2.294512 | 0.737191 | 7.515873 | 3.037037 | 0.955026 |
SECTION 1. DUTY-FREE TREATMENT OF CERTAIN FOODSTUFFS ORIGINATING IN
NAFTA COUNTRIES.
(a) Amendments to U.S. Notes.--Subchapter II of chapter 98 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by adding
after U.S. note 6 the following new note:
``7. Certain food preparations that are the product of Canada or Mexico
consisting of, or processed using, a material exported from the
United States.--The following provisions apply only to
subheading 9802.00.95:
``(a) Entry of any product described by subheading 9802.00.95:
``(i) shall not be subject to duty under the provisions
of subchapter IV of chapter 99; and
``(ii) if a tariff-rate quota provision would have
applied to such product but for subheading
9802.00.95, the quantity of the product entered
under that subheading shall not be counted
against the quantity specified as the in-quota
quantity for any such product.
``(b) The term `product of Canada or Mexico' means a good:
``(i) that is determined to be a product of Canada or
of Mexico under rules of origin promulgated by
the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to Annex
311 of the North American Free Trade Agreement,
as implemented under the North American Free
Trade Agreement Implementation Act; or
``(ii) that is processed, packaged, or otherwise
advanced in value or improved in condition in
Canada or Mexico (or both) and that is
determined to be a product of the United States
under such rules of origin.
``(c) The term `product of the United States' means a good or
material that is determined to be a product of the
United States under rules of origin promulgated by the
Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to Annex 311 of the
North American Free Trade Agreement, as implemented
under the North American Free Trade Agreement
Implementation Act.
``(d) The term `processed in Canada or Mexico (or both) using a
good or material that was exported from the United
States' includes, but is not limited to:
``(i) processing in Canada or Mexico using a good or
material that previously was imported into the
United States; and
``(ii) processing in Canada or Mexico using a good or
material that was processed in a country or
countries other than Canada or Mexico after
exportation from the United States, if such
processing did not effect a change in the
country of origin of the good as exported from
the United States.''.
(b) Duty-Free Treatment.--Subchapter II of chapter 98 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting
in numerical sequence the following new heading:
`` 9802.00.95 Any good of Free (see U.S. note
subheading 7 of this
2008.11, that is a subchapter) ''
product of Canada .
or Mexico and that
was processed in
Canada or Mexico
(or both) using a
good or material
exported from the
United States, if
the following
conditions are
met: (1) the good
as imported into
the United States
is an originating
good satisfying
the requirements
of General Note 12
of the tariff
schedule; and (2)
any good or
material of
heading 1202 or
2008 that was used
in the processing
in Canada or in
Mexico (or both)
of the good
imported into the
United States was
a product of the
United States and
was produced from
quota peanuts as
defined in section
358-1 of the
Agriculture
Adjustment Act of
1938 that are
products of the
United States.....
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall apply to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for
consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment
of this Act. | Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide duty-free treatment for certain food preparations that are the product of Canada or Mexico consisting of, or processed using, a material exported from the United States. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide duty-free treatment for certain foodstuffs originating in NAFTA countries."} | 870 | 50 | 0.588863 | 1.505262 | 0.749766 | 8.142857 | 19.452381 | 0.952381 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Agricultural Opportunities for
Military Veterans Act''.
SEC. 2. VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANTS.
Section 231(b) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7
U.S.C. 1632a(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in
section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))).''; and
(2) in paragraph (7)(B), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2017''.
SEC. 3. OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE FOR SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND
RANCHERS AND VETERAN FARMERS AND RANCHERS.
(a) Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and
Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers.--Section 2501 of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and veteran
farmers and ranchers'' after ``ranchers'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting ``and
veteran farmers or ranchers'' after ``ranchers''; and
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in the heading, by striking
``Fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' and
inserting ``Mandatory funding'';
(II) in clause (i), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(III) in clause (ii), by striking
the period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(IV) by adding at the end the
following:
``(iii) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2013 through 2017.''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and
inserting the following:
``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through
2017.'';
(3) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``or veteran farmers
and ranchers'' after ``socially disadvantaged farmers and
ranchers''; and
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``veteran
farmers or ranchers and'' before ``members''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``veteran
farmers or ranchers and'' before ``members''.
(b) Definition of Veteran Farmer or Rancher.--Section 2501(e) of
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
2279(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term `veteran farmer
or rancher' means a farmer or rancher who served in the active
military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or
released from the service under conditions other than
dishonorable.''.
SEC. 4. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM UNDER FARM
SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002.
Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 3319f) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(8)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) beginning farmers and ranchers who are
veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United
States Code).''; and
(2) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
(3) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
``(h) State Grants.--
``(1) Definition of eligible entity.--In this subsection,
the term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) an agency of a State or political subdivision
of a State;
``(B) a national, State, or regional organization
of agricultural producers; and
``(C) any other entity determined appropriate by
the Secretary.
``(2) Grants.--The Secretary shall use such sums as are
necessary of funds made available to carry out this section for
each fiscal year under subsection (i) to make grants to States,
on a competitive basis, which States shall use the grants to
make grants to eligible entities to establish and improve farm
safety programs at the local level.''; and
(4) in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``for
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) $17,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2017, to remain available until expended.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``for
fiscal years 2009 through 2012''; and
(ii) by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2017''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (3).
SEC. 5. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.
(a) In General.--Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 218 (7
U.S.C. 6918) the following:
``SEC. 219. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the
Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
``(b) Duties.--The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall--
``(1) provide information to returning veterans about, and
connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training and
agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs appropriate
to the needs and interests of returning veterans, including
assisting veterans in using Federal veterans educational
benefits for purposes relating to beginning a farming or
ranching career;
``(2) provide information to veterans concerning the
availability of and eligibility requirements for participation
in agricultural programs, with particular emphasis on beginning
farmer and rancher programs;
``(3) serving as a resource for assisting veteran farmers
and ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying
for participation in agricultural programs; and
``(4) advocating on behalf of veterans in interactions with
employees of the Department.
``(c) Contracts and Cooperative Agreements.--For purposes of
carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Military Veterans
Agricultural Liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements
with the research centers of the Agricultural Research Service,
institutions of higher education, or nonprofit organizations for--
``(1) the conduct of regional research on the profitability
of small farms;
``(2) the development of educational materials;
``(3) the conduct of workshops, courses, and certified
vocational training;
``(4) the conduct of mentoring activities; or
``(5) the provision of internship opportunities.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 296(b) of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)(C), by striking the ``or'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the
Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural
Liaison in accordance with section 219.''.
SEC. 6. CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM TRANSITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3835(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A) by inserting ``, a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in
section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))),'' before ``or socially
disadvantaged farmer or rancher''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for
the period of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.''.
SEC. 7. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM.
Section 1240B(d)(4)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-2(d)(4)(A)) is amended in the matter preceding clause (i) by
inserting ``, a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section
2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
(7 U.S.C. 2279(e))),'' before ``or a beginning farmer or rancher''.
SEC. 8. RESERVATION OF FUNDS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO CERTAIN FARMERS
OR RANCHERS FOR CONSERVATION ACCESS.
Section 1241(g) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3841(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2017''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Preference.--In providing assistance under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall give preference to a veteran farmer or
rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
2279(e))) that qualifies under subparagraph (A) or (B) of
paragraph (1).''.
SEC. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.
Section 1244(a)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3844(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in
section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))).''. | Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Act - Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act regarding the value-added agricultural product market development grants program to: (1) include farmers and ranchers who are veterans among priority recipients, and (2) authorize program appropriations through FY2017. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 regarding the outreach and assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers program to: (1) include farmers and ranchers who are veterans, and (2) extend mandatory funding and authorization of appropriations through FY2017. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 regarding the beginning farmer and rancher development program to: (1) provide set-asides for beginning farmers and ranchers who are veterans, and (2) extend mandatory funding and authorization of appropriations through FY2017. Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison to: (1) provide returning veterans with information about beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs; (2) provide veterans with information concerning the availability of, and eligibility requirements for, agricultural programs; and (3) advocate on behalf of veterans with USDA. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 regarding the conservation reserve transition incentive program to: (1) include farmers and ranchers who are veterans, and (2) authorize appropriations through FY2017. Makes farmers and ranchers who are veterans eligible for increased payments under the environmental quality incentives program. Gives priority to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who are veterans for assistance set-asides under the environmental quality incentives program and the conservation stewardship program. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Act"} | 2,554 | 347 | 0.601233 | 1.665854 | 0.7921 | 3.211356 | 6.927445 | 0.864353 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Indian Money Account Claim
Satisfaction Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) since the 19th century, the United States has held
Indian funds and resources in trust for the benefit of Indians;
(2) in 1996, a class action was brought against the United
States seeking a historical accounting of balances of
individual Indian money accounts;
(3) after 8 years of litigation and the expenditure of
hundreds of millions of dollars of Federal funds, it is clear
that the court-ordered historical accounting will require
significant additional resources and years to accomplish and
will not result in significant benefits to the members of the
class; and
(4) resolving the litigation in a full, fair, and final
manner will best serve the interests of the members of the
class and the United States.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to provide a voluntary
alternative claims process to reach settlement of the class action
litigation in Cobell v. Norton (No. 96cv01285, D.D.C.).
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Accounting.--The term ``accounting''--
(A) with respect to funds in an individual Indian
money account that were deposited or invested on or
after the date of enactment of the Act of June 24, 1938
as provided in the first section of that Act (25 U.S.C.
162a), means a demonstration, to the maximum extent
practicable, of the monthly and annual balances of
funds in the individual Indian money account; and
(B) with respect to funds in an individual Indian
money account that were deposited or invested between
1887 and the day before the date of enactment of the
Act of June 24, 1938, means a demonstration of the
probable balances of funds in an individual Indian
money account that were deposited or invested.
(2) Claim.--
(A) In general.--The term ``claim'' means a legal
or equitable claim that has been brought or could be
brought, asserting any duty claimed to be owed by the
United States under any statute, common law, or any
other source of law to an individual Indian money
account holder that pertains in any way to the account
holder's account, including the duty to--
(i) collect and deposit funds in the
account;
(ii) invest funds in the account;
(iii) make disbursements from the account;
(iv) make and maintain records of activity
in the account;
(v) provide an accounting; and
(vi) value, compromise, resolve, or
otherwise dispose of claims relating to the
account.
(B) Inclusion.--The term ``claim'' includes a claim
for damages or other relief for failure to perform, or
for improper performance of, any duty described in
subparagraph (A).
(3) Class action.--The term ``class action'' means the
civil action Cobell v. Norton (No. 96cv01285, D.D.C.).
(4) De minimis individual indian money account.--The term
``de minimis individual Indian money account'' means an
individual Indian money account that contains less than $100.
(5) Eligible individual.--The term ``eligible individual''
means--
(A) a living individual who is or has been an
individual Indian money account holder, except any such
individual whose account holds or held funds only from
the distribution of a judgment fund or a per capita
distribution; and
(B) the estate of a deceased individual who--
(i) was living on the date of enactment of
the American Indian Trust Fund Management
Reform Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.);
and
(ii) held an individual Indian money
account on that date or at any time subsequent
to that date, except any such individual whose
account holds or held funds only from the
distribution of a judgment fund or a per capita
distribution.
(6) IMACS task force.--The term ``IMACS Task Force'' means
the Indian Money Account Claim Satisfaction Task Force
established by
section 4.
(7) Individual indian money account.--The term ``individual
Indian money account'' means an account that contains funds
held in trust by the United States, established and managed by
the United States on behalf of an individual Indian.
(8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(9) Tribunal.--The term ``Tribunal'' means the Indian Money
Claims Tribunal established by section 5.
SEC. 4. INDIAN MONEY ACCOUNT CLAIM SATISFACTION TASK FORCE.
(a) Establishment.--There is established the Indian Money Account
Claim Satisfaction Task Force.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The IMACS Task Force shall be comprised of
not fewer than 9 members, appointed jointly by the majority
leader and minority leader of the Senate and the Speaker and
minority leader of the House of Representatives.
(2) Qualifications.--
(A) Background.--Members of the IMACS Task Force
shall be selected from private enterprise and academia
and shall not be employees of the United States.
