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SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF NATIONAL GUARD AUTHORITIES TO MAYOR OF THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
(a) Mayor as Commander-in-Chief.--Section 6 of the Act entitled
``An Act to provide for the organization of the militia of the District
of Columbia, and for other purposes'', approved March 1, 1889 (sec. 49-
409, D.C. Official Code), is amended by striking ``President of the
United States'' and inserting ``Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(b) Reserve Corps.--Section 72 of such Act (sec. 49-407, D.C.
Official Code) is amended by striking ``President of the United
States'' and inserting ``Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(c) Appointment of Commissioned Officers.--(1) Section 7(a) of such
Act (sec. 49-301(a), D.C. Official Code) is amended--
(A) by striking ``President of the United States'' and
inserting ``Mayor of the District of Columbia''; and
(B) by striking ``President.'' and inserting ``Mayor.''.
(2) Section 9 of such Act (sec. 49-304, D.C. Official Code) is
amended by striking ``President'' and inserting ``Mayor of the District
of Columbia''.
(3) Section 13 of such Act (sec. 49-305, D.C. Official Code) is
amended by striking ``President of the United States'' and inserting
``Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(4) Section 19 of such Act (sec. 49-311, D.C. Official Code) is
amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``to the Secretary of
the Army'' and all that follows through ``which board'' and
inserting ``to a board of examination appointed by the
Commanding General, which''; and
(B) in subsection (b), by striking ``the Secretary of the
Army'' and all that follows through the period and inserting
``the Mayor of the District of Columbia, together with any
recommendations of the Commanding General.''.
(5) Section 20 of such Act (sec. 49-312, D.C. Official Code) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``President of the United States'' each
place it appears and inserting ``Mayor of the District of
Columbia''; and
(B) by striking ``the President may retire'' and inserting
``the Mayor may retire''.
(d) Call for Duty.--(1) Section 45 of such Act (sec. 49-103, D.C.
Official Code) is amended by striking ``, or for the United States
Marshal'' and all that follows through ``shall thereupon order'' and
inserting ``to order''.
(2) Section 46 of such Act (sec. 49-104, D.C. Official Code) is
amended by striking ``the President'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the
District of Columbia''.
(e) General Courts Martial.--Section 51 of such Act (sec. 49-503,
D.C. Official Code) is amended by striking ``the President of the
United States'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the District of
Columbia''.
SEC. 2. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE.
(a) Detail for Training.--(1) Section 4301(c) of title 10, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``governor or other appropriate
authority of the State or Territory, Puerto Rico, or the District of
Columbia'' and inserting ``Governor of the State, Territory, or Puerto
Rico or the Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(2) Section 9301(c) of such title is amended by striking ``governor
or other appropriate authority of the State or Territory, Puerto Rico,
or the District of Columbia'' and inserting ``Governor of the State,
Territory, or Puerto Rico or the Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(b) Failure to Satisfactorily Perform Prescribed Training.--Section
10148(b) of such title is amended by striking ``the commanding general
of the District of Columbia National Guard'' and inserting ``the Mayor
of the District of Columbia''.
(c) Appointment of Chief of National Guard Bureau.--Section
10502(a)(1) of such title is amended by striking ``the commanding
general of the District of Columbia National Guard'' and inserting
``the Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(d) Vice Chief of National Guard Bureau.--Section 10505(a)(1)(A) of
such title is amended by striking ``the commanding general of the
District of Columbia National Guard'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the
District of Columbia''.
(e) Other Senior National Guard Bureau Officers.--Section 10506(1)
of such title is amended by striking ``the commanding general of the
District of Columbia National Guard'' both places it appears and
inserting ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(f) Consent for Active Duty or Relocation.--(1) Section 12301 of
title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (b), by striking ``commanding general of
the District of Columbia National Guard'' in the second
sentence and inserting ``Mayor of the District of Columbia'';
and
(B) in subsection (d), by striking ``governor or other
appropriate authority of the State concerned'' and inserting
``governor of the State (or, in the case of the District of
Columbia National Guard, the Mayor of the District of
Columbia)''.
(2) Section 12406 of such title is amended by striking ``the
commanding general of the National Guard of the District of Columbia''
and inserting ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(g) Consent for Relocation of Units.--Section 18238 of such title
is amended by striking ``, in the case of the District of Columbia, the
commanding general of the National Guard of the District of Columbia''
and inserting ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia, as the case may
be''.
SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 32, UNITED STATES CODE.
(a) Maintenance of Other Troops.--Section 109(c) of title 32,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``(or commanding general in
the case of the District of Columbia)''.
(b) Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities.--Section
112(i)(2) of such title is amended by striking ``the Commanding General
of the National Guard of the District of Columbia'' and inserting ``the
Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(c) Appointment of Adjutant General.--Section 314 of such title is
amended--
(1) by striking subsection (b);
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(b) and (c), respectively; and
(3) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated), by striking
``the commanding general of the District of Columbia National
Guard'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the District of
Columbia,''.
(d) Personnel Matters.--(1) Section 327(a) of such title is amended
by striking ``the commanding general of the National Guard of the
District of Columbia'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the District of
Columbia, as the case may be''.
(2) Section 331 of such title is amended by striking ``its
commanding general'' and inserting ``the Mayor of the District of
Columbia''.
(3) Section 505 of such title is amended by striking ``commanding
general of the National Guard of the District of Columbia'' in the
first sentence and inserting ``Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(e) National Guard Challenge Program.--Section 509 of such title is
amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``the commanding
general of the District of Columbia National Guard, under which
the Governor or the commanding general'' and inserting ``the
Mayor of the District of Columbia, under which the Governor or
the Mayor'';
(2) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``the commanding
general of the District of Columbia National Guard'' and
inserting ``the Mayor of the District of Columbia'';
(3) in subsection (j), by striking ``the commanding general
of the District of Columbia National Guard'' and inserting
``the Mayor of the District of Columbia''; and
(4) in subsection (k), by striking ``the commanding general
of the District of Columbia National Guard'' and inserting
``the Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(f) Issuance of Supplies.--Section 702(a) of such title is amended
by striking ``commanding general of the National Guard of the District
of Columbia'' and inserting ``Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
(g) Appointment of Fiscal Officer.--Section 708(a) of such title is
amended by striking ``commanding general of the National Guard of the
District of Columbia'' and inserting ``Mayor of the District of
Columbia''.
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO GUARD AND RESERVE TRANSITION
INITIATIVES.
Section 4416(a)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1993 (Public Law 102-484; 106 Stat. 2714) is amended by
striking ``or territory, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia'' and
inserting ``, territory, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the
Mayor of the District of Columbia''.
SEC. 5. CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOME RULE ACT.
Section 602(b) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act (sec. 1-
206.02(b), D.C. Official Code) is amended by striking ``the National
Guard of the District of Columbia,''. | Amends the District of Columbia Code to make the Mayor of the District of Columbia (currently, the President of the United States) the Commander-in-Chief of the militia of the District. Makes conforming amendments to comply with this Act to: (1) Title 10 (Armed Forces); (2) Title 32 (National Guard); (3) the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993; and (4) the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. | To extend to the Mayor of the District of Columbia the same authority with respect to the National Guard of the District of Columbia as the Governors of the several States exercise with respect to the National Guard of those States. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Community Pharmacy Fairness Act of
2007''.
SEC. 2. APPLICATION OF THE ANTITRUST LAWS TO INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES
NEGOTIATING WITH HEALTH PLANS.
(a) In General.--Any independent pharmacies who are engaged in
negotiations with a health plan regarding the terms of any contract
under which the pharmacies provide health care items or services for
which benefits are provided under such plan shall, in connection with
such negotiations, be entitled to the same treatment under the
antitrust laws as the treatment to which bargaining units which are
recognized under the National Labor Relations Act are entitled in
connection with activities described in section 7 of such Act. Such a
pharmacy shall, only in connection with such negotiations, be treated
as an employee engaged in concerted activities and shall not be
regarded as having the status of an employer, independent contractor,
managerial employee, or supervisor.
(b) Protection for Good Faith Actions.--Actions taken in good faith
reliance on subsection (a) shall not be the subject under the antitrust
laws of criminal sanctions nor of any civil damages, fees, or penalties
beyond actual damages incurred.
(c) No Change in National Labor Relations Act.--This section
applies only to independent pharmacies excluded from the National Labor
Relations Act. Nothing in this section shall be construed as changing
or amending any provision of the National Labor Relations Act, or as
affecting the status of any group of persons under that Act.
(d) Effective Date.--The exemption provided in subsection (a) shall
apply to conduct occurring beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(e) Limitations on Exemption.--Nothing in this section shall exempt
from the application of the antitrust laws any agreement or otherwise
unlawful conspiracy that--
(1) would have the effect of boycotting any independent
pharmacy or group of independent pharmacies, or would exclude,
limit the participation or reimbursement of, or otherwise limit
the scope of services to be provided by, any independent
pharmacy or group of independent pharmacies with respect to the
performance of services that are within the scope of practice
as defined or permitted by relevant law or regulation;
(2) allocates a market among competitors;
(3) unlawfully ties the sale or purchase of one product or
service to the sale or purchase of another product or service;
or
(4) monopolizes or attempts to monopolize a market.
(f) Limitation Based on Market Share of Group.--This section shall
not apply with respect to the negotiations of any group of independent
pharmacies with a health plan regarding the terms of any contract under
which such pharmacies provide health care items or services for which
benefits are provided under such plan in a PDP region (as defined in
subsection (j)(4)) if the number of pharmacy licenses of such
pharmacies within such group in such region exceeds 25 percent of the
total number of pharmacy licenses issued to all retail pharmacies
(including both independent and other pharmacies) in such region.
(g) No Effect on Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964.--Nothing in
this section shall be construed to affect the application of title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
(h) No Application to Specified Federal Programs.--Nothing in this
section shall apply to negotiations between independent pharmacies and
health plans pertaining to benefits provided under any of the
following:
(1) The Medicaid Program under title XIX of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
(2) The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
under title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et
seq.).
(3) Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code (relating to
medical and dental care for members of the uniformed services).
(4) Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code (relating to
Veterans' medical care).
(5) Chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code (relating to
the Federal employees' health benefits program).
(6) The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1601
et seq.).
(i) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Antitrust laws.--The term ``antitrust laws''--
(A) 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; and
(B) includes any State law similar to the laws
referred to in subparagraph (A).
(2) Health plan and related terms.--
(A) In general.--The term ``health plan''--
(i) means a group health plan or a health
insurance issuer that is offering health
insurance coverage;
(ii) includes any entity that contracts
with such a plan or issuer for the
administering of services under the plan or
coverage; and
(iii) includes a prescription drug plan
offered under part D of title XVIII of the
Social Security Act and a Medicare Advantage
plan offered under part C of such title.
(B) Health insurance coverage; health insurance
issuer.--The terms ``health insurance coverage'' and
``health insurance issuer'' have the meanings given
such terms under paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively,
of section 733(b) of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1191b(b)).
(C) Group health plan.--The term ``group health
plan'' has the meaning given that term in section
733(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1191b(a)(1)).
(3) Independent pharmacy.--The term ``independent
pharmacy'' means a pharmacy that has a market share of--
(A) less than 10 percent in any PDP region; and
(B) less than 1 percent in the United States.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, all pharmacies that are
members of the same controlled group of corporations (within
the meaning of section 267(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986) and all pharmacies under common control (within the
meaning of section 52(b) of such Code but determined by
treating an interest of more than 50 percent as a controlling
interest) shall be treated as 1 pharmacy.
(4) PDP region.--The term ``PDP region'' has the meaning
given such term in section 1860D-11(a)(2) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-111(a)(2)).
(j) 5-Year Sunset.--The exemption provided in subsection (a) shall
only apply to conduct occurring during the 5-year period beginning on
the date of the enactment of this Act and shall continue to apply for 1
year after the end of such period to contracts entered into before the
end of such period.
(k) General Accounting Office Study and Report.--The Comptroller
General of the United States shall conduct a study on the impact of
enactment of this section during the 6-month period beginning with the
5th year of the 5-year period described in subsection (j). Not later
than the end of such 6-month period, the Comptroller General shall
submit to Congress a report on such study and shall include in the
report such recommendations on the extension of this section (and
changes that should be made in making such extension) as the
Comptroller General deems appropriate.
(l) Oversight.--Nothing in this section shall preclude the Federal
Trade Commission or the Department of Justice from overseeing the
conduct of independent pharmacies covered under this section. | Community Pharmacy Fairness Act of 2007 - Entitles independent pharmacies negotiating contract terms with a health plan for the provision of health care items or services to the same treatment under the antitrust laws as the treatment to which bargaining units recognized under the National Labor Relations Act are entitled. Treats such a pharmacy as an employee engaged in concerted activities in connection with such negotiations.
Exempts actions taken in good faith reliance on this Act from being subject to criminal sanctions or civil penalties beyond actual damages incurred.
Provides that this Act does not exempt from application of antitrust laws any agreement or unlawful conspiracy that: (1) would have the effect of boycotting any independent pharmacy; (2) would exclude, limit the participation or reimbursement of, or otherwise limit the scope of services to be provided by any independent pharmacy or group of independent pharmacies with respect to the performance of services that are within their scope of practice as defined or permitted by relevant law or regulation; (3) allocates a market among competitors; (4) unlawfully ties the sale or purchase of one product or service to the sale or purchase of another product or service; or (5) monopolizes or attempts to monopolize a market.
Excludes from the application of this Act: (1) negotiations of any group of independent pharmacies with a health plan if the number of pharmacy licenses within such group in a PDP region (Medicare Part D prescription drug plan region) exceeds 25% of the total number of pharmacy licenses issued to all retail pharmacies in the region; and (2) negotiations between independent pharmacies and health plans pertaining to federal health benefits.
Requires the Comptroller General to study the impact of this Act after five years.
Provides that this Act does not preclude the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) from overseeing the conduct of independent pharmacies covered under this Act. | To ensure and foster continued patient safety and quality of care by making the antitrust laws apply to negotiations between groups of independent pharmacies and health plans and health insurance issuers (including health plans under parts C and D of the Medicare Program) in the same manner as such laws apply to protected activities under the National Labor Relations Act. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Max Cleland Over-the-Road Bus
Security and Safety Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. EMERGENCY OVER-THE-ROAD BUS SECURITY ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation, acting through
the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,
shall establish a program for making grants to private operators of
over-the-road buses for system-wide security improvements to their
operations, including--
(1) constructing and modifying terminals, garages,
facilities, or over-the-road buses to assure their security;
(2) protecting or isolating the driver;
(3) acquiring, upgrading, installing, or operating
equipment, software, or accessorial services for collection,
storage, or exchange of passenger and driver information
through ticketing systems or otherwise, and information links
with government agencies;
(4) training employees in recognizing and responding to
security threats, evacuation procedures, passenger screening
procedures, and baggage inspection;
(5) hiring and training security officers;
(6) installing cameras and video surveillance equipment on
over-the-road buses and at terminals, garages, and over-the-
road bus facilities;
(7) creating a program for employee identification or
background investigation;
(8) establishing an emergency communications system linked
to law enforcement and emergency personnel; and
(9) implementing and operating passenger screening programs
at terminals and on over-the-road buses.
(b) Reimbursement.--A grant under this Act may be used to provide
reimbursement to private operators of over-the-road buses for
extraordinary security-related costs for improvements described in
paragraphs (1) through (9) of subsection (a), determined by the
Secretary to have been incurred by such operators since September 11,
2001.
(c) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost for which any
grant is made under this Act shall be 90 percent.
(d) Due Consideration.--In making grants under this Act, the
Secretary shall give due consideration to private operators of over-
the-road buses that have taken measures to enhance bus transportation
security from those in effect before September 11, 2001.
(e) Grant Requirements.--A grant under this Act shall be subject to
all the terms and conditions that a grant is subject to under section
3038(f) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49
U.S.C. 5310 note; 112 Stat. 393).
SEC. 3. PLAN REQUIREMENT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may not make a grant under this Act
to a private operator of over-the-road buses until the operator has
first submitted to the Secretary--
(1) a plan for making security improvements described in
section 2 and the Secretary has approved the plan; and
(2) such additional information as the Secretary may
require to ensure accountability for the obligation and
expenditure of amounts made available to the operator under the
grant.
(b) Coordination.--To the extent that an application for a grant
under this section proposes security improvements within a specific
terminal owned and operated by an entity other than the applicant, the
applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary that
the applicant has coordinated the security improvements for the
terminal with that entity.
SEC. 4. OVER-THE-ROAD BUS DEFINED.
In this Act, the term ``over-the-road bus'' means a bus
characterized by an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage
compartment.
SEC. 5. BUS SECURITY ASSESSMENT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall transmit
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate
and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives a preliminary report in accordance with the
requirements of this section.
(b) Contents of Preliminary Report.--The preliminary report shall
include--
(1) an assessment of the over-the-road bus security grant
program;
(2) an assessment of actions already taken to address
identified security issues by both public and private entities
and recommendations on whether additional safety and security
enforcement actions are needed;
(3) an assessment of whether additional legislation is
needed to provide for the security of Americans traveling on
over-the-road buses;
(4) an assessment of the economic impact that security
upgrades of buses and bus facilities may have on the over-the-
road bus transportation industry and its employees;
(5) an assessment of ongoing research and the need for
additional research on over-the-road bus security, including
engine shut-off mechanisms, chemical and biological weapon
detection technology, and the feasibility of
compartmentalization of the driver; and
(6) an assessment of industry best practices to enhance
security.
(c) Consultation With Industry, Labor, and Other Groups.--In
carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with over-the-
road bus management and labor representatives, public safety and law
enforcement officials, and the National Academy of Sciences.
SEC. 6. FUNDING.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of
Transportation to carry out this Act $99,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.
Such sums shall remain available until expended.
Passed the House of Representatives November 15
(legislative day, November 14), 2002.
Attest:
Clerk.
107th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 3429
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To direct the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for security
improvements to over-the-road bus operations, and for other purposes. | Max Cleland Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2002 - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, to establish a program to make grants to private operators of over-the-road buses for specified system-wide security improvements to their operations, including the reimbursement of extraordinary security-related costs incurred since September 11, 2001.(Sec. 3) Sets forth certain grant requirements, including requiring: (1) an applicant private operator of over-the-road buses to submit to the Secretary a security improvements plan; and (2) an applicant for a grant for security improvements within a terminal owned and operated by an entity other than the applicant to demonstrate to the Secretary that such applicant has coordinated such improvements for the terminal with the entity.(Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a preliminary report that includes, among other things, an assessment of the over-the-road bus security grant program.(Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003. | To direct the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for security improvements to over-the-road bus operations, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Helping Families Save Their Homes in
Bankruptcy Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. ELIGIBILITY FOR RELIEF.
Section 109 of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by adding at the end of subsection (e) the following:
``For purposes of this subsection, the computation of debts
shall not include the secured or unsecured portions of--
``(1) debts secured by the debtor's principal residence if
the current value of such residence is less than the secured
debt limit; or
``(2) debts secured or formerly secured by real property
that was the debtor's principal residence that was sold in
foreclosure or that the debtor surrendered to the creditor if
the current value of such real property is less than the
secured debt limit.'', and
(2) by adding at the end of subsection (h) the following:
``(5) The requirements of paragraph (1) shall not apply in a case
under chapter 13 with respect to a debtor who submits to the court a
certification that the debtor has received notice that the holder of a
claim secured by the debtor's principal residence may commence a
foreclosure on the debtor's principal residence.''.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITING CLAIMS ARISING FROM VIOLATIONS OF THE TRUTH IN
LENDING ACT.
Section 502(b) of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (8) by striking ``or'' at the end,
(2) in paragraph (9) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or'', and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(10) the claim for a loan secured by a security interest
in the debtor's principal residence is subject to a remedy for
rescission under the Truth in Lending Act notwithstanding the
prior entry of a foreclosure judgment, except that nothing in
this paragraph shall be construed to modify, impair, or
supersede any other right of the debtor.''.
SEC. 4. AUTHORITY TO MODIFY CERTAIN MORTGAGES.
Section 1322 of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (11) as paragraph
(12),
(B) in paragraph (10) by striking ``and'' at the
end, and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (10) the
following:
``(11) notwithstanding paragraph (2) and otherwise
applicable nonbankruptcy law, with respect to a claim for a
loan originated before the effective date of this paragraph and
secured by a security interest in the debtor's principal
residence that is the subject of a notice that a foreclosure
may be commenced with respect to such loan, modify the rights
of the holder of such claim (and the rights of the holder of
any claim secured by a subordinate security interest in such
residence)--
``(A) by providing for payment of the amount of the
allowed secured claim as determined under section
506(a)(1);
``(B) if any applicable rate of interest is
adjustable under the terms of such security interest by
prohibiting, reducing, or delaying adjustments to such
rate of interest applicable on and after the date of
filing of the plan;
``(C) by modifying the terms and conditions of such
loan--
``(i) to extend the repayment period for a
period that is no longer than the longer of 40
years (reduced by the period for which such
loan has been outstanding) or the remaining
term of such loan, beginning on the date of the
order for relief under this chapter; and
``(ii) to provide for the payment of
interest accruing after the date of the order
for relief under this chapter at a fixed annual
rate equal to the currently applicable average
prime offer rate as of the date of the order
for relief under this chapter, corresponding to
the repayment term determined under the
preceding paragraph, as published by the
Federal Financial Institutions Examination
Council in its table entitled `Average Prime
Offer Rates--Fixed', plus a reasonable premium
for risk; and
``(D) by providing for payments of such modified
loan directly to the holder of the claim; and'', and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) A claim may be reduced under subsection (b)(11)(A) only on
the condition that if the debtor sells the principal residence securing
such claim, before receiving a discharge under this chapter and
receives net proceeds from the sale of such residence, then the debtor
agrees to pay to such holder--
``(1) if such residence is sold in the 1st year occurring
after the effective date of the plan, 80 percent of the amount
of the difference between the sales price and the amount of
such claim (plus costs of sale and improvements), but not to
exceed the amount of the allowed secured claim determined as if
such claim had not been reduced under such subsection;
``(2) if such residence is sold in the 2d year occurring
after the effective date of the plan, 60 percent of the amount
of the difference between the sales price and the amount of
such claim (plus costs of sale and improvements), but not to
exceed the amount of the allowed secured claim determined as if
such claim had not been reduced under such subsection;
``(3) if such residence is sold in the 3d year occurring
after the effective date of the plan, 40 percent of the amount
of the difference between the sales price and the amount of
such claim (plus costs of sale and improvements), but not to
exceed the amount of the allowed secured claim determined as if
such claim had not been reduced under such subsection; and
``(4) if such residence is sold in the 4th year occurring
after the effective date of the plan, 20 percent of the amount
of the difference between the sales price and the amount of
such claim (plus costs of sale and improvements), but not to
exceed the amount of the allowed secured claim determined as if
such claim had not been reduced under such subsection.
``(h) With respect to a claim of the kind described in subsection
(b)(11), the plan may not contain a modification under the authority of
subsection (b)(11)--
``(1) in a case commenced under this chapter after the
expiration of the 15-day period beginning on the effective date
of this subsection, unless--
``(A) the debtor certifies that the debtor
attempted, not less than 15 days before the
commencement of the case, to contact the holder of such
claim (or the entity collecting payments on behalf of
such holder) regarding modification of the loan that is
the subject of such claim; or
``(B) a foreclosure sale is scheduled to occur on a
date in the 30-day period beginning on the date the
case is commenced; and
``(2) in any other case pending under this chapter, unless
the debtor certifies that the debtor attempted to contact the
holder of such claim (or the entity collecting payments on
behalf of such holder) regarding modification of the loan that
is the subject of such claim, before--
``(A) filing a plan under section 1321 that
contains a modification under the authority of
subsection (b)(11); or
``(B) modifying a plan under section 1323 or 1329
to contain a modification under the authority of
subsection (b)(11).''.
