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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``First Things First Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to delay the implementation of certain
amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 until a legislative
task force has certified the achievement of each of the following
critical national priorities:
(1) The provision of aid and relief to persons physically
or economically injured as a result of the terrorist acts
against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.
(2) The security of the Social Security and Medicare trust
funds.
(3) The provision of a comprehensive prescription drug
benefit to Medicare beneficiaries.
(4) The provision of Federal funding for a major school
modernization effort and the hiring of 100,000 teachers.
(5) A significant reduction since 2001 in the number of
United States citizens who face worst case housing needs.
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF THE HIGHEST MARGINAL INCOME TAX RATES.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 1(i) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to reductions in rates after June 30,
2001) is amended by striking the table and inserting the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The corresponding percentages shall be
``In the case of substituted for the following
taxable years percentages:
beginning during ---------------------------------------
calendar year: 28% 31% 36% 39.6%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001................ 27.5% 30.5% 35.5% 39.1%
2002 and 2003....... 27.0% 30.5% 35.5% 39.6%
2004 and 2005....... 26.0% 30.5% 35.5% 39.6%
2006 and thereafter. 25.0% 30.5% 35.5% 39.6%''.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2000.
SEC. 4. REPEAL OF PHASEOUT OF OVERALL LIMITATION ON ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS
AND OF TERMINATION OF PHASEOUT OF PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS.
Sections 102 and 103 of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2001 (and the amendments made by such sections)
are hereby repealed, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be
applied and administered as if such sections (and amendments) had never
been enacted.
SEC. 5. REPEAL OF THE TERMINATION OF THE ESTATE AND GENERATION-SKIPPING
TRANSFER TAXES AND STEP-UP IN BASIS AT DEATH, AND RELATED
REPEALS.
Subtitles A, B, C, D, and E of title V of the Economic Growth and
Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (and the amendments made by such
subtitles) are hereby repealed, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
shall be applied and administered as if such subtitles (and amendments)
had never been enacted.
SEC. 6. INCREASE IN THE ESTATE TAX DEDUCTION FOR FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
INTEREST.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2057(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to maximum deduction) is amended by
striking ``$675,000'' and inserting ``$4,000,000''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Subparagraph (B) of section 2057(a)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to coordination with
unified credit) is amended by striking ``$675,000'' each place it
appears in the text and heading and inserting ``$4,000,000''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to estates of decedents dying after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 7. NATIONAL PRIORITIES ASSESSMENT TASK FORCE.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the legislative branch
a task force to be known as the ``National Priorities Assessment Task
Force'' (in this section referred to as the ``Task Force'').
(b) Duties.--The Task Force shall determine when and whether
Congress has achieved each of the following:
(1) The provision of aid and relief to persons physically
or economically injured as a result of the terrorist acts
against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001.
(2) The security of the Social Security and Medicare trust
funds.
(3) The provision of a comprehensive prescription drug
benefit to Medicare beneficiaries.
(4) The provision of Federal funding for a major school
modernization effort and the hiring of 100,000 teachers.
(5) A significant reduction since 2001 in the number of
United States citizens who face worst case housing needs.
(c) Membership.--The Task Force shall be composed of 16 members as
follows:
(1) The chairperson and the ranking minority member of the
Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives.
(2) The chairperson and the ranking minority member of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives.
(3) The chairperson and the ranking minority member of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives.
(4) The chairperson and the ranking minority member of the
Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives.
(5) The chairperson and the ranking minority member of the
Committee on the Budget of the Senate.
(6) The chairperson and the ranking minority member of the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.
(7) The chairperson and the ranking minority member of the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions of the
Senate.
(8) The chairperson and the ranking minority member of the
Committee on Finance of the Senate.
(d) Final Report.--
(1) In general.--The Task Force shall transmit a final
report to Congress not later than 30 days after the date on
which the Task Force makes the determinations described in
subsection (b). The final report shall contain a detailed
statement of the findings and conclusions on which the
determinations of the Task Force under subsection (b) are
based.
(2) Required determinations.--The Task Force shall not
transmit a final report under paragraph (1) until the Task
Force has made the determinations described in subsection (b).
(e) Interim Reports.--The Task Force may submit to Congress interim
reports as the Task Force considers appropriate.
(f) Administration.--
(1) Pay.--Members of the Task Force shall serve without
pay.
(2) Quorum.--9 members of the Task Force shall constitute a
quorum.
(3) Chairperson; vice chairperson.--The Chairperson and
Vice Chairperson of the Task Force shall be elected by the
members.
(4) Meetings.--The Task Force shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson or a majority of its members.
(g) Powers of the Task Force.--
(1) Hearings.--The Task Force may, for the purpose of
carrying out this section, hold hearings, sit and act at times
and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Task
Force considers appropriate.
(2) Obtaining official data.--The Task Force may secure
directly from any department or agency of the United States
information necessary to enable it to carry out this section.
Upon request of the Chairperson of the Task Force, the head of
that department or agency shall furnish that information to the
Task Force.
(h) Funding.--
(1) In general.--No funds may be provided to the Task
Force.
(2) Availability of committee funds.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (1), any committee described in subsection (c) may
make funds available for the activities of a member of the Task
Force to carry out this section if such member of the Task
Force is also a member of such committee.
(i) Termination.--The Task Force shall terminate 30 days after
transmitting its final report under subsection (d). | First Things First Act-Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise certain highest marginal income tax rates. Amends the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 to: (1) repeal the phaseout of the overall limitation on itemized deductions and restore the phaseout of personal exemptions; and (2) repeal the termination of the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, step-up basis at death, and related items.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the estate tax deduction for family-owned business interests.Establishes the National Priorities Assessment Task Force in the legislative branch. Requires such Task Force to evaluate congressional success in the following areas: (1) the provision of aid and relief to persons injured as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; (2) the security of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds; (3) the provision of a comprehensive prescription drug benefit to Medicare beneficiaries; (4) the provision of Federal funding for school modernization and teacher hiring; and (5) a significant reduction in worst case housing needs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the highest marginal income tax rates and to increase the estate tax deduction for family-owned business interests, to repeal certain sections of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 related to personal exemptions, itemized deductions, and the estate tax, to establish a legislative task force to determine when and whether certain critical national priorities have been accomplished, and for other purposes."} | 1,793 | 220 | 0.520384 | 1.392068 | 0.687579 | 5.218447 | 7.65534 | 0.927184 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``All Children are Equal Act'' or the
``ACE Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Section 1125AA of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6336) is amended--
(1) by amending the heading to read as follows:
``SEC. 1125AA. INCREASE GRANTS PER FORMULA STUDENT AS THE PERCENTAGE OF
ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN IN A LOCAL
EDUCATIONAL AGENCY INCREASES.'';
and
(2) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
``(1) The current Basic Grant Formula for the distribution
of funds under this part does not adequately target funds for
schools with the highest concentrations of economically
disadvantaged students.
``(2) The poverty of a child's family is much more likely
to be associated with educational disadvantage if the family
lives in an area with high proportions of poor families.
``(3) The current formulas for distributing Targeted and
Education Finance Incentive Grants is intended to allocate more
funds per formula student to local educational agencies with
higher concentrations of such students.
``(4) These formula use two weighting systems, one based on
the percentage of the aged 5-17 population in a local education
agency that is eligible to receive funds under this title
(percentage weighting), and another based on the absolute
number of such students (number weighting). Whichever of these
weighting systems results in the highest total weighted formula
student count for a local educational agency is the weighting
system used for that agency in the final allocation of Targeted
and Education Finance Incentive Grant funds.
``(5) Since the amount available to be distributed through
these formulas is fixed by congressional appropriation, any
gain in allocation share by one local educational agency causes
a loss to other local educational agencies.
``(6) The number weighting alternative is often favorable
to very large local educational agencies, even if the agency's
formula student percentage is low. But because smaller local
educational agencies simply do not have enough students to gain
from number weighting, they are rarely better off under the
number weighting alternative.
``(7) The Congressional Research Service has compared the
funding allocations of each local educational agency for school
year 2008-2009 under the current dual weighting system with the
funding allocation it would have that year if all local
educational agencies had their student count weighted only by
percentage weighting.
``(8) This data shows that the use of number weighting in
these formulas has shifted funding from smaller to larger local
educational agencies notwithstanding the level of poverty in
either. This is contrary to the intent of Congress, which is to
direct more funding per formula student to local educational
agencies with high concentrations of poverty, as measured by
the number of formula students as a percentage of the aged 5-17
population of the local educational agency.
``(9) As a result of this unintended consequence of the
number weighting system, 338 of the 340 local educational
agencies that have over 38.25 percent formula students gain
nothing from number weighting under the Targeted Grant program,
281 of them actually lose funding because of number weighting,
and 83 of those 340 highest poverty local educational agencies
would actually be better off if Targeted Grant funds were
allocated using the Basic Grant formula with no weighting
system at all.
``(10) Congress has a responsibility to correct this
unintended inequity by reducing the power of the number
weighting system relative to the percentage weighting system so
that local educational agencies with high percentages of
poverty but low numbers of students are not disadvantaged under
the formulas used for grants under this part.''.
SEC. 3. TARGETED GRANTS TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES.
Section 1125(c)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6335(c)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``The amount'' and
inserting ``Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (D),
the amount'';
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E);
and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) Fiscal years 2012 through 2015.--
Notwithstanding subparagraph (C) or any other provision
of this paragraph--
``(i) for fiscal year 2012, subparagraph
(C) shall be applied--
``(I) in clause (ii), by
substituting `1.35' for `1.5';
``(II) in clause (iii), by
substituting `1.8' for `2.0';
``(III) in clause (iv), by
substituting `2.25' for `2.5'; and
``(IV) in clause (v), by
substituting `2.7' for `3.0';
``(ii) for fiscal year 2013, subparagraph
(C) shall be applied--
``(I) in clause (ii), by
substituting `1.2' for `1.5';
``(II) in clause (iii), by
substituting `1.6' for `2.0';
``(III) in clause (iv), by
substituting `2.0' for `2.5'; and
``(IV) in clause (v), by
substituting `2.4' for `3.0';
``(iii) for fiscal year 2014, subparagraph
(C) shall be applied--
``(I) in clause (ii), by
substituting `1.05' for `1.5';
``(II) in clause (iii), by
substituting `1.4' for `2.0';
``(III) in clause (iv), by
substituting `1.75' for `2.5'; and
``(IV) in clause (v), by
substituting `2.1' for `3.0' ; and
``(iv) for fiscal year 2015, subparagraph
(C) shall be applied--
``(I) in clause (i), by
substituting `2,262' for `691';
``(II) by striking clause (ii);
``(III) in clause (iii), by
substituting `1.2' for `2.0';
``(IV) in clause (iv), by
substituting `1.5' for `2.5'; and
``(V) in clause (v), by
substituting `1.8' for `3.0'.''.
SEC. 4. EDUCATION FINANCE INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) States With an Equity Factor Less Than 0.10.--Section
1125A(d)(1)(B) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 6337(d)(1)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (iii), by striking ``The amount'' and
inserting ``Except as otherwise provided in clause (iv), the
amount''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) Fiscal years 2012 through 2015.--
Notwithstanding clause (iii) or any other
provision of this subparagraph--
``(I) for fiscal year 2012, clause
(iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.35' for
`1.5';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `1.8' for
`2.0';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `2.25' for
`2.5'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `2.7' for `3.0';
``(II) for fiscal year 2013, clause
(iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.2' for
`1.5';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `1.6' for
`2.0';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `2.0' for
`2.5'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `2.4' for `3.0';
``(III) for fiscal year 2014,
clause (iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.05' for
`1.5';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `1.4' for
`2.0';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `2.75' for
`2.5'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `2.1' for `3.0';
and
``(IV) for fiscal year 2015, clause
(iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.0' for
`1.5';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `1.2' for
`2.0';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `1.5' for
`2.5'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `1.8' for
`3.0'.''.
(b) States With an Equity Factor Greater Than or Equal to 0.10 and
Less Than 0.20.--Section 1125A(d)(2)(B) of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6337(d)(2)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (iii), by striking ``The amount'' and
inserting ``Except as otherwise provided in clause (iv), the
amount''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) Fiscal years 2012 through 2015.--
Notwithstanding clause (iii) or any other
provision of this subparagraph--
``(I) for fiscal year 2012, clause
(iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.35' for
`1.5';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `2.025' for
`2.25';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `3.038' for
`3.375'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `4.05' for `4.5';
``(II) for fiscal year 2013, clause
(iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.2' for
`1.5';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `1.8' for
`2.25';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `2.7' for
`3.375'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `3.6' for `4.5';
``(III) for fiscal year 2014,
clause (iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.05' for
`1.5';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `1.575' for
`2.25';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `2.363' for
`3.375'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `3.15' for `4.5';
and
``(IV) for fiscal year 2015, clause
(iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.0' for
`1.5';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `1.58' for
`2.25';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `2.36' for
`3.375'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `3.15' for
`4.5'.''.
(c) States With an Equity Factor Greater Than or Equal to 0.20.--
Section 1125A(d)(3)(B) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6337(d)(3)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (iii), by striking ``The amount'' and
inserting ``Except as otherwise provided in clause (iv), the
amount''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) Fiscal years 2012 through 2015.--
Notwithstanding clause (iii) or any other
provision of this subparagraph--
``(I) for fiscal year 2012, clause
(iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.80' for
`2.0';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `2.70' for
`3.0';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `4.05' for
`4.5'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `5.4' for `6.0';
``(II) for fiscal year 2013, clause
(iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.6' for
`2.0';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `2.4' for
`3.0';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `3.6' for
`4.5'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `4.8' for `6.0';
``(III) for fiscal year 2014,
clause (iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.4' for
`2.0';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `2.1' for
`3.0';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `3.15' for
`4.5'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `4.2' for `6.0';
and
``(IV) for fiscal year 2015, clause
(iii) shall be applied--
``(aa) in subclause (II),
by substituting `1.4' for
`2.0';
``(bb) in subclause (III),
by substituting `2.1' for
`3.0';
``(cc) in subclause (IV),
by substituting `3.15' for
`4.5'; and
``(dd) in subclause (V), by
substituting `4.2' for
`6.0'.''. | All Children are Equal Act or the ACE Act - Amends part A of title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to alter the formula for determining the share of targeted grant funds and education finance incentive grant funds a local educational agency (LEA) receives.
Alters the formula so that LEAs that have a high percentage of impoverished students, but a comparatively low number of such students, receive a higher allocation of such funding. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend, for certain fiscal years, the weighted child count used to determine targeted grant amounts and education finance incentive grant amounts for local educational agencies under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965."} | 3,525 | 117 | 0.560475 | 1.514939 | 0.647322 | 2.829787 | 33.106383 | 0.87234 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Elementary Educator STEM Content
Coach Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Numerous recent reports by national advisory groups,
including the President's Council of Advisors on Science and
Technology (PCAST) and committees of the National Academies,
have highlighted the need to raise student achievement in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields
to enable the United States to maintain its competitive edge in
the global economy.
(2) The PCAST report entitled ``Prepare and Inspire: K-12
Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
for America's Future'' states, ``The most important factor in
ensuring excellence is great STEM teachers, with both deep
content knowledge in STEM subjects and mastery of the
pedagogical skills required to teach these subjects well.''.
(3) The PCAST report also recommends that the Federal
Government should support the professional development of all
teachers to help them achieve deep STEM content knowledge and
mastery of STEM pedagogy.
(4) The National Academy of Sciences finds that school
districts need to enhance the capacity of kindergarten through
grade 12 teachers with content knowledge and expertise in
teaching in order to successfully promote effective STEM
education in those grades.
(5) The Center for American Progress finds that improving
the elementary school teacher's knowledge of STEM-related
facts, concepts, and procedures is vital to our Nation's global
competitiveness in the 21st century.
SEC. 3. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to create a cohort of elementary
educators with a deep content knowledge in STEM disciplines by
providing professional development to elementary educators.
SEC. 4. ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR STEM CONTENT COACH GRANT PROGRAM.
From amounts appropriated under section 9, the Secretary of
Education shall award grants to State educational agencies to award
subgrants to eligible entities to carry out professional development
training programs for STEM Coaches.
SEC. 5. GRANTS TO STATE EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES.
To be eligible to receive a grant under this Act, a State
educational agency shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require, which shall include--
(1) a list of the eligible entities the State educational
agency has selected to receive a subgrant under this program;
and
(2) assurances that the State educational agency has
adopted college- and career-ready standards in STEM
disciplines.
SEC. 6. SUBGRANTS TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES.
(a) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a subgrant under this
Act, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the State
educational agency at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the State educational agency may require, which shall
include--
(1) an identification of the number of STEM Coaches and the
schools at which the STEM Coaches teach;
(2) a description of the qualifications of the STEM
Coaches;
(3) assurances that the eligible entity will make
reasonable efforts to place STEM Coaches that complete the
professional development training program described in this
section in positions at a school served by the local
educational agency that receives the subgrant; and
(4) a description of the plan for offering a research-based
professional development training program to STEM Coaches,
which may include--
(A) training in STEM disciplines which may include
science, technology, computer science, engineering
design, mathematics, and computational thinking;
(B) methods to integrate such disciplines into the
curriculum;
(C) methods to increase skills and knowledge of
pedagogy for effective STEM teaching;
(D) techniques for engaging historically
underachieving or underrepresented groups in STEM
fields, such as girls, minorities, low-income students,
English language learners, and students with
disabilities;
(E) educational and instructional leadership
training; and
(F) opportunities for teacher mentoring and
collaboration.
(b) Benefits of Professional Development.--The professional
development training program described in subsection (a)(4) shall be
designed to--
(1) give STEM Coaches a deep understanding of the
principles and concepts of STEM disciplines;
(2) create enthusiasm for the teaching and learning of STEM
disciplines;
(3) provide opportunities for collaboration and teacher
mentoring among STEM Coaches and between STEM Coaches and other
teachers; and
(4) allow STEM Coaches to connect student learning in STEM
disciplines--
(A) to real-life applications;
(B) to out of school programs; and
(C) across the curriculum.
(c) Subgrant Period.--An eligible entity awarded a subgrant under
this Act shall conduct the professional development training program
described in this section for a period of not less than 3 successive
school years.
(d) Requirements for Additional Funding.--An eligible entity
awarded a subgrant under this Act shall receive funds for the second
half of the subgrant period described in subsection (c) upon
demonstration to the Secretary that the eligible entity is making
progress in implementing the professional development training program
described in this section at a rate that the Secretary determines will
result in full implementation of such program.
SEC. 7. EVALUATION AND REPORT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall develop a plan for a national
evaluation of the Elementary Educator STEM Content Coach program that
evaluates--
(1) the implementation of the program; and
(2) the results achieved by eligible entities at the end of
the 3-year subgrant period.
(b) Reports to Congress.--Not later than September 1 of the first
year beginning after the end of the subgrant periods, the Secretary
shall submit a report describing the results of the evaluation under
subsection (a) to the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Committee
on Appropriations of the Senate.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) ESEA definitions.--The terms ``community-based
organization'' ``elementary school'', ``institution of higher
education'' ``local educational agency'', ``professional
development'', ``Secretary'', ``State educational agency'', and
``teacher mentoring'' have the meanings given those terms in
section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(2) College- and career-ready standards.--The term
``college- and career-ready standards'' has the meaning given
the term in the notice entitled ``Application for New Awards;
Race to the Top-District'' published by the Department of
Education on August 16, 2012 (77 Fed. Reg. 49654).
(3) Elementary educator.--The term ``elementary educator''
means a teacher who--
(A) teaches in a public elementary school in a
State;
(B) has at least 3 years of classroom teaching
experience;
(C) has obtained full certification as a teacher in
such State, or holds a license to teach in such State,
in 1 or more grades from prekindergarten through grade
6; and
(D) exhibits content knowledge in STEM fields.
(4) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a
partnership of--
(A) 1 or more local educational agencies; and
(B) 1 or more public or nonprofit organizations,
which may include institutions of higher education and
community-based organizations, with a demonstrated
record of success in designing and implementing before
school, after school, summer learning, or expanded
learning time activities for students.
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of Northern
Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin
Islands.
(6) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' means science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics.
(7) STEM coach.--The term ``STEM Coach'' means an
elementary educator who participates in or has participated in
the Elementary Educator STEM Content Coach program under this
Act.
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of
Education such sums as are necessary for fiscal years 2014 through 2018
to carry out this Act. | Elementary Educator STEM Content Coach Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to states and, through them, subgrants to partnerships between local educational agencies and public or nonprofit organizations to carry out professional development training programs for elementary school teachers that have at least three years of classroom teaching experience and exhibit content knowledge in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Refers to those teachers as STEM Coaches. Requires grant applicants to have adopted college- and career-ready standards in the STEM disciplines. Requires public or nonprofit subgrantees to have expertise in developing or implementing before school, after school, summer learning, or expanded learning time activities for students. Requires the professional development training programs to: (1) give STEM Coaches a deep understanding of the principles and concepts of the STEM disciplines; (2) create enthusiasm for the STEM disciplines; (3) provide opportunities for collaboration and teacher mentoring among STEM Coaches and between STEM Coaches and other teachers; and (4) allow STEM Coaches to connect student learning in the STEM disciplines to real-life applications, to out of school programs, and across the curriculum. Directs the Secretary to plan a national evaluation of the professional development training program for STEM Coaches. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Elementary Educator STEM Content Coach Act"} | 1,853 | 270 | 0.634364 | 1.873387 | 0.923484 | 5.080169 | 7.312236 | 0.945148 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Africa Counter Terrorism Initiative
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The proliferation of terrorist groups is rampant in
unstable countries in West and sub-Saharan Africa. The biggest
regional threats include al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
(AQIM), which has known ties to al-Qaeda in the Arabian
Peninsula (AQAP), Boko Haram, and al-Shabab. The opportunity to
expand the strategic reach and force projection of the United
States into the theater of operations of the United States
Africa Command (in this Act referred to as ``AFRICOM'') is now.
With the United States strategic pivot to the Pacific now
underway, the need to ensure retention of a strong Atlantic
presence is a vital and delicate aspect of strategic re-
positioning.
(2) The United States Central Command operates from its
headquarters in Tampa, Florida, with a forward operating
location in Qatar. The United States Southern Command operates
from its headquarters in Miami, Florida, with forward operating
locations in Honduras and El Salvador. It is not unusual for
United States military units and their combatant command
headquarters to operate in different time zones.
(3) Analyses conducted by the Government Accountability
Office found that the annual recurring cost of maintaining a
United States-based headquarters for AFRICOM would be $60
million to $70 million less than the cost of operating the
AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. The annual cost of
providing AFRICOM personnel with overseas housing and cost-of-
living pay was $81 million per year, compared with the $19
million to $25 million these would cost if the personnel were
located in the United States. The break-even point to recover
one-time relocation costs to the United States would be reached
between 2 and 6 years after relocation, depending on the costs
to establish facilities in the United States. Relocating
AFRICOM to the continental United States could create up to
4,300 additional jobs, with an annual impact on the local
economy ranging from $350 million to $450 million.
(4) After an internal cost assessment, the Department of
Defense decided to keep AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart,
without fully explaining why the operational benefits of
keeping the headquarters in Germany outweigh the benefit of
potentially saving millions of dollars per year and creating
thousands of jobs in the United States.
(5) A review by the Government Accountability Office in
2013 of the Department's decision to keep AFRICOM headquarters
in Germany found that the decision was not supported by
comprehensive and well-documented analysis that balanced the
operational and cost benefits of the options available to the
Department.
(6) In April 2013, after the decision had been made to
maintain AFRICOM headquarters in Germany, Secretary of Defense
Chuck Hagel called on the Department to challenge all past
assumptions in order to seek cost savings and efficiencies in
``a time of unprecedented shifts in the world order, new global
challenges, and deep global fiscal uncertainty'', to explore
the full range of options for implementing United States
national security strategy, and to ``put everything on the
table''. The Secretary stated that the size and shape of the
military forces should constantly be reassessed. He stated that
this reassessment should include determining the most
appropriate balance between forward-stationed, rotationally
deployed, and home-based forces.
(7) It is within the strategic and fiscal responsibility of
Congress to fully analyze and provide for the implementation of
any consolidation of military installations. There are more
than 110,000 troops and civilians stationed and employed at 29
military installations in Europe. Priority should be given to
consolidating bases that are in close proximity to each other
and that can achieve cost savings without detriment to
operational readiness, such as Royal Air Force Station
Mildenhall and Royal Air Force Station Lakenheath, as well as
Moron Air Base, Spain, and Naval Station Rota, Spain.
(8) Of particular concern is the decision to deploy assets
to Moron Air Base, where the readiness and effectiveness of
deployed troops is hindered by the lack of infrastructure to
house, train, and equip them. Specifically, Moron lacks the
facilities to properly perform ground and naval training
operations, and only has limited ability to accomplish air
training operations. By contrast, Lajes Field has implemented
more than $150 million of major infrastructure upgrades over
the past 12 years to improve the quality of life, upgrade
communication capabilities, bolster security, and enhance
military operations. With a nearby port, sprawling fields, and
unrestricted airspace, Lajes Field has the unique ability to
host extensive air, ground, and naval training operations.
Lajes' strategic location, infrastructure improvements,
unrestricted air space, and outstanding training environment
for all forces make this an indispensable asset and an ideal
forward operating base for AFRICOM, as opposed to spending
hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade aging sites such as
Moron Air Base, Spain.
(9) It is in the national interest of the United States to
save millions of dollars per year and bring thousands of jobs
to the United States by moving AFRICOM headquarters from
Stuttgart, Germany, to the continental United States.
SEC. 3. REQUIREMENT FOR PLAN TO MOVE AFRICOM HEADQUARTERS TO
CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES.
(a) Plan Required.--The Secretary of Defense shall develop a plan
in accordance with subsection (b) to transfer the headquarters of
AFRICOM from Stuttgart, Germany, to a location in the continental
United States.
(b) Matters Covered.--
(1) Assets of africom.--The plan required under this
section shall provide for--
(A) the 65th Air Base Wing to be an AFRICOM asset;
(B) AFRICOM permanent assets (including assets
related to air, ground, special operations, and
logistics) to be located at Lajes Field, Azores,
Portugal; and
(C) the transfer of United States assets at Lajes
Field from United States European Command to AFRICOM,
for purposes of being the forward operating location,
logistical hub, and location of assets of AFRICOM.
(2) Relocations to lajes field.--The plan required under
this section shall also provide for the relocation of the
Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response
(SP-MAGTF CR) from Moron Air Base, Spain, to Lajes Field.
(c) Submission to Congress.--The plan required under this section
shall be submitted to Congress not later than 6 months after the date
of the enactment of this Act.
(d) Implementation of Plan.--The Secretary of Defense shall
implement the plan required by this section within 6 months after
submission of the plan to Congress under subsection (c), and in no
event later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. REQUIREMENT FOR REVIEW OF AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION AND DEFENSE
BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND PORTUGAL.
The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a review of the Agreement on
Cooperation and Defense Between the United States and Portugal, signed
at Lisbon June 1, 1995, to ensure that such Agreement accurately
reflects and accounts for the plan required under section 3.
SEC. 5. CONTINUED OPERATION OF LAJES FIELD.
Effective until at least the date of completion of the 2018
quadrennial defense review, Lajes Field shall continue operating 24
hours a day, at or above its 2012 levels of readiness. | Africa Counter Terrorism Initiative Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to develop, submit to Congress, and implement within one year after enactment of this Act a plan to transfer the headquarters of AFRICOM from Stuttgart, Germany, to a location in the continental United States. Requires the plan to provide for: (1) the 65th Air Base Wing to be an AFRICOM asset; (2) AFRICOM permanent assets to be located at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal; (3) the transfer of U.S. assets at Lajes Field from United States European Command to AFRICOM for purposes of being the forward operating location, logistical hub, and location of AFRICOM assets; and (4) the relocation of the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response (SP-MAGTF CR) from Moron Air Base, Spain, to Lajes Field. Directs the Secretary to conduct a review of the Agreement on Cooperation and Defense Between the United States and Portugal, signed at Lisbon on June 1, 1995, to ensure that such Agreement accurately reflects and accounts for such plan. Requires Lajes Field to continue operating 24 hours a day, at or above its 2012 levels of readiness, effective until at least the date of completion of the 2018 quadrennial defense review. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Africa Counter Terrorism Initiative Act"} | 1,644 | 294 | 0.533291 | 2.00187 | 0.733769 | 7.185185 | 6.251029 | 0.962963 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Western Reserve Heritage Areas Study
Act''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE STUDY REGARDING THE WESTERN RESERVE,
OHIO.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) The area that encompasses the modern-day counties of
Trumbull, Mahoning, Ashtabula, Portage, Geagua, Lake, Cuyahoga,
Summit, Medina, Huron, Lorain, Erie, Ottawa, and Ashland in
Ohio with the rich history in what was once the Western
Reserve, has made a unique contribution to the cultural,
political and industrial development of the United States.
(2) The Western Reserve is distinctive as the land settled
by the people of Connecticut after the Revolutionary War. The
Western Reserve holds a unique mark as the original wilderness
land of the West that many settlers migrated to in order to
begin life outside of the original 13 colonies.
(3) The Western Reserve played a significant role in
providing land to the people of Connecticut whose property and
land was destroyed during the Revolution. These settlers were
descendants of the brave immigrants who came to the Americas in
the 17th century.
(4) The Western Reserve offered a new destination for those
who moved west in search of land and prosperity. The
agricultural and industrial base that began in the Western
Reserve still lives strong in these prosperous and historical
counties.
(5) The heritage of the Western Reserve remains transfixed
in the counties of Trumbull, Mahoning, Ashtabula, Portage,
Geagua, Lake, Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, Huron, Lorain, Erie,
Ottawa, and Ashland in Ohio. The people of these counties are
proud of their heritage as shown through the unwavering
attempts to preserve agricultural land and the industrial
foundation that has been embedded in this region since the
establishment of the Western Reserve. Throughout these
counties, historical sites, and markers preserve the unique
traditions and customs of its original heritage.
(6) The counties that encompass the Western Reserve
continue to maintain a strong connection to its historic past
as seen through its preservation of its local heritage,
including historic homes, buildings, and centers of public
gatherings.
(7) There is a need for assistance for the preservation and
promotion of the significance of the Western Reserve as the
natural, historic and cultural heritage of the counties of
Trumbull, Mahoning, Ashtabula, Portage, Geagua, Lake, Cuyahoga,
Summit, Medina, Huron, Lorain, Erie, Ottawa and Ashland in
Ohio.
(8) The Department of the Interior is responsible for
protecting the Nation's cultural and historical resources.
There are significant examples of such resources within these
counties and what was once the Western Reserve to merit the
involvement of the Federal Government in the development of
programs and projects, in cooperation with the State of Ohio
and other local governmental entities, to adequately conserve,
protect, and interpret this heritage for future generations,
while providing opportunities for education and revitalization.
(b) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in consultation with
the State of Ohio, the counties of Trumbull, Mahoning,
Ashtabula, Portage, Geagua, Lake, Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina,
Huron, Lorain, Erie, Ottawa, and Ashland, and other appropriate
organizations, carry out a study regarding the suitability and
feasibility of establishing the Western Reserve Heritage Area
in these counties in Ohio.
(2) Contents.--The study shall include analysis and
documentation regarding whether the Study Area--
(A) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and
cultural resources that together represent distinctive
aspects of American heritage worthy of recognition,
conservation, interpretation, and continuing use, and
are best managed through partnerships among public and
private entities and by combining diverse and sometimes
noncontiguous resources and active communities;
(B) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and
folklife that are a valuable part of the national
story;
(C) provides outstanding opportunities to conserve
natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features;
(D) provides outstanding recreational and
educational opportunities;
(E) contains resources important to the identified
theme or themes of the Study Area that retain a degree
of integrity capable of supporting interpretation;
(F) includes residents, business interests,
nonprofit organizations, and local and State
governments that are involved in the planning, have
developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the
roles for all participants, including the Federal
Government, and have demonstrated support for the
concept of a national heritage area;
(G) has a potential management entity to work in
partnership with residents, business interests,
nonprofit organizations, and local and State
governments to develop a national heritage area
consistent with continued local and State economic
activity;
(H) has a conceptual boundary map that is supported
by the public; and
(I) has potential or actual impact on private
property located within or abutting the Study Area.
(c) Boundaries of the Study Area.--The Study Area shall be
comprised of the counties of Trumbull, Mahoning, Ashtabula, Portage,
Geagua, Lake, Cuyahoga,
Summit, Medina, Huron, Lorain, Erie, Ottawa, and Ashland in Ohio.
Passed the House of Representatives September 21, 2004.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Western Reserve Heritage Areas Study Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study regarding the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Western Reserve Heritage Area in the Ohio counties of Trumbull, Mahoning, Ashtabula, Portage, Geague, Lake, Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, Huron, Lorain, Erie, Ottawa, and Ashland. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Western Reserve Heritage Area."} | 1,175 | 91 | 0.581396 | 1.744269 | 0.485357 | 7.714286 | 17.349206 | 0.952381 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Secure And Fair Enforcement Banking
Act of 2017'' or the ``SAFE Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. SAFE HARBOR FOR DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS.
A Federal banking regulator may not--
(1) terminate or limit the deposit insurance or
share insurance of a depository institution under the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.)
or the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1751 et
seq.) solely because the depository institution
provides or has provided financial services to a
cannabis-related legitimate business;
(2) prohibit, penalize, or otherwise discourage a
depository institution from providing financial
services to a cannabis-related legitimate business or
to a State or political subdivision of a State that
exercises jurisdiction over cannabis-related legitimate
businesses;
(3) recommend, incentivize, or encourage a
depository institution not to offer financial services
to an account holder, or to downgrade or cancel the
financial services offered to an account holder solely
because--
(A) the account holder is a manufacturer or
producer, or is the owner, operator, or
employee of a cannabis-related legitimate
business;
(B) the account holder later becomes an
owner or operator of a cannabis-related
legitimate business; or
(C) the depository institution was not
aware that the account holder is the owner or
operator of a cannabis-related legitimate
business; and
(4) take any adverse or corrective supervisory
action on a loan made to an owner or operator of--
(A) a cannabis-related legitimate business,
solely because the owner or operator owns or
operates a cannabis-related legitimate
business; or
(B) real estate or equipment that is leased
to a cannabis-related legitimate business,
solely because the owner or operator of the
real estate or equipment leased the equipment
or real estate to a cannabis-related legitimate
business.
SEC. 3. PROTECTIONS UNDER FEDERAL LAW.
(a) In General.--In a State or a political subdivision of a State
that allows the cultivation, production, manufacture, sale,
transportation, display, dispensing, distribution, or purchase of
cannabis pursuant to a law or regulation of such State or political
subdivision a depository institution that provides financial services
to a cannabis-related legitimate business, and the officers, directors,
and employees of that depository institution may not be held liable
pursuant to any Federal law or regulation--
(1) solely for providing such financial services pursuant
to the law or regulation of such State or political
subdivision; or
(2) for further investing any income derived from such
financial services.
(b) Forfeiture.--A depository institution that has a legal interest
in the collateral for a loan or another financial service provided to
an owner or operator of a cannabis-related legitimate business, or to
an owner or operator of real estate or equipment that is leased or sold
to a cannabis-related legitimate business, shall not be subject to
criminal, civil, or administrative forfeiture of that legal interest
pursuant to any Federal law for providing such loan or other financial
service.
SEC. 4. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act shall require a depository institution to
provide financial services to a cannabis-related legitimate business.
SEC. 5. REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY REPORTS.
Section 5318(g) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(5) Requirements for cannabis-related businesses.--A
financial institution or any director, officer, employee, or
agent of a financial institution that reports a suspicious
transaction pursuant to this subsection and the reason for the
report relates to a cannabis-related legitimate business (as
defined in section 6 of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking
Act of 2017), the report shall comply with appropriate guidance
issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The
Secretary shall ensure that the guidance is consistent with the
purpose and intent of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking
Act of 2017 and does not inhibit the provision of financial
services to a cannabis-related legitimate business in a State
or political subdivision of a State that has allowed the
cultivation, production, manufacture, transportation, display,
dispensing, distribution, sale, or purchase of cannabis
pursuant to law or regulation of such State or political
subdivision.''.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Depository institution.--The term ``depository
institution'' means--
(A) a depository institution as defined in section
3(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C.
1813(c));
(B) a Federal credit union as defined in section
101 of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1752);
or
(C) a State credit union as defined in section 101
of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1752).
(2) Federal banking regulator.--The term ``Federal banking
regulator'' means each of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection,
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency, the National Credit Union
Administration, or any Federal agency or department that
regulates banking or financial services, as determined by the
Secretary of the Treasury.
(3) Financial service.--The term ``financial service''
means a financial product or service as defined in section 1002
of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act (12 U.S.C. 5481).
(4) Manufacturer.--The term ``manufacturer'' means a person
who manufactures, compounds, converts, processes, prepares, or
packages cannabis or cannabis products.
(5) Cannabis-related legitimate business.--The term
``cannabis-related legitimate business'' means a manufacturer,
producer, or any person that--
(A) engages in an activity described in
subparagraph (B) pursuant to a law or regulation of a
State, political subdivision of a State, or a Tribal-
State compact; or
(B) participates in any business or organized
activity that involves handling cannabis or cannabis
products, including cultivating, producing,
manufacturing, selling, transporting, displaying,
dispensing, distributing, or purchasing cannabis or
cannabis products.
(6) Cannabis.--The term ``cannabis'' has the meaning given
the term ``marihuana'' in section 102 of the Controlled
Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802).
(7) Cannabis product.--The term ``cannabis product'' means
any article which contains cannabis, including an article which
is a concentrate, an edible, a tincture, a cannabis-infused
product, or a topical.
(8) Producer.--The term ``producer'' means a person who
plants, cultivates, harvests, or in any way facilitates the
natural growth of cannabis.
(9) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any
territory or possession of the United States. | Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act of 2017 or the SAFE Act of 2017 This bill prohibits a federal banking regulator from: (1) terminating or limiting the deposit insurance or share insurance of a depository institution solely because the institution provides financial services to a legitimate marijuana-related business; (2) prohibiting or otherwise discouraging a depository institution from offering financial services to such a business; (3) recommending, incentivizing, or encouraging a depository institution not to offer financial services to an account holder solely because the account holder is affiliated with such a business; or (4) taking any adverse or corrective supervisory action on a loan made to a person solely because the person either owns such a business or owns real estate or equipment leased to such a business. As specified by the bill, a depository institution shall not, under federal law, be liable or subject to forfeiture for providing financial services to a legitimate marijuana-related business. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Secure And Fair Enforcement Banking Act of 2017"} | 1,608 | 267 | 0.668949 | 2.151255 | 0.997689 | 2.664671 | 8.646707 | 0.856287 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Beneficiary Access to
Quality Nursing Home Care Act of 1999''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Beneficiaries under the Medicare Program under title
XVIII of the Social Security Act are experiencing decreased
access to skilled nursing facility services due to inadequate
reimbursement under the prospective payment system for such
services under section 1888(e) of such Act.
(2) Such inadequate reimbursement may force skilled nursing
facilities to file for bankruptcy and close their doors,
resulting in reduced access to skilled nursing facility
services for Medicare beneficiaries.
(3) The methodology under the prospective payment system
for skilled nursing facility services has made it more
difficult for Medicare beneficiaries to find nursing home care.
Some beneficiaries are remaining in hospitals for extended
stays due to reduced access to nursing homes. Others are placed
in nursing homes that are hours away from family and friends.
(4) The Health Care Financing Administration has indicated
that the prospective payment system for skilled nursing
facility services does not accurately account for the costs
associated with providing medically complex care (non-therapy
ancillary services and supplies). Due to Year 2000 problems,
the Health Care Financing Administration claims that it will be
unable to properly account for such costs under such system.
(5) The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has
indicated that payments to skilled nursing facilities under the
Medicare Program may not be adequate for beneficiaries who need
relatively high levels of non-therapy ancillary services and
supplies. According to MedPAC, such inadequate funding could
result in access problems for beneficiaries with medically
complex conditions.
(6) In order to provide adequate payment under the
prospective payment system for skilled nursing facility
services, such system must take into account the costs
associated with providing 1 or more of the following services:
(A) Ventilator care.
(B) Tracheostomy care.
(C) Care for pressure ulcers.
(D) Care associated with individuals that have
experienced a stroke or a hip fracture.
(E) Care for non-vent, non-trach pneumonia.
(F) Dialysis.
(G) Infusion therapy.
(H) Deep vein thrombosis.
(I) Care associated with individuals with transient
peripheral neuropathy, a chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, a wound
infection, a respiratory infection, sepsis,
tuberculosis, HIV, or cancer.
(7) A temporary legislative solution is necessary in order
to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries with complex conditions
continue to receive access to appropriate skilled nursing
facility services.
(8) The skilled nursing facility market basket increase
over the last 3 years evidences a critical payment gap that
exists between the actual cost of providing services to
Medicare beneficiaries residing in a skilled nursing facility
and the reimbursement levels for such services under the
prospective payment system. In addition, the Health Care
Financing Administration, in establishing the skilled nursing
facility market basket index under section 1888(e)(5)(A) of the
Social Security Act only accounted for the cost of goods, but
not for the cost of services, as such section requires.
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF CASE MIX CATEGORIES FOR CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
(a) In General.--For purposes of applying any formula under
paragraph (1) of section 1888(e) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395yy(e)), for services provided on or after October 1, 1999, and
before the earlier of October 1, 2001, or the date described in
subsection (c), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
increase the adjusted Federal per diem rate otherwise determined under
paragraph (4) of such section for services provided to any individual
during the period in which such individual is in a RUGS III category by
the applicable payment add-on as determined in accordance with the
following table:
RUGS III Category Applicable Payment Add-On
RUC........................................... $73.57
RUB........................................... $23.06
RUA........................................... $17.04
RVC........................................... $76.25
RVB........................................... $30.36
RVA........................................... $20.93
RHC........................................... $54.07
RHB........................................... $27.28
RHA........................................... $25.07
RMC........................................... $69.98
RMB........................................... $30.09
RMA........................................... $24.24
SE3........................................... $98.41
SE2........................................... $89.05
CA1........................................... $27.02.
(b) Update.--The Secretary shall update the applicable payment add-
on under subsection (a) for fiscal year 2001 by the skilled nursing
facility market basket percentage change (as defined under section
1888(e)(5)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)(5)(B)))
applicable to such fiscal year.
(c) Date Described.--The date described in this subsection is the
date that the Secretary of Health and Human Services implements a case
mix methodology under section 1888(e)(4)(G)(i) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)(4)(G)(i)) that takes into account adjustments
for the provision of non-therapy ancillary services and supplies such
as drugs and respiratory therapy.
SEC. 4. MODIFICATION TO THE SNF UPDATE TO FIRST COST REPORTING PERIOD.
(a) In General.--Section 1888(e) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395yy(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(B)(i), by striking ``minus 1
percentage point''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``reduced (on an
annualized basis) by 1 percentage point''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to services provided on or after October 1, 1999. | Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the adjusted Federal per diem rate otherwise determined for services provided to any individual during the period in which such individual is in a Nursing Home Case-Mix and Quality Demonstration resource utilization group (RUGS III) category of care, by the applicable payment add-on (updated for FY 2001 by the applicable SNF market basket percentage change), according to a specified table of such categories (especially for high-acuity and medically complex patients). Limits the application of this Act to services provided on or after October 1, 1999, and before the earlier of October 1, 2001, or the date on which the Secretary implements a case-mix methodology that takes into account adjustments for the provision of non-therapy ancillary services and supplies such as drugs and respiratory therapy.
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the formula for facility specific per diem rates with respect to the market basket update (inflation adjuster) to repeal the mandatory annualized one percent reduction in basket amount. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Medicare Beneficiary Access to Quality Nursing Home Care Act of 1999"} | 1,309 | 233 | 0.432696 | 1.30808 | 0.616769 | 4.576355 | 5.640394 | 0.871921 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Crop Insurance Modernization Act of
2018''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE ACT.
(a) Definition of Beginning Farmer or Rancher.--Section 502(b)(3)
of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)(3)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``tenant,''; and
(2) by striking ``5 crop years'' and inserting ``10 crop
years''.
(b) Management of Corporation.--Section 505(a)(2) of the Federal
Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1505(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(H) One person who--
``(i) shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio
member; and
``(ii) is--
``(I) the Chief of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service; or
``(II) an expert on the
relationship between conservation
activities, farm production, and
risk.''.
(c) Collection and Sharing of Information.--Section 506(h) of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1506(h)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, risks related to
natural resources,'' after ``losses''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``purpose of establishing'' and
inserting the following: ``purposes of--
``(A) establishing'';
(B) by striking the period and inserting ``; and'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) understanding the impact of soil type, soil
quality, and conservation practices on risk rating.''.
(d) Cover Crop Termination.--Section 508 of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking clause (iii)
and inserting the following:
``(iii) the failure of the producer to
follow good farming practices, including--
``(I) scientifically sound,
sustainable, and organic farming
practices; and
``(II) acceptable conservation
activities, including those approved by
the Natural Resources Conservation
Service.''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the
following:
``(iv) Safe harbor.--
``(I) Definition of `cover crop
termination'.--In this clause, the term
`cover crop termination' means a
practice that historically and under
reasonable circumstances results in
termination of the targeted cover crop.
``(II) Conservation activity.--A
good farming practice includes a
conservation activity, such as cover
crop management, cover crop
termination, and an agronomic
management activity, that is recognized
by--
``(aa) the Natural
Resources Conservation Service;
or
``(bb) an agricultural
expert operating in the area in
which the conservation activity
is occurring.''; and
(2) in subsection (j), by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Ombudsperson.--The Secretary shall establish an
ombudsperson in the Corporation who shall--
``(A) assist producers with understanding--
``(i) the process of appealing claim
denials; and
``(ii) the rights of producers in denied or
arbitrated claims;
``(B) obtain rule clarifications; and
``(C) perform other duties as determined by the
Secretary.''.
(e) Research and Development.--Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (19)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``, with a
liability limitation of $1,500,000,''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(E) Paperwork reduction.--The Corporation shall
conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out
research and development to develop a paperwork
reduction policy that--
``(i) is only available to operations with
less than $1,000,000 in revenue; and
``(ii) streamlines the purchase and
approval process to the maximum extent possible
while maintaining actuarial soundness.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(25) Report on beginning farmer barriers.--Not later than
1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the
Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, a report that includes--
``(A) an assessment of the barriers for beginning
farmers in accessing crop insurance, including
insurance under paragraph (19); and
``(B) recommendations to address those barriers.
``(26) Report on expansion of revenue policy
availability.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this paragraph, and annually thereafter, the
Corporation, in consultation with the Risk Management Agency,
shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
and Forestry of the Senate, a report that includes--
``(A) with respect to the year preceding such
report, the 10 most widely grown crops by acreage
that--
``(i) have yield policies; and
``(ii) do not have revenue policies; and
``(B) the feasibility of developing a revenue
policy for each one of the crops described in
subparagraph (A).''.
(f) Conservation Practice-Based Pilot Program.--Section 523 of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1523) is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(j) Conservation Practice-Based Pilot Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out a pilot
program to provide premium subsidies of up to 10 percentage
points to eligible producers.
``(2) Limitation on number of states.--The Corporation
shall carry out premium subsidies under this subsection in not
more than 6 States with a high State-average loss ratio, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(3) Expiration.--The pilot program shall expire on a date
that is not before 5 years after the date of the enactment of
this subsection.
``(4) Report.--The Corporation shall publish a report
evaluating the participating producers yield records and the
success of the pilot in encouraging conservation--
``(A) 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this subsection;
``(B) 3 years after the date of the enactment of
this subsection; and
``(C) 5 years after the date of the enactment of
this subsection.
``(5) Eligible producer defined.--In this subsection, the
term `eligilbe producer' means a producer--
``(A) of a farm in a high loss county; and
``(B) that commits to practice conservation
tillage, cover crops, or resource-conserving crop
rotations on such farm for at least 5 years.''.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO FOOD SECURITY ACT OF 1985.
(a) Conservation Plans.--Section 1213 of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3812a) is amended--
(1) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Spot Checks.--The Secretary shall, using funds of the
Commodity Credit Corporation, conduct annual spot checks of at least 5
percent of applicable farms in each State to ensure compliance with
this subtitle.''; and
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
(6); and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following
new paragraphs:
``(4) Ephemeral gully modifications.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of producer on a
farm with an existing conservation plan on the date of
the enactment of this paragraph, if a compliance review
identifies an ephemeral gully that requires treatment
and was not included in the plan for such farm, such
plan shall be modified to include adequate ephemeral
gully control and stabilization.
``(B) Revision.--In the case of a plan revised
under subparagraph (A), the producer on the farm shall
implement such plan not later than 1 year after the
date of the revision of such plan.
``(C) Prohibition.--A producer may not allow an
ephemeral gully to advance to the point of becoming a
classic gully in an attempt to avoid treatment.
``(5) Yield transfer.--The Corporation shall not allow a
producer's actual production records from one parcel of land to
be used to establish actual production history on a separate
parcel of land.''. | Crop Insurance Modernization Act of 2018 This bill modifies the federal crop insurance program to expand subsidies for beginning farmers, establish a conservation practice-based pilot program, and revise conservation requirements. The bill amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to: allow farmers with up to 10 years (currently 5 years) of experience to receive the beginning farmer premium subsidy discount; require the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or an expert on the relationship between conservation activities, farm production, and risk to serve on the Federal Crop Insurance Board as a nonvoting ex officio member; require the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to assemble data to understand the impact of soil type, soil quality, and conservation practices on risk rating; modify the requirements for terminating cover crops; establish an ombudsman to assist producers who are appealing claim denials; require a paperwork reduction policy for operations with less than $1 million in revenue; and establish a conservation practice-based pilot program to provide premium subsidies to farmers who are in high loss counties and commit to certain conservation activities. The bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: modify requirements for spot checks for compliance with conservation requirements; modify the conservation requirements related to modifications of gullies; and prohibit a producer's actual production records from one parcel of land from being used to establish actual production history on a separate parcel of land. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Crop Insurance Modernization Act of 2018"} | 2,047 | 292 | 0.530957 | 1.549195 | 0.817026 | 2.981413 | 6.769517 | 0.810409 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Iraqi Scientists Immigration Act of
2002''.
SEC. 2. ADMISSION OF CRITICAL ALIENS.
(a) Section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)), is amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (U);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (V)
and inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding a new subparagraph (W), reading:
``(W) Subject to section 214(s), an alien--
``(i) who the Attorney General determines,
in coordination with the Secretary of State,
the Director of Central Intelligence and such
other officials as he may deem appropriate, and
in the Attorney General's unreviewable
discretion, is an individual--
``(I) who has worked at any time in
an Iraqi program to produce weapons of
mass destruction or the means to
deliver them;
``(II) who is in possession of
critical and reliable information
concerning any such Iraqi program;
``(III) who is willing to provide,
or has provided, such information to
the United States Government;
``(IV) who may be willing to
provide, or has provided, such
information to inspectors of the United
Nations or of the International Atomic
Energy Agency;
``(V) who will be or has been
placed in danger as a result of
providing such information; and
``(VI) whose admission would be in
the public interest or in the interest
of national security; or
``(ii) who is the spouse, married or
unmarried son or daughter, parent, or other
relative, as determined by the Attorney General
in his unreviewable discretion, of an alien
described in clause (i), if accompanying or
following to join such alien, and whose
admission the Attorney General, in coordination
with the Secretary of State and the Director of
Central Intelligence, determines in his
unreviewable discretion is in the public
interest or in the interest of national
security.''.
(b) Section 214 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1184), is amended by--
(1) redesignating subsections second (m) (as added by
section 105 of Public Law 106-313), (n) (as added by section
107(e) of Public Law 106-386), (o) (as added by section 1513(c)
of Public Law 106-386), second (o) (as added by section 1102(b)
of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act), and (p) (as added
by section 1503(b) of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act),
as subsections (n), (o), (p), (q), and (r) respectively; and
(2) adding a new subsection (s) reading:
``(s) Numerical limitations and conditions of admission and stay
for nonimmigrants admitted under section 101(a)(15)(W).
``(1) The number of aliens who may be admitted to the
United States or otherwise granted status under section
101(a)(15)(W)(i) may not exceed a total of 500.
``(2) As a condition for the admission, and continued stay
in lawful status, of any alien admitted to the United States or
otherwise granted status as a nonimmigrant under section
101(a)(15)(W), the nonimmigrant--
``(A) shall report to the Attorney General such
information concerning the alien's whereabouts and
activities as the Attorney General may require;
``(B) may not be convicted of any criminal offense
punishable by a term of imprisonment of 1 year or more
after the date of such admission or grant of status;
``(C) must have executed a form that waives the
nonimmigrant's right to contest, other than on the
basis of an application for withholding of removal or
for protection under the Convention Against Torture,
any action for removal of the alien instituted before
the alien obtains lawful permanent resident status;
``(D) shall cooperate fully with all requests for
information from the United States Government
including, but not limited to, fully and truthfully
disclosing to the United States Government all
information in the alien's possession concerning any
Iraqi program to produce weapons of mass destruction or
the means to deliver them; and
``(E) shall abide by any other condition,
limitation, or restriction imposed by the Attorney
General.''.
(c) Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1255), is amended by--
(1) In subsection (c), striking ``or'' before ``(8)'' and
inserting before the period, ``or (9) an alien who was admitted
as a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(W)'';
(2) redesignating subsection (l), relating to ``U'' visa
nonimmigrants, as subsection (m); and
(3) adding a new subsection (n) reading:
``(n) Adjustment to permanent resident status of ``W''
nonimmigrants.
``(1) If, in the opinion of the Attorney General, a
nonimmigrant admitted into the United States (or otherwise
provided nonimmigrant status) under section 101(a)(15)(W)(i)
has complied with section 214(s) since such admission or grant
of status, the Attorney General may, in coordination with the
Secretary of State and the Director of Central Intelligence,
and in his unreviewable discretion, adjust the status of the
alien (and any alien who has accompanied or followed to join
such alien pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(W)(ii) and who has
complied with section 214(s) since admission or grant of
nonimmigrant status) to that of an alien lawfully admitted for
permanent residence if the alien is not described in section
212(a)(3)(E).
``(2) Upon the approval of adjustment of status of any
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.''.
(d) Section 212(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1182(d)), is amended by inserting a new paragraph (d)(2) reading:
``(2) The Attorney General shall determine whether a ground
of inadmissibility exists with respect to a nonimmigrant
described in section 101(a)(15)(W). The Attorney General, in
the Attorney General's discretion, may waive the application of
subsection (a) in the case of such a nonimmigrant if the
Attorney General considers it to be in the public interest or
in the interest of national security.''.
(e) Section 248(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1258(1)), is amended by striking ``or (S)'' and inserting ``(S)'', or
(W)''.
SEC. 3. WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION DEFINED.
(a) In General.--In this Act, the term ``weapon of mass
destruction'' has the meaning given the term in section 1403(1) of the
Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 (title XIV of
Public Law 104-201; 110 Stat. 2717; 50 U.S.C. 2302(1)), as amended by
subsection (b).
(b) Technical Correction.--Section 1403(1)(B) of the Defense
Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 (title XIV of Public
Law 104-201; 110 Stat. 2717; 50 U.S.C. 2302(1)(B)) is amended by
striking ``a disease organism'' and inserting ``a biological agent,
toxin, or vector (as those terms are defined in section 178 of title
18, United States Code)''.
Passed the Senate November 20, 2002.
Attest:
JERI THOMSON,
Secretary. | Iraqi Scientists Immigration Act of 2002 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the nonimmigrant admission of an alien (and accompanying family members or relatives) who the Attorney General determines, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Director of Central Intelligence and other appropriate officials, and in the Attorney General's unreviewable discretion, is an individual: (1) who has worked at any time in an Iraqi weapons of mass destruction program; (2) who is in possession of critical and reliable information concerning any such Iraqi program; (3) who is willing to provide, or has provided, such information to the United States or to United Nations or International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors; (4) who will be or has been placed in danger as a result of providing such information; and (5) whose admission would be in the public interest or in the interest of national security.Limits such entrants to 500 aliens.Requires such an alien, in order to be admitted and remain in the United States, to: (1) report to the Attorney General concerning his or her whereabouts and activities; (2) not be convicted of any criminal offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of one year or more after the date of admission or grant of status; (3) have waived rights to contest, other than on the basis of an application for withholding of removal or for protection under the Convention Against Torture, any action for removal instituted before the alien obtains lawful permanent resident status; and (4) cooperate fully with all information requests, including information concerning any Iraqi program to produce or deliver weapons of mass destruction.Authorizes the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Director of Central Intelligence, to adjust the status of such an alien (and family members) to permanent resident status.Authorizes the Attorney General to waive the inadmissability of such an alien for reasons of public interest or national security.(Sec. 3) Amends the Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 to revise the definition of "weapon of mass destruction" to replace "disease organism" with "biological agent, toxin, or vector." . | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to authorize the issuance of immigrant visas to, and the admission to the United States for permanent residence of, certain scientists, engineers, and technicians who have worked in Iraqi weapons of mass destruction programs."} | 1,876 | 485 | 0.66868 | 2.220402 | 0.817402 | 4.114014 | 3.947743 | 0.926366 |
SECTION 1. SPECIAL DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE AND RECOVERY PERIOD FOR
NONCOMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT PROPERTY.
(a) In General.--Section 168 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(o) Special Allowance for Noncommercial Airplanes.--
``(1) Additional allowance.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of any qualified
noncommercial aircraft to which this subparagraph
applies--
``(i) the depreciation deduction provided
by section 167(a) for the taxable year in which
such property is placed in service shall
include an allowance equal to 50 percent of the
adjusted basis of the qualified noncommercial
aircraft property, and
``(ii) the adjusted basis of the qualified
noncommercial aircraft property shall be
reduced by the amount of such deduction before
computing the amount otherwise allowable as a
depreciation deduction under this chapter for
such taxable year and any subsequent taxable
year.
``(B) Application to aircraft purchased in 2010 or
2011.--Subparagraph (A) applies to qualified
noncommercial aircraft property placed in service after
December 31, 2009, and before January 1, 2012, which
is--
``(i) acquired by the taxpayer after
December 31, 2009, and before January 1, 2012,
but only if no written binding contract for the
acquisition was in effect before January 1,
2010, or
``(ii) acquired by the taxpayer pursuant to
a written binding contract which was entered
into after December 31, 2009, and before
January 1, 2012, and
``(2) Recovery period.--For purposes of this section--
``(A) In general.--Qualified noncommercial aircraft
to which this subparagraph applies shall be treated as
3-year property.
``(B) Application to aircraft purchased before
2015.--Subparagraph (A) applies to qualified
noncommercial aircraft placed in service after the date
of the enactment of this subsection and before January
1, 2015, which is--
``(i) acquired by the taxpayer after the
date of the enactment of this subsection and
before January 1, 2015, but only if no written
binding contract for the acquisition was in
effect before such date of the enactment, or
``(ii) acquired by the taxpayer pursuant to
a written binding contract which was entered
into after December 31, 2008, and before
January 1, 2015, and
``(3) Qualified noncommercial aircraft property.--For
purposes of this subsection--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified
noncommercial aircraft property' means any aircraft--
``(i) which is not used in the trade or
business of transporting persons or property,
``(ii) to which this section applies, and
``(iii) the original use of which commences
with the taxpayer after--
``(I) December 31, 2009, for
purposes of paragraph (1), and
``(II) the date of the enactment of
this subsection for purposes of
paragraph (2).
``(B) Exceptions.--
``(i) Bonus depreciation property under
subsection (k).--The term `qualified
noncommercial aircraft property' shall not
include any property to which subsection (k)(1)
applies.
``(ii) Alternative depreciation property.--
The term `qualified noncommercial aircraft
property' shall not include any property to
which the alternative depreciation system under
subsection (g) applies, determined--
``(I) without regard to paragraph
(7) of subsection (g) (relating to
election to have system apply), and
``(II) after application of section
280F(b) (relating to listed property
with limited business use).
``(iii) Election out.--If a taxpayer makes
an election under this clause with respect to
any class of property for any taxable year,
this subsection shall not apply to all property
in such class placed in service during such
taxable year.
``(C) Special rule for self-constructed property.--
In the case of a taxpayer manufacturing, constructing,
or producing property for the taxpayer's own use, if
the taxpayer begins manufacturing, constructing, or
producing the property--
``(i) after December 31, 2009, and before
January 1, 2012, for purposes of paragraph (1),
and
``(ii) after the date of the enactment of
this subsection and before January 1, 2015, for
purposes of paragraph (2),
the requirements of paragraph (1)(B) or (2)(B) (as the
case may be) shall be treated as met.
``(D) Deduction allowed in computing minimum tax.--
For purposes of determining alternative minimum taxable
income under section 55, the deduction under subsection
(a) for qualified noncommercial aircraft property shall
be determined under this section without regard to any
adjustment under section 56.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of
this Act, in taxable years ending after such date. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) increased depreciation of qualified noncommercial aircraft property placed in service in 2010 or 2011; and (2) a three-year recovery period for the depreciation of such property placed in service before 2015. Defines "qualified noncommercial aircraft property" as any aircraft that is not used in the trade or business of transporting persons or property and that is first used after 2009. Allows such increased depreciation as an offset against the alternative minimum tax. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a special depreciation allowance and recovery period for noncommercial aircraft property."} | 1,117 | 106 | 0.612405 | 1.592229 | 0.593441 | 2.516129 | 11.193548 | 0.817204 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced
Safety Technology Tax Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Commercial motor vehicle crashes remain a primary
source of concern in the United States, particularly in light
of the increasing numbers of trucks and motorcoaches on the
Nation's roads and their critical role in the transportation of
hazardous materials.
(2) A 2004 report by the National Cooperative Highway
Research Program found that when a large truck is involved in a
crash, it is about 2.6 times as likely to result in a fatality
compared with passenger cars.
(3) The number of fatalities associated with large truck
crashes is a significant portion of all crash fatalities in the
United States. In 2005, 5,212 individuals died and 114,000
individuals were injured as a result of large truck-related
crashes in the United States. Overall, from 2001 to 2005, there
have been 25,533 large truck-related fatalities in the United
States.
(4) In addition to the tremendous human loss, these crashes
also impose a significant economic cost on society. The
Department of Transportation estimates that highway crashes
cost society $230.6 billion a year, about $820 per person. A
2006 report issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration determined that the estimated cost of each crash
involving a truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of more
than 10,000 pounds is $91,112 while the average cost of a fatal
crash is $3,604,518.
(5) Investments by vehicle suppliers and truck and
motorcoach manufacturers in research and innovative design have
created a new generation of advanced safety systems and
technologies.
(6) Advanced safety technologies will directly address, and
help mitigate the effects of, commercial motor vehicle crash
scenarios.
(7) The Department of Transportation has set a goal to
reduce the traffic fatality rate to 1.0 per hundred million
vehicle miles traveled by 2011.
(8) The accelerated production, sale, and deployment of
advanced safety technologies on commercial motor vehicles can
speed the progress toward this critical goal and reduce the
daily injuries and fatalities on the Nation's roads and
highways. This progress would also help to mitigate the
societal cost of these crashes.
(9) Therefore, Congress finds that it is in the interest of
the United States to increase the deployment of advanced
vehicle safety technologies on commercial motor vehicles in the
domestic market by providing businesses with tax incentives,
designed to make such systems more affordable for purchase.
SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR ADVANCED COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS.
(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. 45O. CREDIT FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ADVANCED SAFETY SYSTEMS.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--For purposes of section 38, the
commercial vehicle advanced safety system credit determined under this
section is an amount equal to 50 percent of the cost of any qualified
commercial vehicle advanced safety system placed in service by the
taxpayer during the taxable year.
``(b) Limitations.--
``(1) Per system.--The credit allowable under subsection
(a) for each qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety
system shall not exceed $1,500.
``(2) Per vehicle.--The credit allowable under subsection
(a) with respect to property for each qualified commercial
vehicle shall not exceed--
``(A) $3,500, reduced by
``(B) the aggregate amount of credit allowed to the
taxpayer under this section with respect to such
vehicle for all prior taxable years.
``(3) Per taxpayer.--The credit allowable under subsection
(a) to the taxpayer for the taxable year shall not exceed
$350,000.
``(c) Qualified Commercial Vehicle Advanced Safety System.--For
purposes of this section, the term `qualified commercial vehicle
advanced safety system' means any property which is part of a system
installed on a qualified commercial vehicle if--
``(1)(A) such system is a brake stroke monitoring system,
lane departure warning system, collision warning system, or
vehicle stability system, or
``(B) such system is specifically identified by the
Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration or the Administrator of the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration for the purposes of this
paragraph as significantly enhancing the safety or security of
the driver, vehicle, passengers, or load of a qualified
commercial vehicle and such identification is in effect as of
the date such system is placed in service by the taxpayer,
``(2) such system is certified by the manufacturer of such
system (before such vehicle is first used by the taxpayer for
its intended purpose after installation of such system)--
``(A) to be appropriate for the make, type, and
model of the qualified commercial vehicle on which it
is to be installed, and
``(B) to function as designed if installed
properly,
``(3) in the case of a system which is not installed by the
manufacturer of the qualified commercial vehicle or by an
installer authorized by the manufacturer of such system, such
system is certified by the installer of such system to be
properly installed and functioning on the vehicle before such
vehicle is first used by the taxpayer for its intended purpose
after installation of such system,
``(4) the original use of such system begins with the
taxpayer, and
``(5) depreciation (or amortization in lieu of
depreciation) is allowable with respect to such system.
``(d) Qualified Commercial Vehicle.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified commercial vehicle'
means any highway motor vehicle if--
``(A) such vehicle--
``(i) is to be used to transport persons or
property in commerce, and
``(ii) has a gross combination weight
rating or a gross vehicle weight rating of
26,001 pounds or more, or
``(iii) the seating capacity of which is at
least 15 individuals (not including the
driver),
``(B) the seating capacity of such vehicle is at
least 11 individuals (not including the driver) and
such vehicle is reasonably expected to be used as a
school bus (as defined in section 4221(d)(7)(C)), or
``(C) such vehicle is reasonably expected to be
used as an intercity or local bus (as defined in
section 4221(d)(7)(B)).
``(e) Other Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Brake stroke monitoring system.--The term `brake
stroke monitoring system' means any onboard-monitoring system
for air-braked vehicles that--
``(A) uses electronic sensors to determine if the
brakes are out of adjustment, not operational, or not
fully releasing, and
``(B) displays warnings to the driver showing the
existence and exact location and nature of the problem.
``(2) Lane departure warning system.--The term `lane
departure warning system' means any system that alerts a driver
(including audio, visual, and tactile warnings) of unintended
movement out of the lane of travel or of an object or vehicle
in the adjacent lane blind spot.
``(3) Collision warning system.--The term `collision
warning system' means any system that monitors the roadway in
front or to the rear of the vehicle and warns the driver when a
potential collision risk exists by providing the driver with an
audible, visual, or tactile notification.
``(4) Vehicle stability system.--The term `vehicle
stability system' means any active safety system that
automatically intervenes when there is a high risk of rollover
or directional instability. For purposes of the preceding
sentence, active interventions include automatically reducing
vehicle speed or by selectively applying appropriate brakes to
better align the vehicle to the appropriate path of travel.
``(f) Controlled Groups.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, all
persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or
(b) of section 52 or subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 shall
be treated as a single taxpayer.
``(2) Inclusion of foreign corporations.--For purposes of
paragraph (1), in applying subsections (a) and (b) of section
52 to this section, section 1563 shall be applied without
regard to subsection (b)(2)(C) thereof.
``(g) Special Rules.--
``(1) Basis reduction.--The basis of any property for which
a credit is allowable under subsection (a) shall be reduced by
the amount of such credit.
``(2) Recapture.--The Secretary shall, by regulations,
provide for recapturing the benefit of any credit allowable
under subsection (a) with respect to any property which ceases
to be property eligible for such credit.
``(3) Property used outside united states not qualified.--
No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) with respect to
any property referred to in section 50(b)(1) or with respect to
the portion of the cost of any property taken into account
under section 179.
``(4) Property used by tax-exempt entity.--In the case of
any qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system the use
of which is described in paragraph (3) or (4) of section 50(b)
and which is not subject to a lease--
``(A) the person who sold such property to the
person or entity using such property shall be treated
as the taxpayer that placed such property in service,
but only if such person clearly discloses to such
person or entity in a document the amount of any credit
allowable under subsection (a) with respect to such
property (determined without regard to section 38(c)),
and
``(B) paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c)
shall not apply to such person with respect to such
property.
``(5) Election not to take credit.--No credit shall be
allowed under subsection (a) for any qualified commercial
vehicle advanced safety system if the taxpayer elects to not
have this section apply to such system.
``(h) Supporting Documentation.--No credit shall be allowed under
subsection (a) unless the qualified commercial vehicle owner receives
such documentation as the Secretary may require, including--
``(1) at the time of purchase of the qualified advanced
commercial vehicle advanced safety system--
``(A) documentation that identifies--
``(i) the type of each such system to be
installed on the vehicle, and
``(ii) the purchase date of the vehicle
containing such system (or the installation
date of such system in the case of installation
after the date of the first retail sale of such
vehicle), and
``(B) the certification required under subsection
(c)(2), and
``(2) in the case of a system for which a certification is
required under subsection (c)(3), at the time of the
installation of such system, the certification required under
subsection (c)(3).
``(i) Termination.--This section shall not apply to property placed
in service after December 31, 2012.''.
(b) Credit To Be Part of General Business Credit.--Subsection (b)
of section 38 of such Code (relating to general business credit ) is
amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (30), by striking
the period at the end of paragraph (31) and inserting ``, plus'', and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(32) the commercial vehicle advanced safety system credit
determined under section 45O(a).''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1016(a) of such Code 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) to the extent provided in section 45O(g)(1).''.
(2) Subsection (m) of section 6501 of such Code is amended
by inserting ``45O(g)(5),'' after ``45C(d)(4),''.
(3) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 45N the following new item:
``Sec. 45O. Credit for commercial vehicle advanced safety systems.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of
this Act. | Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced Safety Technology Tax Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a general business tax credit for 50% of the cost of placing in service any qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system. Defines "qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system" as a manufacturer-certified brake stroke monitoring system, lane departure warning system, collision warning system, or vehicle stability system identified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as significantly enhancing the safety or security of commercial drivers, vehicles, or passengers. Terminates such credit after 2012. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit against income tax to facilitate the accelerated development and deployment of advanced safety systems for commercial motor vehicles."} | 2,766 | 120 | 0.451619 | 1.238807 | 0.6204 | 4.154545 | 24.054545 | 0.918182 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Small Property and
Casualty Insurance Company Equity Act of 1997''.
(b) Amendment of 1986 Code.--Except as otherwise expressly
provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in
terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
SEC. 2. SMALL COMPANY DEDUCTION.
(a) Section 832(c) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of
paragraph (12), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (13) and
inserting ``; and'', and by adding at the end thereof the following new
paragraph:
``(14) the small insurance company deduction allowed by
subsection (h).''
(b) Section 832 is amended by adding at the end thereof the
following new subsections:
``(h) Small Insurance Company Deduction.--In the case of taxable
years beginning after December 31, 1997--
``(1) In general.--There shall be allowed as a deduction
for the taxable year 60 percent of so much of the tentative
taxable income for such taxable year as does not exceed
$3,000,000 (hereinafter in this section referred to as the
`small insurance company deduction').
``(2) Phaseout between $3,000,000 and $15,000,000.--The
amount of the small insurance company deduction determined
under paragraph (1) for any taxable year shall be reduced (but
not below zero) by 15 percent of so much of the tentative
taxable income for such taxable year as exceeds $3,000,000.
``(3) Small insurance company deduction not allowable to
company with assets of $500,000,000 or more.--
``(A) In general.--The small insurance company
deduction shall not be allowed for any taxable year to
any insurance company which, at the close of such
taxable year, has assets equal to or greater than
$500,000,000.
``(B) Assets.--For purposes of this paragraph, the
term `assets' means all assets of the company.
``(C) Valuation of assets.--For purposes of this
paragraph, the amount attributable to--
``(i) real property and stock shall be the
fair market value thereof, and
``(ii) any other asset shall be the
adjusted basis of such asset for purposes of
determining gain on sale or other disposition.
``(D) Special rule for interests in partnerships
and trusts.--For purposes of this paragraph--
``(i) an interest in a partnership or trust
shall not be treated as an asset of the
company, but
``(ii) the company shall be treated as
actually owning its proportionate share of the
assets held by the partnership or trust (as the
case may be).
``(i) Tentative Taxable Income.--For purposes of subsection (h)--
``(1) In general.--The term `tentative taxable income'
means taxable income determined without regard to the small
insurance company deduction.
``(2) Exclusion of items attributable to noninsurance
businesses.--The amount of the tentative taxable income for any
taxable year shall be determined without regard to all items
attributable to noninsurance businesses.
``(3) Noninsurance businesses.--
``(A) In general.--The term ``non-insurance
business'' means any activity which is not an insurance
business.
``(B) Certain activities treated as insurance
businesses.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), any
activity which is not an insurance business shall be
treated as an insurance business if--
``(i) it is of a type traditionally carried
on by insurance companies for investment
purposes, but only if the carrying on of such
activity (other than in the case of real
estate) does not constitute the active conduct
of a trade or business, or
``(ii) it involves the performance of
administrative services in connection with
plans providing property or casualty insurance
benefits.
``(C) Limitation of amount of loss from
noninsurance business which may offset income from
insurance business.--In computing the taxable income of
any insurance company subject to tax imposed by section
831, any loss from a noninsurance business shall be
limited under the principles of section 1503(c).
``(j) Special Rule for Controlled Groups.--
``(1) Small insurance company deduction determined on
controlled group basis.--For purposes of subsections (h) and
(i)--
``(A) all insurance companies which are members of
the same controlled group shall be treated as 1
insurance company, and
``(B) any small insurance company deduction
determined with respect to such group shall be
allocated among the insurance companies which are
members of such group in proportion to their respective
tentative taxable incomes.
``(2) Noninsurance members included for asset test.--For
purposes of subsection (h)(3), all members of the same
controlled group (whether or not insurance companies) shall be
treated as 1 company.
``(3) Controlled group.--For purposes of this subsection,
the term `controlled group' means any controlled group of
corporations (as defined in section 1563(a)); except that
subsections (a)(4) and (b)(2)(D) of section 1563 shall not
apply.
``(4) Adjustments to prevent excess detriment or benefit.--
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, proper
adjustments shall be made in the application of this subsection
to prevent any excess detriment or benefit (whether from year-
to-year or otherwise) arising from the application of this
subsection.''
SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this Act shall apply to taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1997. | Small Property and Casualty Insurance Company Equity Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a small insurance company (assets of less than $500 million) deduction (60 percent of tentative taxable income of $3 millon or less) from the insurance company tax. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Small Property and Casualty Insurance Company Equity Act of 1997"} | 1,290 | 62 | 0.568275 | 1.330365 | 0.84305 | 2.490566 | 22.660377 | 0.867925 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCE.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Tax Return Due
Date Simplification and Modernization Act of 2011''.
(b) Reference.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in
this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment
to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be
considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986.
SEC. 2. NEW DUE DATE FOR PARTNERSHIP FORM 1065, S CORPORATION FORM
1120S, AND C CORPORATION FORM 1120.
(a) Partnerships.--
(1) In general.--Section 6072 is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(f) Returns of Partnerships.--Returns of partnerships under
section 6031 made on the basis of the calendar year shall be filed on
or before the 15th day of March following the close of the calendar
year, and such returns made on the basis of a fiscal year shall be
filed on or before the 15th day of the third month following the close
of the fiscal year.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 6072(a) is amended by
striking ``6017, or 6031'' and inserting ``or 6017''.
(b) S Corporations.--
(1) In general.--So much of subsection (b) of 6072 as
precedes the second sentence thereof is amended to read as
follows:
``(b) Returns of Certain Corporations.--Returns of S corporations
under sections 6012 and 6037 made on the basis of the calendar year
shall be filed on or before the 31st day of March following the close
of the calendar year, and such returns made on the basis of a fiscal
year shall be filed on or before the last day of the third month
following the close of the fiscal year.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 1362(b) is amended--
(i) by striking ``15th'' each place it
appears and inserting ``last'',
(ii) by striking ``2\1/2\'' each place it
appears and inserting ``3'', and
(iii) by striking ``2 months and 15 days''
in paragraph (4) and inserting ``3 months''.
(B) Section 1362(d)(1)(C)(i) is amended by striking
``15th'' and inserting ``last''.
(C) Section 1362(d)(1)(C)(ii) is amended by
striking ``such 15th day'' and inserting ``the last day
of the 3d month thereof''.
(c) Conforming Amendments Relating to C Corporations.--
(1) Section 170(a)(2)(B) is amended by striking ``third
month'' and inserting ``4th month''.
(2) Section 563 is amended by striking ``third month'' each
place it appears and inserting ``4th month''.
(3) Section 1354(d)(1)(B)(i) is amended by striking ``3d
month'' and inserting ``4th month''.
(4) Subsection (a) and (c) of section 6167 are each amended
by striking ``third month'' and inserting ``4th month''.
(5) Section 6425(a)(1) is amended by striking ``third
month'' and inserting ``4th month''.
(6) Subsections (b)(2)(A), (g)(3), and (h)(1) of section
6655 are each amended by striking ``3rd month'' and inserting
``4th month''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to returns for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011.
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF DUE DATES BY REGULATION.
In the case of returns for taxable years beginning after December
31, 2011, the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's delegate
shall modify appropriate regulations to provide as follows:
(1) The maximum extension for the returns of partnerships
filing Form 1065 shall be a 6-month period ending on September
15 for calendar year taxpayers.
(2) The maximum extension for the returns of trusts filing
Form 1041 shall be a 5\1/2\-month period ending on September 30
for calendar year taxpayers.
(3) The maximum extension for the returns of employee
benefit plans filing Form 5500 shall be an automatic 3\1/2\-
month period ending on November 15 for calendar year taxpayers.
(4) The maximum extension for the returns of organizations
exempt from income tax filing Form 990 shall be an automatic 6-
month period ending on November 15 for calendar year filers.
(5) The due date of Form 3520-A (relating to the Annual
Information Return of Foreign Trust with a United States Owner)
for calendar year filers shall be April 15 with a maximum
extension for a 6-month period ending on October 15.
(6) The due date of Form TD F 90-22.1 (relating to Report
of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) for calendar year
filers shall be April 15 with a maximum extension for a 6-month
period ending on October 15.
SEC. 4. CORPORATIONS PERMITTED STATUTORY AUTOMATIC 6-MONTH EXTENSION OF
INCOME TAX RETURNS.
(a) In General.--Section 6081(b) is amended by striking ``3
months'' and inserting ``6 months''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to returns for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011. | Tax Return Due Date Simplification and Modernization Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to change tax return due dates for partnerships (from April 15 to March 15, with extensions until September 15), S corporations (from March 15 to March 31, with extensions until September 30), and C corporations (from March 15 to April 15, with extensions until October 15).
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011, to modify by regulation the due dates for extensions of tax returns for partnerships, estates, employee benefit plans, and tax-exempt organizations. Sets a due date of April 15 for the annual information return of a foreign trust with a U.S. owner and for the report of foreign bank and financial accounts (with extensions until October 15).
Extends the automatic extension for corporation income tax returns from three to six months. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the logical flow of return information between partnerships, corporations, trusts, estates, and individuals to better enable each party to submit timely, accurate returns and reduce the need for extended and amended returns, to provide for modified due dates by regulation, and to conform the automatic corporate extension period to longstanding regulatory rule."} | 1,289 | 184 | 0.50531 | 1.307486 | 0.666995 | 2.364162 | 6.317919 | 0.895954 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Whistleblower Act of
1995''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to--
(1) reduce and eliminate fraud and abuse under the medicare
program;
(2) reduce negligent and fraudulent medicare billings by
providers;
(3) provide medicare beneficiaries with incentives to
report inappropriate billing practices; and
(4) provide savings to the medicare trust funds by
increasing the recovery of medicare overpayments.
SEC. 3. REQUEST FOR ITEMIZED BILL FOR MEDICARE ITEMS AND SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Section 1128A of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1320a-7a) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(m) Written Request for Itemized Bill.--
``(1) In general.--A beneficiary may submit a written
request for an itemized bill for medical or other items or
services provided to such beneficiary by any person (including
an organization, agency, or other entity) that receives payment
under title XVIII for providing such items or services to such
beneficiary.
``(2) 30-day period to receive bill.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the
date on which a request under paragraph (1) has been
received, a person described in such paragraph shall
furnish an itemized bill describing each medical or
other item or service provided to the beneficiary
requesting the itemized bill.
``(B) Penalty.--Whoever knowingly fails to furnish
an itemized bill in accordance with subparagraph (A)
shall be subject to a civil fine of not more than $100
for each such failure.
``(3) Review of itemized bill.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
receipt of an itemized bill furnished under paragraph
(1), a beneficiary may submit a written request for a
review of the itemized bill to the appropriate fiscal
intermediary or carrier with a contract under section
1816 or 1842.
``(B) Specific allegations.--A request for a review
of the itemized bill shall identify--
``(i) specific medical or other items or
services that the beneficiary believes were not
provided as claimed, or
``(ii) any other billing irregularity
(including duplicate billing).
``(4) Findings of fiscal intermediary or carrier.--Each
fiscal intermediary or carrier with a contract under section
1816 or 1842 shall, with respect to each claim submitted to the
fiscal intermediary or carrier under paragraph (3), make one of
the following determinations:
``(A) The itemized bill accurately reflects medical
or other items or services provided to the beneficiary.
``(B) The itemized bill does not accurately reflect
medical or other items or services provided to the
beneficiary or contains a billing irregularity but the
inaccuracy or irregularity is inadvertent or is the
result of a misinterpretation of law.
``(C) The itemized bill negligently describes
medical or other items or services not provided to the
beneficiary or contains a negligent billing
irregularity.
``(D) The itemized bill fraudulently describes
medical or other items or services not provided to the
beneficiary or contains a fraudulent billing
irregularity.
``(5) Review of findings of fiscal intermediary or
carrier.--
``(A) In general.--If a fiscal intermediary or
carrier makes a finding described in subparagraph (B),
(C), or (D) of paragraph (4), the fiscal intermediary
or carrier shall submit to the Secretary a report containing such
findings and the basis for such findings.
``(B) Determination by secretary.--The Secretary
shall determine whether the findings of the fiscal
intermediary or carrier submitted under subparagraph
(A) are correct.
``(6) Recovery of amounts.--The Secretary shall require
fiscal intermediaries and carriers to take all appropriate
measures to recover amounts inappropriately paid under title
XVIII with respect to a bill for which the Secretary makes a
determination of correctness under paragraph (5)(B).
``(7) Antifraud incentive payments.--
``(A) In general.--If the Secretary makes a
determination of correctness under paragraph (5)(B)
with respect to a finding described in subparagraph (C)
or (D) of paragraph (4), the Secretary shall make an
antifraud incentive payment (in an amount determined
under subparagraph (B)) to the beneficiary who
submitted the request for the itemized bill under
paragraph (1) that resulted in such findings.
``(B) Antifraud incentive payment determined.--
``(i) In general.--The amount of the
antifraud incentive payment determined under
this subparagraph is equal to the lesser of--
``(I) 1 percent of the amount that
the bill negligently or fraudulently
charged for medical or other items or
services; or
``(II) $10,000.
``(ii) Limitation of amount.--The amount
determined under this subparagraph may not
exceed--
``(I) in the case of a negligent
bill, the total amounts recovered with
respect to the bill in accordance with
paragraph (6); or
``(II) in the case of a fraudulent
bill, the sum of the amounts assessed
and collected with respect to the bill
under paragraph (8).
``(8) Penalty.--If the Secretary makes a determination of
correctness with respect to a finding described in paragraph
(4)(D) (relating to fraudulent billing), the provider or other
person responsible for providing the beneficiary with the
itemized bill that is the subject of such findings, shall be
subject, in addition to any other penalties that may be
prescribed by law, to a civil money penalty equal to the lesser
of--
``(A) 1 percent of the amount that the bill
fraudulently charged for medical or other items or
services; or
``(B) $10,000.