(B) Expertise.--Of the members appointed to the
IMACS Task Force--
(i) 2 shall have expertise in the field of
forensic accounting;
(ii) 2 shall have expertise in the field of
Federal Indian law;
(iii) 2 shall have expertise in the field
of commercial trusts;
(iv) 1 shall have expertise in the field of
mineral resources;
(v) 1 shall have expertise in the field of
economic modeling and econometrics; and
(vi) 1 shall have expertise in the field of
complex civil litigation.
(3) IMACS task force leader.--An IMACS Task Force Leader
shall be chosen by majority vote of the members of the IMACS
Task Force.
(c) Compensation and Travel Expenses.--A member of the IMACS Task
Force shall be entitled to--
(1) compensation, at a rate that does not exceed the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed under
level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title
5, United States Code, for each day the member is engaged in
the performance of duties the IMACS Task Force; and
(2) travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed
intermittently in Government service under section 5703 of
title 5, United States Code.
(d) Information and Support.--The Secretary of the Interior shall
provide the IMACS Task Force--
(1) access to all records and other information in the
possession of or available to the Secretary relating to
individual Indian money accounts; and
(2) such personnel, office space and other facilities,
equipment, and other administrative support as the IMACS Task
Force may reasonably request.
(e) Confidential Information.--Section 10(b) of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the IMACS
Task Force.
(f) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The IMACS Task Force shall--
(A) not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, complete an analysis of records,
data, and other historical information with regard to
the conduct of an historical accounting submitted by
the parties in the class action to the district court
in January 2003; and
(B) not later than 60 days after completing the
analysis under subparagraph (A), hold meetings with
representatives of--
(i) the plaintiffs in that civil action;
(ii) the Department of Justice and the
Department of the Interior; and
(iii) any other parties that, in the
discretion of the IMACS Task Force, are
necessary to allow the IMACS Task Force to
carry out its duties under this Act.
(2) Account balances.--
(A) Methodologies or models.--The IMACS Task Force
shall develop 1 or more appropriate methodologies or
models to conduct an accounting of the individual
Indian money accounts.
(B) Determination.--Using methodologies or models
developed under subparagraph (A), the IMACS Task Force
shall conduct an accounting to determine in current
dollars the balances of--
(i) first, all individual Indian money
accounts opened in or after 1985;
(ii) second, all individual Indian money
accounts opened on or after the date of
enactment of the first section of the Act of
June 24, 1938 (25 U.S.C. 162a), and before
1985; and
(iii) third, all individual Indian money
accounts opened before the date of enactment of
the first section of the Act of June 24, 1938
(25 U.S.C. 162a).
(C) Notice of determination.--On making a
determination of the balance in the individual Indian
money account of an eligible individual, the IMACS Task
Force shall provide notice of the determination to the
eligible individual and the Secretary.
(g) Acceptance or Nonacceptance by Eligible Individual.--
(1) Acceptance.--If an eligible individual accepts the
determination by the IMACS Task Force of the balance in the
individual Indian money account of the eligible individual--
(A) not later than 60 days after the date on which
the eligible individual receives notice of the
determination, the eligible individual shall submit to
the Secretary a notice that the eligible individual
accepts the determination of the balance;
(B) not later than 30 days after the Secretary
receives the notice of acceptance under subparagraph
(A), the Secretary shall make any adjustment in the
records of the Secretary to reflect the determination;
(C) based on the adjustment made pursuant to
paragraph (B), the Secretary shall make full payment to
the eligible individual of the balance in the
individual Indian money account of the eligible
individual in satisfaction of any claim that the
individual may have;
(D) the eligible individual shall provide the
Secretary an accord and satisfaction of all claims of
the eligible individual, which shall be binding on any
heirs, transferees, or assigns of the eligible
individual; and
(E) the eligible individual shall be dismissed from
the class action.
(2) Nonacceptance.--If an eligible individual does not
accept the determination by the IMACS Task Force of the balance
in the individual Indian money account of the eligible
individual, the eligible individual may--
(A) have the amount of the balance determined
through arbitration by the Tribunal; or
(B) remain a member of the class in the class
action.
SEC. 5. INDIAN MONEY CLAIMS TRIBUNAL.
(a) Establishment.--There is established the Indian Money Claims
Tribunal.
(b) Membership.--The Tribunal shall be comprised of 5 arbitrators
drawn from the list of arbitrators maintained by the Attorney General.
(c) Election to Arbitrate.--If an eligible individual elects to
have the amount of the balance in the individual Indian money account
determined through arbitration by the Tribunal--
(1) not later than 60 days after receiving the notice of
determination under section 4(f)(2)(C), the eligible individual
shall submit to the Tribunal, in such form as the Tribunal may
require, all claims of the eligible individual, with an
agreement to be bound by any determination made by the
Tribunal; and
(2) the United States shall be bound by any determination
made by the Tribunal.
(d) Representation.--
(1) In general.--An eligible individual may be represented
by an attorney or other representative in proceedings before
the Tribunal.
(2) Attorney's fee.--No legal representative retained by an
eligible individual for purposes of proceedings before the
Tribunal may collect any fee, charge, or assessment that is
greater than 25 percent of the amount of the balance in the
individual Indian money account of the eligible individual
determined by the Tribunal.
(e) Timing.--To the extent practicable, the Tribunal shall--
(1) schedule any proceedings necessary to determine a claim
to occur not later than 180 days after the date on which the
eligible individual submits the claim; and
(2) make a determination of the claim, and provide the
eligible individual and the Secretary notice of the
determination, not later than 30 days after the conclusion of
the proceedings.
(f) Action Following Determination.--Not later than 30 days after
the Secretary receives the notice of determination under subsection
(e)(2)--
(1) the Secretary shall make any adjustment in the records
of the Secretary to reflect the determination;
(2) based on the adjustment made pursuant to paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall make full payment to the eligible
individual of the balance in the individual Indian money
account of the eligible individual in satisfaction of any claim
that the eligible individual may have;
(3) the individual Indian money account of the eligible
individual shall be closed;
(4) the eligible individual shall provide the Secretary an
accord and satisfaction of all claims of the eligible
individual, which shall be binding on any heirs, transferees,
or assigns of the eligible individual; and
(5) the eligible individual shall be dismissed from the
class action.
SEC. 6. JUDGMENT FUND AVAILABILITY.
The funds for any payment made pursuant to section 4(g)(1)(C) or
5(f)(2) shall be derived from the permanent judgment appropriation
under section 1304 of title 31, United States Code (commonly known as
the ``Judgment Fund''), without further appropriation.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated--
(1) to carry out section 4, $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2004 and 2005; and
(2) to carry out section 5, $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2006 and 2007. | Indian Money Account Claim Satisfaction Act of 2003 - Establishes the Indian Money Account Claim Satisfaction Task Force: (1) to complete an analysis of records, data, and other historical information with regard to the conduct of an historical accounting submitted by the parties in the class action to the district court in January 2003 (Cobell v. Norton (No. 96cv01285, D.D.C.)); and (2) after such completion to hold meetings with representatives of the plaintiffs in the civil action, the Departments of Justice and of the Interior and any other parties that, in the discretion of the Task Force, are necessary to carryout out its duties.
Requires the Task Force to develop appropriate methodologies or models to conduct an accounting to determine in current dollars the balances of: (1) all individual Indian money accounts opened in or after 1985; (2) all individual Indian money accounts opened on or after the enactment of a certain Act of June 24, 1938, regarding deposit, care, and investment of Indian moneys, and before 1985; and (3) all individual Indian money accounts opened before such enactment.
Establishes the Indian Money Claims Tribunal to serve as arbitrator if an eligible individual elects to have the amount of the balance in the individual Indian money account determined through arbitration. Binds the individual and the United States to any determination made by the Tribunal.
Requires payments made pursuant to this Act to be derived from the permanent judgment appropriation (commonly known as the Judgment Fund), without further appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to establish a voluntary alternative claims resolution process to reach a settlement of pending class action litigation."} | 3,018 | 336 | 0.643602 | 2.197086 | 0.704682 | 4.593103 | 9.62069 | 0.944828 |
FUNDING
CORPORATION.
(a) Obligations of the Federal Home Loan Banks.--Section 21B of the
Federal Home Loan Bank Act (12 U.S.C. 1441b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)(3)(C)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``is less than
$300,000,000 per year'' and inserting ``for any year is
less than the amount which is equal to the lesser of 20
percent of the aggregate net earnings of such banks for
such year or $300,000,000''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``is more than
$300,000,000 per year'' and inserting ``for any year is
more than the amount which is equal to the lesser of 20
percent of the aggregate net earnings of such banks for
such year or $300,000,000''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(2)(C)--
(A) by striking ``the aggregate amount of
$300,000,000'' and inserting ``the amount which is
equal to the lesser of 20 percent of the aggregate net
earnings of such banks for such year or $300,000,000'';
and
(B) by striking ``as follows:'' and all that
follows and inserting ``by requiring each such bank to
pay an equal percentage of the net earnings of the bank
for the year for which such payment is so required, up
to a maximum of 20 percent of the net earnings of the
bank.'';
(b) Backup for Reduction in Payments Due to Paragraph (1)
Amendments.--Section 21B(f)(2) of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (12
U.S.C. 1441b(f)(2)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as
subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) Backup assessment authority for certain
subparagraph (c) reductions.--
``(i) In general.--To the extent the
amounts available pursuant to subparagraphs
(A), (B), and (C) are insufficient to cover the
amount of interest payments for any year, the
Federal Housing Finance Board shall impose an
assessment on each assessable institution at a
rate determined by such Board to be necessary
for such Board to collect an amount equal to
the amount of the deficiency.
``(ii) Maximum amount limitation.--The
aggregate amount of assessments imposed under
clause (i) for any year may not exceed the
amount by which $300,000,000 exceeds 20 percent
of the aggregate net earnings of the Federal
home loan banks for such year.
``(iii) Applied to interest payments.--The
amount received by the Federal Housing Finance
Board from assessments imposed under this
subparagraph shall be transferred to the
Funding Corporation to make such interest
payments.
``(iv) Procedures to ensure timely
payments.--For purposes of carrying out this
paragraph, the Federal Housing Finance Board
shall establish such procedures for imposing
and collecting any assessment under this
subparagraph for any year as such Board
determines are necessary to ensure that the
payment under clause (iii) will be made no
later than the date by which any payment by the
Federal home loan banks under subparagraph (C)
is due for such year.
``(v) Assessable institution defined.--For
purposes of this subparagraph, the term
`assessable institution' means--
``(I) any depository institution
(as defined in section 3 of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act) which, at any
time on or after January 1, 1993, has
been a Savings Association Insurance
Fund member (as defined in section
7(l)(5) of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act) and, at the same time,
has been a member of any Federal home
loan bank; and
``(II) any depository institution
(as defined in section 3 of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act) which acquires
(as defined in section 13(f)(8)(B) of
such Act), or which results from the
merger or consolidation of any
depository institution with, any
depository institution described in
subclause (I).''.
(c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 21B(f)(2) of
the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (12 U.S.C. 1441b(f)(2)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (E) (as so redesignated by subsection
(b)(1) of this section), by striking ``(B), and (C)'' and
inserting ``(B), (C), and (D)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (F)(i) (as so redesignated by
subsection (b)(1) of this section), by striking ``(C), and
(D)'' and inserting ``(C), (D), and (E)''.
(2) Section 6(b)(3) of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (12
U.S.C. 1426(b)(3)) is amended by striking ``Except as provided
in Subsection (i)'' and inserting ``Except as provided in
subsection (e)''.
(3) Section 6(b)(4) of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (12
U.S.C. 1426(b)(4)) is deleted and section 6(b)(5) is
redesignated as Section 6(b)(4).
SEC. 4. STUDY OF FEASIBILITY OF CREATING A CLASS OF AFFILIATE
MEMBERSHIP OF THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS FOR MORTGAGE
BANKERS AND STATE HOUSING AUTHORITIES; REPORT TO THE
CONGRESS.
(a) Study.--The Federal Housing Finance Board shall study the
feasibility of creating a class of affiliate members of the Federal
home loan banks for institutions that make long-term home mortgage
loans, and the desirability of applying requirements to such members
that differ from the requirements currently applicable to the members
of the Federal home loan banks in the areas of--
(1) the ability to obtain loans from the Federal home loan
banks,
(2) the rate of interest to be charged on such loans,
(3) the collateral required for such loans,
(4) restrictions on use of such loans, and
(5) the stock of the Federal home loan banks required to be
purchased.
