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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Innovation Corps Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The acceleration of artificial intelligence is enabling the automation of jobs that have traditionally required human labor. (2) Such automation opens up new opportunities for individuals, the economy, and society, but such automation also has the potential to disrupt the employment landscape for millions of people in the United States. (3) The potential for artificial intelligence to improve the livelihoods and quality of life for the United States workforce over the long run depends on the institutions and policies in place. (4) Job training for dislocated workers in the skills needed in the innovation economy will be critical to maintaining the stability of the larger economy and individual families. (5) Young people are often well equipped to adapt to changes in technology and may be able to provide unique expertise in retraining dislocated workers. (6) The outstanding balance of Federal student loans now exceeds $1 trillion. This debt burden is limiting the ability of recent graduates to fully participate in the economy. SEC. 3. JOB-TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM FOR WORKERS DISPLACED BY AUTOMATION. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, shall establish a competitive program to make grants to institutions of higher education to establish or enhance education programs that retrain workers displaced from their jobs by automation to provide such workers with skills needed for jobs in the STEM fields. (b) Management Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a management plan for the grant program established under this section. The plan shall include the organization, structure, and funding profiles of the grant program for the 6 years following the submission of the plan. (c) Eligibility.--The Secretary may only make a grant under this section to an institution of higher education that submits an application at such time, in such form, and accompanied by such information and assurances as the Secretary may require. (d) Use of Funds.--An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds for one or more education programs that retrain workers displaced, or at risk of future displacement, from their jobs by automation in order to enable such workers to reenter the workforce in jobs in the STEM fields. (e) Conditions for Receipt of Grant Funds.--An institution of higher education may not receive grant funds under this section unless the institution meets the following requirements: (1) The institution certifies that each education program for which the institution receives grant funds provides workers with training in skills needed for jobs in the STEM fields. (2) The institution uses graduate volunteers to assist with the education program for which the institution receives grant funds. (f) Maximum Amount of Grant.--A grant under this section may not exceed $5,000,000. (g) Rules Prescribing Selection Criteria.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, after a public comment period of not less than 60 days, the Secretary shall issue rules prescribing the criteria for selection of an institution of higher education to receive a grant under this section. Such criteria shall include performance requirements for an education program for which an institution of higher education receives grant funds. The Secretary shall update such rules as necessary. (h) Rules for Grant Administration.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, after a public comment period of not less than 60 days, the Secretary shall issue rules to ensure that grants under this section are made and administered in an accountable fashion in order to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. The Secretary shall update such rules as necessary. (i) Deadline To Begin Making Grants.--The Secretary shall begin making grants under this section not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act. (j) Reports.--Not later than June 3 and December 31 of each year, the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce and the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that reviews the grant program established under this section during the 6 months preceding the submission of the report. Such report shall include any recommendations to address waste, fraud, and abuse in such program. (k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $250,000,000, of which not more than 5 percent shall be available for the costs of administering the grant program established under this section, for each of the fiscal years 2018 through 2028. SEC. 4. INNOVATION CORPS. (a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an Innovation Corps whereby recent college graduates may volunteer, in an education program for which an institution of higher education receives (or is eligible to receive) a grant under section 3, to help retrain workers that have been displaced from their jobs by automation. (b) Stipend.--The Secretary shall pay a monthly stipend to each graduate volunteer in accordance with the rules issued under subsection (c)(4). (c) Rules.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, after a public comment period of not less than 60 days, the Secretary shall issue rules containing-- (1) the eligibility requirements for graduate volunteers; (2) the application procedures to become a graduate volunteer; (3) the code of conduct for graduate volunteers; and (4) the amount of a monthly stipend for graduate volunteers sufficient to furnish graduate volunteers with housing, food, and transportation to and from the education program with which the graduate volunteer volunteers. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $250,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2018 through 2028. SEC. 5. STUDENT LOAN DEFERMENT AND FORGIVENESS FOR GRADUATE VOLUNTEERS. (a) Loan Deferment.--Section 455(f)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(f)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (C); (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (D) and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(E) during which the borrower is serving as a graduate volunteer in the Innovation Corps established under section 4 of the Innovation Corps Act of 2017.''. (b) Loan Forgiveness.--With respect to any borrower of Federal student loans who completes 2 years of volunteer service as a graduate volunteer in the Innovation Corps established under section 4, the Secretary of Commerce shall repay, on behalf of such borrower, not more than $100,000 of the balance of principal and interest due on such loans as of the date of completion of such service. SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Automation.--The term ``automation'' means the introduction of machinery into any enterprise that is intended to, or has the effect of, replacing human labor. (2) Federal student loan.--The term ``Federal student loan'' means a loan made under part D of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.). (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). (4) Graduate volunteer.--The term ``graduate volunteer'' means a recent college graduate who volunteers in the Innovation Corps established under section 4. (5) Recent college graduate.--The term ``recent college graduate'' means an individual who has graduated from an institution of higher education not more than 2 years before applying to become a graduate volunteer in the Innovation Corps established under section 4. (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce. (7) STEM field.--The term ``STEM field'' means science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Innovation Corps Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish a competitive program to make grants to institutions of higher education to establish or enhance education programs that retrain workers displaced from their jobs by automation to provide such workers with skills needed for jobs in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. Commerce shall establish an Innovation Corps whereby recent college graduates may volunteer, in an education program for which an institution of higher education receives (or is eligible to receive) such a grant, to help retrain displaced workers. The Higher Education Act of 1965 is amended to: (1) allow federal student loan deferment for graduate volunteers who serve in the corps, and (2) require Commerce to repay up to $100,000 of such a student loan for a borrower who completes two years of corps service.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Covered land.--The term ``covered land'' means-- (A) lands designated as wilderness under section 3 or section 4; and (B) lands designated as a special management area under section 4. (2) Nonconforming use.--The term ``nonconforming use'' means any commercial helicopter-assisted skiing or snowboarding activities within the lands designated as a special management area under section 4 that have been authorized by the Secretary as of the date of enactment of this Act. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate. (4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Colorado. SEC. 3. ADDITIONS TO THE WILDERNESS PRESERVATION SYSTEM. (a) Designation.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the following areas in the State are designated as wilderness areas and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Certain lands in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests comprising approximately 3,170 acres, as generally depicted on a map titled ``Proposed Wilson, Sunshine, Black Face and San Bernardo Additions to the Lizard Head Wilderness'', dated May 2009, and which are hereby incorporated into the Lizard Head Wilderness area. (2) Certain lands in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests comprising approximately 8,375 acres, as generally depicted on a map titled ``Proposed Liberty Bell and Last Dollar Additions to the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness'', dated May 2009, and which are hereby incorporated into the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness area. (3) Certain lands in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests comprising approximately 13,224 acres, as generally depicted on a map titled ``Proposed Whitehouse Additions to the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness'', dated May 2009, and which are hereby incorporated into the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness area. (4)(A) Certain lands in the San Juan Resource Area of the Bureau of Land Management comprising approximately 8,614 acres, as generally depicted on a map titled ``Proposed McKenna Peak Wilderness'', dated May 2009, and which shall be known as the McKenna Peak Wilderness. (B) The lands designated under subparagraph (A) shall be administered as a component of the National Landscape Conservation System. (b) Map and Description.-- (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and a legal description of each wilderness area designated by this Act with-- (A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (2) Force of law.--A map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors in the map and legal description. (3) Public availability.--Each map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall be filed and made available for public inspection in the Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management and in the Office of the Chief of the Forest Service, as appropriate. SEC. 4. SHEEP MOUNTAIN SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA. (a) Designation.--Certain lands in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison and San Juan National Forests comprising approximately 21,697 acres as generally depicted on a map titled ``Proposed Sheep Mountain Special Management Area'' and dated May 2009, are hereby designated as the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area. (b) Maps and Descriptions.-- (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file maps and legal descriptions of the Federal land described in subsection (a) with-- (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. (2) Force of law.--The maps and legal descriptions filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct typographical errors in the maps and legal descriptions. (3) Public availability.--Each map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the United States Forest Service. (c) Management.-- (1) In general.--Until Congress determines otherwise, activities within the area designated in subsection (a) shall be managed by the Secretary of Agriculture so as to maintain the area's presently existing wilderness character and potential for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. (2) Prohibitions.--The following shall be prohibited on the Federal land described in subsection (a): (A) Permanent roads. (B) Except as necessary to meet the minimum requirements for the administration of the Federal land and to protect public health and safety-- (i) the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles, except as described in paragraph (3); and (ii) the establishment of temporary roads. (3) Allowable activities.--The Secretary may allow activities, including helisking, that have been authorized as of the date of the enactment of this Act to continue within the area designated in subsection (a). The designation under subsection (a) shall not impact future permit processes relating to such activities. (4) Applicable law.--Any uses of the Federal land described in subsection (a), including activities described in paragraph (3), shall be in accordance with applicable law. (d) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Federal land described in subsection (a) is withdrawn from-- (1) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws relating to mineral and energy leasing. (e) Designation as Wilderness.--Lands described in subsection (a) shall be designated as wilderness on the date on which the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register notice that the nonconforming use has terminated. (f) Administration as Wilderness.--Upon its designation as wilderness under subsection (e), the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area shall be-- (1) known as the Sheep Mountain Wilderness; and (2) administered in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133 et seq.) and section 3. SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. (a) In General.-- (1) Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act, land designated as wilderness under section 3 or section 4 shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with-- (A) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and (B) this Act. (2) The Secretary may continue to authorize the competitive running event permitted since 1992 in the vicinity of the boundaries of the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area designated by section 4(a) and the Liberty Bell addition to the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness designated by section 3(a)(2) in a manner compatible with the preservation of such areas as wilderness. (b) Effective Date of the Wilderness Act.--With respect to land designated as wilderness under section 3 or section 4, any reference in the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) to the effective date of the Wilderness Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date of the enactment of this Act or the date of the Secretary designating the land as wilderness. (c) Fish and Wildlife.--Nothing in this Act shall affect the jurisdiction or responsibility of the State with respect to wildlife and fish. (d) No Buffer Zones.-- (1) In general.--Nothing in this Act shall create a protective perimeter or buffer zone around covered land. (2) Activities outside wilderness.--The fact that a nonwilderness activity or use can be seen or heard from within covered land shall not preclude the conduct of the activity or use outside the boundary of the covered land. (e) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act, covered land is withdrawn from all forms of-- (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. (f) Acquired Land.--Any land or interest in land located inside the boundaries of covered land that is acquired by the United States after the date of the enactment of this Act shall become part of the relevant wilderness or special management area and shall be managed in accordance with this Act and other applicable law. (g) Grazing.--Grazing in covered land shall be administered in accordance with section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(4)), as further interpreted by section 108 of Public Law 96- 560, and the guidelines set forth in appendix A of the Report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to accompany H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (H. Rept. 101-405). (h) Ames Hydroelectric Project.--The inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System or designation under section 4 of this Act as a Special Management Area as described in section 4 of this Act, shall not be construed to interfere with the operation and maintenance of the Ames Hydroelectric Project, as currently licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or as reauthorized in the future, including reasonable use of National Wilderness Preservation System lands or Special Management Area for any necessary repair or replacement of existing facilities, transport of water and aerial or land access. All means of access to the project that are currently permitted by the Secretary on the date of enactment of this Act shall be maintained. SEC. 6. WATER. (a) Findings, Purpose, and Definition.-- (1) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (A) the lands designated as wilderness or a Special Management Area by this Act are located at the headwaters of the streams and rivers on those lands, with few, if any, actual or proposed water resource facilities located upstream from such lands and few, if any, opportunities for diversion, storage, or other uses of water occurring outside such lands that would adversely affect the wilderness values of such lands; (B) the lands designated as wilderness or Special Management Area by this Act are not suitable for use for development of new water resource facilities, or for the expansion of existing facilities; and (C) therefore, it is possible to provide for proper management and protection of the wilderness value of such lands in ways different from those utilized in other legislation designating as wilderness lands not sharing the attributes of the lands designated as wilderness or Special Management Area by this Act. (2) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to protect the wilderness values of the lands designated as wilderness or Special Management Area by this Act by means other than those based on a Federal reserved water right. (3) Definition.--As used in this section, the term ``water resource facility'' means irrigation and pumping facilities, reservoirs, water conservation works, aqueducts, canals, ditches, pipelines, wells, hydropower projects, and transmission and other ancillary facilities, and other water diversion, storage, and carriage structures. (b) Restrictions on Rights and Disclaimer of Effect.-- (1) Water rights claims.--Neither the Secretary of Agriculture nor the Secretary of the Interior, nor any other officer, employee, representative, or agent of the United States, nor any other person, shall assert in any court or agency, nor shall any court or agency consider, any claim to or for water or water rights in the State of Colorado, which is based on any construction of any portion of this Act, or the designation of any lands as wilderness or Special Management Area by this Act, as constituting an express or implied reservation of water or water rights. (2) No affect on water rights.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed as a creation, recognition, disclaimer, relinquishment, or reduction of any water rights of the United States in the State of Colorado existing before the date of enactment of this Act. (3) No interpretation or designation.--Except as provided in subsection (g), nothing in this Act shall be construed as constituting an interpretation of any other Act or any designation made by or pursuant thereto. (4) No precedent.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as establishing a precedent with regard to any future wilderness designations. (c) New or Expanded Projects.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on and after the date of enactment of this Act neither the President nor any other officer, employee, or agent of the United States shall fund, assist, authorize, or issue a license or permit for the development of any new water resource facility within the areas described in sections 3 and 4 or the enlargement of any water resource facility within the areas described in sections 3 and 4. (d) Access and Operation.-- (1) Access to water resource facilities.--Subject to the provisions of this subsection, the Secretary shall allow reasonable access to water resource facilities in existence on the date of enactment of this Act within the areas described in sections 3 and 4, including motorized access where necessary and customarily employed on routes existing as of the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Access routes.--Existing access routes within such areas customarily employed as of the date of enactment of this Act may be used, maintained, repaired, and replaced to the extent necessary to maintain their present function, design, and serviceable operation, so long as such activities have no increased adverse impacts on the resources and values of the areas described in sections 3 and 4 than existed as of the date of enactment of this Act. (3) Use of water resource facilities.--Subject to the provisions of subsections (c) and (d), the Secretary shall allow water resource facilities existing on the date of enactment of this Act within areas described in sections 3 and 4 to be used, operated, maintained, repaired, and replaced to the extent necessary for the continued exercise, in accordance with Colorado State law, of vested water rights adjudicated for use in connection with such facilities by a court of competent jurisdiction prior to the date of enactment of this Act. The impact of an existing facility on the water resources and values of the area shall not be increased as a result of changes in the adjudicated type of use of such facility as of the date of enactment of this Act. (4) Repair and maintainence.--Water resource facilities, and access routes serving such facilities, existing within the areas described in sections 3 and 4 on the date of enactment of this Act shall be maintained and repaired when and to the extent necessary to prevent increased adverse impacts on the resources and values of the areas described in sections 3 and 4. (e) Existing Projects.--Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d), the provisions of this Act related to the areas described in sections 3 and 4, and the inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System of the areas described in section 3 and 4, shall not be construed to affect or limit the use, operation, maintenance, repair, modification, or replacement of water resources facilities in existence on the date of enactment of this Act within the boundaries of the areas described in sections 3 and 4. (f) Monitoring and Implementation.--The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior shall monitor the operation of and access to water resource facilities within the areas described in sections 3 and 4 and take all steps necessary to implement the provisions of this section. (g) Interstate Compacts.--Nothing in this Act, and nothing in any previous Act designating any lands as wilderness, shall be construed as limiting, altering, modifying, or amending any of the interstate compacts or equitable apportionment decrees that apportion water among and between the State of Colorado and other States. Except as expressly provided in this section, nothing in this Act shall affect or limit the development or use by existing and future holders of vested water rights of Colorado's full apportionment of such waters. SEC. 7. NATURITA CANYON MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS. (a) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act, land described in subsection (b) is withdrawn from all forms of-- (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. (b) Land Described.--The land to be protected under subsection (a) is the approximately 6,596 acres depicted on the map titled ``Naturita Canyon Mineral Withdrawal Area'' and dated May 2009.
San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act of 2009 - Designates specified lands in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests and the San Juan Resource Area of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Colorado as wilderness areas and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Designates specified lands in such National Forests and San Juan National Forest as the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area. Withdraws lands designated as wilderness or a special management area under this Act, as well as land within the Naturita Canyon Mineral Withdrawal Area, from all forms of: (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. Sets forth provisions regarding water rights and access to and the operation of water resource facilities in lands designated as wilderness or a special management area by this Act.
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to designate certain lands in San Miguel, Ouray, and San Juan Counties, Colorado, as wilderness, and for other purposes."}
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SECTION 1. CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT TO ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. (a) In General.--Subparagraph (B) of section 170(e)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``(B) Qualified research or education contribution.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `qualified research or education contribution' means a charitable contribution by a corporation of tangible personal property (including computer software), but only if-- ``(i) the contribution is to-- ``(I) an educational organization described in subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii), ``(II) a governmental unit described in subsection (c)(1), or ``(III) an organization described in section 41(e)(6)(B), ``(ii) the contribution is made not later than 3 years after the date the taxpayer acquired the property (or in the case of property constructed by the taxpayer, the date the construction of the property is substantially completed), ``(iii) the property is scientific equipment or apparatus substantially all of the use of which by the donee is for-- ``(I) research or experimentation (within the meaning of section 174), or for research training, in the United States in physical or biological sciences, or ``(II) in the case of an organization described in clause (i) (I) or (II), use within the United States for educational purposes related to the purpose or function of the organization, ``(iv) the original use of the property began with the taxpayer (or in the case of property constructed by the taxpayer, with the donee), ``(v) the property is not transferred by the donee in exchange for money, other property, or services, and ``(vi) the taxpayer receives from the donee a written statement representing that its use and disposition of the property will be in accordance with the provisions of clauses (iv) and (v).'' (b) Donations to Charity for Refurbishing.--Section 170(e)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(D) Donations to charity for refurbishing.--For purposes of this paragraph, a charitable contribution by a corporation shall be treated as a qualified research or education contribution if-- ``(i) such contribution is a contribution of property described in subparagraph (B)(iii) to an organization described in section 501(c)(3) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a), ``(ii) such organization repairs and refurbishes the property and donates the property to an organization described in subparagraph (B)(i), and ``(iii) the taxpayer receives from the organization to whom the taxpayer contributed the property a written statement representing that its use of the property (and any use by the organization to which it donates the property) meets the requirements of this paragraph.'' (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Paragraph (4)(A) of section 170(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``qualified research contribution'' each place it appears and inserting ``qualified research or education contribution''. (2) The heading for section 170(e)(4) of such Code is amended by inserting ``or education'' after ``research''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1995. SEC. 2. DONATIONS TO UNDERPRIVILEGED SCHOOLS. It is the sense of Congress that one of the main purposes of the enhanced charitable deduction under section 170(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is to encourage the donation of computer equipment and supplies to-- (1) schools serving low income communities; (2) schools whose fiscal year budgets are below the applicable State-wide norm; and (3) schools at which student test scores are substantially below the State-wide norm.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the rules concerning a "qualified research contribution." Redefines such term as a "qualified research or education contribution." Expresses the sense of the Congress that one of the main purposes of the revision is to encourage the donation of computer supplies and equipment to underprivileged schools.
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow companies to donate scientific equipment to elementary and secondary schools for use in their educational programs, and for other purposes."}
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act of 2013''. SEC. 2. GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATORY DRILLING LOAN PROGRAM. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Geothermal Investment Fund established under subsection (h). (2) Program.--The term ``program'' means the direct loan program for high risk geothermal exploration wells established under this section. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy. (b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a direct loan program for high risk geothermal exploration wells. (c) Applications.--An applicant that seeks to receive a loan under the program may submit to the Secretary an application for the loan at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may prescribe. (d) Project Criteria.-- (1) In general.--In selecting applicants for loans under this section to carry out projects under the program, the Secretary shall consider-- (A) the potential for unproven geothermal resources that would be explored and developed under a project; (B) the expertise and experience of an applicant in developing geothermal resources; and (C) the importance of the project in meeting the goals of the Department of Energy. (2) Preference.--In selecting applicants for loans under this section to carry out projects under the program, the Secretary shall provide a preference for projects likely to lead to successful new geothermal development leading to electricity production. (e) Data Sharing.--Data from all exploratory wells that are carried out under the program shall be provided to the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior for use in mapping national geothermal resources and other uses, including-- (1) subsurface geologic data; (2) metadata; (3) borehole temperature data; and (4) inclusion in the National Geothermal Data System of the Department of Energy. (f) Administration.-- (1) Cost share.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary shall determine the cost share for a loan made under this section. (B) Higher risks.--The Secretary may base the cost share percentage for loans made under this section on a sliding scale, with higher Federal shares awarded to projects with higher risks. (2) Number of wells.--The Secretary shall determine the number of wells for each selected geothermal project for which a loan may be made under this section. (3) Unproductive projects.--The Secretary may grant further delays or dispense with the repayment obligation on a demonstration that a selected geothermal project is unproductive. (g) Loan Repayment.-- (1) Commencement.--The recipient of a loan made under this section for a geothermal facility shall commence repayment of the loan beginning on the earlier of-- (A) the date that is 4 years after the date the loan is made; or (B) the date on which the geothermal facility enters into commercial production. (2) Term.-- (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term of a loan made under this section shall be 4 years beginning on the applicable loan repayment commencement date under paragraph (1). (B) Extension.--The Secretary may extend the term of a loan under this section for not more than 4 years. (3) Use of loan repayments.--Amounts repaid on loans made under this section shall be deposited in the Fund. (h) Geothermal Investment Fund.-- (1) Establishment of fund.--There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the ``Geothermal Investment Fund'', to be administered by the Secretary, to be available without fiscal year limitation and not subject to appropriation, to carry out this section. (2) Transfers to fund.--The Fund shall consist of-- (A) such amounts as are appropriated to the Fund under subsection (j); and (B) amounts repaid on loans under subsection (g)(3). (3) Prohibition.--Amounts in the Fund may not be made available for any purpose other than a purpose described in paragraph (1). (4) Annual reports.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 2013, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the operation of the Fund during the fiscal year. (B) Contents.--Each report shall include, for the fiscal year covered by the report, the following: (i) A statement of the amounts deposited into the Fund. (ii) A description of the expenditures made from the Fund for the fiscal year, including the purpose of the expenditures. (iii) Recommendations for additional authorities to fulfill the purpose of the Fund. (iv) A statement of the balance remaining in the Fund at the end of the fiscal year. (i) Guidelines.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidelines for the implementation of the program. (2) Administration.--The guidelines shall-- (A) specify-- (i) the terms and conditions that would require a higher or lower level of cost sharing under this section; (ii) the conditions under which the Secretary will allow loan modifications or forgiveness in cases in which a well cannot be used for production or injection; and (iii) the information necessary to provide a loan applicant with certainty about application of subsection (f), including the level of cost and risk that the applicant and the Secretary will assume; and (B) require that-- (i) loans be provided under this section only after the developer has committed the share of the developer for expenditures for drilling costs; and (ii) loans for successful wells shall be repaid by the developer within a 10-year period. (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2022. SEC. 3. 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 by way of 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 with a name-plate capacity, expected resource, or rating of 10 or more megawatts, 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; ``(ii) improvements in drilling equipment; ``(iii) improvements in design methodology and energy analysis procedures; and ``(iv) improved methods for determination of ground thermal properties and ground temperatures; ``(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 2013 through 2017.''. SEC. 4. FACILITATION OF COPRODUCTION OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY ON OIL AND GAS LEASES. Section 4(b) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1003(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(4) Land subject to oil and gas lease.--Land under an oil and gas lease issued pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) or the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands (30 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) that is subject to an approved application for permit to drill and from which oil and gas production is occurring may be available for leasing under subsection (c) by the holder of the oil and gas lease-- ``(A) on a determination that-- ``(i) geothermal energy will be produced from a well producing or capable of producing oil and gas; and ``(ii) the public interest will be served by the issuance of such a lease; and ``(B) in order to provide for the coproduction of geothermal energy with oil and gas.''.
Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) establish a direct loan program for high risk geothermal exploration wells, and (2) give preference to loans to carry out projects that are likely to lead to successful new geothermal development leading to electricity production. Requires data from exploratory wells to be provided to the DOE Secretary (Secretary) and the Secretary of the Interior for use in mapping national geothermal resources and other uses, including subsurface geologic data, metadata, borehole temperature data, and inclusion in DOE's National Geothermal Data System. Requires the Secretary to determine the number of wells for each selected geothermal project for which a loan may be made. Requires: (1) a recipient to commence repayment of the loan beginning on the earlier of four years after the loan is made or when the geothermal facility enters into commercial production, and (2) loans for successful wells to be repaid by the developer within 10 years. Establishes the Geothermal Investment Fund to carry out such program. Requires amounts repaid on loans to be deposited in such Fund. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require: the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to: (1) establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy; (2) identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts; (3) make grants to promote the development of geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy; (4) give priority to proposals that apply to large buildings, commercial districts, and residential communities; and (5) conduct a national solicitation for grant applications. Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to provide that land under an oil and gas lease issued pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act or the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands that is subject to an approved application for a permit to drill and from which oil and gas production is occurring may be available for leasing for geothermal drilling in order to provide for the coproduction of geothermal energy with oil and gas, if the lease would serve the public interest.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Renewable Energy Incentives Act''. (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. EXTENSION, MODIFICATION, AND EXPANSION OF CREDIT FOR ELECTRICITY PRODUCED FROM RENEWABLE RESOURCES AND WASTE PRODUCTS. (a) Permanent Extension.-- (1) Paragraphs (1) and (2)(A)(i) of section 45(d) are each amended by striking ``, and before January 1, 2006''. (2) Section 45(d)(2)(A)(ii) is amended by striking ``before January 1, 2006, is originally placed in service and'' and insert ``is''. (3) Section 45(d)(3)(A) is amended-- (A) by striking ``owned by the taxpayer'', (B) by inserting ``owned by the taxpayer and'' in clause (i)(I) after ``is'', (C) by striking ``and before January 1, 2006'' in clause (i)(I), and (D) by striking ``originally placed in service before January 1, 2006'' in clause (ii) and inserting ``owned by the taxpayer''. (4) Paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (7) of section 45(d) (relating to qualified facilities) are amended by striking ``and before January 1, 2006'' each place it appears. (b) Credit Rate.-- (1) Increase in credit rate.-- (A) In general.--Section 45(a)(1) is amended by striking ``1.5 cents'' and inserting ``1.9 cents''. (B) Conforming amendments.-- (i) Section 45(b)(2) is amended by striking ``1.5 cent'' and inserting ``1.9 cent''. (ii) Section 45(e)(2)(B) is amended by inserting ``(calendar year 2004 in the case of the 1.9 cent amount in subsection (a))'' after ``1992''. (2) Full credit rate for all facilities placed in service after date of enactment.--Section 45(b)(4)(A) (relating to credit rate) is amended by inserting ``and placed in service before the date of the enactment of the Renewable Energy Incentives Act'' after ``subsection (d)''. (c) Full Credit Period for All Facilities Placed in Service After Date of Enactment.--Section 45(b)(4)(B)(i) (relating to credit period) is amended by inserting ``and placed in service before the date of the enactment of the Renewable Energy Incentives Act'' after ``subsection (d)'' (d) Expansion of Qualified Resources.-- (1) In general.--Section 45(c)(1) (defining qualified energy resources) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (G) and inserting a comma, and by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: ``(H) incremental geothermal energy production, and ``(I) incremental hydropower production.''. (2) Definition of resources.--Section 45(c) (relating to qualified energy resources and refined coal) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(8) Incremental geothermal production.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `incremental geothermal production' means for any taxable year the excess of-- ``(i) the total kilowatt hours of electricity produced from an incremental geothermal facility described in subsection (d)(9), over ``(ii) the average annual kilowatt hours produced at such facility for 5 of the previous 7 calendar years before the date of the enactment of this paragraph after eliminating the highest and the lowest kilowatt hour production years in such 7-year period. ``(B) Special rule.--A facility described in subsection (d)(9) which was placed in service at least 7 years before the date of the enactment of this paragraph shall commencing with the year in which such date of enactment occurs, reduce the amount calculated under subparagraph (A)(ii) each year, on a cumulative basis, by the average percentage decrease in the annual kilowatt hour production for the 7-year period described in subparagraph (A)(ii) with such cumulative sum not to exceed 30 percent. ``(9) Incremental hydropower production.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `incremental hydropower production' means for any taxable year an amount equal to the percentage of total kilowatt hours of electricity produced from an incremental hydropower facility described in subsection (d)(10) attributable to efficiency improvements or additions of capacity as determined under subparagraph (B). ``(B) Determination of incremental hydropower production.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), incremental hydropower production for any incremental hydropower facility for any taxable year shall be determined by establishing a percentage of average annual hydropower production at the facility attributable to the efficiency improvements or additions of capacity using the same water flow information used to determine an historic average annual hydropower production baseline for such facility. Such percentage and baseline shall be certified by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the determination of incremental hydropower production shall not be based on any operational changes at such facility not directly associated with the efficiency improvements or additions of capacity.''. (3) Facilities.--Section 45(d) (relating to qualified facilities) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(9) Incremental geothermal facility.--In the case of a facility using incremental geothermal to produce electricity, the term `qualified facility' means any facility owned by the taxpayer which is originally placed in service before the date of the enactment of this paragraph, but only to the extent of its incremental geothermal production. In the case of a qualified facility described in the preceding sentence, the 10- year period referred to in subsection (a) shall be treated as beginning not earlier than such date of enactment. Such term shall not include any property described in section 48(a)(3) the basis of which is taken into account by the taxpayer for purposes of determining the energy credit under section 48. ``(10) Incremental hydropower facility.--In the case of a facility using incremental hydropower to produce electricity, the term `qualified facility' means any non-Federal hydroelectric facility owned by the taxpayer which is originally placed in service before the date of the enactment of this paragraph, but only to the extent of its incremental hydropower production. In the case of a qualified facility described in the preceding sentence, the 10-year period referred to in subsection (a) shall be treated as beginning not earlier than such date of enactment.''. (e) Credit Eligibility for Lessees and Operators Extended to All Facilities.--Paragraph (6) of section 45(d) is amended to read as follows: ``(6) Credit eligibility for lessees and operators.--In the case of any facility described in paragraph (1), (4), (5), (6), (7), (9), or (10), if the owner of such facility is not the producer of the electricity, the person eligible for the credit allowable under subsection (a) shall be the lessee or the operator of such facility.''. (f) Qualified Facilities With Co-production.--Section 45(b) (relating to limitations and adjustments) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(5) Increased credit for co-production facilities.-- ``(A) In general.--In the case of a qualified facility described in any paragraph of subsection (d) (other than paragraph (8)) which adds a co-production facility after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the amount in effect under subsection (a)(1) for an eligible taxable year of a taxpayer shall (after adjustment under paragraph (2) and before adjustment under paragraphs (1) and (3)) be increased by .25 cents. ``(B) Co-production facility.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `co-production facility' means a facility which-- ``(i) enables a qualified facility to produce heat, mechanical power, chemicals, liquid fuels, or minerals from qualified energy resources in addition to electricity, and ``(ii) produces such energy on a continuous basis. ``(C) Eligible taxable year.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `eligible taxable year' means any taxable year in which the amount of gross receipts attributable to the co-production facility of a qualified facility are at least 10 percent of the amount of gross receipts attributable to electricity produced by such facility.''. (g) Qualified Facilities Located Within Qualified Indian Lands.-- Section 45(b) (relating to limitations and adjustments), as amended by subsection (f), is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(6) Increased credit for qualified facility located within qualified indian land.--In the case of a qualified facility described in any paragraph of subsection (d) (other than paragraphs (1), (2) and (8)) which-- ``(A) is located within-- ``(i) qualified Indian lands (as defined in section 7871(c)(3)), or ``(ii) lands which are held in trust by a Native Corporation (as defined in section 3(m) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602(m)) for Alaska Natives, and ``(B) is operated with the explicit written approval of the Indian tribal government or Native Corporation (as so defined) having jurisdiction over such lands, the amount in effect under subsection (a)(1) for a taxable year shall (after adjustment under paragraphs (2) and (5) and before adjustment under paragraphs (1) and (3)) be increased by .25 cents.''. (h) Additional Modifications.-- (1) Treatment of persons not able to use entire credit.-- Section 45(e) (relating to additional definitions and special rules), as amended by subsection (a)(2), is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(11) Treatment of persons not able to use entire credit.-- ``(A) Allowance of credit.-- ``(i) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this subsection-- ``(I) any credit allowable under subsection (a) with respect to a qualified facility owned by a person described in clause (ii) may be transferred or used as provided in this paragraph, and ``(II) the determination as to whether the credit is allowable shall be made without regard to the tax- exempt status of the person. ``(ii) Persons described.--A person is described in this clause if the person is-- ``(I) an organization described in section 501(c)(12)(C) and exempt from tax under section 501(a), ``(II) an organization described in section 1381(a)(2)(C), ``(III) a public utility (as defined in section 136(c)(2)(B)), which is exempt from income tax under this subtitle, ``(IV) any State or political subdivision thereof, the District of Columbia, any possession of the United States, or any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, or ``(V) any Indian tribal government (within the meaning of section 7871) or any agency or instrumentality thereof. ``(B) Transfer of credit.-- ``(i) In general.--A person described in subparagraph (A)(ii) may transfer any credit to which subparagraph (A)(i) applies through an assignment to any other person not described in subparagraph (A)(ii). Such transfer may be revoked only with the consent of the Secretary. ``(ii) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as necessary to ensure that any credit described in clause (i) is assigned once and not reassigned by such other person. ``(iii) Transfer proceeds treated as arising from essential government function.-- Any proceeds derived by a person described in subclause (III), (IV), or (V) of subparagraph (A)(ii) from the transfer of any credit under clause (i) shall be treated as arising from the exercise of an essential government function. ``(C) Credit not income.--Any transfer under subparagraph (B) of any credit to which subparagraph (A)(i) applies shall not be treated as income for purposes of section 501(c)(12). ``(D) Treatment of unrelated persons.--For purposes of subsection (a)(2)(B), sales among and between persons described in subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be treated as sales between unrelated parties.''. (2) Credits not reduced by tax-exempt bonds or certain other subsidies.--Section 45(b)(3) (relating to credit reduced for grants, tax-exempt bonds, subsidized energy financing, and other credits) is amended-- (A) by striking clause (ii), (B) by redesignating clauses (iii) and (iv) as clauses (ii) and (iii), (C) by inserting ``(other than any loan, debt, or other obligation incurred under subchapter I of chapter 31 of title 7 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Renewable Energy Incentives Act, or proceeds of an issue of State or local government obligations the interest on which is exempt from tax under section 103)'' after ``project'' in clause (ii) (as so redesignated), and (D) by striking ``tax-exempt bonds,'' in the heading and inserting ``certain''. (3) Credit allowable against minimum tax without limitation.--Clause (ii) of section 38(c)(4)(B) (defining specified credits) is amended to read as follows: ``(ii) the credit determined under section 45 to the extent that such credit is attributable to electricity or refined coal produced at a facility which is originally placed in service after October 22, 2004.''. (4) Treatment of qualified facilities not in compliance with pollution laws.--Section 45(d) (relating to qualified facilities), as amended by subsection (d)(3), is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(11) Noncompliance with pollution laws.--For purposes of this subsection, a facility which is not in compliance with the applicable State and Federal pollution prevention, control, and permit requirements for any period of time shall not be considered to be a qualified facility during such period.''. (i) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to electricity and other energy produced and sold after the date of the enactment of this Act, in taxable years ending after such date.
Renewable Energy Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources; (2) increase the rate of such credit; (3) extend the 10 year credit period to all qualified energy facilities eligible for the credit; (4) include incremental geothermal energy production and incremental hydropower production as qualified energy resources for purposes of the credit; (5) increase the credit rate for co-production facilities and qualified facilities located within certain Indian and Alaskan Native Indian lands; (6) permit the transfer of tax credit amounts earned by certain tax-exempt entities to taxable entities; and (7) allow the credit to offset alternative minimum taxable income. Denies the tax credit for facilities which are not in compliance with applicable state and federal pollution prevention, control and permit requirements.
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SECTION 1. DEPUTY ADMINISTRATORS. (a) Deputy Administrator for Science and Technology.-- (1) Appointment.--The President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Deputy Administrator for Science and Technology of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Responsibilities.--The Deputy Administrator for Science and Technology shall have overall responsibility for the scientific and technical foundation of Environmental Protection Agency decisions, including being responsible for-- (A) identifying and defining the important scientific issues facing the Environmental Protection Agency, including those embedded in major policy or regulatory proposals; (B) developing and overseeing an integrated agencywide strategy for acquiring, disseminating, and applying information; (C) ensuring that the complex scientific outreach and communication needs of the Environmental Protection Agency are met, including the need to reach throughout the Agency for credible science in support of the regulatory offices, regions, and Agency-wide policy deliberations, as well as the need to reach out to the broader domestic and international scientific community for scientific knowledge that is relevant to an Agency policy or regulatory issue; (D) coordinating and overseeing scientific quality assurance and peer review practices throughout the Environmental Protection Agency; and (E) developing processes to ensure that appropriate scientific information is used in decisionmaking throughout the Environmental Protection Agency, and ensuring that the scientific and technical information underlying each Environmental Protection Agency regulatory decision is valid, appropriately characterized in terms of scientific uncertainty and cross-media issues, and appropriately applied. (3) Qualifications.--An individual appointed under paragraph (1) shall have an outstanding technical background, including research accomplishments, scientific reputation, and experience in public forums. (4) Consultation.--Before appointing an individual under paragraph (1), the President shall consult with the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Science Advisory Board of the Environmental Protection Agency, and other appropriate scientific organizations. (5) Compensation.--The Deputy Administrator for Science and Technology shall be compensated at the rate provided for level III of the Executive Schedule pursuant to section 5314 of title 5, United States Code. (b) Deputy Administrator for Policy and Management.--The position of Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall be redesignated as the Deputy Administrator for Policy and Management, and the individual serving in that position as of the date of the enactment of this Act shall assume such title. (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to the Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and inserting the following: ``Deputy Administrator for Policy and Management of the Environmental Protection Agency. ``Deputy Administrator for Science and Technology of the Environmental Protection Agency.''. SEC. 2. ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. (a) Title and Term.--One of the Assistant Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency shall be designated as the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development, and shall also have the title of Chief Scientist of the Environmental Protection Agency. Appointments to such position made after the date of the enactment of this Act shall be for a term of 6 years. (b) Qualifications.--An individual appointed under subsection (a) shall have an outstanding technical background, including research accomplishments, scientific reputation, and experience in leading a research and development organization. SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING OTHER ACTIVITIES OF OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Office of Research and Development should-- (A) make a concerted effort to give research managers of the Office a high degree of flexibility and accountability, including empowering the research managers to make decisions at the lowest appropriate management level consistent with the policy of the Environmental Protection Agency and the strategic goals and budget priorities of the Office; (B) maintain approximately an even balance between core research and problem-driven research; (C) develop and implement a structured strategy for encouraging, and acquiring and applying the results of, research conducted or sponsored by other Federal and State agencies, universities, and industry, both in the United States and in foreign countries; and (D) substantially improve the documentation and transparency of the decisionmaking processes of the Office for-- (i) establishing research and technical- assistance priorities; (ii) making intramural and extramural assignments; and (iii) allocating funds; and (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency should-- (A) substantially increase the efforts of the Agency-- (i) to disseminate actively the research products and ongoing projects of the Office of Research and Development; (ii) to explain the significance of the research products and projects; and (iii) to assist other persons and entities inside and outside the Agency in applying the results of the research products and projects; (B)(i) direct the Deputy Administrator for Science and Technology to expand on the science inventory of the Agency by conducting, documenting, and publishing a more comprehensive and detailed inventory of all scientific activities conducted by Agency units outside the Office, which inventory should include information such as-- (I) project goals, milestones, and schedules; (II) principal investigators and project managers; and (III) allocations of staff and financial resources; and (ii) use the results of the inventory to ensure that activities described in clause (i) are properly coordinated through the Agency-wide science planning and budgeting process and are appropriately peer reviewed; and (C) change the peer-review policy of the Agency to more strictly separate the management of the development of a work product from the management of the peer review of that work product, thereby ensuring greater independence of peer reviews from the control of program managers, or the potential appearance of control by program managers, throughout the Agency.
Redesignates the EPA Deputy Administrator as the Deputy Administrator for Policy and Management. Designates one of the EPA Assistant Administrators as the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development and Chief Scientist. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning: (1) EPA Office of Research and Development flexibility and accountability, balance between types of research, application of research conducted by others, and documentation and transparency of decisionmaking; and (2) EPA research dissemination and application, expansion of a science inventory, and peer review policy.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Global Free Internet Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) A single, open, global Internet is a vital tool for facilitating the free and secure flow of information and products without regard to distances or national boundaries. (2) The goal of a single, open, global Internet is best supported by policies that-- (A) encourage utilization on a global basis of technology standards set by international standards- setting organizations, including industry-led and other voluntary bodies, and selected by the market; (B) respect the security of information and privacy of Internet users; (C) promote investment in Internet-related innovation; (D) refrain from compelling Internet service providers and other intermediaries to restrict the free flow of information on the Internet; and (E) allow trade in Internet-related goods, services, information, and content. (3) Certain governments and international bodies are adopting or considering policies contrary to the goal of a free, open Internet, including-- (A) mandating unique technology standards favoring domestic producers as a condition of market access or pursuing related policies regarding standard-setting that are discriminatory and subvert the open, global nature of the Internet; (B) sponsoring or tolerating the use of Internet- related tools to gain unauthorized access to public- sector and private-sector networks in the United States to disrupt their operation; (C) blocking, filtering, or otherwise restricting Internet communications in a manner that discriminates against Internet-based services and content originating in other countries; (D) monitoring Internet use and communications in a manner that restricts individual privacy and freedom; and (E) imposing market access requirements or liabilities that discriminate against or otherwise impede Internet-related goods, services and content from other countries. (4) Such actions threaten the interests of the United States by-- (A) facilitating attempts by foreign governments to restrict or disrupt the free flow of information on the Internet; (B) promoting ``national Internets'' in conflict with the underlying rationale and architecture of the Internet as originally envisioned and constructed, thereby compromising the Internet's full functionality and promise; (C) harming United States workers and businesses, undermining a strong United States industrial base, and putting foreign competitors at an advantage; and (D) putting at risk the utility of the Internet as a tool of open communication, assembly, and commerce, and the individuals who seek to use it for such purposes. SEC. 3. TASK FORCE ON THE GLOBAL INTERNET. (a) Establishment.-- (1) In general.--There is established within the executive branch a Task Force on the Global Internet (in this Act referred to as the ``Task Force''), hosted by the Department of Commerce. (2) Chairperson.--The President shall select from among the members of the Task Force under subsection (b) an individual to serve as Chairperson. (b) Composition.--The Task Force shall consist of the following: (1) Four United States persons with substantial expertise in Internet policy and civil liberties who are not employees or officers of Federal, State, local, or tribal governments and who-- (A) are nominated by the public through a process that solicits public recommendations through the Internet and are appointed by the President, acting through the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology; and (B) shall serve on the Task Force for renewable terms not to exceed 3 years. (2) The leader of the majority party in the Senate and the leader of the minority party in the Senate shall each appoint one United States person with substantial expertise in Internet policy and civil liberties to serve on the Task Force for renewable terms not to exceed 3 years. (3) The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the leader of the minority party in the House of Representatives shall each appoint one United States person with substantial expertise in Internet policy and civil liberties to serve on the Task Force for renewable terms not to exceed 3 years. (4) The United States Trade Representative, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Chair of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, the head of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, and the heads of other Federal departments and agencies as determined to be appropriate by the President, acting through their respective designees. (c) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Task Force, the head of any Federal department or agency or other Federal official described in subsection (b)(4) may detail, with or without reimbursement, any of the personnel or services of the relevant Federal department or agency to the Task Force to assist it in carrying out its functions. (d) Functions.--In addition to such other responsibilities the President may assign, the Task Force shall-- (1) develop and implement strategies in response to foreign and domestic government policies that-- (A) unjustifiably or unreasonably burden or restrict international trade in Internet-related goods, services, and content; (B) mandate or otherwise preference Internet- related technology standards and related measures; (C) impede the free flow of information on the Internet; or (D) otherwise threaten the open, global nature of the Internet, the interests of Internet users and the United States in Internet-related international trade and discourse; (2) consult and share timely information with civil society groups with expertise in Internet policy and civil liberties; (3) coordinate the activity of all Federal departments and agencies as necessary to implement the strategies developed in accordance with paragraph (1); (4) prepare a report and action plan in accordance with section 4; (5) hold public hearings and solicit public comment through the Federal Register and the website for the Task Force as appropriate; and (6) appoint a civilian Task Force member, responsible for leading the Task Force and serving as a point of contact for correspondence and inquiries related to the activities of the Task Force. SEC. 4. REPORT AND ACTION PLAN TO THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS. (a) In General.--Not later than 9 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Task Force shall transmit to the President, the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate a report and action plan that-- (1) identifies acts, policies, or practices of the United States, foreign governments, or international bodies, and related measures that-- (A) deny fair and equitable market access to or otherwise unjustifiably or unreasonably burden or restrict discourse or trade in Internet-related goods, services, and content; (B) mandate, give preference to, or promote Internet-related technology standards that diverge from widely adopted international standards, or otherwise lead to the adoption of discriminatory or trade- restrictive technology standards or conformity assessment procedures; or (C) otherwise threaten the interests of the United States in the technical operation, security, and free flow of global Internet communications; (2) estimates the trade-distorting impact or extent of suppression of free expression of measures identified under paragraph (1) on United States commerce, the interests of Internet users, and the functioning of the Internet; (3) designates which measures identified under paragraph (1) are priority concerns; (4) sets forth a strategy and actions to be taken by Federal departments and agencies in response to measures identified under paragraph (1); and (5) provides information with respect to any action taken (or the reasons if no action is taken) in response to any such measures identified in prior years' reports, including such actions as are required under section 5. (b) Form of Reports.--The reports and action plans required under subsection (a) may contain a classified annex if the Task Force determines that such is appropriate. (c) Coordination and Notice.--In preparing each annual report and action plan required under subsection (a), the Task Force shall-- (1) seek public participation by-- (A) publishing a notice in the Federal Register that includes instructions on how the public may submit comments on the report and plan; (B) holding at least one public hearing; and (C) establishing a website for the Task Force that publishes timely information regarding the Task Force's activities and provides an opportunity for the public to submit comments to the Task Force; (2) consult and coordinate with all relevant executive branch departments and agencies; (3) consult and share timely information with civil society groups with expertise in Internet policy and civil liberties; and (4) take into account information from such sources as may be available to the United States Trade Representative and such information as may be submitted to the Trade Representative by interested persons, including information contained in reports submitted under section 181(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2241(b)) and petitions submitted under section 302 of such Act (19 U.S.C. 2412). (d) Publication.--The Task Force shall publish in the Federal Register the report and action plan transmitted to Congress under subsection (a), but shall omit information transmitted to Congress under subsection (b). SEC. 5. SECTION 301 INVESTIGATION AND POTENTIAL SANCTIONS. Not later than 30 days after the transmission of each annual report and action plan required under section 4, the United States Trade Representative shall, in accordance with the requirements of sections 301 through 304 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2411 through 2414), initiate an investigation, make any determinations required, and take any actions specified under such sections with respect to any acts, policies, or practices of a foreign government or international body that are identified in each such annual report and action plan as priority concerns, including restrictions on sale in the United States of products developed and manufactured in countries implementing such acts, policies, or practices. SEC. 6. REVIEW AND INVESTIGATION BY FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (a) Review and Investigation.--The Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General shall-- (1) review each act, policy, or practice described in paragraph (1) of section 4(a) that is contained in a report or an action plan transmitted under such section to Congress; and (2) investigate whether such act, policy, or practice (or any related action by a nongovernmental entity) violates the antitrust laws of the United States. (b) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``antitrust laws'' has the meaning given it in subsection (a) of the first section of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12(a)), except that such term includes section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) to the extent such section 5 applies to unfair methods of competition. SEC. 7. REPORT TO CONGRESS ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS. (a) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Task Force shall submit to Congress and the President a report that-- (1) assesses the sufficiency of existing multilateral and bilateral trade agreements in-- (A) promoting international trade in Internet- related goods, services, and content; (B) encouraging the utilization on a global basis of technology standards set by international standard- setting organizations; (C) protecting the security and functioning of the Internet; (D) facilitating the free flow of information on the Internet; and (E) protecting the interests of Internet users; and (2) recommends, as appropriate, modifications of existing agreements or the negotiation of new agreements to advance the objectives identified in paragraph (1). (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the negotiating objectives of the United States for future bilateral and multilateral trade agreements should include the goals specified in subsection (a)(1). (c) Form of Reports.--The report required under subsection (a) may contain a classified annex if the Task Force determines that such is appropriate. (d) Coordination and Notice.--In preparing each report required under subsection (a), the Task Force shall-- (1) seek public participation by-- (A) publishing a notice in the Federal Register that includes instructions on how the public may submit comments on the report and plan; (B) holding at least one public hearing; and (C) establishing a website for the Task Force that publishes timely information regarding the Task Force's activities and provides an opportunity for the public to submit comments to the Task Force; (2) consult and coordinate with all relevant Federal departments and agencies; (3) consult and share timely information with civil society groups with expertise in Internet policy and civil liberties; and (4) take into account information from such sources as may be available to the United States Trade Representative and such information as may be submitted to the Trade Representative by interested persons, including information contained in reports submitted under section 181(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2241(b)) and petitions submitted under section 302 of such Act (19 U.S.C. 2412). (e) Publication.--The Task Force shall publish in the Federal Register the report and action plan transmitted to Congress under subsection (a), but shall omit information transmitted to Congress under subsection (b). SEC. 8. STANDARDS-RELATED TRAINING. The Task Force shall coordinate with intergovernmental, national government, and private sector entities, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Patent and Trademark Office, the Trade and Development Agency, the United States Telecommunications Training Institute, the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and any other appropriate entities, for the purpose of organizing training of foreign and domestic government officials and national standard-setting and conformity assessment bodies with respect to best practices, including coordination with nongovernmental international and domestic standards bodies, in accordance with the annual report and action plan required under section 4. SEC. 9. OUTSIDE CONSULTATION. The Task Force shall establish a regularized process to receive and respond to timely input from businesses, organizations, experts, and other interested parties regarding the fulfillment of its functions.
Global Free Internet Act of 2012 - Establishes a Task Force on the Global Internet to be hosted by the Department of Commerce. Requires the Task Force to develop and implement strategies in response to foreign and domestic government policies that: (1) unjustifiably or unreasonably burden or restrict international trade in Internet-related goods, services, and content; (2) mandate or otherwise preference Internet-related technology standards and related measures; (3) impede the free flow of information on the Internet; or (4) otherwise threaten the open, global nature of the Internet, the interests of Internet users, and the United States in Internet-related international trade and discourse. Directs the Task Force to coordinate the activity of federal agencies to implement such strategies and to consult and share timely information with civil liberty and Internet policy groups. Requires the Task Force to transmit to the President and Congress specified annual reports and action plans and to hold public hearings and solicit public comment through the Federal Register and the Task Force website. Instructs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate an investigation of any acts, policies, or practices of a foreign government or international body that are identified in such reports and plans as priority concerns in accordance with the Trade Act of 1974. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Attorney General (DOJ) to investigate whether each act, policy, or practice identified in such a report or plan (or any related action by a nongovernmental entity) violates U.S. antitrust laws. Requires the Task Force to report to Congress and the President on the sufficiency of existing multilateral and bilateral trade agreements in advancing specified objectives that support the goal of a single open, global Internet. Instructs the Task Force to organize training of foreign and domestic government officials and national standard-setting and conformity assessment bodies, including coordination with nongovernmental international and domestic standards bodies.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Retiree Health Benefits Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. FUNDING OF RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS. (a) Collectively Bargained Transfer Treated as a Qualified Transfer.-- (1) In general.--Section 420(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining qualified transfer) is amended by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6) and by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph: ``(5) A collectively bargained transfer (as defined in subsection (e)(5)) shall be treated as a qualified transfer.''. (2) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Subparagraph (B) of section 420(b)(2) of such Code is amended by inserting ``or a collectively bargained transfer'' after ``paragraph (4)''. (B) Paragraph (3) of section 420(b) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(3) Limitation on amount transferred.-- ``(A) In general.--The amount of excess pension assets which may be transferred in a qualified transfer (other than a collectively bargained transfer) shall not exceed the amount which is reasonably estimated to be the amount the employer maintaining the plan will pay (whether directly or through reimbursement) out of such account during the taxable year of the transfer for qualified current retiree health liabilities. ``(B) Exception for collectively bargained transfers.--The amount of excess pension assets which may be transferred in a collectively bargained transfer shall not exceed the amount which is reasonably estimated, in accordance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement and generally accepted accounting principles, to be the amount the employer maintaining the plan will pay (whether directly or through reimbursement) out of such account during the collectively bargained cost maintenance period for collectively bargained retiree health liabilities.''. (C) Section 420(b)(6) of such Code, as redesignated by paragraph (1), is amended by inserting ``(other than a collectively bargained transfer)'' after ``No transfer''. (b) Requirements of Plans Making Collectively Bargained Transfers.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 420(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to requirements of plan transferring assets) is amended to read as follows: ``(1) Use of transferred assets.-- ``(A) In general.--Except in the case of a collectively bargained transfer, any assets transferred to a health benefits account in a qualified transfer (and any income allocable thereto) shall be used only to pay qualified current retiree health liabilities (other than liabilities of key employees not taken into account under subsection (e)(1)(D)) for the taxable year of the transfer (whether directly or through reimbursement). ``(B) Collectively bargained transfer.--Any assets transferred to a health benefits account in a collectively bargained transfer (and any income allocable thereto) shall be used only to pay collectively bargained retiree health liabilities (other than liabilities of key employees not taken into account under subsection (e)(6)(D)) for the taxable year of the transfer or for any subsequent taxable year during the collectively bargained cost maintenance period (whether directly or through reimbursement). ``(C) Amounts not used to pay for health benefits.-- ``(i) In general.--Any assets transferred to a health benefits account in a qualified transfer (and any income allocable thereto) which are not used as provided in subparagraph (A) (in the case of a qualified transfer other than a collectively bargained transfer) or cannot be used as provided in subparagraph (B) (in the case of a collectively bargained transfer) shall be transferred out of the account to the transferor plan. ``(ii) Tax treatment of amounts.--Any amount transferred out of an account under clause (i)-- ``(I) shall not be includible in the gross income of the employer, but ``(II) shall be treated as an employer reversion for purposes of section 4980 (without regard to subsection (d) thereof). ``(D) Ordering rule.--For purposes of this section, any amount paid out of a health benefits account shall be treated as paid first out of the assets and income described in subparagraph (A) (in the case of a qualified transfer other than a collectively bargained transfer) or subparagraph (B) (in the case of a collectively bargained transfer).''. (2) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Subparagraph (A) of section 420(c)(3) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(A) In general.--The requirements of this paragraph are met if-- ``(i) except as provided in clause (ii), each group health plan or arrangement under which applicable health benefits are provided provides that the applicable employer cost for each taxable year during the cost maintenance period shall not be less than the higher of the applicable employer costs for each of the 2 taxable years immediately preceding the taxable year of the qualified transfer, and ``(ii) in the case of a collectively bargained transfer, each collectively bargained group health plan under which collectively bargained health benefits are provided provides that the collectively bargained employer cost for each taxable year during the collectively bargained cost maintenance period shall not be less than the amount specified by the collective bargaining agreement.''. (B) Section 420(c)(3) of such Code is amended by redesignating subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F), respectively, and by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph: ``(C) Collectively bargained employer cost.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `collectively bargained employer cost' means the average cost per covered individual of providing collectively bargained retiree health benefits as determined in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Such agreement may provide for an appropriate reduction in the collectively bargained employer cost to take into account any portion of the collectively bargained retiree health benefits that is provided or financed by a government program or other source.''. (C) Subparagraph (E) of section 420(c)(3) of such Code (as redesignated by subparagraph (B)) is amended to read as follows: ``(E) Maintenance period.--For purposes of this paragraph-- ``(i) Cost maintenance period.--The term `cost maintenance period' means the period of 5 taxable years beginning with the taxable year in which the qualified transfer occurs. If a taxable year is in 2 or more overlapping cost maintenance periods, this paragraph shall be applied by taking into account the highest applicable employer cost required to be provided under subparagraph (A)(i) for such taxable year. ``(ii) Collectively bargained cost maintenance period.--The term `collectively bargained cost maintenance period' means, with respect to each covered retiree and his covered spouse and dependents, the shorter of-- ``(I) the remaining lifetime of such covered retiree and his covered spouse and dependents, or ``(II) the period of coverage provided by the collectively bargained health plan (determined as of the date of the collectively bargained transfer) with respect to such covered retiree and his covered spouse and dependents.''. (c) Limitations on Employer.--Subsection (d) of section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``(d) Limitations on Employer.--For purposes of this title-- ``(1) Deduction limitations.--No deduction shall be allowed-- ``(A) for the transfer of any amount to a health benefits account in a qualified transfer (or any retransfer to the plan under subsection (c)(1)(C)), ``(B) for qualified current retiree health liabilities or collectively bargained retiree health liabilities paid out of the assets (and income) described in subsection (c)(1), or ``(C) except in the case of a collectively bargained transfer, for any amounts to which subparagraph (B) does not apply and which are paid for qualified current retiree health liabilities for the taxable year to the extent such amounts are not greater than the excess (if any) of-- ``(i) the amount determined under subparagraph (A) (and income allocable thereto), over ``(ii) the amount determined under subparagraph (B). ``(2) Other limitations.-- ``(A) No contributions allowed.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an employer may not contribute after December 31, 1990, any amount to a health benefits account or welfare benefit fund (as defined in section 419(e)(1)) with respect to qualified current retiree health liabilities for which transferred assets are required to be used under subsection (c)(1)(A). ``(B) Exception.--An employer may contribute an amount to a health benefits account or welfare benefit fund (as defined in section 419(e)(1)) with respect to collectively bargained retiree health liabilities for which transferred assets are required to be used under subsection (c)(1)(B), and the deductibility of any such contribution shall be governed by the limits applicable to the deductibility of contributions to a welfare benefit fund under a collective bargaining agreement (as determined under section 419A(f)(5)(A)) without regard to whether such contributions are made to a health benefits account or welfare benefit fund and without regard to the provisions of section 404 or the other provisions of this section.''. (d) Definitions.--Section 420(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to definition and special rules) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(5) Collectively bargained transfer.--The term `collectively bargained transfer' means a transfer-- ``(A) of excess pension assets to a health benefits account which is part of such plan in a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2004, ``(B) which does not contravene any other provision of law, ``(C) with respect to which are met in connection with the plan-- ``(i) the use requirements of subsection (c)(1), ``(ii) the vesting requirements of subsection (c)(2), and ``(iii) the minimum cost requirements of subsection (c)(3), ``(D) which is made in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement, and ``(E) which, before the transfer, the employer designates, in a written notice delivered to each employee organization that is a party to the collective bargaining agreement, as a collectively bargained transfer in accordance with this section. ``(6) Collectively bargained retiree health liabilities.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `collectively bargained retiree health liabilities' means the present value, as of the beginning of a taxable year and determined in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement, of all collectively bargained health benefits (including administrative expenses) for such taxable year and all subsequent taxable years during the collectively bargained cost maintenance period. ``(B) Reduction for amounts previously set aside.-- The amount determined under subparagraph (A) shall be reduced by the value (as of the close of the plan year preceding the year of the collectively bargained transfer) of the assets in all health benefits accounts or welfare benefit funds (as defined in section 419(e)(1)) set aside to pay for the collectively bargained retiree health liabilities. ``(C) Key employees excluded.--If an employee is a key employee (within the meaning of section 416(I)(1)) with respect to any plan year ending in a taxable year, such employee shall not be taken into account in computing collectively bargained retiree health liabilities for such taxable year or in calculating collectively bargained employer cost under subsection (c)(3)(C). ``(7) Collectively bargained health benefits.--The term `collectively bargained health benefits' means health benefits or coverage which are provided to-- ``(A) retired employees who, immediately before the collectively bargained transfer, are entitled to receive such benefits upon retirement and who are entitled to pension benefits under the plan, and their spouses and dependents, and ``(B) if specified by the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement governing the collectively bargained transfer, active employees who, following their retirement, are entitled to receive such benefits and who are entitled to pension benefits under the plan, and their spouses and dependents. ``(8) Collectively bargained health plan.--The term `collectively bargained health plan' means a group health plan or arrangement for retired employees and their spouses and dependents that is maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements.''. (e) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) The last sentence of section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ``(other than contributions with respect to collectively bargained retiree health liabilities within the meaning of section 420(e)(6))'' after ``medical benefits''. (2) Section 101(e)(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1021(e)(3)) is amended by striking ``Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004'' and inserting ``Retiree Health Benefits Act of 2005.'' (3) Section 403(c)(1) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1103(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004'' and inserting ``Retiree Health Benefits Act of 2005.'' (4) Paragraph (13) of section 408(b) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1108(b)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``before January 1, 2014'' and inserting ``in accordance with section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Retiree Health Benefits Act of 2005)'', and (B) by striking ``Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004'' and inserting ``Retiree Health Benefits Act of 2005''. (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to years beginning after December 31, 2004.
Retiree Health Benefits Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the tax free transfer of excess pension assets to a health benefits account established to pay collectively bargained retiree health liabilities.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Environmental Justice Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) Advisory committee.--The term ``Advisory Committee'' means the advisory committee established by section 6. (2) Environmental justice.-- (A) In general.--The term ``environmental justice'' means the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and socioeconomic groups with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of laws, regulations, and policies affecting the environment. (B) Fair treatment.--The term ``fair treatment'' means policies and practices that will minimize the likelihood that a minority, low-income community that is rural or urban will bear a disproportionate share of the adverse environmental consequences, or be denied reasonable access to the environmental benefits, resulting from implementation of a Federal program or policy in the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected area. (3) Federal agency.--The term ``Federal agency'' means-- (A) each Federal entity represented on the Working Group; (B) any other entity that conducts any Federal program or activity that substantially affects human health or the environment; and (C) each Federal agency that implements any program, policy, or activity applicable to Native Americans. (5) Hurricanes katrina and rita affected area.--The term ``Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected area'' means the area for which the President has declared the existence of a major disaster, in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), as a consequence of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (4) Working group.--The term ``Working Group'' means the interagency working group established by section 4. SEC. 3. HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL AGENCIES. (a) Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Environmental Justice Mission.--To the greatest extent practicable, the head of each Federal agency shall make achieving environmental justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority, low-income populations that are rural or urban in the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected area. (b) Nondiscrimination.--Each Federal agency shall conduct its programs, policies, and activities in a manner that ensures that such programs, policies, and activities do not have the effect of excluding any person or group from participation in, denying any person or group the benefits of, or subjecting any person or group to discrimination under, such programs, policies, and activities, because of race, color, national origin, or income. SEC. 4. HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA INTERAGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE WORKING GROUP. (a) Creation and Composition.--There is hereby established the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice, to be comprised the following: (1) The heads of the following executive agencies and offices (or their designees): (A) The Department of Defense. (B) The Department of Health and Human Services. (C) The Department of Housing and Urban Development. (D) The Department of Homeland Security. (E) The Department of Labor. (F) The Department of Agriculture. (G) The Department of Transportation. (H) The Department of Justice. (I) The Department of the Interior. (J) The Department of Commerce. (K) The Department of Energy. (L) The Environmental Protection Agency. (M) The Office of Management and Budget. (2) Not more than 4 representatives of community-based and local nonprofit organizations, designated by the Governors of the States in the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected area acting jointly. (3) Not more then 4 State and local civic leaders, designated by the Governors of the States in the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected area acting jointly. (4) Not more than 4 elected officials, designated by the Governors of the States in the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected area acting jointly. (b) Functions.--The Working Group shall-- (1) provide guidance to Federal and State agencies on criteria for identifying disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority, low-income populations that are rural or urban; (2) coordinate with, provide guidance to, and serve as a clearinghouse for, Federal and State agencies as Federal agencies develop or revise an environmental justice strategy under section 5, in order to ensure that the administration, interpretation, and enforcement of programs, policies, and activities are undertaken in a consistent manner; (3) assist in coordinating research by, and stimulating cooperation among, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other Federal agencies conducting research or other activities in accordance with strategies under section 5; (4) assist in coordinating data collection, maintenance, and analysis required by this Act; (5) examine existing data and studies on environmental justice within the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected area; (6) hold public meetings and otherwise solicit public participation and consider complaints as required under subsection (c); and (7) develop interagency model projects on environmental justice that evidence cooperation among Federal and State agencies. (c) Public Participation.--The Working Group shall-- (1) hold public meetings and otherwise solicit public participation, as appropriate, for the purpose of fact-finding with regard to implementation of this Act, and prepare for public review a summary of the comments and recommendations provided; and (2) receive, consider, and in appropriate instances conduct inquiries concerning complaints regarding environmental justice and the implementation of this Act by Federal and State agencies. (d) Annual Reports.-- (1) In general.--Each fiscal year following enactment of this Act, the Working Group shall submit to the President, through the Office of the Deputy Assistant to the President for Environmental Policy and the Office of the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, a report that describes the implementation of this Act, including, but not limited to, a report on the final environmental justice strategies described in section 5 and annual progress made in implementing those strategies. (2) Copy of report.--The President shall transmit a copy of each report submitted to the President under paragraph (1) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the Governor of each State in the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected area. SEC. 5. FEDERAL AGENCY STRATEGIES. (a) Agency-Wide Strategies.--Each Federal agency shall develop an agency-wide environmental justice strategy that identifies and addresses disproportionally high and adverse human health or environmental effects or disproportionally low benefits of its programs, policies, and activities with respect to minority, low-income populations that are rural or urban. (b) Revisions.--Each strategy developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall identify programs, policies, planning, and public participation processes, rulemaking, and enforcement activities related to human health or the environment that should be revised to-- (1) promote enforcement of all health and environmental statutes in areas with minority, low-income populations that are rural or urban; (2) ensure greater public participation; (3) improve research and data collection relating to the health and environment of minority, low-income populations that are rural or urban; and (4) identify differential patterns of use of natural resources among minority, low-income populations that are rural or urban. (c) Timetables.--Each strategy developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall include a timetable for undertaking revisions identified pursuant to subsection (b). SEC. 6. FEDERAL HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) Establishment.--There is established a committee to be known as the Federal Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Environmental Justice Advisory Committee. (b) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall provide independent advice and recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Working Group on areas relating to environmental justice, which may include any of the following: (1) Advice on Federal and State agencies' framework development for integrating socioeconomic programs into strategic planning, annual planning, and management accountability for achieving environmental justice results agency-wide. (2) Advice on measuring and evaluating agencies' progress, quality, and adequacy in planning, developing, and implementing environmental justice strategies, projects, and programs. (3) Advice on agencies' existing and future information management systems, technologies, and data collection, and the conduct of analyses that support and strengthen environmental justice programs in administrative and scientific areas. (4) Advice to help develop, facilitate, and conduct reviews of the direction, criteria, scope, and adequacy of the Federal agencies' scientific research and demonstration projects relating to environmental justice. (5) Advice for improving how the Environmental Protection Agency and others participate, cooperate, and communicate within that agency and between other Federal agencies, State and local governments, environmental justice leaders, interest groups, and the public. (6) Advice regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's administration of grant programs relating to environmental justice assistance (not to include the review or recommendations of individual grant proposals or awards). (7) Advice regarding agencies' awareness, education, training, and other outreach activities involving environmental justice. (c) Advisory Committee.--The Advisory Committee shall be considered an advisory committee within the meaning of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.). (d) Membership.-- (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall be composed of 21 members to be appointed in accordance with paragraph (2). Members shall include representatives of-- (A) community-based groups; (B) industry and business; (C) academic and educational institutions; (D) minority health organizations; (E) State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, and indigenous groups; and (F) nongovernmental and environmental groups. (2) Appointments.--Of the members of the Advisory Committee-- (A) three members shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; (B) three members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; (C) three members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; (D) three members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; (E) two members shall be appointed by the President; and (F) for each State in the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected area, one member shall be appointed by the Governor of such State. (e) Meetings.-- (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall meet at least twice annually. Meetings shall occur as needed and approved by the Director of the Office of Environmental Justice of the Environmental Protection Agency, who shall serve as the officer required to be appointed under section 10(e) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) with respect to the Committee (in this subsection referred to as the ``Designated Federal Officer''). (2) Travel and per diem expenses.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may pay travel and per diem expenses of members of the Advisory Committee when determined necessary and appropriate. (3) Agenda.--The Designated Federal Officer or a designee of such Officer shall be present at all meetings, and each meeting shall be conducted in accordance with an agenda approved in advance by such Officer. (4) Adjournment.--The Designated Federal Officer may adjourn any meeting when the Designated Federal Officer determines it is in the public interest to do so. (5) Open to public.--As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, meetings of the Advisory Committee shall be open to the public unless the President determines that a meeting or a portion of a meeting may be closed to the public in accordance with subsection (c) of section 552b of title 5, United States Code. (6) Comments.--Unless a meeting or portion thereof is closed to the public (in accordance with paragraph (5)), the Designated Federal Officer shall provide an opportunity for interested persons to file comments before or after such meeting or to make statements to the extent that time permits.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Environmental Justice Act - Defines "environmental justice" to mean the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and socioeconomic groups with respect to the development and implementation of laws affecting the environment. Requires the heads of federal agencies to make achieving environmental justice part of their missions by identifying and addressing disproportionately high and adverse effects of its programs on minority, low-income populations in the area affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Requires agencies to conduct programs in a manner to prevent discrimination. Establishes the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice. Includes among the functions of the working group providing guidance to federal and state agencies on criteria for identifying effects on such populations. Requires federal agencies to develop agency-wide environmental justice strategies that address disproportionately high and adverse effects or disproportionately low benefits of their programs with respect to minority, low-income populations. Requires such strategies to identify programs that should be revised to: (1) promote enforcement of all health and environmental statutes in areas with such populations; (2) ensure greater public participation; (3) improve research and data collection; and (4) identify differential patterns of use of natural resources among such populations. Establishes the Federal Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Environmental Justice Advisory Committee to provide independent advice and recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Working Group on areas relating to environmental justice.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Foster Care Reform Commission Act''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT. There is established a commission to be known as the ``Foster Care Reform Commission'' (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission''). SEC. 3. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. The Commission shall study the ongoing foster care crisis in the United States as well as individual efforts undertaken by States, localities, and through privately administered foster care programs. In reviewing the efforts of localities, States and private foster care programs, the Commission shall determine a list of best practices that would help advance safe and reliable foster care in the United States. SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP. (a) Number and Appointment.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act: (1) Congressional members.--4 Commission members shall be appointed as follows: (A) 1 Senator appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate. (B) 1 Senator appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate. (C) 1 Representative appointed by the Speaker of the House. (D) 1 Representative appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. (2) Other members.--The 4 Commission members appointed under paragraph (1) shall meet and select from among themselves a chairman, who shall preside over a meeting to appoint 11 additional Commission members-- (A) 5 of whom shall be experts on child care and foster care issues from the private sector; (B) 1 of whom shall be an expert on child care and foster care issues from the public sector; and (C) 5 of whom shall be experts on child care and foster care issues from academia. (b) Political Affiliation.--Not more than 8 Commission members appointed may be of the same political party. (c) Terms.-- (1) Life of commission.--Each Commission member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (d) No Pay.--Commission members shall not receive compensation by reason of service on the Commission. (e) Travel Expenses.--Each Commission member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (f) Quorum.--8 members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings. (g) Chairperson; Co-Chairperson.--The Commission shall have a Chairperson and a co-Chairperson, only 1 of whom shall be a Member of Congress. (h) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson and co-Chairperson, or of a majority of its members. SEC. 5. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS. (a) Director.--The Commission shall have a Director who shall be appointed by the Chairperson and co-Chairperson of the Commission, with the approval of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. To the extent or in the amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Director shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the rate of basic pay for Level V of the Executive Schedule. (b) Staff.--With the approval of the Chairperson and the co- Chairperson of the Commission, the Director may appoint additional personnel as the Chairperson and co-Chairperson consider appropriate. (c) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--The Director and staff of the Commission 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 provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates. (d) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Chairperson and co-Chairperson, 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 and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. (b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this section. (c) Obtaining Official Data.--The Commission may request any department or agency of the United States to furnish the Commission with such information as the Commission deems necessary to enable the Commission to carry out this Act. (d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States. (e) 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. REPORT. Not later than 2 years after all original Commission members are appointed, the Commission shall transmit to the President, the Congress, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services a report that contains a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission regarding reform of the foster care system, together with its recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Commission deems appropriate. SEC. 8. TERMINATION. The Commission shall terminate on the date the report required by section 7 is so transmitted.
Foster Care Reform Commission Act - Establishes the Foster Care Reform Commission to study and report to the President, Congress, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the ongoing foster care crisis in the United States as well as individual efforts undertaken by States, localities, and through privately administered foster care programs. Requires the Commission, in reviewing such efforts, to determine a list of best practices that would help advance safe and reliable foster care in the United States.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO FINDINGS. Section 202(a)(6) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1121(a)(6)) is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, including strong collaborations between Administration scientists and scientists at academic institutions.''. SEC. 3. REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM. (a) Quadrennial Strategic Plan.--Section 204(c)(1) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(1)) is amended to read as follows: ``(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the panel, sea grant colleges, and sea grant institutes, shall develop at least every 4 years a strategic plan that establishes priorities for the national sea grant college program, provides an appropriately balanced response to local, regional, and national needs, and is reflective of integration with the relevant portions of the strategic plans of the Department of Commerce and of the Administration.''. (b) Program Evaluation and Rating.-- (1) Evaluation and rating requirement.--Section 204(d)(3)(A) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(A)) is amended to read as follows: ``(A)(i) evaluate the performance of the programs of sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes, using the priorities, guidelines, and qualifications established by the Secretary under subsection (c), and determine which of the programs are the best managed and carry out the highest quality research, education, extension, and training activities; and ``(ii) rate the programs according to their relative performance (as determined under clause (i)) into no less than 5 categories, with each of the 2 best-performing categories containing no more than 25 percent of the programs;''. (2) Review of evaluation and rating process.--(A) After 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall contract with the National Academy of Sciences-- (i) to review the effectiveness of the evaluation and rating system under the amendment made by paragraph (1) in determining the relative performance of programs of sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes; (ii) to evaluate whether the sea grant programs have improved as a result of the evaluation process; and (iii) to make appropriate recommendations to improve the overall effectiveness of the evaluation process. (B) The National Academy of Sciences shall submit a report to the Congress on the findings and recommendations of the panel under subparagraph (A) by not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Allocation of Funding.--Section 204(d)(3)(B) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``and'' after the semicolon at the end of clause (ii) and by adding at the end the following: ``(iv) encourage and promote coordination and cooperation between the research, education, and outreach programs of the Administration and those of academic institutions; and''. SEC. 4. COST SHARE. Section 205(a) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1124(a)) is amended by striking ``section 204(d)(6)'' and inserting ``section 204(c)(4)(F)''. SEC. 5. FELLOWSHIPS. (a) Ensuring Equal Access.--Section 208(a) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1127(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary shall strive to ensure equal access for minority and economically disadvantaged students to the program carried out under this subsection. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress describing the efforts by the Secretary to ensure equal access for minority and economically disadvantaged students to the program carried out under this subsection, and the results of such efforts.''. (b) Postdoctoral Fellows.--Section 208(c) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1127(c)) is repealed. SEC. 6. TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR SEA GRANT REVIEW PANEL. Section 209(c)(2) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1128(c)(2)) is amended by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: ``The term of office of a voting member of the panel shall be 3 years for a member appointed before the date of enactment of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002, and 4 years for a member appointed or reappointed after the date of enactment of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002. The Director may extend the term of office of a voting member of the panel appointed before the date of enactment of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 by up to 1 year.''. SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 212 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1131) are amended to read as follows: ``(a) Authorization.-- ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title-- ``(A) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2003; ``(B) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2004; ``(C) $77,500,000 for fiscal year 2005; ``(D) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2006; ``(E) $82,500,000 for fiscal year 2007; and ``(F) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2008. ``(2) Priority activities.--In addition to the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2003 through 2008-- ``(A) $5,000,000 for competitive grants for university research on the biology and control of zebra mussels and other important aquatic nonnative species; ``(B) $5,000,000 for competitive grants for university research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster- related human health risks; ``(C) $5,000,000 for competitive grants for university research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms, including Pfiesteria piscicida; and ``(D) $3,000,000 for competitive grants for fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding. ``(b) Limitations.-- ``(1) Administration.--There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5 percent of the lesser of-- ``(A) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or ``(B) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. ``(2) Use for other offices or programs.--Sums appropriated under the authority of subsection (a)(2) shall not be available for administration of this title by the National Sea Grant Office, for any other Administration or department program, or for any other administrative expenses. ``(c) Distribution of Funds.--In any fiscal year in which the appropriations made under subsection (a)(1) exceed the amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2003 for the purposes described in such subsection, the Secretary shall distribute any excess amounts (except amounts used for the administration of the sea grant program) to any combination of the following: ``(1) sea grant programs, according to their rating under section 204(d)(3)(A); ``(2) national strategic investments authorized under section 204(b)(4); ``(3) a college, university, institution, association, or alliance for activities that are necessary for it to be designated as a sea grant college or sea grant institute; and ``(4) a sea grant college or sea grant institute designated after the date of enactment of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 but not yet evaluated under section 204(d)(3)(A).''. SEC. 8. ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRESS IN BECOMING DESIGNATED AS SEA GRANT COLLEGES AND SEA GRANT INSTITUTES. Section 207 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (16 U.S.C. 1126) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Annual Report on Progress.-- ``(1) Report requirement.--The Secretary shall report annually to the Committee on Resources and the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, on efforts and progress made by colleges, universities, institutions, associations, and alliances to become designated under this section as sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes, including efforts and progress made by sea grant institutes in being designated as sea grant colleges. ``(2) Territories and freely associated states.--The report shall include description of-- ``(A) efforts made by colleges, universities, associations, institutions, and alliances in United States territories and freely associated States to develop the expertise necessary to be designated as a sea grant institute or sea grant college; ``(B) the administrative, technical, and financial assistance provided by the Secretary to those entities seeking to be designated; and ``(C) the additional actions or activities necessary for those entities to meet the qualifications for such designation under subsection (a)(1).''. SEC. 9. COORDINATION. Not later than February 15 of each year, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the Director of the National Science Foundation shall jointly submit to the Committees on Resources and Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on how the oceans and coastal research activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including the Coastal Ocean Program and the National Sea Grant College Program, and of the National Science Foundation will be coordinated during the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the report is submitted. The report shall describe in detail any overlapping ocean and coastal research interests between the agencies and specify how such research interests will be pursued by the programs in a complementary manner. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.