``(9) Prevention of abuse by beneficiaries.--The Secretary
shall--
``(A) address abuses of the incentive system
established under this subsection; and
``(B) establish appropriate procedures to prevent
such abuses.
``(10) Requirement that beneficiary discover negligent or
fraudulent bill to receive incentive payment.--No incentive
payment shall be made under paragraph (7) to a beneficiary if
the Secretary or the appropriate fiscal intermediary or carrier
identified the bill that was the subject of the beneficiary's
request for review under this subsection as being negligent or
fraudulent prior to such request.''.
(b) Payment of Antifraud Incentive to Medicare Beneficiary.--
Section 1128A(f) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7a(f)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``(3)'' and inserting
``(4)''; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Any penalty recovered under subsection (m)(8) shall
be paid as an antifraud incentive payment to the beneficiary
who submitted the request for the itemized bill under
subsection (m)(1) that resulted in the imposition of the
penalty.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Subsections (c) and (d) of section 1128A
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7a) are each amended by
striking ``(a) or (b)'' each place it appears and inserting ``(a), (b),
or (m)''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to medical or other items or services provided on or
after January 1, 1996. | Medicare Whistleblower Act of 1995 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to allow Medicare beneficiaries to submit a written request to program providers for an itemized bill of items and services received from them. Permits such beneficiaries to further request a review of such a bill by the appropriate fiscal intermediary or carrier under contract to administer Medicare benefits for any billing irregularities. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require such entities to take all appropriate measures to recover amounts inappropriately paid because of such irregularities. Subjects providers submitting fraudulent billings to a certain civil money penalty in addition to any other penalties that may be prescribed by law. Provides for antifraud incentive payments (out of collected penalties) to Medicare beneficiaries who request itemized billings later found to contain irregularities of a negligent or fraudulent nature. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Medicare Whistleblower Act of 1995"} | 1,700 | 182 | 0.634529 | 1.731641 | 0.801805 | 2.427632 | 10.289474 | 0.809211 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Education for the 21st Century (E-
21) Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
It is the purpose of this Act to enable America's schools to use
their computer hardware to increase student achievement and prepare
students for the 21st century workplace.
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Establishing computer literacy programs for students
will help ensure that the Nation's children are receiving the
skills needed for advanced education and for securing
employment in the 21st century.
(2) Computer literacy skills, such as information
gathering, critical analysis and communication with the latest
technology, build upon the necessary basics of reading,
writing, mathematics, and other core subject areas.
(3) According to a study conducted by the Educational
Testing Service (ETS), eighth-grade mathematics students whose
teachers used computers for simulations and applications
outperformed students whose teachers did not use such
educational technology.
(4) Although an ever increasing amount of schools are
obtaining the latest computer hardware, schools will not be
able to take advantage of the benefits of computer-based
learning unless teachers are effectively trained in the latest
educational software applications.
(5) The Educational Testing Service study showed that
students whose teachers received training in computers
performed better than other students. The study also found that
schools that provide teachers with professional development in
computers enjoyed higher staff morale and lower absenteeism
rates.
(6) Some of the most exciting applications in educational
technology are being developed not only by commercial software
companies, but also by secondary school and college students.
The fruit of this academic talent should be channeled more
effectively to benefit the Nation's elementary and secondary
schools.
SEC. 4. COMPUTER LITERACY CHALLENGE.
(a) Grants Authorized.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Education is authorized
to award grants to States that integrate into the State
curriculum the goal of making all middle school graduates in
the State technologically literate.
(2) Priority.--The Secretary shall give preference in
awarding grants under this section to States that place a
priority on training middle school teachers.
(b) Uses of Funds.--Grants awarded under this section shall be used
for teacher training in technology, with an emphasis on programs that
prepare one or more teachers in each elementary, middle, and secondary
school in the State to become technology leaders who then serve as
experts and train other teachers.
(c) Matching Funds.--Each State shall encourage schools that
receive assistance under this section to provide matching funds, with
respect to the cost of teacher training in technology to be assisted
under this section, in order to enhance the impact of the teacher
training and to help ensure that all middle school graduates in the
State are technologically literate.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2003 through 2007.
SEC. 5. HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE FOR ALL SCHOOLS.
(a) Competitive Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Education is
authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to students in
secondary schools and institutions of higher education, working with
faculty of an institution of higher education, software developers, and
experts in educational technology for the development of high-quality
educational software and Internet websites by such students, faculty,
developers, and experts.
(b) Recognition.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Education shall recognize
outstanding educational software and Internet websites
developed with assistance provided under this section.
(2) Certificates.--The President is requested to, and the
Secretary shall, issue an official certificate signed by the
President or the Secretary (or both), to each student and
faculty member who develops outstanding educational software or
an Internet website recognized under this section.
(3) Focus.--The educational software or Internet websites
that are recognized under this section shall focus on core
curriculum areas.
(4) Judges.--The Secretary shall designate official judges
to recognize outstanding educational software or Internet
websites assisted under this section.
(c) Priority.--
(1) First year.--For the first year that the Secretary
awards grants under this section, the Secretary shall give
priority to awarding grants for the development of educational
software or Internet websites in the areas of mathematics,
science, and reading.
(2) Second and third years.--For the second and third years
that the Secretary awards grants under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to awarding grants for the
development of educational software or Internet websites in the
areas described in paragraph (1) and in social studies, the
humanities, and the arts.
(d) Downloading.--Educational software recognized under this
section shall be made available to local educational agencies for free
downloading from the Department of Education's Internet website.
Internet websites recognized under this section shall be accessible to
any user of the World Wide Web.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2003 through 2007. | Education for the 21st Century (E-21) Act - Establishes assistance programs for: (1) middle school computer literacy; and (2) high-quality educational software for all schools.Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to States (especially those with a priority on training middle school teachers) that integrate into the State curriculum the goal of making all middle school graduates in the State technologically literate. Requires use of such grants for teacher training in technology, particularly teachers in elementary, middle, and secondary schools who become technology leaders serving as experts and training other teachers.Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants for students at secondary schools and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to work with IHE faculty, software developers, and experts in educational technology in developing high-quality educational software and Internet websites. Directs the Secretary to recognize outstanding software and websites developed with such assistance that focus on core curriculum areas, especially: (1) for the first year of awards, mathematics, science, and reading; and (2) for the second and third years of awards, again mathematics, science, and reading, but also social studies, the humanities, and the arts. Requires: (1) such recognized educational software to be made available to local educational agencies for free downloading from the Department of Education's Internet website; and (2) such recognized Internet websites to be accessible to any World Wide Web user. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To enable America's schools to use their computer hardware to increase student achievement and prepare students for the 21st century workplace, and for other purposes."} | 1,084 | 292 | 0.638025 | 2.01581 | 0.916244 | 3.694545 | 3.8 | 0.923636 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ocean and Coastal Observation System
Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Ocean and coastal observations provide vital
information for protecting human lives and property from marine
hazards, predicting weather, improving ocean health and
providing for the protection and enjoyment of the resources of
the Nation's coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes.
(2) The continuing and potentially devastating threat posed
by tsunamis, hurricanes, storm surges, and other marine hazards
requires immediate implementation of strengthened observation
and data management systems to provide timely detection,
assessment, and warnings to the millions of people living in
coastal regions of the United States and throughout the world.
(3) The 95,000-mile coastline of the United States,
including the Great Lakes, is vital to the Nation's prosperity,
contributing over $117 billion to the national economy in 2000,
supporting jobs for more than 200 million Americans, and
supporting commercial and sport fisheries valued at more than
$50 billion annually.
(4) Responding to coastal hazards and managing fisheries
and other coastal activities require improved monitoring of the
Nation's waters and coastline, including the ability to provide
rapid response teams with real-time environmental conditions
necessary for their work.
(5) While knowledge of the ocean and coastal environment
and processes is far from complete, advances in sensing
technologies and scientific understanding have made possible
long-term and continuous observation from shore, from space,
and in situ of ocean and coastal characteristics and
conditions.
(6) Many elements of an ocean and coastal observing system
are in place, but require national investment, consolidation,
completion, and integration at Federal, regional, State, and
local levels.
(7) The Commission on Ocean Policy recommends a national
commitment to a sustained and integrated ocean and coastal
observing system and to coordinated research programs in order
to assist the Nation and the world in understanding the oceans,
improving weather forecasts, strengthening management of ocean
and coastal resources, and mitigating marine hazards.
(8) In 2003, the United States led more than 50 nations in
affirming the vital importance of timely, quality, long-term
global observations as a basis for sound decision-making,
recognizing the contribution of observation systems to meet
national, regional, and global needs, and calling for
strengthened cooperation and coordination in establishing a
Global Earth Observation System of Systems, of which an
integrated ocean and coastal observing system is an essential
part.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to provide for--
(1) the planning, development, and maintenance of an
integrated ocean and coastal observing system that provides the
data and information to sustain and restore healthy marine and
Great Lakes ecosystems and the resources they support, enable
advances in scientific understanding of the oceans and the
Great Lakes, and strengthen science education and
communication;
(2) implementation of research, development, education, and
outreach programs to improve understanding of the oceans and
Great Lakes and achieve the full national benefits of an
integrated ocean and coastal observing system;
(3) implementation of a data and information management
system required by all components of an integrated ocean and
coastal observing system and related research to develop early
warning systems and insure usefulness of data and information
for users; and
(4) establishment of a system of regional ocean, coastal,
and Great Lakes observing systems to address local needs for
ocean information.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the National Ocean
Research Leadership Council.
(2) Observing system.--The term ``observing system'' means
the integrated coastal, ocean and Great Lakes observing system
to be established by the Committee under section 4(a).
(3) Interagency program office.--The term ``interagency
program office'' means the office established under section
4(d).
SEC. 4. INTEGRATED OCEAN AND COASTAL OBSERVING SYSTEM.
(a) Establishment.--The President, acting through the Council,
shall establish and maintain an integrated system of ocean and coastal
observations, data communication and management, analysis, modeling,
research, education, and outreach designed to provide data and
information for the timely detection and prediction of changes
occurring in the ocean, coastal and Great Lakes environment that impact
the Nation's social, economic, and ecological systems. The observing
system shall provide for long-term, continuous and quality-controlled
observations of the coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes for the following
purposes:
(1) Improving the health of the Nation's coasts, oceans,
and Great Lakes.
(2) Protecting human lives and livelihoods from hazards
such as tsunamis, hurricanes, coastal erosion, and fluctuating
Great Lakes water levels.
(3) Understanding the effects of human activities and
natural variability on the state of the coasts, oceans, and
Great Lakes and the Nation's socioeconomic well-being.
(4) Providing for the sustainable use, protection, and
enjoyment of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources.
(5) Providing information that can support the eventual
implementation and refinement of ecosystem-based management.
(6) Supplying critical information to marine-related
businesses such as aquaculture and fisheries.
(7) Supporting research and development to ensure
continuous improvement to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes
observation measurements and to enhance understanding of the
Nation's ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources.
(b) System Elements.--In order to fulfill the purposes of this Act,
the observing system shall consist of the following program elements:
(1) A national program to fulfill national observation
priorities, including the Nation's ocean contribution to the
Global Earth Observation System of Systems and the Global Ocean
Observing System.
(2) A network of regional associations to manage the
regional ocean and coastal observing and information programs
that collect, measure, and disseminate data and information
products to meet regional needs.
(3) A data management and dissemination system for the
timely integration and dissemination of data and information
products from the national and regional systems.
(4) A research and development program conducted under the
guidance of the Council.
(5) An outreach, education, and training program that
augments existing programs, such as the National Sea Grant
College Program, the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education
Excellence program, and the National Estuarine Research Reserve
System, to ensure the use of the data and information for
improving public education and awareness of the Nation's oceans
and building the technical expertise required to operate and
improve the observing system.
(c) Council Functions.--In carrying out responsibilities under this
section, the Council shall--
(1) serve as the oversight body for the design and
implementation of all aspects of the observing system;
(2) adopt plans, budgets, and standards that are developed
and maintained by the interagency program office in
consultation with the regional associations;
(3) coordinate the observing system with other earth
observing activities including the Global Ocean Observing
System and the Global Earth Observing System of Systems;
(4) coordinate and administer programs of research,
development, education, and outreach to support improvements to
and the operation of an integrated ocean and coastal observing
system and to advance the understanding of the oceans;
(5) establish pilot projects to develop technology and
methods for advancing the development of the observing system;
(6) provide, as appropriate, support for and representation
on United States delegations to international meetings on ocean
and coastal observing programs; and
(7) in consultation with the Secretary of State, coordinate
relevant Federal activities with those of other nations.
(d) Interagency Program Office.--The Council shall establish an
interagency program office to be known as ``OceanUS''. The interagency
program office shall be responsible for program planning and
coordination of the observing system. The interagency program office
shall--
(1) prepare annual and long-term plans for consideration by
the Council for the design and implementation of the observing
system that promote collaboration among Federal agencies and
regional associations in developing the global and national
observing systems, including identification and refinement of a
core set of variables to be measured by all systems;
(2) coordinate the development of agency priorities and
budgets for implementation of the observing system, including
budgets for the regional associations;
(3) establish and refine standards and protocols for data
management and communications, including quality standards, in
consultation with participating Federal agencies and regional
associations;
(4) develop a process for the certification of the regional
associations and their periodic review and recertification;
(5) establish an external technical committee to provide
biennial review of the observing system; and
(6) provide for opportunities to partner or contract with
private sector companies in deploying ocean observation system
elements.
(e) Lead Federal Agency.--The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration shall be the lead Federal agency for implementation and
operation of the observing system. Based on the plans prepared by the
interagency program office and adopted by the Council, the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
shall--
(1) coordinate implementation, operation and improvement of
the observing system;
(2) establish efficient and effective administrative
procedures for allocation of funds among Federal agencies and
regional associations in a timely manner and according to the
budget adopted by the Council;
(3) implement and maintain appropriate elements of the
observing system;
(4) provide for the migration of scientific and
technological advances from research and development to
operational deployment;
(5) integrate and extend existing programs and pilot
projects into the operational observation system;
(6) certify regional associations that meet the
requirements of subsection (f); and
(7) integrate the capabilities of the National Coastal Data
Development Center and the Coastal Services Center of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other
appropriate centers, into the observing system for the purpose
of assimilating, managing, disseminating, and archiving data
from regional observation systems and other observation
systems.
(f) Regional Associations of Ocean and Coastal Observing
Systems.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration may certify one or more regional associations to be
responsible for the development and operation of regional ocean and
coastal observing systems to meet the information needs of user groups
in the region while adhering to national standards. To be certifiable
by the Administrator, a regional association shall--
(1) demonstrate an organizational structure capable of
supporting and integrating all aspects of ocean and coastal
observing and information programs within a region;
(2) operate under a strategic operations and business plan
that details the operation and support of regional ocean and
coastal observing systems pursuant to the standards established
by the Council;
(3) provide information products for multiple users in the
region;
(4) work with governmental entities and programs at all
levels within the region to provide timely warnings and
outreach to protect the public; and
(5) meet certification standards developed by the
interagency program office in conjunction with the regional
associations and approved by the Council.
Nothing in this Act authorizes a regional association to engage in
lobbying activities (as defined in section 3(7) of the Lobbying
Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602(7)).
(g) Civil Liability.--For purposes of section 1346(b)(1) and
chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, the Suits in Admiralty Act
(46 U.S.C. App. 741 et seq.), and the Public Vessels Act (46 U.S.C.
App. 781 et seq.), any regional ocean and coastal observing system that
is a designated part of a regional association certified under this
section shall, in carrying out the purposes of this Act, be deemed to
be part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and any
employee of such system, while acting within the scope of his or her
employment in carrying out such purposes, shall be deemed to be an
employee of the Government.
SEC. 5. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND EDUCATION.
The Council shall establish programs for research, development,
education, and outreach for the ocean and coastal observing system,
including projects under the National Oceanographic Partnership
Program, consisting of the following:
(1) Basic research to advance knowledge of ocean and
coastal systems and ensure continued improvement of operational
products, including related infrastructure and observing
technology.
(2) Focused research projects to improve understanding of
the relationship between the coasts and oceans and human
activities.
(3) Large scale computing resources and research to advance
modeling of ocean and coastal processes.
(4) A coordinated effort to build public education and
awareness of the ocean and coastal environment and functions
that integrates ongoing activities such as the National Sea
Grant College Program, the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education
Excellence, and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System.
SEC. 6. INTERAGENCY FINANCING.
The departments and agencies represented on the Council are
authorized to participate in interagency financing and share, transfer,
receive, obligate, and expend funds appropriated to any member of the
Council for the purposes of carrying out any administrative or
programmatic project or activity under this Act or under the National
Oceanographic Partnership Program, including support for the
interagency program office, a common infrastructure, and system
integration for a ocean and coastal observing system. Funds may be
transferred among such departments and agencies through an appropriate
instrument that specifies the goods, services, or space being acquired
from another Council member and the costs of the same.
SEC. 7. APPLICATION WITH OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF LANDS ACT.
Nothing in this Act supersedes, or limits the authority of the
Secretary of the Interior under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
(43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.).
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration for the implementation of an integrated
ocean and coastal observing system under section 4, and the research
and development program under section 5, including financial assistance
to the interagency program office, the regional associations for the
implementation of regional ocean and coastal observing systems, and the
departments and agencies represented on the Council, $150,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010. At least 50 percent of the sums
appropriated for the implementation of the integrated ocean and coastal
observing system under section 4 shall be allocated to the regional
associations certified under section 4(f) for implementation of
regional ocean and coastal observing systems. Sums appropriated
pursuant to this section shall remain available until expended.
SEC. 9. REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
Not later than March 31, 2010, the President, acting through the
Council, shall transmit to Congress a report on the programs
established under sections 4 and 5. The report shall include a
description of activities carried out under the programs, an evaluation
of the effectiveness of the programs, and recommendations concerning
reauthorization of the programs and funding levels for the programs in
succeeding fiscal years.
Passed the Senate July 1, 2005.
Attest:
EMILY J. REYNOLDS,
Secretary. | Ocean and Coastal Observation System Act of 2005 - (Sec. 4) Directs the President, acting through the National Ocean Research Leadership Council, to establish and maintain an integrated system of ocean and coastal observations, data communication and management, analysis, modeling, research, education, and outreach designed to provide data and information for the timely detection and prediction of changes occurring in the ocean and coastal environment that impact the Nation's social, economic, and ecological systems. Requires the system to provide for long-term, continuous, and quality-controlled observations of the coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes.
Requires the Council to establish an interagency program office (OceanUS) responsible for program planning and coordination of the system. Requires OceanUS, among other duties, to provide for opportunities to partner or contract with private sector companies in deploying ocean observation system elements.
Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to be the lead Federal agency for implementation and operation of the system. Requires NOAA, among other duties, to integrate the capabilities of the National Coastal Data Development Center and the Coastal Services Center, and other appropriate centers, into the observing system for the purpose of assimilating, managing, disseminating, and archiving data from regional and other observation systems.
Authorizes the Administrator of NOAA to certify one or more regional associations to be responsible for the development and operation of regional ocean and coastal observing systems to meet the information needs of user groups in the region while adhering to national standards. Deems certified regional systems to be part of NOAA when carrying out this Act, and employees of such systems acting within the scope of their employment to be federal government employees, for purposes of civil liability under specified laws.
(Sec. 5) Directs the Council to establish programs for research, development, and education for the system.
(Sec. 6) Authorizes departments and agencies represented on the Council to participate in interagency financing and to share funds appropriated to any Council member.
(Sec. 7) Declares that nothing in this Act supersedes, or limits the authority of the Secretary of the Interior under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
(Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations to NOAA for FY2006-FY2010 for implementation of the integrated ocean and coastal observing system and the research and development program required by this Act. Requires the allocation of 50 percent of appropriations for the observing system to certified regional associations for regional systems.
(Sec. 9) Requires the President, acting through the Council, to report to Congress on the programs established under this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to develop and maintain an integrated system of ocean and coastal observations for the Nation's coasts, oceans and Great Lakes, improve warning of tsunamis and other natural hazards, and for other purposes."} | 3,213 | 593 | 0.636059 | 2.275982 | 0.608493 | 5.321212 | 6.29899 | 0.961616 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Social and Emotional Learning for
Families Act'' or the ``SELF Act''.
SEC. 2. GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--From amounts appropriated to carry out this Act,
the Secretary of Education shall award grants, on a competitive basis,
to eligible entities to develop, implement and evaluate formal and
informal parent education programs in partnership with the entities
described in subsection (c)(3). The programs should be designed with
objectives to--
(1) provide instruction to parents on social and emotional
skills;
(2) provide instruction to parents on effective strategies
for teaching and reinforcing these same skills to their
children; and
(3) provide training to teachers or school staff to support
parent efforts to teach and reinforce children's social and
emotional skills at home.
(b) Maximum Grant Amount.--The total amount of a grant awarded
under this Act may not exceed $1,200,000.
(c) Uses of Funds.--
(1) In general.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under
this subpart shall use such funds to carry out a program at
elementary schools and secondary schools served that--
(A) involves instruction of social and emotional
skills based on research-based and locally-relevant
instructional materials for teachers and parents;
(B) provides professional development for pre-
service and in-service teachers and other professional
educators to engage parents and teach them social and
emotional learning skills;
(C) provides direct instruction on social and
emotional learning to parents at hours when parents are
available and in places that are convenient and easily
accessible;
(D) incorporates evidence-based practices to
increase diversity of families participating in the
program;
(E) encourages participation of parents from the
school, partner agencies, or community organizations
working with families to mentor the parents
participating in the program; and
(F) is designed to result in improved measurable
child outcomes, including positive social behavior and
academic outcomes.
(2) State educational agencies.--In the case of an eligible
entity that is a State educational agency, such entity shall
award subgrants, on a competitive basis, to local educational
agencies to carry out the program described in paragraph (1).
(3) Public-private partnerships.--Each eligible entity
awarded a grant under this Act and each local educational
agency awarded a subgrant under this Act shall be encouraged to
carry out the program funded under the grant in partnership
with one or more of the following:
(A) Elementary schools or secondary schools.
(B) Institutions of higher education.
(C) Nonprofit organizations.
(D) Community-based organizations.
(E) Public or private entities with demonstrated
record of success in delivering educational support.
(d) Applications.--An application for a grant under this Act
submitted by an eligible entity shall demonstrate long-term commitment
for the proposed program through--
(1) providing laboratory and instructional space;
(2) commitment to scaling successful programs for parent
education and involvement in social and emotional learning in
elementary schools and secondary schools under the jurisdiction
of the eligible entity; and
(3) commitment to serving diverse groups such as
underrepresented or economically disadvantaged families.
(e) Annual Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the
first grant is awarded under this Act, and annually thereafter, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress and make publicly available, a
report on activities and results under this Act. Such reports shall
describe--
(1) the total number of grant applications received for the
preceding each year;
(2) the number and geographic distribution of the grants
for such year and for all grants awarded under this Act;
(3) participation of minority-serving institutions of
higher education, such as historically Black colleges and
universities and Hispanic-serving institutions;
(4) participation of underrepresented and economically
disadvantaged families;
(5) plans for collaboration among eligible entities
receiving a grant under this Act;
(6) overall program outcomes and issues of concern; and
(7) recommendations for program revisions to achieve the
desired program outcome.
(f) Definitions.--
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) an institution of higher education;
(B) a State educational agency;
(C) a local educational agency, in the case in
which the local educational agency is not receiving a
subgrant under this Act for the fiscal year for which
the agency is applying for a grant under this Act; or
(D) a consortium of any of the entities described
in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
(2) ESEA terms.--The terms ``elementary school'',
``evidence-based'', ``local educational agency'', ``parent'',
``professional development'', ``secondary school'', and ``State
educational agency'' have the meanings given the terms in
section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(3) Hispanic-serving institution.--The term Hispanic-
serving institution has the meaning given the term in section
502 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101(a)).
(4) Historically black college or university.--The
``Historically Black college or university'' has the meaning
given the term ``part B institution'' in section 322 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).
(5) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(6) Instruction.--The term ``instruction'' means activities
that--
(A) emphasize communication of knowledge
concerning--
(i) parenting fundamentals; and
(ii) social and emotional skills in adults
and children;
(B) provide opportunities to practice parenting
fundamentals and social and emotional skills through
interactive activities between parents and their
children; and
(C) are aligned with and integrated into parent
involvement and engagement standards that may exist in
the applicable State or that may be developed.
(7) Minority-serving institution.--The term ``minority-
serving institution'' means an institution of higher education
described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1067q).
(8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
(9) Social and emotional skills.--The term ``social and
emotional skills'' includes--
(A) self-awareness, or having a realistic
perception of one's own values, interests, and
strengths, and being able to recognize one's own
emotions;
(B) self-management, or how well one manages
emotions, impulses, and stress, and is able to
establish and achieve goals and exercise self-
discipline;
(C) social awareness, or the ability to take the
perspective of and empathize with someone else and to
appreciate and respect diversity;
(D) relationship skills, or the ability to
participate in healthy, cooperative, and caring
relationships, and effectively resolve conflicts; and
(E) responsible decisionmaking, or the ability to
recognize and generate good choices, evaluate the
likely consequences of actions, and take responsibility
for one's decisions. | Social and Emotional Learning for Families Act or the SELF Act This bill directs the Department of Education to award competitive grants to state or local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, or partnerships of such entities for the development, implementation, and evaluation of parent-education programs. Such programs shall be designed to: (1) instruct parents on social skills, emotional skills, and effective strategies for teaching and reinforcing such skills to their children; and (2) train teachers or school staff to support parents' efforts to teach and reinforce social and emotional skills at home. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Social and Emotional Learning for Families Act"} | 1,579 | 150 | 0.642508 | 1.788267 | 0.84102 | 2.471154 | 14.576923 | 0.875 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Cell Phone Theft Prevention Act of
2016''.
SEC. 2. SMART PHONE THEFT PREVENTION.
(a) In General.--Part I of title III of the Communications Act of
1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 343. SMART PHONE THEFT PREVENTION.
``(a) Provision of Service on Stolen Smart Phone.--
``(1) Prohibition.--A provider of commercial mobile service
or commercial mobile data service may not knowingly provide
service on a smart phone that--
``(A) has been reported to such provider as stolen
by an authorized user of such phone; or
``(B) is listed as stolen on the Central Equipment
Identity Register.
``(2) Reporting by service providers.--A provider of
commercial mobile service or commercial mobile data service to
which a smart phone is reported stolen by an authorized user of
such phone as described in paragraph (1)(A) shall transmit to
the Central Equipment Identity Register a notification that
such phone has been reported stolen. Such notification shall
include such information as is required for the identification
of such phone.
``(b) Anti-Theft Functionality; Mobile Device Identification
Numbers.--A person may not manufacture for retail sale in the United
States, or import into the United States for retail sale in the United
States, a smart phone unless such phone is--
``(1) equipped with pre-loaded anti-theft functionality at
no additional cost to purchasers of such phone, or capable of
downloading anti-theft functionality that is available at no
additional cost to purchasers of such phone; and
``(2) equipped with a mobile device identification number.
``(c) Alteration or Removal of Mobile Device Identification Number;
Prohibition of Sale of Stolen Smart Phones.--
``(1) Prohibition.--It shall be unlawful to--
``(A) knowingly remove, obliterate, tamper with, or
alter the mobile device identification number of a
smart phone;
``(B) knowingly use, produce, traffic in, have
control or custody of, or possess hardware or software,
knowing it has been configured to engage in the conduct
described in subparagraph (A); or
``(C) knowingly sell a smart phone for which the
mobile device identification number is listed as stolen
on the Central Equipment Identity Register.
``(2) Penalty.--Any person who violates paragraph (1) shall
be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned not
more than 5 years, or both.
``(d) Rules of Construction.--
``(1) Additional technologies or services.--Nothing in this
section prohibits a provider of commercial mobile service or
commercial mobile data service, device manufacturer, or
operating system provider from offering a technology or service
in addition to the anti-theft functionality required by
subsection (b)(1).
``(2) Emergency communications.--Nothing in this section
requires the use of a technology that is incompatible with, or
renders it impossible to comply with, Federal or State law with
regard to--
``(A) the provision of emergency services through
the 9-1-1 system, including text-to-9-1-1, bounce-back
messages, and location accuracy requirements;
``(B) participation in the Wireless Emergency
Alerts system; or
``(C) participation in other Federal, State, or
local emergency alert and public safety warning
systems.
``(3) No private right of action.--Nothing in this section
shall be construed to authorize any private right of action to
enforce any requirement of this section or any regulation
promulgated under this section.
``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Anti-theft functionality.--The term `anti-theft
functionality' means, with respect to a smart phone, a
functionality provided by the manufacturer or operating system
provider that--
``(A) once downloaded to the phone and initiated--
``(i) has the capability, from a remote
location--
``(I) to render the essential
features of the phone inoperable to a
person who is not an authorized user;
and
``(II) to delete from the phone the
personal information of the authorized
users, except for any information
necessary to permit the capability
described in subclause (I) to be
reversed as required by clause (ii);
and
``(ii) permits the capability described in
clause (i)(I) to be reversed if an authorized
user of the phone obtains possession of the
phone after the essential features of the phone
have been rendered inoperable by such
capability; and
``(B) may be designed so as to allow an authorized
user to opt out of implementing the capability
described in subparagraph (A)(i).
``(2) Authorized user.--The term `authorized user' means,
with respect to a smart phone--
``(A) the person who holds the commercial mobile
service or commercial mobile data service account for
the phone;
``(B) if the phone is a phone for which particular
amounts of service are purchased in advance, the person
who owns the phone; or
``(C) any person who has been authorized by a
person described in subparagraph (A) or (B) to use the
phone.
``(3) Central equipment identity register.--The term
`Central Equipment Identity Register' means the list of mobile
device identification numbers that are associated with mobile
devices that have been reported as lost, stolen, faulty, or
otherwise unsuitable for use, and that is a part of the
International Mobile Equipment Identity Database maintained by
the GSM Association, or any equivalent or successor registry or
database.
``(4) Commercial mobile data service.--The term `commercial
mobile data service' has the meaning given such term in section
6001 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of
2012 (47 U.S.C. 1401).
``(5) Commercial mobile service.--The term `commercial
mobile service' has the meaning given such term in section 332.
``(6) Essential features.--The term `essential features'
means, with respect to a smart phone, features that provide the
capability for a user to use the phone for voice
communications, text messaging, Internet browsing, and
accessing and using software applications. Such term does not
include the features that provide the capability to operate the
anti-theft functionality or to use the phone for emergency
communications.
``(7) Mobile device identification number.--The term
`mobile device identification number' means an international
mobile equipment identity number, a mobile equipment
identifier, an electronic serial number, or any other number or
signal that identifies a specific mobile device and has the
same function and purposes as an international mobile equipment
identity number or a mobile equipment identifier.
``(8) Smart phone.--
``(A) In general.--The term `smart phone' means a
hand-held mobile device that--
``(i) possesses advanced computing
capability;
``(ii) is designed to enable the user to
engage in voice communications using commercial
mobile service;
``(iii) is capable of operating on a long-
term evolution network or successor wireless
data network communication standards; and
``(iv) may possess capabilities that
include built-in applications, Internet access,
Internet browsing, digital voice service, text
messaging, and e-mail.
``(B) Exclusions.--Such term does not include a
phone that offers only a limited capability or set of
capabilities (such as placing voice calls and sending
text messages), a laptop computer, a tablet device, or
a device that has only electronic reading
capability.''.
(b) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
section 343 of the Communications Act of 1934, as added by
subsection (a) of this section, shall apply beginning on the
date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(2) Anti-theft functionality; mobile device identification
numbers.--Subsection (b) of such section 343 shall apply with
respect to a smart phone that is manufactured on or after the
date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this
Act. | Cell Phone Theft Prevention Act of 2016 This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit commercial mobile or data service providers from providing service on smart phones that: (1) have been reported to such provider as stolen by an authorized user, or (2) are listed as stolen on the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). When a smart phone is reported stolen to a service provider, the provider must notify the CEIR with information necessary to identify the phone. Smart phones must be equipped with: (1) preloaded antitheft functionality at no additional cost to purchasers, or be capable of downloading such functionality at no cost; and (2) a mobile device identification number. A criminal penalty is established for anyone who violates prohibitions against: (1) removing, obliterating, tampering with, or altering a smart phone's mobile device identification number; (2) using, producing, trafficking in, having control or custody of, or possessing hardware or software, knowing it has been configured to engage in such identification number removal or alteration violations; or (3) selling a smart phone for which the identification number is listed as stolen on the CEIR. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Cell Phone Theft Prevention Act of 2016"} | 1,853 | 241 | 0.689751 | 1.883984 | 0.822231 | 2.969163 | 7.709251 | 0.837004 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Comprehensive Internet Gambling
Prohibition Act of 2000''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION.
Section 1081 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by designating the five undesignated paragraphs that
begin with ``The term'' as paragraphs (1) through (5)
respectively;
(2) in paragraph (5), as so designated--
(A) by striking ``wire communication'' and
inserting ``communication'';
(B) by inserting ``satellite, microwave,'' after
``cable,''; and
(C) by inserting ``(whether fixed or mobile)''
after ``connection''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) The term `information assisting in the placing of
bets or wagers' means information knowingly transmitted by an
individual in the business of betting or wagering for use in
placing, receiving, making, or otherwise enabling or
facilitating a bet or wager that violates applicable Federal,
State, tribal, or local law, but does not include--
``(A) the transmission of information for use in
news reporting of wagering activities, as long as such
transmission does not solicit or provide information
for the purpose of facilitating or enabling the placing
or receipt of bets or wagers in a jurisdiction where
such betting is illegal;
``(B) any posting or reporting of any educational
information on how to make a legal bet or wager or the
nature of betting or wagering, as long as such
transmission does not solicit or provide information
for the purpose of facilitating or enabling the placing
or receipt of bets or wagers in a jurisdiction where
such betting is illegal;
``(C) advertising relating to betting or wagering
in a jurisdiction where such betting or wagering is
legal, as long as such advertising does not solicit or
provide information for the purpose of facilitating or
enabling the placing or receipt of bets or wagers in a
jurisdiction where such betting is illegal; or
``(D) the transmission of information assisting in
the placing of bets or wagers from a State or foreign
country where such bets or wagers are legal into a
State or foreign country in which such betting or
wagering is legal.
``(7) The term `transmission' or `transmit' means to place,
send, receive, transfer, post, disseminate, or otherwise convey
from one person or place to another.
``(8) The term `fantasy sports league or rotisserie league'
means an activity that--
``(A) consists of persons who pay an entrance or
administrative fee to participate in a league that
allows each participant to create a fictitious team
composed of athletes from a professional sport;
``(B) allows for the selection or subsequent
replacement of players without charging any fees in
excess of the initial entrance or administrative fee;
``(C) allows a participant to accrue points for the
performance of that participant's team that can be
compared to the points secured by other participants
and may award de minimis prizes daily, weekly, or
monthly during the regular season or after each round
of postseason play based on total points accrued, or
other prizes at the conclusion of the regular season or
postseason, or both based on the cumulative points
accrued during the regular season or postseason, or
both;
``(D) designates the specific prizes (including
amounts, if monetary prizes) to be won by participants
in the league at the start of the regular season before
the registration of, or acceptance of fees from, the participants and
does not base the value of prizes on the number of participants or the
total amount of entrance or administrative fees collected; and
``(E) provides to each participant the rules
governing the conduct of the fantasy sports league.
``(9) The term `bets or wagers' means the staking or
risking by any person of something of value upon--
``(A) any contest or game based in whole or in part
on chance, including a lottery;
``(B) one or more sporting events or contests, or
one or more performances of the participants in such
events or contests, including any scheme of a type
described in section 3702 of title 28, United States
Code; or
``(C) a future contingent event not under the
person's control or influence;
with an agreement or understanding that the person or another
person will or may receive something of value as a result of
such stake or risk. However, such term does not include a bona
fide business transaction in securities or commodities of the
nature governed by the Federal securities and trading laws of
the United States, a contract of indemnity or guarantee, a
contract for insurance, or an entrance or administrative fee
collected by a fantasy sports or rotisserie league where the
operation of or participation in such league does not violate
applicable Federal, State, tribal, or local laws and such
league does not collect fees from or allow participation by
individuals under the age of 18.''.
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF EXISTING PROHIBITION.
(a) In General.--Section 1084 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 1084. Use of a communication facility to transmit bets or
wagers; penalties
``(a) Whoever being engaged in the business of betting or wagering
knowingly uses a communication facility--
``(1) for the transmission in interstate or foreign
commerce, within the special maritime and territorial
jurisdiction of the United States, or to or from any place
outside the jurisdiction of any nation with respect to any
transmission to or from the United States, of bets or wagers,
or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers; or
``(2) for the transmission of a communication in interstate
or foreign commerce, within the special maritime and
territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or to or from
any place outside the jurisdiction of any nation with respect
to any transmission to or from the United States, which
entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result
of bets or wagers, or for information assisting in the placing
of bets or wagers,
shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years,
or both.
``(b) Nothing contained in this section creates immunity from
criminal prosecution under any laws of any State or tribe.
``(c)(1) When any person or entity is notified in writing by a
Federal, State, tribal, or local law enforcement agency, acting within
its jurisdiction, that any communication facility furnished by it is
being used or will be used by its subscriber for the purpose of
transmitting bets or wagers, or information assisting in the placing of
bets or wagers, in interstate or foreign commerce, within the special
maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or to or
from any place outside the jurisdiction of any nation with respect to
any transmission to or from the United States in violation of Federal,
State, tribal, or local law, it shall discontinue or refuse, the
leasing, furnishing, or maintaining of such facility, after reasonable
notice to the subscriber, but no damages, penalty, or forfeiture, civil
or criminal, shall be found against any person or entity for any act
done in compliance with any notice received from a law enforcement
agency. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prejudice the right
of any person affected thereby to secure an appropriate determination,
as otherwise provided by law, in a Federal court or in a State, tribal,
or local tribunal or agency, that such facility should not be
discontinued or removed, or should be restored.
``(2) A notice described in this subsection must--
``(A) identify the communication facility, gambling related
material, or activity that allegedly violates this section, and
allege that such facility, material, or activity violates this
section;
``(B) provide information reasonably sufficient to permit
the provider of the wire communication facility to locate (and,
as appropriate, to discontinue or refuse the leasing,
furnishing, or maintaining) of such facility;
``(C) be supplied to any agent of a provider of the wire
communication facility designated in accordance with section
512(c)(2) of title 17, if information regarding such
designation is readily available to the public;
``(D) provide information that is reasonably sufficient to
permit the provider of the wire communication facility to
contact the law enforcement agency that issued the notice,
including the name of the law enforcement agency, and the name
and telephone number of an individual to contact at the law
enforcement agency (and, if available, the electronic mail
address of that individual); and
``(E) declare under penalties of perjury that the person
submitting the notice is an official of the law enforcement
agency described in subparagraph (D).
``(d) Nothing in this section shall repeal or amend the rights or
privileges secured tribes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of
1988 (25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) or under Indian treaties.
``(e) As used in this section--
``(1) term `State' means a State of the United States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a
commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States;
and
``(2) the term `tribe' or `tribal' refers to an Indian
tribe, as defined under section 4(5) of the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act of 1988 (25 U.S.C. 2703(5)).
``(f) Interactive Computer Service Providers.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Interactive computer service.--The term
`interactive computer service' means any interactive
computer service that operates in interstate or foreign
commerce and provides or enables access by multiple
users to a computer server, including a service that--
``(i) provides an information location tool
to refer to link users to an online location,
including a directory, index, or hypertext
link;
``(ii) is engaged in the transmission,
storage, retrieval, hosting, formatting, or
translation of a communication made by another
person without selection or alteration of the
content of that communication, other than that
done in good faith to prevent or avoid a
violation of law; or
``(iii) provides access to the Internet.
``(B) Interactive computer service provider.--The
term `interactive computer service provider' means any
person that provides an interactive computer service,
to the extent that such person offers or provides such
service.
``(C) Internet.--The term `Internet' means the
international computer network of both Federal and non-
Federal interoperable packet switched data networks.
``(2) Immunity from liability for use by another.--
``(A) In general.--An interactive computer service
provider shall not be liable, under this section or any
other provision of Federal or State law prohibiting or
regulating gambling or gambling-related activities, for
the use of its facilities or services by another person
to engage in Internet gambling activity that violates
such law--
``(i) arising out of any transmitting,
routing, or providing of connections for
gambling-related material or activity
(including intermediate and temporary storage
in the course of such transmitting, routing, or
providing connections) by the provider, if--
``(I) the material or activity was
initiated by or at the direction of a
person other than the provider;
``(II) the transmitting, routing,
or providing of connections is carried
out through an automatic process
without selection of the material or
activity by the provider;
``(III) the provider does not
select the recipients of the material
or activity, except as an automatic
response to the request of another
person; and
``(IV) the material or activity is
transmitted through the system or
network of the provider without
modification of its content; or
``(ii) arising out of any gambling-related
material or activity at an online site residing
on a computer server owned, controlled, or
operated by or for the provider, or arising out
of referring or linking users to an online
location containing such material or activity,
if the material or activity was initiated by or
at the direction of a person other than the
provider.
``(3) Immunity from liability for advertising or
promotional activities.--
``(A) An interactive computer service provider
shall not be liable, under any provision of Federal or
State law prohibiting or regulating gambling or
gambling-related activities, or under any State law
prohibiting or regulating advertising and promotional
activities, for content, provided by another person,
that advertises or promotes gambling activity that
violates such law, unless the provider is engaged in
the business of such gambling.
``(4) Effect on other law.--
``(A) Immunity from liability for compliance.--An
interactive computer service provider shall not be
liable for any damages, penalty, or forfeiture, civil
or criminal, under Federal or State law for taking in
good faith any action to comply with a notice described
in subsection (c).
``(B) Disclaimer of obligations.--Nothing in this
section may be construed to impose or authorize an
obligation on an interactive computer service
provider--
``(i) to monitor material or use of its
service; or
``(ii) except as required by a notice under
subsection (c), to discontinue or refuse the
leasing, furnishing, or maintaining of a
facility.''. | Exempts an interactive computer service from liability for: (1) the use of its facilities or services by another person to engage in Internet gambling; or (2) content provided by another person that advertises or promotes an unauthorized gambling activity. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Comprehensive Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 2000"} | 2,980 | 48 | 0.480929 | 1.168343 | 0.495975 | 4.608696 | 62.586957 | 0.956522 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Graduate Medical Education
Advancement Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. RULES FOR COUNTING RESIDENT TIME FOR DIDACTIC AND SCHOLARLY
ACTIVITIES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
(a) Direct GME.--Section 1886(h) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395ww(h)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)(E)--
(A) by designating the first sentence as a clause
(i) with the heading ``In general'' and appropriate
indentation and by striking ``Such rules'' and
inserting ``Subject to clause (ii), such rules''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(ii) Treatment of certain nonhospital and
didactic activities.--Such rules shall provide
that all time spent by an intern or resident in
an approved medical residency training program
in a nonhospital setting that is primarily
engaged in furnishing patient care (as defined
in paragraph (5)(K)) in non-patient care
activities, such as didactic conferences and
seminars, but not including research not
associated with the treatment or diagnosis of a
particular patient, as such time and activities
are defined by the Secretary, shall be counted
toward the determination of full-time
equivalency.'';
(2) in paragraph (4), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(I) Treatment of certain leave time.--In
determining the hospital's number of full-time
equivalent residents for purposes of this subsection,
all the time that is spent by an intern or resident in
an approved medical residency training program on
vacation, sick leave, or other approved leave, as such
time is defined by the Secretary, and that does not
prolong the total time the resident is participating in
the approved program beyond the normal duration of the
program shall be counted toward the determination of
full-time equivalency.''; and
(3) in paragraph (5), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(K) Nonhospital setting that is primarily engaged
in furnishing patient care.--The term `nonhospital
setting that is primarily engaged in furnishing patient
care' means a nonhospital setting in which the primary
activity is the care and treatment of patients, as
defined by the Secretary.''.
(b) IME Determinations.--Section 1886(d)(5)(B) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(B)) is amended by adding at the end the following
new clause:
``(x)(I) The provisions of subparagraph (I) of subsection
(h)(4) shall apply under this subparagraph in the same manner
as they apply under such subsection.
``(II) In determining the hospital's number of full-time
equivalent residents for purposes of this subparagraph, all the
time spent by an intern or resident in an approved medical
residency training program in non-patient care activities, such
as didactic conferences and seminars, as such time and
activities are defined by the Secretary, that occurs in the
hospital shall be counted toward the determination of full-time
equivalency if the hospital--
``(aa) is recognized as a subsection (d) hospital;
``(bb) is recognized as a subsection (d) Puerto
Rico hospital;
``(cc) is reimbursed under a reimbursement system
authorized under section 1814(b)(3); or
``(dd) is a provider-based hospital outpatient
department.
``(III) In determining the hospital's number of full-time
equivalent residents for purposes of this subparagraph, all the
time spent by an intern or resident in an approved medical
residency training program in research activities that are not
associated with the treatment or diagnosis of a particular
patient, as such time and activities are defined by the
Secretary, shall not be counted toward the determination of
full-time equivalency.''.
(c) Effective Dates; Application.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall implement the
amendments made by this section in a manner so as to apply to
cost reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 1983.
(2) Direct gme.--Section 1886(h)(4)(E)(ii) of the Social
Security Act, as added by subsection (a)(1)(B), shall apply to
cost reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.
(3) IME.--Section 1886(d)(5)(B)(x)(III) of the Social
Security Act, as added by subsection (b), shall apply to cost
reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 2001. Such
section, as so added, shall not give rise to any inference on
how the law in effect prior to such date should be interpreted.
(4) Application.--The amendments made by this section shall
not be applied in a manner that requires reopening of any
settled hospital cost reports as to which there is not a
jurisdictionally proper appeal pending as of the date of the
enactment of this Act on the issue of payment for indirect
costs of medical education under section 1886(d)(5)(B) of the
Social Security Act or for direct graduate medical education
costs under section 1886(h) of such Act.
SEC. 3. RULES FOR COUNTING RESIDENT TIME IN OUTPATIENT SETTINGS.
(a) Direct GME.--Section 1886(h)(4)(E) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)(4)(E)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``under an approved medical residency
program''; and
(2) by striking ``if the hospital incurs all, or
substantially all, of the costs for the training program in
that setting'' and inserting ``if the hospital or hospitals
continue to incur the costs of the residents' stipends and
fringe benefits during the time the residents spend in that
setting.''
(b) IME Determinations.--Section 1886(d)(5)(B)(iv) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(B)(iv)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``under an approved medical residency
training program''; and
(2) by striking ``if the hospital incurs all, or
substantially all, of the costs for the training program in
that setting'' and inserting ``if the hospital or hospitals
continue to incur the costs of the residents' stipends and
fringe benefits during the time the residents spend in that
setting.''
(c) Effective Dates; Application.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall implement the
amendments made by this section in a manner so as to apply to
cost reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.
(2) Application.--The amendments made by this section shall
not be applied in a manner that requires reopening of any
settled hospital cost reports as to which there is not a
jurisdictionally proper appeal pending as of the date of the
enactment of this Act on the issue of payment for indirect
costs of medical education under section 1886(d)(5)(B) of the
Social Security Act or for direct graduate medical education
costs under section 1886(h) of such Act. | Graduate Medical Education Advancement Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to rules for the computation of the number of full-time-equivalent residents in an approved medical residency training program, particularly the counting of time spent in outpatient settings, for purposes of calculating payments to: (1) hospitals for direct graduate medical education (GME) costs; and (2) subsection (d) hospitals with indirect medical education (IME) costs.
(Generally, a subsection (d) hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payments under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system [IPPS] when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)
Requires the counting of hours spent by an intern or resident in a nonhospital setting (that is primarily engaged in furnishing patient care) in non-patient care activities, such as didactic conferences and seminars (but excluding research not associated with the treatment or diagnosis of a particular patient).
Requires the counting as well of all the time spent on vacation, sick leave, or other approved leave that does not prolong the total time the resident is participating in the approved program beyond its normal duration.
Revises rules for counting resident time in outpatient settings with respect to GME and IME costs to include the costs of the residents' stipends and fringe benefits during the time residents spend in such a setting. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to treatment of didactic and scholarly activities and training in outpatient settings for purposes of payment for graduate medical education under the Medicare Program."} | 1,676 | 303 | 0.646043 | 2.186879 | 0.70746 | 3.596296 | 5.266667 | 0.87037 |
SECTION. 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Railroad Track Modernization Act of
2001''.
SEC. 2. CAPITAL GRANTS FOR RAILROAD TRACK.
(a) Amendment.--Chapter 223 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
``CHAPTER 223--CAPITAL GRANTS FOR RAILROAD TRACK
``Sec.
``22301. Capital grants for railroad track.
``Sec. 22301. Capital grants for railroad track
``(a) Establishment of Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall
establish a program of capital grants for the rehabilitation,
preservation, or improvement of railroad track (including
roadbed, bridges, and related track structures) of class II and
class III railroads. Such grants shall be for rehabilitating,
preserving, or improving track used primarily for freight
transportation to a standard ensuring that the track can be
operated safely and efficiently, including grants for
rehabilitating, preserving, or improving track to handle
286,000 pound rail cars. Grants may be provided under this
chapter--
``(A) directly to the class II or class III
railroad; or
``(B) with the concurrence of the class II or class
III railroad, to a State or local government.
``(2) State cooperation.--Class II and class III railroad
applicants for a grant under this chapter are encouraged to
utilize the expertise and assistance of State transportation
agencies in applying for and administering such grants. State
transportation agencies are encouraged to provide such
expertise and assistance to such railroads.
``(3) Interim regulations.--Not later than December 31,
2001, the Secretary shall issue temporary regulations to
implement the program under this section. Subchapter II of
chapter 5 of title 5 does not apply to a temporary regulation
issued under this paragraph or to an amendment to such a
temporary regulation.
``(4) Final regulations.--Not later than October 1, 2002,
the Secretary shall issue final regulations to implement the
program under this section.
``(b) Maximum Federal Share.--The maximum Federal share for
carrying out a project under this section shall be 80 percent of the
project cost. The non-Federal share may be provided by any non-Federal
source in cash, equipment, or supplies. Other in-kind contributions may
be approved by the Secretary on a case by case basis consistent with
this chapter.
``(c) Project Eligibility.--For a project to be eligible for
assistance under this section the track must have been operated or
owned by a class II or class III railroad as of the date of the
enactment of the Railroad Track Modernization Act of 2001.
``(d) Use of Funds.--Grants provided under this section shall be
used to implement track capital projects as soon as possible. In no
event shall grant funds be contractually obligated for a project later
than the end of the third Federal fiscal year following the year in
which the grant was awarded. Any funds not so obligated by the end of
such fiscal year shall be returned to the Secretary for reallocation.
``(e) Additional Purpose.--In addition to making grants for
projects as provided in subsection (a), the Secretary may also make
grants to supplement direct loans or loan guarantees made under title V
of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45
U.S.C. 822(d)), for projects described in the last sentence of section
502(d) of such title. Grants made under this subsection may be used, in
whole or in part, for paying credit risk premiums, lowering rates of
interest, or providing for a holiday on principal payments.
``(f) Employee Protection.--The Secretary shall require as a
condition of any grant made under this section that the recipient
railroad provide a fair arrangement at least as protective of the
interests of employees who are affected by the project to be funded
with the grant as the terms imposed under section 11326(a), as in
effect on the date of the enactment of the Railroad Track Modernization
Act of 2001.
``(g) Labor Standards.--
``(1) Prevailing wages.--The Secretary shall ensure that
laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and
subcontractors in construction work financed by a grant made
under this section will be paid wages not less than those
prevailing on similar construction in the locality, as
determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Act of March 3,
1931 (known as the Davis-Bacon Act; 40 U.S.C. 276a et seq.).
The Secretary shall make a grant under this section only after
being assured that required labor standards will be maintained
on the construction work.
``(2) Wage rates.--Wage rates in a collective bargaining
agreement negotiated under the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151
et seq.) are deemed for purposes of this subsection to comply
with the Act of March 3, 1931 (known as the Davis-Bacon Act; 40
U.S.C. 276a et seq.).
``(h) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study of the projects
carried out with grant assistance under this section to determine the
public interest benefits associated with the light density railroad
networks in the States and their contribution to a multimodal
transportation system. Not later than March 31, 2003, the Secretary
shall report to Congress any recommendations the Secretary considers
appropriate regarding the eligibility of light density rail networks
for Federal infrastructure financing.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation $350,000,000 for each
of the fiscal years 2002 through 2004 for carrying out this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The item relating to chapter 223 in the
table of chapters of subtitle V of title 49, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
``223. CAPITAL GRANTS FOR RAILROAD TRACK.................... 22301''. | Railroad Track Modernization Act of 2001 - Amends Federal rail transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program of capital grants to class II and class III railroads (or with the concurrence of such railroads, to a State or local government) to rehabilitate, preserve, or improve railroad track (including roadbed, bridges, and related track structures) used primarily for freight transportation to a standard to ensure that it can be operated safely and efficiently and accommodate 286,000 pound rail cars.Declares that the Federal share of costs for such projects shall be 80 percent.Sets forth certain grant and project requirements.Authorizes the Secretary to also make grants to supplement direct loans or loan guarantees (including for paying credit risk premiums, lowering rates of interest, or providing for a holiday on principal payments) for projects primarily benefitting non-class I freight railroad carriers.Sets forth certain employee protection and prevailing wage requirements with respect to projects financed by such grants.Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on such projects to determine the public interest benefits associated with the light density railroad networks in the States and their contribution to a multimodal transportation system.Authorizes appropriations for FY 2002 through 2004. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To authorize the Secretary of Transportation to establish a grant program for the rehabilitation, preservation, or improvement of railroad track."} | 1,342 | 268 | 0.630852 | 1.766814 | 0.816916 | 4.0837 | 5.259912 | 0.885463 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``More Water and Security for
Californians Act''.
SEC. __. COMPLIANCE WITH ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The economy of the San Joaquin Valley in California is
predominantly based on irrigated agriculture served water to
the Westside and southern end of the San Joaquin Valley by--
(A) the Central Valley Project; and
(B) the California State Water Project.
(2) The quantity of water available for irrigated
agriculture in these areas of the San Joaquin Valley served by
the Central Valley Project and the California State Water
Project has been reduced significantly as a result of
restrictions placed on the operations of the Central Valley
Project and the California State Water Project under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(3) California's San Joaquin Valley is one of the most
fertile agricultural regions in the world, and produces more
than 250 different crops with an estimated value of
$17,000,000,000 per year, supplying about 8 percent of United
States agricultural production and approximately 40 percent of
the Nation's fruits and vegetables on less than 1 percent of
United States farmland. Crops grown in the San Joaquin Valley
are exported to 100 countries around the world. The San Joaquin
Valley is an essential source of food supplies for the United
States and the world.
(4) Water supply shortages resulting from regulatory
restrictions on the operations of the Central Valley Project
and the California State Water Project have greatly exacerbated
the economic recession and contributed to an economic crisis in
the San Joaquin Valley.
(5)(A) More than 400,000 acres of highly productive
farmland in the San Joaquin Valley were fallowed in 2009.
(B) Unemployment rates in small rural communities in the
San Joaquin Valley remain over 25 percent.
(C) Food banks throughout the San Joaquin Valley face
unprecedented demand from unemployed residents.
(6) Any water not captured and stored by the Central Valley
Project and the California State Water Project is water that
could have been used to sustain irrigated agriculture and the
many businesses and communities that rely on it throughout the
Central Valley of California.
(7) Deliveries to water agencies that rely on exports from
the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (California Bay-Delta) are
expected to remain at reduced levels this year due to pumping
restrictions imposed on operations of the Central Valley
Project and the California State Water Project under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) in the
early part of 2013.
(8) Due to reduced surface water supplies, reliance on
groundwater has increased, and the withdrawals from the
aquifers are unsustainable and put significant infrastructure
at risk of collapse, including the State Water Project's
California Aqueduct, due to permanent subsidence of land over
the over-drafted aquifers.
(9) Significant habitat for a number of native fish species
in the California Bay-Delta (including tidal marsh and
wetlands), and access to spawning grounds, have been
significantly reduced during the last century.
(10) Discharge of pollutants and invasive species have
dramatically impaired the ecosystem of the California Bay-
Delta.
(11) Large-scale and sustained habitat restoration and fish
passage improvements are essential--
(A) to restore the unique ecosystem of the
California Bay-Delta; and
(B) to recover native species in the California
Bay-Delta.
(12) As of the date of enactment of this Act, Federal and
State agencies, and a number of interested parties, continue to
develop the Bay Delta Conservation Plan to establish a habitat
conservation plan--
(A) to provide ecosystem restoration;
(B) to contribute to native species recovery; and
(C) to allow for projects to proceed that restore
and protect water supplies for--
(i) the Central Valley Project; and
(ii) the California State Water Project.
(b) Compliance.--
(1) In general.--All requirements of the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) relating to operations of
the Central Valley Project and the California State Water
Project (``Projects'') shall be deemed satisfied with regard to
the species and their critical habitat covered by the
biological opinions for the operations of the Central Valley
Project and the California State Water Project issued by the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service and dated December 15,
2008, and the National Marine Fisheries Service and dated June
4, 2009 (the ``biological opinions''), if--
(A) the alternatives described in that portion of
the biological opinions entitled ``Reasonable and
Prudent Alternatives'' are implemented; and
(B) the actions described in paragraph (2) are
carried out.
(2) Mandates.--The Secretary of the Interior and the
Secretary of Commerce shall ensure the following:
(A) Flows.--For each calendar year, during the
period beginning on December 1 and ending on June 30,
neither biological opinion described in paragraph (1)
shall restrict flow in Old and Middle Rivers to a 14-
day average of the mean daily flow to achieve flow less
negative than -5,000 cubic feet per second.
(B) Control of pumping operations.--For each
calendar year, during the period beginning on April 1
and ending on May 31, rates of pumping at the C.W.
``Bill'' Jones Pumping Plant and Harvey O. Banks
Pumping Plant shall not be reduced pursuant to the
biological opinion of the National Marine Fisheries
Service described in paragraph (1), except as required
to implement California State Water Resources Control
Board Water Rights Decision 1641 or a superseding water
rights decision.
(C) Fall x2.--For each calendar year, during the
period beginning September 1 and ending November 30,
monthly average x2 no greater (more eastward) than 74
km (from the Golden Gate) shall be maintained only to
the extent that such action does not diminish the
capability of either the Central Valley Project or the
California State Water Project to make water available
for other authorized project purposes.
(3) Modification.--The Secretary of the Interior may modify
the flow and pumping operation mandates established in
paragraph (2) upon recommendations of the National Research
Council Committee on Sustainable Water and Environmental
Management in the California Bay-Delta, if such modifications--
(A) would provide greater benefits to the species
covered by the biological opinions described in
paragraph (1); and
(B) would not reduce the water delivery capability
of the Central Valley Project or California State Water
Project more than their delivery capability allowed
under paragraph (2).
(c) Implementation of Action Plan.--As soon as practicable after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior and
the Secretary of Commerce shall--
(1) establish a fish hatchery program or refuge to preserve
and restore the delta smelt in collaboration with the Governor
of the State of California; and
(2) implement a habitat program under which each Secretary
shall identify, prioritize, and implement key ecosystem
restoration and fish passage projects in the ecosystem of, and
on tributaries to, the California Bay-Delta to help ensure the
viability of--
(A) at-risk species; and
(B) species listed as threatened species or
endangered species on the list of threatened species or
the list of endangered species published under section
4(c)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1533(c)(1)); and
(3) install the Head of Old River Barrier during the April-
May pulse flow, as set forth in California State Water
Resources Control Board Water Rights Decision 1641.
(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall--
(1) diminish or result in a reduction of the water supply
deliveries of the California State Water Project to its
contractors; nor
(2) shift an existing obligation of the Central Valley
Project to the California State Water Project or any other
legal user of water.
(e) San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act.--Nothing in this
Act shall limit or otherwise affect the implementation of the San
Joaquin River Restoration Settlement of the San Joaquin River
Restoration Settlement Act (Public Law 111-11), including the Water
Management Goal.
(f) No Further Restriction.--No State or any political subdivision
thereof shall adopt or attempt to enforce any requirements relating to
the impact of the operation of the Projects on the species and critical
habitat covered by the biological opinions that is more restrictive
than the requirements of this section. Any State law that authorizes
the imposition of restrictions on the operation of the Projects in a
manner that is more restrictive than this section is expressly
preempted.
(g) Termination.--This section and each authority and mandate under
this section shall terminate upon March 1, 2020. | More Water and Security for Californians Act - Deems requirements of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 relating to operations of the Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project to be satisfied with regard to the species and their critical habitat covered by the biological opinions for the operations of such Projects issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) if: the alternatives described in that portion of the biological opinions entitled "Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives" are implemented; and the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce ensure that: (1) between December 1 and June 30, neither such biological opinion shall restrict flow in Old and Middle Rivers to a 14-day average of the mean daily flow to achieve flow less negative than -5,000 cubic feet per second; (2) between April 1 and May 31, rates of pumping at the C.W. "Bill" Jones Pumping Plant and Harvey O. Banks Pumping Plant shall not be reduced pursuant to such NMFS opinion, except as required to implement California State Water Resources Control Board Water Rights Decision 1641 or a superseding water rights decision; and (3) between September 1 and November 30, a monthly average x2 (salinity zone index) of no greater than 74 km from the Golden Gate shall be maintained only to the extent that such action does not diminish the capability of either the Central Valley Project or the California State Water Project to make water available for other authorized project purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to modify such mandates upon recommendations of the National Research Council Committee on Sustainable Water and Environmental Management in the California Bay-Delta, if such modifications would: (1) provide greater benefits to the species covered by such biological opinions, and (2) not reduce the water delivery capability of such Projects more than their delivery capability allowed under such mandates. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) establish a fish hatchery program or refuge to preserve and restore the delta smelt in collaboration with the governor of California; (2) implement a habitat program under which each Secretary shall identify, prioritize, and implement key ecosystem restoration and fish passage projects in the ecosystem of, and on tributaries to, the California Bay-Delta to help ensure the viability of at-risk species and threatened or endangered species; and (3) install the Head of Old River Barrier during the April-May pulse flow, as set forth in California State Water Resources Control Board Water Rights Decision 1641. Preempts any state law that authorizes the imposition of restrictions on the operation of the Projects in a manner that is more restrictive than this Act. Terminates this Act on March 1, 2020. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "More Water and Security for Californians Act"} | 1,953 | 631 | 0.508554 | 1.930581 | 0.543823 | 6.102767 | 3.577075 | 0.940711 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Pacific Defenders of World War II
Congressional Gold Medal Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) Guam was captured by Imperial Japanese forces on
December 10, 1941, 3 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor and
remained in the hands of the Japanese until June 1944;
(2) the prisoners who remained on Guam suffered atrocities
at the hands of the Japanese, with some prisoners being
transported on hell ships to Japanese prisoner of war camps;
(3) on December 22, 1941, the Japanese took approximately
1,600 prisoners on Wake Island;
(4) approximately 450 members of the Armed Forces and 1,150
civilians were captured on Wake Island and transported on hell
ships to prisoner of war camps in China and Japan;
(5) Major General Edward King led the combined Philippine-
United States force of 75,000 troops in the defense of the
Bataan peninsula, until April 9, 1942, at which point, due to
diminishing resources and disease, Major General King
surrendered soldiers from the United States and the
Commonwealth of the Philippines into enemy hands;
(6) over the next week, the soldiers from the United States
and the Philippine Commonwealth were taken prisoner and forced
to march 65 miles without food, water, or medical care in what
came to be known as the Bataan Death March, where approximately
600 members of the Armed Forces and between 5,000 and 10,000
Filipino soldiers died from starvation disease, exposure,
exhaustion, and abuse by their captors;
(7) on May 6, 1942, the resistance reached its limitations
after a weeklong siege and Lieutenant General Wainwright, as
authorized by President Roosevelt, surrendered the remaining
11,000 troops on Corregidor Island;
(8) on May 10, 1942, the only remaining resistance force in
the archipelago, under the command of Major General William F.
Sharp, surrendered after fighting the Japanese from April 29,
1942, to May 9, 1942, on the island of Mindanao, at which point
Lieutenant General Jonathan Wainwright, as Supreme Allied
Commander, surrendered all Allied Forces in the Philippine
archipelago;
(9) within the first 40 days 1,600 more United States
prisoners died at Camp O'Donnell, a pre-war training camp
turned prisoner of war camp, which had substandard conditions,
leading to increased disease and malnutrition among the
prisoners;
(10) in May 1942, the Japanese began transferring prisoners
of war by sea to Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Manchuria, Sumatra,
Burma, and Siam;
(11) during the transfer, prisoners were crammed into cargo
holds with little air, food or water for journeys that would
last for weeks on what were to be known as the hell ships;
(12) many died due to asphyxia, starvation, or dysentery
and some prisoners became delirious and unresponsive in an
environment of heat, humidity and lack of oxygen, food, and
water;
(13) estimates of more than 126,000 Allied prisoners of war
were transported in 156 voyages on 134 Japanese merchant ships,
of whom more than 21,000 people of the United States were
killed or injured;
(14) on June 6, 1942, 6,000 United States prisoners of war
were transferred to Cabanatuan, north of Camp O'Donnell, where
they were assigned to work details and hard labor and where
3,000 members of the Armed Forces died from disease,
starvation, beatings, and executions;
(15) the campus of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila
was converted to the Santo Tomas Internment Camp by the
Japanese during their occupation of the Philippines, from
January 1942 until February 1945;
(16) Santo Tomas became the internment camp for United
States Army and Navy nurses also known as ``the Angels of
Bataan and Corregidor'', who continued to serve as a nursing
unit while imprisoned and until their liberation;
(17) the prisoners who remained in the camps suffered from
continued mistreatment, malnutrition, lack of medical care, and
horrific conditions;
(18) Operation Blacklist began in early 1945 to locate,
recover, and repatriate all prisoners of war;
(19) over the subsequent decades, these prisoners formed
support groups, were honored in local and State memorials, and
told their story to the people of the United States; and
(20) the people of the United States are forever indebted
to these men and women for--
(A) the courage they demonstrated during the first
4 months of World War II in fighting against enemy
soldiers; and
(B) the perseverance they demonstrated during
subsequent years of capture and imprisonment under
brutal conditions, while maintaining their dignity,
honor, patriotism, and loyalty.
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 gold medal of appropriate design in commemoration of
members of the Armed Forces who fought in defense of Guam, Wake Island,
and the Philippine archipelago between December 7, 1941, and May 10,
1942, and who died or were imprisoned by the Japanese military in the
Philippines, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Wake Island, and Guam from April
9, 1942, until September 2, 1945, in recognition of their personal
sacrifice and service to the United States.
(b) Design and Striking.--For purposes of the presentation under
subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (referred to in this Act
as the ``Secretary'') shall strike a gold medal with suitable emblems,
devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.
(c) Transfer and Display of Medals.--
(1) In general.--Following the presentation of the gold
medal under subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to
the Smithsonian Institution, where it shall be displayed as
appropriate and made available for research.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal
received under paragraph (1) available for display at other
locations, particularly such locations as are associated with
the members of the Armed Forces described under subsection (a).
SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold
medal struck under 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 medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals for
purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code. | Pacific Defenders of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of members of the Armed Forces who fought in defense of Guam, Wake Island, and the Philippine Archipelago between December 7, 1941, and May 10, 1942, and who died or were imprisoned by the Japanese military in the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Wake Island, and Guam from April 9, 1942, until September 2, 1945, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to the United States. Following its presentation, the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution where it shall be displayed and made available for research. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Pacific Defenders of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act"} | 1,489 | 172 | 0.539146 | 1.618292 | 0.640796 | 9.711409 | 9.342282 | 0.959732 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Transferring Credits for College
Completion Act of 2012''.
SEC. 2. DATA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Transfer Completion Data.--Section 132(i)(1) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1015a(i)(1)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(AA) The percentages of degree- or certificate-
seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the
institution who have transferred from another
institution and who obtain a degree or certificate
within--
``(i) the normal time for completion of, or
graduation from, the student's program
(including the time spent as a degree- or
certificate-seeking undergraduate student at
any other institution);
``(ii) 150 percent of the normal time for
completion of, or graduation from, the
student's program (including the time spent as
a degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate
student at any other institution); and
``(iii) 200 percent of the normal time for
completion of, or graduation from, the students
program (including the time spent as a degree-
or certificate-seeking undergraduate student at
any other institution).''.
(b) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect one year after
the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS.
(a) Transfer of Credit Policies.--Section 485(h) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(h)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
(A);
(B) by striking the period at the end of
subparagraph (B) and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) to the extent practicable, in each electronic
and printed publication of the institution's course
schedule published on or after July 1, 2014, in a
manner of the institution's choosing, for each course
or program of study listed in the institution's course
schedule, whether such course or program of study is
transferable for credit toward the completion of a
degree at a public institution of higher education in
the State in which the institution is located.''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting following:
``(2) Articulation agreements.--Except as provided in
paragraph (3), each public institution of higher education
participating in any program under this title shall, not later
than July 1, 2014, enter into an articulation agreement (as
defined in section 486A(a)) held in common with the other
public institutions of higher education that are in the State
in which the institution is located and that are participating
in any such program. Such articulation agreement shall, at a
minimum, include the following:
``(A) A common general education core curriculum
consisting of not less than 30 credit hours or the
equivalent coursework, which are fully acceptable in
transfer at any such public institution of higher
education in the State toward meeting specific degree
or certificate requirements.
``(B) Common course numbering for substantially
similar courses in such common general education core
curriculum.
``(C) A guarantee that an associate degree in an
academic major in the arts or sciences that is awarded
by a public institution of higher education in the
State on or after July 1, 2014, shall be fully
acceptable in transfer and credited as the first 2
years of a related baccalaureate program at a public
institution of higher education in such State.
``(3) Exception for tribal colleges and universities.--A
Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316) shall
not be required to enter into or otherwise participate in an
articulation agreement required under paragraph (2).
``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed to--
``(A) except as provided in paragraph (2),
authorize the Secretary or the National Advisory
Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity to
require particular policies, procedures, or practices
by institutions of higher education with respect to
transfer of credit;
``(B) authorize an officer or employee of the
Department to exercise any direction, supervision, or
control over the curriculum, program of instruction,
administration, or personnel of any institution of
higher education, or over any accrediting agency or
association;
``(C) limit the application of the General
Education Provisions Act;
``(D) require an institution of higher education to
accept or enroll a student; or
``(E) create any legally enforceable right,
including with respect to a guarantee under paragraph
(2)(C), on the part of a student to require an
institution of higher education to accept the student
for enrollment or to accept a transfer of credit from
another institution.''.
(b) Articulation Agreements.--Section 486A(b) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1093a(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by inserting ``that meet the requirements of
section 485(h)(2)'' after ``comprehensive articulation
agreements'';
(B) by inserting ``comprehensive articulation
agreements'' after ``practicable)'';
(C) by striking ``2010'' and inserting ``2014'';
and
(D) by striking the third sentence, including
subparagraphs (A) through (D); and
(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the period at the
end the following: ``and section 485(h)(2)''. | Transferring Credits for College Completion Act of 2012 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to include on the College Navigator website the percentage of undergraduates at an institution of higher education (IHE) who have transferred from another IHE and earned their degree or certificate in their program of study within: (1) the normal time for its completion, (2) 150% of the normal time for its completion, and (3) 200% of the normal time for its completion.
Requires IHEs, to the extent practicable, to include in their course schedule publications information on whether each listed course or program of study is transferable for credit toward the completion of a degree at a public IHE located in their state.
Requires each public IHE, by July 1, 2014, to enter into an articulation agreement with the other public IHEs located in its state.
Requires those agreements to include: (1) a common general education core curriculum consisting of at least 30 credit hours or equivalent coursework that are fully transferable toward meeting specific degree or certificate requirements at other public IHEs in the state, (2) common course numbering for substantially similar courses in that curriculum, and (3) a guarantee that an associate degree in an academic major in the arts and sciences at a public IHE in the state will be credited as the first 2 years of a related baccalaureate program at other public IHEs in the state.
Excepts Tribal Colleges or Universities from those articulation agreement requirements. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To increase transparency and reduce students' burdens related to transferring credits between institutions of higher education."} | 1,251 | 328 | 0.578363 | 1.648443 | 0.824357 | 3.00346 | 4.041522 | 0.871972 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Commemorative Coin Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to
securing the Nation's fundamental principles of liberty and
justice for all its citizens;
(2) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the leading civil
rights advocate of his time, spearheading the civil rights
movement in the United States during the 1950's and 1960's;
(3) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the keynote speaker at
the August 28, 1963, March on Washington, the largest rally of
the civil rights movement, during which, from the steps of the
Lincoln Memorial and before a crowd of more than 200,000
people, he delivered his famous ``I Have A Dream'' speech, one
of the classic orations in American history;
(4) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a champion of
nonviolence, fervently advocated nonviolent resistance as the
strategy to end segregation and racial discrimination in
America, and was awarded the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize in
recognition of his efforts;
(5) all Americans should commemorate the legacy of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. so ``that one day this Nation will rise
up and live out the true meaning of its creed: `We hold these
truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal.''';
and
(6) efforts are underway to secure the personal papers of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for the Library of Congress so
that they may be preserved and studied for generations to come.
SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) $1 Silver Coins.--The Secretary of the Treasury (in this Act
referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue not more than
500,000 $1 coins, each of which shall--
(1) weigh 26.73 grams;
(2) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and
(3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
(b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal
tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.
SEC. 4. SOURCES OF BULLION.
The Secretary shall obtain silver for minting coins under this Act
from all available sources, including stockpiles established under the
Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.
SEC. 5. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this
Act shall be emblematic of the human rights legacy and
leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(2) Designation and inscriptions.--On each coin minted
under this Act, there shall be--
(A) a designation of the value of the coin;
(B) an inscription of the year ``2003''; and
(C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God
We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E
Pluribus Unum''.
(b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act
shall be--
(1) selected by the Secretary, after consultation with the
Librarian of Congress, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the
estate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory
Committee.
SEC. 6. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued
in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Mint Facility.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may
be used to strike any particular quality of the coins minted under this
Act.
(c) Period for Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted
under this Act only during the 1-year period beginning on January 15,
2004.
SEC. 7. SALE OF COINS.
(a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by
the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of--
(1) the face value of the coins;
(2) the surcharge provided in subsection (c) with respect
to such coins; and
(3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including
labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses,
marketing, and shipping).
(b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins
issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.
(c) Surcharges.--All sales of coins issued under this Act shall
include a surcharge of $10 per coin.
SEC. 8. DISTRIBUTION OF SURCHARGES.
Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code, all
surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued
under this Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Library
of Congress for the purposes of purchasing and maintaining historical
documents and other materials associated with the life and legacy of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Coin Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 silver coins emblematic of the human rights legacy and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Requires that: (1) all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $10 per coin; and (2) all surcharges from coin sales be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Library of Congress for purchasing and maintaining materials associated with the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to the United States."} | 1,131 | 114 | 0.591106 | 1.682699 | 0.628204 | 5.22 | 10.22 | 0.98 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hope for Children Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF ADOPTION CREDIT AND ADOPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Adoption credit.--Section 23(a)(1) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to allowance of credit) is
amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--In the case of an individual, there
shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this
chapter--
``(A) in the case of an adoption of a child other
than a child with special needs, the amount of the
qualified adoption expenses paid or incurred by the
taxpayer, and
``(B) in the case of an adoption of a child with
special needs, $10,000.''.
(2) Adoption assistance programs.--Section 137(a) of such
Code (relating to adoption assistance programs) is amended to
read as follows:
``(a) In General.--Gross income of an employee does not include
amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for adoption expenses
in connection with the adoption of a child by an employee if such
amounts are furnished pursuant to an adoption assistance program. The
amount of the exclusion shall be--
``(1) in the case of an adoption of a child other than a
child with special needs, the amount of the qualified adoption
expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer, and
``(2) in the case of an adoption of a child with special
needs, $10,000.''.
(b) Dollar Limitations.--
(1) Dollar amount of allowed expenses.--
(A) Adoption expenses.--Section 23(b)(1) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to allowance of
credit) is amended--
(i) by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting
``$10,000'',
(ii) by striking ``($6,000, in the case of
a child with special needs)'', and
(iii) by striking ``subsection (a)'' and
inserting ``subsection (a)(1)(A)''.
(B) Adoption assistance programs.--Section
137(b)(1) of such Code (relating to dollar limitations
for adoption assistance programs) is amended--
(i) by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting
``$10,000'', and
(ii) by striking ``($6,000, in the case of
a child with special needs)'', and
(iii) by striking ``subsection (a)'' and
inserting ``subsection (a)(1)''.
(2) Phase-out limitation.--
(A) Adoption expenses.--Clause (i) of section
23(b)(2)(A) of such Code (relating to income
limitation) is amended by striking ``$75,000'' and
inserting ``$150,000''.
(B) Adoption assistance programs.--Section
137(b)(2)(A) of such Code (relating to income
limitation) is amended by striking ``$75,000'' and
inserting ``$150,000''.
(c) Year Credit Allowed.--Section 23(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to year credit allowed) is amended by adding at
the end the following new flush sentence:
``In the case of the adoption of a child with special needs,
the credit allowed under paragraph (1) shall be allowed for the
taxable year in which the adoption becomes final.''.
(d) Repeal of Sunset Provisions.--
(1) Children without special needs.--Paragraph (2) of
section 23(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to
definition of eligible child) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Eligible child.--The term `eligible child' means any
individual who--
``(A) has not attained age 18, or
``(B) is physically or mentally incapable of caring
for himself.''.
(2) Adoption Assistance Programs.--Section 137 of such Code
(relating to adoption assistance programs) is amended by
striking subsection (f).
(e) Adjustment of Dollar and Income Limitations for Inflation.--
(1) Adoption credit.--Section 23 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to adoption expenses) is amended by
redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i) and by inserting
after subsection (g) the following new subsection:
``(h) Adjustments for Inflation.--In the case of a taxable year
beginning after December 31, 2002, each of the dollar amounts in
subsection (a)(1)(B) and paragraphs (1) and (2)(A)(i) of subsection (b)
shall be increased by an amount equal to--
``(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(2) 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 2001' for
`calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.''.
(2) Adoption assistance programs.--Section 137 of such Code
(relating to adoption assistance programs), as amended by
subsection (d), is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(f) Adjustments for Inflation.--In the case of a taxable year
beginning after December 31, 2002, each of the dollar amounts in
subsection (a)(2) and paragraphs (1) and (2)(A) of subsection (b) shall
be increased by an amount equal to--
``(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(2) 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 2001' for
`calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.''.
(f) Limitation Based on Amount of Tax.--
(1) In general.--Section 23(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (relating to carryforwards of unused credit) is amended
by striking ``the limitation imposed'' and all that follows
through ``1400C)'' and inserting ``the applicable tax
limitation''.
(2) Applicable tax limitation.--Section 23(d) of such Code
(relating to definitions) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(4) Applicable tax limitation.--The term `applicable tax
limitation' means the sum of--
``(A) the taxpayer's regular tax liability for the
taxable year, reduced (but not below zero) by the sum
of the credits allowed by sections 21, 22, 24 (other
than the amount of the increase under subsection (d)
thereof), 25, and 25A, and
``(B) the tax imposed by section 55 for such
taxable year.''.
(3) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 26(a) of such Code (relating to
limitation based on amount of tax) is amended by
inserting ``(other than section 23)'' after ``allowed
by this subpart''.
(B) Section 53(b)(1) of such Code (relating to
minimum tax credit) is amended by inserting ``reduced
by the aggregate amount taken into account under
section 23(d)(3)(B) for all such prior taxable years,''
after ``1986,''.
(g) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001. | Hope for Children Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the expenses allowable towards the adoption credit. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the adoption credit, and for other purposes."} | 1,718 | 25 | 0.528921 | 1.239611 | 0.366503 | 2.15 | 75.3 | 0.85 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Emergency Unemployment Compensation
Expansion Act''.
SEC. 2. TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROVISIONS.
(a) In General.--(1) Section 4007 of the Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``November 30, 2010'' each place it appears
and inserting ``January 3, 2012'';
(B) in the heading for subsection (b)(2), by striking
``november 30, 2010'' and inserting ``january 3, 2012''; and
(C) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``April 30, 2011''
and inserting ``June 9, 2012''.
(2) Section 2005 of the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and
Struggling Families Act, as contained in Public Law 111-5 (26 U.S.C.
3304 note; 123 Stat. 444), is amended--
(A) by striking ``December 1, 2010'' each place it appears
and inserting ``January 4, 2012''; and
(B) in subsection (c), by striking ``May 1, 2011'' and
inserting ``June 11, 2012''.
(3) Section 5 of the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of
2008 (Public Law 110-449; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended by striking
``April 30, 2011'' and inserting ``June 10, 2012''.
(b) Funding.--Section 4004(e)(1) of the Supplemental Appropriations
Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end;
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following:
``(G) the amendments made by sections 501(a)(1) and
503 of the Emergency Unemployment Compensation
Expansion Act; and''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect as if included in the enactment of the Unemployment Compensation
Extension Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-205).
SEC. 3. TEMPORARY MODIFICATION OF INDICATORS UNDER THE EXTENDED BENEFIT
PROGRAM.
(a) Indicator.--Section 203(d) of the Federal-State Extended
Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended,
in the flush matter following paragraph (2), by inserting after the
first sentence the following sentence: ``Effective with respect to
compensation for weeks of unemployment beginning after the date of
enactment of the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Expansion Act (or,
if later, the date established pursuant to State law), and ending on or
before December 31, 2011, the State may by law provide that the
determination of whether there has been a state `on' or `off' indicator
beginning or ending any extended benefit period shall be made under
this subsection as if the word `two' were `three' in subparagraph
(1)(A).''.
(b) Alternative Trigger.--Section 203(f) of the Federal-State
Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph:
``(2) Effective with respect to compensation for weeks of
unemployment beginning after the date of enactment of the Emergency
Unemployment Compensation Expansion Act (or, if later, the date
established pursuant to State law), and ending on or before December
31, 2011, the State may by law provide that the determination of
whether there has been a state `on' or `off' indicator beginning or
ending any extended benefit period shall be made under this subsection
as if the word `either' were `any', the word `both' were `all', and the
figure `2' were `3' in clause (1)(A)(ii).''.
SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL FIRST-TIER EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION.
(a) In General.--Section 4002(b)(1) of the Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``80'' and inserting
``131''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``20'' and inserting
``34''.
(b) Coordination Rule.--Section 4002(f) of the Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is
amended by adding the following:
``(3) Rule relating to additional weeks of first-tier
emergency unemployment compensation.--If a State determines
that implementation of the increased entitlement to first-tier
emergency unemployment compensation by reason of the amendments
made by section 503(a) of the Emergency Unemployment
Compensation Expansion Act would unduly delay the prompt
payment of emergency unemployment compensation under this
title, such State may elect to pay second-tier emergency
unemployment compensation prior to the payment of such
increased first-tier emergency unemployment compensation until
such time as such State determines that such increased first-
tier emergency unemployment compensation may be paid without
such undue delay. If a State makes the election under the
preceding sentence, then, for purposes of determining whether
an account may be augmented for third-tier emergency
unemployment compensation under subsection (d), such State
shall treat the date of exhaustion of such increased first-tier
emergency unemployment compensation as the date of exhaustion
of second-tier emergency unemployment compensation, if such
date is later than the date of exhaustion of the second-tier
emergency unemployment compensation.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect as if included in the enactment of the Unemployment Compensation
Extension Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-205), except that no additional
first-tier emergency unemployment compensation shall be payable by
virtue of the amendments made by subsection (a) (beyond the maximum
amount that would have been payable absent those amendments) with
respect to any week of unemployment commencing before the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. TECHNICAL CORRECTION RELATING TO REPEAL OF CONTINUED DUMPING
AND SUBSIDY OFFSET.