(b) Report.--Not later than December 31, 1993, the Federal Housing
Finance Board shall submit to the Congress a report that contains the
findings of the study required by subsection (a).
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by sections 2 and 3 shall take effect at the
end of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act. | Federal Home Loan Bank Modernization Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to permit the withdrawal of any member from membership in a Federal Home Loan Bank. (Currently Federal savings and loan associations are precluded from doing so.)
Replaces the minimum share subscription formula for Federal Home Loan Bank membership with a requirement based upon a subscriber's total assets (currently, aggregate unpaid loan principal).
Repeals: (1) the 30 percent lending cap limitation on advances to members that are non-qualified thrift lenders; (2) the proscription against the acquisition of new advances from a Federal Home Loan Bank by a savings association lacking qualified thrift lender status; and (3) the minimum residential mortgage loan requirement for qualified thrift lender membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank system.
Reduces from ten years to five years the waiting period before which a withdrawn member may resume membership. Modifies the formula for annual contributions by Federal Home Loan Banks to capitalize the Resolution Funding Corporation. Authorizes the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to impose assessments to make up for any deficiency resulting from such modification.
Directs the Federal Housing Finance Board to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the feasibility of creating a class of affiliate members of the Federal Home Loan Banks for institutions that make long term home mortgage loans; and (2) the desirability of applying requirements to such members that differ from those currently applicable in specified areas to Federal Home Loan Bank members. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Federal Home Loan Bank Modernization Act of 1993"} | 1,487 | 308 | 0.455293 | 1.404688 | 0.623817 | 2.364583 | 4.638889 | 0.739583 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Semiautomatic Assault Weapon
Violence Prevention Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF SEMIAUTOMATIC ASSAULT WEAPONS.
(a) Definitions.--Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (28) by striking ```semiautomatic rifle'
means any repeating rifle'' and inserting ```semiautomatic
firearm' means a repeating firearm''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(29) The term `semiautomatic assault weapon'--
``(A) means--
``(i) any of the semiautomatic firearms known as--
``(I) A.A. Arms AP-9;
``(II) Auto-Ordnance Thompson;
``(III) Barrett Light-Fifty;
``(IV) Beretta AR-70;
``(V) Bushmaster Auto Rifle;
``(VI) Calico M-900 and M-950;
``(VII) Cobray, Ingram and RPB MAC-10 and
MAC-11;
``(VIII) Colt AR-15 and Sporter;
``(IX) Encom MP-9 and MP-45;
``(X) Fabrique Nationale FN/FAL, FN/LAR,
and FNC;
``(XI) Feather AT-9;
``(XII) Federal XP900 and XP450;
``(XIII) Franchi SPAS-12;
``(XIV) Intratec TEC-9 and TEC-22;
``(XV) Israeli Military Industries UZI and
Galil;
``(XVI) Iver Johnson Enforcer 3000;
``(XVII) Norinco, Mitchell and Poly
Technologies Avtomat Kalashnikovs;
``(XVIII) Steyr AUG;
``(XIX) USAS-12;
``(XX) A.A. Arms AR-9 Rifle;
``(XXI) Advanced Armaments M-15;
``(XXII) Auto-Ordnance Thompson models 27A1
& M-1;
``(XXIII) Barrett Light-Fifty model 82A1;
``(XXIV) Bushmaster Auto Rifle;
``(XXV) Calico M-900 and M-951 Carbines;
``(XXVI) Century MAS-223 Carbine;
``(XXVII) Claridge Hi-Tec Carbine;
``(XXVIII) Colt AR-15 Rifle;
``(XXIX) Colt CAR-15 Carbine;
``(XXX) Colt Sporter Rifle;
``(XXXI) Commando Arms Carbine;
``(XXXII) Demro TAC-1 Carbine;
``(XXXIII) Demro XF-7 Carbine;
``(XXXIV) D MAX Auto Carbine;
``(XXXV) E.A. Co. BH15-A1 and J-15;
``(XXXVI) Eagle Arms EA-15;
``(XXXVII) Federal XC-900/XC-450 Auto
Carbine;
``(XXXVIII) Federal Ordnance FAMAS Carbine;
``(XXXIX) Federal Ordnance M-14SA Rifle;
``(XL) Feather AT-9 Auto Carbine;
``(XLI) Goncz High-Tech Carbine;
``(XLII) Grist Mill Mfg. Co. XH-177;
``(XLIII) Iver Johnson Model Delta 786;
``(XLIV) Manchester Arms Commando Mark-9
and Mark-45;
``(XLV) Mandall The TAC-1 Carbine;
``(XLVI) MK 760 Carbine;
``(XLVII) Model `A' Carbine;
``(XLVIII) NuArmCo M-15;
``(XLIX) Olympic Arms CAR Series (AR-15)
Rifles;
``(L) Ordinance Design Co. ER-15;
``(LI) P.A.W.S. ZX6 and ZX8 Carbines;
``(LII) PWA Commando;
``(LIII) Ruger Mini-14/5F (folding stock
model);
``(LIV) Sendra Corp. XM-15A1-E2;
``(LV) SGW XM-15, BH-15 and XM-17;
``(LVI) Springfield Armory SAR-48;
``(LVII) Springfield Armory BM-59;
``(LVIII) Springfield Armory DR-200 Sporter
Rifle;
``(LIX) Springfield Armory SAR-8 and SAR-
4800 Rifles;
``(LX) Springfield Armory Model G3 or SAR-
3;
``(LXI) Springfield Armory MIA Bush/Assault
Rifle;
``(LXII) Springfield Armory M-21 Sniper
Rifle;
``(LXIII) SWD MAC-11 or M-11 Cobray
Carbine;
``(LXIV) Universal 100 Carbine;
``(LXV) Weaver Arms Nighthawk;
``(LXVI) Wilkinson `Terry' Carbine;
``(LXVII) Algimec AGM-1;
``(LXVIII) American Arms AKY39, AKF39
Rifles;
``(LXIX) AP-74;
``(LXX) Armalite AR-10;
``(LXXI) Armalite AR-180;
``(LXXII) Armscorp of America Israeli FN-
FAL;
``(LXXIII) Argentine FN-FAL;
``(LXXIV) Australian Automatic Arms SAR
Rifle;
``(LXXV) Australian G Series FAL;
``(LXXVI) Avtomat Kalashnikov;
``(LXXVII) Beretta AR70 Rifle;
``(LXXVIII) Beretta BM59 Rifle;
``(LXXIX) CETME G3;
``(LXXX) CIS SR-88;
``(LXXXI) Clayco AKS Rifle;
``(LXXXII) Daewoo Max 1 & Max 2;
``(LXXXIII) Dragunov Sniper Rifle;
``(LXXXIV) Egyptian Maadi AKM;
``(LXXXV) FAMAS MAS 223 Semi-Auto Rifle;
``(LXXXVI) FN-LAR Auto Rifle;
``(LXXXVII) FNC Auto Rifle;
``(LXXXVIII) Galil models AR and ARM Semi-
Auto Rifles;
``(LXXXIX) Galil Sporter Rifle;
``(XC) Galil Sniper Rifle;
``(XCI) Heckler & Koch HK-91, 93 & 94 Auto
Rifles;
``(XCII) Heckler & Koch SR-9 Rifle;
``(XCIII) Kassnar SA 85M AKM;
``(XCIV) Mitchell AK-47, M-70, M-59 and M-
76 Rifles;
``(XCV) Mitchell Spectre Auto Carbine;
``(XCVI) Norinco AKS, SKS & 56S Rifles;
``(XCVII) Norinco 81MGSm 81S, 84S, 86S,
86S-7, 88SB;
``(XCVIII) Norinco Officer's Nine Carbine;
``(XCIX) Ordnance Design Co. FR-15;
``(C) Poly Tech AK-47S & AKS-762 Rifles;
``(CI) PWA Cinnabdi;
``(CII) Shaanix AK-47, AK-47-56S & 56;
``(CIII) Sig AMT;
``(CIV) Sig PE-57
``(CV) Sig 500 Series (SG 550/551)
``(CVI) SKS with detachable magazine;
``(CVII) Sterling MK-6 and SAR;
``(CVIII) Steyr AUG Autoloading Rifle;
``(CIX) Uzi Carbine and Mini Carbine;
``(CX) Valmet M-62, M-71, M-76, M-78
Rifles;
``(CXI) Valmet M-82 Bullpup Rifle;
``(CXII) Volunteer Enterprise Commando;
``(CXIII) AMT Lightning 25/22 Rifle;
``(CXIV) Auto-Ordnance Model 1927A-3 Rifle;
``(CXV) Calico M-100 and M-105 Carbines;
``(CXVI) Feather AT-22 Carbine;
``(CXVII) Federal Model XC-220 Carbine;
``(CXVIII) Grendel R-31 Auto Carbine;
``(CXIX) Illinois Arms Co. Model 180 Auto
Rifle;
``(CXX) Armscor AK-22 Auto Rifle;
``(CXXI) Armscor Model 1600 Auto Rifle;
``(CXXII) EMF AP-74 Rifle;
``(CXXIII) Erma EM-1 .22 Rifle;
``(CXXIV) Mitchell AK-22 Rifle;
``(CXXV) Mitchell Galil/22 Rifle;
``(CXXVI) Mitchell CAR-15/22 Rifle;
``(CXXVII) Mitchell M-16A-1/22 Rifle;
``(CXXVIII) Mitchell PPS/50 Rifle;
``(CXXIX) Mitchell MAS/22 Rifle;
``(CXXX) Unique F-11;
``(CXXXI) AA Arms AP-9 Assault Pistol;
``(CXXXII) AA Arms P95 Pistol;
``(CXXXIII) Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927-A5
Pistol;
``(CXXXIV) Bushmaster Auto Pistol;
``(CXXXV) Calico M-950 Pistol;
``(CXXXVI) Calico 100-P and M-110 Auto
Pistols (rimfire);
``(CXXXVII) Claridge Hi-Tec Pistol;
``(CXXXVIII) Commando Pistol;
``(CXXXIX) D MAX Auto Pistol;
``(CXL) Encom MK IV Assault Pistol;
``(CXLI) Encom MP-9 & MP-45 Assault
Pistols;
``(CXLII) Feather Mini-AT Auto Pistol;
``(CXLIII) Federal XP900/XP450 Pistols;
``(CXLIV) Goncz High-Tech Long Pistol;
``(CXLV) Grendel P-30 and P-31 Auto Pistols
(rimfire);
``(CXLVI) Holmes MP-83 Assault Pistol;
``(CXLVII) Holmes MP-22 Assault Pistol
(rimfire);
``(CXLVIII) Ingram MAC-10 and MAC-11
Pistols;
``(CXLIX) Intratec TEC-9 Pistol;
``(CL) Intratec Scorpion .22 Auto Pistol
(rimfire);
``(CLI) Iver Johnson Enforcer Model 3000
Pistol;
``(CLII) Partisan Avenger Auto Pistol;
``(CLIII) R.P.B. MAC-10 Pistol;
``(CLIV) Scarab Skorpion Auto Pistol;
``(CLV) Sile PAWS pistol;
``(CLVI) Spectre DA pistol;
``(CLVII) S.W.D. Cobray/M-11 (MAC-11)
Pistol;
``(CLVIII) Universal Enforcer Pistol;
``(XLIX) Wilkinson `Linda' Pistol;
``(CLX) Australian Automatic Arms SAP
Pistol;
``(CLXI) Heckler and Koch SP-89 Pistol;
``(CLXII) Spectre Auto Pistol;
``(CLXIII) Sterling MK-7 Pistol;
``(CLXIV) Uzi Pistol;
``(CLXV) Gilbert USAS-12 Shotgun;
``(CLXVI) Hi-Standard Model 10A Shotgun;
``(CLXVII) Mossberg Model 500 pump-action
Ballpup Shotgun;
``(CLXVIII) Striker 12 revolving cylinder
Shotgun;
``(CLXIX) Street Sweeper revolving cylinder
Shotgun;
``(CLXX) Atchisson Assault 12
``(CLXXI) Benelli M1 Super 90 Shotgun;
``(CLXXII) Benelli M3 Super 90 Pump/Auto
Shotgun;
``(CLXXIII) Benelli 1212-M1 `Master
Blaster';
``(CLXXIV) F.I.E./Franchi SPAS 12 Auto
Shotgun; or
``(CLXXV) F.I.E./Franchi LAW 12 Auto
Shotgun;
``(ii) a revolving-cylinder shotgun such as or
similar to the Street Sweeper or Striker 12; and
``(iii) a semiautomatic firearm designated by the
Secretary as a semiautomatic assault weapon under
section 931; and
``(B) does not include (among other firearms)--
``(i) any of the firearms known as--
``(I) Remington Model 1100 shotgun;
``(II) Remington Model 7400 rifle;
``(III) Mossberg Model 5500 shotgun;
``(IV) HK Model 300 rifle;
``(V) Marlin Model 9 camp carbine;
``(VI) Browning High-Power rifle; or
``(VII) Remington Nylon 66 auto loading
rifle;
``(ii) a firearm that is a manually operated bolt
action firearm;
``(iii) a lever action firearm;
``(iv) a slide action firearm; or
``(v) a firearm that has been rendered permanently
inoperable.''.