National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to require the Secretary of Commerce to develop a strategic plan for the national sea grant college program at least quadrennially. Requires that such plan integrate with the strategic plans of the Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as well as balance local, regional, and national needs.Revises requirements for evaluation of sea grant college and institute programs. Requires the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program to rate such programs according to their relative performance into at least five categories, with each of the two best-performing categories containing at most 25 percent of the programs.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate such rating system.Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on efforts to ensure equal access for minority and economically disadvantaged students to the graduate and post-graduate fellowship program.Eliminates the postdoctoral fellowship program.Increases from three years to four years the membership term for the sea grant review panel.Authorizes appropriations for: (1) FY 2004 through 2008; (2) competitive grants for research on the biology and control of zebra mussels and other important aquatic nonnative species, on oyster health issues, on harmful algal blooms (including Pfiesteria piscicida); and (3) competitive grants for fishery extension activities to enhance (and not supplant) existing core program funding. Limits the percentage of funds available for administration.Requires the Secretary to distribute any appropriations in excess of FY 2003 levels to any combination of: (1) sea grant programs, according to their performance rating; (2) national strategic investments; (3) sea grant program qualifying activities; and (4) sea grant colleges or institutes designated after this Act's enactment, but not yet evaluated.Requires annual reports to specified congressional committees by: (1) the Secretary of Commerce on qualifying efforts of institutions to become a part of this program, including institutions in the territories and freely associated States; and (2) the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere jointly with the Director of the National Science Foundation on the coordination during the following fiscal year of the ocean and coastal research activities of NOAA (including the National Sea Grant College and Coastal Ocean Programs) and the National Science Foundation.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act''. TITLE I--DESIGNATION AND EXPANSION OF WILDERNESS AREAS SEC. 101. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY. In this title, the term ``Secretary'' means-- (1) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Agriculture; and (2) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 102. DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS, CLEVELAND AND SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FORESTS, JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, AND BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LAND IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. (a) Agua Tibia Wilderness Addition.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain land in the Cleveland National Forest and certain land administered by the Bureau of Land Management in Riverside County, California, together comprising approximately 1,950 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Agua Tibia Proposed Wilderness, Bureau of Land Management and Cleveland National Forest'' and dated _____, is designated as wilderness and is incorporated in, and shall be deemed to be a part of, the Agua Tibia Wilderness designated by section 2(a) of Public Law 93- 632 (88 Stat. 2154; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note). (b) Cahuilla Mountain Wilderness.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain land in the San Bernardino National Forest, California, comprising approximately 7,131 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Cahuilla Mountain Proposed Wilderness, San Bernardino National Forest'' and dated _____, is designated as wilderness and, therefore, as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, which shall be known as the ``Cahuilla Mountain Wilderness''. (c) South Fork San Jacinto Wilderness.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain land in the San Bernardino National Forest, California, comprising approximately 21,760 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``South Fork San Jacinto Proposed Wilderness, San Bernardino National Forest'' and dated _____, is designated as wilderness and, therefore, as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, which shall be known as the ``South Fork San Jacinto Wilderness''. (d) Santa Rosa Wilderness Addition.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain land in the San Bernardino National Forest, California, comprising approximately 14 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Santa Rosa Proposed Wilderness Addition, San Bernardino National Forest'' and dated _____, is designated as wilderness and is incorporated in, and shall be deemed to be a part of, the Santa Rosa Wilderness designated by section 101(a)(28) of Public Law 98-425 (98 Stat. 1623; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note). (e) Beauty Mountain Wilderness.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain land administered by the Bureau of Land Management in Riverside County, California, comprising approximately 16,700 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Beauty Mountain Proposed Wilderness'' and dated _____, is designated as wilderness and, therefore, as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, which shall be known as the ``Beauty Mountain Wilderness''. (f) Joshua Tree National Park Wilderness Addition.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain land in Joshua Tree National Park, comprising approximately 37,050 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Joshua Tree National Park Proposed Wilderness Additions'' and dated _____, is designated as wilderness and is incorporated in, and shall be deemed to be a part of, the Joshua Tree Wilderness designated by section 1(g) of Public Law 94- 567 (90 Stat. 2692; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note). (g) Maps and Descriptions.-- (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and legal description of each wilderness area and wilderness addition designated by this section with the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (2) Force of law.--A map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct errors in the map and legal description. (3) Public availability.--Each map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall be filed and made available for public inspection in the appropriate office of the Secretary. SEC. 103. JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK POTENTIAL WILDERNESS. (a) Designation of Potential Wilderness.--Certain land in the Joshua Tree National Park, comprising approximately 41,100 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Joshua Tree National Park Potential Wilderness Addition'' and dated _____, is designated potential wilderness and shall be managed by the Secretary of the Interior insofar as practicable as wilderness until such time as the land is designated as wilderness pursuant to subsection (b). (b) Designation as Wilderness.--The land designated potential wilderness by subsection (a) shall be designated as wilderness and incorporated in, and be deemed to be a part of, the Joshua Tree Wilderness designated by section 1(g) of Public Law 94-567 (90 Stat. 2692; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note), effective upon publication by the Secretary of the Interior in the Federal Register of a notice that-- (1) all uses of the land within the potential wilderness prohibited by the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) have ceased; or (2) sufficient inholdings within the boundaries of the potential wilderness have been acquired to establish a manageable wilderness unit. (c) Map and Description.-- (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date on which the notice required by subsection (b) is published in the Federal Register, the Secretary shall file a map and legal description of the land designated as wilderness and potential wilderness by this section with the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (2) Force of law.--The map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct errors in the map and legal description. (3) Public availability.--Each map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall be filed and made available for public inspection in the appropriate office of the Secretary. SEC. 104. ADMINISTRATION OF WILDERNESS. (a) Management.--Subject to valid existing rights, the land designated as wilderness or as a wilderness addition by this title shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that-- (1) any reference in that Act to the effective date of that Act shall be deemed to be a reference to-- (A) the date of the enactment of this Act; or (B) in the case of the wilderness addition designated by subsection (b) of section 103, the date on which the notice required by such subsection is published in the Federal Register; and (2) any reference in that Act to the Secretary of Agriculture shall be deemed to be a reference to the Secretary that has jurisdiction over the land. (b) Incorporation of Acquired Land and Interests.--Any land within the boundaries of a wilderness area or wilderness addition designated by this title that is acquired by the United States shall-- (1) become part of the wilderness area in which the land is located; and (2) be managed in accordance with this title, the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), and any other applicable law. (c) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land designated as wilderness by this title is withdrawn from all forms of-- (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. (d) Fire, Insect, and Disease Management Activities.--The Secretary may take such measures in a wilderness area or wilderness addition designated by this title as are necessary for the control and prevention of fire, insects, and diseases, in accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)) and House Report No. 98-40 of the 98th Congress. TITLE II--WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATIONS SEC. 201. WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATIONS, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. (a) Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(_) North Fork San Jacinto River, California.--The following segments of the North Fork San Jacinto River in the State of California, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture: ``(A) The 2.12-mile segment from the source of the North Fork San Jacinto River at Deer Springs in Mt. San Jacinto State Park to the State Park boundary, as a wild river. ``(B) The 1.66-mile segment from the Mt. San Jacinto State Park boundary to the Lawler Park boundary in section 26, township 4 south, range 2 east, San Bernardino meridian, as a scenic river. ``(C) The 0.68-mile segment from the Lawler Park boundary to its confluence with Fuller Mill Creek, as a recreational river. ``(D) The 2.15-mile segment from its confluence with Fuller Mill Creek to .25 miles upstream of the 5S09 road crossing, as a wild river. ``(E) The 0.6-mile segment from .25 miles upstream of the 5S09 Road crossing to its confluence with Stone Creek, as a scenic river. ``(F) The 2.91-mile segment from the Stone Creek confluence to the northern boundary of section 17, township 5 south, range 2 east, San Bernardino meridian, as a wild river. ``(_) Fuller Mill Creek, California.--The following segments of Fuller Mill Creek in the State of California, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture: ``(A) The 1.2-mile segment from the source of Fuller Mill Creek in the San Jacinto Wilderness to the Pinewood property boundary in section 13, township 4 south, range 2 east, San Bernardino meridian, as a scenic river. ``(B) The 0.9-mile segment in the Pine Wood property, as a recreational river. ``(C) The 1.4-mile segment from the Pinewood property boundary in section 23, township 4 south, range 2 east, San Bernardino meridian, to its confluence with the North Fork San Jacinto River, as a scenic river. ``(_) Palm Canyon Creek, California.--The 8.1-mile segment of Palm Canyon Creek in the State of California from the southern boundary of section 6, township 7 south, range 5 east, San Bernardino meridian, to the San Bernardino National Forest boundary in section 1, township 6 south, range 4 east, San Bernardino meridian, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as a wild river. ``(_) Bautista Creek, California.--The 9.8-mile segment of Bautista Creek in the State of California from the San Bernardino National Forest boundary in section 36, township 6 south, range 2 east, San Bernardino meridian, to the San Bernardino National Forest boundary in section 2, township 6 south, range 1 east, San Bernardino meridian, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as a recreational river.''. TITLE III--BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT SEC. 106. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT, SANTA ROSA AND SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS NATIONAL MONUMENT. Section 2 of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-351; 114 U.S.C. 1362; 16 U.S.C. 431 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(e) Expansion of Boundaries.--In addition to the land described in subsection (c), the lands identified as additions to the National Monument on the maps entitled `Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Addition, Santa Rosa Peak Area,' and `Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Addition, Snow Creek Area' and dated _____, are included within the boundaries of the National Monument.''.
California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act - Designates as wilderness: (1) certain Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in the Cleveland National Forest, to be part of the Agua Tibia Wilderness; (2) specified lands in the San Bernardino National Forest to be known as the Cahuilla Mountain Wilderness and the South Fork San Jacinto Wilderness and as part of the Santa Rosa Wilderness; (3) certain BLM land in Riverside County, California, to be known as the Beauty Mountain Wilderness; and (4) certain land in Joshua Tree National Park, to be part of the Joshua Tree Wilderness. Designates certain lands in the Joshua Tree National Park as potential wilderness. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to manage such land as wilderness until it is incorporated into the Joshua Tree Wilderness (effective when the Secretary publishes notice that all uses of the land prohibited by the Wilderness Act have ceased or that sufficient inholdings have been acquired to establish a manageable wilderness unit). Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate as wild, scenic, or recreational rivers specified segments of the North Fork San Jacinto River, Fuller Mill Creek, Palm Canyon Creek, and Bautista Creek in California. Amends the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000 to include additional lands within the boundaries of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To designate certain Federal lands in Riverside County, California, as wilderness, to designate certain river segments in Riverside County as a wild, scenic, or recreational river, to adjust the boundary of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, and for other purposes."}
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Environmental and Economic Benefits Restoration Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. STATE AND PRIVATE FOREST LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Section 13A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2109a) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 13A. STATE AND PRIVATE FOREST LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION PROGRAM. ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish a landscape-scale restoration program to support landscape-scale restoration and management that results in measurable improvements to public benefits derived from State and private forest land, as identified in-- ``(1) a State-wide assessment described in section 2A(a)(1); and ``(2) a long-term State-wide forest resource strategy described in section 2A(a)(2). ``(b) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Private forest land.--The term `private forest land' means land that-- ``(A)(i) has existing tree cover; or ``(ii) is suitable for growing trees; and ``(B) is owned by-- ``(i) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)); or ``(ii) any private individual or entity. ``(2) Regional.--The term `regional' means of any region of the National Association of State Foresters. ``(3) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. ``(4) State forester.--The term `State Forester' means a State Forester or equivalent State official. ``(c) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with State Foresters, shall establish a landscape-scale restoration program to provide financial and technical assistance for landscape-scale restoration projects on State, political subdivision, or private forest land that maintain or improve benefits from trees and forests on the land. ``(d) Requirements.--The landscape-scale restoration program established under subsection (c) shall-- ``(1) measurably address the national private forest conservation priorities described in section 2(c); ``(2) enhance public benefits from trees and forests, as identified in-- ``(A) a State-wide assessment described in section 2A(a)(1); and ``(B) a long-term State-wide forest resource strategy described in section 2A(a)(2); and ``(3) in accordance with the purposes described in section 2(b), have 1 or more objectives including-- ``(A) protecting or improving water quality or quantity; ``(B) reducing wildfire risk; ``(C) protecting or enhancing wildlife habitat, consistent with wildlife objectives established by the applicable State fish and wildlife agency; ``(D) improving forest health, including addressing native, nonnative, and invasive pests; or ``(E) enhancing opportunities for new and existing markets in which the production and use of wood products strengthens local and regional economies. ``(e) Measurement.--The Secretary, in consultation with State Foresters, shall establish a measurement system, including measurement tools, that-- ``(1) consistently measures the results of landscape-scale restoration projects described in subsection (c); and ``(2) is consistent with the measurement systems of other Federal programs delivered by State Foresters. ``(f) Use of Amounts.-- ``(1) Allocation.--Of amounts made available for the landscape-scale restoration program established under subsection (c), the Secretary shall allocate-- ``(A) 50 percent for the competitive process in accordance with subsection (g); and ``(B) 50 percent proportionally to States, in consultation with State Foresters-- ``(i) to maximize the achievement of the objectives described in subsection (d)(3); and ``(ii) to address the highest national priorities, as identified in-- ``(I) State-wide assessments described in section 2A(a)(1); and ``(II) long-term State-wide forest resource strategies described in section 2A(a)(2). ``(2) Multiyear projects.--The Secretary may provide amounts under this section for multiyear projects. ``(g) Competitive Process.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall distribute amounts described in subsection (f)(1)(A) through a competitive process for landscape-scale restoration projects described in subsection (c) to maximize the achievement of the objectives described in subsection (d)(3). ``(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible for funding through the competitive process described in paragraph (1), a State Forester, or another entity on approval of the State Forester, shall submit to the Secretary 1 or more landscape-scale restoration proposals that-- ``(A) in accordance with paragraph (3), include priorities identified in-- ``(i) State-wide assessments described in section 2A(a)(1); and ``(ii) long-term State-wide forest resource strategies described in section 2A(a)(2); ``(B) identify 1 or more measurable results to be achieved through the project; ``(C) to the maximum extent practicable, include activities on all land necessary to accomplish the measurable results in the applicable landscape; ``(D) to the maximum extent practicable, are developed in collaboration with other public and private sector organizations and local communities; and ``(E) derive not less than 50 percent of the funding for the project from non-Federal sources, unless the Secretary determines-- ``(i) the applicant is unable to derive not less than 50 percent of the funding for the project from non-Federal sources; and ``(ii) the benefits of the project justify pursuing the project. ``(3) Prioritization.--The Secretary shall give priority to projects that, as determined by the Secretary, best carry out priorities identified in State-wide assessments described in section 2A(a)(1) and long-term State-wide forest resource strategies described in section 2A(a)(2), including-- ``(A) involvement of public and private partnerships; ``(B) inclusion of cross-boundary activities on Federal, State, local, or private forest land; ``(C) involvement of areas also identified for cost-share funding by the Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other relevant Federal agency; ``(D) protection or improvement of water quality or quantity; ``(E) reduction of wildfire risk; ``(F) protection or enhancement of wildlife habitat, consistent with wildlife objectives established by the applicable State fish and wildlife agency; ``(G) improvement of forest health, including addressing native, nonnative, and invasive pests; ``(H) enhancement of opportunities for new and existing markets in which the production and use of wood products strengthens local and regional economies; and ``(I) otherwise addressing the national private forest conservation priorities described in section 2(c). ``(4) Proposal review.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a process for the review of proposals submitted under paragraph (2) that ranks each proposal based on-- ``(i) the extent to which the proposal would achieve the requirements described in subsection (d); and ``(ii) the priorities described in paragraph (3). ``(B) Regional review.--The Secretary may carry out the process described in subparagraph (A) at a regional level. ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the landscape-scale restoration program established under subsection (c) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020, to remain available until expended.''. SEC. 3. PROMOTING CROSS-BOUNDARY WILDFIRE MITIGATION. Section 103 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6513) is amended-- (1) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Cross-boundary considerations.--For any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated for hazardous fuels reduction is in excess of $300,000,000, the Secretary-- ``(A) is encouraged to use the excess amounts for projects that include cross-boundary consideration; and ``(B) of that excess amount, may use, through grants to State Foresters, to support hazardous fuel reduction projects on non-Federal land in accordance with subsection (e) an amount equal to the greater of-- ``(i) 20 percent; and ``(ii) $20,000,000.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Cross-Boundary Fuels Reduction Projects.-- ``(1) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall use the funds described in subsection (d)(3) to support hazardous fuel reduction projects that incorporate treatments in landscapes across ownership boundaries on Federal, State, county, or tribal land, private land, and other non-Federal land, particularly in areas identified as priorities in applicable State-wide forest resource assessments or strategies under section 2A(a) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101a(a)), as mutually agreed to by the State Forester and the Regional Forester. ``(2) Land treatments.--To conduct and fund treatments for projects that include Federal and non-Federal land, the Secretary may-- ``(A) use the authorities of the Secretary relating to cooperation and technical and financial assistance, including the good neighbor authority under-- ``(i) section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a); and ``(ii) section 331 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (16 U.S.C. 1011 note; Public Law 106- 291); and ``(B) allocate cross-boundary wildfire mitigation funds, in accordance with subsection (d)(3) and paragraph (1), for projects carried out pursuant to that section (16 U.S.C. 2113a). ``(3) Cooperation.--In carrying out this subsection, the State Forester, in consultation with the Secretary (or a designee)-- ``(A) shall consult with the owners of State, county, tribal, and private land and other non-Federal land with respect to hazardous fuels reduction projects; and ``(B) shall not implement any project on non- Federal land without the consent of the owner of the non-Federal land. ``(4) Existing laws.--Regardless of the individual or entity implementing a project on non-Federal land under this subsection, only the laws and regulations that apply to non- Federal land shall be applicable with respect to the project.''.
Environmental and Economic Benefits Restoration Act of 2016 This bill amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a landscape-scale restoration program to provide financial and technical assistance for landscape-scale restoration projects on state, political subdivision, and private forest lands that maintain or improve benefits from trees and forests on such lands. The program shall: address the national private forest conservation priorities specified under the Act; and enhance public benefits from trees and forests, as identified in a state-wide assessment and a long-term state-wide forest resource strategy under the Act. The program shall also have one or more objectives, including to: protect or improve water quality or quantity; reduce wildfire risk; protect or enhance wildlife habitat, consistent with wildlife objectives established by the applicable state fish and wildlife agency; improve forest health, including addressing native, nonnative, and invasive pests; or enhance opportunities for new and existing markets in which the production and use of wood products strengthens local and regional economies. USDA shall establish a measurement system to measure the results of landscape-scale restoration projects assisted under this bill. USDA shall allocate from the amounts made available under this bill: 50% for the competitive process for distributing funds for landscape-scale restoration projects; and 50% proportionally to states to maximize the achievement of the restoration program's objectives and to address the highest national priorities, as identified in state-wide assessments and long-term state-wide forest resource strategies. The bill amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to allocate funds and use specified authorities of the USDA or of the Department of the Interior, as appropriate, to assist cross-boundary hazardous fuel reduction and wildfire mitigation programs.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Idaho Efficient Vehicle Demonstration Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) States including Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming have been grandfathered the right to operate up to 129,000- pound or greater vehicle combinations on 9 axles or more on Federal highways; (2) laws governing Federal highway funding effectively impose a limit of 105,500 pounds on the weight of vehicles permitted to use the Interstate System within the State of Idaho; (3) the State of Idaho is surrounded by the States specified in paragraph (1) that allow higher weight limits on the Interstate System, which puts the State of Idaho at a disadvantage in moving freight within Idaho and into those surrounding States; (4) in 2003, the legislature of the State of Idaho adopted House Bill 395, which established a 10-year pilot project that allows vehicle combinations up to 129,000 pounds to be operated on 10 axles on specific routes in that State, but does not address the Interstate System; (5) in enacting the pilot project program in House Bill 395 of the State, the legislature required the Idaho Transportation Department to report to the legislature on the effect of the program; (6) the Idaho Transportation Department is required to submit reports every 3 years during the 10-year life of the pilot project program that describe the results of monitoring and evaluation of all important impacts, including impacts to safety, bridges, and pavement, on all pilot project routes; (7) the pilot project program terminates on July 1, 2013, unless the program is otherwise extended or sooner repealed by the legislature; (8) the administration of the pilot project, coupled with the fact that vehicle combinations cannot operate at 129,000 pounds on the Interstate System, has forced those heavier vehicle combinations to divert onto small State and local roads on which higher vehicle weight limits are allowed under State law; (9) the diversion of those vehicles onto those roads increases fuel costs because of increased idling time and total travel time along those roads; (10) the cost of transportation fuel has increased more than 80 percent between calendar years 2007 and 2008; and (11) permitting commercial vehicles to travel on a select few Interstate System highways within the State at increased weight limits would provide-- (A) significant savings in the transportation of goods throughout the State; and (B) substantial data and an opportunity for analysis of the impacts of the vehicles on bridges, highway safety, and pavements. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Covered interstate system highway.--The term ``covered Interstate System highway'' means any portion of a highway designated as a route on the Interstate System that, as of the date of enactment of this Act, is not exempt from the requirements of subsection (a) of section 127 of title 23, United States Code, pursuant to a waiver under that subsection. (2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of the Idaho Transportation Department. (3) Interstate system.--The term ``Interstate System'' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code. (4) Pilot project.--The term ``pilot project'' means the 10-year pilot project of the State, established in 2003 under House Bill 395 of the State, that permits vehicle combinations weighing up to 129,000 pounds to be operated on specific routes in that State. (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Transportation. (6) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Idaho. SEC. 4. WAIVER OF HIGHWAY FUNDING REDUCTION RELATING TO WEIGHT OF VEHICLES USING INTERSTATE SYSTEM HIGHWAYS. (a) Prohibition Relating to Certain Vehicles.--Notwithstanding section 127(a) of title 23, United States Code, the total amount of funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(1) of that title for any period may not be reduced under section 127(a) of that title if the State permits a vehicle combination described in subsection (b) to use a covered Interstate System highway in the State in accordance with this Act. (b) Combination Vehicles in Excess of 105,500 Pounds up to 129,000 Pounds.--A vehicle described in this subsection is a vehicle that-- (1) has a weight in excess of 105,500 pounds but not more than 129,000 pounds; (2) consists of a power unit hauling 2 or more trailers or semitrailers; (3) does not exceed any vehicle weight limitation that is applicable under State law to the operation of the vehicle on highways in the State that are not part of the Interstate System, as those laws are in effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and (4) is limited to travel only on-- (A) the portion of Interstate Route 15 extending from the Montana border to the junction with Interstate Route 86; (B) the portion of Interstate Route 86 extending from the junction of Interstate Route 15 to the junction with Interstate Route 84; and (C) the portion of Interstate Route 84 extending from the Utah border to the Oregon border. (c) Termination of Authority.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), this section and the authority provided under this section shall terminate on July 1, 2013. (2) Exceptions.--This section and the authority provided under this section shall terminate on-- (A) a date that is later than the date specified in paragraph (1), if the project is extended to that later date by the State; or (B) any date that is before, on, or after the date specified in paragraph (1), if the Secretary-- (i) determines that-- (I) operation of vehicles described in subsection (b) on covered Interstate System highways has adversely affected safety on the overall highway system; or (II) the Director has failed to collect the data described in section 5(2); and (ii) publishes the determination, together with the date of termination of this section, in the Federal Register. (d) Consultation Regarding Termination for Safety.--In making a determination under subsection (c)(2)(A)(i), the Secretary shall consult with the Director. SEC. 5. RESPONSIBILITIES OF STATE . For the purpose of section 4, the State shall be considered to meet the conditions under this section if the Director-- (1) submits to the Secretary a plan for use in meeting the conditions described in paragraph (2); and (2) collects data on the net effects that the operation of vehicles described in section 4(b) on covered Interstate System highways in the State has on the safety of the overall highway system, as required by House Bill 395 of the State.
Idaho Efficient Vehicle Demonstration Act of 2008 - Prohibits any reduction of the apportionment of federal-aid highway funds to Idaho if: (1) it permits a commercial combination vehicle weighing up to 129,000 pounds to operate on specified routes of the Interstate System within the state; (2) such vehicle does not exceed state weight limits for operation on state highways; and (3) the vehicle is limited to travel only on certain portions of Interstate Routes 15, 84, and 86. (Under current law, the federal-aid highway funds of a state shall be reduced if it permits a commercial combination vehicle with a weight in excess of federal weight limits to operate on Interstate System highways within the state.)
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To permit commercial vehicles at weights up to 129,000 pounds to use certain highways of the Interstate System in the State of Idaho which would provide significant savings in the transportation of goods throughout the United States, and for other purposes."}
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SECTION 1. TREATMENT OF INVESTMENT LOSSES IN FRAUDULENT PONZI-TYPE SCHEME. (a) In General.--Section 165 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to losses) is amended by redesignating subsection (m) as subsection (n) and by inserting after subsection (l) the following new subsection: ``(m) Treatment of Investment Losses in Fraudulent Ponzi-Type Scheme.-- ``(1) In general.--If-- ``(A) a taxpayer has a loss on an investment in a fraudulent Ponzi-type scheme, and ``(B) the amount of such loss (without taking into account any potential recoveries) can reasonably be estimated as of the close of the taxable year, then the taxpayer may elect to treat the amount so estimated as a theft loss described in subsection (c)(2) incurred during the taxable year. ``(2) Fraudulent ponzi-type scheme.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `fraudulent Ponzi-type scheme' means any fraudulent investment operation which was managed in a manner that provided investors with returns (or purported returns) derived substantially from investments made by other investors rather than from profits. ``(3) Treatment of subsequent recoveries.--If the aggregate estimated losses to which an election under paragraph (1) applies with respect to a fraudulent Ponzi-type scheme for all prior taxable years exceeds the aggregate actual losses by reason of a recovery received or accrued during any taxable year, the amount of such recovery shall be included in gross income for such taxable year to the extent of such excess. Proper adjustments shall be made in the application of the preceding sentence for additional recoveries in subsequent taxable years. ``(4) Perpetrators of fraud not covered.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any person who perpetrated the fraud.''. (b) Extension of Net Operating Loss Carryback Period.--Paragraph (1) of section 172(b) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(K) Losses attributable to investments in fraudulent schemes.-- ``(i) In general.--Subparagraph (A)(i) shall be applied by substituting `the applicable number of taxable years' for `2 taxable years' with respect to the portion of the net operating loss for the taxable year to which an election under section 165(m) applies. ``(ii) Applicable number of taxable years.--For purposes of clause (i), the applicable number of taxable years is any whole number elected by the taxpayer which is more than 2 but not more than the lesser of-- ``(I) 10 years, or ``(II) the period that the taxpayer had amounts invested in the scheme to which such election applies. ``(iii) Ordering rule.--For purposes of this subparagraph, the portion of the net operating loss for any taxable year which is attributable to a loss to which an election under section 165(m) applies shall be the excess of-- ``(I) the net operating loss for such taxable year, over ``(II) the net operating loss for such taxable year determined without regard to the amount allowed as a deduction by reason of an election under section 165(m). ``(iv) Coordination with paragraph (2).-- For purposes of applying paragraph (2), a loss to which an election under section 165(m) applies for any taxable year shall be treated in a manner similar to the manner in which a specified liability loss is treated.''. (c) Waiver of Contribution Base Limitation on Charitable Contributions.--Subsection (b) of section 170 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Waiver of limitation on contributions to charities with losses from fraudulent ponzi-type scheme.-- ``(A) In general.--Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply to any charity restoration deduction. ``(B) Charity restoration deduction.-- ``(i) In general.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `charity restoration deduction' means the amount of charitable contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year to an organization described in subsection (c) which are designated by such organization for purposes of this paragraph. ``(ii) Limitation on amount designated.-- The aggregate amount which may be designated by an organization for purposes of this paragraph for all taxable years shall not exceed the aggregate deduction which would be allowed to such organization under section 165(m) were such organization a taxpayer to which section 165(m) applies. ``(C) Overall limitation.--In no event shall the amount allowed as a deduction under this section for the taxable year by reason of this paragraph exceed the excess of the taxpayer's taxable income (determined without regard to this paragraph) for such year over the deduction allowed under this section without regard to this paragraph.''. (d) Restoration of Unified Credit in Certain Cases.--Section 2505 of such Code (relating to unified credit) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Restoration of Unified Credit in Certain Cases.-- ``(1) In general.--If-- ``(A) during any preceding calendar year, a taxpayer made a gift of an interest in an investment operation later determined to be a fraudulent Ponzi- type scheme (as defined in section 165(m)(2)), ``(B) the taxpayer reported the amount of such gift on a timely filed return under this chapter, and ``(C) the taxpayer subsequently makes a gift to the donee which received the gift referred to in subparagraph (A), the amount under subsection (a)(2) for the calendar year in which the gift referred to in subparagraph (C) is made and subsequent calendar years (determined without regard to such gift) shall be reduced by the gift restoration amount. ``(2) Gift restoration amount.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the gift restoration amount is the lesser of-- ``(A) the amount of credit allowable under this section with respect to the gift described in paragraph (1)(C) (or would be allowable without regard to the limitation in subsection (a)(1)), or ``(B) the amount of credit which would be so allowable with respect to a gift equal to the amount of the donee's loss on such interest (without taking into account any potential recoveries) which can reasonably be estimated as of the close of the calendar year in which the gift described in paragraph (1)(C) was made. ``(3) Adjustments.--Proper adjustments shall be made in the application of paragraph (2) with respect to gifts and recoveries in subsequent calendar years.''. (e) Effective Dates.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending during 2008 or thereafter. (2) Gift treatment.--The amendment made by subsection (d) shall apply to gifts referred to in section 2505(d)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section) made after December 31, 2008.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an enhanced tax deduction for losses sustained from a fraudulent Ponzi-type scheme; (2) extend the carryback period for net operating losses attributable to such schemes; (3) waive certain limitations on the charitable tax deduction for contributions to charities with losses from fraudulent Ponzi-type schemes; and (4) restore the gift tax unified credit for gifts of an interest in a fraudulent Ponzi-type scheme. Defines "fraudulent Ponzi-type scheme" as any fraudulent investment operation that provides investors with returns that are derived substantially from investments made by other investors rather than from profits.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Family and Medical Leave Clarification Act''. (b) References.--Whenever in this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to that section or other provision of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. (c) Table of Contents.--The table of contents is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; references; table of contents. Sec. 2. Findings. Sec. 3. Definition of serious health condition. Sec. 4. Intermittent leave. Sec. 5. Request for leave. Sec. 6. Substitution of paid leave. Sec. 7. Certification requirements. Sec. 8. Regulations. Sec. 9. Effective date. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds as follows: (1) The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (in this section referred to as the ``Act'') is not working as Congress intended when it passed the Act in 1993. Many employers, including those nationally recognized as having generous family-friendly benefit and leave programs, are experiencing serious problems complying with the Act. (2) The Department of Labor's overly broad regulations and interpretations have caused many of these problems by greatly expanding the Act's coverage to apply to many non-serious health conditions. (3) Documented problems generated by the Act include significant new administrative and personnel costs, loss of productivity and scheduling difficulties, unnecessary paperwork and record keeping, and other compliance problems. (4) The Act often conflicts with employers' existing paid sick leave policies and prevent employers from managing absences through their absence control plans and results in most leave under the Act becoming paid leave. (5) The Commission on Leave, established in title III of the Act, which reported few difficulties with compliance with the Act, failed to identify many of the problems with compliance because its study was conducted too soon after the enactment of the Act and the most significant problems with compliance arose only when employers later sought to comply with the Act's final regulations and interpretations. SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITION. (a) Amendment.--Section 101(11) (29 U.S.C. 2611(11)) is amended by adding after and below subparagraph (B) the following: ``The term `serious health condition' does not cover short-term conditions for which treatment and recovery are very brief. Conditions covered include, for example, heart attacks, heart conditions requiring extensive therapy or surgical procedures, strokes, severe respiratory conditions, spinal injuries, appendicitis, pneumonia, emphysema, severe arthritis, severe nervous disorders, injuries caused by serious accidents on or off the job, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriages, complications or illnesses related to pregnancy, such as severe morning sickness, the need for prenatal care, childbirth, and recovery from childbirth.''. (b) Regulations.-- (1) Repeal.--The regulations of the Secretary of Labor, published at sections 825.114 and 825.115 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and opinion letters promulgated thereunder shall be null and void on the effective date of final regulations issued under paragraph (2). (2) New regulations.--The Secretary of Labor shall revise the regulations referred to in paragraph (1) and shall issue proposed regulations making such revision not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act and shall issue final regulations not later than 180 days after such date of enactment. (3) Transition.--With respect to leaves and requests for leave made under section 102 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 occurring before the effective date of the final regulations under paragraph (2), an employer may rely on the regulations of the Secretary referred to in paragraph (1). In any action to enforce the requirements of such Act pending on or after the effective date of such final regulations, no provision of the regulations referred to in paragraph (1) may be cited as evidence of an employer's non-compliance with such Act. SEC. 4. INTERMITTENT LEAVE. Section 102(b)(1) (29 U.S.C. 2612(b)(1)) is amended by striking the period at the end of the second sentence and inserting the following: ``as certified by the health care provider after each leave occurrence. An employer may require an employee to take intermittent leave in increments of up to one-half of a work day. Employers may require employees who travel as part of their normal day-to-day work or duty assignments to take leave for the duration of that work or assignment if the employer cannot reasonably accommodate the employee's request to take leave intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule.''. SEC. 5. REQUEST FOR LEAVE. Section 102(a) (29 U.S.C. 2612(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: ``(3) Request for leave.--When an employer does not exercise under subsection (d)(2) the right to substitute other employer provided leave for leave under this title, an employer may require an employee who wants leave under this title to request in a timely manner such leave. If required by the employer, an employee who fails to make such a timely request may be denied leave under this title. ``(4) Timeliness of request for leave.--As used in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a request for leave is timely if-- ``(A) in the case of foreseeable leave, the employee provides the applicable advance notice required by subsection (e) and submits any written application required by the employer within 5 working days of providing the notice to the employer; and ``(B) in the case of unforeseeable leave, the employee notifies the employer verbally of the need for the leave no later than the time the leave commences and submits any written application required by the employer within 5 working days of providing the notice to the employer, except that the 5-day period will be extended as necessary if the employee is physically or mentally incapable of providing notice or submitting the application.''. SEC. 6. SUBSTITUTION OF PAID LEAVE. Section 102(d)(2) (29 U.S.C. 2612(d)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(C) Paid absence.--Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (B), with respect to leave provided under subparagraph (D) of subsection (a)(1), where an employer provides paid absence under an employer's collective bargaining agreement, a welfare benefit plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or under any other sick leave, sick pay, or disability plan, program, or policy of the employer, an employer may require the employee to choose between such paid absence and unpaid leave provided under this title.''. SEC. 7. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. Section 103(b)(3) (29 U.S.C. 2613(b)(3)) is amended to read as follows: ``(3) the appropriate medical facts, which must be documented by objective medical findings.''. SEC. 8. REGULATIONS. (a) General Rule.--Except as provided in section 3(b)(2), not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall review and revise all regulations promulgated before such date to implement the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to reflect the amendments made by this Act. (b) With respect to actions taken by an employer before the effective date of such revised regulations, compliance with the regulations in effect before such date shall be deemed to constitute full compliance with this Act. After the effective date of this Act, the Secretary may not enforce regulations in effect before such date. SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall take effect upon the expiration of 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Family and Medical Leave Clarification Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to provide that the term serious health condition does not cover short-term conditions for which treatment and recovery are very brief. Lists examples of conditions which are covered by such term. (Sec. 3) Voids specified regulations and opinion letters of the Secretary of Labor under FMLA on the effective date of new final regulations. Directs the Secretary to revise such regulations and issue new proposed and final regulations by certain deadlines. (Sec. 4) Revises requirements for FMLA leave taken intermittently or on a reduced leave scheduleor. Requires certification by the health care provider of the medical necessity of such leave. Authorizes employers to require: (1) an employee to take intermittent leave in increments of up to one-half of a work day; and (2) employees who travel as part of their normal day-to-day work or duty assignments to take leave for the duration of that work or assignment if the employer cannot reasonably accommodate the employee's request to take leave intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule. (Sec. 5) Authorizes an employer who does not exercise the right to substitute other employer-provided leave for FMLA leave to require an employee to request such leave in a timely manner. (Sec. 6) Authorizes an employer to require the employee to choose between FMLA unpaid leave and employer-provided paid absence. (Sec. 7) Requires documentation by objective medical findings of the appropriate medical facts for purposes of certification of a request for leave under FMLA.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``NAFTA-Impacted Communities Relief Act''. SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF AND TAX INCENTIVES FOR NAFTA-IMPACTED COMMUNITIES. (a) In General.--Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter: ``Subchapter Z--NAFTA-Impacted Communities ``Sec. 1400M. Designation of NAFTA-impacted communities. ``Sec. 1400N. NAFTA-impacted community employment credit. ``Sec. 1400O. Increase in expensing under Section 179. ``Sec. 1400P. NAFTA-impacted community business defined. ``SEC. 1400M. DESIGNATION OF NAFTA-IMPACTED COMMUNITIES. ``(a) Designation.-- ``(1) NAFTA-impacted community.--For purposes of this title, the term `NAFTA-impacted community' means any area-- ``(A) which is nominated by one or more local governments and the State or States in which it is located for designation as a community impacted by the North American Free Trade Agreement (hereinafter in this section referred to as a `nominated area'), and ``(B) which the Secretary of Commerce designates as a NAFTA-impacted community, after consultation with-- ``(i) in the case of an area in a rural area, the Secretary of Agriculture; ``(ii) in the case of an area in an urban area, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and ``(iii) in the case of an area on an Indian reservation, the Secretary of the Interior. ``(2) Number of designations.--The Secretary of Commerce may designate not more than 35 nominated areas as NAFTA- impacted communities. ``(3) Areas designated based on degree of loss of jobs resulting from nafta, etc.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, the nominated areas designated as NAFTA-impacted communities under this subsection shall be those nominated areas with the highest average ranking with respect to the criteria described in subsection (c)(3). For purposes of the preceding sentence, an area shall be ranked within each such criterion on the basis of the amount by which the area exceeds such criterion, with the area which exceeds such criterion by the greatest amount given the highest ranking. ``(4) Limitation on designations.-- ``(A) Publication of regulations.--The Secretary of Commerce shall prescribe by regulation no later than 4 months after the date of the enactment of this section, after consultation with the officials described in paragraph (1)(B)-- ``(i) the procedures for nominating an area under paragraph (1)(A), ``(ii) the parameters relating to the size and population characteristics of a NAFTA- impacted community, and ``(iii) the manner in which nominated areas will be evaluated based on the criteria specified in subsection (c). ``(B) Procedural rules.--The Secretary of Commerce shall not make any designation of a nominated area as a NAFTA-impacted community under paragraph (2) unless-- ``(i) a nomination regarding such area is submitted in such a manner and in such form, and contains such information, as the Secretary of Commerce shall by regulation prescribe, and ``(ii) the Secretary of Commerce determines that any information furnished is reasonably accurate. ``(5) Nomination process for indian reservations.--For purposes of this subchapter, in the case of a nominated area on an Indian reservation, the reservation governing body (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior) shall be treated as being both the State and local governments with respect to such area. ``(b) Period for Which Designation Is in Effect.-- ``(1) In general.--Any designation of an area as a NAFTA- impacted community shall remain in effect during the period beginning on the date of the designation and ending on the earliest of-- ``(A) December 31, 2012, ``(B) the termination date designated by the State and local governments in their nomination, or ``(C) the date the Secretary of Commerce revokes such designation. ``(2) Revocation of designation.--The Secretary of Commerce may revoke the designation under this section of an area if the Secretary determines that the loss of jobs and other effects of NAFTA on the area have been substantially alleviated. Such determination shall include, at a minimum, a finding that the unemployment rate in the area is equal to or lower than the national unemployment rate, and a finding that new businesses are being attracted to the area. ``(c) Area and Eligibility Requirements.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Commerce may designate a nominated area as a NAFTA-impacted community under subsection (a) only if the area meets the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection. ``(2) Area requirements.--For purposes of paragraph (1), a nominated area meets the requirements of this paragraph if-- ``(A) the area is within the jurisdiction of one or more local governments, ``(B) the boundary of the area is continuous, ``(C) the area does not include an empowerment zone (as defined in section 1393(b)), and ``(D) the area does not include a renewal community designated under section 1400E. ``(3) Eligibility requirements.-- ``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1), a nominated area meets the requirements of this paragraph if the State and the local governments in which it is located certify (and the Secretary of Commerce, after such review of Department of Labor data and other appropriate supporting data as he deems appropriate, accepts such certification) that-- ``(i) the unemployment rate in the area, as determined by the most recent available data, was at least 1 percentage point above the national unemployment rate for the period to which such data relate, and ``(ii) in the case of-- ``(I) a rural area, at least 300 workers who live or work in the area have been certified as eligible to apply for NAFTA transitional adjustment assistance under subchapter D of chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2341 et seq.), and ``(II) an urban area, at least 500 workers have been so certified. ``(B) Rural area defined.--For purposes of this section, the term `rural area' means an area-- ``(i) which is within a local government jurisdiction or jurisdictions with a population of less than 10,000, ``(ii) which is outside of a metropolitan statistical area (within the meaning of section 143(k)(2)(B)), or ``(iii) which is determined by the Secretary of Commerce, after consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to be a rural area. ``(C) Urban area defined.--For purposes of this section, the term `urban area' means any area that is not a rural area. ``(d) Coordination With Treatment of Enterprise Communities.--For purposes of this title, if there are in effect with respect to the same area both-- ``(1) a designation as a NAFTA-impacted community, and ``(2) a designation as an enterprise community, both of such designations shall be given full effect with respect to such area. ``(e) Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this subchapter, rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (5) and (7) of section 1393 shall apply. ``SEC. 1400N. NAFTA-IMPACTED COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT CREDIT. ``(a) Amount of Credit.--For purposes of section 38, the amount of the NAFTA-impacted community employment credit determined under this section with respect to any employer for any taxable year is 8.5 percent of the qualified NAFTA-impacted community wages paid or incurred during the calendar year which ends with or within such taxable year. ``(b) Qualified NAFTA-Impacted Community Wages.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term `qualified NAFTA-impacted community wages' means any wages paid or incurred by an employer for services performed by an employee while such employee is a qualified NAFTA-impacted community employee. ``(2) Only first $15,000 of wages per year taken into account.--With respect to each qualified NAFTA-impacted community employee, the amount of qualified NAFTA-impacted community wages which may be taken into account for a calendar year shall not exceed $15,000. ``(3) Coordination with work opportunity credit.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified NAFTA- impacted community wages' shall not include wages taken into account in determining the credit under section 51. ``(B) Coordination with paragraph (2).--The $15,000 amount in paragraph (2) shall be reduced for any calendar year by the amount of wages paid or incurred during such year which are taken into account in determining the credit under section 51. ``(c) Qualified NAFTA-Impacted Community Employee.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the term `qualified NAFTA-impacted community employee' means, with respect to any period, any employee of an employer if-- ``(A) substantially all of the services performed during such period by such employee for such employer are performed within a NAFTA-impacted community in a trade or business of the employer, and ``(B) the principal place of abode of such employee while performing such services is within such NAFTA- impacted community. ``(2) Other rules.--Rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 1396(d) shall apply. ``(d) Other Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this section, the rules of section 1397 shall apply. ``SEC. 1400O. INCREASE IN EXPENSING UNDER SECTION 179. ``(a) General Rule.--In the case of a NAFTA-impacted community business (as defined in section 1400P), for purposes of section 179-- ``(1) the limitation under section 179(b)(1) shall be increased by the lesser of-- ``(A) $10,000, or ``(B) the cost of section 179 property which is qualified NAFTA-impacted property placed in service during the taxable year, and ``(2) the amount taken into account under section 179(b)(2) with respect to any section 179 property which is qualified NAFTA-impacted property shall be 50 percent of the cost thereof. ``(b) Recapture.--Rules similar to the rules under section 179(d)(10) shall apply with respect to any qualified NAFTA-impacted property which ceases to be used in a NAFTA-impacted community by a NAFTA-impacted community business. ``(c) Qualified NAFTA-Impacted Property.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified NAFTA-impacted property' means section 179 property (as defined in section 179(d)) if-- ``(A) such property was acquired by the taxpayer after December 31, 2001, and before January 1, 2011, and ``(B) such property would be qualified zone property (as defined in section 1397C) if references to NAFTA-impacted communities were substituted for references to empowerment zones in section 1397C. ``(2) Certain rules to apply.--The rules of subsections (a)(2) and (b) of section 1397C shall apply for purposes of this section. ``SEC. 1400P. NAFTA-IMPACTED COMMUNITY BUSINESS DEFINED. ``For purposes of this part, the term `NAFTA-impacted community business' means any entity or proprietorship which would be a qualified business entity or qualified proprietorship under section 1397C if references to NAFTA-impacted communities were substituted for references to empowerment zones in such section.''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.-- (1) NAFTA-impacted community employment credit part of general business credit.--Subsection (b) of section 38 of such Code (relating to current year business credit) is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (18), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (19) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(20) the NAFTA-impacted community employment credit determined under section 1400N(a).''. (2) Denial of deduction for portion of wages equal to nafta-impacted community employment credit.-- (A) Subsection (a) of section 280C of such Code (relating to rule for employment credits) is amended by striking ``and 1396(a)'' and inserting ``1396(a), and 1400N(a)''. (B) Subsection (c) of section 196 of such Code (relating to deduction for certain unused business credits) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (11), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (12) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(13) the NAFTA-impacted community employment credit determined under section 1400N(a).''. (3) Carryovers.--Subsection (c) of section 381 of such Code (relating to carryovers in certain corporate acquisitions) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(27) NAFTA-impacted community provisions.--The acquiring corporation shall take into account (to the extent proper to carry out the purposes of this section and subchapter XI, and under such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary) the items required to be taken into account for purposes of subchapter XI in respect of the distributor or transferor corporation.''. (c) Clerical Amendments.--The table of subchapters for chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``subchapter z. nafta-impacted communities''. SEC. 3. GRANTS FOR JOB TRAINING ASSISTANCE FOR NAFTA-IMPACTED COMMUNITIES. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Labor shall provide grants to States that contain NAFTA-impacted communities, as designated under section 1400M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by section 2(a) of this Act), for the purpose of providing sub-grants to nonprofit organizations and community or junior colleges in order to provide short-term job training courses, courses in entrepreneurism and self- employment, and other related job training assistance that will promote the economic self-sufficiency of individuals located in NAFTA-impacted communities. (b) Maximum Amount of Grant.--The total amount provided under a grant to a State under subsection (a) for a fiscal year may not exceed the product of-- (1) $1,000,000; and (2) the number of NAFTA-impacted communities located in the State. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.-- (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $35,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2012. (2) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under paragraph (1) are authorized to remain available until expended.
NAFTA-Impacted Communities Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for the designation of communities as impacted by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) based upon job loss and unemployment resulting from NAFTA; (2) allow employers in such NAFTA-impacted communities a business tax credit for up to 8.5 percent of wages paid to employees; (3) increase depreciation expensing levels for business assets located in NAFTA-impacted communities; and (4) direct the Secretary of Labor to provide grants to States containing NAFTA-impacted communities for education and job training assistance.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Military Tribunals Act of 2002''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The al Qaeda terrorist organization and its leaders have committed unlawful attacks against the United States, including the August 7, 1998 bombings of the United States embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the October 12, 2000 attack on the USS COLE and the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. (2) The al Qaeda terrorist organization and its leaders have threatened renewed attacks on the United States and have threatened the use of weapons of mass destruction. (3) In violation of the resolutions of the United Nations, the Taliban of Afghanistan provided a safe haven to the al Qaeda terrorist organization and its leaders and allowed the territory of that country to be used as a base from which to sponsor international terrorist operations. (4) The United Nations Security Council, in Resolution 1267, declared in 1999 that the actions of the Taliban constitute a threat to international peace and security. (5) The United Nations Security Council, in Resolutions 1368 and 1373, declared in September 2001 that the September 11 attacks against the United States constitute a threat to international peace and security. (6) The United States is justified in exercising its right of self-defense pursuant to international law and the United Nations Charter. (7) Congress authorized the President on September 18, 2001, to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons that he determines to have planned, authorized, committed, or aided the September 11 terrorist attacks or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States, within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution. (8) The United States and its allies are engaged in armed conflict with al Qaeda and the Taliban. (9) Military trials of the terrorists may be appropriate to protect the safety of the public and those involved in the investigation and prosecution, to facilitate the use of classified information as evidence without compromising intelligence or military efforts, and otherwise to protect national security interests. (10) Military trials that provide basic procedural guarantees of fairness, consistent with the international law of armed conflict and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (opened for signature December 16, 1966), would garner the support of the community of nations. (11) Due process, including the writ of habeas corpus and the right to an appeals process, must be afforded to any person subject to a military tribunal. (12) Preliminary proceedings should be established to determine whether jurisdiction over the person and over the charge is properly vested in the tribunal. (13) Article I, section 8, of the Constitution provides that the Congress, not the President, has the power to ``constitute Tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; ... define and punish ... Offenses against the Law of Nations; ... make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water; ... make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.''. (14) Without protections and reporting requirements in place, persons detained for an indefinite amount of time would have no recourse. A significant danger exists that due process might be evaded simply by failing to bring detainees before a tribunal for trial. (15) Congressional authorization is necessary for the establishment of extraordinary tribunals to adjudicate and punish offenses arising from the September 11, 2001 attacks against the United States and to provide a clear and unambiguous legal foundation for such trials. (16) Judicial review of individual detentions is best handled by a court that would not have to appoint special masters or magistrates to do the necessary fact finding. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF EXTRAORDINARY TRIBUNALS. (a) Authority.--The President is hereby authorized to establish tribunals for the trial of individuals who-- (1) are not United States persons or residents; (2) are members of al Qaeda who knowingly planned, authorized, committed, aided, or abetted one or more terrorist acts against the United States, or members of other terrorist organizations who knowingly cooperated with members of al Qaeda in planning, authorizing, committing, aiding, or abetting one or more terrorists acts against the United States; and (3) are not prisoners of war within the meaning of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, done on August 12, 1949. (b) Jurisdiction.--Tribunals established under subsection (a) may adjudicate violations of the law of war, international laws of armed conflict, and crimes against humanity targeted against United States persons or residents. (c) Authority To Establish Procedural Rules.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, shall prescribe and publish in the Federal Register, and report to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the rules of evidence and procedure that are to apply to tribunals established under subsection (a). SEC. 4. PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS. (a) In General.--The rules prescribed for a tribunal under section 3(c) shall be designed to ensure a full and fair hearing of the charges against the accused. The rules shall require the following: (1) That the tribunal be independent and impartial. (2) That the accused be notified of the particulars of the offense charged or alleged without delay. (3) That the proceedings be made simultaneously intelligible for participants not conversant in the English language by translation or interpretation. (4) That the evidence supporting each alleged offense be given to the accused, except as provided in section 4(d) of this Act. (5) That the accused have the opportunity to be present at trial. (6) That the accused have a right to be represented by counsel. (7) That the accused have the opportunity-- (A) to respond to the evidence supporting each alleged offense; (B) to obtain exculpatory evidence from the prosecution; and (C) to present exculpatory evidence. (8) That the accused have the opportunity to confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses and to offer witnesses. (9) That the proceeding and disposition be expeditious. (10) That the tribunal apply reasonable rules of evidence designed to ensure admission only of reliable information or material with probative value. (11) That the accused be afforded all necessary means of defense before and after the trial. (12) That conviction of an alleged offense be based only upon proof of individual responsibility for the offense. (13) That conviction of an alleged offense not be based upon an act, offense, or omission that was not an offense under law when it was committed. (14) That the penalty for an offense not be greater than it was when the offense was committed. (15) That the accused-- (A) be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and (B) not be found guilty except upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt. (16) That the accused not be compelled to confess guilt or testify against himself. (17) That, subject to subsections (c) and (d), the trial be open and public and include public availability of the transcripts of the trial and the pronouncement of judgment. (18) That a convicted person be informed of remedies and appeals and the time limits for the exercise of the person's rights to the remedies and appeals under the rules. (19) That a preliminary proceeding be held within 30 days of detention to determine whether there is jurisdiction under section 3 over the person and the offenses charged. The preliminary proceeding may be continued for an additional 30 days for good cause shown. (20) That the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus under title 28, United States Code, or under any other provision of law not be infringed. (21) That the tribunal be comprised of a military judge and not less than five members. (b) Imposition of the Death Penalty.--The requirements of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for the imposition of the death penalty shall apply in any case in which a tribunal established under section 3 is requested to adjudge the death penalty. (c) Public Proceedings.--Any proceedings conducted by a tribunal established under section 3, and the proceedings on any appeal of an action of the tribunal, shall be accessible to the public consistent with any demonstrable necessity to secure the safety of observers, witnesses, tribunal judges, counsel, or other persons. (d) Confidentiality of Evidence.--Evidence available from an agency of the Federal Government that is offered in a trial by a tribunal established under section 3 may be kept secret from the public only when the head of the agency personally certifies in writing that disclosure will cause-- (1) identifiable harm to the prosecution of military objectives or interfere with the capture of members of al Qaeda anywhere; (2) significant, identifiable harm to intelligence sources or methods; or (3) substantial risk that such evidence could be used for planning future terrorist attacks. (e) Review.-- (1) Procedures required.--The Secretary of Defense shall provide for prompt review of convictions by tribunals established under section 3 to ensure that the procedural requirements of a full and fair hearing have been met and that the evidence reasonably supports the convictions. (2) United states court of appeals for the armed forces.-- The procedures established under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, allow for review of the proceedings of the tribunals, and the convictions and sentences of such tribunals, by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces established under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. (3) Supreme court.--The decisions of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces regarding proceedings of tribunals established under section 3 shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari. SEC. 5. DETENTION. (a) In General.--The President may direct the Secretary of Defense to detain any person who is subject to a tribunal established under section 3 pursuant to rules and regulations that are promulgated by the Secretary and are consistent with international law of armed conflict. (b) Duration of Detention.-- (1) Limitation.--A person may be detained under subsection (a) only while-- (A) there is in effect for the purposes of this section a certification by the President that the United States Armed Forces are engaged in a state of armed conflict with al Qaeda or Taliban forces in the region of Afghanistan or with al Qaeda forces elsewhere; or (B) an investigation with a view toward prosecution, a prosecution, or a post-trial proceeding in the case of such person, pursuant to the provisions of this Act, is ongoing. (2) Certification and recertification.--A certification of circumstances made under paragraph (1) shall be effective for 180 days. The President may make successive certifications of the circumstances. (c) Disclosure of Evidence.--Evidence that may establish that an accused is not a person described in subsection (a) shall be disclosed to the accused and his counsel, except that a summary of such evidence shall be provided to the accused and his counsel when the Attorney General personally certifies that disclosure of the evidence would cause identifiable harm to the prosecution of military objectives, to the capture of other persons who are subject to this Act or reside outside the United States, or to the prevention of future terrorist acts directed against Americans. A summary of evidence shall be as complete as is possible in order to provide the accused with an evidentiary basis to seek release from detention. (d) Detention Review.--The United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review any determination under this section that the requirements of this section for detaining an accused are satisfied. Findings of fact shall be sustained unless they are clearly erroneous. Conclusions of law and mixed questions of law and fact shall be subject to de novo review. (e) Conditions of Detention.--A person detained under this section shall be-- (1) detained at an appropriate location designated by the Secretary of Defense; (2) treated humanely, without any adverse distinction based on race, color, religion, gender, birth, wealth, or any similar criteria; (3) afforded adequate food, drinking water, shelter, clothing, and medical treatment; (4) sheltered under hygienic conditions and provided necessary means of personal hygiene; and (5) allowed the free exercise of religion consistent with the requirements of such detention. SEC. 6. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that the President should seek the cooperation of United States allies and other nations in conducting the investigations and prosecutions, including extraditions, of the persons who are responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, and use to the fullest extent possible multilateral institutions and mechanisms for carrying out such investigations and prosecutions. SEC. 7. REPORTS TO CONGRESS. Not less often than once every 12 months, the President shall submit to the Congress a report on the use of the authority provided by this Act. Each such report shall specify-- (1) each individual subject to, or detained pursuant to, a military tribunal authorized by this Act; and (2) each individual detained pursuant to any actual or planned act of terrorism occurring on or after September 11, 2001, who has not been referred for trial in connection with that act of terrorism to a criminal court or to a military tribunal authorized by this Act. SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) September 11, 2001 attacks on the united states.--The term ``September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States'' means the attacks on the Pentagon in the metropolitan area of Washington, District of Columbia, and the World Trade Center, New York, New York, on September 11, 2001, and includes the hijackings of American Airlines flights 77 and 11 and United Airlines flights 175 and 93 on that date. (2) United states person or resident.--The term ``United States person or resident'' means-- (A) a United States person, as such term is defined in section 101(i) of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1801(i)); or (B) an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY. The authority under this Act shall terminate at the end of December 31, 2005.
Military Tribunals Act of 2002 - Authorizes the President to establish tribunals for the trial of individuals who: (1) are not U.S. persons or residents; (2) are members of the al Qaeda organization or other terrorist organizations who cooperated with the al Qaeda in planning, authorizing, committing, aiding, or abetting one or more terrorist attacks against the United States; and (3) are not prisoners of war. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe rules of evidence and procedure, incorporating specified requirements, to apply to the tribunals.Authorizes the President to direct the Secretary of Defense to detain individuals subject to such tribunals in accordance with such rules and international law of armed conflict.Provides for judicial review of tribunal decisions and detention determinations.Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should seek the cooperation of U.S. allies and other nations in conducting investigations and prosecutions of such individuals.Requires the President to submit annual reports to Congress on the use of authority under this Act and on each individual subject to or detained for a tribunal.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Help All Americans Save for College Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. TAX TREATMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO 529 PLANS. (a) Exclusion From Gross Income for Employer Contributions.-- (1) In general.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 139E the following new section: ``SEC. 139F. EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS TO 529 PLAN OR ABLE ACCOUNT. ``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual who is a qualified account owner, gross income shall not include the amount of any contribution to such account during the taxable year by the employer of the account owner. ``(b) Limitation.--The amount exempt from gross income by subsection (a) for a taxable year shall not exceed the lesser of-- ``(1) an amount equal to the compensation includible in the individual's gross income for such taxable year, or ``(2) $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return) for each dependent who of the taxpayer is the designated beneficiary of an account under section 529. ``(c) Qualified Account Owner.--For purposes of this section, the term `qualified account owner' means-- ``(1) in the case of an account in connection with a qualified tuition program, the account owner of an account of a designated beneficiary under section 529, and ``(2) in the case of an ABLE account, the designated beneficiary in connection with the ABLE account under section 529A(e)(3).''. (2) Cafeteria plan does not include employer contributions to 529 plans or able accounts.--Section 125(d)(2) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(E) Exception for contributions to 529 plan and able accounts.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a plan to the extent of amounts which a covered employee may elect to have the employer pay as contributions to an account under section 529 or 529A.''. (3) Clerical amendment.--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 139E the following new item: ``Sec. 139F. Employer contributions to 529 plan or ABLE account.''. (b) Federal Insurance Contributions.-- (1) Wages.--Section 3121(a) of such Code is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (22), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (23) and inserting ``; or'', and by inserting after paragraph (23) the following: ``(24) the amount of any contribution made to or on behalf of an employee if at the time of such contribution it is reasonable to believe that the employee will be able to exclude such contribution from income under section 139F.''. (2) Net earnings from self-employment.--Section 1402(a) of such Code is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (16), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (17) and inserting ``; and'', and inserting after paragraph (17) the following: ``(18) there shall be excluded any contribution made to or on behalf of an employee that is not includible in gross income of the employee under section 139F.''. (3) Conforming amendments to social security act.-- (A) Wages.--Section 209(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 409(a)) is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (19) and inserting a semicolon, by striking the period at the end of paragraph (20) and inserting ``; or'', and by inserting after paragraph (20) the following: ``(21) The amount of any contribution made to or on behalf of an employee that is not includible in gross income of the employee under section 139F of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.''. (B) Net earnings from self-employment.--Section 211(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 411(a)) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (15), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (16) and inserting ``; and'', and inserting after paragraph (16) the following: ``(17) There shall be excluded any contribution made to or on behalf of an employee that is not includible in gross income of the employee under section 139F of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.''. (c) Railroad Retirement.--Section 3231(e) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(13) Employer contributions to 529 plan or able account.--The term compensation shall not include any contribution made to or on behalf of an employee that is not includible in gross income of the employee under section 139F.''. (d) Deduction for Individual Contributions.-- (1) In general.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating section 224 as section 225 and by inserting after section 223 the following new section: ``SEC. 224. CONTRIBUTIONS TO 529 PLANS AND ABLE ACCOUNTS. ``(a) Allowance of Deduction.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a deduction for the taxable year an amount equal to the sum of-- ``(1) the aggregate contributions made by such individual to qualified tuition programs (as defined in section 529) during such taxable year, and ``(2) the aggregate contributions made by such individual to ABLE accounts (as defined in section 529A) during such taxable year. ``(b) Limitation.--The amount allowed as a deduction by subsection (a) for a taxable year shall not exceed $5,000.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by redesignating the item relating to section 224 as an item relating to section 225 and by inserting after the item relating to section 223 the following new item: ``Sec. 224. Contributions to 529 plans and ABLE accounts.''. (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to contributions made during taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. ADDITIONAL TAX FOR DISTRIBUTIONS NOT USED FOR QUALIFIED PURPOSES. (a) Qualified Tuition Programs.-- (1) In general.--The first sentence of section 529(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, except that the rate of such tax shall be determined under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.''. (2) Rate.--Paragraph (6) of section 529(c) of such Code, as amended by subsection (a), is amended-- (A) by striking ``The tax'' and inserting ``(A) In general.--The tax'', and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(B) Rate.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the tax rate determined under this subparagraph is the greater of-- ``(i) 10 percent, and ``(ii) the highest rate of income tax applicable to such person under this title.''. (b) Qualified ABLE Programs.-- (1) In general.--Subparagraph (A) of section 529A(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``10 percent'' and inserting ``the applicable percentage''. (2) Applicable percentage.--Paragraph (3) of section 529A(c) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(D) Applicable percentage.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `applicable percentage' means the greater of-- ``(i) 10 percent, and ``(ii) the highest rate of income tax applicable to such person under this title.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to distributions made during taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Help All Americans Save for College Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the tax treatment of qualified tuition programs (known as 529 plans) and ABLE accounts. (Tax-favored ABLE [Achieving a Better Life Experience] accounts are designed to enable individuals with disabilities to save for and pay for disability-related expenses.) The bill excludes employer contributions to an employee's 529 plan or ABLE account from the gross income of an individual, certain employment taxes, and taxes on self-employment earnings. The exclusions are limited to the lesser of: (1) the compensation includible in the individual's gross income for the year, or (2) $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return) for each dependent of the taxpayer who is the designated beneficiary of a 529 plan. The bill also allows an individual to deduct up to $5,000 of the aggregate contributions of the individual to a 529 plan and an ABLE account. The bill revises the 10% additional tax for distributions from a 529 plan or an ABLE account that are not used for qualified purposes to change the rate to the greater of: (1) 10%, or (2) the highest rate of income tax applicable to the taxpayer.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Central American Amnesty Termination Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) On December 1, 2014, in the face of serious national security threats, and despite vigorous opposition from the Congress, the Obama Administration began accepting applications for a new program known as the ``Central American Minors (CAM) Refugee/Parole Program'' (the ``CAM program''). (2) Article 1, section 8, of the Constitution gives the Congress clear jurisdiction on immigration matters, and the unilateral creation of the CAM program by executive action clearly infringes on that authority. (3) Under the CAM program, the Obama Administration allows illegal aliens from 3 Central American countries to fly to the United States and be admitted into the United States. (4) In a December 17, 2015, letter to multiple Members of the Congress, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriquez acknowledged that the agency does not systematically track whether CAM program applicants previously have been removed from the United States or had prior felony convictions. (5) The December 2015 letter also revealed that certain CAM program beneficiaries are immediately eligible to work and obtain legal status in the United States. (6) Under the CAM program, certain beneficiaries are eligible ultimately to obtain permanent residence and are immediately eligible for certain taxpayer-funded Federal benefits. (7) Under the CAM program, certain beneficiaries are able to pursue citizenship in the United States after 5 years of permanent residence. (8) The CAM program provides cash, loans for flights to North America, reimbursements for DNA testing, and medical assistance. (9) The CAM program also waives certain fees for participating beneficiaries, which fees are required to be paid by potential legal immigrants who wish to enter this country in accordance with our laws. (10) The Department of State reported in April 2016, that 8,001 aliens from 3 Central American countries have applied to be admitted to the United States under the CAM program, and that 197 parents and children already have been admitted under the program. (11) The December 2015 letter also stated that at least 16 parents who completed an Affidavit of Relationship under the CAM program were Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, and indicated that the program plans eventually to accept applications from the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program. (12) DACA and DAPA were both created by the Obama Administration through unconstitutional executive action. An injunction to stop the creation of DAPA and the expansion of DACA was upheld by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. (13) The Associated Press recently obtained information through a Freedom of Information Act request that revealed that, of the 71,000 unaccompanied alien minors placed with sponsors in the United States from February 2014 to September 2015, most of whom were from Central America, 80 percent were placed with illegal immigrants living in the United States. (14) U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports that 141,192 unaccompanied alien minors from Central American countries were apprehended by the United States Border Patrol from October 1, 2008, through February 29, 2016. (15) Total U.S. Customs and Border apprehension on the southwest border increased 28 percent in March 2016 compared to the previous year, with 33,335 total Border Patrol apprehensions, 4,201 of which were unaccompanied alien minors, and 4,448 of which were members of family units traveling together. (16) In an April 2015 hearing, the Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary heard important testimony on the CAM program. (17) Testimony from officials within the Obama Administration at the April 2015 hearing purported that the CAM program would assist with reducing the surge of unaccompanied alien minors on our southwest border. (18) Testimony at the April 2015 hearing revealed that the CAM program will impose significant costs on taxpayers and State and local governments. (19) Testimony at the April 2015 hearing found that the CAM program is not a true refugee program, but rather is primarily an end-run around the law to create a new admissions program for alien families from 3 Central American countries in order to unite them with other illegal aliens residing in the United States. (20) The April hearing also revealed that the CAM program has contributed to the surge of unaccompanied alien minors flooding the United States, as the program provides an incentive for further illegal immigration. (21) The CAM program has been a failure and has not helped reduce the surge of unaccompanied alien minors on our southwest border. SEC. 3. CERTAIN ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds, resources, or fees made available to the Secretary of Homeland Security, or to any other official of a Federal agency, by any Act for any fiscal year, including any deposits into the ``Immigration Examinations Fee Account'' established under section 286(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(m)), may be used to implement, administer, or carry out the Central American Minors Refugee/Parole Program, or any successor program.
Central American Amnesty Termination Act of 2016 This bill prohibits any funds, resources, or fees available to the Department of Homeland Security or any other federal agency, including Immigration Examinations Fee Account deposits, from being used for the Central American Minors Refugee/Parole Program or any successor program.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``FDA Tobacco Authority Amendments Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds as follows: (1) Tobacco products are addictive. (2) Such products cause over 400,000 deaths each year in the United States. (3) The Supreme Court has held that there is no congressional intent to provide the Food and Drug Administration with the authority to regulate tobacco products. (4) The Congress should amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide the Food and Drug Administration with the authority to regulate tobacco products. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. (a) Drug.--Section 201(g)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(g)(1)) is amended by inserting after the first sentence the following: ``Such term includes nicotine in a tobacco product.''. (b) Devices.--Section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(h)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Such term includes a tobacco product.''. (c) Other Definitions.--Section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(kk) The term `tobacco product' means any product made or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption.''. SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER V. (a) Misbranding.--Section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(u) In the case of a tobacco product, if it does not comply with a requirement under subchapter F.''. (b) Clarification of Authority Regarding Advertising and Promotion; Equal Treatment of Retail Outlets.--Section 520(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360j(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) In the case of tobacco products: ``(A) The restrictions on sale and distribution authorized by paragraph (1) shall include restrictions on advertising and promotion of tobacco products. ``(B) The Secretary shall ensure that such restrictions are applied uniformly to all entities that make retail sales of tobacco products. For purposes of the preceding sentence, such restrictions may not exempt or apply differently to retail establishments that predominantly or exclusively sell tobacco products.''. (c) Preemption.--Section 521 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360k) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Except as provided in subsection (b)'' and inserting ``Except in the case of tobacco products and as provided in subsection (b)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: Tobacco Products ``(c) If the package or advertisement of a tobacco product is required to bear a warning under this Act, no statement relating to the use of the tobacco product and health, other than a statement required under this Act, may be required by any State or local statute or regulation to be included on any package or in any advertisement of such tobacco product.''. SEC. 5. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS. Chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Subchapter F--Special Provisions for Tobacco Products ``SEC. 565. SPECIAL STANDARD FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS. ``In the case of tobacco products, an action that is appropriate for the protection of public health shall be deemed to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. ``SEC. 566. WARNINGS REGARDING CIGARETTES AND SMOKELESS TOBACCO; REGULATIONS. ``(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this subchapter, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to require warnings on cigarette and smokeless tobacco labeling and advertisements. The content, format, and rotation of warnings shall conform to the specifications described in Title IB of the Proposed Resolution entered into by the tobacco manufacturers and the State attorneys general on June 20, 1997. ``(b) Reduced-Risk Products.--No manufacturer of a tobacco product may state or imply in the labeling or advertisements of the tobacco product that the tobacco product presents a reduced risk to health unless the Secretary has determined that the tobacco product does present a significantly reduced risk to public health. ``(c) Savings Provision.--Subsection (a) or (b) may not be construed as limiting the authority provided under other provisions of this Act with respect to tobacco products. ``SEC. 567. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING FARMERS AND RELATED ENTITIES. ``The provisions of this Act relating to tobacco products shall not apply to tobacco leaf that is not in the possession of the manufacturer, or to the producers of tobacco leaf, including tobacco growers, tobacco warehouses, and tobacco grower cooperatives, nor shall any employee of the Food and Drug Administration have any authority whatsoever to enter onto a farm owned by a producer of tobacco leaf without the written consent of such producer. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subparagraph, if a producer of tobacco leaf is also a tobacco product manufacturer or controlled by a tobacco product manufacturer, the producer shall be subject to this chapter in the producer's capacity as a manufacturer. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to grant the Secretary authority to promulgate regulations on any matter that involves the production of tobacco leaf or a producer thereof, other than activities by a manufacturer affecting production. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term `controlled by' means a member of the same controlled group of corporations as that term is used in section 52(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or under common control within the meaning of the regulations promulgated under section 52(b) of such Code.''. SEC. 6. VALIDATION OF FDA RULE. Effective one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, all provisions of the regulations related to tobacco products promulgated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on August 28, 1996 (61 Fed. Reg. 44615-44618) shall take effect under authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended by this Act. The Secretary shall amend the designations of authorities in such regulations accordingly. SEC. 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS. (a) Enforcement.--Section 301 (21 U.S.C. 331) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(bb) The violation of any requirement under this Act relating to tobacco products.''. (b) Access to Information.--Section 701 (21 U.S.C 371) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(i) To acquire information related to tobacco products, the Secretary may administer oaths and require the testimony of witnesses and the production of documents and other materials. The Secretary may disclose to the public information acquired under this subsection if the Secretary determines that disclosure is appropriate to protect public health.''. SEC. 8. REPEALS. Effective on the date the regulations described in section 566(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act take effect-- (1) the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (15 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.), other than sections 6, 8, 10, and 11, is repealed; and (2) the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 (15 U.S.C. 4401 et seq.), other than sections 3(f), 5, and 6, is repealed.
FDA Tobacco Authority Amendments Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to, among other things: (1) include "nicotine in a tobacco product" in the definition of the term "drug" and to include "a tobacco product" in the definition of the term "device;" and (2) set forth provisions for tobacco products concerning special standards for such products, warnings regarding such products, and a rule of construction regarding farmers and related entities.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. NEW TRANCHES OF CAPITAL FOR SUCCESSFUL STATE PROGRAMS. Section 3003 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5702) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Additional Allocation and Competitive Awards.-- ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection-- ``(A) the term `eligible participating State' means a participating State that has certified to the Secretary that the State has expended, transferred, or obligated not less than 80 percent of the second \1/3\ of the 2010 allocation transferred to the State under subsection (c)(1)(A)(iii); and ``(B) the term `unused funds' means-- ``(i) amounts made available to the Secretary under clause (i)(II) or (ii)(II) of paragraph (2)(E); and ``(ii) amounts made available to the Secretary under paragraph (4)(B)(ii). ``(2) Allocation for 2010 participating states.-- ``(A) Allocation.--Of the amount made available under paragraph (6)(D), the Secretary shall allocate a total of $500,000,000 among eligible participating States in the same ratio as funds were allocated under the 2010 allocation under subsection (b)(1) among participating States. ``(B) Application.--An eligible participating State desiring to receive funds allocated under this paragraph shall submit an application-- ``(i) not later than the later of-- ``(I) June 30, 2015; or ``(II) the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of the Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2014; and ``(ii) in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(C) Availability of allocated amount.-- Notwithstanding subsection (c)(1), after an eligible participating State approved by the Secretary to receive an allocation under this paragraph has certified to the Secretary that the eligible participating State has expended, transferred, or obligated not less than 80 percent of the last \1/3\ of the 2010 allocation to the eligible participating State, the Secretary shall transfer to the eligible participating State the funds allocated to the eligible participating State under this paragraph. ``(D) Use of transferred funds.--An eligible participating State may use funds transferred under this paragraph for any purpose authorized under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (c)(3). ``(E) Termination of availability of amounts.-- ``(i) In general.--If an eligible participating State has not certified to the Secretary that the State has expended, transferred, or obligated not less than 80 percent of the last \1/3\ of the 2010 allocation as of the date that is 2 years after the date on which the Secretary approves the eligible participating State to receive an allocation under this paragraph, any amounts allocated to the eligible participating State under this paragraph-- ``(I) may not be transferred to the eligible participating State under this paragraph; and ``(II) shall be available to the Secretary to make awards under paragraph (4). ``(ii) Other amounts.--Effective on the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of the Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2014, any amounts allocated under this paragraph to a participating State that, as of such date, is not an eligible participating State or to an eligible participating State that did not submit an application under subparagraph (B) or was not approved by the Secretary to receive an allocation under this paragraph-- ``(I) may not be transferred to an eligible participating State under this paragraph; and ``(II) shall be available to the Secretary to make awards under paragraph (4). ``(3) Competitive funding.-- ``(A) In general.--Of the amount made available under paragraph (6)(D), the Secretary may award, on a competitive basis, not more than a total of $1,000,000,000 to participating States and consortiums of participating States for use for any purpose authorized under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (c)(3). ``(B) Application.-- ``(i) In general.--A participating State or consortium of participating States desiring to receive an award under this paragraph shall submit an application-- ``(I) not later than the date established by the Secretary, which shall be not later than the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of the Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2014; and ``(II) in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(ii) Number of applications.--A participating State may submit not more than 1 application on behalf of the participating State and not more than 1 application as part of a consortium of participating States. ``(iii) States that did not participate.--A State that is not a participating State may apply to the Secretary for approval to be a participating State for purposes of this paragraph and paragraph (4), in accordance with section 3004. ``(C) Factors.--In determining whether to make an award to a participating State or consortium of participating States under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider-- ``(i) how the participating State or consortium of participating States plan to use amounts provided under the award under the approved State program to-- ``(I) leverage private sector capital; ``(II) create and retain jobs during the 2-year period beginning on the date of the award; ``(III) serve businesses that have been incorporated or in operation for not more than 5 years; and ``(IV) serve low-or-moderate-income communities; ``(ii) the extent to which the participating State or consortium of participating States will establish or continue a robust self-evaluation of the activities of the participating State or consortium of participating States using amounts made available under this title; ``(iii) the extent to which the participating State or consortium of participating States will provide non-Federal funds in excess of the amount required under subparagraph (E); and ``(iv) the extent to which the participating State expended, obligated, or transferred the 2010 allocation to the State. ``(D) Award of funds.-- ``(i) First tranche.--Notwithstanding subsection (c)(1), and not later than 30 days after making an award under this paragraph to a participating State or consortium of participating States, the Secretary shall transfer 50 percent of the amount of the award to the participating State or consortium of participating States. ``(ii) Second tranche.--After a participating State or consortium of participating States has certified to the Secretary that the participating State or consortium of participating States has expended, transferred, or obligated not less than 80 percent of the amount transferred under clause (i), the Secretary shall transfer to the participating State or consortium of participating States the remaining amount of the award. ``(E) State share.--The State share of the cost of the activities, excluding administrative expenses, carried out using an award under this paragraph shall be not less than 10 percent. The Secretary may determine what contributions by a State qualify as part of the State share of the cost for purposes of this subparagraph. ``(4) Award of unused funds.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may award, on a competitive basis, unused funds to participating States for use for any purpose authorized under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (c)(3). ``(B) Unused 2010 funds.-- ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall determine whether any amounts allocated to a participating State under subsection (b) shall be deemed no longer allocated and no longer available if a participating State has not certified to the Secretary that the State has expended, transferred, or obligated 80 percent of the second \1/3\ of the 2010 allocation by December 31, 2016. ``(ii) Availability.--Effective on the date of the determination under clause (i), any amounts identified in the determination that were deemed no longer allocated and no longer available to the participating State shall be available to the Secretary to make awards under this paragraph. ``(C) Application.--A participating State desiring to receive an award under this paragraph shall submit an application-- ``(i) not later than 3 months after the date on which funds are deemed no longer allocated and no longer available to any participating State; and ``(ii) in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(D) Factors.--In determining whether to make an award to a participating State under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider the factors described in paragraph (3)(C). ``(E) Minimum amount.--The Secretary may not make an award of less than $5,000,000 under this paragraph. ``(5) Extension of compliance and reporting.-- Notwithstanding section 3007(d), a participating State that receives funds under paragraph (2), (3), or (4) shall submit quarterly and annual reports containing the information described in section 3007 until the end of the 8-year period beginning on the date of enactment of the Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2014. ``(6) Administration and implementation.-- ``(A) Administrative expenses for participating states.--A participating State may use not more than 3 percent of the amount made available to the participating State under paragraph (2), (3), or (4) for administrative expenses incurred by the participating State in implementing an approved State program. ``(B) Contracting.--During the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of the Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2014, and notwithstanding any other provision of law relating to public contracting, the Secretary may enter into contracts to carry out this subsection. ``(C) Amounts not assistance.--Any amounts transferred to a participating State under paragraph (2), (3), or (4) shall not be considered assistance for purposes of subtitle V of title 31, United States Code. ``(D) Appropriation.--There are appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $1,500,000,000 to carry out this subsection, including to pay reasonable costs of administering the programs under this subsection, to remain available until expended. ``(E) Termination of secretary's program administration functions.--The authorities and duties of the Secretary to implement and administer the program under this subsection shall terminate at the end of the 8-year period beginning on the date of enactment of the Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2014.''.
Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2014 - Amends the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to extend for an additional eight fiscal years the State Small Business Credit Initiative to assist participating states to give collateral support and other innovative credit access and guarantee initiatives for small businesses and manufacturers. Prescribes allocations of federal funds to participating states. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to award, on a competitive basis, up to a total of $1 billion in two tranches, according to specified criteria, to participating states and consortiums of participating states for use: (1) for making federal contributions to, or for the account of, an approved state program; and (2) as collateral for a qualifying loan or swap funding facility.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``SCHIP Expansion for Kids in Need Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. REQUIRING PRIORITY FOR SCHIP COVERAGE OF CHILDREN IN FAMILIES WITH INCOME UNDER 200 PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL. (a) Data Collection Requirement.--Section 2108 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397hh) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(e) Inclusion of Certain Income-Related Data.-- ``(1) In general.--Each annual report under this section for each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 2010) shall include information, consistent with regulations promulgated under paragraph (2), on the success of the State in providing health insurance coverage for children at various family income levels. ``(2) Regulations.--In order to provide consistency in the reporting of information under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promulgate, not later than September 30, 2009, standards for data collection and statistical methodologies that must be used in submitting such information. Such standards shall provide for family income levels to be determined based on gross income relative to percentages of the poverty line for a family of the size involved.''. (b) Plan for Coverage of Low Income Children.--Section 2101 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(e) Inclusion of Plan for Coverage of Low Income Children.-- ``(1) Development.--No State child health plan shall be considered approved under section 2106 for a fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 2010) unless-- ``(A) the State has developed and submitted to the Secretary, not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this subsection, a plan to assure that all qualified low-income children (as defined in paragraph (3)) are covered by creditable health coverage; ``(B) such a plan has been approved under paragraph (2); and ``(C) the State implements such plan beginning with fiscal year 2010. ``(2) Review and approval.--The Secretary shall-- ``(A) promptly review plans submitted under paragraph (1)(A); ``(B) approve such plan if the Secretary determines that the plan is reasonably designed to assure the coverage described in such paragraph, effective as for the plan year beginning in fiscal year 2010; or ``(C) disapprove such plan if the Secretary determines that the plan is not so reasonably designed. ``(3) Opportunity for resubmittal.--If the Secretary disapproves a plan under paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary shall provide the State with an opportunity to resubmit a modified plan under paragraph (1)(A) that meets the requirement of paragraph (2)(B). ``(4) Notification.--The Secretary shall promptly notify the State involved of the approval or disapproval of a plan submitted under paragraph (1)(A), or resubmitted under paragraph (3). ``(5) Qualified low-income children.--In this subsection and section 2105(c)(8), the term `qualified low-income child' means a child-- ``(A) the gross income of whose family does not exceed 200 percent of the poverty line for a family of the size involved; and ``(B) who meets all eligibility requirements, other than those related to income, to be a targeted low- income child.''. (c) Limitation on Use of SCHIP Funds.--Section 2105(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397ee(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(8) Limitation based on increases in income eligibility.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), in the case of a State that increases its income eligibility level under its State child health plan above the level in effect as of the date of the enactment of this paragraph, payment shall not be made to a State under this section for any amount expended for an individual whose family income exceeds the income eligibility level under its State child health plan as of such date unless the State demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that no more than 10 percent of qualified low-income children (as defined in section 2101(e)(5)) residing in the State are not covered under creditable health coverage. ``(B) Safe harbor for qualified low-income children and currently eligible children.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to limit payment under this section for amounts expended for-- ``(i) qualified low-income children (as so defined); or ``(ii) any child who meets eligibility standards under the State child health plan as in effect as of the date of the enactment of this paragraph.''.