SEC. 5. COMBATING EXCESSIVE FEES.
Section 1322(c) of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon, and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) the debtor, the debtor's property, and property of
the estate are not liable for a fee, cost, or charge that is
incurred while the case is pending and arises from a debt that
is secured by the debtor's principal residence except to the
extent that--
``(A) the holder of the claim for such debt files
with the court (annually or, in order to permit filing
consistent with clause (ii), at such more frequent
periodicity as the court determines necessary) notice
of such fee, cost, or charge before the earlier of--
``(i) 1 year after such fee, cost, or
charge is incurred; or
``(ii) 60 days before the closing of the
case; and
``(B) such fee, cost, or charge--
``(i) is lawful under applicable
nonbankruptcy law, reasonable, and provided for
in the applicable security agreement; and
``(ii) is secured by property the value of
which is greater than the amount of such claim,
including such fee, cost, or charge;
``(4) the failure of a party to give notice described in
paragraph (3) shall be deemed a waiver of any claim for fees,
costs, or charges described in paragraph (3) for all purposes,
and any attempt to collect such fees, costs, or charges shall
constitute a violation of section 524(a)(2) or, if the
violation occurs before the date of discharge, of section
362(a); and
``(5) a plan may provide for the waiver of any prepayment
penalty on a claim secured by the debtor's principal
residence.''.
SEC. 6. CONFIRMATION OF PLAN.
Section 1325(a) of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (8) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(2) in paragraph (9) by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon, and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
``(10) notwithstanding subclause (I) of paragraph
(5)(B)(i), whenever the plan modifies a claim in accordance
with section 1322(b)(11), the plan provides that the holder of
such claim retain the lien until the later of--
``(A) the payment of such holder's allowed secured
claim; or
``(B) discharge under section 1328; and
``(11) whenever the plan modifies a claim in accordance
with section 1322(b)(11), the court finds that such
modification is in good faith and that the debtor did not
obtain the extension, renewal, or refinancing of credit that
gives rise to a modified claim by the debtor's material
misrepresentation, false pretenses, or actual fraud.''.
SEC. 7. DISCHARGE.
Section 1328 of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``(other than payments to holders
of claims whose rights are modified under section
1322(b)(11))'' after ``paid'', and
(B) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``or, to the
extent of the unpaid portion of an allowed secured
claim, provided for in section 1322(b)(11)'' after
``1322(b)(5)'', and
(2) in subsection (c)(1) by inserting ``or, to the extent
of the unpaid portion of an allowed secured claim, provided for
in section 1322(b)(11)'' after ``1322(b)(5)''.
SEC. 8. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act shall be
construed to modify any obligation of the Federal Housing
Administration, the Veterans Administration, or the Department of
Agriculture under a contract that guarantees or insures the payment of
any part of a loan secured by a security interest in a principal
residence.
SEC. 9. 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 apply with respect to cases commenced under title 11 of the
United States Code before, on, or after the date of the enactment of
this Act. | Helping Families Save their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2009 - (Sec. 1) Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a Chapter 13 debtor (adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income). Excludes from computation of debts the secured or unsecured portions of: (1) debts secured by the debtor's principal residence if the current value of that residence is less than the secured debt limit; or (2) debts secured or formerly secured by a debtor's principal residence that was either sold in foreclosure or surrendered to the creditor if the current value of such real property is less than the secured debt limit.
(Sec. 2) Declares the credit counseling requirement inapplicable to a Chapter 13 debtor who certifies that he or she has received notice that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence may commence a foreclosure on the debtor's principal residence.
(Sec. 3) Requires the court to disallow a claim for a loan secured by a security interest in the debtor's principal residence that is subject to remedy for damages or rescission due to violations of the Truth in Lending Act, notwithstanding prior entry of a foreclosure judgment. Prohibits construction of such disallowance to modify, impair, or supersede any other right of the debtor.
(Sec. 4) Allows modification of claim holders' rights in connection with a foreclosure notice for a chapter 13 debtor whose loan originated before the effective date of this Act. Allows changing an adjustable rate of interest to a fixed rate, and extending the repayment period.
Prescribes conditions for reducing a claim under this Act if the debtor receives net proceeds from the sale of the principal residence before receiving a discharge in bankruptcy.
Establishes requirements for modification of other kinds of claims for a loan secured by a security interest in the debtor's principal residence.
(Sec. 5) Denies debtor liability for certain fees and charges incurred while the bankruptcy case is pending and arising from a debt secured by the debtor's principal residence, unless the claim holder observes specified requirements.
(Sec. 6) Adds to conditions for court confirmation of a plan in bankruptcy that: (1) the holder of a claim for a loan secured by the debtor's principal residence retain the lien securing the claim until the later of the payment of such claim as reduced and modified or the discharge of a debtor from all debts; and (2) the plan modifies the claim in good faith and the court finds that the debtor did not obtain the modified claim by the debtor's material misrepresentation, false pretenses, or actual fraud.
(Sec. 7) Excludes from final discharge of a debtor from all debts: (1) any payments to claim holders whose rights are modified under this Act; and (2) any unpaid portion of a claim as reduced.
(Sec. 8) Prohibits the construction of this Act to modify any obligation of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Veterans Administration (VA), or the Department of Agriculture under a contract that guarantees or insures payment of a loan secured by a security interest in a principal residence. | To amend title 11 of the United States Code with respect to modification of certain mortgages on principal residences, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Methyl bromide is a broad spectrum pesticide which
protects plants and agricultural products from a wide range of
insects, rodents, viruses, fungi, weeds, and nematodes.
(2) American farmers depend on methyl bromide to grow,
store, ship, process, and trade over 100 different crops.
(3) The agricultural community has no safe, effective,
commercially available alternatives to methyl bromide. Some
nonchemical pest control alternatives have proven effective in
small scale tests but are largely untested, much less proven,
for commercial food production purposes. The Environmental
Protection Agency's Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances reports that few substitutes exist, all of which
pose potential human health and environmental risks.
(4) In 1992, the Montreal Protocol on Substances Depleting
the Ozone Layer was amended to include methyl bromide.
Subsequent peer-reviewed research indicates that most methyl
bromide is naturally occurring, that a significant percentage
never reaches the ozone layer, and that methyl bromide clearly
does not pose the threat initially believed. Scientists agree
that much is yet to be learned about methyl bromide's effect on
stratospheric ozone.
(5) According to the 1992 Science Assessment Report to the
Montreal Protocol, agricultural use of methyl bromide accounts
for less than 3 percent of the threat to the ozone layer, and a
similar report issued in 1994 notes that the Earth's ozone
layer will return to normal by the middle of the next century
even if methyl bromide remains available to farmers.
(6) In 1993, despite the importance of methyl bromide, the
lack of alternatives, and many scientific uncertainties, the
Environmental Protection Agency, citing the Montreal Protocol,
listed methyl bromide as an ozone depleting chemical under the
provisions of the Clean Air Act and ordered United States
production frozen at 1991 levels and an end to production by
January 1, 2001.
(7) Given current alternatives, analysis at the University
of Florida predicts a 43 percent decline in affected vegetable
acreage in Florida. A 1993 United States Department of
Agriculture study finds that the ban will cost as much as
$1,500,000,000 in Florida, Georgia, California, North Carolina,
and South Carolina, the 5 States where methyl bromide is most
utilized.
SEC. 2. CONTROL OF METHYL BROMIDE.
(a) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) The term ``use as a pesticide'' includes farming and
post-harvest uses.
(2) The term ``pesticide'' has the same meaning as when
used in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act.
(3) The term ``control'' means, with respect to any
substance, any ban, phase-out, or other restriction on the
production, importation, export, consumption, or use of the
substance.
(4) The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency.
(b) Restrictions on EPA Authority.--Except as provided in
subsection (c) or (d), the Administrator may not--
(1) control the production, importation, or export of the
substance methyl bromide pursuant to title VI of the Clean Air
Act (42 U.S.C. section 7671-7671q) for consumption or use as a
pesticide;
(2) control the consumption or use of methyl bromide as a
pesticide; or
(3) require the labelling of any agricultural product
treated with methyl bromide.
(c) Existence of Substitutes or Alternatives.--The Administrator
may take any action described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of
subsection (b), or any combination of such actions, if the Secretary of
Agriculture has certified by rule that there exist viable, cost-
effective substitutes or other alternatives to the consumption or use
of methyl bromide as a pesticide for specified agricultural commodities
and products. If the Secretary has made a certification under this
paragraph, a control permitted pursuant to such certification shall
apply only with respect to those specified applications and to those
specified commodities and products for which the certification is made.
(d) Montreal Protocol.--The Administrator may take any action
described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b), or any
combination of such actions, if the United States is required by the
Montreal Protocol to implement a control on the production,
importation, or export of methyl bromide for consumption or use as a
pesticide or a control on the consumption or use of methyl bromide as a
pesticide. The applicability, contents and timing of any such control--
(1) shall be no more stringent or restrictive than
specifically required by the Montreal Protocol,
(2) shall be equally required of all parties to the
Montreal Protocol; and
(3) shall include all exemptions, exceptions, and other
flexibility (including exemptions for production, importation,
export, and consumption, for both preshipment and quarantine
uses) allowed by the Montreal Protocol.
(e) Inconsistent EPA Actions.--All rules, standards and other
regulatory actions promulgated, published, or otherwise issued by the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency before the date of
enactment of this Act are repealed to the extent they impose a control
which is not specifically required by the Montreal Protocol.
(f) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to
affect the provisions of 40 C.F.R. Sec. Sec. 82.9, 82.10, 82.11, and
82.12 (relating to Article 5 parties and transfers), or any other
regulatory provisions granting exemptions, exceptions, or other
flexibility not prohibited by the Montreal Protocol. | Restricts the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to control the production, importation, or export of methyl bromide for pesticide use consistent with requirements and obligations of the Montreal Protocol. | To make a regulatory correction concerning methyl bromide to meet the obligations of the Montreal Protocol without placing the farmers of the United States at a competitive disadvantage versus foreign growers. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Strategy for Combating
Terrorist, Underground, and Other Illicit Financing Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The financing of terrorism and related forms of illicit
finance present a direct threat to national security and a
threat to global stability.
(2) New terrorist groups or threats can form quickly, and
other groups change tactics to adapt, creating a constantly
changing terrorist environment, presenting ever-changing risks
and challenges to programs to disrupt the financing of
terrorism and related forms of illicit finance.
(3) Terrorists in some instances have formed symbiotic
relationships with, or are taking over, transnational crime
syndicates, so that funding for both terrorism and profits from
crime flow in the same fashion and often are indistinguishable.
(4) Methods of concealing the movement of illicit funding
change quickly in a globalized economy, and rapid technological
changes and financial innovation pose new risks that may be
increasingly difficult for governments to stay abreast of
without an agile, constantly adjusted strategy to spot,
disrupt, and prevent the financing of terrorism and related
forms of illicit finance.
(5) A bipartisan requirement to create a national anti-
money laundering strategy enacted in 1998 expired in 2007.
Given the rapid globalization and rapid technology changes of
the financial sector, an updated strategy focused on the
financing of terrorism is necessary.
(6) It is important for the Government to have a unified
strategy to fight financial crime and to update it annually,
both to accommodate new and developing threats and to help
Congress develop legislative and funding priorities.
(7) An effective strategy to counter terrorism financing is
a critical component of the broader counter terrorism strategy
of the United States.
SEC. 3. DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL STRATEGY.
(a) In General.--The President, acting through the Secretary shall,
in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence,
and the appropriate Federal banking agencies, develop a national
strategy for combating the financing of terrorism and related forms of
illicit finance.
(b) Transmittal to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive national
strategy developed in accordance with subsection (a).
(2) Updates.--Every 2 years following the initial
submission under paragraph (1), the President shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees updated versions of
the national strategy.
(c) Separate Presentation of Classified Material.--Any part of the
national strategy that involves information that is properly classified
under criteria established by the President shall be submitted to the
Congress separately in a classified annex and, if requested by the
chairman or ranking Member of one of the appropriate congressional
committees, as a briefing at an appropriate level of security.
SEC. 4. CONTENTS.
(a) In General.--The strategy described in section 3 shall contain
the following:
(1) Evaluation of existing efforts.--An assessment of the
effectiveness of and ways in which the United States is
currently addressing the highest levels of risk of various
forms of illicit finance, including those identified in the
documents entitled ``2015 National Money Laundering Risk
Assessment'' and ``2015 National Terrorist Financing Risk
Assessment'', published by the Department of the Treasury and a
description of how the strategy is integrated into, and
supports, the broader counter terrorism strategy of the United
States.
(2) Goals, objectives, and priorities.--A comprehensive,
research-based, long-range, quantifiable discussion of goals,
objectives, and priorities for disrupting and preventing
illicit finance activities within and transiting the financial
system of the United States that outlines priorities to reduce
the incidence, dollar value, and effects of illicit finance.
(3) Threats.--An identification of the most significant
illicit finance threats to the financial system of the United
States.
(4) Reviews and proposed changes.--Reviews of enforcement
efforts, relevant regulations and relevant provisions of law
and, if appropriate, discussions of proposed changes determined
to be appropriate to ensure that the United States pursues
coordinated and effective efforts at all levels of government,
and with international partners of the United States, in the
fight against illicit finance.
(5) Detection and prosecution initiatives.--A description
of efforts to improve detection and prosecution of illicit
finance, including efforts to ensure that--
(A) subject to legal restrictions, all appropriate
data collected by the Federal Government that is
relevant to the efforts described in this section be
available in a timely fashion to--
(i) all appropriate Federal departments and
agencies; and
(ii) as appropriate and consistent with
section 314 of the International Money
Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-
Terrorism Act of 2001 (31 U.S.C. 5311 note),
financial institutions to assist the financial
institutions in efforts to comply with laws
aimed at curbing illicit finance; and
(B) appropriate efforts are undertaken to ensure
that Federal departments and agencies charged with
reducing and preventing illicit finance make thorough
use of publicly available data in furtherance of this
effort.
(6) The role of the private financial sector in prevention
of illicit finance.--A discussion of ways to enhance
partnerships between the private financial sector and Federal
departments and agencies with regard to the prevention and
detection of illicit finance, including--
(A) efforts to facilitate compliance with laws
aimed at stopping such illicit finance while
maintaining the effectiveness of such efforts; and
(B) providing guidance to strengthen internal
controls and to adopt on an industry-wide basis more
effective policies.
(7) Enhancement of intergovernmental cooperation.--A
discussion of ways to combat illicit finance by enhancing--
(A) cooperative efforts between and among Federal,
State, and local officials, including State regulators,
State and local prosecutors, and other law enforcement
officials; and
(B) cooperative efforts with and between
governments of countries and with and between
multinational institutions, including the Financial
Action Task Force, with expertise in fighting illicit
finance.
(8) Trend analysis of emerging illicit finance threats.--A
discussion of and data regarding trends in illicit finance,
including evolving forms of value transfer such as so-called
cryptocurrencies, other methods that are computer,
telecommunications, or Internet-based, cyber crime, or any
other threats that the Secretary may choose to identify.
(9) Budget priorities.--A multiyear budget plan that
identifies sufficient resources needed to successfully execute
the full range of missions called for in this section.
(10) Technology enhancements.--An analysis of current and
developing ways to leverage technology to improve the
effectiveness of efforts to stop the financing of terrorism and
other forms of illicit finance, including better integration of
open-source data.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the term ``appropriate congressional committees''
means--
(A) the Committee on Financial Services, the
Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Armed
Services, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee
on Homeland Security, and the Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence of the House of
Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the
Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on the
Judiciary, the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs, and the Select Committee on
Intelligence of the Senate;
(2) the term ``illicit finance'' means the financing of
terrorism, money laundering, or other forms of illicit
financing domestically or internationally, as defined by the
President;
(3) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the
Treasury; and
(4) the term ``State'' means each of the several States,
the District of Columbia, and each territory or possession of
the United States. | National Strategy for Combating Terrorist, Underground, and Other Illicit Financing Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to develop a national strategy to combat the financing of terrorism and related forms of illicit finance. | National Strategy for Combating Terrorist, Underground, and Other Illicit Financing Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Blue Alert Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. BLUE ALERT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
The Attorney General shall, subject to the availability of
appropriations pursuant to section 6, establish a national Blue Alert
communications network within the Department of Justice to disseminate
information when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or
killed in the line of duty through the initiation, facilitation, and
promotion of local elements of the network (known as Blue Alert plans)
in coordination with States, units of local government, law enforcement
agencies, and other appropriate entities.
SEC. 3. BLUE ALERT COORDINATOR; GUIDELINES.
(a) Coordination Within Department of Justice.--The Attorney
General shall assign an officer of the Department of Justice to act as
the national coordinator of the Blue Alert communications network. The
officer so designated shall be known as the Blue Alert Coordinator of
the Department of Justice (referred to in this Act as the
``Coordinator'').
(b) Duties of the Coordinator.--In acting as the national
coordinator of the Blue Alert communications network, the Coordinator
shall--
(1) work with States to encourage the development of
additional Blue Alert plans in the network;
(2) establish voluntary guidelines for States to use in
developing Blue Alert plans that will promote compatible and
integrated Blue Alert plans throughout the United States,
including--
(A) a list of the resources necessary to establish
a Blue Alert plan;
(B) criteria for evaluating whether a situation
warrants issuing a Blue Alert;
(C) guidelines to protect the privacy, dignity,
independence, and autonomy of any law enforcement
officer who may be the subject of a Blue Alert or
family of such law enforcement officer;
(D) guidelines that, before a Blue Alert is issued
and with respect to a law enforcement officer who is
seriously injured or killed in the line of duty--
(i) the law enforcement agency involved
confirms the death, injury, or attack on of the
law enforcement officer;
(ii) there is an indication of serious
injury to or death of the law enforcement
officer;
(iii) the suspect involved has not been
apprehended; and
(iv) there is sufficient descriptive
information of the suspect involved and any
relevant vehicle and tag numbers;
(E) guidelines--
(i) that information related to a law
enforcement officer who is seriously injured or
killed in the line of duty would be provided to
the National Crime Information Center database
operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
pursuant to section 534 of title 28, United
States Code, and any relevant crime information
repository of the State involved;
(ii) that a Blue Alert would be, to the
maximum extent practicable (as determined by
the Coordinator in consultation with State and
local law enforcement agencies) limited to the
geographic areas most likely to facilitate the
apprehension of the suspect involved or which
such suspect could reasonably reach, but not
limited to State lines;
(iii) for State law enforcement agencies to
develop plans to communicate information to
neighboring States to provide for seamless
communication of Blue Alert; and
(iv) providing that a Blue Alert will be
suspended when the suspect involved is
apprehended or when the law enforcement agency
involved determines that the Blue Alert is no
longer effective; and
(F) guidelines for--
(i) the issuance of alerts through the Blue
Alert communications network; and
(ii) the extent of the dissemination of
alerts issued through the network;
(3) develop proposed protocols for efforts to apprehend
suspects, including protocols that are needed from the time of
the initial notification of a law enforcement agency that a
suspect has not been apprehended through the time of
apprehension of a suspect or when the law enforcement agency
involved determines that the Blue Alert is no longer effective,
including--
(A) public safety communications;
(B) command center operations; and
(C) incident review, evaluation, debriefing, and
public information procedures;
(4) work with States to ensure appropriate regional
coordination of various elements of the network;
(5) establish an advisory group to assist States, units of
local government, law enforcement agencies, and other entities
involved in the Blue Alert communications network with
initiating, facilitating, and promoting Blue Alert plans, which
shall include--
(A) to the maximum extent practicable,
representation from the various geographic regions of
the United States; and
(B) members who are--
(i) representatives of law enforcement
organizations, law enforcement agencies, and
public safety communications,
(ii) broadcasters, first responders,
dispatchers, and radio station personnel; and
(iii) representatives of any other
individuals or organizations that the
Coordinator determines are necessary to the
success of the Blue Alert communications
network; and
(6) act as the nationwide point of contact for--
(A) the development of the network; and
(B) regional coordination of alerts through the
network for law enforcement officers who are seriously
injured or killed in the line of duty.
(c) Limitations Applicable to Guidelines and Other Duties.--In
establishing the guidelines and carrying out other duties under
subsection (b), the following shall apply:
(1) Voluntary participation.--The guidelines established
under paragraph (2) of such subsection, protocols developed
under paragraph (3) of such subsection, and other programs
established under such subsection, shall be adoptable by a
State on a voluntary basis only.
(2) Dissemination of information.--The guidelines shall, to
the maximum extent practicable (as determined by the
Coordinator in consultation with State and local law
enforcement agencies), provide that appropriate information
relating to a wounding assault or fatal injury on a law
enforcement officer is disseminated to the appropriate law
enforcement, public health, and other public officials.
(3) Privacy and civil liberties protections.--The
guidelines shall--
(A) ensure that alerts issued through the Blue
Alert communications network comply with all applicable
Federal, State, and local privacy laws and regulations;
and
(B) include standards that specifically provide for
the protection of the civil liberties, including the
privacy, of law enforcement officers who are seriously
injured or killed in the line of duty and the families
of such officers.
(d) Cooperation With Other Agencies.--The Coordinator shall
cooperate with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of
Transportation, the Federal Communications Commission, and appropriate
offices of the Department of Justice in carrying out activities under
this Act.
(e) Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Coordinator shall
submit to Congress a report on the activities of the Coordinator and
the effectiveness and status of the Blue Alert plans of each State that
has established or is in the process of establishing such a plan.
SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM FOR SUPPORT OF BLUE ALERT PLANS.
(a) Grant Program.--Subject to the availability of appropriations
to carry out this section, the Attorney General shall carry out a
program to provide grants to States for the development or enhancement
of programs and activities for the support of Blue Alert plans and the
Blue Alert communications network.
(b) Activities.--Activities funded by grants under the program
under subsection (a) may include--
(1) the development and implementation of education and
training programs, and associated materials, relating to Blue
Alert plans;
(2) the development and implementation of law enforcement
programs, and associated equipment, relating to Blue Alert
plans;
(3) the development and implementation of new technologies
to improve Blue Alert communications; and
(4) such other activities as the Attorney General considers
appropriate for supporting the Blue Alert communications
network.
(c) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of any activities
funded by a grant under the program under subsection (a) may not exceed
50 percent.
(d) Distribution of Grant Amounts on Geographic Basis.--The
Attorney General shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure the
distribution of grants under the program under subsection (a) on an
equitable basis throughout the various regions of the United States.
(e) Administration.--The Attorney General shall prescribe
requirements, including application requirements, for grants under the
program under subsection (a).
SEC. 5. DEFINITION.
For purposes of this Act, the term ``State'' means each of the 50
States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands, and any federally recognized Indian
tribe.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated such sums
as may be necessary to carry out this Act (other than for purposes
described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (b)(1)).
(b) Grant Funding.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated for
fiscal year 2011--
(A) $5,000,000 for grants under section 4; and
(B) an additional $5,000,000 for such grants to
carry out activities described in section 4(b)(3).
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant
to paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended. | National Blue Alert Act of 2010 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty; (2) assign a DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator of the Blue Alert communications network; and (3) provide grants to states for the development or enhancement of programs and activities to support Blue Alert plans and the Blue Alert communications network. Sets forth the duties of the national coordinator, including working with states to develop additional Blue Alert plans in the network, establishing voluntary guidelines for states in developing Blue Alert plans, developing protocols for efforts to apprehend suspects, and establishing an advisory group to assist states, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and other entities in initiating, facilitating, and promoting Blue Alert plans. | To encourage, enhance, and integrate Blue Alert plans throughout the United States in order to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``American Manufacturing
Competitiveness Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL MANUFACTURING COMPETITIVENESS STRATEGIC PLAN.