(a) In General.--Section 822(2)(A) of the Claims Resolution Act of
2010 is amended by striking ``or'' and inserting ``and''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect as if included in the provisions of the Claims Resolution
Act of 2010.
SEC. 6. ADDITIONAL EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS UNDER THE RAILROAD
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ACT.
(a) Extension.--Section 2(c)(2)(D)(iii) of the Railroad
Unemployment Insurance Act, as added by section 2006 of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) and as amended
by section 9 of the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act
of 2009 (Public Law 111-92), is amended--
(1) by striking ``June 30, 2010'' and inserting ``June 30,
2011''; and
(2) by striking ``December 31, 2010'' and inserting
``December 31, 2011''.
(b) Clarification on Authority To Use Funds.--Funds appropriated
under either the first or second sentence of clause (iv) of section
2(c)(2)(D) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act shall be
available to cover the cost of additional extended unemployment
benefits provided under such section 2(c)(2)(D) by reason of the
amendments made by subsection (a) as well as to cover the cost of such
benefits provided under such section 2(c)(2)(D), as in effect on the
day before the date of the enactment of this Act. | Emergency Unemployment Compensation Expansion Act - Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 with respect to the state-established individual emergency unemployment compensation account (EUCA). Extends the final date for entering a federal-state agreement under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program through January 3, 2012. Postpones the termination of the program until June 9, 2012.
Amends the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act to extend until January 4, 2012, requirements that federal payments to states cover 100% of EUC.
Amends the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 to exempt weeks of unemployment between enactment of this Act and June 10, 2012, from the prohibition in the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 against federal matching payments to a state for the first week in an individual's eligibility period for which extended compensation or sharable regular compensation is paid if the state law provides for payment of regular compensation to an individual for his or her first week of otherwise compensable unemployment. (Thus allows temporary federal matching for the first week of extended benefits for states with no waiting period.)
Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to authorize a state by law to apply certain requirements of the Act, with specified substitutions, for determining an extended unemployment compensation period. Requires the state's "on" and "off" indicators to be based on its rate of insured unemployment and rate of total unemployment for the period between enactment of this Act (or, if later, the date established pursuant to state law), and ending on or before December 31, 2011.
Revises the formula for making Tier-1 credits in an applicant's emergency unemployment compensation account (EUCA) for a benefit year. Increases the figures in the formula (the lesser of which shall be the amount credited): (1) from 80% to 131% of the total amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable to the individual during the benefit year; and (2) from 20 to 34 times the individual's average weekly benefit amount for the benefit year.
Authorizes a state to elect to pay Tier-2 EUC before payment of an increased Tier-1 EUC until the state determines that such increased Tier-1 EUC may be paid without undue delay.
Amends the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 to make a technical correction regarding the limitation on distributions relating to repeal of a continued dumping and subsidy offset. Requires that no payments be distributed under certain provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to entries of any goods that are: (1) unliquidated; (2) not in litigation; and (currently, or) (3) under an order of liquidation from the Department of Commerce.
Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to extend through December 31, 2011, the temporary increase in extended unemployment benefits for employees with 10 or more years of service and for those with less than 10. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for the further temporary extension of the emergency unemployment compensation program, and for other purposes."} | 1,893 | 632 | 0.534758 | 1.765427 | 0.544267 | 2.100539 | 2.843806 | 0.750449 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Local Community Radio Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 led
to increased ownership consolidation in the radio industry.
(2) At a hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation, on June 4, 2003, all 5 members of
the Federal Communications Commission testified that there has
been, in at least some local radio markets, too much
consolidation.
(3) A commitment to localism--local operations, local
research, local management, locally-originated programming,
local artists, and local news and events--would bolster radio
listening.
(4) Local communities have sought to launch radio stations
to meet their local needs. However, due to the scarce amount of
spectrum available and the high cost of buying and running a
large station, many local communities are unable to establish a
radio station.
(5) In 2003, the average cost to acquire a commercial radio
station was more than $2,500,000.
(6) In January, 2000, the Federal Communications Commission
authorized a new, affordable community radio service called
``low-power FM'' or ``LPFM'' to ``enhance locally focused
community-oriented radio broadcasting''.
(7) Through the creation of LPFM, the Commission sought to
``create opportunities for new voices on the air waves and to
allow local groups, including schools, churches, and other
community-based organizations, to provide programming
responsive to local community needs and interests''.
(8) The Commission made clear that the creation of LPFM
would not compromise the integrity of the FM radio band by
stating, ``We are committed to creating a low-power FM radio
service only if it does not cause unacceptable interference to
existing radio service.''.
(9) Currently, FM translator stations can operate on the
second- and third-adjacent channels to full power radio
stations, up to an effective radiated power of 250 watts,
pursuant to part 74 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations,
using the very same transmitters that LPFM stations will use.
The Commission based its LPFM rules on the actual performance
of these translators that already operate without undue
interference to FM stations. The actual interference record of
these translators is far more useful than any results that
further testing could yield.
(10) Small rural broadcasters were particularly concerned
about a lengthy and costly interference complaint process.
Therefore, in September, 2000, the Commission created a simple
process to address interference complaints regarding LPFM
stations on an expedited basis.
(11) In December, 2000, Congress delayed the full
implementation of LPFM until an independent engineering study
was completed and reviewed. This delay was due to some
broadcasters' concerns that LPFM service would cause
interference in the FM band.
(12) The delay prevented millions of Americans from having
a locally operated, community based radio station in their
neighborhood.
(13) Over 500 LPFM stations were allowed to proceed despite
the congressional action. These stations are currently on the
air and are run by local government agencies, groups promoting
arts and education to immigrant and indigenous peoples,
artists, schools, religious organizations, environmental
groups, organizations promoting literacy, and many other
civically-oriented organizations.
(14) After 2 years and the expenditure of $2,193,343 in
taxpayer dollars to conduct this study, the broadcasters'
concerns were demonstrated to be unsubstantiated.
(15) Minorities represent almost a third of our population.
However, according to the Federal Communication Commission's
most recent Form 323 data on the race and gender of full power,
commercial broadcast licensees, minorities own only 7 percent
of all local television and radio stations. Women represent
more than half of the population, but own only 6 percent of all
local television and radio stations. LPFM stations, while not a
solution to the overall inequalities in minority and female
broadcast ownership, provide an additional opportunity for
underrepresented communities to operate a station and provide
local communities with a greater diversity of viewpoints and
culture.
(16) LPFM stations have proven to be a vital source of
information during local or national emergencies. Out of the
few stations that were able to stay online during Katrina,
several were LPFM stations. In Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, LPFM
station WQRZ remained on the air during Hurricane Katrina and
served as the Emergency Operations Center for Hancock County.
Additionally, after Hurricane Katrina when thousands of
evacuees temporarily housed at the Houston Astrodome were
unable to hear information about the availability of food and
ice, the location of FEMA representatives, and the whereabouts
of missing loved ones over the loud speakers, volunteers handed
out thousands of transistor radios and established a LPFM
station outside the Astrodome to broadcast such information.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF PRIOR LAW.
Section 632 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the
Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (Public Law
106-553; 114 Stat. 2762A-111), is repealed.
SEC. 4. MINIMUM DISTANCE SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS.
The Federal Communications Commission shall modify its rules to
eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements
between--
(1) low-power FM stations; and
(2) full-service FM stations, FM translator stations, and
FM booster stations.
SEC. 5. PROTECTION OF RADIO READING SERVICES.
The Federal Communications Commission shall retain its rules that
provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power non-commercial
FM stations that broadcast radio reading services via a subcarrier
frequency from potential low-power FM station interference.
SEC. 6. ENSURING AVAILABILITY OF SPECTRUM FOR LPFM STATIONS.
The Federal Communications Commission when licensing FM translator
stations shall ensure--
(1) that licenses are available to both FM translator
stations and low-power FM stations; and
(2) that such decisions are made based on the needs of the
local community.
SEC. 7. PROHIBITIONS ON CERTAIN APPLICANTS.
The Federal Communications Commission shall modify the rules
authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations, as proposed
in MM Docket No. 99-25, to prohibit any applicant from obtaining a low-
power FM license if the applicant has engaged in any manner in the
unlicensed operation of any station in violation of section 301 of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301).
SEC. 8. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RULES.
The Federal Communications Commission shall retain its rules that
provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power FM stations
that are licensed in significantly populated States with more than
3,000,000 housing units and a population density greater than 1,000
people per square mile land area.
SEC. 9. FCC STUDY ON IMPACT OF LPFM ON FULL-POWER COMMERCIAL FM
STATIONS.
The Federal Communications Commission shall conduct an economic
study on the impact that low-power FM stations will have on full-power
commercial FM stations. | Local Community Radio Act of 2007 - Repeals provisions in the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, that required the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) modify rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations to prescribe minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels; (2) prohibit applicants who have engaged in the unlicensed operation of any station from obtaining a low-power FM license; and (3) conduct a program to test whether low-power FM radio stations will result in harmful interference to existing FM radio stations if minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels are not required.
Requires the FCC to: (1) modify its rules to eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements between specified stations; and (2) retain rules that provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power noncommercial FM stations that broadcast radio reading services via a subcarrier frequency from potential low-power FM station interference.
Requires the FCC, when licensing FM translator stations, to ensure: (1) that licenses are available to both FM translator stations and low-power FM stations; and (2) that such decisions are made based on the needs of the local community.
Requires the FCC to: (1) modify rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations, as proposed in a specified docket, to prohibit any applicant from obtaining a low-power FM license if the applicant has engaged in any manner in the unlicensed operation of any station; (2) retain its rules that provide third-adjacent channel protection for full-power FM stations that are licensed in states with more than 3,000,000 housing units and a population density greater than 1,000 people per square mile land area; and (3) conduct an economic study on the impact that low-power FM stations will have on full-power commercial FM stations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to implement the recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress regarding low-power FM service."} | 1,571 | 416 | 0.548119 | 1.741141 | 0.724364 | 6.605898 | 3.900804 | 0.9437 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Endangered Species Act Amendments of
2000''.
SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION OF TAKE DEFINITION.
Section 3(19) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1532(19)) is amended to read as follows:
``(19)(A) The term `take' means to harm, pursue, hunt,
shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to
engage in that conduct.
``(B) In subparagraph (A), the term `harm' means an action
that proximately and foreseeably kills or physically injures an
identifiable member of an endangered species.''.
SEC. 3. ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY, EXEMPTING THE WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE,
AND TARGETING REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
Section 7(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1536(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Actions exempt from consultation and conferencing.--
Consultation and conferencing under paragraphs (2) and (4) is
not required for any agency action that--
``(A) is consistent with an incidental taking
permit issued under section 10(a)(1)(B);
``(B) addresses a critical, imminent threat to
public health or safety or a catastrophic natural event
or compliance with Federal, State, or local safety or
public health requirements;
``(C) consists of routine operation, maintenance,
rehabilitation, repair, or replacement to a Federal or
non-Federal project or facility, including--
``(i) the Woodrow Wilson Bridge project in
Maryland and Virginia; and
``(ii) operation of a project or facility
in accordance with a previously issued Federal
license, permit, or other authorization; or
``(D) permits activities that occur on private
land.
``(6) Actions not prohibited.--An agency action shall not
constitute a taking of a species prohibited by this Act or any
regulation issued under this Act if the action is consistent
with--
``(A) an incidental taking permit issued under
section 10(b)(1)(A); or
``(B) the terms and conditions specified in a
written statement provided under subsection (b)(3) of
this section.''.
SEC. 4. STANDARDS FOR RENDERING TAXONOMIC DETERMINATIONS OF SPECIES AND
SUBSPECIES.
Section 4(b)(1) (15 U.S.C. 1533(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(C) Within 18 months after the date of the enactment of the
Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2000, the Secretary shall
promulgate scientifically valid standards for rendering taxonomic
determinations of species and subspecies. The standards shall provide
that to be eligible for determination as a subspecies under this Act, a
subspecies must be reproductively isolated from other subspecific
population units and must constitute a distinct component in the
genetic makeup of the species.''.
SEC. 5. COMPENSATION FOR FEDERAL TAKINGS OF PRIVATE PROPERTY.
(a) In General.--Section 13 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(87 Stat. 902) is amended to read as follows:
``right to compensation
``Sec. 13. (a) Prohibition.--No agency may take an action under
this Act affecting privately owned property that results in the
diminishment of the value of any portion of that property by an amount
equal to or greater than 25 percent of the value of that portion unless
compensation is offered in accordance with this section.
``(b) Compensation for Diminishment.--Any agency that takes an
action referred to in subsection (a)--
``(1) shall compensate the property owner for the
diminution in value of any portion of that property resulting
from the action; or
``(2) at the option of the owner, shall buy that portion of
the property by paying the fair market value of the portion,
determined based on the value of the property before the
diminution and without regard to the presence on the property
of a species listed under section 4(c), or the use of the
property by such a species.
``(c) Request of Owner.--A property owner seeking compensation
under this section shall make a written request for compensation to the
agency whose action would limit the otherwise lawful use of property.
The request shall, at a minimum, identify the affected portion of the
property, the nature of the diminution, and the amount of compensation
claimed.
``(d) Choice of Remedies.--If the parties have not reached an
agreement on compensation within 180 days after the written request is
made, the owner may elect binding arbitration through alternative
dispute resolution or seek compensation due under this section in a
civil action. The parties may by mutual agreement extend the period of
negotiation on compensation beyond the 180-day period without loss of
remedy to the owner under this section. In the event the extension
period lapses the owner may elect binding arbitration through
alternative dispute resolution or seek compensation due under this
section in a civil action.
``(e) Alternative Dispute Resolution.--
``(1) In general.--In the administration of this section--
``(A) arbitration procedures shall be in accordance
with the alternative dispute resolution procedures
established by the American Arbitration Association;
and
``(B) in no event shall arbitration be a condition
precedent or an administrative procedure to be
exhausted before the filing of a civil action under
this section.
``(2) Review of arbitration.--
``(A) Appeal of decision.--Appeal from arbitration
decisions shall be to the United States District Court
for the district in which the property is located or
the United States Court of Federal Claims in the manner
prescribed by law for the claim under this section.
``(B) Rules of enforcement of award.--The
provisions of title 9, United States Code (relating to
arbitration), shall apply to enforcement of awards
rendered under this section.
``(f) Civil Action.--An owner who prevails in a civil action
against any agency pursuant to this section shall be entitled to, and
such agency shall be liable for, just compensation, plus reasonable
attorney's fees and other litigation costs, including appraisal fees.
``(g) Source of Payments.--Any payment made under this section
shall be paid from the responsible agency's annual appropriation
supporting the agency's activities giving rise to the claim for
compensation. If insufficient funds are available to the agency in the
fiscal year in which the award becomes final the agency shall pay the
award from appropriations available in the next fiscal year.
``(h) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section--
``(1) the term `agency' has the meaning given that term in
section 551 of title 5, United States Code;
``(2) the term `agency action' means any action or decision
taken by any agency that at the time of such action or decision
adversely affects private property rights;
``(3) the term `fair market value' means the likely price
at which property would change hands, in a competitive and open
market under all conditions requisite to fair sale, between a
willing buyer and willing seller, neither being under any
compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge
of relevant facts, prior to occurrence of the agency action;
``(4) the term `just compensation'--
``(A) means compensation equal to the full extent
of a property owner's loss, including the fair market
value of the private property taken, whether the taking
is by physical occupation or through regulation,
exaction, or other means; and
``(B) shall include compounded interest calculated
from the date of the taking until the date the United
States tenders payment;
``(5) the term `owner' means the owner or possessor of
property or rights in property at the time the taking occurs,
including when--
``(A) the statute, regulation, rule, order,
guideline, policy, or action is passed or promulgated;
or
``(B) the permit, license, authorization, or
governmental permission is denied or suspended;
``(6) the term `property' means land, an interest in land,
proprietary water rights, and any personal property that is
subject to use by the Federal Government or to a restriction on
use;
``(7) the term `private property' or `property' means all
interests constituting real property, as defined by Federal or
State law, protected under the fifth amendment to the United
States Constitution, any applicable Federal or State law, or
this section, and more specifically constituting--
``(A) real property, whether vested or unvested,
including--
``(i) estates in fee, life estates, estates
for years, or otherwise;
``(ii) inchoate interests in real property
such as remainders and future interests;
``(iii) personalty that is affixed to or
appurtenant to real property;
``(iv) easements;
``(v) leaseholds;
``(vi) recorded liens; and
``(vii) contracts or other security
interests in, or related to, real property;
``(B) the right to use water or the right to
receive water, including any recorded liens on such
water right; or
``(C) rents, issues, and profits of land, including
minerals, timber, fodder, crops, oil and gas, coal, or
geothermal energy.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents at the end of the
first section is amended by striking the item relating to section 13
and inserting the following:
``Sec. 13. Right to compensation.''. | Directs the Secretary to promulgate standards for rendering taxonomic determinations of species and subspecies.
Sets forth provisions for the compensation of Federal actions taken resulting in the diminishment of the value of private property. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2000"} | 2,225 | 49 | 0.389258 | 1.028474 | 0.443505 | 3.405405 | 54.540541 | 0.918919 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Santa Fe National Forest Boundary
Adjustment Act of 1994''.
SEC. 2. BOUNDARY MODIFICATION.
The boundary of the Santa Fe National Forest is hereby modified and
expanded as generally depicted on a map entitled ``Santa Fe National
Forest Boundary Expansion 1994'', dated July 19, 1994. The map shall be
on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Chief,
Forest Service, Washington, DC.
SEC. 3. ATALAYA PEAK EXCHANGES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to
exchange public lands and interests in lands managed by the Bureau of
Land Management for private lands and interests therein depicted on the
map referenced in section 2.
(b) Withdrawal.--Upon the acquisition of lands under subsection (a)
by the Secretary of the Interior, and subject to valid existing rights,
such lands are hereby withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation,
or disposal under the public land laws; from location, entry, and
patent under the mining laws; and from disposition under all laws
pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing.
SEC. 4. INTERCHANGE OF FEDERAL LANDS IN NEW MEXICO.
(a) Identification of Lands.--In conjunction with the land exchange
under section 3, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the
Interior shall identify federally-owned lands and interests in lands
currently situated within the Santa Fe National Forest which are
suitable for transfer to and administration by the Bureau of Land
Management. The identification of National Forest lands available for
such transfer shall utilize criteria which are mutually agreeable to
both of the Secretaries.
(b) Lands Acquired for the Bureau of Land Management.--
(1) Transfer by secretary of agriculture.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall transfer, to the Bureau of Land Management,
those lands and interests in lands identified pursuant to
subsection (a). The transfer shall be effective upon
publication in the Federal Register of notice of such transfer
that identifies such lands and interests.
(2) Boundary modification.--The boundary of the Santa Fe
National Forest shall be modified as of the date of notice
under paragraph (1) to exclude such lands transferred to the
Secretary of the Interior.
(3) Management.--Lands transferred under paragraph (1)
shall be added to and administered by the Bureau of Land
Management as part of the public lands (as defined in section
103(e) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1702(e))).
(c) Lands Acquired for the Forest Service.--
(1) Addition to sante fe national forest.--Lands or
interests in lands--
(A) acquired by the Secretary of the Interior
pursuant to section 3, or
(B) acquired by the Secretary of Agriculture within
the areas identified as ``potential acquisition'' on
the map referenced in section 2,
shall, upon acquisition, be added to and administered as part
of the Santa Fe National Forest in accordance with the laws
relating to the National Forests.
(2) Management prescription.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall manage the lands and interests in lands referred to in
paragraph (1) primarily to preserve open space and scenic
values and to preclude development.
(3) Availability of certain funds.--For purposes of section
7(a)(1) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16
U.S.C. 4601-9(a)(1)), the boundary of the Santa Fe National
Forest, as modified pursuant to this Act, shall be treated as
if it were the boundary as of January 1, 1965.
SEC. 5. SAVINGS PROVISION.
Nothing in this Act shall affect the authorities of the Secretary
of Agriculture to acquire lands in New Mexico by purchase or exchange
and, notwithstanding the Act of June 15, 1926 (16 U.S.C. 471a), all
such lands heretofore or hereafter acquired by the exchange of National
Forest lands shall be managed as a part of the National Forest System.
SEC. 6. IMPLEMENTATION.
The procedures used in carrying out the land transfers by this Act
shall be those procedures agreed to between the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture.
SEC. 7. SEARCH AND RESCUE.
As provided in section 4(c) of the Wilderness Act, mechanical
transport, including motor vehicles, motorized equipment, and the
landing of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, shall be permitted anywhere
within the boundaries of the Santa Fe National Forest with respect to
any emergency involving the health or safety to an individual within
the national forest.
Passed the House of Representatives August 8, 1994.
Attest:
DONNALD K. ANDERSON,
Clerk. | Santa Fe National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 1994 - Modifies and expands the boundary of the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to exchange public lands and interests managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for private lands and interests within the Forest. Withdraws acquired lands from all public land, mining, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws.
Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to identify federally-owned lands and interests currently situated within the Forest which are suitable for transfer to, and administration by, BLM. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer such identified lands to BLM. Modifies the boundary of the Forest to exclude such transferred lands. Requires the lands to be managed as public lands as defined in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.
Requires lands acquired by the Secretaries under this Act to be added to and administered as part of the Forest in accordance with National Forests laws. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to manage such lands primarily to preserve open space and scenic values and to preclude development.
Declares that nothing in this Act shall affect the authorities of the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire lands in New Mexico by purchase or exchange and that all such lands acquired by the exchange of National Forest lands shall be managed as a part of the National Forest System.
Permits mechanical transport anywhere within the boundaries of the Forest with respect to any health or safety emergency. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Santa Fe National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 1994"} | 1,057 | 330 | 0.687368 | 1.921494 | 0.969189 | 4.660777 | 3.339223 | 0.929329 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as ``Post-Conflict Trade Recovery Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) it is in the mutual interest of the United States and
countries emerging from political instability, civil strife, or
armed conflict, to promote stable and sustainable growth and
development of such countries;
(2) democratization and economic progress in countries
emerging from political instability, civil strife, or armed
conflict are important elements of a policy to address
terrorism and endemic instability;
(3) preferential trade and market access arrangements are
not a substitute for, but a complement to, necessary political
and economic reforms that lead to political liberalization and
economic freedom;
(4) countries in the developing world, and in particular
countries emerging from political instability, civil strife, or
armed conflict, experience deepening poverty, slow job
creation, and a declining share of world trade and investment,
while at the same time tend to have population growth rates
among the highest in the world;
(5) such economic conditions are in part the result of
barriers to trade and investment, a failure to engage fully in
the global trading system, lack of participation in the World
Trade Organization, and, often, a lack of economic
diversification and over-reliance on the energy sector;
(6) offering enhanced trade preferences to countries
emerging from political instability, civil strife, or armed
conflict will encourage higher levels of trade and direct
investment and help bring such countries more fully into the
global trading system;
(7) higher levels of trade and investment and greater
involvement in the global trading system can lead to increased
economic development, which can in turn lead to more jobs for
people in countries emerging from political instability, civil
strife, or armed conflict; and
(8) encouraging the reduction of trade and investment
barriers will enhance the benefits of trade and investment for
all participating countries, as well as enhance commercial and
political ties between the United States and such participating
countries.
SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
Congress supports--
(1) encouraging increased trade and investment between the
United States and countries emerging from political
instability, civil strife, or armed conflict;
(2) reducing tariff and nontariff barriers and other
obstacles to trade between the United States and countries
emerging from political instability, civil strife, or armed
conflict;
(3) strengthening and expanding the private sector and
accelerating the rate of job creation in countries emerging
from political instability, civil strife, or armed conflict;
(4) promoting the rule of law, economic reform, political
liberalization, respect for human rights, and the eradication
of poverty in such countries;
(5) facilitating the development of civil societies and
political freedom in such countries;
(6) promoting sustainable development, and protecting and
preserving the environment in a manner consistent with economic
development; and
(7) encouraging such countries to diversify their
economies, implement domestic economic reforms, open to trade,
and adopt anticorruption measures, including through accession
to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public
Officials in International Business Transactions.
SEC. 4. DESIGNATION OF ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES.
(a) In General.--The President is authorized to designate any
country emerging from political instability, civil strife, or armed
conflict as a beneficiary country if the President determines that the
country--
(1) has established, or is making continual progress toward
establishing--
(A) a market-based economy that protects private
property rights, incorporates an open rules-based
trading system, and minimizes government interference
in the economy through measures such as price controls,
subsidies, and government ownership of economic assets;
(B) the rule of law and the right to due process, a
fair trial, and equal protection under the law;
(C) political pluralism, a climate free of
political intimidation and restrictions on peaceful
political activity, and democratic elections that meet
international standards of fairness, transparency, and
participation;
(D) the elimination of barriers to United States
trade and investment, including by--
(i) providing national treatment and
measures to create an environment conducive to
domestic and foreign investment;
(ii) protecting intellectual property; and
(iii) resolving bilateral trade and
investment disputes;
(E) economic policies that reduce poverty, increase
the availability of health care and educational
opportunities, expand physical infrastructure, promote
the development of private enterprise, and encourage
the formation of capital markets through micro-credit
or other programs;
(F) a system to combat corruption and bribery, such
as signing and implementing the OECD Convention on
Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in
International Business Transactions;
(G) protection of internationally recognized worker
rights, including the right of association, the right
to organize and bargain collectively, a prohibition on
the use of any form of forced or compulsory labor, a
minimum age for the employment of children, and
acceptable conditions of work; and
(H) policies that provide a high level of
environmental protection;
(2) does not engage in activities that undermine United
States national security or foreign policy interests;
(3) is a signatory of the United Nations Declaration of
Human Rights, does not engage in gross violations of
internationally recognized human rights, and is making
continuing and verifiable progress on the protection of
internationally recognized human rights, including freedom of
speech and press, freedom of peaceful assembly and association,
and freedom of religion;
(4) is not listed by the United States Department of State
as a state sponsor of terrorism and cooperates fully in
international efforts to combat terrorism; and
(5) otherwise meets the eligibility criteria set forth in
section 502(b)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2462(b)(2)), other than section 502(b)(2)(B).
(b) Rule of Construction.--If a country fails to satisfy one or
more of the requirements contained in subparagraphs (A) through (H) of
subsection (a)(1), but otherwise meets the requirements of subsection
(a), the President may designate the country as a beneficiary country
under this Act if the President determines that such designation will
be in the national economic or security interest of the United States
and transmits to Congress a report that contains the determination and
the reasons therefor.
(c) Continuing Compliance.--If the President determines that a
designated beneficiary country no longer meets the requirements
described in subsection (a), the President shall terminate the
designation of the country made pursuant to subsection (a) and transmit
to Congress a report that contains the determination and the reasons
therefor.
SEC. 5. DESIGNATION OF ELIGIBLE ARTICLES.
(a) Eligible Articles.--Except as provided in sections 503(b)(2)
and (3) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2463(b)(2) and (3)), the
President is authorized to designate articles as eligible for duty-free
treatment from all beneficiary countries for purposes of this section
by Executive order or Presidential proclamation after receiving the
advice of the International Trade Commission in accordance with
subsection (c).
(b) Rules of Origin.--
(1) General rule.--The duty-free treatment provided under
this section shall apply to any eligible article which is the
growth, product, or manufacture of 1 or more beneficiary
countries if--
(A) that article is imported directly from a
beneficiary country into the customs territory of the
United States; and
(B) the sum of--
(i) the cost or value of the materials
produced in 1 or more beneficiary countries,
plus
(ii) the direct cost of processing
operations performed in such beneficiary
country or countries,
is not less than 35 percent of the appraised value of
such article at the time it is entered.
(2) Exclusions.--An article shall not be treated as the
growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary country by
virtue of having merely undergone--
(A) simple combining or packaging operations; or
(B) mere dilution with water or mere dilution with
another substance that does not materially alter the
characteristics of the article.
(3) Regulations.--The Secretary of the Treasury, after
consulting with the United States Trade Representative, shall
prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out
this subsection, including, but not limited to, regulations
providing that, in order to be eligible for duty-free treatment
under this Act, an article--
(A) must be wholly the growth, product, or
manufacture of 1 or more beneficiary countries; or
(B) must be a new or different article of commerce
which has been grown, produced, or manufactured in 1 or
more beneficiary countries.
(c) International Trade Commission Advice.--Before designating an
article as an eligible article under subsection (a), the President
shall publish in the Federal Register and furnish the International
Trade Commission with a list of articles that may be considered for
designation as eligible articles for purposes of this Act. The
President shall comply with the provisions of sections 131, 132, 133,
and 134 of the Trade Act of 1974 as if an action under this section
were an action taken under section 123 of the Trade Act of 1974 to
carry out a trade agreement entered into under section 123.
SEC. 6. TERMINATION OF PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT.
No duty-free treatment or other preferential treatment extended to
beneficiary countries under this Act shall remain in effect after
December 31, 2011. | Post-Conflict Trade Recovery Act - Authorizes the President to designate any country emerging from political instability, civil strife, or armed conflict as a beneficiary country if the country: (1) has established, or is making continual progress toward establishing, a market-based economy, the rule of law and the right to due process, political pluralism, and other specified economic and political goals; (2) does not engage in activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests; (3) is a signatory of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, does not engage in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, and is making continuing and verifiable progress on the protection of internationally recognized human rights; (4) is not listed by the U.S. Department of State as a state sponsor of terrorism, and cooperates fully in international efforts to combat terrorism; and (5) otherwise meets specified eligibility criteria of the Trade Act of 1974.
Provides that if a country fails to meet the requirements of clause (1), but otherwise meets the rest of the requirements, the President may designate the country as a beneficiary country if determined that such designation will be in the national economic or security interest of the United States and reports the determination to Congress and the reason therefor.
Authorizes the President to designate articles as eligible for duty-free treatment from all beneficiary countries for purposes of this Act by Executive order or presidential proclamation after receiving the advice of the International Trade Commission.
Prescribes the rule of origin for eligible articles imported directly from beneficiary countries.
Terminates on December 31, 2011, the duty-free treatment or other preferential treatment extended to beneficiary countries under this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To extend certain trade benefits to countries emerging from political instability, civil strife, or armed conflict."} | 2,029 | 358 | 0.528722 | 1.848517 | 0.718707 | 6.541538 | 6.067692 | 0.941538 |
SECTION 1. HOV FACILITIES.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 1 of title 23, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 165. HOV facilities
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Dedicated alternative fuel vehicle.--The term
`dedicated alternative fuel vehicle' means a vehicle that
operates solely on--
``(A) methanol, denatured ethanol, or other
alcohols;
``(B) a mixture containing at least 85 percent of
methanol, denatured ethanol, or other alcohols by
volume with gasoline or other fuels;
``(C) natural gas;
``(D) liquefied petroleum gas;
``(E) hydrogen;
``(F) coal derived liquid fuels;
``(G) fuels (except alcohol) derived from
biological materials;
``(H) electricity, including electricity from solar
energy; or
``(I) any other fuel that the Secretary prescribes
by regulation that is not substantially petroleum and
that would yield substantial energy security and
environmental benefits.
``(2) HOV facility.--The term `HOV facility' means a high
occupancy vehicle facility.
``(3) Low-emission and energy-efficient vehicle.--The term
`low-emission and energy-efficient vehicle' means a vehicle
that--
``(A) has been certified by the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency as meeting the Tier
II emission level established in regulations prescribed
by the Administrator under section 202(i) of the Clean
Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7521(i)) for that make and model
year vehicle; and
``(B)(i) has propulsion energy drawn from onboard
hybrid sources of stored energy that are--
``(I) an internal combustion or heat engine
using consumable fuel;
``(II) a rechargeable energy storage
system; and
``(III) certified by the manufacturer to
have achieved either a 10 percent or more
increase in city fuel economy relative to a
comparable vehicle that is an internal
combustion gasoline fueled vehicle (other than
a vehicle that has propulsion energy from such
onboard hybrid sources), or a 10 percent or
more vehicle increase in lifetime fuel savings
relative to a comparable vehicle, determined in
accordance with guidelines prescribed by the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this section, specifying
procedures and methods for calculating either
increase and making the comparison, except that
the State agency referred to in this section
may, subject to the guidelines, increase in
combination the percentage under this subclause
in furtherance of its responsibilities with
respect to a HOV facility specified in
subsection (e); or
``(ii) is a dedicated alternative fuel vehicle.
``(4) Public transportation vehicle.--The term `public
transportation vehicle' means a vehicle that provides public
transportation (as defined in section 5302(a) of title 49).
``(5) State agency.--The term `State agency', as used with
respect to a HOV facility, means an agency of a State or local
government (including a State transportation department) having
jurisdiction over the operation of the facility.
``(6) Advanced lean burn technology vehicle.--The term
`advanced lean burn technology vehicle' means a vehicle with an
internal combustion engine that--
``(A) is designed to operate primarily using more
air than is necessary for complete combustion of fuel;
``(B) incorporates direct injection;
``(C) achieves at least 125 percent of city fuel
economy of a comparable vehicle; and
``(D) has received a certificate that the vehicle
meets or exceeds--
``(i) in the case of a vehicle having a
gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or
less, the Bin 5 II emission standard
established by regulations under section 202(i)
of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7521(i)); and
``(ii) in the case of a vehicle having a
gross vehicle weight rating of more than 6,000
pounds but not more than 8,500 pounds, the Bin
8 Tier II emission standard established by
regulations under section 202(i) of the Clean
Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7521(i)).
``(b) In General.--
``(1) Authority of state agencies.--A State agency that has
jurisdiction over the operation of a HOV facility shall
establish the occupancy requirements of vehicles operating on
the facility.
``(2) Occupancy requirement.--Except as otherwise provided
by this section, not fewer than 2 occupants per vehicle may be
required for use of a HOV facility.
``(c) Exceptions to Occupancy Requirement.--Notwithstanding the
occupancy requirements of subsection (b)(2), the following exceptions
shall apply with respect to a State agency operating a HOV facility:
``(1) Motorcycles and bicycles.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
State agency shall allow motorcycles and bicycles to
use the HOV facility.
``(B) Safety exception.--
``(i) In general.--A State agency may
restrict use of the HOV facility by motorcycles
or bicycles if the agency certifies to the
Secretary that such use would create a safety
hazard and the Secretary accepts the
certification.
``(ii) Notice.--The Secretary may accept a
certification under clause (i) only after the
Secretary publishes notice of the certification
in the Federal Register and provides an
opportunity for public comment.
``(2) Public transportation vehicles.--The State agency may
allow public transportation vehicles to use the HOV facility if
the agency--
``(A) establishes requirements for clearly
identifying the vehicles; and
``(B) establishes procedures for enforcing the
restrictions on the use of the facility by the
vehicles.
``(3) High occupancy toll vehicles.--The State agency may
allow vehicles that are not otherwise exempt under this
subsection to use the HOV facility if--
``(A) the operators of the vehicles pay a toll
charged by the agency for use of the facility; and
``(B) the agency--
``(i) establishes a program that addresses
how motorists can enroll and participate in the
toll program;
``(ii) develops, manages, and maintains a
system that will automatically collect the
toll; and
``(iii) establishes policies and procedures
to--
``(I) manage the demand to use the
facility by varying the toll amount
that is charged;
``(II) enforce violations of use of
the facility; and
``(III) permit low-income
individuals to pay reduced tolls.
``(4) Low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles.--
``(A) Inherently low-emission vehicles.--Before
September 30, 2009, the State agency may allow vehicles
that are certified and labeled as inherently low-
emission vehicles under section 88.311-93 of title 40,
Code of Federal Regulations, to use the HOV facility if
the agency establishes procedures for enforcing
restrictions on the use of the facility by the
vehicles.
``(B) Other low-emission and energy-efficient
vehicles.--Before September 30, 2009, the State agency
may allow vehicles that are certified as and labeled
low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles under
subsection (f) to use the HOV facility if the agency--
``(i) establishes a program that addresses
how the vehicles are selected and certified;
``(ii) establishes requirements for
labeling the vehicles and procedures for
enforcing those requirements;
``(iii) continuously monitors, evaluates,
and reports to the Secretary on the performance
of the vehicles; and
``(iv) imposes on the use of the HOV
facility by vehicles that do not satisfy
established occupancy requirements any
restrictions that are necessary to ensure that
neither the performance of an individual HOV
facility nor the HOV facility system are
seriously degraded.
``(5) Advanced lean burn technology vehicles.--Before
September 30, 2009, the State agency may allow vehicles that
are certified and labeled as advanced lean burn technology
vehicles under subsection (f) to use the HOV facility if the
agency--
``(A) establishes a program that addresses how the
vehicles are selected and certified;
``(B) establishes requirements for labeling the
vehicles and procedures for enforcing those
requirements;
``(C) continuously monitors, evaluates, and reports
to the Secretary on the performance of the vehicles;
and
``(D) imposes on the use of HOV facilities by
vehicles that do not satisfy established occupancy
requirements any restrictions that are necessary to
ensure that neither the performance of individual HOV
facilities nor the HOV facility system are seriously
degraded.
``(d) Requirements Applicable to Tolls.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 301, tolls may
be charged under paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (c),
subject to the requirements of section 129.
``(2) HOV facilities on the interstate system.--
Notwithstanding section 129, tolls may be charged under
paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (c) on a HOV facility on
the Interstate System.
``(3) Excess toll revenues.--If a State agency makes a
certification under the last sentence of section 129(a)(3)
concerning toll revenues collected under paragraphs (3) and (4)
of subsection (c), the State shall give priority consideration
to projects that develop alternatives to single occupancy
vehicle travel or improve highway safety in the use of toll
revenues under that sentence.
``(e) HOV Facility Management, Operation, Monitoring, and
Enforcement.--
``(1) In general.--A State agency that allows low-emission
and energy-efficient vehicles to use a HOV facility under
subsection (c)(4) in a fiscal year shall certify to the
Secretary that the agency will carry out the following
responsibilities with respect to the facility in the fiscal
year:
``(A) Establish, manage, and support a performance-
monitoring, evaluation, and reporting program for the
facility that provides for continuous monitoring,
assessment, and reporting on the effects that low-
emission and energy-efficient vehicles may have on the
operation of the facility and adjacent highways.
``(B) Establish, manage, and support an enforcement
program that ensures that the facility is operated in
accordance with this section.
``(C) Limit or discontinue the use of the facility
by low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles if the
presence of the vehicles has degraded the operation of
the facility.
``(2) Minimum average operating speed; degraded facility.--
``(A) Minimum average operating speed defined.--In
this paragraph, the term `minimum average operating
speed' means--
``(i) 45 miles per hour, in the case of a
HOV facility with a speed limit of 50 miles per
hour or greater; and
``(ii) not more than 10 miles per hour
below the speed limit, in the case of a HOV
facility with a speed limit of less than 50
miles per hour.
``(B) Standard for determining degradation.--For
purposes of paragraph (1), the operation of a HOV
facility shall be considered to be degraded if vehicles
operating on the facility fail to maintain a minimum
average operating speed 90 percent of the time over a
consecutive 180-day period during morning or evening
weekday peak hour periods.
``(f) Certification and Labeling of Low-Emission and Energy-
Efficient Vehicles and Advanced Lean Burn Technology Vehicles.--Not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall promulgate a
final rule establishing requirements for--
``(1) certification of vehicles--
``(A) as low-emission and energy-efficient
vehicles; and
``(B) as advance lean burn technology vehicles; and
``(2) labeling of the vehicles certified under paragraph
(1).''.
(b) Technical Amendment.--Section 102(c) of title 23, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``10 years'' and all that follows through
``after'' and inserting ``10 years (or any longer period that the State
requests and the Secretary determines to be reasonable) after''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Program efficiencies.--Section 102 of title 23, United
States Code, is amended by striking subsection (a) and
redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (a) and
(b), respectively.
(2) Chapter analysis.--The analysis for subchapter I of
chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``165. HOV facilities.''. | Amends the Federal Aid Highways program to require a State agency with jurisdiction over the operation of a HOV facility to establish the occupancy requirements of vehicles operating on the facility.
Requires such agency to permit motorcycles and bicycles to use the HOV facility.
Permits a State agency to restrict use of the HOV facility by motorcycles or bicycles (or both) if it certifies to the Secretary of Transportation that such use would create a safety hazard.
Prescribes guidelines under which a State agency may permit use of an HOV facility by: (1) public transportation vehicles and high occupancy toll vehicles; (2) inherently low-emission vehicles and low emission and energy-efficient vehicles; and (3) advanced lean burn technology vehicles.
Permits tolls to be charged on a HOV facility on the Interstate System.
Requires a State agency that allows low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles to use a HOV facility to certify to the Secretary that it will establish: (1) a continuous monitoring, assessment, and reporting program regarding the impacts such vehicles may have on the operation of the facility and adjacent highways; and (2) an enforcement program that ensures the facility is operated in accordance with this Act.
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection to issue a final rule establishing certification requirements for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles and for advanced lean burn technology vehicles. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill entitled the \"Hybrid HOV Access Act\"."} | 2,924 | 303 | 0.518669 | 1.470134 | 0.73171 | 3.667925 | 10.075472 | 0.920755 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Community Revitalization Energy
Conservation Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Although conservation measures and energy efficiency
technologies have shown significant gains in usage over the
past three decades, there remains the need and opportunity for
widespread adoption of energy conservation measures and
utilization of new energy efficiency technologies.
(2) Energy efficiency is in the national interest for our
long-term economic well being, for the health and safety of our
citizens and the world as we mitigate the effects of climate
change, and for our independence and security.
(3) Energy inefficiencies account for at least 50 percent
of all United States energy use.
(4) United States electricity use could be reduced by 70
percent through efficiency gains alone.
(5) Estimates indicate that although the average United
States household's energy costs are equal to seven percent of
household income, low-income households spend 17 percent of
household earnings on energy.
(6) The rehabilitation, retrofitting, and construction of
residential, commercial, and public facilities will create jobs
that benefit community residents, facility owners, facilities,
and the environment.
(7) The energy saving benefit of such programs, if they can
be implemented on a national basis, would contribute
significantly to our energy independence and security.
Buildings account for 40 percent of total United States energy
consumption; 70 percent of United States electricity
consumption; and 43 percent of United States carbon emissions,
a larger share than either transportation or industry.
(8) Research, development, and deployment of renewable
energy, advanced battery technologies, technologies to reduce
fossil fuel consumption, and technologies to reduce energy
consumption in buildings are vital to the rebuilding of the
economy of the United States.
SEC. 3. INCREASE IN NATIONAL LIMITATION FOR QUALIFIED ENERGY
CONSERVATION BONDS.
(a) In General.--Section 54D(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by striking ``$800,000,000'' and inserting
``$3,600,000,000''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to obligations issued after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. CLARIFICATION OF QUALIFIED CONSERVATION PURPOSES WITH RESPECT
TO QUALIFIED ENERGY CONSERVATION BONDS.
(a) In General.--For purposes of section 54D(f)(A)(ii) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, capital expenditures for green community
programs include programs that--
(1) reduce energy consumption in privately owned buildings,
such as programs described in subsection (b); and
(2) cover recruiting and training local workers for the
jobs created by activities described in subsection (b) or by
other green community programs.
(b) Program Described.--
(1) In general.--A program described in this subsection is
a program which is implemented by a State or local government,
or a designee, and in which the costs of identifying and making
building improvements and related efficiency services are
repayable by property owners or renters over time through a
periodic fee.
(2) Improvements.--Improvements described in paragraph (1)
may include heating, cooling, lighting, water-saving, or
stormwater-reducing measures or other measures that result in
reduced energy use.
(3) Periodic fee.--The periodic fee described in paragraph
(1) is a fee which--
(A) is equal to or approximates the savings in
energy costs associated with the building improvements
and achieved during the fee period; and
(B) is assessed on a government bill, such as a
bill issued for municipal services or for property
taxes, or on a private utility bill, such as a bill
issued for electricity, water, or natural gas service.
SEC. 5. REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
The Secretary of the Treasury shall submit to Congress and publish
in the Federal Register an annual report on projects for which
qualified energy conservation bonds (as defined in section 54D of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986) are issued. Such report shall include--
(1) the name and address of the issuer,
(2) the date of the issue, the amount of net proceeds of
the issue, the stated interest rate, term, and the face amount
of each bond which is part of such issue, the amount of
issuance costs of the issue, and the amount of reserves of the
issue,
(3) the name and address of--
(A) each initial principal user of any facility
provided with the proceeds of the issue, and
(B) the common parent of any affiliated group of
corporations (within the meaning of section 1504(a) of
such Code) of which such initial principal user is a
member, and
(4) a description of any property to be finance from the
proceeds of the issue.
SEC. 6. OFFSET.
(a) Prohibition.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no amounts
appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2009 (or for a
fiscal year before fiscal year 2009 that remain available for
obligation) may be obligated or expended, and no obligated amounts that
remain available for expenditure may be expended, for the F-22A Raptor
Fighter Aircraft.
(b) Exception for Windup of Program.--Amounts covered by the
prohibition under subsection (a) may be utilized solely for purposes in
connection with the winding up of the program described in that
subsection.
(c) Repeal of Multiyear Procurement Authority for F-22A Raptor
Fighter Aircraft.--Effective as of October 17, 2006, section 134 of the
John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007
(Public Law 109-364), relating to multiyear procurement authority for
F-22A Raptor fighter aircraft, is repealed. | Community Revitalization Energy Conservation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $3.6 billion the national limitation on the issuance of qualified energy conservation bonds.
Expands the purposes of green community programs to include the reduction of energy consumption in privately owned buildings and the recruiting and training of local workers in green community program jobs.
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to Congress and publish in the Federal Register an annual report on projects for which qualified energy conservation bonds are issued.
Provides for offsets to the cost of this Act by prohibiting FY2009 expenditures (except for program windup costs) and repealing multiyear procurement authority for the F-22A Raptor fighter aircraft. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the national limitation on qualified energy conservation bonds and to clarify that certain programs constitute a qualified conservation purpose, and for other purposes."} | 1,254 | 146 | 0.37623 | 1.053869 | 0.630609 | 3.119048 | 9.285714 | 0.896825 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Weatherization
Enhancement, and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability
Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
TITLE I--WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Sec. 101. Reauthorization of weatherization assistance program.
Sec. 102. Grants to eligible multistate housing and energy nonprofit
organizations.
Sec. 103. Quality assurance program.
TITLE II--STATE ENERGY PROGRAMS
Sec. 201. Reauthorization of State energy programs.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the State energy program established under part D of
title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C.
6321 et seq.) (referred to in this section as ``SEP'') and the
Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons
established under part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation
and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq.) (referred to in
this section as ``WAP'') have proven to be beneficial, long-
term partnerships among Federal, State, and local partners;
(2) the SEP and the WAP have been reauthorized on a
bipartisan basis over many years to address changing national,
regional, and State circumstances and needs, especially
through--
(A) the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42
U.S.C. 6201 et seq.);
(B) the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42
U.S.C. 6801 et seq.);
(C) the State Energy Efficiency Programs
Improvement Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-440; 104 Stat.
1006);
(D) the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13201
et seq.);
(E) the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801
et seq.); and
(F) the Energy Independence and Security Act of
2007 (42 U.S.C. 17001 et seq.);
(3) the SEP, also known as the ``State energy conservation
program''--
(A) was first created in 1975 to implement a State-
based, national program in support of energy
efficiency, renewable energy, economic development,
energy emergency preparedness, and energy policy; and
(B) has come to operate in every sector of the
economy in support of the private sector to improve
productivity and has dramatically reduced the cost of
government through energy savings at the State and
local levels;
(4) Federal laboratory studies have concluded that, for
every Federal dollar invested through the SEP, more than $7 is
saved in energy costs and almost $11 in non-Federal funds is
leveraged;
(5) the WAP--
(A) was first created in 1976 to assist low-income
families in response to the first oil embargo;
(B) has become the largest residential energy
conservation program in the United States, with more
than 7,100,000 homes weatherized since the WAP was
created;
(C) saves an estimated 35 percent of consumption in
the typical weatherized home, yielding average annual
savings of $437 per year in home energy costs;
(D) has created thousands of jobs in both the
construction sector and in the supply chain of
materials suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers who
supply the WAP;
(E) returns $2.51 in energy savings for every
Federal dollar spent in energy and nonenergy benefits
over the life of weatherized homes;
(F) serves as a foundation for residential energy
efficiency retrofit standards, technical skills, and
workforce training for the emerging broader market and
reduces residential and power plant emissions of carbon
dioxide by 2.65 metric tons each year per home; and
(G) has decreased national energy consumption by
the equivalent of 24,100,000 barrels of oil annually;
(6) the WAP can be enhanced with the addition of a targeted
portion of Federal funds through an innovative program that
supports projects performed by qualified nonprofit
organizations that have a demonstrated capacity to build,
renovate, repair, or improve the energy efficiency of a
significant number of low-income homes;
(7) the WAP has increased energy efficiency opportunities
by promoting new, competitive public-private sector models of
retrofitting low-income homes through new Federal partnerships;
(8) improved monitoring and reporting of the work product
of the WAP has yielded benefits, and expanding independent
verification of efficiency work will support the long-term
goals of the WAP;
(9) reports of the Government Accountability Office in
2011, Inspector General of the Department of Energy, and State
auditors have identified State-level deficiencies in monitoring
efforts that can be addressed in a manner that will ensure that
WAP funds are used more effectively;
(10) through the history of the WAP, the WAP has evolved
with improvements in efficiency technology, including, in the
1990s, many States adopting advanced home energy audits, which
has led to great returns on investment; and
(11) as the home energy efficiency industry has become more
performance-based, the WAP should continue to use those
advances in technology and the professional workforce.
TITLE I--WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
SEC. 101. REAUTHORIZATION OF WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 422 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42
U.S.C. 6872) is amended by striking ``appropriated--'' and all that
follows through the period at the end and inserting ``appropriated
$450,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019.''.
SEC. 102. GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE HOUSING AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.
The Energy Conservation and Production Act is amended by inserting
after section 414B (42 U.S.C. 6864b) the following:
``SEC. 414C. GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE HOUSING AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.
``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
``(1) to expand the number of low-income, single-family and
multifamily homes that receive energy efficiency retrofits;
``(2) to promote innovation and new models of retrofitting
low-income homes through new Federal partnerships with covered
organizations that leverage donations, donated materials,
volunteer labor, homeowner labor equity, and other private
sector resources;
``(3) to assist the covered organizations in demonstrating,
evaluating, improving, and replicating widely the model low-
income energy retrofit programs of the covered organizations;
and
``(4) to ensure that the covered organizations make the
energy retrofit projects undertaken by the covered
organizations with awarded funds self-sustaining by the time
grant funds have been expended.
``(b) Definition.--In this section, the term `covered organization'
means an organization that--
``(1) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under 501(a) of
that Code; and
``(2) has an established record of constructing,
renovating, repairing, or making energy efficient an aggregate
quantity of not less than 250 owner-occupied, single-family or
multifamily homes for low-income households, either directly or
through affiliates, chapters, or other direct partners (using
the most recent year for which data are available).
``(c) In General.--The Secretary shall make grants to covered
organizations through a national competitive process for use in
accordance with this section.
``(d) Award Factors.--In making grants under this section, the
Secretary shall consider--
``(1) the number of low-income homes the applicant--
``(A) has built, renovated, repaired, or made more
energy efficient as of the date of the application; and
``(B) can reasonably be projected to build,
renovate, repair, or make energy efficient during the
grant period beginning on the date of the application;
``(2) the qualifications, experience, and past performance
of the applicant, including experience successfully managing
and administering Federal funds;
``(3) the number and diversity of States, communities, and
climates in which the applicant works and the diversity of
housing types requiring weatherization as of the date of the
application;
``(4) the amount of non-Federal funds, donated or
discounted materials, discounted or volunteer skilled labor,
volunteer unskilled labor, homeowner labor equity, and other
resources the applicant will provide;
``(5) the extent to which the applicant could successfully
replicate the proposed energy retrofit project and sustain the
project after the grant funds have been expended; and
``(6) such other factors as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
``(e) Applications.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date
of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall solicit
proposals from covered organizations.
``(2) Administration.--To be eligible to receive a grant
under this section, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary
an application at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Secretary may require.
``(3) Awards.--Not later than 90 days after the closing
date established by the Secretary for receipt of proposals, the
Secretary shall award grants under this section.
``(f) Eligible Uses of Grant Funds.--A grant under this section may
be used to--
``(1) conduct energy efficiency audits;
``(2) perform cost-effective retrofit and related
weatherization activities, including purchase of energy
efficient materials and supplies;
``(3) conduct training activities and provide ongoing
technical assistance;
``(4) provide information to homeowners on proper
maintenance and energy savings behaviors;
``(5) conduct data collection, measurement, and
verification activities to facilitate program monitoring,
oversight, evaluation, and reporting;
``(6) manage and administer the grant (up to a maximum of
10 percent of the total grant); and
``(7) obtain and conduct such other materials and
activities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(g) Maximum Amount.--The amount of a grant provided under this
section shall not exceed $5,000,000.
``(h) Guidelines.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue guidelines
to implement the grant program established under this section.
``(2) Administration.--The guidelines shall establish--
``(A) criteria for allowable expenditures;
``(B) a methodology to determine a minimum energy
savings-to-investment ratio;
``(C) criteria for--
``(i) the conduct of weatherization
training programs;
``(ii) the conduct of energy audits and
program activities;
``(iii) the conduct of project monitoring
activities; and
``(iv) the use of methodologies to verify
energy and cost savings;
``(D) liability insurance requirements; and
``(E) recordkeeping requirements, which shall
include reporting to the Office of Weatherization and
Intergovernmental Programs of the Department of Energy
applicable data on each home retrofitted.
``(i) Review and Evaluation.--The Secretary shall review and
evaluate the performance of any covered organization that receives a
grant under this section (which may include an audit), as determined by
the Secretary.
``(j) Compliance With State and Local Law.--Nothing in this section
or any program carried out using a grant provided under this section
supersedes or otherwise affects any State or local law, to the extent
that the State or local law contains a requirement that is more
stringent than the applicable requirement of this section.
``(k) Annual Reports.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress
annual reports that provide a description of energy and cost savings
achieved and actions taken under this section.
``(l) Funding.--Of the funds made available to carry out this part
for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019 under section 422, the
Secretary shall make available to carry out this section--
``(1) 2 percent of the amount if less than $225,000,000 is
available;
``(2) 5 percent of the amount if $225,000,000 or more but
less than $260,000,000 is available;
``(3) 10 percent of the amount if $260,000,000 or more but
less than $400,000,000 is available; and
``(4) 20 percent of the amount if $400,000,000 or more is
available.''.
SEC. 103. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM.
Section 415 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42
U.S.C. 6865) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Quality Assurance Program.--
``(1) Contractor qualification.--Effective beginning
January 1, 2015, to be eligible to carry out weatherization
using funds made available under this part, a contractor shall
be selected through a competitive bidding process and be--
``(A) accredited by the Building Performance
Institute;
``(B) an Energy Smart Home Performance Team
accredited under the Residential Energy Services
Network; or
``(C) accredited by an equivalent accreditation or
program accreditation-based State certification program
approved by the Secretary.
``(2) Grants to nonprofit organizations.--
``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a
grant under section 414C, a covered organization (as
defined in section 414C(b)) shall use a crew chief
who--
``(i) is certified or accredited in
accordance with paragraph (1); and
``(ii) supervises the work performed with
grant funds.
``(B) Volunteer labor.--A volunteer who performs
work for a covered organization that receives a grant
under section 414C shall not be required to be
certified under this subsection if the volunteer is not
directly installing or repairing mechanical equipment
or other items that require skilled labor.
``(3) Minimum efficiency standards.--Effective beginning
October 1, 2015, the Secretary shall ensure that--
``(A) each retrofit for which weatherization
assistance is provided under this part meets minimum
efficiency and quality of work standards established by
the Secretary after weatherization of a dwelling unit;
``(B) at least 10 percent of such dwelling units
are randomly inspected by a third party accredited as
described in paragraph (1) (A) through (C) to ensure
compliance with the minimum efficiency and quality of
work standards established under subparagraph (A); and
``(C) the standards established under this
subsection meet or exceed the industry standards for
home performance work that are in effect on the date of
enactment of this subsection, as determined by the
Secretary.''.
TITLE II--STATE ENERGY PROGRAMS
SEC. 201. REAUTHORIZATION OF STATE ENERGY PROGRAMS.
Section 365(f) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C.
6325(f)) is amended by striking ``$125,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2007 through 2012'' and inserting ``$75,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2015 through 2019''. | Weatherization Enhancement, and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to extend the Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income persons through FY2019. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to make competitive grants to qualified tax-exempt charitable organizations for energy efficiency retrofit uses that include: energy efficiency audits, cost-effective retrofit, and related weatherization activities; energy efficiency materials and supplies; training and technical assistance; information to homeowners on proper maintenance and energy savings behaviors; data collection, measurement, and verification activities to facilitate program monitoring, oversight, evaluation, and reporting; and management and administration. Requires contractors carrying out weatherization with funds under the Act to be selected through a competitive bidding process and be accredited as specified by this Act. Requires organizations, in order to receive a grant, to use a crew chief who is certified or accredited as required by this Act. Requires the Secretary, beginning on October 1, 2015, to ensure that: (1) each retrofit for which weatherization assistance is provided meets minimum efficiency and quality of work standards established by the Secretary, (2) at least 10% of the dwelling units are randomly inspected by an accredited third party to ensure compliance with the standards, and (3) the standards meet or exceed the current industry standards for home performance work. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to extend the program for state energy conservation plans through FY2019. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Weatherization Enhancement, and Local Energy Efficiency Investment and Accountability Act"} | 3,341 | 306 | 0.508643 | 1.559711 | 0.793218 | 3.385159 | 11.003534 | 0.897527 |
SECTION 1. AUTHORITY FOR QUALIFYING STATES TO USE ALL OR ANY PORTION OF
THEIR SCHIP ALLOTMENTS FOR CERTAIN MEDICAID EXPENDITURES.
(a) In General.--Section 2105(g)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1397ee(g)(1)(A)), as amended by section 201(b) of the
National Institutes of Health Reform Act of 2006, is amended by
striking ``not more than 20 percent of any allotment under section 2104
for fiscal year 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, or 2007'' and
inserting ``all or any portion of any allotment made to the State under
section 2104 for a fiscal year''.
(b) Additional Requirements.--Section 2105(g)(2) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1397ee(g)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``a State, that, on'' and inserting ``a
State that is described in subparagraph (A) and satisfies all
of the requirements of subparagraph (B).
``(A) State described.--A State described in this
subparagraph is a State that, on''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Requirements.--The requirements of this
subparagraph are the following:
``(i) No reduction in medicaid or schip
income eligibility.--Since January 1, 2001, the
State has not reduced the income, assets, or
resource requirements for eligibility for
medical assistance under title XIX or for child
health assistance under this title.
``(ii) No waiting list imposed.--The State
does not impose any numerical limitation,
waiting list, or similar limitation on the
eligibility of children for medical assistance
under title XIX or child health assistance
under this title and does not limit the
acceptance of applications for such assistance.
``(iii) Provides assistance to all children
who apply and qualify.--The State provides
medical assistance under title XIX or child
health assistance under this title to all
children in the State who apply for and meet
the eligibility standards for such assistance.
``(iv) Protection against inability to pay
premiums or copayments.--The State ensures that
no child loses coverage under title XIX or this
title, or is denied needed care, as a result of
the child's parents' inability to pay any
premiums or cost-sharing required under such
title.
``(v) Additional requirements.--The State
has implemented at least 3 of the following
policies and procedures (relating to coverage
of children under title XIX and this title):
``(I) Simplified application
form.--With respect to children who are
eligible for medical assistance under
title XIX, the State uses the same
simplified application form (including,
if applicable, permitting application
other than in person) for purposes of
establishing eligibility for assistance
under title XIX and this title.
``(II) Elimination of asset test.--
The State does not apply any asset test
for eligibility under title XIX or this
title with respect to children.
``(III) Adoption of 12-month
continuous enrollment.--The State
provides that eligibility shall not be
regularly redetermined more often than
once every year under this title or for
children eligible for medical
assistance under title XIX.
``(IV) Same verification and
redetermination policies; automatic
reassessment of eligibility.--With
respect to children who are eligible
for medical assistance under section
1902(a)(10)(A), the State provides for
initial eligibility determinations and
redeterminations of eligibility using
the same verification policies
(including with respect to face-to-face
interviews), forms, and frequency as
the State uses for such purposes under
this title, and, as part of such
redeterminations, provides for the
automatic reassessment of the
eligibility of such children for
assistance under title XIX and this
title.
``(V) Outstationing enrollment
staff.--The State provides for the
receipt and initial processing of
applications for benefits under this
title and for children under title XIX
at facilities defined as
disproportionate share hospitals under
section 1923(a)(1)(A) and Federally-
qualified health centers described in
section 1905(l)(2)(B) consistent with
section 1902(a)(55).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2007, and shall apply to expenditures described in
section 2105(g)(1)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1397ee(g)(1)(B)(ii)) that are made after that date. | Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the National Institutes of Health Reform Act of 2006, to allow qualifying states to use all or any portion (currently, up to 20%) of their allotments under SCHIP for certain Medicaid (SSA title XIX) expenditures.
Requires qualifying states to implement at least three of the following policies and procedures: (1) a simplified application process; (2) elimination of any asset test; (3) twelve-month continuous eligibility; and (4) easy access to enrollment staff. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to allow qualifying States to use all or any portion of their allotments under the State Children's Health Insurance Program for certain Medicaid expenditures."} | 1,097 | 134 | 0.464548 | 1.349247 | 0.467436 | 2.908333 | 7.433333 | 0.841667 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Systemic Risk Designation
Improvement Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) is amended by striking
the item relating to section 113 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 113. Authority to require enhanced supervision and regulation of
certain nonbank financial companies and
certain bank holding companies.''.
SEC. 3. REVISIONS TO COUNCIL AUTHORITY.
(a) Purposes and Duties.--Section 112 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5322) is amended in
subsection (a)(2)(I) by inserting before the semicolon ``, which have
been the subject of a final determination under section 113''.
(b) Bank Holding Company Designation.--Section 113 of the Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5323)
is amended--
(1) by amending the heading for such section to read as
follows: ``authority to require enhanced supervision and
regulation of certain nonbank financial companies and certain
bank holding companies'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), (g),
(h), and (i) as subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), and
(j), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Bank Holding Companies Subject to Enhanced Supervision and
Prudential Standards Under Section 165.--
``(1) Determination.--The Council, on a nondelegable basis
and by a vote of not fewer than \2/3\ of the voting members
then serving, including an affirmative vote by the Chairperson,
may determine that a bank holding company shall be subject to
enhanced supervision and prudential standards by the Board of
Governors, in accordance with section 165, if the Council
determines, based on the considerations in paragraph (2), that
material financial distress at the bank holding company, or the
nature, scope, size, scale, concentration, interconnectedness,
or mix of the activities of the bank holding company, could
pose a threat to the financial stability of the United States.
``(2) Considerations.--In making a determination under
paragraph (1), the Council shall use the indicator-based
measurement approach established by the Basel Committee on
Banking Supervision to determine systemic importance, which
considers--
``(A) the size of the bank holding company;
``(B) the interconnectedness of the bank holding
company;
``(C) the extent of readily available substitutes
or financial institution infrastructure for the
services of the bank holding company;
``(D) the global cross-jurisdictional activity of
the bank holding company; and
``(E) the complexity of the bank holding company.
``(3) GSIBs designated by operation of law.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a bank
holding company that is designated, as of the date of enactment
of this subsection, as a Global Systemically Important Bank by
the Financial Stability Board shall be deemed to have been the
subject of a final determination under paragraph (1).'';
(4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``subsection
(a)(2) or (b)(2)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(2),
(b)(2), or (c)(2)''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``Subsections (d)
through (h)'' and inserting ``Subsections (e) through
(i)'';
(5) in subsections (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j)--
(A) by striking ``subsections (a) and (b)'' each
place such term appears and inserting ``subsections
(a), (b), and (c)''; and
(B) by striking ``nonbank financial company'' each
place such term appears and inserting ``bank holding
company for which there has been a determination under
subsection (c) or nonbank financial company'';
(6) in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by striking
``subsection (e)'' and inserting ``subsection (f)'';
(7) in subsection (h), as so redesignated, by striking
``subsection (a), (b), or (c)'' and inserting ``subsection (a),
(b), (c), or (d)''; and
(8) in subsection (i), as so redesignated, by striking
``subsection (d)(2), (e)(3), or (f)(5)'' and inserting
``subsection (e)(2), (f)(3), or (g)(5)''.
(c) Enhanced Supervision.--Section 115 of the Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5325) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``large,
interconnected bank holding companies'' and inserting ``bank
holding companies which have been the subject of a final
determination under section 113'';
(2) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``; or'' at
the end and inserting a period;
(B) by striking ``the Council may'' and all that
follows through ``differentiate'' and inserting ``the
Council may differentiate''; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(3) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``subsections (a) and
(b) of section 113'' each place such term appears and inserting
``subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 113''.
(d) Reports.--Section 116(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5326(a)) is amended by striking
``with total consolidated assets of $50,000,000,000 or greater'' and
inserting ``which has been the subject of a final determination under
section 113''.
(e) Mitigation.--Section 121 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5331) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``with total
consolidated assets of $50,000,000,000 or more'' and inserting
``which has been the subject of a final determination under
section 113''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``subsection (a) or (b)
of section 113'' and inserting ``subsection (a), (b), or (c) of
section 113''.
(f) Office of Financial Research.--Section 155 of the Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5345) is
amended in subsection (d) by striking ``with total consolidated assets
of 50,000,000,000 or greater'' and inserting ``which have been the
subject of a final determination under section 113''.
SEC. 4. REVISIONS TO BOARD AUTHORITY.
(a) Acquisitions.--Section 163 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5363) is amended by striking
``with total consolidated assets equal to or greater than
$50,000,000,000'' each place such term appears and inserting ``which
has been the subject of a final determination under section 113''.
(b) Management Interlocks.--Section 164 of the Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5364) is amended
by striking ``with total consolidated assets equal to or greater than
$50,000,000,000'' and inserting ``which has been the subject of a final
determination under section 113''.
(c) Enhanced Supervision and Prudential Standards.--Section 165 of
the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (12
U.S.C. 5365) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``with total
consolidated assets equal to or greater than $50,000,000,000''
and inserting ``which have been the subject of a final
determination under section 113'';
(2) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) by striking ``(A) In general.--''; and
(B) by striking subparagraph (B);
(3) by striking ``subsections (a) and (b) of section 113''
each place such term appears and inserting ``subsections (a),
(b), and (c) of section 113''; and
(4) in subsection (j), by striking ``with total
consolidated assets equal to or greater than $50,000,000,000''
and inserting ``which has been the subject of a final
determination under section 113''.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--The second subsection (s) (relating to
``Assessments, Fees, and Other Charges for Certain Companies'') of
section 11 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 248) is amended--
(1) by redesignating such subsection as subsection (t); and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``having total
consolidated assets of $50,000,000,000 or more;'' and
inserting ``which have been the subject of a final
determination under section 113 of the Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; and'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (B).
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE; RULE OF APPLICATION.
(a) Effective Date.--The Financial Stability Oversight Council may
begin proceedings with respect to a bank holding company under section
113(c)(1) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act, as added by this Act, on the date of the enactment of this Act,
but may not make a final determination under such section 113(c)(1)
with respect to a bank holding company before the end of the 1-year
period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Immediate Application to Large Bank Holding Companies.--During
the 1-year period described under subsection (a), a bank holding
company with total consolidated assets equal to or greater than
$50,000,000,000 shall be deemed to have been the subject of a final
determination under section 113(c)(1) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
SEC. 6. EXISTING ASSESSMENT TERMINATION SCHEDULE.
(a) Temporary Extension of Existing Assessment.--
(1) In general.--Each bank holding company with total
consolidated assets equal to or greater than $50,000,000,000
and which has not been the subject of a final determination
under section 113 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5323) shall be subject to
assessments by the Secretary of the Treasury to the same extent
as a bank holding company that has been subject to such a final
determination.
(2) Limitation on amount of assessments.--The aggregate
amount collected pursuant to paragraph (1) from all bank
holding companies assessed under such paragraph shall be
$115,000,000.
(3) Expedited assessments.--If necessary, the Secretary of
the Treasury shall expedite assessments made pursuant to
paragraph (1) to ensure that all $115,000,000 of assessments
permitted by paragraph (2) is collected before fiscal year
2018.
(4) Payment period options.--The Secretary of the Treasury
shall offer the option of payments spread out before the end of
fiscal year 2018, or shorter periods including the option of a
one-time payment, at the discretion of each bank holding
company paying assessments pursuant to paragraph (1).
(5) Assessments to be made in addition to any other
assessments.--The assessments collected pursuant to paragraph
(1) shall be in addition to, and not as a replacement of, any
assessments required under any other law.
(b) Use of Assessments.--Of the total amount collected pursuant to
subsection (a)--
(1) $60,000,000 shall be transferred to the Financial
Stability Oversight Council to pay for any administrative costs
resulting from this Act and the amendments made by this Act, of
which the Financial Stability Oversight Council shall
distribute $20,000,000 to the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, $20,000,000 to the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, and $20,000,000 to the general fund of the
Treasury; and
(2) $55,000,000 shall be transferred to the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation to pay for any resolution costs resulting
from this Act and the amendments made by this Act.
(c) Treatment Upon Determination.--A bank holding company assessed
under this section shall no longer be subject to such assessments in
the event it is subject to a final determination under section 113 of
the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (12
U.S.C. 5323). Any prior payments made by such a banking holding company
pursuant to an assessment under this section shall be nonrefundable.
(d) Rule of Construction.--A bank holding company deemed to have
been the subject of a final determination under section 113 of the
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C.
5323) under section 5(b) shall not be subject to assessments under
subsection (a) solely by operation of section 5(b).
SEC. 7. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act may be
construed as broadly applying international standards except as
specifically provided under paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 113(c) of
the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as added
by section 3.
Passed the House of Representatives December 1, 2016.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2016 (Sec. 3) This bill amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to authorize the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) to subject a bank holding company to enhanced supervision and prudential standards by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System if FSOC makes a final determination that material financial distress at the bank holding company, or the nature, scope, size, scale, concentration, interconnectedness, or mix of its activities, could threaten the financial stability of the United States. This FSOC determination procedure replaces the current process under which bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more are automatically subject to such enhanced supervision and prudential standards. FSOC must make these final determinations using an indicator-based measurement approach established by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision to determine systemic importance, which considers each bank holding company's size, interconnectedness, available substitutes, global cross-jurisdictional activity, and complexity. A bank holding company designated, as of this bill's enactment, as a Global Systemically Important Bank (GSIB) by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) shall be deemed to have been the subject of a final determination that it could pose a threat to U.S. financial stability, thereby making these GSIBs subject to enhanced supervision. (Sec. 4) The bill revises the Federal Reserve Board's authority over bank holding company acquisition restrictions, prohibitions on interlocks between management of different financial companies, and enhanced supervision and prudential standards to make these requirements subject to FSOC's determination instead of operating automatically when a bank meets a $50 billion threshold. (Sec. 5) FSOC is prohibited from making a final determination concerning a bank holding company under this bill before one year after its enactment. A bank holding company shall be deemed to have been the subject of such a final determination during this one-year period, however, if its total consolidated assets are $50 billion or more. (Sec. 6) Bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more that have not been the subject of a final determination for enhanced supervision and prudential standards remain subject to assessments by the Department of the Treasury for a temporary period to the same extent as a bank holding company that has been subject to a final determination. But the aggregate amount collected from all bank holding companies so assessed is limited to a specified amount to be transferred to: (1) FSOC to distribute to the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the general fund of the Treasury for administrative costs resulting from this bill; and (2) the FDIC for resolution costs resulting from this bill. A bank holding company so assessed shall no longer be subject to such assessments in the event it is subject to a final determination. Assessments collected shall be in addition to, and not as a replacement of, any other assessments required by law. (Sec. 7) Nothing in this bill may be construed as broadly applying international standards except as specifically provided for FSOC's use of Basel Committee determination factors and the oversight of FSB-designated GSIBs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2016"} | 3,234 | 718 | 0.584454 | 2.183577 | 0.7522 | 3.93719 | 4.74876 | 0.859504 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act
of 2012''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator; administration.--The terms
``Administrator'' and ``Administration'' mean the Administrator
of General Services and the General Services Administration,
respectively.
(2) Person.--The term ``person'' means--
(A) an individual; or
(B) a corporation, partnership, trust, association,
or any other public or private entity, including a
State or local government.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Homeland Security.
SEC. 3. AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS FOR THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN
SERVICES AT LAND BORDER PORTS OF ENTRY.
(a) Authority To Enter Into Agreements.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 451 of the Tariff
Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1451), the Secretary may, during the 10-
year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act
and upon the request of any person, enter into an agreement
with that person under which--
(A) U.S. Customs and Border Protection will provide
services described in paragraph (2) at a land border
port of entry; and
(B) that person will pay a fee imposed under
subsection (b) to reimburse U.S. Customs and Border
Protection for the costs incurred in providing such
services.
(2) Services described.--Services described in this
paragraph are any services related to customs and immigration
matters provided by an employee or contractor of U.S. Customs
and Border Protection at land border ports of entry.
(b) Fee.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall impose a fee on a
person requesting the provision of services by U.S. Customs and
Border Protection pursuant to an agreement entered into under
subsection (a) to reimburse U.S. Customs and Border Protection
for the costs of providing such services, including--
(A) the salaries and expenses of the employees or
contractors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection that
provide such services and temporary placement or
relocation costs for those employees or contractors;
and
(B) any other costs incurred by U.S. Customs and
Border Protection in providing services pursuant to
agreements entered into under subsection (a).
(2) Failure to pay fee.--U.S. Customs and Border Protection
shall terminate the provision of services pursuant to an
agreement entered into under subsection (a) with a person that,
after receiving notice from the Secretary that a fee imposed
under paragraph (1) is due, fails to pay the fee in a timely
manner.
(3) Receipts credited as offsetting collections.--
Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, United States Code, a
fee collected under paragraph (1) pursuant to an agreement
entered into under subsection (a) shall--
(A) be credited as an offsetting collection to the
account that finances the salaries and expenses of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection;
(B) be available for expenditure only to pay the
costs of providing services pursuant to that agreement;
and
(C) remain available until expended without fiscal
year limitation.
SEC. 4. EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AT LAND
BORDER PORTS OF ENTRY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish procedures for
evaluating a proposal submitted by any person to--
(1) enter into a cost-sharing or reimbursement agreement
with the Administration to facilitate the construction or
maintenance of a facility or other infrastructure at a land
border port of entry; or
(2) provide to the Administration an unconditional gift of
property pursuant to section 3175 of title 40, United States
Code, to be used in the construction or maintenance of a
facility or other infrastructure at a land border port of
entry.
(b) Requirements.--The procedures established under subsection (a)
shall provide, at a minimum, for the following:
(1) Not later than 90 days after receiving a proposal
pursuant to subsection (a) with respect to the construction or
maintenance of a facility or other infrastructure at a land
border port of entry, the Administrator shall--
(A) make a determination with respect to whether or
not to approve the proposal; and
(B) notify the person that submitted the proposal
of--
(i) the determination; and
(ii) if the Administrator did not approve
the proposal, the reasons for the
determination.
(2) In determining whether or not to approve such a
proposal, the Administrator shall consider--
(A) the impact of the proposal on reducing wait
times at that port of entry and other ports of entry on
the same border;
(B) the potential of the proposal to increase trade
and travel efficiency through added capacity; and
(C) the potential of the proposal to enhance the
security of the port of entry. | Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter into agreements with persons for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide customs and immigration services at a land border port of entry, subject to payment of a fee to reimburse the CBP for providing such services.
Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish procedures for evaluating proposals submitted by persons to: (1) enter into cost-sharing or reimbursement agreements with the General Services Administration (GSA) for the construction or maintenance of infrastructure at a land border port of entry, and (2) provide GSA an unconditional gift of property for use in the construction or maintenance of such infrastructure.
Prescribes minimum requirements for such procedures. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for alternative financing arrangements for the provision of certain services and the construction and maintenance of infrastructure at land border ports of entry, and for other purposes."} | 1,132 | 162 | 0.555334 | 1.58193 | 0.766473 | 2.910345 | 7.034483 | 0.896552 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Indian Child Welfare Act Amendments
of 1999''.
SEC. 2. EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION.
Section 101(a) of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C.
1911(a)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(a)''; and
(2) by striking the last sentence and inserting the
following:
``(2) An Indian tribe shall retain exclusive jurisdiction over any
child custody proceeding that involves an Indian child, notwithstanding
any subsequent change in the residence or domicile of the Indian child,
in any case in which the Indian child--
``(A) resides or is domiciled within the reservation of
that Indian tribe and is made a ward of a tribal court of that
Indian tribe; or
``(B) after a transfer of jurisdiction is carried out under
subsection (b), becomes a ward of a tribal court of that Indian
tribe.''.
SEC. 3. INTERVENTION IN STATE COURT PROCEEDINGS.
Section 101(c) of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C.
1911(c)) is amended by striking ``In any State court proceeding'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in section 103(e), in any State court
proceeding''.
SEC. 4. VOLUNTARY TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS.
Section 103(a) of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C.
1913(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the
following:
``(a)(1) Where any parent or Indian custodian voluntarily consents
to foster care or preadoptive or adoptive placement or to termination
of parental rights, such consent shall not be valid unless--
``(A) executed in writing;
``(B) recorded before a judge of a court of competent
jurisdiction; and
``(C) accompanied by the presiding judge's certificate
that--
``(i) the terms and consequences of the consent
were fully explained in detail and were fully
understood by the parent or Indian custodian; and
``(ii) any attorney or public or private agency
that facilitates the voluntary termination of parental
rights or preadoptive or adoptive placement has--
``(I) informed the natural parents of the
placement options with respect to the child
involved;
``(II) informed those parents of the
applicable provisions of this Act; and
``(III) certified that the natural parents
will be notified within 10 days after any
change in the adoptive placement.'';
(2) by striking ``The court shall also certify'' and
inserting the following:
``(2) The court shall also certify'';
(3) by striking ``Any consent given prior to,'' and
inserting the following:
``(3) Any consent given prior to,''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) An Indian custodian who has the legal authority to consent to
an adoptive placement shall be treated as a parent for the purposes of
the notice and consent to adoption provisions of this Act.''.
SEC. 5. WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT.
Section 103(b) of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C.
1913(b)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Any''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Except as provided in paragraph (4), a consent to adoption of
an Indian child or voluntary termination of parental rights to an
Indian child may be revoked, only if--
``(A) no final decree of adoption has been entered; and
``(B)(i) the adoptive placement specified by the parent
terminates; or
``(ii) the revocation occurs before the later of the end
of--
``(I) the 180-day period beginning on the date on
which the tribe of the Indian child receives written
notice of the adoptive placement provided in accordance
with the requirements of subsections (c) and (d); or
``(II) the 30-day period beginning on the date on
which the parent who revokes consent receives notice of
the commencement of the adoption proceeding that
includes an explanation of the revocation period
specified in this subclause.
``(3) Immediately upon an effective revocation under paragraph (2),
the Indian child who is the subject of that revocation shall be
returned to the parent who revokes consent.
``(4) Subject to paragraph (6), if, by the end of the applicable
period determined under subclause (I) or (II) of paragraph (2)(B)(ii),
a consent to adoption or voluntary termination of parental rights has
not been revoked, a parent may revoke such consent after that date
only--
``(A) pursuant to applicable State law; or
``(B) if the parent of the Indian child involved petitions
a court of competent jurisdiction, and the court finds that the
consent to adoption or voluntary termination of parental rights
was obtained through fraud or duress.
``(5) Subject to paragraph (6), if a consent to adoption or
voluntary termination of parental rights is revoked under paragraph
(4)(B), with respect to the Indian child involved--
``(A) in a manner consistent with paragraph (3), the child
shall be returned immediately to the parent who revokes
consent; and
``(B) if a final decree of adoption has been entered, that
final decree shall be vacated.
``(6) Except as otherwise provided under applicable State law, no
adoption that has been in effect for a period longer than or equal to 2
years may be invalidated under this subsection.''.
SEC. 6. NOTICE TO INDIAN TRIBES.
Section 103(c) of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C.
1913(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(c)(1) A party that seeks the voluntary placement of an Indian
child or the voluntary termination of the parental rights of a parent
of an Indian child shall provide written notice of the placement or
proceeding to the tribe of that Indian child. A notice under this
subsection shall be sent by registered mail (return receipt requested)
to the tribe of the Indian child, not later than the applicable date
specified in paragraph (2) or (3).
``(2)(A) Except as provided in paragraph (3), notice shall be
provided under paragraph (1) by the applicable date specified in each
of the following cases:
``(i) Not later than 100 days after any foster care
placement of an Indian child occurs.
``(ii) Not later than 5 days after any preadoptive or
adoptive placement of an Indian child.
``(iii) Not later than 10 days after the commencement of
any proceeding for a termination of parental rights to an
Indian child.
``(iv) Not later than 10 days after the commencement of any
adoptive proceeding concerning an Indian child.
``(B) A notice described in subparagraph (A)(ii) may be provided
before the birth of an Indian child if a party referred to in paragraph
(1) contemplates a specific adoptive or preadoptive placement.
``(3) If, after the expiration of the applicable period specified
in paragraph (2), a party referred to in paragraph (1) discovers that
the child involved may be an Indian child--
``(A) the party shall provide notice under paragraph (1)
not later than 10 days after the discovery; and
``(B) any applicable time limit specified in subsection (e)
shall apply to the notice provided under subparagraph (A) only
if the party referred to in paragraph (1) has, on or before
commencement of the placement, made reasonable inquiry
concerning whether the child involved may be an Indian
child.''.
SEC. 7. CONTENT OF NOTICE.
Section 103(d) of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C.
1913(d)) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Each written notice provided under subsection (c) shall be
based on a good faith investigation and contain the following:
``(1) The name of the Indian child involved, and the actual
or anticipated date and place of birth of the Indian child.
``(2) A list containing the name, address, date of birth,
and (if applicable) the maiden name of each Indian parent and
grandparent of the Indian child, if--
``(A) known after inquiry of--
``(i) the birth parent placing the child or
relinquishing parental rights; and
``(ii) the other birth parent (if
available); or
``(B) otherwise ascertainable through other
reasonable inquiry.
``(3) A list containing the name and address of each known
extended family member (if any), that has priority in placement
under section 105.
``(4) A statement of the reasons why the child involved may
be an Indian child.
``(5) The names and addresses of the parties involved in
any applicable proceeding in a State court.
``(6)(A) The name and address of the State court in which a
proceeding referred to in paragraph (5) is pending, or will be
filed; and
``(B) the date and time of any related court proceeding
that is scheduled as of the date on which the notice is
provided under this subsection.
``(7) If any, the tribal affiliation of the prospective
adoptive parents.
``(8) The name and address of any public or private social
service agency or adoption agency involved.
``(9) An identification of any Indian tribe with respect to
which the Indian child or parent may be a member.
``(10) A statement that each Indian tribe identified under
paragraph (9) may have the right to intervene in the proceeding
referred to in paragraph (5).
``(11) An inquiry concerning whether the Indian tribe that
receives notice under subsection (c) intends to intervene under
subsection (e) or waive any such right to intervention.
``(12) A statement that, if the Indian tribe that receives
notice under subsection (c) fails to respond in accordance with
subsection (e) by the applicable date specified in that
subsection, the right of that Indian tribe to intervene in the
proceeding involved shall be considered to have been waived by
that Indian tribe.''.
SEC. 8. INTERVENTION BY INDIAN TRIBE.
Section 103 of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C.