SCHIP Expansion for Kids in Need Act of 2009 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to require states to provide SCHIP priority to children in families with gross income below 200% of the federal poverty level. Declares that no state child health plan shall be considered approved for a fiscal year unless the state has developed and submitted to the Secretary of Health and Human Services a plan to assure that all qualified low-income children are covered by creditable health coverage, such a plan has been approved, and the state implements it beginning with FY2010. Declares that no payment to a state that increases its state child health plan income eligibility level above the one in effect as of the enactment of this Act shall be made for any amount expended for an individual whose family income exceeds the unincreased income eligibility level unless no more than 10% percent of qualified low-income children residing in the state are still not covered under creditable health coverage.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Toxic Metals Protection Act of 2010''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Antimony.--The term ``antimony'' means elemental antimony and any compounds or alloys which contain antimony. (2) Barium.--The term ``barium'' means elemental barium and any compounds or alloys which contain barium. (3) Cadmium.--The term ``cadmium'' means elemental cadmium and any compounds or alloys which contain cadmium. (4) Children's product.-- (A) In general.--The term ``children's product'' means a product designed or intended to be worn or used by children 12 years of age or younger and sold or distributed at retail. (B) Determination of intention for wear or use by children.--In determining under subparagraph (A) whether a product is designed or intended for wear or use by children 12 years of age or younger, the following factors shall be considered: (i) A statement by a manufacturer about the intended use of the product if such statement is reasonable. (ii) Any label on the product. (iii) Whether the product is represented in its packaging, display, promotion, or advertising as appropriate for children 12 years of age or younger. (iv) Whether the product is commonly recognized by consumers as being intended for use by children 12 years of age or younger. (v) The Age Determination Guidelines: Relating Children's Ages to Toy Characteristics and Play Behavior, issued by the Commission in September 2002, and any modifications to such Guidelines. (5) Chromium.--The term ``chromium'' means elemental chromium and any compounds or alloys which contain chromium. (6) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Consumer Product Safety Commission. (7) Sold or distributed at retail.--The term ``sold or distributed at retail'' means sold or distributed to a consumer. SEC. 3. BAN ON CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS CONTAINING CERTAIN LEVELS OF ANTIMONY, BARIUM, CADMIUM, OR CHROMIUM. (a) Prohibition.--No person may manufacture for sale, offer for sale, or distribute in commerce any children's product containing compounds of antimony, barium, cadmium, or chromium of which the metal content of the soluble material is in excess of the maximum soluble migrated element in parts per million as follows: (1) 60 parts per million for antimony. (2) 1,000 parts per million for barium. (3) 75 parts per million for cadmium. (4) 60 parts per million for chromium. (b) Penalties.--Any failure of a person to comply with subsection (a) shall be treated as a violation of section 4 of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1263) and subject to the penalties set forth in section 5 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 1264). SEC. 4. ALTERNATIVE MEASURES OF HEAVY METAL CONTENT. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shall establish a measurement standard for antimony, barium, cadmium, and chromium based on a units- of-mass-per-area standard that is statistically comparable to the parts-per-million measurement standard currently used. SEC. 5. REPORTS. (a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report on the actions taken by the Commission to enforce the provisions of this Act, including a summary of the criminal and civil penalties imposed under section 3(b). (b) Heavy Metals.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit a report to Congress regarding heavy metals that should be banned from children's products. SEC. 6. EFFECT ON FEDERAL AND STATE LAW. (a) In General.--Nothing in this Act or section 18(b)(1)(B) of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 note) shall preempt the authority of any State or political subdivision of a State to establish or continue in effect a provision of the law of a State or political subdivision of a State relating to regulation of products containing chromium, cadmium, barium, or antimony, except to the extent that compliance with both State and Federal law is impossible. Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify or affect any enforcement action or liability of any person under the law of any State. (b) Preservation of Certain State Law.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt or otherwise affect any warning requirement relating to consumer products or substances that is established pursuant to State law that was in effect on August 31, 2003. SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to children's products manufactured on or after the date that is 90 days after such date of enactment.
Toxic Metals Protection Act of 2010 - Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution in commerce of any children's product containing specified levels of antimony, barium, cadmium, or chromium. Defines a "children's product" as a product designed or intended to be worn or used by a child 12 years of age or younger and sold or distributed at retail. Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish a measurement standard for antimony, barium, cadmium, or chromium that is comparable to the measurement standard currently used. Sets forth: (1) factors to determine whether a product is designed or intended for wear or use by such children; and (2) penalties for violations of such prohibition.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Surplus Uranium Disposition Act of 2010''. SEC. 2. BARTER, TRANSFER, OR SALE OF SURPLUS URANIUM. (a) In General.--Chapter 14 of title I of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 170J. BARTER, TRANSFER, OR SALE OF SURPLUS URANIUM. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ``(2) Department.--The term `Department' means the Department of Energy. ``(3) Initial core.--The term `initial core' means the quantity of uranium required to fuel the first operating cycle of a newly constructed nuclear reactor located in the United States. ``(4) Long-term contract.--The term `long-term contract' means a contract-- ``(A) entered into under subsection (e); and ``(B) the duration of which is not less than 3 years. ``(5) Reserve inventory.--The term `reserve inventory' means the quantity of the excess uranium stockpile of the Department, the barter, sale, or transfer of which is prohibited except in the case of a national energy emergency, as declared by the President under subsection (l)(2). ``(6) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Energy. ``(7) Uranium.--The term `uranium' means any form of surplus uranium from the inventory of the Department. Any reference in this section to a quantity of uranium means a quantity of natural uranium (uranium containing 0.711 percent U-235) or its equivalent. ``(b) Authority of Secretary.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary may barter, transfer, or sell to eligible entities, at fair market value, uranium in accordance with this section. ``(c) Eligible Entities.-- ``(1) Barters, transfers, or sales for initial cores.--To be eligible to obtain uranium under subsection (d)-- ``(A) an eligible entity shall have submitted to the Commission an application for a combined operating license for a reactor; and ``(B) the Commission shall have approved, or agreed to review, the application. ``(2) Additional barters, transfers, or sales.--To be eligible to obtain uranium under subsection (e), an eligible entity shall possess a license from the Commission. ``(d) Barters, Transfers, or Sales for Initial Cores.--The Secretary shall offer to barter, transfer, or sell to eligible entities, on a first-come, first-served basis and at fair market value, 20,000,000 pounds of uranium for initial cores for projects to build new reactors. ``(e) Additional Barters, Transfers, or Sales.--In addition to initial core barters, transfers, or sales under subsection (d), the Secretary may barter, transfer, or sell to eligible entities, on a first-come, first-served basis and at fair market value, uranium in accordance with the following schedule: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Million ``Year pounds Uranium ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2010....................................................... 3.0 2011....................................................... 3.3 2012....................................................... 3.8 2013 and each subsequent year.............................. 5.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ``(f) Transparency and Competitive Procedures.--In making barters, transfers, or sales of uranium to eligible entities under this section, the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that-- ``(1) the United States receives the fair market value for any uranium bartered, transferred, or sold to the entities; and ``(2) any barter, transfer, or sale under this section is conducted in a transparent and competitive manner. ``(g) Sale of Bartered or Transferred Uranium.--If the Secretary barters or transfers uranium under this section, any uranium sold by the recipient shall be-- ``(1) sold at fair market value; and ``(2) considered part of the annual sales quantity of the Department for the year bartered or transferred. ``(h) Dissemination Requirement.--Not later than 14 days before the date on which the Secretary barters, transfers, or sells to an eligible entity any uranium under this section, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, with respect to the barter, transfer, or sale, the determination required by the Secretary under section 3112(e)(2) of the USEC Privatization Act (42 U.S.C. 2297h-10(e)(2)). ``(i) Other Programs.-- ``(1) Compliance.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall comply with-- ``(A) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); ``(B) section 3112 of the USEC Privatization Act (42 U.S.C. 2297h-10); and ``(C) other applicable provisions of law (including regulations). ``(2) Use of proceeds.--No funds or other value obtained from the barter, transfer, or sale of uranium under this section may be used to carry out other programs of the Department without a specific appropriation by Congress. ``(j) Schedule.--The Secretary shall ensure that long-term contracts cover not less than 50 percent of the quantity of uranium bartered, transferred, or sold under this section during each calendar year. ``(k) Department Needs.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Secretary shall maintain a sufficient inventory of uranium to meet the current and foreseeable needs of the missions and programs of the Department, including missions and programs of-- ``(1) the National Nuclear Security Agency; ``(2) the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology Programs; ``(3) the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management; and ``(4) other agencies of the Department, as determined by the Secretary. ``(l) Reserve Inventory.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall maintain a reserve inventory of uranium that contains not less than 20,000,000 pounds of uranium. ``(2) National energy emergency.--The Secretary shall release uranium from the reserve inventory only in the case of a national energy emergency declared by the President.''. (b) Technical Amendment.--Section 11 f. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014(f)) is amended by striking ``Atomic Energy Commission'' and inserting ``Nuclear Regulatory Commission''.
Surplus Uranium Disposition Act of 2010 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to barter, transfer, or sell uranium to eligible entities at fair market value. Requires eligible entities to: (1) obtain a combined operating license for a reactor approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); and (2) possess a license from the NRC in order to obtain uranium under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to offer to barter, transfer, or sell to eligible entities, on a first-come, first-served basis and at fair market value, 20 million pounds of uranium for initial cores for projects to build new reactors. Authorizes the Secretary to barter, transfer, or sell uranium to eligible entities on a first-come, first-served basis, at fair market value following a prescribed schedule for 2010-2013 and subsequent years. Requires a recipient to sell such uranium at fair market value. Prohibits the use of funds or other value obtained from the barter, transfer, or sale of uranium, without a specific appropriation by Congress, to implement other programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). Requires the Secretary to: (1) maintain a sufficient inventory of uranium to meet current and foreseeable needs of the missions and programs of DOE and designated agencies; and (2) maintain a reserve inventory of uranium that contains at least 20 million pounds of uranium. Permits the Secretary to release uranium from the reserve inventory only if a national energy emergency is declared by the President.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States established diplomatic relations with the newly-formed Polish Republic in April 1919. (2) The United States and Poland have enjoyed close bilateral relations since 1989. (3) Poland became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in March 1999. (4) Poland became a member of the European Union (EU) in May 2004. (5) Poland has been a strong supporter, both diplomatically and militarily, of efforts led by the United States to combat global terrorism and has contributed troops to the United States-led coalitions in both Afghanistan and Iraq. (6) Poland cooperates closely with the United States on such issues as democratization, nuclear proliferation, human rights, regional cooperation in Eastern Europe, and reform of the United Nations. (7) The United States and Poland seek to ensure enduring ties between both governments and societies. (8) It is important to invest in the youth of the United States and Poland in order to help ensure long-lasting ties between both societies. (9) It is in the interest of the United States to preserve a United States presence in Europe and to continue to contribute to the development of transatlantic relationships. (10) Poland for many years received international and United States financial assistance and is now determined to invest its own resources toward attaining its shared desire with the United States to develop international cooperation. SEC. 3. UNITED STATES-POLAND PARLIAMENTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM. (a) Authority.--The President, acting through the Secretary of State and in cooperation with the Government of Poland, may establish and carry out a parliamentary exchange program for youth of the United States and Poland. (b) Designation.--The youth exchange program carried out under this subsection shall be known as the ``United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program''. (c) Purpose.--The purpose of the youth exchange program is to demonstrate to the youth of the United States and Poland the benefits of friendly cooperation between the United States and Poland based on common political and cultural values. (d) Eligible Participants.--An individual is eligible for participation in the youth exchange program if the individual-- (1) is a citizen or national of the United States or of Poland; (2) is under the age of 19 years; (3) is a student who is enrolled and in good standing at a secondary school in the United States or Poland; (4) has been accepted for up to one academic year of study in a program of study abroad approved for credit at such school; and (5) meets any other qualifications that the President may establish for purposes of the program. (e) Program Elements.--Under the youth exchange program, eligible participants selected for participation in the program shall-- (1) live in and attend a public secondary school in the host country for a period of one academic year; (2) while attending public school in the host country, undertake academic studies in the host country, with particular emphasis on the history, constitution, and political development of the host country; (3) be eligible, either during or after the completion of such academic studies, for an internship in an appropriate position in the host country; and (4) engage in such other activities as the President considers appropriate to achieve the purpose of the program. (f) Relationship to Other Authorities.--The President may utilize the authorities and procedures set out in title VIII of the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 (22 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.) to establish and carry out the youth exchange program. SEC. 4. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS. The Secretary of State shall submit to Congress an annual report on the United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program established under this Act. Each annual report shall include-- (1) information on the implementation of the Program during the preceding year: (2) the number of participants in the Program during such year; (3) the names and locations of the secondary schools in the United States and Poland attended by such participants; (4) a description of the areas of study of such participants during their participation in the Program; (5) a description of any internships taken by such participants during their participation in the Program; and (6) a description of any other activities such participants carried out during their participation in the Program. SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department of State for fiscal year 2007 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the youth exchange program authorized by this Act. (b) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated by subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.
United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program Act of 2006 - Authorizes the President, through the Secretary of State and in cooperation with the government of Poland, to establish a United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Access to College Education (ACE) Act of 1997''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) During the past 15 years, tuition at 4-year public colleges and universities rose 234 percent. (2) In contrast, during this same time, median household income rose only 82 percent. (3) The cost of consumer goods, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, rose only 74 percent during this time. (4) During the past 15 years, the share of schools' revenues provided by tuition rose from 16 percent to 23 percent. (5) The future of America depends on a well educated work force. (6) High-tech, high-wage jobs require postsecondary education. (7) Parents need information and assistance to save for their children's higher education. (8) Prepaid college tuition programs are one way parents can make sure they will be able to afford the cost of their children's college. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM. Title X of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after part E (20 U.S.C. 1135g) the following new part: ``PART F--ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR STATE PREPAID TUITION PROGRAMS. ``SEC. 1096. GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. ``(a) General Authority.--The Secretary shall establish a program in accordance with the requirements of this section to provide grants to States to support temporarily the establishment and operation of State prepaid tuition programs. No State shall be eligible to receive more than a single grant under this section. ``(b) Application Requirements.-- ``(1) In general.--Any State desiring to obtain a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information or assurances as the Secretary may require by regulation. ``(2) State plan.--An application under this section shall include a State plan for the establishment and operation of a program to offer parents the opportunity to prepay tuition at State postsecondary institutions. The State plan shall include a description of-- ``(A) the type of prepaid tuition plan the State offers or plans to offer, such as by contract, tuition credit, or certificate, and the institutions at which prepaid tuition funds will be available for use; ``(B) the tuition and other expenses to which the prepayment will be applied; ``(C) the method by which the future cost of such tuition and expenses is or will be calculated; ``(D) the options the parents have or will have to make the prepayment; ``(E) the methods by which prepaid tuition funds will be invested; ``(F) the methods by which the funds will be disbursed; ``(G) the methods by which prepaid tuition funds will be taken into account in the calculation of State student aid eligibility; ``(H) the methods by which the State will inform the public on a regular basis of the actuarial projections for the cost of tuition; and ``(I) the methods by which the State will inform the public on a regular basis of the investment of these funds. ``(3) Disclosure obligation.--An application under this section shall include an agreement by the State to provide regular periodic disclosures of the actuarial projections for the cost of tuition at State postsecondary institutions and the investment of prepaid tuition funds. ``(c) Use of Funds.--A State that obtains a grant from funds provided under this section may use such funds-- ``(1) to hire a chief administrative officer; ``(2) to obtain office space for the program's administration; ``(3) to acquire or improve office equipment necessary for a prepaid college tuition program; ``(4) to pay expenses necessary for the public disclosure required by this section; ``(5) to advertise the existence of this program throughout the State; and ``(6) to conduct activities which educate the public about the necessity of early savings for higher education. ``(d) Information.--In order to assist other States in establishing and improving prepaid tuition programs, any State that receives a grant under this section shall provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may request concerning the development of its program. The Secretary shall-- ``(1) collect information from existing prepaid tuition programs; ``(2) correlate such information with significant variables such as-- ``(A) population of State; ``(B) number of State postsecondary institutions; ``(C) average cost of State postsecondary institutions; and ``(D) number of participants currently in program; ``(3) collect studies of prepaid college tuition programs; and ``(4) disseminate to States applying for grants under this section the information and studies collected for the purposes of providing such States with information on successful practices to administer prepaid college tuition programs. ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to make grants under this section $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1998 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 3 succeeding fiscal years.''.
Access to College Education (ACE) Act of 1997 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a new part F, Administrative Support for State Prepaid Tuition Programs, under title X of such Act. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) make grants to States to support temporarily the establishment and operation of State prepaid tuition programs; and (2) disseminate to States applying for such grants certain studies and information on successful administrative practices for such programs. Authorizes appropriations.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Paperless Enrollment for School Meals Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. DATA-BASED ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMS. (a) Eligibility.--Section 11(a)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1759a(a)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(F) Data-based eligibility.-- ``(i) In general.--A school or local educational agency may elect to receive special assistance payments under clause (ii) in lieu of special assistance payments otherwise made available under this paragraph based on applications for free and reduced price lunches if the school or local educational agency-- ``(I) elects to serve all children in the school or local educational agency free lunches and breakfasts under the school lunch program and school breakfast program established under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773), during a period of 5 successive school years; and ``(II) pays, from sources other than Federal funds, the costs of serving the lunches or breakfasts that are in excess of the value of assistance received under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.). ``(ii) Alternative data sources.--Subject to criteria established by the Secretary not later than December 31, 2010, special assistance payments under clause (i) may be based on an estimate of the number of children eligible for free and reduced price lunches under section 9(b)(1)(A) derived from recent data other than applications, including-- ``(I) a socioeconomic survey of a representative sample of households of students, which may exclude students who have been directly certified under paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 9(b); ``(II) data from the American Community Survey of the Bureau of the Census; ``(III) data on receipt of income- tested public benefits by students or the households of students or income data collected by public benefit programs, including-- ``(aa) the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); ``(bb) the medical assistance program under the State Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.); ``(cc) the supplemental security income program established under title XVI of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.); and ``(dd) the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families established under part A of title IV of that Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); or ``(IV) other data, including State or local survey data and State or local tax records. ``(iii) Payments.-- ``(I) Free meals.--For each month of the period during which a school or local educational agency described in clause (i) serves free lunches or breakfasts to all enrolled children, special assistance payments at the rate for free meals shall be made for a percentage of all reimbursable meals served that is equal to the percentage of students estimated to be eligible for free meals. ``(II) Reduced price meals.--For each month of the period during which the school or local educational agency serves free lunches or breakfasts to all enrolled children, special assistance payments at the rate for reduced price meals shall be made for a percentage of all reimbursable meals served that is equal to the percentage of students estimated to be eligible for reduced price meals. ``(III) Other meals.--For each month of the period during which the school or local educational agency serves free lunches or breakfasts to all enrolled children, food assistance payments at the rate provided under section 4 shall be made for the remainder of the reimbursable meals served. ``(iv) Renewals.-- ``(I) In general.--A school or local educational agency described in clause (i) may reapply to the Secretary at the end of the period described in clause (i), and at the end of each period thereafter for which the school or local educational agency receives reimbursements and assistance under this subparagraph, for the purpose of continuing to receive the reimbursements and assistance for a subsequent 5-school-year period. ``(II) Approval.--The Secretary shall approve an application under this clause if available socioeconomic data demonstrate that the income level of the population of the school or local educational agency has remained consistent with or below the income level of the population of the school or local educational agency in the last year in which reimbursement rates were determined under clause (ii). ``(III) Data.--Not later than December 31, 2010, the Secretary shall establish criteria regarding the socioeconomic data that may be used when applying for a renewal of the special assistance payments for a subsequent 5-school-year period. ``(G) High-poverty areas.-- ``(i) In general.--A school or local educational agency may elect to receive special assistance payments under clause (ii) in lieu of special assistance payments otherwise made available under this paragraph based on applications for free and reduced price lunches if the school or local educational agency-- ``(I) during a period of 2 successive school years, elects to serve all children in the school or local educational agency free lunches and breakfasts under the school lunch program under this Act and the school breakfast program established under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773); ``(II) pays, from sources other than Federal funds, the costs of serving the lunches or breakfasts that are in excess of the value of assistance received under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.); and ``(III)(aa) for a local educational agency, for the prior school year, directly certified under paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 9(b) at least 50 percent of the enrolled students; ``(bb) for a school, for the prior school year, directly certified under paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 9(b) at least 60 percent of the enrolled students; or ``(cc) for a school or local educational agency that received payments under this subparagraph for the prior school year, directly certifies under paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 9(b) at least 40 or 50 percent, respectively, of the enrolled students. ``(ii) Payments.-- ``(I) In general.--For each month of the school year, special assistance payments at the rate for free meals shall be made under this subparagraph for a percentage of all reimbursable meals served in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying-- ``(aa) 1.5; by ``(bb) the percentage of students directly certified under paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 9(b), up to a maximum of 100 percent. ``(II) Other meals.--The percentage of meals served that is not described in subclause (I) shall be reimbursed at the rate provided under section 4. ``(iii) Election of option.-- ``(I) In general.--Any school or local educational agency eligible for the option under clause (i) may elect to receive special assistance payments under clause (ii) for the next school year if the school or local educational agency provides to the State agency evidence of the percentage of students directly certified not later than June 30 of the current school year. ``(II) State agency notification.-- Not later than May 1 of each school year, each State agency shall notify-- ``(aa) any local educational agency that appears, based on reported verification summary data, to have directly certified at least 50 percent of the enrolled students for the current school year, that the local educational agency may be eligible to elect to receive special assistance payments under clause (ii) for the next school year and explain the procedures for the local educational agency to make such an election; and ``(bb) any local educational agency that appears, based on reported verification summary data, to have directly certified at least 40 percent of the enrolled students for the current school year, that the local educational agency may become eligible to elect to receive special assistance payments under clause (ii) for a future school year if the local educational agency directly certifies at least 50 percent of the enrolled students. ``(III) Local educational agency notification.--Not later than May 1 of each school year, each local educational agency shall notify-- ``(aa) any school that directly certified at least 60 percent of the enrolled students for the current school year, that the school is eligible to elect to receive special assistance payments under clause (ii) for the next school year and explain the procedures for the school to make such an election; and ``(bb) any school that directly certified at least 50 percent of the enrolled students for the current school year, that the school may become eligible to elect to receive special assistance payments under clause (ii) for a future school year if the school directly certifies at least 60 percent of the enrolled students. ``(IV) Procedures.--Not later than December 31, 2010, the Secretary shall establish procedures for State agencies, local educational agencies, and schools to exercise the options provided under this clause.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 11(a)(1)(B) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1759a(a)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``or (E)'' and inserting ``(E), (F), or (G)''.
Paperless Enrollment for School Meals Act of 2009 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) to receive special assistance payments for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs that are based not on applications for such meals, but on estimates of the number of children eligible for such meals. Requires such estimates to be derived from recent data, such as survey, welfare, or tax data. Permits schools and LEAs from high poverty areas to receive special assistance payments for free or reduced price meals that are not based on applications, if they directly certify a specified minimum percentage of their students as eligible for free meals due to such students' eligibility for certain other public assistance. Reimburses such schools and LEAs pursuant to a formula that factors in the percentage of students directly certified as eligible for free meals. Requires schools and LEAs reimbursed on the basis of estimates or certifications to provide free meals to all their students under the school lunch and breakfast programs and cover, from nonfederal sources, the costs of serving such meals that exceed the assistance received under such programs.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Charitable Solicitation Disclosure Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT. (a) Requirement.--Chapter 30 of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 3015. Soliciting charitable contributions by mail ``(a) Any charitable organization which solicits, in any manner or through any means, the remittance of a contribution by mail, shall include with such solicitation the following information: ``(1) The legal name and the principal business address of the charitable organization making the solicitation. ``(2) Whether the organization is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, specifying whether or not the contributions solicited will qualify as charitable contributions under section 170(c) of such Code. ``(3) The purpose of the solicitation and the intended use of the contribution being solicited, specifying whether the program or activities for which the contribution will be used are in existence or planned. ``(4) The obligation of the charitable organization to furnish information in accordance with subsection (c). ``(b) The information required under subsection (a) to be included with any solicitation for contributions by mail shall-- ``(1) in the case of a solicitation made in writing-- ``(A) be presented in language which is readily understandable by persons receiving the solicitation; ``(B) be located in a conspicuous place on the solicitation; and ``(C) appear in conspicuous and legible type in contrast by typography, layout, or color with other printed matter on the solicitation; ``(2) in the case of a solicitation made through audio communication, be clearly audible and in language readily understandable by persons to whom the solicitation is directed; and ``(3) in the case of a solicitation made through visual communication-- ``(A) appear in lettering of sufficient size to be easily read by the viewer; ``(B) be shown against a background which does not impair the legibility of the communication; and ``(C) remain in view for a period sufficient to enable the viewer to read the communication. ``(c) Any charitable organization which makes a solicitation of contributions which is subject to subsection (a) shall, no later than 30 days after the receipt of a request from any person receiving such solicitation, furnish to such person a financial report for the most recent complete fiscal year of the organization, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which includes-- ``(1) a statement which clearly sets forth the gross income and revenues received by the organization, the total expenses for program services, fund raising activities, management and general activities, and any other disbursements made during the fiscal year; ``(2) a statement of functional expenses during the fiscal year which discloses the nature and amount of these expenses for its program services, fund raising activities, and management and general activities; ``(3) a balance sheet which discloses the organization's assets, liabilities, and net worth at the beginning and at the close of the fiscal year; ``(4) a statement which relates each of the activities comprising the organization's program services in both qualitative and quantitative form and sets forth the amounts expended for each such activity during the fiscal year; and ``(5) in the case of an organization which received total revenue and support in excess of $50,000 during the fiscal year, the opinion of an independent certified or licensed public accountant, based on an examination made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, that the statements in the financial report present fairly the financial position of the organization and the results of its operations during the fiscal year. ``(d) Any charitable organization which makes a solicitation of contributions which is subject to subsection (a) shall, upon request by the Postal Service, furnish to the Postal Service in accordance with its request such audit reports, accounts, or other information as the Postal Service may require to establish or verify such organization's compliance with this section. ``(e) Subsection (a) shall not apply to-- ``(1) any bona fide membership organization with respect to any solicitation for contributions made by such organization exclusively to the members of such organization; ``(2) any school, college, or university with respect to any solicitation for contributions made by such organization exclusively to its students, alumni, faculty, members of governing boards and appointed committees, or a member of the family of any such individuals; ``(3) any charitable organization which is authorized by, and exclusively makes expenditures to or for the benefit of, a school, college, or university with respect to any solicitation for contributions made by such organization exclusively to individuals referred to in paragraph (2); ``(4) any solicitation of contributions made for the relief, and with the written consent, of any individual specified by name at the time of the solicitation, if all of the contributions collected without any deductions whatsoever are turned over to the individual; ``(5) any solicitation of contributions made by a charitable organization which received not more than $10,000 in total revenue and support during the previous fiscal year and all of whose fund raising functions are performed by persons who do not receive compensation for such performance; and ``(6) any solicitation which is made through the use of audio or visual communication and which does not exceed 60 seconds in duration. ``(f) For the purposes of this section-- ``(1) the term `charitable organization' means any person (including any individual, organization, partnership, association, trust, society, foundation, group, or corporation, or any combination of them) which is organized, or which claims to be organized, for any charitable, benevolent, philanthropic, humane, patriotic, scientific, literary, medical, religious, or educational purpose, for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, or for any other eleemosynary purpose; ``(2) the term `contribution' means the promise, grant, gift, or pledge of any money or property of any kind for any charitable, benevolent, philanthropic, humane, patriotic, scientific, literary, medical, religious, or educational purpose, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, or for any other eleemosynary purpose; ``(3) the term `program services' includes any activity carried on by a charitable organization in the performance of its purposes; ``(4) the term `fund raising activities' includes any activity that constitutes or is an integral and inseparable part of an appeal for contributions; ``(5) the term `management and general activities' includes any activity which relates to the overall direction of the organization, but not its program services or fund raising activities; and ``(6) the term `membership' does not include any case in which an organization confers a membership on any person solely as a consideration for making a contribution.''. (b) Issuance of Order by Postal Service.--Section 3005(a) of title 39, United States Code, is amended by inserting immediately after ``means of false representations'' the following: ``or for a charitable purpose without complying with section 3012''. SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 30 of title 39, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3014 the following: ``3015. Soliciting charitable contributions by mail.''. SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Charitable Solicitation Disclosure Act of 1993 - Requires charitable organizations which solicit a contribution by mail to include the following information with such solicitation: (1) the legal name and principal business of the organization; (2) whether it is exempt under the Internal Revenue Code; (3) the purpose of the solicitation and the intended use of the contribution, specifying whether the program or activities for which the contribution will be used are in existence or planned; and (4) the obligation of the organization to furnish a financial report upon the request of the person being solicited. Requires solicitations made in writing to: (1) be presented in readily understandable language; (2) be located in a conspicuous place; and (3) appear in conspicuous and legible type in contrast with other printed matter on the solicitation. Requires solicitations made through audio communication to be clearly audible and in language readily understandable. Requires solicitations made through visual communication to: (1) appear in lettering of sufficient size to be easily read by the viewer; (2) be shown against a background which does not impair the legibility of the communication; and (3) remain in view for a period sufficient to enable the viewer to read the communication. Describes the information to be included in financial reports of organizations which solicit contributions by mail. Requires such organizations to furnish the Postal Service any information it may require to assure compliance with this Act. Describes the types of organizations to which this Act does not apply. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue certain cease and desist orders to organizations that solicit money for a charitable purpose without complying with this Act.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Postal Facilities Preservation and Sales Reform Act''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 39, UNITED STATES CODE, WITH RESPECT TO THE CLOSURE AND CONSOLIDATION OF POSTAL FACILITIES. (a) In General.--Section 404(d) of title 39, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (d)(1) and inserting the following: ``(d)(1) Prior to making a determination under subsection (a)(3) of this section as to the necessity for the closing or consolidation of any postal facility, the Postal Service shall-- ``(A) hold at least 3 public meetings, located within the area affected by the closing or consolidation, at least 120 days prior to such determination; and ``(B) provide adequate notice of its intention to close or consolidate such facility at least 180 days prior to the proposed date of such closing or consolidation to persons served by such facility to ensure that such persons will have an opportunity to present their views. ``(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), `adequate notice' with respect to a closure or consolidation of a post office means written notification to-- ``(A) each person served by such post office; ``(B) each officer or employee who is employed at such post office; and ``(C) each Federal, State, and local elected official who represents the ZIP code in which such post office is located.''; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(8) The following entities shall have a right of first refusal, in descending order of priority, to purchase any postal facility offered for sale by the Postal Service under this section: ``(A) A Federal agency (as that term is defined in section 2671 of title 28). ``(B) The State in which such facility is located. ``(C) The city, town, or local unit of government with jurisdiction over the area in which such facility is located. ``(9) The Postal Service may not enter into any contract or agreement with a person where such contract permits such person to represent, with respect to a sale of a postal facility under this section, the Postal Service and the proposed buyer of the facility.''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Section 404(d) of title 39, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraphs (3) through (7) (as redesignated by subsection (a)(2)), by striking ``post office'' in each instance it appears and inserting ``postal facility''; (2) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by striking ``post offices'' and inserting ``postal facilities''; in each instance it appears (3) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''; (4) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and inserting ``paragraph (4)''; and (5) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated), by striking ``paragraph (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (6)''. SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 39, UNITED STATES CODE, WITH RESPECT TO HISTORIC POSTAL FACILITIES. (a) Sale of Postal Facilities.--Section 404(d) of title 39, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(10) With respect to any historic postal facility (as that term is defined in section 417) offered for sale or proposed for relocation or cessation of services by the Postal Service under this section, the Postal Service may not enter into any contract or agreement to sell the facility or relocate or cease services at such facility until the proposed decision to sell or relocate such facility is reviewed pursuant to section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f).''. (b) General Historic Postal Facility Requirements.--Chapter 4 of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 417. Historic postal facilities ``(a) Historic Surplus Property Program.--If the Postal Service makes a determination to sell a historic postal facility under section 404, and the preservation of such facility has been determined by the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places to be of national significance, the Postal Service shall use the Historic Surplus Property Program (administered by the National Park Service and the General Services Administration) to dispose of such facility. ``(b) Federal Preservation Officer Duties.--The Federal preservation officer at the Postal Service shall be consulted in any decision with respect to the sale or lease of any historic postal facility or any historic art at such facility. ``(c) List of Historic Postal Facilities; Budget.--The Postmaster General shall maintain-- ``(1) a list of historic postal facilities and publish such list on the Postal Service Web site; and ``(2) a separate preservation budget to track obligations and expenditures by the Postal Service with respect to historic preservation activities. ``(d) New Deal Art.-- ``(1) In general.--The Federal preservation officer at the Postal Service shall promptly notify the National Museum of American Art in any instance where New Deal art owned by the Postal Service is loaned or relocated. ``(2) Availability of policies.--The Postmaster General shall make all Postal Service policies relating to historic preservation and New Deal art available to the public. ``(e) Definitions.--In this section-- ``(1) the term `historic postal facility' means any postal facility listed, or eligible to be listed, in the National Register of Historic Places; and ``(2) the term `New Deal art' means any work of art located at a postal facility that-- ``(A) was commissioned by the Federal Government between 1933 and 1936; and ``(B) is owned by the Postal Service.''. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for title 39, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 416 the following new item: ``417. Historic postal facilities.''. SECTION 4. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS WITH RESPECT TO HISTORIC POSTAL FACILITIES. (a) Moratorium on Sale of Historic Postal Facilities.-- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service may not enter into any agreement to sell a postal facility that is listed, or eligible to be listed, in the National Register of Historic Places unless the sale is conducted pursuant to the procedures established under section 404(d) of title 39, United States Code, as amended by sections 2 and 3. (b) Application of National Historic Preservation Act.--Congress reaffirms that sections 106, 110, and 111 of the National Historic Preservation Act apply to the United States Postal Service. (c) Development of Postal Service Policies and Procedures With Respect to Historic Postal Facilities.-- (1) Model historic property covenant.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Postmaster General shall, in consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, develop a model covenant, to be used and applied with respect to any historic postal facility offered for sale by the Postal Service. (B) Covenant requirements.--Such covenant shall provide that-- (i) the purchaser of such a facility shall allow public access to any historic artwork located within such facility; (ii) the Postal Service shall contribute sufficient funds to the maintenance of any such artwork; and (iii) the purchaser of such a facility shall not demolish the historic postal facility or alter it in any way that is incompatible with the historic character of such facility. (C) Covenant guidance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Postmaster General shall, in consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, develop and implement guidelines with respect to notifying any private entity of the responsibilities of such entity under the covenant developed under subsection (a), including stewardship requirements and any pertinent information on Federal or State tax incentive programs. (2) Training.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Postmaster General shall, in consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, develop guidance and training procedures for officers and employees of the Postal Service on the processes, requirements, and special considerations with respect to the sale of any historic postal facility, including-- (A) the application of section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) to such sale; and (B) consultation with stakeholders with respect to such sale. (3) Leasing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Postmaster General shall develop and implement a policy with respect to, as an alternative to selling any historical postal facility, leasing such facility, as permitted under section 111 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470h-3). (4) Report on use of gsa for sale of property.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Postmaster General shall publish a report on whether the Postal Service should use the Office of Real Property Disposal of the General Services Administration with respect to selling any historic postal facility. SEC. 5. PROPOSED POSTAL SERVICE RULE UNDER THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT. The proposed rule published by the Postal Service in the Federal Register on January 13, 2014 (79 Fed. Reg. 2102 et seq.), and any subsequent rule that is substantially the same shall have no force or effect.
Postal Facilities Preservation and Sales Reform Act - Revises requirements for making a determination as to the necessity for closing or consolidating any postal facility to require that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS): (1) hold at least three public meetings, located in the area affected by the closing or consolidation, at least 120 days prior to the determination; and (2) provide adequate notice of the closing or consolidation to persons served by such facility at least 180 days prior to the proposed date of such closing or consolidation. Prohibits USPS from entering into any contract or agreement to sell or relocate a historic postal facility until the proposed decision to sell or relocate is reviewed in accordance with requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act. Requires USPS to use the Historic Surplus Property Program to dispose of a historic postal facility that has been determined by the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places to be of national significance. Requires: (1) the Postmaster General to maintain a list of historic postal facilities and to publish such list on the USPS website, (2) the Postmaster General to maintain a separate preservation budget for such facilities, and (3) the USPS Federal Preservation Officer to notify the National Museum of American Art when New Deal art (art located at a postal facility that was commissioned by the federal government between 1933 and 1937) owned by USPS is loaned or relocated. Requires the Postmaster General to develop a model covenant to be used and applied to any historic postal facility offered for sale that: (1) requires the purchaser of such a facility to allow public access to any historic artwork located within such facility, (2) requires USPS to contribute sufficient funds to the maintenance of such artwork, and (3) prohibits the purchaser of the historic postal facility from demolishing or altering it in any way that is incompatible with its historic character. Nullifies the proposed rule published by USPS in the Federal Register on January 13, 2014, relating to a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act for disposal of USPS facilities.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Family Self-Sufficiency Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. ADMINISTRATIVE FEES FOR FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM COSTS. Subsection (h) of section 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437u(h)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: ``(1) Section 8 fees.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a fee under section 8(q) for the costs incurred in administering the self-sufficiency program under this section to assist families receiving voucher assistance through section 8(o). ``(B) Eligibility for fee.--The fee shall provide funding for family self-sufficiency coordinators as follows: ``(i) Base fee.--A public housing agency serving 25 or more participants in the family self-sufficiency program under this section shall receive a fee equal to the costs of employing one full-time family self-sufficiency coordinator. An agency serving fewer than 25 such participants shall receive a prorated fee. ``(ii) Additional fee.--An agency that meets minimum performance standards shall receive an additional fee sufficient to cover the costs of employing a second family self- sufficiency coordinator if the agency has 75 or more participating families, and a third such coordinator if it has 125 or more participating families. ``(iii) Previously funded agencies.--An agency that received funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for more than three such coordinators in any of fiscal years 1999 through 2008 shall receive funding for the highest number of coordinators funded in a single fiscal year during that period, provided they meet applicable size and performance standards. ``(iv) Initial year.--For the first year in which a public housing agency exercises its right to develop an family self-sufficiency program for its residents, it shall be entitled to funding to cover the costs of up to one family self-sufficiency coordinator, based on the size specified in its action plan for such program. ``(v) State and regional agencies.--For purposes of calculating the family self- sufficiency portion of the administrative fee under this subparagraph, each administratively distinct part of a State or regional public housing agency shall be treated as a separate agency. ``(vi) Determination of number of coordinators.--In determining whether a public housing agency meets a specific threshold for funding pursuant to this paragraph, the number of participants being served by the agency in its family self-sufficiency program shall be considered to be the average number of families enrolled in such agency's program during the course of the most recent fiscal year for which the Department of Housing and Urban Development has data. ``(C) Proration.--If insufficient funds are available in any fiscal year to fund all of the coordinators authorized under this section, the first priority shall be given to funding one coordinator at each agency with an existing family self-sufficiency program. The remaining funds shall be prorated based on the number of remaining coordinators to which each agency is entitled under this subparagraph. ``(D) Recapture.--Any fees allocated under this subparagraph by the Secretary in a fiscal year that have not been spent by the end of the subsequent fiscal year shall be recaptured by the Secretary and shall be available for providing additional fees pursuant to subparagraph (B)(ii). ``(E) Performance standards.--Within six months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall publish a proposed rule specifying the performance standards applicable to funding under clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (B). Such standards shall include requirements applicable to the leveraging of in-kind services and other resources to support the goals of the family self-sufficiency program. ``(F) Data collection.--Public housing agencies receiving funding under this paragraph shall collect and report to the Secretary, in such manner as the Secretary shall require, information on the performance of their family self-sufficiency programs. ``(G) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct a formal and scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of well-run family self-sufficiency programs, using random assignment of participants to the extent practicable. Not later than the expiration of the 4- year period beginning upon the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall submit an interim evaluation report to the Congress. Not later than the expiration of the 8-year period beginning upon such enactment, the Secretary shall submit a final evaluation report to the Congress. There is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 to carry out the evaluation under this subparagraph. ``(H) Incentives for innovation and high performance.--The Secretary may reserve up to 10 percent of the amounts made available for administrative fees under this paragraph to provide support to or reward family self-sufficiency programs that are particularly innovative or highly successful in achieving the goals of the program.''. Passed the House of Representatives April 29, 2009. Attest: LORRAINE C. MILLER, Clerk.
Family Self-Sufficiency Act of 2009 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise requirements for the administrative fee payable to public housing agencies to cover the costs of administering family self-sufficiency programs in connection with the housing choice voucher program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Prescribes: (1) a base fee for a public housing agency serving 25 or more program participants equal to the costs of employing one full-time family self-sufficiency coordinator (prorated for an agency serving fewer than 25 such participants); and (2) an additional fee for an agency meeting minimum performance standards to cover the costs of employing a second coordinator if the agency has 75 or more participating families, and a third coordinator if it has 125 or more participating families. Permits the Secretary to reserve certain amounts to provide support to or reward family self-sufficiency programs that are particularly innovative or highly successful in achieving program goals.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Children and Media Research Advancement Act'' or the ``CAMRA Act''. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. It is the purpose of this Act to enable the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to-- (1) examine the role and positive and negative impact of electronic media in children's and adolescents' cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and behavioral development; and (2) provide for a report to Congress containing the empirical evidence and other results produced by the research funded through grants under this Act. SEC. 3. RESEARCH ON THE ROLE AND IMPACT OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.) is amended-- (1) by redesignating the second section 399O (relating to grants to foster public health responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking) as section 399P; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 399Q. RESEARCH ON THE ROLE AND IMPACT OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. ``(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (referred to in this section as the `Director'), shall enter into a contract with the National Academy of Science or another appropriate entity to review, synthesize, and report on research, and establish research priorities, regarding the roles and impact of electronic media (including television, motion pictures, DVD's, interactive video games, digital music, the Internet, and cell phones) and exposures to such media on youth in the following core areas of development: ``(1) Cognitive.--Cognitive areas such as language development, attention span, problem solving skills (such as the ability to conduct multiple tasks or `multitask'), visual and spatial skills, reading, and other learning abilities. ``(2) Physical.--Physical areas such as physical coordination, diet, exercise, sleeping and eating routines. ``(3) Socio-behavioral.--Socio-behavioral areas such as family activities and peer relationships including indoor and outdoor play time, interactions with parents, consumption habits, social relationships, aggression, and positive social behavior. ``(b) Research Program.-- ``(1) In general.--Taking into account the report provided for under subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through the Director and in coordination with the Director of the National Institutes of Health, shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, award grants for research concerning the role and impact of electronic media on the cognitive, physical, and socio-behavioral development of youth. ``(2) Requirements.--The research provided for under paragraph (1) shall comply with the following requirements: ``(A) Such research shall focus on the impact of factors such as media content (whether direct or indirect), format, length of exposure, age of youth, venue, and nature of parental involvement. ``(B) Such research shall not duplicate other Federal research activities. ``(C) For purposes of such research, electronic media shall include television, motion pictures, DVD's, interactive video games, digital music, the Internet, and cell phones. ``(3) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an entity shall-- ``(A) prepare and submit to the Director an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director shall require; and ``(B) agree to use amounts received under the grant to carry out activities as described in this subsection. ``(c) Reports.-- ``(1) Report to the director.--Not later than 15 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the report provided for under subsection (a) shall be submitted to the Director and to the appropriate committees of Congress. ``(2) Report to congress.--Not later than December 31, 2012, the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that-- ``(A) synthesizes the results of-- ``(i) research carried out under the grant program under subsection (b); and ``(ii) other related research, including research conducted by the private or public sector and other Federal entities; and ``(B) outlines existing research gaps in light of the information described in subparagraph (A). ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2012.''. Passed the Senate September 13, 2006. Attest: EMILY J. REYNOLDS, Secretary.
Children and Media Research Advancement Act or the CAMRA Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Science or another appropriate entity to: (1) review, synthesize, and report on research regarding the roles and impact of electronic media and exposures to such media on youth in core areas of development; and (2) establish research priorities regarding such issues. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director, to award grants for research concerning the role and impact of electronic media on the cognitive, physical, and socio-behavioral development of youth. Requires such research to: (1) focus on the impact of factors such as media content, format, length of exposure, age of youth, venue, and nature of parental involvement; and (2) include as electronic media television, motion pictures, DVDs, interactive video games, digital music, the Internet, and cell phones. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Life Care Act''. SEC. 2. LIFE CARE: PUBLIC INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR NURSING HOME CARE. (a) In General.--The Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) is amended-- (1) by redesignating title XXVII (42 U.S.C. 300cc et seq.) as title XXVIII; and (2) by inserting after title XXVI the following new title: ``TITLE XXVII--LIFE CARE: PUBLIC INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR NURSING HOME CARE ``SEC. 2701. ESTABLISHMENT OF VOLUNTARY LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM. ``The Secretary shall establish a voluntary insurance program for individuals 45 years of age and over to cover the nursing home stays of such individuals. ``SEC. 2702. BENEFITS. ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (c), an individual who meets the eligibility criteria prescribed in section 2703 shall be eligible under the program established under this title for coverage for necessary services described in subsection (b) (in the amounts described in subsection (c)) that are provided to the individual by a nursing facility while the individual is an inpatient of the facility. ``(b) Types.--Coverage may be provided under this title for-- ``(1) nursing care provided by or under the supervision of a registered professional nurse; ``(2) physical, occupational, or speech therapy furnished by a facility or by others under arrangements with a facility; ``(3) medical social services; ``(4) drug, biological, supply, appliance, and equipment for use in the facility, that is ordinarily furnished by the facility for the care and treatment of an inpatient; ``(5) medical service of an intern or resident-in-training under an approved teaching program of a hospital with which a facility has in effect a transfer agreement or other diagnostic or therapeutic service provided by a hospital with which a facility has in effect a transfer agreement; and ``(6) such other health services necessary to the health of a patient as are generally provided by a nursing home facility. ``(c) Coverage Amount.-- ``(1) In general.--The amount of coverage provided with respect to an eligible individual for the services described in subsection (b) shall, based on an election made by the individual, not exceed $30,000, $60,000, or $90,000 over the lifetime of the eligible individual. Such amounts shall be adjusted by the Secretary to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index. ``(2) Asset protection.--An eligible individual shall be entitled to the asset protection provided under section 2708. ``(d) Payment.--Amounts provided under this title with respect to an eligible individual for the services described in subsection (b) shall be paid from the general fund of the Treasury of the United States. ``SEC. 2703. ELIGIBILITY. ``(a) In General.--An individual shall be eligible for benefits under this title if-- ``(1) the individual-- ``(A) is a legal resident of the United States and has elected coverage under subsection (c); ``(B) has been determined by a Screening Agency through a screening process (conducted in accordance with section 2707)-- ``(i)(I) to require hands-on or standby assistance, supervision, or cueing (as defined in regulations) to perform three or more activities of daily living; ``(II) to require hands-on or standby assistance, supervision, or cueing with at least such instrumental activity (or activities) of daily living related to cognitive or mental impairment as the Secretary specifies; or ``(III) to display symptoms of one or more serious behavioral problems (that is on a list of such problems specified by the Secretary) which create a need for supervision to prevent harm to self or others; and ``(ii) to require such assistance, supervision, or cueing over a period of at least 100 days; and ``(C) has achieved a score, on a standard mental status protocol (or protocols) appropriate for measuring the individual's particular condition specified by the Secretary, that indicates either severe cognitive impairment or severe mental impairment, or both. ``(2)(A) the individual has filed an application for such benefits, and is in need of, benefits covered under this title; ``(B) the legal guardian of the individual has filed an application on behalf of an individual who is in need of benefits covered under this title; or ``(C) the representative of an individual who is cognitively impaired and who is in need of benefits covered under this title has filed an application on behalf of the individual; and ``(3) receiving nursing home services in a nursing facility would be in the best interest of the individual. ``(b) Current Individuals.--An individual who is in a hospital or nursing home on the date of the enrollment of the individual in the program established under this title shall be ineligible for coverage under this section until the individual's first spell of illness beginning after such date. ``(c) Election of Coverage.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to this subsection, an individual shall have the option to purchase coverage under this title when the individual is 35 years of age, 45 years of age, 55 years of age, or 65 years of age. ``(2) Initial year.--During the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this title, an individual who is 45 years of age or older shall be eligible to purchase insurance under this title, except that such an individual shall not be eligible to purchase such insurance-- ``(A) while confined to a hospital or nursing home; ``(B) within the 6-month period after the individuals confinement in a nursing home; or ``(C) within the 90-day period after the individuals confinement in a hospital. Individuals described in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) shall become eligible to receive benefits under this title on the expiration of the 3-year period beginning on the date such individuals purchase insurance under this title. ``(3) Extension beyond initial year.--If an individual is confined to a nursing home or hospital during a period that extends beyond the first year after the effective date of this title, an individual shall be eligible to enroll in the program established by this title during the 60-day period beginning after the individual's spell of illness. ``(4) Subsequent years.--During years subsequent to the 1- year period referred to in paragraph (2), an individual shall be eligible to purchase insurance under this title within 6 months of the 45th, 55th or 65th birthday of the individual. ``(5) Activation of benefits.--To receive coverage under the insurance program established by this title, an individual shall have purchased such coverage not later than 1 month prior to admission to a nursing facility, unless the reason for the need of services is a result of an accident or stroke subsequent to the date that such individual enrolled for coverage under this title. ``SEC. 2704. PREMIUM RATES. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall determine one premium rate for individuals electing to purchase coverage under this title at age 45 (or between the ages of 45 and 54 during the initial enrollment period), a separate rate for those individuals who elect such coverage at age 55 (or between that ages of 55 and 64 during the initial enrollment period), and a separate rate for those individuals who elect such coverage at age 65 (or at age 65 and over during the initial enrollment period). ``(b) Revision.--The Secretary shall revise premium rates annually to increase such rates to reflect the amount of the increase in the cost of living adjustment with respect to benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. ``(c) Rates.--In developing premium rates under the program established under this title, the Secretary shall establish rates that are expected to cover 100 percent of the estimated costs of nursing home stays for those individuals enrolled in the program. ``(d) Waiver.--An individual electing to purchase coverage under this title shall not be required to pay premiums during any period in which such individual is receiving benefits under this title. ``(e) Payment.--Premiums shall be paid under this section into the general fund of the Treasury of the United States. ``SEC. 2705. QUALIFIED SERVICE PROVIDERS. ``(a) In General.--To be considered as a covered nursing home service under this title, such service must have been provided by a qualified service provider. ``(b) Types.--A provider shall be considered a qualified service provider under this title if the provider is a nursing facility that is certified by the State and meets the requirements of this title and any other standards established by the Secretary by regulation for the safe and efficient provision of services covered under this title. ``SEC. 2706. REIMBURSEMENT. ``(a) Amount.--Monthly reimbursement for nursing facility services under this title shall equal 65 percent of the amount the Secretary determines to be reasonable and appropriate to cover the cost of care provided under this title, taking into account the average cost of providing appropriate care in the most efficient manner. ``(b) Prospective Payment.--To the extent feasible, the Secretary shall establish a prospective payment mechanism for payment for nursing home services under this title that takes into account the expected resource utilization of individual patients based on their degree of disability and other factors determining service requirements. ``(c) Room and Board Payment.--An individual receiving benefits under this program shall be responsible for the payment of an amount for room and board that is equal to-- ``(1) with respect to the initial 6 months of confinement to a nursing facility, 20 percent of the average per diem rate paid by the Secretary to nursing facilities receiving reimbursement under this title; and ``(2) with respect to subsequent periods of confinement, 35 percent of the average per diem rate paid by the Secretary to nursing facilities receiving reimbursement under this title. ``(d) Priority Payers.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, reimbursement for nursing facility services provided under this title to an individual shall, to the extent available, be made under the Medicare program, under Department of Veterans Affairs' programs, or under private insurance policies prior to reimbursement under this title. ``SEC. 2707. LONG-TERM CARE SCREENING AGENCY. ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall contract with entities to act as Long-Term Care Screening Agencies (hereafter referred to in this title as the `Screening Agency') for each designated area of a State. It shall be the responsibility of such agency to assess the eligibility of individuals residing in the geographic jurisdiction of the Agency, for services provided under this title according to the requirements of this title and regulations prescribed by the Secretary. In entering into such contracts, the Secretary shall give preference to State governmental entities. ``(b) Eligibility.--The Screening Agency shall determine the eligibility of an individual under this title based on the results of a preliminary telephone interview or written questionnaire (completed by the applicant, by the caregiver of the applicant, or by the legal guardian or representative of the applicant) that shall be validated through the use of a screening tool administered in person to each applicant determined eligible through initial telephone or written questionnaire interviews not later than 15 days from the date on which such individual initially applied for services under this title. ``(c) Questionnaires and Screening Tools.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a telephone or written questionnaire and a screening tool to be used by the Screening Agency to determine the eligibility of an individual for services under this title consistent with requirements of this title and the standards established by the Secretary by regulation. ``(2) Questionnaires.--The questionnaire shall include questions about the functional impairment, mental status, and living arrangement of an individual and other criteria that the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation. ``(3) Screening tools.--The screening tool should measure functional impairment caused by physical or cognitive conditions as well as information concerning cognition disability, behavioral problems (such as wandering or abusive and aggressive behavior), the living arrangement of an individual, availability of caregivers, and any other criteria that the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation. The screening tool shall be administered in person. ``(d) Notification.--Not later than 15 days after the date on which an individual initially applied for services under this title (by telephone or written questionnaire), the Screening Agency shall notify such individual that such individual is not eligible for benefits, or that such individuals must schedule an in-person screening to determine final eligibility for benefits under this title. The Screening Agency shall notify such individual of its final decision not later than 2 working days after the in-person screening. ``(e) In-Person Screening.--An individual (or the legal guardian or representative of such individual) whose application for benefits under this title is denied on the basis of information provided through a telephone or written questionnaire, shall be notified of such individual's right to an in-person screening by a nurse or appropriate health care professionals. ``(f) Appeals.--The Secretary shall establish a mechanism for hearings and appeals in cases in which individuals contest the eligibility findings of the Screening Agency. ``SEC. 2708. RELATION TO TITLE XIX OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT; ASSET PROTECTION. ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the assets an eligible individual may retain and continue to be determined eligible for nursing facility benefits under State Medicaid programs (in accordance with section 1902(a)(10)) shall be increased by the amount of coverage ($30,000, $60,000, or $90,000) elected under section 2702. ``SEC. 2709. RELATION TO PRIVATE INSURANCE. ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), an insurer may not offer a health insurance policy to an individual covered under this title if the coverage under such policy duplicates the coverage provided under this title. ``(b) Development of Standard Packages.--The Secretary shall develop standard health insurance benefits packages that insurers may offer to individuals receiving benefits under this title. Such packages shall provide coverage for benefits that compliment, but do not duplicate, those covered under this title. ``SEC. 2710. DEFINITIONS. ``As used in this title: ``(1) Activity of daily living.--The term `activity of daily living' includes: ``(A) Bathing.--Getting water and cleansing the whole body, including turning on the water for a bath, shower, or sponge bath, getting to, in, and out of a tub or shower, and washing and drying oneself; ``(B) Dressing.--Getting clothes from closets and drawers and then getting dressed, including putting on braces or other devices and fastening buttons, zippers, snaps, or other closures, selecting appropriate attire, and dressing in the proper order; ``(C) Toileting.--Going to a bathroom for bowel and bladder function, transferring on and off the toilet, cleaning after elimination, and arranging clothes; ``(D) Transferring.--Moving in and out of bed and in and out of a chair or wheelchair; or ``(E) Eating.--Transferring food from a plate or its equivalent into the body, including cutting food so as to make possible safe ingestion. ``(2) Nursing facility.--The term `nursing facility' means-- ``(A) a skilled nursing facility (as defined in section 1819(a) of the Social Security Act); or ``(B) a facility that is a nursing facility (as defined in section 1919(a) of such Act) which meets the requirements of section 1819(b)(4)(C) of such Act (relating to nursing care). ``(3) Spell of illness.--The term `spell of illness' means a period of consecutive days beginning with the first day on which an individual is furnished services as an inpatient in a hospital or nursing facility and ending with the close of the first 6 consecutive months thereafter during which the individual is no longer an inpatient of a nursing facility, or 90 days after the individual is no longer an inpatient in a hospital.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Sections 2701 through 2714 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300cc through 300cc-15) are redesignated as sections 2801 through 2814, respectively. (2) Sections 465(f) and 497 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 286(f) and 289(f)) are amended by striking out ``2701'' each place that such appears and inserting in lieu thereof ``2801''.
Life Care Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title, title XXVII: Life Care: Public Insurance Program for Nursing Home Care. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under such new title, to establish a voluntary insurance program for individuals 45 years of age and over to cover the nursing home stays of such individuals. Sets forth provisions of the program concerning: (1) benefits; (2) eligibility; (3) premiums; (4) providers; and (5) reimbursement to nursing homes. Directs the Secretary to contract with entities to act as Long-Term Care Screening Agencies which shall assess the eligibility of individuals for services under the new title.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States Fish and Wildlife Service Resource Protection Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Damages.--The term ``damages'' means-- (A) compensation for-- (i)(I) the cost of replacing, restoring, or acquiring the equivalent of a system resource; and (II) the value of any significant loss of use of a system resource, pending-- (aa) restoration or replacement of the system resource; or (bb) the acquisition of an equivalent resource; or (ii) the value of a system resource, if the system resource cannot be replaced or restored; and (B) the cost of any relevant damage assessment carried out pursuant to section 4(c). (2) Response cost.--The term ``response cost'' means the cost of any action carried out by the Secretary-- (A) to prevent, minimize, or abate destruction or loss of, or injury to, a system resource; (B) to abate or minimize the imminent risk of such destruction, loss, or injury; or (C) to monitor the ongoing effects of any incident causing such destruction, loss, or injury. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (4) System resource.--The term ``system resource'' means any living, nonliving, historical, cultural, or archeological resource that is located within the boundaries of-- (A) a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System; (B) a unit of the National Fish Hatchery System; or (C) any other land managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, including any land managed cooperatively with any other Federal or State agency. SEC. 3. LIABILITY. (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (c), any individual or entity that destroys, causes the loss of, or injures any system resource, or that causes the Secretary to carry out any action to prevent, minimize, or abate destruction or loss of, or injuries or risk to, any system resource, shall be liable to the United States for any response costs or damages resulting from the destruction, loss, or injury. (b) Liability in Rem.--Any instrumentality (including a vessel, vehicle, aircraft, or other equipment or mechanism) that destroys, causes the loss of, or injures any system resource, or that causes the Secretary to carry out any action to prevent, minimize, or abate destruction or loss of, or injury or risk to, a system resource shall be liable in rem to the United States for any response costs or damages resulting from the destruction, loss, or injury, to the same extent that an individual or entity is liable under subsection (a). (c) Defenses.--An individual or entity shall not be liable under this section, if the individual or entity can establish that-- (1) the destruction or loss of, or injury to, the system resource was caused solely by an act of God or an act of war; or (2)(A) the individual or entity exercised due care; and (B) the destruction or loss of, or injury to, the system resource was caused solely by an act or omission of a third party, other than an employee or agent of the individual or entity. (d) Scope.--The liability established by this section shall be in addition to any other liability arising under Federal or State law. SEC. 4. ACTIONS. (a) Civil Actions for Response Costs and Damages.--The Attorney General, on request of the Secretary, may commence a civil action in the United States district court of appropriate jurisdiction against any individual, entity, or instrumentality that may be liable under section 3 for response costs or damages. (b) Administrative Actions for Response Costs and Damages.-- (1) Action by secretary.-- (A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary, after making a finding described in subparagraph (B), may consider, compromise, and settle a claim for response costs and damages if the claim has not been referred to the Attorney General under subsection (a). (B) Description of findings.--A finding referred to in subparagraph (A) is a finding that-- (i) destruction or loss of, or injury to, a system resource has occurred; or (ii) such destruction, loss, or injury would occur absent an action by the Secretary to prevent, minimize, or abate the destruction, loss, or injury. (2) Requirement.--In any case in which the total amount to be recovered in a civil action under subsection (a) may exceed $500,000 (excluding interest), a claim may be compromised and settled under paragraph (1) only with the prior written approval of the Attorney General. (c) Response Actions, Assessments of Damages, and Injunctive Relief.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out all necessary actions (including making a request to the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief)-- (A) to prevent, minimize, or abate destruction or loss of, or injury to, a system resource; or (B) to abate or minimize the imminent risk of such destruction, loss, or injury. (2) Assessment and monitoring.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary may assess and monitor the destruction or loss of, or injury to, any system resource for purposes of paragraph (1). (B) Judicial review.--Any determination or assessment of damage to a system resource carried out under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to judicial review under subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Administrative Procedure Act''), on the basis of the administrative record developed by the Secretary. SEC. 5. USE OF RECOVERED AMOUNTS. (a) In General.--An amount equal to the total amount of the response costs and damages recovered by the Secretary under this Act and any amounts recovered by the Federal Government under any provision of Federal, State, or local law (including regulations) or otherwise as a result of the destruction or loss of, or injury to, any system resource shall be made available to the Secretary, without further appropriation, for use in accordance with subsection (b). (b) Use.--The Secretary may use amounts made available under subsection (a) only, in accordance with applicable law-- (1) to reimburse response costs and damage assessments carried out pursuant to this Act by the Secretary or such other Federal agency as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; (2) to restore, replace, or acquire the equivalent of a system resource that was destroyed, lost, or injured; or (3) to monitor and study system resources. SEC. 6. DONATIONS. (a) In General.--In addition to any other authority to accept donations, the Secretary may accept donations of money or services for expenditure or use to meet expected, immediate, or ongoing response costs and damages. (b) Timing.--A donation described in subsection (a) may be expended or used at any time after acceptance of the donation, without further action by Congress. SEC. 7. TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION FUND. The matter under the heading ``Natural resource damage assessment and restoration fund'' under the heading ``United states fish and wildlife service'' of title I of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994 (43 U.S.C. 1474b-1), is amended by striking ``Provided, That'' and all that follows through ``activities.'' and inserting the following: ``Provided, That notwithstanding any other provision of law, any amounts appropriated or credited during fiscal year 1992 or any fiscal year thereafter may be transferred to any account (including through a payment to any Federal or non-Federal trustee) to carry out a negotiated legal settlement or other legal action for a restoration activity under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.), the Act of July 27, 1990 (16 U.S.C. 19jj et seq.), or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Resource Protection Act, or for any damage assessment activity: Provided further, That sums provided by any individual or entity before or after the date of enactment of this Act shall remain available until expended and shall not be limited to monetary payments, but may include stocks, bonds, or other personal or real property, which may be retained, liquidated, or otherwise disposed of by the Secretary for the restoration of injured resources or to conduct any new damage assessment activity.''.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service Resource Protection Act This bill authorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to seek compensation from individuals or entities for costs or damages for destroying, causing the loss of, or injuring any living, nonliving, historical, cultural, or archaeological resource on land managed by the USFWS, or for causing the USFWS to carry out actions to prevent, minimize, or abate such destruction, loss, or injury. Amounts recovered as a result of such destruction, loss, or injury must be made available to USFWS to: (1) reimburse response costs and damage assessments; (2) restore, replace, or acquire the equivalent of a resource that was destroyed, lost, or injured; or (3) monitor and study those resources.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Biodiesel Promotion Act of 2003''. SEC. 2. INCENTIVES FOR BIODIESEL. (a) Credit for Biodiesel Used as a Fuel.-- (1) 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 inserting after section 40 the following new section: ``SEC. 40A. BIODIESEL USED AS FUEL. ``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, the biodiesel fuels credit determined under this section for the taxable year is an amount equal to the biodiesel mixture credit. ``(b) Definition of Biodiesel Mixture Credit.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Biodiesel mixture credit.-- ``(A) In general.--The biodiesel mixture credit of any taxpayer for any taxable year is the sum of the products of the biodiesel mixture rate for each qualified biodiesel mixture and the number of gallons of such mixture of the taxpayer for the taxable year. ``(B) Biodiesel mixture rate.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the biodiesel mixture rate for each qualified biodiesel mixture shall be-- ``(i) in the case of a mixture with only biodiesel V, 1 cent for each whole percentage point (not exceeding 20 percentage points) of biodiesel V in such mixture, and ``(ii) in the case of a mixture with biodiesel NV, or a combination of biodiesel V and biodiesel NV, 0.5 cent for each whole percentage point (not exceeding 20 percentage points) of such biodiesel in such mixture. ``(2) Qualified biodiesel mixture.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified biodiesel mixture' means a mixture of diesel and biodiesel V or biodiesel NV which-- ``(i) is sold by the taxpayer producing such mixture to any person for use as a fuel, or ``(ii) is used as a fuel by the taxpayer producing such mixture. ``(B) Sale or use must be in trade or business, etc.-- ``(i) In general.--Biodiesel V or biodiesel NV used in the production of a qualified biodiesel mixture shall be taken into account-- ``(I) only if the sale or use described in subparagraph (A) is in a trade or business of the taxpayer, and ``(II) for the taxable year in which such sale or use occurs. ``(ii) Certification for biodiesel v.-- Biodiesel V used in the production of a qualified biodiesel mixture shall be taken into account only if the taxpayer described in subparagraph (A) obtains a certification from the producer of the biodiesel V which identifies the product produced. ``(C) Casual off-farm production not eligible.--No credit shall be allowed under this section with respect to any casual off-farm production of a qualified biodiesel mixture. ``(c) Coordination With Exemption From Excise Tax.--The amount of the credit determined under this section with respect to any biodiesel V shall, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, be properly reduced to take into account any benefit provided with respect to such biodiesel V solely by reason of the application of section 4041(n) or section 4081(f). ``(d) Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Biodiesel v defined.--The term `biodiesel V' means the monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived solely from virgin vegetable oils for use in compressional-ignition (diesel) engines. Such term shall include esters derived from vegetable oils from corn, soybeans, sunflower seeds, cottonseeds, canola, crambe, rapeseeds, safflowers, flaxseeds, rice bran, and mustard seeds. ``(2) Biodiesel nv defined.--The term `biodiesel NV' means the monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from nonvirgin vegetable oils or animal fats for use in compressional-ignition (diesel) engines. ``(3) Registration requirements.--The terms `biodiesel V' and `biodiesel NV' shall only include a biodiesel which meets-- ``(i) the registration requirements for fuels and fuel additives established by the Environmental Protection Agency under section 211 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545), and ``(ii) the requirements of the American Society of Testing and Materials D6751. ``(4) Biodiesel mixture not used as a fuel, etc.-- ``(A) Imposition of tax.--If-- ``(i) any credit was determined under this section with respect to biodiesel V or biodiesel NV used in the production of any qualified biodiesel mixture, and ``(ii) any person-- ``(I) separates such biodiesel from the mixture, or ``(II) without separation, uses the mixture other than as a fuel, then there is hereby imposed on such person a tax equal to the product of the biodiesel mixture rate applicable under subsection (b)(1)(B) and the number of gallons of the mixture. ``(B) Applicable laws.--All provisions of law, including penalties, shall, insofar as applicable and not inconsistent with this section, apply in respect of any tax imposed under subparagraph (A) as if such tax were imposed by section 4081 and not by this chapter. ``(5) Pass-thru in the case of estates and trusts.--Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, rules similar to the rules of subsection (d) of section 52 shall apply. ``(e) Election To Have Biodiesel Fuels Credit Not Apply.-- ``(1) In general.--A taxpayer may elect to have this section not apply for any taxable year. ``(2) Time for making election.--An election under paragraph (1) for any taxable year may be made (or revoked) at any time before the expiration of the 3-year period beginning on the last date prescribed by law for filing the return for such taxable year (determined without regard to extensions). ``(3) Manner of making election.--An election under paragraph (1) (or revocation thereof) shall be made in such manner as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe. ``(f) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any fuel sold after December 31, 2005.''. (2) Credit treated as part of general business credit.-- Section 38(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 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 biodiesel fuels credit determined under section 40A(a).''. (3) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Section 39(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(11) No carryback of biodiesel fuels credit before january 1, 2003.--No portion of the unused business credit for any taxable year which is attributable to the biodiesel fuels credit determined under section 40A may be carried back to a taxable year beginning before January 1, 2003.''. (B) Section 196(c) of such Code is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (10), and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(11) the biodiesel fuels credit determined under section 40A(a).''. (C) Section 6501(m) of such Code is amended by inserting ``40A(e),'' after ``40(f),''. (D) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding after the item relating to section 40 the following new item: ``Sec. 40A. Biodiesel used as fuel.''. (4) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002. (b) Reduction of Motor Fuel Excise Taxes on Biodiesel V Mixtures.-- (1) In general.--Section 4081 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to manufacturers tax on petroleum products) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f) Biodiesel V Mixtures.--Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of the removal or entry of a qualified biodiesel mixture with biodiesel V, the rate of tax under subsection (a) shall be the otherwise applicable rate reduced by the biodiesel mixture rate (if any) applicable to the mixture. ``(2) Tax prior to mixing.-- ``(A) In general.--In the case of the removal or entry of diesel fuel for use in producing at the time of such removal or entry a qualified biodiesel mixture with biodiesel V, the rate of tax under subsection (a) shall be the rate determined under subparagraph (B). ``(B) Determination of rate.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the rate determined under this subparagraph is the rate determined under paragraph (1), divided by a percentage equal to 100 percent minus the percentage of biodiesel V which will be in the mixture. ``(3) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection, any term used in this subsection which is also used in section 40A shall have the meaning given such term by section 40A. ``(4) Certain rules to apply.--Rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (6) and (7) of subsection (c) shall apply for purposes of this subsection.''. (2) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Section 4041 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(n) Biodiesel V Mixtures.--Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, in the case of the sale or use of a qualified biodiesel mixture (as defined in section 40A(b)(2)) with biodiesel V, the rates under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) shall be the otherwise applicable rates, reduced by any applicable biodiesel mixture rate (as defined in section 40A(b)(1)(B)).''. (B) Section 6427 of such Code is amended by redesignating subsection (p) as subsection (q) and by inserting after subsection (o) the following new subsection: ``(p) Biodiesel V Mixtures.--Except as provided in subsection (k), if any diesel fuel on which tax was imposed by section 4081 at a rate not determined under section 4081(f) is used by any person in producing a qualified biodiesel mixture (as defined in section 40A(b)(2)) with biodiesel V which is sold or used in such person's trade or business, the Secretary shall pay (without interest) to such person an amount equal to the per gallon applicable biodiesel mixture rate (as defined in section 40A(b)(1)(B)) with respect to such fuel.''. (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to any fuel sold after December 31, 2002, and before January 1, 2006. (c) Highway Trust Fund Held Harmless.--There are hereby transferred (from time to time) from the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation amounts determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to be equivalent to the reductions that would occur (but for this subsection) in the receipts of the Highway Trust Fund by reason of the amendments made by this section.
Biodiesel Promotion Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a biodiesel fuels credit.
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SECTION 1. HOLOCAUST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM. Part D of title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7241 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new subpart: ``Subpart 22--Holocaust Education Assistance Program ``SEC. 5631. SHORT TITLE. ``This subpart may be cited as the `Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act'. ``SEC. 5632. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: ``(1) The Holocaust was a historical event that resulted in the systemic, state-sponsored, mass murders by Nazi Germany of 6,000,000 Jews, along with millions of others, in the name of racial purity. ``(2) Six States (California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York) now mandate that the Holocaust be taught in the educational curriculum, and 11 States (Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia) recommend teaching the Holocaust but the funds necessary to carry out those recommendations may not be available. ``(3) The Holocaust is a sensitive and difficult subject to teach effectively, and educators need appropriate teaching tools and training to increase their knowledge of the Holocaust and enhance the educational experience. ``(b) Statement of Purpose.--It is the purpose of this subpart-- ``(1) to educate students in the United States so that they-- ``(A) may explore the lessons that the Holocaust provides for all people; and ``(B) may be less susceptible to the falsehood of Holocaust denial and to the destructive messages of hate that arise from Holocaust denial; and ``(2) to provide resources and support for educational programs that-- ``(A) portray accurate historical information about the Holocaust; ``(B) sensitize communities to the circumstances that gave rise to the Holocaust; ``(C) convey the lessons that the Holocaust provides for all people; and ``(D) develop curriculum guides and provide training to help teachers incorporate the study of the Holocaust and its lessons into mainstream disciplines. ``SEC. 5633. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. ``The Secretary is authorized to award grants to educational organizations to carry out proposed or existing Holocaust educational programs. ``SEC. 5634. APPLICATION. ``The Secretary may award a grant under this subpart only to an educational organization that has submitted an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``SEC. 5635. USE OF GRANTS. ``(a) In General.--An educational organization receiving a grant under this subpart may use the grant only to carry out the Holocaust education program for which the grant was provided. ``(b) Requirements.--An educational organization receiving a grant under this subpart shall comply with the following requirements: ``(1) Continuation of eligibility.--The educational organization shall, throughout the period that the educational organization receives and uses the grant, continue to be an educational organization. ``(2) Supplementation of existing funds.--The educational organization shall ensure that the grant is used to supplement, and not supplant, non-Federal funds that would otherwise be available to the educational organization to carry out the Holocaust education program for which the grant was provided. ``(c) Additional Conditions.--The Secretary may require additional terms and conditions in connection with the use of grants provided under this subpart as the Secretary considers appropriate. ``(d) Cooperative Arrangements.--The Secretary should encourage educational organizations to work cooperatively with State educational agencies or local educational agencies in applying for and using grants under this subpart. ``SEC. 5636. SELECTION CRITERIA. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants under this subpart in accordance with competitive criteria to be established by the Secretary. ``(b) Consultation With Holocaust Educators.--In establishing the competitive criteria under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with a number of prominent educators in the field of Holocaust education, to be determined by the Secretary. ``SEC. 5637. REVIEW AND SANCTIONS. ``(a) Annual Review.--The Secretary shall review at least annually each educational organization receiving a grant under this subpart to determine the extent to which the educational organization has complied with the provisions of this subpart and the regulations issued under this subpart. ``(b) Imposition of Sanctions.--The Secretary may impose one or more sanctions, to be determined by the Secretary, on an educational organization for the failure of the educational organization to comply substantially with the provisions of this subpart or the regulations issued under this subpart. ``SEC. 5638. ANNUAL REPORT. ``Not later than February 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report describing the activities carried out under this subpart and containing any related information that the Secretary considers appropriate. ``SEC. 5639. DEFINITIONS. ``In this subpart: ``(1) Educational organization.--The term `educational organization' means an entity-- ``(A) described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; ``(B) exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and ``(C) organized and operated for cultural, literary, or educational purposes. ``(2) Holocaust education program.--The term `Holocaust education program' means a program that-- ``(A) has as its specific and primary purpose to improve awareness and understanding of the Holocaust; and ``(B) to achieve such purpose, furnishes one or more of the following: ``(i) Educational materials. ``(ii) Student and school-based activities, including field trips. ``(iii) Teacher training. ``(iv) Any other good or service designed to improve awareness and understanding of the Holocaust. ``(3) Holocaust.--The term `Holocaust' means the systemic, state-sponsored, mass murders by Nazi Germany of 6,000,000 Jews, and millions of others, in the name of racial purity. ``SEC. 5640. REGULATIONS. ``The Secretary shall issue any regulations necessary to carry out this subpart. ``SEC. 5641. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the first fiscal year beginning on or after the date of enactment of this subpart, and for each of the four succeeding fiscal years, $2,000,000 for grants under this subpart. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this subpart shall remain available until expended.''. SEC. 2. CLERICAL AMENDMENT. The table of contents of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by adding after the item relating to section 5618 the following: ``Subpart 22--Holocaust Education Assistance Program ``Sec. 5631. Short title. ``Sec. 5632. Findings and purposes. ``Sec. 5633. Program authorized. ``Sec. 5634. Application. ``Sec. 5635. Use of grants. ``Sec. 5636. Selection criteria. ``Sec. 5637. Review and sanctions. ``Sec. 5638. Annual report. ``Sec. 5639. Definitions. ``Sec. 5640. Regulations. ``Sec. 5641. Authorization of appropriations.''.