(b) Prohibition.--Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(s)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful
for a person to transfer or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon.
``(2) This subsection does not apply with respect to--
``(A) a transfer to or by, or possession by or under the
authority of the United States or a department or agency of the
United States or a State or a department, agency, or political
subdivision of a State;
``(B) a lawful transfer or lawful possession of a
semiautomatic assault weapon that was lawfully possessed before
the effective date of this subsection or, in the case of a
semiautomatic firearm that the Secretary designates as a
semiautomatic assault weapon pursuant to section 931, before
the date on which the designation is made; or
``(C) the transfer or possession of a semiautomatic assault
weapon by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer for the
purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the
Secretary.''.
(c) Designation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 44 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``Sec. 931. Designation of semiautomatic assault weapons
``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary, in
consultation with the Attorney General, shall determine whether any
other semiautomatic firearm (other than a firearm described in section
921(a)(29)(B)) should be designated as a semiautomatic assault weapon
in addition to those previously designated by section 921(a)(29)(A) or
by the Secretary under this section.
``(b) Criteria.--(1) The Secretary shall by regulation designate as
a semiautomatic assault weapon a rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is a
semiautomatic firearm and that is described in paragraph (2), (3), (4),
or (5).
``(2) A replica or duplicate in any caliber of a semiautomatic
firearm described in section 921(a)(29)(A)(i) is a semiautomatic
assault weapon.
``(3) A rifle that is a semiautomatic firearm is a semiautomatic
assault weapon if it--
``(A) is not generally recognized as being particularly
suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes;
``(B) has an ability to accept a detachable magazine; and
``(C) has at least 2 of the following characteristics:
``(i) A folding or telescoping stock.
``(ii) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously
beneath the action of the weapon.
``(iii) A bayonet mount.
``(iv) A flash suppressor or threaded barrel
designed to accommodate a flash suppressor.
``(v) A grenade launcher.
``(4) A pistol that is a semiautomatic firearm is a semiautomatic
assault weapon if it--
``(A) is not generally recognized as being particularly
suitable for or adaptable to sporting purposes; and
``(B) has an ability to accept a detachable magazine; and
``(C) has at least 2 of the following characteristics:
``(i) An ammunition magazine that attaches to the
pistol outside of the pistol grip.
``(ii) A threaded barrel capable of accepting a
barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward hand grip,
or silencer.
``(iii) A shroud that is attached to or partially
or completely encircles the barrel and that permits the
shooter to hold the firearm with the second hand
without being burned.
``(iv) A manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more
when the pistol is unloaded.
``(v) A semiautomatic version of an automatic
firearm.
``(5) A shotgun that is a semiautomatic firearm is a semiautomatic
assault weapon if it--
``(A) is not generally recognized as being particularly
suitable for or adaptable to sporting purposes; and
``(B) has at least 2 of the following characteristics:
``(i) A folding or telescoping stock.
``(ii) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously
beneath the action of the weapon.
``(iii) A fixed magazine capacity in excess of 6
rounds.
``(iv) An ability to accept a detachable
magazine.''.
(2) Technical amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter
44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end the following new item:
``931. Designation of semiautomatic assault weapons.''.
(d) Penalties.--Section 924(a)(1)(B) of title 18, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``or 922(q)'' and inserting ``922 (q),
(r), or (s)''.
(e) Identification Markings for Semiautomatic Assault Weapons.--
Section 923(i) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at
the end the following new sentence: ``The serial number of a
semiautomatic assault weapon shall clearly show if the weapon was
manufactured or imported after the effective date of this sentence.''.
HR 3184 IH----2 | Semiautomatic Assault Weapon Violence Prevention Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) make it unlawful to transfer or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon; and (2) list weapons classified as semiautomatic assault weapons. Makes this Act inapplicable to the transfer or possession of a weapon: (1) by a Federal or State agency; (2) that was lawfully possessed before this Act's enactment or, in the case of a semiautomatic firearm designated as a semiautomatic assault weapon under this Act, before the designation is made; or (3) by a licensed manufacturer or importer for purposes of authorized testing or experimentation.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to designate a rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is a semiautomatic firearm and meets specified criteria as a semiautomatic assault weapon.
Requires the serial numbers of such weapons to clearly show if they were manufactured or imported after this Act's effective date. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Semiautomatic Assault Weapon Violence Prevention Act of 1993"} | 4,894 | 213 | 0.528075 | 1.365568 | 0.704129 | 3.463687 | 19.597765 | 0.893855 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Election Protection & Integrity
Certification Act'' or the ``EPIC Act''.
SEC. 2. CERTIFICATION THAT FOREIGN FUNDS WILL NOT BE USED TO MAKE ANY
CONTRIBUTION OR EXPENDITURE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
ELECTION IN THE UNITED STATES.
(a) Application for Exemption.--Section 501 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(s) Certification.--In the case of an organization described in
subsection (c) for which an application is required for exemption from
tax under subsection (a), such application shall not be treated as
complete unless the application contains a certification that the
organization will not, directly or indirectly--
``(1) use foreign funds to make--
``(A) a contribution or donation of money or other
thing of value, or to make an express or implied
promise to make a contribution or donation, in
connection with any Federal, State or local election,
``(B) a contribution or donation to a committee of
a political party, or
``(C) an expenditure, independent expenditure, or
disbursement for an electioneering communication
(within the meaning of section 304(f)(3) of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3))),
or
``(2) solicit, accept or receive a contribution or donation
described in paragraph (1) (A) or (B) from a foreign
national.''.
(b) Certification by (c)(4) Organizations.--
(1) In general.--Section 506(a) of such Code is amended by
inserting before the period at the end the following: ``and
shall include with such notification the certification
described in subsection (g)''.
(2) Certification.--Section 506 of such Code is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(g) Certification.--The certification described in this
subsection with respect to an organization is a certification that the
organization will not, directly or indirectly--
``(1) use foreign funds to make--
``(A) a contribution or donation of money or other
thing of value, or to make an express or implied
promise to make a contribution or donation, in
connection with any Federal, State or local election,
``(B) a contribution or donation to a committee of
a political party, or
``(C) an expenditure, independent expenditure, or
disbursement for an electioneering communication
(within the meaning of section 304(f)(3) of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3))),
or
``(2) solicit, accept or receive a contribution or donation
described in paragraph (1) (A) or (B) from a foreign
national.''.
(c) Annual Reporting.--Section 6033 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by redesignating subsection (n) as subsection (o) and
by inserting after subsection (m) the following:
``(n) Certification.--The annual return required by subsection (a)
for an organization described in section 501(c) and exempt from tax
under section 501(a) shall not be treated as complete unless the return
contains a certification that the organization did not, directly or
indirectly--
``(1) use foreign funds to make--
``(A) a contribution or donation of money or other
thing of value, or to make an express or implied
promise to make a contribution or donation, in
connection with a Federal, State, or local election in
the year,
``(B) a contribution or donation to a committee of
a political party, or
``(C) an expenditure, independent expenditure, or
disbursement for an electioneering communication
(within the meaning of section 304(f)(3) of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3))),
or
``(2) solicit, accept or receive a contribution or donation
described in paragraph (1) (A) or (B) from a foreign
national.''.
(d) GAO Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall--
(1) conduct a study of the political activities of
corporations to determine whether foreign money is being used
in United States elections, and
(2) not later than July 1, 2019, submit a report of such
study to the Committee on House Administration of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration
of the Senate.
(e) Effective Date.--
(1) The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to
applications filed after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) The amendment made by subsection (b) shall apply to
returns filed for taxable years beginning after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. INCLUDING CERTIFICATIONS IN REPORTS FILED UNDER FEDERAL
ELECTION CAMPAIGN ACT OF 1971 BY ORGANIZATIONS MAKING
DISBURSEMENTS FOR INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES OR
ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATIONS.
(a) Independent Expenditures.--Section 304(c)(2) of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104(c)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) in the case of an independent expenditure made by an
organization that is described in section 501(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under
section 501(a) of such Code (or has submitted an application
for determination of tax exempt status under such section), a
certification that the organization did not use foreign funds
to make the expenditure.''.
(b) Electioneering Communications.--Section 304(f)(2) of such Act
(52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(G) If the person making the disbursement is an
organization that is described in section 501(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation
under section 501(a) of such Code (or has submitted an
application for determination of tax exempt status
under such section), a certification that the person
did not use foreign funds to make the disbursement.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to reports required to be filed under the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act. | Election Protection & Integrity Certification Act or the EPIC Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require an organization applying for tax-exempt status to certify that it will not: (1) use foreign funds to make certain expenditures in connection with an election, a political party, or an electioneering communication; or (2) solicit, accept, or receive a contribution or donation from a foreign national for an election or a political party. A tax-exempt organization must certify in its annual tax return that it has not violated the requirements described above. The Government Accountability Office must study the political activities of corporations to determine whether foreign money is being used in U.S elections. The bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require tax-exempt organizations filing certain reports regarding disbursements for independent expenditures or electioneering communications to certify that foreign funds were not used for the disbursements. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Election Protection & Integrity Certification Act"} | 1,555 | 201 | 0.585126 | 1.70738 | 0.905527 | 2.502857 | 7.702857 | 0.8 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Target Practice and Marksmanship
Training Support Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the use of firearms and archery equipment for target
practice and marksmanship training activities on Federal land
is allowed, except to the extent specific portions of that land
have been closed to those activities;
(2) in recent years preceding the date of enactment of this
Act, portions of Federal land have been closed to target
practice and marksmanship training for many reasons;
(3) the availability of public target ranges on non-Federal
land has been declining for a variety of reasons, including
continued population growth and development near former ranges;
(4) providing opportunities for target practice and
marksmanship training at public target ranges on Federal and
non-Federal land can help--
(A) to promote enjoyment of shooting, recreational,
and hunting activities; and
(B) to ensure safe and convenient locations for
those activities;
(5) Federal law in effect on the date of enactment of this
Act, including the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act
(16 U.S.C. 669 et seq.), provides Federal support for
construction and expansion of public target ranges by making
available to States amounts that may be used for construction,
operation, and maintenance of public target ranges; and
(6) it is in the public interest to provide increased
Federal support to facilitate the construction or expansion of
public target ranges.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to facilitate the
construction and expansion of public target ranges, including ranges on
Federal land managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management.
SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF PUBLIC TARGET RANGE.
In this Act, the term ``public target range'' means a specific
location that--
(1) is identified by a governmental agency for recreational
shooting;
(2) is open to the public;
(3) may be supervised; and
(4) may accommodate archery or rifle, pistol, or shotgun
shooting.
SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO PITTMAN-ROBERTSON WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT.
(a) Definitions.--Section 2 of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife
Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (8) as
paragraphs (3) through (9), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) the term `public target range' means a specific
location that--
``(A) is identified by a governmental agency for
recreational shooting;
``(B) is open to the public;
``(C) may be supervised; and
``(D) may accommodate archery or rifle, pistol, or
shotgun shooting;''.
(b) Expenditures for Management of Wildlife Areas and Resources.--
Section 8(b) of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16
U.S.C. 669g(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(b) Each State'' and inserting the
following:
``(b) Expenditures for Management of Wildlife Areas and
Resources.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
each State'';
(2) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking
``construction, operation,'' and inserting ``operation'';
(3) in the second sentence, by striking ``The non-Federal
share'' and inserting the following:
``(3) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share'';
(4) in the third sentence, by striking ``The Secretary''
and inserting the following:
``(4) Regulations.--The Secretary''; and
(5) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as designated by
paragraph (1) of this subsection) the following:
``(2) Exception.--Notwithstanding the limitation described
in paragraph (1), a State may pay up to 90 percent of the cost
of acquiring land for, expanding, or constructing a public
target range.''.