1913) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e)(1) The tribe of the Indian child involved shall have the
right to intervene at any time in a voluntary child custody proceeding
in a State court only if--
``(A) in the case of a voluntary proceeding to terminate
parental rights, the Indian tribe sent a notice of intent to
intervene or a written objection to the adoptive placement to
the court or to the party that is seeking the voluntary
placement of the Indian child, not later than 30 days after
receiving notice that was provided in accordance with the
requirements of subsections (c) and (d); or
``(B) in the case of a voluntary adoption proceeding, the
Indian tribe sent a notice of intent to intervene or a written
objection to the adoptive placement to the court or to the
party that is seeking the voluntary placement of the Indian
child, not later than the later of--
``(i) 90 days after receiving notice of the
adoptive placement that was provided in accordance with
the requirements of subsections (c) and (d); or
``(ii) 30 days after receiving a notice of the
voluntary adoption proceeding that was provided in
accordance with the requirements of subsections (c) and
(d).
``(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the tribe of the
Indian child involved shall have the right to intervene at any time in
a voluntary child custody proceeding in a State court in any case in
which the Indian tribe did not receive written notice provided in
accordance with the requirements of subsections (c) and (d).
``(B) An Indian tribe may not intervene in any voluntary child
custody proceeding in a State court if the Indian tribe gives written
notice to the State court or any party involved of--
``(i) the intent of the Indian tribe not to intervene in
the proceeding; or
``(ii) the determination by the Indian tribe that--
``(I) the child involved is not a member of, or is
not eligible for membership in, the Indian tribe; or
``(II) neither parent of the child is a member of
the Indian tribe.
``(3) If an Indian tribe files a motion for intervention in a State
court under this subsection, the Indian tribe shall submit to the
court, at the same time as the Indian tribe files that motion, a tribal
certification that includes a statement that documents, with respect to
the Indian child involved, the membership or eligibility for membership
of that Indian child in the Indian tribe under applicable tribal law.
``(f) Any act or failure to act of an Indian tribe under subsection
(e) shall not--
``(1) affect any placement preference or other right of any
individual under this Act;
``(2) preclude the Indian tribe of the Indian child that is
the subject of an action taken by the Indian tribe under
subsection (e) from intervening in a proceeding concerning that
Indian child if a proposed adoptive placement of that Indian
child is changed after that action is taken; or
``(3) except as specifically provided in subsection (e),
affect the applicability of this Act.
``(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no proceeding for
a voluntary termination of parental rights or adoption of an Indian
child may be conducted under applicable State law before the date that
is 30 days after the tribe of the Indian child receives notice of that
proceeding that was provided in accordance with the requirements of
subsections (c) and (d).
``(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including any
State law)--
``(1) a court may approve, if in the best interests of an
Indian child, as part of an adoption decree of that Indian
child, an agreement that states that a birth parent, an
extended family member, or the tribe of the Indian child shall
have an enforceable right of visitation or continued contact
with the Indian child after the entry of a final decree of
adoption; and
``(2) the failure to comply with any provision of a court
order concerning the continued visitation or contact referred
to in paragraph (1) shall not be considered to be grounds for
setting aside a final decree of adoption.''.
SEC. 9. PLACEMENT OF INDIAN CHILDREN.
Section 105(c) of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C.
1915(c)) is amended--
(1) in the second sentence--
(A) by striking ``Indian child or parent'' and
inserting ``parent or Indian child''; and
(B) by striking the colon after ``considered'' and
inserting a period;
(2) by striking ``Provided, That where'' and inserting:
``In any case in which''; and
(3) by inserting after the second sentence the following:
``In any case in which a court determines that it is
appropriate to consider the preference of a parent or Indian
child, for purposes of subsection (a), that preference may be
considered to constitute good cause.''.
SEC. 10. FRAUDULENT REPRESENTATION.
Title I of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1911 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 114. FRAUDULENT REPRESENTATION.
``(a) In General.--With respect to any proceeding subject to this
Act involving an Indian child or a child who may be considered to be an
Indian child for purposes of this Act, a person, other than a birth
parent of the child, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a criminal
sanction under subsection (b) if that person knowingly and willfully--
``(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick,
scheme, or device, a material fact concerning whether, for
purposes of this Act--
``(A) a child is an Indian child; or
``(B) a parent is an Indian;
``(2)(A) makes any false, fictitious, or fraudulent
statement, omission, or representation; or
``(B) falsifies a written document knowing that the
document contains a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement
or entry relating to a material fact described in paragraph
(1); or
``(3) assists any person in physically removing a child
from the United States in order to obstruct the application of
this Act.
``(b) Criminal Sanctions.--The criminal sanctions for a violation
referred to in subsection (a) are as follows:
``(1) for an initial violation, a person shall be fined in
accordance with section 3571 of title 18, United States Code,
or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
``(2) For any subsequent violation, a person shall be fined
in accordance with section 3571 of title 18, United States
Code, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.''. | Indian Child Welfare Act Amendments of 1999 - Amends the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 to provide for retention by an Indian tribe of exclusive jurisdiction over child custody proceedings involving Indian children that are or become wards of a tribal court of that Indian tribe.
Revises requirements, with respect to Indian children, regarding: (1) the voluntary termination of parental rights; and (2) the withdrawal of a consent to such voluntary termination or to adoption.
Requires a party seeking the voluntary placement of an Indian child or the voluntary termination of parental rights to provide written notice to the Indian child's tribe. Sets forth the requirements for such a written notice. Permits an Indian tribe to intervene only if a child's tribe has sent a written objection to the adoptive placement to the court or to the party seeking the voluntary placement of the Indian child, but permits the child's Indian tribe to intervene in any case in which the Indian tribe did not receive a written notice.
Modifies requirements regarding consideration of the personal preference of an Indian child or parent with respect to adoptive placements, foster care, and preadoptive placements. Prescribes, in any case in which a court determines that it is appropriate to consider the preference of a parent or Indian child, that preference may be considered to constitute good cause.
Provides criminal sanctions for fraudulent representation with respect to any proceeding involving an Indian child. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Indian Child Welfare Act Amendments of 1999"} | 3,879 | 304 | 0.610552 | 1.766868 | 0.913926 | 3.653137 | 13.767528 | 0.915129 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Local Education Empowerment Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purposes of this Act are the following:
(1) To give local communities control over how education
funds are spent.
(2) To maintain the primary Federal role in education as
helping to provide high-quality education for disadvantaged
students.
(3) To support the secondary Federal role in education as
supporting innovative practices in our schools.
TITLE I--HELPING DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN MEET HIGH STANDARDS
SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 1002(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301) is amended by striking ``$7,400,000,000 for
1995'' and inserting ``$12,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2001''.
SEC. 102. SCHOOLWIDE PROGRAMS.
Section 1114(a)(1)(B) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6314(a)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``50 percent''
each place it appears and inserting ``35 percent''.
TITLE II--PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 201. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 2101. PURPOSE.
``The purpose of this title is to increase student academic
achievement by implementing such strategies as hiring new teachers,
improving teacher quality, providing professional development,
increasing teacher compensation, and lowering class size.
``SEC. 2102. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to provide grants to
eligible local educational agencies to provide services described in
section 2104.
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
title, a local educational agency shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may
reasonably require. Each such application shall include a 5-year plan
to improve student achievement by providing high-quality professional
development for teachers, hiring new teachers, and reducing class size.
``SEC. 2103. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.
``From the amount made available to carry out this title--
``(1) 50 percent shall be allocated among such States on
the basis of their relative populations of students in
kindergarten through 12th grade, as determined by the Secretary
on the basis of the most recent satisfactory data; and
``(2) 50 percent shall be distributed according to each
local educational agency's share of allocations under part A of
title I.
``SEC. 2104. USES OF FUNDS.
``A local educational agency that receives funds under this title
may use such funds for the following:
``(1) To provide professional development activities in
core academic subjects to ensure that teachers have content
knowledge in subjects they teach.
``(2) To provide professional development to ensure
teachers are able to use State content and performance
standards and assessments to improve student achievement.
``(3) To provide intensive programs designed to prepare
teachers to return to their schools to provide such instruction
to other teachers within such schools.
``(4) To support initial teaching experiences by providing
programs such as mentoring programs.
``(5) To establish or improve routes to alternative
certification for highly qualified individuals with
baccalaureate degrees, including mid-career professionals from
other occupations, paraprofessionals, former military
personnel, recent college graduates with records of academic
distinction.
``(6) To provide initiatives to assist in the recruitment
of fully qualified teachers, including signing bonuses and
differential pay.
``(7) To develop initiatives that promote the retention of
highly qualified teachers and principals, including programs
that provide mentoring to newly hired teachers, such as from
master teachers, and programs providing incentives, including
financial incentives, to retain teachers who have a record of
success in helping low-achieving students improve their
academic success.
``(8) To provide incentives to improve the quality of the
teaching force such as innovative professional development
programs, which may be established through partnerships with
institutions of higher education, including programs to train
teachers to use technology to improve teaching and learning.
``(9) To improve the quality of the teaching force through
tenure reform, merit pay, or testing teachers in the subject
areas taught by such teachers.
``(10) To provide professional development regarding how to
teach children with different learning styles, how best to
discipline children, and how to teach character education.
``SEC. 2105. REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
``Each local educational agency that receives a grant under this
title shall report annually to the State educational agency and to the
public.
``SEC. 2106. AUTHORIZATION.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$1,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 and such sums as may be necessary
for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''.
TITLE III--EDUCATION REFORMS
SEC. 301. EDUCATION REFORMS.
Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 3101. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may provide grants to local
educational agencies to provide services described in section 3103.
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
title, a local educational agency shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may
reasonably require. Each such application shall include a 5-year plan
to improve student achievement through the use of education reforms.
``SEC. 3102. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.
``From the amount made available to carry out this title--
``(1) 25 percent shall be allocated among such States on
the basis of their relative populations of students in
kindergarten through 12th grade, as determined by the Secretary
on the basis of the most recent satisfactory data; and
``(2) 75 percent shall be distributed according to each
local educational agency's share of allocations under part A of
title I.
``SEC. 3103. USES OF FUNDS.
``A local educational agency that receives funds under this title
may use such funds for the following:
``(1) To implement State standards and assessments.
``(2) To establish efforts to increase student progress
toward meeting State standards and assessments.
``(3) To develop programs to reduce drugs and violence in
schools.
``(4) To provide after school programs.
``(5) To increase access to and understanding of technology
in the classroom for learning.
``(6) To support gifted and talented education.
``(7) To provide arts education.
``(8) To establish efforts to reduce dropout rates.
``(9) To provide school-to-work activities and
opportunities.
``(10) To provide education to homeless students.
``(11) To promote greater gender and racial equity in
education.
``(12) To support class size reduction.
``(13) To support school construction and facility
improvement.
``(14) To provide programs and assistance for neglected and
delinquent students.
``(15) To support Even Start and preschool programs.
``(16) To support reading and literacy programs.
``(17) To provide civic education programs.
``(18) To support math and science education.
``SEC. 3104. REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
``Each local educational agency that receives a grant under this
title shall report annually to the State educational agency and to the
public regarding the expenditure and use of funds provided under this
title for education reforms.
``SEC. 3105. AUTHORIZATION.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$2,700,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 and such sums as may be necessary
for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''.
TITLE IV--ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
SEC. 401. STATE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
Title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 4001. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``The Secretary is authorized to provide grants to State
educational agencies to maintain State standards and assessments and to
monitor the progress of local education agencies toward meeting State
goals.
``SEC. 4002. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.
``The Secretary shall determine the amount each State is eligible
to receive based on the number of students ages 5 to 17, in the State.
``SEC. 4003. USE OF FUNDS.
``(a) In General.--A State educational agency shall use funds
received under this title--
``(1) to assist local educational agencies to design a 5-
year plan for titles II, III, and VII to monitor local
educational agencies use of Federal funds and to determine
adequate student achievement levels;
``(2) to maintain State standards and assessments and
monitor the progress of local educational agencies toward
meeting State goals and meeting the local education agency's
objectives set out in the 5-year plans submitted for a grant
under titles II, III, and VII;
``(3) for administration, evaluations, research,
professional development; and
``(4) to provide technical assistance to local educational
agencies and schools, continue development of State curriculum
content and student performance standards, and develop and
align State assessment systems with these standards.
``(b) Corrective Action.--If a State determines that a local
educational agency is not meeting the goals established by the State,
the State, in consultation with the Secretary shall work with the
agency to take correction actions to assure that such goals are met. If
after 3 years the State determines, after consultation with the
Secretary, that the local educational agency is not taking proper
corrective actions, the State may take over (or `reconstitute')
administration of the local educational agency, or certain schools, as
the State considers appropriate.
``SEC. 4004. REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
``(a) Plan.--Each State shall submit a 5-year plan to the Secretary
regarding how the State educational agency plans to use the Federal
funds to help local educational agencies formulate plans for the use of
Federal grants, monitor State progress toward reaching goals, assure
Federal funds are being used to help students reach high levels of
achievement. The plan shall also indicate statewide student achievement
goals.
``(b) Annual Report.--The State educational agency shall report
yearly to the Secretary regarding the use of funds and progress toward
reaching student achievement goals.
``SEC. 4005. AUTHORIZATION.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title,
$260,000,000 for fiscal year 2000 and such sums as may be necessary for
each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''.
TITLE V--INCREASED AUTHORIZATION LEVELS
SEC. 501. INCREASED AUTHORIZATION LEVELS.
(a) Magnet Schools.--Section 5113 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7213) is amended by striking
``$120,000,000 for fiscal year 1995'' and inserting ``$130,000,000 for
fiscal year 2001''.
(b) Charter Schools.--Section 10311 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8067) is amended by striking
``$100,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary
for each of the four succeeding fiscal years'' and inserting ``such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2000, $200,000,000 for fiscal
year 2001, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the four
succeeding fiscal years''.
TITLE VI--LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT STUDENTS
SEC. 601. LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT STUDENTS.
Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) is amended to read as following:
``SEC. 7101. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to provide grants to
eligible local educational agencies to provide services described in
section 7103 to limited English proficient students to enable such
students to meet the same rigorous standards for academic performance
as other students in the State.
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
title, a local educational agency shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may
reasonably require. Each such application shall include a 5-year plan
to improve limited English proficiency education and address the needs
of immigrant students. The plan shall also establish numerical
performance objectives to determine student progress in learning
English.
``SEC. 7102. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.
``(a) Determination of Amounts.--To determine the amount each local
educational agency may be eligible to receive, the Secretary shall use
data published by the Bureau of the Census in compiling the most recent
decennial census to identify the number of limited English proficient
students served by the local educational agency.
``(b) Allocation.--From the amount made available to carry out this
title--
``(1) 50 percent shall be allocated among such States on
the basis of their relative populations of students in
kindergarten through 12th grade, as determined by the Secretary
on the basis of the most recent satisfactory data; and
``(B) 50 percent shall be distributed according to each
local educational agency's share of allocations under part A of
title I.
``(c) Hold Harmless.--Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection
(b), a local educational agency shall not receive less than the total
amount of funds that it received in fiscal year 2000 under title VII of
this Act as such title was in effect on the day preceding the date of
the enactment of the Local Education Empowerment Act.
``SEC. 7103. USES OF FUNDS.
``A local educational agency that receives funds under this title
may use such funds for the following:
``(1) To increase the proficiency of students learning
English.
``(2) To assist students with limited English proficiency
to meet the same challenging State content and student
performance standards expected of other students in the State.
``(3) To develop and implement new English language and
academic content instructional programs for children who are
limited English proficient, including programs of early
childhood education and kindergarten through 12th grade
education.
``(4) To carry out highly focused, innovative, locally
designed projects to expand or enhance existing English
language and academic content instruction programs for limited
English proficient students.
``(5) To implement schoolwide programs for restructuring,
reforming, and upgrading all relevant programs and operations
relating to English language and academic content standards.
``(6) To upgrade program objectives and effective
instructional strategies.
``(7) To improve instructional programs by identifying,
acquiring, and upgrading curricula, instructional materials,
educational software, and assessment procedures.
``(8) To provide intensified instruction to limited English
proficient students.
``(9) To implement comprehensive preschool, elementary, or
secondary school English programs that are coordinated with
other relevant programs and services.
``(10) To provide professional development to classroom
teachers, administrators, and other school and community-based
organizational personnel to improve instruction and assessment.
``(11) To improve instruction by providing for the
acquisition or development of education technology or
instructional materials, access to and participation in
electronic networks for materials, training and communications,
and incorporation of such resources in curricula and programs.
``(12) To develop tutoring programs.
``(13) To support the identified needs of migratory
children that result from their migratory lifestyle.
``(14) To provide family literacy services and parent
outreach and training activities to limited English proficient
children.
``SEC. 7104. REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
``Each local educational agency that receives a grant under this
title shall report annually the results of the numerical performance
objectives included in the 5-year plan described in section 7101(b) to
the State educational agency and to the public.
``SEC. 7105. DEFINITIONS.
``For purposes of this title, the term `limited English proficient
student' means a child age 5 through 17 who--
``(1) is enrolled in a public elementary or secondary
school;
``(2)(A) was not born in the United States;
``(B) has a native language other than English; or
``(C) is a Native American or Alaska Native and comes from
an home in which a language other than English has a
significant impact on such individual's level of English
language proficiency;
``(3) comes from an home in which a language other than
English is used for most communication; and
``(4) has sufficient difficulty speaking, reading, writing,
and understanding the English language and such difficulty may
deny such individual an opportunity to learn successfully in
classrooms in which the language of instruction is English or
to participate fully in our society.
``SEC. 7106. AUTHORIZATION.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 and such sums as may be necessary
for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''. | (Sec. 102) Revises a formula to determine whether a local educational agency (LEA) may use such part A funds for schoolwide programs (to upgrade the entire educational program in a school). Allows such schoolwide use of funds if: (1) the school serves an eligible school attendance area in which at least 35 percent (currently 50 percent) of the children are from low-income families; or (2) at least 35 percent (currently 50 percent) of the children enrolled in the school are from such families.
Title II: Professional Development
- Amends ESEA to revise title II (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program) by replacing current provisions.
(Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide title II grants to eligible LEAs to provide specified services. Requires LEA grant applications to include five-year plans to improve student achievement by providing high-quality professional development for teachers, hiring new teachers, and reducing class size.
Requires half of title II funds to be allocated among States according to their relative populations of students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and the other half to be distributed according to each LEA's share of allocations under ESEA title I part A. Authorizes LEAs to use title II funds for specified activities.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 for title II of ESEA.
Title III: Education Reforms
- Amends ESEA to revise title III (Technology for Education) by replacing current provisions.
(Sec. 301) Authorizes the Secretary to provide title III grants to eligible LEAs to provide specified services. Requires LEA grant applications to include five-year plans to improve student achievement through education reforms.
Requires one-quarter of title III funds to be allocated among States according to their relative populations of students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and the other three-quarters to be distributed according to each LEA's share of allocations under ESEA title I part A. Authorizes LEAs to use title III funds for specified activities.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 for title III of ESEA.
Title IV: Administrative Expenses
- Amends ESEA to revise title IV (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities) by replacing current provisions.
(Sec. 401) Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) to maintain State standards and assessments and to monitor LEA progress toward meeting State goals.
Bases the amount each State receives on its relative number of students aged five to 17.
Requires SEAs to use title IV funds for specified activities and to take corrective action in certain cases.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for title IV of ESEA.
Title V: Increased Authorization Levels
- Amends ESEA to extend through FY 2005 the authorization of appropriations, in increased specified amounts, for: (1) Magnet School Assistance under part A of title V; and (2) Public Charter Schools under part C of title X.
Title VI: Limited English Proficient Students
- Amends ESEA to revise title VII (Bilingual Education, Language Enhancement, and Language Acquisition Programs) by replacing current provisions.
(Sec. 601) Authorizes the Secretary to provide title VII grants to LEAs to provide specified services to limited English proficient students to enable them to meet the same rigorous standards for academic performance as other students in the State. Requires LEA grant applications to include five-year plans to improve limited English proficiency education, address the needs of immigrant students, and establish numerical performance objectives to determine student progress in learning English.
Requires use of census data to identify the number of limited English proficient students served by an LEA, to determine the amount each LEA may be eligible to receive. Requires half of title VII funds to be allocated among States according to their relative populations of students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and the other half to be distributed according to each LEA's share of allocations under ESEA title I part A. Sets forth hold-harmless provisions under which an LEA will not receive less than the total amount it received in FY 2000 under ESEA title VII as in effect prior to enactment of this Act. Authorizes LEAs to use title VII funds for specified activities.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 for title VII of ESEA. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Local Education Empowerment Act"} | 3,807 | 975 | 0.595442 | 1.719068 | 0.717452 | 2.508516 | 4.399027 | 0.819951 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rapid Innovation Fund Enhancement
Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. REESTABLISHMENT AND ENHANCEMENT OF DEFENSE RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT RAPID INNOVATION PROGRAM.
(a) Coordination of Program.--Subsection (a) of section 1073 of the
Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011
(Public Law 111-383; 124 Stat. 4366; 10 U.S.C. 2359 note) is amended by
adding at the end the following: ``The program shall be coordinated
with the senior acquisition executives of the departments, Agencies,
and components of the Department of Defense.''.
(b) Department of Defense Expenditures.--Subsection (d) of such
section is amended to read as follows:
``(d) DoD Expenditures.--(1) For fiscal year 2017 and each fiscal
year thereafter, the Department of Defense shall obligate for
expenditure for eligible technologies under the program not less than 1
percent of the aggregate budget of the Department of Defense for such
fiscal year for research, development, test, and evaluation and
available for projects and activities at the level of Advanced
Component Development Prototypes and above (referred to as `6.4' and
above).
``(2) Nothing in paragraph (1) may be construed to prohibit the
departments, Agencies, and components of the Department from expending
on eligible technologies in a fiscal year an amount for that fiscal
year in excess of the amount otherwise required by that paragraph.''.
(c) Briefing Requirements.--Subsection (f) of such section is
amended to read as follows:
``(f) Annual Briefing.--(1) Not later than January 31 each year,
the Secretary shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the
program under this section during the previous fiscal year, including
the following:
``(A) A list of each project funded under this section
during such fiscal year, including a short description of each
such project.
``(B) The amount of funding provided for each such project.
``(C) The defense acquisition program that each such
project supports, including the extent to which such project
meets needs identified in its acquisition plan.
``(D) The anticipated timeline for transition for such
project, or if such project transitioned during such fiscal
year, to what program of record it transitioned.
``(E) Whether the award for the project was made to a small
business participating in the Small Business Innovation
Research Program or Small Business Technology Transfer Program
under section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638), a
small business under section 3 of that Act (15 U.S.C. 632), or
a nontraditional defense contractor under section 2371(a) of
title 10, United States Code.
``(F) The degree to which a competitive, merit-based
process was used to evaluate and select the performers of the
projects selected under this section during such fiscal year.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `appropriate committees of
Congress' means--
``(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate; and
``(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Small Business of the House of Representatives.''.
(d) Reestablishment of Program and Definition.--Subsection (g) of
such section is amended to read as follows:
``(g) Eligible Technology Defined.--In this section, the term
`eligible technology' means the following:
``(1) A technology that has received a Phase II award under
the Small Business Innovation Research Program or the Small
Business Technology Transfer Program under section 9 of the
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638).
``(2) A technology developed by a nontraditional defense
contractor (as that term is defined in section 2302(9) of title
10, United States Code).
``(3) A technology developed by the defense laboratories.
``(4) Any other innovative technology (including a dual use
technology), as determined by the Secretary.''.
(e) Additional Program Flexibility.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
issue additional guidelines for the operation of the Defense Research
and Development Rapid Innovation Program under section 1107 of the Ike
Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (as
amended by this section). The guidance shall include the following:
(1) Guidance to Department of Defense personnel on using,
to the maximum extent practicable, procedures under the Program
for direct award (as described in section 9(r)(4) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(r)(4)) to firms participating in
the Small Business Innovation Research Program or Small
Business Technology Transfer Program under section 9 of that
Act.
(2) Guidance and procedures on the authorities in section
9(r)(4) of the Small Business Act that allow a small business
concern to submit proposals to the senior acquisition
executive, or a designee, at each department, Agency, and
component of the Department and separate from a broad agency
announcement. | Rapid Innovation Fund Enhancement Act of 2016 This bill amends the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to require that the Defense Research and Development Rapid Innovation program be coordinated with the senior acquisition executives of the departments, agencies, and components of the Department of Defense (DOD). For FY2017 and each fiscal year thereafter, DOD shall obligate for eligible program technologies a minimum of 1% of the aggregate DOD research, development, test, and evaluation budget available for projects and activities at the level of Advanced Component Development Prototypes and above. DOD shall: (1) provide Congress with annual project briefings, and (2) issue additional program operations guidelines. "Eligible technology" means: a technology that has received a phase II award under the Small Business Innovation Research program or the Small Business Technology Transfer program, a technology developed by a nontraditional defense contractor, a technology developed by the defense laboratories, or any other innovative technology as determined by DOD. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Rapid Innovation Fund Enhancement Act of 2016"} | 1,146 | 214 | 0.669271 | 1.996819 | 0.900887 | 4.874346 | 5.528796 | 0.905759 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``HIV/AIDS Emergency Hurricane Relief
Act''.
SEC. 2. APPOINTMENT OF HIV/AIDS EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATOR.
(a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the President, in consultation with the
Secretary of Health and Human Service (referred to in this Act as the
``Secretary'') shall appoint an individual to serve in a position
within the Department of Health and Human Services to be known as the
HIV/AIDS Emergency Response Coordinator (referred to in this Act as the
``Coordinator'').
(b) Duties.--
(1) Coordination of services for eligible individuals.--The
Coordinator shall be responsible for coordinating the
provision, under Federal programs, of services described in
paragraph (2) to individuals who--
(A) are living with HIV disease;
(B) are residents, or were residents at the time of
Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma, in a geographic area
for which, by reason of such Hurricane, a presidential
declaration of major disaster was issued under section
401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act; and
(C) have been displaced by such Hurricane or have
been unable to access services described in paragraph
(2).
(2) Covered services.--The services referred to in
paragraph (1) are comprehensive medical care and treatment,
including housing, case management, dental care, mental health
therapy, psychosocial support, drug and alcohol treatment, and
other supportive services.
(3) Certain programs.--The Federal programs referred to in
paragraph (1) include title XXVI of the Public Health Service
Act (relating to the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources
Emergency Act of 1990) and the Housing Opportunities for
Persons With AIDS program.
(4) Additional duties.--In addition to carrying out
paragraph (1), the Coordinator shall carry out the duties
established for the Coordinator in sections 3 through 8.
(5) Consultation.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Coordinator shall consult with--
(A) the agencies of the Public Health Service,
including the Health Resources and Services
Administration, the Office of Minority Health, the
National Center on Minority Health and Health
Disparities, and the Office of AIDS Research;
(B) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(C) the Department of Housing and Urban
Development; and
(D) State and local governments.
SEC. 3. AWARDS FOR SERVICES FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Coordinator and
in consultation with the Administrator of the Health Resources and
Services Administration and the Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development, shall make awards of grants or cooperative agreements to
public and nonprofit private entities that--
(1) have experience in providing covered services to
eligible individuals; or
(2) have received or are eligible to receive, directly or
indirectly, funding from the Federal government under title
XXVI of the Public Health Service Act or the Housing
Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program.
(b) General Provisions.--With respect to awards under subsection
(a):
(1) Such an award may be made only if the applicant
involved agrees that the award will not be expended for any
purpose other than providing covered services.
(2) The Secretary shall publicize the availability of the
awards and ensure that applications for such awards are
processed not later than 45 days after the applications for the
awards are submitted to the Secretary.
(3) In the case of an approved application, the Secretary
shall ensure that funds under the award become available
(subject to appropriations Acts) not later than 90 days after
the date on which the application is submitted to the
Secretary.
(c) Availability of Certain Unobligated Funds.--With respect to
amounts appropriated for carrying out part A or B of title XXVI of the
Public Health Service Act, such amounts that are unobligated at the end
of a fiscal year are available to the Secretary, acting through the
Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration and
in consultation with the Coordinator, for the purpose of making awards
under subsection (a).
SEC. 4. WAIVER AUTHORITY REGARDING RYAN WHITE COMPREHENSIVE AIDS
RESOURCES EMERGENCY ACT OF 1990.
The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health
Resources and Services Administration and in consultation with the
Coordinator, may waive, for any State that includes a geographic area
described in section 2(b)(1)(B) of this Act, the following requirements
under title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act:
(1) The requirement under section 2617(d) (relating to the
provision of non-Federal contributions by States).
(2) Such other requirements under conditions for receiving
grants as the Secretary determines to be appropriate taking
into account the effects of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and
Wilma, including requirements regarding reporting,
administrative caps, and the submission of competitive and
noncompetitive applications.
SEC. 5. EMERGENCY INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT REGARDING PROVISION OF COVERED
SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
The Coordinator, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and
Human Services and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, may
make awards of grants or cooperative agreements to public and nonprofit
private entities that provide covered services to eligible individuals.
The purpose of such awards is providing to such entities emergency
infrastructure support with respect to the provision of such services
to such individuals.
SEC. 6. PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN REGARDING TREATMENT FOR ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of
the Health Resources and Services Administration and in consultation
with the Coordinator, the head of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, and State and local governments, shall conduct a public
awareness campaign directed toward eligible individuals who were
receiving services under title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act
and for whom Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma caused the disruption or
termination of the availability of such services.
(b) Certain Requirements.--The campaign under subsection (a)
shall--
(1) emphasize the need for eligible individuals described
in such subsection to visit a hospital or other health care
facility to continue receiving treatment for HIV disease and
prevent the development of drug resistance to HIV; and
(2) provide information identifying organizations or
facilities that provide covered services to eligible
individuals, including organizations or facilities that receive
Federal funding for the provision of such services.
SEC. 7. CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF RECEIVING AWARDS.
In making awards of grants or cooperative agreements pursuant to
this Act, the Secretary shall not--
(1) require the provision of non-Federal contributions as a
condition of receiving the awards;
(2) construe this Act as affecting the eligibility of any
public or nonprofit private entity to apply or receive
subsequent funding under title XXVI of the Public Health
Service Act, the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
program, or any other Federal program that provides covered
services; or
(3) by reason of making an award pursuant to this Act,
reduce the amount of any award under a program specified in
paragraph (2).
SEC. 8. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Coordinator shall submit to the Congress a report on the
implementation of this Act.
SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) The term ``covered services'' means services described
in section 2(b)(2).
(2) The term ``eligible individuals'' means individuals
described in section 2(b)(1).
(3) The term ``HIV disease'' has the meaning given such
term in section 2676 of the Public Health Service Act.
(4) The term ``Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS
program'' means the program under subtitle D of title VIII of
the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.
SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General .--For the purpose of carrying out this Act, there
is authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.
Amounts appropriated under the preceding sentence shall remain
available until expended.
(b) Rules of Construction.--The authorization of appropriations
established in subsection (a) is in addition to other authorizations of
appropriations that are available for Federal programs that provide
covered services. Subsection (a) shall not be construed as reducing the
authorizations of appropriations for title XXVI of the Public Health
Service Act, the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program,
or any other Federal program that provides covered services. | HIV/AIDS Emergency Hurricane Relief Act - Requires the President to appoint an HIV/AIDS Emergency Response Coordinator to coordinate the provision of services under federal programs to individuals who: (1) are living with HIV; (2) are residents or were residents of a declared major disaster area at the time of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma; and (3) have been displaced by such hurricane or have been unable to access comprehensive medical care and treatment, including housing, case management, drug and alcohol treatment, and other supportive services.
Requires the Secretary, acting through the Coordinator, to award grants or cooperative agreements to public and nonprofit private entities that: (1) have experience in providing services to eligible individuals; and (2) have received or are eligible to receive funding from the federal government through the HIV health care services program or the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program.
Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to waive matching requirements and any other appropriate conditions for grants under the HIV health care services program.
Allows the Coordinator to award grants or cooperative agreements to public and nonprofit private entities that provide covered services to eligible individuals in order to provide such entities with emergency infrastructure support.
Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to conduct a public awareness campaign directed toward eligible individuals who were receiving services through the federal HIV health care services program and for whom the hurricanes caused the disruption or termination of such services. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish within the Department of Health and Human Services the position of HIV/AIDS Emergency Response Coordinator in order to coordinate the provision of certain services to individuals with HIV disease who have been displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina or Rita, and for other purposes."} | 1,906 | 308 | 0.683579 | 1.934465 | 0.800133 | 4.535836 | 5.993174 | 0.96587 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rubbish to Renewables Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) municipal solid waste, a plentiful resource, can be a
substantial source of clean, renewable energy;
(2) by collecting methane produced by landfills and
converting the methane into productive energy, landfills can
contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions;
(3) clean energy policy of the United States should fully
recognize and support the ability of landfills to provide clean
energy and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions;
(4) further investment is needed to promote new
technologies and develop new processes for the conversion of
municipal solid waste into clean, renewable energy; and
(5) investment in municipal solid waste clean energy
projects can create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and
lessen the dependence of the United States on foreign oil.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Eligible project.--
(A) In general.--The term ``eligible project''
means a project carried out to produce clean, renewable
energy from municipal solid waste (including from
methane generated from a municipal solid waste
landfill) that reduces greenhouse gas emissions
substantially more than the flaring of landfill gas, as
determined by the Secretary.
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``eligible project''
includes projects described in subparagraph (A) that
use technologies such as anaerobic digestion, plasma
arc, or thermal gasification (including pyrolysis).
(C) Exclusions.--The term ``eligible project'' does
not include a project described in subparagraph (A)
that uses an oxidizing technology, such as combustion
or incineration.
(2) Greenhouse gas.--The term ``greenhouse gas'' means any
of--
(A) carbon dioxide;
(B) methane;
(C) nitrous oxide;
(D) sulfur hexafluoride;
(E) a perfluorocarbon; or
(F) a hydrofluorocarbon.
(3) Municipal solid waste.--
(A) In general.--The term ``municipal solid waste''
means--
(i) material discarded for disposal by--
(I) households (including single
and multifamily residences); and
(II) public lodgings, such as
hotels and motels; and
(ii) material discarded for disposal that
was generated by commercial, institutional, and
industrial sources, to the extent that the
material--
(I)(aa) is essentially the same as
material described in clause (i); or
(bb) is collected or disposed of
with material described in clause (i)
as part of a normal municipal solid
waste collection service; and
(II) is not subject to regulation
as a hazardous waste under subtitle C
of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42
U.S.C. 6921 et seq.).
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``municipal solid waste''
includes--
(i) appliances;
(ii) clothing;
(iii) consumer product packaging;
(iv) cosmetics;
(v) debris resulting from construction,
remodeling, repair, or demolition of a
structure;
(vi) disposable diapers;
(vii) food containers made of glass or
metal;
(viii) food waste;
(ix) household hazardous waste;
(x) office supplies;
(xi) paper; and
(xii) yard waste.
(C) Exclusions.--The term ``municipal solid waste''
does not include--
(i) solid waste identified or listed as a
hazardous waste under section 3001 of the Solid
Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6921), except for
household hazardous waste;
(ii) solid waste, including contaminated
soil and debris, resulting from--
(I) a response action taken under
section 104 or 106 of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9604,
9606);
(II) a response action taken under
a State law with authorities comparable
to the authorities contained in either
of those sections; or
(III) a corrective action taken
under the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42
U.S.C. 6901 et seq.);
(iii) recyclable material--
(I) that has been separated, at the
source of the material, from waste
destined for disposal; or
(II) that has been managed
separately from waste destined for
disposal, including scrap rubber to be
used as a fuel source;
(iv) a material or product returned from a
dispenser or distributor to the manufacturer or
an agent of the manufacturer for credit,
evaluation, and possible potential reuse;
(v) solid waste that is--
(I) generated by an industrial
facility; and
(II) transported for the purpose of
treatment, storage, or disposal to a
facility (which facility is in
compliance with applicable State and
local land use and zoning laws and
regulations) or facility unit--
(aa) that is owned or
operated by the generator of
the waste;
(bb) that is located on
property owned by the generator
of the waste or a company with
which the generator is
affiliated; or
(cc) the capacity of which
is contractually dedicated
exclusively to a specific
generator;
(vi) medical waste that is segregated from
or not mixed with solid waste; or
(vii) combustion ash generated by a
resource recovery facility or municipal
incinerator.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
(5) Solid waste.--The term ``solid waste'' has the meaning
given the term in section 1004 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act
(42 U.S.C. 6903).
SEC. 4. GRANTS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program under
which the Secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities (as
identified by the Secretary) for use in funding eligible projects--
(1) to position the United States as a world leader in
technologies that generate renewable energy from municipal
solid waste;
(2) to assist entities in the United States in developing
and implementing those technologies;
(3) to generate clean energy jobs;
(4) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
(5) to conserve scarce landfill space.
(b) Application.--An entity that seeks to receive a grant under
this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time
and containing such information as the Secretary shall require.
(c) Maximum Amount of Grant.--A grant provided by the Secretary to
an eligible entity under this section shall not exceed $10,000,000.
(d) Priority.--In providing grants under this section, the
Secretary shall prioritize grant applications based on, with respect to
project proposed to be carried out in the application--
(1) the quantity of renewable energy the project would
generate;
(2) the quantity of greenhouse gas emission reductions over
and above current best available technology;
(3) whether the technology required for the proposed
project is not yet widely implemented in the United States;
(4) whether the technology has a high potential for
replication;
(5) the quantity of landfill space the project would
preserve; and
(6) the number of jobs that would be created.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $250,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2010 through 2013.
SEC. 5. REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS THROUGH LANDFILLS.
(a) Additionality.--Under any legislation enacted after the date of
enactment of this Act to regulate the emission of greenhouse gases that
includes a cap-and-trade system, a landfill gas control measure that
reduces the emission of a greenhouse gas at a level greater than
required under Federal, State, or local laws (including regulations)
used for that reduction shall be considered to meet additionality
criteria under that legislation.
(b) Domestic Offsets.--If a landfill gas control measure described
in subsection (a) meets criteria under legislation described in that
subsection to qualify as a domestic offset, the domestic offset shall
be at a level that is equal to the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted
that is less than the baseline quantity of the greenhouse gases
emitted. | Rubbish to Renewables Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program to fund projects to develop and implement technologies to generate renewable energy from municipal solid waste, generate clean energy jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve landfill space.
Provides that a landfill gas control measure in cap-and-trade legislation enacted after the enactment of this Act that reduces greenhouse gas emissions at a level greater than required under federal, state, or local laws shall be considered to meet additionality criteria under that legislation. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program to facilitate the production of clean, renewable energy from municipal solid waste, and for other purposes."} | 1,857 | 117 | 0.567051 | 1.561332 | 0.535895 | 4.346535 | 16.851485 | 0.960396 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Western Water Recycling and Drought
Relief Act''.
SEC. 2. WESTERN RECYCLED WATER PROJECT AUTHORIZATIONS.
(a) Authorizations.--The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater
Study and Facilities Act (43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``SEC. 16__. BENICIA WATER REUSE PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Benicia, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $6,750,000.
``SEC. 16__. BRENTWOOD RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Brentwood, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,200,000.
``SEC. 16__. CENTRAL DUBLIN RECYCLED WATER DISTRIBUTION AND RETROFIT
PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Dublin
San Ramon Services District, California, is authorized to participate
in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system
facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $1,150,000.
``SEC. 16__. CENTRAL REDWOOD CITY RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Redwood City, California, is authorized to participate in the
design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $7,500,000.
``SEC. 16__. CITY OF PLEASANTON RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Pleasanton, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000.
``SEC. 16__. CONCORD RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, California, is authorized to
participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water
system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000.
``SEC. 16__. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY REFINERY RECYCLED WATER PROJECT, PHASE
1.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, California, is authorized to
participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water
system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $6,250,000.
``SEC. 16__. DELTA DIABLO RECYCLED WATER SYSTEM EXPANSION PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Delta
Diablo, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $8,500,000.
``SEC. 16__. DELTA DIABLO HIGH PURITY WATER TREATMENT FACILITY.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Delta
Diablo, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $12,500,000.
``SEC. 16__. DUBLIN AND SAN RAMON RECYCLED WATER EXPANSION PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Dublin
San Ramon Services District and the Dublin San Ramon Services District/
East Bay Municipal Utility District Recycled Water Authority (DERWA),
California, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and
construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $6,300,000.
``SEC. 16__. HAYWARD RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Hayward, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000.
``SEC. 16__. IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT CYPRESS RECYCLED WATER
PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Ironhouse Sanitary District, California, is authorized to participate
in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water
distribution systems.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000.
``SEC. 16__. IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT INDUSTRIAL RECYCLED WATER
PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Ironhouse Sanitary District, California, is authorized to participate
in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water
distribution systems.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $3,500,000.
``SEC. 16__. IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT DIRECT POTABLE REUSE PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Ironhouse Sanitary District, California, is authorized to participate
in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water
distribution systems.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000.
``SEC. 16__. MOUNTAIN VIEW RECYCLED WATER SYSTEM EXPANSION.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Mountain View, California, is authorized to participate in the
design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000.
``SEC. 16__. NORTH VALLEY REGIONAL RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Turlock, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000.
``SEC. 16__. PALO ALTO RECYCLED WATER PIPELINE PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Palo Alto, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $8,250,000.
``SEC. 16__. PURE WATER MONTEREY A GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency, California, is
authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of
recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $7,500,000.
``SEC. 16__. SAN JOSE WATER COMPANY RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the San
Jose Water Company, California, is authorized to participate in the
design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $6,000,000.
``SEC. 16__. SUNNYVALE CONTINUOUS RECYCLED WATER PRODUCTION PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Sunnyvale, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $500,000.
``SEC. 16__. WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT WASTEWATER RECLAMATION FACILITY
EXPANSION PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with Hawaii
Water Service Company, Waikoloa, Hawaii, is authorized to participate
in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system
facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000.
``SEC. 16__. WEST BAY SANITARY DISTRICT RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the West
Bay Sanitary District, California, is authorized to participate in the
design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000.
``SEC. 16__. WOLFE ROAD RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Santa
Clara Valley Water District and the City of Sunnyvale, California, is
authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of
recycled water system facilities.
``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $4,375,000.''.
(b) Project Implementation.--In carrying out sections 1642 through
1648 of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities
Act, and the sections added to such Act by subsection (a), the
Secretary shall enter into individual agreements with the Western
Recycled Water Coalition participating agencies to fund the projects,
and shall include in such agreements a provision for the reimbursement
of design, planning and construction costs, including those costs
incurred prior to the enactment of this Act, subject to appropriations
made available for the Federal share of the project under sections 1642
through 1648 of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and
Facilities Act and the sections added to such Act by subsection (a).
(c) Clerical Amendments.--The table of contents of the Reclamation
Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. prec. 371)
(as amended by section 512(a) of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act
of 2008) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 16__. Benicia water reuse project.
``Sec. 16__. Brentwood recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Central Dublin recycled water distribution and retrofit
project.
``Sec. 16__. Central Redwood City recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. City of Pleasanton recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Concord recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Contra Costa County refinery recycled water project, phase
1.
``Sec. 16__. Delta Diablo recycled water system expansion project.
``Sec. 16__. Delta Diablo high purity water treatment facility.
``Sec. 16__. Dublin and San Ramon recycled water expansion project.
``Sec. 16__. Hayward recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Ironhouse Sanitary District Cypress recycled water
project.
``Sec. 16__. Ironhouse Sanitary District industrial recycled water
project.
``Sec. 16__. Ironhouse Sanitary District direct potable reuse project.
``Sec. 16__. Mountain View recycled water system expansion.
``Sec. 16__. North Valley Regional recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Palo Alto recycled water pipeline project.
``Sec. 16__. Pure Water Monterey a groundwater replenishment project.
``Sec. 16__. San Jose Water Company recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Sunnyvale continuous recycled water production project.
``Sec. 16__. Waikoloa Beach Resort Wastewater Reclamation Facility
expansion project.
``Sec. 16__. West Bay Sanitary District recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Wolfe Road recycled water project.''.
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION TO AUTHORIZED PROJECTS.
(a) Antioch Recycled Water Project.--Section 1644(d) of the
Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (43
U.S.C. 390h-27) (as amended by section 512(a) of the Consolidated
Natural Resources Act of 2008) is amended by striking ``$2,250,000''
and inserting ``$3,200,000''.
(b) South Santa Clara County Recycled Water Project in Santa Clara
County.--Section 1644(d) of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater
Study and Facilities Act (43 U.S.C. 390h-27) (as amended by section
512(a) of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008) is amended by
striking ``$7,000,000'' and inserting ``$17,950,000''. | Western Water Recycling and Drought Relief Act This bill amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Department of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities in California in cooperation with: the cities of Benicia, Brentwood, Redwood City, Pleasanton, Hayward, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Turlock; the Dublin San Ramon Services District and the Dublin San Ramon Services District/East Bay Municipal Utility District Recycled Water Authority; the Santa Clara Valley Water District; the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District; the Delta Diablo; the Ironhouse Sanitary District; the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency; the San Jose Water Company; and the West Bay Sanitary District. The bill also authorizes Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities in Hawaii in cooperation with Hawaii Water Service Company, Waikoloa. The federal share of each project is limited to 25%. Interior must: (1) enter into individual agreements with the Western Recycled Water Coalition participating agencies to fund such projects (as well as existing projects done in cooperation with the California cities of Palo Alto, Mountain View, Pittsburg, Antioch, Redwood City, and San Jose and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District, the North Coast County Water District, the South County Regional Wastewater Authority, and the Santa Clara Valley Water District); and (2) include in such agreements a provision for the reimbursement of design, planning, and construction costs. The bill increases the authorization of appropriations for the recycled water system facilities of: (1) Antioch and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District, and (2) the South County Regional Wastewater Authority and the Santa Clara Valley Water District. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Western Water Recycling and Drought Relief Act"} | 4,898 | 383 | 0.544443 | 1.725203 | 0.687378 | 3.501484 | 12.023739 | 0.878338 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Congress 2006 Commission Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a commission to be known as the ``Congress
2006 Commission'' (hereafter in this Act referred to as the
``Commission'').
SEC. 3. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.
The Commission shall--
(1) analyze the current size of the membership of the House
of Representatives considering the requirement for the
institution to carry out its responsibilities in an effective
manner under the challenges of the new century;
(2) examine alternatives to the current method by which
Representatives are elected (including cumulative voting and
proportional representation) to determine if such alternatives
would make the House of Representatives a more representative
body;
(3) provide consideration to the continuing dissolution of
adherence to the platforms and candidates of the Nation's two
major political parties as well as to the reduction in
electoral participation by the citizenry;
(4) consider whether alternative methods of electing House
Members might include more citizens in the electoral process;
(5) to the extent necessary, formulate proposals for
changes in the size of the membership of, and the method of
electing Representatives to, the House of Representatives; and
(6) not later than the end of the One Hundred Eighth
Congress, submit to the President and the Congress a report of
the work of the Commission, together with a draft of
legislation (including technical and conforming provisions) to
implement the proposals referred to in paragraph (5).
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 15
members as follows:
(1) Two members appointed by the President.
(2) Ten members appointed by the House of Representatives,
in the manner prescribed by the House of Representatives.
(3) Three members appointed by the Senate, in the manner
prescribed by the Senate.
(b) Qualifications.--In making appointments under this section, the
appointing authorities shall make a special effort to appoint
individuals who are particularly qualified to perform the functions of
the Commission, by reason of either practical experience or academic
expertise in politics or government.
(c) Terms and Vacancies.--Each member shall be appointed for the
life of the Commission. A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in
the manner in which the original appointment was made.
(d) Pay and Travel.--Each member of the Commission, other than a
full-time officer or employee of the United States--
(1) shall be paid the daily equivalent of the annual rate
of basic pay payable for level V of the Executive Schedule for
each day (including travel time) during which the member is
engaged in the actual performance of duties vested in the
Commission; and
(2) shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in
lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703
of title 5, United States Code.
(e) Quorum.--Eight members of the Commission shall constitute a
quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(f) Chairman.--The Chairman of the Commission shall be elected by
the members.
(g) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairman or a majority of its members.
SEC. 5. STAFF.
(a) In General.--With the approval of the Commission, the Chairman
may appoint and fix the pay of not more than six individuals for the
staff of the Commission. Such individuals may be appointed without
regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing
appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard
to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of
that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates,
except that an individual so appointed may not receive pay in excess of
the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-15 of the
General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Experts and Consultants.--With the approval of the Commission,
the Chairman may procure temporary and intermittent services in the
manner prescribed in 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 payable for grade GS-15 of the General
Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission, the
head of any Federal department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable
basis, any of the personnel of that department or agency to the
Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act.
SEC. 6. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out
this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take
testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers
appropriate.
(b) 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 by this section.
(c) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the
same manner and under the same conditions as departments and agencies
of the United States.
(d) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the
Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the
Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support
services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities
under this Act.
SEC. 7. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall cease to exist on the last day of the month
in which its report is submitted under section 3. | Congress 2006 Commission Act - Establishes the Congress 2006 Commission to make proposals to the President and Congress regarding changes in the size of the membership of, and the method of electing Representatives to, the House of Representatives. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish a commission to make recommendations on the appropriate size of membership of the House of Representatives and the method by which Members are elected."} | 1,225 | 48 | 0.583794 | 1.410481 | 0.629187 | 6.804878 | 28.097561 | 0.95122 |
SECTION 1. SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Northeast corridor.--Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation
shall issue a request for proposals for projects for the
financing, design, construction, and operation of an initial
high-speed rail system operating between Washington, DC, and
New York City. Such proposals shall be submitted to the
Secretary not later than 150 days after the publication of such
request for proposals.
(2) Other projects.--After a report is transmitted under
section 5 with respect to projects described in paragraph (1),
the Secretary of Transportation may issue a request for
proposals for additional projects for the financing, design,
construction, and operation of a high-speed rail system
operating on any other corridor in the United States. Such
proposals shall be submitted to the Secretary not later than
150 days after the publication of such request for proposals.
(b) Contents.--A proposal submitted under subsection (a) shall
include--
(1) the names and qualifications of the persons submitting
the proposal;
(2) a detailed description of the proposed route and its
engineering characteristics;
(3) the peak and average operating speeds to be attained;
(4) the type of equipment to be used, including any
technologies for--
(A) maintaining an operating speed the Secretary
determines appropriate; or
(B) in the case of a proposal submitted under
subsection (a)(1), achieving less than 2-hour express
service between Washington, DC, and New York City;
(5) the locations of proposed stations;
(6) a detailed description of any proposed legislation
needed to facilitate the project;
(7) a financing plan identifying--
(A) sources of revenue;
(B) the amount of any proposed public contribution
toward capital costs or operations;
(C) ridership projections; and
(D) the amount of private investment;
(8) a description of how the project would contribute to
the development of a national high-speed rail system, and an
intermodal plan describing how the system will connect with
other transportation links;
(9) labor protections for existing railroad employees;
(10) provisions to ensure that the proposal will be
designed to operate in harmony with existing and projected
future commuter and freight service; and
(11) provisions for full fair market compensation for any
asset or service acquired from a private person or entity,
except as otherwise agreed to by the private person or entity.
(c) Documents.--Documents submitted or developed pursuant to this
section shall not be subject to section 552 of title 5, United States
Code.
SEC. 2. DETERMINATION OF FEASIBILITY AND ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSIONS.
Not later than 60 days after receipt of a proposal under section 1,
the Secretary of Transportation shall--
(1) make a determination as to whether the proposal is
feasible; and
(2) for each corridor for which one or more feasible
proposals are received, establish a commission under section 3.
SEC. 3. COMMISSIONS.
A commission referred to in section 2(2) shall consist of not more
than 19 members, including--
(1) the governor of the affected State or States, or their
respective designees;
(2) a rail labor representative, and a representative from
a rail freight carrier using the relevant corridor, appointed
by the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the
chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate;
(3) the Secretary of Transportation or his designee;
(4) the president of Amtrak or his designee;
(5) the mayors of the three largest municipalities serviced
by the proposed high-speed rail corridor; and
(6) any other person the Secretary of Transportation
considers appropriate.
SEC. 4. COMMISSION CONSIDERATION.
(a) In General.--Each commission established under section 2(2)
shall be responsible for reviewing the proposal or proposals with
respect to which the commission was established, and not later than 90
days after the establishment of the commission, shall transmit to the
Secretary, and to the chairman and ranking minority member of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, a report which includes--
(1) a summary of each proposal received;
(2) a ranking of the order of the proposals according to
feasibility, and cost and benefit to the public;
(3) an indication of which proposal or proposals are
recommended by the commission; and
(4) an identification of any proposed legislative
provisions which would facilitate implementation of the
recommended project.
(b) Verbal Presentation.--Proposers shall be given an opportunity
to make a verbal presentation to the commission to explain their
proposals.
SEC. 5. SELECTION BY SECRETARY.
Not later than 60 days after receiving a report from a commission
under section 4(a), the Secretary of Transportation shall transmit to
the Congress a report that ranks all of the recommended proposals
according to feasibility, and cost and benefit to the public.
SEC. 6. NORTHEAST CORRIDOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STUDY.
Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Transportation shall transmit to the Congress the
results of an economic development study of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor
service between Washington, DC, and New York City. Such study shall
examine how to achieve maximum utilization of the Northeast Corridor,
including--
(1) maximizing the assets of the Northeast Corridor for
potential economic development purposes;
(2) real estate improvement and financial return;
(3) improved commuter and freight services;
(4) optimum utility utilization in conjunction with
potential separated high-speed rail passenger services; and
(5) any other means of maximizing the economic potential of
the Northeast Corridor. | Directs the Secretary of Transportation to solicit proposals for projects for the financing, design, construction, and operation of an initial high-speed rail system between Washington, DC, and New York City, New York (Northeast Corridor).
Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine whether a proposal is feasible; and (2) establish a commission for each corridor for which one or more feasible proposals are submitted.
Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of an economic development study of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor service. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for competitive development and operation of high-speed rail corridor projects."} | 1,242 | 113 | 0.593644 | 1.428543 | 0.677155 | 5.326923 | 11.817308 | 0.942308 |
SECTION 1. ADMINISTRATIVE NATURALIZATION CEREMONIES.
Section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1448)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e)(1) The ceremonies described in subsection (d) shall, at a
minimum, contain the following events:
``(A) The introduction will consist of preparatory
remarks to explain the nature and significance of the
ceremony as well as an introduction of the Department
of Homeland Security representative conducting the
ceremony and special guests, participants, or groups.
``(B) The introduction of the new citizens may be
accomplished either by Department of Homeland Security
personnel or by the individuals themselves. The name
and country of origin of each applicant should be
included. If it is not practical to include the name of
each applicant due to the size of the group being
naturalized, a brief statement setting forth the number
of persons to be administered the oath and their
countries of origin should be made.
``(C) The oath of allegiance is administered by a
Department of Homeland Security officer consistent with
this section.
``(D) The new citizens should be requested to
recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the
United States. Either Service personnel, a guest, or
one of the new citizens may lead the group.
``(E) A guest speaker (e.g., prominent civic
leader, naturalized citizen, judge, etc.) or a
Department of Homeland Security official will deliver
appropriate remarks. A prepared statement or
congratulatory message from the President, Attorney
General, or Commissioner may be used. The address
should focus on the form and distinctiveness of the
United States Government and the privileges and
responsibilities of citizenship.
``(F) Civic and patriotic groups (e.g., D.A.R.,
League of Women Voters, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy
Scouts, etc.) should be introduced and allowed to
present brief congratulatory remarks or special
programs.
``(G) An individual commencement-style presentation
should be used if possible; or the certificate may be
delivered at the conclusion of the ceremony. Subsequent
delivery via mail should be avoided. The new citizens
are to be provided with appropriate commemorative
material, and the President's welcoming letter.
``(2) Ceremonies may include activities in addition to those
specified in paragraph (1) if the activities are in keeping with the
dignity of the occasion.
``(3) Care should be taken to avoid associating ceremonies with
such activities as partisan political functions, denominational
religious functions, sporting events, or functions designed to draw
crowds unrelated to the ceremony and which would not be in keeping with
the dignity of the naturalization process.
``(f)(1) The ceremonies described in subsection (d) may be
conducted at--
``(A) Department of Homeland Security offices or
facilities;
``(B) public sites such as city, county, state or Federal
buildings;
``(C) school auditoriums, possibly as a part of civics
curricula;
``(D) court facilities;
``(E) historic sites (ideally as a part of special
commemorative events);
``(F) Outreach locations, such as community agencies or
fraternal organizations; or
``(G) other appropriate facilities in keeping with the
dignity of the occasion.
``(2) The decor of the oath ceremony location must be in keeping
with the dignity and importance of the conferring of United States
citizenship. While the Department of Homeland Security office need not
copy doggedly the decor of a typical Federal court house, such type of
decor should be kept in mind when planning ceremonies. At a minimum,
the flag of the United States and the Department of Homeland Security
pennant will be prominently displayed. A dais or podium should be
provided for the use of the officiating employees and speakers.
Facilities must be clean and neat. When planning space requirements,
ample provision must be made for the guests of new citizens.
``(g) A separate calendar reflecting dates of administrative oath
ceremonies for the calendar year shall be completed for each Department
of Homeland Security office conducting naturalization activities. It
shall be completed by January 31 of each year. The calendar, in
addition to the dates of the ceremonies, must reflect the location of
each ceremony and the number of persons to be scheduled for the
ceremony. It must also indicate the total number of oath ceremonies
actually held in the prior calendar year, and the number of abbreviated
ceremonies held pursuant to subsection (h).
``(h)(1) When a district director or officer-in-charge determines
that it is in the national interest that an applicant not wait until a
scheduled oath ceremony to be administered the oath, an abbreviated
oath ceremony may be held. In such case, only those items listed in
subparagraphs (C), (E), and (G) of subsection (e)(1) need be included
in the ceremony.
``(2) When it is determined that an abbreviated ceremony will be
held, the district director or officer-in-charge will place in the
applicant's service file a memorandum explaining the need for the
abbreviated ceremony.''. | Amends the Immigration and Naturalization Act to set forth naturalization ceremony provisions. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To codify procedures regarding naturalization ceremonies conducted by the Secretary of Homeland Security."} | 1,134 | 18 | 0.41345 | 0.974603 | 0.014236 | 1.230769 | 83.923077 | 0.769231 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Human Trafficking and Smuggling
Penalty Enhancement Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. ENHANCED PENALTIES FOR SLAVERY AND ALIEN SMUGGLING.
(a) Death Resulting From Slavery.--Chapter 77 of title 18, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 1581(a), by striking ``or if'' and inserting
``the defendant shall be fined under this title, punished by
death or imprisonment for any term of years or for life, or
both. If'';
(2) in section 1583, by striking ``or if'' and inserting
``the defendant shall be fined under this title, punished by
death or imprisonment for any term of years or for life, or
both. If'';
(3) in section 1584, by striking ``or if'' and inserting
``the defendant shall be fined under this title, punished by
death or imprisonment for any term of years or for life, or
both. If'';
(4) in section 1589, by striking ``or if'' and inserting
``the defendant shall be fined under this title, punished by
death or imprisonment for any term of years or for life, or
both. If'';
(5) in section 1590, by striking ``or if'' and inserting
``the defendant shall be fined under this title, punished by
death or imprisonment for any term of years or for life, or
both. If''; and
(6) in section 1591(b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as
redesignated by subparagraph (A), the following:
``(1) if the offense resulted in the death of the victim, a
fine under this title, death or imprisonment for any term of
years or for life, or both;''.
(b) Alien Smuggling.--Section 274(a) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by amending clause (i) to read as
follows:
``(i) knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that a
person is an alien, brings or attempts to bring to the United
States in any manner whatsoever such person at a place other
than a designated port of entry or a place designated by the
Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security,
regardless of--
``(I) whether such alien has received prior
official authorization to come to, enter, or reside in
the United States;
``(II) whether the person bringing or attempting to
bring such alien to the United States intended to
violate any criminal law; or
``(III) any future official action which may be
taken with respect to such alien;'';
(ii) in clause (iv), by striking ``or'' at
the end;
(iii) in clause (v)--
(I) in subclause (I), by striking
``, or'' and inserting a semicolon;
(II) in subclause (II), by striking
the comma and inserting ``; or''; and
(III) by inserting after subclause
(II) the following:
``(III) attempts to commit any of the preceding acts; or'';
and
(iv) by inserting after clause (v) the
following:
``(vi) knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that a
person is an alien, causes or attempts to cause such alien to
be transported or moved across an international boundary,
knowing that such transportation or moving is part of such
alien's effort to enter or attempt to enter the United States
without prior official authorization,''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) by striking ``subparagraph
(A)(i) or (v)(I)'' and inserting
``clause (i), (v)(I), or (vi) of
subparagraph (A)''; and
(II) by striking ``10 years'' and
inserting ``20 years'';
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking ``subparagraph (A)
(ii), (iii), (iv), or (v)(II)'' and
inserting ``clause (ii), (iii), (iv),
or (v)(II) of subparagraph (A)''; and
(II) by striking ``5 years'' and
inserting ``10 years''; and
(iii) in clause (iii)--
(I) by striking ``subparagraph (A)
(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v)'' and
inserting ``subparagraph (A)''; and
(II) by striking ``20 years'' and
inserting ``35 years'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by inserting ``, or facilitates or
attempts to facilitate the bringing or
transporting,'' after ``attempts to bring'';
and
(ii) by inserting ``and regardless of
whether the person bringing or attempting to
bring such alien to the United States intended
to violate any criminal law,'' after ``with
respect to such alien''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking the comma at
the end and inserting a semicolon;
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``, or''
and inserting a semicolon;
(iii) in clause (iii), by striking the
comma at the end and inserting ``; or'';
(iv) by inserting after clause (iii), the
following:
``(iv) an offense committed with knowledge or
reason to believe that the alien unlawfully brought to
or into the United States has engaged in or intends to
engage in terrorist activity (as defined in section
212(a)(3)(B)(iv)),''; and
(v) in the matter following clause (iv), as
added by this subparagraph, by striking ``3 nor
more than 10 years'' and inserting ``5 years
and not more than 20 years''; and
(3) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``5 years'' and
inserting ``10 years''.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO SENTENCING GUIDELINES RELATING TO ALIEN SMUGGLING
OFFENSES.
(a) Directive to United States Sentencing Commission.--Pursuant to
its authority under section 994(p) of title 18, United States Code, and
in accordance with this section, the United States Sentencing
Commission shall review and, as appropriate, amend the Federal
Sentencing Guidelines and related policy statements to implement the
provisions of this Act.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out this section, the United States
Sentencing Commission shall--
(1) ensure that the Sentencing Guidelines and Policy
Statements reflect--
(A) the serious nature of the offenses and
penalties referred to in this Act;
(B) the growing incidence of alien smuggling
offenses; and
(C) the need to deter, prevent, and punish such
offenses;
(2) consider the extent to which the Sentencing Guidelines
and Policy Statements adequately address whether the guideline
offense levels and enhancements for violations of the sections
amended by this Act--
(A) sufficiently deter and punish such offenses;
and
(B) adequately reflect the enhanced penalties
established under this Act;
(3) maintain reasonable consistency with other relevant
directives and sentencing guidelines;
(4) account for any additional aggravating or mitigating
circumstances that might justify exceptions to the generally
applicable sentencing ranges;
(5) make any necessary conforming changes to the Sentencing
Guidelines; and
(6) ensure that the Sentencing Guidelines adequately meet
the purposes of sentencing under section 3553(a)(2) of title
18, United States Code. | Human Trafficking and Smuggling Penalty Enhancement Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for enhanced penalties, including the death penalty, for slavery.
Modifies alien smuggling prohibitions under the Immigration and Nationality Act to cover engaging in specified actions with knowledge that the violator is acting in reckless disregard of the fact that a person is an alien. Prohibits bringing or attempting to bring an alien to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry or a place designated by the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security, regardless of: (1) whether the alien received prior official authorization to enter the United States; (2) whether the person bringing the alien intended to violate any criminal law; or (3) any future official action which may be taken with respect to that alien. Prohibits the commission of an offense with knowledge or reason to believe that the alien unlawfully brought to or into the United States has engaged in or intends to engage in terrorist activity.
Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and related policy statements to implement this Act and to reflect the serious nature of the offenses and penalties referred to in this Act, the growing incidence of alien smuggling, and the need to deter, prevent, and punish such offenses. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to provide for enhanced criminal penalties for crimes related to slavery and alien smuggling."} | 1,904 | 290 | 0.514073 | 1.515518 | 0.643872 | 4.733871 | 6.862903 | 0.935484 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Affordability Is Access Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure timely access to affordable
birth control by requiring coverage without cost-sharing for oral birth
control for routine, daily use that is approved by, or otherwise
legally marketed under regulation by, the Food and Drug Administration
for use by women without a prescription.
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Access to the full range of health benefits and
preventive services, including access to birth control, as
guaranteed under Federal law, provides all people of the United
States with the opportunity to lead healthier and more
productive lives.
(2) Birth control is a critical health care benefit and
service for women. Almost all women use birth control at some
point in their lifetimes. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention declared it one of the Ten Great Public Health
Achievements of the 20th Century.
(3) Birth control prevents and reduces unintended
pregnancies and provides many health and socioeconomic benefits
for women. Women with access to birth control are more likely
to have higher educational and career achievement, and to earn
higher wages.
(4) Affordability and timely access have long been barriers
for women being able to use birth control. Many women struggle
to obtain the birth control they need because of cost or other
access barriers, which has contributed to the high unintended
pregnancy rate in the United States. A national survey found
that 1 in 3 women have struggled to afford birth control at
some point in their lives, and as a result, have used birth
control inconsistently. The rate is even higher for young women
who are most likely to experience an unintended pregnancy.
(5) Three separate studies have found that lack of health
coverage is significantly associated with reduced use of
prescription contraceptive methods, including birth control.
(6) The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public
Law 111-148) sought to remove barriers to care and improve
access by requiring all new health plans to cover recommended
preventive services without cost-sharing, which include women's
preventive services, including all contraceptive methods,
including birth control and sterilization for women approved by
the Food and Drug Administration and related education and
counseling.
(7) The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act women's
preventive services benefit has significantly improved women's
access to birth control, including oral birth control for
routine, daily use. The Department of Health and Human Services
has reported that, as of 2014, more than 55,000,000 women are
benefitting from coverage without cost-sharing for women's
preventive services, including birth control, under the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act. Women have saved more than
$483,000,000 in out-of-pocket costs for birth control with no
copayments in 2012 compared to 2013, an average savings of $269
per woman.
(8) The most appropriate method of birth control varies
according to each individual woman's needs, medical history,
and stage of life. For instance, women may have medical
contraindications that limit their ability to use certain birth
control methods. It is critical that the full range of birth
control methods approved by the Food and Drug Administration
are available and covered without cost-sharing in order to
ensure that each woman has access to the birth control method
that best meets her needs.
(9) The determination as to whether a drug should be
available for use without a prescription is appropriately and
solely made by the Food and Drug Administration. To ensure the
safety and efficacy of a drug, including a drug available for
over-the-counter use, the appropriate scientific and medical
personnel at the Food and Drug Administration, often with input
from independent advisory panels of experts, review clinical
and other data relating to the safety and efficacy of the drug.
This scientific and medical review can occur as part of the
Food and Drug Administration's over-the-counter drug review for
potential inclusion in a monograph as generally recognized as
safe and effective, or as part of the review of a new drug
application (or an abbreviated new drug application). As part
of these regulatory processes, the appropriate scientific and
medical personnel review clinical and other data, including
data generated in controlled clinical trials. The Food and Drug
Administration also reviews consumer studies and monitors post-
marketing safety data. All of these processes ensure that the
appropriate scientific and medical personnel make the
determination of safety, quality, and efficacy of drugs
marketed to the people of the United States.
(10) Leading women's health experts, providers, and medical
associations, including the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Family
Physicians, support full insurance coverage and increased
access to oral birth control over-the-counter. In 2012, the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a
Committee Opinion recommending approval by the Food and Drug
Administration of certain forms of birth control for over-the-
counter use to increase timely access to birth control.
Furthermore, data demonstrates that birth control that is
available over-the-counter has public support and would
increase birth control usage and continuation. The Committee
Opinion followed similar recommendations made by leading
reproductive health experts and published in the American
Journal of Public Health.
(11) Research shows that birth control available over-the-
counter, as an addition to, not a substitute for, the women's
preventive health benefit under the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act, would increase accessibility for oral
birth control for routine, daily use.
SEC. 4. SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
It is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
(1) in order to increase women's access to oral birth
control, it must be both easier to obtain and affordable and,
to make it either easier to obtain or more affordable, but not
both, is to leave unacceptable barriers in place for women;
(2) it is imperative that the entities that research and
develop oral birth control and whose medical and scientific
experts have developed clinical and other evidence that oral
birth control for routine, daily use is safe and effective for
women when sold without a prescription, apply to the Food and
Drug Administration for review and approval for sale of such
birth control without a prescription;
(3) upon the receipt of such an application, the Food and
Drug Administration should determine whether the oral birth
control meets the rigorous safety, efficacy, and quality
standards for over-the-counter use under the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), and if the
product meets those standards, the Food and Drug Administration
should approve the application without delay; and
(4) if and when the Food and Drug Administration approves
an oral birth control that is available over-the-counter, such
birth control should be covered by health insurance, without a
prescription and without cost-sharing.
SEC. 5. ENSURING COVERAGE OF ORAL BIRTH CONTROL FOR USE WITHOUT A
PRESCRIPTION.
Section 2713(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
300gg-13(a)(4)) is amended by inserting ``(including oral
contraceptives for routine, daily use approved by the Food and Drug
Administration for use without a prescription, even if the individual
does not have a prescription for such contraceptive)'' after
``additional preventive care''.
SEC. 6. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.
(a) Non-Interference With FDA Regulation.--Nothing in this Act (or
the amendment made by this Act) shall be construed to modify or
interfere with Food and Drug Administration processes to review or
approve, or otherwise determine the safety and efficacy of, and make
available, non-prescription drugs or devices, modify or interfere with
the scientific and medical considerations of the Food and Drug
Administration, or alter any other authority of the Food and Drug
Administration.
(b) Non-Preemption.--Nothing in this Act (or the amendment made by
this Act) preempts any provision of Federal or State law to the extent
that such Federal or State law provides protections for consumers that
are greater than the protections provided for in this Act.
SEC. 7. DUTIES OF RETAILERS TO ENSURE ACCESS TO ORAL BIRTH CONTROL FOR
USE WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION.
(a) In General.--Any retailer that stocks oral birth control for
routine, daily use that is approved by, or otherwise legally marketed
under regulation by, the Food and Drug Administration for use without a
prescription may not interfere with an individual's access to or
purchase of such birth control or access to medically accurate,
comprehensive information about such birth control.
(b) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall prohibit a retailer
that stocks oral birth control for routine, daily use from refusing to
provide an individual with such oral birth control that is approved by,
or otherwise legally marketed under regulation by, the Food and Drug
Administration if the individual is unable to pay for the birth
control, directly or through insurance coverage. | Affordability Is Access Act This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require health insurance and group health plans to cover, as preventive care for women, over-the-counter oral contraceptives for daily use, regardless of whether an enrollee has a prescription for the contraceptive. (Insurers and plans cannot impose cost sharing for preventive care.) | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Affordability Is Access Act"} | 1,947 | 83 | 0.525852 | 1.351065 | 1.079316 | 2.212121 | 28.363636 | 0.878788 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Dividend Taxation Elimination Act of
2003''.
SEC. 2. EXEMPTION OF DIVIDEND INCOME FROM TAX.
(a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to amounts specifically
excluded from gross income) is amended by inserting after section 115
the following new section:
``SEC. 116. EXCLUSION OF DIVIDENDS RECEIVED BY INDIVIDUALS.
``(a) Exclusion From Gross Income.--Gross income does not include
dividends which are otherwise includible in gross income and which are
received during the taxable year by an individual.
``(b) Limitation Before 2007.--In the case of a taxable year
beginning before January 1, 2007, the aggregate amount excluded under
subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed--
``(1) $25,000 in the case of taxable years beginning during
2003,
``(2) $50,000 in the case of taxable years beginning during
2004,
``(3) $75,000 in the case of taxable years beginning during
2005, and
``(4) $100,000 in the case of taxable years beginning
during 2006.
In the case of a joint return, the preceding sentence shall be applied
by doubling each amount contained therein.
``(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).
``(4) 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).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subparagraph (A) of section 32(i)(2) of such Code is
amended by inserting ``(determined without regard to section
116)'' before the comma.
(2) 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 dividends received
during the taxable year which are excluded from
gross income under section 116.''.
(3) 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.''.
(4) 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 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.''.
(5) 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.--There shall be included the amount of any
dividends excluded from gross income pursuant to section
116.''.
(6) Section 854(a) of such Code is amended by inserting
``section 116 (relating to exclusion of dividends received by
individuals) and'' after ``For purposes of''.
(7) Section 857(c) of such Code is amended to read as
follows:
``(c) Restrictions Applicable to Dividends Received From Real
Estate Investment Trusts.--
``(1) Treatment for section 116.--For purposes of section
116 (relating to exclusion of dividends 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.''.
(8) The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of
chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 115 the following new item:
``Sec. 116. Exclusion of dividends
received by individuals.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002. | Dividend Taxation Elimination Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude dividends from gross income, with specified exceptions. Sets forth exclusion limitations prior to 2007. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals to exclude dividend income."} | 1,204 | 41 | 0.556737 | 1.232511 | 1.047433 | 1.677419 | 34.83871 | 0.709677 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``District of Columbia Personal
Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution
provides that the right of the people to keep and bear arms
shall not be infringed.
(2) The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution
protects the rights of individuals, including those who are not
members of a militia or engaged in military service or
training, to keep and bear arms.
(3) The law-abiding citizens of the District of Columbia
are deprived by local laws of handguns, rifles, and shotguns
that are commonly kept by law-abiding persons throughout the
rest of the United States for sporting use and for lawful
defense of persons, homes, and families.
(4) The District of Columbia has the highest per capita
murder rate in the Nation, which may be attributed in part to
local laws prohibiting possession of firearms by law-abiding
persons who would otherwise be able to defend themselves and
their loved ones in their own homes and businesses.
(5) The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended by the
Firearms Owners' Protection Act of 1986, and the Brady Handgun
Violence Prevention Act of 1993, provide comprehensive Federal
regulations applicable in the District of Columbia as
elsewhere. In addition, existing District of Columbia criminal
laws punish possession and illegal use of firearms by violent
criminals and felons. Consequently, there is no need for local
laws which only disarm law-abiding citizens.
(6) Legislation is required to correct the District of
Columbia's law in order to restore the rights of its citizens
under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution
and thereby enhance public safety.
SEC. 3. REFORM D.C. COUNCIL'S AUTHORITY TO RESTRICT FIREARMS.
Section 4 of the Act entitled ``An Act to prohibit the killing of
wild birds and wild animals in the District of Columbia'', approved
June 30, 1906 (34 Stat. 809; sec. 1-303.43, D.C. Official Code) is
amended by adding at the end the following: ``This section shall not be
construed to permit the Council, the Mayor, or any governmental or
regulatory authority of the District of Columbia to prohibit,
constructively prohibit, or unduly burden the ability of persons
otherwise permitted to possess firearms under Federal law from
acquiring, possessing in their homes or businesses, or using for
sporting, self-protection or other lawful purposes, any firearm neither
prohibited by Federal law nor regulated by the National Firearms Act.
The District of Columbia shall not have authority to enact laws or
regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use
of firearms.''.
SEC. 4. REPEAL D.C. SEMIAUTOMATIC BAN.
Section 101(10) of the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975
(sec. 7-2501.01(10), D.C. Official Code) is amended to read as follows:
``(10) Machine gun means any firearm which shoots, is
designed to shoot, or can be readily converted or restored to
shoot automatically, more than 1 shot by a single function of
the trigger.''.
SEC. 5. REPEAL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 201(a) of the Firearms Control Regulations
Act of 1975 (sec. 7-2502.01(a), D.C. Official Code) is amended by
striking ``any firearm, unless'' and all that follows through paragraph
(3) and inserting the following: ``any firearm described in subsection
(c).''.
(b) Description of Firearms Remaining Illegal.--Section 201 of such
Act (sec. 7-2502.01, D.C. Official Code) is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(c) A firearm described in this subsection is any of the
following:
``(1) A sawed-off shotgun.
``(2) A machine gun.
``(3) A short-barreled rifle.''.
SEC. 6. REPEAL HANDGUN AMMUNITION BAN.
Section 601 of the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 (sec.
7-2506.01, D.C. Official Code) is repealed.
SEC. 7. RESTORE RIGHT OF SELF DEFENSE IN THE HOME.
Section 702 of the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 (sec.
7-2507.02, D.C. Official Code) is repealed.
SEC. 8. ADDITIONAL REPEALS.
Sections 202 through 211 of the Firearms Control Regulations Act of
1975 (secs. 7-2502.02 through 7-2502.11, D.C. Official Code) are
repealed.
SEC. 9. REMOVE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION OF UNREGISTERED
FIREARMS.
(a) In General.--Section 706 of the Firearms Control Regulations
Act of 1975 (sec. 7-2507.06, D.C. Official Code) is amended--
(1) by striking ``that:'' and all that follows through
``(1) A'' and inserting ``that a''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2).
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to violations occurring after the 60-day period
which begins on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 10. REMOVE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR CARRYING A FIREARM IN ONE'S
DWELLING OR OTHER PREMISES.
(a) In General.--Section 4(a) of the Act of July 8, 1932 (47 Stat.
651; sec. 22--4504(a), D.C. Official Code) is amended--
(1) in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking ``a
pistol,'' and inserting the following: ``except in his dwelling
house or place of business or on other land possessed by that
person, whether loaded or unloaded, a firearm,''; and
(2) by striking ``except that:'' and all that follows
through ``(2) If the violation'' and inserting ``except that if
the violation''.
(b) Treatment of Certain Exceptions.--Section 5(a) of such Act (47
Stat. 651; sec. 22--4505(a), D.C. Official Code) is amended--
(1) by striking ``pistol'' each place it appears and
inserting ``firearm''; and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting the
following: ``, or to any person while carrying or transporting
a firearm used in connection with an organized military
activity, a target shoot, formal or informal target practice,
sport shooting event, hunting, a firearms or hunter safety
class, trapping, or a dog obedience training class or show, or
the moving by a bona fide gun collector of part or all of the
collector's gun collection from place to place for public or
private exhibition while the person is engaged in, on the way
to, or returning from that activity if each firearm is unloaded
and carried in an enclosed case or an enclosed holster, or to
any person carrying or transporting a firearm in compliance
with sections 926A, 926B or 926C of title 18, United States
Code.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to violations occurring after the 60-day period
which begins on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Passed the House of Representatives September 29, 2004.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | District of Columbia Personal Protection Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the District of Columbia Code to provide that the D.C. Council's regulatory authority regarding firearms, explosives, and weapons in the District shall not be construed to permit the Council, the Mayor, or any governmental or regulatory authority of the District to prohibit, constructively prohibit, or unduly burden the ability of persons otherwise permitted to possess firearms under Federal law from acquiring, possessing in their homes or businesses, or using for sporting, self-protection or other lawful purposes, any firearm neither prohibited by Federal law nor regulated by the National Firearms Act. Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms.
(Sec. 4) Amends the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 to repeal the portion of the definition of a machine gun that specifies any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily converted or restored to shoot semiautomatically, more than 12 shots without manual reloading. (Thus repeals the ban on semiautomatic weapons. Retains the ban on automatic weapons.)
(Sec. 5) Repeals the District's: (1) registration requirement for possession of firearms; (2) prohibition on registration of pistols (handguns); (3) prohibition on possession of handgun ammunition; (4) requirement that, under certain conditions, firearms in the possession of certain individuals must be kept unloaded, disassembled, or with the trigger locked; and (5) related firearm registration requirements, such as those for applicant qualifications and filing deadline.
Maintains the current ban on the possession and control of a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, or short-barreled rifle.
(Sec. 9) Eliminates criminal penalties for possessing an unregistered firearm.
(Sec. 10) Amends the District of Columbia Code to eliminate criminal penalties of a fine of up to $5,000 or five years imprisonment, or both, for carrying a firearm (currently, carrying a pistol) whether loaded or unloaded outside one's dwelling house, place of business, or on other land possessed by such person. (Retains the criminal penalties for the basic offense of carrying a concealed weapon of a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both, for a first offense, as well as a fine of up to $10,000 or ten years imprisonment, or both, for a repeat offense.)
Replaces pistol with firearm regarding the exceptions to criminal penalties for a person carrying such weapon either openly or concealed within the District without a license issued pursuant to D.C. law.
Modifies the exception to the prohibition against carrying concealed weapons to include: (1) persons carrying or transporting a firearm used in connection with an organized military activity, a target shoot, formal or informal target practice, sport shooting event, hunting, a firearms or hunter safety class, trapping, or a dog obedience training class or show; (2) the moving by a bona fide gun collector of part or all of the collector's gun collection from place to place for public or private exhibition while the person is engaged in, on the way to, or returning from that activity if each firearm is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or an enclosed holster; or (3) persons carrying or transporting a firearm in compliance with the Federal criminal code. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To restore second amendment rights in the District of Columbia."} | 1,748 | 757 | 0.59627 | 1.783248 | 0.662191 | 4.724349 | 2.327718 | 0.859112 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Office of Ocean and Coastal Policy
Creation Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that there is a demonstrated need for there to
be an Office of Oceans and Coastal Policy in the Executive Office of
the President.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF OCEANS AND COASTAL POLICY.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Executive Office of
the President the Office of Oceans and Coastal Policy.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the office is to develop comprehensive
oceans and coastal policy and to advise the President on scientific,
environmental, economic, technological, and international
considerations involved in areas of national concern to ocean and
coastal policy, including the sustainable use of the Nation's ocean and
coastal resources, in order to provide for a better understanding and
knowledge of the world's oceans.
SEC. 4. DIRECTOR AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS.
(a) Director.--There shall be at the head of the Office a Director
of the Office of Oceans and Coastal Policy, who shall--
(1) be appointed by the President, by and with the advice
and consent of the Senate; and
(2) be compensated at a rate consistent with the
compensation of the Directors of other Offices within the
Executive Office of the President.
(b) Associate Directors.--The President may appoint not more than 2
Associate Directors of the Office of Oceans and Coastal Policy, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall each--
(1) be compensated at a rate not to exceed the rate
provided for other Associate Directors of Offices within the
Executive Office of the President; and
(2) shall perform such functions as the Director may
prescribe.
SEC. 5. FUNCTIONS OF THE DIRECTOR.
(a) Primary Function.--The primary function of the Director is to
provide, within the Executive Office of the President, advice on the
scientific environmental, economic, technological, and international
aspects of ocean and coastal issues that require the attention at the
highest levels of the Government.
(b) Other Functions.--The Director shall--
(1) advise the President on scientific, environmental,
economic, technological, and international considerations
involved in areas of national concern relating to ocean and
coastal policy, including the sustainable use of the Nation's
ocean and coastal resources;
(2) evaluate the scale, quality, and effectiveness of the
Federal effort in management and conservation of the Nation's
oceans and coastal resources, and advise the President on
appropriate actions to take with respect to such management and
conservation;
(3) advise the President on scientific, environmental,
economic, technological, and international aspects of ocean and
coastal considerations with regard to Federal budgets, assist
the Office of Management and Budget with an annual review and
analysis of funding proposed for research and development in
budgets of all Federal agencies, and aid the Office of
Management and Budget and the agencies throughout the budget
development process;
(4) assist the Office of Management and Budget with an
annual review and analysis of funding proposed for research and
development relating to such policy in budgets of all Federal
agencies, and aid the Office of Management and Budget and
Federal agencies regarding oceans and coastal policy throughout
the budget development process;
(5) assist the President in providing general leadership
and coordination of the research and development programs of
the Federal Government relating to the oceans and coastal
concerns;
(6) coordinate the scientific, environmental, economic,
technological, and international aspects of ocean and coastal
issues with the Council on Environmental Quality, the Office of
Science and Technology, the Council of Economic Advisers, and
other offices within the Executive Office of the President; and
(7) perform such other functions and activities relating to
the oceans and coastal policy as the President may prescribe.