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to educational organizations to carry out proposed or existing Holocaust education programs. Prohibits such grants from being used to supplant nonfederal funds the grantees would otherwise have used for Holocaust education programs.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) The Pro Football Hall of Fame's mission is-- (A) to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to professional football; (B) to preserve professional football's historic documents and artifacts; (C) to educate the public regarding the origin, development, and growth of professional football as an important part of American culture; and (D) to promote the positive values of the sport. (2) The Pro Football Hall of Fame opened its doors on September 7, 1963. On that day a charter class of 17 players, coaches, and contributors were enshrined. Among the group were such legends as Sammy Baugh, Red Grange, George Halas, Don Hutson, Bronko Nagurski, and Jim Thorpe. Through 2012, there are 273 members who have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Three distinct iconic symbols represent an individual's membership in the Hall of Fame: a bronze bust, a Hall of Fame gold jacket, and a Hall of Fame ring. (3) The Pro Football Hall of Fame has welcomed nearly 9 million visitors from around the world since opening in 1963. The museum has grown from its original 19,000-square-foot building to a 118,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility as a result of expansions in 1971, 1978, 1995, and most recently in 2011-2013. In addition, major exhibit renovations have been completed in 2003, 2008, and 2009. (4) The Pro Football Hall of Fame houses the world's largest collection on professional football. Included in the museum's vast collection are more than 20,000 three-dimensional artifacts and more than 20 million pages of documents including nearly 3,000,000 photographic images. (5) The Pro Football Hall of Fame reaches a world-wide audience of nearly 15,000,000 people annually through visitors to the museum, participants in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, three nationally televised events, the Hall of Fame's Web site, social media outlets, special events across the country, and through the museum's Educational Outreach video conferencing programs. SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. (a) Denominations.--The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue the following coins: (1) $5 gold coins.--Not more than 50,000 $5 coins, which shall-- (A) weigh 8.359 grams; (B) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and (C) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy. (2) $1 silver coins.--Not more than 400,000 $1 coins, which shall-- (A) weigh 26.73 grams; (B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and (C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. (3) Half-dollar clad coins.--Not more than 750,000 half- dollar coins which shall-- (A) weigh 11.34 grams; (B) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and (C) be minted to the specifications for half-dollar coins contained in section 5112(b) of title 31, United States Code. (b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code. (c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items. SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS. (a) Design Requirements.-- (1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this Act shall be emblematic of the game of professional football. (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 ``2016''; 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 Commission of Fine Arts and the Pro Football Hall of Fame; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS. (a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities. (b) Mint Facility.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may be used to strike any particular 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 1, 2016. SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS. (a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of-- (1) the face value of the coins; (2) the surcharge provided in section 7(a) with respect to such coins; and (3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping). (b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount. (c) Prepaid Orders.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such coins. (2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount. SEC. 7. SURCHARGES. (a) In General.--All sales of coins issued under this Act shall include a surcharge of-- (1) $35 per coin for the $5 coin; (2) $10 per coin for the $1 coin; and (3) $5 per coin for the half-dollar coin. (b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f)(1) 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 Pro Football Hall of Fame, to help finance the construction of a new building and renovation of existing Pro Football Hall of Fame facilities. (c) Audits.--The Pro Football Hall of Fame shall be subject to the audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code, with regard to the amounts received under subsection (b). (d) Limitation.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), no surcharge may be included with respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemorative coin programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out this subsection.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 50,000 $5-gold coins, 400,000 $1-silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins emblematic of the game of professional football. Requires all sales of such coins to include specified surcharges, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the Pro Football Hall of Fame to help finance the construction of a new building and the renovation of existing Pro Football Hall of Fame facilities.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) The expedition commanded by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, which came to be called ``The Corps of Discovery'', was one of the most remarkable and productive scientific and military exploring expeditions in all American history. (2) President Thomas Jefferson gave Lewis and Clark the mission to ``explore the Missouri River & such principal stream of it, as, by its course and communication with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, whether the Columbia, Oregon, Colorado, or any other river may offer the most direct and practical water communication across this continent for the purposes of commerce''. (3) The Expedition, in response to President Jefferson's directive, greatly advanced our geographical knowledge of the continent and prepared the way for the extension of the American fur trade with American Indian tribes throughout the land. (4) President Jefferson directed the explorers to take note of and carefully record the natural resources of the newly acquired territory known as Louisiana, as well as diligently report on the native inhabitants of the land. (5) The Expedition departed St. Louis, Missouri, on May 14, 1804. (6) The Expedition held its first meeting with American Indians at Council Bluff near present-day Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, in August 1804, spent its first winter at Fort Mandan, North Dakota, crossed the Rocky Mountains by the mouth of the Columbia River in mid-November of that year, and wintered at Fort Clatsop, near the present-day city of Astoria, Oregon. (7) The Expedition returned to St. Louis, Missouri, on September 23, 1806, after a 28-month journey covering 8,000 miles during which it traversed 11 future States: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. (8) Accounts from the journals of Lewis and Clark and the detailed maps that were prepared by the Expedition enhance knowledge of the western continent and routes for commerce. (9) The Expedition significantly enhanced amicable relationships between the United States and the autonomous American Indian nations, and the friendship and respect fostered between American Indian tribes and the Expedition represents the best of diplomacy and relationships between divergent nations and cultures. (10) The Lewis and Clark Expedition has been called the most perfect expedition of its kind in the history of the world and paved the way for the United States to become a great world power. SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. (a) Denominations.--In commemoration of the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue-- (1) not more than 200,000 $1 coins, each of which shall-- (A) weigh 26.73 grams; (B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and (C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper; and (2) not more than 200,000 half dollar coins, each of which shall-- (A) weigh 12.50 grams; (B) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and (C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. (b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this title shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code. (c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this title shall be considered to be numismatic items. SEC. 4. SOURCES OF BULLION. The Secretary shall obtain silver for minting coins under this title only from 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 title shall be emblematic of the expedition of Lewis and Clark. (2) Designation and inscriptions.--On each coin minted under this title there shall be-- (A) a designation of the value of the coin; (B) an inscription of the years ``1804-1806''; and (C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E Pluribus Unum''. (3) Obverse of coin.--The obverse of each coin minted under this title shall bear the likeness of Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. (4) General design.--In designing this coin, the Secretary shall also consider incorporating appropriate elements from the Jefferson Peace and Friendship Medal which Lewis and Clark presented to the Chiefs of the various Indian tribes they encountered and shall consider recognizing Native American culture. (b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this title shall be selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Commission of Fine Arts and shall be reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. SEC. 6. ISSUANCE OF COINS. (a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this title 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 title. (c) Commencement of Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted under this title beginning on January 1, 2003. (d) Termination of Minting Authority.--No coins may be minted under this title after December 31, 2003. SEC. 7. SALE OF COINS. (a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this title shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of-- (1) the face value of the coins; (2) the surcharge provided in subsection (d) with respect to such coins; and (3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping). (b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins issued under this title at a reasonable discount. (c) Prepaid Orders.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted under this title before the issuance of such coins. (2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount. (d) Surcharges.--All sales of coins minted under this title shall include a surcharge of-- (1) $10 per coin for the $1 coin; and (2) $7 per coin for the half dollar coin. SEC. 8. GENERAL WAIVER OF PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no provision of law governing procurement or public contracts shall be applicable to the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out this title. (b) Equal Employment Opportunity.--Subsection (a) shall not relieve any person entering into a contract under the authority of this title from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity. SEC. 9. DISTRIBUTION OF SURCHARGES. (a) In General.--Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code, the proceeds from the surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this title shall be promptly paid by the Secretary as follows: (1) National lewis and clark bicentennial council.--\2/3\ to the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council, for activities associated with commemorating the bicentennial of the Expedition. (2) National park service.--\1/3\ to the National Park Service for activities associated with commemorating the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. (b) Audits.--Each organization that receives any payment from the Secretary under this section shall be subject to the audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code. SEC. 10. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES. (a) No Net Cost to the Government.--The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that minting and issuing coins under this title will not result in any net cost to the United States Government. (b) Payment for Coins.--A coin shall not be issued under this title unless the Secretary has received-- (1) full payment for the coin; (2) security satisfactory to the Secretary to indemnify the United States for full payment; or (3) a guarantee of full payment satisfactory to the Secretary from a depository institution whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration Board. Passed the House of Representatives September 9, 1998. Attest: ROBIN H. CARLE, Clerk.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Coin Title II: Leif Ericsson Millennium Commemorative Coin Title I: Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Coin - Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar and half-dollar coins emblematic of the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Allocates surcharges from coin sales between the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and the National Park Service for activities associated with the bicentennial commemoration of the expedition. Title II: Leif Ericsson Millennium Commemorative Coin - Leif Ericsson Millennium Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins, in conjunction with the simultaneous minting and issuance of commemorative coins by the Republic of Iceland, in commemoration of the millennium of the discovery of the New World by Leif Ericsson. Mandates that all coin surcharges be paid to the Leif Ericsson Foundation for the purpose of funding student exchanges between the United States and Iceland.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Industry-Based Education Support Act''. SEC. 2. GRANT PROGRAM FOR CURRICULUM AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act is amended by adding at the end of title III the following new part: ``PART I--CURRICULUM AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ``SEC. 391. FINDINGS. ``The Congress finds that-- ``(1) vocational education is the ongoing school-based component of a school-to-work transition system; ``(2) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act established a framework for integrating academic and vocational education as a mechanism to improve the quality of vocational education, improve student achievement, and prepare students for the world of work; ``(3) there continues to be a need for curricula and instructional materials that integrate academic and vocational education at both the secondary and postsecondary level; ``(4) new curricula and instructional materials are needed to provide a sequence of learning between the secondary and postsecondary level; ``(5) in order to provide students with the skills necessary to be successful participants in a global economy, curricula and instructional materials are needed which reflect the needs of business and industry; ``(6) the successful integration of academic and vocational education organized around career majors or industry clusters can be an effective means of reforming high schools; and ``(7) the effectiveness of integrated curricula is enhanced through professional development and technical assistance programs that support collaboration among academic and vocational teachers to develop new and innovative approaches to preparing all students for the world of work. ``SEC. 392. PURPOSE. ``It is the purpose of this part to provide assistance to State educational agencies, educational service agencies, local educational agencies, and schools to-- ``(1) implement effective industry-based learning; ``(2) strengthen the school-based aspect of State School- to-Work transition systems where such systems exist; and ``(3) implement the integration of academic and vocational education. ``SEC. 393. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. ``The Secretary is authorized to make grants to State educational agencies, local educational agencies, educational service agencies or to consortia which must include at lease one of such entities and may include such entities as institutions of higher education, businesses or labor unions to improve curriculum, develop instructional materials, or provide professional development or a combination of all such activities. ``SEC. 394. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. ``(a) In General.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this part, an entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. ``(b) Grants for Curriculum Development and Instructional Materials Development.-- ``(1) Application.--Each application for curriculum development and instructional materials shall include a description of how the curriculum and instructional materials shall-- ``(A) integrate academic and vocational instruction; ``(B) be aligned with career majors, career pathways, or a coherent sequence of courses as defined by the State educational agency or local educational agency; ``(C) be tied to challenging State content standards or challenging local content standards, and challenging State student performance standards or challenging local student performance standards; ``(D) take into account the most recent thinking on skill standards as reflected in international, national, State, or local skill standards; ``(E) allow for a smooth transition into post- secondary education or into appropriate employment; ``(F) meet postsecondary education admission requirements; and ``(G) take into account the special needs of all students. ``(2) Special consideration.--In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications for the development of curricula or materials which-- ``(A) are linked to a program of professional development; ``(B) encourage the use of applied teaching and contextualized learning methodologies; ``(C) encourage collaboration between academic and vocational educators; ``(D) show potential for effective use in other State educational agencies or local educational agencies; and ``(E) take into account the possibility that students may be involved in work-based learning as defined in the School-to-Work Opportunities Act. ``(c) Grants for Professional Development.-- ``(1) Description.--Each application for professional development shall include a description of a professional development program that-- ``(A) supports innovative instructional methodologies which integrate academic and vocational teaching and learning and which foster collaboration among academic and vocational teachers; ``(B) trains teachers to implement upgraded curricula such as those described in paragraph (1) of subsection (b); ``(C) is developed and implemented in coordination with professional development activities funded through other Federal programs, including the School-to-Work Opportunities Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; ``(D) is tied to challenging State content standards or challenging local content standards, and challenging State student performance standards or challenging local student performance standards; ``(E) is of sufficient intensity and duration to have positive and lasting impact on the teacher's performance in the classroom; and ``(F) is designed in consultation with classroom teachers and, where appropriate, administrators, pupil service personnel and other school staff. ``(2) Funds.--Funds under this part may be used for-- ``(A) the development and implementation of professional development activities which meet the requirements of paragraph (1); ``(B) planning time and release time for teachers, and, where appropriate, other school staff, to allow such personnel to participate in professional development activities or to plan the development or implementation of upgraded curriculum; ``(C) the development and implementation of programs which familiarize teachers with the local work environment, such as summer internships or work placements; ``(D) professional development programs that train teams of teachers, including vocational teachers, academic teachers, and where appropriate, other school staff and workplace mentors funded under the School-to- Work Opportunities Act; ``(E) preparing teachers and, where appropriate, other school personnel in assisting students involved in work-based learning funded under the School-to-Work Opportunities Act; ``(F) the establishment and maintenance of professional development networks that allow exchange of information among teachers on content and pedagogy; ``(G) preparing teachers in the effective use of educational technology and assistive technology for delivering professional development services; ``(H) the development and implementation of teacher evaluation techniques which take into account collaboration between academic and vocational teachers; and ``(I) preparing teachers, pupil service personnel or other staff to provide career guidance, counseling, or exploration. ``SEC. 395. STATE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. ``(a) In General.--A State educational agency receiving funds under this part may reserve not more than 10 percent of such funds to provide technical assistance upon request to local educational agencies or educational service agencies to assist in the development, dissemination, and implementation of curricula, instructional materials or professional development programs that support the integration of academic and vocational instruction or the implementation of industry- based career majors. ``(b) Assistance.--Such assistance may be provided directly through the State educational agency or through educational service agencies, institutions of higher education, or a consortium of such entities. Such assistance shall be consistent with the requirements in section 394. ``SEC. 396. CONSOLIDATED APPLICATIONS. ``Entities seeking to receive a grant under this part may submit an application under this part or may consolidate such application with an application under this Act or that meets the requirements of part C of title XIV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. ``SEC. 397. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``There are authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1996 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1997 through 2000.''.
Industry-Based Education Support Act - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to State and local educational agencies, educational service agencies, or consortia of these and other entities, for vocational education curriculum, instructional materials, and professional development, with emphasis on integration of academic and vocational instruction. Allows State educational agencies to reserve up to ten percent of such funds to provide technical assistance to local educational agencies or educational service agencies. Allows consolidated applications. Authorizes appropriations.
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SECTION 1. INCREASE IN CERTAIN ALTERNATIVE FUEL AND VEHICLE TAX INCENTIVES. (a) Incentives for Alcohol Fuels.-- (1) Income tax credit.--Section 40 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to alcohol used as fuel) is amended-- (A) by striking ``60 cents'' each place it appears and inserting ``$1.20'', (B) by striking ``45 cents'' each place it appears and inserting ``90 cents'', (C) by striking ``2010'' in the table contained in subsection (h)(2) and inserting ``2006'', and (D) by adding at the end of such table the following new item: ``2007 through 2010.............. $1.02................ 75.56 cents''. (2) Excise tax credit.--Section 6426(b) of such Code (relating to alcohol fuel mixture credit) is amended-- (A) by striking ``51 cents'' in paragraph (2)(A) and inserting ``$1.02'', and (B) by striking ``60 cents'' in paragraph (2)(B) and inserting ``$1.20''. (b) Incentives for Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Fuels.-- (1) Income tax credit.--Section 40A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel) is amended-- (A) by striking ``$1.00'' each place it appears and inserting ``$2.00'', (B) by striking ``50 cents'' each place it appears and inserting ``$1.00'', and (C) by striking ``10 cents'' in subsection (b)(5)(A) and inserting ``20 cents''. (2) Excise tax credit.--Section 6426(c) of such Code (relating to biodiesel mixture credit) is amended-- (A) by striking ``50 cents'' in paragraph (2)(A) and inserting ``$1.00'', and (B) by striking ``$1.00'' in paragraph (2)(B) and inserting ``$2.00''. (c) Incentives for Alternative Fuels.--Subsections (d)(1) and (e)(1) of section 6426 of such the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (credit for alcohol fuel, biodiesel, and alternative fuel mixtures) are each amended by striking ``50 cents'' and inserting ``$1.00''. (d) Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit.-- (1) New qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit.--Section 30B(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended-- (A) by striking ``$8,000'', ``$4,000'', ``$10,000'', ``$20,000'', and ``$40,000'' in paragraph (1) and inserting ``$16,000'', ``$8,000'', ``$20,000'', ``$40,000'', and ``$80,000'', respectively, and (B) by striking ``$1,000'', ``$1,500'', ``$2,000'', ``$2,500'', ``$3,000'', ``$3,500'', and ``$4,000'' in paragraph (2) and inserting ``$2,000'', ``$3,000'', ``$4,000'', ``$5,000'', ``$6,000'', ``$7,000'', and ``$8,000'', respectively. (2) New advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit.--Section 30B(c) of such Code is amended-- (A) by striking ``$400'', ``$800'', ``$1,200'', ``$1,600'', ``$2,000'', and ``$2,400'' in the table contained in paragraph (2)(A)(i) and inserting ``$800'', ``$1,600'', ``$2,400'', ``$3,200'', ``$4,000'', and ``$4,800'', respectively, and (B) by striking ``$250'', ``$500'', ``$750'', and ``$1,000'' in the table contained in paragraph (2)(B) and inserting ``$500'', ``$1,000'', ``$1,500'', and ``$2,000'', respectively. (3) New qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit.--Section 30B(d)(2)(B)(iii) of such Code (relating to qualified incremental hybrid cost) is amended by striking by striking ``$7,500'', ``$15,000'', and ``$30,000'' and inserting ``$15,000'', ``$30,000'', and ``$60,000'', respectively. (4) New qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit.-- Section 30B(e)(3) of such Code (relating to incremental cost) is amended by striking by striking ``$5,000'', ``$10,000'', ``$25,000'', and ``$40,000'' and inserting ``$10,000'', ``$20,000'', ``$50,000'', and ``$80,000'', respectively. (e) Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit.--Section 30C(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to limitation) is amended-- (1) by striking ``$30,000'' in paragraph (1) and inserting ``$60,000'', and (2) by striking ``$1,000'' in paragraph (2) and inserting ``$2,000''. (f) Effective Dates.-- (1) Fuels.--The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall apply to any sale, use, or removal for any period after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Vehicles and refueling property.--The amendments made by subsections (d) and (e) shall apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN TAX INCENTIVES FOR MAJOR INTEGRATED OIL COMPANIES. (a) Amortization of Geological and Geophysical Expenditures.-- (1) In general.--Section 167(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) Nonapplication to major integrated oil companies.-- This subsection shall not apply to any sale during any taxable year by a taxpayer which is-- ``(A) an integrated oil company (as defined in section 291(b)(4)) which has an average daily worldwide production of crude oil of at least 500,000 barrels for such taxable year, or ``(B) a related person to such company.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by this subsection shall apply to amounts paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Percentage Depletion Allowance for Oil and Gas Properties.-- (1) In general.--Section 613A is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f) Nonapplication to Major Integrated Oil Companies.--The allowance for percentage depletion shall be zero during any taxable year with respect to a taxpayer which is-- ``(1) an integrated oil company (as defined in section 291(b)(4)) which has an average daily worldwide production of crude oil of at least 500,000 barrels for such taxable year, or ``(2) a related person to such company.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by this subsection shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Deduction for Intangible Drilling and Development Costs.-- (1) In general.--Section 263(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``This subsection shall not apply during any taxable year with respect to a taxpayer which is an integrated oil company (as defined in section 291(b)(4)) which has an average daily worldwide production of crude oil of at least 500,000 barrels for such taxable year or a related person to such company.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by this subsection shall apply to amounts paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. PROHIBITION OF FUNDS FOR OIL AND NATURAL GAS ROYALTY RELIEF. (a) In General.--No funds made available under any Act for any fiscal year for royalty and offshore minerals management may be used by the Secretary of the Interior to provide relief from a requirement to pay a royalty for the production of oil or natural gas from Federal land during any period in which-- (1) for the production of oil, the average price of crude oil in the United States is greater than $55 a barrel; and (2) for the production of natural gas, the average price of natural gas in the United States is $10 per 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas. (b) Exception.--In administering funds made available for royalty or offshore minerals management, the Secretary of the Interior may waive or specify alternative requirements if the Secretary of the Interior determines that royalty relief is necessary to avoid oil or natural gas supply disruptions as a consequence of hurricanes or other natural disasters.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credits for: (1) alcohol used as fuel; (2) biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel; (3) alternative fuels; (4) alternative motor vehicles; and (5) alternative fuel vehicle refueling property (service stations for dispensing ethanol and other alternative fuels to retail customers). Denies to major integrated oil companies (companies with average daily worldwide crude oil production of at least 500,000 barrels) : (1) two-year amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures; (2) percentage depletion for oil and gas properties; and (3) tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from providing crude oil and natural gas producers on federal lands exemptions from royalty payment requirements during periods when the average U.S. price of crude oil is over $55 per barrel and the average price of natural gas is $10 per 1000 cubic feet.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Pathways to College Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) An educated workforce is crucial to the success of the United States economy. Access to higher education for all students is critical to maintaining an educated workforce. More than 80 percent of the 23,000,000 jobs that will be created in the next 10 years will require postsecondary education. Only 36 percent of all 18- to 24-year olds are currently enrolled in postsecondary education. (2) Workers with bachelor's degrees earn on average $17,000 more annually than workers with only high school diplomas. Workers who earn bachelor's degrees can be expected to earn $1,000,000 more over a lifetime than those who only finished high school. (3) The ACT recommends that schools-- (A) provide student guidance to engage students in college and career awareness; and (B) ensure that students enroll in a rigorous curriculum to prepare for postsecondary education. (4) The Department of Education reports that the average student-to-counselor ratio in high schools is 315:1. This falls far above the ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association, which is 250:1. While school counselors at private schools spend an average of 58 percent of their time on postsecondary education counseling, counselors in public schools spend an average of 25 percent of their time on postsecondary education counseling. (5) While just 57 percent of students from the lowest income quartile enroll in college, 87 percent of students from the top income quartile enroll. Of students who were in eighth grade in 2000, only 20 percent of the lowest-income students are projected to attain a bachelor's degree by 2012, compared to 68 percent of the highest income group, according to the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance in 2006. (6) A recent report by the Consortium on Chicago School Research found that only 41 percent of Chicago public school students who aspire to go to college took the steps necessary to apply to and enroll in a 4-year institution of higher education. The report also reveals that only \1/3\ of Chicago students who want to attend a 4-year institution of higher education enroll in a school that matches their qualifications. Even among students qualified to attend a selective college, 29 percent enrolled in a community college or did not enroll at all. (7) The Consortium found that many Chicago public school students do not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, even though students who apply for Federal financial aid are 50 percent more likely to enroll in college. Sixty-five percent of public secondary school counselors at low-income schools believe that students and parents are discouraged from considering college as an option due to lack of knowledge about financial aid. (8) Low-income and first-generation families often overestimate the cost of tuition and underestimate available aid; students from these backgrounds have access to fewer college application resources and financial aid resources than other groups, and are less likely to fulfill their postsecondary plans as a result. (9) College preparation intervention programs can double the college-going rates for at-risk youth, can expand students' educational aspirations, and can boost college enrollment and graduation rates. SEC. 3. GRANT PROGRAM. (a) Definitions.--In this Act: (1) ESEA definitions.--The terms ``local educational agency'' and ``Secretary'' have the meanings given the terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (2) Eligible local educational agency.--The term ``eligible local educational agency'' means a local educational agency in which a majority of the secondary schools served by the agency are high-need secondary schools. (3) High-need secondary school.--The term ``high-need secondary school'' means a secondary school in which not less than 50 percent of the students enrolled in the school are-- (A) eligible for a school lunch program under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act; (B) eligible to be counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6333(c)); or (C) in families eligible for assistance under the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). (b) Competitive Grants to Eligible Local Educational Agencies.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible local educational agencies to carry out the activities described in this section. (c) Duration.--Grants awarded under this section shall be 5 years in duration. (d) Distribution.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that the grants are distributed among the different geographic regions of the United States, and among eligible local educational agencies serving urban and rural areas. (e) Applications.-- (1) In general.--Each eligible local educational agency desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. (2) Contents.--Each application submitted under paragraph (1) shall include a description of the program to be carried out with grant funds and-- (A) a description of the secondary school population to be targeted by the program, the particular college-access needs of such population, and the resources available for meeting such needs; (B) an outline of the objectives of the program, including goals for increasing the number of college applications submitted by each student, increasing Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rates, and increasing school-wide college enrollment rates across the local educational agency; (C) a description of the local educational agency's plan to work cooperatively with programs funded under chapters 1 and 2 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 et seq. and 1070a-21 et seq.), including the extent to which the agency commits to sharing facilities, providing access to students, and developing compatible record-keeping systems; (D) a description of the activities, services, and training to be provided by the program, including a plan to provide structure and support for all students in the college search, planning, and application process; (E) a description of the methods to be used to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of the program; (F) an assurance that grant funds will be used to supplement, and not supplant, any other Federal, State, or local funds available to carry out activities of the type carried out under the grant; (G) an explanation of the method used for calculating college enrollment rates for each secondary school served by the eligible local educational agency that is based on externally verified data, and, when possible, aligned with existing State or local methods; and (H) a plan to make the program sustainable over time, including the use of matching funds from non- Federal sources. (3) Method of calculating enrollment rates.-- (A) In general.--A method included in an application under paragraph (2)(G)-- (i) shall, at a minimum, track students' first-time enrollment in institutions of higher education; and (ii) may track progress toward completion of a postsecondary degree. (B) Development in conjunction.--An eligible local educational agency may develop a method pursuant to paragraph (2)(G) in conjunction with an existing public or private entity that currently maintains such a method. (f) Special Consideration.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications from eligible local educational agencies serving schools with the highest percentages of poverty. (g) Use of Funds.-- (1) In general.--An eligible local educational agency that receives a grant under this section shall develop and implement, or expand, a program to increase the number of low- income students who enroll in postsecondary educational institutions, including institutions with competitive admissions criteria. (2) Required use of funds.--Each program funded under this section shall-- (A) provide professional development to secondary school teachers and counselors in postsecondary education advising; (B) ensure that each student has not less than 1 meeting, not later than the first semester of the first year of secondary school, with a school counselor, college access personnel (including personnel involved in programs funded under chapters 1 and 2 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 et seq. and 1070a-21 et seq.)), trained teacher, or other professional or organization, such as a community-based organization, approved by the school, to discuss postsecondary options, outline postsecondary goals, and create a plan to achieve those goals; (C) provide information to all students enrolled in the secondary schools served by the eligible local educational agency and parents beginning in the first year of secondary school on-- (i) the economic and social benefits of higher education; (ii) college expenses, including information about expenses by institutional type, differences between sticker price and net price, and expenses beyond tuition; (iii) paying for college, including the availability, eligibility, and variety of financial aid; and (iv) the forms and processes associated with applying for financial aid; and (D) ensure that each secondary school served by the eligible local educational agency develops a comprehensive, school-wide plan of action to strengthen the college-going culture within the school. (3) Allowable use of funds.--Each program funded under this section may-- (A) establish mandatory postsecondary planning classes for secondary school seniors to assist the seniors in the college preparation and application process; (B) hire and train postsecondary coaches with expertise in the college-going process; (C) increase the number of counselors who specialize in the college-going process serving students; (D) train student leaders to assist in the creation of a college-going culture in their schools; (E) provide opportunities for students to explore postsecondary opportunities outside of the school setting, such as college fairs, career fairs, college tours, workplace visits, or other similar activities; (F) assist students with test preparation, college applications, Federal financial aid applications, and scholarship applications; (G) establish partnerships with programs funded under chapters 1 and 2 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 et seq. and 1070a-21 et seq.)), and with community and nonprofit organizations to increase college-going rates at secondary schools served by the eligible local educational agency; (H) provide long-term postsecondary follow up with graduates of the secondary schools served by the eligible local educational agencies, including increasing alumni involvement in mentoring and advising roles within the secondary school; (I) create and maintain a postsecondary access center in the school setting that provides information on colleges and universities, career opportunities, and financial aid options and provide a setting in which professionals working in programs funded under chapters 1 and 2 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-11 et seq. and 1070a-21 et seq.)), can meet with students; (J) deliver college and career planning curriculum as a stand-alone course, or embedded in other classes, for all students in secondary school; and (K) increase parent involvement in preparing for postsecondary opportunities. (h) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Funds made available under this section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, and local funds available to carry out the activities described in this section. (i) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary, directly or through contracting through a full and open process with 1 or more organizations that have demonstrated experience providing technical assistance to raise school-wide college enrollment rates in local educational agencies in not less than 3 States, shall provide technical assistance to grantees in carrying out this section. The technical assistance shall-- (1) provide assistance in the calculation and analysis of college-going rates for all grant recipients; (2) provide semi-annual analysis to each grant recipient recommending best practices based on a comparison of the recipient's data with that of secondary schools with similar demographics; and (3) provide annual best practices conferences for all grant recipients. (j) Evaluation and Reporting Requirements.-- (1) Measure enrollment and track data.--Each eligible local educational agency that receives a grant under this section shall-- (A) measure externally verified school-wide college enrollment; and (B) track data that leads to increased college going, including college applications sent and Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms filed. (2) Evaluations by grantees.--Each eligible local educational agency that receives a grant under this section shall-- (A) conduct periodic evaluations of the effectiveness of the activities carried out under the grant toward increasing school-wide college-going rates; (B) use such evaluations to refine and improve activities conducted with the grant and the performance measures for such activities; and (C) make the results of such evaluations publicly available, including by providing public notice of such availability. (3) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report concerning the results of-- (A) the evaluations conducted under paragraph (2); and (B) an evaluation conducted by the Secretary to analyze the effectiveness and efficacy of the activities conducted with grants under this section.
Pathways to College Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive five-year grants to local educational agencies that serve mostly high-need secondary schools for programs to increase the number of students from low-income families who attend college. Defines "high-need secondary schools" as those where at least one-half of the students are from low-income families. Requires grantees to use such funds to: (1) train teachers and counselors to provide students with advice concerning postsecondary education; (2) ensure that each student receives postsecondary information and planning assistance before the end of their first semester of secondary school; (3) inform students and parents regarding the benefits, expenses, and financing of higher education; and (4) ensure that their schools develop comprehensive, school-wide plans of action to strengthen their college-going culture. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees in calculating and analyzing their college-going rates and adopting best practices for elevating such rates. Requires grantees to measure externally verified school-wide college enrollment, track data that leads to increased college-going, and evaluate the success of their grant activities.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAYTON ACT. The Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12 et seq.) is amended-- (1) by striking section 4F and inserting the following-- ``SEC. 4F. ACTIONS BY ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OR THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION. ``(a) Whenever the Attorney General of the United States has brought an action under the antitrust laws or the Federal Trade Commission has brought an action under section 7, and the Attorney General or Federal Trade Commission, as applicable, has reason to believe that any State attorney general would be entitled to bring an action under this Act based substantially on the same alleged violation of the antitrust laws or section 7, the Attorney General or Federal Trade Commission, as applicable, shall promptly give written notification thereof to such State attorney general. ``(b) To assist a State attorney general in evaluating the notice described in subsection (a) or in bringing any action under this Act, the Attorney General of the United States or Federal Trade Commission, as applicable, shall, upon request by such State attorney general, make available to the State attorney general, to the extent permitted by law, any investigative files or other materials which are or may be relevant or material to the actual or potential cause of action under this Act.''; (2) in section 5-- (A) in subsection (a) by inserting ``(including a proceeding brought by the Federal Trade Commission with respect to a violation of section 7)'' after ``United States under the antitrust laws''; and (B) in subsection (i) by inserting ``(including a proceeding instituted by the Federal Trade Commission with respect to a violation of section 7)'' after ``antitrust laws''; (3) in section 11, by adding at the end the following: ``(m)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), in enforcing compliance with section 7, the Federal Trade Commission shall enforce compliance with that section in the same manner as the Attorney General in accordance with section 15. ``(2) If the Federal Trade Commission approves an agreement with the parties to the transaction that contains a consent order with respect to a violation of section 7, the Commission shall enforce compliance with that section in accordance with this section.''; (4) in section 13, by inserting ``(including a suit, action, or proceeding brought by the Federal Trade Commission with respect to a violation of section 7)'' before ``subpoenas''; and (5) in section 15, by inserting ``and the duty of the Federal Trade Commission with respect to a violation of section 7,'' after ``General,''. SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ACT. The Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41) is amended-- (1) in section 5(b), by inserting ``(excluding the consummation of a proposed merger, acquisition, joint venture, or similar transaction that is subject to section 7 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18), except in cases where the Commission approves an agreement with the parties to the transaction that contains a consent order)'' after ``unfair method of competition''; (2) in section 9, by inserting after the fourth undesignated paragraph the following: ``Upon the application of the commission with respect to any activity related to the consummation of a proposed merger, acquisition, joint venture, or similar transaction that is subject to section 7 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18) that may result in any unfair method of competition, the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus commanding any person or corporation to comply with the provisions of this Act or any order of the commission made in pursuance thereof.''; (3) in section 13(b)(1), by inserting ``(excluding section 7 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18) and section 5(a)(1) with respect to the consummation of a proposed merger, acquisition, joint venture, or similar transaction that is subject to section 7 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18))'' after ``Commission''; and (4) in section 20(c)(1), by inserting ``or under section 7 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18), where applicable,'' after ``Act,''. SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION OF AMENDMENTS. (a) Effective Date.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Application of Amendments.--The amendments made by this Act shall not apply to any of the following that occurs before the date of enactment of this Act: (1) A violation of section 7 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18). (2) A transaction with respect to which there is compliance with section 7A of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18a). (3) A case in which a preliminary injunction has been filed in a district court of the United States.
Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules Act of 2015 This bill amends the Clayton Act with respect to actions brought by the Attorney General for violations of antitrust laws. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is required, but only under the Clayton Act, to exercise the same authority and procedures of the Attorney General specified in the Act with respect to the prohibition against acquisition by one corporation of the stock of another (merger) that may substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly. The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) is amended to exclude proposed mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, or similar transactions from FTC proceedings, except in cases where the FTC approves an agreement with the parties to the transaction that contains a consent order. Jurisdiction is granted to the U.S. district courts to issue writs of mandamus commanding compliance with the FTCA or any FTC order, if the FTC applies to such courts with respect to any activity related to consummation of a merger, acquisition, joint venture, or similar transaction that results in an unfair method of competition.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Reauthorization Act'' or the ``PREEMIE Reauthorization Act''. SEC. 2. RESEARCH AND ACTIVITIES AT THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. (a) Epidemiological Studies.--Section 3 of the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-4f) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: ``(b) Studies and Activities on Preterm Birth.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may, subject to the availability of appropriations-- ``(A) conduct epidemiological studies on the clinical, biological, social, environmental, genetic, and behavioral factors relating to prematurity, as appropriate; ``(B) conduct activities to improve national data to facilitate tracking the burden of preterm birth; and ``(C) continue efforts to prevent preterm birth, including late preterm birth, through the identification of opportunities for prevention and the assessment of the impact of such efforts. ``(2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress reports concerning the progress and any results of studies conducted under paragraph (1).''. (b) Reauthorization.--Section 3(e) of the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-4f(e)) is amended by striking ``2007 through 2011'' and inserting ``2014 through 2018''. SEC. 3. ACTIVITIES AT THE HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION. (a) Telemedicine and High-Risk Pregnancies.--Section 330I(i)(1)(B) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c-14(i)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``or case management services'' and inserting ``case management services, or prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies''. (b) Public and Health Care Provider Education.--Section 399Q of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g-5) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (F) and inserting the following: ``(A) the core risk factors for preterm labor and delivery; ``(B) medically indicated deliveries before full term; ``(C) the importance of preconception and prenatal care, including-- ``(i) smoking cessation; ``(ii) weight maintenance and good nutrition, including folic acid; ``(iii) the screening for and the treatment of infections; and ``(iv) stress management; ``(D) treatments and outcomes for premature infants, including late preterm infants; ``(E) the informational needs of families during the stay of an infant in a neonatal intensive care unit; and ``(F) utilization of evidence-based strategies to prevent birth injuries;''; and (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: ``(2) programs to increase the availability, awareness, and use of pregnancy and post-term information services that provide evidence-based, clinical information through counselors, community outreach efforts, electronic or telephonic communication, or other appropriate means regarding causes associated with prematurity, birth defects, or health risks to a post-term infant;''; and (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``2007 through 2011'' and inserting ``2014 through 2018''. SEC. 4. OTHER ACTIVITIES. (a) Interagency Coordinating Council on Prematurity and Low Birthweight.--The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act is amended by striking section 5 (42 U.S.C. 247b-4g). (b) Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality.-- (1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') may establish an advisory committee known as the ``Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality'' (referred to in this section as the ``Advisory Committee''). (2) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary concerning the following activities: (A) Programs of the Department of Health and Human Services that are directed at reducing infant mortality and improving the health status of pregnant women and infants. (B) Strategies to coordinate the various Federal programs and activities with State, local, and private programs and efforts that address factors that affect infant mortality. (C) Implementation of the Healthy Start program under section 330H of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c-8) and Healthy People 2020 infant mortality objectives. (D) Strategies to reduce preterm birth rates through research, programs, and education. (3) Plan for hhs preterm birth activities.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Advisory Committee (or an advisory committee in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act and designated by the Secretary) shall develop a plan for conducting and supporting research, education, and programs on preterm birth through the Department of Health and Human Services and shall periodically review and revise the plan, as appropriate. The plan shall-- (A) examine research and educational activities that receive Federal funding in order to enable the plan to provide informed recommendations to reduce preterm birth and address racial and ethnic disparities in preterm birth rates; (B) identify research gaps and opportunities to implement evidence-based strategies to reduce preterm birth rates among the programs and activities of the Department of Health and Human Services regarding preterm birth, including opportunities to minimize duplication; and (C) reflect input from a broad range of scientists, patients, and advocacy groups, as appropriate. (4) Membership.--The Secretary shall ensure that the membership of the Advisory Committee includes the following: (A) Representatives provided for in the original charter of the Advisory Committee. (B) A representative of the National Center for Health Statistics. (c) Patient Safety Studies and Report.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall designate an appropriate agency within the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate existing studies on hospital readmissions of preterm infants. (2) Report to secretary and congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the agency designated under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary and to Congress a report containing the findings and recommendations resulting from the studies coordinated under such paragraph, including recommendations for hospital discharge and followup procedures designed to reduce rates of preventable hospital readmissions for preterm infants.
Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Reauthorization Act or PREEMIE Reauthorization Act - Amends the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act to revise and reauthorize requirements for research on prematurity and preterm births. Requires the Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth to give preference in awarding grants to an eligible entity that proposes to use the grant funds to develop plans for, or to establish, telehealth networks that provide prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies. Revises and reauthorizes through FY2017 the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct demonstration projects related to preterm births. Repeals establishment of the Interagency Coordinating Council on Prematurity and Low Birthweight. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality. Directs the Advisory Committee (or an existing advisory committee designated by the Secretary) to develop, and periodically review and revise, a plan for conducting and supporting research, education, and programs on preterm birth through HHS. Requires the Secretary to designate an appropriate agency within HHS to coordinate existing studies and report to the Secretary and Congress on hospital readmissions of preterm infants.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Steel Industry National Historic Park Act of 2000''. TITLE I--STEEL INDUSTRY NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK SEC. 101. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--The Congress finds that-- (1) certain sites and structures in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania symbolize in physical form the heritage of the steel industry of the United States; (2) a very large proportion of the buildings and other structures in the Commonwealth are nationally significant historical resources, including the United States Steel Homestead Works, the Carrie Furnace complex, and the Hot Metal Bridge; (3) despite substantial efforts for cultural preservation and historical interpretation by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and by individuals and public and private entities in the region, these buildings and other structures may be lost without the assistance of the Federal Government. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this title are to provide for the preservation, development, interpretation, and use of the nationally significant historical and cultural sites and structures as described in subsection (a) for the benefit and inspiration of present and future generations. SEC. 102. STEEL INDUSTRY NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK. (a) Establishment.--There is established in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania the Steel Industry National Historic Park as a unit of the National Park System. (b) Description.--The historic park shall be comprised of the following properties, each of which relate to the former United States Steel Homestead Works: (1) The historic location of the Battle of Homestead site in the borough of Munhall, Pennsylvania, consisting of approximately 3 acres of land, including the pumphouse and water tower and related structures, within the property bounded by the Monongahela River, the CSX railroad, Waterfront Drive, and the Damascus-Marcegaglia Steel Mill. (2) The historic location of the Carrie Furnace complex in the boroughs of Swissvale and Rankin, Pennsylvania, consisting of approximately 35 acres of land, including blast furnaces 6 and 7, the ore yard, the cast house, the blowing engine house, the AC power house, and related structures, within the property bounded by the CSX railroad, the Monongahela River, and a property line drawn northeast to southwest approximately 100 yards east of the AC power house. (3) The historic location of the Hot Metal Bridge, consisting of the Union railroad bridge and its approaches, spanning the Monongahela River and connecting the mill sites in the boroughs of Rankin and Munhall, Pennsylvania. (4) All other property included in the historic park by Federal law or acquired by the Secretary for inclusion in the historic park pursuant to section 103 or other Federal law. SEC. 103. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY. To further the purposes of this title, the Secretary may acquire, by donation, property for inclusion in the historic park as follows: (1) Any land or interest in land with respect to the property identified in paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of section 102(b). (2) Up to 10 acres of land adjacent to or in the general proximity of the property identified in paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of section 102(b), for the development of visitor, administrative, museum, curatorial, and maintenance facilities. (3) Personal property associated with, and appropriate for, the interpretation of the historic park. SEC. 104. ADMINISTRATION. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer the historic park in accordance with this title and the provisions of law generally applicable to units of the National Park System, including the Act of August 25, 1916 (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.), and the Act of August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.). (b) Cooperative Agreements.-- (1) In general.--To further the purposes of this title, the Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement with any interested individual, public or private agency, organization, or institution. (2) Contrary purposes.--Any payment made by the Secretary pursuant to a cooperative agreement under this subsection shall be subject to an agreement that conversion, use, or disposal of the project so assisted for purposes contrary to the purpose of this title, as determined by the Secretary, shall result in a right of the United States to reimbursement of all funds made available to such a project or the proportion of the increased value of the project attributable to such funds as determined at the time of such conversion, use, or disposal, whichever is greater. (c) Technical and Preservation Assistance.--The Secretary may provide to any person technical assistance for the preservation of historic structures of, the maintenance of the cultural landscape of, and local preservation planning for, the historic park. SEC. 105. GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN. (a) In General.--Not later than the last day of the third fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the officials described in subsection (b), prepare a general management plan for the historic park. (b) Officials Consulted.--The officials described in this subsection are-- (1) an appropriate official of each appropriate political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that has jurisdiction over all or a portion of the historic park; and (2) an appropriate official of the Steel Industry Heritage Corporation. (c) Submission of Plan to Congress.--Upon the completion of the general management plan, the Secretary shall submit a copy of the plan to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives. SEC. 106. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this title, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Historic park.--The term ``historic park'' means the Steel Industry National Historic Park established by section 102. (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 107. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title. TITLE II--EXTENSION OF POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL SEC. 201. DESIGNATION OF ALLEGHENY TRAIL ALLIANCE TRAILS AS COMPONENTS OF POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL. Section 5(a)(11) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(a)(11)) is amended by inserting before the last sentence the following: ``Consistent with the preceding sentence, the Secretary of the Interior shall designate the approximately 214-mile system of trails between Cumberland, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known as the Allegheny Trail Alliance Trails, as depicted on the map entitled `Cumberland and Pittsburgh Trail' and dated July 24, 2000, as official components of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.''.
Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into a cooperative agreement for Park purposes; and (2) provide technical assistance for the preservation of Park structures, maintenance of the cultural landscape, and local Park preservation planning. Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a Park general management plan. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Extension of Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail - Amends the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary to designate the system of trails between Cumberland, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known as the Allegheny Trail Alliance Trails as components of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Wire Transfer Fairness and Disclosure Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. DISCLOSURE OF EXCHANGE RATES IN CONNECTION WITH INTERNATIONAL MONEY TRANSFERS. (a) In General.--The Electronic Fund Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 1693 et seq.) is amended-- (1) by redesignating sections 918, 919, 920, and 921 as sections 919, 920, 921, and 922, respectively; and (2) by inserting after section 917 the following new section: ``SEC. 918. DISCLOSURE OF EXCHANGE RATES IN CONNECTION WITH INTERNATIONAL MONEY TRANSFERS. ``(a) Definitions.-- ``(1) International money transfer.--The term `international money transfer' means any money transmitting service involving an international transaction which is provided by a financial institution or a money transmitting business. ``(2) Money transmitting service.--The term `money transmitting service' has the meaning given to such term in section 5330(d)(2) of title 31, United States Code. ``(3) Money transmitting business.--The term `money transmitting business' means any business which-- (A) provides check cashing, currency exchange, or money transmitting or remittance services, or issues or redeems money orders, travelers' checks, and other similar instruments; and (B) is not a depository institution (as defined in section 5313(g) of title 31, United States Code). ``(b) Exchange Rate and Fees Disclosures Required.-- ``(1) In general.--Any financial institution or money transmitting business which initiates an international money transfer on behalf of a consumer (whether or not the consumer maintains an account at such institution or business) shall provide the following disclosures in the manner required under this section: ``(A) The exchange rate used by the financial institution or money transmitting business in connection with such transaction. ``(B) The exchange rate prevailing at a major financial center of the foreign country whose currency is involved in the transaction, as of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the date of the transaction (or the official exchange rate, if any, of the government or central bank of such foreign country). ``(C) All commissions and fees charged by the financial institution or money transmitting business in connection with such transaction. ``(D) The exact amount of foreign currency to be received by the recipient in the foreign country, which shall be disclosed to the consumer before the transaction is consummated and printed on the receipt referred to in paragraph (3). ``(2) Prominent disclosure inside and outside the place of business where an international money transfer is initiated.-- The information required to be disclosed under subparagraphs (A)(B) and (C) of paragraph (1) shall be prominently displayed on the premises of the financial institution or money transmitting business both at the interior location to which the public is admitted for purposes of initiating an international money transfer and on the exterior of any such premises. ``(3) Prominent disclosure in all receipts and forms used in the place of business where an international money transfer is initiated.--The information required to be disclosed under paragraph (1) shall be prominently displayed on all forms and receipts used by the financial institution or money transmitting business when initiating an international money transfer in such premises. ``(c) Advertisements in Print, Broadcast, and Electronic Media and Outdoor Advertising.--The information required to be disclosed under subparagraphs (A) and (C) of subsection (b)(1) shall be included-- ``(1) in any advertisement, announcements, or solicitation which is mailed by the financial institution or money transmitting business and pertains to international money transfer; or ``(2) in any print, broadcast, or electronic medium or outdoor advertising display not on the premises of the financial institution or money transmitting business and pertaining to international money transfer. ``(d) Disclosures in Languages Other Than English.--The disclosures required under this section shall be in English and in the same language as that principally used by the financial institution or money transmitting business, or any of its agents, to advertise, solicit, or negotiate, either orally or in writing, at that office if other than English.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect at the end of the 3-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Wire Transfer Fairness and Disclosure Act of 2001 - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to require a financial institution or money transmitting business initiating an international money transfer on behalf of a consumer to disclose prominently on its premises and on its forms and receipts: (1) the exchange rate used in the transaction; (2) the exchange rate prevailing at a major financial center of the pertinent foreign country as of close of business on the business day immediately preceding the transaction date; (3) all commissions and fees charged in such transaction; and (4) the exact amount of foreign currency to be received by the consumer in the foreign country.Requires such information to be: (1) included in print, broadcast, and electronic advertisements; and (2) in English and in the same language as principally used by the institution or money transmitting business to advertise, solicit, or negotiate at that office if other than English.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Corporate Fraud Accountability Act of 2002''. SEC. 2. HIGHER MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR MAIL AND WIRE FRAUD. (a) Mail Fraud.--Section 1341 of title 18, United 5 States Code, is amended by striking ``five'' and inserting ``20''. (b) Wire Fraud.--Section 1343 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking ``five'' and inserting ``20''. (c) Securities Fraud.--Chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 1348. Securities fraud ``Whoever knowingly executes a scheme or artifice-- ``(1) to defraud any person in connection with any security registered under section 12 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78l, 78o(d)) or section 6 of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77f); or ``(2) to obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, any money or property in connection with the purchase or sale of any security registered under section 12 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78l, 78o(d)) or section 6 of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77f), shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned not more than 25 years, or both.''. (d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``1348. Securities fraud.''. SEC. 3. TAMPERING WITH A RECORD OR OTHERWISE IMPEDING AN OFFICIAL PROCEEDING. Section 1512 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsections (c) through (i) as subsections (d) through (j), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: ``(c) Whoever corruptly-- ``(1) alters, destroys, mutilates, or conceals a record, document, or other object, or attempts to do so, with the intent to impair the object's integrity or availability for use in an official proceeding; or ``(2) otherwise obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.''. SEC. 4. AMENDMENT TO THE FEDERAL SENTENCING GUIDELINES. (a) Request for Immediate Consideration by The United States Sentencing Commission.--Pursuant to its authority under section 994(p) of title 28, United States Code, and in accordance with this section, the United States Sentencing Commission is requested to-- (1) promptly review the sentencing guidelines applicable to securities and accounting fraud and related offenses; (2) expeditiously consider the promulgation of new sentencing guidelines or amendments to existing sentencing guidelines to provide an enhancement for officers or directors of publicly traded corporations who commit fraud and related offenses; and (3) submit to Congress an explanation of actions taken by the Sentencing Commission pursuant to paragraph (2) and any additional policy recommendations the Sentencing Commission may have for combating offenses described in paragraph (1). (b) Considerations in Review.--In carrying out this section, the Sentencing Commission is requested to-- (1) ensure that the sentencing guidelines and policy statements reflect the serious nature of securities, pension, and accounting fraud and the need for aggressive and appropriate law enforcement action to prevent such offenses; (2) assure reasonable consistency with other relevant directives and with other guidelines; (3) account for any aggravating of mitigating circumstances that might justify exceptions, including circumstances for which the sentencing guidelines currently provide sentencing enhancements; (4) ensure that guideline offense levels and enhancements for an obstruction of justice offense are adequate in cases where documents or other physical evidence are actually destroyed or fabricated; (5) ensure that the guideline offense levels and enhancements under United States Sentencing Guideline 2B1.1 (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act) are sufficient for a fraud offense when the number of victims adversely involved is significantly greater than 50; (6) make any necessary conforming changes to the sentencing guidelines; and (7) assure that the guidelines adequately meet the purposes of sentencing as set forth in section 3553 (a)(2) of title 18, United States Code. (c) Emergency Authority and Deadline For Commission Action.--The United States Sentencing Commission is requested to promulgate the guidelines or amendments provided for under this sections as soon as practicable, and in any event not later than the 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, in accordance with the procedures sent forth in section 21(a) of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1987, as though the authority under that Act had not expired. SEC. 5. DEBTS NONDISCHARGEABLE IF INCURRED IN VIOLATION OF SECURITIES FRAUD LAWS. Section 523(a) of title 11, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (17), by striking ``or'' after the semicolon; (2) in paragraph (18), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end, the following: ``(19) that-- ``(A) is a claim for-- ``(i) the violation of any of the Federal securities laws (as that term is defined in section 3(a)(47) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), any of the State securities laws, or any regulation or order issued under such Federal or State securities laws; or ``(ii) common law fraud, deceit, or manipulation in connection with the purchase or sale of any security; and ``(B) results, in relation to any claim described in subparagraph (A), from-- ``(i) any judgment, order, consent order, or decree entered in any Federal or State judicial or administrative proceeding; ``(ii) any settlement agreement entered into by the debtor; or ``(iii) any court or administrative order for any damages, fine, penalty, citation, restitutionary payment, disgorgement payment, attorney fee, cost, or other payment owed by the debtor.''. SEC. 6. CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTS. (a) In General.--Chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 1349. Failure of corporate officers to certify financial reports ``(a) Certification of Periodic Financial Reports.--Each periodic report containing financial statements filed by an issuer with the Securities Exchange Commission pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)) shall be accompanied by a written statement by the chairman of the board, chief executive officer, and chief financial officer (or equivalent thereof) of the issuer. ``(b) Content.--The statement required under subsection (a) shall certify that those financial statements fairly and accurately represent, in all material respects, the operations and financial condition of the issuer. ``(c) Criminal Penalties.--Whoever-- ``(1) knowingly violates this section shall be fined not more than $1,000,000, or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both; or ``(2) willfully violates this section shall be fined not more than $5,000,000, or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``1349. Failure of corporate officers to certify financial reports.''. SEC. 7. ATTEMPTS AND CONSPIRACIES TO COMMIT CRIMINAL OFFENSES. (a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting before section 2 the following: ``Sec. 1. Attempt and conspiracy ``Any person who attempts or conspires to commit any offense against the United States shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense, the commission of which was the object of the attempt or conspiracy. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of title 18, United States Code, is amended so that the item relating to section 1 reads as follows: ``1. Attempt and conspiracy.''. SEC. 8. INCREASED CRIMINAL PENALTIES UNDER SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. Section 32(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78ff(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``$1,000,000, or imprisoned not more than 10 years'' and inserting ``$5,000,000, or imprisoned not more than 20 years''; and (2) by striking ``$2,500,000'' and inserting ``$25,000,000''. SEC. 9. TEMPORARY FREEZE AUTHORITY FOR THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. (a) In General.--Section 21C(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78u-3(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Temporary freeze.-- ``(A) In general.-- ``(i) Issuance of temporary order.-- Whenever, during the course of a lawful investigation involving possible violations of the Federal securities laws by an issuer of publicly traded securities or any of its directors, officers, partners, controling persons, agents, or employees, it shall appear to the Commission that it is likely that the issuer will make extraordinary payments (whether compensation of otherwise) to any of the foregoing persons, the Commission may petition a Federal district court for a temporary order requiring the issuer to escrow, subject to court supervision, those payments in an interest-bearing account for 45 days. ``(ii) Standard.--A temporary order shall be entered under clause (i), only after notice and opportunity for a hearing, unless the court determines that notice and hearing prior to entry of the order would be impracticable or contrary to the public interest. ``(iii) Effective period.--A temporary order issued under clause (i) shall-- ``(I) become effective immediately; ``(II) be served upon the parties subject to it; and ``(III) unless set aside, limited or suspended by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall remain effective and enforceable for 45 days. ``(iv) Extensions authorized.--The effective period of an order under this subparagraph may be extended by the court upon good cause shown for not longer than 45 additional days, provided that the combined period of the order shall not exceed 90 days. ``(B) Process on Determination of violations.-- ``(i) Violations charged.--If the issuer or other person described in subparagraph (A) is charged with any violation of the Federal securities laws before the expiration of the effective period of a temporary order under subparagraph (A) (including any applicable extension period), the order shall remain in effect, subject to court approval, until the conclusion of any legal proceedings related thereto, and the affected issuer or other person, shall have the right to petition the court for review of the order. ``(ii) Violations not charged.--If the issuer or other person described in subparagraph (A) is not charged with any violation of the Federal securities laws before the expiration of the effective period of a temporary order under subparagraph (A) (including any applicable extension period), the escrow shall terminate at the expiration of the 45-day effective period (or the expiration of any extension period, as applicable), and the disputed payments (with accrued interest) shall be returned to the issuer or other affected person.''. (b) Technical Amendment.--Section 21C(c)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78u-3(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``This'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)''. SEC. 10. AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION TO PROHIBIT PERSONS FROM SERVING AS OFFICERS OR DIRECTORS. (a) Securities Exchange Act of 1934.--Section 21C of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78u-3) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(f) Authority of the Commission to Prohibit Persons From Serving as Officers or Directors.--In any cease-and-desist proceeding under subsection (a), the Commission may issue an order to prohibit, conditionally or unconditionally, and permanently or for such period of time as it shall determine, any person who has violated section 10(b) or the rules or regulations thereunder, from acting as an officer or director of any issuer that has a class of securities registered pursuant to section, or that is required to file reports pursuant to section (d), if the conduct of that person demonstrates unfitness to serve as an officer or director of any such issuer.''. (b) Securities Act of 1933.--Section 8A of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77h-1) is amended by adding at the end of the following: ``(f) Authority of the Commission to Prohibit Persons From Serving as Officers or Directors.--In any cease-and-desist proceeding under subsection (a), the Commission may issue an order to prohibit, conditionally or unconditionally, and permanently or for such period of time as it shall determine, any person who has violated section 17(a)(1) or the rules or regulations thereunder, from acting as an officer or director of any issuer that has a class of securities registered pursuant to section of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or that is required to file reports pursuant to section 15(d) of that Act, if the conduct of that person demonstrates unfitness to serve as an officer or director of any such issuer.''. SEC. 11. RETALIATION AGAINST INFORMANT. (a) In General.--Section 1513 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Whoever knowingly, with the intent to retaliate, takes any action harmful to any person, including interference with the lawful employment or livelihood of any person, for providing to a law enforcement officer any truthful information relating to the commission or possible commission of any Federal offense, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.''. Passed the House of Representatives July 16, 2002. Attest: JEFF TRANDAHL, Clerk.
Corporate Fraud Accountability Act of 2002 - Amends Federal criminal law to: (1) increase the maximum penalties for mail fraud and for wire fraud; and (2) establish criminal penalties for knowing perpetration of securities fraud and for tampering with a record or otherwise impeding an official proceeding.(Sec. 4) Requests the United States Sentencing Commission to: (1) promptly review sentencing guidelines applicable to securities and accounting fraud; and (2) expeditiously consider promulgation of new sentencing guidelines to provide an enhancement for officers of directors of publicly traded corporations who commit fraud and related offenses. Prescribes guidelines for Commission consideration, including a request that it ensure that the sentencing guidelines and policy statements reflect the serious nature of securities, pension, and accounting fraud and the need for aggressive and appropriate law enforcement action to prevent such offenses. Sets a deadline for promulgation of such guidelines.(Sec. 5) Amends Federal bankruptcy law to declare nondischargeable in bankruptcy debts that have been incurred in violation of Federal or State laws governing securities fraud, deceit, or manipulation.(Sec. 6) Amends Federal criminal law to mandate that senior corporate officers certify in writing that financial statements fairly and accurately represent in all material aspects the operations and financial condition of the issuer.Subjects senior corporate officers to criminal liability for violations of this requirement, including: (1) maximum imprisonment of ten years for knowingly violating financial report requirements; and (2) maximum imprisonment of 20 years for willfully violating such requirements.(Sec. 7) Subjects any attempt or conspiracy to commit any offense against the United States to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense.(Sec. 8) Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to: (1) increase criminal penalties for violations; and (2) authorize the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to seek a temporary injunction to freeze extraordinary payments earmarked for designated persons or corporate staff under investigation for possible violations of Federal securities laws.(Sec. 10) Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Securities Act of 1933 to authorize the SEC to prohibit violators of certain provisions from serving as officers or directors of a publicly traded corporation.(Sec. 11) Amends Federal criminal law to establish criminal penalties for intentional retaliation against any person who has provided information to a law enforcement officer regarding the commission of a Federal offense.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Fairness in Flood Insurance Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. APPEALS OF PROJECTED SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS. (a) Burden of Proof.-- (1) Appeals to fema.--Section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Burden of Proof.--In any appeal to the Administrator, or any judicial review of a final administrative determination, regarding the designation of flood elevation determinations or the identification of special flood hazard areas, the Administrator shall have the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, that the elevations proposed by the Administrator or the designation of an identified special flood hazard area, as the case may be, is scientifically and technically correct.''. (2) Determinations by scientific resolution panel.-- Subsection (c) of section 1363A of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104-1(c)) is amended-- (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and (B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: ``(3) Burden of proof.--The Scientific Resolution Panel may not resolve a dispute submitted under this section in favor of the Administrator unless the Panel determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the data and determinations of the Administrator involved in the dispute are scientifically and technically correct.''. (b) Deadline for Appeals.-- (1) In general.--Section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104) is amended-- (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``ninety-day'' and inserting ``6-month''; and (B) in subsections (c) and (d), by striking ``ninety days'' each place such term appears and inserting ``6 months''. (2) Applicability.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to second newspaper publications of notifications of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency referred to in section 1363(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 that occur after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Reimbursement for Costs of Appeal.-- (1) Applicability; implementation.--Subsection (f) of section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104(f)) is amended-- (A) by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: ``When, incident to any appeal that is successful, in whole or part, regarding the designation of any aspect of a flood map, including elevation or designation of a special flood hazard area, the community, owner, or lessee of real property, as the case may be, incurs expense in connection with the appeal, including for legal services and services provided by surveyors, engineers, and scientific experts, the Administrator shall reimburse such individual or community for reasonable expenses to an extent measured by the ratio of the successful portion of the appeal as compared to the entire appeal. Any successful appeal shall be entitled to such reimbursement and reimbursement shall not be contingent upon filing within the 6-month periods referred to in subsections (c) and (d).'' ; and (B) by striking the last sentence and inserting the following: ``The Administrator shall issue guidance to implement this subsection, which shall not be subject to the notice and comment requirements under section 553 of title 5, United States Code.''. (2) Deadline.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall issue the guidance referred to in the last sentence of section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104(f)), as amended by paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection, not later than the expiration of the 6- month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. REVISIONS OF EXISTING FLOOD INSURANCE MAPS; APPEALS. (a) Updating of Maps.--Subsection (f) of section 1360 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101(f)) is amended to read as follows: ``(f) Updating of Flood Maps.-- ``(1) Upon necessity or request.--The Administrator shall revise and update any floodplain areas and flood-risk zones-- ``(A) upon the determination of the Administrator, according to the assessment under subsection (e) of this section, that revision and updating are necessary for the areas and zones; ``(B) upon the request from any State or local government stating that specific floodplain areas or flood-risk zones in the State or locality need revision or updating, if sufficient technical data justifying the request is submitted; or ``(C) upon the request from any owner or lessee of real property located in a floodplain area or flood- risk zone if sufficient technical data justifying the request is submitted. ``(2) Request by state or local government.--When the Administrator revises and updates any floodplain area or flood- risk zone pursuant to a request from any State or local government, the Administrator shall provide to that State or local government a Letter of Map Revision, Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill, or physical map revision, as appropriate, that includes a description of any revisions or modifications to such floodplain area or flood-risk zone. ``(3) Request by owner or lessee.--When the Administrator revises and updates any floodplain area or flood-risk zone pursuant to a request from any owner or lessee of real property, the Administrator shall provide to that owner of lessee a Letter of Map Amendment, Letter of Map Amendment Based on Fill, Letter of Map Revision, or Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill, as appropriate, that includes a description of any revisions or modifications to such floodplain area or flood-risk zone. ``(4) Revision of flood maps.--Any updates of flood maps, notifications of flood map changes, and compendia of flood map changes required by this section shall reflect any changes made pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3) occurring since the most recent such update, notification, or compendia, respectively.''. SEC. 4. APPEALS REGARDING EXISTING FLOOD MAPS. (a) In General.--Section 1360 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(k) Appeals of Existing Maps.-- ``(1) Right to appeal.--A State or local government, or the owner or lessee of real property, who has made a formal request to the Administrator to update a flood map that the Administrator has denied may at any time appeal such a denial as provided in this subsection. ``(2) Basis for appeal.--The basis for appeal under this subsection shall be the possession of knowledge or information that-- ``(A) the base flood elevation level or designation of any aspect of a flood map is scientifically or technically inaccurate; or ``(B) factors exist that mitigate the risk of flooding, including ditches, banks, walls, vegetation, levees, lakes, dams, reservoirs, basin, retention ponds, and other natural or manmade topographical features. ``(3) Appeals process.-- ``(A) Administrative adjudication.--An appeal under this subsection shall be determined by a final adjudication on the record, and after opportunity for an administrative hearing. ``(B) Rights upon adverse decision.--If an appeal pursuant to subparagraph (A) does not result in a decision in favor of the State, local government, owner, or lessee, such party may appeal the adverse decision to-- ``(i) the Scientific Resolution Panel provided for in section 1363A, which shall recommend a non-binding decision to the Administrator; or ``(ii) the Federal district court of appropriate jurisdiction. An appeal by a State or local government, or the owner or lessee of real property, pursuant to clause (i) shall not preclude such party from further appealing pursuant to clause (ii). ``(C) Burden of proof.--In any appeal under this subsection, the Administrator shall bear the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, that the elevations proposed by the Administrator or the designation of any aspect of the special flood hazard area, as the case may be, is scientifically and technically correct. ``(4) Relief.-- ``(A) Wholly successful appeals.--In the case of a successful appeal resulting in a policyholder's property being removed from a special flood hazard area, such policyholder may cancel the policy at any time within the current policy year, and the Administrator shall provide such policyholder a refund in the amount of any premiums paid for such policy year, plus any premiums paid for flood insurance coverage that the policyholder was required to purchase or maintain during the 2-year period preceding such policy year. ``(B) Partially successful appeals.--In the case of any appeal in which mitigating factors were determined to have reduced, but not eliminated, the risk of flooding, the Administrator shall reduce the amount of flood insurance coverage required to be maintained for the property concerned by the ratio of the successful portion of the appeal as compared to the entire appeal. The Administrator shall refund to the policyholder any payments made in excess of the amount necessary for such new coverage amount, effective from the time when the mitigating factor was created or the beginning of the second policy year preceding the determination of the appeal, whichever occurred later. ``(C) Additional relief.--The Administrator may provide additional refunds in excess of the amounts specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) if the Administrator determines that such additional amounts are warranted. ``(5) Recovery of costs.-- When, incident to any appeal which is successful in whole or part regarding the designation of the base flood elevation or any aspect of the flood map, including elevation or designation of a special flood hazard area, the community, or the owner or lessee of real property, as the case may be, incurs expense in connection with the appeal, including legal services and services provided by surveyors, engineers, and scientific experts, the Administrator shall reimburse such individual or community for reasonable expenses to an extent measured by the ratio of the successful portion of the appeal as compared to the entire appeal. The Administrator may use such amounts from the National Flood Insurance Fund established under section 1310 as may be necessary to carry out this paragraph. ``(6) Guidance.--The Administrator shall issue guidance to implement this subsection, which shall not be subject to the notice and comment requirements under section 553 of title 5, United States Code.''. (b) Deadline.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall issue the guidance referred to section 1361(k)(6) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101(k)(6)), as added by the amendment made by subsection (a) of this section, not later than the expiration of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 5. CONSIDERATION OF FLOOD MITIGATION FACTORS IN ESTABLISHING FLOOD HAZARD AREAS. Section 1360 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101), as amended by the preceding provisions of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(l) Consideration of Flood Mitigation Factors.--In identifying, designating, and establishing any areas having special flood hazards, including in reviewing, revising, or updating of such areas, the Administrator and the Technical Mapping Advisory Council established under section 100215 of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (42 U.S.C. 4101a) shall take into consideration any factors that mitigate against flood risk, including ditches, banks, walls, vegetation, levees, lakes, dams, reservoirs, basin, and retention ponds, and the extent to which such factors mitigate against flood risk.''. SEC. 6. CONSIDERATION OF COASTAL AND INLAND LOCATIONS IN PREMIUM RATES. (a) Estimates of Premium Rates.--Clause (i) of section 1307(a)(1)(A) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1)(A)(i)) is amended by inserting ``, taking into consideration differences between properties located in coastal areas and properties located inland,'' after ``the risk involved''. (b) Establishment of Chargeable Premium Rates.--Paragraph (1) of section 1308(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(b)(1)) is amended by inserting ``due to differences between properties located in coastal areas and properties located inland and'' after ``differences in risks''. (c) Rate Tables.--Not later than the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall revise and expand the rate tables for premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program to implement the amendments made by this section and reflect differences between properties located in coastal areas and properties located inland. SEC. 7. STREAMLINING OF FLOOD MAP PROCESSES. The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall consult with the Technical Mapping Advisory Council established under section 100215 of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (42 U.S.C. 4101a) regarding methods of or actions to-- (1) make the flood map processes of the Council more efficient; (2) minimize any cost, data, and paperwork requirements of the Council; and (3) assist communities, and in particular smaller communities, in locating the resources required to successfully appeal flood elevations and flood hazard area designations. Not later than the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit a report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate setting forth any recommendations for methods or actions developed pursuant to the consultation required under this section. SEC. 8. SUFFICIENT STAFFING FOR OFFICE OF FLOOD INSURANCE ADVOCATE. (a) In General.--Section 24 of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (42 U.S.C. 4033) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(c) Staff.--The Administrator shall ensure that the Flood Insurance Advocate has sufficient staff to carry out all of the duties and responsibilities of the Advocate under this section, which shall include providing direction as necessary, including by direct conversations with insurance agents.''. (b) Timing.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall take such actions as may be necessary to provide for full compliance with section 24(c) of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014, as added by the amendment made by subsection (a) of this section, not later than the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 9. GAO STUDY ON ADEQUACY OF FLOOD MAPS. The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to determine the scientific and technical adequacy of the flood maps proposed and established pursuant to chapter III of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.) by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Not later than the expiration of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a report setting forth the results and conclusions of the study conducted pursuant to this section. SEC. 10. GAO STUDY OF EFFECTS OF CHANGING BASE FLOOD. The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study regarding the effects on the National Flood Insurance Program and otherwise of changing the standard for designation of areas as special flood hazard areas from having a 1 percent or greater chance of experiencing flooding in any given year to having a 10 percent or greater chance of experiencing flooding in any given year. Not later than the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Congress a report setting forth the findings and conclusions of the study conducted pursuant to this section.
Fairness in Flood Insurance Act of 2015 This bill amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to declare that, in any appeal to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or any judicial review of a final administrative determination, regarding the designation of flood elevation determinations or the identification of special flood hazard areas, FEMA shall have the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, that the elevations proposed or the designation of an identified special flood hazard area is scientifically and technically correct. FEMA shall: reimburse the reasonable legal and related expenses of any individual or community that succeeds on such an appeal; and revise and update any floodplain areas and flood-risk zones upon the request from any owner or lessee of real property located in a floodplain area or flood-risk zone (currently, only upon the request of FEMA or of a state or local government), if sufficient technical data justifying the request is submitted. A state or local government, or the owner or lessee of real property, who has formally requested FEMA to update a flood map that FEMA has denied may at any time appeal the denial according to a specified procedure. The basis for appeal shall be possession of knowledge or information that: the base flood elevation level or designation of any aspect of a flood map is scientifically or technically inaccurate; or specified factors exist, including natural or manmade topographical features, that mitigate the risk of flooding. These flood mitigation factors shall also be considered in the establishment and updating of areas with special flood hazards. When estimating risk premium rates for flood insurance, and prescribing chargeable premium rates, FEMA shall take into consideration the differences between properties located in coastal areas and properties located inland. FEMA shall consult with the Technical Mapping Advisory Council about methods of making or actions to make the Council's flood map processes more efficient and achieve other specified goals. The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 is amended to require FEMA to ensure that the Flood Insurance Advocate has sufficient staff to carry out all of the Advocate's duties and responsibilities, which shall include providing direction as necessary, including by direct conversations with insurance agents. The Government Accountability Office shall study: the scientific and technical adequacy of the flood maps FEMA proposes and establishes, and the effects on the National Flood Insurance Program and otherwise of changing the standard for designating special flood hazard areas from having a 1% or greater to having a 10% or greater chance of experiencing flooding in any given year.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Aviation Security Innovation & Reform Act of 2010'' or the ``AIR Act of 2010''. SEC. 2. CONTINUING SECURITY TRAINING. Section 44935 of title 49, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``Under Secretary of Transportation for Security'' each place it appears and inserting ``Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration)''; (2) by striking ``Under Secretary'' each place it appears and inserting ``Assistant Secretary''; (3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows: ``(g) Training.-- ``(1) Training plan.--The Assistant Secretary shall establish and implement a plan for the training of Transportation Security Officers that-- ``(A) to the maximum extent practicable, ensures that the training received by Transportation Security Officers is standardized; and ``(B) meets the requirements of this subsection. ``(2) General training requirements.--The plan required by paragraph (1) shall require, at a minimum, that an individual employed as a Transportation Security Officer-- ``(A) receives, before the individual performs any screening functions as a Transportation Security Officer, training in basic security screening skills and in criminal and antiterrorism awareness; ``(B) completes a program that the Assistant Secretary determines will train individuals to a level of proficiency to adequately perform on the job; ``(C) successfully completes an up-to-date technical training examination prescribed by the Assistant Secretary; and ``(D) in the case of a Transportation Security Officer who will be responsible for verifying travel documents, completes up-to-date technical training in document fraud identification, as considered appropriate by the Assistant Secretary. ``(3) Equipment-specific training.--An individual employed as a Transportation Security Officer may not use any security screening device or equipment in the scope of that individual's employment unless the individual has been trained on that device or equipment and has successfully completed a test on the use of the device or equipment. ``(4) Continuing education.--The plan required by paragraph (1) shall require an individual employed as a Transportation Security Officer to receive annual training, as considered appropriate by the Assistant Secretary. ``(5) Use of other agencies.--The Assistant Secretary may enter into a memorandum of understanding or other arrangement with any other Federal agency or department with appropriate law enforcement responsibilities, to provide personnel, resources, or other forms of assistance in the training of Transportation Security Officers.''; (4) by moving subsection (h) 2 ems to the left; and (5) by redesignating the second subsection (i) (relating to accessibility of computer-based training facilities) as subsection (k). SEC. 3. OFFICE OF BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS. Section 114 of title 49, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Department of Transportation'' and inserting ``Department of Homeland Security''; (2) by striking ``Under Secretary of Transportation for Security'' each place it appears and inserting ``Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration)''; (3) by striking ``Under Secretary'' each place it appears and inserting ``Assistant Secretary''; and (4) by inserting after subsection (s) the following: ``(t) Office of Behavior Analysis.-- ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Transportation Security Administration the Office of Behavior Analysis (in this subsection referred to as the `Office'). ``(2) Location.--The Office of Behavior Analysis shall be within the Office of Security Operations of the Transportation Security Administration in the Department of Homeland Security and shall be headed by a Transportation Security Administration career employee, who shall be appointed by the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration). ``(3) Duties.--The head of the Office shall be responsible for-- ``(A) advising the Transportation Security Administration and other Federal, State, and local government law enforcement agencies on behavior detection methodologies and best practices; and ``(B) providing behavior assessment training to law enforcement personnel to facilitate the prevention of terrorist attacks on aviation and mass transportation systems.''. SEC. 4. PARTNERSHIPS WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WITH RESPECT TO BEHAVIOR DETECTION ACTIVITIES. (a) In General.--The Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) (in this Act referred to as the ``Assistant Secretary'') shall develop and maintain partnerships with State and local law enforcement agencies-- (1) to improve the coordination of behavior detection activities; and (2) to deploy Transportation Security Officers of the Transportation Security Administration that specialize in techniques to identify high-risk individuals based on behavior patterns (in this Act referred to as ``behavior detection officers'') to serve as an additional layer of security and to deter acts of terrorism at train and bus stations and other infrastructure facilities. (b) Collaboration in Training and Behavior Detection Activities.-- In implementing partnerships under subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary shall-- (1) coordinate the provision of behavior detection training for State and local law enforcement officers with similar training provided for Transportation Security Officers of the Transportation Security Administration; and (2) provide behavior detection officers with the opportunity to cross-train with State and local law enforcement agencies and other Federal law enforcement agencies that are responsible for protecting critical infrastructure facilities and mass transit systems, as the Assistant Secretary considers appropriate. SEC. 5. ACCESS TO INFORMATION DATABASES. The Assistant Secretary shall-- (1) provide a select group of behavior detection officers at Passengers by Observation Techniques airports with an appropriate level of security clearance to access law enforcement and intelligence databases, to assist in verifying a passenger's identity, and to assist in law enforcement operations; (2) require the Transportation Security Administration's Transportation Security Operations Center to utilize all of the law enforcement and intelligence databases available to the Center when checking passengers that are at the law enforcement official referral level; and (3) standardize and streamline threat-reporting guidelines to allow behavior detection officers or other designated Transportation Security Administration officials to receive information from the Transportation Security Operations Center in a timely manner. SEC. 6. STANDARDIZATION OF POLICIES OF THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION. The Assistant Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, continue to ensure the standardization of the security and personnel procedures of the Transportation Security Administration at airports in the United States, including by-- (1) requiring standard operating procedures to be consistently enforced by the Transportation Security Administration at each airport in the United States; (2) standardizing career advancement policies based on merit; and (3) establishing timeframes and milestones for systematically conducting evaluations of the Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT) training program, in order to ensure behavior detection officers possess the knowledge and skills needed to perform their duties. SEC. 7. DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL SECURITY. The Assistant Secretary shall-- (1) deploy behavior detection officers to events designated as National Special Security Events by the Secretary of Homeland Security; and (2) deploy Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams at passenger rail facilities to enhance security and cross- training opportunities for behavior detection officers. SEC. 8. EMPLOYEE FEEDBACK. The Assistant Secretary shall establish an electronic medium through which security screening personnel and behavior detection officers of the Transportation Security Administration may anonymously submit feedback to the Assistant Secretary regarding-- (1) the effectiveness of transportation security programs; and (2) any management issue that such personnel or any such Transportation Security Officer wish to bring to the attention of the Assistant Secretary.
Aviation Security Innovation & Reform Act of 2010 or AIR Act of 2010 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Assistant Secretary) (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]) to prescribe employment standards for air carrier personnel and airport security personnel. (Under current law, the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security (Department of Transportation [DOT]) is required to prescribe such standards.) Revises security screening personnel training plan requirements to require the Assistant Secretary to establish a training plan for TSA Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) that: (1) ensures that TSO training is standardized; and (2) meets certain other requirements, including that each TSO receives training in basic security screening skills and criminal and antiterrorism awareness. Places the TSA, headed by the Assistant Secretary, under the administration of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (Effectively updates federal law to reflect the transfer of the TSA from DOT to DHS in March, 2003.) Establishes in the TSA the Office of Behavior Analysis, which shall provide behavior assessment training to TSA and other federal, state, and local government law enforcement personnel. Requires the Assistant Secretary to develop partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies to: (1) improve coordination of behavior detection activities; and (2) deploy TSOs specializing in techniques to identify high-risk individuals based on behavior patterns (behavior detection officers) to serve as an additional layer of security and to deter terrorism at train and bus stations and other infrastructure facilities. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) provide a select group of behavior detection officers at Passengers by Observation Techniques airports with an appropriate level of security clearance to access law enforcement and intelligence databases, assist in verifying a passenger's identity, and assist in law enforcement operations; (2) require the TSA Transportation Security Operations Center to use all of the law enforcement and intelligence databases available when checking passengers at the law enforcement official referral level; and (3) standardize and streamline threat-reporting guidelines to allow behavior detection officers or other designated TSA officials to receive Center information in a timely manner. Directs the Assistant Secretary to continue the standardization of TSA security and personnel procedures at U.S. airports. Requires the Assistant Secretary to deploy: (1) behavior detection officers to National Special Security Events designated by the DHS Secretary; and (2) Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams at passenger rail facilities to enhance security and cross-training opportunities for behavior detection officers. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish an electronic medium through which TSOs and behavior detection officers may anonymously submit feedback regarding TSA transportation security programs or management issues.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Yukon River Salmon Act of 1995''. SEC. 2. PURPOSES. It is the purpose of this Act-- (1) to implement the interim agreement for the conservation of salmon stocks originating from the Yukon River in Canada agreed to through an exchange of notes between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada on February 3, 1995; (2) to provide for representation by the United States on the Yukon River Panel established under such agreement; and (3) to authorize to be appropriated sums necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the United States under such agreement. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Act-- (1) the term ``Agreement'' means the interim agreement for the conservation of salmon stocks originating from the Yukon River in Canada agreed to through an exchange of notes between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada on February 3, 1995; (2) the term ``Panel'' means the Yukon River Panel established by the Agreement; and (3) the term ``Yukon River Joint Technical Committee'' means the technical committee established by paragraph C.2 of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Pacific Salmon Treaty between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada recorded January 28, 1985. SEC. 4. PANEL. (a) Representation.--The United States shall be represented on the Panel by six individuals, of whom-- (1) one (1) shall be an official of the United States Government with expertise in salmon conservation and management; (2) one (1) shall be an official of the State of Alaska with expertise in salmon conservation and management; and (3) four (4) shall be knowledgeable and experienced with regard to the salmon fisheries on the Yukon River. (b) Appointments.--Panel members shall be appointed as follows: (1) The Panel member described in subsection (a)(1) shall be appointed by the Secretary of State. (2) The Panel member described in subsection (a)(2) shall be appointed by the Governor of Alaska. (3) The Panel members described in subsection (a)(3) shall be appointed by the Governor of Alaska, who shall consider nominations provided by organizations with expertise in Yukon River salmon fisheries. The Governor of Alaska shall appoint at least one member under subsection (a)(3) who is qualified to represent the interests of Lower Yukon River fishing districts, and at least one member who is qualified to represent the interests of Upper Yukon River fishing districts. At least one of the Panel members under subsection (a)(3) shall be an Alaska Native. (c) Alternates.--The Secretary of State and Governor of Alaska may designate an alternate Panel member for each Panel member they appoint under subsection (b), who meets the same qualifications, to serve in the absence of the Panel member. (d) Term Length.--Panel members and alternate Panel members shall serve four-year terms. Any individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term shall be appointed for the remainder of that term. (e) Reappointment.--Panel members and alternate Panel members shall be eligible for reappointment. (f) Decisions.--Decisions by the United States section of the Panel shall be made by the consensus of the Panel members appointed under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a). (g) Consultation.--In carrying out their functions under the Agreement, Panel members may consult with such other interested parties as they consider appropriate. SEC. 5. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) Appointments.--The Governor of Alaska may appoint an Advisory Committee of not less than eight (8), but not more than twelve (12), individuals who are knowledgeable and experienced with regard to the salmon fisheries on the Yukon River. Members of the Advisory Committee may attend all meetings of the United States section of the Panel, and shall be given the opportunity to examine and be heard on any matter under consideration by the United States section of the Panel. (b) Compensation.--The members of such advisory committee shall receive no compensation for their services. (c) Term Length.--Advisory Committee members shall serve two-year terms. Any individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term shall be appointed for the remainder of that term. (d) Reappointment.--Advisory Committee members shall be eligible for reappointment. SEC. 6. EXEMPTION. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 1 et seq.) shall not apply to the Panel, the Yukon River Joint Technical Committee, or the Advisory Committee created under section 5 of this Act. SEC. 7. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY. (a) Responsible Management Entity.--The State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game shall be the responsible management entity for the United States for the purposes of the Agreement. (b) Effect of Designation.--The designation under subsection (a) shall not be considered to expand, diminish or change the management authority of the State of Alaska or the Federal Government with respect to fishery resources. (c) Recommendations of Panel.--In addition to recommendations made by the Panel to the responsible management entities in accordance with the Agreement, the Panel may make recommendations concerning the conservation and management of salmon originating in the Yukon River to the Department of Interior, Department of Commerce, Department of State, North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and other Federal or State entities as appropriate. Recommendations by the Panel shall be advisory in nature. SEC. 8. CONTINUATION OF AGREEMENT. In the event that the Treaty between Canada and the United States of America Concerning Pacific Salmon, signed at Ottawa, January 28, 1985, terminates prior to the termination of the Agreement, and the functions of the Panel are assumed by the ``Yukon River Salmon Commission'' referenced in the Agreement, the provisions of this Act which apply to the Panel shall thereafter apply to the Yukon River Salmon Commission, and the other provisions of this Act shall remain in effect. SEC. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS. (a) Panel members and alternate Panel members who are not State or Federal employees shall receive compensation at the daily rate of GS-16 of the General Schedule when engaged in the actual performance of duties. (b) Travel and other necessary expenses shall be paid for all Panel members, alternate Panel members, United States members of the Joint Technical Committee, and members of the Advisory Committee when engaged in the actual performance of duties. (c) Except for officials of the United States Government, individuals described in subsection (b) shall not be considered to be Federal employees while engaged in the actual performance of duties, except for the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, and chapter 71 of title 28, United States Code. SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated from time to time such sums as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes and provisions of the Agreement and this Act including-- (1) necessary travel expenses of Panel members, alternate Panel members, United States members of the Joint Technical Committee, and members of the Advisory Committee in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations and sections 5701, 5702, 5704 through 5708, and 5731 of title 5, United States Code; (2) the United States share of the joint expenses of the Panel and the Joint Technical Committee, provided that Panel members and alternate Panel members shall not, with respect to commitments concerning the United States share of the joint expenses, be subject to section 262(b) of title 22, United States Code, insofar as it limits the authority of United States representatives to international organizations with respect to such commitments; and (3) by the Secretary of Commerce, $400,000 in each of fiscal years 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999 to be contributed to the Yukon River Restoration and Enhancement Fund and used in accordance with the Agreement.