(c) Firearm and Bow Hunter Education and Safety Program Grants.--
Section 10 of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C.
669h-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Allocation of additional amounts.--Of the amount
apportioned to a State for any fiscal year under section 4(b),
the State may elect to allocate not more than 10 percent, to be
combined with the amount apportioned to the State under
paragraph (1) for that fiscal year, for acquiring land for,
expanding, or constructing a public target range.'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Cost Sharing.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out using a
grant under this section shall not exceed 75 percent of the
total cost of the activity.
``(2) Public target range construction or expansion.--The
Federal share of the cost of acquiring land for, expanding, or
constructing a public target range in a State on Federal or
non-Federal land pursuant to this section or section 8(b) shall
not exceed 90 percent of the cost of the activity.''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) by striking ``Amounts made'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), amounts made''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Exception.--Amounts provided for acquiring
land for, constructing, or expanding a public target
range shall remain available for expenditure and
obligation during the 5-fiscal-year period beginning on
October 1 of the first fiscal year for which the
amounts are made available.''.
SEC. 5. LIMITS ON LIABILITY.
(a) Discretionary Function.--For purposes of chapter 171 of title
28, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Federal Tort
Claims Act''), any action by an agent or employee of the United States
to manage or allow the use of Federal land for purposes of target
practice or marksmanship training by a member of the public shall be
considered to be the exercise or performance of a discretionary
function.
(b) Civil Action or Claims.--Except to the extent provided in
chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, the United States shall
not be subject to any civil action or claim for money damages for any
injury to or loss of property, personal injury, or death caused by an
activity occurring at a public target range that is--
(1) funded in whole or in part by the Federal Government
pursuant to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16
U.S.C. 669 et seq.); or
(2) located on Federal land.
SEC. 6. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING COOPERATION.
It is the sense of Congress that, consistent with applicable laws
and regulations, the Chief of the Forest Service and the Director of
the Bureau of Land Management should cooperate with State and local
authorities and other entities to carry out waste removal and other
activities on any Federal land used as a public target range to
encourage continued use of that land for target practice or
marksmanship training. | Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act This bill amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to facilitate the construction and expansion of public target ranges by: (1) authorizing a state to pay up to 90% of the costs of acquiring land for, expanding, or constructing a public target range; (2) authorizing a state to elect to allocate 10% of a specified amount apportioned to it from the federal aid to wildlife restoration fund for those costs; (3) limiting the federal share of those costs under such Act to 90%; and (4) requiring amounts provided for those costs under such Act to remain available for expenditure and obligation for five fiscal years. The United States shall be shielded from any civil action or claim for money damages for injury to or loss of property, personal injury, or death caused by an activity occurring at a public target range that is funded by the federal government pursuant to such Act or located on federal land, except to the extent provided under the Federal Tort Claims Act with respect to the exercise or performance of a discretionary function. The bill urges the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to cooperate with state and local authorities and other entities to carry out waste removal and other activities on any federal land used as a public target range to encourage its continued use for target practice or marksmanship training. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act"} | 1,701 | 287 | 0.63768 | 2.038303 | 0.763134 | 5.026616 | 5.885932 | 0.889734 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Americans with Disabilities Act
Restoration Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) in enacting the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, Congress intended that the Act ``establish a clear and
comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of
disability'', and provide broad coverage and vigorous and
effective remedies without unnecessary and obstructive
defenses;
(2) decisions and opinions of the Supreme Court have unduly
narrowed the broad scope of protection afforded by the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, eliminating protection
for a broad range of individuals whom Congress intended to
protect;
(3) in enacting the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, Congress recognized that physical and mental impairments
are natural parts of the human experience that in no way
diminish a person's right to fully participate in all aspects
of society, but Congress also recognized that people with
physical or mental impairments having the talent, skills,
abilities, and desire to participate in society are frequently
precluded from doing so because of prejudice, antiquated
attitudes, or the failure to remove societal and institutional
barriers;
(4)(A) Congress modeled the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990 definition of disability on that of section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (referred to in this section as
``section 504''), which had, prior to the date of enactment of
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, been construed
broadly to encompass both actual and perceived limitations, and
limitations imposed by society; and
(B) the broad conception of the definition contained in
section 504 had been underscored by the Supreme Court's
statement in its decision in School Board of Nassau County v.
Arline, 480 U.S. 273 (1987), that the definition ``acknowledged
that society's myths and fears about disability and disease are
as handicapping as are the physical limitations that flow from
actual impairment'';
(5) in adopting, in the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, the concept of disability expressed in section 504,
Congress understood that adverse action based on a person's
physical or mental impairment is often unrelated to the
limitations caused by the impairment itself;
(6) instead of following congressional expectations that
the term ``disability'' would be interpreted broadly in the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Supreme Court has
ruled, in Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. v.
Williams, 534 U.S. 184 (2002), that the elements of the
definition ``need to be interpreted strictly to create a
demanding standard for qualifying as disabled'' and, consistent
with that view, has narrowed the application of the definition
in various ways; and
(7) contrary to explicit congressional intent expressed in
the committee reports for the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, the Supreme Court has eliminated from the Act's
coverage individuals who have mitigated the effects of their
impairments through the use of such measures as medication and
assistive devices.
(b) Purpose.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to effect the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990's
objectives of providing ``a clear and comprehensive national
mandate for the elimination of discrimination'' and ``clear,
strong, consistent, enforceable standards addressing
discrimination'' by restoring the broad scope of protection
available under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990;
(2) to respond to certain decisions of the Supreme Court,
including Sutton v. United Air Lines, Inc., 527 U.S. 471
(1999), Murphy v. United Parcel Service, Inc., 527 U.S. 516
(1999), Albertson's, Inc. v. Kirkingburg, 527 U.S. 555 (1999),
and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. v. Williams, 534
U.S. 184 (2002), that have narrowed the class of people who can
invoke the protection from discrimination that the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 provides; and
(3) to reinstate the original congressional intent
regarding the definition of disability in the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 by clarifying that the protection of
that Act is available for all individuals who are--
(A) subjected to adverse treatment based on an
actual or perceived impairment, or a record of
impairment; or
(B) adversely affected--
(i) by prejudiced attitudes, such as myths,
fears, ignorance, or stereotypes concerning
disability or particular disabilities; or
(ii) by the failure to remove societal and
institutional barriers, including
communication, transportation, and
architectural barriers, or the failure to
provide reasonable modifications to policies,
practices, and procedures, reasonable
accommodations, and auxiliary aids and
services.
SEC. 3. FINDINGS IN AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990.
Section 2(a) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12101(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1)(A) physical and mental disabilities are natural parts
of the human experience that in no way diminish a person's
right to fully participate in all aspects of society; and
``(B)(i) people with physical or mental disabilities having
the talent, skills, abilities, and desire to participate in
society are frequently precluded from doing so because of
discrimination; and
``(ii) other people who have a record of a disability or
are regarded as having a disability have also been subjected to
discrimination;''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
``(7)(A) individuals with disabilities have been subjected
to a history of purposeful unequal treatment, have had
restrictions and limitations imposed upon them because of their
disabilities, and have been relegated to positions of political
powerlessness in society; and
``(B) classifications and selection criteria that exclude
individuals with disabilities should be strongly disfavored,
subjected to skeptical and meticulous examination, and
permitted only for highly compelling reasons, and never on the
basis of prejudice, myths, irrational fears, ignorance, or
stereotypes about disability;''.
SEC. 4. DISABILITY DEFINED.
Section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12102) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Disability.--
``(A) In general.--The term `disability' means--
``(i) a physical or mental impairment;
``(ii) a record of a physical or mental
impairment; or
``(iii) being regarded as having a physical
or mental impairment.
``(B) Rule of construction.--
``(i) Determination of impairment.--The
determination of whether an individual has a
physical or mental impairment shall be made
without regard to--
``(I) whether the individual uses a
mitigating measure;
``(II) the impact of any mitigating
measures the individual may or may not
be using;
``(III) whether any manifestation
of the impairment is episodic; or
``(IV) whether the impairment is in
remission or latent.
``(ii) Mitigating measures.--The term
`mitigating measure' means any treatment,
medication, device, or other measure used to
eliminate, mitigate, or compensate for the
effect of an impairment, and includes
prescription and other medications, personal
aids and devices (including assistive
technology devices and services), reasonable
accommodations, and auxiliary aids and
services.''; and
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (7) and
inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Mental impairment.--The term `mental', used with
respect to an impairment, means any mental or psychological
disorder such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome,
emotional or mental illness, or specific learning disability.
``(4) Physical impairment.--The term `physical', used with
respect to an impairment, means any physiological disorder or
condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting
1 or more of the following body systems:
``(A) Neurological.
``(B) Musculoskeletal.
``(C) Special sense organs.
``(D) Respiratory, including speech organs.
``(E) Cardiovascular.
``(F) Reproductive.
``(G) Digestive.
``(H) Genitourinary.
``(I) Hemic and lymphatic.
``(J) Skin.
``(K) Endocrine.
``(5) Record of a physical or mental impairment.--The term
`record of a physical or mental impairment' means a history of,
or a misclassification as having, a physical or mental
impairment.
``(6) Regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.--
The term `regarded as having a physical or mental impairment'
means perceived or treated as having a physical or mental
impairment, whether or not the individual involved has an
impairment.''.
SEC. 5. ADVERSE ACTION.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is amended by inserting
after section 3 (42 U.S.C. 12102) the following:
``SEC. 4. ADVERSE ACTION.
``An adverse action taken by an entity covered under this Act
against an individual because of that individual's use of a mitigating
measure or because of a side effect or other consequence of the use of
such a measure shall constitute discrimination under this Act.''.
SEC. 6. DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY.
Section 102 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12112) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``against a qualified
individual with a disability because of the disability of such
individual'' and inserting ``against an individual on the basis
of disability''; and
(2) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking the term ``discriminate'' and inserting
``discriminate against an individual on the basis of
disability''.
SEC. 7. QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL.
Section 103(a) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 2113(a)) is amended by striking ``that an alleged'' and
inserting ``that--
``(1) the individual alleging discrimination under this
title is not a qualified individual with a disability; or
``(2) an alleged''.
SEC. 8. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Section 501 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12201) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Broad Construction.--In order to ensure that this Act
achieves the purpose of providing a comprehensive prohibition of
discrimination on the basis of disability and to advance the remedial
purpose of this Act, the provisions of this Act shall be broadly
construed.
``(f) Regulations.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act Restoration
Act of 2007--
``(A) the Attorney General, the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, and the Secretary of
Transportation shall issue regulations described in
sections 106, 204, 223, 229, 244, and 306, as
appropriate, including regulations that implement
sections 3 and 4, to carry out the corresponding
provisions of this Act, as this Act is amended by the
Americans with Disabilities Act Restoration Act of
2007; and
``(B) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board shall issue supplementary guidelines
described in section 504, to supplement the existing
Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible
Design for purposes of titles II and III of this Act,
as this Act is amended by the Americans with
Disabilities Act Restoration Act of 2007.
``(2) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to limit the authority of an officer or agency
described in paragraph (1) to issue regulations or guidelines
under any other provision of this Act, other than this
subsection.
``(g) Deference to Regulations and Guidance.--Duly issued Federal
regulations and guidance for the implementation of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, including provisions implementing and
interpreting the definition of disability, shall be entitled to
deference by administrative agencies or officers, and courts, deciding
an issue in any action brought under this Act.''. | Americans with Disabilities Act Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to remove from the definition of "disability" a reference to substantially limiting one or more major life activities.
Prohibits, in determining whether an individual has an impairment, considering whether the individual uses a mitigating measure, the impact of any mitigating measures, or whether the impairment is episodic, in remission, or latent. Defines the term "mitigating measure."
Defines "physical" and "mental" (used regarding an impairment), "record of physical or mental impairment," and "regarded as having a physical or mental impairment."
Declares that an adverse action taken because of an individual's use of a mitigating measure constitutes discrimination under the Act.
Prohibits employment discrimination against an individual on the basis of disability (currently, against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability).