Section 102 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42
U.S.C. 6622) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (7) and
inserting the following:
``(7) develop and update a national manufacturing
competitiveness strategic plan in accordance with subsection
(c).''; and
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) National Manufacturing Competitiveness Strategic Plan.--
``(1) In general.--The Committee shall develop, and update
every 4 years, a strategic plan to improve Government
coordination and provide long-term guidance for Federal
programs and activities in support of United States
manufacturing competitiveness, including advanced manufacturing
research and development.
``(2) Committee chairperson.--In developing and updating
the strategic plan, the Secretary of Commerce, or a designee of
the Secretary, shall serve as the chairperson of the Committee.
``(3) Goals.--The goals of such strategic plan shall be
to--
``(A) promote growth, including job creation,
sustainability, and competitiveness, in the United
States manufacturing sector;
``(B) support the development of a skilled
manufacturing workforce;
``(C) enable innovation and investment in domestic
manufacturing; and
``(D) support national security.
``(4) Contents.--Such strategic plan shall--
``(A) specify and prioritize near-term and long-
term objectives to meet the goals of the plan,
including research and development objectives, the
anticipated timeframe for achieving the objectives, and
the metrics for use in assessing progress toward the
objectives;
``(B) describe the progress made in achieving the
objectives from prior strategic plans, including a
discussion of why specific objectives were not met;
``(C) specify the role, including the programs and
activities, of each Federal agency in meeting the
objectives of the strategic plan;
``(D) describe how the Federal agencies and
federally funded research and development centers
supporting advanced manufacturing research and
development will foster the transfer of research and
development results into new manufacturing technologies
and United States based manufacturing of new products
and processes for the benefit of society to ensure
national, energy, and economic security;
``(E) describe how such Federal agencies and
centers will strengthen all levels of manufacturing
education and training programs to ensure an adequate,
well-trained workforce;
``(F) describe how such Federal agencies and
centers will assist small- and medium-sized
manufacturers in developing and implementing new
products and processes;
``(G) take into consideration and include a
discussion of the analysis conducted under paragraph
(5); and
``(H) take into consideration the recommendations
of a wide range of stakeholders, including
representatives from diverse manufacturing sectors and
companies, academia, existing Federal advisory
committees, such as the Defense Science Board, the
President's Council of Advisors on Science and
Technology, the Manufacturing Council established by
the Department of Commerce, and the Labor Advisory
Committee for Trade Negotiations and Trade Policy, and
other relevant organizations and institutions.
``(5) Preliminary analysis.--
``(A) In general.--As part of developing such
strategic plan, the Committee shall conduct an analysis
of factors that impact the competitiveness and growth
of the United States manufacturing sector, including--
``(i) research, development, innovation,
technology transfer, and commercialization
activities in the United States;
``(ii) the adequacy of the industrial base
for maintaining national security;
``(iii) the state and capabilities of the
domestic manufacturing workforce;
``(iv) trade, trade enforcement, and
intellectual property policies;
``(v) financing, investment, and taxation
policies and practices;
``(vi) the state of emerging technologies
and markets; and
``(vii) efforts and policies related to
manufacturing promotion undertaken by competing
nations.
``(B) Reliance on existing information.--To the
extent practicable, in completing the analysis under
subparagraph (A), the Committee shall use existing
information and the results of previous studies and
reports.
``(d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2013, the Director
shall transmit the strategic plan developed under subsection (b)(7) to
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate
and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and shall transmit subsequent updates to those
committees as appropriate.
``(e) Requirement To Consider Strategy in the Budget.--In preparing
the budget for a fiscal year under section 1105(a) of title 31, United
States Code, the President shall include information regarding the
consistency of the budget with the goals and recommendations included
in the strategic plan developed under subsection (b)(7) applying to
that fiscal year.''. | American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2013 - Directs the Committee on Technology under the National Science and Technology Council to develop, in lieu of the currently required strategic plan to guide federal programs and activities in support of advanced manufacturing research and development, a national manufacturing competitiveness strategic plan to improve government coordination and provide long-term guidance for federal programs and activities in support of U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, including advanced manufacturing research and development. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, in developing and updating the plan quadrennially, to serve as the chairperson of the Committee. Specifies the goals of the plan to be to: (1) promote growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector, (2) support the development of a skilled manufacturing workforce, (3) enable innovation and investment in domestic manufacturing, and (4) support national security. Requires the Committee, as part of the development of the plan, to conduct an analysis of specified factors that impact the competitiveness and growth of the U.S. manufacturing sector. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to transmit the plan, and subsequent updates, to Congress. | American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2013 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ban Poisonous Additives Act of
2009''.
SEC. 2. BAN ON USE OF BISPHENOL A IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONTAINERS.
(a) Treatment of Bisphenol A as Adulterating the Food or
Beverage.--For purposes of applying section 402(a)(6) of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 342(a)(6)), a food container
(which for purposes of this Act includes a beverage container) that is
composed, in whole or in part, of bisphenol A, or that can release
bisphenol A into food (as defined for purposes of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act), shall be treated as a container described in
such section (relating to containers composed, in whole or in part, of
a poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the contents
injurious to health).
(b) Effective Dates.--
(1) Reusable food containers.--
(A) Definition.--In this Act, the term ``reusable
food container'' means a reusable food container that
does not contain a food item when it is introduced or
delivered for introduction into interstate commerce.
(B) Applicability.--Subsection (a) shall apply to
reusable food containers on the date that is 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Other food containers.--Subsection (a) shall apply to
food containers that are packed with a food and introduced or
delivered for introduction into interstate commerce on or after
the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(c) Waiver.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this Act as the ``Secretary''), after public
notice and opportunity for comment, may grant to any facility
(as that term is defined in section 415 of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 350d)) a waiver of the
treatment described in subsection (a) for a certain type of
food container, as used for a particular food product, if such
facility--
(A) demonstrates that it is not technologically
feasible to replace bisphenol A in such type of
container for such particular food product; and
(B) submits to the Secretary a plan and timeline
for removing bisphenol A from such type of container
for that food product.
(2) Applicability.--A waiver granted under paragraph (1)
shall constitute a waiver of the treatment described in
subsection (a) for any facility that manufactures, processes,
packs, holds, or sells the particular food product for which
the waiver was granted.
(3) Labeling.--Any product for which the Secretary grants
such a waiver shall display a prominent warning on the label
that the container contains bisphenol A, in a manner that the
Secretary shall require, which manner shall ensure adequate
public awareness of potential health effects associated with
bisphenol A.
(4) Duration.--
(A) Initial waiver.--Any waiver granted under
paragraph (1) shall be valid for not longer than 1 year
after the applicable effective date in subsection (b).
(B) Renewal of waiver.--The Secretary may renew any
waiver granted under subparagraph (A) for a period of
not more than 1 year.
(d) List of Substances That Are Generally Recognized as Safe.--
(1) Review.--The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner
of Food and Drugs, shall, not later than 1 year after enactment
of this Act and not less than once every 5 years thereafter,
review--
(A) the substances that are generally recognized as
safe, listed in part 182 of title 21, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any successor regulations);
(B) the direct food substances affirmed as
generally recognized as safe, listed in part 184 of
title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor
regulations); and
(C) the indirect food substances affirmed as
generally recognized as safe, listed in part 186 of
title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor
regulations).
(2) Public comment.--In conducting the review described in
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide public notice and
opportunity for comment.
(3) Remedial action.--If, after conducting the review
described in paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that, with
regard to a substance listed in such part 182, 184, or 186, new
scientific evidence, including scientific evidence showing that
the substance causes reproductive or developmental toxicity in
humans or animals, supports--
(A) banning a substance;
(B) altering the conditions under which a substance
may be introduced into interstate commerce; or
(C) imposing restrictions on the types of products
for which the substance may be used,
the Secretary shall remove such substance from the list of
substances, direct food substances, or indirect food substances
generally recognized as safe, as appropriate, and shall take
other remedial action, as necessary.
(4) Definition.--In this Act, the term ``reproductive or
developmental toxicity'' has the meaning given such term in
section 409(h)(6) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act,
as amended by section 3.
(e) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this Act shall affect the right
of a State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe to adopt
or enforce any regulation, requirement, liability, or standard of
performance that is more stringent than a regulation, requirement,
liability, or standard of performance under this Act or that--
(1) applies to a product category not described in this
Act; or
(2) requires the provision of a warning of risk, illness,
or injury associated with the use of food containers composed
of bisphenol A.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 409 OF THE FEDERAL FOOD, DRUG, AND
COSMETIC ACT.
Subsection (h) of section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 348(h)(1)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``manufacturer or supplier for a
food contact substance may'' and inserting
``manufacturer or supplier for a food contact substance
shall'';
(B) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``notify the
Secretary of'';
(C) by striking ``, and of'' and inserting ``;
(B)''; and
(D) by striking the period after ``subsection
(c)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``; (C) the determination of
the manufacturer or supplier that no adverse health
effects result from low dose exposures to the food
contact substance; and (D) the determination of the
manufacturer or supplier that the substance has not
been shown, after tests which are appropriate for the
evaluation of the safety of food contact substances, to
cause reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans
or animals.''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the following:
``(6) In this section--
``(A) the term `food contact substance' means any
substance intended for use as a component of materials
used in manufacturing, packing, packaging,
transporting, or holding food if such use is not
intended to have any technical effect in such food; and
``(B) the term `reproductive or developmental
toxicity' means biologically adverse effects on the
reproductive systems of female or male humans or
animals, including alterations to the female or male
reproductive system development, the related endocrine
system, fertility, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, or
modifications in other functions that are dependent on
the integrity of the reproductive system.''. | Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009 - Treats any food container that is composed, in whole or in part, of bisphenol A or that can release bisphenol A into food as a container that is composed of a poisonous or deleterious substance for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Bans the use of such containers. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant a waiver of such ban for one year (renewable for an additional year) under specified circumstances. Requires any product for which the Secretary grants a waiver to display a prominent warning on its label of the potential health effects associated with bisphenol A.
Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to periodically review substances listed in federal regulations and generally recognized as safe. Requires any such substances that are shown by new scientific evidence to cause reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans or animals to be banned or otherwise restricted.
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require (currently, permits) a manufacturer or supplier of a food contact substance to notify the Secretary of the identity, intended use, and safety of any such substance and of determinations as to the health effects of such substance. | To ban the use of bisphenol A in food containers, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Death in Custody Reporting Act of
2009''.
SEC. 2. STATE INFORMATION REGARDING INDIVIDUALS WHO DIE IN THE CUSTODY
OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.
(a) In General.--For each fiscal year after the expiration of the
period specified in subsection (c)(1) in which a State receives funds
for a program referred to in subsection (c)(2), the State shall report
to the Attorney General, on a quarterly basis and pursuant to
guidelines established by the Attorney General, information regarding
the death of any person who is detained, under arrest, or is in the
process of being arrested, is en route to be incarcerated, or is
incarcerated at a municipal or county jail, State prison, State-run
boot camp prison, boot camp prison that is contracted out by the State,
any State or local contract facility, or other local or State
correctional facility (including any juvenile facility).
(b) Information Required.--The report required by this section
shall contain information that, at a minimum, includes--
(1) the name, gender, race, ethnicity, and age of the
deceased;
(2) the date, time, and location of death;
(3) the law enforcement agency that detained, arrested, or
was in the process of arresting the deceased; and
(4) a brief description of the circumstances surrounding
the death.
(c) Compliance and Ineligibility.--
(1) Compliance date.--Each State shall have not more than
120 days from the date of enactment of this Act to comply with
subsection (a), except that--
(A) the Attorney General may grant an additional
120 days to a State that is making good faith efforts
to comply with such subsection; and
(B) the Attorney General shall waive the
requirements of subsection (a) if compliance with such
subsection by a State would be unconstitutional under
the constitution of such State.
(2) Ineligibility for funds.--For any fiscal year after the
expiration of the period specified in paragraph (1), a State
that fails to comply with subsection (a), shall, at the
discretion of the Attorney General, be subject to not more than
a 10 percent reduction of the funds that would otherwise be
allocated for that fiscal year to the State under subpart 1 of
part E of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets
Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3750 et seq.), whether characterized as
the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement
Assistance Programs, the Local Government Law Enforcement Block
Grants Program, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance
Grant Program, or otherwise.
(d) Reallocation.--Amounts not allocated under a program referred
to in subsection (c)(2) to a State for failure to fully comply with
subsection (a) shall be reallocated under that program to States that
have not failed to comply with such subsection.
(e) Definitions.--In this section the terms ``boot camp prison''
and ``State'' have the meaning given those terms, respectively, in
section 901(a) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of
1968 (42 U.S.C. 3791(a)).
(f) Study and Report of Information Relating to Deaths in
Custody.--
(1) Study required.--The Attorney General shall carry out a
study of the information reported under subsection (b) and
section 3(a) to--
(A) determine means by which such information can
be used to reduce the number of such deaths; and
(B) examine the relationship, if any, between the
number of such deaths and the actions of management of
such jails, prisons, and other specified facilities
relating to such deaths.
(2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall prepare and
submit to Congress a report that contains the findings of the
study required by paragraph (1).
SEC. 3. FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DEATH IN CUSTODY REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
(a) In General.--For each fiscal year (beginning after the date
that is 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act), the head
of each Federal law enforcement agency shall submit to the Attorney
General a report (in such form and manner specified by the Attorney
General) that contains information regarding the death of any person
who is--
(1) detained, under arrest, or is in the process of being
arrested by any officer of such Federal law enforcement agency
(or by any State or local law enforcement officer while
participating in and for purposes of a Federal law enforcement
operation, task force, or any other Federal law enforcement
capacity carried out by such Federal law enforcement agency);
or
(2) en route to be incarcerated or detained, or is
incarcerated or detained at--
(A) any facility (including any immigration or
juvenile facility) pursuant to a contract with such
Federal law enforcement agency;
(B) any State or local government facility used by
such Federal law enforcement agency; or
(C) any Federal correctional facility or Federal
pre-trial detention facility located within the United
States.
(b) Information Required.--Each report required by this section
shall include, at a minimum, the information required by section 2(b).
(c) Study and Report.--Information reported under subsection (a)
shall be analyzed and included in the study and report required by
section 2(f).
Passed the House of Representatives February 4, 2009.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2009 - Requires states that receive certain criminal justice assistance grants to report to the Attorney General on a quarterly basis certain information regarding the death of any person who is detained, arrested, en route to incarceration, or incarcerated in state or local facilities or a boot camp prison. Grants the Attorney General discretion to reduce by up to 10% the amount of the criminal justice assistance grants of states that fail to comply.
Requires the head of each federal law enforcement agency to report to the Attorney General annually certain information regarding the death of any person who: (1) is detained or arrested by any officer of such agency (or by any state or local law enforcement officer for purposes of a federal law enforcement operation); or (2) is en route to be incarcerated or detained, or is incarcerated or detained, at any federal correctional facility or federal pretrial detention facility located within the United States or any other facility pursuant to a contract with or used by such agency.
Requires the Attorney General to study such information and report on means by which it can be used to reduce the number of such deaths. | To encourage States to report to the Attorney General certain information regarding the deaths of individuals in the custody of law enforcement agencies, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``IDEA Full Funding Act''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENT TO IDEA.
Section 611(i) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 1411(i)) is amended to read as follows:
``(i) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--For the purpose of carrying out this
part, other than section 619, there are authorized to be
appropriated--
``(A) $12,872,421,000 or 17.7 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2016, and there are hereby appropriated
$1,374,573,000 or 1.6 percent of the amount determined
under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal
year 2016, which shall become available for obligation
on July 1, 2016, and shall remain available through
September 30, 2017;
``(B) $14,411,326,000 or 19.4 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2017, and there are hereby appropriated
$2,913,478,000 or 3.3 percent of the amount determined
under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal
year 2017, which shall become available for obligation
on July 1, 2017, and shall remain available through
September 30, 2018;
``(C) $16,134,207,000 or 21.2 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2018, and there are hereby appropriated
$4,636,359,000 or 5.1 percent of the amount determined
under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal
year 2018, which shall become available for obligation
on July 1, 2018, and shall remain available through
September 30, 2019;
``(D) $18,063,059,000 or 23.2 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2019, and there are hereby appropriated
$6,565,211,000 or 7.1 percent of the amount determined
under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal
year 2019, which shall become available for obligation
on July 1, 2019, and shall remain available through
September 30, 2020;
``(E) $20,222,507,000 or 25.4 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2020, and there are hereby appropriated
$8,724,659,000 or 9.3 percent of the amount determined
under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal
year 2020, which shall become available for obligation
on July 1, 2020, and shall remain available through
September 30, 2021;
``(F) $22,640,117,000 or 27.8 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2021, and there are hereby appropriated
$11,142,269,000 or 11.7 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2021, which shall become available for
obligation on July 1, 2021, and shall remain available
through September 30, 2022;
``(G) $25,346,755,000 or 30.5 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2022, and there are hereby appropriated
$13,848,907,000 or 14.4 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2022, which shall become available for
obligation on July 1, 2022, and shall remain available
through September 30, 2023;
``(H) $28,376,972,000 or 33.4 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2023, and there are hereby appropriated
$16,879,124,000 or 17.3 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2023, which shall become available for
obligation on July 1, 2023, and shall remain available
through September 30, 2024;
``(I) $31,769,453,000 or 36.5 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2024, and there are hereby appropriated
$20,271,605,000 or 20.4 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2024, which shall become available for
obligation on July 1, 2024, and shall remain available
through September 30, 2025; and
``(J) $35,567,506,000 or 40 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater,
for fiscal year 2025 and each subsequent fiscal year,
and there are hereby appropriated $35,567,506,000 or 40
percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2),
whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2025 and each
subsequent fiscal year, which--
``(i) shall become available for obligation
with respect to fiscal year 2025 on July 1,
2025, and shall remain available through
September 30, 2026; and
``(ii) shall become available for
obligation with respect to each subsequent
fiscal year on July 1 of that fiscal year and
shall remain available through September 30 of
the succeeding fiscal year.
``(2) Amount.--With respect to each subparagraph of
paragraph (1), the amount determined under this paragraph is
the product of--
``(A) the total number of children with
disabilities in all States who--
``(i) received special education and
related services during the last school year
that concluded before the first day of the
fiscal year for which the determination is
made; and
``(ii) were aged--
``(I) 3 through 5 (with respect to
the States that were eligible for
grants under section 619); and
``(II) 6 through 21; and
``(B) the average per-pupil expenditure in public
elementary schools and secondary schools in the United
States.''.
SEC. 3. OFFSETS.
The amounts appropriated in 611(i) of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411(i)), as amended by section 2
of this Act, shall be expended consistent with pay-as-you-go
requirements. | IDEA Full Funding Act Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to reauthorize and make appropriations for the grant program to assist states and outlying areas in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. Sets the amount to be authorized and the amount to be appropriated for each fiscal year from FY2016-FY2024 as the greater of: (1) a specified amount, or (2) a specified percentage of an amount determined pursuant to a formula that multiplies the number of children receiving special education services by the average per-pupil expenditure in public elementary and secondary schools. Authorizes and appropriates funds for FY2025 and each subsequent fiscal year equal to the greater of a specified amount or 40% of the amount determined using such formula. Requires amounts appropriated to be expended consistent with pay-as-you-go requirements. | IDEA Full Funding Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Antibullying Campaign Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. GRANTS FOR ANTIHARASSMENT PROGRAMS.
(a) Grants.--The Secretary of Education shall provide a grant to
each State that submits an application in accordance with subsection
(c) to enable the State to establish and carry out or continue to carry
out an antiharassment program as described in subsection (b).
(b) Program Described.--An antiharassment program referred to in
subsection (a) is a program that prohibits harassment in schools and at
all school-sponsored programs or activities based on any distinguishing
characteristic of an individual, including actual or perceived race,
color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual
orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, family composition or
circumstance, or economic circumstance.
(c) Application.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may not make a grant to a
State under this section unless the State submits to the
Secretary an application that contains detailed information
about the State's existing or proposed antiharassment program.
Such information shall include--
(A) the State's existing or proposed prohibition on
harassment;
(B) the State's existing or proposed definition of
harassment and any other relevant terms; and
(C) a budget for the antiharassment program,
including a detailed description of how amounts
received under the grant will be spent.
(2) Application review and approval.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the
date of submission of the State's application, the
Secretary shall review and approve or disapprove the
application.
(B) Approval.--Not later than 30 days after the
date on which the Secretary approves the State's
application, the Secretary shall provide a grant to the
State.
(C) Disapproval.--Not later than 30 days after the
date on which the Secretary disapproves the State's
application, the Secretary shall inform the State in
writing as to the reasons why the application was
disapproved and what the State may do to correct the
application and receive the Secretary's approval.
(d) Matching Funds.--The Secretary may not make a grant to a State
under this section unless the State agrees that it will contribute from
non-Federal sources an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the
amount received under the grant to carry out the antiharassment program
described in subsection (b).
SEC. 3. STUDY AND REPORT.
(a) Study.--The Secretary of Education shall conduct a study
concerning harassment in public schools in the United States. The
findings of the study shall include--
(1) the number of students who are harassed;
(2) the demographics of those students who are harassed;
(3) the type of harassment to which students are subjected,
including--
(A) the reasons upon which the harassment was
based; and
(B) the type of conduct, physical or verbal,
involved;
(4) the number of States that have comprehensive campaigns
to combat harassment; and
(5) the amount of funds each State expends on
antiharassment programs each year.
(b) Process.--In conducting the study required by subsection (a),
the Secretary shall make every effort to protect the privacy of
students involved in reports of harassment.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 3 years, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that contains the findings
and an analysis of the study.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Harassment.--The term ``harassment'' means conduct,
including verbal conduct, that--
(A) creates, or would create, a hostile environment
by substantially interfering with a student's
educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, or
with a student's physical or psychological well-being;
or
(B) is threatening or seriously intimidating.
(2) School.--The term ``school'' means an elementary school
or secondary school as those terms are defined in section 9101
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' includes the several States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa,
Guam, the Virgin Islands, and any other territory or possession
of the United States.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this Act $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009.
(b) Availability.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated by
subsection (a) are authorized to remain available until September 30,
2009. | Antibullying Campaign Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make matching grants to applicant states for antiharassment programs that prohibit harassment in public schools and on public school grounds based on any distinguishing characteristic of an individual.
Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on harassment in public schools. | To direct the Secretary of Education to provide grants to States to establish and carry out or continue to carry out antiharassment programs. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Unborn Victims of Violence Act of
1999''.
SEC. 2. PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN.
(a) In General.--Title 18, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after chapter 90 the following:
``CHAPTER 90A--PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN
``Sec.
``1841. Protection of unborn children.
``Sec. 1841. Protection of unborn children
``(a)(1) Whoever engages in conduct that violates any of the
provisions of law listed in subsection (b) and thereby causes the death
of, or bodily injury (as defined in section 1365) to, a child, who is
in utero at the time the conduct takes place, is guilty of a separate
offense under this section.
``(2)(A) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the
punishment for that separate offense is the same as the punishment
provided under Federal law for that conduct had that injury or death
occurred to the unborn child's mother.
``(B) An offense under this section does not require proof that--
``(i) the person engaging in the conduct had knowledge or
should have had knowledge that the victim of the underlying
offense was pregnant; or
``(ii) the defendant intended to cause the death of, or
bodily injury to, the unborn child.
``(C) If the person engaging in the conduct thereby intentionally
kills or attempts to kill the unborn child, that person shall instead
of being punished under subparagraph (A), be punished as provided under
sections 1111, 1112, and 1113 of this title for intentionally killing
or attempting to kill a human being.
``(D) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the death penalty
shall not be imposed for an offense under this section.