Yukon River Salmon Act of 1995 - Provides for the U.S. representation on the Yukon River Panel established by a specified interim agreement between the United States and Canada regarding the conservation of salmon stocks originating from the Yukon River in Canada. Authorizes the Governor of Alaska to appoint a related advisory committee. Designates the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game the responsible management entity for the United States for the agreement. Declares that, if a specified treaty between Canada and the United States concerning Pacific salmon terminates prior to termination of the agreement, the functions of the Panel are assumed by the Yukon River Salmon Commission. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the agreement and this Act.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Maritime Law Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT. (a) In General.--Subtitle VII of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``CHAPTER 707--MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT ``Sec. ``70701. Offense. ``70702. Attempt or conspiracy. ``70703. Affirmative defenses. ``70704. Penalties. ``70705. Criminal forfeiture. ``70706. Civil forfeiture. ``70707. Extension beyond territorial jurisdiction. ``70708. Claim of failure to comply with international law; jurisdiction of court. ``70709. Federal activities. ``70710. Definitions. ``Sec. 70701. Offense ``It shall be unlawful for any person on board a covered vessel to transport or facilitate the transportation, harboring, or concealment of an alien on board such vessel knowing or having reason to believe that the alien is attempting to unlawfully enter the United States. ``Sec. 70702. Attempt or conspiracy ``Any person on board a covered vessel who attempts or conspires to commit a violation of section 70701 shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the violation, the commission of which was the object of the attempt or conspiracy. ``Sec. 70703. Affirmative defenses ``It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this section, which the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that-- ``(1)(A) the alien was on board pursuant to a rescue at sea, or was a stowaway; or ``(B) the entry into the United States was a necessary response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the alien; ``(2) the defendant, as soon as reasonably practicable, informed the Coast Guard of the presence of the alien on the vessel and the circumstances of the rescue; and ``(3) the defendant complied with all orders given by law enforcement officials of the United States. ``Sec. 70704. Penalties ``Any person who commits a violation of this chapter shall be imprisoned for not less than 3 nor more than 20 years or fined not more than $100,000, or both; except that-- ``(1) in any case in which the violation causes serious bodily injury to any person, regardless of where the injury occurs, the person shall be imprisoned for not less than 7 nor more than 30 years or fined not more than $500,000, or both; and ``(2) in any case in which the violation causes or results in the death of any person regardless of where the death occurs, the person shall be imprisoned for not less than 10 years nor more than life or fined not more than $1,000,000, or both. ``Sec. 70705. Criminal forfeiture ``The court, at the time of sentencing a person convicted of an offense under this chapter, shall order forfeited to the United States any vessel used in the offense in the same manner and to the same extent as if it were a vessel used in an offense under section 274 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324). ``Sec. 70706. Civil forfeiture ``A vessel that has been used in the commission of a violation of this chapter shall be seized and subject to forfeiture in the same manner and to the same extent as if it were used in the commission of a violation of section 274(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324(a)). ``Sec. 70707. Extension beyond territorial jurisdiction ``Sections 70701 and 70702 apply even though the act is committed outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. ``Sec. 70708. Claim of failure to comply with international law; jurisdiction of court ``A claim of failure to comply with international law in the enforcement of this chapter may be invoked as a basis for a defense solely by a foreign nation. A failure to comply with international law shall not divest a court of jurisdiction or otherwise constitute a defense to any proceeding under this chapter. ``Sec. 70709. Federal activities ``Nothing in this chapter applies to otherwise lawful activities carried out by or at the direction of the United States Government. ``Sec. 70710. Definitions ``In this chapter, the following definitions apply: ``(1) Alien.--The term `alien' has the meaning given that term in section 70105(f). ``(2) Covered vessel.--The term `covered vessel' means a vessel of the United States, or a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, that is less than 300 gross tons (or an alternate tonnage prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title) as measured under section 14502 of this title. ``(3) Serious bodily injury.--The term `serious bodily injury' has the meaning given that term in section 1365 of title 18, United States Code. ``(4) United states.--The term `United States' has the meaning given that term is section 114. ``(5) Vessel of the united states.--The term `vessel of the United States' has the meaning given that term in section 70502. ``(6) Vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the united states.--The term `vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States' has the meaning given that term in section 70502.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such subtitle is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 705 the following: ``707. Maritime Law Enforcement............................. 70701.''.
Maritime Law Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007 - Makes it unlawful for a person to transport, harbor, or conceal an alien on board a vessel if such person knows or has reason to believe that such alien is attempting to unlawfully enter the United States on the vessel. Sets forth both criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act, including the seizure and forfeiture of the vessel.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. FINDING. The Congress finds that it is appropriate to exercise congressional enforcement authority under section 5 of the 14th amendment to the Constitution of the United States and Congress' plenary power under article I, section 8, clause 3 of the Constitution of the United States (commonly known as the ``commerce clause'') in order to ensure that States and political subdivisions thereof do not discriminate against providers and consumers of digital goods and digital services by imposing multiple, excessive and discriminatory taxes and other burdens on such providers and consumers. SEC. 3. MULTIPLE AND DISCRIMINATORY TAXES PROHIBITED. No State or local jurisdiction shall impose multiple or discriminatory taxes on or with respect to the sale or use of digital goods or digital services. SEC. 4. RETAIL, SOURCING, AND OTHER LIMITATIONS AND RULES. (a) Retail Limitation.--Taxes on or with respect to the sale of digital goods or digital services may only be imposed on or with respect to a sale to a customer. (b) Taxpayer Limitation.--Taxes on or with respect to the sale of digital goods or digital services may only be imposed on and collected only from a customer or a seller. (c) Sourcing Limitation.-- (1) In general.--Taxes on or with respect to the sale of digital goods or digital services may be imposed only by the State and local jurisdictions whose territorial limits encompass the customer's tax address. (2) Multiple locations.--If the sale of digital goods or digital services is made to multiple locations of a customer, whether simultaneously or over a period of time, the seller may determine the customer's tax address or addresses using the address or addresses of use as provided by the customer. (3) Seller held harmless.--A seller that relies in good faith on information provided by a customer to determine the customer's tax address or addresses shall not be held liable for any additional tax based on a different determination of the customer's tax address or addresses. (d) Limitation on Expansive Interpretation.--No tax on or with respect to the sale or use of tangible personal property, telecommunications service, Internet access service, or audio or video programming service may be construed by any regulation, administrative ruling, or otherwise, to be imposed on or with respect to the sale or use of a digital good or a digital service. For purposes of this Act, a transaction involving a digital good shall be characterized solely as a transaction involving the provision of a digital service unless the transaction results in the transfer or delivery of a complete copy, with the right to use permanently or for a specified period, of the digital good that is the subject of the transaction. No tax on or with respect to the sale or use of a digital good may be construed by any regulation, administrative ruling, or otherwise, to be imposed on or with respect to the sale or use of a digital service. The limitations provided by this subsection shall not apply to any construction of a statute that was approved by a judicial interpretation of that statute on or before the date of the enactment of this Act. (e) Treatment of Bundled Goods and Services.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), if charges for digital goods or digital services are aggregated with, and not separately stated from, charges for other goods or services, then the charges for digital goods or digital services may be taxed for purposes of this Act at the same rate and on the same basis as charges for the other goods or services unless the seller can reasonably identify the charges for the digital goods or digital services from its books and records kept in the regular course of business. (2) Charges for delivery and transport.--If the charge for a digital good or digital service is aggregated with, and not separately stated from, a charge for electronically delivering or transporting the digital good, or providing the digital service, to the customer, then the seller may either apply paragraph (1) or treat the service of electronic delivery or transport as a non-severable and incidental component of the digital good or digital service. (f) Treatment of Digital Code.--The tax treatment of the sale of a digital code shall be the same as the tax treatment of the sale of the digital good or digital service to which the digital code relates. The sale of the digital code shall be considered the sale transaction for purposes of this Act. SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Customer.-- (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the term ``customer'' means a person that purchases a digital good or digital service, for a purpose other than resale. (B) End user.--For the purpose of determining a place of primary use under paragraph (2)(A), the term ``customer'' means the ``end user'' (as such term is used in section 124 of title 4, United States Code) of the purchased digital good or digital service. (2) Customer's tax address.--The term ``customer's tax address'' means-- (A) with respect to digital goods or digital services that are sold to a customer by a provider of mobile telecommunications service that is subject to being sourced under section 117 of title 4, United States Code, or for which the charges are billed to the customer by such provider, and delivered or transferred electronically by means of such provider's mobile telecommunications service, the customer's place of primary use, as defined in section 124 of such title; (B) if subparagraph (A) does not apply, and if the digital good or digital service is received by the customer at a business location of the seller, such business location; (C) if neither subparagraph (A) nor subparagraph (B) applies, and if the location where the digital good or digital service is received by the customer is known to the seller, such location; (D) if none of subparagraphs (A) through (C) applies, the customer's address that is either known to the seller or, if not known, obtained by the seller during the consummation of the transaction, including the address of the customer's payment instrument if no other address is available; (E) if an address is neither known nor obtained as provided in subparagraph (D), the address of the seller from which the digital good or digital service was sold; and (F) notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) through (E), for digital goods that are delivered or transferred, or digital services that are provided, to a person other than the customer, including advertising services, the location of delivery, transfer, or provision if known or, otherwise, the customer's address determined under subparagraph (D) or (E). (3) Delivered or transferred electronically; provided electronically.--The term ``delivered or transferred electronically'' means delivered or transferred by means other than tangible storage media, and the term ``provided electronically'' means provided remotely via electronic means. (4) Digital code.--The term ``digital code'' means a code that conveys only the right to obtain a single type of digital good or digital service. (5) Digital good.--The term ``digital good'' means any good or product that is delivered or transferred electronically, including software, information maintained in digital format, digital audio-visual works, digital audio works, and digital books. (6) Digital service.-- (A) In general.--The term ``digital service'' means any service that is provided electronically, including the provision of remote access to or use of a digital good. (B) Exception.-- (i) In general.--The term ``digital service'' does not include telecommunications service, Internet access service, or audio or video programming service. (ii) Audio or video programming.--The term ``audio or video programming'' means programming provided by, or generally considered comparable to programming provided by, a radio or television broadcast station. (iii) Video programming.--The term ``video programming'' shall not include interactive on- demand services (as defined section 602(12) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 522(12)), pay-per-view services, or services generally considered comparable to such services regardless of the technology used to provide such services. (7) Discriminatory tax.-- (A) In general.--The term ``discriminatory tax'' means any tax imposed by a State or local jurisdiction-- (i) on or with respect to the sale or use of any digital good or digital service at a higher rate than is generally imposed on or with respect to the sale or use of tangible personal property or of similar services that are not provided electronically; (ii) on or with respect to any seller of digital goods or digital services at a higher rate or by incorporating a broader tax base than is generally imposed on or with respect to sellers in transactions involving tangible personal property or involving similar services that are not provided electronically, except that this clause shall apply only to the extent that the higher rate or broader tax base is attributable to the fact that such person sells digital goods or digital services; (iii) that is required to be collected with respect to the sale or use of digital goods or digital services by different sellers or under other terms that are disadvantageous to those applied in taxing the sale or use of tangible personal property or of similar services that are not provided electronically; or (iv) on or with respect to any separately stated amount that is charged by the seller of a specific digital good or digital service, and is directly related to electronically delivering or transferring that good or service, at a higher rate than is generally imposed on or with respect to delivery charges, or shipping and handling charges, on tangible personal property. (B) Application.--For purposes of this paragraph, all taxes, tax rates, exemptions, deductions, credits, incentives, exclusions, and other similar factors shall be taken into account in determining whether a tax is a discriminatory tax. (8) Generally imposed.--A tax shall not be considered ``generally imposed'' if it is imposed only on specific services, specific industries or business segments, or specific types of property. (9) Multiple tax.--The term ``multiple tax'' means any tax that is imposed on or with respect to the sale or use of a digital good or a digital service by a State or local jurisdiction, for which such State or local jurisdiction gives no credit with respect to a tax that was previously paid on or with respect to the sale or use of such digital good or digital service to another State or local jurisdiction, unless the territorial limits of the jurisdiction imposing the earlier tax and the jurisdiction imposing the later tax both encompass the same tax address of the customer. (10) Purchase for resale.--A digital good or digital service is purchased for the purpose of resale if such good or service is purchased for the purpose of reselling it, or for using it as a component part of or integration into another digital good or digital service that is to be sold to another person, and includes the purchase of a digital good or digital service for further commercial broadcast, rebroadcast, streaming, restreaming, transmission, retransmission, licensing, relicensing, reproduction, copying, distribution, redistribution, or exhibition of the digital good or digital service, in whole or in part, to another person. (11) Sale and purchase.--The terms ``sale'' and ``purchase'', and all variations thereof, shall include lease, rent, and license, and corresponding variations thereof. (12) Seller.--The term ``seller'' means a person making sales of tangible personal property, digital goods, digital services, or other services, and does not include a person that provides, on behalf of another person, order taking, order fulfillment, billing, or electronic delivery or transfer service with respect to the sale of a digital good or a digital service. (13) State or local jurisdiction.--The term ``State or local jurisdiction'' means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, any territory or possession of the United States, a political subdivision of any State, territory, or possession, or any governmental entity or person acting on behalf of such State, territory, possession, or subdivision and with the authority to assess, impose, levy, or collect taxes. (14) Tax.--The term ``tax'' means any charge imposed by any State or local jurisdiction for the purpose of generating revenues for governmental purposes, including any tax, charge, or fee levied as a fixed charge or measured by gross amounts charged, regardless of whether such tax, charge, or fee is imposed on the seller or the customer and regardless of the terminology used to describe the tax, charge, or fee. Such term does not include a tax on or measured by net income or an ad valorem tax. SEC. 6. FEDERAL JURISDICTION. Notwithstanding section 1341 of title 28, United States Code, and without regard to the amount in controversy or citizenship of the parties, a district court of the United States has jurisdiction, concurrent with other jurisdiction of courts of the United States and the States, to prevent a violation of this Act. SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. (a) General Rule.--This Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Application to Liabilities and Pending Cases.--Nothing in this Act shall affect liability for taxes accrued and enforced before the date of the enactment of this Act, or affect ongoing litigation relating to such taxes, except as provided in section 4(d) of this Act. SEC. 8. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that each State shall take reasonable steps necessary to prevent multiple taxation of digital goods and digital services in situations where a foreign country has imposed a tax on such goods or services. SEC. 9. SAVINGS PROVISION. If any provision or part of this Act is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction for any reason, such holding shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision or part of this Act.
Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act of 2011 - Prohibits a state or local jurisdiction from imposing multiple or discriminatory taxes on or with respect to the sale or use of digital goods or services delivered or transferred electronically to a customer. Excludes from the definition of "digital service" telecommunications service, Internet access service, or audio or video programming service. Restricts taxation of digital goods and services to the retail sale of such goods and services and by the jurisdiction encompassing a customer's tax address. Prohibits the use of existing regulations or administrative rulings relating to the taxation of tangible personal property or other services to impose any tax on the sale or use of digital goods or services. Grants jurisdiction to federal district courts to prevent a violation of this Act, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties. Expresses the sense of Congress that each state shall take reasonable steps to prevent multiple taxation of digital goods and services where a foreign country has imposed a tax on such goods and services.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Free Flow of Information Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. COMPELLED DISCLOSURE FROM COVERED PERSONS. (a) Conditions for Compelled Disclosure.--In any proceeding or in connection with any issue arising under Federal law, a Federal entity may not compel a covered person to provide testimony or produce any document related to information possessed by such covered person as part of engaging in journalism, unless a court determines by a preponderance of the evidence, after providing notice and an opportunity to be heard to such covered person-- (1) that the party seeking to compel production of such testimony or document has exhausted all reasonable alternative sources (other than a covered person) of the testimony or document; (2) that-- (A) in a criminal investigation or prosecution, based on information obtained from a person other than the covered person-- (i) there are reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has occurred; and (ii) the testimony or document sought is essential to the investigation or prosecution or to the defense against the prosecution; or (B) in a matter other than a criminal investigation or prosecution, based on information obtained from a person other than the covered person, the testimony or document sought is essential to the successful completion of the matter; (3) in the case that the testimony or document sought could reveal the identity of a source of information or include any information that could reasonably be expected to lead to the discovery of the identity of such a source, that-- (A) disclosure of the identity of such a source is necessary to prevent imminent and actual harm to national security with the objective to prevent such harm; (B) disclosure of the identity of such a source is necessary to prevent imminent death or significant bodily harm with the objective to prevent such death or harm, respectively; or (C) disclosure of the identity of such a source is necessary to identify a person who has disclosed-- (i) a trade secret of significant value in violation of a State or Federal law; (ii) individually identifiable health information, as such term is defined in section 1171(6) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d(6)), in violation of Federal law; or (iii) nonpublic personal information, as such term is defined in section 509(4) of the Gramm-Leach-Biley Act (15 U.S.C. 6809(4)), of any consumer in violation of Federal law; and (4) that nondisclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest, taking into account both the public interest in compelling disclosure and the public interest in gathering news and maintaining the free flow of information. (b) Limitations on Content of Information.--The content of any testimony or document that is compelled under subsection (a) shall, to the extent possible-- (1) be limited to the purpose of verifying published information or describing any surrounding circumstances relevant to the accuracy of such published information; and (2) be narrowly tailored in subject matter and period of time covered so as to avoid compelling production of peripheral, nonessential, or speculative information. SEC. 3. COMPELLED DISCLOSURE FROM COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS. (a) Conditions for Compelled Disclosure.--With respect to testimony or any document consisting of any record, information, or other communication that relates to a business transaction between a communications service provider and a covered person, section 2 shall apply to such testimony or document if sought from the communications service provider in the same manner that such section applies to any testimony or document sought from a covered person. (b) Notice and Opportunity Provided to Covered Persons.--A court may compel the testimony or disclosure of a document under this section only after the party seeking such a document provides the covered person who is a party to the business transaction described in subsection (a)-- (1) notice of the subpoena or other compulsory request for such testimony or disclosure from the communications service provider not later than the time at which such subpoena or request is issued to the communications service provider; and (2) an opportunity to be heard before the court before the time at which the testimony or disclosure is compelled. (c) Exception to Notice Requirement.--Notice under subsection (b)(1) may be delayed only if the court involved determines by clear and convincing evidence that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Communications service provider.--The term ``communications service provider''-- (A) means any person that transmits information of the customer's choosing by electronic means; and (B) includes a telecommunications carrier, an information service provider, an interactive computer service provider, and an information content provider (as such terms are defined in sections 3 and 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153, 230)). (2) Covered person.--The term ``covered person'' means a person engaged in journalism and includes a supervisor, employer, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of such covered person. (3) Document.--The term ``document'' means writings, recordings, and photographs, as those terms are defined by Federal Rule of Evidence 1001 (28 U.S.C. App.). (4) Federal entity.--The term ``Federal entity'' means an entity or employee of the judicial or executive branch or an administrative agency of the Federal Government with the power to issue a subpoena or issue other compulsory process. (5) Journalism.--The term ``journalism'' means the gathering, preparing, collecting, photographing, recording, writing, editing, reporting, or publishing of news or information that concerns local, national, or international events or other matters of public interest for dissemination to the public.
Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 - Prohibits a federal entity (an entity or employee of the judicial or executive branch or an administrative agency) from compelling a covered person (a person engaged in journalism, including their supervisor, employer, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate) to testify or produce any document unless a court makes specified determinations by a preponderance of the evidence. Requires the content of compelled testimony or documents to be limited and narrowly tailored. Applies this Act to communications service providers with regard to testimony or any record, information, or other communication that relates to a business transaction between such providers and covered persons. Sets forth notice requirements. Permits a court to delay notice to a covered person upon determining that such notice would pose a substantial threat to the integrity of a criminal investigation.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Restore Honor to Service Members Act''. SEC. 2. REVIEW OF DISCHARGE CHARACTERIZATION. (a) In General.--In accordance with this section, the appropriate discharge boards-- (1) shall review the discharge characterization of covered members at the request of the covered member; and (2) if such characterization is any characterization except honorable, may change such characterization to honorable. (b) Criteria.--In changing the discharge characterization of a covered member to honorable under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that such changes are carried out consistently and uniformly across the military departments using the following criteria: (1) The original discharge must be based on Don't Ask Don't Tell (in this Act referred to as ``DADT'') or a similar policy in place prior to the enactment of DADT. (2) Such discharge characterization shall be so changed if, with respect to the original discharge, there were no aggravating circumstances, such as misconduct, that would have independently led to a discharge characterization that was any characterization except honorable. For purposes of this paragraph, such aggravating circumstances may not include-- (A) an offense under section 925 of title 10, United States Code (article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), committed by a covered member against a person of the same sex with the consent of such person; or (B) statements, consensual sexual conduct, or consensual acts relating to sexual orientation or identity, or the disclosure of such statements, conduct, or acts, that were prohibited at the time of discharge but after the date of such discharge became permitted. (3) When requesting a review, a covered member, or the member's representative, shall be required to provide either-- (A) documents consisting of-- (i) a copy of the DD-214 form of the member; (ii) a personal affidavit of the circumstances surrounding the discharge; and (iii) any relevant records pertaining to the discharge; or (B) an affidavit certifying that the member, or the member's representative, does not have the documents specified in subparagraph (A). (4) If a covered member provides an affidavit described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3)-- (A) the appropriate discharge board shall make every effort to locate the documents specified in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph within the records of the Department of Defense; and (B) the absence of such documents may not be considered a reason to deny a change of the discharge characterization under subsection (a)(2). (c) Request for Review.--The appropriate discharge board shall ensure the mechanism by which covered members, or their representative, may request to have the discharge characterization of the covered member reviewed under this section is simple and straightforward. (d) Review.-- (1) In general.--After a request has been made under subsection (c), the appropriate discharge board shall review all relevant laws, records of oral testimony previously taken, service records, or any other relevant information regarding the discharge characterization of the covered member. (2) Additional materials.--If additional materials are necessary for the review, the appropriate discharge board-- (A) may request additional information from the covered member or the member's representative, in writing, and specifically detailing what is being requested; and (B) shall be responsible for obtaining a copy of the necessary files of the covered member from the member, or when applicable, from the Department of Defense. (e) Change of Characterization.--The appropriate discharge board shall change the discharge characterization of a covered member to honorable if such change is determined to be appropriate after a review is conducted under subsection (d) pursuant to the criteria under subsection (b). A covered member, or the member's representative, may appeal a decision by the appropriate discharge board to not change the discharge characterization by using the regular appeals process of the board. (f) Change of Records.--For each covered member whose discharge characterization is changed under subsection (e), or for each covered member who was honorably discharged but whose DD-214 form reflects the sexual orientation of the member, the Secretary of Defense shall reissue to the member or the member's representative a revised DD-214 form that reflects the following: (1) For each covered member discharged, the Separation Code, Reentry Code, Narrative Code, and Separation Authority shall not reflect the sexual orientation of the member and shall be placed under secretarial authority. Any other similar indication of the sexual orientation or reason for discharge shall be removed or changed accordingly to be consistent with this paragraph. (2) For each covered member whose discharge occurred prior to the creation of general secretarial authority, the sections of the DD-214 form referred to paragraph (1) shall be changed to similarly reflect a universal authority with codes, authorities, and language applicable at the time of discharge. (g) Status.-- (1) In general.--Each covered member whose discharge characterization is changed under subsection (e) shall be treated without regard to the original discharge characterization of the member, including for purposes of-- (A) benefits provided by the Federal Government to an individual by reason of service in the Armed Forces; and (B) all recognitions and honors that the Secretary of Defense provides to members of the Armed Forces. (2) Reinstatement.--In carrying out paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall reinstate all recognitions and honors of a covered member whose discharge characterization is changed under subsection (e) that the Secretary withheld because of the original discharge characterization of the member. (h) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``appropriate discharge board'' means the boards for correction of military records under section 1552 of title 10, United States Code, or the discharge review boards under section 1553 of such title, as the case may be. (2) The term ``covered member'' means any former member of the Armed Forces who was discharged from the Armed Forces because of the sexual orientation of the member. (3) The term ``discharge characterization'' means the characterization under which a member of the Armed Forces is discharged or released, including ``dishonorable'', ``general'', ``other than honorable'', and ``honorable''. (4) The term ``Don't Ask Don't Tell'' means section 654 of title 10, United States Code, as in effect before such section was repealed pursuant to the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-321). (5) The term ``representative'' means the surviving spouse, next of kin, or legal representative of a covered member. SEC. 3. REPORTS. (a) Review.--The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a review of the consistency and uniformity of the reviews conducted under section 2. (b) Reports.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter for a four-year period, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the reviews under subsection (a). Such reports shall include any comments or recommendations for continued actions. SEC. 4. HISTORICAL REVIEW. The Secretary of each military department shall ensure that oral historians of the department-- (1) review the facts and circumstances surrounding the estimated 100,000 members of the Armed Forces discharged from the Armed Forces between World War II and September 2011 because of the sexual orientation of the member; and (2) receive oral testimony of individuals who personally experienced discrimination and discharge because of the actual or perceived sexual orientation of the individual so that such testimony may serve as an official record of these discriminatory policies and their impact on American lives.
Restore Honor to Service Members Act - Requires appropriate military record correction boards or discharge review boards to review the discharge characterization of any former members of the Armed Forces requesting a review who were discharged because of their sexual orientation. Permits such boards to change a characterization to honorable if such characterization is any characterization except honorable. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to ensure that any such changes are carried out consistently and uniformly across the military departments using specified criteria, including that: (1) the original discharge was based on the policy of Don't Ask Don't Tell (as in effect before it was repealed pursuant to the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010) or a similar earlier policy; and (2) the discharge characterization will be changed if, with respect to the original discharge, there were no aggravating circumstances, such as misconduct, that would have independently led to any discharge characterization except honorable. Prohibits "aggravating circumstances" from including: (1) an offense of sodomy committed by the member against a consenting person of the same sex; or (2) statements, consensual sexual conduct, or consensual acts relating to sexual orientation or identity, or the disclosure of such statements, conduct, or acts, that were prohibited at the time of discharge but that became permitted after such discharge. Directs the Secretary of each military department to ensure that oral historians of the department: (1) review discharges between World War II and September 2011 based on sexual orientation, and (2) receive oral testimony of individuals who personally experienced discrimination and discharge because of actual or perceived sexual orientation so that such testimony may serve as an official record of such discriminatory policies and their impact on American lives. Requires the reissuance of specified military personnel records and discharge forms in a manner that shall not reflect the sexual orientation of the member.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act of 2018''. (b) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) Cancer care in the United States is often described as the best in the world because patients have access to many treatment options, including cutting-edge therapies that save lives and improve the quality of life. (2) Access to the best treatment options is not equal across all populations and in all communities. The 1999 Institute of Medicine report entitled ``The Unequal Burden of Cancer'' found that low-income people often lack access to adequate cancer care and that ethnic minorities have not benefitted fully from cancer treatment advances. (3) In addition, despite access to high-quality treatment options for many, individuals with cancer often do not have access to a cancer care system that incorporates shared decision-making and the coordination of all elements of care. (4) Cancer survivors often experience the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of the symptoms of cancer and side effects of cancer treatment, a problem that begins at the time of diagnosis and may become more severe with disease progression and at the end of life. The failure to treat the symptoms, side effects, and late effects of cancer and cancer treatment may have a serious adverse impact on the health, survival, well- being, and quality of life of cancer survivors. (5) Individuals with cancer often do not participate in a shared decision-making process that considers all treatment options and do not benefit from coordination of all elements of active treatment and palliative care. (6) Quality cancer care should incorporate access to psychosocial services and management of the symptoms of cancer and the symptoms of cancer treatment, including pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and depression. (7) Quality cancer care should include a means for engaging cancer survivors in a shared decision-making process that produces a comprehensive care summary and a plan for follow-up care after primary treatment to ensure that cancer survivors have access to follow-up monitoring and treatment of possible late effects of cancer and cancer treatment, including appropriate psychosocial services. (8) The Institute of Medicine report entitled ``Ensuring Quality Cancer Care'' described the elements of quality care for an individual with cancer to include-- (A) the development of initial treatment recommendations by an experienced health care provider; (B) the development of a plan for the course of treatment of the individual and communication of the plan to the individual; (C) access to the resources necessary to implement the course of treatment; (D) access to high-quality clinical trials; (E) a mechanism to coordinate services for the treatment of the individual; and (F) psychosocial support services and compassionate care for the individual. (9) In its report ``From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition'', the Institute of Medicine recommended that individuals with cancer completing primary treatment be provided a comprehensive summary of their care along with a follow-up survivorship plan of treatment. (10) In ``Cancer Care for the Whole Patient'', the Institute of Medicine stated that the development of a plan that includes biomedical and psychosocial care should be a standard for quality cancer care in any quality measurement system. (11) The Commission on Cancer has encouraged survivorship care planning by making the development of such plans for patients one of the standards of accreditation for cancer care providers, but cancer care professionals report difficulties completing the plans. (12) Because more than half of all cancer diagnoses occur among elderly Medicare beneficiaries, addressing cancer care inadequacies through Medicare reforms will provide benefits to millions of Americans. Providing Medicare beneficiaries more routine access to cancer care plans and survivorship care plans is a key to shared decisionmaking and better coordination of care. (13) Important payment and delivery reforms that incorporate cancer care planning and coordination are already being tested in the Medicare program; the Oncology Care Model has been implemented in a number of oncology practices, and additional models that will include care planning have been proposed. (14) The alternative payment models, including the Oncology Care Model, provide access to cancer care planning for Medicare beneficiaries who receive their cancer care in practices that are part of the Oncology Care Model. Other Medicare beneficiaries who are not enrolled in these delivery demonstrations may not have access to a cancer care plan or appropriate care coordination. (15) The failure to provide a cancer care plan to patients in many care settings relates in part to inadequate Medicare payment for such planning and coordination services. (16) Changes in Medicare payment for cancer care planning and coordination will support shared decisionmaking that reviews all treatment options and will contribute to improved care for individuals with cancer from the time of diagnosis through the end of the life. Medicare payment for cancer care planning may begin a reform process that helps us realize the well-planned and well-coordinated cancer care that has been recommended by the Institute of Medicine/National Academy of Medicine and that is preferred by cancer patients across the Nation. SEC. 2. COVERAGE OF CANCER CARE PLANNING AND COORDINATION SERVICES. (a) In General.--Section 1861 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x) is amended-- (1) in subsection (s)(2)-- (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (FF); (B) by adding ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (GG); and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(HH) cancer care planning and coordination services (as defined in subsection (jjj))''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``Cancer Care Planning and Coordination Services ``(jjj)(1) The term `cancer care planning and coordination services' means-- ``(A) with respect to an individual who is diagnosed with cancer, the development of a treatment plan by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that-- ``(i) includes an assessment of the individual's diagnosis, health status, treatment needs, functional status, pain control, and psychosocial needs; ``(ii) engages the individual in a shared decision- making process that reviews all treatment options; ``(iii) details, to the greatest extent practicable all aspects of the care to be provided to the individual with respect to the treatment of such cancer, including any curative treatment, comprehensive symptom management, and palliative care; ``(iv) is furnished in person, in written form, to the individual within a period specified by the Secretary that is as soon as practicable after the date on which the individual is so diagnosed; ``(v) is furnished, to the greatest extent practicable, in a form that appropriately takes into account cultural and linguistic needs of the individual in order to make the plan accessible to the individual; and ``(vi) is in accordance with standards determined by the Secretary to be appropriate; ``(B) with respect to an individual for whom a treatment plan has been developed under subparagraph (A), the revision of such treatment plan as necessary to account for any substantial change in the condition of the individual, recurrence of disease, changes in the individual's treatment preferences, or significant revision of the elements of curative care or symptom management for the individual, if such revision-- ``(i) is in accordance with clauses (i), (ii), (iv) and (v) of such subparagraph; and ``(ii) is furnished in written form to the individual within a period specified by the Secretary that is as soon as practicable after the date of such revision; ``(C) with respect to an individual who has completed the primary treatment for cancer, as defined by the Secretary, the development of a follow-up survivorship care plan that-- ``(i) includes an assessment of the individual's diagnosis, health status, treatment needs, functional status, pain control, and psychosocial needs; ``(ii) engages the individual in a shared decision- making process that reviews all survivorship care options; ``(iii) describes the elements of the primary treatment, including symptom management and palliative care, furnished to such individual; ``(iv) provides recommendations for the subsequent care of the individual with respect to the cancer involved; ``(v) is furnished, in person, in written form, to the individual within a period specified by the Secretary that is as soon as practicable after the completion of such primary treatment; ``(vi) is furnished, to the greatest extent practicable, in a form that appropriately takes into account cultural and linguistic needs of the individual in order to make the plan accessible to the individual; and ``(vii) is in accordance with standards determined by the Secretary to be appropriate; and ``(D) with respect to an individual for whom a follow-up cancer care plan has been developed under subparagraph (C), the revision of such plan as necessary to account for any substantial change in the condition of the individual, diagnosis of a second cancer, change in the individual's preference for survivorship care, or significant revision of the plan for follow-up care, if such revision-- ``(i) is in accordance with clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (v), and (vi) of such subparagraph; and ``(ii) is furnished in written form to the individual within a period specified by the Secretary that is as soon as practicable after the date of such revision. ``(2) The Secretary shall establish standards to carry out paragraph (1) in consultation with appropriate organizations representing suppliers and providers of services related to cancer treatment and organizations representing survivors of cancer. Such standards shall include standards for determining the need and frequency for revisions of the treatment plans and follow-up survivorship care plans based on changes in the condition of the individual or elements and intent of treatment and standards for the communication of the plan to the individual. ``(3) In this subsection, the term `shared decision-making process' means, with respect to an individual, a process in which the individual and the individual's health care providers consider the individual's diagnosis, treatment options, the medical evidence related to treatment options, the risks and benefits of all treatment options, and the individual's preferences regarding treatment, and then jointly develop and implement a treatment plan.''. (b) Payment Under Physician Fee Schedule.-- (1) In general.--Section 1848(j)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(j)(3)) is amended by inserting ``(HH),'' after ``health risk assessment),''. (2) Initial rates.--Unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services otherwise provides, the payment rate specified under the physician fee schedule under the amendment made by paragraph (1) for cancer care planning and coordination services shall be the same payment rate as provided for transitional care management services (as defined in CPT code 99496). (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to services furnished on or after the first day of the first calendar year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act of 2018 This bill provides for Medicare coverage and payment of cancer care planning and coordination services.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Support for Military Reserve Families Act of 2004''. SEC. 2. LOAN PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE SELECTED RESERVE. (a) In General.--Part II of subtitle E of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 1215 the following new chapter: ``CHAPTER 1216--READY RESERVE MOBILIZATION LOAN PROGRAM ``12591. Definitions. ``12592. Establishment of loan program. ``12593. Members eligible for loans. ``12594. Loan amounts. ``12595. Interest. ``12596. Payment. ``Sec. 12591. Definitions ``In this chapter: ``(1) The term `eligible member' means a member of the Ready Reserve who has one or more dependents enrolled in the Department of Defense program Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). ``(2) The term `covered service' means active duty performed by a member of a reserve component under an involuntary call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation. ``Sec. 12592. Establishment of loan program ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish for members of the Ready Reserve (including the Coast Guard Reserve) a loan program to be known as the `Ready Reserve Mobilization Loan Program'. ``(b) Administration.--The loan program shall be administered by the Secretary under such regulations as the Secretary considers appropriate for carrying out the program. ``(c) Agreement With Secretary of Homeland Security.--The Secretary and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall enter into an agreement with respect to the administration of the program for the Coast Guard Reserve. ``Sec. 12593. Members eligible for loans ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall make a loan under the program under this chapter to an eligible member, upon receipt of an application for such loan from such member, for any period during which the member performs covered service if, as determined by the Secretary-- ``(1) the income of the member during such service is less than the member's income before being called or ordered to such service; and ``(2) the member incurs a financial hardship by reason of such service. ``(b) Determination of Income.--The Secretary shall make a determination under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) by comparing-- ``(1) the member's regular military compensation (as defined in section 101 of title 37), stated as an annualized amount; with ``(2) the amount of income of the member over the 52 weeks preceding the beginning of such service derived from sources that will not be available to the member while performing such service. ``(c) Use of Loan Amounts.--The Secretary shall take such steps as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure that a loan under the program is not used for investment purposes (other than deposit in a demand account). ``Sec. 12594. Loan amounts ``(a) Amount of Loan.--The amount of a loan to an eligible member under this chapter may be in any amount specified by the eligible member up to $500 for each full month of covered service performed by the member. ``(b) Disbursement of Loan Amount.--The Secretary of Defense shall disburse a loan under the program under this chapter in such manner as may be directed by the member taking out the loan. The Secretary shall provide means to assist the member in facilitating the making of the amount of such loan available for the use or benefit of dependents of the member. A member may designate in writing another person to receive the amount of a loan under the program, and the member may direct that such an amount for a person so designated be deposited with a bank or other financial institution to the credit of the designated person. ``Sec. 12595. Interest ``(a) Interest Free Period.--Except as provided in subsection (b)(2), a loan under this chapter for any month of covered service shall bear no interest for the period beginning on the date of the loan and ending at the end of-- ``(1) five years from the end of the period of covered service including that month, if that period of covered service is a period of less than 12 consecutive months; and ``(2) ten years from the end of the period of covered service including that month, if that period of covered service is a period of 12 consecutive months or more. ``(b) 5 Percent Interest.--A loan under this chapter shall bear interest at the rate of 5 percent per year commencing to accrue-- ``(1) as of the date that is the end of the interest-free period specified in subsection (a); or ``(2) if the service of the member in the Selected Reserve ends before the date referred to in paragraph (1), as of the date such service in the Selected Reserve ends. ``Sec. 12596. Payment ``(a) Period of Payment.--(1) Repayment of a loan under this chapter shall commence when the member to whom the loan is made is released from the period of active duty that includes the covered service for which the loan is made. Unless the member enters into an alternative repayment agreement with the Secretary, the loan shall be repaid over the period beginning on the date of the loan and ending at the end of-- ``(1) five years, if the period of covered service is a period of less than 12 consecutive months; and ``(2) ten years, if that period of covered service is a period of 12 consecutive months or more. ``(b) Method of Payment.--Unless the member enters into an alternative repayment agreement with the Secretary, payment on a loan under this chapter shall be by deduction from the amount of basic pay or inactive-duty pay earned by the member while in an active status but not on active duty (other than for training).''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The tables of chapters at the beginning of subtitle E, and at the beginning of part II of subtitle E, of title 10, United States Code, are amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 1215 the following new item: ``1216. Ready Reserve Mobilization Loan Program............. 12591''.
Support for Military Reserve Families Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish, for members of the Ready Reserve (including the Coast Guard Reserve), a loan program to be known as the Ready Reserve Mobilization Loan Program. Directs the Secretary, upon application, to make a Program loan to a Ready Reserve member who has one or more dependents enrolled in the Department of Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System for any period during which the member performs active duty under an involuntary call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation if: (1) the income of the member during such service is less than the member's income before being called or ordered to such service; and (2) the member incurs a financial hardship by reason of such service. Prohibits such loans from being used for investment purposes. Allows loan amounts of up to $500 for each full month of covered service. Makes such loans interest-free for: (1) five years after the end of such service, if the service is for less than 12 consecutive months; or (2) ten years after the end of such service, if the service is for 12 consecutive months or more. Mandates a five percent interest rate thereafter. Requires such loans to be repaid within the same period as the interest-free period, above.
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SECTION 1. EXCEPTIONS FOR SHORT-SUPPLY SITUATIONS. (a) In General.--Chapter 1 of subtitle C of title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1675) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 752. EXCEPTIONS FOR SHORT-SUPPLY SITUATIONS. ``(a) In General.-- ``(1) Petition.--If a short-supply petition is filed under this section and the administering authority determines that a short-supply situation exists with respect to a particular product which is within the same class or kind as merchandise that is the subject of an order or finding described in paragraph (2), the administering authority shall suspend the order or finding and shall authorize the importation of additional quantities of the product free of duties, estimated duty deposits, reporting requirements, or other restrictions, unless the administering authority determines that such imports will erode the pricing structure of the domestic merchandise that is comparable to the class or kind of merchandise subject to an order or finding. ``(2) Order or finding.--An order or finding described in this paragraph is-- ``(A) an antidumping order issued under section 736, ``(B) a finding issued under the Antidumping Act, 1921, or ``(C) a countervailing duty order issued under section 706 or 303. ``(b) Factors.--In determining whether a short-supply situation exists in the United States with respect to a product, the administering authority shall consider all relevant factors, including-- ``(1) if there is domestic production of the product with respect to which the short-supply petition has been filed; ``(2) to the extent information is available, the recent levels of capacity utilization of domestic facilities producing the product; ``(3) the quantity of the product requested in the short- supply petition and the ability of domestic producers to supply the product in such quantity; ``(4) the reasonableness of the specifications requested by the purchaser or end-user of the product; and ``(5) the time the product can be delivered to the purchaser or end-user. ``(c) Procedures.-- ``(1) Petitions.--An interested party may file with the administering authority a petition requesting a determination under this section at any time an order or finding described in subsection (a)(2) is in effect. The petition shall be in such form and contain such information as the administering authority requires. ``(2) Publication.--If the administering authority finds that a petition filed under paragraph (1) contains adequate information, the administering authority shall promptly publish in the Federal Register a notice that a determination under this section is under consideration. ``(3) Comment.--The administering authority shall provide opportunity for comment by interested parties regarding issues raised in the petition. ``(4) Certification.--The petitioner and any interested party submitting information shall certify that the information contained in the petition (or submission, as the case may be) is accurate and complete to the best of the petitioner's or party's knowledge. ``(5) Consultations.--In making a determination under this section, the administering authority shall consult with domestic users of the product. ``(d) Determination.-- ``(1) In general.--In any case in which the administering authority finds that a short-supply petition contains adequate information, the administering authority shall determine, not later than the day specified in paragraph (2)-- ``(A) if a short-supply situation exists in the United States with respect to the product; and ``(B) if the determination under subparagraph (A) is affirmative, the quantity of the product, if any, that may be imported into the United States without regard to the antidumping or countervailing duty order that would otherwise apply. In making the determination under this subparagraph, the administering authority may consider whether allowing particular quantities of the product to be imported without regard to the antidumping or countervailing duty order will erode the pricing structure of the domestic merchandise that is comparable to the class or kind of merchandise subject to an order or finding. ``(2) Time limit for making short-supply determination.-- The administering authority shall make a determination described in paragraph (1) not later than-- ``(A) the 15th day after the date the petition is filed if-- ``(i) the administering authority authorized the importation of additional quantities of the product during each of the 2 years preceding the date the petition is filed, or ``(ii) the administering authority finds, on the basis of available information (without regard to whether such information is available as part of the petition under review), that the product is not produced in the United States; or ``(B) the 30th day after the date the petition is filed if clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) does not apply, except that if a petition under this section is received more than 30 days before the issuance of an antidumping or countervailing duty order with respect to the product, the administering authority may make a short-supply determination at the time and as part of such order. ``(3) Rebuttable presumption.--If a petition is filed under this section, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the short-supply situation alleged in the petition exists. ``(4) Short-supply allowance upon failure of a domestic producer to supply.--If the administering authority determines that a short-supply situation does not exist because a producer in the United States states that it is willing and able to supply the product in the quantity requested at the specifications, price, and delivery date requested, and the producer fails to supply the product as promised, the administering authority shall, within 3 days of being notified of the failure, grant a short-supply allowance for the quantity the domestic producer failed to supply. ``(e) Notice.--The administering authority shall publish in the Federal Register notice of each determination made under this section and the reasons therefore. ``(f) Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this section: ``(1) Interested party.--The term `interested party' means-- ``(A) a United States producer or consumer of the product; ``(B) a United States importer or distributor of the product; and ``(C) a foreign exporter or producer who will supply the product to a United States producer, consumer, importer, or distributor. ``(2) Product.--The term `product' means the product for which a short-supply allowance is requested, or material which possesses the same physical characteristics and performance standards and which can be used for the same application without imposing any significant alteration costs for the consumer. ``(3) Reasonable specifications.--The term `reasonable specifications' means specifications that are developed in the ordinary course of business. The administering authority shall apply a rebuttable presumption that specifications are reasonable whenever such specifications have been in use either-- ``(A) prior to the filing of an antidumping or countervailing duty petition; or ``(B) more than two years. ``(4) Erode the pricing structure.--The term `erode the pricing structure' means United States prices for the domestic merchandise comparable to the class or kind of merchandise subject to an order or finding will be suppressed by reason of the importation of specified quantities of the product pursuant to a short supply allowance. The Secretary shall apply a rebuttable presumption that the imported product will not erode the pricing structure of the comparable domestic merchandise whenever-- ``(A) no United States producers have produced a product meeting the reasonable specifications within the last six months, nor have any United States producers either qualified to supply products meeting such specifications (if such qualification is normally required) or signed contracts that would require the delivery of such products within the next six months; or ``(B) domestic consumption of the product exceeds domestic production by more than fifty percent, and the quantity of product covered by a short supply determination is less than half of the difference between domestic consumption and domestic production. In considering whether a short-supply determination would erode the pricing structure, the administering authority shall consider, among other factors-- (A) the quantity of short supply relief approved within the applicable class or kind of merchandise; and (B) the interchangeability between products subject to short-supply determinations and other products within the applicable class or kind of merchandise. ``(5) Short-supply allowance.--The term `short-supply allowance' means an authorization by the administering authority to permit importation into the United States, including a foreign trade zone, of a quantity of product free of duties imposed pursuant to an antidumping or countervailing duty order issued under this title.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 751 the following new item: ``Sec. 752. Exceptions for short-supply situations.''.
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the administering authority, whenever it has determined upon the filing of a short-supply petition that a short-supply situation exists with respect to a particular product within the same class or kind as merchandise that is the subject of an antidumping duty order or finding, or a countervailing duty order, to authorize the importation of additional quantities of such merchandise free of duties, estimated duty deposits, reporting requirements, and other restrictions, unless it determines that such imports will erode the pricing structure of domestic merchandise comparable to the class or kind of merchandise that is subject to such order or finding. Requires the administering authority, whenever it finds that a short-supply petition contains adequate information, to determine: (1) if a short-supply situation exists in the United States with respect to a product; and (2) if an affirmative determination is made, the quantity of the product, if any, that may be imported into the United States without regard to the applicable antidumping or countervailing duty order. Requires the administering authority, if it determines that a short-supply situation does not exist because a U.S. producer states that it will supply the product in the quantity requested, and such producer fails to supply such product as promised, to grant a short-supply allowance for the quantity such producer failed to supply.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Jobs and Opportunity Bonus Tax Credit Act of 2014'' or the ``JOB Tax Credit Act''. SEC. 2. JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY BONUS CREDIT. (a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 45S. JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY BONUS CREDIT. ``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of an eligible employer, the jobs and opportunity bonus credit determined under this section with respect to any eligible employee of the employer is an amount equal to the lesser of-- ``(1) 50 percent of the job training program expenditures of the taxpayer with respect to such employee during the taxable year, or ``(2) $5,000. ``(b) Eligible Employer.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible employer' means an employer which employed an average of not more than 500 full-time employees during the taxable year. ``(c) Job Training Program Expenses.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `job training program expenses' means amounts paid or incurred by the employer for expenses incurred by or on behalf of an eligible employee for participation in a qualified training program. ``(2) Qualified training program.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `qualified training program' means any of the following written plans of study and training: ``(A) An apprenticeship program registered and certified with the Secretary of Labor under section 1 of the National Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50). ``(B) A program licensed, registered, or certified by the workforce investment board or apprenticeship agency or council of a State or administered in compliance with apprenticeship laws of a State. ``(C) A program conducted by a vocational or technical education school, community college, industrial or trade training organization, or labor organization. ``(D) A program which conforms to apprentice training programs developed or administered by an employer trade group or committee. ``(E) An industry sponsored or administered program which is clearly identified and commonly recognized. ``(d) Eligible Employee.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible employee' means any employee of the employer, who while participating in the job skills training program is employed on average at least 40 hours of service per week. ``(e) Recapture of Credit for Employee Not Performing Minimum Service.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of any employee with respect to whom a credit is allowed under this section and whose employment is terminated by the employer (other than by reason of such employee's gross misconduct) before the end of the 2- year period beginning on the first day of the employee's study or training with respect to which a credit is allowed under this section, the tax of the taxpayer under this chapter for the taxable year during which such termination occurs shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(A) the aggregate decrease in the credits allowed under section 38 for all prior taxable years which would have resulted if the job training program expenses with respect to such employee had been zero, multiplied by ``(B) the inclusion ratio. ``(2) Inclusion ratio.--For purposes of this subsection, the inclusion ratio is the ratio which-- ``(A) an amount equal to the difference of-- ``(i) the number of days in the 2-year period, over ``(ii) the number of days such employee was employed by the employer during such 2-year period, bears to ``(B) the number of days in the 2-year period. ``(f) Controlled Groups.--For purposes of this section, all persons treated as a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as a single employer. ``(g) Termination.--The section shall not apply amounts paid or incurred during taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.''. (b) Credit To Be Part of General Business Credit.--Subsection (b) of section 38 of such Code is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (36) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(37) the jobs and opportunity bonus credit determined under section 45S(a).''. (c) 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. 45S. Jobs and opportunity bonus credit.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014.
Jobs and Opportunity Bonus Tax Credit Act of 2014 or the JOB Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers who employ not more than 500 full-time employees during the taxable year a business-related tax credit equal to the lesser of: (1) 50% of the job training program expenditures for a full-time employee participating in a qualified training program, or (2) $5,000. Terminates such credit after 2017.
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SECTION 1. IMPLEMENTATION OF PROTECTION AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS IN OUT OF HOME CARE. (a) In General.--The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11421 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: ``Subtitle C--Implementation of Protection and Services for Children and Youths in Out of Home Care ``SEC. 731. STATEMENTS OF POLICY. ``Congress declares the following: ``(1) Children and youths in out of home care face daunting barriers to educational success very similar to those faced by children experiencing homelessness. Extension of the protections and services of this subtitle to children and youths in out of home care, therefore, is crucial, to their educational success while ensuring that existing State and local educational agency programs serving homeless children and youths are protected and are provided with adequate support. ``(2) Efforts to improve educational outcomes for children and youths in out of home care must be a joint effort of child welfare agencies responsible for the welfare of such children and youths and the State and local educational agencies pursuant to section 732 to provide educational services to such children and youths. ``SEC. 732. IMPLEMENTATION OF PROTECTION AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS IN OUT OF HOME CARE. ``(a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this subtitle or the date on which the amount appropriated under section 726 equals or exceeds $90,000,000, whichever comes first, each State through the State educational agency and each local educational agency in the State, in collaboration with the State and local child welfare agencies in the State, shall provide children and youths in out of home care with the following: ``(1) The opportunity to remain in the school of origin, in accordance with subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 722(g)(3), subject to subsection (b) of this section. ``(2) Immediate enrollment in the school chosen pursuant to section 722(g)(3)(C). ``(3) Maintenance and timely transfer of records pursuant to section 722(g)(3)(D). ``(4) Access to the dispute resolution process pursuant to section 722(g)(3)(E). ``(5) The assurance that they will not be segregated in a separate or stigmatized school or separate program within a school based on the status of their being children and youths in out of home care, pursuant to subsections (e)(3) and (g)(1)(J)(i) of section 722. ``(6) Equal access to comparable services as set forth in section 722(g)(4), subject to subsection (b) of this section. ``(7) Equal access to State-funded and local educational agency-funded preschool programs, appropriate secondary education and support services, before- and after-school programs for which they are eligible, including extracurricular activities, pursuant to section 722(g)(1)(F). ``(8) Opportunities to meet the same challenging State student academic achievement standards that all students are expected to meet pursuant to section 722(g)(1)(A). ``(9) Coordination of services with local child welfare and social service agencies and with local educational agencies on inter-district issues pursuant to section 722(g)(5). ``(b) Transportation.--A State under this subtitle shall not be required to ensure that transportation is provided to the school of origin for a child or youth in out of home care unless such transportation is otherwise required by law, the responsible child welfare agency or other entity agrees to reimburse the cost of providing such transportation, or transportation is required under section 733. ``(c) Implementation of Plan.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subtitle, each State educational agency, in cooperation with the State child welfare agency in the State, shall submit to the Secretary a plan for the implementation of the educational rights of children and youths in out of home care. Such plan shall include the following: ``(1) A description of how the State and the local child welfare agencies within the State will coordinate and collaborate with the State educational agency, the Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths established under section 722(d)(3), and the local educational agencies in the State, including liaisons designated under section 722(g)(1)(J)(ii), to ensure the protections and services provided under this subtitle will be promptly and effectively delivered to children and youths in out of home care, taking into account the need to continue serving other children and youths eligible for protections and services under this subtitle. ``(2) A description of the policies and procedures which are or will be implemented regarding confidentiality, information-sharing, and educational decision-making for such children and youths. ``(3) A description of the policies and procedures which are or will be implemented regarding notice, dispute resolution procedures, maintenance of school records, and health records. ``(4) A description of specific procedures for school enrollment and withdrawal of children and youths in out of home care, including a description of who within the child welfare agency will work with the local educational agency to ensure immediate enrollment of children and youths in out of home care and to assist with the smooth transition from school to school. ``(5) A description of the numbers and needs of children and youths in out of home care who will be eligible for the protections and services under subsection (a), including, to the extent available, data on the numbers of school-age and preschool-age children and youths in out of home care in the State by local educational agencies, and data on the extent of school mobility of children and youths in out of home care in the State. ``(6) A description of existing barriers to enrollment, attendance, retention, and educational success in school for children and youths in out of home care. ``(7) A description of efforts in the State to recruit foster families and provide placement options that maintain children and youths in their schools of origin. ``(8) Consistent with subsection (d) and section 722(f)(3), data and information regarding children and youths in out of home care who are eligible for and are receiving protections and services under subsection (a). ``(9) A description of the policies and procedures to be coordinated with the public child welfare agency that will assist unaccompanied youths who are in the custody of such public child welfare agency to maintain school enrollment and attendance through stable housing. ``(10) Pursuant to subsection (b), a description of how required transportation services will be provided and coordinated. ``(d) Additional Secretarial Responsibilities.-- ``(1) Information.-- ``(A) In general.--From funds appropriated under section 726, the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall, directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, periodically collect and disseminate data and information regarding-- ``(i) the number and location of children and youths in out of home care; ``(ii) the education and related services such children and youths receive; ``(iii) the extent to which the educational needs of children and youths in out of home care are being met; and ``(iv) such other data and information as the Secretary determines necessary and relevant to carry out this subtitle. ``(B) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate such collection and dissemination with other agencies and entities that receive assistance and administer programs under this subtitle. The Secretary shall also coordinate the collection of such data with the data collection required under section 724(h). ``(2) Report.--Not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this subtitle, the Secretary shall submit to the President and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on the status of education of children and youths in out of home care, including information on the actions of the Secretary and the effectiveness of the programs supported under this subtitle. ``(e) Rules of Construction.-- ``(1) No shifting responsibilities.--Nothing in this subtitle is intended to shift responsibilities to State or local educational agencies for duties and activities related to meeting the educational needs of children and youths in out of home care that the State child welfare agency has specifically assumed in its State plan submitted pursuant to parts B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq. and 670 et seq.). ``(2) No preclusion of early implementation.--Nothing in this section shall preclude a State from extending the protections under this section to children and youths in out of home care before the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this subtitle or the date on which the amount appropriated under section 726 equals or exceeds $90,000,000, whichever comes first, except that if a State implements such protections before either of such dates, the State shall first submit the implementation plan required under subsection (c). ``(f) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Funds appropriated under this subtitle shall be used to supplement, not supplant, Federal and non- Federal funds available through State and local child welfare agencies for expenses related to the education of children and youths who are in out of home care. ``SEC. 733. SPECIAL RULE REGARDING TRANSPORTATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS IN OUT OF HOME CARE. ``State and local educational agencies shall be required to ensure that transportation is provided to enable children and youths in out of home care to remain in their schools of origin as specified under this subtitle-- ``(1) when the amount appropriated under section 726 equals or exceeds $140,000,000; ``(2) such transportation is otherwise required by law; or ``(3) the responsible child welfare agency or other entity agrees to reimburse the cost of providing such transportation. ``SEC. 734. CHILDREN AND YOUTHS AWAITING FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT. ``Nothing in sections 732 and 733 shall be construed to relieve States or local educational agencies of responsibility under this subtitle to serve children and youths awaiting foster care placement. ``SEC. 735. ACTION BY COURT. ``If the right of the birth or adoptive parent or legal guardian of a child or youth to make educational decisions for such child or youth has been terminated or suspended by an order of the court, or if the birth or adoptive parent or legal guardian cannot be identified or located after reasonable efforts, is not available with reasonable promptness to assist in enrollment or placement decisions, or is not acting in the best educational interests of such child or youth with respect to enrollment or placement decisions, a court may appoint an individual to serve as the educational decisionmaker of such child or youth who shall have the same rights as a parent or guardian under this subtitle. In making such appointment, if such child or youth is eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the court shall consider whether the individual who is serving as the parent or surrogate parent under sections 615(b)(2) and 639(a)(5) of such Act of such child or youth should serve as the educational decisionmaker for the purpose of this subtitle. ``SEC. 736. DEFINITIONS. ``In this subtitle: ``(1) Children and youths in out of home care.--The term `children and youths in out of home care' means children and youths who are in the custody of a public child welfare agency, including foster family homes, kinship care families, group homes, and other congregate care facilities. ``(2) Parent or guardian.--The term `parent or guardian' means, with respect to children or youths in out of home care-- ``(A) the birth or adoptive parent or legal guardian of such a child or youth, unless such parent's or guardian's right to make educational decisions for such child or youth has been terminated or suspended by a court; or ``(B) the educational decisionmaker appointed by a court to make educational decisions for such child or youth.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of the McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Subtitle C--Implementation of Protection and Services for Children and Youths in Out of Home Care ``Sec. 731. Statements of policy. ``Sec. 732. Implementation of protection and services for children and youths in out of home care. ``Sec. 733. Special rule regarding transportation for children and youths in out of home care. ``Sec. 734. Children and youths awaiting foster care placement. ``Sec. 735. Action by court. ``Sec. 736. Definitions.''.
Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to require each state through its state educational agency (SEA) and its local educational agency (LEA), in collaboration with its state and local child welfare agencies, to provide children and youths in out of home care with certain educational protection and services, including: (1) guarantee that they will not be segregated in a separate or stigmatized school or separate program within a school based on their status of being in out of home care; and (2) equal access to the state-funded and LEA-funded preschool programs, appropriate secondary education and support services, and before- and after-school programs for which they are eligible, including extracurricula activities. Requires SEA- or LEA-provided transportation to the school of origin for such a child or youth only in certain circumstances, and only if the SEA or LEA is reimbursed by the responsible child welfare agency or other entity.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Minnesota Education Investment and Employment Act''. SEC. 2. LAND EXCHANGE, BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS AND SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, MINNESOTA. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) The State of Minnesota owns multiple parcels of land in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest that were granted to the State through sections 16 and 36 of the Enabling Act of 1857 to be held in trust for the benefit of the public school system in the State (in this section referred to as ``State trust lands''). (2) The State trust lands were acquired by the State long before the establishment of either the National Forest System or the wilderness area and are scattered in a largely checkerboard fashion amid the Superior National Forest and the wilderness area. (3) The presence of State trust lands in the wilderness area makes land and resource management in the wilderness area more difficult, costly, and controversial for the United States and the State. (4) Although the State trust lands were granted to the State to generate financial support for the public school system through the sale or development of natural resources, development of those resources in the wilderness area may be incompatible with managing the wilderness area for recreational, natural, and conservation purposes. (5) The United States owns land and interests in land in other parts of the State that can be transferred to the State in exchange for the State trust lands without jeopardizing Federal management objectives or needs. (6) It is in the public interest to exchange, on terms that are fair to the United States and the State, National Forest System land in the State that has limited recreational and conservation resources for State trust lands located in the wilderness area with important recreational, scenic, and conservation resources for permanent public management and use. (7) The Legislature of the State of Minnesota, meeting in its 87th Legislative Session, passed (and on April 27, 2012, the Governor of Minnesota approved) S.F No. 1750 (Chapter 236), section 4 of which adds section 92.80 to the Minnesota Statutes to expedite the exchange of a portion of the State trust lands located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. (b) Land Exchange Required.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall consummate a land exchange with the State of Minnesota pursuant to section 4 of S.F No. 1750 (Chapter 236) of the Legislature of the State of Minnesota (section 92.80 of the Minnesota Statutes) to acquire all right, title, and interest of the State in and to certain State trust lands identified as provided in such section in exchange for all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to National Forest System land in the State for inclusion in the State trust lands. (c) Valuation of Lands for Exchange.--Subdivision 4 of section 4 of S.F No. 1750 (Chapter 236) of the Legislature of the State of Minnesota (section 92.80 of the Minnesota Statutes) shall control for purposes of the examination and value determination of the lands to be exchanged. (d) Survey and Administrative Costs.--The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be exchanged under subsection (b) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary. The State of Minnesota shall be responsible for the costs of the survey and all other administrative costs related to the land exchange. (e) Boundaries and Management of Acquired Land.-- (1) Land acquired by secretary.-- (A) In general.--The land acquired by the Secretary under subsection (b) shall be added to and administered as part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness established pursuant to section 3 of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1132(a)), and the Secretary shall modify the boundaries of the wilderness area to reflect inclusion of the acquired lands. Subject to subparagraph (B), the land acquired by the Secretary shall be managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and other laws and regulations applicable to the National Wilderness Preservation System. (B) No effect on existing fishing and hunting rights.--The acquisition of land by the United States under subsection (b) and inclusion of the land in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness shall not alter or otherwise affect-- (i) any fishing and hunting rights in existence with respect to the land immediately before the conveyance of the land to the United States; or (ii) the use of such rights after conveyance. (2) Land acquired by state.--The land acquired by the State of Minnesota under subsection (b) shall be deemed to be State trust lands and shall be held in trust for the benefit of the public school system in the State. It is the sense of Congress that, whenever the land acquired by the State of Minnesota under subsection (b) is not being used for revenue-generating activities, the State should make the land available for other compatible uses, including hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and trail riding. (3) Boundaries of superior national forest.--The Secretary shall modify the boundaries of the Superior National Forest to reflect the land exchange conducted under this section. (f) Relation to Other Laws.-- (1) Land and water conservation fund act.--For purposes of section 7 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-9), the boundaries of the Superior National Forest, as modified by subsection (e)(3), shall be considered to be boundaries of the Superior National Forest as of January 1, 1965. (2) Not a major federal action.--The land exchange conducted under this section shall not be considered to be a major Federal action. (3) Thye-blatnik act.--The Secretary shall not take into consideration the lands acquired by the United States under this Act in determining the appraised value of National Forest System lands in the State of Minnesota used for purposes of making payments to the State of Minnesota under the Act of June 22, 1948, and the Act of June 22, 1956 (commonly known as the Thye-Blatnik Act and Humphrey-Thye-Blatnik-Andresen Act; 16 U.S.C. 577c through 577h). (g) No Impact on Other Land Exchanges.--The land exchange described in subsection (b) does not affect any land exchange involving National Forest System land in the State of Minnesota underway as of the date of the enactment of this Act. (h) Report.--If the Secretary fails to complete the land exchange described in subsection (b) before the end of the 18-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, not later than 30 days after the end of such period, a report-- (1) specifying the reasons why the exchange has not been completed; and (2) stating the date by which the Secretary anticipates the conveyance will be completed. Passed the House of Representatives September 12, 2012. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.
Minnesota Education Investment and Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to complete a land exchange involving National Forest System land in Minnesota and Minnesota state lands. Requires the exchange to be consummated pursuant to specified Minnesota law. Makes Minnesota responsible for the costs of the survey and all other administrative costs related to the land exchange. Adds the lands acquired by the Secretary to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and modifies the boundaries of such Wilderness to reflect their inclusion. Prohibits the acquisition, and inclusion, of land by the United States in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from altering or affecting current fishing and hunting rights. Deems the lands acquired by Minnesota to be state trust lands and to be held in trust for the benefit of its public school system. Expresses the sense of Congress that, whenever the land acquired by Minnesota is not being used for revenue-gathering activities, it should make such land available for other compatible uses, including hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and trail riding. Instructs the Secretary to modify the boundaries of Superior National Forest to reflect the land exchange under this Act. States that the land exchange under this Act shall not be considered to be a major federal action. Prohibits the Secretary from taking into consideration the lands acquired by the United States in determining the appraisal value of System lands in Minnesota used for the purposes of making payments to Minnesota under the Thye-Blatnik Act and Humphrey-Thye-Blatnik-Andreson Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress, if the Secretary fails to complete the land exchange within the 18-month period following enactment of this Act.
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To authorize and expedite a land exchange involving National Forest System land in the Laurentian District of the Superior National Forest and certain other National Forest System land in the State of Minnesota that has limited recreational and conservation resources and lands owned by the State of Minnesota in trust for the public school system that are largely scattered in checkerboard fashion within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and have important recreational, scenic, and conservation resources, and for other purposes."}
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Farm, Fishing, and Ranch Risk Management Act''. (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. FARM, FISHING, AND RANCH RISK MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS. (a) In General.--Subpart C of part II of subchapter E of chapter 1 (relating to taxable year for which deductions taken) is amended by inserting after section 468B the following new section: ``SEC. 468C. FARM, FISHING, AND RANCH RISK MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS. ``(a) Deduction Allowed.--In the case of an individual engaged in an eligible farming business or commercial fishing, there shall be allowed as a deduction for any taxable year the amount paid in cash by the taxpayer during the taxable year to a Farm, Fishing, and Ranch Risk Management Account (hereinafter referred to as the `FFARRM Account'). ``(b) Limitation.-- ``(1) Contributions.--The amount which a taxpayer may pay into the FFARRM Account for any taxable year shall not exceed 20 percent of so much of the taxable income of the taxpayer (determined without regard to this section) which is attributable (determined in the manner applicable under section 1301) to any eligible farming business or commercial fishing. ``(2) Distributions.--Distributions from a FFARRM Account may not be used to purchase, lease, or finance any new fishing vessel, add capacity to any fishery, or otherwise contribute to the overcapitalization of any fishery. The Secretary of Commerce shall implement regulations to enforce this paragraph. ``(c) Eligible Businesses.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Eligible farming business.--The term `eligible farming business' means any farming business (as defined in section 263A(e)(4)) which is not a passive activity (within the meaning of section 469(c)) of the taxpayer. ``(2) Commercial fishing.--The term `commercial fishing' has the meaning given such term by section (3) of the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802) but only if such fishing is not a passive activity (within the meaning of section 469(c)) of the taxpayer. ``(d) FFARRM Account.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `FFARRM Account' means a trust created or organized in the United States for the exclusive benefit of the taxpayer, but only if the written governing instrument creating the trust meets the following requirements: ``(A) No contribution will be accepted for any taxable year in excess of the amount allowed as a deduction under subsection (a) for such year. ``(B) The trustee is a bank (as defined in section 408(n)) or another person who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the manner in which such person will administer the trust will be consistent with the requirements of this section. ``(C) The assets of the trust consist entirely of cash or of obligations which have adequate stated interest (as defined in section 1274(c)(2)) and which pay such interest not less often than annually. ``(D) All income of the trust is distributed currently to the grantor. ``(E) The assets of the trust will not be commingled with other property except in a common trust fund or common investment fund. ``(2) Account taxed as grantor trust.--The grantor of a FFARRM Account shall be treated for purposes of this title as the owner of such Account and shall be subject to tax thereon in accordance with subpart E of part I of subchapter J of this chapter (relating to grantors and others treated as substantial owners). ``(e) Inclusion of Amounts Distributed.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), there shall be includible in the gross income of the taxpayer for any taxable year-- ``(A) any amount distributed from a FFARRM Account of the taxpayer during such taxable year, and ``(B) any deemed distribution under-- ``(i) subsection (f)(1) (relating to deposits not distributed within 5 years), ``(ii) subsection (f)(2) (relating to cessation in eligible farming business), and ``(iii) subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (f)(3) (relating to prohibited transactions and pledging account as security). ``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply to-- ``(A) any distribution to the extent attributable to income of the Account, and ``(B) the distribution of any contribution paid during a taxable year to a FFARRM Account to the extent that such contribution exceeds the limitation applicable under subsection (b) if requirements similar to the requirements of section 408(d)(4) are met. For purposes of subparagraph (A), distributions shall be treated as first attributable to income and then to other amounts. ``(f) Special Rules.-- ``(1) Tax on deposits in account which are not distributed within 5 years.-- ``(A) In general.--If, at the close of any taxable year, there is a nonqualified balance in any FFARRM Account-- ``(i) there shall be deemed distributed from such Account during such taxable year an amount equal to such balance, and ``(ii) the taxpayer's tax imposed by this chapter for such taxable year shall be increased by 10 percent of such deemed distribution. The preceding sentence shall not apply if an amount equal to such nonqualified balance is distributed from such Account to the taxpayer before the due date (including extensions) for filing the return of tax imposed by this chapter for such year (or, if earlier, the date the taxpayer files such return for such year). ``(B) Nonqualified balance.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `nonqualified balance' means any balance in the Account on the last day of the taxable year which is attributable to amounts deposited in such Account before the 4th preceding taxable year. ``(C) Ordering rule.--For purposes of this paragraph, distributions from a FFARRM Account (other than distributions of current income) shall be treated as made from deposits in the order in which such deposits were made, beginning with the earliest deposits. ``(2) Cessation in eligible business.--At the close of the first disqualification period after a period for which the taxpayer was engaged in an eligible farming business or commercial fishing, there shall be deemed distributed from the FFARRM Account of the taxpayer an amount equal to the balance in such Account (if any) at the close of such disqualification period. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term `disqualification period' means any period of 2 consecutive taxable years for which the taxpayer is not engaged in an eligible farming business or commercial fishing. ``(3) Certain rules to apply.--Rules similar to the following rules shall apply for purposes of this section: ``(A) Section 220(f)(8) (relating to treatment on death). ``(B) Section 408(e)(2) (relating to loss of exemption of account where individual engages in prohibited transaction). ``(C) Section 408(e)(4) (relating to effect of pledging account as security). ``(D) Section 408(g) (relating to community property laws). ``(E) Section 408(h) (relating to custodial accounts). ``(4) Time when payments deemed made.--For purposes of this section, a taxpayer shall be deemed to have made a payment to a FFARRM Account on the last day of a taxable year if such payment is made on account of such taxable year and is made on or before the due date (without regard to extensions) for filing the return of tax for such taxable year. ``(5) Individual.--For purposes of this section, the term `individual' shall not include an estate or trust. ``(6) Deduction not allowed for self-employment tax.--The deduction allowable by reason of subsection (a) shall not be taken into account in determining an individual's net earnings from self-employment (within the meaning of section 1402(a)) for purposes of chapter 2. ``(g) Reports.--The trustee of a FFARRM Account shall make such reports regarding such Account to the Secretary and to the person for whose benefit the Account is maintained with respect to contributions, distributions, and such other matters as the Secretary may require under regulations. The reports required by this subsection shall be filed at such time and in such manner and furnished to such persons at such time and in such manner as may be required by such regulations.'' (b) Tax on Excess Contributions.-- (1) Subsection (a) of section 4973 (relating to tax on excess contributions to certain tax-favored accounts and annuities) is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (3), by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5), and by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph: ``(4) a FFARRM Account (within the meaning of section 468C(d)), or''. (2) Section 4973 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Excess Contributions to FFARRM Accounts.--For purposes of this section, in the case of a FFARRM Account (within the meaning of section 468C(d)), the term `excess contributions' means the amount by which the amount contributed for the taxable year to the Account exceeds the amount which may be contributed to the Account under section 468C(b) for such taxable year. For purposes of this subsection, any contribution which is distributed out of the FFARRM Account in a distribution to which section 468C(e)(2)(B) applies shall be treated as an amount not contributed.'' (3) The section heading for section 4973 is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 4973. EXCESS CONTRIBUTIONS TO CERTAIN ACCOUNTS, ANNUITIES, ETC.'' (4) The table of sections for chapter 43 is amended by striking the item relating to section 4973 and inserting the following new item: ``Sec. 4973. Excess contributions to certain accounts, annuities, etc.'' (c) Tax on Prohibited Transactions.-- (1) Subsection (c) of section 4975 (relating to tax on prohibited transactions) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(6) Special rule for ffarrm accounts.--A person for whose benefit a FFARRM Account (within the meaning of section 468C(d)) is established shall be exempt from the tax imposed by this section with respect to any transaction concerning such account (which would otherwise be taxable under this section) if, with respect to such transaction, the account ceases to be a FFARRM Account by reason of the application of section 468C(f)(3)(A) to such account.'' (2) Paragraph (1) of section 4975(e) is amended by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively, and by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: ``(E) a FFARRM Account described in section 468C(d),''. (d) Failure To Provide Reports on FFARRM Accounts.--Paragraph (2) of section 6693(a) (relating to failure to provide reports on certain tax-favored accounts or annuities) is amended by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively, and by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph: ``(C) section 468C(g) (relating to FFARRM Accounts),''. (e) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart C of part II of subchapter E of chapter 1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 468B the following new item: ``Sec. 468C. Farm, Fishing and Ranch Risk Management Accounts.'' (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001.
Farm, Fishing, and Ranch Risk Management Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual involved in an eligible farming or commercial fishing business to make a deductible contribution up to 20 percent of his or her farming or fishing taxable income to a Farm, Fishing, and Ranch Risk Management Account (FFARRM Account).States that: (1) Account distributions may not be used to add capacity or contribute to the overcapitalization of any fishery; (2) Account contributions shall not reduce self-employment net earnings; (3) Account distributions (other than income attributed to the Account) shall be includible in gross income, including deposits not distributed within five years.
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for Farm, Fishing, and Ranch Risk Management Accounts, and for other purposes."}
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Military Success in Iraq And Diplomatic Surge for National and Political Reconciliation in Iraq Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. TITLE I--MILITARY SUCCESS IN IRAQ ACT OF 2007 Sec. 101. Declarations of policy. Sec. 102. Repeal of public law 107-243. Sec. 103. Withdrawal of united states armed forces and contractor security forces from iraq. TITLE II--DIPLOMATIC SURGE FOR JUSTICE, PEACE, AND SUCCESS IN IRAQ ACT OF 2007 Sec. 201. United states policy. Sec. 202. Presidential actions. Sec. 203. Rule of construction. Sec. 204. Reports. TITLE I--MILITARY SUCCESS IN IRAQ ACT OF 2007 SEC. 101. DECLARATIONS OF POLICY. Congress makes the following declarations of policy: (1) The authorization for use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) is the sole basis of authority under which the President of the United States launched the invasion of Iraq in 2003. (2) Congress authorized the President to use military force against Iraq to achieve the following two objectives: (A) To defend the national security of the United States-- (i) by disarming Iraq of any weapons of mass destruction that could threaten the security of the United States and international peace in the Persian Gulf region; (ii) by changing the Iraqi regime so that Saddam Hussein and his Baathist party no longer posed a threat to the people of Iraq or its neighbors; (iii) by bringing to justice any members of al Qaeda bearing responsibility for the attacks on the United States, its citizens, and interests, including the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, known or found to be in Iraq; and (iv) by ensuring that the regime of Saddam Hussein would not provide weapons of mass destruction to international terrorists, including al Qaeda. (B) To enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. (3) Whenever military force is authorized pursuant to an Act of Congress, such authorization of military force automatically expires upon the achievement of the objectives stated in the Act of Congress. (4) Congress has the ultimate authority to determine when and whether the objectives stated in an Act of Congress which authorizes the use of military force have been achieved. SEC. 102. REPEAL OF PUBLIC LAW 107-243. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) the objectives of the authorization for use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) have been achieved; and (2) the authorization of military force contained in Public Law 107-243 has expired. (b) Repeal of Public Law 107-243.--The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243; 50 U.S.C. 1541 note) is hereby repealed. SEC. 103. WITHDRAWAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND CONTRACTOR SECURITY FORCES FROM IRAQ. (a) Withdrawal of Armed Forces and Contractor Security Forces From Iraq.--Not later than October 1, 2007, or 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, whichever shall occur first, all units and members of the Armed Forces deployed to Iraq and all security forces under contract or subcontract with the United States Government and working in Iraq shall be withdrawn from Iraq. (b) Prohibition on Use of Funds To Continue Deployment of Armed Forces to Iraq.-- (1) Prohibition.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), funds appropriated or otherwise made available under any provision of law may not be obligated or expended to deploy or continue to deploy members or units of the Armed Forces to Iraq. (2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) does not apply to the use of funds to provide for the safe and orderly withdrawal of the Armed Forces and contractor security forces from Iraq pursuant to subsection (c). (c) Exception.--Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply if a Joint Resolution which provides specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(b)) for the deployment or continued deployment of units and members of the Armed Forces and contractor security forces to Iraq is enacted into law during the time period described in subsection (a). (d) Armed Forces Defined.--In this section, the term ``Armed Forces'' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code. TITLE II--DIPLOMATIC SURGE FOR JUSTICE, PEACE, AND SUCCESS IN IRAQ ACT OF 2007 SEC. 201. UNITED STATES POLICY. It shall be the policy of the United States to pursue regional and international initiatives and steps to assist the Government of Iraq to achieve certain security, political, and economic milestones so as to marginalize extremists and terrorists, promote United States values and interests, and improve the global image of the United States. SEC. 202. PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS. To implement the policy set forth in section 201, the President shall take the following actions: (1) Not later than ten days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the United States, working with the Government of Iraq, shall launch a comprehensive diplomatic initiative to deal with the problems of Iraq and of the region. (2) The goals of the diplomatic initiative as it relates to regional players shall be to-- (A) support the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq, with the assistance of bona fide international peacekeeping force if necessary; (B) stop destabilizing interventions and actions by Iraq's neighbors; (C) secure Iraq's borders, including the use of joint patrols with neighboring countries; (D) prevent the expansion of the instability and conflict beyond Iraq's borders; (E) promote economic assistance, commerce, trade, political support, and, if possible, military assistance for the Government of Iraq from nonneighboring Muslim countries; (F) energize countries to support national political reconciliation in Iraq; (G) validate Iraq's legitimacy by resuming diplomatic relations, where appropriate, and reestablishing embassies in Baghdad; (H) assist Iraq to establish active working embassies in key capitals in the region (for example, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia); (I) help Iraq reach a mutually acceptable agreement on Kirkuk; and (J) assist the Government of Iraq achieve certain security, political, and economic milestones, including better performance on issues such as national reconciliation, equitable distribution of oil revenues, and the dismantling of militias. (3) As a complement to the diplomatic initiative, the President shall appoint a Special Envoy for National and Political Reconciliation in Iraq (``SENPRI)'') whose exclusive commission shall be to undertake the peaceful reconciliation of the major stakeholders in Iraq, particularly the Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds. The SENPRI shall meet with such persons, organizations, and entities, and make such recommendations, as he deems necessary and expedient for bringing about national and political reconciliation in Iraq. (4) As a further complement to the diplomatic initiative, the United States and the Government of Iraq shall support the holding of a conference or meeting in Baghdad of the Organization of the Islamic Conference or the Arab League to assist the Government of Iraq to promote national reconciliation in Iraq and to reestablish the diplomatic presence in Iraq of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Arab League. (5) As an instrument of the diplomatic initiative, an Iraq International Support Group shall be organized. (6) The Iraq International Support Group shall consist of Iraq and all the countries bordering Iraq, including Iran and Syria, the key regional countries, including Egypt and the Gulf States, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, and such other industrialized countries that might contribute to resolving political, diplomatic, and security problems affecting Iraq. (7) The diplomatic initiative and the work of the Iraq International Support Group shall be carried out with urgency, and shall be conducted by and organized at the level of foreign minister or above, and the United States efforts shall be led by the President or the Secretary of State and shall be both bilateral and multilateral. (8) The Iraq International Support Group shall enlist the participation of the office of the United Nations Secretary General in its work. The Secretary General should designate a Special Envoy as the representative of the Secretary General. (9) The Iraq International Support Group, as part of the diplomatic initiative, shall develop specific approaches to neighboring countries that take into account the differing interests, perspectives, and potential contributions of each such country. (10) Diplomatic efforts within the Iraq International Support Group shall seek to persuade Iran that it should take specific steps to improve the situation in Iraq, including the following: (A) Iran should stem the flow of equipment, technology, and training to any group resorting to violence in Iraq. (B) Iran should affirm its support for the territorial integrity of Iraq as a unified state, as well as its respect for the sovereignty of Iraq and its government. (C) Iran should use its influence, especially over Shia groups in Iraq, to encourage national reconciliation. (D) Iran should help in the economic reconstruction of Iraq. (11) The United States and the Iraq International Support Group shall encourage Syria to take specific steps to improve the situation in Iraq, including the following: (A) Syria should control its border with Iraq to the maximum extent possible and work together with Iraqis on joint patrols on the border to stem the flow of funding, insurgents, and terrorists in and out of Iraq. (B) Syria should establish hotlines to exchange information with the Iraqis. (C) Syria should increase its political and economic cooperation with Iraq. SEC. 203. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. Nothing in this title shall be construed to prohibit or otherwise restrict the use of funds available to any department or agency of the United States to carry out social and economic reconstruction activities in Iraq. SEC. 204. REPORTS. The President shall submit to Congress every 30 days a report on the status of diplomatic efforts described in section 202.