Allows, as a defense to a charge of discrimination, that the individual alleging discrimination is not a qualified individual with a disability.
Requires that the Act's provisions be broadly construed.
Directs the Attorney General, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue guidelines to supplement the existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design.
Entitles duly issued federal regulations and guidance to deference by administrative agencies or officers and courts. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to restore the intent and protections of that Act, and for other purposes."} | 2,831 | 348 | 0.421697 | 1.470967 | 0.694651 | 3.237762 | 8.961538 | 0.867133 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``American Fighter Aces Congressional
Gold Medal Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) An American Fighter Ace is a fighter pilot who has served
honorably in a United States military service and who has destroyed
5 or more confirmed enemy aircraft in aerial combat during a war or
conflict in which American armed forces have participated.
(2) Beginning with World War I, and the first use of airplanes
in warfare, military services have maintained official records of
individual aerial victory credits during every major conflict. Of
more than 60,000 United States military fighter pilots that have
taken to the air, less than 1,500 have become Fighter Aces.
(3) Americans became Fighter Aces in the Spanish Civil War,
Sino-Japanese War, Russian Civil War, Arab-Israeli War, and others.
Additionally, American military groups' recruited United States
military pilots to form the American Volunteer Group, Eagle
Squadron, and others that produced American-born Fighter Aces
fighting against axis powers prior to Pearl Harbor.
(4) The concept of a Fighter Ace is that they fought for
freedom and democracy across the globe, flying in the face of the
enemy to defend freedom throughout the history of aerial combat.
American-born citizens became Fighter Aces flying under the flag of
United States allied countries and became some of the highest
scoring Fighter Aces of their respective wars.
(5) American Fighter Aces hail from every State in the Union,
representing numerous ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
(6) Fighter Aces possess unique skills that have made them
successful in aerial combat. These include courage, judgment, keen
marksmanship, concentration, drive, persistence, and split-second
thinking that makes an Ace a war fighter with unique and valuable
flight driven skills.
(7) The Aces' training, bravery, skills, sacrifice, attention
to duty, and innovative spirit illustrate the most celebrated
traits of the United States military, including service to country
and the protection of freedom and democracy.
(8) American Fighter Aces have led distinguished careers in the
military, education, private enterprise, and politics. Many have
held the rank of General or Admiral and played leadership roles in
multiple war efforts from WWI to Vietnam through many decades. In
some cases they became the highest ranking officers for following
wars.
(9) The extraordinary heroism of the American Fighter Ace
boosted American morale at home and encouraged many men and women
to enlist to fight for America and democracy across the globe.
(10) Fighter Aces were among America's most-prized military
fighters during wars. When they rotated back to the United States
after combat tours, they trained cadets in fighter pilot tactics
that they had learned over enemy skies. The teaching of combat
dogfighting to young aviators strengthened our fighter pilots to
become more successful in the skies. The net effect of this was to
shorten wars and save the lives of young Americans.
(11) Following military service, many Fighter Aces became test
pilots due to their superior flying skills and quick thinking
abilities.
(12) Richard Bong was America's top Ace of all wars scoring a
confirmed 40 enemy victories in WWII. He was from Poplar,
Wisconsin, and flew the P-38 Lightning in all his combat sorties
flying for the 49th Fighter Group. He was killed in 1945 during a
P-80 test flight in which the engine flamed out on takeoff.
(13) The American Fighter Aces are one of the most decorated
military groups in American history. Twenty-two Fighter Aces have
achieved the rank of Admiral in the Navy. Seventy-nine Fighter Aces
have achieved the rank of General in the Army, Marines, and Air
Force. Nineteen Medals of Honor have been awarded to individual
Fighter Aces.
(14) The American Fighter Aces Association has existed for over
50 years as the primary organization with which the Aces have
preserved their history and told their stories to the American
public. The Association established and maintains the Outstanding
Cadet in Airmanship Award presented annually at the United States
Air Force Academy; established and maintains an awards program for
outstanding fighter pilot ``lead-in'' trainee graduates from the
Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps; and sponsors a scholarship
program for descendants of American Fighter Aces.
SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Presentation Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make
appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of the
Congress, of a single gold medal of appropriate design in honor of the
American Fighter Aces, collectively, in recognition of their heroic
military service and defense of our country's freedom, which has
spanned the history of aviation warfare.
(b) Design and Striking.--For the purposes of the award referred to
in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury shall strike the gold
medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be
determined by the Secretary.
(c) Smithsonian Institution.--
(1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal in honor
of the American Fighter Aces, the gold medal shall be given to the
Smithsonian Institution, where it will be available for display as
appropriate and available for research.
(2) Sense of the congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal awarded
pursuant to this Act available for display elsewhere, particularly
at appropriate locations associated with the American Fighter Aces,
and that preference should be given to locations affiliated with
the Smithsonian Institution.
SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold
medal struck pursuant to section 3 under such regulations as the
Secretary may prescribe, at a price sufficient to cover the cost
thereof, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses, and the cost of the gold medal.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL MEDALS.
The medal struck pursuant to this Act is a national medal for
purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a single congressional gold medal in honor of the American Fighter Aces, collectively, in recognition of their heroic military service and defense of the nation's freedom. Requires the medal to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research purposes. Expresses the sense of Congress that the medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the American Fighter Aces. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal Act"} | 1,350 | 156 | 0.420951 | 1.180196 | 0.416623 | 4.376923 | 9.892308 | 0.946154 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Enterprise Integration Act of
2002''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Over 90 percent of United States companies engaged in
manufacturing are small- and medium-sized businesses.
(2) Most of these manufacturers produce goods for assemblage
into products of large companies.
(3) The emergence of the World Wide Web and the promulgation of
international standards for product data exchange greatly
accelerated the movement toward electronically integrated supply
chains during the last half of the 1990's.
(4) European and Asian countries are investing heavily in
electronic enterprise standards development, and in preparing their
smaller manufacturers to do business in the new environment.
European efforts are well advanced in the aerospace, automotive,
and shipbuilding industries and are beginning in other industries
including home building, furniture manufacturing, textiles, and
apparel. This investment could give overseas companies a major
competitive advantage.
(5) The National Institute of Standards and Technology, because
of the electronic commerce expertise in its laboratories and
quality program, its long history of working cooperatively with
manufacturers, and the nationwide reach of its manufacturing
extension program, is in a unique position to help United States
large and smaller manufacturers alike in their responses to this
challenge.
(6) It is, therefore, in the national interest for the National
Institute of Standards and Technology to accelerate its efforts in
helping industry develop standards and enterprise integration
processes that are necessary to increase efficiency and lower
costs.
SEC. 3. ENTERPRISE INTEGRATION INITIATIVE.
(a) Establishment.--The Director shall establish an initiative for
advancing enterprise integration within the United States. In carrying
out this section, the Director shall involve, as appropriate, the
various units of the National Institute of Standards and Technology,
including the National Institute of Standards and Technology
laboratories (including the Building and Fire Research Laboratory), the
Manufacturing Extension Partnership program established under sections
25 and 26 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15
U.S.C. 278k and 278l), and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality
Program. This initiative shall build upon ongoing efforts of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology and of the private
sector, shall involve consortia that include government and industry,
and shall address the enterprise integration needs of each United
States major manufacturing industry at the earliest possible date.
(b) Assessment.--For each major manufacturing industry, the
Director may work with industry, trade associations, professional
societies, and others as appropriate, to identify enterprise
integration standardization and implementation activities underway in
the United States and abroad that affect that industry and to assess
the current state of enterprise integration within that industry. The
Director may assist in the development of roadmaps to permit supply
chains within the industry to operate as an integrated electronic
enterprise. The roadmaps shall be based on voluntary consensus
standards.
(c) Reports.--Within 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director shall submit to the
Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the
National Institute of Standards and Technology's activities under
subsection (b).
(d) Authorized Activities.--In order to carry out this Act, the
Director may work with industry, trade associations, professional
societies, and others as appropriate--
(1) to raise awareness in the United States, including
awareness by businesses that are majority owned by women,
minorities, or both, of enterprise integration activities in the
United States and abroad, including by the convening of
conferences;
(2) on the development of enterprise integration roadmaps;
(3) to support the development, testing, promulgation,
integration, adoption, and upgrading of standards related to
enterprise integration including application protocols; and
(4) to provide technical assistance and, if necessary,
financial support to small- and medium-sized businesses that set up
pilot projects in enterprise integration.
(e) Manufacturing Extension Program.--The Director shall ensure
that the Manufacturing Extension Program is prepared to advise small-
and medium-sized businesses on how to acquire the expertise, equipment,
and training necessary to participate fully in supply chains using
enterprise integration.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ``automotive'' means land-based engine-powered
vehicles including automobiles, trucks, busses, trains, defense
vehicles, farm equipment, and motorcycles;
(2) the term ``Director'' means the Director of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology;
(3) the term ``enterprise integration'' means the electronic
linkage of manufacturers, assemblers, suppliers, and customers to
enable the electronic exchange of product, manufacturing, and other
business data among all partners in a product supply chain, and
such term includes related application protocols and other related
standards;
(4) the term ``major manufacturing industry'' includes the
aerospace, automotive, electronics, shipbuilding, construction,
home building, furniture, textile, and apparel industries and such
other industries as the Director designates; and
(5) the term ``roadmap'' means an assessment of manufacturing
interoperability requirements developed by an industry describing
that industry's goals related to enterprise integration, the
knowledge and standards including application protocols necessary
to achieve those goals, and the necessary steps, timetable, and
assignment of responsibilities for acquiring the knowledge and
developing the standards and protocols.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to carry
out functions under this Act--
(1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2002;
(2) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2003;
(3) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2004; and
(4) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2005.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Enterprise Integration Act of 2002 - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish an initiative for advancing enterprise integration within the United States which shall: (1) involve the various units of NIST, including NIST laboratories, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program, and consortia that include government and industry; (2) build upon ongoing efforts of NIST and the private sector; and (3) address the enterprise integration needs of each major U.S. manufacturing industry at the earliest possible date.Authorizes the Director, with respect to each major manufacturing industry, to: (1) work with industry, trade associations, and professional societies to identify all enterprise standardization and implementation activities underway and to assess the current state of enterprise integration; and (2) assist in the development of roadmaps (to be based on voluntary consensus standards) to permit supply chains to operate as an integrated electronic enterprise. Requires the Director to submit annual reports to specified congressional committees on such activities.Authorizes the Director to work with industry, trade associations, and professional societies: (1) to raise awareness, including that by businesses that are majority owned by women and/or minorities, of enterprise integration activities; (2) on the development of enterprise integration roadmaps; (3) to support the development, testing, promulgation, integration, adoption, and upgrading of enterprise integration standards; and (4) to provide technical assistance and financial support to small and medium-sized businesses that set up enterprise integration pilot projects.Requires the Director to ensure that the Manufacturing Extension Program is prepared to advise small and medium-sized businesses on how to acquire the expertise, equipment, and training necessary to participate fully in supply chains using enterprise integration.Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To authorize the National Institute of Standards and Technology to work with major manufacturing industries on an initiative of standards development and implementation for electronic enterprise integration."} | 1,228 | 374 | 0.650387 | 2.377939 | 0.992945 | 5.265306 | 3.586006 | 0.938776 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Grazing Improvement Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. TERMS OF GRAZING PERMITS AND LEASES.
Section 402 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1752) is amended by striking ``ten years'' each place it
appears and inserting ``20 years''.
SEC. 3. RENEWAL, TRANSFER, AND REISSUANCE OF GRAZING PERMITS AND
LEASES.
Title IV of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 405. RENEWAL, TRANSFER, AND REISSUANCE OF GRAZING PERMITS AND
LEASES.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Environmental analysis.--The term `environmental
analysis' means an environmental assessment or an environmental
impact statement required under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
``(2) Secretary concerned.--The term `Secretary concerned'
means--
``(A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to
National Forest System land; and
``(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect
to land under the jurisdiction of the Department of the
Interior.
``(b) Renewal, Transfer, and Reissuance.--A grazing permit or lease
issued by the Secretary, or a grazing permit issued by the Secretary of
Agriculture regarding National Forest System land, that expires, is
transferred, or is waived after the date of enactment of this section
shall be renewed or reissued, as appropriate, under--
``(1) section 402;
``(2) section 19 of the Act of April 24, 1950 (commonly
known as the `Granger-Thye Act') (16 U.S.C. 580l);
``(3) title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7
U.S.C. 1010 et seq.); or
``(4) section 510 the California Desert Protection Act of
1994 (16 U.S.C. 410aaa-50).