``(b) The provisions referred to in subsection (a) are the
following:
``(1) Sections 36, 37, 43, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 229,
242, 245, 247, 248, 351, 831, 844(d), (f), (h)(1), and (i),
924(j), 930, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1116, 1118, 1119, 1120,
1121, 1153(a), 1201(a), 1203, 1365(a), 1501, 1503, 1505, 1512,
1513, 1751, 1864, 1951, 1952 (a)(1)(B), (a)(2)(B), and
(a)(3)(B), 1958, 1959, 1992, 2113, 2114, 2116, 2118, 2119,
2191, 2231, 2241(a), 2245, 2261, 2261A, 2280, 2281, 2332,
2332a, 2332b, 2340A, and 2441 of this title.
``(2) Section 408(e) of the Controlled Substances Act of
1970 (21 U.S.C. 848(e)).
``(3) Section 202 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42
U.S.C. 2283).
``(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the
prosecution--
``(1) of any person for conduct relating to an abortion for
which the consent of the pregnant woman, or a person authorized
by law to act on her behalf, has been obtained or for which
such consent is implied by law;
``(2) of any person for any medical treatment of the
pregnant woman or her unborn child; or
``(3) of any woman with respect to her unborn child.
``(d) As used in this section, the term `unborn child' means a
child in utero, and the term `child in utero' or `child, who is in
utero' means a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage of
development, who is carried in the womb.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of chapters for part I of title
18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating
to chapter 90 the following new item:
``90A. Protection of unborn children........................ 1841''.
SEC. 3. MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM.
(a) Protection of Unborn Children.--Subchapter X of chapter 47 of
title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is
amended by inserting after section 919 (article 119) the following new
section:
``Sec. 919a. Art. 119a. Protection of unborn children
``(a)(1) Any person subject to this chapter who engages in conduct
that violates any of the provisions of law listed in subsection (b) and
thereby causes the death of, or bodily injury (as defined in section
1365 of title 18) to, a child, who is in utero at the time the conduct
takes place, is guilty of a separate offense under this section.
``(2)(A) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the
punishment for that separate offense is the same as the punishment
provided under this chapter for that conduct had that injury or death
occurred to the unborn child's mother.
``(B) An offense under this section does not require proof that--
``(i) the person engaging in the conduct had knowledge or
should have had knowledge that the victim of the underlying
offense was pregnant; or
``(ii) the accused intended to cause the death of, or
bodily injury to, the unborn child.
``(C) If the person engaging in the conduct thereby intentionally
kills or attempts to kill the unborn child, that person shall, instead
of being punished under subparagraph (A), be punished as provided under
sections 880, 918, and 919(a) of this title (articles 80, 118, and
119(a)) for intentionally killing or attempting to kill a human being.
``(D) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the death penalty
shall not be imposed for an offense under this section.
``(b) The provisions referred to in subsection (a) are sections
918, 919(a), 919(b)(2), 920(a), 922, 924, 926, and 928 of this title
(articles 118, 119(a), 119(b)(2), 120(a), 122, 124, 126, and 128).
``(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the
prosecution--
``(1) of any person for conduct relating to an abortion for
which the consent of the pregnant woman, or a person authorized
by law to act on her behalf, has been obtained or for which
such consent is implied by law;
``(2) of any person for any medical treatment of the
pregnant woman or her unborn child; or
``(3) of any woman with respect to her unborn child.
``(d) In this section, the term `unborn child' means a child in
utero, and the term `child in utero' or `child, who is in utero' means
a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage of development, who
is carried in the womb.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such subchapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 919 the following new item:
``919a. 119a. Protection of unborn children.''.
Passed the House of Representatives September 30, 1999.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Specifies that a violation of such provisions does not require proof that: (1) the person engaging in the conduct had knowledge or should have had knowledge that the victim of the underlying offense was pregnant; or (2) the defendant (or accused) intended to cause the death of, or bodily injury to, the unborn child. Directs that if the person engaging in the conduct thereby intentionally kills or attempts to kill the unborn child, that person shall be punished as provided under the Federal criminal code for intentionally killing or attempting to kill a human being.Bars prosecution under this Act: (1) of any person for conduct relating to an abortion for which the consent of the pregnant woman, or a person authorized by law to act on her behalf, has been obtained or for which such consent is implied by law; (2) for conduct relating to any medical treatment of the pregnant woman or her unborn child; or (3) of any woman with respect to her unborn child. | Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 1999 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Gas Price Spike Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. WINDFALL PROFITS TAX.
(a) In General.--Subtitle E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to alcohol, tobacco, and certain other excise taxes) is
amended by adding at the end thereof the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 55--WINDFALL PROFIT ON CRUDE OIL, NATURAL GAS, AND PRODUCTS
THEREOF
``Sec. 5886. Imposition of tax.
``SEC. 5886. IMPOSITION OF TAX.
``(a) In General.--In addition to any other tax imposed under this
title, there is hereby imposed an excise tax on the sale in the United
States of any crude oil, natural gas, or other taxable product a tax
equal to the applicable percentage of the windfall profit on such sale.
``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Taxable product.--The term `taxable product' means
any fuel which is a product of crude oil or natural gas.
``(2) Windfall profit.--The term `windfall profit' means,
with respect to any sale, so much of the profit on such sale as
exceeds a reasonable profit.
``(3) Applicable percentage.--The term `applicable
percentage' means--
``(A) 50 percent to the extent that the profit on
the sale exceeds 100 percent of the reasonable profit
on the sale but does not exceed 102 percent of the
reasonable profit on the sale,
``(B) 75 percent to the extent that the profit on
the sale exceeds 102 percent of the reasonable profit
on the sale but does not exceed 105 percent of the
reasonable profit on the sale, and
``(C) 100 percent to the extent that the profit on
the sale exceeds 105 percent of the reasonable profit
on the sale.
``(4) Reasonable profit.--The term `reasonable profit'
means the amount determined by the Reasonable Profits Board to
be a reasonable profit on the sale.
``(c) Liability for Payment of Tax.--The taxes imposed by
subsection (a) shall be paid by the seller.''
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of chapters for subtitle E of
such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``Chapter 55. Windfall profit on crude
oil and refined petroleum
products.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR PURCHASING FUEL EFFICIENT AMERICAN-MADE PASSENGER
VEHICLES.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 25A the
following new section:
``SEC. 25B. PURCHASE OF FUEL-EFFICIENT AMERICAN-MADE PASSENGER
VEHICLES.
``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, there shall be
allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the
taxable year an amount equal to the cost of any qualified passenger
vehicle purchased by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
``(b) Maximum Credit.--The credit allowed by this section for the
taxable year shall not exceed--
``(1) $3,000 in the case of a qualified passenger vehicle
not described in paragraph (2) or (3),
``(2) $4,500 in the case of a qualified passenger vehicle
the fuel economy of which is--
``(A) in the case a truck or sport utility vehicle,
at least 45 miles per gallon but less than 55 miles per
gallon, and
``(B) in any other case, at least 55 miles per
gallon but less than 65 miles per gallon, and
``(3) $6,000 in the case of a qualified passenger vehicle
the fuel economy of which is--
``(A) in the case a truck or sport utility vehicle,
at least 55 miles per gallon, and
``(B) in any other case, at least 65 miles per
gallon.
``(c) Qualified Passenger Vehicle.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified automobile' means
any automobile (as defined in section 4064(b))--
``(A) which is purchased after the date of the
enactment of this section,
``(B) which is assembled in the United States by
individuals employed under a collective bargaining
agreement,
``(C) the original use of which begins with the
taxpayer,
``(D) substantially all of the use of which is for
personal, nonbusiness purposes, and
``(E) the fuel economy of such automobile is--
``(i) at least 35 miles per gallon in the
case a truck or sport utility vehicle, and
``(ii) at least 45 miles per gallon in any
other case.
``(2) Fuel economy.--Fuel economy shall be determined in
accordance with section 4064.
``(d) Special Rules.--
``(1) Basis reduction.--The basis of any property for which
a credit is allowable under subsection (a) shall be reduced by
the amount of such credit.
``(2) Property used outside united states not qualified.--
No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) with respect to
any property referred to in section 50(b).''
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for such subpart A
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 25A the
following new item:
``Sec. 25B. Purchase of fuel-efficient
American-made passenger
vehicles.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 4. MASS TRANSIT FARE REDUCTIONS DURING GAS PRICE SPIKES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation may make grants to
the operator of a mass transit system to assist the operator in
reducing fares paid by passengers using the system.
(b) Use of Grants.--Grants received under the program shall be used
solely for implementing a fare reduction described in subsection (a)
that is applied equally to all passengers using the mass transit
system.
(c) Mass Transit System Defined.--In this section, the term ``mass
transit system'' includes bus and commuter rail systems.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section in a fiscal year amounts
equivalent to the excess (if any) of--
(1) the revenues received during the preceding fiscal year
pursuant to chapter 55 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to windfall profit on crude oil and refined petroleum
products), over
(2) the revenue cost for such fiscal year of section 25B of
such Code (relating to purchase of fuel-efficient American-made
passenger vehicles).
Amounts authorized under the preceding sentence shall remain available
until expended.
SEC. 5. REASONABLE PROFITS BOARD.
(a) Establishment.--There is established an independent board to be
known as the ``Reasonable Profits Board'' (hereafter in this section
referred to as the ``Board'').
(b) Duties.--The Board shall make reasonable profit determinations
for purposes of applying section 5886 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (relating to windfall profit on crude oil, natural gas, and
products thereof).
(c) Advisory Committee.--The Board shall be considered an advisory
committee within the meaning of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5
U.S.C. App.).
(d) Appointment.--
(1) Members.--The Board shall be composed of 3 members
appointed by the President of the United States.
(2) Term.--Members of the Board shall be appointed for a
term of 3 years.
(3) Background.--The members shall have no financial
interests in any of the businesses for which reasonable profits
are determined by the Board.
(e) Pay and Travel Expenses.--
(1) Pay.--Notwithstanding section 7 of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), members of the Board shall be
paid at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the minimum
annual rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule
under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day
(including travel time) during which the member is engaged in
the actual performance of duties vested in the Board.
(2) Travel expenses.--Members shall receive travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with section 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States
Code.
(f) Director of Staff.--
(1) Qualifications.--The Board shall appoint a Director who
has no financial interests in any of the businesses for which
reasonable profits are determined by the Board.
(2) Pay.--Notwithstanding section 7 of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Director shall be paid at
the rate of basic pay payable for level IV of the Executive
Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
(g) Staff.--
(1) Additional personnel.--The Director, with the approval
of the Board, may appoint and fix the pay of additional
personnel.
(2) Appointments.--The Director may make such appointments
without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States
Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and
any personnel so appointed 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.
(3) Detailees.--Upon the request of the Director, the head
of any Federal department or agency may detail any of the
personnel of that department or agency to the Board to assist
the Board in accordance with an agreement entered into with the
Board.
(4) Assistance.--The Comptroller General of the United
States may provide assistance, including the detailing of
employees, to the Board in accordance with an agreement entered
into with the Board.
(h) Other Authority.--
(1) Experts and consultants.--The Board may procure by
contract, to the extent funds are available, the temporary or
intermittent services of experts or consultants pursuant to
section 3109 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Leasing.--The Board may lease space and acquire
personal property to the extent that funds are available.
(i) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated such funds as
are necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. 6. LOWER GASOLINE PRICES THROUGH TECHNOLOGY ACCESS.
Section 308 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7608) is amended by
striking ``or 202'' and inserting ``202, or 211''. | Gas Price Spike Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on the sale of any crude oil, natural gas, or products thereof a tax equal to the applicable percentage of the windfall profit on such sale. Defines "applicable percentage."Establishes a credit for the purchase of U.S.- made fuel efficient passenger vehicles.Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to the operator of a mass transit system to assist the operator in reducing fares paid by passengers using the system which shall be paid for by revenues from the windfall profits tax.Establishes an independent board to be known as the Reasonable Profits Board to make reasonable profit determinations with respect to the windfall profit tax. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a windfall profit tax on oil and natural gas (and products thereof) and to allow an income tax credit for purchases of fuel-efficient passenger vehicles, and to allow grants for mass transit. |
SECTION 1. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ELECTION LIMITATION ON
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PERSONS OTHER THAN LOCAL INDIVIDUAL
RESIDENTS.
Section 315 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
441a) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(i) A candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate
or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress may not, with respect to a
reporting period for an election, accept contributions--
``(1) from persons other than individual residents of the
congressional district involved in excess of 50 percent of the
total of contributions accepted; or
``(2) from persons other than individual residents of the
State in which the congressional district involved is located
in excess of 10 percent of the total of contributions
accepted.''.
SEC. 2. REDUCTION IN LIMITATION AMOUNT APPLICABLE TO CONTRIBUTIONS BY A
MULTICANDIDATE POLITICAL COMMITTEE TO A HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CANDIDATE.
Section 315(a)(2)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
(2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting after ``$5,000'' the
following: ``, except that in the case of an election for the office of
Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the
Congress, the limitation shall be $1,000''.
SEC. 3. BAN ON SOFT MONEY.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1971 (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``limitations and reporting requirements for amounts paid for mixed
political activities
``Sec. 323. (a) Any payment by the national committee of a
political party or a State committee of a political party for a mixed
political activity--
``(1) shall be subject to limitation and reporting under
this Act as if such payment were an expenditure; and
``(2) may be paid only from an account that is subject to
the requirements of this Act.
``(b) As used in this section, the term `mixed political activity'
means, with respect to a payment by the national committee of a
political party or a State committee of a political party, an activity,
such as a voter registration program, a get-out-the-vote drive, or
general political advertising, that is both (1) for the purpose of
influencing an election for Federal office, and (2) for any purpose
unrelated to influencing an election for Federal office.''.
(b) Repeal of Building Fund Exception to the Definition of the Term
``Contribution''.--Section 301(8)(B) of the Federal Election Campaign
Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431(8)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking out clause (viii); and
(2) by redesignating clauses (ix) through (xiv) as clauses
(viii) through (xiii), respectively.
SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO COMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1934.
Section 315 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 315) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) by striking ``forty-five'' and inserting
``30'';
(B) by striking ``sixty'' and inserting ``45''; and
(C) by striking ``lowest unit charge of the station
for the same class and amount of time for the same
period'' and insert ``lowest charge of the station for
the same amount of time for the same period'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(d) and (e), respectively;
(3) by inserting immediately after subsection (b) the
following new subsection:
``(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a licensee shall not
preempt the use, during any period specified in subsection (b)(1), of a
broadcasting station by a legally qualified candidate for public office
who has purchased and paid for such use pursuant to the provisions of
subsection (b)(1).
``(2) If a program to be broadcast by a broadcasting station is
preempted because of circumstances beyond the control of the
broadcasting station, any candidate advertising spot scheduled to be
broadcast during that program may also be preempted.''; and
(4) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (2) of
this section)--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph
(1);
(B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph
(2) and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end thereof the following new
paragraph:
``(3) a station's lowest charge for purposes of paragraph
(1)--
``(A) with respect to a primary or primary runoff
election, is determined for the interval beginning 60
days before such election and ending on the date of
that election; and
``(B) with respect to a general or special
election, is determined for the interval beginning 90
days before such election and ending on the date of
that election.''. | Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit contributions to House of Representatives elections from persons other than local individual residents.
Reduces maximum House contribution amounts from multicandidate political committees (PACs).
Sets forth limitations and reporting requirements for amounts paid for mixed political activities ("soft money").
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast station to make broadcast time available to all House and Senate candidates in the last 30 (currently 45) days before a primary and the last 45 (currently 60) days before a general election, at the lowest unit charge of the station for the same amount of time (currently, the same class and amount of time) for the same period on the same date. Prohibits broadcasters from preempting advertisements sold to political candidates at the lowest unit rate, unless the preemption is beyond the broadcaster's control. | To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reform House of Representatives campaign finance laws, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Defend the
American Dream Act of 2005''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Wage determination.
Sec. 3. Good faith recruitment requirement.
Sec. 4. Notice requirement.
Sec. 5. Reduction of period of authorized admission as H-1B
nonimmigrant.
Sec. 6. Removal of exemption from H-1B numerical limitation for certain
aliens.
Sec. 7. Requirement of a degree from certain institutions for H-1B
specialty occupation nonimmigrants.
Sec. 8. Tripling H-1B nonimmigrant petitioner fee.
Sec. 9. Labor enforcement.
Sec. 10. Private right of action.
Sec. 11. Application of nondisplacement requirement to all H-1B
employers.
SEC. 2. WAGE DETERMINATION.
(a) Change in Minimum Wages.--Section 212(n)(1)(A) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(A)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(A) The employer--
``(i) is offering and will offer during the period
of authorized employment to aliens admitted or provided
status as an H-1B nonimmigrant wages that are at
least--
``(I) the locally determined prevailing
wage level for the occupational classification
in the area of employment;
``(II) the median average wage for all
workers in the occupational classification in
the area of employment; or
``(III) the median wage for skill level two
in the occupational classification found in the
most recent Occupational Employment Statistics
survey;
whichever is greatest, based on the best information
available as of the time of filing of the application;
and
``(ii) will provide working conditions for such
nonimmigrant that will not adversely affect the working
conditions of workers similarly employed.
The wage determination methodology used under clause (i) shall
be submitted with the application.''.
(b) Provision of W-2 Forms.--Section 212(n)(1) of such Act (8
U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)) is amended by inserting after subparagraph (G) the
following new subparagraph:
``(H) If the employer employed, in such previous period as
the Secretary shall specify, one or more H-1B nonimmigrants,
the application shall be accompanied by the Internal Revenue
Service Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement filed by the employer
with respect to such nonimmigrants for such period.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to applications filed on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 3. GOOD FAITH RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENT.
(a) Extending Time Period for No Displacement.--Section 212(n) of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(E)(i), by striking ``90 days'' and
inserting ``180 days'' each place it appears; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(C)(iii), in the matter before
subclause (I), by striking ``90 days'' and inserting ``180
days'' each place it appears.
(b) Requiring Active Recruitment.--Section 212(n)(1)(G)(i)(I) of
such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(G)(i)(I)) is amended by inserting
``actively'' before ``recruit''.
(c) Prohibition of Outplacement.--Section 212(n) of such Act (8
U.S.C. 1182(n)) is amended--
(1) by amending subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1) to read
as follows:
``(F) The employer shall not place, out-source, lease, or
otherwise contract for the placement of an alien admitted or
provided status as an H-1B nonimmigrant with another employer,
regardless of whether or not such other employer is an H-1B-
dependent employer.''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (E) of paragraph (2).
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to applications filed on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act, except that the amendments made by subsection (a) shall not
apply to displacements for periods occurring more than 90 days before
such date.
SEC. 4. NOTICE REQUIREMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 212(n) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)) is further amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``and the employer certifies that the prior
notice requirement of paragraph (6) has been met with respect
to the application''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) For purposes of paragraph (1), the prior notice requirement
of this paragraph, with respect to an application of an employer, is
that employer has made copies of the application (or, a summary of
essential information derived from such application, including the
number of H-1B nonimmigrants being sought, their occupational
classifications, the wages offered, the period of intended employment,
the locations at which they will be employed, and a statement that a
copy of the application is available for public inspection in
conspicuous locations at the employer's principal place of business and
at worksites where H-1B nonimmigrants will be employed) accessible for
examination by affected United States and foreign workers at least 30
days in advance of the filing of the application with the Secretary of
Labor through--
``(A) posting of such application (or summary) in
conspicuous locations at worksites where H-1B nonimmigrants
will be employed;
``(B) electronic notification to employees in the
occupational classifications for which H-1B nnimmigrants are
being sought; and
``(C) provision of a copy of the application to each H-1B
nonimmigrant on whose behalf the application is being filed.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to applications filed more than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. REDUCTION OF PERIOD OF AUTHORIZED ADMISSION AS H-1B
NONIMMIGRANT.
(a) In General.--Section 214(g)(4) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(4)) is amended by striking ``6
years'' and inserting ``3 years''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to the period of authorized admission of an alien as
an H-1B nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(B) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(B)) that
begins on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6. REMOVAL OF EXEMPTION FROM H-1B NUMERICAL LIMITATION FOR CERTAIN
ALIENS.
(a) In General.--Section 214(g)(5) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(5)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``or'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting
a period; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (C).
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to the issuance of a visa (or other provision of status) under
section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(B)) on or after the first day of the first
fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 7. REQUIREMENT OF A DEGREE FROM CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS FOR H-1B
SPECIALTY OCCUPATION NONIMMIGRANTS.
(a) In General.--Section 214(i)(2) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(i)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``or'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, from a bona fide
educational institution in the United States or from an
educational institution that is at least equivalent to such an
institution in the United States,'' after ``paragraph (1)(B)'';
(3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``, or'' and inserting
a period; and
(4) by striking subparagraph (C).
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to applications filed on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 8. TRIPLING H-1B NONIMMIGRANT PETITIONER FEE.
(a) In General.--Section 214(c)(9)(B) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(9)(B)) is amended by striking
``$1,500'' and inserting ``$4,500''.
(b) Technical Amendment.--Section 214(c)(9)(A) of such Act (8
U.S.C. 1184(c)(9)(A)) is amended, in the matter preceding clause (i),
by striking ``before''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to petitions filed on or after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 9. LABOR ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Centralization of Administrative and Enforcement Functions.--
Section 212(n)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1182(n)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(J) The Secretary shall be responsible under this paragraph for
investigations of wage complaints, as well as investigations of
allegations of fraud in the filing of applications under this
subsection.''.
(b) Audits.--Section 212(n)(2)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1182(n)(2)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``In
addition, the Secretary may conduct surveys of the level of compliance
by employers with the provisions and requirements of this subsection
and may conduct annual compliance audits in the case of employers that
employ H-1B nonimmigrants. In the case of an employer that employs H-1B
nonimmigrants that represent 15 percent or more of the total number of
individuals employed by the employer, the Secretary shall conduct
annual compliance audits of such employer.''.
SEC. 10. PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION.
(a) In General.--Section 212(n)(2) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)), as amended by section 8(a), is
further amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(K) In addition to any other remedies available under this
paragraph, a person who is harmed by a violation by an employer of a
requirement of this subsection may bring a civil action against the
employer in any court of competent jurisdiction for damages or other
appropriate relief.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to violations occurring on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 11. APPLICATION OF NONDISPLACEMENT REQUIREMENT TO ALL H-1B
EMPLOYERS.
(a) In General.--Section 212(n)(1)(E)(ii) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(E)(ii)) is amended by striking
``an H-1B dependent employer (as defined in paragraph (3))'' and
inserting ``an employer that employs H-1B non-immigrants''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to applications filed on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act. | Defend the American Dream Act of 2005 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require employers of H-1B (specialty occupations) nonimmigrants to use one of three specified methods (whichever results in the highest wages) to determine wages for purposes of required wage attestations. Requires such employers who previously employed one or more H-1B nonimmigrants to submit with their labor condition application (LCA) a copy of the W-2 Wage and Tax Statement filed with respect to those nonimmigrants.
Extends to 180 days the period during which certain H-1B employers must show nondisplacement of U.S. workers. Requires such employers to actively engage in recruitment efforts. Prohibits such employers from outsourcing or otherwise contracting for the placement of an H-1B nonimmigrant with another employer, regardless of whether the other employer is H-1B dependent employer.
Sets forth prior notice requirements.
Reduces the period of H-1B authorized admission to three years.
Eliminates the exemption from H-1B numerical admission limitations for certain aliens with a U.S. master's or higher degree.
Revises the H-1B definition of "specialty occupation."
Triples the H-1B petitioner fee.
Requires the Secretary of Labor to be responsible for investigations of wage complaints and allegations of fraud in the filing of LCAs.
Creates a private right of action for persons harmed by an employer's violation of labor condition requirements.