Military Success in Iraq and Diplomatic Surge for National and Political Reconciliation in Iraq Act of 2007 - Makes specified declarations of policy, including that: (1) the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (the Iraq Resolution) is the sole basis of authority under which the President launched the invasion of Iraq in 2003; (2) Congress authorized the use of such force to defend U.S. national security and to enforce all relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq; and (3) Congress has the ultimate authority to determine whether such objectives have been achieved. Repeals the Iraq Resolution. Requires the withdrawal, by the earlier of October 1, 2007, or 90 days after the enactment of this Act, of all units and members of U.S. Armed Forces deployed in Iraq, as well as all security forces under federal contract and working in Iraq. Provides exceptions. States as the policy of the United States to pursue regional and international initiatives to assist Iraq in achieving certain security, political, and economic milestones. Sets forth presidential actions to implement such policy.
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To recognize the extraordinary performance of the Armed Forces in achieving the military objectives of the United States in Iraq, to terminate the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243), to require congressional reauthorization to continue deployment of the Armed Forces to Iraq, and for other purposes."}
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Bonneville Power Administration Appropriations Refinancing Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this Act-- (1) ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration; (2) ``capital investment'' means a capitalized cost funded by Federal appropriations that-- (A) is for a project, facility, or separable unit or feature of a project or facility; (B) is a cost for which the Administrator is required by law to establish rates to repay to the United States Treasury through the sale of electric power, transmission, or other services; (C) excludes a Federal irrigation investment; and (D) excludes an investment financed by the current revenues of the Administrator or by bonds issued and sold, or authorized to be issued and sold, by the Administrator under section 13 of the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act (16 U.S.C. 838(k)); (3) ``old capital investment'' means a capital investment whose capitalized cost-- (A) was incurred, but not repaid, before October 1, 1995, and (B) was for a project, facility, or separable unit or feature of a project or facility, placed in service before October 1, 1995; (4) ``repayment date'' means the end of the period within which the Administrator's rates are to assure the repayment of the principal amount of a capital investment; and (5) ``Treasury rate'' for a fiscal year means a rate that the Secretary of the Treasury determines as soon as practicable after the beginning of the fiscal year and that is equal to the average prevailing market yield during the preceding fiscal year on interest-bearing marketable securities of the United States which, at the time the computation is made, have terms of 15 years or more remaining to maturity. The average yield is computed as the average during the preceding fiscal year using the daily bid prices. When the average yield so computed is not a multiple of one-eighth of one percent, the rate is the multiple of one-eighth of one percent nearest to the average yield. SEC. 3. NEW PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS. (a) Effective October 1, 1995, an old capital investment has a new principal amount that is the sum of-- (1) the present value, calculated using a discount rate equal to the Treasury rate for fiscal year 1996, of the old payment amounts for the old capital investment; and (2) an amount equal to $100,000,000 multiplied by a fraction whose numerator is the principal amount of the old payment amounts for the old capital investment and whose denominator is the sum of the principal amounts of the old payment amounts for all old capital investments. (b) The Administrator shall determine the new principal; amounts for old capital investments. The Administrator shall obtain approval by the Secretary of the Treasury of the Administrator's determination of the new principal amounts and the Administrator's assignment of the interest rate to the new principal amounts, on the basis of consistency with the provisions of this Act. (c) For the purposes of this section, ``old payment amounts'' means, for an old capital investment, the annual interest and principal that the Administrator would have paid to the United States Treasury from October 1, 1995, if this Act were not enacted, assuming that-- (1) the principal were repaid-- (A) on the repayment date the Administrator assigned before October 1, 1993, to the old capital investment, or (B) with respect to an old capital investment for which the Administrator has not assigned a repayment date before October 1, 1993, on a repayment date the Administrator shall assign to the old capital investment in accordance with paragraph 10(d)(1) of the version of Department of Energy Order RA 6120.2 in effect on October 1, 1993; and (2) interest were paid-- (A) at the interest rate the Administrator assigned before October 1, 1993, to the old capital investment, or (B) with respect to an old capital investment for which the Administrator has not assigned an interest rate before October 1, 1993, at the Treasury rate for the fiscal year in which construction is initiated on the project, facility, or separable unit or feature the old capital investment concerns. SEC. 4. INTEREST RATE FOR NEW PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS. As of October 1, 1995, the unpaid balance on the new principal amount established for an old capital investment under section 3 bears interest annually at the Treasury rate for fiscal year 1996 until the earlier of the date that the new principal amount is repaid or the repayment date for the new principal amount. SEC. 5. REPAYMENT DATES. As of October 1, 1995, the repayment date for the new principal amount established for an old capital investment under section 3 is no earlier than the repayment date for the old capital investment assumed in section 3(c)(1). SEC. 6. PREPAYMENT LIMITATIONS. During the period October 1, 1995, through September 30, 2000, the total new principal amounts of old capital investments, as established under section 3, that the Administrator may pay before their respective repayment dates shall not exceed $100,000,000. SEC. 7. INTEREST RATES FOR NEW CAPITAL INVESTMENTS DURING CONSTRUCTION. (a) The principal amount of a capital investment for a project, facility, or separable unit or feature of a project or facility, placed in service after September 30, 1995, includes interest in each fiscal year of construction at a rate equal to the one-year rate for the fiscal year on the sum of-- (1) construction expenditures that were made from the date construction commenced through the end of the fiscal year, and (2) accrued interest during construction. (b) The Administrator is not required to pay, during construction of the project, facility, or separable unit or feature, the interest calculated, accrued, and capitalized under subsection (a). (c) For the purposes of this section, ``one-year rate'' for a fiscal year means the one-year Treasury agency borrowing rate as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury for use during the first month of the fiscal year taking into consideration the average of market yields on outstanding marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United States with approximate periods to maturity of one year. SEC. 8. INTEREST RATES FOR NEW CAPITAL INVESTMENTS. The unpaid balance on the principal amount of a capital investment for a project, facility, or separable unit or feature of a project or facility, placed in service after September 30, 1995, bears interest-- (1) from the date it is placed in service until the earlier of the date the capital investment is repaid or the end of the repayment period for the capital investment, (2) at a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury for use in assigning interest rates to new capital investments during the month that includes the date the new capital investment is placed in service, taking into consideration the average of market yields on outstanding marketable interest- bearing obligations of the United States with periods to maturity comparable to the repayment period of the capital investment. SEC. 9. CREDITS TO THE ADMINISTRATOR'S PAYMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES TREASURY. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, the Administrator shall apply against amounts payable by the Administrator to the United States Treasury a credit in the amount of $15.25 million in fiscal year 1996, $15.86 million in fiscal year 1997, $16.49 million in fiscal year 1998, $17.15 million in fiscal year 1999, $17.84 million in fiscal year 2000, and $4.10 million in each succeeding fiscal year so long as the Administrator makes annual payments to the Tribes under the settlement agreement. (b) For the purposes of this section, ``settlement agreement'' means that settlement agreement between the United States of America and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation signed by the Tribes on April 16, 1994, and by the United States of America on April 21, 1994, which settlement agreement resolves claims of the Tribes in Docket 181-D of the Indian Claims Commission, which docket has been transferred to the United States Court of Federal Claims; and, ``Tribes'' means the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, a federally-recognized Indian Tribe. SEC. 10. CONTRACT PROVISIONS. In each contract of the Administrator that provides for the Administrator to sell electric power, transmission, or related services, and that is in effect after September 30, 1995, the Administrator shall offer to include, or as the case may be, shall offer to amend to include, provisions specifying that after September 30, 1995-- (1) the Administrator shall establish rates and charges on the basis that-- (A) the principal amount of an old capital investment shall be no greater than the new principal amount established under section 3 of this Act; (B) the interest rate applicable to the unpaid balance of the new principal amount of an old capital investment shall be no greater than the interest rate established under section 4 of this Act; (C) any payment of principal of an old capital investment shall reduce the outstanding principal balance of the old capital investment in the amount of the payment at the time the payment is tendered; and, (D) any payment of interest on the unpaid balance of the new principal amount of an old capital investment shall be a credit against the appropriate interest account in the amount of the payment at the time the payment is tendered; (2) apart from charges necessary to repay the new principal amount of an old capital investment as established under section 3 of this Act and to pay the interest on the principal amount under section 4 of this Act, no amount may be charged for return to the United States Treasury as repayment for or return on an old capital investment, whether by way of rate, rent, lease payment, assessment, user charge, or any other fee; (3) amounts provided under section 1304 of title 31, United States Code, shall be available to pay, and shall be the sole source for payment of, a judgment against or settlement by the Administrator or the United States on a claim for a breach of the contract provisions required by this Act; and (4) the contract provisions specified in this Act do not-- (A) preclude the Administrator from recovering, through rates or other means, any tax that is generally imposed on electric utilities in the United States, or (B) affect the Administrator's authority under applicable law, including section 7(g) of the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 839e(g)), to-- (i) allocate costs and benefits, including but not limited to fish and wildlife costs, to rates or resources; or (ii) design rates. SEC. 11. SAVINGS PROVISIONS. (a) This Act does not affect the obligation of the Administrator to repay the principal associated with each capital investment, and to pay interest on the principal, only from the ``Administrator's net proceeds,'' as defined in section 13 of the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act (16 U.S.C. 838k(b)). (b) Except as provided in section 6 of this Act, this Act does not affect the authority of the Administrator to pay all or a portion of the principal amount associated with a capital investment before the repayment date for the principal amount.
Bonneville Power Administration Appropriations Refinancing Act - Prescribe guidelines under which the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is directed to refinance a certain appropriated debt by establishing: (1) a new principal amount for such debt; (2) new interest rates for such debt based on long-term Treasury rates in effect as of the date the principal is reset; and (3) a $100 million limit on prepayments of old capital investments before a certain date. States that certain claim settlement payments made by the Administrator to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation shall be credited against BPA payments owed to the Treasury. Directs the Administrator to offer to include provisions in future electric power service contracts that preclude further increases in the refinanced principal amount or interest rate obligations to the Government.
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SECTION 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that: (1) Sickle Cell Disease is a serious illness that disproportionately affects African-Americans. (2) Approximately 1 out of every 12 African-Americans is born with the sickle cell trait, and about 1 out of every 600 is afflicted with Sickle Cell Disease. (3) Sickle cell conditions also occur in other United States populations, primarily those of Puerto Rican, Cuban, southern Italian ancestry and more recently sickle cell has been found in some Caucasian individuals. (4) Sickle Cell Disease is a painful and disabling disorder which can lead to untimely death and is caused by inadequate transportation of oxygen due to an abnormal type of hemoglobin molecule in the red blood cells. (5) Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited disease which can be transmitted to offspring, particularly if both parents carry the genetic trait. (6) The sickle cell trait carriers show no sign of the disease, but statistically, 1 in 4 of their children will be afflicted with the disease. (7) There is no national research center devoted to Sickle Cell Disease in the United States. (8) There is no known cure for Sickle Cell Disease at this time and there is a need for prioritized and specialized research to find such a cure for this severely disabling disease. (9) Louisiana's minority population is 1,299,281. (10) Of this number, a suspected 3,248 individuals will have the disease and of those individuals, 25 percent (812 individuals) will have the most acute and serious stage of Sickle Cell Disease, a stage that is usually fatal. (11) Some 129,928 individuals in Louisiana will carry the sickle cell trait. (12) Southern University, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is the largest predominately African-American university in the United States. (13) Approximately 16,700 students attend this 112 year old school and Southern graduates are located throughout the United States and the world. (14) The State of Louisiana through the Louisiana Legislature and Southern University, has shown great leadership and committed significant financial and personnel resources towards the development of a National Center for Sickle Cell Disease Research. (15) Because Southern University has committed its resources and personnel to seeing this project through to its ultimate goal, finding a cure for Sickle Cell Disease, and because of Southern University's large minority population it is appropriate to locate the National Center for Sickle Cell Disease Research at Southern University in Baton Rouge. (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to establish a National Center for Sickle Cell Disease at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that will have the following objectives-- (1) to conduct biomedical research and clinical investigations designed to find a cure for Sickle Cell Disease; (2) to conduct a wide variety of human behavioral studies designed to provide new knowledge about such issues as the effectiveness of various counseling and education methods, and techniques to improve coping skills on the part of patients and their families; (3) to establish collaborative arrangements and joint research programs and projects with other Louisiana institutions of higher education, such as Louisiana State University Medical Centers at New Orleans and Shreveport and Tulane University Medical Center to conduct clinical trials on anti-sickling agents; (4) to provide expanded opportunities for faculty members at the institutions described in paragraph (3) to publish in the three broad areas of basic biomedical research, psychosocial research and clinical research; (5) to become a laboratory for training both graduate and undergraduate students in research methods and techniques concerning Sickle Cell Disease; and (6) to develop, promote and implement joint research projects with other public and private higher education institutions including teaching hospitals on Sickle Cell Disease. SEC. 2. NATIONAL CENTER FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE RESEARCH. (a) Grant.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall award a grant to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals for the establishment and construction of the National Center for Sickle Cell Disease Research at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and for related facilities and equipment at such Center. Prior to the awarding of such grant, the State of Louisiana shall certify to the Secretary-- (1) that the State of Louisiana has provided not less than $7,000,000 to support and operate such Center; and (2) that the State of Louisiana has developed a plan to provide funds for the continued operation and support of such center. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated $21,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a grant to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to establish and construct the National Center for Sickle Cell Disease Research at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and for related facilities and equipment at such Center. Authorizes appropriations.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Flat Tax Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. REPEAL OF TAXATION OF CORPORATIONS. The following provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are hereby repealed: (1) section 11 (relating to corporate income tax), (2) section 55 (relating to alternative minimum tax) to the extent it applies to corporations, (3) section 511 (relating to unrelated business income tax), (4) section 531 (relating to accumulated earnings tax), (5) section 541 (relating to personal holding company tax), (6) section 594 (relating to alternative tax for certain mutual savings banks), (7) section 801 (relating to tax imposed on life insurance companies), (8) section 831 (relating to tax on certain other insurance companies), (9) section 852 (relating to tax on regulated investment companies), (10) section 857 (relating to tax on real estate investment trusts), and (11) section 882 (relating to tax on income of foreign corporations connected with United States business). SEC. 3. 10 PERCENT INCOME TAX RATE FOR INDIVIDUALS. Section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to tax imposed on individuals) is amended to read as follows: ``SECTION 1. TAX IMPOSED. ``(a) In General.--There is hereby imposed on the income of every individual a tax equal to 10 percent of the excess of the earned income of such individual for the taxable year over the exemption amount for such year. ``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Exemption amount.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `exemption amount' means, for any taxable year, $10,000 increased (for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993) by an amount equal to $10,000 multiplied by the cost-of- living adjustment for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins. ``(B) Cost-of-living adjustment.--For purposes of this paragraph-- ``(i) In general.--The cost-of-living adjustment for any calendar year is the percentage (if any) by which-- ``(I) the CPI for October of the preceding calendar year, exceeds ``(II) the CPI for October of 1992. ``(ii) CPI.--The term `CPI' means the last Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers published by the Department of Labor. ``(C) Rounding.--If the increase determined under this paragraph is not a multiple of $10, such increase shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10 (or if such increase is a multiple of $5, such increase shall be increased to the next highest multiple of $10). ``(2) Earned income.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term `earned income' means-- ``(i) wages, salaries, and other employee compensation, ``(ii) the amount of the taxpayer's net earnings from self-employment for the taxable year, and ``(iii) the amount of dividends which are from a personal service corporation or which are otherwise directly or indirectly compensation for services. ``(B) Exceptions.--The term `earned income' does not include-- ``(i) any amount received as a pension or annuity, or ``(ii) any tip unless the amount of the tip is not within the discretion of the service- recipient. ``(C) Fringe benefits valued at employer cost.--The amount of any fringe benefit which is included as earned income shall be the cost to the employer of such benefit.''. SEC. 4. REPEAL OF SPECIAL DEDUCTIONS, CREDITS, AND EXCLUSIONS FROM INCOME FOR INDIVIDUALS. Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking out all specific exclusions from gross income, all deductions, and all credits against income tax to the extent related to the computation of individual income tax liability. SEC. 5. REPEAL OF ESTATE AND GIFT TAXES. Subtitle B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes) is hereby repealed. SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATES. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by this Act shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Repeal of Estate and Gift Taxes.--The repeal made by section 5 shall apply to estates of decedents dying, and transfers made, after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Technical and Conforming Changes.--The Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate shall, as soon as practicable but in any event not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives a draft of any technical and conforming changes in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which are necessary to reflect throughout such Code the changes in the substantive provisions of law made by this Act.
Flat Tax Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal corporate taxes. Imposes a ten percent tax on the excess of the earned income of individuals over an exemption amount. Repeals: (1) specific exclusions from gross income; (2) deductions and credits against income tax; and (3) estate and gift taxes.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``FEC Reauthorization Act of 1998''. SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999. Section 314 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 439c) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and $9,400,000'' and inserting ``$9,400,000''; and (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: ``, and $33,700,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999, of which $2,800,000 shall be available only if at least 4 members of the Commission vote not later than September 30, 1998, to adopt a re-prioritization plan for the purpose of improving enforcement procedures and preventing the unnecessary dismissal of appropriate enforcement actions.''. SEC. 3. APPOINTMENT AND SERVICE OF STAFF DIRECTOR AND GENERAL COUNSEL OF COMMISSION. (a) Appointment; Length of Term of Service.-- (1) In general.--The first sentence of section 306(f)(1) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 437c(f)(1)) is amended by striking ``by the Commission'' and inserting the following: ``by an affirmative vote of not less than 4 members of the Commission and may not serve for a term of more than 4 consecutive years without reappointment in accordance with this paragraph''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to any individual serving as the staff director or general counsel of the Federal Election Commission on or after January 1, 1999, without regard to whether or not the individual served as staff director or general counsel prior to such date. (b) Treatment of Individuals Filling Vacancies; Termination of Authority Upon Expiration of Term.--Section 306(f)(1) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 437c(f)(1)) is amended by inserting after the first sentence the following new sentences: ``An individual appointed as a staff director or general counsel to fill a vacancy occurring other than by the expiration of a term of office shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the individual he or she succeeds. An individual serving as staff director or general counsel may not serve in any capacity on behalf of the Commission after the expiration of the individual's term unless reappointed in accordance with this paragraph.''. SEC. 4. ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES FOR IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES FOR REPORTING VIOLATIONS. (a) In General.--Section 309(a)(4) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 437g(a)(4)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``clause (ii)'' and inserting ``clause (ii) and subparagraph (C)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C)(i) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of a violation of any requirement under this Act relating to the reporting of receipts or disbursements, the Commission may-- ``(I) find that a person committed such a violation on the basis of information obtained pursuant to the procedures described in paragraphs (1) and (2); and ``(II) based on such finding, require the person to pay a civil money penalty in an amount determined under a schedule of penalties which is established and published by the Commission and which takes into account the amount of the violation involved, the existence of previous violations by the person, and such other factors as the Commission considers appropriate. ``(ii) The Commission may not make any determination adverse to a person under clause (i) until the person has been given written notice and an opportunity for the determination to be made on the record. ``(iii) Any person against whom an adverse determination is made under this subparagraph may obtain a review of such determination in the district court of the United States for the district in which the person is found, resides, or transacts business, by filing in such court (prior to the expiration of the 30-day period which begins on the date the person receives notification of the determination) a written petition requesting that the determination be modified or set aside.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 309(a)(6)(A) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 437g(a)(6)(A)) is amended by striking ``paragraph (4)(A)'' and inserting ``paragraph (4)''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to violations occurring on or after January 1, 1999. SEC. 5. STANDARD FOR INITIATION OF ACTIONS BY FEC. (a) In General.--Section 309(a)(2) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 437g(a)(2)) is amended to read as follows: ``(2) Not later than 90 days after the time for responding to a complaint under paragraph (1) has elapsed for all respondents, the general counsel of the Commission shall provide a recommendation to the Commission regarding whether there is sufficient or insufficient reason for the Commission to investigate any violation alleged in the complaint. If the Commission, upon receiving a complaint under paragraph (1) (or on the basis of information ascertained in the normal course of carrying out its supervisory responsibilities), determines by an affirmative vote of 4 of its members that it has a sufficient reason to investigate whether a person has committed (or is about to commit) a violation of this Act or of chapter 95 or chapter 96 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Commission (through its chair or vice chair) shall notify the person of the alleged violation, and shall set forth in such notification the factual and legal basis for such alleged violation. The Commission shall make an investigation of such alleged violation (which may include a field investigation or audit) in accordance with the provisions of this section.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to complaints filed on or after January 1, 1999.
FEC Reauthorization Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to authorize appropriations for the Federal Election Commission for FY 1999. Conditions availability of a specified amount of such funds on the Commission adopting a re-prioritization plan for improving enforcement procedures and preventing the unnecessary dismissal of appropriate enforcement actions. Provides for the appointment of the Commission's staff director and general counsel by an affirmative vote of four Commissioners. Prohibits: (1) the staff director and general counsel of the Commission from serving for more than four consecutive years without reappointment; (2) an individual appointed to finish an unexpired term of office of a staff director or general counsel from serving beyond that term; or (3) a person serving as staff director or general counsel from subsequently serving in any Commission capacity unless reappointed. Sets forth procedures allowing the Commission to find that a person violated FECA provisions involving the reporting of receipts or disbursements and to impose civil monetary penalties. Entitles any person to file a petition with the appropriate U.S. district court to obtain a review of an adverse determination under such procedures. Requires the Commission's general counsel, within 90 days after the time for responding to a filed complaint has elapsed for all respondents, to provide a recommendation to the Commission regarding whether there is sufficient reason to investigate the violation alleged in the complaint.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Gun Rights and Due Process Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH. (a) Title 18 Definitions.--Chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in section 921(a), by adding at the end the following: ``(36)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the term `has been adjudicated mentally incompetent or has been committed to a psychiatric hospital', with respect to a person-- ``(i) means the person is the subject of an order or finding by a judicial officer or court-- ``(I) that was issued after a hearing-- ``(aa) of which the person received actual notice; and ``(bb) at which the person had an opportunity to participate with counsel; and ``(II) that found that the person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental impairment, mental illness, incompetency, condition, or disease-- ``(aa) was guilty but mentally ill in a criminal case, in a jurisdiction that provides for such a verdict; ``(bb) was not guilty in a criminal case by reason of insanity or mental disease or defect; ``(cc) was incompetent to stand trial in a criminal case; or ``(dd) was not guilty by reason of lack of mental responsibility under section 850a of title 10 (article 50a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); and ``(ii) does not include-- ``(I) an admission to a psychiatric hospital for observation; or ``(II) a voluntary admission to a psychiatric hospital. ``(B) In this paragraph, the term `order or finding' does not include-- ``(i) an order or finding that has expired or has been set aside or expunged; ``(ii) an order or finding that is no longer applicable because a judicial officer or court has found that the person who is the subject of the order or finding-- ``(I) does not present a danger to himself or herself or to others; ``(II) has been restored to sanity or cured of mental disease or defect; ``(III) has been restored to competency; or ``(IV) no longer requires involuntary inpatient or outpatient treatment by a psychiatric hospital; or ``(iii) an order or finding with respect to which the person who is subject to the order or finding has been granted relief from disabilities under section 925(c), under a program described in section 101(c)(2)(A) or 105 of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (18 U.S.C. 922 note), or under any other State-authorized relief from disabilities program of the State in which the original commitment or adjudication occurred. ``(37) The term `psychiatric hospital' includes a mental health facility, a mental hospital, a sanitarium, or a psychiatric facility, including a psychiatric ward in a general hospital.''; and (2) in section 922-- (A) in subsection (d)(4)-- (i) by striking ``as a mental defective'' and inserting ``mentally incompetent''; and (ii) by striking ``any mental institution'' and inserting ``a psychiatric hospital''; and (B) in subsection (g)(4)-- (i) by striking ``as a mental defective or who has'' and inserting ``mentally incompetent or has''; and (ii) by striking ``mental institution'' and inserting ``psychiatric hospital''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--The NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (18 U.S.C. 922 note) is amended-- (1) by striking ``as a mental defective'' each place that term appears and inserting ``mentally incompetent''; (2) by striking ``mental institution'' each place that term appears and inserting ``psychiatric hospital''; (3) in section 101(c)-- (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``to the mental health of a person'' and inserting ``to whether a person is mentally incompetent''; and (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``to the mental health of a person'' and inserting ``to whether a person is mentally incompetent''; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``to the mental health of a person'' and inserting ``to whether a person is mentally incompetent''; and (4) in section 102(c)(3)-- (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution'' and inserting ``as mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution''; and (B) by striking ``mental institutions'' and inserting ``psychiatric hospitals''. SEC. 3. PROTECTING THE SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS OF VETERANS. (a) Definition.--In this section, the term ``covered veteran'' means a person who, on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, is considered to have been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution under subsection (d)(4) or (g)(4) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code, as a result of having been found by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be mentally incompetent. (b) Review.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall-- (1) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, conduct a review relating to each covered veteran to determine whether the proceedings for the adjudication or commitment of the covered veteran were conducted in accordance with, and resulted in an order or finding described in, section 921(a)(36) of title 18, United States Code, as added by this Act; and (2) unless the Secretary certifies that the proceedings were conducted in accordance with, and resulted in an order or finding described in, section 921(a)(36) of title 18, United States Code, as added by this Act, ensure that the records of the covered veteran used for purposes of any determination of whether the covered veteran is disqualified from possessing or receiving a firearm under subsection (g) or (n) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code, are modified to indicate that the covered veteran has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a psychiatric hospital. (c) Enforcement.-- (1) Identification of inaccurate records.--Not later than January 1 of each year, the Attorney General shall-- (A) review the record of each person who is considered to have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a psychiatric hospital under subsection (d)(4) or (g)(4) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code, as a result of having been found by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be mentally incompetent; (B) identify each such record that does not include documentation indicating that the proceedings for the adjudication or commitment were conducted in accordance with, and resulted in an order or finding described in, section 921(a)(36) of title 18, United States Code, as added by this Act; and (C) submit to the Secretary of the Treasury and Congress a report providing the number of records identified under subparagraph (B). (2) Rescission.--Effective on the date on which the Attorney General submits a report under paragraph (1)(C), there is rescinded from the unobligated balances in the appropriations account appropriated under the heading ``general administration'' under the heading ``Departmental Administration'' under the heading ``DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS'' the amount equal to the product of-- (A) the number of records that the report states were identified by the Attorney General under paragraph (1)(B); and (B) $10,000. (d) Appointment of Fiduciaries.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 55 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 5511. Use of determinations to appoint fiduciaries ``No determination by the Secretary that benefits under this title to which an individual is entitled shall be paid to a fiduciary shall be considered to be a determination that the individual has been adjudicated mentally incompetent for purposes of subsections (d)(4) and (g)(4) of section 922 of title 18.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 55 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``5511. Use of determinations to appoint fiduciaries.''. SEC. 4. USE OF DETERMINATIONS MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY. (a) Title II.--Section 205(j) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405(j)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(11) No determination by the Commissioner of Social Security with respect to an individual, including a determination that benefits under this title to which such individual is entitled shall be paid to a representative payee, shall be considered to be a determination that the individual has been adjudicated mentally incompetent for purposes of subsections (d)(4) and (g)(4) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code.''. (b) Title XVI.--Section 1631(a)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1383(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(J) No determination by the Commissioner of Social Security with respect to an individual, including a determination that benefits under this title to which such individual is entitled shall be paid to a representative payee, shall be considered to be a determination that the individual has been adjudicated mentally incompetent for purposes of subsections (d)(4) and (g)(4) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code.''. (c) Enforcement.-- (1) Identification of inaccurate records.--Not later than January 1 of each year, the Attorney General shall-- (A) review the record of each person who is considered to have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a psychiatric hospital under subsection (d)(4) or (g)(4) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code, as a result of a determination by the Commissioner of Social Security; (B) identify each such record that does not include documentation indicating that the proceedings for the adjudication or commitment were conducted in accordance with, and resulted in an order or finding described in, section 921(a)(36) of title 18, United States Code, as added by this Act; and (C) submit to the Secretary of the Treasury and Congress a report providing the number of records identified under subparagraph (B). (2) Rescission.-- (A) In general.--Effective on the date on which the Attorney General submits a report under paragraph (1)(C), there is rescinded from the unobligated balances in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, on a pro rata basis, the amount equal to the product of-- (i) the number of records that the report states were identified by the Attorney General under paragraph (1)(B); and (ii) $10,000. (B) Treatment of amounts.--Amounts rescinded under subparagraph (A) shall be deemed to have been expended for costs described in section 201(g)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401(g)(1)). SEC. 5. STATE HEALTH REPORTS. Section 102(c)(3) of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (18 U.S.C. 922 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``A report made available by a State indicating that a person has been adjudicated as mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution shall not be used for purposes of any determination of whether a person is disqualified from possessing or receiving a firearm under subsection (g) or (n) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code, unless the Attorney General determines that the proceedings for the adjudication or commitment were conducted in accordance with, and resulted in an order or finding described in, section 921(a)(36) of title 18, United States Code, and that the State has provided clear and convincing evidence that the person poses a significant danger.''. SEC. 6. APPLICABILITY OF AMENDMENTS. With respect to any record of a person prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm under subsection (d)(4) or (g)(4) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code, before the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall remove such a record from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System-- (1) upon being made aware that the person is no longer considered as adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a psychiatric hospital according to the criteria under paragraph (36)(A)(i)(II) of section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code (as added by this Act), and is therefore no longer prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm; (2) upon being made aware that any order or finding that the record is based on is an order or finding described in paragraph (36)(B) of section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code (as added by this Act); or (3) upon being made aware that the person has been found competent to possess a firearm after an administrative or judicial review under subsection (c) or (d) of section 5511 of title 38, United States Code (as added by this Act).
Protecting Gun Rights and Due Process Act This bill amends the federal criminal code and other laws to raise the threshold that must be met with respect to disqualifying an individual, for reasons relating to mental health, from possessing or receiving a firearm. Specifically, such an individual must have been either adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a psychiatric hospital. In addition, the bill excludes, for purposes of a determination of whether an individual is disqualified from possessing or receiving a firearm: (1) certain state health reports, and (2) specified determinations made by the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Social Security Administration.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Television Consumer Freedom Act of 2013''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act-- (1) the term ``a la carte'' means offering video programming for purchase, whether on a wholesale or retail basis, on an individual, per-channel basis rather than as part of a package or tier of video programming; (2) the terms ``channel'', ``multichannel video programming distributor'', and ``video programming'' have the meaning given those terms in section 602 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 522); (3) the term ``Commission'' means the Federal Communications Commission; (4) the term ``local commercial television station'' has the meaning given that term in section 614(h) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 534(h)); (5) the term ``qualified local noncommercial educational television station'' has the meaning given that term in section 615(l) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 535(l)); and (6) the term ``video programming vendor'' has the meaning given that term in section 76.1300 of subpart Q of part 76 of subchapter C of chapter I of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (47 C.F.R. 76.1300). SEC. 3. A LA CARTE CHANNELS OF VIDEO PROGRAMMING. (a) In General.--Except as provided in section 623(b)(7) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 543(b)(7)), and notwithstanding any other provision of law, or any regulation prescribed by the Commission, a multichannel video programming distributor may provide subscribers with any channel of video programming on an la carte basis. (b) Incentives To Offer Channels of Video Programming on an a La Carte Basis.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, or regulation prescribed by the Commission-- (1) the retransmission by a multichannel video programming distributor of a local commercial television station that has elected retransmission consent under section 325(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 325(b)) shall not be subject to the statutory license under sections 111(c) and 122 of title 17, United States Code, if the multichannel video programming distributor does not offer such local commercial television station, and any other channels of video programming under common control with such local commercial television station, for purchase by subscribers on an a la carte basis; (2) a local commercial television station may not elect retransmission consent under section 325(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 325(b)) or avail itself of the protections of the network program non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity regulations under subpart F of part 76 of subchapter C of chapter I of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (47 C.F.R. 76.92 et seq.), if such local commercial television station, and any other channels of video programming under common control with such local commercial television station, is not made available to multichannel video programming distributors for purchase or sale on an a la carte basis; and (3) a video programming vendor may offer a channel of video programming for purchase by a multichannel video programming distributor as part of a package of video programming only if such video programming vendor also offers such channel of video programming for purchase by the multichannel video programming distributor on an a la carte basis. (c) Minimum Contents of Basic Tier.--The Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 623 (47 U.S.C. 543)-- (A) in subsection (b)(7)(A)-- (i) by striking clauses (i) and (iii); (ii) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (i); and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(ii) All local commercial television stations and qualified low power stations carried in fulfillment of the election under section 325(b) by the station of its right to mandatory carriage under section 614. ``(iii) All qualified local noncommercial educational television stations carried in fulfillment of a request for carriage under section 615.''; and (B) in subsection (l), by adding at the end the following: ``(3) The terms `local commercial television station' and `qualified low power station' have the meaning given those terms in section 614(h).''; (2) in section 614(b) (47 U.S.C. 534(b))-- (A) by striking paragraph (6) and redesignating paragraphs (7), (8), (9), and (10) as paragraphs (6), (7), (8), and (9), respectively; and (B) in paragraph (6), as redesignated, by striking ``Signals carried in fulfillment of the requirements of this section'' and inserting ``All local commercial television stations and qualified low power stations carried in fulfillment of the election by the station of its right to mandatory carriage under this section''; and (3) in section 615(h) (47 U.S.C. 535(h)), by striking ``lowest priced service tier that includes the retransmission of local commercial television broadcast signals.'' and inserting ``basic service tier.''. (d) Disclosure Requirement.--If a multichannel video programming distributor and a video programming vendor fail to reach agreement regarding the terms, including price, for the purchase by the multichannel video programming distributor of the right to provide subscribers with a local commercial television station or other channel of video programming from the video programming vendor on an a la carte basis, the multichannel video programming distributor and the video programming vendor each shall disclose to the Commission the terms of the most recent offer made by the multichannel video programming distributor and the video programming vendor, respectively. SEC. 4. SPECTRUM USE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST. Section 325(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 325(b)) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (7) and (8), respectively; and (2) after paragraph (5), by inserting the following: ``(6) Parity for over-the-air and multichannel video programming viewers.-- ``(A) In general.--A television broadcast station that does not retransmit the signal over-the-air that is identical to the signal retransmitted to a multichannel video programming distributor shall forfeit any spectrum license of such television broadcast station. ``(B) Reallocation and reassignment of spectrum license.--Any spectrum license forfeited pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall be reallocated and reassigned by the Commission pursuant to section 309(j). ``(C) Exception.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to content that is a commercial advertisement that is not more than 60 seconds in duration. ``(D) Definitions.--In this paragraph-- ``(i) the terms `multicast stream' and `primary stream' have the meaning given those terms in section 119(d) of title 17, United States Code; and ``(ii) the term `multichannel video programming distributor' has the meaning given that term in section 602 (47 U.S.C. 522).''. SEC. 5. SPORTS BLACKOUT REPEAL FOR PUBLICLY FINANCED STADIUMS. The Commission shall amend subpart F of part 76 of subchapter C of chapter I of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (47 C.F.R. 76.92 et seq.), to prohibit the application of sports blackout regulations to the broadcast of a sporting event taking place in a venue the construction of which was financed, in whole or in part, by the Federal Government or a State or local government.
Television Consumer Freedom Act of 2013 - Allows multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) (including cable operators, multichannel multipoint distribution services, direct broadcast satellite services, or television receive-only satellite program distributors), except with respect to the minimum contents of programming required for basic tier service, to provide subscribers with any channel of video programming on an a la carte basis. Defines "a la carte" as offering video programming for wholesale or retail purchase on an individual, per-channel basis rather than as part of a package or tier of video programming. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to modify the types of programming constituting the minimum contents of basic tier service. Conditions the availability of the statutory copyright license to an MVPD on the MVPD offering local commercial television stations, and any other channels of video programming under common control with such stations, for purchase by subscribers on an a la carte basis.Prohibits a local commercial television station from electing retransmission consent or availing itself of the protections of network program non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity regulations if such station, and any other channels of video programming under common control with such station, is not made available to MVPDs for purchase or sale on an a la carte basis. Permits a video programming vendor to offer a channel of video programming for purchase by an MVPD as part of a package only if the vendor also offers such channel for the MVPD's purchase on an a la carte basis. Requires MVPDs and video programming vendors negotiating a la carte carriage agreements to each disclose to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the terms of their most recent offers, including price, if the parties fail to agree. Requires a television broadcast station that does not retransmit an over-the-air signal identical to the signal retransmitted to an MVPD to forfeit any spectrum license of the station to the FCC for auctioning. Exempts commercial advertisements of up to 60 seconds in duration. Directs the FCC to prohibit sports blackout regulations (commonly resulting in the non-airing of sporting events in local geographic markets when tickets at the venue are not sold out) from applying to the broadcast of a sporting event taking place in a venue the construction of which was financed in any part by the federal, state, or local government.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Entrepreneurial Incubators Development Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) While small businesses have been an engine of economic growth over the past decade, they often lack access to the technology available to larger businesses. (2) Business incubators have proven an effective source of economic growth in the States. (3) Scientific discoveries need to be quickly converted into job and community ventures. SEC. 3. GRANTS FOR SUPPORT OF BUSINESS INCUBATOR ACTIVITIES. (a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to encourage entrepreneurial creativity and risk taking through the support of the furnishing of business incubator services for newly established small businesses and medium-sized businesses. (b) Grant Program.--To achieve the purpose of this section, the Secretary of Commerce (in this section, referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall carry out a program to provide, through grants, financial assistance for the establishment and support of entities that provide business incubator services in support of the initiation and initial sustainment of business activities by newly established small businesses and medium-sized businesses. (c) Awards of Grants.-- (1) Eligibility requirements.--The Secretary shall prescribe the eligibility requirements for the awarding of grants under this section. (2) Competitive selection.--The Secretary shall use a competitive process for the awarding of grants under this section and, under that process, select recipients of the grants on the basis of merit, with priority given to underserved rural and urban communities. (3) Applications for grants.--The Secretary shall prescribe the form and content of applications required for grants under this section. (d) Additional Administrative Authorities.-- (1) Cost-sharing.--The Secretary may require the recipient of a grant under this section to defray a specific level of its operating expenses for business incubator services out of funds available from sources other than the Federal Government. (2) Additional terms and conditions.--The Secretary, in awarding a grant, may impose any other terms and conditions for the use of the proceeds of the grant that the Secretary determines appropriate for carrying out the purpose of this section and to protect the interests of the United States, including the requirement that entities providing business incubator services that receive a grant under this section develop a plan for ultimately becoming self-sufficient. (e) Definitions.-- (1) Business incubator services.--In this section, the term ``business incubator services'' includes professional and technical services necessary for the initiation and initial sustainment of operations of a newly established business, including such services as the following: (A) Legal services.--Legal services, including aid in preparing corporate charters, partnership agreements, and basic contracts. (B) Intellectual property services.--Services in support of the protection of intellectual property through patents, trademarks, or otherwise. (C) Technology services.--Services in support of the acquisition and use of advanced technology, including the use of Internet services and web-based services. (D) Planning.--Advice on-- (i) strategic planning; and (ii) marketing, including advertising. (2) Small business and medium-sized business.-- (A) Secretary to prescribe.--The Secretary shall prescribe the definitions of the terms ``small business'' and ``medium-sized business'' for the purpose of this section. (B) Small business standards.--In defining the term ``small business'' for the purpose of this section, the Secretary shall apply the standards applicable for the definition of the term ``small-business concern'' under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). (f) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for the grant program administered under this section. (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Commerce for carrying out this section $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, and $200,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter.
Entrepreneurial Incubators Development Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance, through grants, for the establishment and support of entities that provide business incubator services (services necessary for the initiation and initial sustainment of operations of a newly established business, including legal, intellectual property, and technology services and planning) for small- and medium-sized businesses.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Las Cienegas Enhancement Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Conservation area.--The term ``Conservation Area'' means the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. (2) County.--The term ``County'' means Pima County, Arizona. (3) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the Sahuarita parcel of land, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Las Cienegas Enhancement Act-Federal Land'' and dated May 8, 2006. (4) Landowner.--The term ``landowner'' means Las Cienegas Conservation, LLC. (5) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal land'' means the Empirita-Simonson parcel of land consisting of approximately 2,392 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Las Cienegas Enhancement Act-Non-Federal Land'' and dated May 8, 2006. (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (7) Well site.--The term ``well site'' means a well site that-- (A) consists of approximately 98 acres of land located within the boundaries of the parcel of non- Federal land; and (B) is described in the instrument recorded in docket 12543, pages 5459-5465 of the official records of the County. SEC. 3. LAND EXCHANGE. (a) In General.--If the landowner offers to convey to the Secretary title to the non-Federal land that is acceptable to the Secretary, the Secretary shall-- (1) accept the offer; and (2) simultaneously convey to the landowner all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land. (b) Valuation, Appraisals, and Equalization.-- (1) In general.--As of the date of enactment of this Act, the value of the Federal land and the non-Federal land-- (A) shall be equal, as determined by appraisals conducted in accordance with paragraph (2); or (B) if not equal, shall be equalized in accordance with paragraph (3). (2) Appraisals.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal land and the non-Federal land shall be appraised by an independent, qualified appraiser that is agreed to by the Secretary and the landowner. (B) Requirements.--An appraisal under subparagraph (A) shall be-- (i) conducted in accordance with-- (I) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition; and (II) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice; and (ii) submitted to the Secretary for approval. (3) Cash equalization payments.-- (A) In general.--If the value of the Federal land and the non-Federal land is not equal, the value may be equalized by-- (i) the Secretary by making a cash equalization payment to the landowner; or (ii) the landowner by making a cash equalization payment to the Secretary. (B) Amount.--Notwithstanding section 206(b) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716(b)), the Secretary may accept a cash equalization payment under subparagraph (A)(ii) in an amount that exceeds 25 percent of the value of the Federal land. (C) Disposition and use of proceeds.-- (i) Disposition of proceeds.--Any cash equalization payments received by the Secretary under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be deposited in the Federal Land Disposal Account established by section 206(a) of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (43 U.S.C. 2305(a)). (ii) Use of proceeds.--Amounts deposited under clause (i) shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation and until expended, for the acquisition of land and interests in land in southern Arizona. (c) Conditions of Conveyance.-- (1) In general.--As a condition of the conveyance of the Federal land to the landowner, the landowner shall-- (A) pay the costs of carrying out the exchange of the Federal land and the non-Federal land under this section, including any direct costs relating to any environmental reviews and any required mitigation of the Federal land; (B) enter into an agreement with the County to convey to the County the well site; and (C) relinquish to the County any water rights to the well site held by the landowner. (2) Valid existing rights.--The exchange of Federal land and non-Federal land shall be subject to any easements, rights- of-way, and other valid encumbrances in existence on the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Legal Descriptions.--The Secretary and the landowner may mutually agree to-- (1) correct minor errors in the legal descriptions of the Federal land and the non-Federal land; or (2) make minor adjustments to the boundaries of the Federal land and the non-Federal land. (e) Deadline for Completion of Exchange.--It is the intent of Congress that the land exchange under this section shall be completed-- (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act; or (2) if there is a dispute with respect to the appraisal, not later than 90 days after the date on which the dispute is resolved. SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION. (a) Administration of Land Acquired by the United States.--On acquisition by the Secretary, the non-Federal land shall-- (1) become part of the Conservation Area; and (2) be administered by the Secretary in accordance with the laws applicable to national conservation areas. (b) National Conservation Area Boundary Adjustment.--The boundary of the Conservation Area is modified to exclude the 40-acre tract of Bureau of Land Management that is leased to the town of Elgin, Arizona, for a sanitary landfill. (c) Road Access.--Not later than 18 months after the date on which the non-Federal land is acquired by the Secretary, the Secretary shall, in accordance with section 507 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1767), provide to the Secretary of Agriculture a right-of-way through the non-Federal land for motorized public road access to the boundary of the Coronado National Forest.
Las Cienegas Enhancement Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, if Las Cienegas Conservation, LLC offers to convey to the Secretary title to the Empirita-Simonson parcel of land (the non-federal land), to accept the offer and simultaneously convey to Las Cienegas Conservation, LLC the Sahuarita parcel of land (the federal land). Requires the values of the federal and non-federal lands exchanged to be equal, as determined by appraisals. Requires Las Cienegas Conservation, LLC, to: (1) pay the costs of carrying out the exchange of such lands; (2) enter into an agreement with Pima County, Arizona, to convey to Pima County a certain well site; and (3) relinquish to Pima County any water rights to such well site held by Las Cienegas Conservation, LLC. Makes the exchange of federal and non-federal land subject to any easements, rights-of-way, and other valid encumbrances in existence on enactment of this Act. Requires the non-federal land, upon acquisition by the Secretary, to become part of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. Modifies the boundary of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area to exclude the 40-acre tract that is leased by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the town of Elgin, Arizona, for a sanitary landfill. Instructs the Secretary to provide to the Secretary of Agriculture a right-of-way through the non-federal land for motorized public road access to the boundary of the Coronado National Forest.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Direct to Consumer Prescription Drug Advertising Act of 2004''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The pharmaceutical industry spent $2,700,000,000 on direct to consumer advertising in 2001, nearly a 60 percent increase since 1997. (2) Direct to consumer prescription drug advertisements can significantly increase the number of sales. In 2000, almost $2,500,000,000 was spent on direct to consumer advertising to promote 50 different drugs. The following year, retail sales for these drugs skyrocketed by 21.4 percent. (3) According to the Government Accounting Office, pharmaceutical companies have increased spending on direct to consumer advertising more rapidly than they have increased spending on research and development. (4) New prescription drugs that are introduced into the market are generally more expensive than older drugs in the same class. Consequently, direct to consumer advertising may lead consumers to spend more money on new prescription drugs than those of similar quality. (5) Although direct to consumer prescription drug advertisements aid consumer awareness, they are often misleading as the benefits are more accessible than the risks. (6) There has been a sharp increase in sales for direct to consumer advertised prescription drugs, which is disproportionate to the growth in the market. (7) Due to a revision of procedure within the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration is often too late to act on misleading direct to consumer advertisements by the pharmaceutical industry. By the time they revoke an advertisement, many consumers have already viewed the misleading information. SEC. 3. PRESCRIPTION DRUG COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS. (a) In General.--With respect to each prescription drug that is covered under a plan offered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall conduct research that compares the effectiveness and safety of such prescription drug relative to other prescription drugs used to treat the same condition or disease. (b) Rule of Construction.--The results of the research conducted under subsection (a) shall not be construed to be a condition of approval under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355). SEC. 4. DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING. (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall promulgate amended regulations governing prescription drug advertisements. (b) Contents.--In addition to any other requirements, the regulations under subsection (a) shall require that-- (1) any advertisement present a fair balance, comparable in depth and detail, between-- (A) information relating to effectiveness of the drug (including, if available, effectiveness in comparison to other drugs for substantially the same condition or conditions); and (B) information relating to side effects and contraindications; (2) any advertisement present a fair balance, comparable in depth, between-- (A) aural and visual presentations relating to effectiveness of the drug; and (B) aural and visual presentations relating to side effects and contraindications, except that nothing in this section shall require explicit images or sounds depicting side effects and contraindications; (3) prohibit false or misleading advertising that would encourage a consumer to take the prescription drug for a use other than a use for which the prescription drug is approved under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355); and (4) require that any prescription drug that is the subject of a direct-to-consumer advertisement include in the package in which the prescription drug is sold to consumers a medication guide explaining the benefits and risks of use of the prescription drug in terms designed to be understandable to the general public. SEC. 5. CIVIL PENALTY. Section 303 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 333) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(g) Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Advertising.-- ``(1) In general.--A person that commits a violation of section 301 involving the misbranding of a prescription drug (within the meaning of section 502(n)) in a direct-to-consumer advertisement shall be assessed a civil penalty if-- ``(A) the Secretary provides the person written notice of the violation; and ``(B) the person fails to correct or cease the advertisement so as to eliminate the violation not later than 180 days after the date of the notice. ``(2) Amount.--The amount of a civil penalty under paragraph (1)-- ``(A) shall not exceed $500,000 in the case of an individual and $5,000,000 in the case of any other person; and ``(B) shall not exceed $10,000,000 for all such violations adjudicated in a single proceeding. ``(3) Procedure.--Paragraphs (3) through (5) of subsection (f) shall apply with respect to a civil penalty under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the same extent and in the same manner as those paragraphs apply with respect to a civil penalty under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (f).''. SEC. 6. REPORTS. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall annually submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that, for the most recent 1-year period for which data are available-- (1) provides the total number of direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements made by television, radio, the Internet, written publication, or other media; (2) identifies, for each such advertisement-- (A) the dates on which, the times at which, and the markets in which the advertisement was made; and (B) the type of advertisement (reminder, help- seeking, or product-claim); and (3)(A) identifies the advertisements that violated or appeared to violate section 502(n) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 352(n)); and (B) describes the actions taken by the Secretary in response to the violations. SEC. 7. REVIEW OF DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER DRUG ADVERTISEMENTS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall expedite, to the maximum extent practicable, reviews of the legality of direct-to-consumer drug advertisements. (b) Policy.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not adopt or follow any policy that would have the purpose or effect of delaying reviews of the legality of direct-to-consumer drug advertisements except-- (1) as a result of notice-and-comment rulemaking; or (2) as the Secretary determines to be necessary to protect public health and safety.
Direct to Consumer Prescription Drug Advertising Act of 2004 - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health to conduct research to compare the effectiveness and safety of prescription drugs covered under Federal Employees Health Benefits Program plans relative to other prescription drugs used to treat the same condition or disease. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate amended regulations governing prescription drug advertisements, including to: (1) require such advertisements to present a fair balance between information on the effectiveness of, and side effects or contraindications of, the drug; (2) prohibit false or misleading advertising that would encourage a consumer to take the prescription drug for other than an approved use; and (3) require that all prescription drugs sold to consumers include an explanation of the benefits and risks of use in terms understandable to the general public. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth civil penalties for the misbranding of a prescription drug in a direct-to-consumer advertisement if the Secretary provides the person written notice of the violation and the person fails to correct or cease the advertisement to eliminate the violation. Requires the Secretary to annually report specified details of all direct-to-consumer advertisements, including those that violate Federal law, and actions taken by the Secretary to respond to such violations. Requires the Secretary to expedite the review of direct-to-consumer drug advertisements. Prohibits the Secretary from adopting any policy that would delay reviews, except as a result of notice-and-comment rulemaking and as necessary to protect public health and safety.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Right to Know Act''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT. There is established a commission to be known as the ``Veterans' Right to Know Commission'' (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission''). SEC. 3. DUTIES. (a) In General.--The duties of the Commission shall be-- (1) to investigate chemical or biological warfare tests or projects, especially such projects carried out between 1954 and 1973, placing particular emphasis on actions or conditions associated with such projects that could have contributed to health risks or been harmful to any United States civilian personnel or member of the United States Armed Forces who participated in such a project or who was otherwise potentially exposed to any biological or chemical agent, simulant, tracer, decontaminant, or herbicide as a result of such projects; and (2) to submit a report to Congress of its findings and recommendations. (b) Matters to Be Examined.--In carrying out this Act, the Commission shall specifically examine-- (1) classified and unclassified data, test operation plans, safety plans, test reports, test results, and any other materials related to a chemical or biological warfare test or project; (2) the types and dosages of any biological or chemical agent, including any simulant, tracer, decontaminant, pharmaceutical, or herbicide, used during each chemical or biological warfare test or project; (3) information relating to the personal protection of participants in each chemical or biological warfare test or project, including respiratory equipment, clothing, citadel systems, vaccinations, and safety and medical protocols; (4) the list provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs by the Department of Defense of names of individuals who participated in each chemical or biological warfare test or project, the method by which such names were provided, and any other information relating to the number of individuals who participated in such a project or who were otherwise potentially exposed to any biological or chemical agent, simulant, tracer, decontaminant, pharmaceutical, or herbicide as a result of such a project; (5) the date and location of any land, air, or sea test conducted as part of any chemical or biological warfare test or project and the dispersal area likely to have been affected by the release of a chemical or biological agent, simulant, tracer, decontaminant, pharmaceutical, or herbicide during the tests; and (6) any available data collected during health screenings or cause of death determinations performed on any individual who participated in a chemical or biological warfare test or project to determine any possible health consequences of such participation. (c) Chemical or Biological Warfare Test or Project.--In this Act, the term ``chemical or biological warfare test or project'' means any project or program carried out by the Department of Defense, including Project 112 and the Shipboard Hazard and Defense Project (Project SHAD), as a part of which any biological or chemical agent, simulant, tracer, decontaminant, pharmaceutical, or herbicide was tested or used. SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP. (a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 10 members as follows: (1) 1 member appointed by the President, who shall serve as chair of the Commission. (2) 1 member appointed jointly by the minority leader of the Senate and the minority leader of the House of Representatives, who shall serve as vice chair of the Commission. (3) 2 members appointed by the majority leader of the Senate. (4) 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (5) 2 members appointed by the minority leader of the Senate. (6) 2 members appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. (b) Qualifications.-- (1) In general.--Each individual appointed to the Commission shall be a prominent United States citizen with national recognition and significant experience in areas related to the duties of the Commission. (2) Veteran appointments.-- (A) Chair and vice chair.--The chair and vice chair of the Commission shall be veterans (as that term is defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code). (B) Members.--2 members of the Commission shall be veterans who participated in chemical or biological warfare test or project and who have knowledge of the tests conducted during such projects. (3) Other appointments.--A member of the Commission shall not be an officer of employee of the Federal Government, any State government, or any unit of local government. This paragraph shall not apply to appointments under paragraph (2). (c) Terms.-- (1) In general.--Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (d) Time for Appointment.--Each member of the Commission shall be appointed before the expiration of the 45-day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this Act. (e) Basic Pay.--Members shall be compensated at a rate 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. (f) Travel Expenses.--Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (g) Chair.--The chair shall serve as a full-time employee of the United States. (h) Quorum.--6 members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings. (i) Meetings.-- (1) Initial meeting.--The Commission shall meet as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act (2) Subsequent meetings.--After the initial meeting, the Commission shall meet at the call of the chair or a majority of its members but no fewer than four times each year. SEC. 5. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION. (a) Director.--The chair, in accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the compensation of a Director. (b) Staff.--The chair, in accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the compensation of any additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its functions. (c) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--The Director and staff of the Commission 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 any individual so appointed may not receive pay in excess of the annual rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code. (d) Experts and Consultants.--The Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily equivalent of the maximum annual rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code. (e) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission, the head of any Federal department or agency may detail, without reimbursement, 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 THE COMMISSION. (a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before it. (b) Public Meetings, Hearings, and Reports.-- (1) Nonapplicability of the federal advisory committee act.--Section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Commission. (2) Public meetings and release of public versions of reports.--The Commission shall-- (A) hold public hearings and meetings to the extent appropriate; and (B) release public versions of the reports submitted under section 7. (3) Public hearings.--A public hearing 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. (c) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this section. (d) Obtaining Official Data.-- (1) In general.--The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable it to carry out this Act, including rosters of personnel who participated in any chemical or biological warfare test or project. Upon request of the chair, the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission. (2) Participant information.-- (A) Before the expiration of the 45-day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this Act, the head of a department or agency of the United States which is in possession of any participant information described in subparagraph (B) shall furnish such information to the Commission. (B) The participant information referred to in subparagraph (A) is the name, service number, social security number, and birth date of each individual who participated in a chemical or biological warfare test or project and the date and location of any such project in which the individual participated. (e) Security Clearances.-- (1) Chair and vice chair.--The chair and vice chair of the Commission shall hold, as a condition of appointment to or employment with the Commission, appropriate security clearances for access to the classified briefing, records, and materials to be reviewed by the Commission or its staff and shall follow the guidance and practices on security under applicable Executive orders and agency directives. (2) Certain staff.--Not fewer than one-third of the staff of the Commission shall hold, as a condition of appointment to or employment with the Commission, appropriate security clearances for access to the classified briefing, records, and materials to be reviewed by the Commission or its staff and shall follow the guidance and practices on security under applicable Executive orders and agency directives. (3) Members and staff.-- (A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), 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. (B) Exception.--No person shall be provided with access to classified information under this Act without the appropriate required security clearance access. (f) Gifts, Bequests, and Devises.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of services or property, both real and personal, for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Commission. Gifts, bequests, or devises of money and proceeds from the sales of other property received as gifts, bequests, or devises shall be deposited in the Treasury and shall be available for disbursement upon the order of the Commission. (g) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States. (h) 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. (i) Subpoena Power.-- (1) In general.--The Commission may issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of any evidence relating to any matter under investigation by the Commission. 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) Issuance of subpoenas.-- (A) In general.--A subpoena may be issued under this subsection only-- (i) by the agreement of the chair and vice chair; or (ii) by the affirmative vote of 4 members of the Commission. (B) Signature and service.--Subject to subparagraph (A), a subpoena issued under this subsection may be issued under the signature of the chair or any member designated by a majority vote of the Commission and may be served by any person designated by the chair or by any person designated by a member designated by a majority vote of the Commission. (3) Failure to obey a subpoena.--If a person refuses to obey a subpoena issued under paragraph (1), the Commission may apply to a United States district court for an order requiring that person to appear before the Commission to give testimony, produce evidence, or both, relating to the matter under investigation. The application may be made within the judicial district where the hearing is conducted or where that person is found, resides, or transacts business. Any failure to obey the order of the court may by punished by the court as civil contempt. (j) Contract Authority.--To the extent or in the amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Commission may contract with and compensate government and private agencies or persons for services if entering into such contracts would enable the Commission to discharge its duties. SEC. 7. REPORTS. (a) Interim Reports.--The Commission may submit to Congress, the Committees on Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Congressional intelligence committees, and the President, interim reports containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission members. (b) Final Report.--The Commission shall transmit a final report to Congress, the Committees on Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Congressional intelligence committees, and the President, not later than 36 months from the date of the initial meeting of the Commission. The final report shall contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations for any actions the Commission considers appropriate. (c) Form of Report.--Each report submitted under this section shall be unclassified but may contain a classified annex. (d) Recommendation to Make Public Certain Classified Information.-- (1) In general.--If the Commission determines that it is in the public interest that some or all of the information contained in a classified annex of a report under this section be made available to the public, the Commission shall make a recommendation to the Congressional intelligence committees to make such information public, and the Congressional intelligence committees shall consider the recommendation pursuant to the procedures under paragraph (2). (2) Procedure for declassifying information.--The procedures referred to in paragraph (1) are the procedures described-- (A) with respect to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives, in clause 11(g) of Rule x of the Rules of the House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress; and (B) with respect to the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, in section 8 of Senate Resolution 400, Ninety-Fourth Congress. (e) Congressional Intelligence Committees.--In this subsection, the term ``Congressional intelligence committees'' means-- (1) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and (2) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate. SEC. 8. TERMINATION. (a) In General.--The Commission shall terminate upon the expiration of the 60-day period which begins on the date the Commission submits its final report under section 7(b). (b) Administrative Activities.--The Commission may use the 60-day period described in subsection (a) to conclude its activities, which may include providing testimony to committees of Congress concerning its findings, conclusions, and recommendations. SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 to carry out this Act, which shall remain available until the termination of the Commission.
Veterans' Right to Know Act - Establishes the Veterans' Right to Know Commission to: (1) investigate chemical or biological warfare tests or projects, especially those carried out between 1954 and 1973, placing particular emphasis on actions or conditions that could have contributed to health risks to any civilian or military personnel who participated in such a test or project or were otherwise potentially exposed to a biological or chemical agent as a result; and (2) report to Congress on its findings and recommendations.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Essential Oral Health Care Act of 2007''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I--PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE ORAL HEALTH ACCESS Sec. 101. Grants to develop and implement pilot community dental health coordinator (CDHC) training programs and to support volunteer dental projects. TITLE II--STATE OPTION FOR IMPROVING MEDICAID AND SCHIP DENTAL SERVICES ACCESS Sec. 201. Support for ensuring children enrolled in Medicaid and SCHIP have dental services access equal to the pediatric population of the State. TITLE III--TAX CREDIT FOR DONATED DENTAL SERVICES Sec. 301. Tax credit for donation of certain dental services. TITLE I--PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE ORAL HEALTH ACCESS SEC. 101. GRANTS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT PILOT COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH COORDINATOR (CDHC) TRAINING PROGRAMS AND TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEER DENTAL PROJECTS. Title V of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 701, et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new sections: ``SEC. 511. GRANTS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT PILOT COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH COORDINATOR (CDHC) TRAINING PROGRAMS. ``(a) Authority To Make Grants.--In addition to any other payments made under this title to a State, the Secretary shall award grants to no more than six entities that satisfy the requirements of subsection (b) to participate as a pilot site for the Community Dental Health Coordinator (in this section referred to as the `CDHC') model developed as a new mid-level allied dental professional who will work in underserved communities where residents have no or limited access to oral health care. Under such a grant each CDHC-- ``(1) will be employed by a federally-qualified health center, Indian Health Service facility, State or county public health clinic, private practitioner serving dentally underserved populations, or similar entity; and ``(2) will work under the supervision of a licensed dentist in collaboration with health organizations, community organizations, schools, or other similar organizations, to provide community-focused oral health promotion and coordination of dental care. ``(b) Requirements.--In order to be eligible for a grant under this section, an entity shall provide the Secretary with the following assurances: ``(1) The entity will recruit and train no fewer than 12 CDHCs in a 3-year period. ``(2) The entity will work with a State-specific coordinating committee that includes representatives of agencies such as the State board of dentistry, dental associations, and dental academic institutions where the pilot projects are conducted, as well as the American Dental Association's Workforce Models National Coordinating and Development Committee (NCDC). ``(3) The entity will provide information required in conducting the evaluation under subsection (d). ``(c) Application.--An entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary in such manner as the Secretary may require. ``(d) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall provide for an evaluation over a 2-year period of the overall success of the grants provided under this section to be conducted by a national evaluation team and coordinated by the American Dental Association's Workforce Models National Coordinating and Development Committee (NCDC). ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012. ``SEC. 512. GRANTS TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEER DENTAL PROJECTS. ``(a) Authority To Make Grants.--In addition to any other payments made under this title to a State, the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities as defined in subsection (b) to purchase portable or mobile dental equipment and to pay for appropriate operational costs, including direct health care or service delivery costs, for the provision of free (or subsidized) dental services to underserved populations. ``(b) Eligible Entity.--An eligible entity under this subsection is an organization, such as a State or local dental association, dental school, a hospital with a postdoctoral dental education program, or a community-based organization that partners with an academic institution, that is exempt from tax under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that offers a free dental services program for underserved populations. ``(c) Application.--An institution desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary in such manner as the Secretary may require. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to make grants under this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.''. TITLE II--STATE OPTION FOR IMPROVING MEDICAID AND SCHIP DENTAL SERVICES ACCESS SEC. 201. SUPPORT FOR ENSURING CHILDREN ENROLLED IN MEDICAID AND SCHIP HAVE DENTAL SERVICES ACCESS EQUAL TO THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION OF THE STATE. (a) Medicaid.--Section 1903 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(aa) Equal Access to Oral Health Care for Pediatric Population Plan.-- ``(1) Increase in fmap for states implementing equal access requirements.--In order to ensure adequate provider participation in the plan under this title and to ensure that children enrolled in the plan have access to oral health care services to the same extent as such services are available to the pediatric population of the State, subject to paragraph (3), in the case of a State that amends its plan under this title to incorporate, and to implement, the requirements specified in paragraph (2), notwithstanding section 1905(b), the Federal medical assistance percentage applied under the plan with respect to expenditures for dental and oral health services for children shall be increased by 25 percentage points, but not to exceed 90 percent. ``(2) Provider participation and access requirements.--The requirements specified in this paragraph for a State are that the State provides the Secretary with assurances regarding each of the following: ``(A) Children enrolled in the State plan have access to oral health care services to the same extent as such services are available to the pediatric population of the State. ``(B) Payment for dental services for children under the State plan is made at levels consistent with the market-based rates. ``(C) No fewer than 35 percent of the practicing dentists (including a reasonable mix of general dentists, pediatric dentists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons) in the State participate (whether directly or through a plan providing dental services) under the State plan and there is reasonable distribution of such dentists serving the covered population. ``(D) Administrative barriers under this title are addressed to facilitate such provider participation, including improving eligibility verification, ensuring that any licensed dentist may participate in a publicly funded plan without also having to participate in any other plan, simplifying claims forms processing, assigning a single plan administrator for the dental program, and employing case managers to reduce the number of missed appointments. ``(E) Demand for services barriers under this title are addressed, such as educating caregivers regarding the need to seek dental services and addressing oral health care literacy issues. ``(3) 3 year review.--Every 3 years the Secretary shall evaluate the impact of the increase in the FMAP under paragraph (1) on the rate of participation of dentists and the use of dental services under the State plan. If the Secretary determines that such increase in the FMAP has not resulted in a commensurate increase in such participation and use rate, as determined in consultation with the State involved, paragraph (1) shall no longer apply in such State.''. (b) Application to SCHIP.--Section 2105(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397ee(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the provisions of section 1903(aa) shall apply with respect to the enhanced FMAP and the State plan under this title in the same manner as such provisions apply with respect to the Federal medical assistance percentage and the State plan under title XIX.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to expenditures in calendar quarters beginning on or after October 1, 2007. TITLE III--TAX CREDIT FOR DONATED DENTAL SERVICES SEC. 301. TAX CREDIT FOR DONATION OF CERTAIN DENTAL SERVICES. (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 inserting after section 45N the following new section: ``SEC. 45O. DONATION OF CERTAIN DENTAL SERVICES. ``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 38, the qualified dental services credit determined under this subsection for any taxable year is an amount equal to 30 percent of the sum of the discounted amounts with respect to qualified dental services provided by the taxpayer during the taxable year to qualified low income individuals. ``(b) Limitation.--The credit determined under subsection (a) with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed $5,000. ``(c) Discounted Amounts.--For purposes of the this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `discounted amount' means, with respect to any qualified dental service, the excess of-- ``(A) the usual amount charged by the taxpayer to an uninsured individual for such service, over ``(B) any amount charged or received by the taxpayer for such service. ``(2) Discount must be at least 90 percent.--Such term shall not include any amount with respect to any qualified dental service if the amount described in paragraph (1)(B) with respect to such service exceeds 10 percent of the amount described in paragraph (1)(A) with respect to such service. ``(d) Qualified Low Income Individuals.--For purposes of this section, the term `qualified low income individual' means any individual whose family income does not exceed 200 percent of the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget). ``(e) Qualified Dental Services.--For purposes of this section, the term ``qualified dental services'' means any dental service which is necessary to prevent disease or promote oral health, restore oral structure to health and function, or to treat an emergency condition.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 38(b) of such Code 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: ``(32) the qualified dental services credit determined under section 45O(a).''. (2) The table of sections of such subpart is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 45N the following new item: ``Sec. 45O. Donation of certain dental services.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006.
Essential Oral Health Care Act of 2007 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to up to six entities to participate as pilot sites for the Community Dental Health Coordinator model developed as a new mid-level allied dental professional who will work in underserved communities where residents have no or limited access to oral health care. Requires the Secretary also to award grants to eligible entities to: (1) purchase portable or mobile dental equipment; and (2) pay for appropriate operational costs for the provision of free dental services to underserved populations. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)) to provide for an increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for states implementing requirements that ensure that children enrolled in the state Medicaid plan and/or SCHIP have access to oral health care services to the same extent as such services are available to the pediatric population of the state. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the donation of qualified dental services to qualified low income individuals.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Economic Stimulus Tax Act of 1993''. (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. REPEAL OF LIMITATION ON PASSIVE ACTIVITY LOSSES AND CREDITS. (a) In General.--Section 469 (relating to passive activity losses and credits limited) is hereby repealed. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart C of part II of subchapter E of chapter 1 is amended by striking the item relating to section 469. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993. SEC. 3. ACCELERATED DEPRECIATION SCHEDULE FOR REAL ESTATE. (a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 168(c) (relating to applicable recovery period) is amended by striking the items relating to residential rental property and nonresidential real property and inserting the following: ``Residential rental property................ 15 years Nonresidential real property................. 18 years''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after December 31, 1993. SEC. 4. RESTORATION OF 10-PERCENT INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT. (a) Allowance of Credit.--Section 46 (relating to amount of investment credit) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (3) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph: ``(4) the general investment credit.'' (b) Amount of Credit.--Section 48 is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection: ``(c) General Investment Credit.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 46, the general investment credit for any taxable year is an amount equal to 10 percent of the qualified investment for such taxable year. ``(2) Qualified investment.-- ``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the qualified investment for any taxable year is the aggregate of-- ``(i) the applicable percentage of the basis of each new section 38 property placed in service by the taxpayer during such taxable year, plus ``(ii) the applicable percentage of the cost of each used section 38 property placed in service by the taxpayer during such taxable year. ``(B) Applicable percentage.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the applicable percentage for any property shall be determined under paragraphs (2) and (7) of section 46(c) (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990). ``(C) Certain rules made applicable.--The provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of section 48 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990) shall apply for purposes of this paragraph. ``(3) Section 38 property.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `section 38 property' means-- ``(A) tangible personal property (other than an air conditioning or heating unit), or ``(B) other tangible property (not including a building and its structural components) but only if such property-- ``(i) is used as an integral part of manufacturing, production, or extraction or of furnishing transportation, communications, electrical energy, gas, water, or sewage disposal services, or ``(ii) constitutes a research facility used in connection with any of the activities referred to in clause (i), or ``(iii) constitutes a facility used in connection with any of the activities referred to in clause (i) for the bulk storage of fungible commodities (including commodities in a liquid or gaseous state), or ``(C) elevators and escalators, but only if-- ``(i) the construction, reconstruction, or erection of the elevator or escalator is completed by the taxpayer, or ``(ii) the original use of such elevator or escalator commences with the taxpayer, or ``(D) single purpose agricultural or horticultural structures; or ``(E) a storage facility (not including a building and its structural components) used in connection with the distribution of petroleum or any primary product of petroleum. Such term includes only property to which section 168 applies without regard to any useful life and any other property with respect to which depreciation (or amortization in lieu of depreciation) is allowable and having a useful life (determined as of the time such property is placed in service) of 3 years or more. ``(4) Coordination with other credits.--This subsection shall not apply to any property to which the energy credit or rehabilitation credit would apply unless the taxpayer elects to waive the application of such credits to such property. ``(5) Certain progress expenditure rules made applicable.-- Rules similar to rules of subsection (c)(4) and (d) of section 46 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990) shall apply for purposes of this subsection.'' (c) Technical Amendments.-- (1) Subparagraph (C) of section 49(a)(1) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (ii), by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end thereof the following new clause: ``(iv) the basis of any new section 38 property and the cost of any used section 38 property.'' (2) Subparagraph (E) of section 50(a)(2) is amended by inserting ``or 48(c)(5)'' before the period at the end thereof. (3) Paragraph (5) of section 50(a) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new subparagraph: ``(D) Special rules for certain property.--In the case of any section 38 property which is 3-year property (within the meaning of section 168(e))-- ``(i) the percentage set forth in clause (ii) of the table contained in paragraph (1)(B) shall be 66 percent, ``(ii) the percentage set forth in clause (iii) of such table shall be 33 percent, and ``(iii) clauses (iv) and (v) of such table shall not apply.'' (4)(A) The section heading for section 48 is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 48. OTHER CREDITS.'' (B) The table of sections for subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 is amended by striking the item relating to section 48 and inserting the following: ``Sec. 48. Other credits.'' (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to periods after the date of the enactment of this Act under rules similar to the rules of section 48(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990). SEC. 5. 50 PERCENT DEDUCTION FOR CERTAIN CAPITAL GAINS. (a) Taxpayers Other Than Corporations.--Part I of subchapter P of chapter 1 (relating to treatment of capital gains) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 1202. DEDUCTION FOR CERTAIN CAPITAL GAINS. ``(a) General Rule.--If for any taxable year a taxpayer other than a corporation has a qualified net capital gain, there shall be allowed as a deduction from gross income an amount equal to 50 percent of the qualified net capital gain. ``(b) Qualified Net Capital Gain.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified net capital gain' means the lesser of-- ``(A) the net capital gain for the taxable year, or ``(B) the net capital gain for the taxable year determined by taking into account only gain or loss from qualified assets. ``(2) Qualified assets.--The term `qualified asset' means any property with a holding period of at least 1 year at the time of disposition, other than-- ``(A) stock or securities for which there is a market on an established securities market or otherwise, and ``(B) property (other than stock or securities) of a kind regularly traded on an established market. ``(c) Estates and Trusts.--In the case of an estate or trust, the deduction under subsection (a) shall be computed by excluding the portion (if any) of the gains for the taxable year from sales or exchanges of capital assets which, under section 652 and 662 (relating to inclusions of amounts in gross income of beneficiaries of trusts), is includible by the income beneficiaries as gain derived from the sale or exchange of capital assets.'' (b) Corporations.--Section 1201 (relating to alternative tax for corporations) is amended by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c) and by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: ``(b) Deduction for Certain Capital Gains.-- ``(1) In general.--If for any taxable year a corporation has a qualified net capital gain, there shall be allowed as a deduction from gross income an amount equal to 50 percent of the qualified net capital gain. ``(2) Qualified net capital gain.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `qualified net capital gain' has the meaning given such term in section 1202(b).'' (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1)(A) Subsection (h) of section 1 is amended by inserting after ``net capital gain'' each place it appears the following: ``(other than qualified net capital gain (within the meaning of section 1202(b))''. (B) Subsection (a) of section 1201 is amended by inserting after ``net capital gain'' each place it appears the following: ``(other than qualified net capital gain (within the meaning of section 1202(b))''. (2) Subsection (a) of section 62 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(15) Qualified net capital gains.--The deduction allowed by section 1202.'' (3)(A) The heading for section 1201 is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 1201. ALTERNATIVE TAX FOR CORPORATIONS; DEDUCTION FOR CERTAIN CAPITAL GAINS.'' (B) The item relating to section 1201 in the table of sections for part I of subchapter P of chapter 1 is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 1201. Alternative tax for corporations; deduction for certain capital gains.'' (4) The table of sections for part I of subchapter P of chapter 1 is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``Sec. 1202. Deduction for certain capital gains.'' (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to sales and exchanges after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 6. INCREASE IN DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS FOR SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS. (a) Deduction Made Permanent.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (l) of section 162 (relating to special rules for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals) is amended by striking paragraph (6). (2) Conforming amendment.--Subsection (a) of section 110 of the Tax Extension Act of 1991 is amended by striking paragraph (2). (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1991. (b) Deduction Increased to 100 Percent.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 162(l) is amended by striking ``25 percent'' and inserting ``100 percent''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1992. SEC. 7. RESTORATION OF INCOME AVERAGING. (a) In General.--Section 141 of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (and the amendments made by such section) are hereby repealed, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be applied and administered as if such section (and amendments) had not been enacted. (b) Effective Date.--The repeal made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993. SEC. 8. MODIFICATIONS IN SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES. (a) Removal of Ceiling on Wages Subject to Tax.-- (1) FICA taxes.-- (A) Section 3121(a) (defining wages) is amended by striking paragraph (1). (B) Section 3121 is amended by striking subsection (x) (relating to applicable contribution base). (2) SECA tax.-- (A) Section 1402(b) (defining self-employment income) is amended-- (i) in the 1st sentence, by striking paragraph (1), and (ii) by striking the 2d sentence. (B) Section 1402 is amended by striking subsection (k) (relating to applicable contribution base). (b) Reduction in Social Security Taxes.-- (1) Employee tax.--Subsection (a) of section 3101 (relating to rate of tax on employees) is amended to read as follows: ``(a) Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance.--In addition to other taxes, there is hereby imposed on the income of every individual a tax equal to 4.55 percent of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) received by the individual with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).'' (2) Employer tax.--Subsection (a) of section 3111 (relating to rate of tax on employers) is amended to read as follows: ``(a) Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance.--In addition to other taxes, there is hereby imposed on every employer an excise tax equal to 4.55 percent of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by the employer with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).'' (3) Self-employment tax.--Subsection (a) of section 1401 (relating to rate of tax on self-employment income) is amended to read as follows: ``(a) Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance.--In addition to other taxes, there is hereby imposed for each taxable year, on the self-employment income of every individual, a tax equal to 6.82 percent of the amount of the self-employment income for the taxable year.'' (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1)(A) Paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 3121(i) (relating to computation of wages in certain cases) are each amended by striking ``, subject to the provisions of subsection (a)(1) of this section,''. (B) Paragraph (4) of section 3121(i) is amended by striking ``, subject to the provisions of subsection (a)(1),''. (C) Section 3121(s) (relating to concurrent employment by 2 or more employers) is amended by striking ``3102, 3111, and 3121(a)(1)'' and inserting ``3102 and 3111''. (2) Section 3122 (relating to Federal service) is amended by striking the 3d sentence. (3) Subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) of section 3125 (relating to returns in the case of governmental employees in the States, Guam, American Samoa, and the District of Columbia) are each amended by striking the last sentence. (4)(A) Clause (i) of section 3231(e)(2)(A) is amended by striking ``The'' and inserting ``In the case of the taxes imposed by sections 3201(b), 3211(a)(2), and 3221(b), the''. (B) Subparagraph (B) of section 3231(e)(2) is amended to read as follows: ``(B) Applicable base.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `applicable base' means for any calendar year the contribution and benefit base determined under section 230 of the Social Security Act for such calendar year; except that, for such purposes and for purposes of computing average monthly compensation under section 3(j) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (except with respect to annuity amounts determined under subsection (a) or (f)(3) of section 3 of such Act), clause (2) of the first sentence, and the second sentence, of section 230(c) of the Social Security Act shall be disregarded.'' (C) Subparagraph (C) of section 3231(e)(2) (defining compensation for purposes of railroad retirement tax) is amended by inserting after ``employers)'' the following: ``, as such section was in effect immediately before its repeal by the Farm and Small Business Tax Equity Act of 1993,''. (D) The heading of paragraph (2) of section 3231(e) is amended by striking ``bases'' and inserting ``base to tier 2 taxes''. (5) Section 6413 is amended by striking subsection (c) (relating to special refunds for employees receiving wages from more than 1 employer). (6) Section 230(c) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 430(c)) is amended by striking ``and sections 1402, 3121, 3122, 3125, 6413, and 6654 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to remuneration paid after December 31, 1993, and with respect to earnings from self-employment attributable to taxable years beginning after such date. HR 912 IH----2
Economic Stimulus Tax Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to repeal the limitation on passive activity losses and credits. Shortens the recovery period (providing for accelerated depreciation) for residential rental property and nonresidental real property. Restores the ten-percent general investment tax credit. Allows individuals and corporations a deduction of 50 percent of the net capital gain from assets held for at least one year. Increases the deduction for health insurance costs for self-employed individuals from 25 percent to 100 percent. Makes such deduction permanent. Repeals the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to restore IRC provisions relating to income averaging. Removes the ceiling on wages subject to social security taxes and provides a reduction in such taxes.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Advancing the Global Opportunities for Biotechnology in Agriculture Act of 2000''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Biotechnology in the agricultural sector holds the prospect for substantial benefits to mankind in a number of critical areas. (2) Enhanced crop yields resulting from the use of agricultural biotechnology will help in feeding a growing world population, especially in developing countries. (3) Healthier bio-engineered foods will assist in combating diseases specific to the developing world that arise from vitamin and other nutritional deficiencies. (4) Pest and disease resistant crops developed through biotechnology will preserve and improve the environment by reducing the need for herbicides and pesticides. (5) Greater agricultural yields will preserve the environment by minimizing the need for additional farmland to feed and clothe the world's growing population. (6) Ensuring that these benefits, the underlying scientific information, and the regulatory framework for managing this technology are shared globally is imperative and should be an integral part of United States foreign assistance programs. SEC. 3. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--Of the funds appropriated to carry out sections 103 through 106, and chapter 10 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for fiscal years 2001-2002, $6,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated to the Agency for International Development for programs and projects designed to educate government officials in developing countries regarding the use of biotechnology in the agricultural sector and the regulatory procedures used by the United States with respect to agricultural products using biotechnology. The programs and activities shall encourage acceptance by those countries of products approved under the United States regulatory system or, in the case of countries who choose to establish a national regulatory system based on science, to encourage adoption of domestic approval processes based on objective scientific principles. The programs and activities shall include the following: (1) Technical exchange program for foreign officials.--The Agency for International Development shall carry out a technical exchange program that brings to the United States appropriate foreign officials for the purpose of educating them about the scientific process underlying biotechnology and the regulatory approval system employed in the United States for biotechnology products, and to seek answers to any questions they or their citizens may have regarding the safety of biotechnology, particularly in agricultural products. (2) Technical exchange program for united states biotechnology experts.--The Agency for International Development shall carry out a technical exchange program that sends United States experts in the field of biotechnology in the agriculture sector to foreign capitals to provide information on the scientific process underlying biotechnology, the regulatory approval system employed in the United States to approve agricultural products produced with biotechnology, and to respond to any questions the officials in foreign countries or their citizens may have regarding the safety of biotechnology, particularly in the agriculture sector. SEC. 4. DEVELOPMENT OF EXPERTISE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. In order to carry out the programs and activities in section ____, the Agency for International Development shall establish a group of experts within the agency to carry out these programs. To maximize its effectiveness, this group should draw on the expertise, as appropriate, of regulatory officials in the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and the United States Department of Agriculture, as well as appropriate officials from the Department of State. SEC. 5. COORDINATED FEDERAL STRATEGY. (a) Coordination.--The President shall establish an interagency process for all relevant executive branch agencies, including the United States Department of Agriculture, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Department of State, the Agency for International Development, the Department of Commerce, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, to coordinate efforts and to generate support for the acceptance of agricultural biotechnology. United States policies must stress the prominence of science as the foundation for regulatory decision-making and work aggressively in international fora such as the World Trade Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Health Organization, including its CODEX Alimentarius, and the United Nations, to advocate for science-based decision making. (b) Standards for Food Aid.--The Agency for International Development and the United States Department of Agriculture should work to ensure that all food and grain products that meet United States health and safety requirements are acceptable to foreign countries under relevant food aid programs. SEC. 6. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS. It is the Sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should work with United States embassies abroad to develop bilateral support from foreign governments for the approval of science-based trading regimes in multilateral forums and organizations.