SEC. 6. CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION ON OCEAN AND COASTAL POLICY.
(a) Establishment.--The President shall establish a Commission on
Ocean and Coastal Policy. The purpose of the Commission shall be to
advise and assist the Director of the Office of Ocean and Coastal
Policy in identifying and fostering policies to conserve and manage the
ocean and coastal environments and resources.
(b) Membership.--(1) The Commission shall consist of no less than
18 and no more than 36 members, who shall be appointed for three year
terms.
(2) The Commission shall be composed of the Director, the Chair of
the Council on Environmental Quality, the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, at least eight members to represent the
interests of the States, and representatives of various interested
stakeholders.
(3) The Director of the Office of Ocean and Coastal Policy shall
serve as the Chairman of the Commission.
(4) Each member of the Commission shall, while serving on business
of the Commission, be entitled to receive compensation at a rate not to
exceed a daily rate to be determined by the President consistent with
other Federal advisory boards. Federal and State officials serving on
the Commission and serving in their official capacity shall not receive
compensation in addition to their Federal or State salaries for their
time on the Commission. Members of the Commission may be compensated
for reasonable travel expenses while performing their duties as members
of the Commission.
(5) The Commission shall meet at least twice per year, or as
prescribed by the President. | Office of Ocean and Coastal Policy Creation Act of 2003 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Office of Oceans and Coastal Policy to: (1) develop comprehensive oceans and coastal policy; and (2) advise the President on scientific, environmental, economic, technological, and international considerations involved in areas of national concern to oceans and coastal policy, including the sustainable use of resources.
Requires the President to establish a Commission on Ocean and Coastal Policy to advise and assist the presidentially appointed Director of the Office. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Oceans and Coastal Policy."} | 1,129 | 112 | 0.695075 | 1.769695 | 1.238085 | 4.534653 | 10.980198 | 0.950495 |
SECTION 1. MODIFICATIONS TO IRA DEDUCTION.
(a) Increase in Maximum Amount of Deduction.--Subparagraph (A) of
section 219(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to
maximum amount of deduction) is amended by striking ``$2,000'' and
inserting ``$2,500''.
(b) Increase in Income Phaseout Levels.--Subparagraph (B) of
section 219(g)(3) of such Code is amended--
(1) by striking ``$40,000'' and inserting ``$100,000'', and
(2) by striking ``$25,000'' and inserting ``$50,000''.
(c) IRA Deduction Allowed to Nonemployed Spouses.--Subsection (c)
of section 219 of such Code is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Special Rules for Certain Married Individuals.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of an individual to whom
this paragraph applies for the taxable year, the limitation of
paragraph (1) of subsection (b) shall be equal to the lesser
of--
``(A) $2,500, or
``(B) the sum of--
``(i) the compensation includible in such
individual's gross income for the taxable year,
plus
``(ii) the compensation includible in the
gross income of such individual's spouse for
the taxable year reduced by the amount
allowable as a deduction under subsection (a)
to such spouse for such taxable year.
``(2) Individuals to whom paragraph (1) applies.--Paragraph
(1) shall apply to any individual if--
``(A) such individual files a joint return for the
taxable year, and
``(B) the amount of compensation (if any)
includible in such individual's gross income for the
taxable year is less than the compensation includible
in the gross income of such individual's spouse for the
taxable year.''
(d) Inflation Adjustments.--Subsection (f) of section 219 of such
Code is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
paragraph:
``(8) Inflation adjustments.--In the case of a taxable year
beginning in a calendar year after 1994, each dollar amount set
forth in subsections (b)(1)(A), (c)(1)(A), and (g)(3)(B) shall
be increased by an amount equal to--
``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined
under section 1(f)(3) for such calendar year by
substituting `calendar year 1993' for `calendar year
1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.
If any increase determined under the preceding sentence is not
a multiple of $100, such increase shall be rounded to the
nearest multiple of $100.''
(e) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subsections (a)(1) and (b) of section 408(a) of such
Code are each amended by striking ``$2,000'' and inserting
``the dollar limitation in effect under section 219(b)(1)(A)''.
(2) Subparagraph (A) of section 408(d)(5) of such Code is
amended by striking ``$2,250'' and inserting ``the dollar
limitation in effect under section 219(b)(1)(A)''.
(3) Subsection (j) of section 408 of such Code is amended
by striking ``the $2,000 amounts contained'' and inserting
``the dollar limitations referred to''.
(f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993.
SEC. 2. REPAYABLE DISTRIBUTIONS FROM INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS FOR
EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES AND FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS.
(a) General Rule.--Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to individual retirement accounts) is amended by
redesignating subsection (p) as subsection (q) and by inserting after
subsection (o) the following new subsection:
``(p) Repayable Distributions From Individual Retirement Accounts
for Educational Expenses and First-Time Homebuyers.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this section, gross income shall not include any qualified
distribution.
``(2) Repayment requirement.--
``(A) Addition to tax.--If the required
recontributions made by the taxpayer during the
repayment period are less than the total required
repayment, the tax imposed by this chapter for the last
taxable year in the repayment period shall be increased
by the amount determined under subparagraph (B).
``(B) Determination of amount.--The amount
determined under this subparagraph shall be an amount
which bears the same ratio to the adjusted tax amount
as--
``(i) the required recontributions during
the repayment period, bear to
``(ii) the total required repayment.
``(C) Total required repayment.--For purposes of
this paragraph, the term `total required repayment'
means the sum of--
``(i) the qualified distribution, plus
``(ii) interest on the non-recontributed
balance of such distribution for the repayment
period computed at the prime rate and
compounded annually.
``(D) Repayment period.--For purposes of this
paragraph, the term `repayment period' means, with
respect to any qualified distribution, the taxable year
in which such distribution is received and the 15
succeeding taxable years (10 succeeding taxable years
in the case of a qualified distribution described in
paragraph (3)(B)).
``(E) Adjusted tax amount.--For purposes of this
paragraph, the term `adjusted tax amount' means, with
respect to any qualified distribution, the sum of--
``(i) the aggregate reduction in the tax
imposed by this chapter for the taxable year in
which such distribution is received by reason
of the exclusion under paragraph (1), and
``(ii) interest on the amount of such
reduction for the repayment period computed at
the prime rate and compounded annually.
``(F) Prime rate.--For purposes of this paragraph,
the term `prime rate' means the average predominant
prime rate quoted by commercial banks to large
business, as determined by the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System.
``(3) Qualified distribution.--For purposes of this
paragraph, the term `qualified distribution' means any
distributions to an individual from an individual retirement
plan--
``(A) if such distributions are qualified first-
time homebuyer distributions, or
``(B) to the extent such distributions do not
exceed the qualified higher education expenses of the
taxpayer for the taxable year in which received.
The term `qualified distribution' shall not include any
distribution to the extent such distribution reduces the
balance of the amounts in individual retirement plans of the
taxpayer below $1,000.
``(4) Qualified first-time homebuyer distributions.--For
purposes of this subsection--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified first-time
homebuyer distribution' means any payment or
distribution received by an individual to the extent
such payment or distribution is used by the individual
before the close of the 60th day after the day on which
such payment or distribution is received to pay
qualified acquisition costs with respect to a principal
residence of a first-time homebuyer who is such
individual or the spouse, child, or grandchild of such
individual.
``(B) Qualified acquisition costs.--For purposes of
this paragraph, the term `qualified acquisition costs'
means the costs of acquiring, constructing, or
reconstructing a residence. Such term includes any
usual or reasonable settlement, financing, or other
closing costs.
``(C) First-time homebuyer; other definitions.--For
purposes of this paragraph:
``(i) First-time homebuyer.--The term
`first-time homebuyer' means any individual
if--
``(I) such individual (and if
married, such individual's spouse) had
no present ownership interest in a
principal residence during the 3-year
period ending on the date of
acquisition of the principal residence
to which this paragraph applies, and
``(II) subsection (a)(6), (h), or
(k) of section 1034 did not suspend the
running of any period of time specified
in section 1034 with respect to such
individual on the day before the date
the distribution is applied pursuant to
subparagraph (A)(ii).
``(ii) Principal residence.--The term
`principal residence' has the same meaning as
when used in section 1034.
``(iii) Date of acquisition.--The term
`date of acquisition' means the date--
``(I) on which a binding contract
to acquire the principal residence to
which subparagraph (A) applies is
entered into, or
``(II) on which construction or
reconstruction of such a principal
residence is commenced.
``(D) Special rule where delay in acquisition.--If
any distribution from any individual retirement plan
fails to meet the requirements of subparagraph (A)
solely by reason of a delay or cancellation of the
purchase or construction of the residence, the amount
of the distribution may be contributed to an individual
retirement plan as provided in subsection (d)(3)(A)(i)
(determined by substituting `120 days' for `60 days' in
such section), except that--
``(i) subsection (d)(3)(B) shall not be
applied to such contribution, and
``(ii) such amount shall not be taken into
account in determining whether subsection
(d)(3)(A)(i) applies to any other amount.
``(5) Qualified higher education expenses.--For purposes of
this subsection:
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified higher
education expenses' means tuition, fees, books,
supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or
attendance of--
``(i) the taxpayer,
``(ii) the taxpayer's spouse, or
``(iii) the taxpayer's child (as defined in
section 151(c)(3)) or grandchild,
at an eligible educational institution (as defined in
section 135(c)(3)).
``(B) Coordination with savings bond provisions.--
The amount of qualified higher education expenses for
any taxable year shall be reduced by any amount
excludable from gross income under section 135.
``(6) Recontribution of qualified distributions.--
``(A) In general.--If an individual received a
qualified distribution, such individual shall make
required recontributions to an individual retirement
plan in the manner provided in this paragraph.
``(B) Method of making recon- tribution.--Any
required recontribution--
``(i) shall be made during the repayment
period for the qualified distribution,
``(ii) shall not exceed the required
repayment amount reduced by any prior
recontribution under this paragraph with
respect to such distribution, and
``(iii) shall be made by making a payment
in cash for the benefit of such individual to
an individual retirement plan.
An individual making a required recontribution under
this paragraph shall designate (in the manner
prescribed by the Secretary) such contribution as a
required recontribution under this paragraph and shall
specify the qualified distribution in respect of which
such recontribution is being made.
``(C) Treated as rollover contribution.--For
purposes of this title, any required recontribution
under this paragraph shall be treated as a rollover
contribution described in subsection (d)(3).
``(7) Other special rules.--
``(A) Basis rules not affected.--The tax treatment
under this chapter of any distribution (other than a
qualified distribution) shall be determined as if this
subsection had not been enacted.
``(B) Aggregation rules.--For purposes of this
subsection--
``(i) all qualified distributions described
in paragraph (3)(A) received by an individual
during a taxable year shall be treated as a
single distribution so described, and
``(ii) all qualified distributions
described in paragraph (3)(B) received by an
individual during a taxable year shall be
treated as a single distribution so
described.''
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this subsection shall
apply to distributions received in taxable years beginning after
December 31, 1993. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the retirement savings deduction and the maximum individual retirement account contribution from $2,000 to $2,500. Raises income phase-out limits. Allows such a deduction for nonemployed spouses. Provides an inflation adjustment for retirement savings deductions.
Excludes from gross income qualified distributions from certain retirement plans for first-time homebuyers and higher education expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or child. Requires the repayment of such amounts with interest. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the deduction for retirement savings, to permit nonemployed spouses a full IRA deduction, and for other purposes."} | 2,802 | 104 | 0.511708 | 1.237733 | 0.320382 | 1.67033 | 27.362637 | 0.835165 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Water and Energy Efficient
Appliances Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR WATER AND ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES.
(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. 45G. WATER AND ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCE CREDIT.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 38, the water
and energy efficient appliance credit determined under this
section for the taxable year is an amount equal to the sum of
the amounts determined under paragraph (2) for qualified water
and energy efficient appliances produced by the taxpayer during
the calendar year ending with or within the taxable year.
``(2) Amount.--The amount determined under this paragraph
for any category described in subsection (b)(2)(B) shall be the
product of the applicable amount for appliances in the category
and the eligible production for the category.
``(b) Applicable Amount; Eligible Production.--For purposes of
subsection (a)--
``(1) Applicable amount.--The applicable amount is--
``(A) $25, in the case of a dishwasher manufactured
with an EF of at least 0.65,
``(B) $50, in the case of a dishwasher manufactured
with an EF of at least 0.69,
``(C) $75, in the case of a clothes washer which is
manufactured with an MEF of at least a 1.80 and a WF of
no more than 7.5,
``(D) $100, in the case of a refrigerator which
consumes at least 30 percent less kilowatt hours per
year than the energy conservation standards for
refrigerators promulgated by the Department of Energy
and effective on July 1, 2001, and
``(E) $150, in the case of a clothes washer which
is manufactured with an MEF of at least a 1.80 and a WF
of no more than 5.5.
``(2) Eligible production.--
``(A) In general.--The eligible production of each
category of qualified water and energy efficient
appliances is the excess of--
``(i) the number of appliances in such
category which are produced by the taxpayer
during such calendar year, over
``(ii) the average number of appliances in
such category which were produced by the
taxpayer during calendar years 2002, 2003, and
2004.
``(B) Categories.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A), the categories are--
``(i) dishwashers described in paragraph
(1)(A),
``(ii) dishwashers described in paragraph
(1)(B),
``(iii) clothes washers described in
paragraph (1)(C),
``(iv) clothes washers described in
paragraph (1)(E), and
``(v) refrigerators described in paragraph
(1)(D).
``(c) Limitation on Maximum Credit.--
``(1) In general.--The amount of credit allowed under
subsection (a) with respect to a taxpayer for all taxable years
shall not exceed $65,000,000, of which not more than
$15,000,000 may be allowed with respect to the credit
determined by using the applicable amount under subsections
(b)(1)(A) and (b)(1)(B).
``(2) Limitation based on gross receipts.--The credit
allowed under subsection (a) with respect to a taxpayer for the
taxable year shall not exceed an amount equal to 2 percent of
the average annual gross receipts of the taxpayer for the 3
taxable years preceding the taxable year in which the credit is
determined.
``(3) Gross receipts.--For purposes of this subsection, the
rules of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 448(c) shall apply.
``(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified water and energy efficient appliance.--The
term `qualified water and energy efficient appliance' means--
``(A) a dishwasher described in subparagraph (A) or
(B) or subsection (b)(1),
``(B) a clothes washer described in subparagraph
(C) or (E) of subsection (b)(1), or
``(C) a refrigerator described in subparagraph (D)
of subsection (b)(1).
``(2) Dishwasher.--The term `dishwasher' means a standard
residential dishwasher with a capacity of 8 or more place
settings plus 6 serving pieces.
``(3) Clothes washer.--The term `clothes washer' means a
residential clothes washer, including a residential style coin
operated washer.
``(4) Refrigerator.--The term `refrigerator' means an
automatic defrost refrigerator-freezer which has an internal
volume of at least 16.5 cubic feet.
``(5) EF.--The term `EF' means Energy Factor (as determined
by the Secretary of Energy).
``(6) MEF.--The term `MEF' means Modified Energy Factor (as
determined by the Secretary of Energy).
``(7) WF.--The term `WF' means Water Factor (as determined
by the Secretary of Energy).
``(e) Special Rules.--
``(1) In general.--Rules similar to the rules of
subsections (c), (d), and (e) of section 52 shall apply for
purposes of this section.
``(2) Aggregation rules.--All persons treated as a single
employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 or
subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as 1
person for purposes of subsection (a).
``(f) Verification.--The taxpayer shall submit such information or
certification as the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
Energy, determines necessary to claim the credit amount under
subsection (a).
``(g) Termination.--This section shall not apply to water and
energy efficient appliances produced after December 31, 2010.''.
(b) Credit Made Part of General Business Credit.--Section 38(b) of
such Code (relating to current year business credit) is amended by
striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (14), by striking the period
at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
``(16) the water and energy efficient appliance credit
determined under section 45G(a).''.
(c) Limitation on Carryback.--Section 39(d) of such Code (relating
to transition rules) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(11) No carryback of water and energy efficient appliance
credit before effective date.--No portion of the unused
business credit for any taxable year which is attributable to
the water and energy efficient appliance credit determined
under section 45G may be carried to a taxable year ending
before January 1, 2008.''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--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. 45G. Water and energy efficient
appliance credit.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to appliances produced after December 31, 2007, in taxable years
ending after such date. | Water and Energy Efficient Appliances Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for the production of certain water and energy efficient appliances (i.e. dishwashers, clothes washers, and refrigerators). Sets the amount of the credit based upon certain energy and water efficiency ratings. Terminates the credit after 2010. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for the production of water and energy efficient appliances."} | 1,695 | 77 | 0.532563 | 1.252953 | 0.442927 | 2.048387 | 24.580645 | 0.822581 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Financial Oversight Commission Act
of 2009''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
There is established in the legislative branch the Financial
Oversight Commission (hereafter in this Act referred to as the
``Commission'').
SEC. 3. PURPOSES.
The purposes of the Commission are to--
(1) examine and report upon the facts and causes relating
to the financial crisis of 2008;
(2) ascertain, evaluate, and report on the evidence
developed by all relevant governmental agencies regarding the
facts and circumstances surrounding the crisis;
(3) build upon the investigations of other entities, and
avoid unnecessary duplication, by reviewing the findings,
conclusions, and recommendations of other executive branch,
congressional, or independent commission investigations into
the financial crisis of 2008;
(4) make a full and complete accounting of the
circumstances surrounding the crisis, the private sector and
government role in causing the crisis, and the extent of the
United States preparedness for, and immediate response to, the
crisis; and
(5) investigate and report to the President and Congress on
its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective
measures that can be taken to prevent further economic
breakdown.
SEC. 4. COMPOSITION OF COMMISSION.
(a) Members.--The Commission shall be composed of 10 members, of
whom--
(1) 1 member shall be appointed by the President, who shall
serve as chairman of the Commission;
(2) 1 member shall be appointed by the leader of the Senate
(majority or minority leader, as the case may be) of the
Democratic Party, in consultation with the leader of the House
of Representatives (majority or minority leader, as the case
may be) of the Democratic Party, who shall serve as vice
chairman of the Commission;
(3) 2 members shall be appointed by the senior member of
the Senate leadership of the Democratic Party;
(4) 2 members shall be appointed by the senior member of
the leadership of the House of Representatives of the
Republican Party;
(5) 2 members shall be appointed by the senior member of
the Senate leadership of the Republican Party; and
(6) 2 members shall be appointed by the senior member of
the leadership of the House of Representatives of the
Democratic Party.
(b) Qualifications; Initial Meeting.--
(1) Political party affiliation.--Not more than 5 members
of the Commission shall be from the same political party.
(2) Nongovernmental appointees.--An individual appointed to
the Commission may not be an officer or employee of the Federal
Government or any State or local government.
(3) Other qualifications.--It is the sense of Congress that
individuals appointed to the Commission should be prominent
United States citizens, with national recognition and
significant depth of experience in such professions as
governmental service, financial services, economics, law,
public administration, commerce, and foreign markets.
(4) Deadline for appointment.--All members of the
Commission shall be appointed before the end of the 60-day
period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(5) Initial meeting.--The Commission shall meet and begin
the operations of the Commission as soon as practicable.
(c) Quorum; Vacancies.--After its initial meeting, the Commission
shall meet upon the call of the chairman or a majority of its members.
Six members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. Any vacancy in
the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the
same manner in which the original appointment was made.
SEC. 5. FUNCTIONS OF COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--The functions of the Commission are to--
(1) conduct an investigation that--
(A) investigates relevant facts and circumstances
relating to the financial crisis of 2008, including any
relevant legislation, Executive order, regulation,
plan, policy, practice, or procedure; and
(B) may include relevant facts and circumstances
relating to--
(i) government sponsored enterprises (GSE),
including the Federal National Mortgage
Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac);
(ii) the stock market;
(iii) the housing market;
(iv) credit rating agencies;
(v) the financial services sector,
including hedge funds, private equity and the
insurance industry;
(vi) the role of congressional oversight
and resource allocation; and
(vii) other areas of the public and private
sectors determined relevant by the Commission
for its inquiry;
(2) identify, review, and evaluate the lessons learned from
the financial crisis of 2008, regarding the structure,
coordination, management policies, and procedures of the
Federal Government, and, if appropriate, State and local
governments and nongovernmental entities, relative to
detecting, preventing, and responding to such financial crises;
and
(3) submit to the President and Congress such reports as
are required by this Act containing such findings, conclusions,
and recommendations as the Commission shall determine,
including proposing organization, coordination, planning,
management arrangements, procedures, rules, and regulations,
and reports of the on-going review by the Commission under
section 11(c) after the submission of the final investigative
report.
SEC. 6. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--
(1) Hearings and evidence.--The Commission or, on the
authority of the Commission, any subcommittee or member
thereof, may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act--
(A) hold such hearings and sit and act at such
times and places, take such testimony, receive such
evidence, administer such oaths; and
(B) subject to paragraph (2)(A), require, by
subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of
such witnesses and the production of such books,
records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and
documents, as the Commission or such designated
subcommittee or designated member may determine
advisable.
(2) Subpoenas.--
(A) Issuance.--
(i) In general.--A subpoena may be issued
under this subsection only--
(I) by the agreement of the
chairman and the vice chairman; or
(II) by the affirmative vote of 6
members of the Commission.
(ii) Signature.--Subject to clause (i),
subpoenas issued under this subsection may be
issued under the signature of the chairman or
any member designated by a majority of the
Commission, and may be served by any person
designated by the chairman or by a member
designated by a majority of the Commission.
(B) Enforcement.--
(i) In general.--In the case of contumacy
or failure to obey a subpoena issued under
subsection (a), the United States district
court for the judicial district in which the
subpoenaed person resides, is served, or may be
found, or where the subpoena is returnable, may
issue an order requiring such person to appear
at any designated place to testify or to
produce documentary or other evidence. Any
failure to obey the order of the court may be
punished by the court as a contempt of that
court.
(ii) Additional enforcement.--In the case
of any failure of any witness to comply with
any subpoena or to testify when summoned under
authority of this section, the Commission may,
by majority vote, certify a statement of fact
constituting such failure to the appropriate
United States attorney, who may bring the
matter before the grand jury for its action,
under the same statutory authority and
procedures as if the United States attorney had
received a certification under sections 102
through 104 of the Revised Statutes of the
United States (2 U.S.C. 192 through 194).
(b) Contracting.--The Commission may, to such extent and in such
amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to
enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this Act.
(c) Information From Federal Agencies.--
(1) In general.--The Commission is authorized to secure
directly from any executive department, bureau, agency, board,
commission, office, independent establishment, or
instrumentality of the Government, information, suggestions,
estimates, and statistics for the purposes of this Act. Each
department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office,
independent establishment, or instrumentality shall, to the
extent authorized by law, furnish such information,
suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the
Commission, upon request made by the chairman, the chairman of
any subcommittee created by a majority of the Commission, or
any member designated by a majority of the Commission.
(2) Receipt, handling, storage, and dissemination.--
Information shall only be received, handled, stored, and
disseminated by members of the Commission and its staff
consistent with all applicable statutes, regulations, and
Executive orders.
(d) Assistance From Federal Agencies.--
(1) General services administration.--The Administrator of
General Services shall provide to the Commission on a
reimbursable basis administrative support and other services
for the performance of the Commission's functions.
(2) Other departments and agencies.--In addition to the
assistance prescribed in paragraph (1), departments and
agencies of the United States may provide to the Commission
such services, funds, facilities, staff, and other support
services as they may determine advisable and as may be
authorized by law.
(e) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.
(f) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments
and agencies of the United States.
SEC. 7. NONAPPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT.
(a) In General.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)
shall not apply to the Commission.
(b) Public Meetings and Release of Public Versions of Reports.--The
Commission shall--
(1) hold public hearings and meetings to the extent
appropriate; and
(2) release public versions of the reports required under
subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 11.
(c) Public Hearings.--Any public hearings of the Commission shall
be conducted in a manner consistent with the protection of information
provided to or developed for or by the Commission as required by any
applicable statute, regulation, or Executive order.
SEC. 8. STAFF OF COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--
(1) Appointment and compensation.--The chairman, in
consultation with vice chairman, in accordance with rules
agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the
compensation of a staff director and such other personnel as
may be necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its
functions, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United
States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service,
and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and
subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to
classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that no
rate of pay fixed under this subsection may exceed the
equivalent of that payable for a position at level V of the
Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States
Code.
(2) Personnel as federal employees.--
(A) In general.--The executive director and any
personnel of the Commission who are employees shall be
employees under section 2105 of title 5, United States
Code, for purposes of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87,
89, and 90 of that title.
(B) Members of commission.--Subparagraph (A) shall
not be construed to apply to members of the Commission.
(b) Detailees.--Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to
the Commission without reimbursement from the Commission, and such
detailee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges of his or her
regular employment without interruption.
(c) Consultant Services.--The Commission is authorized to procure
the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109
of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily
rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive
Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 9. COMPENSATION AND TRAVEL EXPENSES.
(a) Compensation.--Each member of the Commission may be compensated
at not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay
in effect for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day during which
that member is engaged in the actual performance of the duties of the
Commission.
(b) Travel Expenses.--While away from their homes or regular places
of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members
of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem
in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed
intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under
section 5703(b) of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 10. SECURITY CLEARANCES FOR COMMISSION MEMBERS AND STAFF.
The appropriate Federal agencies or departments shall cooperate
with the Commission in expeditiously providing to the Commission
members and staff appropriate security clearances to the extent
possible pursuant to existing procedures and requirements, except that
no person shall be provided with access to classified information under
this Act without the appropriate security clearances.
SEC. 11. REPORTS OF COMMISSION; CONTINUED REVIEW; TERMINATION.
(a) Interim Investigative Reports.--The Commission may submit to
the President and Congress interim investigative reports containing
such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures
as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission members.
(b) Final Investigative Report.--Not later than 12 months after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the
President and Congress a final report containing such findings,
conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures as have been
agreed to by a majority of Commission members.
(c) Continued Review and Reporting.--During the 4-year period
following the date of the submission of the final investigative report
to the Congress pursuant to subsection (b), the Commission shall
continue to review the subjects investigated by the Commission under
this Act, and the response of the Congress and the Executive branch to
the final investigative report of the Commission as well as conditions
in the marketplace, and submit such reports on the findings and
recommendations of the Commission as the Commission determines to be
appropriate.
(d) Termination.--The Commission, and all the authorities of this
Act, shall terminate 4 years after the date on which the final
investigative report is submitted under subsection (b).
SEC. 12. FUNDING.
(a) In General.--There is hereby authorized to be appropriated to
the Commission such sums as may be necessary for purposes of the
carrying out the activities of the Commission under this Act for fiscal
years beginning before the termination of the Commission.
(b) Duration of Availability.--Amounts appropriated under
subsection (a) are authorized to be made available until the
termination of the Commission. | Financial Oversight Commission Act of 2009 - Establishes the Financial Oversight Commission to investigate the financial crisis of 2008, including relevant legislation, Executive Order, regulation, plan, policy, practice, or procedure that pertains to: (1) government sponsored enterprises; (2) the stock market; (3) the housing market; (4) credit rating agencies; (5) the financial services sector, including hedge funds, private equity and the insurance industry; and (6) the role of congressional oversight and resource allocation.
Directs the Commission to identify, review, and evaluate the lessons learned from the crisis in connection with the structure, coordination, management policies, and procedures of governmental and nongovernmental entities regarding crisis detection, prevention, and response.
Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress its findings, conclusions, and recommendations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish the Financial Oversight Commission, and for other purposes."} | 3,294 | 168 | 0.608783 | 1.769487 | 0.716924 | 4.634146 | 18.731707 | 0.95122 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``District of Columbia Performance
Accountability Act''.
SEC. 2. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY PLAN.
(a) Submission of Report.--Not later than March 1, 1995, and not
later than March 1 of each year thereafter, the District of Columbia
shall develop and submit to the Committee on the District of Columbia
of the House of Representatives, the Senate Committee on Governmental
Affairs, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the District of
Columbia, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the District of
Columbia, a Performance Accountability Plan covering all departments,
agencies, and programs of the government of the District of Columbia.
(b) Contents of Plan.--Such plan shall state measurable, objective
performance goals for all significant activities of the government of
the District of Columbia, including activities funded in whole or in
part by the District but performed in whole or in part by some other
public or private entity.
(c) Performance Measures.--For each activity covered by such plan,
there shall be one or more measures of performance, covering both
quantity and quality. The performance measures may relate to program
outputs and activity levels, but should also include measures of
program outcomes and results.
(d) Goals.--For each measure of performance there shall be stated
two goals, one shall be designated as an acceptable level of
performance, and the other shall be designated as a superior level of
performance. The plan shall also state the name, position, and
immediate supervisor or superior of the District of Columbia management
employee most directly responsible for the achievement of each
performance measure goal.
SEC. 3. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT.
(a) Submission of Report.--Not later than March 1, 1996, and not
later than March 1 of each year thereafter, the District of Columbia
shall develop and submit to the House Committee on the District of
Columbia, the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, the House
Appropriations Subcommittee on the District of Columbia, and the Senate
Appropriations Subcommittee on the District of Columbia, a Performance
Accountability Report covering all departments, agencies, and programs
of the government of the District of Columbia.
(b) Contents of Report.--Such report shall, for each performance
measure stated in the previous fiscal year's Performance Accountability
Plan, indicate the actual level of performance achieved compared to the
stated goal for an acceptable level of performance and the goal for a
superior level of performance. The report shall also state the name,
position, and the immediate supervisor or superior of the District of
Columbia management employee most directly responsible for the
achievement of each performance measure goal.
SEC. 4. PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY.
(a) Personal Accountability.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, any District of Columbia management employee who is designated
in a Performance Accountability Report as being directly responsible
for the achievement of one or more performance measurement goals--
(1) the majority of whose goals in such report do not
achieve a designation of at least an acceptable level of
performance, shall be either removed from employment by the
District of Columbia or demoted to a nonmanagerial position;
(2) all of whose goals in such report do not achieve a
designation of at least an acceptable level of performance,
shall not receive any increase in pay for the subsequent year,
including but not limited to merit increases, cost-of-living
adjustments, and promotions; and
(3) the majority of whose goals in such report do not
achieve a designation of at least a superior level of
performance, shall not receive a promotion or performance bonus
during the subsequent year.
(b) Additional Performance Standards.--Notwithstanding the minimum
performance standards specified in subsection (a), additional
limitations and regulations may be applied to such promotions,
performance bonuses, and increases in pay.
SEC. 5. DEVELOPMENT OF PLANS AND REPORTS.
(a) Consultation With GAO.--The District of Columbia shall develop,
the Performance Accountability Plans that are submitted by March 1,
1995, and March 1, 1996, in consultation with the General Accounting
Office and the Office of Management and Budget.
(b) Conforming Regulations.--The District of Columbia shall, in
consultation with the Office of Personnel Management and the General
Accounting Office, and subject to the approval of the Office of
Management and Budget, amend its management and personnel laws and
regulations to be in conformance with the provisions of this Act.
(c) Audit.--The General Accounting Office shall conduct a thorough
audit of the Performance Accountability Reports of the District of
Columbia that are submitted by March 1, 1996, and March 1, 1997,
including an audit of the District's compliance with section 4 of this
Act. | District of Columbia Performance Accountability Act - Requires the District of Columbia to develop and submit to specified congressional committees and subcommittees a Performance Accountability Plan and a Performance Accountability Report covering all departments, agencies, and programs of the District government.
Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the content of the Plan; (2) performance measures; (3) goals; and (4) the content of the Report.
Requires a District management employee who is designated in such Report as being directly responsible for the achievement of one or more performance measurement goals: (1) the majority of whose goals in such Report does not achieve a designation of at least an acceptable level of performance to be either removed from employment by the District or demoted to a nonmanagerial position; (2) all of whose goals in such Report do not achieve a designation of at least an acceptable level of performance to not receive any increase in pay for the subsequent year, including but not limited to merit increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and promotions; and (3) the majority of whose goals in such Report do not achieve a designation of at least a superior level of performance to not receive a promotion or performance bonus during the subsequent year. Allows additional limitations and regulations to be applied to such promotions, performance bonuses, and increases in pay.
Requires the District, subject to the approval of the Office of Management and Budget, to amend its management and personnel laws and regulations to be in conformance with this Act.
Directs the General Accounting Office to audit the Performance Accountability Reports of the District, including the District's compliance with the personal accountability provisions in this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "District of Columbia Performance Accountability Act"} | 1,022 | 349 | 0.63818 | 1.843994 | 0.715404 | 6.191358 | 2.941358 | 0.944444 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Freedom From Toll Fraud Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Reforms required by the Telephone Disclosure and
Dispute Resolution Act of 1992 have improved the reputation of
the pay-per-call industry and resulted in regulations that have
reduced the incidence of misleading practices that are harmful
to the public interest.
(2) Among the successful reforms is a prohibition on
charges being assessed for calls to 800 telephone numbers or
other telephone numbers advertised or widely understood to be
toll free.
(3) Nevertheless, certain interstate pay-per-call
businesses are taking advantage of an exception in the
prohibition on charging for information conveyed during a call
to a ``toll-free'' number to continue to engage in misleading
practices. These practices are not in compliance with the
intent of Congress in passing the Telephone Disclosure and
Dispute Resolution Act.
(4) Therefore, it is necessary for Congress to clarify that
its intent is that charges for information provided during a
call to an 800 number or other number widely advertised and
understood to be toll free shall not be assessed to the calling
party unless the calling party agrees to be billed according to
the terms of a written subscription agreement.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENT TO THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1934.
(a) Amendment.--Section 228(c) of the Communications Act of 1934
(47 U.S.C. 228(c)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (C) of paragraph (7) and
inserting the following:
``(C) the calling party being charged for
information conveyed during the call unless--
``(i) the calling party has a written
subscription agreement with the information
provider that meets the requirements of
paragraph (8); or
``(ii) the calling party is charged in
accordance with paragraph (9); or''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(8) Subscription agreements for billing for information
provided via toll-free calls.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph
(7)(C)(i), a written subscription agreement shall
specify the terms and conditions under which the
information is offered and include--
``(i) the rate at which charges are
assessed for the information;
``(ii) the information provider's name;
``(iii) the information provider's business
address;
``(iv) the information provider's regular
business telephone number;
``(v) the information provider's agreement
to notify the subscriber at least 30 days in
advance of all future changes in the rates
charged for the information;
``(vi) the signature of a legally competent
subscriber agreeing to the terms of the
agreement; and
``(vii) the subscriber's choice of payment
method, which may be by phone bill or credit or
calling card.
``(B) Billing arrangements.--If a subscriber
elects, pursuant to subparagraph (A)(vii), to pay by
means of a phone bill--
``(i) the agreement shall clearly explain
that the subscriber will be assessed for calls
made to the information service from the
subscribers phone line;
``(ii) the phone bill shall include, in
prominent type, the following disclaimer:
`Common carriers may not disconnect
local or long distance telephone
service for failure to pay disputed
charges for information services.'; and
``(iii) the phone bill shall clearly list
the 800 number dialed.
``(C) Use of pin's to prevent unauthorized use.--A
written agreement does not meet the requirements of
this paragraph unless it provides the subscriber a
personal identification number to obtain access to the
information provided, and includes instructions on its
use.
``(D) Exceptions.--Notwithstanding paragraph
(7)(C), a written agreement that meets the requirements
of this paragraph is not required--
``(i) for services provided pursuant to a
tariff that has been approved or permitted to
take effect by the Commission or a State
commission; or
``(ii) for any purchase of goods or of
services that are not information services.
``(E) Termination of service.--On complaint by any
person, a carrier may terminate the provision of
service to an information provider unless the provider
supplies evidence of a written agreement that meets the
requirements of this section. The remedies provided in
this paragraph are in addition to any other remedies
that are available under title V of this Act.
``(9) Charges by credit or calling card in absence of
agreement.--For purposes of paragraph (7)(C)(ii), a calling
party is not charged in accordance with this paragraph unless
the calling party is charged by means of a credit or calling
card and the information service provider includes in response
to each call an introductory disclosure message that--
``(A) clearly states that there is a charge for the
call;
``(B) clearly states the service's total cost per
minute and any other fees for the service or for any
service to which the caller may be transferred;
``(C) explains that the charges must be billed on
either a credit or calling card;
``(D) asks the caller for the credit or calling
card number;
``(E) clearly states that charges for the call
begin at the end of the introductory message; and
``(F) clearly states that the caller can hang up at
or before the end of the introductory message without
incurring any charge whatsoever.
``(10) Definition of calling card.--As used in this
subsection, the term `calling card' means an identifying number
or code unique to the individual, that is issued to the
individual by a common carrier and enables the individual to be
charged by means of a phone bill for charges incurred
independent of where the call originates.''.
(b) Regulations.--The Federal Communications Commission shall
revise its regulations to comply with the amendment made by subsection
(a) of this section within 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO TITLE II OF TDDRA.
Section 204(1) of the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution
Act is amended to read as follows:
``(1) The term `pay-per-call services' has the meaning
provided in section 228(i)(1) of the Communications Act of
1934, except that the Commission by rule may, notwithstanding
subparagraphs (B) and (C) of such section, extend such
definition to other similar services providing audio
information or audio entertainment if the Commission determines
that such services are susceptible to the unfair and deceptive
practices that are prohibited by the rules prescribed pursuant
to section 201(a).''. | Freedom from Toll Fraud Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to revise the requirements that must be met in order to charge the calling party for information provided during a call to a toll free (800) number.
Amends the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act (TDDRA) to modify the definition of "pay-per-call services" to allow the Federal Trade Commission to extend the definition to other services providing audio information or audio entertainment if the Commission determines that such services are susceptible to the unfair and deceptive practices prohibited by rules prescribed under specified provisions of the TDDRA. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Freedom From Toll Fraud Act"} | 1,509 | 134 | 0.563107 | 1.466391 | 0.553936 | 3.598214 | 12.6875 | 0.901786 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``USA PATRIOT Reauthorization Act of
2009''.
SEC. 2. USA PATRIOT IMPROVEMENT AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT SUNSET
PROVISIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 102(b)(1) of the USA PATRIOT Improvement
and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-177; 50 U.S.C. 1805
note, 50 U.S.C. 1861 note, and 50 U.S.C. 1862 note) is amended by
striking ``2009'' and inserting ``2013''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) In general.--Section 601(a)(1)(D) of the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1871(a)(1)(D))
is amended by striking ``section 501;'' and inserting ``section
502 or under section 501 pursuant to section 102(b)(2) the USA
PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public Law
109-177; 50 U.S.C. 1861 note);''.
(2) Application under section 404 of the fisa amendments
act of 2008.--Section 404(b)(4)(A) of the FISA Amendments Act
of 2008 (Public Law 110-261; 122 Stat. 2477) is amended by
striking the period at the end and inserting ``, except that
paragraph (1)(D) of such section 601(a) shall be applied as if
it read as follows:
`(D) access to records under section 502 or under
section 501 pursuant to section 102(b)(2) the USA
PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005
(Public Law 109-177; 50 U.S.C. 1861 note);'.''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall take effect on December 31, 2013.
SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF SUNSET RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL TERRORISTS AS AGENTS
OF FOREIGN POWERS.
(a) In General.--Section 6001(b) of the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458; 50 U.S.C. 1801
note) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Sunset.--
``(1) Repeal.--Subparagraph (C) of section 101(b)(1) of the
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C.
1801(b)(1)), as added by subsection (a), is repealed effective
December 31, 2013.
``(2) Transition provision.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1),
subparagraph (C) of section 101(b)(1) of the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1801(b)(1))
shall continue to apply after December 31, 2013, with respect
to any particular foreign intelligence investigation or with
respect to any particular offense or potential offense that
began or occurred before December 31, 2013.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--
(1) In general.--Section 601(a)(2) of the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1871(a)(2)) is
amended by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting
``pursuant to subsection (b)(2) of section 6001 of the
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004
(Public Law 108-458; 50 U.S.C. 1801 note);''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect on December 31, 2013.
SEC. 4. JUDICIAL REVIEW OF NATIONAL SECURITY LETTERS.
Section 3511(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read
as follows:
``(b) Nondisclosure.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Notice.--If a recipient of a request or order
for a report, records, or other information under
section 2709 of this title, section 626 or 627 of the
Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681u and 1681v),
section 1114 of the Right to Financial Privacy Act of
1978 (12 U.S.C. 3414), or section 802 of the National
Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 436), wishes to have a
court review a nondisclosure requirement imposed in
connection with the request or order, the recipient
shall notify the Government.
``(B) Application.--Not later than 30 days after
the date of receipt of a notification under
subparagraph (A), the Government shall apply for an
order prohibiting the disclosure of the existence or
contents of the relevant request or order. An
application under this subparagraph may be filed in the
district court of the United States for any district
within which the authorized investigation that is the
basis for the request or order is being conducted. The
applicable nondisclosure requirement shall remain in
effect during the pendency of proceedings relating to
the requirement.
``(C) Consideration.--A district court of the
United States that receives an application under
subparagraph (B) should rule expeditiously, and shall,
subject to paragraph (3), issue a nondisclosure order
that includes conditions appropriate to the
circumstances.
``(2) Application contents.--An application for a
nondisclosure order or extension thereof under this subsection
shall include a certification from the Attorney General, Deputy
Attorney General, an Assistant Attorney General, or the
Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or in the case
of a request by a department, agency, or instrumentality of the
Federal Government other than the Department of Justice, the
head or deputy head of the department, agency, or
instrumentality, containing a statement of specific facts
indicating that, absent a prohibition of disclosure under this
subsection, there may result--
``(A) a danger to the national security of the
United States;
``(B) interference with a criminal,
counterterrorism, or counterintelligence investigation;
``(C) interference with diplomatic relations; or
``(D) danger to the life or physical safety of any
person.
``(3) Standard.--A district court of the United States
shall issue a nondisclosure requirement order or extension
thereof under this subsection if the court determines, giving
substantial weight to the certification under paragraph (2)
that there is reason to believe that disclosure of the
information subject to the nondisclosure requirement during the
applicable time period will result in--
``(A) a danger to the national security of the
United States;
``(B) interference with a criminal,
counterterrorism, or counterintelligence investigation;
``(C) interference with diplomatic relations; or
``(D) danger to the life or physical safety of any
person.''. | USA PATRIOT Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to extend until December 31, 2013, provisions: (1) granting roving electronic surveillance authority; and (2) authorizing the production of tangible things (including books, records, papers, and documents) for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations.
Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend until December 31, 2013, provisions revising the definition of an "agent of a foreign power" to include any non-U.S. person who engages in international terrorism or preparatory activities ("lone wolf" provision).
Amends the federal criminal code to revise procedures for obtaining judicial review of national security letter nondisclosure orders. Allows the recipient of a nondisclosure order to request judicial review of the order and requires the government to respond by setting forth specific facts in a certification that justify the need for nondisclosure based upon national security and other concerns. Requires courts, in considering whether to grant a nondisclosure order, to give substantial weight to the facts alleged by the government in its certification. Repeals provisions granting government certifications a conclusive presumption of veracity. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to safeguard intelligence collection and enact a fair and responsible reauthorization of the 3 expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvements and Reauthorization Act."} | 1,571 | 284 | 0.455839 | 1.344215 | 0.757841 | 1.65 | 5.795455 | 0.686364 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Our Economy Through
Small Business Innovation Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. SENSE OF THE SENATE.
It is the sense of the Senate that--
(1) this Nation's small businesses are the source of nearly
50 percent of our country's employment;
(2) small businesses have been and are a leading source of
this country's innovation and entrepreneurial strategies and
skills;
(3) small technology businesses tend to be highly
innovative, play a substantial role in technological
advancement, and contribute to the standard of living in this
country;
(4) the SBIR and STTR programs can result and have resulted
in the development and commercialization of new products and
processes;
(5) the Federal Government should give particular
encouragement to small businesses that address priority
national interests, including water security, energy
innovation, transportation efficiencies and domestic security
needs; and
(6) the SBIR and STTR programs should be extended for these
purposes and the administrative costs associated with such
extensions should be borne by the respective Federal
departments and agencies.
SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF TERMINATION DATES.
(a) SBIR.--Section 9(m) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
638(m)) is amended by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2022''.
(b) STTR.--Section 9(n)(1)(A) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
638(n)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``2009'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 4. INCREASE IN THE ALLOCATION OF FEDERAL AGENCY GRANTS FOR SBIR
AND STTR PROGRAMS.
(a) SBIR Program Expenditures.--Section 9(f)(1) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(f)(1)) is amended by striking subparagraphs
(A) through (C) and inserting the following:
``(1) not less than 2.5 percent of such budget in fiscal
year 2008;
``(2) not less than 5.0 percent of such budget in fiscal
year 2009;
``(3) not less than 7.5 percent of such budget in fiscal
year 2010; and
``(4) not less than 10.0 percent of such budget in fiscal
year 2011 and each fiscal year thereafter,''.
(b) STTR Program Expenditures.--Section 9(n)(1)(B) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(n)(1)(B)) is amended by striking clauses
(i) and (ii) and inserting the following:
``(i) not less than 0.3 percent in fiscal
year 2008;
``(ii) not less than 0.6 percent in fiscal
year 2009;
``(iii) not less than 0.8 percent in fiscal
year 2010; and
``(iv) not less than 1.0 percent in fiscal
year 2011 and each fiscal year thereafter.''.
SEC. 5. INCREASED SBIR AND STTR AWARD LEVELS.
(a) SBIR Award Level.--Section 9(j)(2)(D) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 638(j)(2)(D)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``$100,000'' and inserting ``$300,000'';
and
(2) by striking ``$750,000'' and inserting ``$2,200,000''.
(b) STTR Award Level.--Section 9(p)(2)(B)(ix) of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 638(p)(2)(B)(ix)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``$100,000'' and inserting ``$300,000'';
and
(2) by striking ``$750,000'' and inserting ``$2,200,000''.
SEC. 6. INCLUSION OF ENERGY, SECURITY, TRANSPORTATION, AND WATER
RELATED RESEARCH IN THE LIST OF TOPICS DESERVING SPECIAL
CONSIDERATION AS SBIR RESEARCH TOPICS.
Section 9(g)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(g)(3)) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``or pressing research priorities'' after ``critical
technologies'';
(2) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``or'' at the end; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) the National Academy of Sciences in the final
report issued by the America's Energy Future:
Technology Opportunities, Risks, and Tradeoffs project
that relate to emerging renewable energy, energy
efficiency, or renewable fuels technologies, or in
subsequent reports relating to such technologies;
``(D) the National Academy of Sciences in the final
report issued by the Transit Research and Development:
Federal Role in the National Program project, the
Research and Innovative Technology Administration of
the Department of Transportation in the report entitled
`Transportation Research, Development and Technology
Strategic Plan (2006-2010)', or the National Academy of
Sciences or the Department of Transportation in
subsequent reports relating to transportation and
infrastructure;
``(E) the Committee on Water System Security
Research of the National Academy of Sciences in the
2007 report by the committee, entitled `Improving the
Nation's Water Security; Opportunities for Research' or
the 2006 report by the committee, entitled `Public
Water Distribution Systems: Assessing and Reducing
Risks', or by the National Academy of Sciences or the
Environmental Protection Agency in subsequent reports
relating to improving the Nation's water supply and
security;
``(F) the Government Accountability Office, in--
``(i) the report entitled `Homeland
Security: First Responders' Ability to Detect
and Model Hazardous Releases in Urban Areas Is
Significantly Limited', GAO-08-180, issued June
27, 2008;
``(ii) the report entitled `Nuclear
Security: NRC and DHS Need to Take Additional
Steps to Better Track and Detect Radioactive
Materials', GAO-08-598, issued June 19, 2008;
or
``(iii) the report entitled `Supply Chain
Security: Challenges to Scanning 100 Percent of
U.S.-Bound Cargo Containers', GAO-08-533T,
issued June 12, 2008; or
``(G) the National Academy of Science, in the
report entitled `Toward a Safer and More Secure
Cyberspace' or in subsequent reports by the National
Academy of Science relating to cybersecurity and which
shall include cybersecurity technologies also designed
to protect privacy;''.
SEC. 7. OFFSET.
The Secretary of Defense shall terminate the Airborne Laser
program. | Strengthening Our Economy Through Small Business Innovation Act of 2008 - Amends the Small Business Act to extend: (1) the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program through FY2022; and (2) the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program through FY2023.
Increases, for FY2009 and thereafter, the percentage allocation of a federal agency's annual extramural research and development budget that may be allocated to SBIR and STTR programs.
Increases, for both the SBIR and STTR programs, the individual small business award levels for program participation at phase one and two levels.
Includes energy, security, transportation, and water related research topics as "special consideration" SBIR research topics.
Directs the Secretary of Defense to terminate the Airborne Laser program. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Small Business Act to extend the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, to increase the allocation of Federal agency grants for those programs, to add water, energy, transportation, and domestic security related research to the list of topics deserving special consideration, and for other purposes."} | 1,532 | 162 | 0.591091 | 1.766751 | 0.889341 | 2.472222 | 8.972222 | 0.847222 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Freeing Alternatives for Speedy
Transportation (FAST) Act''.
SEC. 2. INTERSTATE SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 1 of title 23, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 165. Fast fees
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and implement
an Interstate System FAST Lanes program under which the Secretary,
notwithstanding sections 129 and 301, shall permit a State, or a public
or private entity designated by the State, to collect fees to finance
the expansion of a highway by constructing additional lanes on the
Interstate System for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion.
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to participate in the program, a
State shall submit to the Secretary an application that contains the
following:
``(1) An identification of the additional lanes to be
constructed on the Interstate System under the program.
``(2) In the case of additional lanes that affect a
metropolitan area, an assurance that the metropolitan planning
organization established under section 134 for the area has
been consulted during the planning process concerning the
placement and amount of fees on the additional lanes.
``(3) A facility management plan that includes--
``(A) a plan for implementing the imposition of
fees on the additional lanes;
``(B) a schedule and finance plan for construction,
operation, and maintenance of the additional lanes
using revenues from fees; and
``(C) a description of the public or private
entities that will be responsible for implementation
and administration of the program.
``(c) Selection Criteria.--The Secretary shall approve the
application of a State under subsection (b) only if the Secretary
determines that the State has met the requirements of such subsection.
``(d) Agreement Requirements; Audits.--Before the Secretary may
permit a State to participate in the program, the State must enter into
an agreement with the Secretary that provides that--
``(1) fees shall be collected only by using non-cash
electronic technology;
``(2) all revenues from fees received from operation of
FAST lanes shall be used only for--
``(A) debt service related to the investment in
FAST lanes;
``(B) reasonable return on investment of any
private entity financing the project as determined by
the State; and
``(C) any costs necessary for the improvement of
and the proper operation and maintenance, including
reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, and
rehabilitation of FAST lanes and existing lanes only--
``(i) if such improvement is necessary to
integrate existing lanes with the additional
FAST lanes; and
``(ii) while fees are collected;
``(3) fees may be collected only for FAST lanes and may not
be collected for existing lanes;
``(4) use of FAST lanes shall be voluntary;
``(5) revenues from fees received from operation of FAST
lanes may not be used for any other project;
``(6) once the project is complete and the costs and
revenue described in paragraph 2 are met, no additional fees
may be collected; and
``(7) annual audits shall be conducted while fees are
collected to ensure compliance with paragraphs (1) through (5)
and the results of such audits shall be transmitted to the
Secretary.
``(e) Apportionment.--Revenues collected from FAST lanes shall not
be taken into account in determining the apportionments and allocations
that any State or transportation district within a State shall be
entitled to receive under or pursuant to this chapter.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 164 the following:
``165. Fast fees.''.
SEC. 3. TOLL FEASIBILITY.
Section 106 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(i) Toll Feasibility.--The Secretary shall conduct a study for a
project under this title with an estimated total cost of $50,000,000 or
more to determine--
``(1) if a toll facility for such project is feasible; and
``(2) if privatizing the construction, operation, and
maintenance of the facility is financially advisable (while
retaining legal and administrative control of the portion of
the Interstate route).''.
SEC. 4. FREEDOM TO COLLECT TOLLS.
Section 301 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by
inserting before the comma the following: ``and section 165''. | Freeing Alternatives for Speedy Transportation (FAST) Act - Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish and implement an Interstate System FAST Lanes program under which the Secretary shall permit a State, or a public or private entity designated by the State, to collect fees to finance the expansion of a highway by constructing additional lanes on the Interstate System for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion.
Requires the Secretary to conduct a study for a project with an estimated total cost of $50 million or more to determine: (1) if a toll facility for such project is feasible; and (2) if privatizing the construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility is financially advisable (while retaining legal and administrative control of the portion of the Interstate route). | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title 23, United States Code, to empower State and local authorities with tools to eliminate congestion on the Interstate System."} | 1,036 | 171 | 0.602744 | 1.604518 | 0.803964 | 8.087248 | 6.503356 | 0.946309 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Today's Entrepreneurs are Advancing
Mentorship Act of 2012'' or the ``TEAM Act of 2012''.
SEC. 2. OFFICE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SUPPORT.
(a) In General.--The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating section 45 (15 U.S.C. 631 note) as
section 46; and
(2) by inserting after section 44 (15 U.S.C. 657q) the
following:
``SEC. 45. ENTREPRENEURIAL SUPPORT.
``(a) Office of Entrepreneurial Support.--
``(1) In general.--There is in the Administration an Office
of Entrepreneurial Support, which shall develop and provide
innovative entrepreneurial information, education, and
resources, to promote prospective entrepreneurs and successful
small business concerns.
``(2) Director.--The head of the Office of Entrepreneurial
Support is the Director of the Office of Entrepreneurial
Support, who shall report to the Associate Administrator for
Entrepreneurial Development.
``(3) Duties.--The Director of the Office of
Entrepreneurial Support shall--
``(A) manage the online courses, online
publications, and other online resources provided by
the Administration to entrepreneurs and small business
concerns;
``(B) manage the youth entrepreneurship programs of
the Administration, including--
``(i) online resources for youth
entrepreneurs; and
``(ii) coordination and outreach with
entrepreneurial development service providers
that provide counseling and training to youth
entrepreneurs desiring to start or expand small
business concerns;
``(C) coordinate with nonprofit and other private
sector partners to share educational materials on money
management and financial literacy for entrepreneurs and
small business concerns; and
``(D) provide assistance and courtesy services to
individuals and foreign dignitaries visiting the United
States who are interested in issues relating to
entrepreneurs and small business concerns.
``(b) Entrepreneurial Support Program.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the TEAM Act of 2012, the Associate Administrator
for Entrepreneurial Development (referred to in this subsection
as the `Associate Administrator') shall establish a program
under which the Associate Administrator may make grants to
nonprofit organizations, including small business development
centers, women's business centers, chapters of the Service
Corps of Retired Executives, and other resource partners of the
Administration, local government entities, and appropriate
private sector organizations or entities to provide technical
assistance for the development and implementation of curricula
and mentoring programs designed to promote entrepreneurship.
``(2) Application.--An entity desiring a grant under this
subsection shall submit to the Associate Administrator an
application that contains--
``(A) a description of the goals of the project to
be funded using the grant;
``(B) a list of any partners that plan to
participate in the project to be funded using the
grant; and
``(C) any other information that the Associate
Administrator determines is necessary.
``(3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on
which an entity receives a grant under this subsection, the
entity shall submit to the Associate Administrator a report
that describes--
``(A) the individuals assisted using the grant;
``(B) the number of jobs created or saved through
the use of the grant; and
``(C) any other information concerning the use of
the grant that the Associate Administrator may require.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection--
``(A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
``(B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2014; and
``(C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2015.''.
(b) Report on Best Practices of Entrepreneurial Support and
Training Programs.--
(1) Report required.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of
Entrepreneurial Support shall submit to the Committee on Small
Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee
on Small Business of the House of Representatives a report that
describes best practices of entrepreneurial education and
training programs throughout the United States.
(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall include--
(A) a description of any programs that the Director
of the Office of Entrepreneurial Support determines are
exemplary, including national programs, regional
programs, State programs, and local programs; and
(B) a summary of entrepreneurial education and
training programs carried out by--
(i) the Federal Government;
(ii) State and local governments; and
(iii) nonprofit organizations and private
sector groups.
SEC. 3. EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM.
Section 8 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637) is amended by
inserting after subsection (n) the following:
``(o) Emerging Leaders Program.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection--
``(A) the term `eligible small business concern'
means a small business concern that--
``(i) has been in business for at least 2
years;
``(ii) has at least 1 employee;
``(iii) demonstrates growth potential,
including the ability to create jobs; and
``(iv) has an owner or operator that
participates in the day-to-day executive-level
management of the small business concern; and
``(B) the term `Emerging Leaders Program' means the
Emerging Leaders Program established under paragraph
(2)(A).
``(2) In general.--
``(A) Program authorized.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of the TEAM Act of 2012,
the Administrator shall establish an Emerging Leaders
Program to provide specialized training and executive-
level mentoring to eligible small business concerns.
``(B) Mission.--The Emerging Leaders Program shall
provide educational and technical assistance to
eligible small business concerns focusing on the next
level of growth, leadership, and operational
strategies, including the development of a strategic
plan.
``(C) Authority to contract.--In order to carry out
the Emerging Leaders Program, the Administrator may
enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, or
make grants to, a national service provider.
``(3) Community partners.--To encourage community support
and engagement, the Administrator may enter into memoranda of
understanding with for-profit, nonprofit and government
entities to jointly support and deliver localized training and
provide executive-level mentoring under the Emerging Leaders
Program. A memorandum of understanding entered into with an
entity under this paragraph shall not be construed to
constitute or imply an endorsement by the Administration of any
product or service of the entity.
``(4) Recruitment.--The Administrator shall place special
emphasis on recruiting eligible small business concerns in
emerging, underserved, rural, and urban markets.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Administration to carry out the
Emerging Leaders Program $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2013 through 2015.''.
SEC. 4. PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND REPORTING.
(a) In General.--To demonstrate program impact, the Administrator
shall develop performance measures for the Emerging Leaders Program
established under section 8(o) of the Small Business Act, as added by
this Act, and the Entrepreneurial Support Program established under
section 45(b) of the Small Business Act, as added by this Act.
(b) Public Availability.--The Administrator shall collect and post
information relating to the Emerging Leaders Program and the
Entrepreneurial Support Program on the website of the Administration,
including--
(1) the number of small business concerns participating in
the Emerging Leaders Program and the number of grant applicants
and grant recipients under the Entrepreneurial Support Program;
(2) the race, ethnicity, and gender of individuals
participating in the Entrepreneurial Support Program, and the
location of their business headquarters and regions of
operation;
(3) demographic and statistical information relating to
small business concerns and individuals that participated in
the Emerging Leaders Program or the Entrepreneurial Support
Program, during the 5-year period following their participation
in the program;
(4) the annual revenues of each participating small
business concern;
(5) the annual number of jobs created or retained by each
participating small business concern;
(6) the amount of new financing obtained by each
participating small business concern;
(7) the amount of new contracts obtained by each
participating small business concern; and
(8) the amount of Federal tax paid by each participating
small business concern.
(c) GAO Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the
Administrator establishes the Emerging Leaders Program, the Comptroller
General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Small
Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small
Business of the House of Representatives a report that contains a
comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of the Emerging Leaders
Program and the Entrepreneurial Support Program, including the
information required to be collected and posted under subsection (b). | Today's Entrepreneurs are Advancing Mentorship Act of 2012 or TEAM Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) an Office of Entrepreneurial Support, headed by a Director, to develop and provide innovative entrepreneurial information, education, and resources to promote both prospective entrepreneurs and successful small businesses.
Requires: (1) the SBA's Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development to establish a program of technical assistance grants for the development and implementation of curricula and mentoring programs designed to promote entrepreneurship, and (2) the Director to report to the congressional small business committees on best practices of U.S. entrepreneurial education and training programs.
Directs the SBA Administrator to establish an Emerging Leaders Program of specialized training and executive-level mentoring to certain small businesses, with an emphasis on small businesses in emerging, underserved, rural, and urban markets.
Requires: (1) the Administrator to develop performance measures for the Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurial Support Programs, and (2) the Comptroller General to submit to the small business committees a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of such Programs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to establish an Office of Entrepreneurial Support within the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes."} | 2,009 | 254 | 0.655315 | 1.93271 | 0.912307 | 3.485849 | 8.849057 | 0.910377 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``United States-Cuba Trade Act of
2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) the continuation of the embargo on trade between the
United States and Cuba that was declared in February of 1962 is
counterproductive, adding to the hardships of the Cuban people
while making the United States the scapegoat for the failures
of the communist system;
(2) in the former Soviet Union, the Eastern bloc countries,
China, and Vietnam, the United States is using economic,
cultural, academic, and scientific engagement to support its
policy of promoting democratic and human rights reforms;
(3) the United States can best support democratic change in
Cuba by promoting trade and commerce, travel, communications,
and cultural, academic, and scientific exchanges;
(4) the Castro regime has a record of harboring fugitives
from United States justice and denying its people basic human
and civil rights;
(5) expanding bilateral trade with the Cuban people is one
of the most effective ways of influencing change from within
Cuba's repressive society and promoting progress on human
rights and democratic rule;
(6) since many United States trading partners, including
all other countries in the Western Hemisphere, trade with Cuba,
the affect of the United States policy is to disadvantage
United States farmers and businesses that could otherwise
compete in the Cuban market;
(7) Cuba was one of the founding members of the General
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in 1947 and is an original
member of the World Trade Organization; and
(8) extending permanent normal trade relations to Cuba, as
the United States has done with nearly every other member of
the World Trade Organization, would enable the United States to
avail itself of all rights under the World Trade Organization
with respect to Cuba.
SEC. 3. REMOVAL OF PROVISIONS RESTRICTING TRADE AND OTHER RELATIONS
WITH CUBA.
(a) Authority for Embargo and Sugar Quota.--Section 620(a) of the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2370(a)) is repealed.
(b) Trading With the Enemy Act.--The authorities conferred upon the
President by section 5(b) of the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C.
App. 5(b)), which were being exercised with respect to Cuba on July 1,
1977, as a result of a national emergency declared by the President
before that date, and are being exercised on the day before the
effective date of this Act, may not be exercised on or after such
effective date with respect to Cuba. Any regulations in effect on the
day before such effective date pursuant to the exercise of such
authorities shall cease to be effective on such date.
(c) Exercise of Authorities Under Other Provisions of Law.--
(1) Removal of prohibitions.--Any prohibition on exports to
Cuba that is in effect on the day before the effective date of
this Act under the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C.
App. 2401 et seq.) shall cease to be effective on such
effective date.
(2) Authority for new restrictions.--The President may, on
and after the effective date of this Act--
(A) impose export controls with respect to Cuba
under section 5, 6(j), 6(l), or 6(m) of the Export
Administration Act of 1979, and
(B) exercise the authorities the President has
under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act
with respect to Cuba pursuant to a declaration of
national emergency required by that Act that is made on
account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to the
national security, foreign policy, or economy of the
United States, that did not exist before the enactment
of this Act.
(d) Cuban Democracy Act.--The Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 (22
U.S.C. 6001 et seq.) is repealed.
(e) Repeal of Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD)
Act of 1996.--
(1) Repeal.--The Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity
(LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (22 U.S.C. 6021 et seq.) is repealed.
(2) Conforming amendments.--(A) Section 498A of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2295a) is amended--
(i) in subsection (a)(11) by striking ``and
intelligence facilities, including the military and
intelligence facilities at Lourdes and Cienfuegos,''
and inserting ``facilities,'';
(ii) in subsection (b)--
(I) in paragraph (4) by adding ``and''
after the semicolon;
(II) by striking paragraph (5); and
(III) by redesignating paragraph (6) as
paragraph (5); and
(iii) by striking subsection (d).
(B) Section 498B(k) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
(22 U.S.C. 2295b(k)) is amended by striking paragraphs (3) and
(4).
(C) Section 1611 of title 28, United States Code, is
amended by striking subsection (c).
(D) Sections 514 and 515 of the International Claims
Settlement Act of 1949 (22 U.S.C. 1643l and 1643m) are
repealed.
(f) Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000.--The
Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (title IX of
Public Law 106-387 (114 Stat. 1549A-67)) is amended--
(1) in section 906(a)(1) by striking ``Cuba'';
(2) in section 908--
(A) by striking subsection (b);
(B) in subsection (a)--
(i) by striking ``Prohibition'' and all
that follows through ``(1) In general.--'' and
inserting ``In General.--''
(ii) by striking ``for exports to Cuba
or'';
(iii) by striking paragraph (2); and
(iv) by redesignating paragraph (3) as
subsection (b) (and conforming the margin
accordingly); and
(C) in subsection (b) (as redesignated), by
striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``subsection
(a)'';
(3) by striking section 909;
(4) by striking section 910; and
(5) by redesignating section 911 as section 909.
(g) Repeal of Prohibition on Transactions or Payments With Respect
to Certain United States Intellectual Property.--Section 211 of the
Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999
(Public Law 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-88) is repealed.
(h) Termination of Denial of Foreign Tax Credit With Respect to
Cuba.--Subparagraph (A) of section 901(j)(2) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to denial of foreign tax credit, etc., with
respect to certain foreign countries) is amended by adding at the end
thereof the following new flush sentence:
``Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, this
subsection (other than paragraph (2)(A)(iv)) shall not
apply to Cuba after the date that is 60 days after the
date of the enactment of this sentence.''.
(i) Sugar Quota Prohibition Under Food Security Act of 1985.--
Subsection (c) of section 902 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7
U.S.C. 1446g note) is repealed.
SEC. 4. TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES.
Any common carrier within the meaning of section 3 of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153) is authorized to install,
maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in
Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the
United States and Cuba. The authority of this section includes the
authority to upgrade facilities and equipment.
SEC. 5. TRAVEL.
(a) In General.--Travel to and from Cuba by individuals who are
citizens or residents of the United States, and any transactions
ordinarily incident to such travel, may not be regulated or prohibited
if such travel would be lawful in the United States.
(b) Transactions Incident to Travel.--Any transactions ordinarily
incident to travel which may not be regulated or prohibited under
subsection (a) include, but are not limited to--
(1) transactions ordinarily incident to travel or
maintenance in Cuba; and
(2) normal banking transactions involving foreign currency
drafts, traveler's checks, or other negotiable instruments
incident to such travel.
SEC. 6. DIRECT MAIL DELIVERY TO CUBA.
The United States Postal Service shall take such actions as are
necessary to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba, including,
in the absence of common carrier service between the 2 countries, the
use of charter providers.
SEC. 7. NEGOTIATIONS WITH CUBA.
(a) Negotiations.--The President should take all necessary steps to
conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba--
(1) for the purpose of settling claims of nationals of the
United States against the Government of Cuba for the taking of
property by such government; and
(2) for the purpose of securing the protection of
internationally recognized human rights.
(b) Definitions.--As used in this section, the terms ``national of
the United States'' and ``property'' have the meanings given those
terms in section 502 of the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949
(22 U.S.C. 1643a).
SEC. 8. EXTENSION OF NONDISCRIMINATORY TRADE TREATMENT.
(a) Sense of Congress.--
(1) In general.--It is the sense of the Congress that--
(A) the United States should promote democratic
change and economic reform by normalizing trade
relations with Cuba; and
(B) upon the enactment of this Act, it will no
longer be necessary for the United States to continue
to use article XXI of the GATT 1994 with respect to
Cuba, understanding that the President retains full
authority to invoke article XXI of the GATT 1994 and
comparable provisions in other Uruguay Round Agreements
in the future in all appropriate circumstances.
(2) Definitions.--In this section, the term ``GATT 1994''
and ``Uruguay Round Agreements'' have the meanings given those
terms in section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19
U.S.C. 3501).
(b) Extension of Nondiscriminatory Treatment to the Products of
Cuba.--
(1) Harmonized tariff schedule amendments.--General note
3(b) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is
amended--
(A) by striking ``to section 401 of the Tariff
Classification Act of 1962,''; and
(B) by striking ``Cuba''.
(2) Repeal of section 401 of the tariff classification act
of 1962.--Section 401 of the Tariff Classification Act of 1962
(76 Stat. 78) is repealed.
(3) Termination of application of title iv of the trade act
of 1974 to cuba.--
(A) Extension of nondiscriminatory treatment.--
Nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations
treatment) shall apply to the products of Cuba.
(B) Termination of application of title iv.--Title
IV of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.)
shall cease to apply to Cuba.
(4) Effective date.--This section, and the amendments and
repeal made by this section, shall apply with respect to goods
entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or
after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Report to Congress.--The President shall submit to the
Congress, not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act, a report on trade relations between the United States and
Cuba.
SEC. 9. PROHIBITION ON LIMITING ANNUAL REMITTANCES.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
Secretary of the Treasury may not limit the amount of remittances to
Cuba that may be made by any person who is subject to the jurisdiction
of the United States, and the Secretary shall rescind all regulations
in effect on the date of enactment of this Act that so limit the amount
of those remittances.
(b) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in subsection (a) may be
construed to prohibit the prosecution or conviction of any person
committing an offense described in section 1956 of title 18, United
States Code (relating to the laundering of monetary instruments) or
section 1957 of such title (relating to engaging in monetary
transactions in property derived from specific unlawful activity).
SEC. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Except as provided in section 8, this Act shall take effect 60 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act. | United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2003 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (including other specified laws) to repeal the embargo placed upon all trade with Cuba.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare the denial of foreign tax credit inapplicable to Cuba (except that such requirement shall apply to countries that have been determined to repeatedly provide support for acts of international terrorism).Permits: (1) installation and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, including telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba; and (2) travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents.Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba.Urges the President to take all necessary steps to conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba to: (1) settle claims of U.S. nationals against Cuba for the taking of property; and (2) secure protection of internationally recognized human rights.Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should promote democratic change and economic reform by normalizing trade relations with Cuba; and (2) upon the enactment of this Act, it will no longer be necessary for the United States to continue to use Article XXI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 with respect to Cuba, understanding that the President retains full authority to invoke Article XXI and comparable provisions in other Uruguay Round Agreements in the future in all appropriate circumstances.Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations) to the products of Cuba.Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from limiting the amount of remittances to Cuba that any U.S. person may make. Declares that this prohibition does not prohibit the prosecution or conviction of any person committing a criminal offense relating to the laundering of money or engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activities. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to lift the trade embargo on Cuba, and for other purposes."} | 2,934 | 424 | 0.494155 | 1.622871 | 0.686516 | 4.156695 | 7.242165 | 0.908832 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Prescription Drug Consumer
Protection Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF BOARD.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the executive branch
the Prescription Drug Price Review Board (hereinafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Board'').
(b) Membership.--
(1) Number and appointment.--The Board shall be composed of
5 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice
and consent of the Senate, from among individuals--
(A) who are recognized experts in the fields of
consumer advocacy, medicine, pharmacology, pharmacy,
and prescription drug reimbursement; and
(B) who have not worked in the pharmaceutical
manufacturing industry during the 3-year period ending
on the date of appointment.
(2) Initial appointments.--Initial appointments under
paragraph (1) shall be made not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
(3) Terms.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraphs (B) and (C), each member shall be
appointed for a term of 5 years.
(B) Terms of initial appointees.--As designated by
the President at the time of appointment, of the
members first appointed--
(i) 1 member shall be appointed for a term
of 1 year;
(ii) 1 member shall be appointed for a term
of 2 years;
(iii) 1 member shall be appointed for a
term of 3 years;
(iv) 1 member shall be appointed for a term
of 4 years; and
(v) 1 member shall be appointed for a term
of 5 years.
(C) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Board shall be
filled in the manner in which the original appointment
was made. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy
occurring before the expiration of the term for which
the member's predecessor was appointed shall be
appointed only for the remainder of that term. A member
may serve after the expiration of the member's term
until a successor has taken office.
(4) Initial meeting.--The initial meeting of the Board
shall be held not later than 90 days after the date on which
the first appointments of the members have been completed.
(5) Chairperson.--The President shall designate 1 member of
the Board to serve as the chairperson.
(6) Basic pay.--
(A) In general.--Members shall be paid at a rate
not to exceed the daily equivalent of the maximum
annual rate of basic pay payable under section 5376 of
title 5, United States Code, for each day during which
the members are engaged in the actual performance of
the duties of the Board.
(B) Travel expenses.--Members shall receive travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5,
United States Code.
(c) Director and Staff.--
(1) Director.--The Board shall have a director who shall be
appointed by the chairperson, subject to rules prescribed by
the Board.
(2) Staff.--The chairperson may appoint and fix the pay of
such additional personnel as the chairperson considers
appropriate, subject to rules prescribed by the Board.
(3) Applicability of certain civil service laws.--The
director and staff of the Board shall be appointed subject to
the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing
appointments in the competitive service, and shall be paid in
accordance with the requirements of chapter 51 and subchapter
III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and
General Schedule pay rates; except that an individual so
appointed may not receive pay in excess of the maximum annual
rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-15 of the General
Schedule.
SEC. 3. POWERS OF BOARD.
(a) Obtaining Official Data.--The chairperson of the Board may
secure directly from any Federal agency information necessary to enable
the Board to carry out its duties. Upon request of the chairperson, the
head of the agency shall furnish such information to the Board to the
extent such information is not prohibited from disclosure by law.
(b) Mails.--The Board may use the United States mails in the same
manner and under the same conditions as other Federal agencies.
(c) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the
chairperson, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the
Board on a reimbursable basis the administrative support services
necessary for the Board to carry out its duties.
(d) Contract Authority.--The chairperson may contract with and
compensate government and private agencies or persons for the purpose
of conducting research, surveys, and other services necessary to enable
the Board to carry out its duties.
(e) Investigations.--The Board may make such investigations as it
considers necessary to determine whether there is or may be a violation
of any regulation promulgated under this Act and may require or permit
any person to file with it a statement in writing, under oath or
otherwise as the Board shall determine, as to all the facts and
circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated.
(f) Subpoena Power.--
(1) In general.--The Board may issue subpoenas requiring
the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of
any evidence relating to any matter under investigation by the
Board. The attendance of witnesses and the production of
evidence may be required from any place within the United
States at any designated place of hearing within the United
States.
(2) Failure to obey a subpoena.--If a person refuses to
obey a subpoena issued under paragraph (1), the Board may apply
to a United States district court for an order requiring that
person to appear before the Board 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.
(3) Service of subpoenas.--The subpoenas of the Board shall
be served in the manner provided for subpoenas issued by a
United States district court under the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure for the United States district courts.
(4) Service of process.--All process of any court to which
application is made under paragraph (2) may be served in the
judicial district in which the person required to be served
resides or may be found.
SEC. 4. FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD.
(a) Guidelines.--The Board shall--
(1) develop and publish within 9 months of the date of the
establishment of the Board the initial guidelines that the
Board will use in determining whether an existing price or an
increase in the price of any prescription drug is excessive,
(2) develop and publish within 12 months of the date of the
establishment of the Board the initial guidelines that the
Board will use in determining whether the initial price at
which a prescription drug is first sold is excessive, and
(3) periodically review the guidelines developed under
paragraphs (1) and (2) and make appropriate revisions.
(b) Determinations and Reviews.--The Board shall--
(1) within 24 months of the date of the establishment of
the Board, make an initial determination of whether the price
of each prescription drug approved for sale on the date of the
enactment of this Act is excessive,
(2) promptly make an initial determination of whether the
price of each prescription drug first approved for sale after
the date of the enactment of this Act is excessive,
(3) review, on an ongoing basis, each increase in the price
of a drug reviewed under paragraphs (1) and (2) to determine if
the price increase is excessive, and
(4) consider whether determinations and reviews similar to
the ones carried out under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) should
be made for non-prescription drugs and make such determinations
and reviews if appropriate.
(c) Factors.--In making determinations under subsection (b) as to
whether the price of a prescription drug is excessive, the Board shall
take into consideration--
(1) changes in the producer price index (published by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor),
(2) changes in the prescription drug component of such
producer price index,
(3) the price at which such drug was sold to wholesalers in
the United States during the preceding 10 years,
(4) the price at which such drug was sold to wholesalers in
other countries during the preceding 10 years,
(5) the price at which other drugs in the same therapeutic
class were sold to wholesalers in the United States during the
preceding 10 years,
(6) the therapeutic potential rating of such drug by the
Food and Drug Administration,
(7) the percentage of such drug's research and development
costs paid by the United States,
(8) the cost of manufacturing and marketing such drug, and
(9) such other factors as the Board considers relevant.
(d) Reporting.--The Board shall--
(1) promptly provide to consumers and health care providers
the results of the Board's determinations under subsection (b)
and the method used in each such determination,
(2) provide information to consumers and health care
providers regarding prescription drug pricing and price
increases by therapeutic class and manufacturer,
(3) provide to consumers and health care providers
information regarding the Food and Drug Administration
therapeutic potential rating of each prescription drug and the
percentage of the research and development of each such drug
paid by the United States,
(4) provide to consumers such other information as the
Board determines will assist consumers in reducing their
expenses for prescription drugs,
(5) publish an easy to understand consumer's guide to
prescription drug prices, including the information described
in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), within 24 months of the
date of the establishment of the Board and update and publish
such guide annually thereafter, and
(6) provide to the President and the Congress a report of
its determinations under subsection (b) within 24 months of the
date of the establishment of the Board and update and report
such determinations annually thereafter.
SEC. 5. SANCTIONS AND REMEDIES.
(a) Hearings.--After making a determination under section 4(b) that
the price of a prescription drug or an increase in the price of such a
drug is excessive, the Board shall--
(1) notify, in writing, the manufacturer of such drug of
such determination,
(2) fix a date on which a public hearing before the Board
respecting such determination shall be held and hold such
hearing,
(3) request from such manufacturer such additional
information as the Board deems necessary for such public
hearing, and
(4) notify such manufacturer of the Board's recommendation
as to the pricing of the drug at a rate which is not excessive.
(b) Settlement.--If, after a public hearing under subsection (a),
the Board finds that the price or an increase in the price of a
prescription drug is not excessive, the Board shall--
(1) notify the manufacturer of such drug of the Board's
finding, and
(2) remove from all publications and reports of the Board
after the date of such finding any statement that the price or
increase in the price of such drug is excessive.
(c) Patent Revocation.--If, after a public hearing under subsection
(a), the Board finds that the price or an increase in the price of a
prescription drug is excessive, the Board shall--
(1) notify the manufacturer of such drug of the Board's
finding,
(2) notify the manufacturer of such drug of the Board's
intent to revoke the patent for such drug if the drug is
patented or to revoke the patent of another drug of such
manufacturer if such drug is not patented, and
(3) take such action as may be necessary to revoke a drug
patent under paragraph (2) if the manufacturer of such drug
does not reduce the price of the drug to a level that is not
excessive.
SEC. 6. MANUFACTURERS.
Each manufacturer of a prescription drug subject to review under
section 4 shall--
(1) provide to the Board such information as the Board may
require to make the determinations under section 4, including--
(A) information identifying such drug,
(B) the price at which such drug is being sold or
has been sold in any market,
(C) the cost of manufacturing and marketing such
drug, and
(D) such other information as the Board considers
necessary to be provided in such form and manner and at
such time as the Board prescribes by regulation, and
(2) notify the Board immediately of any increase in the
wholesale price of any prescription drug marketed by the
manufacturer.
SEC. 7. STUDY.
The Board shall engage the Institute of Medicine of the National
Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of prescription drug research
and development and pricing practices, the difficulties many Americans
have in affording prescription drugs, and options for making
prescription drugs available to all that need them. Such study shall--
(1) examine Federal incentives for research and development
and determine which incentives are most effective and what
changes would better encourage the development of low cost,
effective drugs,
(2) examine the Federal regulatory process and identify
ways it might be streamlined without jeopardizing consumer
safety,
(3) consider whether the authority of the Food and Drug
Administration should be enhanced and whether the funding for
such agency should be increased to improve Federal regulation
of drugs,
(4) consider steps the United States might take (including
possible trade sanctions) to protect manufacturers of drugs in
the United States from product pirating and other unfair trade
practices by foreign competitors,
(5) consider changes in the patent laws (including delaying
the start of a product's 17 years patent protection until after
the product has been approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act) to allow manufacturers to charge lower prices and
still recoup their research and development costs,
(6) consider whether a Board review of non-prescription
drug prices would have a positive effect on consumer costs of
such drugs,
(7) consider mechanisms to assist consumers with the high
cost of prescription drugs (including providing reimbursement
under title XVIII of the Social Security Act for prescription
drugs at lower prices negotiated with manufacturers of drugs),
(8) examine Federal policies regarding the licensing of
drugs discovered and developed by federally funded researchers
and recommend actions that would allow the United States to
recoup its costs or to influence the pricing of such drugs, and
(9) examine the effects on retail pharmacies of disparities
in drug prices wherein the drug manufacturers charge hospitals,
mail order pharmacies, and health maintenance organizations
significantly lower prices than those charged wholesalers for
such drugs. | Prescription Drug Consumer Protection Act of 1993 - Establishes in the executive branch the Prescription Drug Price Review Board which shall review the prices of prescription drugs. Permits the Board, after notice and a hearing, to take such actions as may be necessary to revoke a drug patent, if the drug's manufacturer does not reduce the price of a drug found to have an excessive price. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Prescription Drug Consumer Protection Act of 1993"} | 3,116 | 87 | 0.51391 | 1.242424 | 0.355503 | 3.30137 | 42.109589 | 0.945205 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Safeguard Tribal Objects of
Patrimony Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. ENHANCED PROTECTIONS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL OBJECTS.
(a) Enhanced Penalties.--Section 1170 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``5 years'' each place it appears and
inserting ``10 years''.
(b) Prohibition of Exporting Native American Cultural Objects.--
Chapter 53 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``Sec. 1171. Illegal exportation of Native American cultural objects
``(a) Definition of Native American Cultural Object.--In this
section, the term `Native American cultural object' means any Native
American (as defined in section 2 of the Native American Graves
Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001))--
``(1) cultural items, as defined in that section;
``(2) archaeological resource, as defined in section 3 of
the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C.
470bb); or
``(3) object of antiquity protected under section 1866(b).
``(b) Prohibition.--It shall be unlawful for any person to
knowingly export or otherwise transport from the United States any
Native American cultural object obtained in violation of--
``(1) the Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.);
``(2) section 1170;
``(3) the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979
(16 U.S.C. 470aa et seq.); or
``(4) section 1866(b).
``(c) Penalty.--Any person who violates subsection (b) shall--
``(1) in the case of a first violation under this section,
be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 1 year,
or both; and
``(2) in the case of a second or subsequent violation under
this section, be fined under this title, imprisoned for not
more than 10 years, or both.''.
(c) Private Repatriation of Native American Cultural Objects.--
Chapter 53 of title 18, United States Code (as amended by subsection
(b)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 1172. Private repatriation of Native American cultural objects
``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), if a
person voluntarily repatriates to the appropriate Indian tribe or
Native Hawaiian organization by not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this section, all of the Native American cultural
objects (as defined in section 1171(a)) in the possession of the
person, that person shall be immune from criminal prosecution under
this title, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16
U.S.C. 470aa et seq.), or any other related law with respect to the
returned Native American cultural objects.
``(b) Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply if the person
repatriates the Native American cultural objects on a date that is
after the date on which an active investigation or prosecution of the
person relating to the Native American cultural objects is
initiated.''.
(d) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for
chapter 53 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``1171. Illegal exportation of Native American cultural objects.
``1172. Private repatriation of Native American cultural objects.''.
SEC. 3. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the
meaning given the term in section 2 of the Native American
Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001).
(2) Native american cultural object.--The term ``Native
American cultural object'' has the meaning given the term in
section 1171(a) of title 18, United States Code.
(3) Native hawaiian organization.--The term ``Native
Hawaiian organization'' has the meaning given the term in
section 2 of the Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001).
(b) Submission.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States, after
collecting information from the Attorney General, the Secretary of the
Interior, and the Secretary of State, and meeting, as appropriate, with
Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, shall submit the
report described in subsection (c) to--
(1) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives.