Applies the nondisplacement requirement to all H-1B employers. | To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide greater protections to domestic and foreign workers under the H-1B nonimmigrant worker program. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Affordable College Textbook Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The high cost of college textbooks continues to be a
barrier for many students in achieving higher education.
(2) According to the College Board, during the 2014-2015
academic year, the average student budget for college books and
supplies at 4-year public institutions of higher education was
$1,225.
(3) The Government Accountability Office found that new
textbook prices increased 82 percent between 2002 and 2012 and
that although Federal efforts to increase price transparency
have provided students and families with more and better
information, more must be done to address rising costs.
(4) The growth of the Internet has enabled the creation and
sharing of digital content, including open educational
resources that can be freely used by students, teachers, and
members of the public.
(5) Using open educational resources in place of
traditional materials in large-enrollment college courses can
reduce textbook costs by 80 to 100 percent.
(6) Federal investment in expanding the use of open
educational resources could significantly lower college
textbook costs and reduce financial barriers to higher
education, while making efficient use of taxpayer funds.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Educational resource.--The term ``educational
resource'' means an educational material that can be used in
postsecondary instruction, including textbooks and other
written or audiovisual works.
(2) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
(3) Open educational resource.--The term ``open educational
resource'' means an educational resource that either is in the
public domain or is made available under a permanent copyright
license to the public to freely adapt, distribute, and
otherwise use the work with attribution to the author as
designated.
(4) Open textbook.--The term ``open textbook'' means an
open educational resource or set of open educational resources
that either is a textbook or can be used in place of a textbook
for a postsecondary course at an institution of higher
education.
(5) Relevant faculty.--The term ``relevant faculty'' means
both tenure track and contingent faculty members who may be
involved in the creation of open educational resources or the
use of open educational resources created as part of the grant
application.
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Grants Authorized.--From the amounts appropriated under
subsection (i), the Secretary shall make grants, on a competitive
basis, to eligible entities to support pilot programs that expand the
use of open textbooks in order to achieve savings for students.
(b) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term ``eligible entity''
means an institution of higher education or group of institutions of
higher education.
(c) Applications.--
(1) In general.--Each eligible entity desiring a grant
under this section, after consultation with relevant faculty,
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 project to be completed
with grant funds and--
(A) a plan for promoting and tracking the use of
open textbooks in postsecondary courses offered by the
eligible entity, including an estimate of the projected
savings that will be achieved for students;
(B) a plan for evaluating, before creating new open
educational resources, whether existing open
educational resources could be used or adapted for the
same purpose;
(C) a plan for quality review and review of
accuracy of any open educational resources to be
created or adapted through the grant;
(D) a plan for disseminating information about the
results of the project to institutions of higher
education outside of the eligible entity, including
promoting the adoption of any open textbooks created or
adapted through the grant; and
(E) a statement on consultation with relevant
faculty, including those engaged in the creation of
open educational resources, in the development of the
application.
(d) Special Consideration.--In awarding grants under this section,
the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications that
demonstrate the greatest potential to--
(1) achieve the highest level of savings for students
through sustainable expanded use of open textbooks in
postsecondary courses offered by the eligible entity;
(2) expand the use of open textbooks at institutions of
higher education outside of the eligible entity; and
(3) produce--
(A) the highest quality open textbooks;
(B) open textbooks that can be most easily utilized
and adapted by faculty members at institutions of
higher education;
(C) open textbooks that correspond to the highest
enrollment courses at institutions of higher education;
and
(D) open textbooks created or adapted in
partnership with entities, including campus bookstores,
that will assist in marketing and distribution of the
open textbook.
(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
this section shall use the grant funds to carry out any of the
following activities to expand the use of open textbooks:
(1) Professional development for any faculty and staff
members at institutions of higher education, including the
search for and review of open textbooks.
(2) Creation or adaptation of open educational resources,
especially open textbooks.
(3) Development or improvement of tools and informational
resources that support the use of open textbooks.
(4) Research evaluating the efficacy of the use of open
textbooks for achieving savings for students.
(5) Partnerships with other entities, including other
institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, or
nonprofit organizations, to carry out any of the activities
described in paragraphs (1) through (4).
(f) License.--Educational resources created under subsection (e)
shall be licensed under a non-exclusive, permanent license to the
public to exercise any of the rights under copyright conditioned only
on the requirement that attribution be given as directed by the
copyright owner.
(g) Access and Distribution.--The full and complete digital content
of each educational resource created or adapted under subsection (e)
shall be made available free of charge to the public--
(1) on an easily accessible and interoperable website,
which shall be identified to the Secretary by the eligible
entity; and
(2) in a machine readable, digital format that anyone can
directly download, edit with attribution, and redistribute.
(h) Report.--Upon an eligible entity's completion of a project
supported under this section, the eligible entity shall prepare and
submit a report to the Secretary regarding--
(1) the effectiveness of the pilot program in expanding the
use of open textbooks and in achieving savings for students;
(2) the impact of the pilot program on expanding the use of
open textbooks at institutions of higher education outside of
the eligible entity;
(3) educational resources created or adapted under the
grant, including instructions on where the public can access
each educational resource under the terms of subsection (g);
and
(4) all project costs, including the value of any volunteer
labor and institutional capital used for the project.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years after the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. PRICE INFORMATION.
Section 133(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1015b(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (6); and
(2) in paragraph (9);
(A) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B); and
(B) by striking ``a college textbook that--'' and
inserting ``a college textbook that may include printed
materials, computer disks, website access, and
electronically distributed materials.''.
SEC. 6. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that institutions of higher education
should encourage the consideration of open textbooks by faculty within
the generally accepted principles of academic freedom that establishes
the right and responsibility of faculty members, individually and
collectively, to select course materials that are pedagogically most
appropriate for their classes.
SEC. 7. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall prepare and submit a report to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on
Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives detailing--
(1) the open textbooks created or adapted under this Act;
(2) the adoption of such open textbooks; and
(3) the savings generated for students, States, and the
Federal Government through the use of open textbooks.
SEC. 8. GAO REPORT.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and submit a
report to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the
House of Representatives on the cost of textbooks to students at
institutions of higher education. The report shall particularly
examine--
(1) the change of the cost of textbooks;
(2) the factors that have contributed to the change of the
cost of textbooks;
(3) the extent to which open textbooks are used at
institutions of higher education; and
(4) the impact of open textbooks on the cost of textbooks. | Affordable College Textbook Act This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to make competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to support pilot programs that expand the use of open textbooks in order to achieve savings for students. It requires the full and complete digital content of the educational resources created or adopted using grant funds to be made available free of charge to the public: (1) on an easily accessible and interoperable website; and (2) in a machine readable, digital format that anyone can directly download, edit with attribution, and redistribute. ED must give special consideration to grant applicants that demonstrate the greatest potential to: achieve the highest level of savings for students; expand the use of open textbooks at other IHEs; and produce open textbooks that are of the highest quality, that can be most easily utilized and adapted by faculty members, that correspond to the highest enrollment courses, and that are created or adopted in partnership with entities that will assist in their marketing and distribution. The bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include any educational material developed to accompany a college textbook as supplemental material that is subject to college textbook information disclosure requirements. | Affordable College Textbook Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Thirteenth Amendment Commemorative
Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The economic contributions of enslaved African
Americans to the American economy between 1691 and 1860 were
immeasurable. This labor force was used to build the
foundations upon which America stands today.
(2) From the 16th through the 19th centuries, most colonial
economies in the Americas were dependent on human-trafficking
and the use of enslaved African labor for their survival. This
included the North American mercantile and shipping sectors
that were dependent on slave-produced cotton, rice, sugar and
indigo, and the profits derived from triangular trade with the
West Indies, Africa, and Europe.
(3) Enslaved Africans in the United States were also
recognized as an important element in the political and
economic capital in the nation's political economy.
(4) Over the course of 246 years, slaves contributed an
estimated 605 billion hours of forced free labor, the gain from
which provided ``seed capital'' for the American economy,
helped finance the birth of American finance and industrial
sectors, contributed to the growth of most of the ``Fortune
500'' companies, and ultimately assisted the nation in
financing both world wars.
(5) During the Civil War, after Union forces repelled a
Confederate invasion at the battle of Antietam in 1862,
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation,
which declared that all slaves in states then in rebellion
would be ``forever free'' as of January 1, 1863. By his action,
Lincoln added a new and revolutionary dimension to the nation's
war aims: from being a conflict to preserve the Union, the
Civil War grew to be a crusade to end black slavery and fulfill
the promise of the Declaration of Independence.
(6) In the spring of 1864, Charles Sumner introduced an
anti-slavery amendment in the Senate, much like the amendments
that were introduced in the House by Representatives James
Ashley and James Wilson in December of 1863, which declared all
persons as equal, prohibited the slavery, and granted Congress
the power to enforce these provisions. After extensive debate,
the 13th Amendment was formed from this proposal, with the
omission of the declaration of equality of all persons, and
passed the Senate on April 8, 1864, by a vote of 38-6.
(7) Debates between abolitionists and supporters of slavery
focused on the moral issue of slavery and various
interpretations of ``natural law''. Representative John
Farnsworth of Illinois stated that ``the old fathers who made
the constitution believed that slavery was at war with the
rights of human nature'', and pointed out the contradiction
between the existence of inalienable rights and the institution
of slavery. Some members within the Republican Party, such as
Charles Sumner, sought an interpretation of the Constitution
that rejected slavery as incompatible with moral law.
(8) President Lincoln took an active role in promoting the
13th Amendment in Congress. He ensured that the Republican
Party's 1864 election platform included a provision supporting
a constitutional amendment to ``terminate and forever prohibit
the existence of Slavery''. His efforts were met with success
when the House passed the bill on January 31, 1865, with a vote
of 119-56.
(9) On February 1, 1865, Illinois became the first state to
ratify the proposed 13th Amendment; it was joined by 17 other
states by the end of the month. Georgia ratified on December 6,
1865, becoming the 27th of 36 states to approve the Amendment,
thus achieving the constitutional requirement that it be
ratified by three-fourths of the states. Secretary of State
William Seward declared the 13th Amendment to be part of the
Constitution on December 18.
(10) The Smithsonian National Museum of African American
History and Culture (hereafter referred to in this section as
the ``NMAAHC'') was established by an Act of Congress in 2003,
in Public Law 108-184.
(11) It is fitting that the NMAAHC receive the surcharges
from the sale of coins issued under this Act because the Museum
is devoted to the documentation of African American life, and,
among other areas, encompasses the period of slavery and the
era of Reconstruction.
(12) The surcharge proceeds from the sale of a
commemorative coin, which would have no net cost to the
taxpayers, would raise valuable funding to supplement the
endowment and educational outreach funds of the NMAAHC.
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 in commemoration of the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of
the passage of the 13th Amendment:
(1) $50 bi-metallic platinum and gold coins.--Not more than
250,000 $50 coins, which shall--
(A) have a weight, diameter, and thickness
determined by the Secretary; and
(B) contain platinum and .9167 pure gold.
(2) $20 gold coins.--Not more than 250,000 $20 coins, which
shall--
(A) weigh 33.931 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 32.7 millimeters; and
(C) contain .900 pure gold.
(3) $1 silver coins.--Not more than 500,000 $1 coins, which
shall--
(A) weigh 31.103 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 40.6 millimeters; and
(C) contain .999 fine silver.
(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 the purposes of sections 5134 and 5136
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) In General.--The design of the coins minted under this Act
shall be emblematic of the Thirteenth Amendment and the abolishment of
slavery in America.
(b) Designation and Inscriptions.--On each coin minted under this
Act there shall be--
(1) a designation of the value of the coin;
(2) an inscription of the year ``1865-2015''; and
(3) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God We
Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E Pluribus Unum''.
(c) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act--
(1) shall be based on the economic contributions of
slavery, and include images of the pathway from slavery to
freedom;
(2) may include, on the $20 coins, that the design elements
be in high relief;
(3) may include, on the $50 coins--
(A) on the obverse, an illustration of Columbia or
similar figure representing Liberty, the female
representation of America; and
(B) on the reverse, a single eagle, and a set of
stars on one or both sides;
(4) shall be selected by the Secretary after consultation
with the Commission of Fine Arts; and
(5) shall be 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) Period of Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted under
this Act only during the calendar year beginning January 1, 2016,
except that the Secretary may initiate sales of such coins, without
issuance, before such date.
(c) Minting in 2016.--Notwithstanding section 5112(d)(1) of title
31, United States Code, the Secretary may continue to mint the coins
under this Act in the year 2016.
SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.
(a) Sales 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 required under section 7(a) with respect
to such coins; and
(3) the cost of designing and issuing such 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 at a Discount.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders
for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such
coins.
(2) Discount.--Sales prices with respect to prepaid orders
under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount.
SEC. 7. SURCHARGES.
(a) Surcharge Required.--All sales of coins under this Act shall
include a surcharge of $10 per coin.
(b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, United
States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of
coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to
the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
to carry out the purposes of the museum, which goes beyond simply
telling the history of African Americans, creating an opportunity for
anyone who cares about African American Culture a place to explore,
learn, and revel in the rich history of African American Culture.
(c) Audits.--The Smithsonian National Museum of African American
History and Culture 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. The Secretary of the Treasury may issue guidance to
carry out this subsection.
SEC. 8. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES.
The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure
that--
(1) minting and issuing coins under this Act will not
result in any net cost to the United States Government; and
(2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, are
disbursed to any recipient designated in section 7 until the
total cost of designing and issuing all of the coins authorized
by this Act is recovered by the United States Treasury,
consistent with sections 5112(m) and 5134(f) of title 31,
United States Code. | Thirteenth Amendment Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue the following coins in commemoration of the sesquicentennial anniversary of the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution (formally abolished slavery in the United States): up to 250,000 $50 bi-metallic platinum and gold coins, up to 250,000 $20 gold coins, and up to 500,000 $1 silver coins. Requires such coins to be considered legal tender and numismatic items. Permits the Secretary to issue such coins only during the calendar year beginning January 1, 2016, except that sales may be initiated, without issuance, before such date. Requires specified surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of such coins to be paid to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) the minting and issuing of such coins will not result in any net cost to the U.S. government; and (2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, are disbursed to the Museum until the total cost of designing and issuing all such coins is recovered by the Treasury. | Thirteenth Amendment Commemorative Coin Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Child Custody Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. TRANSPORTATION OF MINORS IN CIRCUMVENTION OF CERTAIN LAWS
RELATING TO ABORTION.
Title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter
117 the following:
``CHAPTER 117A--TRANSPORTATION OF MINORS IN CIRCUMVENTION OF CERTAIN
LAWS RELATING TO ABORTION
``Sec.
``2431. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws
relating to abortion.
``2432. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws
relating to abortion.
``Sec. 2431. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws
relating to abortion
``(a) Offense.--
``(1) Generally.--Except as provided in subsection (b),
whoever knowingly transports a minor across a State line, with
the intent that such minor obtain an abortion, and thereby in
fact abridges the right of a parent under a law requiring
parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision, in force
in the State where the minor resides, shall be fined under this
title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
``(2) Definition.--For the purposes of this subsection, an
abridgement of the right of a parent occurs if an abortion is
performed or induced on the minor, in a State or a foreign
nation other than the State where the minor resides, without
the parental consent or notification, or the judicial
authorization, that would have been required by that law had
the abortion been performed in the State where the minor
resides.
``(b) Exceptions.--
``(1) The prohibition of subsection (a) does not apply if
the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor
because her life was endangered by a physical disorder,
physical injury, or physical illness, including a life
endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the
pregnancy itself.
``(2) A minor transported in violation of this section, and
any parent of that minor, may not be prosecuted or sued for a
violation of this section, a conspiracy to violate this
section, or an offense under section 2 or 3 based on a
violation of this section.
``(c) Affirmative Defense.--It is an affirmative defense to a
prosecution for an offense, or to a civil action, based on a violation
of this section that the defendant--
``(1) reasonably believed, based on information the
defendant obtained directly from a parent of the minor, that
before the minor obtained the abortion, the parental consent or
notification took place that would have been required by the
law requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion
decision, had the abortion been performed in the State where
the minor resides; or
``(2) was presented with documentation showing with a
reasonable degree of certainty that a court in the minor's
State of residence waived any parental notification required by
the laws of that State, or otherwise authorized that the minor
be allowed to procure an abortion.
``(d) Civil Action.--Any parent who suffers harm from a violation
of subsection (a) may obtain appropriate relief in a civil action
unless the parent has committed an act of incest with the minor subject
to subsection (a).
``(e) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section--
``(1) the term `abortion' means the use or prescription of
any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or
device intentionally to terminate the pregnancy of a female
known to be pregnant, with an intention other than to increase
the probability of a live birth, to preserve the life or health
of the child after live birth, to terminate an ectopic
pregnancy, or to remove a dead unborn child who died as the
result of a spontaneous abortion, accidental trauma or a
criminal assault on the pregnant female or her unborn child;
``(2) the term a `law requiring parental involvement in a
minor's abortion decision' means a law--
``(A) requiring, before an abortion is performed on
a minor, either--
``(i) the notification to, or consent of, a
parent of that minor; or
``(ii) proceedings in a State court; and
``(B) that does not provide as an alternative to
the requirements described in subparagraph (A)
notification to or consent of any person or entity who
is not described in that subparagraph;
``(3) the term `minor' means an individual who is not older
than the maximum age requiring parental notification or
consent, or proceedings in a State court, under the law
requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision;
``(4) the term `parent' means--
``(A) a parent or guardian;
``(B) a legal custodian; or
``(C) a person standing in loco parentis who has
care and control of the minor, and with whom the minor
regularly resides, who is designated by the law
requiring parental involvement in the minor's abortion
decision as a person to whom notification, or from whom
consent, is required; and
``(5) the term `State' includes the District of Columbia
and any commonwealth, possession, or other territory of the
United States, and any Indian tribe or reservation.
``Sec. 2432. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws
relating to abortion
``Notwithstanding section 2431(b)(2), whoever has committed an act
of incest with a minor and knowingly transports the minor across a
State line with the intent that such minor obtain an abortion, shall be
fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
For the purposes of this section, the terms `State', `minor', and
`abortion' have, respectively, the definitions given those terms in
section 2435.''.
SEC. 3. CLERICAL AMENDMENT.
The table of chapters at the beginning of part I of title 18,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
chapter 117 the following new items:
``117A. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain 2431''.
laws relating to abortion. | Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor child across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minors state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minors abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to safe the life of the minor.
Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant: (1) reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place; or (2) was presented with documentation showing that a court waived parental notification requirements or authorized the minor's abortion.
Defines "abortion" as the termination of a pregnancy with an intention other than to increase the probability of a live birth, preserve the life or health of the child after live birth, terminate an ectopic pregnancy, or remove a dead unborn child who died as the result of a spontaneous abortion, accidental trauma, or a criminal assault on the pregnant female or her unborn child.
Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year on anyone who has committed an act of incest with a minor and knowingly transports such minor across a state line to obtain an abortion. | A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit taking minors across State lines in circumvention of laws requiring the involvement of parents in abortion decisions. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Airline Competition and Lower Fares
Act''.
SEC. 2. WITHDRAWAL OF SLOTS.
(a) Written Determination.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a separate written
determination with respect to each of LaGuardia Airport, O'Hare
International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and
Metropolitan Washington Airport (commonly known as Washington National
Airport) as to whether the demand among air carriers for slots at the
airport can be met with the slots at the airport that are available to
the Secretary.
(b) Initial Withdrawal of Slots.--If the Secretary determines under
subsection (a) that the demand among air carriers for slots at an
airport cannot be met with the slots at the airport that are available
to the Secretary, the Secretary shall withdraw slots at that airport
from dominant carriers for redistribution pursuant to this Act. Such
withdrawals shall be made in accordance with section 41714 of title 49,
United States Code, and other applicable laws and regulations.
(c) Subsequent Withdrawals.--
(1) Written determination.--Not later than 2 years after
the date of the auction under section 3(a), and every 2 years
thereafter, the Secretary shall issue a written determination
as to whether the redistribution of additional slots under this
Act would significantly increase competition between air
carriers.
(2) Requirement to withdraw slots.--If the Secretary
determines under paragraph (1) that the redistribution of
additional slots would significantly increase competition, the
Secretary shall withdraw slots, in accordance with this
section, in a manner which will ensure such an increase. Such
withdrawals shall be made in accordance with section 41714 of
title 49, United States Code, and other applicable laws and
regulations.
(d) Limitation on Slot Withdrawals.--
(1) Initial auction.--The Secretary may not withdraw for
redistribution under this Act more than 10 percent of the total
number of slots held at an airport by a dominant carrier for
auction pursuant to section 3(a).
(2) Subsequent auctions.--The Secretary may not withdraw
for redistribution under this Act more than 5 percent of the
total number of slots held at an airport by a dominant carrier
for auction pursuant to section 3(b).
(3) Calculation of percentage.--In calculating under this
subsection the total number of slots held at an airport by a
dominant carrier, the Secretary shall not take into account
slots used by the carrier for direct flights to low-competition
airports.
(e) Prohibition on Certain Slot Withdrawals.--The Secretary may not
withdraw for redistribution under this Act a slot of a dominant carrier
if the Secretary determines that the slot has been used by the carrier
for direct flights to a low-competition airport throughout at least 24
of the preceding 30 months.
(f) Withdrawal of International Slots.--The Secretary shall not
withdraw any slots used for international flights.
SEC. 3. AUCTIONS.
(a) In General.--After a withdrawal of slots pursuant to section 2,
the Secretary shall auction such slots to new entrants and limited
incumbents and shall award each slot, pursuant to this section, to the
highest bidder for that slot.
(b) Limitation on Use of Slots.--The Secretary, in a manner which
to the extent practicable represents the times and characteristics of
all slots available for auction pursuant to this subsection, shall
ensure that--
(1) 40 percent of the slots redistributed under this Act at
each of LaGuardia Airport, O'Hare International Airport, and
Metropolitan Washington Airport; and
(2) 10 percent of the slots redistributed under this Act at
John F. Kennedy International Airport,
are distributed for use for flights to low-competition airports.
(c) Eligible Bidders.--A person may bid for or hold a slot offered
at an auction conducted under this section only if that person--
(1) is a new entrant or limited incumbent;
(2) is a citizen of the United States, or in the case of a
partnership or corporation, organized under the laws of the
United States or a State;
(3) has appropriate safety certification from the Federal
Aviation Administration;
(4) has appropriate economic certification from the
Department of Transportation;
(5) with respect to slots at a particular airport, has not
declined any slot at the airport for which the new entrant or
limited incumbent was eligible before January 1, 1986;
(6) is not substantially owned or otherwise controlled, as
determined by the Secretary, by an ineligible person; and
(7) is qualified, as determined by the Secretary, to use a
purchased slot.
(d) Limitation on Transfer of Slots.--A slot obtained by a new
entrant or limited incumbent at an auction conducted under this section
may only be sold, leased, traded, or transferred to a new entrant or
limited incumbent that meets the requirements of subsection (c).
(e) Changes in Ownership.--If there is a change in the ownership of
a new entrant or limited incumbent that obtains a slot at an auction
conducted under this section, the slot shall revert to the Secretary,
except that the Secretary may allow the new entrant or limited
incumbent to retain the slot if the Secretary determines that such
action is in the best interest of promoting competition.
(f) Limitation on Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section
or section 2, including the use of competitive bidding, may be
construed--
(1) to alter slots allocation criteria and procedures
established by section 41714 of title 49, United States Code,
or any other provision of law;
(2) to diminish the authority of the Secretary under any
other provision of law to regulate or reclaim slots; or
(3) to convey any rights, including any expectation of
renewal of a slot assignment, that differ from the rights that
apply to other slots at the same airport that were not issued
pursuant to this section.