Directs the President to establish an interagency process for all relevant executive branch agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of State, AID, the Department of Commerce, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, to coordinate efforts and to generate support for the acceptance of agricultural biotechnology. Urges U.S. policies to stress the prominence of science as the foundation for regulatory decision-making and work aggressively in international fora such as the World Trade Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, including its CODEX Alimentarius, and the United Nations, to advocate for science-based decision- making. Urges AID and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that all food and grain products that meet U.S. health and safety requirements are acceptable to foreign countries under relevant food aid programs. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should work with U.S. embassies abroad to develop bilateral support from foreign governments for the approval of science-based trading regimes in multilateral forums and organizations.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Improving Access to Mainstream Financial Institutions Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Alaska native corporation.--The term ``Alaska Native Corporation'' has the same meaning as the term ``Native Corporation'' under section 3(m) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602(m)). (2) Community development financial institution.--The term ``community development financial institution'' has the same meaning as in section 103(5) of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4702(5)). (3) Federally insured depository institution.--The term ``federally insured depository institution'' means any insured depository institution (as that term is defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813)) and any insured credit union (as that term is defined in section 101 of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1752)). (4) Labor organization.--The term ``labor organization'' means an organization-- (A) in which employees participate; (B) which exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of employment, or conditions of work; and (C) which is described in section 501(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (5) Native hawaiian organization.--The term ``Native Hawaiian organization'' means any organization that-- (A) serves and represents the interests of Native Hawaiians; and (B) has as a primary and stated purpose, the provision of services to Native Hawaiians. (6) Payday loan.--The term ``payday loan'' means any transaction in which a small cash advance is made to a consumer in exchange for-- (A) the personal check or share draft of the consumer, in the amount of the advance plus a fee, where presentment or negotiation of such check or share draft is deferred by agreement of the parties until a designated future date; or (B) the authorization of the consumer to debit the transaction account or share draft account of the consumer, in the amount of the advance plus a fee, where such account will be debited on or after a designated future date. (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Treasury. (8) Tribal organization.--The term ``tribal organization'' has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b). SEC. 3. EXPANDED ACCESS TO MAINSTREAM FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. (a) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants, including multi-year grants, to eligible entities to establish an account in a federally insured depository institution for low- and moderate-income individuals that currently do not have such an account. (b) Eligible Entities.--An entity is eligible to receive a grant under this section, if such an entity is-- (1) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; (2) a federally insured depository institution; (3) an agency of a State or local government; (4) a community development financial institution; (5) an Indian tribal organization; (6) an Alaska Native Corporation; (7) a Native Hawaiian organization; (8) a labor organization; or (9) a partnership comprised of 1 or more of the entities described in the preceding subparagraphs. (c) Evaluation and Reports to Congress.--For each fiscal year in which a grant is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress containing a description of the activities funded, amounts distributed, and measurable results, as appropriate and available. SEC. 4. LOW COST ALTERNATIVES TO PAYDAY LOANS. (a) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary is authorized to award demonstration project grants (including multi-year grants) to eligible entities to provide low-cost, small loans to consumers that will provide alternatives to more costly, predatory payday loans. (b) Eligible Entities.--An entity is eligible to receive a grant under this section if such an entity is-- (1) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code; (2) a federally insured depository institution; (3) a community development financial institution; or (4) a partnership comprised of 1 or more of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (3). (c) Terms and Conditions.-- (1) Percentage rate.--For purposes of this section, an eligible entity that is a federally insured depository institution shall be subject to the annual percentage rate promulgated by the National Credit Union Administration's Loan Interest Rates under part 701 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor thereto), in connection with a loan provided to a consumer pursuant to this section. (2) Financial literacy and education opportunities.--Each eligible entity awarded a grant under this section shall offer financial literacy and education opportunities, such as relevant counseling services or educational courses, to each consumer provided with a loan pursuant to this section. (d) Evaluation and Reports to Congress.--For each fiscal year in which a grant is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress containing a description of the activities funded, amounts distributed, and measurable results, as appropriate and available. SEC. 5. PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS. (a) Applications.--A person desiring a grant under section 3 or 4 shall submit an application to the Secretary, in such form and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (b) Limitation on Administrative Costs.--A recipient of a grant under section 3 or 4 may use not more than 6 percent of the total amount of such grant in any fiscal year for the administrative costs of carrying out the programs funded by such grant in such fiscal year. SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary, such sums as are necessary to carry out the grant programs authorized by this Act, to remain available until expended. SEC. 7. REGULATIONS. The Secretary is authorized to promulgate regulations to implement and administer the grant programs authorized by this Act.
Improving Access to Mainstream Financial Institutions Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to award grants, including multi-year grants, to specified eligible entities to establish an account in a federally insured depository institution for low- and moderate-income individuals who currently do not have such an account. Includes among such eligible entities: (1) Alaska Native Corporations; (2) Native Hawaiian organizations; and (3) labor organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to award demonstration project grants to eligible entities to provide low-cost, small loans to consumers that will provide alternatives to more costly, predatory payday loans. Requires such entities to be: (1) tax-exempt charitable organizations; (2) federally insured depository institutions; (3) community development financial institutions; or (4) partnerships comprised of one or more of such entities. Requires grant recipients to offer financial literacy and education opportunities to each consumer provided with a loan pursuant to this Act.
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SECTION 1. TRADE NEGOTIATING OBJECTIVES. Section 1101 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (19 U.S.C. 2901) is amended as follows: (1) Overall trade negotiating objectives.--Subsection (a) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (2) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (B) in paragraph (3) by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding after paragraph (3) the following: ``(4) increased compatibility of trade agreements with environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development.''. (2) Principal trade negotiating objectives.--Subsection (b) is amended as follows: (A) Dispute settlement.--Paragraph (1)(B) is amended to read as follows: ``(B) to ensure that such mechanisms within trade agreements to which the United States is a party provide for more effective and expeditious resolution of disputes, improve transparency and public participation, and enable better enforcement of United States rights, including those relating to environment and conservation.''. (B) Transparency.--Paragraph (3) is amended by inserting ``, including those related to environment and conservation,'' after ``trade matters''. (C) Developing countries.--Paragraph (4) is amended-- (i) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (ii) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (iii) by adding after subparagraph (B) the following: ``(C) to take into account the particular needs of developing countries in trade matters relating to environment and conservation.''. (D) Unfair trade practices.--Paragraph (8)(A) is amended-- (i) by striking ``the GATT and nontariff measure'' and inserting ``trade''; and (ii) by inserting ``and other practices potentially harmful to the environment'' after ``resource input subsidies''. (E) Intellectual property.--Paragraph (10) is amended-- (i) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (ii) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(E) to promote compatibility of established standards of the World Trade Organization relating to intellectual property with existing international biological diversity conventions.''. (F) Foreign investment.--Paragraph (11) is amended-- (i) by striking ``direct'' in the paragraph heading and each place it appears in the text; and (ii) in subparagraph (A)(ii)-- (I) by striking ``and'' at the end of subclause (I); (II) by striking the period at the end of subclause (II) and inserting ``, and''; and (III) by adding at the end the following: ``(III) will promote environmentally sensitive foreign investment and discourage countries from attracting or maintaining foreign investment by relaxing domestic health, safety, or environmental measures.''. (G) Additional objectives.--Subsection (b) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(17) Environment and conservation.--The principal negotiating objectives of the United States regarding environment and conservation issues related to trade and foreign investment are to-- ``(A) promote compatibility between trade agreements and sustainable development, and foster the continual protection and improvement of the environment, while recognizing national sovereignty; ``(B) increase cooperation on trade-related environmental policies to better conserve, protect, and enhance the environment; ``(C) avoid trade distortions or barriers that undermine environmental protection and conservation or that constitute disguised protectionism; ``(D) promote transparency and public participation, and increase consumer information in the development of environmental laws, regulations, and policies; and ``(E) promote compatibility of trade agreements with international environmental agreements to protect shared global resources. ``(18) Wood and wood products.--The principal negotiating objectives of the United States regarding trade in wood and wood products are to-- ``(A) promote sustainable forestry practices; and ``(B) increase market access for value-added wood products and wood products that are produced from timber that is sustainably harvested.''. SEC. 2. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. Section 135 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2155) is amended as follows: (1) Advisory committee for trade policy and negotiations.-- Subsection (b)(1) is amended by inserting ``nongovernmental environmental and conservation organizations,'' after ``governments,''. (2) General policy, sectoral, or functional committees.-- Subsection (c) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by inserting ``environment and conservation,'' after ``general policy advisory committees for''; (ii) by inserting ``environment and conservation,'' after ``representative of all''; (iii) by striking ``and the Secretaries'' and all that follows through ``or other executive'' and inserting ``, the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, Defense, Labor, Agriculture, and the Treasury, and the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the heads of other executive''; and (iv) by inserting ``and Administrators'' after ``such Secretaries''; (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) by inserting ``environment and conservation,'' after ``representative of all''; (ii) by striking ``and the Secretaries'' and all that follows through ``or other executive'' and inserting ``, the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, Labor, Agriculture, and the Treasury, and the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the heads of other executive''; and (iii) in subparagraph (B)-- (I) by redesignating clauses (iii) through (v) as clauses (iv) through (vi), respectively; and (II) by inserting after clause (ii) the following: ``(iii) environmental impacts of liberalized trade and investment,''. (3) Advice and information.--Subsection (d) is amended by striking ``and the Secretaries'' and all that follows through ``or other executive'' and inserting ``, the Secretaries of the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, and Defense, and the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the heads of other executive''. (4) Meetings at close of negotiations.--Subsection (e) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(4) The report of the appropriate sectoral or functional committee or committees under paragraph (1) shall include an advisory opinion as to the significant environmental effects of trade conducted within the sector or within the functional area.''. (5) Trade secrets and confidential information.--Subsection (g)(3) is amended by striking ``and the Secretaries'' and all that follows through ``or other executive'' and inserting ``, the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, Labor, Defense, and Agriculture, and the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the heads of other executive''. (6) Advisory committee support.--Subsection (h) is amended by striking ``and the Secretaries'' and all that follows through ``or other executive'' and inserting ``, the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, Labor, Defense, Agriculture, and the Treasury, and the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the heads of other executive''. (7) Consultation with advisory committees.--Subsection (i) is amended-- (A) by inserting ``the Interior,'' after Secretaries of''; and (B) by striking ``the Treasury, or other executive'' and inserting ``and the Treasury and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the heads of other executive''. (8) Private organizations or groups.--Subsection (j) is amended by inserting ``environment and conservation,'' after ``government''. SEC. 3. ADDITIONAL NEGOTIATING OBJECTIVES. Section 1101 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Specific Objectives for Particular Forums.-- ``(1) WTO.--The principal negotiating objectives of the United States regarding environment and conservation in the World Trade Organization and the Committee on Trade and Environment of the World Trade Organization are-- ``(A) to develop guidelines for the use of national trade and investment measures designed to protect the environment, including those related to the product life cycle; ``(B) to increase transparency, openness, and public participation in dispute settlement procedures; ``(C) to improve the rules and agreements of the World Trade Organization regarding measures to protect domestic environmental standards and conservation measures; ``(D) to promote greater compatibility of the rules and agreements of the World Trade Organization with international environmental agreements that rely upon trade sanctions for enforcement; ``(E) to consider incentives, including improved market access, that might promote resolution of environmental issues relating to international trade; ``(F) to consider intellectual property rules that may promote greater protection of biodiversity; ``(G) to develop guidelines with respect to trade in domestically prohibited or severely restricted goods; ``(H) to achieve progress toward eliminating agricultural subsidies that distort trade and harm the environment; and ``(I) to create an open process to consider continually new trade-related initiatives to promote sustainable development, internalize environmental costs, and enhance environmental protection and the effectiveness of conservation measures. ``(2) Bilateral trade or nafta accession.--The principal negotiating objectives of the United States with respect to bilateral trade accession to the North American Free Trade Agreement are-- ``(A) to establish, where relevant for the country seeking accession, minimum environmental safeguards that are not less than those contained in the North American Free Trade Agreement and the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation; and ``(B) to implement such additional measures as may be needed to address country-specific trade and environment issues. ``(3) Asia-pacific economic cooperation forum.--The principal negotiating objectives of the United States in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) are-- ``(A) to develop a program relating to environment and conservation measures of relevance to member countries of APEC; and ``(B) to establish a permanent institutional mechanism or secretariat and a timetable for implementing the program developed under subparagraph (A).''.
Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to add as an overall U.S. trade negotiating objective that the United States obtain increased compatibility of trade agreements with environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development. (Sec. 1) Declares principal U.S. trade negotiating objectives includes ensuring that dispute settlement mechanisms within trade agreements provide for more effective and expeditious resolution of disputes, improve transparency and public participation, and enable better enforcement of U.S. rights, including those relating to environment and conservation; (2) obtaining broader application of the principle of transparency through the observance of open and equitable procedures by GATT Contracting Parties to the GATT in trade matters related to environment and conservation; (3) taking into account the particular needs of developing countries in trade matters relating to environment and conservation; (4) improving the provisions of trade agreements to discipline unfair trade practices having adverse trade effects, including practices potentially harmful to the environment;(5) promoting compatibility of established standards of the World Trade Organization (WTO) relating to intellectual property with existing international biological diversity conventions; and (6) developing internationally agreed rules, including dispute settlement procedures, which will promote environmentally sensitive foreign investment and discourage countries from attracting or maintaining foreign investment by relaxing domestic health, safety, or environmental measures. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives: (1) regarding environment and conservation issues related to trade and foreign investment are, among other things, to promote compatibility between trade agreements and the protection of the environment and global resources; and (2) regarding trade in wood and wood products are to promote sustainable forestry practices, and to increase market access for value-added wood products and wood products that are produced from timber that is sustainably harvested. (Sec. 2) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise the composition of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations to include nongovernmental environmental and conservation organizations. Authorizes the President to establish individual general policy and sectoral or functional advisory committees for environment and conservation. Requires a specified report of the appropriate sectoral or functional committees concerning proposed trade agreements to include an advisory opinion as to the significant environmental effects of trade conducted within the sector or functional area. (Sec. 3) Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to declare that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives regarding environment and conservation in the WTO and the Committee on Trade and Environment of the WTO are, among other things, to promote greater compatibility of the rules and agreements of the WTO with international agreements that rely upon trade sanctions for enforcement. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives with respect to bilateral trade accession to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are to establish for the country seeking accession minimum environmental safeguards that are not less than those contained in NAFTA and the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation. Declares that the principal U.S. negotiating objectives with respect to the Asia-pacific Economic Cooperation form (APEC) are to develop a program relating to environment and conservation measures of relevance to member countries of APEC.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) In General.--This Act may be cited as the ``Layoff Prevention Act of 2017''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Temporary financing of short-time compensation payments in States with programs in law. Sec. 3. Temporary financing of short-time compensation agreements. Sec. 4. Grants for short-time compensation programs. Sec. 5. Assistance and guidance in implementing programs. SEC. 2. TEMPORARY FINANCING OF SHORT-TIME COMPENSATION PAYMENTS IN STATES WITH PROGRAMS IN LAW. (a) Payments to States.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), there shall be paid to a State an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount of short-time compensation paid under a short-time compensation program (as defined in section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) under the provisions of the State law. (2) Terms of payments.--Payments made to a State under paragraph (1) shall be payable by way of reimbursement in such amounts as the Secretary estimates the State will be entitled to receive under this section for each calendar month, reduced or increased, as the case may be, by any amount by which the Secretary finds that the Secretary's estimates for any prior calendar month were greater or less than the amounts which should have been paid to the State. Such estimates may be made on the basis of such statistical, sampling, or other method as may be agreed upon by the Secretary and the State agency of the State involved. (3) Limitations on payments.-- (A) General payment limitations.--No payments shall be made to a State under this section for short-time compensation paid to an individual by the State during a benefit year in excess of 26 times the amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) under the State law payable to such individual for a week of total unemployment. (B) Employer limitations.--No payments shall be made to a State under this section for benefits paid to an individual by the State under a short-time compensation program if such individual is employed by the participating employer on a seasonal, temporary, or intermittent basis. (b) Applicability.-- (1) In general.--Payments to a State under subsection (a) shall be available for weeks of unemployment-- (A) beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (B) ending on or before the date that is 5 years and 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Five-year funding limitation for combined payments under this section and section 3.--States may receive payments under this section and section 3 with respect to a total of not more than 260 weeks. (c) New Programs.--Subject to paragraphs (1)(B) and (2) of subsection (b), if at any point after the date of the enactment of this Act the State enacts a State law providing for the payment of short- time compensation under a short-time compensation program that meets the definition of such a program under section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 2161(a), the State shall be eligible for payments under this section after the effective date of such enactment. (d) Funding and Certifications.-- (1) Funding.--There are appropriated, out of moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary for purposes of carrying out this section. (2) Certifications.--The Secretary shall from time to time certify to the Secretary of the Treasury for payment to each State the sums payable to such State under this section. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Labor. (2) State; state agency; state law.--The terms ``State'', ``State agency'', and ``State law'' have the meanings given those terms in section 205 of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note). (f) Technical Correction to Definition.--Section 3306(v)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3306) is amended by striking ``Workforce Investment Act of 1998'' and inserting ``Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act''. SEC. 3. TEMPORARY FINANCING OF SHORT-TIME COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS. (a) Federal-State Agreements.-- (1) In general.--Any State which desires to do so may enter into, and participate in, an agreement under this section with the Secretary provided that such State's law does not provide for the payment of short-time compensation under a short-time compensation program (as defined in section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986). (2) Ability to terminate.--Any State which is a party to an agreement under this section may, upon providing 30 days' written notice to the Secretary, terminate such agreement. (b) Provisions of Federal-State Agreement.-- (1) In general.--Any agreement under this section shall provide that the State agency of the State will make payments of short-time compensation under a plan approved by the State. Such plan shall provide that payments are made in accordance with the requirements under section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (2) Limitations on plans.-- (A) General payment limitations.--A short-time compensation plan approved by a State shall not permit the payment of short-time compensation to an individual by the State during a benefit year in excess of 26 times the amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) under the State law payable to such individual for a week of total unemployment. (B) Employer limitations.--A short-time compensation plan approved by a State shall not provide payments to an individual if such individual is employed by the participating employer on a seasonal, temporary, or intermittent basis. (3) Employer payment of costs.--Any short-time compensation plan entered into by an employer must provide that the employer will pay the State an amount equal to one-half of the amount of short-time compensation paid under such plan. Such amount shall be deposited in the State's unemployment fund and shall not be used for purposes of calculating an employer's contribution rate under section 3303(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (c) Payments to States.-- (1) In general.--There shall be paid to each State with an agreement under this section an amount equal to-- (A) one-half of the amount of short-time compensation paid to individuals by the State pursuant to such agreement; and (B) any additional administrative expenses incurred by the State by reason of such agreement (as determined by the Secretary). (2) Terms of payments.--Payments made to a State under paragraph (1) shall be payable by way of reimbursement in such amounts as the Secretary estimates the State will be entitled to receive under this section for each calendar month, reduced or increased, as the case may be, by any amount by which the Secretary finds that the Secretary's estimates for any prior calendar month were greater or less than the amounts which should have been paid to the State. Such estimates may be made on the basis of such statistical, sampling, or other method as may be agreed upon by the Secretary and the State agency of the State involved. (3) Funding.--There are appropriated, out of moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary for purposes of carrying out this section. (4) Certifications.--The Secretary shall from time to time certify to the Secretary of the Treasury for payment to each State the sums payable to such State under this section. (d) Applicability.-- (1) In general.--An agreement entered into under this section shall apply to weeks of unemployment-- (A) beginning on or after the date on which such agreement is entered into; and (B) ending on or before the date that is 2 years and 13 weeks after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Two-year funding limitation.--States may receive payments under this section with respect to a total of not more than 104 weeks. (e) Special Rule.--If a State has entered into an agreement under this section and subsequently enacts a State law providing for the payment of short-time compensation under a short-time compensation program that meets the definition of such a program under section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the State-- (1) shall not be eligible for payments under this section for weeks of unemployment beginning after the effective date of such State law; and (2) subject to paragraphs (1)(B) and (2) of section 2(b), shall be eligible to receive payments under section 2 after the effective date of such State law. (f) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Labor. (2) State; state agency; state law.--The terms ``State'', ``State agency'', and ``State law'' have the meanings given those terms in section 205 of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note). SEC. 4. GRANTS FOR SHORT-TIME COMPENSATION PROGRAMS. (a) Grants.-- (1) For implementation or improved administration.--The Secretary shall award grants to States that enact short-time compensation programs (as defined in subsection (i)(2)) for the purpose of implementation or improved administration of such programs. (2) For promotion and enrollment.--The Secretary shall award grants to States that are eligible and submit plans for a grant under paragraph (1) for such States to promote and enroll employers in short-time compensation programs (as so defined). (3) Eligibility.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary shall determine eligibility criteria for the grants under paragraphs (1) and (2). (B) Clarification.--A State administering a short- time compensation program, including a program being administered by a State that is participating in the transition under the provisions of sections 301(a)(3) and 302(c), that does not meet the definition of a short-time compensation program under section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and a State with an agreement under section 3, shall not be eligible to receive a grant under this section until such time as the State law of the State provides for payments under a short-time compensation program that meets such definition and such law. (b) Amount of Grants.-- (1) In general.--The maximum amount available for making grants to a State under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be equal to the amount obtained by multiplying $100,000,000 (less the amount used by the Secretary under subsection (e)) by the same ratio as would apply under subsection (a)(2)(B) of section 903 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1103) for purposes of determining such State's share of any excess amount (as described in subsection (a)(1) of such section) that would have been subject to transfer to State accounts, as of October 1, 2016, under the provisions of subsection (a) of such section. (2) Amount available for different grants.--Of the maximum incentive payment determined under paragraph (1) with respect to a State-- (A) one-third shall be available for a grant under subsection (a)(1); and (B) two-thirds shall be available for a grant under subsection (a)(2). (c) Grant Application and Disbursal.-- (1) Application.--Any State seeking a grant under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and complete with such information as the Secretary may require. In no case may the Secretary award a grant under this section with respect to an application that is submitted after December 31, 2020. (2) Notice.--The Secretary shall, within 30 days after receiving a complete application, notify the State agency of the State of the Secretary's findings with respect to the requirements for a grant under paragraph (1) or (2) (or both) of subsection (a). (3) Certification.--If the Secretary finds that the State law provisions meet the requirements for a grant under subsection (a), the Secretary shall thereupon make a certification to that effect to the Secretary of the Treasury, together with a certification as to the amount of the grant payment to be transferred to the State account in the Unemployment Trust Fund (as established in section 904(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1104(a))) pursuant to that finding. The Secretary of the Treasury shall make the appropriate transfer to the State account within 7 days after receiving such certification. (4) Requirement.--No certification of compliance with the requirements for a grant under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) may be made with respect to any State whose-- (A) State law is not otherwise eligible for certification under section 303 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503) or approvable under section 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or (B) short-time compensation program is subject to discontinuation or is not scheduled to take effect within 12 months of the certification. (d) Use of Funds.--The amount of any grant awarded under this section shall be used for the implementation of short-time compensation programs and the overall administration of such programs and the promotion and enrollment efforts associated with such programs, such as through-- (1) the creation or support of rapid response teams to advise employers about alternatives to layoffs; (2) the provision of education or assistance to employers to enable them to assess the feasibility of participating in short-time compensation programs; and (3) the development or enhancement of systems to automate-- (A) the submission and approval of plans; and (B) the filing and approval of new and ongoing short-time compensation claims. (e) Administration.--The Secretary is authorized to use 0.25 percent of the funds available under subsection (g) to provide for outreach and to share best practices with respect to this section and short-time compensation programs. (f) Recoupment.--The Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary shall recoup the amount of any grant awarded under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that, during the 5-year period beginning on the first date that any such grant is awarded to the State, the State-- (1) terminated the State's short-time compensation program; or (2) failed to meet appropriate requirements with respect to such program (as established by the Secretary). (g) Funding.--There are appropriated, out of moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to the Secretary, $100,000,000 to carry out this section, to remain available without fiscal year limitation. (h) Reporting.--The Secretary may establish reporting requirements for States receiving a grant under this section in order to provide oversight of grant funds. (i) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Labor. (2) Short-time compensation program.--The term ``short-time compensation program'' has the meaning given such term in section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (3) State; state agency; state law.--The terms ``State'', ``State agency'', and ``State law'' have the meanings given those terms in section 205 of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note). SEC. 5. ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE IN IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--In order to assist States in establishing, qualifying, and implementing short-time compensation programs (as defined in section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), the Secretary of Labor (in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall-- (1) develop model legislative language which may be used by States in developing and enacting such programs and periodically review and revise such model legislative language; (2) provide technical assistance and guidance in developing, enacting, and implementing such programs; (3) establish reporting requirements for States, including reporting on-- (A) the number of estimated averted layoffs; (B) the number of participating employers and workers; and (C) such other items as the Secretary of Labor determines are appropriate. (b) Model Language and Guidance.--The model language and guidance developed under subsection (a) shall allow sufficient flexibility by States and participating employers while ensuring accountability and program integrity. (c) Consultation.--In developing the model legislative language and guidance under subsection (a), and in order to meet the requirements of subsection (b), the Secretary shall consult with employers, labor organizations, State workforce agencies, and other program experts.
Layoff Prevention Act of 2017 This bill requires each state that has already enacted a short-time compensation program to be paid 100% of the amount of short-time compensation paid under such program. Under a short-time compensation program, an employer may avoid a layoff of one or more employees by reducing the hours of all workers in the employer's workforce. Employees affected by a reduction in hours may receive a partial short-time compensation payment to compensate for lost wages. This is a voluntary and temporary program, beginning upon the enactment of this bill and ending five and one-half years later. The bill imposes certain limitations on payments to states and requires employers to pay their states one-half of the short-time compensation paid under the employer plan. The Department of Labor must: (1) award grants to states that enact short-time compensation programs to implement or improve the administration of such plans, (2) develop model legislative language for states in developing and enacting short-time compensation plans, and (3) provide technical assistance to states and establish reporting requirements for such programs.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Reproductive Health Equity Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds that-- (1) abortion is a legal medical service related to pregnancy and the choice to elect an abortion is a personal, private right protected by the Constitution; (2) the Federal Government provides assistance for pregnancy-related care for substantial numbers of women under a variety of Federal programs, including the medicaid program, the Indian health care program, the Federal employees' health benefits program (FEHBP), the program of health care for military dependents and retirees (CHAMPUS), the Peace Corps program, general payments to the District of Columbia, and the program of medical services to Federal penal and correctional institutions; (3) pregnant women who otherwise are provided pregnancy- related care under these programs have been denied equal access to health care services due to Congress' severe and unjustified restrictions on their freedom to choose services that relate to abortion; and (4) denial of access to health care services because those services relate to abortion is unjust and unfair to pregnant women who are or whose spouses are employed by the Federal Government or who otherwise are dependent on the Federal Government for health care and threatens the health and well- being of themselves and their families. SEC. 3. MEDICAID PROGRAM. Section 1902(a)(10) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)), relating to medical assistance under the medicaid program, is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E); (2) by inserting ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (F); and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following new subparagraph: ``(G) for making medical assistance available with respect to services related to abortion to the same extent as such assistance is provided with respect to other pregnancy-related services;''. SEC. 4. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM. Section 8904 of title 5, United States Code, relating to the type of benefits under the Federal employees health benefits program, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(c) All plans contracted for under this chapter shall include benefits for services related to abortion to the same extent as for other pregnancy-related services.''. SEC. 5. INDIAN HEALTH CARE. (a) General Authority.--Section 201(b) of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1621(b)), relating to the direct or indirect patient care program for Indians, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Funds appropriated under the authority of this section for each fiscal year are available to provide services related to abortion to the same extent as such funds are available for other pregnancy- related services.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 806 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1676) is repealed. SEC. 6. MILITARY HEALTH CARE. (a) Members and Former Members.--Section 1074 of title 10, United States Code, relating to medical and dental care for members and certain former members of the uniformed services, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Medical care provided under this section shall include services related to abortion to the same extent as such care includes other pregnancy-related services.''. (b) Dependents.--Section 1077(a)(8) of such title, relating to medical care for dependents of members of the uniformed services, is amended-- (1) by striking out the comma after ``infant care'' and inserting in lieu thereof a period; (2) by striking out ``including'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``Such care shall include''; and (3) by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``and services related to abortion to the same extent as other pregnancy-related services''. (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1093 of such title is repealed. SEC. 7. PEACE CORPS. Section 5(e) of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2504(e)), relating to health care for Peace Corps volunteers, is amended by inserting before the period at the end of the first sentence the following: ``, except that health care provided under this subsection to volunteers during their service shall include services related to abortion to the same extent as such care includes other pregnancy-related services''. SEC. 8. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Section 503 of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act, relating to the authorization of appropriations of the Federal payment to the District of Columbia, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: ``(b) Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization provided under this section shall be made available for services related to abortion to the same extent as such amounts may be made available for other pregnancy-related services.''. SEC. 9. FEDERAL PENAL AND CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS. Section 4005(a) of title 18, United States Code, relating to medical services to the Federal penal and correctional institution, is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, medical services provided under this subsection shall include services related to abortion to the same extent as they include other pregnancy-related services.''.
Reproductive Health Equity Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Peace Corps Act, the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act, and other Federal laws covering armed forces personnel and dependents, certain veterans, Federal employees' health benefits, and Federal penal and correctional institutions to provide that services related to abortion be made available to the same extent as are other pregnancy-related services under federally-funded programs. Repeals provisions of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act requiring submission of a resource allocation plan to the Congress by December 17, 1981.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Fairness in Judicial Taxation Act of 1996''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds that-- (1) a variety of effective and appropriate judicial remedies are available under existing law for the full redress of legal or constitutional violations; (2) the imposition, increase, levying, or assessment of taxes by courts is not necessary or appropriate for the full and effective exercise of remedies imposed by Federal courts with appropriate jurisdiction; (3) the imposition, increase, levying, or assessment of taxes by judicial order is-- (A) not an appropriate exercise of the judicial power under the Constitution; and (B) incompatible with-- (i) the traditional principles of the laws and Government of the United States; and (ii) the basic American principle that taxation without representation is tyrannical (because Federal courts are composed of unelected officials who are not answerable to the popular will); (4) when a Federal court issues an order that requires or results in the imposition, increase, levying, or assessment of any tax, the court-- (A) exceeds the proper boundaries of the limited jurisdiction and authority of Federal courts under the Constitution; and (B) impermissibly intrudes on the legislative functions of the democratic system of government of the United States; (5) no court should enter an order or approve any settlement-- (A) remedying a legal or constitutional violation by imposing, creating, increasing, levying, or assessing any tax; or (B) that has the effect of imposing, creating, increasing, levying, or assessing any tax; (6) a settlement agreement or order entered by a Federal court should be fashioned within the framework of the budgetary restraints of any affected State or political subdivision thereof; and (7) the Congress has the authority under sections 1 and 2 of Article III of the United States Constitution to limit and regulate the jurisdiction of the inferior Federal courts, and such authority includes the power to limit the remedial authority of such courts. SEC. 3. LIMITATION ON FEDERAL COURT REMEDIES. (a) In General.--Chapter 85 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 1369. Limitation on Federal court remedies ``(a)(1) No district court may enter any order or approve any settlement that requires any State, or political subdivision of a State, to impose, increase, levy, or assess any tax for the purpose of enforcing any Federal or State common law, statutory, or constitutional right or law, unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence, that-- ``(A)(i) there are no other means available to remedy the deprivation of rights or laws; and ``(ii) the proposed imposition, increase, levying, or assessment is narrowly tailored to remedy the specific deprivation at issue; ``(B) the tax will not contribute to or exacerbate the deprivation intended to be remedied; ``(C) the proposed tax will not result in a loss of revenue for the political subdivision in which it is assessed, levied, or collected; ``(D) the proposed tax will not result in the loss or depreciation of property values of the taxpayer so affected; ``(E) the proposed tax will not conflict with the applicable laws with respect to the maximum rate of taxation as determined by the appropriate State or political subdivision thereof; and ``(F) plans submitted to the court by State and local authorities will not effectively redress the deprivations at issue. ``(2) A finding under paragraph (1) shall-- ``(A) be subject to immediate interlocutory de novo review; and ``(B) be reviewed by the court making the finding at least annually with respect to the issues related to the finding, whether or not a related order or settlement agreement continues to apply. ``(3)(A) Notwithstanding any law or rule of procedure, any aggrieved corporation, or unincorporated association or other person residing or present in the political subdivision in which a tax is imposed in accordance with paragraph (1) or other entity located within that political subdivision shall have the right to intervene in any proceeding concerning the imposition of the tax. ``(B) A person or entity that intervenes pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall have the right to-- ``(i) present evidence and appear before the court to present oral and written testimony; and ``(ii) appeal any finding required to be made by this section, or any other related action taken to impose, increase, levy, or assess the tax that is the subject of the intervention. ``(b) Notwithstanding any law or rule of procedure, any order of a district court requiring the imposition, increase, levy, or assessment of a tax imposed pursuant to subsection (a)(1) shall automatically terminate or expire on the date that is 1 year after the later of-- ``(1) the date of the imposition of the tax; ``(2) the date of the enactment of the Fairness in Judicial Taxation Act of 1996; or ``(3) an earlier date, if the court determines that the deprivation of rights that is addressed by the order has been cured to the extent practicable. ``(c) This section may not be construed to preempt any law of a State or political subdivision thereof that imposes limitations on, or otherwise restricts the imposition of a tax, levy, or assessment that is imposed in response to a court order referred to in subsection (b). ``(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), nothing in this section may be construed to allow a Federal court to, for the purpose of funding the administration of an order referred to in subsection (b), use funds acquired by a State or political subdivision thereof from a tax imposed by the State or political subdivision thereof. ``(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to any tax, levy, or assessment that, before the date of enactment of the Fairness in Judicial Taxation Act of 1996, has, in accordance with applicable State or local law, been used to fund the actions of a State or political subdivision thereof in meeting the requirements of an order referred to in subsection (b). ``(e) The court shall provide written notification to a State or political subdivision thereof subject to an order referred to in subsection (b) with respect to any finding required to be made by the court under subsection (a) before the beginning of the fiscal year of that State or political subdivision. ``(f) There shall be a presumption that the imposition, increase, levying, or assessment of taxes is not a narrowly tailored means of remedying deprivations of Federal or State rights. ``(h) For purposes of this section-- ``(1) the District of Columbia shall be considered to be a State; and ``(2) any Act of Congress applicable exclusively to the District of Columbia shall be considered to be a statute of the District of Columbia.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 85 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to section 1368 the following new item: ``1369. Limitation on Federal court remedies.''. (c) Statutory Construction.--Nothing contained in this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to, beyond the scope of applicable law, make legal, validate, or approve the use of a judicial tax, levy, or assessment by a district court.
Fairness in Judicial Taxation Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal judicial code to set limits on the authority of Federal courts to enter an order or approve a settlement that requires any State or political subdivision to impose, increase, levy, or assess any tax. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) judicial review; (2) a right of certain aggrieved, persons, corporations, or unincorporated associations to intervene in proceedings concerning imposition of a tax; (3) termination of any tax so imposed, increased, levied, or assessed automatically after one year or at any time if the court determines that the deprivation of rights has been cured to the extent practicable; (4) preemption; and (5) State and local governmental rights.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. TASK FORCE ON RESEARCH SPECIFIC TO PREGNANT WOMEN AND LACTATING WOMEN. (a) Task Force.-- (1) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall establish a task force, in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), to be known as the Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women (in this section referred to as the ``Task Force''). (2) Duties.--The Task Force shall provide advice and guidance to the Secretary regarding Federal activities related to identifying and addressing gaps in knowledge and research regarding safe and effective therapies for pregnant women and lactating women, including the development of such therapies and the collaboration on and coordination of such activities. (3) Membership.-- (A) Federal members.--The Federal members of the Task Force shall be composed of the following members (or their designees): (i) The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (ii) The Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the directors of such other national research institutes as the Secretary determines appropriate. (iii) The Commissioner of Food and Drugs. (iv) The Director of the Office on Women's Health. (v) The Director of the National Vaccine Program Office. (vi) The head of any other research-related agency or department not described in clauses (i) through (v) that the Secretary determines appropriate, which may include the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. (B) Non-federal members.--The non-Federal members of the Task Force shall be composed of the following members: (i) Representatives from relevant medical societies with subject matter expertise on pregnant women, lactating women, or children. (ii) Nonprofit organizations with expertise related to the health of women and children. (iii) Relevant industry representatives. (iv) Representatives of patient or consumer advocacy organizations. (v) Other representatives, as appropriate. (C) Limitations.--The non-Federal members described in subparagraph (B) shall-- (i) compose not more than one-half, and not less than one-third, of the total membership of the Task Force; and (ii) be appointed by the Secretary. (4) Termination.-- (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Task Force shall terminate on the date that is 2 years after the date on which the Task Force is established under paragraph (1). (B) Extension.--The Secretary may extend the operation of the Task Force for one additional 2-year period following the 2-year period described in subparagraph (A), if the Secretary determines that the extension is appropriate for carrying out the purpose of this section. (5) Meetings.--The Task Force shall meet not less than 2 times each year and shall convene public meetings, as appropriate, to fulfill its duties under paragraph (2). (6) Task force report to congress.--Not later than 18 months after the date on which the Task Force is established under paragraph (1), and not later than 36 and 48 months after such date if the Secretary extends the operation of the Task Force pursuant to paragraph (4)(B), the Task Force shall prepare and submit to the Secretary, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on gaps in knowledge and research regarding safe and effective therapies for pregnant women and lactating women. Each such report shall, at a minimum, include each of the following: (A) A plan to identify and address gaps in knowledge and research regarding safe and effective therapies for pregnant women and lactating women, including the development of such therapies. (B) Ethical issues surrounding the inclusion of pregnant women and lactating women in clinical research. (C) Effective communication strategies with health care providers and the public on information relevant to pregnant women and lactating women. (D) Identification of Federal activities, including-- (i) the state of research involving pregnant and lactating women; (ii) recommendations for the coordination of, and collaboration on, research related to pregnant women and lactating women; (iii) dissemination of research findings and information relevant to pregnant women and lactating women to providers and the public; and (iv) existing Federal efforts and programs to improve the scientific understanding of the health impacts of therapies on pregnant women and lactating women and related birth and pediatric outcomes, including with respect to pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicities. (E) Recommendations to improve the development of safe and effective therapies for pregnant women and lactating women. (b) Confidentiality.--Nothing in this section authorizes the Secretary to disclose any information that is a trade secret, or other privileged or confidential information, described in section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United States Code, or section 1905 of title 18, United States Code. (c) Updating Protections for Pregnant Women and Lactating Women in Research.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and not later than 3 and 4 years after such date if the Secretary extends the operation of the Task Force pursuant to subsection (a)(4)(B), the Secretary, taking into consideration any recommendations of the Task Force available at such time and in consultation with the heads of relevant agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services, shall, as appropriate, update regulations and guidance, as applicable, regarding the inclusion of pregnant women and lactating women in clinical research. (2) Criteria for excluding pregnant or lactating women.--In updating any regulations or guidance described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider any appropriate criteria to be used by institutional review boards and individuals reviewing grant proposals for excluding from participating in human subject research pregnant women or lactating women as a study population requiring additional protections. SEC. 3. ANNUAL REPORT FROM FDA ON APPROVED NEW DRUG APPLICATIONS WITH INFORMATION ON PREGNANCY AND LACTATION. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and not less than annually for the succeeding 9 years, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall submit to the appropriate committees of the Congress a report on-- (1) the number of new drug applications and supplements to such applications approved or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration under section 505(c) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or section 351(a) of the Public Health Services Act (42 U.S.C. 262(a)) based on research that included pregnant women or lactating women in trials; (2) the number of new drug applications and supplements to such applications so approved or licensed that included data on the excretion of the drug in breast milk; (3) the number of new drug applications and supplements to such applications so approved or licensed with required postmarket studies in pregnant or breastfeeding women; and (4) the number of drugs with respect to which a labeling change is made to include new information regarding use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish the Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women to report on issues including: (1) the development of safe and effective therapies for such women, (2) ethical issues surrounding the inclusion of such women in clinical research, and (3) federal research activities regarding such women. The Food and Drug Administration must report specified information including the number of new drugs approved based on research that included such women in clinical trials.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Open and Accountable Campaign Financing Act of 2001''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I--DISCLOSURE Sec. 101. Additional monthly and quarterly disclosure reports. Sec. 102. Reporting by national political party committees. Sec. 103. Increased electronic disclosure. Sec. 104. Public access to broadcasting records. TITLE II--SOFT MONEY OF NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES AND CONTRIBUTION LIMITS Sec. 201. Limit on soft money of national political party committees. Sec. 202. Judicial review. Sec. 203. Increase in contribution limits. TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Sec. 301. Prohibition of solicitation of political party soft money in Federal buildings. Sec. 302. Update of penalty amounts. Sec. 303. Activities of membership organizations and their affiliates. Sec. 304. Filing of Senate reports with the Federal Election Commission. TITLE I--DISCLOSURE SEC. 101. ADDITIONAL MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY DISCLOSURE REPORTS. (a) Principal Campaign Committees.-- (1) Monthly reports.--Section 304(a)(2)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(a)(2)(A)) is amended by striking clause (iii) and inserting the following: ``(iii) additional monthly reports, which shall be filed not later than the 20th day after the last day of the month and shall be complete as of the last day of the month, except that monthly reports shall not be required under this clause in November and December and a year end report shall be filed not later than January 31 of the following calendar year.''. (2) Quarterly reports.--Section 304(a)(2)(B) of such Act is amended by striking ``the following reports'' and all that follows through the period and inserting ``the treasurer shall file quarterly reports, which shall be filed not later than the 15th day after the last day of each calendar quarter, and which shall be complete as of the last day of each calendar quarter, except that the report for the quarter ending December 31 shall be filed not later than January 31 of the following calendar year.''. (b) National Committee of a Political Party.--Section 304(a)(4) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(a)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following flush sentence: ``Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a national committee of a political party shall file the reports required under subparagraph (B).''. (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 304.--Section 304(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(a)) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (3)(A)(ii), by striking ``quarterly reports'' and inserting ``monthly reports''; and (B) in paragraph (8), by striking ``quarterly report under paragraph (2)(A)(iii) or paragraph (4)(A)(i)'' and inserting ``monthly report under paragraph (2)(A)(iii) or paragraph (4)(A)''. (2) Section 309.--Section 309(b) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 437g(b)) is amended by striking ``calendar quarter'' and inserting ``month''. SEC. 102. REPORTING BY NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEES. Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Political Committees.-- ``(1) National and congressional political committees.--The national committee of a political party, any national congressional campaign committee of a political party, and any subordinate committee of either, shall report all receipts and disbursements during the reporting period. ``(2) Itemization.--If a political committee has receipts or disbursements to which this subsection applies from any person aggregating in excess of $200 for any calendar year, the political committee shall separately itemize its reporting for such person in the same manner as required in paragraphs (3)(A), (5), and (6) of subsection (b). ``(3) Reporting periods.--Reports required to be filed under this subsection shall be filed for the same time periods required for political committees under subsection (a)(4)(B).''. SEC. 103. INCREASED ELECTRONIC DISCLOSURE. Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434), as amended by section 102, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(f) Internet Availability.--The Commission shall make the information contained in the reports submitted under this section available on the Internet and publicly available at the offices of the Commission as soon as practicable (but in no case later than 24 hours) after the information is received by the Commission.''. SEC. 104. PUBLIC ACCESS TO BROADCASTING RECORDS. Section 315 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 315) is amended by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively, and inserting after subsection (b) the following: ``(c) Political Record.-- ``(1) In general.--A licensee shall maintain, and make available for public inspection, a complete record of a request to purchase broadcast time that-- ``(A) is made by or on behalf of a legally qualified candidate for public office; or ``(B) communicates a message relating to any political matter of national importance, including-- ``(i) a legally qualified candidate; ``(ii) any election to Federal office; or ``(iii) a national legislative issue of public importance. ``(2) Contents of record.--A record maintained under paragraph (1) shall contain information regarding-- ``(A) whether the request to purchase broadcast time is accepted or rejected by the licensee; ``(B) the rate charged for the broadcast time; ``(C) the date and time on which the communication is aired; ``(D) the class of time that is purchased; ``(E) the name of the candidate to which the communication refers and the office to which the candidate is seeking election, the election to which the communication refers, or the issue to which the communication refers (as applicable); ``(F) in the case of a request made by, or on behalf of, a candidate, the name of the candidate, the authorized committee of the candidate, and the treasurer of such committee; and ``(G) in the case of any other request, the name of the person purchasing the time, the name, address, and phone number of a contact person for such person, and a list of the chief executive officers or members of the executive committee or of the board of directors of such person. ``(3) Time to maintain file.--The information required under this subsection shall be placed in a political file as soon as possible and shall be retained by the licensee for a period of not less than 2 years.''. TITLE II--SOFT MONEY OF NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES AND CONTRIBUTION LIMITS SEC. 201. LIMIT ON SOFT MONEY OF NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEES. Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 323. LIMIT ON SOFT MONEY OF NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEES. ``(a) Limitation.--A national committee of a political party, a congressional campaign committee of a national party, or an entity directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or controlled by such committee shall not accept a donation, gift, or transfer of funds of any kind (not including transfers from other committees of the political party or contributions), during a calendar year, from a person (including a person directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or controlled by such person) in an aggregate amount in excess of $90,000. ``(b) Aggregate Limit on Donor.--No person may make an aggregate amount of disbursements to committees or entities described in subsection (a) (other than transfers from other committees of political parties or contributions) in excess of $90,000 in any calendar year. ``(c) Index of Amount.--In the case of any calendar year after 2001-- ``(1) the amounts described in subsections (a) and (b) shall be increased based on the increase in the price index determined under section 315(c), except that the base period shall be calendar year 2001; and ``(2) each amount so increased shall be the amount in effect for the calendar year.''. SEC. 202. JUDICIAL REVIEW. (a) Expedited Review.--Any Member of Congress, candidate, national committee of a political party, or any person adversely affected by section 323 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as added by section 201, may bring an action, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, for declaratory judgment and injunctive relief on the ground that such section 323 violates the Constitution. (b) Appeal to Supreme Court.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any order of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia granting or denying an injunction regarding, or finally disposing of, an action brought under subsection (a) shall be reviewable by appeal directly to the Supreme Court of the United States. Any such appeal shall be taken by a notice of appeal filed within 10 calendar days after such order is entered; and the jurisdictional statement shall be filed within 30 calendar days after such order is entered. (c) Expedited Consideration.--It shall be the duty of the District Court for the District of Columbia and the Supreme Court of the United States to advance on the docket and to expedite to the greatest possible extent the disposition of any matter brought under subsection (a). (d) Enforceability.--The enforcement of any provision of section 323 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as added by section 201, shall be stayed, and such section 323 shall not be effective, for the period-- (1) beginning on the date of the filing of an action under subsection (a); and (2) ending on the date of the final disposition of such action on its merits by the Supreme Court of the United States. (e) Applicability.--This section shall apply only with respect to any action filed under subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the effective date of this Act. SEC. 203. INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS. (a) Increase in Individual and Political Committee Contribution Limits.--Section 315(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$1,000'' and inserting ``$3,000''; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$20,000'' and inserting ``$60,000''; and (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting ``$15,000''; and (2) in paragraph (3)-- (A) by striking ``$25,000'' and inserting ``$75,000''; and (B) by striking the second sentence. (b) Increase in Multicandidate Limits.--Section 315(a)(2) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)-- (A) by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting ``$7,500''; and (B) by inserting ``except as provided in subparagraph (D),'' before ``to any candidate''; (2) in subparagraph (B)-- (A) by striking ``$15,000'' and inserting ``$30,000''; and (B) by striking ``or'' at the end; (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``$5,000.'' and inserting ``$7,500; or''; and (4) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) in the case of a national committee of a political party, to any candidate and his authorized political committees with respect to any election for Federal office which, in the aggregate, exceed $15,000.''. (c) Indexing.--Section 315(c) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(c)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by striking the second and third sentences; (B) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``At the beginning''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), in any calendar year after 2002-- ``(i) a limitation established by subsection (a), (b), (d), or (h) shall be increased by the percent difference determined under subparagraph (A); and ``(ii) each amount so increased shall remain in effect for the calendar year. ``(C) In the case of limitations under subsection (a), each amount increased under subparagraph (B) shall remain in effect for the 2-year period beginning on the first day following the date of the last general election in the year preceding the year in which the amount is increased and ending on the date of the next general election.''; and (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``means the calendar year 1974'' and inserting ``means-- ``(i) for purposes of subsections (b) and (d), calendar year 1974; and ``(ii) for purposes of subsections (a) and (h), calendar year 2001''. (d) Increase in Senate Candidate Contribution Limits for National Party Committees and Senatorial Campaign Committees.--Section 315(h) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(h)) is amended by striking ``$17,500'' and inserting ``$90,000''. (e) Effective Dates.-- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall apply to calendar years beginning after December 31, 2001. (2) The amendments made by subsection (c) shall apply to calendar years after December 31, 2002. TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS SEC. 301. PROHIBITION OF SOLICITATION OF POLITICAL PARTY SOFT MONEY IN FEDERAL BUILDINGS. (a) In General.--Section 607 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``within the meaning of section 301(8) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Definition of Contribution.--In this section, the term `contribution' means a gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value made by any person in connection with-- ``(1) any election or elections for Federal office; ``(2) any political committee (as defined in section 301 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971); or ``(3) any State, district, or local committee of a political party.''. (b) Amendment of Title 18 To Include Prohibition of Donations.-- Section 602(a)(4) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking ``within the meaning of section 301(8) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971'' and inserting ``(as defined in section 607(c))''. SEC. 302. UPDATE OF PENALTY AMOUNTS. Section 309 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 437g) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Adjustment of Dollar Amounts for Inflation.--In the case of any calendar year after 2001-- ``(1) each amount specified under subsection (a) or the second sentence of subsection (d)(1)(A) shall be increased based on the increase in the price index determined under section 315(c), except that the base period shall be calendar year 2001; and ``(2) each amount so increased shall be the amount in effect for the calendar year.''. SEC. 303. ACTIVITIES OF MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR AFFILIATES. (a) Permitting Corporate Members of Trade Association to Approve Solicitations by More Than One Trade Association.--Section 316(b)(4)(D) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441b(b)(4)(D)) is amended by striking ``, and such member corporation'' and all that follows and inserting a period. (b) Treatment of Certain Employees and Others as Executive and Administrative Personnel.--Section 316(b)(7) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 441b(b)(7)) is amended by striking ``responsibilities.'' and inserting the following: ``responsibilities (without regard to whether the individual is a member or affiliate of a labor organization), and includes salaried foremen or others having direct supervision over employees paid on an hourly basis, and any individuals with professional responsibilities who are paid by the corporation as consultants or independent contractors (without regard to whether such individuals are classified as employees of the corporation for any other purpose).''. SEC. 304. FILING OF SENATE REPORTS WITH THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION. (a) Section 302 Amendment.--Section 302 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 432) is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following: ``(g) Place of Filing.--All designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under this Act shall be filed with the Commission.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 304-- (A) in subsection (a)(6)(A), by striking ``Secretary or the Commission'' through ``as appropriate'' and inserting ``Commission and Secretary of State'', (B) in the third sentence of subsection (c)(2), by striking ``the Secretary or'', and (C) in the fourth sentence of subsection (c)(2), by striking ``the Secretary, the Commission,'' and inserting ``the Commission''; and (2) in section 311(a)(4), by striking ``Secretary or the''.
Open and Accountable Campaign Financing Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to revise reporting requirements, including: (1) changing from quarterly to monthly the additional reports required to be filed with regard to the principal campaign committee of a candidate for the House of Representatives or the Senate in any calendar year during which there is a regularly scheduled election for which such candidate is seeking nomination or election; (2) requiring a national committee of a political party to file the same monthly reports designated for all political committees other than authorized committees of a candidate; (3) requiring the national committee of a political party, any national congressional campaign committee of a political party, and any subordinate committee of either, to report all receipts and disbursements during the appropriate reporting period; and (4) directing the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to make report information available on the Internet and at FEC offices.Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a licensee to maintain and make available for public inspection a complete record of certain requests to purchase broadcast time that are related to legally qualified candidates.Amends FECA to: (1) limit to $90,000 aggregate (indexed for inflation) per calendar year per contributor the amount of soft money a national committee of a political party, a congressional campaign committee of a national party, or an entity directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or controlled by such committee may accept; (2) prohibit any person from making an aggregate amount of disbursements to such committees or entities (other than transfers from other committees of political parties or contributions) in excess of $90,000 (indexed for inflation) in any calendar year; (3) increase individual, political committee, and multicandidate political committee contribution limits; (4) revise indexing provisions; and (5) increase Senate candidate contribution limits for national party committees and senatorial campaign committees.Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit solicitation of soft money in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an officer or employee of the United States or any department or agency thereof, or by a person receiving any salary or compensation for service from the Treasury.Amends FECA to: (1) provide for indexing of penalty amounts; (2) permit corporate members of trade associations to approve the soliciting of contributions by more than one such trade association in any calendar year; and (3) require the filing of all Senate FECA reports to be with the FEC.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Post-Abortion Depression Research and Care Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds as follows: (1) About 3,000,000 women per year in the United States have an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, and approximately 1,186,000 of these pregnancies end in elective abortion. (2) Abortion can have severe and long-term effects on the mental and emotional well-being of women. Women often experience sadness and guilt following abortions with no one to console them. They may have difficulty in bonding with new babies, become overprotective parents or develop problems in their relationship with their spouses. Problems such as eating disorders, depression and suicide attempts have also been traced to past abortions. (3) The symptoms of post-abortion depression include bouts of crying, guilt, intense grief or sadness, emotional numbness, eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal urges, anxiety and panic attacks, anger/rage, sexual problems or promiscuity, lowered self esteem, nightmares and sleep disturbance, flashbacks, and difficulty with relationships. (4) Women who aborted a first pregnancy are four times more likely to report substance abuse compared to those who suffered a natural loss of their first pregnancy, and they are five times more likely to report subsequent substance abuse than women who carried to term. (5) Greater thought suppression is associated with experiencing more intrusive thoughts of the abortion. Both suppression and intrusive thoughts, in turn, are positively related to increases in psychological distress over time. (6) Women who experience decision-making difficulties and may lack social support may experience more negative emotional consequences to induced abortion. (7) Post-abortion depression often relates to the lack of understanding in society and the medical community of the complexity of post-abortion depression, and economic pressures placed on hospitals and providers are contributing factors. (8) Social pressure to have an abortion can be directly related to higher levels of immediate regret and more mental undoing over subsequent years. (9) Post-abortion depression is a treatable disorder if promptly diagnosed by a trained provider and attended to with a personalized regimen of care including social support, therapy, medication, and when necessary hospitalization. (10) While there have been many studies regarding the emotional aftermath of abortion, very little research has been sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. TITLE I--RESEARCH ON POST-ABORTION DEPRESSION AND PSYCHOSIS SEC. 101. EXPANSION AND INTENSIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of NIH and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (in this section referred to as the ``Institute''), shall expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to post-abortion depression and post-abortion psychosis (in this section referred to as ``post-abortion conditions''). (b) Coordination With Other Institutes.--The Director of the Institute shall coordinate the activities of the Director under subsection (a) with similar activities conducted by the other national research institutes and agencies of the National Institutes of Health to the extent that such Institutes and agencies have responsibilities that are related to post-abortion conditions. (c) Programs for Post-Abortion Conditions.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Director of the Institute shall conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, post-abortion conditions. Activities under such subsection shall include conducting and supporting the following: (1) Basic research concerning the etiology and causes of the conditions. (2) Epidemiological studies to address the frequency and natural history of the conditions and the differences among racial and ethnic groups with respect to the conditions. (3) The development of improved diagnostic techniques. (4) Clinical research for the development and evaluation of new treatments, including new biological agents. (5) Information and education programs for health care professionals and the public. (d) Longitudinal Study.-- (1) In general.--The Director of the Institute shall conduct a national longitudinal study to determine the incidence and prevalence of cases of post-abortion conditions, and the symptoms, severity, and duration of such cases, toward the goal of more fully identifying the characteristics of such cases and developing diagnostic techniques. (2) Report.--Beginning not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter for the duration of the study under paragraph (1), the Director of the Institute shall prepare and submit to the Congress reports on the findings of the study. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2002 through 2006. TITLE II--DELIVERY OF SERVICES REGARDING POST-ABORTION DEPRESSION AND PSYCHOSIS SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM OF GRANTS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this title referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall in accordance with this title make grants to provide for projects for the establishment, operation, and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with post-abortion depression or post-abortion psychosis (referred to in this section as a ``post-abortion condition) and their families. (b) Recipients of Grants.--A grant under subsection (a) may be made to an entity only if the entity-- (1) is a public or nonprofit private entity, which may include a State or local government; a public or nonprofit private hospital, community-based organization, hospice, ambulatory care facility, community health center, migrant health center, or homeless health center; or other appropriate public or nonprofit private entity; and (2) had experience in providing the services described in subsection (a) before the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Certain Activities.--To the extent practicable and appropriate, the Secretary shall ensure that projects under subsection (a) provide services for the diagnosis and management of post-abortion conditions. Activities that the Secretary may authorize for such projects may also include the following: (1) Delivering or enhancing outpatient and home-based health and support services, including case management, screening and comprehensive treatment services for individuals with or at risk for post-abortion conditions; and delivering or enhancing support services for their families. (2) Delivering or enhancing inpatient care management services that ensure the well being of the mother and family and the future development of the infant. (3) Improving the quality, availability, and organization of health care and support services (including transportation services, attendant care, homemaker services, day or respite care, and providing counseling on financial assistance and insurance) for individuals with post-abortion conditions and support services for their families. (d) Integration With Other Programs.--To the extent practicable and appropriate, the Secretary shall integrate the program under this title with other grant programs carried out by the Secretary, including the program under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. (e) Limitation on Amount of Grants.--A grant under subsection (a) may not for any fiscal year be made in an amount exceeding $100,000. SEC. 202. CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS. A grant may be made under section 201 only if the applicant involved makes the following agreements: (1) Not more than 5 percent of the grant will be used for administration, accounting, reporting, and program oversight functions. (2) The grant will be used to supplement and not supplant funds from other sources related to the treatment of post- abortion conditions. (3) The applicant will abide by any limitations deemed appropriate by the Secretary on any charges to individuals receiving services pursuant to the grant. As deemed appropriate by the Secretary, such limitations on charges may vary based on the financial circumstances of the individual receiving services. (4) The grant will not be expended to make payment for services authorized under section 201(a) to the extent that payment has been made, or can reasonably be expected to be made, with respect to such services-- (A) under any State compensation program, under an insurance policy, or under any Federal or State health benefits program; or (B) by an entity that provides health services on a prepaid basis. (5) The applicant will, at each site at which the applicant provides services under section 201(a), post a conspicuous notice informing individuals who receive the services of any Federal policies that apply to the applicant with respect to the imposition of charges on such individuals. SEC. 203. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. The Secretary may provide technical assistance to assist entities in complying with the requirements of this title in order to make such entities eligible to receive grants under section 201. SEC. 204. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. For the purpose of carrying out this title, there is authorized to be appropriated $300,000 for each of the fiscal years 2002 through 2006.
Post-Abortion Depression Research and Care Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to post-abortion depression and post-abortion psychosis.Requires the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health to: (1) conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, post-abortion conditions; and (2) conduct a national longitudinal study to determine the incidence and prevalence of cases of post-abortion conditions, and the symptoms, severity, and duration of such cases, toward the goal of more fully identifying the characteristics of such cases and developing diagnostic techniques.Requires the Secretary to make grants of up to $100,000 per fiscal year, under specified conditions, to provide for projects for the establishment, operation, and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with post-abortion depression or post-abortion psychosis.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Stop Infant Mortality And Recidivism Reduction Act of 2016'' or the ``SIMARRA Act''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (hereinafter referred to as the ``Director'') shall establish a pilot program (hereinafter referred to as the ``Program'') in accordance with this Act to permit women incarcerated in Federal prisons and the children born to such women during incarceration to reside together while the inmate serves a term of imprisonment in a separate housing wing of the prison. SEC. 3. PURPOSES. The purposes of the Act are to-- (1) prevent infant mortality among infants born to incarcerated mothers and greatly reduce the trauma and stress experienced by the unborn fetuses of pregnant inmates; (2) reduce the recidivism rates of federally incarcerated women and mothers, and enhance public safety by improving the effectiveness of the Federal prison system for women as a population with special needs; (3) establish female offender risk and needs assessment as the cornerstones of a more effective and efficient Federal prison system; (4) implement a validated post-sentencing risk and needs assessment system that relies on dynamic risk factors to provide Federal prison officials with a roadmap to address the pre- and post-natal needs of Federal pregnant offenders, manage limited resources, and enhance public safety; (5) perform regular outcome evaluations of the effectiveness of programs and interventions for federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers to assure that such programs and interventions are evidence-based and to suggest changes, deletions, and expansions based on the results of such evaluations; and (6) assist the Department of Justice to address the underlying cost structure of the Federal prison system and ensure that the Department can continue to run prison nurseries safely and securely without compromising the scope or quality of the Department's critical health, safety and law enforcement missions. SEC. 4. DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS. (a) In General.--The Director shall carry out this section in consultation with-- (1) a licensed and board-certified gynecologist or obstetrician; (2) the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts; (3) the Director of the Office of Probation and Pretrial Services; (4) the Director of the National Institute of Justice; and (5) the Director of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (b) Duties.--The Director shall, in accordance with subsection (c)-- (1) develop an offender risk and needs assessment system particular to the health and sensitivities of federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers in accordance with this section; (2) develop recommendations regarding recidivism reduction programs and productive activities in accordance with section 9; (3) conduct ongoing research and data analysis on-- (A) the best practices relating to the use of offender risk and needs assessment tools particular to the health and sensitivities of federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers; (B) the best available risk and needs assessment tools particular to the health and sensitivities of federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers and the level to which they rely on dynamic risk factors that could be addressed and changed over time, and on measures of risk of recidivism, individual needs, and responsivity to recidivism reduction programs; (C) the most effective and efficient uses of such tools in conjunction with recidivism reduction programs, productive activities, incentives, and rewards; and (D) which recidivism reduction programs are the most effective-- (i) for federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers classified at different recidivism risk levels; and (ii) for addressing the specific needs of federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers; (4) on a biennial basis, review the system developed under paragraph (1) and the recommendations developed under paragraph (2), using the research conducted under paragraph (3), to determine whether any revisions or updates should be made, and if so, make such revisions or updates; (5) hold periodic meetings with the individuals listed in subsection (a) at intervals to be determined by the Director; and (6) report to Congress in accordance with section 9. (c) Methods.--In carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Director shall-- (1) consult relevant stakeholders; and (2) make decisions using data that is based on the best available statistical and empirical evidence. SEC. 5. ELIGIBILITY. An inmate may apply to participate in the Program if the inmate-- (1) is pregnant at the beginning of the term of imprisonment; and (2) is in the custody or control of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. SEC. 6. PROGRAM TERMS. (a) Term of Participation.--To correspond with the purposes and goals of the program to promote bonding during the critical stages of child development, an eligible inmate selected for the Program may participate in the Program, subject to section 7, for the shorter of the inmate's term of imprisonment or 30 months. (b) Inmate Requirements.--For the duration of an inmate's participation in the Program, the inmate shall agree to-- (1) accept the responsibility of child-rearing; (2) participate in any educational or counseling opportunities established by the Director, including topics such as child development, parenting skills, domestic violence, vocational training, or substance abuse; (3) abide by any court decision regarding the legal or physical custody of the child; (4) transfer to the Federal Bureau of Prisons any child support payments for the infant of the participating inmate from any person or governmental entity; and (5) specify a person who has agreed to take custody of the child if the inmate's participation in the Program terminates before the inmate's release. SEC. 7. TERMINATION OF PARTICIPATION. An inmate's participation in the Program terminates upon the earliest of the following to occur: (1) The inmate is released from prison. (2) The infant fails to meet any medical criteria established by the Director or the Director's designee along with a collective determination of the persons listed in section 4(a). SEC. 8. CONTINUITY OF CARE. The Director shall take appropriate actions to prevent detachment or disruption of either an inmate's or infant's health and bonding- based well-being due to termination of the Program. SEC. 9. REPORTING. (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act and once every year thereafter for 5 years, the Director shall submit a report to the Congress with regards to progress in implementing the Program. (b) Final Report.--Not later than 6 months after the termination of the Program, the Director shall issue a final report to the Congress that contains a detailed statement of the Director's findings and conclusions, including recommendations for legislation, administrative actions, and regulations the Director considers appropriate. SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. To carry out this Act, there is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
Stop Infant Mortality And Recidivism Reduction Act of 2016 or the SIMARRA Act This bill directs the Bureau of Prisons to establish a pilot program to allow incarcerated women who give birth and children born during such incarceration to reside together in a separate prison housing unit. It sets forth inmate eligibility criteria and program participation requirements.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``21st Century American Service Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. Section 2 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12501) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following: ``(7) The number of Americans applying to participate in national service programs each year significantly exceeds the number of available positions, depriving hundreds of thousands of Americans from participating in national and community service, which unintentionally transforms national service programs into exclusive and selective entities and prevents national service from serving as an inclusive, unifying activity open to all Americans.''; and (2) in subsection (b)(6), by inserting ``so that all young Americans between ages 18 and 30 are provided a voluntary opportunity to serve in organizations'' after ``national service programs''. SEC. 3. EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME OF AMERICORPS EDUCATIONAL AWARDS. (a) In General.--Section 117 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to qualified scholarships) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(e) AmeriCorps Educational Awards.--Gross income shall not include any national service educational award described in subtitle D of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.).''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE DEFINED. In this Act, the terms ``Corporation'' and the ``Corporation for National and Community Service'' have the meaning given the term ``Corporation'' in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511). SEC. 5. 21ST CENTURY NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM. (a) Establishment.--There is established a task force within the Corporation for National and Community Service to be known as the ``21st Century National Service Program Implementing Taskforce'' (in this Act referred to as the ``Task force''). (b) Duties of the Task Force.-- (1) Program.-- (A) In general.--The Task force shall develop the 21st Century National Service Program to ensure that each eligible individual who applies to serve in a voluntary national service program will be provided an opportunity to serve in such program. (B) Requirements.--In developing the 21st Century National Service Program described in subparagraph (A), the Task force shall carry out the following: (i) Notification.--Determine how the Corporation for National and Community Service will work with Federal or State agencies and other entities to-- (I) contact each eligible individual upon such individual's 18th birthday to notify the individual about-- (aa) the individual's eligibility for national service programs; (bb) such national service programs and how to register for a specific program; (cc) other service programs for which the individual may be eligible, including the Peace Corps (as established by the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.)) and military service; and (dd) the individual's option to opt-out of receiving any notifications, or just notifications in a paper format, under subclause (II); and (II) after contacting an eligible individual under subclause (I), notify the eligible individual every 2 years thereafter of the information described in items (aa) through (dd) of subclause (I), unless-- (aa) the individual is serving in a national service program; (bb) the individual has opted out of receiving such notifications under subclause (I)(cc); or (cc) the individual reaches 30 years of age. (ii) Registration.--Determine how the Corporation will enable eligible individuals to register for a specific national service program for not less than 1 year of service, and ensure that such registration process is the most effective process for the purpose of registering for such a program. (2) Strategic plan.--The Task force shall-- (A) develop a 10-year strategic implementation plan to fully implement the 21st Century National Service Program described in paragraph (1)(A), including concrete timelines and milestones for an effective and phased implementation (which shall include beginning the notification under paragraph (1)(B)(i) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, to the greatest extent practicable); and (B) publish on the website of the Corporation the information described in subparagraph (A). (3) Task forces.--The Task force shall carry out the following sub-task forces to assist in developing the program described in paragraph (1)(A): (A) A sub-task force headed by the Chairperson of the Task force on expanding national service opportunities to ensure that any individual who applies to serve is guaranteed an opportunity to do so. (B) A sub-task force headed by the Director of the Selective Service System on notifying eligible individuals. (C) A sub-task force headed by the Secretary of Education on expanding bridge-year service learning programs. (D) A sub-task force headed by the Secretary of Defense on transitioning servicemembers to civilian life through national service. (E) A sub-task force headed by the Director of the Peace Corps on integrating international service opportunities. (c) Membership.-- (1) In general.--The Task force shall be composed of the following members: (A) The Secretary of Education (or the Secretary's designee). (B) The Director of the Selective Service System (or the Director's designee). (C) The Director of the Peace Corps (or the Director's designee). (D) The Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary's designee). (2) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Task force shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service. (3) Staff.--With the approval of the Task force, the Chairperson may appoint additional personnel (who may be from public or private sectors) as the Chairperson considers appropriate. (d) Termination.--The Task force shall terminate 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section: (1) Eligible individual.--The term ``eligible individual'' means an individual who-- (A) is a citizen, national of the United States, or a lawful permanent resident aliens of the United States; and (B) is between the ages of 18 and 30, inclusive. (2) National service program.--The term ``national service program'' is a voluntary civilian national service program authorized under the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.) or the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4950 et seq.). SEC. 6. NATIONAL SERVICE COLLEGE COMPACT PILOT PROGRAM. (a) Establishment.--The Corporation for National and Community Service shall establish a national service college compact-- (1) with not fewer than 2 States, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) with not fewer than 5 States, not later than 5 years after such date of enactment. (b) Contents of Compact.--A national service compact is an agreement between the Corporation and a State under which-- (1) eligible individuals who desire to attend a public institution of higher education in the State will be able to use an educational award under subsection (d) to attend a 2- or 4-year program of instruction, or a career or technical education program, at such a public institution of higher education, at no additional charge to the individuals; and (2) the Corporation and the State determine the timeframe by which eligible individuals shall successfully complete the activities under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c) in order to qualify to use an educational award in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, and avoid repayment of such educational award or other penalties. (c) Eligible Individual.--For purposes of this section, the term ``eligible individual'' means an individual described in section 146(a) of the National and Community Service Act (42 U.S.C. 12602(a)) who, as a condition of receiving an educational award under subsection (d)-- (1) successfully completes, or agrees to complete, two required terms of full-time national service in an approved national service position for purposes of eligibility for two educational awards under section 147(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 12603(a)); and (2) successfully completes, or agrees to complete, not less than one calendar year of employment with a Federal, State, or local government entity, or a nonprofit organization. (d) Increased Educational Awards.-- (1) In general.--To receive an educational award under this section, an eligible individual shall be selected by the Corporation and a State with which the Corporation has a national service compact under this section to receive such award for the purpose of attending a public institution of higher education in the State in accordance with the terms of the compact. (2) Calculation.--An eligible individual selected under paragraph (1) shall receive an educational award under this section that is equal to the total value of the educational service awards under section 147(a) of the National and Community Service Act (42 U.S.C. 12603(a)) that the individual is eligible to receive for the two successfully completed (or agreed to be completed) terms of full-time national service, as described in subsection (c)(1) of this section, except that in calculating the value of each such award, such section 147(a) (42 U.S.C. 12603(a)) shall be applied by inserting ``twice'' before ``the maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant''. (3) Limitation.--Not more than a total of 250,000 individuals may receive an educational award under this section. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Career and technical education.--The term ``career and technical education'' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302). (2) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002). (3) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511).
21st Century American Service Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any AmeriCorps educational awards provided under the National and Community Service Act of 1990. The bill establishes within the Corporation for National and Community Service the 21st Century National Service Program Implementing Taskforce, which shall develop a 21st Century National Service Program to notify 18-year olds of opportunities to serve in a voluntary national service program. The Taskforce shall develop a 10-year strategic implementation plan for the 21st Century National Service Program and publish it on the Corporation website. The Corporation shall establish, with a certain number of participating states, a national service college compact pilot program under which eligible individuals may use an educational award to attend a public institution of higher education for a two- or four-year program of instruction, or a career or technical education program, at no additional charge. An eligible individual shall be one who completes successfully or agrees to complete: two required terms of full-time national service in an approved national service position for purposes of eligibility for two educational awards; and at least one calendar year of employment with a federal, state, or local government entity or a nonprofit organization. The Corporation and a state participating in the national service compact shall jointly select the individual eligible to receive an educational award for attending a public institution of higher education in the state.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Medical Care Revenue Enhancement Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. DEMONSTRATION PROJECT TO IMPROVE BUSINESS PRACTICES OF VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION. (a) Demonstration Project Required.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a demonstration project under this section for the improvement of business practices of the Veterans Health Administration. (2) Performance-based contract.-- To carry out the demonstration project, the Secretary shall enter into a performance-based contract for a contractor to carry out the functions specified in subsection (e). (3) Cost limitation.--The total amount paid to the contractor under the contract may not exceed $10,000,000. (b) Commencement and Duration of Project.--The demonstration project shall be conducted during the two-year period beginning on the first day of the first month beginning more than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Sites for Conduct of Project.--The Secretary shall conduct the demonstration project at two medical centers of the Veterans Health Administration within the same service area (referred to as a Veterans Integrated Service Network) of the Veterans Health Administration. The two medical centers at which the project is conducted shall be selected by the Secretary from among medical centers that are located in those services areas of the Veterans Health Administration that the Secretary determines have relatively low rates of recovery or collection of indebtedness from third-party payors under section 1729 of title 38, United States Code. (d) Selection of Contractor.--The Secretary shall carry out the process for selection of the contractor for the demonstration project so that the contractor to perform the contract is selected, and the contract is awarded, not later than three months after the date of the enactment of this Act. The contractor shall be an entity or organization that has significant experience in the administrative processing of health care charges and claims. (e) Functions of Contractor.--The Secretary shall provide in the contract for the following functions of the contractor with respect to each facility at which the demonstration project is conducted: (1) Establishment of a plan to standardize and coordinate all activities related to billing for health-care items and services furnished to veterans for non-service-connected disabilities. (2) Reengineering of the business processes for billing and accounts receivable activities. (3) Application of commercial-industry standards for measures of access, timeliness, and performance. (4) Establishment of a database containing third-party payor information for veterans receiving health care and services. (5) Such other requirements with respect to business practices as the Secretary may specify. (f) VHA Project Manager.--As part of the demonstration project, the Secretary shall ensure that a Veterans Health Administration employee is designated to be the full-time project manager for the project and that such employee's duty station is at one of the medical centers at which the project is conducted, with provision for visits as needed to the other medical center at which the project is conducted. (g) Employee Protection.--The Secretary shall administer the demonstration project so that during the period of the conduct of the demonstration project there is no reduction in full-time equivalent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs at the medical centers at which the project is conducted that is attributable to the conduct of the demonstration project. (h) Reports to Congress.-- (1) Periodic progress reports on project implementation.-- (A) Reports required.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress progress reports on the implementation of the demonstration project. (B) Time for progress reports.-- Such reports shall be submitted as expeditiously as feasible after the end of-- (i) the 60-day period, the 90-day period, and the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (ii) the 60-day period, the 90-day period, and the 180-day period beginning on the date of the award of the contract under subsection (d). (C) Matter to be included.--Each report under this paragraph shall set out the progress to date on the implementation of the demonstration project, including-- (i) before the contractor has been selected, progress toward selection of the contractor (identified by the steps in the acquisition process that have been accomplished and that remain to be accomplished); and (ii) after the contractor has been selected, the contractor's progress in initiating and carrying out the demonstration project in accordance with the requirements of this section. (2) Interim reports on project operation.--After the completion of the first 12 months, and after the completion of the first 18 months, of the demonstration project, the Secretary shall submit to Congress an interim report on the operation of the demonstration project to that date. Each such report shall include the following: (A) The assessment of the Secretary as to whether the rate of recovery or collection of indebtedness owed the United States from third-party payors has improved by reason of the project. (B) The assessment of the Secretary as to the performance of the contractor. (C) Estimated cost savings to the Department as a result of the project. (3) Final report.--After the conclusion of the demonstration project, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a final report on the project. The Secretary shall include in that report the matters specified in paragraph (2) and the Secretary's recommendation for implementing on a permanent basis the recovery or collection system tested in the demonstration project and expanding the demonstration project to other facilities of the Veterans Health Administration. The final report shall be submitted not later than 90 days after the conclusion of the demonstration project. (i) Comptroller General Review and Reports.-- (1) Review.--The Comptroller General shall review the demonstration project on an ongoing basis. (2) Reports.--The Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on the Comptroller General's findings and recommendations concerning the demonstration project-- (A) after the operation of the demonstration project for a period of one year; and (B) after the operation of the demonstration project for a period of two years. (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the conduct of the demonstration project under this section the sum of $10,000,000.