(c) Report Described.--The report submitted under subsection (b)
shall include a description of--
(1) an estimate of the number of Native American cultural
objects illegally trafficked in the United States and foreign
markets;
(2) the extent to which the Attorney General has
prosecuted, under section 1170 of title 18, United States Code,
the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C.
470aa et seq.), section 1866(b) of title 18, United States
Code, or any other related law, cases of trafficking in--
(A) the human remains of a Native American (as
defined in section 2 of the Native American Graves
Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001)); or
(B) other Native American cultural objects; and
(3) recommendations for actions the Attorney General, the
Secretary of State, and the Secretary of the Interior can
take--
(A) to eliminate illegal commerce in Native
American cultural objects in the United States and
foreign markets; and
(B) to secure the repatriation to Indian tribes and
Native Hawaiian organizations of Native American
cultural objects that have been illegally removed or
trafficked in violation of--
(i) section 1170(b) of title 18, United
States Code;
(ii) the Archaeological Resources
Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470aa et
seq.); or
(iii) section 1866(b) of title 18, United
States Code.
(d) Tribal Working Group.--The Secretary of the Interior shall
facilitate the convention of a tribal working group composed of
representatives of Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, the
Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior, the Department
of Homeland Security, and the Department of State--
(1) to provide an opportunity for Indian tribes and Native
Hawaiian organizations to contribute information to the
Attorney General, the Secretary of the Interior, and the
Secretary of State during the preparation of the report
described in subsection (c); and
(2) to advise the Attorney General, the Secretary of the
Interior, and the Secretary of State on methods for
implementing recommendations included in the report described
in subsection (c). | Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 2016 This bill increases the maximum term of imprisonment from 5 years to 10 years for individuals convicted more than once of illegal trafficking in Native American human remains or cultural items. This bill bans the export of illegally obtained Native American cultural objects and sets penalties for violations of this ban. A person is immune from criminal prosecution under laws regarding Native American cultural objects if the person voluntarily repatriates to the appropriate tribe all the Native American cultural objects in the person's possession not later than two years after enactment of this bill. This immunity does not apply to a person under active investigation or prosecution relating to Native American cultural objects. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report on the number of Native American cultural objects illegally trafficked and the extent to which the Department of Justice has prosecuted cases of trafficking. The GAO must recommend actions to eliminate such trafficking and to secure the repatriation of Native American cultural objects. The Department of the Interior must facilitate the convention of a working group to contribute information to the GAO report and to advise on implementation of the GAO's recommendations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act of 2016"} | 1,606 | 249 | 0.5812 | 1.547157 | 0.745895 | 2.549763 | 6.654028 | 0.853081 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``George McGovern-Robert Dole
International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) report, ``The State of Food and Agriculture
1998'', approximately 828,000,000 people are chronically
undernourished in the world today. While no region is immune to
hunger, the vast majority of these people live in 87 low-
income, food-deficit countries.
(2) Many of the world's hungry are children, approximately
300,000,000. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
report, ``State of the World's Children 2001'', states that 32
percent of the world's children under five years of age--
approximately 193,000,000--have stunted growth, which is the
key indicator for under-nutrition. Hunger in the early stages
of development is particularly debilitating. As reported by
UNICEF, optimal neural development in a child, which affects
physical, mental, and cognitive development, depends on good
nutrition and stimulation during the first months and years of
life.
(3) The causes of hunger are complex, but are most often
associated with poverty and lack of empowerment. In developing
countries, where poverty is endemic, governments face low
revenues and high debt burdens, funding is inadequate for basic
health and education, agricultural productivity and marketing
systems are weak and under-performing, employment opportunities
are lacking, public institutions are often weak, in some
countries, HIV/AIDS is pandemic, and many people struggle just
to meet their basic needs.
(4) Poor children rarely receive adequate education. UNICEF
reports that more than 130,000,000 primary-school-age children
in developing countries do not go to school, and 60 percent of
these children are girls. In 2000, the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
reported that for developing countries, an estimated
250,000,000 children from ages five to fourteen are laborers,
and fifty percent work full time. Lack of education and the
resulting poor literacy limit the growth potential of children.
Education develops cognitive skills, improves long-term
productivity and offers a child protection from the hazards of
labor or exploitation. Long-term studies indicate that
increased literacy rates are critical to economic development.
In countries that achieve an 80 percent or better literacy rate
among girls and women, the birthrate decreases.
(5)(A) Food aid has been shown to have lasting benefits for
children in developing countries when part of multi-faceted
programs aimed at pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and
children five years and younger.
(B) Mother-child health (MCH) programs reduce the incidence
of malnutrition and under-nutrition and promote proper growth
by providing supplemental food to pregnant women and nursing
mothers, along with nutritious take-home foods and health care
to mothers and children under the age of two.
(C) Early childhood development programs provide children
between the ages of three and six with meals and training in
basic skills, while mothers learn about basic sanitation, first
aid and respiratory and diarrheal diseases, the greatest
killers of young children in poor countries.
(D) Food for Education programs reduce the incidence of
hunger and enhance educational attendance and performance by
providing school meals or take-home rations, along with
improvements in educational quality and the school environment.
(E) Although the conditions and challenges in developing
countries differ greatly from those in the United States, these
international food aid programs are similar in concept to the
women, infants and children (WIC) program, the Head Start
program, and the school breakfast and school lunch programs in
the United States.
(6) Over the past 50 years, United States international
food assistance has contributed to alleviating hunger and its
causes and is an integral part of United States foreign policy.
From the Marshall Plan to the establishment in 1954 of the Food
for Peace program (or Public Law 480) and the Food for Progress
Act of 1985, American farmers have played a key role in
ensuring that the United States is able to respond to
emergencies such as famine, natural disasters, and war, and to
contribute to global development initiatives. These programs
continue because food is greatly needed in poor countries that
cannot produce or afford to import adequate amounts of food to
meet their minimal needs.
(7) 7,900,000 metric tons of agricultural commodities,
worth $1,500,000,000 in commodity purchases, were approved
during fiscal year 2000 to provide food aid to 91 countries, as
authorized under section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of
1949, the Food for Progress Program, and Public Law 480.
Programs were implemented in the field by nongovernmental and
private voluntary organizations, cooperatives, the United
Nations World Food Program, and governments.
(8) American farmers benefit directly from food aid
programs by selling commodities for international development
and hunger programs. In the longer term, the economic uplift
from food aid programs improves the living standards and
purchasing power of citizens in developing countries, expanding
markets for American agricultural products, goods, and
services.
(9) Two of the most successful and beneficial bipartisan
programs ever launched on behalf of children in the United
States have been the United States school lunch and school
breakfast programs, and the women, infants, and children (WIC)
program. While hunger among children has not yet been
eradicated in the United States, over the past 22 years,
America has provided a nutritious meal to most students who
cannot afford one. Currently, about 27,000,000 children are fed
every day through these programs.
(10) On May 30, 2000, during the opening ceremonies of the
National Nutrition Summit, Senators George McGovern and Robert
Dole praised the Federal Government for reducing hunger in
America since 1969. They called upon the United States
Government to reduce hunger in the developing world through
child nutrition programs similar to the United States school
lunch, school breakfast, and WIC programs.
(11) On July 23, 2000, the G-8 Summit in Okinawa, Japan,
endorsed a proposal put forward by the United States, the
Global Food for Education Initiative, to pursue a pilot
preschool and school feeding program.
(12) On December 28, 2000, in addition to other
international food aid program commitments, the United States
launched a $300,000,000 pilot program, the Global Food for
Education Initiative, through the United States Department of
Agriculture, to provide meals, take-home rations, and other
assistance to an estimated 9,000,000 needy pre-school and
school-age children in 38 countries. Using authority under the
Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and section 416(b) of
the Agricultural Act of 1949, food commodities will be
purchased from American farmers by the United States Department
of Agriculture, which will be distributed in fiscal year 2001
through 49 projects developed by United States-based private
voluntary organizations and cooperatives, and by the United
Nations World Food Program. Senators McGovern and Dole urged
the United States Congress to make this a permanently funded
program and to engage the international community in a
multilateral effort to end child hunger over the next three
decades.
SEC. 3. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.
The Secretary of Agriculture (hereinafter in this Act referred to
as the ``Secretary'') shall, using the authority of section 416(b) of
the Agricultural Act of 1949 (hereinafter in this Act referred to as
``section 416(b)'') and in accordance with this Act, provide eligible
commodities and financial and technical assistance to establish,
continue, and expand--
(1) preschool and school feeding programs to improve food
security, reduce the incidence of hunger, and improve
educational opportunity; and
(2) maternal, infant, and child nutrition programs for
pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and children 5 years
of age and younger.
SEC. 4. ELIGIBLE COMMODITIES AND COST ITEMS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law--
(1) any agricultural commodity is eligible for distribution
under this Act;
(2) the Commodity Credit Corporation shall purchase
agricultural commodities for use under this Act if its stocks
are not sufficient to meet commitments entered into under this
Act; and
(3) as necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act, the
Secretary--
(A) shall approve the use of Commodity Credit
Corporation funds to pay the transportation costs
incurred in moving commodities (including prepositioned
commodities) provided under this Act from the
designated points of entry or ports of entry abroad to
storage and distribution sites, and associated storage
and distribution costs;
(B) shall approve the use of Commodity Credit
Corporation funds to pay the costs of activities
conducted in the host country by a nonprofit voluntary
organization, cooperative, or intergovernmental agency
or organization that would enhance the effectiveness of the activities
implemented by such entities under this Act; and
(C) in the case of administrative expenses of
private voluntary organizations, cooperatives, or
intergovernmental organizations implementing activities
under this Act, shall approve the use of Commodity
Credit Corporation funds to meet itemized
administrative expenses incurred in connection with
activities carried out under this Act; and
(4) for the purposes of this Act, the term ``agricultural
commodities'' includes any agricultural commodity, or the
products thereof, produced in the United States.
SEC. 5. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS.
The Secretary may provide assistance under this Act to private
voluntary organizations, cooperatives, intergovernmental organizations,
governments and their agencies, and such other organizations as the
Secretary determines are appropriate.
SEC. 6. RULES BY SECRETARY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall assure that rules governing
this Act shall include provisions to--
(1) provide for the submission of proposals, each of which
may include one or more countries, for commodities and other
assistance under this Act;
(2) provide for eligible commodities and assistance on a
multi-year basis;
(3) ensure eligible recipients demonstrate the
organizational capacity and the ability to develop, implement,
monitor, report on, and provide accountability for activities
conducted under this Act;
(4) streamline procedures for the development, review, and
approval of proposals submitted in accordance with this Act;
(5) ensure monitoring and reporting by eligible recipients
on the use of commodities and other assistance provided under
this Act; and
(6) allow for the sale or barter of commodities by eligible
organizations to acquire funds to implement activities that
improve the food security of women and children or otherwise
enhance the effectiveness of programs and activities authorized
under this Act.
(b) Priorities for Program Funding.--In carrying out subsection (a)
with respect to criteria for determining the use of commodities and
other assistance provided for programs and activities authorized under
this Act, the Secretary shall consider the ability of eligible
recipients to--
(1) identify and assess the needs of beneficiaries,
especially mothers and children five years of age and younger
who are malnourished or under-nourished, and school-age
children who are malnourished, under-nourished, or do not
regularly attend school;
(2)(A) in the case of preschool and school-age children,
target low-income areas where children's enrollment and
attendance in school is low or girls' enrollment and
participation in preschool or school is particularly low; and
(B) in the case of programs to benefit mothers and children
five years of age or younger, coordinate supplementary feeding
and nutrition programs with existing or newly-established
maternal, infant, and children programs that provide health
needs interventions, and which may include maternal, prenatal,
and postnatal and newborn care;
(3) involve indigenous institutions and communities in the
development and implementation of the program and foster local
capacity-building and leadership; and
(4) carry out multi-year programs that foster self-
sufficiency and ensure program longevity.
SEC. 7. USE OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE.
The Food and Nutrition service of the Department of Agriculture
shall provide technical advice on the establishment of programs under
section 3(1) and on their implementation in the field in recipient
countries.
SEC. 8. MULTILATERAL INVOLVEMENT.
The President is urged to endeavor to engage existing international
food aid coordinating mechanisms to ensure multilateral commitments to
and participation in programs like those supported under this Act. The
President shall report annually to Congress on the commitments and
activities of governments in the global effort to reduce child hunger
and increase school attendance.
SEC. 9. PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT.
The President and the Secretary are urged to encourage the support
and active involvement of the private sector, foundations, and other
individuals and organizations in programs assisted under this Act.
SEC. 10. FUNDING LEVELS.
The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available to carry out
programs under this Act--
(1) in fiscal 2002, $300,000,000 and in fiscal year 2003,
$600,000,000 for programs under section 3(1) and $50,000,000 in
fiscal year 2002 and in fiscal year 2003, $100,000,000 for
programs under section 3(2); and
(2) in each succeeding fiscal year $750,000,000 for
programs under section 3(1) and $250,000,000 for programs under
section 3(2).
SEC. 11. COOPERATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.
Notwithstanding section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation
Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714i), the Secretary may approve the use of
Commodity Credit Corporation funds to pay administrative expenses of
any other agency of the Federal Government, including any bureau,
office, administration, or agency of the Department of Agriculture,
assisting in the implementation of this Act.
SEC. 12. REQUIREMENT TO SAFEGUARD LOCAL PRODUCTION AND USUAL MARKETING.
The requirement of section 403(a) of the Agricultural Trade
Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (7 U.S.C. 1733(a) and 1733(h))
shall apply with respect to the availability of commodities under this
Act. | George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, using specified authority under the Agricultural Act of 1949, to provide eligible commodities and financial and technical assistance to establish and expand overseas preschool and school feeding programs, and maternal, infant, and child nutrition programs.Urges the President to engage multilateral and private sector involvement. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish an international food for education and infant and child nutrition program to be carried out under section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1949."} | 2,917 | 84 | 0.390539 | 1.088647 | 0.707243 | 4.794521 | 39.438356 | 0.931507 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``21st Century Acquisition Reform and
Improvement Act of 2000''.
SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.
Section 7A(a) of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18a(a)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(a) Except as exempted pursuant to subsection (c), no person
shall acquire, directly or indirectly, any voting securities or assets
of any other person, unless both persons (or in the case of a tender
offer, the acquiring person) file notification pursuant to rules under
subsection (d)(1) and the waiting period described in subsection (b)(1)
has expired, if--
``(1) the acquiring person, or the person whose voting
securities or assets are being acquired, is engaged in commerce
or in any activity affecting commerce; and
``(2) as a result of such acquisition, the acquiring person
would hold an aggregate total amount of the voting securities
and assets of the acquired person--
``(A) in excess of $200,000,000 (as adjusted and
published for the first fiscal year beginning after
September 30, 2002, and each third fiscal year
thereafter, in the same manner as provided in section
8(a)(5) of this Act to reflect the percentage change in
the gross national product for such fiscal year
compared to the gross national product for the year
ending September 30, 2001); or
``(B)(i) in excess of $50,000,000 (as so adjusted
and published) but not in excess of $200,000,000 (as so
adjusted and published); and
``(ii)(I) any voting securities or assets of a
person engaged in manufacturing which has annual net
sales or total assets of $10,000,000 (as so adjusted
and published) or more are being acquired by any person
which has total assets or annual net sales of
$100,000,000 (as so adjusted and published) or more;
``(II) any voting securities or assets of a person
not engaged in manufacturing which has total assets of
$10,000,000 (as so adjusted and published) or more are
being acquired by any person which has total assets or
annual net sales of $100,000,000 (as so adjusted and
published) or more; or
``(III) any voting securities or assets of a person
with total assets or annual net sales of $100,000,000
(as so adjusted and published) or more are being
acquired by any person with total assets or annual net
sales of $10,000,000 (as so adjusted and published) or
more.
In the case of a tender offer, the person whose voting securities are
sought to be acquired by a person required to file notification under
this subsection shall file notification pursuant to rules under
subsection (d).''.
SEC. 3. INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTARY REQUESTS.
Section 7A(e)(1) of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18a(e)(1)) is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(1)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B)(i) The Assistant Attorney General and the Federal Trade
Commission shall each designate a senior official who does not have
direct responsibility for the review of any enforcement recommendation
under this section concerning the transaction at issue to hear any
petition filed by such person to determine--
``(I) whether the request for additional information or
documentary material is unreasonably cumulative, unduly
burdensome, or duplicative; or
``(II) whether the request for additional information or
documentary material has been substantially complied with by
the petitioning person.
``(ii) Internal review procedures for petitions filed pursuant to
clause (i) shall include reasonable deadlines for expedited review of
such petitions, after reasonable negotiations with investigative staff,
in order to avoid undue delay of the merger review process.
``(iii) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of
the 21st Century Acquisition Reform and Improvement Act of 2000, the
Assistant Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission shall
conduct an internal review and implement reforms of the merger review
process in order to eliminate unnecessary burden, remove costly
duplication, and eliminate undue delay, in order to achieve a more
effective and more efficient merger review process.
``(iv) Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of
the 21st Century Acquisition Reform and Improvement Act of 2000, the
Assistant Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission shall issue
or amend their respective industry guidance, regulations, operating
manuals, and relevant policy documents, to the extent appropriate, to
implement each reform in this subparagraph.
``(v) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
the 21st Century Acquisition Reform and Improvement Act of 2000, the
Assistant Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission shall each
report to Congress--
``(I) which reforms each agency has adopted under this
subparagraph;
``(II) which steps each agency has taken to implement
internal reforms under this subparagraph; and
``(III) the effects of such reforms.''.
SEC. 4. CALCULATION OF TIME PERIODS.
Section 7A of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``20 days'' and
inserting ``30 days''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(k) If the end of any period of time provided in this section
falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal public holiday (as defined in
section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code), then such period shall
be extended to the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday,
or legal public holiday.''.
SEC. 5. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ANNUAL
REPORTS.
Section 7A(j) of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18a(j)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(j)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Beginning with the report filed in 2001, the Federal Trade
Commission, in consultation with the Assistant Attorney General, shall
include in the report to Congress required by this subsection--
``(A) the number of notifications filed under this section;
``(B) the number of notifications filed in which the
Assistant Attorney General or Federal Trade Commission
requested the submission of additional information or
documentary material relevant to the proposed acquisition;
``(C) data relating to the length of time for parties to
comply with requests for the submission of additional
information or documentary material relevant to the proposed
acquisition;
``(D) the number of petitions filed pursuant to rules and
regulations promulgated under this Act regarding a request for
the submission of additional information or documentary
material relevant to the proposed acquisition and the manner in
which such petitions were resolved;
``(E) data relating to the volume (in number of boxes or
pages) of materials submitted pursuant to requests for
additional information or documentary material; and
``(F) the number of notifications filed in which a request
for additional information or documentary materials was made
but never complied with prior to resolution of the case.''.
SEC. 6. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO CERTAIN REGULATIONS.
(a) In General.--The thresholds established by rule and promulgated
as 16 C.F.R. 802.20 shall be adjusted by the Federal Trade Commission
on January 1, 2003, and each third year thereafter, in the same manner
as is set forth in section 8(a)(5) of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C.
19(a)(5)). The adjusted amount shall be rounded to the nearest
$1,000,000.
(b) Publication.--As soon as practicable, but not later than
January 31, 2003, and each third year thereafter, the Federal Trade
Commission shall publish the adjusted amount required by this
subsection (a).
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect on
the first day of the first month that begins more than 30 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
Passed the Senate October 19 (legislative day, September
22), 2000.
Attest:
GARY SISCO,
Secretary. | (Sec. 3) Directs the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to each designate a senior official who does not have direct responsibility for the review of an enforcement recommendation under the Act concerning the transaction at issue to hear any petition filed by the acquiring person or the person whose voting securities or assets are to be acquired, to determine whether the request for additional information or documentary material is unreasonably cumulative, unduly burdensome, or duplicative, or has been substantially complied with by the petitioning person. Requires that internal review procedures for such petitions include reasonable deadlines for expedited review of such petitions, after reasonable negotiations with investigative staff, in order to avoid undue delay of the merger review process.
Directs the AAG and the FTC: (1) within 90 days, to conduct an internal review and implement reforms of the merger review process in order to eliminate unnecessary burden, remove costly duplication, and eliminate undue delay; (2) within 120 days, to issue or amend their respective industry guidance, regulations, operating manuals, and relevant policy documents, where appropriate, to implement each reform in this section; and (3) within 180 days, to each report to Congress which reforms each agency has adopted under this section, which steps each agency has taken to implement internal reforms, and the effects of such reforms.
(Sec. 4) Amends the Clayton Act, with respect to calculating filing periods, to: (1) authorize the FTC or AAG to extend the 30-day waiting period for an additional 30 days after receipt of specified information; and (2) direct that if the end of a time period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, that such period be extended to the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.
(Sec. 5) Directs the FTC, beginning with the annual report filed in 2001, to include in its report to Congress: (1) the number of notifications filed; (2) the number filed in which the AAG or FTC requested the submission of additional material relevant to the proposed acquisition; (3) data relating to the length of time for parties to comply with such requests; (4) the number of petitions filed and the manner in which they were resolved; (5) data relating to the volume of materials submitted pursuant to such requests; and (6) the number of notifications filed in which such requests were made but never complied with prior to resolution of the case.
(Sec. 6) Requires that the thresholds established by rule and promulgated in the Code of Federal Regulations be adjusted by the FTC on January 1, 2003, and each year thereafter, with the adjusted amount rounded to the nearest $1 million. Directs the FTC to publish the adjusted amount by January 31 of each year. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "21st Century Acquisition Reform and Improvement Act of 2000"} | 1,833 | 608 | 0.4314 | 1.592014 | 0.562322 | 5.016187 | 3.102518 | 0.93705 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Free Market Grazing Fees Act''.
SEC. 2. GRAZING FEES ESTABLISHED AT FAIR MARKET VALUE.
(a) Fees Required.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, with
respect to public grazing lands subject to their respective
jurisdiction, shall establish an annual domestic livestock grazing fee
equal to the fair market value of the grazing lease or permit
concerned.
(b) Commencement of Fees.--The grazing fees required by this
section shall apply beginning with the grazing season that commences on
March 1, 1998.
(c) Factors.--In determining the fair market value of a grazing
lease or permit, the Secretary concerned shall take into account the
following:
(1) The amounts and conditions under which neighboring non-
Federal lands are leased or sold for grazing purposes.
(2) The improvements provided or to be provided by the
lessee or permit holder.
(3) The services to be provided by the United States.
(d) Procedures.--In determining the fair market value of grazing
permits, the Secretary concerned shall publish rules in accordance with
chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, which ensure that whenever
practicable fair market value is established through competitive
bidding.
(e) Small Family Ranch Exemption.--
(1) Certification for prevailing fees.--The holder of a
Federal grazing lease or permit as of the date of the enactment
of this section who makes a certification to the Secretary
concerned in accordance with this subsection shall be charged
the prevailing grazing fee on that date for the period
beginning on that date and ending on February 28, 2008.
(2) Content of certification.--
(A) Annual income.--The holder of the Federal
grazing lease or permit shall certify that, for the
immediately preceding calendar year--
(i) the holder derived more than half of
the holder's annual income from the ranching
operation associated with the Federal grazing
lease or permit; and
(ii) the holder--
(I) if an individual, has an
adjusted gross annual income (as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code of
1986) of less than $50,000; or
(II) if a person other than an
individual, has total assets of less
than $1,000,000, including the value of
Federal leases or permits of any kind,
including the assets of any entity
owned by, controlled by, or under
common control of, directly or
indirectly, the holder.
(B) Substantial labor.--The holder of the Federal
grazing lease or permit shall certify that, for the
immediately preceding calendar year, the holder--
(i) if an individual, performed substantial
labor in the ranching operation either
personally or using members of the holder's
immediate family; or
(ii) if a person other than an individual,
performed substantial labor in the ranching
operation using the officers of the holder.
(3) Submission of certification.--A certification under
this subsection shall be submitted to the Secretary concerned
before the beginning of each grazing season.
(f) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section:
(1) Public grazing lands.--The term ``public grazing
lands'' means the following:
(A) The National Forest lands (including the
national grasslands) in the 16 contiguous Western
States administered by the United States Forest Service
where domestic livestock grazing is permitted under
applicable law.
(B) The public domain lands administered by the
Bureau of Land Management where domestic livestock
grazing is permitted under applicable law.
(C) The lands within units of the National Park
System on which grazing is permitted under applicable
law.
(2) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned''
means--
(A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to
public grazing lands subject to the jurisdiction of the
Secretary of Agriculture; and
(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to
public grazing lands subject to the jurisdiction of the
Secretary of the Interior.
(g) Effect of Failure to Establish Fees.--No grazing shall be
permitted on any public grazing lands after March 1, 1998, unless the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture each affirm
to Congress that grazing fees for all public grazing lands have been
established in compliance with this section. | Free Market Grazing Fees Act - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to establish fair market value grazing fees for use of their respective public lands. Establishes a prevailing fee exception for current small family ranch leases or permits. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Free Market Grazing Fees Act"} | 990 | 58 | 0.499051 | 1.195469 | 1.070943 | 2.181818 | 20.068182 | 0.818182 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Healthcare Accessibility for Seniors
Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. REQUIRING MEDICAID HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS TO MAKE
PAYMENTS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY HEALTH CENTERS IN
FEDERALLY-ASSISTED HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY.
(a) In General.--Section 1903(m)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1396b(m)(2)(A)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (xi);
(2) by striking the period at the end of clause (xii) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(xiii) such contract provides that--
``(I) the entity's network of participating
providers of such services shall include at least one
health center in Federally-assisted housing for the
elderly (as defined in section 1905(t)), or
``(II) the entity shall enter into a contract for
the provision of such services to such individuals with
each such center (as so defined) located in the
entity's service area, under terms and conditions
(including terms and conditions relating to patient
referrals and the sharing of patient records) similar
to those applicable to a contract between the entity
and a similar provider of such services in the area (in
accordance with standards established by the
Secretary).''.
(b) Health Center in Federally-Assisted Housing for the Elderly
Described.--Section 1905 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(t) The term `health center in Federally-assisted housing for the
elderly' means a clinic which is located at an Federally-assisted
housing project (which may be receiving assistance under section 202 of
the Housing Act of 1959) in which elderly persons (as defined in
section 3(b)(3)(D) of the United States Housing Act of 1937) constitute
a minimum of 25 percent of its residents and which--
``(1) provides physical examinations, injury treatment,
primary health services, mental health services, and other
services (to the extent permitted under the laws or regulations
of the State in which it is located) on an on-site basis to
residents of the housing project (without regard to whether or
not the residents are enrolled in the State plan under this
title);
``(2) refers such residents to other providers of health
care services for services which the center does not provide
on-site;
``(3) has entered into arrangements with other providers of
health care services providing services on a 24-hour, emergency
basis;
``(4) has on its staff at least one physician (whether
employed on a part-time or full-time basis); at least one
physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse
specialist; and at least one mental health professional; and
``(5) is approved or certified as such a clinic by the
State in which it is located.''.
(c) Prohibition Against Waiver of Requirement.--The Secretary of
Health and Human Services may not waive (pursuant to section 1115 or
section 1915 of the Social Security Act or otherwise) the application
of section 1903(m)(2)(A)(xii) of the Social Security Act (as added by
subsection (a)) with respect to any State.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall apply to contracts between a State and a medicaid managed care
entity for contract years or periods that begin on or after 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF CLEARINGHOUSE FOR INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE ON HEALTH CENTERS IN FEDERALLY-ASSISTED
HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish a
clearinghouse through which interested parties may receive information
and technical assistance on the establishment and operation of health
centers in Federally-assisted housing for the elderly.
SEC. 4. GRANTS FOR HEALTH CENTERS IN FEDERALLY-ASSISTED HOUSING FOR THE
ELDERLY.
(a) In General.--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 subpart:
``Subpart X--Health Centers in Federally-Assisted Housing for the
Elderly
``health centers in federally-assisted housing for the elderly
``Sec. 340F. (a) In General.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants to public
and nonprofit private entities for the purpose of making
available to elderly persons health services specified in
subsection (d) at sites that are on or in close proximity to
Federally-assisted housing projects for the elderly (or at such
other sites as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to
provide residents of such housing projects with access to the
services).
``(2) Elderly person.--For purposes of this section, the
term `elderly person' has the meaning given such term in
section 3(b)(3)(D) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42
U.S.C. 1437(b)(3)(D)).
``(3) Federally-assisted housing projects for the
elderly.--The term `Federally-assisted housing projects for the
elderly' is a Federally-assistance housing project in which the
elderly person constitute at least 25 percent of the residents
of the project.
``(b) Minimum Qualifications for Grantees.--
``(1) Status as medicaid provider.--
``(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the
Secretary may make a grant under subsection (a) only if
the applicant for the grant is a provider of services
under the State plan approved for the State involved
under title XIX of the Social Security Act.
``(B) The requirements established in subparagraph
(A) do not apply to an applicant that provides health
services without charge and does not receive
reimbursement for the services from any third-party
payors.
``(2) Required consultations.--The Secretary may make a
grant under subsection (a) only if the applicant involved, in
preparing the application under subsection (j), has consulted
with elderly persons in the community in which services under
the grant are to be provided, with administrators at Federally-
assisted housing projects for the elderly in the community, and
with the area agencies on aging in the community.
``(c) Preferences in Making Grants.--In making grants under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall give preference to qualified
applicants that are experienced in delivering health care services to
medically underserved populations or in areas in which a significant
number of elderly persons are at risk for health problems.
``(d) Authorized Services.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make a grant under
subsection (a) only if the applicant involved agrees as
follows:
``(A) Each of the following services will be made
available under the grant (as medically appropriate for
the child involved):
``(i) Comprehensive health examinations.
``(ii) Health education and prevention
services.
``(iii) Follow-up care and referrals
regarding routine health problems.
``(B) Services under subparagraph (A) will include
screenings, follow-up care, and referrals (including
referrals for specialty care) regarding dental, vision,
and hearing services, and regarding sexually-
transmitted diseases and other communicable diseases.
``(2) Other services.--In addition to services specified in
paragraph (1), the Secretary may authorize a grantee under
subsection (a) to expend the grant for such additional health
or health-related services for elderly persons as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(e) Cultural Context of Services.--The Secretary may make a grant
under subsection (a) only if the applicant involved agrees that
services under the grant will be provided in the language and cultural
context most appropriate for the individuals to whom the services are
provided.
``(f) Limitation on Imposition of Fees for Services.--The Secretary
may make a grant under subsection (a) only if the applicant involved
agrees that, if a fee is imposed for the provision of services under
the grant, such fee--
``(1) will be made according to a schedule of fees that is
made available to the public;
``(2) will be adjusted to reflect the income and resources
of the elderly persons involved; and
``(3) will not be imposed on any elderly person with an
income of less than 150 percent of the applicable official
poverty line (established by the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget and revised by the Secretary in
accordance with section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1981).
``(g) Matching Funds.--
``(1) In general.--With respect to the costs of the program
to be carried out under subsection (a) by an applicant, the
Secretary, subject to paragraph (3), may make a grant under
such subsection only if the applicant agrees to make available
(directly or through donations from public or private entities)
non-Federal contributions toward such costs in an amount that
is--
``(A) for the first fiscal year for which the
applicant receives such a grant, 10 percent of such
costs;
``(B) for any second such fiscal year, 25 percent
of such costs; and
``(C) for any subsequent such fiscal year, 50
percent of such costs.
``(2) Determination of amount contributed.--Non-Federal
contributions required in paragraph (1) may be in cash or in
kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or
services. Amounts provided by the Federal Government, or
services assisted or subsidized to any significant extent by
the Federal Government, may not be included in determining the
amount of such non-Federal contributions.
``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may for an applicant waive the
requirement of paragraph (1) for a fiscal year if the Secretary
determines that the applicant will be unable to carry out a
program under subsection (a) otherwise. If the Secretary
provides a waiver under the preceding sentence for a grantee
under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may make
a grant to the applicant for the following fiscal year only if
the Secretary reviews the waiver to determine whether the
waiver should remain in effect.
``(h) Additional Agreements.--The Secretary may make a grant under
subsection (a) only if the applicant involved agrees as follows:
``(1) The applicant will maintain the confidentiality of
patient records.
``(2) The applicant will establish an ongoing quality
assurance program regarding services provided under the grant.
``(3) The applicant will not expend more than 10 percent of
the grant for administrative expenses regarding the grant.
``(i) Reports to Secretary.--The Secretary may make a grant under
subsection (a) only if the applicant agrees that, not later than
February 1 of the fiscal year following the fiscal year for which the
grant is to be made, the applicant will submit to the Secretary a
report describing the program carried out by the applicant under the
grant, including provisions on the utilization, cost, and outcome of
services provided under the grant.
``(j) Application for Grant; Plan.--The Secretary may make a grant
under subsection (a) only if an application for the grant is submitted
to the Secretary; the application contains a plan describing the
proposal of the applicant for a program under subsection (a); and the
application is in such form, is made in such manner, and contains such
agreements, assurances, and information as the Secretary determines to
be necessary to carry out this section.
``(k) Evaluation of Programs.--The Secretary, directly or through
grants or contracts, shall provide for evaluations of programs carried
out under subsection (a), including the cost-effectiveness and health-
effectiveness of the programs.
``(l) Reports to Congress.--Not later than May 31 of each fiscal
year, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report on the
programs carried out under subsection (a). The report shall include a
summary of the evaluations carried out under subsection (k) for the
preceding fiscal year.
``(m) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000
for fiscal year 2003, $550,000,000 for fiscal year 2004, $600,000,000
for fiscal year 2005, $650,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, and
$700,000,000 for fiscal year 2007.''. | Healthcare Accessibility for Seniors Act of 2002 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that, in order for States to receive payment under Medicaid, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other managed care plans providing medical assistance to Medicaid beneficiaries must provide in their contracts with the State for payment of specifically authorized services by certain health centers in Federally-assisted housing for the elderly.Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a clearinghouse through which interested parties may receive information and technical assistance on the establishment and operation of such centers.Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for grants to public and nonprofit private entities for health centers in Federally-assisted housing for the elderly. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations and other managed care plans providing medical assistance to Medicaid beneficiaries to make payments for assistance provided to such beneficiaries by health centers in Federally-assisted housing for the elderly, and for other purposes."} | 2,895 | 159 | 0.545086 | 1.398819 | 0.679209 | 4.242647 | 19.382353 | 0.889706 |
SECTION 1. ELECTION TO RECEIVE RETIRED PAY FOR NON-REGULAR SERVICE UPON
RETIREMENT FOR SERVICE IN AN ACTIVE RESERVE STATUS
PERFORMED AFTER ATTAINING ELIGIBILITY FOR REGULAR
RETIREMENT.
(a) Election Authority; Requirements.--Subsection (a) of section
12741 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Authority To Elect To Receive Reserve Retired Pay.--(1)
Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph (4) of section 12731(a) of
this title that a person may not receive retired pay under this chapter
when the person is entitled, under any other provision of law, to
retired pay or retainer pay, a person may elect to receive retired pay
under this chapter, instead of receiving retired or retainer pay under
chapter 65, 367, 571, or 867 of this title, if the person--
``(A) satisfies the requirements specified in paragraphs
(1) and (2) of such section for entitlement to retired pay
under this chapter;
``(B) served in an active status in the Selected Reserve of
the Ready Reserve after becoming eligible for retirement under
chapter 65, 367, 571, or 867 of this title (without regard to
whether the person actually retired or received retired or
retainer pay under one of those chapters); and
``(C) completed not less than two years of satisfactory
service (as determined by the Secretary concerned) in such
active status (excluding any period of active service).
``(2) The Secretary concerned may reduce the minimum two-year
service requirement specified in paragraph (1)(C) in the case of a
person who--
``(A) completed at least six months of service in a
position of adjutant general required under section 314 of
title 32 or in a position of assistant adjutant general
subordinate to such a position of adjutant general; and
``(B) failed to complete the minimum years of service
solely because the appointment of the person to such position
was terminated or vacated as described in section 324(b) of
title 32.''.
(b) Actions To Effectuate Election.--Subsection (b) of such section
is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new
paragraph:
``(1) terminate the eligibility of the person to retire
under chapter 65, 367, 571, or 867 of this title, if the person
is not already retired under one of those chapters, and
terminate entitlement of the person to retired or retainer pay
under one of those chapters, if the person was already
receiving retired or retainer pay under one of those chapters;
and''.
(c) Conforming Amendment To Reflect New Variable Age Requirement
for Retirement.--Subsection (d) of such section is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``attains 60 years of
age'' and inserting ``attains the eligibility age applicable to
the person under section 12731(f) of this title''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``attains 60 years of
age'' and inserting ``attains the eligibility age applicable to
the person under such section''.
(d) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Section heading.--The heading for section 12741 of such
title is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 12741. Retirement for service in an active status performed in
the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve after
eligibility for regular retirement''.
(2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 1223 of such title is amended by striking
the item relating to section 12741 and inserting the following
new item:
``12741. Retirement for service in an active status performed in the
Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve after
eligibility for regular retirement.''.
(e) Retroactive Applicability.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect as of January 1, 2008.
SEC. 2. RECOMPUTATION OF RETIRED PAY AND ADJUSTMENT OF RETIRED GRADE OF
RESERVE RETIREES TO REFLECT SERVICE AFTER RETIREMENT.
(a) Recomputation of Retired Pay.--Section 12739 of title 10,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(e)(1) If a member of the Retired Reserve is recalled to an
active status in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve under
section 10145(d) of this title and completes not less than two years of
service in such active status, the member is entitled to the
recomputation under this section of the retired pay of the member.
``(2) The Secretary concerned may reduce the two-year service
requirement specified in paragraph (1) in the case of a member who--
``(A) is recalled to serve in a position of adjutant
general required under section 314 of title 32 or in a position
of assistant adjutant general subordinate to such a position of
adjutant general;
``(B) completes at least six months of service in such
position; and
``(C) fails to complete the minimum two years of service
solely because the appointment of the member to such position
is terminated or vacated as described in section 324(b) of
title 32.''.
(b) Adjustment of Retired Grade.--Section 12771 of such title is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Unless'' and inserting ``(a) Grade on
Transfer.--Unless''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) Effect of Subsequent Recall to Active Status.--(1) If a
member of the Retired Reserve who is a commissioned officer is recalled
to an active status in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve under
section 10145(d) of this title and completes not less than two years of
service in such active status, the member is entitled to an adjustment
in the retired grade of the member in the manner provided in section
1370(d) of this title.
``(2) The Secretary concerned may reduce the two-year service
requirement specified in paragraph (1) in the case of a member who--
``(A) is recalled to serve in a position of adjutant
general required under section 314 of title 32 or in a position
of assistant adjutant general subordinate to such a position of
adjutant general;
``(B) completes at least six months of service in such
position; and
``(C) fails to complete the minimum two years of service
solely because the appointment of the member to such position
is terminated or vacated as described in section 324(b) of
title 32.''.
(c) Retroactive Applicability.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect as of January 1, 2008. | Allows an individual to elect to receive retired pay for non-regular (reserve) service upon retirement for service performed in an active reserve status after attaining eligibility for regular retirement, as long as the individual successfully completes at least two years of active reserve status service.
Allows the Secretary of the military department concerned to reduce the two-year active reserve status requirement in certain cases.
Requires the recomputation of reserve retired pay and, if appropriate, the adjustment of the retired grade of reserve retirees to reflect the successful completion of at least two years of post-retirement service in an active reserve status. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that commissioned officers who serve in a reserve component of the Armed Forces are able to retire in the highest grade in which they have successfully served."} | 1,545 | 134 | 0.576727 | 1.45281 | 0.580589 | 2.683761 | 11.641026 | 0.871795 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``HUBZone Improvement Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the terms ``Administration'' and ``Administrator'' mean
the Small Business Administration and the Administrator
thereof, respectively;
(2) the terms ``HUBZone'' and ``HUBZone small business
concern'' and ``HUBZone map'' have the meanings given those
terms in section 3(p) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
632(p)), as amended by this Act; and
(3) the term ``recertification'' means a determination by
the Administrator that a business concern that was previously
determined to be a qualified HUBZone small business concern is
a qualified HUBZone small business concern under section
3(p)(5) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(p)(5)).
SEC. 3. PURPOSE; FINDINGS.
(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to reform and improve the
HUBZone program of the Administration.
(b) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the HUBZone program was established under the HUBZone
Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-135; 111 Stat. 2627) to stimulate
economic development through increased employment and capital
investment by providing Federal contracting preferences to
small business concerns in those areas, including inner cities
and rural counties, that have low household incomes, high
unemployment, and suffered from a lack of investment; and
(2) according to the Government Accountability Office, the
weakness in the oversight of the HUBZone program by the
Administration has exposed the Government to fraud and abuse.
SEC. 4. HUBZONE IMPROVEMENTS.
The Administrator shall--
(1) ensure the HUBZone map--
(A) is accurate and up-to-date; and
(B) revised as new data is made available to
maintain the accuracy and currency of the HUBZone map;
(2) implement policies for ensuring that only HUBZone small
business concerns determined to be qualified under section
3(p)(5) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(p)(5)) are
participating in the HUBZone program, including through the
appropriate use of technology to control costs and maximize,
among other benefits, uniformity, completeness, simplicity, and
efficiency;
(3) submit to the Committee on Small Business and
Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small
Business of the House of Representatives a report regarding any
application to be designated as a HUBZone small business
concern or for recertification for which the Administrator has
not made a determination as of the date that is 60 days after
the date on which the application was submitted or initiated,
which shall include a plan and timetable for ensuring the
timely processing of the applications; and
(4) develop measures and implement plans to assess the
effectiveness of the HUBZone program that--
(A) require the identification of a baseline point
in time to allow the assessment of economic development
under the HUBZone program, including creating
additional jobs; and
(B) take into account--
(i) the economic characteristics of the
HUBZone; and
(ii) contracts being counted under multiple
socioeconomic subcategories.
SEC. 5. EMPLOYMENT PERCENTAGE.
Section 3(p) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(p)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Employment percentage during interim
period.--
``(i) Definition.--In this subparagraph,
the term `interim period' means the period
beginning on the date on which the
Administrator determines that a HUBZone small
business concern is qualified under
subparagraph (A) and ending on the day before
the date on which a contract under the HUBZone
program for which the HUBZone small business
concern submits a bid is awarded.
``(ii) Interim period.--During the interim
period, the Administrator may not determine
that the HUBZone small business is not
qualified under subparagraph (A) based on a
failure to meet the applicable employment
percentage under subparagraph (A)(i)(I), unless
the HUBZone small business concern--
``(I) has not attempted to maintain
the applicable employment percentage
under subparagraph (A)(i)(I); or
``(II) does not meet the applicable
employment percentage--
``(aa) on the date on which
the HUBZone small business
concern submits a bid for a
contract under the HUBZone
program; or
``(bb) on the date on which
the HUBZone small business
concern is awarded a contract
under the HUBZone program.'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) HUBZone program.--The term `HUBZone program' means
the program established under section 31.
``(9) HUBZone map.--The term `HUBZone map' means the map
used by the Administration to identify HUBZones.''.
SEC. 6. REDESIGNATED AREAS.
Section 3(p)(4)(C)(i) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
632(p)(4)(C)(i)) is amended to read as follows:
``(i) 3 years after the first date on which
the Administrator publishes a HUBZone map that
is based on the results from the 2010 decennial
census; or''. | HUBZone Improvement Act of 2010 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure that the map used by the SBA to identify HUBZones (historically underutilized business zones) is accurate, up-to-date, and revised as new data is made available.
Requires the Administrator to: (1) implement policies for ensuring that only qualified HUBZone small businesses are participating in the HUBZone program; (2) report to the congressional small businesses concerning qualification for, and recertification of, a HUBZone small business; and (3) develop measures and implement plans to assess HUBZone program effectiveness.
Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the Administrator, during the period beginning on the date that a small business is determined qualified as a HUBZone small business and ending the day before a HUBZone program contract for which such small business submits a bid is awarded, from determining that the small business is no longer qualified based on a failure to meet the applicable employment percentage unless, among other things, the small business has not attempted to maintain such percentage. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to reform and improve the HUBZone program for small business concerns, and for other purposes."} | 1,279 | 247 | 0.653027 | 1.97211 | 0.932328 | 2.990148 | 5.256158 | 0.901478 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Attorney Fee Payment System
Improvement Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE ATTORNEY FEE AND CAP ON ATTORNEY
ASSESSMENTS.
(a) Maximum Allowable Attorney Fee.--Section 206(a)(2)(A) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 406(a)(2)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (ii)(II), by striking ``$4,000'' and
inserting ``$5,200''; and
(2) in the matter following clause (iii), by striking
``January 1, 1991'' and inserting ``January 1, 2001''.
(b) Cap on Attorney Assessments.--Section 206(d)(2)(A) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 406(d)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``, except that the
maximum amount of the assessment may not exceed $100'' after
``subparagraph (B)''.
SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF ATTORNEY FEE PAYMENT SYSTEM TO TITLE XVI CLAIMS.
Section 1631(d)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1383(d)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the matter in subparagraph (A) preceding clause
(i)--
(A) by striking ``section 206(a)'' and inserting
``section 206'';
(B) by striking ``(other than paragraph (4)
thereof)'' and inserting ``(other than subsections
(a)(4) and (d) thereof); and
(C) by striking ``paragraph (2) thereof'' and
inserting ``such section'';
(2) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``in subparagraphs
(A)(ii)(I) and (C)(i),'' and inserting ``in subparagraphs
(A)(ii)(I) and (D)(i) of subsection (a)(2) and in subsection
(a)(4)'', and by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (A)(ii) and inserting the
following:
``(ii) by substituting, in subsections (a)(2)(B) and
(b)(1)(B)(i), the phrase `section 1631(a)(7)(A) or the
requirements of due process of law' for the phrase `subsection
(g) or (h) of section 223';
``(iii) by substituting, in subsection (a)(2)(C)(i), the
phrase `under title II' for the phrase `under title XVI';
``(iv) by substituting, in subsection (a)(4), the phrase
`shall pay' for the phrase `shall, notwithstanding section
205(i), certify for payment'; and
``(v) by substituting, in subsection (b)(1)(A), the phrase
`pay the amount of such fee' for the phrase `certify the amount
of such fee for payment' and by striking, in subsection
(b)(1)(A), the phrase `or certified for payment'; and
``(vi) by substituting, in subsection (b)(1)(B)(ii), the
phrase `deemed to be such amounts as determined before any
applicable reduction under section 1631(g), and reduced by the
amount of any reduction in benefits under this title or title
II made pursuant to section 1127(a)' for the phrase `determined
before any applicable reduction under section 1127(a))'.'';
(4) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (D);
and
(5) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(B) Subject to subparagraph (C), if the claimant is determined to
be entitled to past-due benefits under this title and the person
representing the claimant is an attorney, the Commissioner of Social
Security shall pay out of such past-due benefits (as determined before
any applicable reduction under section 1631(g), and reduced by the
amount of any reduction in benefits under this title or title II made
pursuant to section 1127(a)) to such attorney an amount equal to so
much of the maximum fee as does not exceed 25 percent of such past-due
benefits (as so determined and so reduced).
``(C)(i) Whenever a fee for services is required to be certified
for payment to an attorney from a claimant's past-due benefits pursuant
to subparagraph (B), the Commissioner shall impose on the attorney an
assessment calculated in accordance with clause (ii).
``(ii)(I) The amount of an assessment under clause (i) shall be
equal to the product obtained by multiplying the amount of the
representative's fee that would be required to be so certified by
subparagraph (B) before the application of this subparagraph, by the
percentage specified in subclause (II), except that the maximum amount
of the assessment may not exceed $100.
``(II) The percentage specified in this subclause is such
percentage rate as the Commissioner determines is necessary in order to
achieve full recovery of the costs of determining and approving fees to
attorneys from the past-due benefits of claimants, but not in excess of
6.3 percent.
``(iii) The Commissioner may collect the assessment imposed on an
attorney under clause (i) by offset from the amount of the fee
otherwise required by subparagraph (B) to be paid to the attorney from
a claimant's past-due benefits.
``(iv) An attorney subject to an assessment under clause (i) may
not, directly or indirectly, request or otherwise obtain reimbursement
for such assessment from the claimant whose claim gave rise to the
assessment.
``(v) Assessments on attorneys collected under this subparagraph
shall be deposited in the Treasury in a separate fund created for this
purpose.
``(vi) The assessments authorized under this subparagraph shall be
collected and available for obligation only to the extent and in the
amount provided in advance in appropriations Acts. Amounts so
appropriated are authorized to remain available until expended, for
administrative expenses in carrying out this title and related laws.''.
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to fees
for representation of claimants which are first required to be
certified or approved under section 206 or 1631(d)(2) of the Social
Security Act after 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act. | Attorney Fee Payment System Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) increase from $4,000 to $5,200 the maximum allowable attorney fee; and (2) cap the amount of attorney assessments at $100.Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) to prescribe a fee payment system for attorneys representing individuals filing claims for past-due benefits in the SSI program. Caps attorney fees at 25 percent of such past-due benefits. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to assess such an attorney up to $100. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Social Security Act to provide greater equity and efficiency to the Social Security Administration's payment system for representation of claimants, and for other purposes."} | 1,537 | 147 | 0.54486 | 1.348479 | 0.584814 | 2.368852 | 10.5 | 0.827869 |
SECTION 1. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM.
The Act entitled ``An Act to provide for the organization of the
militia of the District of Columbia'', approved March 1, 1889 (sec.
49--101 et seq., D.C. Official Code) is amended by adding at the end
the following new title:
``TITLE II--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
``SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
``(a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the `Major General
David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and
College Access Act'.
``(b) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
``(1) The District of Columbia National Guard is under the
exclusive jurisdiction of the President of the United States as
Commander-in-Chief and, unlike other National Guards, is
permanently federalized.
``(2) The District of Columbia National Guard is unique and
differs from the National Guards of the several States in that
the District of Columbia National Guard is responsible, not
only for residents of the District of Columbia, but also for a
special and unique mission and obligation as a result of the
extensive presence of the Federal Government in the District of
Columbia.
``(3) Consequently, the President of the United States,
rather than the chief executive of the District of Columbia, is
in command of the District of Columbia National Guard, and only
the President can call up the District of Columbia National
Guard even for local emergencies.
``(4) The District of Columbia National Guard has been
specifically trained to address the unique emergencies that may
occur regarding the presence of the Federal Government in the
District of Columbia.
``(5) The great majority of the members of the District of
Columbia National Guard actually live in Maryland or Virginia,
rather than in the District of Columbia.
``(6) The District of Columbia National Guard has been
experiencing a disproportionate decline in force in comparison
to the National Guards of Maryland and Virginia.
``(7) The States of Maryland and Virginia provide
additional recruiting and retention incentives, such as
educational benefits, in order to maintain their force, and
their National Guards have drawn recruits from the District of
Columbia at a rate that puts at risk the maintenance of the
necessary force levels for the District of Columbia National
Guard.
``(8) Funds for an educational benefit for members of the
District of Columbia National Guard would provide an incentive
to help reverse the loss of members to nearby National Guards
and allow for maintenance and increase of necessary District of
Columbia National Guard personnel.
``(9) The loss of members of the District of Columbia
National Guard could adversely affect the readiness of the
District of Columbia National Guard to respond in the event of
a terrorist attack on the capital of the United States.
``SEC. 202. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM.
``(a) Educational Assistance Program Authorized.--The Mayor of the
District of Columbia, in coordination with the commanding general of
the District of Columbia National Guard, shall establish a program
under which the Mayor may provide financial assistance to an eligible
member of the District of Columbia National Guard to assist the member
in covering expenses incurred by the member while enrolled in an
approved institution of higher education to pursue the member's first
undergraduate, masters, vocational, or technical degree or
certification.
``(b) Eligibility.--
``(1) Criteria.--A member of the District of Columbia
National Guard is eligible to receive assistance under the
program established under this title if the commanding general
of the District of Columbia National Guard certifies to the
Mayor the following:
``(A) The member has satisfactorily completed
required initial active duty service.
``(B) The member has executed a written agreement
to serve in the District of Columbia National Guard for
a period of not less than 6 years.
``(C) The member is not receiving a Reserve Officer
Training Corps scholarship.
``(2) Maintenance of eligibility.--To continue to be
eligible for financial assistance under the program, a member
of the District of Columbia National Guard must--
``(A) be satisfactorily performing duty in the
District of Columbia National Guard in accordance with
regulations of the National Guard (as certified to the
Mayor by the commanding general of the District of
Columbia National Guard);
``(B) be enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis
(seeking to earn at least 3, but less than 12 credit
hours per semester) in an approved institution of
higher education; and
``(C) maintain satisfactory progress in the course
of study the member is pursuing, determined in
accordance with section 484(c) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091(c)).
``SEC. 203. TREATMENT OF ASSISTANCE PROVIDED.
``(a) Permitted Use of Funds.--Financial assistance received by a
member of the District of Columbia National Guard under the program
under this title may be used to cover--
``(1) tuition and fees charged by an approved institution
of higher education involved;
``(2) the cost of books; and
``(3) laboratory expenses.
``(b) Amount of Assistance.--The amount of financial assistance
provided to a member of the District of Columbia National Guard under
the program may be up to $400 per credit hour, but not to exceed $6,000
per year. If the Mayor determines that the amount available to provide
assistance under this title in any year will be insufficient, the Mayor
may reduce the maximum amount of the assistance authorized, or set a
limit on the number of participants, to ensure that amounts expended do
not exceed available amounts.
``(c) Relation to Other Assistance.--Except as provided in section
202(b)(1)(C), a member of the District of Columbia National Guard may
receive financial assistance under the program in addition to
educational assistance provided under any other provision of law.
``(d) Repayment.--A member of the District of Columbia National
Guard who receives assistance under the program and who, voluntarily or
because of misconduct, fails to serve for the period covered by the
agreement required by section 202(b)(1) or fails to comply with the
eligibility conditions specified in section 202(b)(2) shall be subject
to the repayment provisions of section 373 of title 37, United States
Code.
``SEC. 204. ADMINISTRATION AND FUNDING OF PROGRAM.
``(a) Administration.--The Mayor, in coordination with the
commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard and in
consultation with approved institutions of higher education, shall
develop policies and procedures for the administration of the program
under this title. Nothing in this title shall be construed to require
an institution of higher education to alter the institution's
admissions policies or standards in any manner to enable a member of
the District of Columbia National Guard to enroll in the institution.
``(b) Funding Sources and Gifts.--
``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the District of Columbia such
sums as may be necessary to enable the Mayor to provide
financial assistance under the program. Funds appropriated
pursuant to this authorization of appropriations shall remain
available until expended.
``(2) Transfer of funds.--The Mayor may accept the transfer
of funds from Federal agencies and use any funds so transferred
for purposes of providing assistance under the program. There
is authorized to be appropriated to the head of any executive
branch agency such sums as may be necessary to permit the
transfer of funds to the Mayor to provide financial assistance
under this section.
``(3) Donations.--The Mayor may accept, use, and dispose of
donations of services or property for purposes of providing
assistance under the program.
``SEC. 205. DEFINITION.
``In this title, the term `approved institution of higher
education' means an institution of higher education (as defined in
section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002))
that--
``(1) is eligible to participate in the student financial
assistance programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.); and
``(2) has entered into an agreement with the Mayor
containing an assurance that funds made available under this
title are used to supplement and not supplant other assistance
that may be available for members of the District of Columbia
National Guard.
``SEC. 206. EFFECTIVE DATE.
``Financial assistance may be provided under the program under this
title to eligible members of the District of Columbia National Guard
for periods of instruction that begin on or after January 1, 2015.''. | Amends the District of Columbia Code to add the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Act. Directs the Mayor of the District of Columbia, in coordination with the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, to establish a program that allows the Mayor to provide educational assistance for a first undergraduate, masters, vocational, or technical degree or certification to a member of the District of Columbia National Guard who: has satisfactorily completed initial active duty service, agrees to serve for at least six years, and is not receiving a Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To direct the Mayor of the District of Columbia to establish a District of Columbia National Guard Educational Assistance Program to encourage the enlistment and retention of persons in the District of Columbia National Guard by providing financial assistance to enable members of the National Guard of the District of Columbia to attend undergraduate, vocational, or technical courses."} | 1,928 | 134 | 0.529976 | 1.490896 | 0.509343 | 5.462185 | 15.310924 | 0.92437 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Katrina Assistance Tax Relief
Incentives for Necessities Act of 2005'' or the ``KATRINA Act of
2005''.
SEC. 2. HURRICANE KATRINA DISASTER VICTIMS MADE MEMBERS OF TARGETED
GROUPS UNDER WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 51(d) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (defining generally members of targeted group) is
amended by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (G), by striking
the period at the end of subparagraph (H) and inserting ``, or'', and
by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new subparagraph:
``(I) a Hurricane Katrina disaster victim.''.
(b) Qualified Disaster Victim.--Subsection (d) of section 51 of
such Code (relating to members of targeted groups) is amended by
redesignating paragraphs (10), (11), and (12) as paragraphs (11), (12),
and (13), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (9) the
following new paragraph:
``(10) Hurricane katrina disaster victim.--The term
`Hurricane Katrina disaster victim' means an individual who is
certified by the designated local agency as being a eligible to
receive assistance from the Federal Government under the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by
reason of Hurricane Katrina.''.
(c) Termination.--Subparagraph (B) of section 51(c)(4) of such Code
is amended by inserting ``(2006 in the case of a Hurricane Katrina
disaster victim)'' before the period.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to individuals who begin work for the employer after August 28,
2005.
SEC. 3. HURRICANE KATRINA DISPLACED RESIDENT CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of of part IV of subchapter A of chapter
1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 25D the
following new section:
``SEC. 25E. HURRICANE KATRINA DISPLACED RESIDENT CREDIT.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--
``(1) In general.--There shall be allowed as a credit
against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year
with respect to all qualified displaced persons residing
without charge with the taxpayer in the principal residence of
the taxpayer an amount equal to the applicable percentage of
$1,000.
``(2) Applicable percentage.--For purposes of paragraph
(1), the applicable percentage is the ratio (expressed as a
percentage) which--
``(A) the number of days the qualified displace
persons reside without charge with the taxpayer in the
principal residence of the taxpayer during the taxable
year, bears to
``(B) 360.
``(b) Limitations.--
``(1) Limitation based on adjusted gross income.--The
amount of the credit allowable under subsection (a) shall be
reduced (but not below zero) by $50 for each $1,000 (or
fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer's modified adjusted
gross income exceeds the threshold amount. For purposes of the
preceding sentence, the term `modified adjusted gross income'
means adjusted gross income increased by any amount excluded
from gross income under section 911, 931, or 933.
``(2) Threshold amount.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the
term `threshold amount' means--
``(A) $110,000 in the case of a joint return,
``(B) $75,000 in the case of an individual who is
not married, and
``(C) $55,000 in the case of a married individual
filing a separate return.
For purposes of this paragraph, marital status shall be
determined under section 7703.
``(3) Limitation based on amount of tax.--
``(A) the sum of the regular tax liability (as
defined in section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by
section 55, over
``(B) the sum of the credits allowable under this
subpart (other than this section and sections 23 and
25B) and section 27 for the taxable year.
``(c) Qualified Displaced Person.--For purposes of this section,
the term `qualified displaced person' means, with respect to any
taxpayer for any taxable year, any individual--
``(1) who is displaced by reason of Hurricane Katrina, and
``(2) who, after such displacement, resides with the
taxpayer without charge for not less than 90 days.
Such term shall not include the spouse or any dependent of the
taxpayer.
``(d) Identification Requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under
this section to a taxpayer with respect to any qualified displaced
person unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer
identification number of such qualified displaced person on the return
of tax for the taxable year.
``(e) Taxable Year Must Be Full Taxable Year.--Except in the case
of a taxable year closed by reason of the death of the taxpayer, no
credit shall be allowable under this section in the case of a taxable
year covering a period of less than 12 months.
``(f) Termination.--This section shall not apply to taxable years
beginning after December 31, 2006.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding
at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 25E. Hurricane Katrina displaced resident credit.''.
SEC. 4. HOME PURCHASE BY VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of of part IV of subchapter A of chapter
1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 25E the
following new section:
``SEC. 25F. HOME PURCHASE BY INDIVIDUALS DISPLACED BY HURRICANE
KATRINA.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an eligible homebuyer
who purchases a principal residence in the Hurricane Katrina disaster
area, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by
this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to so much of the
purchase price of the residence as does not exceed $5,000.
``(b) Limitation Based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income.--
``(1) In general.--The amount allowable as a credit under
subsection (a) (determined without regard to this subsection
and subsection (d)) for the taxable year shall be reduced (but
not below zero) by the amount which bears the same ratio to the
credit so allowable as--
``(A) the excess (if any) of--
``(i) the taxpayer's modified adjusted
gross income for such taxable year, over
``(ii) $70,000 ($110,000 in the case of a
joint return), bears to
``(B) $20,000.
``(2) Modified adjusted gross income.--For purposes of
paragraph (1), the term `modified adjusted gross income' means
the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year
increased by any amount excluded from gross income under
section 911, 931, or 933.
``(c) Eligible Homebuyer.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `eligible homebuyer' means any
individual if--
``(A) on August 29, 2005, the principal place of
abode of such individual (and if married, such
individual's spouse) was located in the Hurricane
Katrina disaster area, and such principal place of
abode was rendered uninhabitable by Hurricane Katrina,
and
``(B) the principal residence for which the credit
is allowed under subsection (a) is located in the same
State as such principal place of abode.
``(2) One-time only.--If an individual is allowed a credit
under this section with respect to any principal residence,
such individual may not be allowed a credit under this section
with respect to any other principal residence.
``(3) Principal residence.--The term `principal residence'
has the same meaning as when used in section 121.
``(d) Carryover of Credit.--If the credit allowable under
subsection (a) exceeds the limitation imposed by section 26(a) for such
taxable year reduced by the sum of the credits allowable under this
subpart (other than this section and sections 23, 24, 25B, and 1400C)
such excess shall be carried to the succeeding taxable year and added
to the credit allowable under subsection (a) for such taxable year.
``(e) Other Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) Hurricane katrina disaster area.--The term `Hurricane
Katrina disaster area' means an area determined by the
President to warrant assistance from the Federal Government
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act by reason of Hurricane Katrina.
``(2) Allocation of dollar limitation.--
``(A) Married individuals filing separately.--In
the case of a married individual filing a separate
return, subsection (a) shall be applied by substituting
`$2,500' for `$5,000'.
``(B) Other taxpayers.--If 2 or more individuals
who are not married purchase a principal residence, the
amount of the credit allowed under subsection (a) shall
be allocated among such individuals in such manner as
the Secretary may prescribe, except that the total
amount of the credits allowed to all such individuals
shall not exceed $5,000.
``(3) Purchase.--
``(A) In general.--The term `purchase' means any
acquisition, but only if--
``(i) the property is not acquired from a
person whose relationship to the person
acquiring it would result in the disallowance
of losses under section 267 or 707(b) (but, in
applying section 267(b) and (c) for purposes of
this section, paragraph (4) of section 267(c)
shall be treated as providing that the family
of an individual shall include only his spouse,
ancestors, and lineal descendants), and
``(ii) the basis of the property in the
hands of the person acquiring it is not
determined--
``(I) in whole or in part by
reference to the adjusted basis of such
property in the hands of the person
from whom acquired, or
``(II) under section 1014(a)
(relating to property acquired from a
decedent).
``(B) Construction.--A residence which is
constructed by the taxpayer shall be treated as
purchased by the taxpayer on the date the taxpayer
first occupies such residence.
``(4) Purchase price.--The term `purchase price' means the
adjusted basis of the principal residence on the date such
residence is purchased.
``(f) Reporting.--If the Secretary requires information reporting
under section 6045 by a person described in subsection (e)(2) thereof
to verify the eligibility of taxpayers for the credit allowable by this
section, the exception provided by section 6045(e)(5) shall not apply.
``(g) Basis Adjustment.--For purposes of this subtitle, if a credit
is allowed under this section with respect to the purchase of any
residence, the basis of such residence shall be reduced by the amount
of the credit so allowed.
``(h) Application of Section.--This section shall apply to property
purchased after August 28, 2005, and before January 1, 2007.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1016(a) of such Code 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) to the extent provided in section 25F(g).''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 25E the following new
item:
``Sec. 25F. Home purchase by individuals displaced by Hurricane
Katrina.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 5. RELIEF THROUGH LOW-INCOME HOUSING CREDIT RELATING TO HURRICANE
KATRINA.
(a) Increase in Housing Credit Dollar Amount.--For purposes of
determining the State housing credit ceiling of the States of Alabama,
Louisiana, and Mississippi for 2006 and 2007, section
42(h)(3)(C)(ii)(I) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be
applied by substituting ``$3.70'' for ``$1.75''.
(b) Authority to Waive Percentage Limitation to Treat Hurricane
Katrina Disaster Areas as Difficult Development Areas.--In the case of
taxable years beginning in 2005, 2006, and 2007, any area in the State
of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, or Mississippi located within the area
determined by the President to warrant assistance from the Federal
Government under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act by reason of Hurricane Katrina shall be treated as a
difficult development area for purposes of section 42(d)(5)(C) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, notwithstanding the percentage
limitation in clause (iii)(II) of such section.
(c) Waiver of Full Subscription Requirement.--In the case of the
States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi for 2005, 2006,
and 2007, section 42(h)(3)(D) of such Code shall be applied without
regard to clause (iv)(I) of such section. | Katrina Assistance Tax Relief Incentives for Necessities Act of 2005 or the KATRINA Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) designate Hurricane Katrina disaster victims as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit; (2) allow a tax credit, up to $1,000 annually, for individuals who house Hurricane Katrina disaster victims free of charge; (3) allow a tax credit, up to $5,000, for Hurricane Katrina disaster victims who purchase a principal residence in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area; and (4) increase the per capita housing credit ceiling for the low-income housing tax credit for Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi for 2006 and 2007 (from $1.75 to $3.70 multiplied by the state's population) and to waive certain requirements for such credit. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina."} | 3,236 | 184 | 0.587843 | 1.545151 | 0.746262 | 2.705128 | 17.891026 | 0.884615 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) More than 500 Baha'is in Iran have been arbitrarily
arrested since 2005. Roughly 100 Baha'is are presently
imprisoned because of their religious beliefs.
(2) In May 2010, suspected terrorists attacked two mosques
in Pakistan belonging to the Ahmaddiya minority Muslim sect,
killing at least 80 people. Ahmadis consider themselves Muslim,
but Pakistani law does not recognize them as such.
(3) Said Musa, an Afghan Christian convert, was arrested in
May 2010 on charges of apostasy, a crime which can carry the
death sentence, and was released in February 2011 only after
sustained international pressure.
(4) On October 31, 2010, gunmen laid siege on Our Lady of
Salvation Church in Baghdad, Iraq, killing at least 52 police
and worshipers, including two priests, making it the worst
massacre of Iraqi Christians since 2003.
(5) Iraq's ancient and once vibrant Christian population
that numbered an estimated 1,500,000 out of a total population
in Iraq of 30,000,000 in 2003 has been reduced by at least one
half, due in significant part to Christians fleeing the
violence.
(6) In November 2010, a Pakistani court sentenced Aasia
Bibi, a Christian mother of five, to death under the country's
blasphemy law for insulting the Prophet Muhammad.
(7) Since early 2011, violent sectarian attacks targeting
Coptic Orthodox Christians and their property increased
significantly, resulting in nearly 100 deaths, mostly Coptic
Christians, surpassing the death toll of the 10 previous years
combined.
(8) In Egypt, with the ascent of the Muslim Brotherhood,
Coptic Christians, numbering 8 to 10 million, have been under
increased threat and many are reported to have fled the country
during former President Mohamed Morsi's rule.
(9) On March 2, 2011, Pakistani Federal Minorities Minister
Shahbaz Bhatti, the only Christian member of the Cabinet, who
was outspoken in his opposition to Pakistan's blasphemy laws
was assassinated by extremists.
(10) The former Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-
Semitism, Hannah Rosenthal, has noted that Holocaust
glorification ``is especially virulent in Middle Eastern media,
some of which is state-owned and operated, which calls for a
new Holocaust to finish the job''.
(11) In the midst of a devastating civil war, Syrian
Christians and other religious minorities, which comprise
roughly 10 percent of the population, are particularly
vulnerable lacking their own militias and regional protectors.
(12) Many of these ancient faith communities are being
forced to flee the lands which they have inhabited for
centuries.
(13) The United States Commission on International
Religious Freedom has recommended that Egypt, Tajikistan, Iran,
Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan be
designated by the Department of State as Countries of
Particular Concern in accordance with the International
Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
(14) The situation on the ground in the region continues to
develop rapidly and the United States Government needs an
individual who can respond in kind and focus on the critical
situation of religious minorities in these countries.
(15) There are historical precedents, including the Special
Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, the Special Envoy
for North Korea Human Rights Issues, and the South Sudan and
Sudan Special Envoy, for the Department of State, either as a
result of legislative mandate or initiative of the Secretary of
State, to create positions with a targeted focus on an area or
issue of recognized import.
SEC. 2. SPECIAL ENVOY TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM OF RELIGIOUS
MINORITIES IN THE NEAR EAST AND SOUTH CENTRAL ASIA.
(a) Appointment.--The President shall appoint a Special Envoy to
Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and
South Central Asia (in this Act referred to as the ``Special Envoy'')
within the Department of State.
(b) Qualifications.--The Special Envoy should be a person of
recognized distinction in the field of human rights and religious
freedom and with expertise in the Near East and South Central Asia
regions. The Special Envoy shall have the rank of ambassador and shall
hold the office at the pleasure of the President.
(c) Prohibition.--The person appointed as Special Envoy may not
hold any other position of Federal employment for the period of time
during which the person holds the position of Special Envoy.
SEC. 3. DUTIES.
(a) In General.--The Special Envoy shall carry out the following
duties:
(1) Promote the right of religious freedom of religious
minorities in the countries of the Near East and the countries
of South Central Asia, denounce the violation of such right,
and recommend appropriate responses by the United States
Government when such right is violated.
(2) Monitor and combat acts of religious intolerance and
incitement targeted against religious minorities in the
countries of the Near East and the countries of South Central
Asia.
(3) Work to ensure that the unique needs of religious
minority communities in the countries of the Near East and the
countries of South Central Asia are addressed, including the
economic and security needs of such communities to the extent
that such needs are directly tied to religious-based
discrimination and persecution.
(4) Work with foreign governments of the countries of the
Near East and the countries of South Central Asia to address
laws that are inherently discriminatory toward religious
minority communities in such countries.
(5) Coordinate and assist in the preparation of that
portion of the report required by sections 116(d) and 502B(b)
of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d) and
2304(b)) relating to the nature and extent of religious freedom
of religious minorities in the countries of the Near East and
the countries of South Central Asia.
(6) Coordinate and assist in the preparation of that
portion of the report required by section 102(b) of the
International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6412(b))
relating to the nature and extent of religious freedom of
religious minorities in the countries of the Near East and the
countries of South Central Asia.
(b) Coordination.--In carrying out the duties under subsection (a),
the Special Envoy shall, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate
with the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration of the Department
of State, the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom,
the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, and
other relevant Federal agencies and officials.
SEC. 4. DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION.
Subject to the direction of the President and the Secretary of
State, the Special Envoy is authorized to represent the United States
in matters and cases relevant to religious freedom in the countries of
the Near East and the countries of South Central Asia in--
(1) contacts with foreign governments, intergovernmental
organizations, and specialized agencies of the United Nations,
the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, and
other international organizations of which the United States is
a member; and
(2) multilateral conferences and meetings relevant to
religious freedom in the countries of the Near East and the
countries of South Central Asia.
SEC. 5. PRIORITY COUNTRIES AND CONSULTATION.
(a) Priority Countries.--In carrying out this Act, the Special
Envoy shall give priority to programs, projects, and activities for
Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
(b) Consultation.--The Special Envoy shall consult with domestic
and international nongovernmental organizations and multilateral
organizations and institutions, as the Special Envoy considers
appropriate to fulfill the purposes of this Act.
SEC. 6. FUNDING.
(a) In General.--Of the amounts made available for ``Diplomatic and
Consular Programs'' for fiscal years 2014 through 2018, $1,000,000 is
authorized to be appropriated for each such fiscal year to carry out
the provisions of this Act.
(b) Funding Offset.--To offset the costs to be incurred by the
Department of State to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal
years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary of State shall eliminate such
positions within the Department of State, unless otherwise authorized
or required by law, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to
fully offset such costs.
(c) Limitation.--No additional funds are authorized to be
appropriated for ``Diplomatic and Consular Programs'' to carry out the
provisions of this Act.
SEC. 7. SUNSET.
This Act shall cease to be effective beginning on October 1, 2018.
Passed the House of Representatives September 18, 2013.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | (Sec. 2) Directs the President to appoint a Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia within the Department of State. Requires the Special Envoy to have the rank of ambassador. (Sec. 3) Requires the Special Envoy to: (1) promote the right of religious freedom of religious minorities in the countries of the Near East and South Central Asia, denounce the violation of such right, and recommend appropriate U.S government responses to such violations; (2) monitor and combat acts of religious intolerance and incitement targeted against such religious minorities; (3) ensure that the needs of such religious minority communities are addressed, including economic and security needs directly tied to religious-based discrimination and persecution; (4) work with foreign governments of such countries to address inherently discriminatory laws; and (5) coordinate and assist in the preparation of specified reports required by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Special Envoy, subject to direction by the President and the Secretary of State, to represent the United States in matters and cases relevant to religious freedom in: (1) contacts with foreign governments, intergovernmental organizations, and specialized agencies of the United Nations (U.N.), the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other international organizations; and (2) multilateral conferences and meetings relevant to religious freedom. (Sec. 5) Requires the Special Envoy to give priority to programs, projects, and activities for Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to eliminate certain positions within the State Department as necessary to offset the costs of carrying out this Act. (Sec. 7) Declares that this Act shall cease to be effective on October 1, 2018. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia."} | 1,887 | 397 | 0.418257 | 1.492229 | 0.687054 | 5.689076 | 4.896359 | 0.960784 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Depository Institution-GSE
Affiliation Act of 1998''.
SEC. 2. CERTAIN AFFILIATION PERMITTED.
Section 18(s) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C.
1828(s)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph:
``(4) Student loans.--
``(A) In general.--This subsection shall not apply
to any arrangement between the Holding Company (or any
subsidiary of the Holding Company other than the
Student Loan Marketing Association) and a depository
institution, if the Secretary approves the affiliation
and determines that--
``(i) the reorganization of such
Association in accordance with section 440 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended,
will not be adversely affected by the
arrangement;
``(ii) the dissolution of the Association
pursuant to such reorganization will occur
before the end of the 2-year period beginning
on the date on which such arrangement is
consummated or on such earlier date as the
Secretary deems appropriate: Provided, That the
Secretary may extend this period for not more
than 1 year at a time if the Secretary
determines that such extension is in the public
interest and is appropriate to achieve an
orderly reorganization of the Association or to
prevent market disruptions in connection with
such reorganization, but no such extensions
shall in the aggregate exceed 2 years;
``(iii) the Association will not purchase
or extend credit to, or guarantee or provide
credit enhancement to, any obligation of the
depository institution;
``(iv) the operations of the Association
will be separate from the operations of the
depository institution; and
``(v) until the `dissolution date' (as that
term is defined in section 440 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965, as amended) has
occurred, such depository institution will not
use the trade name or service mark `Sallie Mae'
in connection with any product or service it
offers if the appropriate Federal banking
agency for such depository institution
determines that--
``(I) the depository institution is
the only institution offering such
product or service using the `Sallie
Mae' name; and
``(II) such use would result in the
depository institution having an unfair
competitive advantage over other
depository institutions.
``(B) Terms and conditions.--In approving any
arrangement referred to in subparagraph (A) the
Secretary may impose any terms and conditions on such
an arrangement that the Secretary considers
appropriate, including--
``(i) imposing additional restrictions on
the issuance of debt obligations by the
Association; or
``(ii) restricting the use of proceeds from
the issuance of such debt.
``(C) Additional limitations.--In the event that
the Holding Company (or any subsidiary of the Holding
Company) enters into such an arrangement, the value of
the Association's `investment portfolio' shall not at
any time exceed the lesser of--
``(i) the value of such portfolio on the
date of the enactment of this subsection; or
``(ii) the value of such portfolio on the
date such an arrangement is consummated. The
term `investment portfolio' shall mean all
investments shown on the consolidated balance
sheet of the Association other than--
``(I) any instrument or assets
described in section 439(d) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965, as
amended;
``(II) any direct noncallable
obligations of the United States or any
agency thereof for which the full faith
and credit of the United States is
pledged; or
``(III) cash or cash equivalents.
``(D) Enforcement.--The terms and conditions
imposed under subparagraph (B) may be enforced by the
Secretary in accordance with section 440 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965.
``(E) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph,
the following definition shall apply--
``(i) Association; holding company.--
Notwithstanding any provision in section 3, the
terms `Association' and `Holding Company' have
the same meanings as in section 440(i) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965.
``(ii) Secretary.--The term `Secretary'
means the Secretary of the Treasury.''. | Depository Institution-GSE Affiliation Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to specify circumstances under which the Secretary of the Treasury may: (1) approve an affiliation between a depository institution and the Student Loan Marketing Association (SALLIE MAE) solely in its reorganized, privatized status as "the Holding Company," not in its status as a government sponsored enterprise (GSE); and (2) impose affiliation terms and conditions, including constraints upon either the issuance of debt obligations by SALLIE MAE in its GSE status, or upon the use of proceeds from such obligations. (Current law prohibits affiliations between depository institutions and GSEs.)
Limits the value of the investment portfolio of SALLIE MAE in its GSE status in the event such affiliation should occur to the lesser of: (1) its value upon enactment of this Act; or (2) its value on the date such affiliation is consummated.
Grants the Secretary enforcement powers under the Higher Education Act of 1965. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Depository Institution-GSE Affiliation Act of 1998"} | 997 | 223 | 0.668437 | 2.106992 | 0.846883 | 2.026042 | 4.770833 | 0.786458 |
SECTION 1. HIGH-PERFORMANCE GREEN BUILDINGS RETROFIT LOAN GUARANTEES.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Cost.--The term ``cost'' has the meaning given the term
``cost of a loan guarantee'' within the meaning of section
502(5)(C) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C.
661a(5)(C)).
(2) Guarantee.--
(A) In general.--The term ``guarantee'' has the
meaning given the term ``loan guarantee'' in section
502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C.
661a).
(B) Inclusion.--The term ``guarantee'' includes a
loan guarantee commitment (as defined in section 502 of
the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a)).
(3) Obligation.--The term ``obligation'' means the loan or
other debt obligation that is guaranteed under this section.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
(b) Eligible Purposes.--The Secretary shall make loan guarantees
under this section for renovation projects that are eligible projects
within the meaning of section 1703 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and
that will result in a building achieving the United States Green
Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
``certified'' level, or meeting a comparable standard approved by the
Secretary.
(c) Terms and Conditions.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make guarantees under
this section for projects on such terms and conditions as the
Secretary determines, after consultation with the Secretary of
the Treasury, in accordance with this section, including
limitations on the amount of any loan guarantee to ensure
distribution to a variety of borrowers.
(2) Specific appropriation or contribution.--No guarantee
shall be made under this section unless--
(A) an appropriation for the cost has been made; or
(B) the Secretary has received from the borrower a
payment in full for the cost of the obligation and
deposited the payment into the Treasury.
(3) Limitation.--Not more than $100,000,000 in loans may be
guaranteed under this section at any one time.
(4) Amount.--Unless otherwise provided by law, a guarantee
by the Secretary under this section shall not exceed an amount
equal to 80 percent of the project cost that is the subject of
the guarantee, as estimated at the time at which the guarantee
is issued.
(5) Repayment.--No guarantee shall be made under this
section unless the Secretary determines that there is
reasonable prospect of repayment of the principal and interest
on the obligation by the borrower.
(6) Interest rate.--An obligation shall bear interest at a
rate that does not exceed a level that the Secretary determines
appropriate, taking into account the prevailing rate of
interest in the private sector for similar loans and risks.
(7) Term.--The term of an obligation shall require full
repayment over a period not to exceed the lesser of--
(A) 30 years; or
(B) 90 percent of the projected useful life of the
building whose renovation is to be financed by the
obligation (as determined by the Secretary).
(8) Defaults.--
(A) Payment by secretary.--
(i) In general.--If a borrower defaults on
the obligation (as defined in regulations
promulgated by the Secretary and specified in
the guarantee contract), the holder of the
guarantee shall have the right to demand
payment of the unpaid amount from the
Secretary.
(ii) Payment required.--Within such period
as may be specified in the guarantee or related
agreements, the Secretary shall pay to the
holder of the guarantee the unpaid interest on,
and unpaid principal of the obligation as to
which the borrower has defaulted, unless the
Secretary finds that there was no default by
the borrower in the payment of interest or
principal or that the default has been
remedied.
(iii) Forbearance.--Nothing in this
paragraph precludes any forbearance by the
holder of the obligation for the benefit of the
borrower which may be agreed upon by the
parties to the obligation and approved by the
Secretary.
(B) Subrogation.--
(i) In general.--If the Secretary makes a
payment under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall be subrogated to the rights of the
recipient of the payment as specified in the
guarantee or related agreements including,
where appropriate, the authority
(notwithstanding any other provision of law)
to--
(I) complete, maintain, operate,
lease, or otherwise dispose of any
property acquired pursuant to such
guarantee or related agreements; or
(II) permit the borrower, pursuant
to an agreement with the Secretary, to
continue to pursue the purposes of the
project if the Secretary determines
this to be in the public interest.
(ii) Superiority of rights.--The rights of
the Secretary, with respect to any property
acquired pursuant to a guarantee or related
agreements, shall be superior to the rights of
any other person with respect to the property.
(iii) Terms and conditions.--A guarantee
agreement shall include such detailed terms and
conditions as the Secretary determines
appropriate to--
(I) protect the interests of the
United States in the case of default;
and
(II) have available all the patents
and technology necessary for any person
selected, including the Secretary, to
complete and operate the project.
(C) Payment of principal and interest by
secretary.--With respect to any obligation guaranteed
under this section, the Secretary may enter into a
contract to pay, and pay, holders of the obligation,
for and on behalf of the borrower, from funds
appropriated for that purpose, the principal and
interest payments which become due and payable on the
unpaid balance of the obligation if the Secretary finds
that--
(i)(I) the borrower is unable to meet the
payments and is not in default;
(II) it is in the public interest to permit
the borrower to continue to pursue the purposes
of the project; and
(III) the probable net benefit to the
Federal Government in paying the principal and
interest will be greater than that which would
result in the event of a default;
(ii) the amount of the payment that the
Secretary is authorized to pay shall be no
greater than the amount of principal and
interest that the borrower is obligated to pay
under the agreement being guaranteed; and
(iii) the borrower agrees to reimburse the
Secretary for the payment (including interest)
on terms and conditions that are satisfactory
to the Secretary.
(D) Action by attorney general.--
(i) Notification.--If the borrower defaults
on an obligation, the Secretary shall notify
the Attorney General of the default.
(ii) Recovery.--On notification, the
Attorney General shall take such action as is
appropriate to recover the unpaid principal and
interest due from--
(I) such assets of the defaulting
borrower as are associated with the
obligation; or
(II) any other security pledged to
secure the obligation.
(9) Fees.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall charge and
collect fees for guarantees in amounts the Secretary
determines are sufficient to cover applicable
administrative expenses.
(B) Availability.--Fees collected under this
paragraph shall--
(i) be deposited by the Secretary into the
Treasury; and
(ii) remain available until expended,
subject to such other conditions as are
contained in annual appropriations Acts.
(10) Records; audits.--
(A) In general.--A recipient of a guarantee shall
keep such records and other pertinent documents as the
Secretary shall prescribe by regulation, including such
records as the Secretary may require to facilitate an
effective audit.
(B) Access.--The Secretary and the Comptroller
General of the United States, or their duly authorized
representatives, shall have access, for the purpose of
audit, to the records and other pertinent documents.