(g) Revenues.--The Secretary may use funds received from auctions
held pursuant to this section to provide reimbursement to dominant
carriers from which slots have been withdrawn under this Act for
investments made by the carrier in the withdrawn slots and in airport
improvements at the airport where the carrier held the withdrawn slots.
Any funds remaining after providing such reimbursements shall be
credited to the general fund of the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
SEC. 4. SLOTS NOT ASSETS.
(a) In General.--A slot obtained under this Act or any other
provision of law shall not be considered an asset for any purpose,
including for collateral, for any agreement which would require
forfeiture of the slot, or in any bankruptcy proceeding.
(b) Applicability.--This section shall not apply to any agreement
or any renewal provision of any agreement in effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. UNFAIR COMPETITION.
(a) Determinations Regarding Actions Filed.--
(1) Actions filed on or before december 31, 1997.--Not
later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary shall complete action on all complaints
alleging predatory practices by air carriers that were filed
with the Secretary on or before December 31, 1997.
(2) Actions filed after december 31, 1997, and before the
date of the enactment of this act.--Not later than 9 months
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall complete action on all complaints alleging predatory
practices by air carriers that were filed with the Secretary
after December 31, 1997, but before the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(3) Actions filed on or after the date of the enactment of
this act.--The Secretary shall make an initial finding
regarding any complaint alleging a predatory practice by an air
carrier that is filed with the Secretary after the date of the
enactment of this Act, not later than 30 days after such
complaint is filed.
(b) Restraining Order.--Not later than 15 days after date of an
initial finding under subsection (a)(3), and after notice and
opportunity for a hearing, the Secretary shall enjoin, pending final
determination, any action that is found to be a predatory practice.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the Secretary
shall transmit a report to Congress describing complaints received by
the Secretary which allege predatory practices by air carriers and any
action taken by the Secretary on those complaints.
(d) Guidelines.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney
General of the United States, shall issue guidelines defining predatory
practices and unfair competition practices under this section and under
title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 6. ACCESS TO FACILITIES.
The Secretary shall ensure that all airport facilities are
available to new entrants at fees that are comparable to the average
fees paid by incumbents.
SEC. 7. EVALUATION OF RULE.
The Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to determine
whether the application of the 80-percent rule contained in section
93.227(a) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, promotes, hinders,
or has no effect on airline competition.
SEC. 8. LIMITS ON COMPETITION IN AVIATION INDUSTRY.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a
report on barriers to entry, predatory pricing, and other limits on
competition in the aviation industry.
SEC. 9. PROHIBITION ON INCREASED NOISE.
The Secretary shall issue such regulations as are necessary to
carry out this Act. However, the Secretary shall not issue or approve
any regulation or exemption in carrying out this Act which would
increase airplane noise in communities surrounding an airport.
SEC. 10. CLARIFICATION OF LEGAL STANDING.
Section 41713(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) This subsection shall not bar any cause of action brought
against an air carrier by 1 or more private parties seeking to enforce
any right under the common law of any State or under any State statute,
other than a statute purporting to directly prescribe fares, routes, or
levels of air transportation service.''.
SEC. 11. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) Dominant carrier.--The term ``dominant carrier'' means
a person that holds 10 percent or more of the slots in an
airport.
(2) Limited incumbent.--The term ``limited incumbent''
means a person that holds or operates fewer than 12 slots at a
particular airport, not including international slots,
Essential Air Service Program slots, or slots between the hours
of 2200 and 0659 at Metropolitan Washington Airport or
LaGuardia Airport.
(3) New entrant.--The term ``new entrant'' means a person
that does not hold a slot at a particular airport and has not
sold or given up a slot at that airport after December 16,
1985.
(4) Person.--The term ``person'' includes a commuter
operator or air carrier.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
(6) Slot.--The term ``slot'' means the operational
authority to conduct one landing or takeoff operation each day
during a specific hour or 30 minute period at LaGuardia
Airport, O'Hare International Airport, John F. Kennedy
International Airport, or Metropolitan Washington Airport.
(7) Low-competition airport.--The term ``low-competition
airport'' means an airport that--
(A) is not classified as a large hub; and
(B) the Secretary determines has substantially less
service than average or substantially higher than
average airfares. | Airline Competition and Lower Fares Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine whether the demand among air carriers for slots at LaGuardia Airport, O'Hare International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Metropolitan Washington Airport (commonly known as Washington National Airport) can be met with the slots available to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, if the demand among dominant air carriers for slots at such an airport cannot be met with the slots available to the Secretary, to withdraw from such carriers up to ten percent of such slots at that airport for redistribution to new entrants and limited incumbents through auction on a competitive bidding basis, as long as the redistribution of the additional slots significantly increases competition between air carriers. Prohibits withdrawal of any slots used for international flights or for direct flights to a low-competition airport.
(Sec. 4) Prohibits slots obtained under this Act from being considered an asset (including for collateral) for any agreement which would require its forfeiture, or in any bankruptcy proceeding.
(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to complete action on all complaints alleging predatory practices by air carriers that were filed with the Secretary on or before December 31, 1997, and after such date, but before the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, to enjoin any action that is found to be a predatory practice. Directs the Secretary to report biannually to the Congress about such complaints.
(Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary to initiate a rulemaking to determine whether the application of the 80-percent rule with respect to the allocation of airport slots promotes, hinders, or has no effect on airline competition.
Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on barriers to entry, predatory pricing, and other limits on competition in the aviation industry.
(Sec. 9) Prohibits the Secretary from issuing or approving any regulation or exemption in carrying out this Act which would increase airplane noise in communities surrounding an airport.
(Sec. 10) Amends Federal aviation law provisions prohibiting State regulation of air prices, routes, and services to declare that such provisions shall not bar a cause of action brought against an air carrier by one or more private parties seeking to enforce any right under the common law of any State or State statute, other than a statute purporting to directly prescribe fares, routes, or levels of air transportation service. | Airline Competition and Lower Fares Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Benefit Adjustment of Social
Security Income Compensation Act of 2010'' or the ``BASIC Act''.
SEC. 2. CONTINUATION OF BENEFITS THROUGH MONTH OF BENEFICIARY'S DEATH.
(a) Old-Age Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(a) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(a)) is amended by striking ``the month
preceding'' in the matter following subparagraph (B).
(b) Wife's Insurance Benefits.--
(1) In general.--Section 202(b)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
402(b)(1)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and ending with the month'' in
the matter immediately following clause (ii) and
inserting ``and ending with the month in which she dies
or (if earlier) with the month'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (E); and
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (K)
as subparagraphs (E) through (J), respectively.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 202(b)(4)(B) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 402(b)(4)(B)) is amended by striking ``(E), (F),
(H), or (J)'' and inserting ``(E), (G), or (I)''.
(c) Husband's Insurance Benefits.--
(1) In general.--Section 202(c)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
402(c)(1)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and ending with the month'' in
the matter immediately following clause (ii) and
inserting ``and ending with the month in which he dies
or (if earlier) with the month'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (E); and
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (K)
as subparagraphs (E) through (J), respectively.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 202(c)(4)(B) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 402(c)(4)(B)) is amended by striking ``(E), (F),
(H), or (J)'' and inserting ``(E), (G), or (I)''.
(d) Child's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(d)(1) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 402(d)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and ending with the month'' in the matter
immediately preceding subparagraph (D) and inserting ``and
ending with the month in which such child dies or (if earlier)
with the month''; and
(2) by striking ``dies, or'' in subparagraph (D).
(e) Widow's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(e)(1) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 402(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``ending with the month
preceding the first month in which any of the following occurs: she
remarries, dies, becomes entitled'' in the matter following
subparagraph (F) and inserting ``ending with the month in which she
dies or (if earlier) the month preceding the earliest of the first
month in which she remarries, the month in which she becomes
entitled''.
(f) Widower's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(f)(1) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 402(f)(1)) is amended by striking ``ending with the month
preceding the first month in which any of the following occurs: he
remarries, dies, or becomes entitled'' in the matter following
subparagraph (F) and inserting ``ending with the month in which he dies
or (if earlier) the month preceding the earliest of the first month in
which he remarries, the month in which he becomes entitled''.
(g) Mother's and Father's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(g)(1) of
such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(g)(1)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``the month in which he or she dies or (if
earlier)'' after ``and ending with'' in the matter following
subparagraph (F); and
(2) by striking ``he or she remarries, or he or she dies''
and inserting ``or he or she remarries''.
(h) Parent's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(h)(1) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 402(h)(1)) is amended by striking ``ending with the month
preceding the first month in which any of the following occurs: such
parent dies, marries,'' in the matter following subparagraph (E) and
inserting ``ending with the month in which such parent dies or (if
earlier) the month preceding the first month in which such parent
marries''.
(i) Disability Insurance Benefits.--Section 223(a)(1) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 423(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``ending with the month
preceding whichever of the following months is the earliest: the month
in which he dies,'' in the matter following subparagraph (D) and
inserting the following: ``ending with the month in which he dies or
(if earlier) with the month preceding the earlier of'' and by striking
the comma after ``216(l))''.
(j) Benefits at Age 72 for Certain Uninsured Individuals.--Section
228(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 428(a)) is amended by striking ``the
month preceding'' in the matter following paragraph (4).
SEC. 3. COMPUTATION AND PAYMENT OF LAST MONTHLY PAYMENT.
(a) Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Benefits.--Section 202 of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``Last Payment of Monthly Insurance Benefit Terminated by Death
``(z) The amount of any individual's monthly insurance benefit
under this section paid for the month in which the individual dies
shall be an amount equal to--
``(1) the amount of such benefit (as determined without
regard to this subsection), multiplied by
``(2) a fraction--
``(A) the numerator of which is the number of days
in such month preceding the date of such individual's
death, and
``(B) the denominator of which is the number of
days in such month,
rounded, if not a multiple of $1, to the next lower multiple of $1.
This subsection shall apply with respect to such benefit after all
other adjustments with respect to such benefit provided by this title
have been made. Payment of such benefit for such month shall be made as
provided in section 204(d).''.
(b) Disability Insurance Benefits.--Section 223 of such Act (42
U.S.C. 423) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``Last Payment of Benefit Terminated by Death
``(k) The amount of any individual's monthly benefit under this
section paid for the month in which the individual dies shall be an
amount equal to--
``(1) the amount of such benefit (as determined without
regard to this subsection), multiplied by
``(2) a fraction--
``(A) the numerator of which is the number of days
in such month preceding the date of such individual's
death, and
``(B) the denominator of which is the number of
days in such month,
rounded, if not a multiple of $1, to the next lower multiple of $1.
This subsection shall apply with respect to such benefit after all
other adjustments with respect to such benefit provided by this title
have been made. Payment of such benefit for such month shall be made as
provided in section 204(d).''.
(c) Benefits at Age 72 for Certain Uninsured Individuals.--Section
228 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 428) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``Last Payment of Benefit Terminated by Death
``(i) The amount of any individual's monthly benefit under this
section paid for the month in which the individual dies shall be an
amount equal to--
``(1) the amount of such benefit (as determined without
regard to this subsection), multiplied by
``(2) a fraction--
``(A) the numerator of which is the number of days
in such month preceding the date of such individual's
death, and
``(B) the denominator of which is the number of
days in such month,
rounded, if not a multiple of $1, to the next lower multiple of $1.
This subsection shall apply with respect to such benefit after all
other adjustments with respect to such benefit provided by this title
have been made. Payment of such benefit for such month shall be made as
provided in section 204(d).''.
SEC. 4. MODIFICATION OF COMPUTATION OF LUMP-SUM DEATH PAYMENTS.
The first sentence of section 202(I) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(I))
is amended by striking ``three times'' and all that follows through
``smaller'' and inserting ``47 percent of such individual's primary
insurance amount, or an amount equal to $255, whichever is greater''.
SEC. 5. DISREGARD OF BENEFIT FOR MONTH OF DEATH UNDER FAMILY MAXIMUM
PROVISIONS.
Section 203(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 403(a)) is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(11) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, in
applying the preceding provisions of this subsection (and
determining maximum family benefits under column V of the table
in or deemed to be in section 215(a) as in effect in December
1978) with respect to the month in which the insured
individual's death occurs, the benefit payable to such
individual for that month shall be disregarded.''.
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to deaths
occurring in the first month beginning more than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act. | Benefit Adjustment of Social Security Income Compensation Act of 2010 or the BASIC Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide that: (1) an individual's entitlement to any OASDI benefit shall continue through the month of his or her death (without affecting any other person's entitlement to benefits for that month); and (2) the benefit shall be payable for such month only to the extent proportionate to the number of days in the month preceding the date of death.
Revises the formula for computation of a lump-sum death payment to the widow or widower of a fully or currently insured individual. | To amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual's entitlement to any benefit thereunder shall continue through the month of his or her death (without affecting any other person's entitlement to benefits for that month) and that such individual's benefit shall be payable for such month only to the extent proportionate to the number of days in such month preceding the date of such individual's death. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Holocaust Victims Redress Act''.
TITLE I--HEIRLESS ASSETS
SEC. 101. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Among the $198,000,000 in German assets located in the
United States and seized by the United States Government in
World War II were believed to be bank accounts, trusts,
securities, or other assets belonging to Jewish victims of the
Holocaust.
(2) Among an estimated $1,200,000,000 in assets of Swiss
nationals and institutions which were frozen by the United
States Government during World War II (including over
$400,000,000 in bank deposits) were assets whose beneficial
owners were believed to include victims of the Holocaust.
(3) In the aftermath of the war, the Congress recognized
that some of the victims of the Holocaust whose assets were
among those seized or frozen during the war might not have any
legal heirs, and legislation was enacted to authorize the
transfer of up to $3,000,000 of such assets to organizations
dedicated to providing relief and rehabilitation for survivors
of the Holocaust.
(4) Although the Congress and the Administration authorized
the transfer of such amount to the relief organizations
referred to in paragraph (3), the enormous administrative
difficulties and cost involved in proving legal ownership of
such assets, directly or beneficially, by victims of the
Holocaust, and proving the existence or absence of heirs of
such victims, led the Congress in 1962 to agree to a lump-sum
settlement and to provide $500,000 for the Jewish Restitution
Successor Organization of New York, such sum amounting to \1/
6\th the authorized maximum level of ``heirless'' assets to be
transferred.
(5) In June of 1997, a current representative of the
Secretary of State, in testimony before the Congress, urged the
reconsideration of the limited $500,000 settlement.
(6) While a precisely accurate accounting of ``heirless''
assets may be impossible, good conscience warrants the
recognition that the victims of the Holocaust have a compelling
moral claim to the unrestituted portion of assets referred to
in paragraph (3).
(7) Furthermore, leadership by the United States in meeting
obligations to Holocaust victims would strengthen--
(A) the efforts of the United States to press for
the speedy distribution of the remaining nearly 6
metric tons of gold still held by the Tripartite
Commission for the Restitution of Monetary Gold (the
body established by France, Great Britain, and the
United States at the end of World War II to return gold
looted by Nazi Germany to the central banks of
countries occupied during the war by Germany); and
(B) the appeals by the United States to the 15
nations claiming a portion of such gold to contribute a
substantial portion of any such distribution to
Holocaust survivors in recognition of the recently
documented fact that the gold held by the commission
includes gold stolen from individual victims of the
Holocaust.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are as follows:
(1) To provide a measure of justice to survivors of the
Holocaust all around the world while they are still alive.
(2) To authorize the appropriation of an amount which is at
least equal to the present value of the difference between the
amount which was authorized to be transferred to successor
organizations to compensate for assets in the United States of
heirless victims of the Holocaust and the amount actually paid
in 1962 to the Jewish Restitution Successor Organization of New
York for that purpose.
(3) To facilitate efforts by the United States to seek an
agreement whereby nations with claims against gold held by the
Tripartite Commission for the Restitution of Monetary Gold
would contribute all, or a substantial portion, of that gold to
charitable organizations to assist survivors of the Holocaust.
SEC. 102. DISTRIBUTIONS BY THE TRIPARTITE GOLD COMMISSION.
(a) Directions to Secretary of State.--The Secretary of State shall
direct the commissioner representing the United States on the
Tripartite Commission for the Restitution of Monetary Gold, established
pursuant to Part III of the Paris Agreement on Reparation, to seek and
vote for a timely agreement under which all signatories to the Paris
Agreement on Reparation, with claims against the monetary gold pool in
the jurisdiction of such Commission, contribute all, or a substantial
portion, of such gold to charitable organizations to assist survivors
of the Holocaust.
(b) Authority To Obligate the United States.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of State may commit the
United States to pay an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 for
distribution under an agreement described in subsection (a).
(2) Conformance with budget act requirement.--Any budget
authority contained in paragraph (1) shall be effective only to
such extent and in such amounts as are provided in advance in
appropriation Acts.
SEC. 103. FULFILLMENT OF OBLIGATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subject to subsection (b),
there are authorized to be appropriated to the President such sums as
may be necessary for fiscal years 1998, 1999, and 2000, not to exceed a
total of $25,000,000 for all such fiscal years, for distribution to
organizations as may be specified in any agreement concluded pursuant
to section 102, only if they meet the needs of Holocaust survivors in
the United States.
(b) Reservation.--The Secretary of State shall reserve a portion of
the amount appropriated under subsection (a) for the United States
Holocaust Museum, for archival research to assist in the restitution of
assets looted or extorted from victims of the Holocaust and such other
activities that would further Holocaust remembrance and education.
TITLE II--WORKS OF ART
SEC. 201. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) Established pre-World War II principles of
international law, as enunciated in Articles 47 and 56 of the
Regulations annexed to the 1907 Hague Convention (IV)
Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land, prohibited
pillage and the seizure of works of art.
(2) In the years since World War II, international
sanctions against confiscation of works of art have been
amplified through such conventions as the 1970 Convention on
the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import,
Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, which
forbids the illegal export of art work and calls for its
earliest possible restitution to its rightful owner.
(3) In defiance of the 1907 Hague Convention, the Nazis
extorted and looted art from individuals and institutions in
countries it occupied during World War II and used such booty
to help finance their war of aggression.
(4) The Nazis' policy of looting art was a critical element
and incentive in their campaign of genocide against individuals
of Jewish and other religious and cultural heritage and, in
this context, the Holocaust, while standing as a civil war
against defined individuals and civilized values, must be
considered a fundamental aspect of the world war unleashed on
the continent.
(5) Hence, the same international legal principles applied
among states should be applied to art and other assets stolen
from victims of the Holocaust.
(6) In the aftermath of the war, art and other assets were
transferred from territory previously controlled by the Nazis
to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, much of which has
not been returned to rightful owners.
SEC. 202. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS REGARDING RESTITUTION OF PRIVATE
PROPERTY, SUCH AS WORKS OF ART.
It is the sense of the Congress that consistent with the 1907 Hague
Convention, all governments should undertake good faith efforts to
facilitate the return of private and public property, such as works of
art, to the rightful owners in cases where assets were confiscated from
the claimant during the period of Nazi rule and there is reasonable
proof that the claimant is the rightful owner. | TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Heirless Assets
Title II: Works of Art
Holocaust Victims Redress Act -
Title I: Heirless Assets
- Directs the Secretary of State to direct the commissioner representing the United States on the Tripartite Commission for the Restitution of Monetary Gold to seek and vote for a timely agreement under which all signatories to the Paris Agreement on Reparation with claims against the monetary gold pool in the Commission's jurisdiction contribute all or a substantial portion of such gold to charitable organizations to assist survivors of the Holocaust.
Authorizes the Secretary of State to commit the United States to pay up to $25 million for distribution under such an agreement.
Authorizes appropriations.
Directs the Secretary of State to reserve a portion of the appropriation for the United States Holocaust Museum for archival research to assist in the restitution of assets looted or extorted from victims of the Holocaust and such other activities that would further Holocaust remembrance and education.
Title II: Works of Art
- Expresses the sense of the Congress that, consistent with the 1907 Hague Convention, all governments should undertake good faith efforts to facilitate the return of private and public property, such as works of art, to the rightful owners in cases where assets were confiscated from the claimant during the period of Nazi rule and there is reasonable proof that the claimant is the rightful owner. | Holocaust Victims Redress Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Health Care Paperwork Reduction and
Fraud Prevention Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL BIPARTISAN COMMISSION ON BILLING CODES AND FORMS
SIMPLIFICATION.
(a) Establishment.--There is hereby established the Commission on
Health Care Billing Codes and Forms Simplification (in this section
referred to as the ``Commission'').
(b) Duties.--The Commission shall make recommendations regarding
the following:
(1) Standardized and simplified forms.--Standardizing and
simplifying credentialing and billing forms respecting health
care claims, that all Federal Government agencies would use and
that the private sector is able (and is encouraged, but not
required) to use.
(2) Reduction in billing codes.--A significant reduction
and simplification in the number of billing codes for health
care claims.
(3) Regulatory and appeals process reform.--Reforms in the
regulatory and appeals processes under the Medicare program
under title XVIII of the Social Security Act in order to ensure
that the Secretary of Health and Human Services provides
appropriate guidance to suppliers and providers of services (as
such terms are defined in subsections (d) and (u),
respectively, of section 1861 of such Act), including
physicians and providers and suppliers of ambulance services,
that are attempting to properly submit claims under the
Medicare program and to ensure that the Secretary does not
target inadvertent billing errors.
(4) Electronic forms and payments.--Simplifying and
updating electronic forms of the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services to ensure simplicity as well as patient
privacy.
(c) Membership.--
(1) Number and appointment.--The Commission shall be
composed of 17 members, of whom--
(A) four shall be appointed by the President;
(B) six shall be appointed by the majority leader
of the Senate, in consultation with the minority leader
of the Senate, of whom not more than 4 shall be of the
same political party;
(C) six shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, in consultation with the
minority leader of the House of Representatives, of
whom not more than 4 shall be of the same political
party; and
(D) one, who shall serve as Chairman of the
Commission, shall be appointed jointly by the
President, majority leader of the Senate, and the
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(2) Appointment.--Members of the Commission shall be
appointed by not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(d) Incorporation of Bipartisan Commission Provisions.--The
provisions of paragraphs (3) through (8) of subsection (c) and
subsections (d), (e), and (h) of section 4021 of the Balanced Budget
Act of 1997 shall apply to the Commission under this section in the
same manner as they applied to the National Bipartisan Commission on
the Future of Medicare under such section.
(e) Report.--Not later than December 31, 2009, the Commission shall
submit to the President and Congress a report which shall contain a
detailed statement of only those recommendations, findings, and
conclusions of the Commission that receive the approval of at least 11
members of the Commission.
(f) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate 30 days after the
date of submission of the report required in subsection (e).
SEC. 3. EDUCATION OF PHYSICIANS AND PROVIDERS CONCERNING MEDICARE
PROGRAM PAYMENTS.
(a) Written Requests.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall establish a process under which a physician may request,
in writing from a carrier, assistance in addressing
questionable codes and procedures under the Medicare program
under title XVIII of the Social Security Act and then the
carrier shall respond in writing within 30 business days with
the correct billing or procedural answer.
(2) Use of written statement.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), a
written statement under paragraph (1) may be used as
proof against a future audit or overpayment under the
Medicare program.
(B) Limit on application.--Subparagraph (A) shall
not apply retroactively and shall not apply to cases of
fraudulent billing.
(b) Restoration of Toll-Free Hotline.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services shall restore the toll-free
telephone hotline previously maintained by the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services so that physicians may call for
information and questions about the Medicare program.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
paragraph (1).
(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Physician.--The term ``physician'' has the meaning
given such term in section 1861(r) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395x(r)).
(2) Carrier.--The term ``carrier'' means a carrier (as
defined in section 1842(f) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395u(f))) with a contract under title XVIII of such Act
to administer benefits under part B of such title.