``(c) Terms; Conditions.--The terms and conditions contained in an
expired, transferred, or waived permit or lease described in subsection
(b) shall continue in effect under a renewed or reissued permit or
lease until the date on which the Secretary concerned completes the
renewed or reissued permit or lease that is the subject of the expired,
transferred, or waived permit or lease, in compliance with each
applicable law.
``(d) Cancellation; Suspension; Modification.--A permit or lease
described in subsection (b) may be cancelled, suspended, or modified in
accordance with applicable law.
``(e) Compliance With National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.--
``(1) In general.--The renewal, reissuance, or transfer of
a grazing permit or lease by the Secretary concerned shall be
categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an
environmental analysis if the decision continues the current
grazing management of the allotment.
``(2) Applicability regarding permits and leases with minor
modifications.--If the renewal, reissuance, or transfer of a
grazing permit or lease by the Secretary concerned contains
only minor modifications from the grazing permit or lease that
is the subject of the renewal, reissuance, or transfer, the
grazing permit or lease shall be categorically excluded from
the requirement to prepare an environmental analysis if--
``(A) monitoring of the allotment has indicated
that the current grazing management has met, or has
satisfactorily progressed towards meeting, objectives
contained in the land and resource management plan of
the allotment, as determined by the Secretary
concerned; and
``(B) the decision is consistent with the policy of
the Department of the Interior or the Department of
Agriculture, as appropriate, regarding extraordinary
circumstances.
``(f) Priority and Timing for Completing Environmental Analyses.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 504 of the
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Additional Disaster
Assistance, for Anti-terrorism Initiatives, for Assistance in
the Recovery from the Tragedy that Occurred at Oklahoma City,
and Rescissions Act, 1995 (Public Law 104-19; 109 Stat. 212),
the Secretary concerned, in the sole discretion of the
Secretary concerned, shall determine the priority and timing
for completing each required environmental analysis regarding
any grazing allotment, permit, or lease based on the
environmental significance of the allotment, permit, or lease
and available funding for that purpose.
``(2) Applicability.--This subsection shall not apply to
the renewal, reissuance, or transfer of a grazing permit or
lease that is categorically excluded under subsection (e).''.
SEC. 4. APPLICABILITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT TO GRAZING
APPEALS.
(a) Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of
1974.--Section 14 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources
Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1612) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(c) Applicability of Administrative Procedure Act.--With respect
to a decision by the Secretary of Agriculture regarding a grazing
permit, an appeal by a grazing permittee shall be conducted in
accordance with subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States
Code.''.
(b) Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.--Section 402 of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1752) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Applicability of Administrative Procedure Act.--
``(1) Secretary concerned.--The term `Secretary concerned'
means--
``(A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to
National Forest System land; and
``(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect
to land under the jurisdiction of the Department of the
Interior.
``(2) Applicability of administrative procedure act.--With
respect to a decision by the Secretary concerned regarding a
grazing permit or lease, an appeal by a grazing permittee shall
be conducted in accordance with subchapter II of chapter 5 of
title 5, United States Code.
``(3) Deadline for filing appeals.--An appeal made under
this subsection shall be filed not later than 30 days after the
date on which a decision described in paragraph (2) is made.
``(4) Suspension of decisions.--
``(A) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in
this subsection, each decision by the Secretary
concerned regarding a grazing permit or lease that is
appealed under this subsection shall be suspended until
the date on which the appeal is resolved.
``(B) Determination by secretary concerned.--A
decision described in subparagraph (A) may not be
suspended if the Secretary concerned (including any
other authorized official) determines there is an
emergency regarding a deterioration of resources.
``(5) Continued use of grazing permit or lease.--Except in
a situation in which grazing use for the preceding year was
authorized on a temporary basis, an applicant who was granted
grazing use in the preceding year may continue at the level of
authorized active use until the date on which the appeal is
resolved.''. | Grazing Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (the Act) to double from 10 to 20 years the period of a term for grazing permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing on public lands or lands within national forests in 16 contiguous western states. Permits the issuance of permits and leases for a period shorter than 20 years (under current law, shorter than 10 years).
Directs that grazing permits or leases issued by the Secretary of the Interior respecting lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and grazing permits issued by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) respecting National Forest System lands that expire, are transferred, or are waived after this Act's enactment be renewed or reissued, as appropriate, under the Act, Granger-Thye Act, Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act, or California Desert Protection Act of 1994.
Excludes the renewal, reissuance, or transfer of a grazing permit or lease by the Secretary concerned from the requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to prepare an environmental analysis if such decision continues current grazing management of the allotment.
Makes provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act applicable to appeals made by grazing permittees regarding grazing permits or leases under the Act and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to improve the management of grazing leases and permits, and for other purposes."} | 1,728 | 323 | 0.677642 | 1.995982 | 0.790467 | 3.511905 | 5.761905 | 0.869048 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Home Ownership Opportunities for
Public Safety Officers and Teachers Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) teachers, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and
rescue personnel help form the backbones of communities and are
integral components in the social capital of neighborhoods in
the United States; and
(2) providing reduced downpayment requirements on HUD-
insured properties and discounted purchase prices on HUD-owned
properties for teachers, law enforcement officers, fire
fighters, and rescue personnel recognizes the intrinsic value
of the services provided by such employees to their communities
and to family life and encourages and rewards those who are
dedicated to providing public service in our most needy
communities.
SEC. 3. REDUCED DOWNPAYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR LOANS FOR TEACHERS AND
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS.
(a) In General.--Section 203(b) of the National Housing Act (12
U.S.C. 1709(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(11) Reduced downpayment requirements for teachers and
public safety officers.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2),
in the case of a mortgage described in subparagraph
(B)--
``(i) the mortgage shall involve a
principal obligation in an amount that does not
exceed the sum of 99 percent of the appraised
value of the property and the total amount of
initial service charges, appraisal, inspection,
and other fees (as the Secretary shall approve)
paid in connection with the mortgage;
``(ii) no other provision of this
subsection limiting the principal obligation of
the mortgage based upon a percentage of the
appraised value of the property subject to the
mortgage shall apply; and
``(iii) the matter in paragraph (9) that
precedes the first proviso shall not apply and
the mortgage shall be executed by a mortgagor
who shall have paid on account of the property
at least 1 percent of the cost of acquisition
(as determined by the Secretary) in cash or its
equivalent.
``(B) Mortgages covered.--A mortgage described in
this subparagraph is a mortgage--
``(i) under which the mortgagor is an
individual who--
``(I) is (aa) a teacher, or (bb) a
public safety officer; and
``(II) has not, during the 12-month
period ending upon the insurance of the
mortgage, had any present ownership
interest in a principal residence
located in the jurisdiction described
in clause (ii); and
``(ii) made for a property that is located
within the jurisdiction of--
``(I) in the case of a mortgage of
a mortgagor described in clause
(i)(I)(aa), the local educational
agency for the school in which the
mortgagor is employed (or, in the case
of a mortgagor employed in a private
school, the local educational agency
having jurisdiction for the area in
which the private school is located);
or
``(II) in the case of a mortgage of
a mortgagor described in clause
(i)(I)(bb), the jurisdiction served by
the public law enforcement
agency, firefighting agency, or rescue or ambulance agency that employs
the mortgagor.''.
(b) Deferral and Reduction of Up-Front Premium.--Section 203(c) of
the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(c)(2)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting ``Except as
provided in paragraph (3) and notwithstanding''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Deferral and reduction of up-front premium.--In the case of
any mortgage described in subsection (b)(11)(B):
``(A) Paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection (relating to
collection of up-front premium payments) shall not apply.
``(B) If, at any time during the 5-year period beginning on
the date of the insurance of the mortgage, the mortgagor ceases
to be a teacher or public safety officer (as such terms are
defined in section 201) or pays the principal obligation of the
mortgage in full, the Secretary shall at such time collect a
single premium payment in an amount equal to the amount of the
single premium payment that, but for this paragraph, would have
been required under paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection with
respect to the mortgage, as reduced by 20 percent of such
amount for each successive 12-month period completed during
such 5-year period before such cessation or prepayment
occurs.''.
SEC. 4. COMMUNITY PARTNERS NEXT DOOR PROGRAM.
(a) Discount and Downpayment Assistance for Teachers and Public
Safety Officers.--Section 204(h) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C.
1710(h)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (10) as
paragraphs (8) through (11), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new
paragraph:
``(7) 50 percent discount for teachers and public safety
officers purchasing properties that are eligible assets.--
``(A) Discount.--A property that is an eligible
asset and is sold, during fiscal years 2002 through
2006, to a teacher or public safety officer for use in
accordance with subparagraph (B) shall be sold at a
price that is equal to 50 percent of the appraised
value of the eligible property (as determined in
accordance with paragraph (6)(B)). In the case of a
property eligible for both a discount under this
paragraph and a discount under paragraph (6), the
discount under paragraph (6) shall not apply.
``(B) Primary residence.--An eligible property sold
pursuant to a discount under this paragraph shall be
used, for not less than the 3-year period beginning
upon such sale, as the primary residence of a teacher
or public safety officer.
``(C) Sale methods.--The Secretary may sell an
eligible property pursuant to a discount under this
paragraph--
``(i) to a unit of general local government
or nonprofit organization (pursuant to
paragraph (4) or otherwise), for resale or
transfer to a teacher or public safety officer;
or
``(ii) directly to a purchaser who is a
teacher or public safety officer.
``(D) Resale.--In the case of any purchase by a
unit of general local government or nonprofit
organization of an eligible property sold at a
discounted price under this paragraph, the sale
agreement under paragraph (8) shall--
``(i) require the purchasing unit of
general local government or nonprofit
organization to provide the full benefit of the
discount to the teacher or public safety
officer obtaining the property; and
``(ii) in the case of a purchase involving
multiple eligible assets, any of which is such
an eligible property, designate the specific
eligible property or properties to be subject
to the requirements of subparagraph (B).
``(E) Mortgage downpayment assistance.--If a
teacher or public safety officer purchases an eligible
property pursuant to a discounted sale price under this
paragraph and finances such purchase through a mortgage
insured under this title, notwithstanding any provision
of section 203 the downpayment on such mortgage shall
be $100.
``(F) Prevention of undue profit.--The Secretary
shall issue regulations to prevent undue profit from
the resale of eligible properties in violation of the
requirement under subparagraph (B).
``(G) Definitions.--For the purposes of this
paragraph, the following definitions shall apply:
``(i) The term `eligible property' means an
eligible asset described in paragraph (2)(A) of
this subsection.
``(ii) The terms `teacher' and `public
safety officer' have the meanings given such
terms in section 201.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 204(h) of the National Housing
Act (12 U.S.C. 1710(h)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii), by striking ``paragraph (7)''
and inserting ``paragraph (8)'';
(2) in paragraph (5)(B)(i), by striking ``paragraph (7)''
and inserting ``paragraph (8)''; and
(3) in paragraph (6)(A), by striking ``paragraph (8)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (9)''.
SEC. 5. PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER HOME OWNERSHIP IN HIGH-CRIME AREAS.
(a) Program Authority.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development shall carry out a pilot program in accordance with this
section to assist Federal, State, and local public safety officers
purchasing homes in locally-designated high-crime areas.
(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible for assistance under this section,
a public safety officer shall agree, in writing, to use the residence
purchased with such assistance as the primary residence of the public
safety officer for not less than 3 years after the date of purchase.
(c) Mortgage Assistance.--If a public safety officer purchases a
home in locally-designated high-crime area and finances such purchase
through a mortgage insured under title II of the National Housing Act
(12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.), notwithstanding any provision of section 203
or any other provision of the National Housing Act, the following shall
apply:
(1) Downpayment.--
(A) In general.--There shall be no downpayment
required if the purchase price of the property is not
more than the reasonable value of the property, as
determined by the Secretary.
(B) Purchase price exceeds value.--If the purchase
price of the property exceeds the reasonable value of
the property, as determined by the Secretary, the
required downpayment shall be the difference between
such reasonable value and the purchase price.
(2) Closing costs.--The closing costs and origination fee
for such mortgage may be included in the loan amount.