(11) Full faith and credit.--The full faith and credit of
the United States is pledged to the payment of all guarantees
issued under this section with respect to principal and
interest. | Requires the Secretary of Energy to make loan guarantees for renovation projects that: (1) are eligible under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 guarantee program as projects that avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or greenhouse gases and employ new or significantly improved technologies; and (2) will result in a building achieving the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified level or meeting a comparable standard approved by the Secretary.
Prohibits such guarantees unless: (1) an appropriation for the cost has been made or the Secretary has received from the borrower and deposited into the Treasury a payment in full for the cost of the obligation; or (2) the Secretary determines that there is a reasonable prospect of repayment of the principal and interest on the obligation by the borrower. Limits the amount of loans that may be guaranteed at any one time to no more than $100 million.
Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the terms of obligations; (2) payments by the Secretary to the holders of the obligation for the borrower; and (3) actions by the Attorney General to recover unpaid principal and interest from a defaulting borrower. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for loan guarantees for retrofitting high-performance green buildings."} | 1,798 | 235 | 0.636449 | 2.012759 | 0.780179 | 3.946429 | 7.321429 | 0.883929 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``World War I Memorial Act of 2014''.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL IN
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.
(a) Designation.--The Liberty Memorial of Kansas City at America's
National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, is hereby
designated as the ``National World War I Museum and Memorial''.
(b) Ceremonies.--The World War I Centennial Commission (in this Act
referred to as the ``Commission'') may plan, develop, and execute
ceremonies to recognize the designation of the Liberty Memorial of
Kansas City as the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
SEC. 3. REDESIGNATION OF PERSHING PARK IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AS
THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL AND ENHANCEMENT OF
COMMEMORATIVE WORK.
(a) Redesignation.--Pershing Park in the District of Columbia is
hereby redesignated as the ``National World War I Memorial''.
(b) Ceremonies.--The Commission may plan, develop, and execute
ceremonies for the rededication of Pershing Park, as it approaches its
50th anniversary, as the National World War I Memorial and for the
enhancement of the General Pershing Commemorative Work as authorized by
subsection (c).
(c) Authority To Enhance Commemorative Work.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may enhance the General
Pershing Commemorative Work by constructing on the land
designated by subsection (a) as the National World War I
Memorial appropriate sculptural and other commemorative
elements, including landscaping, to further honor the service
of members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I.
(2) General pershing commemorative work defined.--The term
``General Pershing Commemorative Work'' means the memorial to
the late John J. Pershing, General of the Armies of the United
States, who commanded the American Expeditionary Forces in
World War I, and to the officers and men under his command, as
authorized by Public Law 89-786 (80 Stat. 1377).
(d) Compliance With Standards for Commemorative Works.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code, applies to the
enhancement of the General Pershing Commemorative Work under
subsection (c).
(2) Waiver of certain requirements.--
(A) Site selection for memorial.--Section 8905 of
such title does not apply with respect to the selection
of the site for the National World War I Memorial.
(B) Conditions applicable to area i.--Section
8908(b) of such title does not apply to the National
World War I Memorial concerning Pershing Park.
(e) No Infringement Upon Existing Memorial.--The National World War
I Memorial may not interfere with or encroach on the District of
Columbia War Memorial.
(f) Deposit of Excess Funds.--
(1) Use for other world war i commemorative activities.--
If, upon payment of all expenses for the enhancement of the
General Pershing Commemorative Work under subsection (c)
(including the maintenance and preservation amount required by
section 8906(b)(1) of title 40, United States Code), there
remains a balance of funds received for such purpose, the
Commission may use the amount of the balance for other
commemorative activities authorized under the World War I
Centennial Commission Act (Public Law 112-272; 126 Stat. 2448).
(2) Use for other commemorative works.--If the authority
for enhancement of the General Pershing Commemorative Work and
the authority of the Commission to plan and conduct
commemorative activities under the World War I Centennial
Commission Act have expired and there remains a balance of
funds received for the enhancement of the General Pershing
Commemorative Work, the Commission shall transmit the amount of
the balance to a separate account with the National Park
Foundation, to be available to the Secretary of the Interior
following the process provided in section 8906(b)(4) of title
40, United States Code, for accounts established under section
8906(b)(3) of such title.
(g) Authorization To Complete Construction After Termination of
Commission.--Section 8 of the World War I Centennial Commission Act
(Public Law 112-272) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``The Centennial
Commission'' and inserting ``Except as provided in subsection
(c), the Centennial Commission''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Exception for Completion of National World War I Memorial.--
The Centennial Commission may perform such work as is necessary to
complete the rededication of the National World War I Memorial and
enhancement of the General Pershing Commemorative Work under section 3
of the World War I Memorial Act of 2014, subject to section 8903 of
title 40, United States Code.''.
SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS TO WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT.
(a) Ex Officio and Other Advisory Members.--Section 4 of the World
War I Centennial Commission Act (Public Law 112-272; 126 Stat. 2449) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Ex Officio and Other Advisory Members.--
``(1) Powers.--The individuals listed in paragraphs (2) and
(3), or their designated representative, shall serve on the
Centennial Commission solely to provide advice and information
to the members of the Centennial Commission appointed pursuant
to subsection (b)(1), and shall not be considered members for
purposes of any other provision of this Act.
``(2) Ex officio members.--The following individuals shall
serve as ex officio members:
``(A) The Archivist of the United States.
``(B) The Librarian of Congress.
``(C) The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
``(D) The Secretary of State.
``(E) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
``(F) The Administrator of General Services.
``(3) Other advisory members.--The following individuals
shall serve as other advisory members:
``(A) Four members appointed by the Secretary of
Defense in the following manner: One from the Navy, one
from the Marine Corps, one from the Army, and one from
the Air Force.
``(B) Two members appointed by the Secretary of
Homeland Security in the following manner: One from the
Coast Guard and one from the United States Secret
Service.
``(C) Two members appointed by the Secretary of the
Interior, including one from the National Parks
Service.
``(4) Vacancies.--A vacancy in a member position under
paragraph (3) shall be filled in the same manner in which the
original appointment was made.''.
(b) Payable Rate of Staff.--Section 7(c)(2) of such Act (Public Law
112-272; 126 Stat. 2451) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``, without regard to the provisions of chapter
51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States
Code, relating to classification and General Schedule pay
rates.''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``level IV'' and
inserting ``level II''.
(c) Limitation on Obligation of Federal Funds.--
(1) Limitation.--Section 9 of such Act (Public Law 112-272;
126 Stat. 2453) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 9. LIMITATION ON OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS.
``No Federal funds may be obligated or expended for the
designation, establishment, or enhancement of a memorial or
commemorative work by the World War I Centennial Commission.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 7(f) of such Act (Public
Law 112-272; 126 Stat. 2452) is repealed.
(3) Clerical amendment.--The item relating to section 9 in
the table of contents of such Act (Public Law 112-272; 126
Stat. 2448) is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 9. Limitation on obligation of Federal funds.''. | World War I Memorial Act of 2014 - Designates the Liberty Memorial of Kansas City at America's National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Redesignates Pershing Park in the District of Columbia as the National World War I Memorial (Memorial). Authorizes the World War I Centennial Commission (Commission) to plan, develop, and execute ceremonies to recognize the above designation and redesignation and to enhance the General Pershing Commemorative Work by constructing appropriate sculptural and other elements on the Memorial. Amends the World War I Centennial Commission Act to: (1) allow for completion of construction at the Memorial after termination of the Commission, and (2) revise provisions concerning Commission members and pay rates. Prohibits any federal funds from being obligated or expended for the designation, establishment, or enhancement of a memorial or commemorative work by the Commission. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "World War I Memorial Act of 2014"} | 1,888 | 200 | 0.736136 | 2.026849 | 0.842098 | 4.911243 | 9.739645 | 0.946746 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``United Arab Emirates Human Rights
Accountability Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan is the brother of
United Arab Emirates (hereinafter in this section referred to
as ``UAE'') president and Abu Dhabi Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin
Zayed al-Nahayan.
(2) On April 22, 2009, ABC Nightline broadcast a few
minutes of videotape documenting the severest forms of torture
and abuse of an Afghan grain dealer, Mohammed Shah Poor,
inflicted by Sheikh Issa assisted by other uniformed
individuals acting under color of authority.
(3) During Mr. Poor's ordeal, Sheikh Issa repeatedly
insisted that his and his cronies actions be videotaped,
reportedly for his later enjoyment of the extreme suffering of
his victim, who miraculously survived the attack.
(4) Excerpts of this video have been circulated on YouTube
and longer footage was submitted in a United States civil court
in 2009.
(5) Around 2004, the matter was brought to the attention of
the UAE Ministry of Interior, which is headed by another of
Sheikh Issa's brothers. The Interior Ministry failed to
investigate this matter, and when ABC News brought it again to
their attention, the Ministry replied that the incidents were
not part of a pattern of behavior and that the police had
correctly followed procedures.
(6) Human Rights Watch stated, regarding this incident:
``The UAE government's failure to prosecute those involved in
this undisputed incident of torture and abuse at the hands of a
royal family member and the police is an appalling miscarriage
of justice. What's even more shocking is the government's
insistence that it investigated and found no violation of UAE
laws.''.
(7) Only after an international outcry regarding the lack
of action by UAE law enforcement and legal authorities and a
hearing of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the U.S.
House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, did Sheikh
Issa finally have to face charges before a UAE court.
(8) On January 10, 2010, the UAE court acquitted Sheikh
Issa of the charges of rape, endangering life and causing
bodily harm. According to Sheikh Issa's attorney, the court
accepted their defense that Sheikh Issa had been under the
influence of drugs.
(9) In addition, the UAE court convicted Bassam and Ghassan
Nabulsi, sentenced in absentia to five years each in prison.
Bassam and Ghassan Nabulsi were former business partners of
Sheikh Issa, who had filmed the attack and kept the video tape
and ultimately brought a civil suit in the United States
against Sheikh Issa during which they submitted the film.
SEC. 3. VISA LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILIES OF
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.
(a) Ineligible for Visas.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an
alien is ineligible to receive a visa to enter the United
States and ineligible to be admitted to the United States who
the Secretary of State determines to be--
(A) a member of the royal families of the United
Arab Emirates; and
(B) an officer or employee of the government of the
United Arab Emirates.
(2) Waiver for national interests.--The Secretary of State
may waive paragraph (1) in the case of an alien if the
Secretary determines that such a waiver would be in the
national interests of the United States. Upon granting such a
waiver, the Secretary of State shall provide notice to the
Congress.
(3) Termination.--The provisions of this subsection shall
cease to be effective on the date that the Secretary of State
transmits to the Congress a statement certifying the following:
(A) That the Secretary has determined that the
government of the United Arab Emirates has established
an independent entity within that government that has
authority to investigate an individual described in
paragraph (1).
(B) That the Secretary has determined that Sheikh
Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan has been tried, in accordance
with what the Secretary determines to be appropriate
international legal norms and human rights standards,
for all offenses described in paragraph (4).
(4) Offenses described.--An offense described in this
paragraph is any offense under the law of the United Arab
Emirates--
(A) that was committed in connection with the
assault on Mohammed Shah Poor; and
(B) for which Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan has
not been tried as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Current Visas Revoked.--The Secretary of State, in accordance
with section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1201(i)), shall revoke the nonimmigrant visa or other documentation of
any alien who is rendered ineligible for such visa or documentation
under subsection (a).
(c) Terminology.--The terms used in this Act shall have the
meanings given such terms in section 101(a) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)). | United Arab Emirates Human Rights Accountability Act of 2010 - Makes an alien who is a member of the royal families of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and who is an officer or employee of the UAE government ineligible to receive a U.S. entry visa and ineligible for U.S. admission until the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that: (1) the government of the UAE has established an independent governmental entity to investigate any such individual; and (2) Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan has been tried in accordance with international legal norms and human rights standards for specified offenses. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prohibition for reasons of national interest.
Describes such offense as any offense under UAE law: (1) that was committed in connection with the assault on Mohammed Shah Poor; and (2) for which Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan has not been tried.
Directs the Secretary to revoke the nonimmigrant visa or other documentation of any alien who is rendered ineligible for such visa or documentation under the terms of this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To make certain members of the royal families of the United Arab Emirates ineligible for visas or admission to the United States and to revoke visas and other entry documents previously issued to such family members until Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan has been tried in accordance with international legal norms and human rights standards, and for other purposes."} | 1,210 | 244 | 0.466293 | 1.643794 | 0.685007 | 4.432161 | 5.221106 | 0.934673 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act
of 2008''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Each year in the United States, over 100 firefighters
die in the line of duty, while an additional tens of thousands
of firefighters are injured.
(2) The Federal Government has a vested interest in
protecting firefighter health and safety, as it relies on local
fire departments to efficiently and effectively implement the
National Response Framework in the response to major disasters.
(3) Adequate training, proper personal protective
equipment, safe staffing levels, safe operating procedures, and
physical and mental fitness of firefighters can reduce
avoidable firefighter fatalities.
(4) The fire services, in conjunction with Government
agencies and interested private-sector parties, has partnered
with standards-making bodies to develop national consensus
standards for safe fire department operations and fire fighting
capabilities.
(5) Such standards are widely respected and promoted by all
facets of the fire service to better ensure firefighter health
and safety.
(6) Through its Firefighter Fatality Investigation and
Prevention Program, the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health has identified the failure to follow specific
national consensus standards as a contributing factor in many
firefighter deaths.
(7) A comprehensive accounting of fire department
compliance with national consensus standards would help policy
makers seeking to enhance public safety and reduce avoidable
firefighter fatalities.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the term ``fire department'' includes a career,
volunteer, or combination fire department operated by the
Federal Government, a State, or a local government;
(2) the term ``fire service'' has the meaning given that
term in section 4 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control
Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2203);
(3) the term ``national consensus standards'' means the
most recently issued national consensus standards for staffing,
training, safe operations, personal protective equipment, and
fitness relating to fire department operations and firefighting
practices, as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
(4) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Homeland
Security; and
(5) the term ``Task Force'' means the Task Force to Enhance
Firefighter Safety established under section 5(a).
SEC. 4. SURVEY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY.
(a) Survey Required.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall begin to conduct a survey of
each fire department located in the United States, under which the
Secretary shall determine whether each such fire department is in
compliance with national consensus standards.
(b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
findings of the survey required under subsection (a), including an
accounting of whether each fire department located in the United States
is in compliance with national consensus standards.
SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF TASK FORCE TO ENHANCE FIREFIGHTER SAFETY.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date on which
the Secretary submits the report to Congress required under section
4(b), the Secretary shall establish a task force to be known as the
Task Force to Enhance Firefighter Safety.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The members of the Task Force shall be
appointed by the Secretary and shall include--
(A) representatives of national organizations
representing firefighters and fire chiefs;
(B) individuals representing standards-setting and
accrediting organizations relating to fire department
operations and firefighting practices, including
representatives from the voluntary consensus codes and
standards development community; and
(C) other individuals as the Secretary determines
to be appropriate.
(2) Representatives of other departments and agencies.--The
Secretary may invite representatives of other departments and
agencies of the Federal Government that have an interest in the
fire service to participate in the meetings and other
activities of the Task Force.
(3) Number; terms of service; pay and allowances.--The
Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, and pay
and allowances of members of the Task Force appointed by the
Secretary, except that a term of service of any such member may
not exceed 2 years.
(c) Responsibilities.--The Task Force shall develop a plan to
enhance firefighter safety by increasing fire department compliance
with national consensus standards. In developing the plan under this
subsection, the Task Force shall consider ways in which the Federal
Government, States, and local governments can promote, encourage, or
require fire departments to comply with national consensus standards.
(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date on
which the Secretary establishes the Task Force, the Task Force shall
submit to Congress and the Secretary a report containing the findings
and recommendations of the Task Force together with the plan described
in subsection (c). | Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) conduct a survey of and report to Congress on the compliance of fire departments in the United States with national consensus standards for staffing, training, safe operations, personal protective equipment, and fitness relating to fire department operations and firefighting practices; and (2) establish a Task Force to Enhance Firefighter Safety to develop a plan to enhance firefighter safety by increasing compliance with such standards and to consider ways in which the federal government, states, and local governments can promote, encourage, or require compliance. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a survey to determine the level of compliance with national consensus standards and any barriers to achieving compliance with such standards, and for other purposes."} | 1,083 | 128 | 0.642413 | 1.795719 | 0.653003 | 5.256637 | 9.053097 | 0.99115 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Carcinogen-Free Label Act of 2012''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Approximately 1.5 million Americans, including
children, are diagnosed with cancer annually.
(2) Over 500,000 Americans die from cancer every year.
(3) Less than 5 percent of all cancers are caused by
genetic factors.
(4) Cancer is the top cause of disease-related death for
American children and adolescents.
(5) Children are more vulnerable to environmental
carcinogens than adults.
(6) Reducing exposure to carcinogens reduces risk of
cancer.
(7) The average consumer currently lacks the ability to
easily identify products that do not contain carcinogens.
(8) Consumers benefit from additional information about the
potential health impact of products they use.
(9) When comparing products to purchase for their families,
many consumers use potential health impact as a determining
factor.
(10) The 2008-2009 Annual Report of the President's Cancer
Panel urges action to prevent environmental and occupational
exposure to carcinogens.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to enable consumers to
reduce their exposure to carcinogens by allowing manufacturers to affix
a Carcinogen-Free label to products that do not contain known or
probable carcinogens through a voluntary process that does not require
public disclosure of trade secrets.
SEC. 3. CARCINOGEN-FREE LABELS.
(a) In General.--The head of each Federal department or agency that
regulates a covered product shall establish in that department or
agency a program to permit the labeling of covered products that do not
contain any carcinogens as ``Carcinogen-Free''.
(b) Development of Label.--The heads of each Federal department or
agency that regulates a covered product shall coordinate to develop an
easily recognizable label to be affixed to a covered product to signify
that the product has been approved for labeling as ``Carcinogen-Free''.
Such label shall include the following notice: ``This product does not
contain known or likely carcinogens that increase your risk of
cancer.''.
(c) Premarket Approval of Label.--
(1) In general.--It shall be unlawful to introduce or offer
for introduction into interstate commerce a covered product
affixed with a ``Carcinogen-Free'' label described under
subsection (b)--
(A) if the head of each Federal department or
agency that regulates the product has not approved an
application submitted under paragraph (2) for the
labeling of the product as ``Carcinogen-Free''; or
(B) if the product contains any substance that is
not listed in such application.
(2) Application.--Any person may submit an application for
the labeling of a covered product as ``Carcinogen-Free''. Such
application shall include a list of all the substances
contained within the product, and shall be accompanied by a
sample of the product.
(3) Criteria for approval.--The head of each Federal
department or agency to which an application is submitted under
paragraph (2) shall approve the application if such head
determines that--
(A) the application accurately lists all substances
contained in the product;
(B) the product does not contain any carcinogens;
(C) the product does not contain any substances
that display carcinogenicity upon degradation, upon
interactions with other substances contained within the
product or exposed to the product, during storage or
transportation, or during intended use of the product,
as determined by such head based on previous findings
made by such department or agency; and
(D) the applicant has demonstrated a plan to comply
with guidance issued under subsection (e) relating to
manufacture, storage, and transportation.
(4) Confidentiality of information.--Any information
provided to the head of a Federal department or agency under
paragraph (2)--
(A) shall be kept confidential by such department
or agency, and shall be treated as trade secrets or
confidential information for purposes of section
552(b)(4) of title 5, United States Code, and section
1905 of title 18, United States Code;
(B) may not be used for any purpose other than
approval of an application under this subsection; and
(C) may not be made public except with the prior
written consent of the applicant.
Submission of an application under paragraph (2) does not
constitute disclosure of trade secrets by the applicant or
public disclosure for the determination of patentability, and
any information contained in an application may not be used as
prior art to a claimed invention.
(5) Label integrity.--The head of each agency to which
applications are submitted under paragraph (2) shall--
(A) conduct random testing of covered products for
which applications are submitted for approval under
such paragraph to ensure that the applications
accurately list all the substances contained in such
products;
(B) conduct random audits of facilities in which
such covered products are manufactured; and
(C) take reasonable measures to ensure compliance
with agency guidance issued under subsection (e)
relating to manufacture, storage, and transportation of
such covered products.
(6) Fees.--The head of each Federal department or agency
may charge a reasonable fee for the submission and approval of
an application under paragraph (2). The amount of such fee
shall be the amount necessary to result in an estimated total
revenue from all such fees received by the department or agency
that is equal to the estimated total cost of the program
established by the department or agency under subparagraph (a).
(d) Penalty for Violations.--In addition to any other penalty
authorized by law, any person who knowingly violates subparagraph (A)
or (B) of subsection (c)(1) shall be subject to a civil penalty of not
more than $100,000.
(e) Guidance To Prevent Indirect Introduction of Carcinogens.--The
head of each Federal department or agency that regulates a covered
product shall issue guidance to prevent the introduction of carcinogens
into such covered product during the manufacture, storage, and
transportation of such covered product.
(f) National List.--The head of each Federal department or agency
that regulates a covered product shall each post on the public website
of that department or agency a list of all covered products regulated
by that department or agency that have been approved for labeling as
``Carcinogen-Free''.
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Carcinogen.--The term ``carcinogen'' means any of the
following:
(A) A substance listed in the National Toxicology
Program Report on Carcinogens as known to be a human
carcinogen or reasonably anticipated to be a human
carcinogen.
(B) A substance described in the Environmental
Protection Agency Integrated Risk Information System as
carcinogenic to humans or likely to be carcinogenic to
humans.
(2) Covered product.--The term ``covered product'' means
any product offered for sale that--
(A) is regulated by the Food and Drug
Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency,
the Department of Agriculture, or the Consumer Product
Safety Commission; and
(B) is intended for individual or residential use. | Carcinogen-Free Label Act of 2012 - Directs the head of each federal agency that regulates a covered product to establish a program to permit the labeling of such a product that does not contain any carcinogens as "Carcinogen-Free." Defines a "covered product" to mean any product offered for sale that is: (1) regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); and (2) intended for individual or residential use.
Requires such agency heads to coordinate to develop an easily recognizable label: (1) to be affixed to a covered product to signify that it has been approved for "Carcinogen-Free" labeling, and (2) to include a notice stating that "This product does not contain known or likely carcinogens that increase your risk of cancer."
Prohibits the introduction or offering for introduction into interstate commerce of a covered product affixed with a "Carcinogen-Free" label if: (1) the head of each federal agency that regulates the product has not approved an application for the labeling of the product as "Carcinogen-Free," or (2) the product contains any substance that is not listed in such application.
Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) application approval and confidentiality; (2) random testing of covered products, random audits of facilities in which such products are manufactured, and measures to ensure compliance with agency guidance; (3) application fees; and (4) penalties for violations.
Requires such agency heads to: (1) issue guidance to prevent the introduction of carcinogens into such product during its manufacture, storage, and transportation; and (2) post on the agency's public website a list of all covered products regulated by that agency that have been approved for labeling as "Carcinogen-Free." | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish programs in the executive branch to permit the labeling of certain products that do not contain any carcinogens as \"Carcinogen-Free\", and for other purposes."} | 1,571 | 408 | 0.663844 | 2.181862 | 0.75407 | 3.871658 | 3.925134 | 0.909091 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Jobs Tax Credit Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. REFUNDABLE CREDIT FOR INCREASING EMPLOYMENT.
(a) In General.--Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable credits)
is amended by inserting after section 36A the following new section:
``SEC. 36B. CREDIT FOR INCREASING EMPLOYMENT.
``(a) In General.--In the case of an eligible employer, there shall
be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle--
``(1) for any taxable year beginning in 2010, an amount
equal to 15 percent of the excess (if any) of--
``(A) the aggregate wages paid during 2010, over
``(B) the inflation-adjusted wages paid during
2009, and
``(2) for any taxable year beginning in 2011, an amount
equal to 10 percent of the excess (if any) of--
``(A) the aggregate wages paid during 2011, over
``(B) the inflation-adjusted wages paid during
2010.
``(b) Eligible Employer.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible employer' means any employer which conducts an active trade
or business in an area other than--
``(1) a city or town with a population of more than 50,000
inhabitants (based on the most recent available census data),
or
``(2) any urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a
city or town.
``(c) Quarterly Advance Payments of Credit.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall pay (without
interest) to each employer for each calendar quarter an amount
equal to the credit percentage of the excess (if any) of--
``(A) the aggregate wages paid by the employer
during such quarter, over
``(B) the inflation-adjusted wages paid by the
employer during the comparable quarter of the preceding
calendar year.
``(2) Credit percentage.--For purposes of paragraph (1),
the credit percentage is--
``(A) 15 percent in the case of the calendar
quarters of 2010, and
``(B) 10 percent in the case of the calendar
quarters of 2011.
``(3) Reconciliation.--
``(A) In general.--If there is a payment under
paragraph (1) for 1 or more calendar quarters ending
with or within a taxable year, then the tax imposed by
this chapter for such taxable year shall be increased
by the aggregate amount of such payments.
``(B) Reconciliation.--Any increase in tax under
subparagraph (A) shall not be treated as tax imposed by
this chapter for purposes of determining the amount of
any credit (other than the credit under subsection (a))
allowable under this part.
``(4) Time for filing claim.--No claim shall be allowed
under this subsection with respect to any calendar quarter
unless filed on or before the earlier of--
``(A) the last day of the succeeding quarter, or
``(B) the time prescribed by law for filing the
return of tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable
year in which or with which such quarter ends.
``(5) Interest.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if the
Secretary has not paid pursuant to a claim filed under this
subsection within 45 days of the date of the filing of such
claim (20 days in the case of an electronic claim), the claim
shall be paid with interest from such date determined by using
the overpayment rate and method under section 6621.
``(d) Total Wages Must Increase.--The amount of credit allowed
under this section for any taxable year shall not exceed the amount
which would be so allowed for such year if--
``(1) the aggregate amounts taken into account as wages
were determined without any dollar limitation, and
``(2) 103 percent of the amount of wages otherwise required
to be taken into account under subsection (a)(1)(B) or
subsection (a)(2)(B), as the case may be, were taken into
account.
``(e) Inflation-Adjusted Wages; Wages.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) Inflation-adjusted wages.--
``(A) In general.--The term `inflation-adjusted
wages' means, for any period--
``(i) the aggregate wages paid by the
employer during such period, increased by
``(ii) an amount equal to the inflation
percentage of such wages.
``(B) Inflation percentage.--The inflation
percentage is--
``(i) 3 percent for purposes of determining
inflation-adjusted wages for periods during
2009, and
``(ii) 5 percent for purposes of
determining inflation-adjusted wages for
periods during 2010.
``(2) Wages.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the term `wages' means, with respect
to any calendar year, so much of wages (as defined in
section 3121(a)) as does not exceed the median
household income in the United States for the preceding
calendar year.
``(B) Railway labor.--In the case of remuneration
subject to the tax imposed by 3201(a), the term `wages'
means, with respect to any calendar year, so much of
compensation (as defined in section 3231(e)) as does
not exceed the median household income in the United
States for the preceding calendar year.
``(f) Special Rules.--
``(1) Adjustments for certain acquisitions, etc.--
``(A) Acquisitions.--If, after December 31, 2008,
an employer acquires the major portion of a trade or
business of another person (hereinafter in this
subparagraph referred to as the `predecessor') or the
major portion of a separate unit of a trade or business
of a predecessor, then, for purposes of applying this
section for any calendar year ending after such
acquisition, the amount of wages deemed paid by the
employer during periods before such acquisition shall
be increased by so much of such wages paid by the
predecessor with respect to the acquired trade or
business as is attributable to the portion of such
trade or business acquired by the employer.
``(B) Dispositions.--If, after December 31, 2008--
``(i) an employer disposes of the major
portion of any trade or business of the
employer or the major portion of a separate
unit of a trade or business of the employer in
a transaction to which subparagraph (A)
applies, and
``(ii) the employer furnishes the acquiring
person such information as is necessary for the
application of subparagraph (A),
then, for purposes of applying this section for any
calendar year ending after such disposition, the amount
of wages deemed paid by the employer during periods
before such disposition shall be decreased by so much
of such wages as is attributable to such trade or
business or separate unit.
``(2) Change in status from self-employed to employee.--
If--
``(A) during 2009 or 2010 an individual has net
earnings from self-employment (as defined in section
1402(a)) which are attributable a trade or business,
and
``(B) for any portion of the succeeding calendar
year such individual is an employee of such trade or
business,
then, for purposes of determining the credit allowable for a
taxable year beginning in such succeeding calendar year, the
employer's aggregate wages for 2009 or 2010, as the case may
be, shall be increased by an amount equal to so much of the net
earnings referred to in subparagraph (A) as does not exceed the
median household income in the United States for 2009 or 2010,
as the case may be.
``(3) Certain other rules to apply.--Rules similar to the
following rules shall apply for purposes of this section:
``(A) Section 51(f) (relating to remuneration must
be for trade or business employment).
``(B) Section 51(k) (relating to treatment of
successor employers; treatment of employees performing
services for other persons).
``(C) Section 52 (relating to special rules).
``(4) Short taxable years.--If the employer has more than 1
taxable year beginning in 2010 or 2011, the credit under this
section shall be determined for the employer's last taxable
year beginning in 2010 or 2011, as the case may be.
``(g) Tax-Exempt Employers Treated as Taxpayers.--Solely for
purposes of this section and section 6402, employers exempt from tax
under section 501(a) shall be treated as taxpayers.''.
(b) Denial of Double Benefit.--Subsection (a) of section 280C of
such Code is amended by inserting ``36B(a),'' before ``45A(a)''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is
amended by inserting ``36B,'' after ``36A,''.
(2) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 36A the following new item:
``Sec. 36B. Credit for increasing employment.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009.
(e) Notice of Availability of Credit.--The Secretary of the
Treasury shall work with the State Employment Security Agencies to
inform businesses of the availability of section 36B of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this Act). | Rural Jobs Tax Credit Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow eligible employers, including tax-exempt employers, a refundable tax credit for increases in wages paid during 2010 and 2011.
Defines an "eligible employer" as any employer that conducts an active trade or business in an area other than: (1) a city or town of more than 50,000 inhabitants; or (2) any urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a city or town.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to work with state employment agencies to inform businesses of the availability of the tax credit allowed by this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow employers a refundable credit for increasing employment."} | 2,201 | 131 | 0.624465 | 1.503911 | 0.656215 | 4.10084 | 16.97479 | 0.92437 |
SECTION 1. TOLL CREDIT MARKETPLACE PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall establish and implement a pilot
program to develop a toll credit marketplace for States to buy and sell
toll credits.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the pilot program are--
(1) to identify whether a monetary value can be assigned to
toll credits;
(2) to identify the discounted rate of toll credits for
cash;
(3) to determine if the purchase of toll credits by States
provides the purchasing State budget flexibility to deal with
funding issues, including off-system needs, transit systems
with high operating costs, or cash flow issues; and
(4) to test the feasibility of expanding the toll credit
market to allow all States to participate on a permanent basis.
(c) Administration of Pilot Program.--In carrying out the pilot
program under this Act, the Secretary, working through the
Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, shall determine
how a toll credit marketplace will work and--
(1) establish an online platform that allows participating
States to offer and bid on toll credit purchases;
(2) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, provide notice to States that the Federal Highway
Administration requests participants for the toll credit
marketplace;
(3) allow States that maintain a toll credit balance
accumulated before the enactment of this Act and States that do
not maintain infrastructure for the collection of toll credits
or have not accumulated a toll credit balance to participate in
the pilot program; and
(4) not allow a State to purchase or sell toll credits in
an amount that is less than 5 percent of the toll credit's
value if applied as a non-Federal share requirement under
section 120(i)(1) of title 23, United States Code.
(d) Reporting Requirements.--
(1) Initial report.--Not later than 180 days after notice
of the pilot program is provided to the States under subsection
(c)(2), the Secretary shall notify the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public
Works of the Senate on the progress of the toll credit
marketplace.
(2) State report.--Not later than 30 days after a purchase
or sale in the toll credit marketplace, a State selling toll
credits shall provide the Administrator of the Federal Highway
Administration with information on the transaction, the amount
of cash received and the value of toll credits sold, on the
intended use of the cash, and an update on the State's
remaining toll credit balance. A State purchasing toll credits
shall provide the Administrator of the Federal Highway
Administration with information on the value of toll credits
purchased, the anticipated use of the toll credits, and plans
for maintaining maintenance of effort for spending on Federal-
aid highways projects.
(3) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year and after notice
is given under subsection (c)(2) and each year thereafter that
the pilot program is in effect, the Secretary shall submit a
report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment
and Public Works of the Senate and make such report publicly
available on its website that--
(A) determines whether a toll credit marketplace is
viable;
(B) describes of the buying and selling activities
of the toll credit marketplace;
(C) determines of the monetary value of toll
credits;
(D) determines whether the pilot program could be
expanded to more States and or all States; and
(E) provides updated information on the toll credit
balance accumulated by each State.
(e) Definitions.--
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
(2) Toll credit.--The term ``toll credit'' means the credit
that can be used for non-Federal share under section 120(i) of
title 23, United States Code.
(3) Toll credit marketplace.--The term ``toll credit
marketplace'' means a market where toll credits can be
purchased and sold by States participating in the pilot
program.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any territory or
possession of the United States, including the Virgin Islands.
(f) Maintenance of Effort.--A State participating in the toll
credit marketplace shall continue to be subject to requirements of
section 120(i)(2) of title 23, United States Code.
(g) Use of Funds Received for the Sale.--
(1) Certification.--A State receiving funds in exchange for
a toll credit shall be required to certify that the proceeds
will be used for highway, transit, and other related projects
and must receive approval from the Federal Highway
Administration before expending such funds.
(2) Approval.--Not later than 30 days after the receipt of
a certification under paragraph (1), the Federal Highway
Administration shall send a notice of decision approving or
rejecting the State's submission. A notice of disapproval shall
be accompanied by an explanation of the grounds for disapproval
and provide recommendations for resubmitting a certification
that will be approved.
(3) Appeal.--Not later than 30 days after a State receives
a notice of decision to reject its submission, such State may
appeal the decision to the Secretary of Transportation who, not
later than 60 days after receipt, shall review and adjudicate
such appeal.
(h) Metropolitan Planning Organization and Local Government Toll
Credit Allocation.--
(1) Purchase of toll credits.--Upon request of an
interested metropolitan planning organization or local
government, a State may purchase toll credits on behalf of a
metropolitan planning organization or local government upon
request and timely payment of the amount of such credits by
such organization or government.
(2) Allocation of toll credits.--A State purchasing toll
credits without prior requests from a metropolitan planning
organization or local government may allocate those toll
credits for use by a metropolitan planning organization or
local government upon approval by the board of leadership of
such metropolitan planning organization or local government.
(i) Limitation on Use of Federal Funds for the Purchase of Toll
Credits.--
(1) Limitation on federal funds.--A State, metropolitan
planning organization, or local government may not use Federal
funds to purchase toll credits on the toll credit marketplace.
(2) Use of toll credits.--Any recipient of Federal funding
under Title 23 or Title 49 that purchases toll credits under
this Act may not use such toll credits for more than 10 percent
of its annual apportionment in any fiscal year.
SEC. 2. TOLL CREDIT ELIGIBILITY AS COLLATERAL UNDER THE RAILROAD
REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM.
Section 822(f) of title 45, United States Code, is amended by
adding after section 822(f)(2)(A) the following:
``(i) collateral that is eligible for use
in an application includes credits earned under
section 120(i) of title 23, United States
Code.''. | This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot toll credit marketplace program for states, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), or local governments to buy and sell toll credits and use the proceeds for highway, transit, and other related projects. States, MPOs, or local governments may not use federal funds to purchase toll credits on the marketplace or use them for more than 10% of its annual apportionment of federal-aid highway funds in a fiscal year. The Federal Highway Administration shall determine how a toll credit marketplace will work. The Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 is amended to revise railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing program requirements. Toll credits earned shall be eligible as collateral in determining credit risk premium amounts for direct loans or loan guarantees for railroad improvement projects. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish a pilot toll credit market place program, and for other purposes."} | 1,545 | 175 | 0.530547 | 1.499961 | 0.541705 | 2.764706 | 9.287582 | 0.843137 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``21st Century Buy American Act''.
SEC. 2. GRANTS TO DOMESTIC MANUFACTURERS.
(a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to
establish and carry out a program to award grants to eligible entities
in accordance with this section.
(b) Eligibility Requirements.--The Secretary of Commerce shall
establish eligibility requirements for purposes of the grants under
this section in order to provide assistance to any entity that--
(1) is a manufacturer in the United States;
(2) is a firm certified as eligible to apply for adjustment
assistance under section 251(c) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
U.S.C. 2341(c)); and
(3) meets one of the following criteria:
(A) The entity mines, produces, or manufactures a
nonavailable item.
(B) The entity is the last remaining manufacturer
of an item in the United States, as determined by the
Secretary of Commerce, and can prove hardship because
of foreign competition.
(C) The entity is the last remaining manufacturer
of an item in the United States and that item is
considered to be vital for national security purposes
by the Department of Defense or another department or
agency of the United States.
(c) Amount of Grant.--The amount of any grant under this section
may not exceed $5,000,000 per entity.
(d) Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Each eligible entity receiving a grant
under this section shall use the grant funds for any of the
following purposes:
(A) Increasing its ability to compete for a
Government contract for a nonavailable item.
(B) Increasing its ability to produce a
nonavailable item.
(C) Increasing its capacity to produce items that
are vital to national security.
(D) Increasing its capacity to create additional or
retain existing jobs.
(E) Modernizing or renovating existing
manufacturing facilities using domestically made
equipment.
(F) Covering costs associated with obtaining access
to adjustment assistance under chapter 3 of title II of
the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2341 et seq.).
(2) Limitation.--No funds in a grant awarded under this
section may be used for profits of an eligible entity.
(e) Application Requirements.--To receive a grant under this
section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the
Secretary of Commerce at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require. At a minimum, the application
shall include a statement regarding the number of direct full-time
domestic jobs expected to be created or retained as a result of the
grant, but such statement shall not be the sole factor used in
determining the award of the grant.
(f) Annual Evaluation of Grant Recipients by Department of
Commerce.--The Secretary of Commerce each year shall evaluate
recipients of grants under this section to determine the proper
allocation of grant funds.
(g) Definition of Nonavailable Item.--In this section, the term
``nonavailable item'' means an article, material, or supply--
(1) that has been determined by a Federal agency, pursuant
to the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 10a et seq.), to not be
mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in
sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities of a
satisfactory quality;
(2) that has been subject to a waiver under section 1605 of
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law
111-5; 123 Stat. 303); or
(3) that is listed on the list of nonavailable articles
under subpart 25.104 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
SEC. 3. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO CERTAIN WAIVERS OF BUY AMERICAN ACT.
(a) Special Rules Relating to Certain Waivers.--Section 2 of the
Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 10a) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(c) Special Rules.--The following rules apply in carrying out the
provisions of subsection (a):
``(1) Use outside the united states.--
``(A) In general.--Subsection (a) shall apply
without regard to whether the articles, materials, or
supplies to be acquired are for use outside the United
States if the articles, materials, or supplies are not
needed on an urgent basis or if they are acquired on a
regular basis.
``(B) Cost analysis.--In any case in which the
articles, materials, or supplies are to be acquired for
use outside the United States and are not needed on an
urgent basis, before entering into a contract an
analysis shall be made of the difference in the cost of
acquiring the articles, materials, or supplies from a
company manufacturing the articles, materials, or
supplies in the United States (including the cost of
shipping) and the cost of acquiring the articles,
materials, or supplies from a company manufacturing the
articles, materials, or supplies outside the United
States (including the cost of shipping).
``(2) Effect on domestic employment.--In determining
whether a public interest waiver, or waiver for use outside the
United States, shall be granted under subsection (a), the head
of a Federal agency shall--
``(A) consider the short-term and long-term effects
of granting such a waiver on employment within the
United States, taking into account information provided
by entities that manufacture the articles, materials,
or supplies concerned in the United States; and
``(B) determine that preserving or increasing
employment within the United States is consistent with
the public interest.''.
(b) Definition.--Section 1 of the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 10c)
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Substantially All.--Articles, materials, or supplies shall be
treated as made substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies
mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States, if the cost of
the domestic components of such articles, materials, or supplies
exceeds 60 percent of the total cost of all components of such
articles, materials, or supplies.''.
SEC. 4. TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Requirement for Agencies To Notify OMB.--Each agency that
applies an exception to the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 10a et seq.)
shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a
notification of the application of the exception and a statement
describing the procurement and the exception being applied.
(b) Requirement for Director of OMB To Post on Web Site.--Within 7
days after receipt of any notification under subsection (a), the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall post the
notification on a central, publicly accessible Web site of the Office.
(c) Definition of Agency.--In this section, the term ``agency'' has
the meaning given under section 551 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 5. REQUIREMENT FOR ANNUAL REPORT BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL ON
EXCEPTIONS TO BUY AMERICAN ACT AND OTHER DOMESTIC SOURCE
REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Report Requirement.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the end of a
fiscal year, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
submit to Congress a report on the amount of the acquisitions
made by each agency in that fiscal year of articles, materials,
or supplies purchased from entities that manufacture the
articles, materials, or supplies outside of the United States.
(2) Contents of report.--The report required by paragraph
(1) shall separately include, for the fiscal year covered by
such report--
(A) the dollar value of any articles, materials, or
supplies that were manufactured outside the United
States;
(B) an itemized list of all waivers granted with
respect to such articles, materials, or supplies under
the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 10a et seq.), section
1605(a) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
of 2009 (123 Stat. 303), or any other law that requires
procurement of goods or services from a domestic
source, and a citation to the treaty, international
agreement, or other law under which each waiver was
granted;
(C) if any articles, materials, or supplies were
acquired from entities that manufacture articles,
materials, or supplies outside the United States, the
specific exception under section 2 of the Buy American
Act (41 U.S.C. 10a), section 1605(a) of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (123 Stat. 303),
or any other law that requires procurement of goods or
services from a domestic source, that was used to
purchase such articles, materials, or supplies; and
(D) a summary of--
(i) the total procurement funds expended on
articles, materials, and supplies manufactured
inside the United States; and
(ii) the total procurement funds expended
on articles, materials, and supplies
manufactured outside the United States.
(b) Public Availability.--The Comptroller General shall make the
report publicly available to the maximum extent practicable.
(c) Exception for Intelligence Community.--The report required
under this section shall not cover acquisitions made by an agency, or
component thereof, that is an element of the intelligence community as
specified in, or designated under section 3(4) of the National Security
Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401a(4)).
(d) Definition of Agency.--In this section, the term ``agency'' has
the meaning given under section 551 of title 5, United States Code. | 21st Century Buy American Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish and carry out a program to award grants to any entity that is a manufacturer in the United States, is a firm certified as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under the Trade Act of 1974, and is an entity that either: (1) mines, produces, or manufactures a nonavailable item; (2) is the last remaining manufacturer of an item in the United States and can prove hardship because of foreign competition; or (3) is the last remaining manufacturer of an item in the United States that is considered to be vital for national security purposes. Permits a recipient to use such a grant to: (1) increase its ability to compete for a government contract for, and to produce, a nonavailable item; (2) increase its capacity to produce items that are vital to national security and to create or retain jobs; (3) modernize or renovate manufacturing facilities using domestically made equipment; and (4) cover costs associated with obtaining access to adjustment assistance.
Defines a "nonavailable item" as an article that: (1) a federal agency has determined is not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities of a satisfactory quality; (2) has been subject to a waiver of buy American provisions under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; or (3) is on the list of nonavailable articles under the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Amends the Buy America Act to: (1) make buy American requirements for articles for public use applicable without regard to whether the articles are for use outside the United States, if they are not needed on an urgent basis or are acquired on a regular basis; (2) require an analysis of the difference in the cost of such articles manufactured inside compared to outside the United States before a contract for such articles is entered; and (3) require an agency, before granting a public interest waiver or a waiver for use outside the United States, to consider the effect on domestic employment.
Requires: (1) each agency that applies an exception to the Buy American Act to notify the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), who shall post the notification on a publicly accessible website; and (2) the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the amount of articles purchased by each agency each fiscal year from entities that manufacture them outside the United States. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Buy American Act with respect to certain waivers under that Act, to provide greater transparency regarding exceptions to domestic sourcing requirements, and for other purposes."} | 2,152 | 499 | 0.66931 | 2.223358 | 0.771376 | 4.137787 | 4.073069 | 0.960334 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Taxpayer Receipt Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. PROVISION OF TAXPAYER RECEIPT.
(a) In General.--Chapter 77 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to miscellaneous provisions) is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 7529. TAXPAYER RECEIPT.
``(a) In General.--Not later than October 15, 2012, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall provide via United States mail a Tax
Receipt to each taxpayer (other than a trust, estate, partnership, or
corporation) who made a return with respect to income taxes under
chapter 1 for the preceding taxable year and for whom a current mailing
address can be determined through such methods as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(b) Tax Receipt.--For purposes of this section, each Tax Receipt
shall--
``(1) state the amount of taxes paid (even if $0) and
refund made to the taxpayer and state (by each filing status
specified in subsections (a) through (d) of section 1) the
average amount of tax paid by taxpayers in each tax bracket,
and
``(2) contain a table listing--
``(A) each of the spending categories described in
subsection (c),
``(B) with respect to each spending category
described in subsection (c)--
``(i) the ratio (expressed as a percentage)
which bears the same percentage of the
taxpayer's income tax liability for the
preceding taxable year to such category as the
ratio that such category bears to the total of
the spending categories described in subsection
(c) for the fiscal year ending in the preceding
taxable year, and
``(ii) the proportional amount (expressed
in dollars) of the taxpayer's income tax
liability spent on that category, and
``(C) the percentage change the results under
clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B) are from the
preceding year (expressed in positives and negatives),
``(3) contain a table listing--
``(A) each of the spending categories described in
subsection (c),
``(B) the percentage each such category is of the
total Federal outlays for the fiscal year ending in the
preceding taxable year and the dollar amount of each
such category, and
``(C) the percentage change the results under
subparagraph (B) are from the preceding year (expressed
in positives and negatives),
``(4) contain a table of the 10 most costly tax
expenditures, and the cost of such expenditures, with respect
to individuals (not corporations) for the fiscal year ending in
the preceding taxable year,
``(5) contain the annual budget review described in
subsection (e),
``(6) contain the graphs described in paragraphs (1) and
(2) of section 7523(a) for the fiscal year ending in the
preceding taxable year,
``(7) be not more than 4 pages in length, and
``(8) contain the Internet address of the website of the
Department of the Treasury described in subsection subsection
(f).
``(c) Spending Category.--
``(1) In general.--A spending category referred to in this
subsection is one of the following:
``(A) Administration of Justice.
``(B) Agriculture.
``(C) Allowances.
``(D) Commerce and Housing Credit.
``(E) Community and Regional Development.
``(F) Education, Training, Employment, and Social
Services.
``(G) Energy.
``(H) General Science, Space, and Technology.
``(I) General Government.
``(J) Health.
``(K) Income Security.
``(L) International Affairs.
``(M) International Development and Humanitarian
Assistance.
``(N) Medicare.
``(O) Medicaid.
``(P) National Defense.
``(Q) Natural Resources and Environment.
``(R) Net Interest on the National Debt.
``(S) Ongoing military operation authorized under a
formal declaration of war by Congress or resolution
passed by the United Nations Security Council,
including Operation New Dawn, Operation Iraqi Freedom,
and Operation Enduring Freedom, with each such military
operation listed as a separate spending category.
``(T) Salaries and Benefits for Members of
Congress.
``(U) Social Security.
``(V) Transportation.
``(W) Undistributed Offsetting Receipts.
``(X) Veterans Benefits and Services.
``(2) Rules relating to appropriate spending categories.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1)--
``(i) the spending categories shall be set
forth in order of cost, with the greatest
expense stated first, and
``(ii) each spending category shall have a
one sentence, general description of the
programs, projects, and activities comprising
that spending category.
``(B) Programs, projects, and activities.--The
Secretary shall assign each Federal program, project,
or activity to one of the categories described in
paragraph (1). Once assigned, the program, project, or
activity cannot be moved to a different spending
category in subsequent years. If a program, project, or
activity changes in material substance, the Secretary
may, in consultation with Congress, move the program,
project, or activity to the appropriate spending
category.
``(d) Tax Expenditures.--For purposes of this section, the term
`tax expenditure' shall have the meaning given such term by section
3(3) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2
U.S.C. 621).
``(e) Annual Budget Review.--The annual budget review described in
this subsection with respect to a fiscal year shall be prepared by the
Secretary in consultation with the Congressional Budget Office and
shall--
``(1) use the budget projections prepared by the
Congressional Budget Office, and
``(2) include--
``(A) an estimate of total Federal receipts and
outlays for the current fiscal year,
``(B) actual Federal receipts and outlays for the
preceding 5 fiscal years, and
``(C) projections of Federal receipts and outlays
for the succeeding 10 fiscal years.
``(f) Rule Relating to Nonresident Aliens.--Subsection (a) shall
not apply to an individual who is a nonresident alien (within the
meaning of section 7701(b)(1)(B)).
``(g) Website.--
``(1) In general.--The website referred to in this
subsection is a website on which a taxpayer can input his
Federal income tax liability and see more detailed information
concerning each of the categories contained in his Tax Receipt.
``(2) Period for maintaining tax receipts.--The website
shall maintain a copy of the receipt for each taxpayer for the
previous 5 years.
``(3) Protection of taxpayer information.--In making
information available on a website pursuant to this section,
the Secretary shall ensure proper access to online taxpayer
records and shall protect the security and privacy of taxpayer
information online.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 77 of
such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 7529. Taxpayer receipt.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to returns for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010. | Taxpayer Receipt Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to provide individual taxpayers via U.S. mail by October 15 of each year a tax receipt for income taxes reported for the preceding taxable year. Requires such tax receipt to: (1) state the amount of taxes paid by, and any refund made to, the taxpayer; (2) contain tables listing expenditures in categories of the federal budget and the 10 most costly tax expenditures; (3) contain an annual budget review prepared by the Secretary in consultation with the Congressional Budget Office (CBO); and (4) contain the Internet address of the website of the Department of Treasury providing more detailed tax and spending information. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require that the Secretary of the Treasury provide a Tax Receipt to each taxpayer who files a Federal income tax return."} | 1,693 | 154 | 0.537711 | 1.298554 | 0.690826 | 3.347826 | 11.65942 | 0.898551 |
SECTION 1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY RESOURCE STANDARD FOR RETAIL ELECTRICITY
AND NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTORS.
Title VI of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16
U.S.C. 2601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 610. ENERGY EFFICIENCY RESOURCE STANDARD FOR RETAIL ELECTRICITY
AND NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTORS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Base quantity.--The term `base quantity', with
respect to a retail electricity or natural gas distributor,
means the total quantity of electric energy or natural gas
delivered by the retail electricity or natural gas distributor
to retail customers (other than to an electricity distributor
for purposes of electric generation) during the most recent
calendar year for which information is available.
``(2) CHP savings.--
``(A) In general.--The term `CHP savings' means the
increment of electric output of a new combined heat and
power system that is attributable to the higher
efficiency of the combined system (as compared to the
efficiency of separate production of the electric and
thermal outputs), as determined in accordance with such
regulations as the Secretary may promulgate.
``(B) Related definition.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the term `new combined heat and power
system' means a system that uses the same energy source
for the generation of electrical or mechanical power
and the production of steam or another form of useful
thermal energy, if--
``(i) the facility at which the system is
used meets such requirements relating to
efficiency and other operating characteristics
as the Secretary may promulgate by regulation;
``(ii) the net wholesale sales of
electricity by the facility will not exceed 50
percent of total annual electric generation by
the facility; and
``(iii) the facility commences operation
after June 30, 2007.
``(3) Customer facility savings.--The term `customer
facility savings' means a reduction in end-use electricity or
natural gas consumption (including recycled energy savings) at
a facility of an end-use consumer of electricity or natural gas
served by a retail electricity or natural gas distributor, as
compared to--
``(A) consumption at that facility during a base
year;
``(B) in the case of new equipment, regardless of
whether the new equipment replaces existing equipment
at the end of the useful life of the existing
equipment, consumption by the new equipment of average
efficiency; or
``(C) in the case of a new facility, consumption at
a reference facility.
``(4) Electricity savings.--The term `electricity savings'
means, as determined in accordance with such regulations as the
Secretary may promulgate--
``(A) customer facility savings of electricity
consumption, adjusted to reflect any associated
increase in fuel consumption at the facility;
``(B) reductions in distribution system losses of
electricity achieved by a retail electricity
distributor, as compared to losses attributable to new
or replacement distribution system equipment of average
efficiency (as defined in regulations to be promulgated
by the Secretary); and
``(C) CHP savings.
``(5) Natural gas savings.--The term `natural gas savings'
means, as determined in accordance with such regulations as the
Secretary may promulgate--
``(A) customer facility savings of natural gas,
adjusted to reflect any associated increase in
electricity consumption at the facility; and
``(B) reductions in leakage, operational losses,
and gas fuel consumption in the operation of a gas
distribution system achieved by a retail gas
distributor, as compared to similar losses during a
base year.
``(6) Recycled energy savings.--The term `recycled energy
savings' means a reduction in electricity or natural gas
consumption that is attributable to electrical or mechanical
power (or both), or thermal energy, produced by modifying an
industrial or commercial system that was in operation before
July 1, 2007, in order to recapture energy that would otherwise
be wasted.
``(7) Retail electricity or natural gas distributor.--The
term `retail electricity or natural gas distributor' means a
person or Federal or State agency that--
``(A) owns or operates an electric or natural gas
distribution facility; and
``(B) using the facility, delivers to consumers of
the energy that are not affiliated with, and that are
not lessees or tenants of, the person or agency, during
the most recent calendar year for which data are
available--
``(i) more than 800,000 megawatt hours of
electricity; or
``(ii) more than 1,000,000,000 cubic feet
of natural gas.
``(8) Verified electricity or natural gas savings.--The
term `verified electricity or natural gas savings' means
electricity savings or natural gas savings that meet the
requirements of subsection (c).
``(b) Performance Standard.--
``(1) In general.--For calendar year 2010, and each
calendar year thereafter, each retail electricity or natural
gas distributor shall submit to the Secretary, by not later
than March 31 of the calendar year after the applicable
calendar year, a number of credits issued under subsection (d)
equal to the following percentages of the base quantity of the
retail electricity or natural gas distributor applicable to the
calendar year:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electricity
Year Credits (%) Natural Gas Credits (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 0.5 0.3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011 1.25 0.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2012 2.0 1.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2013 3.0 1.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014 4.0 2.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015 5.0 2.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016 6.0 3.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017 7.0 3.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018 8.0 4.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 9.0 4.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2020 10.0 5.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``(2) Subsequent calendar years.--For calendar year 2021
and each calendar year thereafter, each retail electricity or
natural gas distributor shall submit to the Secretary, by not
later than March 31 of the calendar year after the applicable
calendar year, a number of credits issued under subsection (d)
equal to such a percentage of the base quantity of the retail
electricity or natural gas distributor as the Secretary may
determine, by regulation, but in no case less than the
applicable percentage for calendar year 2020.
``(c) Measurement and Verification of Savings.--Not later than June
30, 2009, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations regarding
measurement and verification of electricity and natural gas savings
under this section, including--
``(1) procedures and standards for defining and measuring
electricity savings and natural gas savings that will be
eligible to receive credits under subsection (d)(2), which
shall--
``(A) specify the types of energy efficiency and
energy conservation measures that will be eligible for
the credits;
``(B) require that energy consumption estimates for
customer facilities or portions of facilities in the
applicable base and current years be adjusted, as
appropriate, to account for changes in weather, level
of production, and building area;
``(C) account for the useful life of electricity
savings measures;
``(D) include deemed savings values for specific,
commonly-used efficiency measures;
``(E) specify the extent to which electricity
savings and natural gas savings attributable to
measures carried out before July 1, 2007, are eligible
to receive credits under this section; and
``(F) exclude savings that--
``(i) are not properly attributable to
measures carried out by the entity seeking the
credit (or a designated agent of the entity);
or
``(ii) have already been credited under
this section to another entity; and
``(2) procedures and standards for third-party verification
of reported electricity savings or natural gas savings.
``(d) Credit and Trading System.--
``(1) Credit regulations.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than June 30, 2009,
the Secretary shall promulgate regulations regarding--
``(i) the issuance of credits under this
section;
``(ii) a national credit trading system;
and
``(iii) a system for independent monitoring
of the market for the credits.
``(B) Limitations.--In promulgating regulations
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may establish
such limitations as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate with respect to the extent to which a
retail electricity or natural gas distributor may
achieve compliance with subsection (b) by submitting
credits issued for electricity or natural gas savings
that are not customer facility savings at a facility
served by the retail electricity or natural gas
distributor.
``(C) Requirement.--In promulgating regulations
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide for
the issuance of appropriate credits for the mechanical
output of new combined heat and power systems.
``(2) Issuance of credits.--In accordance with the
regulations promulgated under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall issue credits for--
``(A) verified electricity and natural gas savings
achieved by a retail electricity or natural gas
distributor in a certain calendar year; and
``(B) verified electricity and natural gas savings
achieved by other entities (including State agencies),
if--
``(i)(I) no retail electricity or natural
gas distributor paid a substantial portion of
the cost of achieving the savings; or
``(II) if a retail electricity or natural
gas distributor paid a substantial portion of
the cost of achieving the savings, the retail
electricity or natural gas distributor has
waived any entitlement to the credit; and
``(ii) the measures used to achieve the
verified electricity and natural gas savings
were installed or placed in operation by the
entity seeking certification (or a designated
agent of the entity).
``(3) Value of credits.--A credit issued by the Secretary
under this subsection shall have a value of--
``(A) 1,000 kilowatt-hours, in the case of an
electricity savings credit; or
``(B) 10 therms, in the case of a natural gas
savings credit.
``(4) Fee.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary shall charge the recipient of a credit under
this section a fee in an amount equal to, as determined
by the Secretary, the administrative costs of issuing,
recording, monitoring the sale or exchange of, and
receiving the credit.
``(B) Maximum amount.--Notwithstanding subparagraph
(A), the amount of a fee under this paragraph shall be
not more than, as applicable--
``(i) $1 for a electric credit; or
``(ii) $0.10 for a natural gas credit.
``(C) Use of funds.--The Secretary shall use fees
received under this paragraph for the administrative
costs of carrying out this subsection.
``(5) Credit sale and use.--In accordance with regulations
promulgated under paragraph (1), any entity that receives a
credit under this section may--
``(A) sell or transfer the credit to any other
entity; or
``(B) use the credit to achieve compliance with the
performance standard under subsection (b).
``(e) Buyout Option.--In lieu of submitting credits to achieve
compliance with an applicable performance standard under subsection (b)
for a calendar year, a retail electricity or natural gas distributor
may pay to the Secretary, by not later than March 31 of the following
calendar year, a buyout fee in an amount equal to, as adjusted for
inflation in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may
promulgate--
``(1) $20 for each electricity savings credit otherwise
required to be submitted by the retail electricity or natural
gas distributor; or
``(2) $2 for each natural gas savings credit otherwise
required to be submitted by the retail electricity or natural
gas distributor.
``(f) State Administration.--On receipt of an application from the
Governor of a State, the Secretary may authorize the State to
administer and enforce an energy efficiency program in the State in
lieu of the program under this section, if the Secretary determines
that the State program will achieve electricity savings and natural gas
savings at least equivalent to the electricity savings and natural gas
savings that would be required to be achieved by electricity and
natural gas distributors in the State under this section.
``(g) Information and Reports.--In accordance with section 13 of
the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 774), the
Secretary may require any retail electricity or natural gas distributor
or other entity that receives a credit under this section, and any
other entity as the Secretary determines to be necessary, to provide
such information and reports, and access to any records or facility of
the entity, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to carry out
this section.
``(h) Enforcement.--
``(1) Failure to submit credits.--Except in a case in which
a State program is carried out in lieu of the program under
this section under subsection (f), if a retail electricity or
natural gas distributor fails to submit to the Secretary any
credit required for compliance with the applicable performance
standard under subsection (b), or to pay to the Secretary an
applicable buyout payment under subsection (e), the Secretary
shall assess against the retail electricity or natural gas
distributor a civil penalty for each such failure in an amount
equal to, as adjusted for inflation in accordance with such
regulations as the Secretary may promulgate--
``(A) $100 for each electricity savings credit or
buyout payment failed to be made by the retail
electricity or natural gas distributor; or
``(B) $10 for each natural gas savings credit or
buyout payment failed to be made by the retail
electricity or natural gas distributor.
``(2) Procedure.--The procedures under section 31(c) of the
Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 823b(c)) shall apply to a civil
penalty assessed under paragraph (1).
``(i) State Law.--Nothing in this section supersedes or otherwise
affects any State or local law (including regulations) relating to
electricity savings or natural gas savings, to the extent that the
State or local law requires equal or greater electricity savings or
natural gas saving than the savings required by this section.''. | Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require the Secretary of Energy to promulgate regulations regarding: (1) the issuance of credits for electricity and natural gas savings; (2) a national credit trading system; and (3) a system for independent monitoring of the market for such credits.
Requires retail electricity or natural gas distributors to submit annually to the Secretary: (1) for each of calendar years 2010-2020 a number of credits equal to specified percentages of the base quantity of electricity or natural gas they delivered to retail customers in the most recent year; and (2) for 2021 and thereafter a number of credits equal to a percentage of such base quantity as the Secretary may determine, but in no case less than the percentage for 2020.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations regarding measurement and verification of electricity and natural gas savings under this Act; and (2) issue credits for verified savings by such distributors and by other entities. Establishes credit values of: (1) 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity; and (2) 10 therms of natural gas.
Authorizes any entity that receives a credit to: (1) sell or transfer the credit to any other entity; or (2) use the credit to achieve compliance with submission requirements under this Act. Authorizes a distributor to pay the Secretary a buyout fee of $20 for each electricity savings credit or $2 for each natural gas savings credit in lieu of submitting credits.
Provides for: (1) state energy efficiency programs in lieu of the program under this Act; and (2) civil penalties for failure to comply with credit submission or buyout requirements. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish an energy efficiency resource standard for retail electricity and natural gas distributors."} | 3,390 | 340 | 0.516904 | 1.50422 | 0.711607 | 3.464832 | 9.16208 | 0.957187 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mentoring America's Children Act of
2007''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO MENTORING PROGRAMS.
(a) Purpose; Definitions.--Section 4130(a) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7140(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``achievement
of such children'' and inserting ``outcomes of such
children by improving their school connectedness,
decreasing absenteeism, and increasing academic
performance'';
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) to foster character education.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``or who lacks strong
positive role models'' and inserting ``who lacks strong
positive role models, is a foster youth, or has 1 or both
parents incarcerated'';
(3) in paragraph (2)(B)(iii), by striking ``a partnership
between a local educational agency and a nonprofit, community-
based organization'' and inserting ``a consortium between 1 or
more local educational agencies, nonprofit community-based
organizations, and other partners, such as corporations,
universities, or foster care group homes''; and
(4) in paragraph (2)(C)(iii), by inserting ``and
successful'' after ``responsible''.
(b) Grant Program.--Section 4130(b) of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7140(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``this subpart under section 4003(2)'' and
inserting ``this section under subsection (d)'';
(2) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``(particularly'' and
all that follows through ``failure)'' and inserting ``,
particularly children living in rural, suburban, or urban areas
facing high rates of crime, gang involvement, drug use,
dropouts, or youth suicides,'';
(3) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking clauses (vi) and
(viii) and inserting the following:
``(vi) Encourage setting goals and planning
for the future, including encouragement of
graduation from secondary school, planning for
postsecondary education or training, and
participating in internships.
``(vii) Discourage involvement in gangs.'';
(4) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (J), by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(K) information regarding the staffing plan and
levels the eligible entity will use to monitor the
mentor/mentee match over the duration of the match; and
``(L) information regarding the eligible entity's
sustainability plan, specifically how the eligible
entity will meet the required match, which is--
``(i) in year 1 of the grant, not less than
10 percent of the amount awarded for that year;
``(ii) in year 2 of the grant, not less
than 25 percent of the amount awarded for that
year;
``(iii) in year 3 of the grant, not less
than 50 percent of the amount awarded for that
year; and
``(iv) for an entity receiving subsequent
funding under paragraph (5)(E), in all 3 years
of the grant the match shall be not less than
50 percent of the amount awarded for that
year.'';
(5) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (B)(i) and inserting
the following:
``(i) serves children with greatest need
living in rural areas, high-crime areas,
troubled home environments, or communities with
a high rate of youth suicide, who attended
school with violence problems, or who are
foster children;'';
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``urban and
rural'' and inserting ``urban, suburban, and
rural'';
(ii) in clause (ii)(II), by inserting after
``organizations,'' the following:
``children,''; and
(iii) in clause (iii), by inserting after
``mentoring program'' the following: ``and
sustain it for the duration of the grant and
beyond''; and
(C) by adding at the end following:
``(E) Subsequent grants.--In awarding grants under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider entities
who have received funding in a prior grant cycle for a
new grant only if each of the following criteria is
met:
``(i) Performance during the initial grant
was satisfactory in terms of program design and
numbers of children served.
``(ii) The subsequent grant will
exclusively support expanded service to a new
geographic area or target population.
``(iii) The eligible entity demonstrates
that it is able to provide a 50 percent match
to Federal funds for all 3 years of the new
grant.
``(F) Policy on one entity having two grants at
same time.--In awarding grants under subparagraph (A),
the Secretary may have in effect a policy under which
an entity is prohibited from having 2 grants at the
same time. However, such a policy shall not prohibit an
entity from having 2 grants at the same time when the
periods of the 2 grants overlap by 3 months or less.''.
(c) Additional Provisions.--Section 4130 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7140) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(c) Ensuring Quality Grants.--
``(1) Support for grantees.--In order to ensure the
strongest possible outcomes for children mentored through this
section, the Secretary shall--
``(A) provide training and technical assistance to
grant recipients, beginning in year 1 and continuing
throughout the span of the grant;
``(B) track the mentoring practices and outcomes of
all grant recipients throughout the 3-year span of the
grant utilizing a robust online tracking and evaluation
system; and
``(C) submit an annual report to Congress detailing
the number of children served by grant recipients and
the outcomes achieved for those children.
``(2) Research on school-based mentoring.--In order to
ensure that grant recipients have access to the most current
research-based knowledge about building and carrying out strong
and effective mentoring programs, the Secretary shall do the
following:
``(A) Consult with leading mentoring organizations
and researchers, including the Federal Mentoring
Council and the National Mentoring Working Group, to
determine priorities for research on school-based
mentoring and appropriate research design, with
consideration for--
``(i) determining the ideal school
environments in which school-based mentoring
succeeds;
``(ii) identifying techniques for matching
children with specific characteristics (such as
age, academic situation, risk factors) with the
most appropriate mentoring models;
``(iii) determining the ideal
infrastructure needed to foster the expansion
of school-based mentoring in a sustainable way;
and
``(iv) refining best practices, match
activities, and a range of mentoring models to
lead to the best possible outcomes for
children.
``(B) Issue grants or contracts to high-quality
research entities to perform research on the priorities
identified in subparagraph (A), with the following
criteria:
``(i) The proposed research design shall
meet accepted standards within the academic
community.
``(ii) All research results and findings
shall be widely disseminated to existing
grantees and to the larger mentoring community.
``(C) Issue grants or contracts only if amount
appropriated for each fiscal year under subsection
(d)(1) exceeds $50,000,000.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations; Reservation of Certain
Amounts.--
``(1) Authorization.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal
year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding
fiscal year.
``(2) Reservations.--Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall
reserve--
``(A) not more than 5 percent of the amount
appropriated for that fiscal year under paragraph (1)
for expenditure on support for grantees as authorized
by subsection (c)(1); and
``(B) not more than 10 percent of the amount
appropriated for that fiscal year under paragraph (1)
for expenditure on research as authorized by subsection
(c)(2).''.
(d) Revisions to Other Education Programs.--
(1) Inclusion of mentoring for minority programs.--
(A) Section 7121(c)(1) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7441(c)(1))
is amended--
(i) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``,
including mentoring,'' after ``programs and
projects''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (J), by inserting ``,
including mentoring,'' after ``programs''.
(B) Section 7205(a)(3) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7515(a)(3))
is amended--
(i) in subparagraph (H)(ii), by inserting
``, including mentoring'' after ``programs'';
and
(ii) in subparagraph (I)(iii), by inserting
``, mentoring,'' after ``counseling''.
(C) Section 7304(a)(2)(P) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7544(a)(2)(P)) is amended by inserting ``or mentoring
programs'' after ``program''.
(2) Transition services.--Section 1418(a)(2)(C) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6438(a)(2)(C)) is amended--
(A) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (v), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(vi) youth mentoring programs.''.
(3) National safe and drug-free schools programs.--Section
4121(a)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7131(a)(2)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (D), by adding ``and'' at the
end; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) school and community-based mentoring
programs;''. | Mentoring America's Children Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to make miscellaneous changes to the Mentoring grant program under title IV that include: (1) improvement of school connectedness and character education among mentoring's purposes; (2) corporations, universities, foster care group homes, and other entities among program providers; (3) a requirement that mentors help children become responsible and successful adults; (4) foster youth, children with an incarcerated parent, suburban children in high crime areas, and children living in high gang involvement, drug use, dropout, or youth suicide areas among those most in need of mentoring; (5) children's participation in internships as a program goal; (6) mandatory information on grant applicants about plans for monitoring mentor/mentee matches and the satisfaction of grant matching requirements that increase from 10% to 50% over the three-year grant term; and (7) entities serving foster children or children living in high youth suicide areas as priority grant recipients.
Allows grantees to be considered for new grants if: (1) their prior performance was satisfactory; (2) they propose to use the new grant exclusively for expanded service to a new area or population; and (3) they are able to provide a 50% match to the new grant funds.
Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) provide training and technical assistance to, and track and evaluate the performance of, grantees; and (2) arrange for research on school-based mentoring, the results of which are to be provided to the mentoring community.
Includes mentoring in ESEA programs for: (1) Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native education; (2) the transitioning of youth offenders into education; and (3) school violence and drug abuse prevention. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to strengthen mentoring programs, and for other purposes."} | 2,522 | 367 | 0.56116 | 1.813313 | 0.748455 | 1.994413 | 6.449721 | 0.832402 |
TITLE I--SILVER ALERT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
SECTION 101. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``National Silver Alert Act of
2011''.
SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this title:
(1) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(2) Missing senior.--The term ``missing senior'' refers to
any individual who--
(A) is reported to, or identified by, a law
enforcement agency as a missing person; and
(B) meets the requirements to be designated as a
missing senior, as determined by the State in which the
individual is reported or identified as a missing
person.
SEC. 103. SILVER ALERT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
The Attorney General shall, subject to the availability of
appropriations under section 107, establish a national Silver Alert
communications network within the Department of Justice to provide
assistance to regional and local search efforts for missing seniors
through the initiation, facilitation, and promotion of local elements
of the network (known as Silver Alert plans) in coordination with
States, units of local government, law enforcement agencies, and other
concerned entities with expertise in providing services to seniors.
SEC. 104. SILVER ALERT COORDINATOR.
(a) National Coordinator Within Department of Justice.--The
Attorney General shall designate an individual of the Department of
Justice to act as the national coordinator of the Silver Alert
communications network. The individual so designated shall be known as
the Silver Alert Coordinator of the Department of Justice (referred to
in this title as the ``Coordinator'').
(b) Duties of the Coordinator.--In acting as the national
coordinator of the Silver Alert communications network, the Coordinator
shall--
(1) work with States to encourage the development of
additional Silver Alert plans in the network;
(2) establish voluntary guidelines for States to use in
developing Silver Alert plans that will promote compatible and
integrated Silver Alert plans throughout the United States,
including--
(A) a list of the resources necessary to establish
a Silver Alert plan;
(B) criteria for evaluating whether a situation
warrants issuing a Silver Alert, taking into
consideration the need for the use of such Alerts to be
limited in scope because the effectiveness of the
Silver Alert communications network may be affected by
overuse, including criteria to determine--
(i) whether the mental capacity of a senior
who is missing, and the circumstances of his or
her disappearance, warrant the issuance a
Silver Alert; and
(ii) whether the individual who reports
that a senior is missing is an appropriate and
credible source on which to base the issuance
of a Silver Alert;
(C) a description of the appropriate uses of the
Silver Alert name to readily identify the nature of
search efforts for missing seniors; and
(D) recommendations on how to protect the privacy,
dignity, independence, and autonomy of any missing
senior who may be the subject of a Silver Alert;
(3) develop proposed protocols for efforts to recover
missing seniors and to reduce the number of seniors who are
reported missing, including protocols for procedures that are
needed from the time of initial notification of a law
enforcement agency that the senior is missing through the time
of the return of the senior to family, guardian, or domicile,
as appropriate, including--
(A) public safety communications protocol;
(B) case management protocol;
(C) command center operations;
(D) reunification protocol; and
(E) incident review, evaluation, debriefing, and
public information procedures;
(4) work with States to ensure appropriate regional
coordination of various elements of the network;
(5) establish an advisory group to assist States, units of
local government, law enforcement agencies, and other entities
involved in the Silver Alert communications network with
initiating, facilitating, and promoting Silver Alert plans,
which shall include--
(A) to the maximum extent practicable,
representation from the various geographic regions of
the United States; and
(B) members who are--
(i) representatives of senior citizen
advocacy groups, law enforcement agencies, and
public safety communications;
(ii) broadcasters, first responders,
dispatchers, and radio station personnel; and
(iii) representatives of any other
individuals or organizations that the
Coordinator determines are necessary to the
success of the Silver Alert communications
network; and
(6) act as the nationwide point of contact for--
(A) the development of the network; and
(B) regional coordination of alerts for missing
seniors through the network.
(c) Coordination.--
(1) Coordination with other agencies.--The Coordinator
shall coordinate and consult with the Secretary of
Transportation, the Federal Communications Commission, the
Assistant Secretary for Aging of the Department of Health and
Human Services, the head of the Missing Alzheimer's Disease
Patient Alert Program, and other appropriate offices of the
Department of Justice in carrying out activities under this
title.
(2) State and local coordination.--The Coordinator shall
consult with local broadcasters and State and local law
enforcement agencies in establishing minimum standards under
section 105 and in carrying out other activities under this
title, as appropriate.
(d) Annual Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Coordinator shall
submit to Congress a report on the activities of the Coordinator and
the effectiveness and status of the Silver Alert plans of each State
that has established or is in the process of establishing such a plan.
Each such report shall include--
(1) a list of States that have established Silver Alert
plans;
(2) a list of States that are in the process of
establishing Silver Alert plans;
(3) for each State that has established such a plan, to the
extent the data is available--
(A) the number of Silver Alerts issued;
(B) the number of individuals located successfully;
(C) the average period of time between the issuance
of a Silver Alert and the location of the individual
for whom such Alert was issued;
(D) the State agency or authority issuing Silver
Alerts, and the process by which Silver Alerts are
disseminated;
(E) the cost of establishing and operating such a
plan;
(F) the criteria used by the State to determine
whether to issue a Silver Alert; and
(G) the extent to which missing individuals for
whom Silver Alerts were issued crossed State lines;
(4) actions States have taken to protect the privacy and
dignity of the individuals for whom Silver Alerts are issued;
(5) ways that States have facilitated and improved
communication about missing individuals between families,
caregivers, law enforcement officials, and other authorities;
and
(6) any other information the Coordinator determines to be
appropriate.
SEC. 105. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ISSUANCE AND DISSEMINATION OF ALERTS
THROUGH SILVER ALERT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
(a) Establishment of Minimum Standards.--Subject to subsection (b),
the Coordinator shall establish minimum standards for--
(1) the issuance of alerts through the Silver Alert
communications network; and
(2) the extent of the dissemination of alerts issued
through the network.
(b) Limitations.--
(1) Voluntary participation.--The minimum standards
established under subsection (a) of this section, and any other
guidelines and programs established under section 104, shall be
adoptable on a voluntary basis only.
(2) Dissemination of information.--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 appropriate information
relating to the special needs of a missing senior (including
health care needs) are disseminated to the appropriate law
enforcement, public health, and other public officials.
(3) Geographic areas.--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 Silver
Alert communications network be limited to the geographic areas
which the missing senior could reasonably reach, considering
the missing senior's circumstances and physical and mental
condition, the modes of transportation available to the missing
senior, and the circumstances of the disappearance.
(4) Age requirements.--The minimum standards shall not
include any specific age requirement for an individual to be
classified as a missing senior for purposes of the Silver Alert
communication network. Age requirements for determinations of
whether an individual is a missing senior shall be determined
by each State, and may vary from State to State.
(5) Privacy and civil liberties protections.--The minimum
standards shall--
(A) ensure that alerts issued through the Silver
Alert communications network comply with all applicable
Federal, State, and local privacy laws and regulations;
and
(B) include standards that specifically provide for
the protection of the civil liberties and sensitive
medical information of missing seniors.
(6) State and local voluntary coordination.--In carrying
out the 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 Silver Alert communications
network.
SEC. 106. TRAINING AND OTHER RESOURCES.
(a) Training and Educational Programs.--The Coordinator shall make
available to States, units of local government, law enforcement
agencies, and other concerned entities that are involved in initiating,
facilitating, or promoting Silver Alert plans, including broadcasters,
first responders, dispatchers, public safety communications personnel,
and radio station personnel--
(1) training and educational programs related to the Silver
Alert communication network and the capabilities, limitations,
and anticipated behaviors of missing seniors, which shall be
updated regularly to encourage the use of new tools,
technologies, and resources in Silver Alert plans; and
(2) informational materials, including brochures, videos,
posters, and Web sites to support and supplement such training
and educational programs.
(b) Coordination.--The Coordinator shall coordinate--
(1) with the Assistant Secretary for Aging of the
Department of Health and Human Services in developing the
training and educational programs and materials under
subsection (a); and
(2) with the head of the Missing Alzheimer's Disease
Patient Alert Program within the Department of Justice, to
determine if any existing material with respect to training
programs or educational materials developed or used as part of
such Patient Alert Program are appropriate and may be used for
the programs under subsection (a).
SEC. 107. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SILVER ALERT
COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of
Justice such sums as may be necessary to carry out the Silver Alert
communications network as authorized under this title.
SEC. 108. GRANT PROGRAM FOR SUPPORT OF SILVER ALERT PLANS.
(a) Grant Program.--Subject to the availability of appropriations
to carry out this section, the Attorney General shall carry out a
program to provide grants to States for the development and enhancement
of programs and activities for the support of Silver Alert plans and
the Silver Alert communications network.
(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 Silver
Alert plans;
(2) the development and implementation of law enforcement
programs, and associated equipment, relating to Silver Alert
plans;
(3) the development and implementation of new technologies
to improve Silver Alert communications; and
(4) such other activities as the Attorney General considers
appropriate for supporting the Silver Alert communications
network.
(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 Grants 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 to the
Department of Justice $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years
2012 through 2014 to carry out this section and, in addition,
$5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2014 to
carry out subsection (b)(3).
(2) Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of
appropriations in paragraph (1) shall remain available until
expended.
TITLE II--KRISTEN'S ACT REAUTHORIZATION
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as ``Kristen's Act Reauthorization of
2011''.
SEC. 202. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Every year thousands of adults become missing due to
advanced age, diminished mental capacity, or foul play. Often
there is no information regarding the whereabouts of these
adults and many of them are never reunited with their families.
(2) Missing adults are at great risk of both physical harm
and sexual exploitation.
(3) In most cases, families and local law enforcement
officials have neither the resources nor the expertise to
undertake appropriate search efforts for a missing adult.
(4) The search for a missing adult requires cooperation and
coordination among Federal, State, and local law enforcement
agencies and assistance from distant communities where the
adult may be located.
(5) Federal assistance is urgently needed to help with
coordination among such agencies.
SEC. 203. GRANTS FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF ORGANIZATIONS TO FIND MISSING
ADULTS.
(a) Grants.--
(1) Grant program.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations to carry out this section, the Attorney General
shall make competitive grants to public agencies or nonprofit
private organizations, or combinations thereof, to--
(A) maintain a national resource center and
information clearinghouse for missing and unidentified
adults;
(B) maintain a national, interconnected database
for the purpose of tracking missing adults who are
determined by law enforcement to be endangered due to
age, diminished mental capacity, or the circumstances
of disappearance, when foul play is suspected or
circumstances are unknown;
(C) coordinate public and private programs that
locate or recover missing adults or reunite missing
adults with their families;
(D) provide assistance and training to law
enforcement agencies, State and local governments,
elements of the criminal justice system, nonprofit
organizations, and individuals in the prevention,
investigation, prosecution, and treatment of cases
involving missing adults;
(E) provide assistance to families in locating and
recovering missing adults; and
(F) assist in public notification and victim
advocacy related to missing adults.
(2) Applications.--The Attorney General shall periodically
solicit applications for grants under this section by
publishing a request for applications in the Federal Register
and by posting such a request on the Web site of the Department
of Justice.
(b) Other Duties.--The Attorney General shall--
(1) coordinate programs relating to missing adults that are
funded by the Federal Government; and
(2) encourage coordination between State and local law
enforcement and public agencies and nonprofit private
organizations receiving a grant pursuant to subsection (a).
SEC. 204. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2014. | National Silver Alert Act of 2011 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish a national Silver Alert communications network within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to assist regional and local search efforts for missing seniors; (2) assign a DOJ officer to serve as the Silver Alert Coordinator to coordinate the network with states; and (3) award grants to states for support of Silver Alert plans and the network. Defines "missing senior" as any individual who is reported as missing to or by a law enforcement agency and who meets state requirements for designation as a missing senior.
Directs the Coordinator to: (1) establish minimum standards for the issuance and dissemination of alerts issued through the network; and (2) make available to states, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and other concerned entities network training and information.
Kristen's Act Reauthorization of 2011 - Directs the Attorney General to make competitive grants to public agencies and/or nonprofit private organizations to: (1) maintain a national resource center and database for tracking missing adults; and (2) provide assistance and to law enforcement agencies, families, and victim advocates in locating and recovering missing adults. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To encourage, enhance, and integrate Silver Alert plans throughout the United States, to authorize grants for the assistance of organizations to find missing adults, and for other purposes."} | 3,327 | 235 | 0.6842 | 2.16189 | 0.926816 | 3.137168 | 14.265487 | 0.924779 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Drought Policy Act of
1998''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the United States often suffers serious economic and
environmental losses from severe regional droughts and there is no
coordinated Federal strategy to respond to such emergencies;
(2) at the Federal level, even though historically there have
been frequent, significant droughts of national consequences,
drought is addressed mainly through special legislation and ad hoc
action rather than through a systematic and permanent process as
occurs with other natural disasters;
(3) there is an increasing need, particularly at the Federal
level, to emphasize preparedness, mitigation, and risk management
(rather than simply crisis management) when addressing drought and
other natural disasters or emergencies;
(4) several Federal agencies have a role in drought from
predicting, forecasting, and monitoring of drought conditions to
the provision of planning, technical, and financial assistance;
(5) there is no single Federal agency in a lead or coordinating
role with regard to drought;
(6) State, local, and tribal governments have had to deal
individually and separately with each Federal agency involved in
drought assistance; and
(7) the President should appoint an advisory commission to
provide advice and recommendations on the creation of an
integrated, coordinated Federal policy designed to prepare for,
mitigate the impacts of, respond to, and recover from serious
drought emergencies.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known
as the National Drought Policy Commission (hereafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Commission'').
(b) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 16
members. The members of the Commission shall include--
(A) the Secretary of Agriculture, or the designee of the
Secretary, who shall chair the Commission;
(B) the Secretary of the Interior, or the designee of the
Secretary;
(C) the Secretary of the Army, or the designee of the
Secretary;
(D) the Secretary of Commerce, or the designee of the
Secretary;
(E) the Director of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, or the designee of the Director;
(F) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration,
or the designee of the Administrator;
(G) two persons nominated by the National Governors'
Association and appointed by the President, of whom--
(i) one shall be the governor of a State east of the
Mississippi River; and
(ii) one shall be a governor of a State west of the
Mississippi River;
(H) a person nominated by the National Association of
Counties and appointed by the President;
(I) a person nominated by the United States Conference of
Mayors and appointed by the President; and
(J) six persons, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture
in coordination with the Secretary of the Interior and the
Secretary of the Army, who shall be representative of groups
acutely affected by drought emergencies, such as the
agricultural production community, the credit community, rural
and urban water associations, Native Americans, and fishing and
environmental interests.