SEC. 4. POLICY DEVELOPMENT REGARDING E&M GUIDELINES UNDER THE MEDICARE
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services may not implement any new evaluation and management
guidelines (in this section referred to as ``E&M guidelines'') under
the Medicare program, unless the Administrator--
(1) has provided for an assessment of the proposed
guidelines by physicians;
(2) has established a plan that contains specific goals,
including a schedule, for improving participation of physicians
in the assessment described in paragraph (1);
(3) has carried out a minimum of 4 pilot projects
consistent with subsection (b) in at least 4 different regions
(to be specified by the Secretary) to test such guidelines; and
(4) finds that the objectives described in subsection (c)
will be met in the implementation of such guidelines.
(b) Pilot Projects.--
(1) Length and consultation.--Each pilot project under this
subsection shall--
(A) be of sufficient length to allow for
preparatory physician and carrier education, analysis,
and use and assessment of potential E&M guidelines; and
(B) be conducted, throughout the planning and
operational stages of the project, in consultation with
national and State medical societies.
(2) Peer review and rural pilot projects.--Of the pilot
projects conducted under this subsection--
(A) at least one shall focus on a peer review
method by physicians which evaluates medical record
information for statistical outlier services relative
to definitions and guidelines published in the most
recent Current Procedural Terminology book, instead of
an approach using the review of randomly selected
medical records using non-clinical personnel; and
(B) at least one shall be conducted for services
furnished in a rural area.
(3) Study of impact.--Each pilot project shall examine the
effect of the potential E&M guidelines on--
(A) different types of physician practices, such as
large and small groups; and
(B) the costs of compliance, and patient and
physician satisfaction.
(4) Report on how met objectives.--Not later than 6 months
after the date of the conclusion of all of the pilot projects
under this subsection, the Administrator of the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services shall submit a report to the
Committees on Commerce and Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and
the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, on such pilot
projects. Such report shall include the extent to which the
pilot projects met the objectives specified in subsection (c).
(c) Objectives for E&M Guidelines.--The objectives for E&M
guidelines specified in this subsection are as follows (relative to the
E&M guidelines and review policies in effect as of the date of the
enactment of this Act):
(1) Enhancing clinically relevant documentation needed to
accurately code and assess coding levels accurately.
(2) Reducing administrative burdens.
(3) Decreasing the level of non-clinically pertinent and
burdensome documentation time and content in the record.
(4) Increased accuracy by carrier reviewers.
(5) Education of both physicians and reviewers.
(6) Appropriate use of evaluation and management codes by
physicians and their staffs.
(7) The extent to which the tested evaluation and
management documentation guidelines substantially adhere to the
CPT coding rules.
(8) Simplifying electronic billing.
(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section and section 5:
(1) Physician.--The term ``physician'' has the meaning
given such term in section 1861(r) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395x(r)).
(2) Carrier.--The term ``carrier'' means a carrier (as
defined in section 1842(f) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395u(f))) with a contract under title XVIII of such Act
to administer benefits under part B of such title.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
(4) Medicare program.--The term ``Medicare program'' means
the program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act.
SEC. 5. OVERPAYMENTS UNDER THE MEDICARE PROGRAM.
(a) Individualized Notice.--If a carrier proceeds with a post-
payment audit of a physician under the Medicare program, the carrier
shall provide the physician with an individualized notice of billing
problems, such as a personal visit or carrier-to-physician telephone
conversation during normal working hours, within 3 months of initiating
such audit. The notice should include suggestions to the physician on
how the billing problem may be remedied.
(b) Repayment of Overpayments Without Penalty.--The Secretary of
Health and Human Services shall permit a physician to repay Medicare
overpayments made to such physician without penalty or interest and
without threat of denial of other claims based upon extrapolation, if
such repayment is made not later than 3 months after such physician
receives notification of such overpayment and if such overpayment was
not determined by a final adverse action to be the result of fraudulent
billing. If a physician should discover an overpayment before a carrier
notifies the physician of the error, the physician may reimburse the
Medicare program without penalty and the Secretary may not audit or
target the physician on the basis of such repayment, unless other
evidence of fraudulent billing exists.
(c) Treatment of First-Time Billing Errors.--If a physician's
Medicare billing error was a first-time error and the physician has not
previously been the subject of a post-payment audit, the carrier may
not assess a fine through extrapolation of such an error to other
claims, unless the physician has submitted a fraudulent claim.
(d) Timely Notice of Problem Claims Before Using Extrapolation.--A
carrier may seek reimbursement or penalties against a physician based
on extrapolation of a Medicare claim only if the carrier has informed
the physician of potential problems with the claim not later than one
year after the date the claim was submitted for reimbursement.
(e) Submission of Additional Information.--A physician may submit
additional information and documentation to dispute a carrier's charges
of overpayment without waiving the physician's right to a hearing by an
administrative law judge.
(f) Limitation on Delay in Payment.--Following a post-payment
audit, a carrier that is conducting a pre-payment screen on a physician
service under the Medicare program may not delay reimbursements for
more than one month and as soon as the physician submits a corrected
claim, the carrier shall eliminate application of such a pre-payment
screen. | Health Care Paperwork Reduction and Fraud Prevention Act of 2009 - Establishes the Commission on Health Care Billing Codes and Forms Simplification which shall make recommendations regarding: (1) standardizing and simplifying credentialing and billing forms for health care claims; (2) reducing and simplifying billing codes; (3) reforming the Medicare regulatory and appeals processes to ensure that the Secretary of Health and Human Services provides appropriate guidance to providers for submitting Medicare claims and does not target inadvertent billing errors; and (4) updating electronic forms of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure simplicity and privacy.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process under which a physician may request from a carrier written assistance in addressing questionable codes and procedures under the Medicare program.
Requires the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to restore the toll-free telephone hotline so that physicians may call for information and questions about the Medicare program.
Prohibits the Administrator from implementing any new evaluation and management (E&M) guidelines under the Medicare program unless the Administrator: (1) has provided for an assessment of the proposed guidelines by physicians; (2) has established a plan that contains specific goals, including a schedule for improving participation of physicians in such assessment; (3) has carried out a minimum of four pilot projects in at least four different regions to test E&M guidelines; and (4) finds that specified objectives will be met in the implementation of such guidelines.
Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) physician participation and pilot program testing requirements and objectives for new E&M guidelines under Medicare; and (2) notice, administrative, and penalty requirements with respect to Medicare overpayments. | To reduce the amount of paperwork and improve payment policies for health care services, to prevent fraud and abuse through health care provider education, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers
Act''.
SEC. 2. AVAILABILITY OF CONTACT LENS PRESCRIPTIONS TO PATIENTS.
(a) In General.--When a prescriber completes a contact lens
fitting, the prescriber--
(1) whether or not requested by the patient, shall provide to
the patient a copy of the contact lens prescription; and
(2) shall, as directed by any person designated to act on
behalf of the patient, provide or verify the contact lens
prescription by electronic or other means.
(b) Limitations.--A prescriber may not--
(1) require purchase of contact lenses from the prescriber or
from another person as a condition of providing a copy of a
prescription under subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2) or verification of a
prescription under subsection (a)(2);
(2) require payment in addition to, or as part of, the fee for
an eye examination, fitting, and evaluation as a condition of
providing a copy of a prescription under subsection (a)(1) or
(a)(2) or verification of a prescription under subsection (a)(2);
or
(3) require the patient to sign a waiver or release as a
condition of verifying or releasing a prescription.
SEC. 3. IMMEDIATE PAYMENT OF FEES IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.
A prescriber may require payment of fees for an eye examination,
fitting, and evaluation before the release of a contact lens
prescription, but only if the prescriber requires immediate payment in
the case of an examination that reveals no requirement for ophthalmic
goods. For purposes of the preceding sentence, presentation of proof of
insurance coverage for that service shall be deemed to be a payment.
SEC. 4. PRESCRIBER VERIFICATION.
(a) Prescription Requirement.--A seller may sell contact lenses
only in accordance with a contact lens prescription for the patient
that is--
(1) presented to the seller by the patient or prescriber
directly or by facsimile; or
(2) verified by direct communication.
(b) Record Requirement.--A seller shall maintain a record of all
direct communications referred to in subsection (a).
(c) Information.--When seeking verification of a contact lens
prescription, a seller shall provide the prescriber with the following
information:
(1) Patient's full name and address.
(2) Contact lens power, manufacturer, base curve or appropriate
designation, and diameter when appropriate.
(3) Quantity of lenses ordered.
(4) Date of patient request.
(5) Date and time of verification request.
(6) Name of contact person at seller's company, including
facsimile and telephone number.
(d) Verification Events.--A prescription is verified under this Act
only if one of the following occurs:
(1) The prescriber confirms the prescription is accurate by
direct communication with the seller.
(2) The prescriber informs the seller that the prescription is
inaccurate and provides the accurate prescription.
(3) The prescriber fails to communicate with the seller within
8 business hours, or a similar time as defined by the Federal Trade
Commission, after receiving from the seller the information
described in subsection (c).
(e) Invalid Prescription.--If a prescriber informs a seller before
the deadline under subsection (d)(3) that the contact lens prescription
is inaccurate, expired, or otherwise invalid, the seller shall not fill
the prescription. The prescriber shall specify the basis for the
inaccuracy or invalidity of the prescription. If the prescription
communicated by the seller to the prescriber is inaccurate, the
prescriber shall correct it.
(f) No Alteration.--A seller may not alter a contact lens
prescription. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the same
contact lens is manufactured by the same company and sold under
multiple labels to individual providers, the seller may fill the
prescription with a contact lens manufactured by that company under
another label.
(g) Direct Communication.--As used in this section, the term
``direct communication'' includes communication by telephone,
facsimile, or electronic mail.
SEC. 5. EXPIRATION OF CONTACT LENS PRESCRIPTIONS.
(a) In General.--A contact lens prescription shall expire--
(1) on the date specified by the law of the State in which the
prescription was written, if that date is one year or more after
the issue date of the prescription;
(2) not less than one year after the issue date of the
prescription if such State law specifies no date or a date that is
less than one year after the issue date of the prescription; or
(3) notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), on the date
specified by the prescriber, if that date is based on the medical
judgment of the prescriber with respect to the ocular health of the
patient.
(b) Special Rules for Prescriptions of Less Than 1 Year.--If a
prescription expires in less than 1 year, the reasons for the judgment
referred to in subsection (a)(3) shall be documented in the patient's
medical record. In no circumstance shall the prescription expiration
date be less than the period of time recommended by the prescriber for
a reexamination of the patient that is medically necessary.
(c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term ``issue date''
means the date on which the patient receives a copy of the
prescription.
SEC. 6. CONTENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND OTHER REPRESENTATIONS.
Any person that engages in the manufacture, processing, assembly,
sale, offering for sale, or distribution of contact lenses may not
represent, by advertisement, sales presentation, or otherwise, that
contact lenses may be obtained without a prescription.
SEC. 7. PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN WAIVERS.
A prescriber may not place on the prescription, or require the
patient to sign, or deliver to the patient a form or notice waiving or
disclaiming the liability or responsibility of the prescriber for the
accuracy of the eye examination. The preceding sentence does not impose
liability on a prescriber for the ophthalmic goods and services
dispensed by another seller pursuant to the prescriber's correctly
verified prescription.
SEC. 8. RULEMAKING BY FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION.
The Federal Trade Commission shall prescribe rules pursuant to
section 18 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a) to carry
out this Act. Rules so prescribed shall be exempt from the requirements
of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty--Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act
(15 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.). Any such regulations shall be issued in
accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code. The first
rules under this section shall take effect not later than 180 days
after the effective date of this Act.
SEC. 9. VIOLATIONS.
(a) In General.--Any violation of this Act or the rules required
under section 8 shall be treated as a violation of a rule under section
18 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a) regarding unfair
or deceptive acts or practices.
(b) Actions by the Commission.--The Federal Trade Commission shall
enforce this Act in the same manner, by the same means, and with the
same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms
and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et
seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act.
SEC. 10. STUDY AND REPORT.
(a) Study.--The Federal Trade Commission shall undertake a study to
examine the strength of competition in the sale of prescription contact
lenses. The study shall include an examination of the following issues:
(1) Incidence of exclusive relationships between prescribers or
sellers and contact lens manufacturers and the impact of such
relationships on competition.
(2) Difference between online and offline sellers of contact
lenses, including price, access, and availability.
(3) Incidence, if any, of contact lens prescriptions that
specify brand name or custom labeled contact lenses, the reasons
for the incidence, and the effect on consumers and competition.
(4) The impact of the Federal Trade Commission eyeglasses rule
(16 CFR 456 et seq.) on competition, the nature of the enforcement
of the rule, and how such enforcement has impacted competition.
(5) Any other issue that has an impact on competition in the
sale of prescription contact lenses.
(b) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the effective date of
this Act, the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission shall submit to
the Congress a report of the study required by subsection (a).
SEC. 11. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) Contact lens fitting.--The term ``contact lens fitting''
means the process that begins after the initial eye examination and
ends when a successful fit has been achieved or, in the case of a
renewal prescription, ends when the prescriber determines that no
change in prescription is required, and such term may include--
(A) an examination to determine lens specifications;
(B) except in the case of a renewal of a prescription, an
initial evaluation of the fit of the lens on the eye; and
(C) medically necessary follow up examinations.
(2) Prescriber.--The term ``prescriber'' means, with respect to
contact lens prescriptions, an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or
other person permitted under State law to issue prescriptions for
contact lenses in compliance with any applicable requirements
established by the Food and Drug Administration.
(3) Contact lens prescription.--The term ``contact lens
prescription'' means a prescription, issued in accordance with
State and Federal law, that contains sufficient information for the
complete and accurate filling of a prescription, including the
following:
(A) Name of the patient.
(B) Date of examination.
(C) Issue date and expiration date of prescription.
(D) Name, postal address, telephone number, and facsimile
telephone number of prescriber.
(E) Power, material or manufacturer or both.
(F) Base curve or appropriate designation.
(G) Diameter, when appropriate.
(H) In the case of a private label contact lens, name of
manufacturer, trade name of private label brand, and, if
applicable, trade name of equivalent brand name.
SEC. 12. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect 60 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act - (Sec. 2) Requires a contact lens prescriber (a person permitted under State law to issue prescriptions for contact lenses) to provide a patient with a copy of their contact lens prescription, whether or not requested by the patient, and verify the prescription's accuracy, or make necessary corrections, to a contact lens seller or any person designated by the patient. Prohibits a prescriber from: (1) requiring patients to purchase contact lenses from the prescriber; (2) charging an additional fee for a copy of the prescription; (3) requiring the patient to sign a waiver; and (4) disclaiming liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the eye examination.
(Sec. 3) Allows a prescriber to withhold the contact lens prescription until the prescriber receives payment or proof of insurance coverage only if the prescriber also requires immediate payment from a patient not needing any ophthalmic goods.
(Sec. 4) Allows a seller to fill a prescription for contact lenses only when: (1) a seller receives a contact lens prescription directly or by facsimile; (2) a seller verifies a prescription by direct communication with the prescriber; or (3) the prescriber fails to respond to the seller within eight business hours after being contacted by the seller with the prescription information. Requires a seller to maintain a record of all such communication with a patient or a prescriber.
(Sec. 5) Declares that a contact lens prescription shall expire on the date specified by the law of the State in which it is written, but not less than one year after the issue date of the prescription. Permits an exception for a patient's ocular health.
(Sec. 6) Prohibits advertising that represents that contact lenses may be obtained without a prescription.
(Sec. 8) Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules to carry out this Act.
(Sec. 9) States that any violation of this Act shall be treated as a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
(Sec. 10) Requires the FTC to report to Congress on: (1) exclusive relationships between prescribers or sellers and contact lens manufacturers and the impact such relationships have on competition; (2) differences between online and off-line sellers of contact lenses; (3) contact lens prescriptions that specify brand name and their impact on competition; (4) the FTC eyeglasses rule, its enforcement, and its impact on competition; and (5) any other issue that affects competition in the sale of contact lenses. | To provide for availability of contact lens prescriptions to patients, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund
Act of 1995''.
SEC. 2. INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL TRUST FUND.
(a) Establishment of Trust Fund.--Subchapter A of chapter 98 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to trust fund code) is amended
by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 9512. INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL TRUST FUND.
``(a) Creation of Trust Fund.--There is established in the Treasury
of the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Intercity
Passenger Rail Trust Fund', consisting of such amounts as may be
transferred or credited to the Trust Fund as provided in section
9503(c)(7) or section 9602(b).
``(b) Expenditures From Trust Fund.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
amounts in the Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund shall be
available, as provided by appropriation Acts, to finance
qualified expenses of--
``(A) the National Railroad Passenger Corporation,
and
``(B) each eligible State, to the extent determined
under paragraph (3).
``(2) Direct spending amounts.--The following amounts in
the Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund are hereby appropriated
to finance qualified expenses:
Amount
``Fiscal year: Available:
1996.......................................... $131,000,000
1997.......................................... 663,000,000
1998.......................................... 667,000,000
1999.......................................... 670,000,000
2000.......................................... 672,000,000.
``(3) Maximum amount of funds to eligible states.--Each
eligible State shall receive under this subsection an amount
equal to the lesser of--
``(A) the State's qualified expenses for the fiscal
year, or
``(B) the product of--
``(i) \1/12\ of 1 percent of the lesser
of--
``(I) the aggregate amounts
transferred and credited to the
Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund
under subsection (a) for such fiscal
year, or
``(II) the aggregate amounts
appropriated from the Intercity
Passenger Rail Trust Fund under this
subsection for such fiscal year, and
``(ii) the number of months such State was
an eligible State in the preceding fiscal year.
If the amount determined under subparagraph (B) exceeds the
amount under subparagraph (A) for any fiscal year, the amount
under subparagraph (B) for the following fiscal year shall be
increased by the amount of such excess.
``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified expenses.--The term `qualified expenses'
means expenses incurred, with respect to obligations made,
after December 31, 1995, and before October 1, 2000--
``(A) in the case of--
``(i) the National Railroad Passenger
Corporation, for capital improvements in
intercity passenger rail service, or
``(ii) an eligible State, for capital
improvements in intercity rail service, and
``(B) certified by the Secretary of Transportation
as meeting the requirements of subparagraph (A).
``(2) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means any
State which does not receive intercity passenger rail service
from the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
``(d) Termination.--The Secretary shall determine and retain, not
later than October 1, 2000, the amount in the Intercity Passenger Rail
Trust Fund necessary to pay any outstanding qualified expenses, and
shall transfer any amount not so retained to the Mass Transit Account
under section 9503(e).''
(b) Transfers From Highway Trust Fund.--Section 9503(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to expenditures from Highway
Trust Fund) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(7) Transfers from trust fund for intercity passenger
rail.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall transfer
from time to time from the Highway Trust Fund to the
Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund under section 9512
the intercity passenger rail portion of the amounts
appropriated to the Highway Trust Fund under subsection
(b) which are attributable to taxes under sections 4041
and 4081 imposed after December 31, 1995, and before
October 1, 2000.
``(B) Intercity passenger rail portion.--For
purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `intercity
passenger rail portion' means the amount--
``(i) determined at the rate of 0.5 cent
for each gallon with respect to which tax was
imposed under section 4041 or 4081, and
``(ii) reduced (but not below zero) by the
amount by which--
``(I) the outlays of the Mass
Transit Account for the fiscal year
with respect to which such tax was
imposed, as estimated by the Secretary,
exceed
``(II) the available funds in the
Mass Transit Account for such fiscal
year (as so estimated).''
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 9503(e)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to transfers to mass transit account) is amended by
striking ``4081.'' and inserting ``4081 (for the period
beginning after December 31, 1995, and ending before October 1,
2000, an amount determined at the rate of 1.5 cents for each
such gallon, increased by the amount described in subsection
(c)(7)(B)(ii)).''.
(2) The table of sections for subchapter A of chapter 98 of
such Code (relating to trust fund code) is amended by adding at
the end the following new item:
``Sec. 9512. Intercity Passenger Rail
Trust Fund.''
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to taxes imposed after December 31, 1995.
SEC. 3. DENIAL OF DEDUCTION FOR INTEREST ON LOANS WITH RESPECT TO
COMPANY-OWNED INSURANCE.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (4) of section 264(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to certain amounts paid in connection
with insurance contracts) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``, or any endowment or annuity contracts
owned by the taxpayer covering any individual,'' after ``the
life of any individual'', and
(2) by striking all that follows ``carried on by the
taxpayer'' and inserting a period.
(b) Exception for Contracts Relating to Key Persons; Permissible
Interest Rates.--Section 264 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Any'' in subsection (a)(4) and inserting
``Except as provided in subsection (d), any'', and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Special Rules for Application of Subsection (a)(4).--
``(1) Exception for key persons.--Subsection (a)(4) shall
not apply to any interest paid or accrued on any indebtedness
with respect to policies or contracts covering an individual
who is a key person to the extent that the aggregate amount of
such indebtedness with respect to policies and contracts
covering such individual does not exceed $50,000.
``(2) Interest rate cap on key persons and pre-1986
contracts.--No deduction shall be allowed by reason of
paragraph (1) or the last sentence of subsection (a) with
respect to interest paid or accrued for any month to the extent
the amount of such interest exceeds the amount which would have
been determined if the rate of interest for such month were the
rate of interest described as Moody's Corporate Bond Yield
Average-Monthly Average Corporates as published by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto, for such
month.
``(3) Key person.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the term
`key person' means an officer or 20-percent owner, except that
the number of individuals who may be treated as key persons
with respect to any taxpayer shall not exceed the greater of--
``(A) 5 individuals, or
``(B) the lesser of 5 percent of the total officers
and employees of the taxpayer or 25 individuals.
``(4) 20-percent owner.--For purposes of this subsection,
the term `20-percent owner' means--
``(A) if the taxpayer is a corporation, any person
who owns directly 20 percent or more of the outstanding
stock of the corporation or stock possessing 20 percent
or more of the total combined voting power of all stock
of the corporation, or
``(B) if the taxpayer is not a corporation, any
person who owns 20 percent or more of the capital or
profits interest in the employer.
``(5) Aggregation rules.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (4)(A)
and applying the $50,000 limitation in paragraph (1)--
``(i) all members of a controlled group
shall be treated as 1 taxpayer, and
``(ii) such limitation shall be allocated
among the members of such group in such manner
as the Secretary may prescribe.
``(B) Controlled group.--For purposes of this
paragraph, all persons treated as a single employer
under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 or subsection
(m) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as members
of a controlled group.''
(c) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to interest paid or accrued after December 31, 1995.
(2) Transition rule for existing indebtedness.--
(A) In general.--In the case of indebtedness
incurred before January 1, 1996, the amendments made by
this section shall not apply to qualified interest paid
or accrued on such indebtedness after October 13, 1995,
and before January 1, 2001.
(B) Qualified interest.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the qualified interest with respect
to any indebtedness for any month is the amount of
interest which would be paid or accrued for such month
on such indebtedness if the lesser of the following
rates of interest were used for such month:
(i) The rate of interest specified under
the terms of the indebtedness as in effect on
October 13, 1995 (and without regard to
modification of such terms after such date).
(ii) The applicable percentage rate of
interest described as Moody's Corporate Bond
Yield Average-Monthly Average Corporates as
published by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.,
or any successor thereto, for such month.
(C) Applicable percentage.--For purposes of
subparagraph (B), the applicable percentage is as
follows:
For calendar year:
The percentage is:
1995 or 1996......................... 100 percent
1997................................. 95 percent
1998................................. 90 percent
1999................................. 85 percent
2000................................. 80 percent.
(3) Special rule for grandfathered contracts.--This section
shall not apply to any contract purchased on or before June 20,
1986, except that--
(A) paragraph (2) shall apply to interest on
indebtedness incurred in connection with such contract
which is paid or accrued after October 13, 1995, and
before January 1, 1996, and
(B) section 264(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (as added by subsection (b)) shall apply to
such interest paid or accrued after December 31, 1995.