(3) Insurance premium payment.--There shall be one
insurance premium payment due on the mortgage. Such insurance
premium payment--
(A) shall be equal to 1 percent of the loan amount;
(B) shall be due and considered earned by the
Secretary at the time of the loan closing; and
(C) may be included in the loan amount and paid
from the loan proceeds.
(d) Local Designation of High-Crime Areas.--
(1) Criteria.--Any unit of local government may request
that the Secretary designate any area within the jurisdiction
of that unit of local government as a locally-designated high-
crime area for purposes of this section if the proposed area--
(A) has a crime rate that is significantly higher
than the crime rate of the non-designated area that is
within the jurisdiction of the unit of local
government; and
(B) has a population that is not more than 25
percent of the total population of area within the
jurisdiction of the unit of local government.
(2) Deadline for consideration of request.--Not later than
60 days after receiving a request under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall approve or disapprove the request.
(e) Public Safety Officer.--For purposes of this section, the term
``public safety officer'' has the meaning given such term in section
201 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707), except that such term
includes any officer serving a public agency of the Federal Government.
(f) Sunset.--The Secretary shall not approve any application for
assistance under this section that is received by the Secretary after
the expiration of the 3-year period beginning on the date that the
Secretary first makes available assistance under the pilot program
under this section.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
Section 201 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (f) as
paragraphs (1) through (6), respectively;
(2) by realigning each paragraph<divide> 2 ems from the
left margin; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(7) The term `public safety officer' has the meaning
given such term in section 1204 of the Omnibus Crime Control
and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b), except that
such term shall not include any officer serving a public agency
of the Federal Government.
``(8) The term `teacher' means an individual who is
employed on a part- or full-time basis as a teacher or
administrator in a public or private school that provides
elementary or secondary education, as determined under State
law, except that elementary education shall include pre-
Kindergarten education, and except that secondary education
shall not include any education beyond grade 12.
``(9) The term `local educational agency' has the meaning
given such term in section 14101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801)).''.
SEC. 7. REGULATIONS.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall issue regulations to implement the provisions of
this Act and the amendments made by this Act. | Home Ownership Opportunities for Public Safety Officers and Teachers Act of 2001 - Amends the National Housing Act to provide for one percent downpayments (and deferral and reduction of up-front payments) for Federal Housing Administration mortgage loans for qualified elementary and secondary school teachers and administrators and non-Federal public safety officers to purchase homes within the jurisdictions of their employing agencies.Provides a 50 percent discount for teachers and public safety officers purchasing certain eligible asset properties for use as their primary residence.Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out a mortgage assistance pilot program to assist Federal, State, and local public safety officers purchase primary residences in high-crime areas. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide home ownership assistance for public safety officers and teachers."} | 3,002 | 149 | 0.526848 | 1.53011 | 0.657949 | 3.370079 | 21.519685 | 0.913386 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Deficit Reduction Implementation
Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION.
In this Act, the term ``qualified bill'' means a bill in the House
of Representatives or Senate that--
(1)(A) has not fewer than 6 sponsors who caucus with
Democrats and 6 sponsors who caucus with Republicans in the
Senate; or
(B) has not fewer than 15 sponsors who caucus with
Republicans and 15 sponsors who caucus with Democrats in the
House;
(2) states as it purpose to reduce the deficit by a goal of
$4,000,000,000,000, but at least $1,500,000,000,000, over the
period of fiscal years 2012 through 2021; and
(3) specifies that the qualified bill is being introduced
pursuant to this Act.
SEC. 3. CONSIDERATION OF BIPARTISAN DEFICIT REDUCTION BILLS.
(a) Introduction Deadline.--Not later than February 29, 2012, any
Senator or Member of the House of Representatives may introduce a
qualified bill that shall be considered as provided under subsection
(c).
(b) Referral of a Qualified Bill.--
(1) Senate.--In the Senate, a qualified bill introduced as
provided by subsection (a) shall immediately be referred to the
appropriate committee or committees of jurisdiction for review
and reporting.
(2) House.--In the House, a qualified bill introduced as
provided by subsection (a) shall immediately be referred to the
appropriate committee or the committees of jurisdiction for
review and reporting.
(3) CBO.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 48 hours after
referral to committees, the bill shall be scored by CBO
based on--
(i) current scoring guidelines;
(ii) a continuation of policies in effect
at the time the bill was introduced; and
(iii) the National Commission on Fiscal
Responsibility and Reform plausible baseline
policy assumptions (referred to in this Act as
the ``plausible baseline'').
(B) Public availability.--For each bill, all 3
scores referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be printed
in the Congressional Record and shall be available
online.
(c) Proceeding to the Qualified Bill.--
(1) Senate.--Not later than March 9, 2012, and
notwithstanding rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate,
it shall be in order for any Senator to move to proceed to the
consideration of a qualified bill (which shall have been
discharged from committee if not reported under subsection (b))
which shall be considered as provided for a joint committee
bill under subsections (c) and (d) of section 402 of the Budget
Control Act of 2011 (2 U.S.C. 900 note) for the Senate, except
that the date for reporting under subsection (c)(1) of such
section and the date for the vote on passage under subsection
(c)(5) of such section shall not apply to the qualified bill.
(2) House.--Not later than March 9, 2012, it shall be in
order for any Member of the House of Representatives to move to
proceed to the consideration of a qualified bill (which shall
have been discharged from committee if not reported under
subsection (b)) which shall be considered as provided for a
joint committee bill under subsections (b) and (d) of section
402 of the Budget Control Act of 2011 (2 U.S.C. 900 note) for
the House of Representatives, except that the date for
reporting under subsection (b)(1) of such section and the date
for the vote on passage under subsection (b)(4) of such section
shall not apply to the qualified bill.
(3) CBO.--The House or the Senate may not proceed to a
qualified bill under this subsection unless the scores required
by subsection (b)(3) have been available in the Congressional
Record and online for at least 72 hours.
(d) Other Matters.--
(1) Consideration by the other house.--Section 402(e) of
the Budget Control Act of 2011 (2 U.S.C. 900 note) shall apply
to a qualified bill passed by the other House.
(2) Multiple qualified bills.--If there is more than 1
qualifying bill, the qualifying bill will be the bill that
achieves the most deficit reduction. If such bill fails to be
enacted, succeeding bills may be qualifying bills and shall be
considered in the order of the amount of deficit reduction
achieved.
(e) Vetoes.--If the President vetoes a qualified bill, debate on a
veto message in the Senate or the House shall be one hour, equally
divided between the majority and minority leader, or their designees.
(f) Loss of Privilege.--This section shall cease to apply to a
qualified bill if the qualified bill does not pass both Houses of
Congress not later than March 30, 2012.
SEC. 4. APPLICATION OF OTHER PROVISIONS OF BUDGET CONTROL ACT.
(a) Debt Limit Increase.--A qualified bill that is enacted, and
that achieves at least $1,500,000,000,000 in deficit reduction as
certified by CBO either as measured by current scoring guidelines,
against a continuation of policies in effect at the time the bill was
introduced, or the plausible baseline shall be deemed to be a joint
committee bill for purposes of section 3101A(a)(2)(A)(iii) of title 31,
United States Code.
(b) Sequestration.--A qualified bill that is enacted, and that
achieves at least $1,500,000,000,000 in deficit reduction as certified
by CBO either as measured by current scoring guidelines, against a
continuation of policies in effect at the time the bill was introduced,
or the plausible baseline shall cancel the discretionary spending
limits listed under section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901a).
SEC. 5. RULEMAKING.
This Act is enacted by Congress--
(1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House of
Representatives and the Senate, respectively, and as such they
shall be considered as part of the rules of each House,
respectively, or of that House to which they specifically
apply, and such rules shall supersede other rules only to the
extent that they are inconsistent therewith; and
(2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of
either House to change such rules (so far as relating to such
House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent
as in the case of any other rule of such House. | Deficit Reduction Implementation Act - Authorizes a Senator or Member of the House of Representatives, by February 29, 2012, to introduce a bipartisan deficit reduction bill that: (1) has a specified minimum number of sponsors in the Senate and in the House who caucus with Democrats and who caucus with Republicans; (2) states as its purpose to reduce the deficit by a goal of $4 trillion, but at least $1.5 trillion between FY2012-FY2021; and (3) specifies that it is being introduced pursuant to this Act.
Prescribes legislative procedures for considering such a bill. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to allow a bipartisan group of Members of Congress to propose and have an up or down vote on a balanced deficit reduction bill pursuant to this Act, such as proposed by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform report, reducing the deficit by a goal of $4,000,000,000,000 over 10 years."} | 1,449 | 133 | 0.575882 | 1.50726 | 0.58262 | 3.557522 | 11.442478 | 0.849558 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``527 Transparency Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. REPORTING FREQUENCY IN NON-ELECTION YEARS INCREASED TO
QUARTERLY.
(a) In General.--Clause (ii) of section 527(j)(2)(A) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to required disclosure) is
amended to read as follows:
``(ii) quarterly reports, which shall be
filed not later than the fifteenth day after
the last day of each calendar quarter, and
which shall be complete as of the last day of
each calendar quarter, except that the report
for the quarter ending December 31 shall be
filed not later than January 31 of the
following calendar year.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005.
SEC. 3. FAILURE OF 527 ORGANIZATION TO COMPLY WITH DISCLOSURE
REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Excise Tax on Managers.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter C of chapter 42 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``SEC. 4956. TAX ON FAILURE OF POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS TO MEET
DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) Tax Imposed.--In the case of a failure of a political
organization to meet the disclosure requirements of section 527(j) with
respect to any contribution to or expenditure from the political
organization, there is hereby imposed on the political organization a
tax for each such failure.
``(b) Amount of Tax.--The tax imposed by subsection (a) shall be 30
percent of the total amount of the contribution or expenditure with
respect to which such failure occurred.
``(c) Liability for Tax.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided by paragraph (2), the
tax imposed by subsection (a) shall be paid by the political
organization.
``(2) Joint and several liability of organization
managers.--Each organization manager of the political
organization shall be jointly and severally liable for any tax
imposed under subsection (a).
``(d) Organization Manager.--For purposes of this section, the term
`organization manager' means any officer, director, or trustee of the
political organization (or individual having powers or responsibilities
similar to those of an officer, director, or trustee).
``(e) Political Organization.--The term `political organization'
shall have the meaning given such term by section 527(e)(1).''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) The heading for subchapter C of chapter 42 of
such Code is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``; Failure of Political Organizations to
Meet Reporting Requirements''.
(B) The table of sections for such subchapter C is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 4956. Tax on failure of political organizations to meet
disclosure requirements.''.
(C) The item in the table of subchapters of such
chapter 42 relating to subchapter C is amended to read
as follows:
``subchapter c. political expenditures of section 501(c)(3)
organizations; failure of political organizations to meet reporting
requirements''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005.
(b) Denial of Gift Tax Exclusion.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (4) of section 2501(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to taxable transfers)
is amended to read as follows:
``(4) Transfers to political organizations.--
``(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to
the transfer of money or other property to a political
organization (within the meaning of section 527(e)(1))
for the use of such organization.
``(B) Exception for failure of organization to meet
disclosure requirements.--Subparagraph (A) shall not
apply to any transfer in a calendar year for which the
political organization fails to make the disclosures
required by section 527(j).''.
(2) Notice to contributors of denial of gift tax exception
for failure to disclose.--Section 527(j) of such Code is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) Notice to contributors of denial of gift tax
exception for failure to disclose.--In the case of a final
determination by the Secretary that a failure described in
paragraph (1)(A) with respect to an organization occurred, the
organization shall, not later than 90 days after the date of
such determination, provide written notice of such failure to
each contributor to the organization for the calendar year in
which such failure occurred. Such notice shall include a
statement that the exception under section 2501(a)(4)(A) does
not apply to any contribution to the organization in such
calendar year.''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply to transfers made after December 31, 2005. | 527 Transparency Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise disclosure requirements for tax-exempt political organizations (527 organizations) to require quarterly (instead of semiannual) reporting of contributions and expenditures in non-election years. Imposes a penalty tax on political organizations that fail to meet disclosure requirements. Denies a gift tax exclusion for donations to political organizations that fail to meet disclosure requirements. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose penalties for the failure of 527 organizations to comply with disclosure requirements."} | 1,165 | 95 | 0.556256 | 1.281605 | 1.292566 | 1.773333 | 13.426667 | 0.813333 |
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