(2) Date.--The appointments of the members of the Commission
shall be made no later than 60 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(c) Period of Appointment; Vacancies.--Members shall be appointed
for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not
affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the
original appointment.
(d) Initial Meeting.--No later than 30 days after the date on which
all members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall
hold its first meeting.
(e) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the chair.
(f) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(g) Vice Chair.--The Commission shall select a vice chair from
among the members who are not Federal officers or employees.
SEC. 4. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Study and Report.--The Commission shall conduct a thorough
study and submit a report on national drought policy in accordance with
this section.
(b) Content of Study and Report.--In conducting the study and
report, the Commission shall--
(1) determine, in consultation with the National Drought
Mitigation Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, and other appropriate
entities, what needs exist on the Federal, State, local, and tribal
levels to prepare for and respond to drought emergencies;
(2) review all existing Federal laws and programs relating to
drought;
(3) review State, local, and tribal laws and programs relating
to drought that the Commission finds pertinent;
(4) determine what differences exist between the needs of those
affected by drought and the Federal laws and programs designed to
mitigate the impacts of and respond to drought;
(5) collaborate with the Western Drought Coordination Council
and other appropriate entities in order to consider regional
drought initiatives and the application of such initiatives at the
national level;
(6) make recommendations on how Federal drought laws and
programs can be better integrated with ongoing State, local, and
tribal programs into a comprehensive national policy to mitigate
the impacts of and respond to drought emergencies without
diminishing the rights of States to control water through State law
and considering the need for protection of the environment;
(7) make recommendations on improving public awareness of the
need for drought mitigation, and prevention; and response on
developing a coordinated approach to drought mitigation,
prevention, and response by governmental and nongovernmental
entities, including academic, private, and nonprofit interests; and
(8) include a recommendation on whether all Federal drought
preparation and response programs should be consolidated under one
existing Federal agency and, if so, identify such agency.
(c) Submission of Report.--
(1) In general.--No later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit a report to the
President and Congress which shall contain a detailed statement of
the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its
recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as
it considers appropriate.
(2) Approval of report.--Before submission of the report, the
contents of the report shall be approved by unanimous consent or
majority vote. If the report is approved by majority vote, members
voting not to approve the contents shall be given the opportunity
to submit dissenting views with the report.
SEC. 5. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act
at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such
evidence as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the
purposes of this Act.
(b) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the
Commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Upon request of the chair of the Commission, the head of such
department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission.
(c) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
(d) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.
SEC. 6. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) Compensation of Members.--Each member of the Commission who is
not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall not be
compensated for service on the Commission, except as provided under
subsection (b). All members of the Commission who are officers or
employees of the United States shall serve without compensation in
addition to that received for their services as officers or employees
of the United States.
(b) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Commission shall be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at
rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes
or regular places of business in the performance of services for the
Commission.
(c) Detail of Government Employees.--Any Federal Government
employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and
such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service
status or privilege.
(d) Administrative Support.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
provide all financial, administrative, and staff support services for
the Commission.
SEC. 7. TERMINATION OF THE COMMISSION.
The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the
Commission submits its report under section 4.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | National Drought Policy Act of 1998 - Establishes a National Drought Commission which shall: (1) review Federal, State, local, and tribal laws and programs and provide recommendations on a national drought policy; and (2) report to the President and the Congress. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "National Drought Policy Act of 1998"} | 1,888 | 69 | 0.561981 | 1.381702 | 0.62502 | 2.952381 | 28.714286 | 0.920635 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``YMCA Healthy Teen Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Adolescence is an ideal time to promote good physical
health. Positive and negative behaviors in adolescence tend to
carry over into adulthood.
(2) Unfortunately, many American teenagers exhibit
behaviors that compromise their present and future health.
(3) Many adolescents are not very active and many do not
have a healthy diet. Insufficient physical activity and poor
nutrition play roles in obesity, coronary heart disease,
stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
(4) Other health risk factors for teens include tobacco
use, drug and alcohol use, mental health problems, and
dangerous behaviors that lead to injury and violence.
(5) It is clear that the health of our youth is in danger.
(6) The YMCA movement--in its history, strengths and
commitments--is in a unique position to tackle this public
health problem.
(7) Research has shown that YMCA programs have a powerful
influence on adolescent behavior, both protecting young people
from many different problem behaviors and promoting positive
attitudes and behaviors.
(8) Recognizing the unique obstacles faced by teenagers,
the YMCA has launched the Teen Action Agenda, a nationwide
campaign to dramatically expand programs that serve teens.
(9) In more than 1,900 YMCAs across the United States in
cities large and small, in neighborhoods rich and poor, teen
groups meet regularly and engage one another in safe,
wholesome, educational, recreational and creative activities.
(10) YMCAs serve people of all faiths, races, abilities,
ages, and incomes.
(11) Approximately 400 YMCAs partner with juvenile courts,
300 partner with public housing developments, 1,550 partner
with elementary schools, and 1,033 partner with high schools.
(12) The YMCA is especially committed to reaching teens
that are most at-risk for exhibiting health-compromising
behaviors.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Local ymca.--The term ``local YMCA'' means one of the
approximately 2,400 locally incorporated and governed YMCAs in
the United States.
(2) Teen and teenager.--The terms ``teen'' and ``teenager''
mean any individual between the ages of 11 and 19.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
(4) Ymca of the usa.--The term ``YMCA of the USA'' means
the private, nonprofit, national membership and service
organization of approximately 2,400 local YMCAs.
SEC. 4. GRANTS TO THE YMCA OF THE USA TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING AMONG
TEENS.
(a) Purposes.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Secretary shall award a grant to the YMCA of the USA for the
implementation of programs to promote healthy living among teenage
youth.
(b) Subgrants.--From amounts provided under a grant awarded under
subsection (a), the YMCA of the USA shall award subgrants to a local
YMCA, or a consortium of local YMCAs, to be used for expenditures
associated with programs carried out under this Act, including the
hiring of staff and other personnel, procurement of goods, services and
equipment, or such other purposes as are approved by the Secretary.
SEC. 5. USE OF FUNDS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Programs for at-risk teens.--Amounts provided under a
grant under this Act shall be used by the YMCA of the USA to
provide funding to carry out YMCA programs that have a primary
purpose of serving teenage youth at-risk for exhibiting health-
compromising behaviors.
(2) Program requirements.--
(A) Requirement.--Each school- or community-based
program for which assistance is provided under this Act
shall include--
(i) physical activity programs among
teenage youth; and
(ii) nutrition education programs among
teenage youth.
(B) Other permissible uses.--A school- or
community-based program for which assistance is
provided under this Act may also include strategies to
reduce other health risks among teenage youth, such as
alcohol use, tobacco use, drug use, mental health
problems, and dangerous behaviors that lead to injury
and violence.
(b) Funding for Miscellaneous Activities.--From amounts provided
under a grant under this Act for each fiscal year, the YMCA of the USA
shall use--
(1) not less than 2 percent of such amounts for research
and evaluation of subgrants awarded under this Act;
(2) not less than 5 percent of such amounts for targeted
health and wellness program development initiatives focused on
issues such as--
(A) youth and teens;
(B) minority populations;
(C) low-income populations; and
(D) school, hospital and community collaborations;
and
(3) not more than 6 percent of such amounts for the
management and administration of the subgrants awarded under
this Act.
SEC. 6. APPLICATIONS FOR SUBGRANTS.
(a) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a subgrant under this
Act, a local YMCA or consortium of YMCAs shall submit an application to
the YMCA of the USA that shall include--
(1) a request for a subgrant to be used for the purposes of
this Act;
(2) a description of the population to be served by the
subgrant and information demonstrating that this population is
at-risk for exhibiting unhealthy living;
(3) a description of the program to be expanded or
established under the subgrant;
(4) a description of the manner in which the applicant
shall coordinate with appropriate State and local authorities,
such as State and local school departments, State departments
of health, governors councils for physical activity and good
nutrition, and State and local parks and recreation
departments;
(5) a description of the manner in which the applicant will
evaluate the effectiveness of the program carried out under the
subgrant;
(6) information demonstrating that there are non-Federal
contributions (which may be in the form of an in-kind
contribution of goods or services) available to cover at least
50 percent of the total cost of the project to be funded under
the subgrant; and
(7) any additional statistical or financial information
that the YMCA of the USA may reasonably require.
(b) Consideration of Subgrants.--In awarding subgrants under this
Act, the YMCA of the USA shall consider--
(1) the ability of the applicant to provide the intended
services;
(2) the history and establishment of the applicant in
providing teen activities; and
(3) efforts to achieve an equitable geographic distribution
of subgrant awards.
SEC. 7. REPORT.
For each fiscal year for which a grant is awarded under this Act,
the YMCA of the USA shall submit to the Secretary a report that details
the progress of programs funded under this Act.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this Act $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2008.
(b) Continued Availability.--Amounts appropriated to carry out this
Act shall remain available until expended. | YMCA Healthy Teen Act - Directs the Attorney General to award a grant to the YMCA of the USA to make subgrants to local YMCAs for programs to promote healthy living among teenage youth. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent unhealthy, risky behaviors among teenage youth."} | 1,642 | 52 | 0.509639 | 1.3873 | 0.558983 | 4.657143 | 42.171429 | 0.885714 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Young Americans Financial Literacy
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) That 87 percent of Americans believe finance education
should be taught in schools and 92 percent of K-12 teachers
believe that financial education should be taught in school,
but only 12 percent of teachers actually teach the subject.
(2) According to a 2016 survey, 1 in 3 States require high
school students to take a personal finance course, and only 5
States require high school students to take a semester long
personal finance course.
(3) The percentage of Americans grading themselves with an
A or B in personal finance knowledge has declined from 60
percent in 2013 to 56 percent in 2016. In 2016, 75 percent of
Americans admitted they could benefit from additional advice
and answers to everyday financial questions from a
professional. Most adults feel that their financial literacy
skills are inadequate, yet they do not rely on anyone else to
handle their finances; they feel it is important to know more
but have received no financial education.
(4) It is necessary to respond immediately to the pressing
needs of individuals faced with the loss of their financial
stability; however increased attention must also be paid to
financial literacy education reform and long-term solutions to
prevent future personal financial disasters.
(5) Research-based financial literacy education programs
are needed to reach individuals at all ages and socioeconomic
levels, particularly those facing unique and challenging
financial situations, such as high school graduates entering
the workforce, soon-to-be and recent college graduates, young
families, and to address the unique needs of military personnel
and their families.
(6) High school and college students who are exposed to
cumulative financial education show an increase in financial
knowledge, which in turn drives increasingly responsible
behavior as they become young adults.
(7) Sixty percent of parents identify their teens as
``quick spenders'', and most acknowledge they could do a better
job of teaching and preparing kids for the financial challenges
of adulthood, including budgeting, saving, and investing.
(8) The majority (52 percent) of young adults ages 23
through 28 consider ``making better choices about managing
money'', the single most important issue for individual
Americans to act on today.
(9) According to the Government Accountability Office,
giving Americans the information they need to make effective
financial decisions can be key to their well-being and to the
country's economic health. The recent financial crisis, when
many borrowers failed to fully understand the risks associated
with certain financial products, underscored the need to
improve individuals' financial literacy and empower all
Americans to make informed financial decisions. This is
especially true for young people as they are earning their
first paychecks, securing student aid, and establishing their
financial independence. Therefore, focusing economic education
and financial literacy efforts and best practices for young
people ages 8 through 24 is of utmost importance.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION FOR FUNDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTERS OF
EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--The Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial
Protection, in consultation with the Financial Literacy and Education
Commission established under the Financial Literacy and Education
Improvement Act, shall make competitive grants to and enter into
agreements with eligible institutions to establish centers of
excellence to support research, development and planning,
implementation, and evaluation of effective programs in financial
literacy education for young people and families ages 8 through 24
years old.
(b) Authorized Activities.--Activities authorized to be funded by
grants made under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) Developing and implementing comprehensive research
based financial literacy education programs for young people--
(A) based on a set of core competencies and
concepts established by the Director, including goal
setting, planning, budgeting, managing money or
transactions, tools and structures, behaviors,
consequences, both long- and short-term savings,
managing debt and earnings; and
(B) which can be incorporated into educational
settings through existing academic content areas,
including materials that appropriately serve various
segments of at-risk populations, particularly minority
and disadvantaged individuals.
(2) Designing instructional materials using evidence-based
content for young families and conducting related outreach
activities to address unique life situations and financial
pitfalls, including bankruptcy, foreclosure, credit card
misuse, and predatory lending.
(3) Developing and supporting the delivery of professional
development programs in financial literacy education to assure
competence and accountability in the delivery system.
(4) Improving access to, and dissemination of, financial
literacy information for young people and families.
(5) Reducing student loan default rates by developing
programs to help individuals better understand how to manage
educational debt through sustained educational programs for
college students.
(6) Conducting ongoing research and evaluation of financial
literacy education programs to assure learning of defined
skills and knowledge, and retention of learning.
(7) Developing research-based assessment and accountability
of the appropriate applications of learning over short and long
terms to measure effectiveness of authorized activities.
(c) Priority for Certain Applications.--The Director shall give a
priority to applications that--
(1) provide clear definitions of ``financial literacy'' and
``financially literate'' to clarify educational outcomes;
(2) establish parameters for identifying the types of
programs that most effectively reach young people and families
in unique life situations and financial pitfalls, including
bankruptcy, foreclosure, credit card misuse, and predatory
lending;
(3) include content that is appropriate to age and
socioeconomic levels;
(4) develop programs based on educational standards,
definitions, and research;
(5) include individual goals of financial independence and
stability; and
(6) establish professional development and delivery systems
using evidence-based practices.
(d) Application and Evaluation Standards and Procedures;
Distribution Criteria.--The Director shall establish application and
evaluation standards and procedures, distribution criteria, and such
other forms, standards, definitions, and procedures as the Director
determines to be appropriate.
(e) Limitation on Grant Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The aggregate amount of grants made under
this section during any fiscal year may not exceed $55,000,000.
(2) Termination.--No grants may be made under this section
after the end of fiscal year 2019.
(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this Act the following
definitions shall apply:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
(2) Eligible institution.--The term ``eligible
institution'' means a partnership of two or more of the
following:
(A) Institution of higher education.
(B) Local educational agency.
(C) A nonprofit agency, organization, or
association.
(D) A financial institution.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)). | Young Americans Financial Literacy Act This bill requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to award competitive grants to eligible institutions for the establishment of centers of excellence to support research, development, implementation, and evaluation of effective financial-literacy education programs for young people and families. An "eligible institution" is a partnership among two or more of the following: an institution of higher education; a local educational agency; a nonprofit agency, organization, or association; or a financial institution. Authorized grant-funded activities shall include: developing and implementing comprehensive, research-based, financial-literacy education programs for young people; designing instructional materials; developing and supporting the delivery of professional-development programs in financial-literacy education; improving access to, and dissemination of, financial-literacy information for young people and families; developing educational programs to reduce student-loan default rates; conducting ongoing research and evaluation of financial-literacy education programs; and measuring the effectiveness of authorized activities. The grant program shall terminate after FY2019. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Young Americans Financial Literacy Act"} | 1,471 | 242 | 0.366492 | 1.1998 | 0.641604 | 3.635417 | 7.651042 | 0.916667 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Student Visa Security Improvement
Act''.
SEC. 2. ENHANCED STUDENT VISA BACKGROUND CHECKS.
(a) In General.--Section 428(e) of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 236(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Student visas.--In administering the program under
this subsection, the Secretary--
``(A) shall prescribe regulations to require
employees assigned under paragraph (1) to review all
applications for visas under subparagraph (F), (J), or
(M) of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)) prior to final
adjudication, with special emphasis on determining
whether applicants are inadmissible under section
212(a)(3)(B) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(B))
(relating to terrorist activities);
``(B) shall develop a strategic plan to guide visa
security operations, especially with regard to student
visas, and develop and maintain performance data that
demonstrate the impact of this subsection; and
``(C) shall report on and develop, in consultation
with the Secretary of State, additional guidance to
clarify the roles and responsibilities of employees
assigned under paragraph (1).''.
SEC. 3. STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 442 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(6 U.S.C. 252) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph
(10); and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(5) Student and exchange visitor program.--In
administering the program under paragraph (4), the Secretary
shall--
``(A) prescribe regulations to require an
institution or exchange visitor program sponsor
participating in the Student and Exchange Visitor
Program to ensure that each covered student or exchange
visitor enrolled at the institution or attending the
exchange visitor program--
``(i) is an active participant in the
program for which the covered student or
exchange visitor was issued a visa to enter the
United States;
``(ii) is not unobserved for any period--
``(I) exceeding 30 days during any
academic term or program in which the
covered student or exchange visitor is
enrolled; or
``(II) exceeding 60 days during any
period not described in subclause (I);
and
``(iii) is reported to the Department if
within 21 days of--
``(I) transferring to another
institution or program; or
``(II) being hospitalized or
otherwise incapacitated necessitating a
prolonged absence from the academic
institution or exchange visitor
program; and
``(B) notwithstanding subparagraph (A), require
each covered student or exchange visitor to be observed
at least once every 60 days.
``(6) Enhanced access.--The Secretary shall provide access
to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
(hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the `SEVIS'), or
other equivalent program or system, to appropriate employees of
an institution or exchange visitor program sponsor
participating in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program if--
``(A) at least two authorized users are identified
at each participating institution or exchange visitor
sponsor;
``(B) at least one additional authorized user is
identified at each such institution or sponsor for
every 200 covered students or exchange visitors
enrolled at the institution or sponsor; and
``(C) each authorized user is certified by the
Secretary as having completed an appropriate training
course provided by the Department for the program or
system.
``(7) Program support.--The Secretary shall provide
appropriate technical support options to facilitate use of the
program or system described in paragraph (4) by authorized
users.
``(8) Upgrades to sevis or equivalent data.--The Secretary
shall update the program or system described in paragraph (4)
to incorporate new data fields that include--
``(A) verification that a covered student's
performance meets the minimum academic standards of the
institution in which such student is enrolled; and
``(B) timely entry of academic majors, including
changes to majors, of covered students and exchange
visitors enrolled at institutions or exchange program
sponsors participating in the Student and Exchange
Visitor Program.
``(9) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section shall
prohibit the Secretary or any institution or exchange program
sponsor participating in the Student Exchange Visitor Program
from requiring more frequent observations of covered students
or exchange visitors.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) The term `covered student' means a student who is a
nonimmigrant pursuant to subparagraph (F), (J), or (M) of
section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)).
``(2) The term `observed' means positively identified by
physical or electronic means.
``(3) The term `authorized user' means an individual
nominated by an institution participating in the Student and
Exchange Visitor Program and confirmed by the Secretary as not
appearing on any terrorist watch list.''.
(b) Comptroller General Review.--The Comptroller General shall
conduct a review of the fees for the Student and Exchange Visitor
Program of the Department of Homeland Security. The Comptroller General
shall include in such review data from fiscal years 2004 through 2007
and shall consider fees collected by the Department and all expenses
associated with the review, issuance, maintenance, data collection, and
enforcement functions of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out sections 2 and 3 of this Act, and the amendments
made by such sections, for fiscal year 2009. | Student Visa Security Improvement Act - Amends the the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for enhanced student visa background checks and monitoring of foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to strengthen student visa background checks and improve the monitoring of foreign students in the United States, and for other purposes."} | 1,350 | 39 | 0.497731 | 1.203889 | 0.539726 | 2.942857 | 35.285714 | 0.885714 |
SECTION 1. TRIBAL REQUESTS FOR A MAJOR DISASTER OR EMERGENCY
DECLARATION UNDER THE STAFFORD ACT.
(a) Major Disaster Requests.--Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``All requests for a declaration'' and
inserting ``(a) In General.--All requests for a declaration'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Indian Tribal Government Requests.--
``(1) In general.--The Chief Executive of an affected
Indian tribal government may submit a request for a declaration
by the President that a major disaster exists consistent with
the requirements of subsection (a).
``(2) References.--In implementing assistance authorized by
the President under this title in response to the request of
the Chief Executive of an affected Indian tribal government for
a major disaster declaration, references to State and Governor
in this title and in section 319 of this Act shall mean Indian
tribal government and the Chief Executive of an affected Indian
tribal government, respectively.
``(3) Savings provision.--Nothing in this subsection shall
prohibit an Indian tribal government from receiving assistance
under this title through a declaration made by the President at
the request of a State under subsection (a) if the President
does not make a declaration under this subsection for the same
incident.
``(c) Cost Share Adjustments for Indian Tribal Governments.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any non-Federal
contributions required under this title to be paid by an Indian tribal
government may be adjusted or waived in accordance with criteria
established by the President.''.
(b) Emergency Requests.--Section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Indian Tribal Government Requests.--
``(1) In general.--The Chief Executive of an affected
Indian tribal government may submit a request for a declaration
by the President that an emergency exists consistent with the
requirements of subsection (a).
``(2) References.--In implementing assistance authorized by
the President under this title in response to the request of
the Chief Executive of an affected Indian tribal government for
an emergency declaration, references to State and Governor in
this title and in section 319 of this Act shall mean Indian
tribal government and the Chief Executive of an affected Indian
tribal government, respectively.
``(3) Savings provision.--Nothing in this subsection shall
prohibit an Indian tribal government from receiving assistance
under this title through a declaration made by the President at
the request of a State under subsection (a) if the President
does not make a declaration under this subsection for the same
incident.
``(d) Cost Share Adjustments for Indian Tribal Governments.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any non-Federal
contributions required under this title to be paid by an Indian tribal
government may be adjusted or waived in accordance with criteria
established by the President.''.
(c) Definitions.--Section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (7)(B) by striking ``; and'' and inserting
``, that is not an Indian tribal government as defined in
paragraph (6); and'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (10) as
paragraphs (7) through (11), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) Indian tribal government.--The term `Indian tribal
government' means the governing body of any Indian or Alaska
Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that
the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an
Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List
Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a).''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(12) Chief executive.--The term `Chief Executive' means
the person who is recognized by the Secretary of the Interior
as the chief elected administrative officer of an Indian tribal
government.''.
(d) Regulations.--In promulgating such regulations as the President
determines are necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of
this section, including cost share adjustments, the President shall
consider unique conditions that affect the general welfare of the
affected federally recognized Indian tribe.
(e) References.--Title I of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act is amended by adding after section 102 the
following:
``SEC. 103. REFERENCES.
``Except as otherwise specified, any reference to `State and
local', `State or local', or `State, local' governments or officials in
this Act, and all references to `local government' in section 417,
shall be deemed to refer also to Indian tribal governments and
officials, as appropriate.''. | Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the Chief Executive of an affected Indian tribal government (the person recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as the chief elected administrative officer of that government) to submit a request for a declaration by the President that, consistent with requirements of that Act, a major disaster or an emergency exists.
Provides that: (1) in implementing assistance authorized by the President in response to such requests, references to "state" and "governor" shall mean "Indian tribal government" (the governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994) and the Chief Executive of an affected Indian tribal government; and (2) nothing in this Act shall prohibit a tribal government from receiving such assistance through a presidential declaration at the request of a state if the President does not make a declaration under this Act for the same incident.
Allows any non-federal contribution required to be paid by an Indian tribal government under such Act to be adjusted or waived in accordance with criteria established by the President.
Directs the President, in promulgating regulations to carry out this Act, to consider unique conditions that affect the general welfare of the affected federally recognized Indian tribe. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include procedures for requests from Indian tribes for a major disaster or emergency declaration, and for other purposes."} | 1,136 | 295 | 0.706991 | 1.98281 | 0.776112 | 4.917293 | 3.830827 | 0.947368 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Patient Empowerment Act of
2013''.
SEC. 2. GUARANTEEING FREEDOM OF CHOICE AND CONTRACTING FOR PATIENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 1802 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395a) is amended to read as follows:
``freedom of choice and contracting by patient guaranteed
``Sec. 1802. (a) Basic Freedom of Choice.--Any individual entitled
to insurance benefits under this title may obtain health services from
any institution, agency, or person qualified to participate under this
title if such institution, agency, or person undertakes to provide that
individual such services.
``(b) Freedom to Contract by Medicare Beneficiaries.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the provisions of this
subsection, nothing in this title shall prohibit a Medicare
beneficiary from entering into a contract with an eligible
professional for any item or service covered under this title.
``(2) Submission of claims.--Any Medicare beneficiary that
enters into a contract under this section shall be permitted to
submit a claim for payment under this title, and such payment
shall be made in the amount that would otherwise apply under
this title if such claim had been filed by a participating
physician or supplier (as defined in section 1842(h)(1)) in the
payment area where the eligible professional covered by the
contract resides. Payment made under this title for any item or
service provided under the contract shall not render the
eligible professional a participating or non-participating
physician or supplier, and as such, requirements of this title
that may otherwise apply to a participating or non-
participating physician or supplier would not apply with
respect to any items or services furnished under the contract.
``(3) Beneficiary protections.--
``(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to
any contract unless--
``(i) the contract is in writing, is signed
by the Medicare beneficiary and the eligible
professional, and establishes all terms of the
contract (including specific payment for items
and services covered by the contract) before
any item or service is provided pursuant to the
contract, and the beneficiary shall be held
harmless for any subsequent payment charged for
a service in excess of the amount established
under the contract during the period the
contract is in effect;
``(ii) the contract contains the items
described in subparagraph (B); and
``(iii) the contract is not entered into at
a time when the Medicare beneficiary is facing
an emergency medical condition or urgent health
care situation.
``(B) Items required to be included in contract.--
Any contract to provide items and services to which
paragraph (1) applies shall clearly indicate to the
Medicare beneficiary that by signing such contract the
beneficiary--
``(i) agrees to be responsible for payment
to such eligible professional for such items or
services under the terms of and amounts
established under the contract;
``(ii) agrees to be responsible for
submitting claims under this title to the
Secretary, and to any other supplemental
insurance plan that may provide supplemental
insurance, for such items or services furnished
under the contract if such items or services
are covered by this title, unless otherwise
provided in the contract under subparagraph
(C)(i); and
``(iii) acknowledges that no limits or
other payment incentives that may otherwise
apply under this title (such as the limits
under subsection (g) of section 1848 or
incentives under subsection (a)(5), (m), (q),
and (p) of such section) shall apply to amounts
that may be charged, or paid to a beneficiary
for, such items or services.
Such contract shall also clearly indicate whether the
eligible professional is excluded from participation
under the Medicare program under section 1128.
``(C) Beneficiary elections under the contract.--
Any Medicare beneficiary that enters into a contract
under this section may elect to negotiate, as a term of
the contract, a provision under which--
``(i) the eligible professional shall file
claims on behalf of the beneficiary with the
Secretary and any supplemental insurance plan
for items or services furnished under the
contract if such items or services are covered
under this title or under the plan; and
``(ii) the beneficiary assigns payment to
the eligible professional for any claims filed
by, or on behalf of, the beneficiary with the
Secretary and any supplemental insurance plan
for items or services furnished under the
contract.
``(D) Exclusion of dual eligible individuals.--
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any contract if a
beneficiary who is eligible for medical assistance
under title XIX is a party to the contract.
``(4) Limitation on actual charge and claim submission
requirement not applicable.--Section 1848(g) shall not apply
with respect to any item or service provided to a Medicare
beneficiary under a contract described in paragraph (1).
``(5) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to prohibit any eligible professional from
maintaining an election and acting as a participating or non-
participating physician or supplier with respect to any patient
not covered under a contract established under this section.
``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Medicare beneficiary.--The term `Medicare
beneficiary' means an individual who is entitled to
benefits under part A or enrolled under part B.
``(B) Eligible professional.--The term `eligible
professional' has the meaning given such term in
section 1848(k)(3)(B).
``(C) Emergency medical condition.--The term
`emergency medical condition' means a medical condition
manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient
severity (including severe pain) such that a prudent
layperson, with an average knowledge of health and
medicine, could reasonably expect the absence of
immediate medical attention to result in--
``(i) serious jeopardy to the health of the
individual or, in the case of a pregnant woman,
the health of the woman or her unborn child;
``(ii) serious impairment to bodily
functions; or
``(iii) serious dysfunction of any bodily
organ or part.
``(D) Urgent health care situation.--The term
`urgent health care situation' means services furnished
to an individual who requires services to be furnished
within 12 hours in order to avoid the likely onset of
an emergency medical condition.''.
SEC. 3. PREEMPTION OF STATE LAWS LIMITING CHARGES FOR SERVICES BY AN
ELIGIBLE PROFESSIONAL.
(a) In General.--No State may impose a limit on the amount of
charges for services, furnished by an eligible professional, for which
payment is made under section 1848 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395w-4), and any such limit is hereby preempted.
(b) State.--In this section, the term ``State'' includes the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and
American Samoa. | Medicare Patient Empowerment Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow any Medicare beneficiary to enter into a contract with an eligible professional for any item or service covered by Medicare. Allows such beneficiaries to submit a claim for Medicare payment in the amount that would otherwise apply if the claim had been filed by a participating physician or supplier in the payment area where the eligible professional covered by the contract resides. Requires a Medicare beneficiary to agree in writing in such a contract to: (1) pay the physician or practitioner for a Medicare-covered item or service; and (2) submit (in lieu of the physician or practitioner) a claim for Medicare payment. Allows a beneficiary, however, to negotiate, as a term of the contract, for the eligible professional to file such claims on the beneficiary's behalf. Preempts state laws from limiting the amount of charges for physician and practitioner services for which Medicare payment is made. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Medicare Patient Empowerment Act of 2013"} | 1,559 | 212 | 0.665887 | 1.885506 | 0.929026 | 3.139785 | 7.752688 | 0.913978 |
SECTION 1. LARGE-SCALE GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.
Title VI of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is
amended by inserting after section 616 (42 U.S.C. 17195) the following:
``SEC. 616A. LARGE-SCALE GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.
``(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
``(1) the Geothermal Technologies Program of the Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department has
included a focus on direct use of geothermal energy in the low-
temperature geothermal energy subprogram (including in the
development of a research and development plan for the
program);
``(2) the Building Technologies Program of the Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department--
``(A) is focused on the energy demand and energy
efficiency of buildings; and
``(B) includes geothermal heat pumps as a component
technology in the residential and commercial deployment
activities of the program; and
``(3) geothermal heat pumps and direct use of geothermal
energy, especially in large-scale applications, can make a
significant contribution to the use of renewable energy but are
underrepresented in research, development, demonstration, and
commercialization.
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
``(1) to improve the components, processes, and systems
used for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal
energy; and
``(2) to increase the energy efficiency, lower the cost,
increase the use, and improve and demonstrate the applicability
of geothermal heat pumps to, and the direct use of geothermal
energy in, large buildings, commercial districts, residential
communities, and large municipal, agricultural, or industrial
projects.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Direct use of geothermal energy.--The term `direct
use of geothermal energy' means systems that use water that is
at a temperature between approximately 38 degrees Celsius and
149 degrees Celsius directly or through a heat exchanger to
provide--
``(A) heating to buildings; or
``(B) heat required for industrial processes,
agriculture, aquaculture, and other facilities.
``(2) Geothermal heat pump.--The term `geothermal heat
pump' means a system that provides heating and cooling by
exchanging heat from shallow ground or surface water using--
``(A) a closed loop system, which transfers heat
via buried or immersed pipes that contain a mix of
water and antifreeze; or
``(B) an open loop system, which circulates ground
or surface water directly into the building and returns
the water to the same aquifer or surface water source.
``(3) Large-scale application.--The term `large-scale
application' means an application for space or process heating
or cooling for large entities, such as a large building,
commercial district, residential community, or a large
municipal, agricultural, or industrial project.
``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means Secretary of
Energy, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
``(d) Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program
of research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of
geothermal energy.
``(2) Areas.--The program may include research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application of--
``(A) geothermal ground loop efficiency
improvements through more efficient heat transfer
fluids;
``(B) geothermal ground loop efficiency
improvements through more efficient thermal grouts for
wells and trenches;
``(C) geothermal ground loop installation cost
reduction through--
``(i) improved drilling methods; and
``(ii) improvements in drilling equipment;
``(D) installing geothermal ground loops near the
foundation walls of new construction to take advantage
of existing structures;
``(E) using gray or black wastewater as a method of
heat exchange;
``(F) improving geothermal heat pump system
economics through integration of geothermal systems
with other building systems, including providing hot
and cold water and rejecting or circulating industrial
process heat through refrigeration heat rejection and
waste heat recovery;
``(G) advanced geothermal systems using variable
pumping rates to increase efficiency;
``(H) geothermal heat pump efficiency improvements;
``(I) use of hot water found in mines and mine
shafts and other surface waters as the heat exchange
medium;
``(J) heating of districts, neighborhoods,
communities, large commercial or public buildings
(including office, retail, educational, government, and
institutional buildings and multifamily residential
buildings and campuses), and industrial and
manufacturing facilities;
``(K) geothermal system integration with solar
thermal water heating or cool roofs and solar-
regenerated desiccants to balance loads and use
building hot water to store geothermal energy;
``(L) use of hot water coproduced from oil and gas
recovery;
``(M) use of water sources at a temperature of less
than 150 degrees Celsius for direct use;
``(N) system integration of direct use with
geothermal electricity production; and
``(O) coproduction of heat and power, including on-
site use.
``(3) Environmental impacts.--In carrying out the program,
the Secretary shall identify and mitigate potential
environmental impacts in accordance with section 614(c).
``(e) Grants.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants
available to State and local governments, institutions of
higher education, nonprofit entities, utilities, and for-profit
companies (including manufacturers of heat-pump and direct-use
components and systems) to promote the development of
geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy.
``(2) Priority.--In making grants under this subsection,
the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that apply to
large buildings (including office, retail, educational,
government, institutional, and multifamily residential
buildings and campuses and industrial and manufacturing
facilities), commercial districts, and residential communities.
``(3) National solicitation.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
conduct a national solicitation for applications for grants
under this section.
``(f) Reports.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Science and
Technology of the House of Representatives a report on progress
made and results obtained under this section to develop
geothermal heat pumps and direct use of geothermal energy.
``(2) Areas.--Each of the reports required under this
subsection shall include--
``(A) an analysis of progress made in each of the
areas described in subsection (d)(2); and
``(B)(i) a description of any relevant
recommendations made during a review of the program;
and
``(ii) any plans to address the recommendations
under clause (i).
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section such sums as
are necessary for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015.''. | Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the Secretary of Energy (DOE): (1) acting through the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, to establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy; and (2) identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants to state and local governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit entities, utilities, and for-profit companies to promote the development of geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy; (2) give priority to proposals that apply to large buildings, commercial districts, and residential communities; and (3) conduct a national solicitation for grant applications. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to improve geothermal energy technology and demonstrate the use of geothermal energy in large scale thermal applications, and for other purposes."} | 1,615 | 156 | 0.605133 | 1.557739 | 0.602643 | 5.866667 | 10.086667 | 0.96 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Immigration Law Enforcement Act of
1993''.
TITLE I--BORDER PERSONNEL, TRAINING AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Improved Border Control and
Narcotics Abatement Act''.
SEC. 102. EXPANDED BORDER PATROL AND SOUTHWESTERN REGION DEPLOYMENT.
(a) Increased Personnel.--The Attorney General, in each of the
fiscal years 1995 and 1996, shall increase by no fewer than 700 the
number of full-time, active-duty Border Patrol agents within the
Immigration and Naturalization Service above the numbers of such agents
employed in the preceding fiscal year.
(b) Deployment of Personnel.--The Attorney General shall, to the
maximum extent practicable, ensure that the personnel hired pursuant to
subsection (a) shall be deployed primarily on the Southwestern border
of the United States or be actively engaged in law enforcement
activities related to illegal transit of such border.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Department of Justice for fiscal years 1995 and
1996 such sums as may be necessary for salaries and expenses relating
to the employment and deployment of personnel under this section,
including, but not limited to, such training authorized by this Act and
otherwise deemed appropriate by the Attorney General.
SEC. 103. HIRING PREFERENCE FOR BILINGUAL BORDER PATROL AGENTS.
The Attorney General shall, in hiring the Border Patrol Agents
specified in section 102(a), give priority to the employment of
multilingual candidates who are proficient in both English and such
other language or languages as may be spoken in the region in which
such Agents are likely to be deployed.
SEC. 104. IMPROVED BORDER PATROL TRAINING.
(a) Improvement.--Section 103 of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1103) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(e)(1) The Attorney General shall ensure that all Border Patrol
personnel, and any other personnel of the Service who are likely to
have contact with undocumented or improperly documented persons, or
other immigrants, in the course of their official duties, receive in-
service training adequate to ensure that all such personnel respect the
civil rights, personal safety, and human dignity of such persons at all
times.
``(2) The Attorney General shall ensure that the annual report to
Congress of the Service--
``(A) describes in detail actions taken by the Attorney
General to meet the requirement set forth in paragraph (1);
``(B) incorporates specific findings by the Attorney
General with respect to the nature and scope of any verified
incident of conduct by Border Patrol personnel that--
``(i) was not consistent with paragraph (1); and
``(ii) was not described in a previous annual
report; and
``(C) sets forth specific recommendations for preventing
any similar incident in the future.''.
SEC. 105. ADDITIONAL LAND BORDER INSPECTORS.
(a) Increased Personnel.--In order to eliminate undue delay in the
thorough inspection of persons and vehicles lawfully attempting to
enter the United States, the Attorney General and Secretary of the
Treasury shall increase, by approximately equal numbers in each of the
fiscal years 1994, 1995, and 1996, the number of full-time land border
inspectors assigned to active duty by the Immigration and
Naturalization Service and the United States Customs Service to a level
adequate to assure full staffing of all border crossing lanes now in
use, under construction, or whose construction has been authorized by
Congress.
(b) Deployment of Personnel.--The Attorney General and the
Secretary of the Treasury shall, to the maximum extent practicable,
ensure that the personnel hired pursuant to subsection (a) shall be
deployed primarily on the Southwestern border of the United States or
be actively engaged in law enforcement activities related to illegal
transit of such border.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated for the Department of Justice for fiscal years 1995, 1996,
and 1997, and to the Department of the Treasury for fiscal years 1995,
1996, and 1997, such sums as may be necessary for salaries and expenses
relating to the employment of the inspectors referred to in subsection
(a).
SEC. 106. IMPROVEMENT OF BORDER CROSSING INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Identification of Necessary Improvements.--Not later than March
1, 1994, the Attorney General shall, in consultation with the Secretary
of the Treasury, identify those physical improvements to the
infrastructure of the international land borders of the United States
necessary to expedite the inspection of persons and vehicles attempting
to lawfully enter the United States in accordance with existing
policies and procedures of the Immigration and Naturalization Service,
the United States Customs Service, and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
(b) Implementation of Recommendations.--Not later than March 1,
1994, the Attorney General shall begin implementation of projects for
the physical improvements referred to in subsection (a). Improvements
to the infrastructure of the Southwestern border of the United States
shall be substantially completed and fully funded before the Attorney
General may begin construction on any other such project.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Department of Justice for fiscal years 1995, 1996,
and 1997 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. 107. TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT TRANSFER TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
JUSTICE.
(a) Authority To Acquire Technology and Equipment.--In order to
facilitate or improve the detection, interdiction, and reduction by the
Immigration and Naturalization Service of illegal immigration into the
United States, the Attorney General is authorized to acquire and
utilize any Federal equipment (including, but not limited to, aircraft,
helicopters, four wheel drive vehicles, sedans, night vision goggles,
night vision scopes, and sensor units) determined available for
transfer to the Department of Justice by any other agency of the
Federal Government upon request of the Attorney General.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Department of Justice for fiscal years 1995, 1996,
and 1997, such sums as may be necessary for the acquisition of
technology and equipment (including, but not limited to, aircraft,
helicopters, four wheel drive vehicles, sedans, night vision goggles,
night vision scopes, and sensor units) under subsection (b).
SEC. 108. IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT FUND.
(a) Establishment of Fund.--There is hereby established in the
Treasury of the United States a revolving fund known as the Immigration
Law Enforcement Fund (hereafter in this section referred to as the
``Fund'').
(b) Border Crossing User Fee.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law or treaty to which the United States is a party, the Attorney
General, in consultation with the Secretaries of State and the
Treasury, and such other parties as the Attorney General deems
appropriate, shall collect from each individual entering into the
United States by land or sea, without regard to the immigration or
citizenship status of such individual a border crossing user fee of $1.
(c) Fee Adjustment and Special Fee Program Authority.--
Notwithstanding subsection (b), the Attorney General may--
(1) adjust the border crossing user fee periodically to
compensate for inflation and other escalation in the cost of
carrying out the purposes of this Act; and
(2) develop and implement special discounted fee programs
for frequent border crossers including, but not limited to,
commuter coupon books or passes.
(d) Authorize Roll-Over of Fund Surpluses From Year-to-Year.--There
shall be deposited in the Fund amounts received by the Attorney General
as fees collected under subsection (b).
(e) Uses of User Fee Fund.--(1) The Fund shall be available to the
Attorney General, to the extent and in the amounts provided in
appropriation Acts and without fiscal year limitation, to pay for
matters authorized under this Act, as follows:
(A) For additional salaries and expenses incurred by reason
of the employment of personnel under this Act, including, but
not limited to, Border Patrol, inspection, investigation,
enforcement, and security personnel, and adjudication officers.
(B) For costs relating to land border crossing
infrastructure improvement.
(C) For costs relating to the acquisition by the Department
of Justice of technology and equipment (including, but not
limited to, aircraft, helicopters, four wheel drive vehicles,
sedans, night vision goggles, night vision scopes, and sensor
units).
(D) For the cost of facilitating and expanding the
activities of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement
Interagency Task Force in order to fully abate the flow of
narcotics and other illegal drugs into the United States.
(E) For the cost of expediting initial asylum claim review
procedures.
(F) For the cost of devising and implementing regulatory
reform of the affirmative asylum adjudication process.
(G) For the cost of expanding the Institutional Hearing
Program.
(H) For the cost of expanding the Advanced Passenger
Information System.
(I) For the cost of increasing rewards for information
leading to the arrest and conviction of terrorists.
(J) For the cost of conducting classes, or otherwise
assisting or encouraging, legal immigrants to the United States
to attain American citizenship.
(K) For the cost of such other activities that, in the
discretion of the Attorney General, will reduce: illegal
transit of the Nation's borders, the flow of illegal drugs
across such borders, the time necessary to process applications
for asylum in the United States, and the number of alien
criminals incarcerated in this country.
(2) Funds made available under subparagraph (A) in each fiscal year
shall be allotted to districts of the Immigration and Naturalization
Service in proportion to the amount of illegal immigration in each
district as the Attorney General finds to have occurred in the
preceding fiscal year.
TITLE II--ASYLUM REFORM
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Executive Order Enhanced
Consideration Revocation Act''.
SEC. 202. PARTIAL REVOCATION OF EXECUTIVE ORDER.
Section 4 of Executive Order No. 12711 of April 11, 1990, and any
rule, regulation, or order issued under that section, shall be of no
force or effect, except that nothing in this Act invalidates or
otherwise affects any final determination of eligibility for asylum
made before the date of enactment of this Act.
TITLE III--CRIMINAL ALIEN DEPORTATION AND ENHANCED PRISONER TRANSFER
SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Criminal Alien Deportation and
Enhanced Transfer Act of 1993''.
SEC. 302. JUDICIAL ORDER OF DEPORTATION.
(a) In General.--Subchapter A of chapter 227 of title 18, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 3560. Order of deportation for certain aliens
``The court, upon sentencing an individual who is an alien for an
aggravated felony (as defined in section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act) shall include in the sentencing order issued a
declaration that the individual is deportable. A presentence report
required under the Rules of Criminal Procedure with respect to the
sentencing of any individual for such a felony shall specify whether or
not such individual is an alien.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
subchapter A of chapter 227 of title 18, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following new item:
``3560. Order of deportation for certain aliens.''.
(c) Deportation Procedures.--Section 242A of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (18 U.S.C. 1252a) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(f) Deportation Pursuant to a Judicial Order.--An alien subject
to a judicial order of deportation under section 3560 of title 18,
United States Code, shall be deported promptly consistent with section
242(h).''.
SEC. 303. NEGOTIATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS.
(a) Negotiations With Other Countries.--The Secretary of State,
together with the Attorney General, may enter into an agreement with
any foreign country providing for the incarceration in that country of
any individual who--
(1) is a national of that country; and
(2) is an alien who--
(A) is not in lawful immigration status in the
United States, or
(B) on the basis of conviction of a criminal
offense under Federal or State law, or on any other
basis, is subject to deportation under the Immigration
and Nationality Act,
for the duration of the prison term to which the individual was
sentenced for the offense referred to in subparagraph (B). Any such
agreement may provide for the release of such individual pursuant to
parole procedures of that country.
(b) Priority.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of
State should give priority to concluding an agreement with any country
for which the President determines that the number of individuals
described in subsection (a) who are nationals of that country in the
United States represents a significant percentage of all such
individuals in the United States.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. 304. DENIAL OF DISCRETIONARY RELIEF TO ALIENS CONVICTED OF
AGGRAVATED FELONIES.
(a) Ineligibility for Suspension of Deportation.--Section 244 of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Suspension of deportation and adjustment of status under
subsection (a)(2) shall not be available to any alien who has been
convicted of an aggravated felony.''.
(b) Application of Exclusion for Drug Offenses.--Section 212(h) of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(h)) is amended in
the second sentence by inserting ``or any other aggravated felony''
after ``torture''.
(c) Adjustment of Status; Change of Nonimmigrant Classification.--
(1) Section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1255(c)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``or'' after ``section 212(d)(4)(C)''; and
(B) by inserting ``; or (5) an alien who has been convicted
of an aggravated felony'' immediately after ``section 217''.
(2) Section 248 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1258) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
(B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) an alien convicted of an aggravated felony.''.
SEC. 305. ANNUAL REPORT.
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act,
and annually thereafter, the Attorney General shall submit to the
appropriate committees of the Congress a report detailing--
(1) the number of illegal aliens incarcerated in Federal
and State prisons for having committed felonies;
(2) programs and plans underway in the Department of
Justice to ensure the prompt removal from the United States of
criminal aliens subject to exclusion or deportation; and
(3) methods for identifying and preventing the unlawful
reentry of aliens who have been convicted of criminal offenses
in the United States and removed from the United States. | TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Border Personnel, Training and Infrastructure
Enhancement
Title II: Asylum Reform
Title III: Criminal Alien Deportation and Enhanced Prisoner
Transfer
Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 1993 -
Title I: Border Personnel, Training and Infrastructure Enhancement
- Improved Border Control and Narcotics Abatement Act - Authorizes appropriations and increases personnel levels for: (1) the Border Patrol; and (2) land border inspectors. Provides for: (1) primary deployment of such personnel on the Southwest border of the United States; (2) hiring preference for bilingual Border Patrol agents; and (3) improved training and improvement of border crossing infrastructure.
Authorizes appropriations for Immigration and Naturalization Service technology and equipment acquisition.
Establishes in the Treasury the Immigration Law Enforcement Fund. Creates a border crossing user fee.
Title II: Asylum Reform
- Executive Order Enhanced Consideration Revocation Act - Amends a specified Executive Order to partially revoke a provision with respect to asylum claims based upon birth control policies.
Title III: Criminal Alien Deportation and Enhanced Prisoner Transfer
- Criminal Alien Deportation and Enhanced Transfer Act of 1993 - Amends Federal criminal law to provide for a judicial order of deportation in the sentencing of an alien convicted of certain aggravated felonies.
Authorizes the Secretary of State with the Attorney General to negotiate agreements with foreign countries for home-country incarceration of aliens subject to U.S. deportation. Authorizes appropriations.
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) make an alien convicted of an aggravated felony ineligible for suspension of deportation and status of adjustment; and (2) prohibit the waiver of exclusion for an alien convicted of an aggravated felony. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 1993"} | 3,658 | 401 | 0.531093 | 1.554098 | 0.748955 | 2.850299 | 9.491018 | 0.850299 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Poison Control Center Enhancement
and Awareness Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Each year more than 2,000,000 poisonings are reported
to poison control centers throughout the United States. More
than 90 percent of these poisonings happen in the home. 53
percent of poisoning victims are children younger than 6 years
of age.
(2) Poison centers are life-saving and cost-effective
public health services. For every dollar spent on poison
control centers, $7 in medical costs are saved. The average
cost of a poisoning exposure call is $31.28, while the average
cost if other parts of the medical system are involved is $932.
Over the last 2 decades, the instability and lack of funding
has resulted in a steady decline in the number of poison
control centers in the United States. Currently, there are 75
such centers.
(3) Stabilizing the funding structure and increasing
accessibility to poison control centers will increase the
number of United States residents who have access to a
certified poison control center, and reduce the inappropriate
use of emergency medical services and other more costly health
care services.
SEC. 3. DEFINITION.
In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health
and Human Services.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL TOLL-FREE NUMBER.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide coordination and
assistance to regional poison control centers for the establishment of
a nationwide toll-free phone number to be used to access such centers.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $2,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 1999 through 2003.
SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONWIDE MEDIA CAMPAIGN.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a national media
campaign to educate the public and health care providers about poison
prevention and the availability of poison control resources in local
communities and to conduct advertising campaigns concerning the
nationwide toll-free number established under section 4.
(b) Contract With Entity.--The Secretary may carry out subsection
(a) by entering into contracts with 1 or more nationally recognized
media firms for the development and distribution of monthly television,
radio, and newspaper public service announcements.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $600,000 for each of the fiscal
years 1999 through 2003.
SEC. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF A GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Regional Poison Control Centers.--The Secretary shall award
grants to certified regional poison control centers for the purposes of
achieving the financial stability of such centers, and for preventing
and providing treatment recommendations for poisonings.
(b) Other Improvements.--The Secretary shall also use amounts
received under this section to--
(1) develop standard education programs;
(2) develop standard patient management protocols for
commonly encountered toxic exposures;
(3) improve and expand the poison control data collection
systems; and
(4) improve national toxic exposure surveillance.
(c) Certification.--Except as provided in subsection (d), the
Secretary may make a grant to a center under subsection (a) only if the
center has been certified by a professional organization in the field
of poison control, and the Secretary has approved the organization as
having in effect standards for certification that reasonably provide
for the protection of the public health with respect to poisoning.
(d) Waiver of Certification Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may grant a waiver of the
certification requirement of subsection (a) with respect to a
noncertified poison control center that applies for a grant
under this section if such center can reasonably demonstrate
that the center will obtain such a certification within a
reasonable period of time as determined appropriate by the
Secretary.
(2) Renewal.--The Secretary may only renew a waiver under
paragraph (1) for a period of 3 years.
(e) Supplement not Supplant.--Amounts made available to a poison
control center under this section shall be used to supplement and not
supplant other Federal, State, local or private funds provided for such
center.
(f) Maintenance of Effort.--A poison control center, in utilizing
the proceeds of a grant under this section, shall maintain the
expenditures of the center for activities of the center at a level that
is equal to not less than the level of such expenditures maintained by
the center for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the
grant is received.
(g) Matching Requirement.--The Secretary may impose a matching
requirement with respect to amounts provided under a grant under this
section if the Secretary determines appropriate.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $25,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 1999 through 2003. | Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide coordination and assistance to regional poison control centers for the establishment of a nationwide toll-free phone number to be used to access such centers. Authorizes appropriations.
Mandates a national media campaign to educate the public about poison prevention and the availability of local poison control resources and to conduct advertising campaigns concerning the nationwide toll-free number. Authorizes appropriations.
Mandates grants for certified regional poison control centers to achieve financial stability and to prevent, and provide treatment recommendations for, poisoning. Mandates other grant uses. Sets forth center certification requirements. Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act"} | 1,090 | 149 | 0.599753 | 1.53973 | 0.827935 | 4.651163 | 7.697674 | 0.837209 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Student Athletes From
Concussions Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. MINIMUM STATE REQUIREMENTS.
Part F of title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7881 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Subpart 6--State Requirements for the Prevention and Treatment of
Concussions
``SEC. 8581. MINIMUM STATE REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) In General.--Beginning fiscal year 2019, as a condition of
receiving funds under this Act for a fiscal year, a State shall, not
later than July 1 of the preceding fiscal year, certify to the
Secretary in accordance with subsection (b) that the State has in
effect and is enforcing a law or regulation that, at a minimum,
establishes the following requirements:
``(1) Local educational agency concussion safety and
management plan.--Each local educational agency in the State
(including each charter school that is considered a local
educational agency under State law), in consultation with
members of the community in which the local educational agency
is located, shall develop and implement a standard plan for
concussion safety and management for public schools served by
the local educational agency that includes--
``(A) the education of students, parents, and
school personnel about concussions, including--
``(i) the training of school personnel on
evidence-based concussion safety and
management, including on prevention,
recognition, risk, academic consequences, and
response for both initial and any subsequent
concussions; and
``(ii) using, maintaining, and
disseminating to students and parents release
forms, treatment plans, observation,
monitoring, and reporting forms, recordkeeping
forms, and post-injury and prevention fact
sheets about concussions;
``(B) supports for each student recovering from a
concussion, including--
``(i) guiding the student in resuming
participation in school-sponsored athletic
activities and academic activities with the
help of a multidisciplinary concussion
management team, which shall include--
``(I) a health care professional,
the parents of such student, and other
relevant school personnel; and
``(II) an individual who is
assigned by the public school in which
the student is enrolled to oversee and
manage the recovery of the student;
``(ii) providing appropriate academic
accommodations aimed at progressively
reintroducing cognitive demands on such a
student; and
``(iii) if the student's symptoms of
concussion persist for a substantial period of
time--
``(I) evaluating the student in
accordance with section 614 of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (20 U.S.C. 1414) to determine
whether the student is eligible for
services under part B of such Act (20
U.S.C. 1411 et seq.); or
``(II) evaluating whether the
student is eligible for services under
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794); and
``(C) best practices designed to ensure, with
respect to concussions, the uniformity of safety
standards, treatment, and management, including--
``(i) disseminating information on
concussion safety and management to the public;
and
``(ii) applying best practice and uniform
standards for concussion safety and management
to all students enrolled in the public schools
served by the local educational agency.
``(2) Posting of information on concussions.--Each public
school in the State shall post on school grounds, in a manner
that is visible to students and school personnel, and make
publicly available on the school website, information on
concussions that--
``(A) is based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence
or consensus (such as information made available by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention);
``(B) shall include--
``(i) the risks posed by sustaining a
concussion or multiple concussions;
``(ii) the actions a student should take in
response to sustaining a concussion, including
the notification of school personnel; and
``(iii) the signs and symptoms of a
concussion; and
``(C) may include--
``(i) the definition of a concussion under
section 8582(1);
``(ii) the means available to the student
to reduce the incidence or recurrence of a
concussion; and
``(iii) the effects of a concussion on
academic learning and performance.
``(3) Response to a concussion.--If any school personnel of
a public school in the State suspect that a student has
sustained a concussion during a school-sponsored athletic
activity or other school-sponsored activity--
``(A) the student shall be--
``(i) immediately removed from
participation in such activity; and
``(ii) prohibited from resuming
participation in school-sponsored athletic
activities--
``(I) on the day the student
sustained the concussion; and
``(II) until the day the student is
capable of resuming such participation,
according to the student's written
release, as described in paragraph (4);
``(B) the school personnel shall report to the
concussion management team--
``(i) that the student may have sustained a
concussion; and
``(ii) all available information with
respect to the student's injury; and
``(C) the concussion management team shall confirm
and report to the parents of the student--
``(i) the type of injury, and the date and
time of the injury, suffered by the student;
and
``(ii) any actions that have been taken to
treat the student.
``(4) Return to athletics.--If a student enrolled in a
public school in the State sustains a concussion, before the
student resumes participation in school-sponsored athletic
activities, the relevant school personnel shall receive a
written release from a health care professional, that--
``(A) may require the student to follow a plan
designed to aid the student in recovering and resuming
participation in such activities in a manner that--
``(i) is coordinated, as appropriate, with
periods of cognitive and physical rest while
symptoms of a concussion persist; and
``(ii) reintroduces cognitive and physical
demands on the student on a progressive basis
so long as such increases in exertion do not
cause the reemergence or worsening of symptoms
of a concussion; and
``(B) states that the student is capable of
resuming participation in such activities once the
student is asymptomatic.
``(5) Return to academics.--If a student enrolled in a
public school in the State has sustained a concussion, the
concussion management team (as described under paragraph
(1)(B)(i)) of the school shall consult with and make
recommendations to relevant school personnel and the student to
ensure that the student is receiving the appropriate academic
supports, including--
``(A) providing for periods of cognitive rest over
the course of the school day;
``(B) providing modified academic assignments;
``(C) allowing for gradual reintroduction to
cognitive demands; and
``(D) other appropriate academic accommodations or
adjustments.
``(b) Certification Requirement.--The certification required under
subsection (a) shall be in writing and include a description of the law
or regulation that meets the requirements of subsection (a).
``SEC. 8582. DEFINITIONS.
``In this subpart:
``(1) Concussion.--The term `concussion' means a type of
mild traumatic brain injury that--
``(A) is caused by a blow, jolt, or motion to the
head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly in
the skull;
``(B) disrupts normal brain functioning and alters
the physiological state of the individual, causing the
individual to experience--
``(i) any period of observed or self-
reported--
``(I) transient confusion,
disorientation, or altered
consciousness;
``(II) dysfunction of memory around
the time of injury; or
``(III) disruptions in gait or
balance; and
``(ii) symptoms that may include--
``(I) physical symptoms, such as
headache, fatigue, or dizziness;
``(II) cognitive symptoms, such as
memory disturbance or slowed thinking;
``(III) emotional symptoms, such as
irritability or sadness; or
``(IV) difficulty sleeping; and
``(C) occurs--
``(i) with or without the loss of
consciousness; and
``(ii) during participation--
``(I) in a school-sponsored
athletic activity; or
``(II) in any other activity
without regard to whether the activity
takes place on school property or
during the school day.
``(2) Health care professional.--The term `health care
professional' means a physician (including a medical doctor or
doctor of osteopathic medicine), nurse, athletic trainer,
physical therapist, neuropsychologist, or other qualified
individual--
``(A) who is registered, licensed, certified, or
otherwise statutorily recognized by the State to
provide medical treatment; and
``(B) whose scope of practice and experience
includes the diagnosis and management of traumatic
brain injury among a pediatric population.
``(3) Public school.--The term `public school' means a
public elementary school or public secondary school.
``(4) School personnel.--The term `school personnel'
includes teachers, principals, administrators, counselors,
social workers, psychologists, nurses, librarians, coaches and
athletic trainers, and other support staff who are employed by
a school or who perform services for the school on a
contractual basis.
``(5) School-sponsored athletic activity.--The term
`school-sponsored athletic activity' means--
``(A) any physical education class or program of a
public school;
``(B) any athletic activity authorized by a public
school that takes place during the school day on the
school's property;
``(C) any activity of an extra-curricular sports
team, club, or league organized by a public school; and
``(D) any recess activity of a public school.''.
SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after the item relating
to section 8574 the following:
``subpart 6--state requirements for the prevention and treatment of
concussions
``Sec. 8581. Minimum State requirements.
``Sec. 8582. Definitions.''. | Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2017 This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to condition each state's receipt of ESEA funds, beginning in FY2019, on the state's enforcement of specified minimum requirements for the prevention and treatment of concussions. Each local educational agency must develop and implement a standard plan for concussion safety and management that includes: (1) the education of students, parents, and school personnel about concussions; (2) specified supports for each student recovering from a concussion; and (3) best practices designed to ensure the uniformity of safety standards, treatment, and management. Each public school must post on school grounds and publish on the school website specified information about concussions. If any public school personnel suspects that a student has sustained a concussion during a school-sponsored activity, the student must be immediately removed from participation in that activity and prohibited from participating in any school-sponsored athletic activities until the student submits a written release from a health care professional. Furthermore, the school personnel must report all available information regarding the injury to a concussion management team that will confirm and report details of the injury to the student's parents. The school's concussion management team shall consult with and make recommendations to relevant school personnel and the student to ensure that the student is receiving the appropriate academic supports. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Protecting Student Athletes From Concussions Act of 2017"} | 2,515 | 349 | 0.609078 | 1.566326 | 0.83264 | 3.741176 | 8.847059 | 0.894118 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Small Watershed Rehabilitation
Amendments of 2000''.
TITLE I--DAM REHABILITATION
SEC. 101. REHABILITATION OF WATER RESOURCE STRUCTURAL MEASURES
CONSTRUCTED UNDER CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
PROGRAMS.
The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 14. REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURAL MEASURES NEAR, AT, OR PAST
THEIR EVALUATED LIFE EXPECTANCY.
``(a) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) Rehabilitation.--The term `rehabilitation', with
respect to a structural measure constructed as part of a
covered water resource project, means the completion of all
work necessary to extend the service life of the structural
measure and meet applicable safety and performance standards.
This may include: (A) protecting the integrity of the
structural measure or prolonging the useful life of the
structural measure beyond the original evaluated life
expectancy; (B) correcting damage to the structural measure
from a catastrophic event; (C) correcting the deterioration of
structural components that are deteriorating at an abnormal
rate; (D) upgrading the structural measure to meet changed land
use conditions in the watershed served by the structural
measure or changed safety criteria applicable to the structural
measure; or (E) decommissioning the structure, if requested by
the local organization.
``(2) Covered water resource project.--The term `covered
water resource project' means a work of improvement carried out
under any of the following:
``(A) This Act.
``(B) Section 13 of the Act of December 22, 1944
(Public Law 78-534; 58 Stat. 905).
``(C) The pilot watershed program authorized under
the heading `Flood Prevention' of the Department of
Agriculture Appropriation Act, 1954 (Public Law 156; 67
Stat. 214).
``(D) Subtitle H of title XV of the Agriculture and
Food Act of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3451 et seq.; commonly
known as the Resource Conservation and Development
Program).
``(3) Structural measure.--The term `structural measure'
means a physical improvement that impounds water, commonly
known as a dam, which was constructed as part of a covered
water resource project, including the impoundment area and
flood pool.
``(b) Cost Share Assistance for Rehabilitation.--
``(1) Assistance authorized.--The Secretary may provide
financial assistance to a local organization to cover a portion
of the total costs incurred for the rehabilitation of
structural measures originally constructed as part of a covered
water resource project. The total costs of rehabilitation
include the costs associated with all components of the
rehabilitation project, including acquisition of land,
easements, and rights-of-ways, rehabilitation project
administration, the provision of technical assistance,
contracting, and construction costs, except that the local
organization shall be responsible for securing all land,
easements, or rights-of-ways necessary for the project.
``(2) Amount of assistance; limitations.--The amount of
Federal funds that may be made available under this subsection
to a local organization for construction of a particular
rehabilitation project shall be equal to 65 percent of the
total rehabilitation costs, but not to exceed 100 percent of
actual construction costs incurred in the rehabilitation.
However, the local organization shall be responsible for the
costs of water, mineral, and other resource rights and all
Federal, State, and local permits.
``(3) Relation to land use and development regulations.--As
a condition on entering into an agreement to provide financial
assistance under this subsection, the Secretary, working in
concert with the affected unit or units of general purpose
local government, may require that proper zoning or other
developmental regulations are in place in the watershed in
which the structural measures to be rehabilitated under the
agreement are located so that--
``(A) the completed rehabilitation project is not
quickly rendered inadequate by additional development;
and
``(B) society can realize the full benefits of the
rehabilitation investment.
``(c) Technical Assistance for Watershed Project Rehabilitation.--
The Secretary, acting through the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, may provide technical assistance in planning, designing, and
implementing rehabilitation projects should a local organization
request such assistance. Such assistance may consist of specialists in
such fields as engineering, geology, soils, agronomy, biology,
hydraulics, hydrology, economics, water quality, and contract
administration.
``(d) Prohibited Use.--
``(1) Performance of operation and maintenance.--
Rehabilitation assistance provided under this section may not
be used to perform operation and maintenance activities
specified in the agreement for the covered water resource
project entered into between the Secretary and the local
organization responsible for the works of improvement. Such
operation and maintenance activities shall remain the
responsibility of the local organization, as provided in the
project work plan.
``(2) Renegotiation.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), as
part of the provision of financial assistance under subsection
(b), the Secretary may renegotiate the original agreement for
the covered water resource project entered into between the
Secretary and the local organization regarding responsibility
for the operation and maintenance of the project when the
rehabilitation is finished.
``(e) Application for Rehabilitation Assistance.--A local
organization may apply to the Secretary for technical and financial
assistance under this section if the application has also been
submitted to and approved by the State agency having supervisory
responsibility over the covered water resource project at issue or, if
there is no State agency having such responsibility, by the Governor of
the State. The Secretary shall request the State dam safety officer (or
equivalent State official) to be involved in the application process if
State permits or approvals are required. The rehabilitation of
structural measures shall meet standards established by the Secretary
and address other dam safety issues. At the request of the local
organization, personnel of the Natural Resources Conservation Service
of the Department of Agriculture may assist in preparing applications
for assistance.
``(f) Ranking of Requests for Rehabilitation Assistance.--The
Secretary shall establish such system of approving rehabilitation
requests, recognizing that such requests will be received throughout
the fiscal year and subject to the availability of funds to carry out
this section, as is necessary for proper administration by the
Department of Agriculture and equitable for all local organizations.
The approval process shall be in writing, and made known to all local
organizations and appropriate State agencies.
``(g) Prohibition on Certain Rehabilitation Assistance.--The
Secretary may not approve a rehabilitation request if the need for
rehabilitation of the structure is the result of a lack of adequate
maintenance by the party responsible for the maintenance.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to provide financial and technical
assistance under this section--
``(1) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2001;
``(2) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2002;
``(3) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2003;
``(4) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2004; and
``(5) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2005.
``(i) Assessment of Rehabilitation Needs.--The Secretary, in
concert with the responsible State agencies, shall conduct an
assessment of the rehabilitation needs of covered water resource
projects in all States in which such projects are located.
``(j) Recordkeeping and Reports.--
``(1) Secretary.--The Secretary shall maintain a data base
to track the benefits derived from rehabilitation projects
supported under this section and the expenditures made under
this section. On the basis of such data and the reports
submitted under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall prepare and
submit to Congress an annual report providing the status of
activities conducted under this section.
``(2) Grant recipients.--Not later than 90 days after the
completion of a specific rehabilitation project for which
assistance is provided under this section, the local
organization that received the assistance shall make a report
to the Secretary giving the status of any rehabilitation effort
undertaken using financial assistance provided under this
section.''.
TITLE II--DAM SAFETY
SEC. 201. DAM SAFETY.
(a) Inventory and Assessment of Other Dams.--
(1) Inventory.--The Secretary of the Army (in this section
referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall establish an inventory
of dams constructed by and using funds made available through
the Works Progress Administration, the Works Projects
Administration, and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
(2) Assessment of rehabilitation needs.--In establishing
the inventory required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
also assess the condition of the dams on such inventory and the
need for rehabilitation or modification of the dams.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a
report containing the inventory and assessment required by this
section.
(c) Interim Actions.--
(1) In general.--If the Secretary determines that a dam
referred to in subsection (a) presents an imminent and
substantial risk to public safety, the Secretary is authorized
to carry out measures to prevent or mitigate against such risk.
(2) Exclusion.--The assistance authorized in paragraph (1)
shall not be available to dams under the jurisdiction of the
Department of the Interior.
(3) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of
assistance provided under this subsection shall be 65 percent
of such cost.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section a total of
$25,000,000 for fiscal years beginning after September 30,
1999, of which not more than $5,000,000 may be expended on any
one dam.
(d) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary
shall coordinate with the appropriate State dam safety officials and
the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Passed the House of Representatives July 17, 2000.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to provide technical assistance in planning, designing, and implementing rehabilitation projects, should an organization request such assistance.
Prohibits any assistance authorized under this Act from being used to perform operation and maintenance activities.
Outlines assistance application requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a system of approving rehabilitation assistance requests from organizations equitably.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 to provide financial and technical assistance. Requires the Secretary to conduct an assessment of the rehabilitation needs of covered projects. Requires: (1) the Secretary to maintain a database to track the benefits derived from, and expenditures made to, rehabilitation projects and to report annually to Congress on the status of activities conducted; and (2) local organizations that received assistance to report to the Secretary on the status of rehabilitation efforts undertaken using financial assistance after the completion of the specific projects for which assistance was provided.
Title II: Dam Safety
- Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) establish an inventory of dams constructed by (and using funds made available through) the Works Progress Administration, the Works Projects Administration, and the Civilian Conservation Corps; and (2) assess the condition of such dams and their need for rehabilitation or modification. Requires within two years of the enactment of this Act a report to Congress containing such inventory and assessment.
Requires the Secretary of the Army, if a dam presents an imminent and substantial risk to public safety, to take measures to prevent or mitigate against such risk, except for dams under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior. Limits the Federal share of the cost of assistance provided to carry out measures to prevent or mitigate such risk to 65 percent of such cost.
Authorizes appropriations. Limits the amount of such funds that may be expended on any one dam.
Directs the Secretary of the Army to coordinate with the appropriate State dam safety officials and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in carrying out this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Small Watershed Rehabilitation Amendments of 2000"} | 2,204 | 429 | 0.492963 | 1.463909 | 0.664261 | 3.600515 | 5.335052 | 0.930412 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Working Families Relief Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF EXCLUSION FOR DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
(a) Expansion.--
(1) In general.--Subparagraph (A) of section 129(a)(2) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
``shall not exceed $5,000 ($2,500 in the case of a separate
return by a married individual).'' and inserting ``shall not
exceed--
``(i) except as provided in clause (ii),
$10,500, and
``(ii) in the case of a separate return by
a married individual, \1/2\ the amount in
effect under clause (i).''.
(2) Inflation adjustment.--Paragraph (2) of section 129(a)
of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) Adjustment for inflation.--In the case of
taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the
$10,500 amount under subparagraph (A)(i) 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 2016'
for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B)
thereof.
If any amount as adjusted under the preceding sentence
is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded
to the next lowest multiple of $100.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to amounts paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2016.
SEC. 3. ALLOWANCE OF CREDIT FOR SMALL EMPLOYER DEPENDENT CARE
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM START-UP COSTS.
(a) In General.--Section 45E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended--
(1) by striking ``pension plan'' in subsection (a) and
inserting ``employee benefit'', and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) Application to Dependent Care Assistance Programs.--For
purposes of this section--
``(1) an dependent care assistance program of an eligible
employer which meets the requirements of section 129(d) shall
be treated as an eligible employer plan, and
``(2) this section (including the limitation under
subsection (b)) shall be applied separately with respect to any
such dependent care assistance program of the eligible employer
and other eligible employer plans of such eligible employer.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 38(b)(14) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by striking ``pension plan'' and inserting
``employee benefit''.
(2) The heading for section 45E of such Code is amended by
striking ``pension plan'' and inserting ``employee benefit''.
(3) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking
``pension plan'' in the item relating to section 45E and
inserting ``employee benefit''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to costs paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2016, with respect to dependent care assistance programs
first effective after such date.
SEC. 4. CREDIT FOR MATCHING DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CONTRIBUTIONS BY EMPLOYERS.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after
section 45R the following new section:
``SEC. 45S. CREDIT FOR EMPLOYER DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS.
``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 38, the employer
dependent care assistance matching contribution credit determined under
this section for any taxable year is an amount equal to the lesser of--
``(1) the amount of contributions made by the employer with
respect to employees to a dependent care assistance program
that meets the requirements of section 129(d), or
``(2) the amount of contributions to such dependent care
assistance program elected by such employees under a cafeteria
plan of the employer to which section 125 applies.
``(b) Limitation.--The credit allowed under subsection (a) for any
taxable year with respect to any employee shall not exceed $1,000.
``(c) Definitions.--Any term used in this section which is used in
section 129 shall have the meaning given such term under section
129.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 38(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by
striking the period at the end of paragraph (36) and inserting
``, plus'', and by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(37) the employer dependent care assistance matching
contribution credit determined under section 45S(a).''.
(2) 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 inserting after the item relating to section 45R
the following new item:
``Sec. 45S. Credit for employer dependent care assistance program
matching contributions.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016. | Working Families Relief Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase and expand tax incentives for employer-provided dependent care assistance. The bill increases the limit on the amount excludible from the gross income of an employee for employer-provided dependent care assistance and requires annual inflation adjustments to such increased limit after 2017. The bill also establishes tax credits for: (1) small employer dependent care assistance program start-up costs, and (2) employer matching contributions for dependent care assistance programs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Working Families Relief Act"} | 1,313 | 100 | 0.525819 | 1.193584 | 0.560077 | 2.123711 | 11.628866 | 0.742268 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Internet Radio Equality Act''.
SEC. 2. NULLIFICATION OF DECISION OF COPYRIGHT ROYALTY JUDGES.
The March 2, 2007, Determination of Rates and Terms of the United
States Copyright Royalty Judges regarding rates and terms for the
digital performance of sound recordings and ephemeral recordings,
including that determination as modified by the April 17, 2007, Order
Denying Motions for Rehearing and any subsequent modification to that
determination by the Copyright Royalty Judges that is published in the
Federal Register, is not effective, and shall be deemed never to have
been effective.
SEC. 3. COMPUTATION OF ROYALTY FEES FOR COMMERCIAL INTERNET RADIO
SERVICES OFFERING DIGITAL PERFORMANCES OF SOUND
RECORDINGS.
(a) Standard for Determining Rates and Terms.--Section 114(f)(2)(B)
of title 17, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Such rates
and terms shall distinguish'' and all that follows through the end of
clause (ii) and inserting the following: ``The Copyright Royalty Judges
shall establish rates and terms in accordance with the objectives set
forth in section 801(b)(1). Such rates and terms may include a minimum
annual royalty of not more than $500 for each provider of services that
are subject to such rates and terms, which shall be the only minimum
royalty fee and shall be assessed only once annually to that
provider.''.
(b) Transition Rule.--Except for services covered by section 118 of
title 17, United States Code, each provider of digital audio
transmissions that otherwise would have been subject to the rates and
terms of the determination of the Copyright Royalty Judges made
ineffective by section 2 of this Act shall instead pay royalties for
each year of the 5-year period beginning on January 1, 2006, at one of
the following rates, as selected by the provider for that year:
(1) 0.33 cents per hour of sound recordings transmitted to
a single listener.
(2) 7.5 percent of the revenues received by the provider
during that year that are directly related to the provider's
digital transmissions of sound recordings.
SEC. 4. COMPUTATION OF ROYALTY FEES FOR NONCOMMERCIAL STATIONS OFFERING
DIGITAL PERFORMANCES OF SOUND RECORDINGS.
(a) Amendments to Section 118 of Title 17, United States Code.--
Section 118 of title 17, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``and published pictorial'' and inserting ``,
sound recordings, and published pictorial'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``and published pictorial'' and inserting ``,
sound recordings, and published pictorial''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or nonprofit
institution or organization'' after ``broadcast
station''; and
(3) in subsection (f), by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (1) or (2)''.
(b) Transition Rule.--For each calendar year (or portion thereof)
beginning after December 31, 2004, until an applicable voluntary
license agreement is filed with the Copyright Royalty Judges pursuant
to section 118 of title 17, United States Code (as amended by
subsection (a) of this section) or an applicable determination is
issued by the Copyright Royalty Judges pursuant to section 118 of such
title (as so amended), the annual royalty that a public broadcasting
entity shall pay to owners of copyrights in sound recordings for the
uses provided under section 118(c) of such title (as so amended) shall
be an amount equal to the 1.5 times the total fees paid by that entity
(or in the case of a group of related entities, the fees paid by such
group) pursuant to section 114(f)(2) of title 17, United States Code,
for such uses during the calendar year ending December 31, 2004.
SEC. 5. REPORT BY THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
ADMINISTRATION.
Upon the publication in the Federal Register under section
803(b)(1) of title 17, United States Code, of the commencement of
proceedings of the Copyright Royalty Judges under section 114(f) or 118
of title 17, United States Code, to determine rates and terms for
Internet radio service providers under the statutory license provided
under section 114(d)(2) or 118 (as the case may be), the Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, after
consulting with representatives of copyright owners, nonprofit
educational institutions, and commercial and noncommercial Internet
radio providers, shall submit to the Copyright Royalty Judges a report
on the competitiveness of the Internet radio marketplace and the effect
on Internet radio providers of proposed rate determinations in the
proceedings. The Assistant Secretary shall submit the report to the
Copyright Royalty Judges in a timely manner before the conclusion of
the proceedings.
SEC. 6. REPORT BY THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION.
Upon the publication in the Federal Register under section
803(b)(1) of title 17, United States Code, of the commencement of
proceedings of the Copyright Royalty Judges under section 114(f) or 118
of title 17, United States Code, to determine rates and terms for
Internet radio service providers under the statutory license provided
under section 114(d)(2) or 118 (as the case may be), the Federal
Communications Commission shall submit to the Copyright Royalty Judges
a report on the effect of proposed rate determinations in the
proceedings on localism, diversity, and competition in the Internet
radio marketplace. The report shall include the Commission's views on
the effects of the proposed rate determinations on--
(1) localism, diversity, and competition in rural areas;
(2) diversity of programming, including foreign language
programming; and
(3) competitive barriers to entry into the Internet radio
market.
The Commission shall submit the report to the Copyright Royalty Judges
in a timely manner before the conclusion of the proceedings.
SEC. 7. REPORT BY CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING.
Upon the publication in the Federal Register under section
803(b)(1) of title 17, United States Code, of the commencement of
proceedings of the Copyright Royalty Judges under section 114(f) or 118
of title 17, United States Code, to determine rates and terms for
Internet radio service providers under the statutory license provided
under section 114(d)(2) or 118 (as the case may be), Corporation for
Public Broadcasting, in consultation with public radio licensees or
permittees, or their designated representatives, shall submit to the
Congress a report on the effect of the proposed rate determinations on
such licensees and permittees. The Corporation shall submit the report
to the Copyright Royalty Judges in a timely manner before the
conclusion of the proceedings. | Internet Radio Equality Act - Declares to be ineffective: (1) the March 2, 2007, Determination of Rates and Terms of the U.S. Copyright Royalty Judges regarding rates and terms for the digital performance of sound recordings and ephemeral recordings; (2) the April 17, 2007, modification of that determination by an order denying motions for rehearing; and (3) any subsequent modification by the Copyright Royalty Judges published in the Federal Register.
Replaces standards for determining reasonable rates and terms of royalty payments for public performances of sound recordings by means of eligible nonsubscription transmission services and new subscription services with a requirement that such rates and terms be established in accordance with stated objectives of the Copyright Royalty Judges. (Currently, rates and terms are required to distinguish among different types of eligible nonsubscription transmission services and include a minimum fee for each type.) Allows a minimum annual royalty for each provider subject to such rates and terms. Provides a transition rule for payment of royalties by providers of digital audio transmissions that would have been subject to the rates and terms nullified by this Act.
Revises royalty payment provisions concerning the use of certain works in noncommercial broadcasting to include: (1) sound recordings; and (2) performance or display by nonprofit organizations and public broadcasting entities. Provides a transition rule for the payment by a public broadcasting entity to owners of copyrights in sound recordings.
Requires a report to the Copyright Royalty Judges by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information on the competitiveness of the Internet radio marketplace and the effect on Internet radio providers of proposed rate determinations in proceedings concerning: (1) public performances of sound recordings by means of the services described above; or (2) the use of certain works in noncommercial broadcasting.
Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), upon publication of the commencement of proceedings of the Copyright Royalty Judges to determine rates and terms under the statutory license described in this Act, to report on the effect of such proposals on localism, diversity, and competition in the Internet radio marketplace (including in rural areas). Requires a report to Congress and the Copyright Royalty Judges by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) on the effect of such proposals upon public broadcasting licensees and permittees. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To nullify the March 2, 2007, determination of the Copyright Royalty Judges with respect to webcasting, to modify the basis for making such a determination, and for other purposes."} | 1,580 | 510 | 0.664764 | 2.206145 | 0.762703 | 3.627907 | 3.197674 | 0.869767 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Congress 2000 Commission Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a commission to be known as the ``Congress
2000 Commission'' (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the
``Commission'').
SEC. 3. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.
The Commission shall--
(1) analyze the current size of the membership of the House
of Representatives considering the requirement for the
institution to carry out its responsibilities in an effective
manner under the challenges of the new century;
(2) examine alternatives to the current method by which
Representatives are elected (including cumulative voting and
proportional representation) to determine if such alternatives
would make the House of Representatives a more representative
body;
(3) provide consideration to the continuing dissolution of
adherence to the platforms and candidates of the Nation's two
major political parties as well as to the reduction in
electoral participation by the citizenry;
(4) consider whether alternative methods of electing House
Members might include more citizens in the electoral process;
(5) to the extent necessary, formulate proposals for
changes in the size of the membership of, and the method of
electing Representatives to, the House of Representatives; and
(6) not later than the end of the One Hundred Fifth
Congress, submit to the President and the Congress a report of
the work of the Commission, together with a draft of
legislation (including technical and conforming provisions) to
implement the proposals referred to in paragraph (5).
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 15
members, as follows:
(1) Two members appointed by the President.
(2) Ten members appointed by the House of Representatives,
in the manner prescribed by the House of Representatives.
(3) Three members appointed by the Senate, in the manner
prescribed by the Senate.
(b) Qualifications.--In making appointments under this section, the
appointing authorities shall make a special effort to appoint
individuals who are particularly qualified to perform the functions of
the Commission, by reason of either practical experience or academic
expertise in politics or government.
(c) Terms and Vacancies.--Each member shall be appointed for the
life of the Commission. A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in
the manner in which the original appointment was made.
(d) Pay and Travel.--Each member of the Commission, other than a
full-time officer or employee of the United States--
(1) shall be paid the daily equivalent of the annual rate
of basic pay payable for level V of the Executive Schedule for
each day (including travel time) during which the member is
engaged in the actual performance of duties vested in the
Commission; and
(2) shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in
lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703
of title 5, United States Code.
(e) Quorum.--Eight members of the Commission shall constitute a
quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(f) Chairman.--The Chairman of the Commission shall be elected by
the members.
(g) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairman or a majority of its members.
SEC. 5. STAFF.
(a) In General.--With the approval of the Commission, the Chairman
may appoint and fix the pay of not more than six individuals for the
staff of the Commission. Such individuals may be appointed without
regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing
appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard
to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of
that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates,
except that an individual so appointed may not receive pay in excess of
the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-15 of the
General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Experts and Consultants.--With the approval of the Commission,
the Chairman may procure temporary and intermittent services in the
manner prescribed in 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 payable for grade GS-15 of the General
Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission, the
head of any Federal department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable
basis, any of the personnel of that department or agency to the
Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act.
SEC. 6. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out
this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take
testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers
appropriate.
(b) 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 by this section.
(c) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the
same manner and under the same conditions as departments and agencies
of the United States.
(d) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the
Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the
Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support
services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities
under this Act.
SEC. 7. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall cease to exist on the last day of the month in
which its report is submitted under section 3. | Congress 2000 Commission Act - Establishes the Congress 2000 Commission: (1) to analyze the current size of the membership of the House of Representatives; (2) to determine whether alternatives to the current method by which Representatives are elected would make the House a more representative body; (3) to consider the continuing dissolution of adherence to the platforms and candidates of the Nation's two major political parties as well as to the reduction in electoral participation by the citizenry; (4) to consider whether alternative methods of electing House Members might include more citizens in the electoral process; (5) to the extent necessary, to formulate proposals for changes in the size of the membership of, and the method of electing Representatives to, the House; and (6) by the end of the 105th Congress, to report to the President and the Congress on its work, together with a draft of legislation to implement such proposals. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Congress 2000 Commission Act"} | 1,225 | 185 | 0.717015 | 2.063215 | 0.84977 | 6.073034 | 6.477528 | 0.983146 |
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