Veterans Medical Care Revenue Enhancement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) conduct a demonstration project for the improvement of business practices of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA); and (2) enter into a performance-based contract for a contractor to carry out functions specified in this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct the project at two VHA medical centers within the same service area, selected from among medical centers located in those areas that the Secretary determines have relatively low rates of recovery or collection of indebtedness from third-party payors. Sets forth provisions regarding the selection and functions of the contractor, including requiring the contractor to establish a plan to standardize and coordinate all activities related to billing for health care furnished to veterans for non-service-connected disabilities, and a database containing third-party payor information for veterans receiving health care. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that a VHA employee is designated to be the full-time project manager for the project and that such employee's duty station is at one of the medical centers at which the project is conducted; and (2) administer the project so that during the period of the conduct of the project (two years) there is no reduction in full-time equivalent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs at the medical centers at which the project is conducted that is attributable to the conduct of the project.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Higher Education Science and Technology Competitiveness Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) The United States is losing its dominance in the sciences and technology, and faces serious challenges from highly educated foreign competitors. (2) The workforce of the United States must be better prepared for the scientifically and technologically advanced competition of the global economy. (3) New scientific knowledge is the engine of American technological innovation, national security, economic growth, and prosperity. (4) The competitiveness of the United States depends on strengthening and expanding postsecondary educational efforts in science, math, engineering, and technology. (5) Shortages of scientifically and technologically educated workers will be best addressed through partnerships between the Nation's associate degree-granting colleges and public four-year colleges and universities. (6) Enlarging the traditional role of community colleges in workforce training by developing seamless transitions from occupational competency or certificate programs to associate degree programs in math, science, engineering, and technology. SEC. 3. ARTICULATION AGREEMENT PROGRAM. Part G of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after section 486 (20 U.S.C. 1093) the following new section: ``SEC. 486A. ARTICULATION AGREEMENT PROGRAM. ``(a) Purpose; Definition.-- ``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to strengthen and expand scientific and technological education capabilities of associate-degree-granting public institutions of higher education through the establishment of partnership arrangements with bachelor-degree-granting public institutions of higher education. ``(2) Definition.--For the purposes of this section, the term `articulation agreement' means an agreement between institutions of higher education that specifies the acceptability of courses in transfer toward meeting specific degree requirements. ``(b) Program Authorized.-- ``(1) Grants to public institutions.--From the sums appropriated under subsection (g), the Secretary shall award grants under this section to public institutions of higher education for the support of programs to establish and implement statewide articulation agreements in accordance with subsection (d). ``(2) Eligibility of private institutions to participate in agreements.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a nonprofit or for-profit private institution of higher education from participating in the development and implementation of a statewide articulation agreement under subsection (d). ``(c) Applications.--Each institution, system, or consortium of institutions desiring to participate in a demonstration program under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require. ``(d) Use of Funds.--Funds provided by grant under this section may be used-- ``(1) to establish statewide articulation agreements in math, science, engineering, and technology among public 2-year institutions and public 4-year institutions to provide a seamless transition for the transfer of students from the public 2-year institutions to the public 4-year institutions by having both such types of institutions provide and use a common core curricula that reflects the workforce needs of private industry; ``(2) to establish articulation agreements within community colleges between occupational competency or certification programs and associate degree programs in math, science, engineering, and technology to increase the proportion of students who enroll to complete their associates degree; ``(3) to collect data on transfers from 2-year institutions to 4-year institutions on a regular basis and to submit such data to commissioners or departments of higher education, for transmission by such commissioners and departments to the Secretary, in order to monitor program progress and success; ``(4) to develop a statewide articulation guide in consultation with public colleges and universities to provide students with descriptions of articulation requirements; and ``(5) to develop a plan for professional development of 2- year college faculty, including inter-institutional workshops, consultations, and professional meetings. ``(e) Evaluations and Reports.--The Secretary shall collect from State commissioners and departments the data provided by grant recipients under subsection (d)(3) for the purposes of evaluating the success of the program authorized by this section. The Secretary shall submit a report on the results of such evaluation to the Congress not later than 2 years after the end of the first fiscal year for which funds are made available for grants under this section. ``(f) Additional Definition.--The Secretary shall by regulation define the term `degree programs in math, science, engineering, and technology'. ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to make grants under this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.''.
Higher Education Science and Technology Competitiveness Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award grants to public institutions of higher education to establish and implement statewide articulation agreements that provide a seamless transition for the transfer of students from two-year institutions to four-year institutions through a common core curricula in math, science, engineering, and technology that reflects the workforce needs of private industry.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Safeguarding Americans From Exporting Identification Data Act'' or the ``SAFE-ID Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Act, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Business enterprise.--The term ``business enterprise'' means-- (A) any organization, association, or venture established to make a profit; (B) any health care business; (C) any private, nonprofit organization; or (D) any contractor, subcontractor, or potential subcontractor of an entity described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C). (2) Health care business.--The term ``health care business'' means any business enterprise or private, nonprofit organization that collects or retains personally identifiable information about consumers in relation to medical care, including-- (A) hospitals; (B) health maintenance organizations; (C) medical partnerships; (D) emergency medical transportation companies; (E) medical transcription companies; (F) banks that collect or process medical billing information; and (G) subcontractors, or potential subcontractors, of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F). (3) Personally identifiable information.--The term ``personally identifiable information'' includes information such as-- (A) name; (B) postal address; (C) financial information; (D) medical records; (E) date of birth; (F) phone number; (G) e-mail address; (H) social security number; (I) mother's maiden name; (J) password; (K) state identification information; and (L) driver's license number. SEC. 3. TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION. (a) Prohibition.--A business enterprise may not disclose personally identifiable information regarding a resident of the United States to any foreign branch, affiliate, subcontractor, or unaffiliated third party located in a foreign country unless-- (1) the business enterprise provides the notice of privacy protections described in sections 502 and 503 of the Gramm- Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6802 and 6803) or required by the regulations promulgated pursuant to section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1320d-2 note), as appropriate; (2) the business enterprise complies with the safeguards described in section 501(b) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6801(b)), as appropriate; (3) the consumer is given the opportunity, before the time that such information is initially disclosed, to object to the disclosure of such information to such foreign branch, affiliate, subcontractor, or unaffiliated third party; and (4) the consumer is given an explanation of how the consumer can exercise the nondisclosure option described in paragraph (3). (b) Health Care Businesses.--A health care business may not terminate an existing relationship with a consumer of health care services to avoid the consumer from objecting to the disclosure under subsection (a)(3). (c) Effect on Business Relationship.-- (1) Nondiscrimination.--A business enterprise may not discriminate against or deny an otherwise qualified consumer a financial product or a health care service because the consumer has objected to the disclosure under subsection (a)(3). (2) Products and services.--A business enterprise shall not be required to offer or provide a product or service through affiliated entities or jointly with nonaffiliated business enterprises. (3) Incentives and discounts.--Nothing in this subsection is intended to prohibit a business enterprise from offering incentives or discounts to elicit a specific response to the notice required under subsection (a). (d) Liability.-- (1) In general.--A business enterprise that knowingly and directly transfers personally identifiable information to a foreign branch, affiliate, subcontractor, or unaffiliated third party shall be liable to any person suffering damages resulting from the improper storage, duplication, sharing, or other misuse of such information by the transferee. (2) Civil action.--An injured party under paragraph (1) may sue in law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the damages sustained as a result of a violation of this section. (e) Rulemaking.--The Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission shall promulgate regulations through which the Chairman may enforce the provisions of this section and impose a civil penalty for a violation of this section. SEC. 4. PRIVACY FOR CONSUMERS OF HEALTH SERVICES. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall revise the regulations promulgated pursuant to section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1320d-2 note) to require a covered entity (as defined under such regulations) that outsources protected health information (as defined under such regulations) outside the United States to include in such entity's notice of privacy protections-- (1) notification that the covered entity outsources protected health information to business associates (as defined under such regulations) for processing outside the United States; (2) a description of the privacy laws of the country to which the protected health information will be sent; (3) any additional risks and consequences to the privacy and security of protected health information that arise as a result of the processing of such information in a foreign country; (4) additional measures the covered entity is taking to protect the protected health information outsourced for processing outside the United States; (5) notification that the protected health information will not be outsourced outside the United States if the consumer objects; and (6) a certification that-- (A) the covered entity has taken reasonable steps to identify the locations where protected health information is outsourced by such business associates; (B) attests to the privacy and security of the protected health information outsourced for processing outside the United States; and (C) states the reasons for the determination by the covered entity that the privacy and security of such information is maintained. SEC. 5. PRIVACY FOR CONSUMERS OF FINANCIAL SERVICES. Section 503(b) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6803(b)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) if the financial institution outsources nonpublic personal information outside the United States-- ``(A) information informing the consumer in simple language-- ``(i) that the financial institution outsources nonpublic personal information to entities for processing outside the United States; ``(ii) of the privacy laws of the country to which nonpublic personal information will be sent; ``(iii) of any additional risks and consequences to the privacy and security of an individual's nonpublic personal information that arise as a result of the processing of such information in a foreign country; and ``(iv) of the additional measures the financial institution is taking to protect the nonpublic personal information outsourced for processing outside the United States; and ``(B) a certification that-- ``(i) the financial institution has taken reasonable steps to identify the locations where nonpublic personal information is outsourced by such entities; ``(ii) attests to the privacy and security of the nonpublic personal information outsourced for processing outside the United States; and ``(iii) states the reasons for the determination by the institution that the privacy and security of such information is maintained.'' SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect on the expiration of the date which is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Safeguarding Americans From Exporting Identification Data (SAFE-ID) Act - Prohibits business enterprises from disclosing personally identifiable information regarding U.S. residents to any branch, affiliate, subcontractor, or unaffiliated third party located in a foreign country unless: (1) the business enterprise provides notice of privacy protections and complies with safeguards described in specified Federal laws; (2) the consumer is given the opportunity to object prior to such disclosure; and (3) the consumer is given an explanation of how to exercise the nondisclosure option. Prohibits: (1) health care businesses from terminating existing relationships with consumers to avoid objections to disclosure; and (2) business enterprises from discriminating against otherwise qualified consumers of financial products or health care services due to such objections. Makes business enterprises that knowingly and directly transfer personally identifiable information to foreign entities liable to persons suffering damages due to the misuse of that information. Authorizes injured parties to file civil actions for violations of the information transmission provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise existing regulations to require covered entities that outsource protected health information to a foreign country to include certain information relating to outsourcing in such entity's privacy protection notices. Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to require the inclusion of similar information in privacy protection notices for consumers of financial services.
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SECTION 1. COMMISSION ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROCESSING DELAYS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Faster FOIA Act of 2011''. (b) Establishment.--There is established the Commission on Freedom of Information Act Processing Delays (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission'' for the purpose of conducting a study relating to methods to help reduce delays in processing requests submitted to Federal agencies under section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Freedom of Information Act''). (c) Membership.-- (1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 12 members of whom-- (A) 2 shall be appointed by the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; (B) 2 shall be appointed by the ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; (C) 2 shall be appointed by the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform of the House of Representatives; (D) 2 shall be appointed by the ranking member of the Committee on Government Reform of the House of Representatives; (E) 1 shall be appointed by the Attorney General of the United States; (F) 1 shall be appointed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget; (G) 1 shall be appointed by the Archivist of the United States; and (H) 1 shall be appointed by the Comptroller General of the United States. (2) Qualifications of congressional appointees.--Of the 2 appointees under each of subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of paragraph (1) at least 1 shall have experience as a FOIA requestor, or in the fields of library science, information management, or public access to Government information. (3) Timeliness of appointments.--Appointments to the Commission shall be made as expeditiously as possible, but not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Study.--The Commission shall conduct a study to-- (1) identify methods that-- (A) will help reduce delays in the processing of requests submitted to Federal agencies under section 552 of title 5, United States Code; and (B) ensure the efficient and equitable administration of that section throughout the Federal Government; (2) examine whether the system for charging fees and granting waivers of fees under section 552 of title 5, United States Code, needs to be reformed in order to reduce delays in processing requests; and (3) examine and determine-- (A) why the Federal Government's use of the exemptions under section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code, increased during fiscal year 2009; (B) the reasons for any increase, including whether the increase was warranted and whether the increase contributed to FOIA processing delays; (C) what efforts were made by Federal agencies to comply with President Obama's January 21, 2009 Presidential Memorandum on Freedom of Information Act Requests and whether those efforts were successful; (D) any recommendations on how the use of exemptions under section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code, may be limited; and (E)(i) whether any disparities in processing, processing times, and completeness of responses to FOIA requestors have occurred based upon political considerations, ideological viewpoints, the identity of the requestors, affiliation with the media, or affiliation with advocacy groups; (ii) if any disparities have occurred, why such disparities have occurred; and (iii) the extent to which political appointees have been involved in the FOIA process. (e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit a report to Congress and the President containing the results of the study under this section, which shall include-- (1) a description of the methods identified by the study; (2) the conclusions and recommendations of the Commission regarding-- (A) each method identified; and (B) the charging of fees and granting of waivers of fees; and (3) recommendations for legislative or administrative actions to implement the conclusions of the Commission. (f) Staff and Administrative Support Services.-- (1) In general.--The Archivist of the United States shall provide to the Commission such staff and administrative support services, including research assistance at the request of the Commission, as necessary for the Commission to perform its functions efficiently and in accordance with this section. (2) Payment of expenses.-- (A) Staff salaries.--The Archivist of the United States shall pay staff expenses relating to salaries under this subsection from available appropriations in the applicable account for salaries of the National Archives and Records Administration. (B) Administrative support services.--Except as provided under subparagraph (A), the Archivist of the United States shall pay staff and administrative expenses under this subsection from available appropriations in the operating expenses account of the National Archives and Records Administration. (3) Appropriations requests.--Expenses paid under this subsection shall not form the basis for additional appropriations requests from the National Archives and Records Administration in the future. (g) Information.--To the extent permitted by law, the heads of executive agencies, the Government Accountability Office, and the Congressional Research Service shall provide to the Commission such information as the Commission may require to carry out its functions. (h) Compensation of Members.--Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation for services performed for the Commission. (i) Travel Expenses.-- (1) In general.--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. (2) Payment of expenses.--The Administrator of General Services shall pay travel expenses under this subsection from available appropriations in the operating expenses account of the General Services Administration. (3) Appropriations requests.--Expenses paid under this subsection shall not form the basis for additional appropriations requests from the National Archives and Records Administration in the future. (j) Transparency.--All meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public, except that a meeting, or any portion of it, may be closed to the public if it concerns matters or information described in chapter 552b(c) of title 5, United States Code. Interested persons shall be permitted to appear at open meetings and present oral or written statements on the subject matter of the meeting. The Commission may administer oaths or affirmations to any person appearing before the Commission. (k) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate 30 days after the submission of the report under subsection (e).
Faster FOIA Act of 2011 - Establishes the Commission on Freedom of Information Act Processing Delays to conduct a study to: (1) identify methods that will help reduce delays in processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests submitted to federal agencies; (2) ensure the efficient and equitable administration of FOIA throughout the federal government; (3) examine whether the system for charging fees for such requests and granting waivers of such fees needs to be reformed; (4) determine why the government's use of FOIA exemptions increased during FY2009, whether the increase contributed to delays, what efforts were made by federal agencies to comply with President Obama's January 21, 2009, Presidential Memorandum on Freedom of Information Act Requests, whether those efforts were successful, and how the use of exemptions may be limited; and (5) determine whether any disparities in processing, processing times, and completeness of responses to FOIA requestors have occurred based upon political considerations, ideological viewpoints, the identity of the requestors, affiliation with the media, or affiliation with advocacy groups, why such disparities occurred, and the extent to which political appointees have been involved in the FOIA process.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Funding for Student Scholarships for the 1890s Land-Grant African-American Colleges and Universities Act''. (b) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) The Act of August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 419, chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), brought about the establishment of the following 19 public, African-American land-grant colleges and universities: (A) Alabama A&M University. (B) Alcorn State University. (C) Central State University. (D) Delaware State University. (E) Florida A&M University. (F) Fort Valley State University. (G) Kentucky State University. (H) Langston University. (I) Lincoln University. (J) North Carolina A&T State University. (K) Prairie View A&M University. (L) South Carolina State University. (M) Southern University System. (N) Tennessee State University. (O) Tuskegee University. (P) University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. (Q) University of Maryland Eastern Shore. (R) Virginia State University. (S) West Virginia State University. (2) Funding for agricultural education, research, and extension at such colleges and universities is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Agriculture with each farm bill, which is enacted approximately every 5 years. (3) The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) authorizes the appropriation of Federal funds for research, education, and extension activities at such colleges and universities and the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 (Division A of Public Law 114-113) appropriated $19,000,000 for education grants for such colleges and universities. (4) There is a great need to increase the number of young African-Americans seeking careers in the food and agricultural sciences (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)), including agribusiness, food production, distribution, and retailing, the clothing industries, energy and renewable fuels, and farming marketing, finance, and distribution. (5) Scholarship funding provided to increase the number of young African-American individuals seeking a career in the food and agricultural sciences shall be provided with the caveat that such scholarship students shall commit to pursue a career in the food and agricultural sciences, including agribusiness, food production, distribution, and retailing, the clothing industries, energy and renewable fuels, and farming marketing, finance, and distribution. (6) The average age of farmers and producers in the United States is 60 years of age and continues to rise. (7) Beginning farmers and ranchers (as defined in section 7405 of Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f)) need greater assistance in the financing of their education because of the increased startup costs associated with farming, such as the purchase of land and farming equipment. (c) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are the following: (1) To address the national crisis posed by the aging farmer and producer population in the United States. (2) To increase the number of young African-American individuals seeking a career in the food and agricultural sciences (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)), including agribusiness, food production, distribution, and retailing, the clothing industries, energy and renewable fuels, and farming marketing, finance, and distribution. (3) To reduce the average age of farmers and producers in the United States. (4) To provide greater assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers (as defined in section 7405 of Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f)). (5) To provide scholarships to 1890 land-grant students seeking careers in the food and agricultural sciences. SEC. 2. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING 1890-INSTITUTIONS. Subtitle G of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1445 (7 U.S.C. 3222) the following new section: ``SEC. 1446. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a grant program under which the Secretary will award a grant to each college eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 417-419, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 321-326 and 328), including Tuskegee University (in this section referred to as `eligible institutions') for purposes of awarding scholarships to individuals who-- ``(1) are seeking to attend such college; and ``(2) intend to pursue a career in the food and agricultural sciences, including a career in agribusiness, food production, distribution, and retailing, the clothing industries, energy and renewable fuels, and farming marketing, finance, and distribution. ``(b) Funding.-- ``(1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $19,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022. ``(2) Allocation.--Of the funds made available under paragraph (1) in a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate to each eligible institution $1,000,000.''.
Funding for Student Scholarships for the 1890s Land-Grant African-American Colleges and Universities Act This bill amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to establish and provide funding for a grant program within the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for scholarships for students at 1890 land-grant colleges and universities (historically black colleges and universities established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890). USDA may award the scholarships to students who: (1) are seeking to attend such a college or university, and (2) intend to pursue a career in the food and agricultural sciences.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Waterfront Brownfields Revitalization Act''. SEC. 2. WATERFRONT BROWNFIELDS GRANT. Section 104(k) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9604(k)) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (12) as paragraphs (5) through (13), respectively; (2) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ``paragraphs (4) and (5)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (5) and (6)''; (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: ``(4) Grants for waterfront brownfields revitalization.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), the President shall establish a program to provide grants to eligible entities or nonprofit organizations to be used at one or more waterfront brownfields sites. ``(B) Use of funds.--Such grants may be used for reuse planning, site characterization and assessment, or remediation at waterfront brownfields sites, including the integration of activities related to the design and implementation of water quality improvements, low impact development approaches, green infrastructure, remediation and management of sediments, or flood damage prevention associated with brownfields remediation and reuse. ``(C) Waterfront brownfields site defined.--In this section, the term `waterfront brownfields site' means a brownfields site any part of which is adjacent to a body of water.''; (4) in paragraph (5)(A) (as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section) by inserting after clause (ii) the following: ``(iii) Waterfront brownfields revitalization.--A grant made to an eligible entity or nonprofit organization under paragraph (4) may not exceed $500,000.''; (5) in paragraph (7)(A) (as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section) by inserting ``waterfront brownfields revitalization,'' after ``community involvement,''; and (6) by striking paragraph (13) (as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section) and inserting the following: ``(13) Funding.-- ``(A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $220,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014. ``(B) Use of certain funds.--Of the amounts made available under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year $55,000,000, or, if the amount made available is less than $220,000,000, 25 percent of the amount made available, shall be used for site characterization, assessment, and remediation of facilities described in section 101(39)(D)(ii)(II). ``(C) Waterfront brownfields revitalization.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for waterfront brownfields revitalization grants under paragraph (4).''. SEC. 3. TASK FORCE. (a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall establish and serve as chairperson of a task force on waterfront brownfields revitalization. (b) Membership.--Members of the task force shall include representatives who have expertise in waterfronts or brownfields revitalization, including representatives from the following: (1) The Environmental Protection Agency. (2) The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. (3) The Army Corps of Engineers. (4) The Department of Transportation. (5) The Department of Housing and Urban Development. (6) The Economic Development Administration. (7) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service. (8) State and local governments. (9) Community-based organizations and other interested parties. (10) Any additional entities the Administrator chooses to include. (c) Duties.--The task force shall identify-- (1) current and potential funding and technical assistance resources for waterfront brownfields revitalization; (2) barriers to and solutions for waterfront brownfields revitalization; and (3) methods to coordinate interagency efforts for waterfront brownfields revitalization. (d) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing the findings of the task force on improving waterfront brownfields revitalization. SEC. 4. ANNUAL REPORT. (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives an annual report on the implementation of the brownfield site characterization and assessment grant program authorized by section 104(k) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9604(k)). (b) Committee Hearings on Annual Report.-- (1) In general.--During each year, the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives shall each hold a hearing on the annual report submitted by the Administrator under subsection (a). (2) Exercise of rulemaking authority.--The provisions of paragraph (1) are enacted-- (A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House of Representatives, and, as such, they shall be considered as part of the rules of the House, and such rules shall supersede any other rule of the House only to the extent that rule is inconsistent therewith; and (B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of the House to change such rules (so far as relating to the procedure in the House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of the House.
Waterfront Brownfields Revitalization Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to require the President to establish a grant program for reuse planning, site characterization and assessment, or remediation at waterfront brownfields sites, including the integration of activities related to the design and implementation of water quality improvements, low impact development approaches, green infrastructure, remediation and management of sediments, or flood damage prevention associated with brownfields remediation and reuse. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide training, research, and technical assistance to individuals and organizations to facilitate waterfront brownfields revitalization. Authorizes funding for brownfields revitalization for FY2010-FY2014. Requires the Administrator to establish and serve as chairperson of a task force on waterfront brownfields revitalization that shall identify: (1) funding and technical assistance resources for such revitalization; (2) barriers to and solutions for revitalization; and (3) methods to coordinate interagency revitalization efforts. Directs: (1) the Administrator to submit to specified congressional committees an annual report on the implementation of the brownfield site characterization and assessment grant program authorized by CERCLA; and (2) such committees to hold hearings each year on such report.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Main Street Growth Act''. SEC. 2. VENTURE EXCHANGES. (a) Securities Exchange Act of 1934.--Section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78f) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(m) Venture Exchange.-- ``(1) Registration.-- ``(A) In general.--A national securities exchange may elect to be treated (or for a listing tier of such exchange to be treated) as a venture exchange by notifying the Commission of such election, either at the time the exchange applies to be registered as a national securities exchange or after registering as a national securities exchange. ``(B) Determination time period.--With respect to a securities exchange electing to be treated (or for a listing tier of such exchange to be treated) as a venture exchange-- ``(i) at the time the exchange applies to be registered as a national securities exchange, such application and election shall be deemed to have been approved by the Commission unless the Commission denies such application before the end of the 6-month period beginning on the date the Commission received such application; and ``(ii) after registering as a national securities exchange, such election shall be deemed to have been approved by the Commission unless the Commission denies such approval before the end of the 6-month period beginning on the date the Commission received notification of such election. ``(2) Powers and restrictions.--A venture exchange-- ``(A) may only constitute, maintain, or provide a market place or facilities for bringing together purchasers and sellers of venture securities; ``(B) may determine the increment to be used for quoting and trading venture securities on the exchange; ``(C) shall disseminate last sale and quotation information on terms that are fair and reasonable and not unreasonably discriminatory; ``(D) may choose to carry out periodic auctions for the sale of a venture security instead of providing continuous trading of the venture security; and ``(E) may not extend unlisted trading privileges to any venture security. ``(3) Exemptions from certain national security exchange regulations.--A venture exchange shall not be required to-- ``(A) comply with any of sections 242.600 through 242.612 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations; ``(B) comply with any of sections 242.300 through 242.303 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations; ``(C) submit any data to a securities information processor; or ``(D) use decimal pricing. ``(4) Treatment of certain exempted securities.--A security that is exempt from registration pursuant to section 3(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be exempt from section 12(a) of this title with respect to the trading of such security on a venture exchange, if the issuer of such security is in compliance with all disclosure obligations of such section 3(b) and the regulations issued under such section. ``(5) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection: ``(A) Early-stage, growth company.-- ``(i) In general.--The term `early-stage, growth company' means an issuer-- ``(I) that has not made an initial public offering of any securities of the issuer; and ``(II) with a market capitalization of $1,000,000,000 (as such amount is indexed for inflation every 5 years by the Commission to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, setting the threshold to the nearest $1,000,000) or less. ``(ii) Treatment when market capitalization exceeds threshold.-- ``(I) In general.--In the case of an issuer that is an early-stage, growth company the securities of which are traded on a venture exchange, such issuer shall not cease to be an early- stage, growth company by reason of the market capitalization of such issuer exceeding the threshold specified in clause (i)(II) until the end of the period of 24 consecutive months during which the market capitalization of such issuer exceeds $2,000,000,000 (as such amount is indexed for inflation every 5 years by the Commission to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, setting the threshold to the nearest $1,000,000). ``(II) Exemptions.--If an issuer would cease to be an early-stage, growth company under subclause (I), the venture exchange may, at the request of the issuer, exempt the issuer from the market capitalization requirements of this subparagraph for the 1-year period that begins on the day after the end of the 24-month period described in such subclause. The venture exchange may, at the request of the issuer, extend the exemption for 1 additional year. ``(B) Venture security.--The term `venture security' means-- ``(i) securities of an early-stage, growth company that are exempt from registration pursuant to section 3(b) of the Securities Act of 1933; and ``(ii) securities of an emerging growth company.''. (b) Securities Act of 1933.--Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77r(b)(1)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the end; (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) a venture security, as defined under section 6(m)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.''. (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that the Securities and Exchange Commission should-- (1) when necessary or appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors, make use of the Commission's general exemptive authority under section 36 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78mm) with respect to the provisions added by this section; and (2) if the Commission determines appropriate, create an Office of Venture Exchanges within the Commission's Division of Trading and Markets. (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to impair or limit the construction of the antifraud provisions of the securities laws (as defined in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a))) or the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission under those provisions. (e) Effective Date for Tiers of Existing National Securities Exchanges.--In the case of a securities exchange that is registered as a national securities exchange under section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78f) on the date of the enactment of this Act, any election for a listing tier of such exchange to be treated as a venture exchange under subsection (m) of such section shall not take effect before the date that is 180 days after such date of enactment.
Main Street Growth Act (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to permit a national securities exchange, for itself or for one of its listing tiers, to elect treatment as a venture exchange by notifying the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of such an election either at the time it applies for registration or after registering as a national securities exchange. Unless the SEC denies the registration application within six months after its receipt, the application and election shall be deemed to have received SEC approval. Similarly, after a national securities exchange registers, its election to be treated as a venture exchange shall be deemed approved unless the SEC denies approval within six months after receiving notice of the election. The bill subjects a venture exchange to certain restrictions, including that it may: (1) only constitute, maintain, or provide a market place or facilities for bringing together purchasers and sellers of venture securities, and (2) not extend unlisted trading privileges to any venture security. Venture securities are securities of: an early-stage, growth company exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933; and an emerging growth company. The bill exempts a venture exchange from compliance with: (1) specified National Market System and Alternative Trading System rules, (2) the requirement to submit data to a securities information processor, or (3) mandatory use of decimal pricing. With respect to trading on a venture exchange, the bill also exempts from registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 certain securities exempted from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 if the issuer is in compliance with all disclosure obligations and regulations under the latter Act. The bill defines an issuer with a market capitalization of $1 million or less, and which has not made an initial public offering of any securities, as an "early-stage growth company." An early-stage, growth company whose securities are traded on a venture exchange shall not cease to be an early-stage, growth company by reason of a market capitalization exceeding the $1 million threshold until the end of 24 consecutive months during which that market capitalization exceeds $2 million (indexed for inflation). If an issuer would cease to be an early-stage, growth company for exceeding the market capitalization threshold, a venture exchange may, upon the issuer's request, exempt the issuer from such capitalization requirements for the 24-month period referred to, and extend that exemption for an additional year as well. The Securities Act of 1933 is amended to exempt venture securities from state and local government regulation. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the SEC should: make use of its general exemptive authority regarding certain elements of this bill; and create an Office of Venture Exchanges, if appropriate, within the SEC Division of Trading and Markets.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Consumers Payment System Protection Act''. SEC. 2. DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF RULES ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF SECTION 1075 OF THE DODD-FRANK WALL STREET REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT. Subject to section 3(b)(2), any proposed or final rule issued under the authority of any provision under section 1075 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 111-203), or of amendments made by such section, shall take effect 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. STUDY AND REPORT. (a) Study.-- (1) In general.--The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Chairperson of the National Credit Union Administration, and the Comptroller of the Currency shall jointly conduct a study on the effect of section 1075 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 111-203), and amendments made by such section, on consumers, card issuers, merchants, and financial institutions. Such study shall survey card issuers, merchants, and financial institutions representing a cross section of all market participants regardless of whether such participants are exempt from any rule issued under the authority of section 1075 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or of any amendment made by such section. (2) Considerations.--The study described in paragraph (1) shall consider the following: (A) The identity and categories of all costs and investments associated with debit card transactions (prior to the implementation of section 1075 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act) to consumers, card issuers, merchants, and financial institutions, including the operation of the payment system to support such transactions. (B) The impact of the proposed rule issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System entitled ``Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing'' (75 Fed. Reg. 81772 (Dec. 28, 2010)), if finalized, including-- (i) the impact of reduced debit card interchange fees on consumers, including-- (I) the cost to and consequences for consumers if such proposed rule were to become final; (II) the impact on consumer protection, including anti-fraud and customer identification efforts, and privacy protection; and (III) the impact on consumers, particularly low- and moderate-income consumers (including banked and unbanked consumers), and small businesses with respect to the provision of payment accounts and services; (ii) the impact of reduced debit card interchange fees on debit card issuers, including-- (I) whether such fees would provide recoupment of costs and investments by debit card issuers; (II) whether such fees would result in increased risks to debit card issuers, including the potential impact on the safety and soundness of such issuers; and (III) the impact of the exemption provided for smaller banks and credit unions, including whether potential merchant behavior would lead to discrimination against debit cards issued by credit unions and community banks, and whether the exemption would have an adverse impact on the deposit base of credit unions and community banks as well as the payment system; (iii) the impact of the reduced debit card interchange fees on merchants, including such merchants ability to-- (I) pass savings on to the consumer; (II) make new capital investments; and (III) cover the costs associated with fraud prevention; (iv) the impact on consumers, debit card issuers, and merchants of the debit exclusivity and transaction routing provisions of section 920(b) of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and any proposed or final rules issued under such provisions, including-- (I) the impact on the continued innovation and development of secure, efficient, and reliable electronic payment technologies; and (II) the impact of mandating a specific number of enabled networks on each debit card; and (v) the impact on other entities that utilize debit card transactions, including the debit card programs of Federal and State entities. (C) Subsections (a) and (c) of section 904 of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 1693b(a), (c)). (b) Report.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 8 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Chairperson of the National Credit Union Administration, and the Comptroller of the Currency shall jointly submit to Congress a report that includes-- (A) an analysis of the results of the study required under subsection (a); (B) a determination of whether revisions need to be made to any proposed or final rule described in section 2; and (C) a determination of whether revisions need to be made to any provision under section 1075 of the Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or any amendment made by such section. (2) Revisions to rules.--The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall have 4 months after the submission of the report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) to make revisions to any proposed or final rule described in section 2 if at least two of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Chairperson of the National Credit Union Administration, and the Comptroller of the Currency determine, in such report, that any one of the following are true: (A) Either of section 920 of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act or the proposed rule issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System entitled ``Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing'' does not encompass all costs and investments associated with debit card transactions. (B) Consumers will be adversely affected by either such section or such proposed rule. (C) The exemption of small financial institutions (defined as financial institutions with less than $10,000,000,000 in assets), as provided under section 920(a)(6) of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, or as carried out by the proposed rule, is not effective in practice. (c) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``consumer'', ``financial institution'', and ``State'' have the same meanings given such terms in section 903 of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 1693a).
Consumers Payment System Protection Act - Delays until one year after enactment of this Act any proposed or final rule issued under the authority of specified requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act governing interchange transaction (swipe) fees for electronic debit transactions (EDTs). Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and specified federal banking agencies jointly to study and report to Congress on the effect of such requirements upon consumers, card issuers, merchants, and financial institutions. Sets a deadline for the Board to make revisions to any proposed or final rule regarding such EDTs if at least two of the agencies contributing to such report determine that any one of the following is true: (1) either such requirements or the Board's proposed rule entitled "Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing" does not encompass all costs and investments associated with debit card transactions; (2) consumers will be adversely affected by either the requirements or the proposed rule; or (3) the current exemption of small financial institutions (with less than $10 billion in assets) from such requirements, or as carried out by the proposed rule, is not effective in practice.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Physician Self- Referral Amendments of 1999''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Eliminating restrictions on physician referrals based on compensation arrangements. Sec. 3. Exceptions to ownership referral prohibitions. Sec. 4. Change in definition of group practice. Sec. 5. Delay in implementation of 1993 ownership referral changes until promulgation of final regulations. Sec. 6. Exclusion of intraocular lenses, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Sec. 7. Permitting supervision of clinical laboratory services by pathologists who are independent contractors. Sec. 8. Effective date. SEC. 2. ELIMINATING RESTRICTIONS ON PHYSICIAN REFERRALS BASED ON COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS. (a) In General.--Section 1877(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``is--'' and all that follows through ``equity,'' and inserting ``is (except as provided in subsection (c)) an ownership or investment interest in the entity through equity,''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1877 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in the heading, by striking ``to Both Ownership and Compensation Arrangement Prohibitions''; and (B) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (7); (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) by amending the heading to read as follows: ``Exception for Ownership or Investment Interest in Publicly Traded Securities and Mutual Funds''; and (B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``subsection (a)(2)(A)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(2)''; (3) in subsection (d)-- (A) by striking the matter preceding paragraph (1); (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph (4)''; and (C) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively, and by transferring and inserting such paragraphs after paragraph (3) of subsection (b); (4) by striking subsection (e); (5) in subsection (f)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``ownership, investment, and compensation'' and inserting ``ownership and investment''; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``subsection (a)(2)(A)'' and all that follows through ``subsection (a)(2)(B)),'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(2),''; and (C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or who have such a compensation relationship with the entity''; and (6) in subsection (h)-- (A) by striking paragraphs (1), (2), and (3); (B) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking clause (iv); and (C) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``Rules.--'' and all that follows through ``(ii) Faculty'' and inserting ``Rules for faculty''. SEC. 3. EXCEPTIONS TO OWNERSHIP REFERRAL PROHIBITIONS. (a) Revisions to Exception for In-Office Ancillary Services.-- (1) Repeal of site-of-service requirement.--Section 1877 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn) is amended-- (A) by amending subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(2) to read as follows: ``(A) that are furnished personally by the referring physician, personally by a physician who is a member of the same group practice as the referring physician, or personally by individuals who are under the general supervision of the physician or of another physician in the group practice, and''; and (B) by adding at the end of subsection (h) the following new paragraph: ``(7) General supervision.--An individual is considered to be under the `general supervision' of a physician if the physician (or group practice of which the physician is a member) is legally responsible for the services performed by the individual and for ensuring that the individual meets licensure and certification requirements, if any, applicable under other provisions of law, regardless of whether or not the physician is physically present when the individual furnishes an item or service.''. (2) Clarification of treatment of physician owners of group practice.--Section 1877(b)(2)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn(b)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``or such group practice.'' and inserting ``, such group practice, or the physician owners of such group practice.''. (3) Conforming amendment.--Section 1877(b)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn(b)(2)) is amended by amending the heading to read as follows: ``Ancillary services furnished personally or through group practice''. (b) Clarification of Exception for Services Furnished in a Rural Area.--Section 1877(d)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn(d)(2)), before redesignation and transfer as section 1877(b)(5) of such Act under section 2(b)(3)(C), is amended by striking ``substantially all'' and inserting ``not less than 75 percent''. SEC. 4. CHANGE IN DEFINITION OF GROUP PRACTICE. Section 1877(h)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn(h)(4)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), as amended by section 2(b)(6)(B)-- (A) by adding ``and'' at the end of clause (iii); (B) by redesignating clause (v) as clause (iv) and by striking ``, and'' at the end and inserting a period, and (C) by striking clause (vi); and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C) Member of a group.--A physician is a `member' of a group if the physician is an owner or a bona fide employee, or both, of the group.''. SEC. 5. DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF 1993 OWNERSHIP REFERRAL CHANGES UNTIL PROMULGATION OF FINAL REGULATIONS. Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 13562(b) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, the amendments made by section 13562(a) of such Act shall not apply to any referrals made before the effective date of final regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out such amendments. SEC. 6. EXCLUSION OF INTRAOCULAR LENSES, EYEGLASSES, AND CONTACT LENSES. Section 1877(h)(6)(H) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn(h)(6)(H)) is amended by inserting ``, other than intraocular lenses, eyeglasses, and contact lenses'' before the period. SEC. 7. PERMITTING SUPERVISION OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES BY PATHOLOGISTS WHO ARE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. Section 1877(b)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395nn(b)(2)), as amended by section 3(a)(1)(A), is amended by adding at the end the following: ``In applying subparagraph (A) in the case of a pathologist who supervises or directs the provision of clinical laboratory services for a group practice, the pathologist is deemed to be a member of (and in) such group practice.''. SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by sections 2 through 4 and 6 and 7 of this Act apply to referrals made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, regardless of whether or not regulations are promulgated to carry out such amendments.
Physician Self-Referral Amendments of 1999 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise limitations on certain physician referrals to: (1) eliminate restrictions on physician referrals based on compensation arrangements; (2) repeal site of service requirements contained in the exceptions to the ownership referral prohibitions; (3) change the definition of group practice; (4) exclude intraocular lenses, eyeglasses, and contact lenses as designated health services; and (5) permit supervision of clinical laboratory services by pathologists who are independent contractors.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Firearms License Reform Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. PREVENTION OF THEFT OF FIREARMS. (a) Prohibition Against Labelling of Containers Containing Firearms.--Section 922(e) of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(e)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) It shall be unlawful for any common or contract carrier to require or cause to be placed on the outside of any package, luggage, or other container any label, tag, or other written notice that the package, luggage, or other container contains a firearm.''. (b) Duty To Obtain Written Acknowledgement of Receipt of Containers Containing Firearms.--Section 922(f) of such title is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(f)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) It shall be unlawful for any common or contract carrier to deliver in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm without obtaining written acknowledgement of receipt of the firearm from the recipient of the firearm.''. (c) Personal Transfer of Firearms Between Licensees Outside Their Business Premises.--Section 923(c) of such title is amended by inserting after the 1st sentence the following: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a person licensed under this section may, in person, transfer or deliver firearms to, and receive firearms from, another such person at any location without regard to the State specified on the license.''. (d) Prohibition Against Stealing Firearms From Certain Licensees.-- (1) Prohibition.--Section 922 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(s) It shall be unlawful for a person to steal, unlawfully convert, or take by fraud from the person or the premises of a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer any firearm in the business inventory of the licensee which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.''. (2) Penalties.--Section 924 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(i)(1) Whoever knowingly violates section 922(s) shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both. ``(2) Whoever, during and in relation to a robbery (as defined in section 1951(b)(1)) or riot (as defined in section 2102(a)), knowingly violates section 922(s) shall be sentenced to imprisonment for 30 years, or, if a death results, to life imprisonment without release or to death.''. SEC. 3. 3-YEAR LICENSE TO DEAL IN FIREARMS; INCREASE IN APPLICATION FEE. Section 923(a)(3) of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (B)-- (A) by striking ``who is a pawnbroker dealing''; and (B) by striking ``$25 per year; or'' and inserting ``$150 for an original license for 3 years, or $75 for the renewal of a license for 3 years.''; and (2) by striking subparagraph (C). SEC. 4. FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSEES REQUIRED TO REPORT THEFT OF FIREARMS FROM THE INVENTORY OR COLLECTION OF THE LICENSEE. Section 923(g) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(6)(A) Within 5 business days after a person licensed under this section discovers the theft of a firearm from the inventory or collection of the licensee, the licensee shall report the theft to the chief law enforcement officer of the place of business of the licensee. ``(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `chief law enforcement officer' means the chief of police, the sheriff, or an equivalent officer, or the designee of any such individual.''. SEC. 5. RESPONSES TO REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION. Section 923(g) of title 18, United States Code, as amended by section 4 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(7) Not later than 5 business days after a licensee receives from the Secretary a written or in-person request therefor, the licensee shall provide the Secretary with such information contained in the records required to be kept by the licensee under this chapter as may be required for determining the disposition of 1 or more firearms. The licensee shall provide the information orally or in writing, as the Secretary may require.''. SEC. 6. EXPANDED DEFINITION OF CURIOS OR RELICS. (a) In General.--Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(29) The term `curios or relics' means firearms so designated by the Secretary by regulation, and firearms manufactured in or before the calendar year 1946 acquired for a personal collection and not as business inventory or for resale for livelihood and profit.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 921(a)(13) of such title is amended by striking ``as the Secretary shall by regulation define,''. SEC. 7. EXPANDED DEFINITION OF ANTIQUE FIREARMS. Section 921(a)(16)(A) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking ``1898'' and inserting ``1918''. SEC. 8. APPLICANT FOR FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR THE LICENSE. Section 923(d)(1)(E) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the comma the following: ``and the applicant has certified on the application that the applicant has sent or delivered notice, on a form prescribed by the Secretary, to the chief law enforcement officer (as defined in subsection (g)(6)(B)) of the locality in which the premises are located, that the applicant intends to apply for a Federal firearms license''. SEC. 9. PROVISION TO LICENSEES OF RULES GOVERNING FIREARMS. Section 926 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by inserting at the end of subsection (b) the following: ``No such rule or regulation shall be effective until 30 days after a copy thereof has been provided to all persons licensed under this chapter.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(d)(1)(A) Upon the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall publish and provide to all licensees a compilation of the State laws and published ordinances which are relevant to compliance with this chapter. ``(B) Each year thereafter, the Secretary shall publish and provide to licensees all amendments to such State laws and published ordinances. ``(2) If the Secretary fails to provide to a licensee the information required to be provided under this subsection, then, in any proceeding for the revocation of the license or any criminal prosecution of the licensee under this chapter, the licensee shall be rebuttably presumed to have had no knowledge of any State law or published ordinance that is relevant to the revocation proceeding or criminal prosecution. ``(e)(1) The Secretary shall provide a copy of all regulations prescribed and official rulings made under this chapter, and all regulations prescribed and official rulings made under chapter 53 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to each person licensed under this chapter-- ``(A) in the case of a person who became so licensed before the effective date of this subsection, as soon as is practicable after such effective date; or ``(B) in the case of a person who becomes so licensed after such effective date, upon the issuance of the license. ``(2) Not less frequently than quarterly, the Secretary shall provide to each person licensed under this chapter a copy of all changes in the regulations, and all new rulings, referred to in paragraph (1) since the most recent provision of information to the person under this subsection. ``(f) The Secretary shall publish and provide to each person licensed under this chapter, at such times as the Secretary shall deem necessary, the name and license number of any person whose license under this chapter has been revoked.''. SEC. 10. REGISTRATION TO REQUIRE PHOTOGRAPH AND FINGERPRINTS. Section 5802 of the National Firearms Act is amended by inserting after the 1st sentence the following: ``An individual required to register under this section shall at the time of such registration, provide a photograph and fingerprints of the individual obtained from law enforcement authorities.''. SEC. 11. ATTORNEY'S FEE PAYABLE IN CASES OF UNAUTHORIZED DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE. Section 923(f)(3) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``, and shall award the prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney's fee for which the United States shall be liable'' before the period.
Federal Firearms License Reform Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit a common or contract carrier from: (1) requiring or causing to be placed on the outside of any package, luggage, or other container any label, tag, or other written notice that the container contains a firearm; and (2) delivering a firearm in interstate or foreign commerce without obtaining written acknowledgement of receipt of the firearm from the recipient. Permits the personal transfer of firearms between licensees outside their business premises. Prohibits and sets penalties for: (1) stealing, unlawfully converting, or taking by fraud from a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer any firearm in the business inventory of the licensee which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce; and (2) knowingly violating such provision during and in relation to a robbery or riot (in which case, if death results, such violator shall be subject to life imprisonment without release or to death). Revises firearms licensing provisions to provide for a three-year license to deal in firearms and an increase in the application fee. Requires Federal firearms licensees to: (1) report the theft of firearms within five business days of discovery; and (2) respond within five days to requests from the Secretary of the Treasury for information contained in required records regarding disposition of a firearm. Expands the definitions of "curios or relics" and "antique firearm." Requires: (1) Federal firearms license applicants to notify local law enforcement authorities of the intention to apply for such license; and (2) the Secretary to publish and provide to all licensees a compilation of relevant State laws and published ordinances, and periodically provide a copy of all changes in regulations and new rulings. Amends: (1) the National Firearms Act to require importers, manufacturers, and dealers in firearms who register pursuant to such Act to provide a photograph and fingerprints at the time of registration; and (2) the Federal criminal code to authorize the award of attorney fees in cases of unauthorized denial or revocation of a firearms license.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Chronic Wasting Disease Financial Assistance Act of 2003''. SEC. 2. DEFINITION AND FINDINGS. (a) Chronic Wasting Disease Defined.--In this Act, the term ``chronic wasting disease'' means the animal disease afflicting deer and elk that-- (1) is a transmissible disease of the nervous system resulting in distinctive lesions in the brain; and (2) belongs to the group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which group includes scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease. (b) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) The States retain undisputed primacy and policy-making authority with regard to wildlife management, and nothing in this Act interferes with or otherwise affects the primacy of the States in managing wildlife generally, or managing, surveying, and monitoring the incidence of chronic wasting disease in animal populations. (2) Chronic wasting disease is a fundamental threat to the health and vibrancy of deer and elk populations, and the increased occurrence of chronic wasting disease in the United States necessitates government action to manage and eradicate this lethal disease. (3) As the States and tribal government move to manage existing incidence of chronic wasting disease and insulate non- infected wild cervid populations from the disease, it is appropriate for the Federal Government to support their efforts with financial assistance. SEC. 3. STATE CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE MANAGEMENT CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS. (a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of the Interior shall make grants to State wildlife management agencies to assist States in developing and implementing long term management strategies to address chronic wasting disease in wild cervids. (b) Eligibility.--A wildlife management agency of a State whose comprehensive wildlife conservation plan include chronic wasting disease management activities is eligible for a grant under this section. (c) Funding Priorities.--In determining the amount of grant funds to be provided to eligible applicants under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize applicants based on the following criteria: (1) States in which chronic wasting disease has been detected and States located adjacent or in proximity to States in which chronic wasting disease has been detected. (2) States that have expended State funds for chronic wasting disease management, monitoring, surveillance, and research, with additional priority given to those States that have shown the greatest financial commitment to managing, monitoring, surveying, and researching chronic wasting disease. (3) States with comprehensive and integrated policies and programs focused on chronic wasting disease management between involved State wildlife and agricultural agencies and tribal governments, with additional priority given to States that have integrated the programs and policies of all involved agencies related to chronic wasting disease management. (4) States that are seeking to develop a rapid response capacity to address outbreaks of chronic wasting disease, whether occurring in States in which chronic wasting disease is already found or States with first infections, for the purpose of containing the disease in any new area of infection. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $7,500,000 to carry out this section. SEC. 4. GRANTS FOR STATES WITH CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE OUTBREAKS. (a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of the Interior shall make grants to State wildlife management agencies to assist States in responding to chronic wasting disease outbreaks in wild cervids. (b) Eligibility.--A wildlife management agency of a State whose comprehensive wildlife conservation plan include chronic wasting disease management activities is eligible for a grant under this section. (c) Funding Priorities.--In determining the amount of grant funds to be provided to eligible applicants under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize applicants based on the following criteria: (1) State expenditures on chronic wasting disease management, monitoring, surveillance, and research in response to management of an on-going outbreak. (2) The number of chronic wasting disease cases detected in the State. (3) The wild cervid population of the State. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 to carry out this section. SEC. 5. TRIBAL CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE MANAGEMENT GRANTS. (a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of the Interior shall make grants to tribal wildlife management agencies to assist Indian tribes in developing and implementing long term management strategies to address chronic wasting disease in wild cervids. (b) Eligibility.--A wildlife management agency of an Indian tribe whose comprehensive wildlife conservation plan include chronic wasting disease management activities is eligible for a grant under this section. (c) Funding Priorities.--In determining the amount of grant funds to be provided to eligible applicants under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize applicants based on the following criteria: (1) Tribal governments managing lands on which cervids with chronic wasting disease have been detected, or managing lands located adjacent or in proximity to lands on which cervids with chronic wasting disease have been detected. (2) Tribal governments that have expended tribal funds for chronic wasting disease management, monitoring, surveillance, and research, with additional priority given to tribal governments that have shown the greatest financial commitment to managing, monitoring, and surveying chronic wasting disease. (3) Tribal governments with cooperative arrangements with Federal and State wildlife and agricultural agencies and State governments, with additional priority given to tribal governments that are working with other involved agencies on issues of chronic wasting disease management. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 to carry out this section. SEC. 6. ADMINISTRATION. The Secretary of the Interior shall carry out this Act acting through the Director, United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Funds appropriated to carry out this Act shall be administered through the Federal Assistance Program in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Not more than three percent of such funds may be expended for administrative expenses of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to carry out this Act.
Chronic Wasting Disease Financial Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to chronic wasting disease in wild cervids (deer and elk), to make grants to State and tribal wildlife management agencies to develop and implement long term management strategies to address and respond to outbreaks of such disease.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS. (a) In General.--Except as provided in this Act, requirements, authorities, conditions, eligibilities, limitations, and other provisions authorized under titles I, V, and VI of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1144), the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008 (122 Stat. 1572), and title 23, United States Code, which would otherwise expire on or cease to apply after September 30, 2009, are incorporated by reference and shall continue in effect until March 31, 2011. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Except as provided in section 3, there are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account)-- (1) for fiscal year 2010, a sum equal to the total amount authorized to be appropriated for programs, projects, and activities for fiscal year 2009 under titles I, V, and VI of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1144), and title 23, United States Code; and (2) for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 31, 2011, a sum equal to \1/2\ of the total amount authorized for programs, projects, and activities for fiscal year 2009 under titles I, V, and VI of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1144), and title 23, United States Code. (c) Use of Funds.-- (1) Fiscal year 2010.--Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, funds authorized to be appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for fiscal year 2010 shall be distributed, administered, limited, and made available for obligation in the same manner and at the same level as funds authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2009 to carry out programs, projects, activities, eligibilities, and requirements under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1144), the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008 (122 Stat. 1572), and title 23, United States Code. (2) Fiscal year 2011.--Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, funds authorized to be appropriated under subsection (b)(2) for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 31, 2011, shall be distributed, administered, limited, and made available for obligation in the same manner and at the same level as \1/2\ of the total amount of funds authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2009 to carry out programs, projects, activities, eligibilities, and requirements under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1144), the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008 (122 Stat. 1572), and title 23, United States Code. (3) Calculation.--The amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (b) shall be calculated without regard to any rescission or cancellation of funds or contract authority for fiscal year 2009 under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1144) or any other law. (4) Contract authority.-- (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), funds authorized to be appropriated under this section shall be-- (i) available for obligation, and shall be administered, in the same manner as if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code; and (ii) subject to a limitation on obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs described in paragraph (5). (B) Exceptions.--A limitation on obligations described in subparagraph (A)(ii) shall not apply to any obligation under-- (i) section 125 of title 23, United States Code; or (ii) section 105 of title 23, United States Code-- (I) for fiscal year 2010, only in an amount equal to $639,000,000; and (II) for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 31, 2011, only in an amount equal to $319,500,000. (5) Limitation on obligations.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law-- (A) for fiscal year 2010, funds authorized to be appropriated under subsection (b) or this subsection shall be subject to the limitation on obligations for fiscal year 2009 under section 1102 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1157); and (B) for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 31, 2011, funds authorized to be appropriated under subsection (b) or this subsection shall be subject to a limitation on obligations equal to \1/2\ of the limitation on obligations for fiscal year 2009 under section 1102 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1157). (d) Extension and Flexibility for Certain Allocated Programs.-- (1) Fiscal year 2010.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for fiscal year 2010, the portion of the share of funds of a State under subsection (b)(1) determined by the amount that the State received for fiscal year 2009 to carry out sections 1301, 1302, 1307, 1702, and 1934 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1198, 1204, 1217, 1256, and 1485), and section 144(f)(1) of title 23, United States Code, shall be-- (A) made available to the State for programs apportioned under sections 104(b) and 144 of title 23, United States Code, and in the same proportion for each such program that-- (i) the amount apportioned to the State for that program for fiscal year 2009; bears to (ii) the amount apportioned to the State for fiscal year 2009 for all programs apportioned under such sections of such Code; and (B) administered in the same manner and with the same period of availability as such funding is administered under such sections. (2) Fiscal year 2011.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 31, 2011, the portion of the share of funds of a State under subsection (b)(2) determined by \1/2\ of the amount that the State received for fiscal year 2009 to carry out sections 1301, 1302, 1307, 1702, and 1934 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1198, 1204, 1217, 1256, and 1485) and section 144(f)(1) of title 23, United States Code, shall be-- (A) made available to the State for programs apportioned under sections 104(b) and 144 of title 23, United States Code, and in the same proportion for each such program that-- (i) the amount apportioned to the State for that program for fiscal year 2009; bears to (ii) the amount apportioned to the State for fiscal year 2009 for all programs apportioned under such sections of such Code; and (B) administered in the same manner and with the same period of availability as such funding is administered under such sections. (3) Additional funds.-- (A) In general.--No additional funds shall be provided for any project or activity under subsection (c), or paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection, that the Secretary of Transportation determines was sufficiently funded before or during fiscal year 2009 to achieve the authorized purpose of the project or activity. (B) Reservation and redistribution of funds.--Funds made available in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (c) or paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection for a project or activity described in subparagraph (A) shall be-- (i) reserved by the Secretary of Transportation; and (ii) redistributed to each State in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (c), or paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection, as appropriate, for use in carrying out other highway projects and activities extended by subsection (c) or this subsection, in the proportion that-- (I) the total amount of funds made available for fiscal year 2009 for projects and activities described in subparagraph (A) in the State; bears to (II) the total amount of funds made available for fiscal year 2009 for those projects and activities in all States. (e) Extension of Authorizations Under Title V of SAFETEA-LU.-- (1) In general.--The programs authorized under paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 5101(a) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1779) shall be continued-- (A) for fiscal year 2010, at the funding levels authorized for those programs for fiscal year 2009; and (B) for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 31, 2011, at \1/2\ the levels authorized for those programs for fiscal year 2009. (2) Distribution of funds.--Funds for programs continued under paragraph (1) shall be distributed to major program areas under those programs in the same proportions as funds were allocated for those program areas for fiscal year 2009, except that designations for specific activities shall not be required to be continued for-- (A) fiscal year 2010; or (B) the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 31, 2011. (3) Additional funds.-- (A) In general.--No additional funds shall be provided for any project or activity under this subsection that the Secretary of Transportation determines was sufficiently funded before or during fiscal year 2009 to achieve the authorized purpose of the project or activity. (B) Distribution.--Funds that would have been made available under paragraph (1) for a project or activity but for the prohibition under subparagraph (A) shall be distributed in accordance with paragraph (2). (4) Limitation on obligations.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law-- (A) for fiscal year 2010, funds authorized to be appropriated under this subsection shall be subject to the limitation on obligations for fiscal year 2009 under section 5102 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1780); and (B) for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 31, 2011, funds authorized to be appropriated under this subsection shall be subject to a limitation on obligations equal to \1/2\ of the limitation on obligations for fiscal year 2009 under section 5102 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1780). SEC. 3. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. (a) Authorization of Contract Authority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or any other law, there are authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account), from amounts provided under section 2, for administrative expenses of the Federal-aid highway program-- (1) $422,425,000 for fiscal year 2010; and (2) $217,023,500 for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on March 31, 2011. (b) Contract Authority.--Funds authorized to be appropriated by this section shall be-- (1) available for obligation, and shall be administered, in the same manner as if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code; and (2) subject to a limitation on obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs, except that such funds shall remain available until expended.
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2009 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the federal-aid highway, surface transportation research, and transportation planning programs under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) for: (1) FY2010, with a limit on obligational authority for the programs equal to the total authorized for such programs for FY2009; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011, with a limit on obligational authority for the programs equal to one-half of the total amount authorized for such programs for 2009. Sets forth certain exceptions to such limits. Requires authorizations of appropriations for FY2010 and the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011, to be allocated to a state for certain federal-aid highway programs in the same proportion as the amount apportioned to the state for that program for FY2009 bears to amounts apportioned to the state for FY2009 for all programs. Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for administrative expenses of the federal-aid highway program for FY2010 and the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011.
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Early Stage Small Business Contracting Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. IN GENERAL. The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 46. PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FEDERAL CONTRACTS TO EARLY STAGE SMALL BUSINESSES. ``(a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish and carry out a program in accordance with the requirements of this section to provide improved access to Federal contract opportunities for early stage small business concerns. ``(b) Procurement Contracts.-- ``(1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator, in consultation with other Federal agencies, shall identify procurement contracts of Federal agencies for award under the program. ``(2) Contract awards.--Under the program established pursuant to this section, the award of a procurement contract of a Federal agency identified by the Administrator pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be made by the agency to an eligible program participant selected, and determined to be responsible, by the agency. ``(3) Competition.-- ``(A) Sole source.--A contracting officer may award a sole source contract under this program if such concern is determined to be a responsible contractor with respect to performance of such contract opportunity and the contracting officer does not have a reasonable expectation that 2 or more early stage small business concerns will submit offers for the contracting opportunity and in the estimation of the contracting officer, the contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price. ``(B) Restricted competition.--A contracting officer may award contracts on the basis of competition restricted to early stage small business concerns if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that not less than 2 early stage small business concerns will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair market price. ``(4) Contract value.--Contracts shall be awarded under this program if its value is greater than $3,000 and less than half the upper threshold of section 15(j)(1) of the Small Business Act. ``(c) Eligibility.--Only an early stage small business concern shall be eligible to compete for a contract to be awarded under the program. The Administrator shall certify that a small business concern is an early stage small business concern, or the Administrator shall approve a Federal agency, a State government, or a national certifying entity to certify that the business meets the eligibility criteria of an early stage small business concern. ``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator shall provide early stage small business concerns with technical assistance and counseling with regard to-- ``(1) applying for and competing for Federal contracts; and ``(2) fulfilling the administrative responsibilities associated with the performance of a Federal contract. ``(e) Attainment of Contract Goals.--All contract awards made under the program shall be counted toward the attainment of the goals specified in section 15(g) of the Small Business Act. ``(f) Regulations.--The Administrator shall-- ``(1) issue proposed regulations to carry out this section not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and ``(2) issue final regulations to carry out this section not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act. ``(g) Report to Congress.--Not later than April 30, 2015, the Administrator shall transmit to the Congress a report on the performance of the program. ``(h) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: ``(1) Program.--The term `program' means a program established pursuant to subsection (a). ``(2) Early stage small business concern.--The term `early stage small business concern' means a small business concern that-- ``(A) has not more than 15 employees; and ``(B) has average annual receipts that total not more than $1,000,000, except if the concern is in an industry with an average annual revenue standard that is less than $1,000,000, as defined by the North American Industry Classification System.''. SEC. 3. REPEAL OF SIMILAR PROGRAM. Section 304 of the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 (15 U.S.C. 644 note) is repealed.
Early Stage Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish and carry out a program to provide increased access to federal contract opportunities for early stage small businesses (no more than 15 employees and average annual receipts of no more than $1 million). Requires the Administrator to identify appropriate federal procurement contracts for award under the program. Allows a contracting officer to award: (1) a sole source contract under the program if an entity is determined to be a responsible contractor and the officer does not reasonably expect that two or more early stage businesses will submit offers, and (2) contracts on the basis of competition restricted to early stage businesses if the officer reasonably expects that at least two early stage businesses will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair market price. Requires all program contract awards to be counted toward goals for small business participation in federal procurement contracts.
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SECTION 1. CONVERSION OF PROPERTY AND FACILITIES AT CLOSED OR REALIGNED MILITARY INSTALLATIONS INTO YOUTHFUL OFFENDER BOOT CAMPS. (a) Bases Closed or Realigned Under 1990 Base Closure Law.--Section 2905 of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(e) Priority for Conversion to Youthful Offender Boot Camps.--(1) Notwithstanding subsection (b), before any action is taken with respect to the disposal or transfer of any real property or facility located at a military installation to be closed or realigned under this part, the Secretary of Defense shall notify the State and each local government in which the installation is located and other interested persons of the suitability of the property or facility for conversion and use as a youthful offender boot camp. ``(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary shall transfer (without reimbursement) the property or facilities described in the notification to the State, local government, or interested person if the State, local government, or person certifies that the property or facilities will be promptly converted to and used as a youthful offender boot camp. ``(3) Any certification submitted under paragraph (2) must be received by the Secretary not later than 180 days after the Secretary provides the notification required by paragraph (1) and must include a conversion and operating plan for the youthful offender boot camp. If the Secretary receives more than one certification, the Secretary shall select the recipient of the property or facility based upon the quality and feasibility of the competing conversion and operating plans. In the case of a certification submitted by a private person, the Secretary may reject the certification and refuse to transfer the property or facility concerned if-- ``(A) the Secretary determines on the basis of the conversion and operating plan that the person will likely be unable to successfully convert or operate the proposed youthful offender boot camp; or ``(B) the State or any local government in which the installation is located opposes the transfer. ``(4) As used in this subsection, the term `youthful offender boot camp' means a correctional facility operated as a military-style boot camp to provide discipline, treatment, and work for adjudicated non- violent offenders who are between the ages of 14 and 25, inclusive.''. (b) Bases Closed or Realigned Under 1988 Base Closure Law.--(1) Section 204 of the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act (title II of Public Law 100-526; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Priority for Conversion to Youthful Offender Boot Camps.--(1) Notwithstanding subsection (b), before any action is taken with respect to the disposal or transfer of any real property or facility located at a military installation to be closed or realigned under this title, the Secretary of Defense shall notify the State and each local government in which the installation is located and other interested persons of the suitability of the property or facility for conversion and use as a youthful offender boot camp ``(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary shall transfer (without reimbursement) the property or facilities described in the notification to the State, local government, or interested person if the State, local government, or person certifies that the property or facilities will be promptly converted to and used as a youthful offender boot camp. ``(3) Any certification submitted under paragraph (2) must be received by the Secretary not later than 180 days after the Secretary provides the notification required by paragraph (1) and must include a conversion and operating plan for the youthful offender boot camp. If the Secretary receives more than one certification, the Secretary shall select the recipient of the property or facility based upon the quality and feasibility of the competing conversion and operating plans. In the case of a certification submitted by a private person, the Secretary may reject the certification and refuse to transfer the property or facility concerned if-- ``(A) the Secretary determines on the basis of the conversion and operating plan that the person will likely be unable to successfully convert or operate the proposed youthful offender boot camp; or ``(B) the State or any local government in which the installation is located opposes the transfer. ``(4) As used in this subsection, the term `youthful offender boot camp' means a correctional facility operated as a military-style boot camp to provide discipline, treatment, and work for adjudicated non- violent offenders who are between the ages of 14 and 25, inclusive.''. (c) Model Youthful Offender Boot Camp.-- (1) Development.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and State and local correctional agencies, shall develop a model program intended to incorporate military basic training and other military instruction and disciplinary procedures into the design and operation of youthful offender boot camps at the Federal, State, and local levels. (2) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, the term ``youthful offender boot camp'' means a correctional facility operated as a military-style boot camp to provide discipline, treatment, and work for adjudicated non-violent offenders who are between the ages of 14 and 25, inclusive. SEC. 2. GRANTS FOR BOOT CAMPS. Subsection (a) of section 516 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3762b) is amended-- (1) by striking ``80'' and inserting ``40''; and (2) by striking ``10'' the second place it appears and inserting ``50''.
Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 and the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act to require the Secretary of Defense, before any action is taken with respect to the disposal or transfer of real property at a military facility being closed or realigned, to notify the State and each local government in which the facility is located, as well as other interested persons, of the suitability of the property or facility for conversion and use as a youthful offender boot camp. Requires the State, local government, or interested party to whom such real property is so transferred to certify that the property or facilities will be promptly converted and used for such purpose. Directs the Secretary to develop a model program intended to incorporate military basic training, instruction, and disciplinary procedures into the design and operation of youthful offender boot camps at the Federal, State, and local levels. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reallocate between public agencies and private nonprofit organizations the percentage of grant funds authorized under such Act for correctional options that provide alternatives to traditional modes of incarceration and offender release programs.
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the base closure laws to require the Secretary of Defense to transfer real property and facilities at military installations being closed or realigned to States and other entities that agree to convert the property and facilities into correctional facilities for youthful offenders to be operated as military-style boot camps and to require the Secretary to develop a program to promote the expanded use of such correctional facilities."}
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Wool Suit and Textile Trade Extension Act of 2004''. SEC. 2. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF DUTY SUSPENSION ON WOOL PRODUCTS, WOOL RESEARCH FUND, WOOL DUTY REFUNDS. (a) Extension of Temporary Duty Reductions.-- (1) Heading 9902.51.11.--Heading 9902.51.11 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended-- (A) by striking ``2005'' and inserting ``2010''; and (B) by striking ``17.5%'' and inserting ``10%''. (2) Heading 9902.51.12.--Heading 9902.51.12 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by striking ``2005'' and inserting ``2010''. (3) Heading 9902.51.13.--Heading 9902.51.13 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by striking ``2005'' and inserting ``2010''. (4) Heading 9902.51.14.--Heading 9902.51.14 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by striking ``2005'' and inserting ``2010''. (b) Modification of Limitation on Quantity of Imports.-- (1) Note 15.--U.S. Note 15 to subchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended-- (A) by striking ``and'' after ``2002,''; and (B) by striking ``year 2003'' and all that follows through the end period and inserting the following: ``years 2003 and 2004, and 5,500,000 square meter equivalents in calendar year 2005 and each calendar year thereafter for the benefit of persons who cut and sew men's and boys' worsted wool suits and suit-like jackets and trousers in the United States, allocated as required by section 501(e)(1) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000.''. (2) Note 16.--U.S. Note 16 to subchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended-- (A) by striking ``shall be limited to 1,500,000'' and inserting ``shall be limited to-- ``(1) 1,500,000''; (B) by striking ``and'' after ``2002,''; and (C) by striking ``year 2003'' and all that follows through the end 5period and inserting the following: ``years 2003 and 2004, 5,000,000 square meter equivalents in calendar year 2005 and each calendar year thereafter for the benefit of persons who cut and sew men's and boys' worsted wool suits and suit-like jackets and trousers in the United States, allocated as required by section 501(e)(1) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000; and ``(b) 2,000,000 square meter equivalents in calendar year 2005 and each calendar year thereafter for the benefit of manufacturers who weave worsted wool fabric in the United States suitable for use in men's and boys' suits, allocated as required by section 501(e)(2) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000.''. (3) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Sunset staged reduction requirement.--Section 501(a)(2) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-200; 114 Stat. 299) is amended by inserting before the period ``for goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before January 1, 2005''. (B) Allocation of tariff rate quotas.--Section 501(e) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-200; 114 Stat. 300) is amended-- (i) by striking ``In implementing'' and inserting ``(1) In implementing''; (ii) by striking ``16'' and inserting ``16(a)''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) In implementing the limitation on the quantity of worsted wool fabrics under heading 9902.51.12 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, as required by U.S. Note 16(b) of subchapter II of chapter 99 of such Schedule, for the entry, or withdrawal from warehouse for consumption, the Secretary of Commerce shall adopt regulations to allocate fairly such quantity to manufacturers who weave worsted wool fabric in the United States suitable for use in men's and boys' suits and who apply for an allocation.''. (C) Sunset authority to modify limitation on quantity.--Section 504(b) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-200; 114 Stat. 301) is repealed, effective January 1, 2005. (c) Extension of Duty Refunds and Wool Research Trust Fund.-- (1) In general.--The United States Customs Service shall pay to each manufacturer that receives a payment during calendar year 2005 under section 505 of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-200; 114 Stat. 303), as amended by section 5101 of the Trade Act of 2002 (116 Stat. 1041), and that provides an affidavit, no later than March 1 of the year of the payment, that it remains a manufacturer in the United States as of January 1 of the year of the payment, 5 additional payments, each payment equal to the payment received for calendar year 2005 as follows: (A) The first payment to be made after January 1, 2006, but on or before April 15, 2006. (B) The second, third, fourth, and fifth payments to be made after January 1, but on or before April 15, of each of the following four calendar years. (2) Successor-in-interest.--Any manufacturer that becomes a successor-in-interest to a claimant of a payment under section 505 of the Trade and Development Act of 2000, as amended by section 5101 of the Trade Act of 2002, because of-- (A) an assignment of the claim, (B) an assignment of the original claimant's right to manufacture under the same trade name, (C) a reorganization, or otherwise, shall be eligible to claim the payment as if the successor manufacturer were the original claimant, without regard to section 3727 of title 31, United States Code. Such right to claim payment as a successor shall be effective as if the right were included in section 505 of the Trade and Development Act of 2000. (3) Extension of wool research, development, and promotion trust fund.--Section 506(f) of the Trade and Development Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-200; 114 Stat. 303), as amended by section 5102(c)(2) of the Trade Act of 2002 (116 Stat. 1047), is amended by striking ``2006'' and inserting ``2011''. (4) Commerce authority to promote domestic employment.-- (A) Grants to manufacturers of worsted wool fabrics.--The Secretary of Commerce shall provide to-- (i) persons who were, during calendar years 1999, 2000, and 2001, manufacturers of worsted wool fabric of the kind described in heading 9902.51.12 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, and (ii) persons who were, during such calendar years, manufacturers of worsted wool fabric of the kind described in heading 9902.51.11 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, grants in each of calendar years 2005 through 2010 in the amounts determined under subparagraph (B). (B) Amounts.--(i) The total amount of grants to manufacturers under subparagraph (A)(i) shall be $2,666,000 each calendar year, allocated among such manufacturers on the basis of the percentage of each manufacturer's production of the fabric described in heading 9902.51.12 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for calendar years 1999, 2000, and 2001, compared to the production of such fabric by all such manufacturers who qualify under subparagraph (A)(i) for such grants. (ii) The total amount of grants to manufacturers under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be $2,666,000 each calendar year, allocated among such manufacturers on the basis of the percentage of each manufacturer's production of the fabric described in heading 9902.51.11 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for calendar years 1999, 2000, and 2001, compared to the production of such fabric by all manufacturers who qualify under subparagraph (A)(ii) for such grants. (iii) Any grant awarded by the Secretary under this paragraph shall be final and not subject to appeal or protest. (5) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated and are hereby appropriated out of amounts in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection. (d) Effective Date for Duty Reduction.--The amendment made by subsection (a)(1)(B) shall apply to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2005. SEC. 3. LABELING OF WOOL PRODUCTS TO FACILITATE COMPLIANCE AND PROTECT CONSUMERS. (a) In General.--Section 4 of the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. 68b(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) In the case of a wool product stamped, tagged, labeled, or otherwise identified as-- ``(A) `Super 80's' or `80's', if the average fiber diameter thereof does not average 19.5 microns or finer; ``(B) `Super 90's' or `90's', if the average fiber diameter thereof does not average 19.0 microns or finer; ``(C) `Super 100's' or `100's', if the average fiber diameter thereof does not average 18.5 microns or finer; ``(D) `Super 110's' or `110's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 18.0 microns or finer; ``(E) `Super 120's' or `120's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 17.5 microns or finer; ``(F) `Super 130's' or `130's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 17.0 microns or finer; ``(G) `Super 140's' or `140's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 16.5 microns or finer; ``(H) `Super 150's' or `150's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 16.0 microns or finer; ``(I) `Super 160's' or `160's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 15.5 microns or finer; ``(J) `Super 170's' or `170's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 15.0 microns or finer; ``(K) `Super 180's' or `180's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 14.5 microns or finer; ``(L) `Super 190's' or `190's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 14.0 microns or finer; ``(M) `Super 200's' or `200's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 13.5 microns or finer; and ``(N) `Super 210's' or `210's', if the average diameter of wool fiber thereof does not average 13.0 microns or finer. In each such case, the average fiber diameter may be subject to a variation of 0.25 microns, and may be subject to such other standards or deviations therefrom as adopted by regulation by the Commission.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to wool products manufactured on or after January 1, 2005.
Wool Suit and Textile Trade Extension Act of 2004 - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the temporary duty suspensions on certain wool products through FY 2010. Reduces the temporary duty on certain worsted wool. Modifies the limitation on the quantity of imported worsted wool fabrics through FY 2005. Extends the: (1) duty refund required by the U.S. Customs Service to importing and nonimporting manufacturers of certain wool products during calendar year 2005; and (2) Wool Research, Development, and Promotion Trust Fund through December 31, 2010. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants in FY 2005 through 2010 to manufacturers of certain worsted wool fabric. Amends the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 to specify additional misbranded wool products.
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States relating to imports of certain wool products, and for other purposes."}
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Equal Access to COBRA Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986. (a) Qualified Beneficiary.--Section 4980B(g)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended-- (1) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end thereof; (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting a comma; and (3) by inserting after clause (ii), the following: ``(iii) as the domestic partner of the employee, as such term is defined by the group health plan, or ``(iv) as the dependent child of the domestic partner (as defined in clause (iii)).''. (b) Special Rule for Retirees and Widows.--Section 4980B(g)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking clauses (i) through (iii), and inserting the following: ``(i) as the spouse or domestic partner (described in subparagraph (A)(iii)) of the covered employee, ``(ii) as the dependent child of the covered employee or the covered employee's domestic partner (described in clause (i)), or ``(iii) as the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner (described in clause (i)) of the covered employee.''. (c) Special Rule for Certain Bankruptcy Proceedings.--Section 4980B(f)(2)(B)(i)(III) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``or dependent children of the covered employee'' and inserting ``, surviving domestic partner (described in subsection (g)(1)(A)(iii)), or dependent children of the covered employee or such surviving domestic partner''. (d) Qualifying Event.--Section 4980B(f)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting before the period the following: ``, or the covered employee's domestic partner (described in subsection (g)(1)(A)(iii)) ceasing to be such covered employee's domestic partner under the terms of the group health plan''. (e) Notice Requirements.--Section 4980B(f)(6)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``and spouse of the employee (if any)'' and inserting ``and, if any, such covered employee's qualified beneficiaries who are age 19 or older''. SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974. (a) Qualified Beneficiary.--Section 607(3)(A) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1167(3)(A)) is amended-- (1) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end thereof; (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting a comma; and (3) by inserting after clause (ii), the following: ``(iii) as the domestic partner of the employee, as such term is defined by the group health plan, or ``(iv) as the dependent child of the domestic partner (as defined in clause (iii)).''. (b) Special Rule for Retirees and Widows.--Section 607(3)(C) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1167(3)(C)) is amended by striking clauses (i) through (iii) and inserting the following: ``(i) as the spouse or domestic partner (described in paragraph (3)(A)(iii)) of the covered employee, ``(ii) as the dependent child of the covered employee or the covered employee's domestic partner (described in clause (i)), or ``(iii) as the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner (described in clause (i)) of the covered employee.''. (c) Special Rule for Certain Bankruptcy Proceedings.--Section 602(2)(A)(iii) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1162(2)(A)(iii)) is amended by striking ``or dependent children of the covered employee'' and inserting ``, surviving domestic partner (described in section 607(3)(A)(iii)), or dependent children of the covered employee or such surviving domestic partner''. (d) Qualifying Event.--Section 603(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1163) is amended by inserting before the period the following: ``, or the covered employee's domestic partner (described in section 607(3)(A)(iii)) ceasing to be such covered employee's domestic partner under the terms of the group health plan''. (e) Notice Requirements.--Section 606(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1166(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``and spouse of the employee (if any)'' and inserting ``and, if any, such covered employee's qualified beneficiaries who are age 19 or older''. SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT. (a) Qualified Beneficiary.--Section 2208(3)(A) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300bb-8(3)(A)) is amended-- (1) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end thereof; (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting a comma; and (3) by inserting after clause (ii), the following: ``(iii) as the domestic partner of the employee, as such term is defined by the group health plan, or ``(iv) as the dependent child of the domestic partner (as defined in clause (iii)).''. (b) Qualifying Event.--Section 2203(3) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300bb-3(3)) is amended by inserting before the period the following: ``, or the covered employee's domestic partner (described in section 2208(3)(A)(iii)) ceasing to be such covered employee's domestic partner under the terms of the group health plan''. (c) Notice Requirements.--Section 2206(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300bb-6(1)) is amended by striking ``and spouse of the employee (if any)'' and inserting ``and, if any, such covered employee's qualified beneficiaries who are age 19 or older''. SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Special Rule for Collective Bargaining Agreements.--In the case of a group health plan maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and one or more employers ratified before the date of the enactment of this Act, the amendments made by this Act shall not apply to plan years beginning before the earlier of-- (1) the date on which the last of the collective bargaining agreements relating to the plan terminates (determined without regard to any extension thereof agreed to after the date of the enactment of this Act); or (2) 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. For purposes of paragraph (1), any plan amendment made pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement relating to the plan which amends the plan solely to conform to any requirement added by this Act shall not be treated as a termination of such collective bargaining agreement.
Equal Access to COBRA Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and Public Health Service Act to expand COBRA coverage (health insurance continuation benefits) to include an employee's domestic partner and any dependent child of the domestic partner.
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for equal access to COBRA continuation coverage."}
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