(d) Spread of Income Inclusion on Surrender, Etc. of Contracts.--
(1) In general.--If any amount is received under any life
insurance policy or endowment or annuity contract described in
paragraph (4) of section 264(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986--
(A) on the complete surrender, redemption, or
maturity of such policy or contract during calendar
year 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, or 2001, or
(B) in full discharge during any such calendar year
of the obligation under the policy or contract which is
in the nature of a refund of the consideration paid for
the policy or contract,
then (in lieu of any other inclusion in gross income) such
amount shall be includible in gross income ratably over the 4-
taxable year period beginning with the taxable year such amount
would (but for this paragraph) be includible. The preceding
sentence shall only apply to the extent the amount is
includible in gross income for the taxable year in which the
event described in subparagraph (A) or (B) occurs.
(2) Special rules for applying section 264.--A contract
shall not be treated--
(A) as failing to meet the requirement of section
264(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or
(B) as a single premium contract under section
264(b)(1) of such Code,
solely by reason of an occurrence described in subparagraph (A)
or (B) of paragraph (1) of this subsection or solely by reason
of no additional premiums being received under the contract by
reason of a lapse occurring after October 13, 1995.
(3) Special rule for deferred acquisition costs.--In the
case of the occurrence of any event described in subparagraph
(A) or (B) of paragraph (1) of this subsection with respect to
any policy or contract--
(A) section 848 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 shall not apply to the unamortized balance (if
any) of the specified policy acquisition expenses
attributable to such policy or contract immediately
before the insurance company's taxable year in which
such event occurs, and
(B) there shall be allowed as a deduction to such
company for such taxable year under chapter 1 of such
Code an amount equal to such unamortized balance. | Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund to finance qualified expenses of: (1) the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; and (2) eligible States. Makes appropriations in specified amounts for FY 1996 through FY 2000 to such Fund. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, by October 1, 2000, to determine and retain the amount in the Intercity Passenger Rail Fund necessary to pay any outstanding qualified expenses, and to transfer any amount not so retained to the Mass Transit Fund.
Authorizes the Secretary to transfer from time to time from the Highway Trust Fund to the Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund the intercity passenger rail portion of specified funds appropriated to the Highway Trust Fund.
Prohibits a deduction for interest paid on loans with respect to any endowment or annuity insurance contracts owned by the taxpayer covering any individual. | Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund Act of 1995 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Countering
Terrorist Radicalization Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--AMPLIFYING LOCAL EFFORTS TO ROOT OUT TERROR
Sec. 101. Countering violent extremism training.
Sec. 102. Countering violent extremism assessment.
Sec. 103. Department-sponsored clearances.
Sec. 104. Definitions.
TITLE II--COUNTERMESSAGING TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS
Sec. 201. Directive.
TITLE III--COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISORY BOARD
Sec. 301. Department of Homeland Security Counterterrorism Advisory
Board.
TITLE IV--PROHIBITION ON NEW FUNDING
Sec. 401. Prohibition on new funding.
TITLE I--AMPLIFYING LOCAL EFFORTS TO ROOT OUT TERROR
SEC. 101. COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM TRAINING.
(a) Authorization of Training.--The Secretary of Homeland Security
is authorized to provide training for personnel, including Department
of Homeland Security personnel, State, local, tribal, and territorial
representatives at State and major urban area fusion centers for the
purpose of administering community awareness briefings and related
activities in furtherance of the Department's efforts to counter
violent extremism, identify and report suspicious activities, and
increase awareness of and more quickly identify terrorism threats,
including the travel or attempted travel of individuals from the United
States to support a foreign terrorist organization (as such term is
described in section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1189)) abroad.
(b) Coordination.--To the extent practicable, in providing the
training under subsection (a), the Secretary shall coordinate with the
heads of other Federal agencies engaged in community outreach related
to countering violent extremism and shall also coordinate with such
agencies in the administration of related activities, including
community awareness briefings.
SEC. 102. COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM ASSESSMENT.
(a) Assessment Required.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in
consultation with appropriate State, local, tribal, and territorial
representatives, shall assess the efforts of the Department of Homeland
Security to support countering violent extremism at the State, local,
tribal, and territorial levels. Such assessment shall include each of
the following:
(1) A cataloging of departmental efforts to assist State,
local, tribal, and territorial governments in countering
violent extremism.
(2) A review of cooperative agreements between the
Department and such governments relating to countering violent
extremism.
(3) An evaluation of departmental plans and any potential
opportunities to better support such governments that are in
furtherance of the Department's countering violent extremism
objectives and are consistent with all relevant constitutional,
legal, and privacy protections.
(b) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 150 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act and consistent with the protection of
classified information, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit
to the appropriate congressional committees the findings of the
assessment required under subsection (a) together with any related
information regarding best practices for countering violent extremism
at the State, local, tribal, and territorial levels.
SEC. 103. DEPARTMENT-SPONSORED CLEARANCES.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Homeland Security shall notify the appropriate
congressional committees of the number of employees of State, local,
tribal, and territorial governments with security clearances sponsored
by the Department of Homeland Security. Such notification shall include
a detailed list of the agencies that employ such employees, the level
of clearance held by such employees, and whether such employees are
assigned as representatives to State and major urban area fusion
centers.
SEC. 104. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) The term ``appropriate congressional committees''
means--
(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House
of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs and the Select Committee on
Intelligence of the Senate.
(2) The term ``violent extremism'' means ideologically
motivated international terrorism or domestic terrorism, as
such terms are defined in section 2331 of title 18, United
States Code.
TITLE II--COUNTERMESSAGING TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS
SEC. 201. DIRECTIVE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
incorporate, to the extent practicable, into Department of Homeland
Security efforts to combat terrorist recruitment and communications the
public testimonials of former violent extremists or their associates,
including friends and family. Such efforts may include the following:
(1) Countermessaging of foreign terrorist organization
communications and narratives.
(2) Related community engagement and public education
efforts.
(b) Coordination.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, where
appropriate, coordinate the efforts described in subsection (a) with
the heads of other Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate,
and, to the extent practicable, engage nongovernmental and
international partners in the identification and use of testimonials
described in such subsection.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed
to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to collect testimonials
directly from former violent extremists or their associates, including
friends and family.
TITLE III--COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISORY BOARD
SEC. 301. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISORY
BOARD.
(a) In General.--At the end of subtitle A of title II of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 121 et seq.) insert the
following new section:
``SEC. 210G. DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION ON COUNTERTERRORISM.
``(a) Establishment.--There is in the Department a board to be
composed of senior representatives of departmental operational
components and headquarters elements. The purpose of the board shall be
to coordinate and integrate departmental intelligence, activities, and
policy related to the counterterrorism mission and functions of the
Department.
``(b) Charter.--There shall be a charter to govern the structure
and mission of the board. Such charter shall direct the board to focus
on the current threat environment and the importance of aligning
departmental counterterrorism activities under the Secretary's
guidance. The charter shall be reviewed and updated every 4 years, as
appropriate.
``(c) Members.--
``(1) Chair.--The Secretary shall appoint a Coordinator for
Counterterrorism within the Department who will serve as the
chair of the board.
``(2) Additional members.--The Secretary shall appoint
additional members of the board from among the following:
``(A) The Transportation Security Administration.
``(B) United States Customs and Border Protection.
``(C) United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement.
``(D) The Federal Emergency Management Agency.
``(E) The Coast Guard.
``(F) United States Citizenship and Immigration
Services.
``(G) The United States Secret Service.
``(H) The National Protection and Programs
Directorate.
``(I) The Office of Operations Coordination.
``(J) The Office of the General Counsel.
``(K) The Office of Intelligence and Analysis.
``(L) The Office of Policy.
``(M) The Science and Technology Directorate.
``(N) Other Departmental offices and programs as
determined appropriate by the Secretary.
``(d) Meetings.--The board shall meet on a regular basis to discuss
intelligence and coordinate ongoing threat mitigation efforts and
departmental activities, including coordination with other Federal,
State, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners, and
shall make recommendations to the Secretary.
``(e) Terrorism Alerts.--The board shall advise the Secretary on
the issuance of terrorism alerts pursuant to section 203 of this Act.
``(f) Prohibition on Additional Funds.--No additional funds are
authorized to carry out this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
such Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
210F the following new item:
``Sec. 210G. Departmental coordination on counterterrorism.''.
(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Coordinator for
Counterterrorism, shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the status and
activities of the board established under section 210G of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002, as added by subsection (a).
TITLE IV--PROHIBITION ON NEW FUNDING
SEC. 401. PROHIBITION ON NEW FUNDING.
No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out
this Act or the amendments made by this Act.
Passed the House of Representatives June 16, 2016.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | . Countering Terrorist Radicalization Act TITLE I--AMPLIFYING LOCAL EFFORTS TO ROOT OUT TERROR (Sec. 101) This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide training at state and major urban area fusion centers for the purpose of administering community awareness briefings and related activities in furtherance of its efforts to counter violent extremism, identify and report suspicious activities, and increase awareness of and more quickly identify terrorism threats, including the travel or attempted travel of individuals from the United States to support a foreign terrorist organization abroad. (A "fusion center" serves as a focal point within the state and local environment for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information between the federal government and state, local, tribal, territorial and private sector partners.) (Sec. 102) The bill directs DHS to assess its efforts to support countering violent extremism at the state, local, tribal, and territorial levels. Such assessment shall: catalog such efforts; review cooperative agreements between DHS and such governments relating to countering violent extremism; and evaluate DHS plans and any potential opportunities to better support such governments that are in furtherance of DHS's countering violent extremism objectives and consistent with all relevant constitutional, legal, and privacy protections. (Sec. 103) DHS shall notify Congress of the number of employees of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments with security clearances sponsored by DHS, including a detailed list of the agencies that employ such employees, the level of clearance held, and whether such employees are assigned as representatives to fusion centers. TITLE II--COUNTERMESSAGING TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS (Sec. 201) DHS shall incorporate the public testimonials of former extremists into its efforts to combat terrorist recruitment. Such efforts may include: (1) counter-messaging of foreign terrorist organization communications, and (2) related community engagement and public education efforts. TITLE III--COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISORY BOARD (Sec. 301) This title amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in DHS a board to coordinate and integrate DHS's intelligence, activities, and policy related to its counterterrorism mission and functions. The board shall: (1) meet on a regular basis to discuss intelligence and coordinate ongoing threat mitigation efforts and departmental activities, and (2) advise the Secretary of DHS on the issuance of terrorism alerts. The Secretary shall appoint a Coordinator for Counterterrorism within DHS to serve as the chair of the board. TITLE IV--PROHIBITION ON NEW FUNDING (Sec. 401) No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this bill. | Countering Terrorist Radicalization Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Prosecution Drug Treatment
Alternative to Prison Act of 2000''.
SEC. 2. DRUG TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE TO PRISON PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY
STATE OR LOCAL PROSECUTORS.
(a) Prosecution Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison Programs.--
Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42
U.S.C. 3711 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
part:
``PART AA--PROSECUTION DRUG TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE TO PRISON PROGRAMS
``SEC. 2701. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``(a) In General.--The Attorney General may make grants to State or
local prosecutors for the purpose of developing, implementing, or
expanding drug treatment alternative to prison programs that comply
with the requirements of this part.
``(b) Use of Funds.--A State or local prosecutor who receives a
grant under this part shall use amounts provided under the grant to
develop, implement, or expand the drug treatment alternative to prison
program for which the grant was made, which may include payment of the
following expenses:
``(1) Salaries, personnel costs, equipment costs, and other
costs directly related to the operation of the program,
including the enforcement unit.
``(2) Payments to licensed substance abuse treatment
providers for providing treatment to offenders participating in
the program for which the grant was made, including aftercare
supervision, vocational training, education, and job placement.
``(3) Payments to public and nonprofit private entities for
providing treatment to offenders participating in the program
for which the grant was made.
``(c) Federal Share.--The Federal share of a grant under this part
shall not exceed 75 percent of the cost of the program.
``(d) Supplement and Not Supplant.--Grant amounts received under
this part shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, non-Federal
funds that would otherwise be available for activities funded under
this part.
``SEC. 2702. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
``A drug treatment alternative to prison program with respect to
which a grant is made under this part shall comply with the following
requirements:
``(1) A State or local prosecutor shall administer the
program.
``(2) An eligible offender may participate in the program
only with the consent of the State or local prosecutor.
``(3) Each eligible offender who participates in the
program shall, as an alternative to incarceration, be sentenced
to or placed with a long term, drug free residential substance
abuse treatment provider that is licensed under State or local
law.
``(4) Each eligible offender who participates in the
program shall serve a sentence of imprisonment with respect to
the underlying crime if that offender does not successfully
complete treatment with the residential substance abuse
provider.
``(5) Each residential substance abuse provider treating an
offender under the program shall--
``(A) make periodic reports of the progress of
treatment of that offender to the State or local
prosecutor carrying out the program and to the
appropriate court in which the defendant was convicted;
and
``(B) notify that prosecutor and that court if that
offender absconds from the facility of the treatment
provider or otherwise violates the terms and conditions
of the program.
``(6) The program shall have an enforcement unit comprised
of law enforcement officers under the supervision of the State
or local prosecutor carrying out the program, the duties of
which shall include verifying an offender's addresses and other
contacts, and, if necessary, locating, apprehending, and
arresting an offender who has absconded from the facility of a
residential substance abuse treatment provider or otherwise
violated the terms and conditions of the program, and returning
such offender to court for sentence on the underlying crime.
``SEC. 2703. APPLICATIONS.
``(a) In General.--To request a grant under this part, a State or
local prosecutor shall submit an application to the Attorney General in
such form and containing such information as the Attorney General may
reasonably require.
``(b) Certifications.--Each such application shall contain the
certification of the State or local prosecutor that the program for
which the grant is requested shall meet each of the requirements of
this part.
``SEC. 2704. GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION.
``The Attorney General shall ensure that, to the extent
practicable, the distribution of grant awards is equitable and includes
State or local prosecutors--
``(1) in each State; and
``(2) in rural, suburban, and urban jurisdictions.
``SEC. 2705. REPORTS AND EVALUATIONS.
``For each fiscal year, each recipient of a grant under this part
during that fiscal year shall submit to the Attorney General a report
regarding the effectiveness of activities carried out using that grant.
Each report shall include an evaluation in such form and containing
such information as the Attorney General may reasonably require. The
Attorney General shall specify the dates on which such reports shall be
submitted.
``SEC. 2706. DEFINITIONS.
``In this part:
``(1) The term `State or local prosecutor' means any
district attorney, State attorney general, county attorney, or
corporation counsel who has authority to prosecute criminal
offenses under State or local law.
``(2) The term `eligible offender' means an individual
who--
``(A) has been convicted of, or pled guilty to, or
admitted guilt with respect to a crime for which a
sentence of imprisonment is required and has not
completed such sentence;
``(B) has never been convicted of, or pled guilty
to, or admitted guilt with respect to, and is not
presently charged with, a felony crime of violence or a
major drug offense or a crime that is considered a
violent felony under State or local law; and
``(C) has been found by a professional substance
abuse screener to be in need of substance abuse
treatment because that offender has a history of
substance abuse that is a significant contributing
factor to that offender's criminal conduct.
``(3) The term `felony crime of violence' has the meaning
given such term in section 924(c)(3) of title 18, United States
Code.
``(4) The term `major drug offense' has the meaning given
such term in section 36(a) of title 18, United States Code.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1001(a) of title I of
the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Street Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
3793(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(24) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out
part AA--
``(A) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2000;
``(B) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2001;
``(C) $95,000,000 for fiscal year 2002;
``(D) $105,000,000 for fiscal year 2003; and
``(E) $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2004.''.
Passed the House of Representatives October 17, 2000.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds, the Federal cost share (75 percent), program and application requirements, geographic distribution of grant awards, reports, and evaluations.
Authorizes appropriations.
Title II: Federal Drug Treatment Alternative Sentencing
- Federal Drug Treatment Alternative Sentencing Act of 2000 - Directs the court, upon the conviction of an individual for a misdemeanor under Controlled Substances Act provisions regarding simple possession of a controlled substance, if the individual meets specified criteria, to consider sentencing that individual to a term of probation that includes a condition, or a term of imprisonment that includes a recommendation, of participation in substance abuse treatment, including a drug dependency program.
(Sec. 203) Directs the court: (1) if it imposes a sentence of probation, to subject such sentence to specified requirements under the Federal criminal code; and (2) in considering discretionary conditions of probation, to consider and use, where appropriate to assure participation in substance abuse treatment, any of several listed options, including day fines, house arrest, electronic monitoring, intensive probation supervision, day reporting centers, intermittent confinement, and treatment in therapeutic community.
Directs that each offender who participates in a substance abuse program under this section serve a sentence of imprisonment with respect to the underlying offense if that offender does not successfully complete such a program. Directs the court to order that substance abuse treatment be provided in the locality in which the individual resides.
(Sec. 204) Requires the Bureau of Prisons to maintain a drug dependency program for offenders sentenced to incarceration, which shall consist of residential substance abuse treatment and aftercare services. Sets forth reporting requirements.
(Sec. 206) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to submit a report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees regarding mandatory minimum sentences for controlled substance offenses, which shall include an analysis of: (1) whether such sentences may have a disproportionate impact on ethnic or racial groups; (2) the effectiveness of such sentences in reducing drug-related crime by violent offenders; and (3) the frequency and appropriateness of the use of such sentences for nonviolent offenders in contrast with other approaches such as drug treatment programs. | Prosecution Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison Act of 2000 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Social Security
and Medicare Lock-Box Act''.
(b) Findings Regarding Social Security and Medicare Part A.--The
Congress finds the following:
(1)(A) Long-term projections show serious problems facing
the fiscal health of the trust funds associated with Social
Security and Medicare Hospital Insurance.
(B) According to the 2016 Annual Report of the Board of
Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and
Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds, the assets of the
combined Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and
the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund will be exhausted
by 2034, and the Disability Insurance Trust Fund alone will be
depleted by 2022.
(C) According to the 2016 Annual Report of the Board of
Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal
Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds, the assets of the
Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will be exhausted by
2028.
(2)(A) The Trustees of these trust funds strongly encourage
action to protect the solvency of the trust funds.
(B) In their message to the public, included in the 2016
Annual Reports, the Social Security and Medicare Boards of
Trustees wrote, ``Social Security's and Medicare's projected
long-range costs exceed currently scheduled financing and will
require legislative action to avoid subjecting beneficiaries
and taxpayers to unanticipated program changes. The sooner that
lawmakers take action, the wider will be the range of solutions
to consider and the more time that will be available to phase
in changes, giving the public adequate time to prepare. Earlier
action allows more generations to share the economic cost of
maintaining program solvency, and would provide more
opportunity to ameliorate adverse impacts on vulnerable
populations, including lower-income workers and people already
significantly dependent on program benefits.''
(3) Social Security and Medicare are meant to provide a
secure and stable base so that older Americans can live in
dignity.
(4) Protecting the future surpluses of these trust funds
can only occur when meaningful reform has been enacted by
Congress. Any path to solvency must include the protection of
future surpluses.
SEC. 2. INTERIM PROTECTIONS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND SURPLUS.
Section 201(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(d)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``It shall be the duty'' and inserting
``(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be the
duty'';
(2) by striking ``(1) on original issue at the issue price,
or (2)'' and inserting ``(A) on original issue at the issue
price, or (B)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2)(A) There is established in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors
Insurance Trust Fund a Social Security Surplus Protection Account. As
soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year after fiscal year
2018, the Managing Trustee shall transfer to the Account, from amounts
otherwise available in the Trust Fund, amounts equivalent to the social
security surplus for such fiscal year. Such amounts shall be
transferred from time to time to the Account, such amounts to be
determined on the basis of estimates by the Managing Trustee, and
proper adjustments shall be made in amounts subsequently transferred to
the extent prior estimates were in excess of or were less than the
correct amount.
``(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `social security
surplus' means, for any fiscal year, the excess, if any, of--
``(i) the sum of--
``(I) the taxes imposed for such fiscal year by
chapter 21 (other than sections 3101(b) and 3111(b)) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to wages
(as defined in section 3121 of such Code) reported to
the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegates pursuant
to subtitle F of such Code, as determined by the
Secretary of the Treasury by applying the applicable
rates of tax under such chapter 21 (other than sections
3101(b) and 3111(b)) to such wages, less the amounts
specified in clause (1) of subsection (b) of this
section for such fiscal year,
``(II) the taxes imposed by chapter 2 (other than
section 1401(b)) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
with respect to self-employment income (as defined in
section 1402 of such Code) reported to the Secretary of
the Treasury on tax returns under subtitle F of such
Code, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury by
applying the applicable rate of tax under such chapter
(other than section 1401(b)) to such self-employment
income, less the amounts specified in clause (2) of
subsection (b) of this section for such fiscal year,
and
``(III) the amount equivalent to the aggregate
increase in tax liabilities under chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which is attributable to
the application of sections 86 and 871(a)(3) of such
Code to payments from the Trust Fund, over
``(ii) the sum of--
``(I) benefits paid from the Trust Fund during the
fiscal year, and
``(II) amounts authorized to be made available from
the Trust Fund under subsection (g) of this section
which are paid from the Trust Fund during such fiscal
year.
``(C) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the balance in the Account
shall not be available for investment by the Managing Trustee.
``(D)(i) The preceding provisions of this paragraph shall not apply
with respect to fiscal years commencing with or after the first fiscal
year, after fiscal year 2018, for which a provision of Federal law
takes effect and authorizes, for amounts in the Trust Fund, an
investment vehicle other than obligations of the United States.
``(ii) A provision of Federal law shall be deemed to meet the
requirements of clause (i) if such provision includes the following:
`This Act shall be considered to be a provision of Federal law meeting
the requirements of section 201(d)(2)(D)(i) of the Social Security
Act.'.''.
SEC. 3. INTERIM PROTECTIONS FOR MEDICARE PART A TRUST FUND SURPLUS.
(a) In General.--Section 1817(c) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395i(c)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``It shall be the duty'' and inserting
``(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be the
duty'';
(2) by striking ``(1) on original issue at the issue price,
or (2)'' and inserting ``(A) on original issue at the issue
price, or (B)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2)(A) There is established in the Federal Hospital Insurance
Trust Fund a Medicare Surplus Protection Account (in this paragraph
referred to as the `Account'). As soon as practicable after the end of
each fiscal year after fiscal year 2018, the Managing Trustee shall
transfer to the Account, from amounts otherwise available in the Trust
Fund, amounts equivalent to the Medicare part A surplus for such fiscal
year. Such amounts shall be transferred from time to time to the
Account, such amounts to be determined on the basis of estimates by the
Managing Trustee, and proper adjustments shall be made in amounts
subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess
of or were less than the correct amount.
``(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `Medicare part A
surplus' means, for any fiscal year, the excess, if any, of--
``(i) the sum of--
``(I) the taxes imposed for such fiscal year by
sections 3101(b) and 3111(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 with respect to wages (as defined in
section 3121 of such Code) reported to the Secretary of
the Treasury or his delegates pursuant to subtitle F of
such Code, as determined by the Secretary of the
Treasury by applying the applicable rates of tax under
such sections to such wages; and
``(II) the taxes imposed by section 1401(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to self-
employment income (as defined in section 1402 of such
Code) reported to the Secretary of the Treasury on tax
returns under subtitle F of such Code, as determined by
the Secretary of the Treasury by applying the
applicable rate of tax under such section 1401(b) to
such self-employment income; over
``(ii) the sum of--
``(I) benefits paid from the Trust Fund during the
fiscal year; and
``(II) amounts authorized to be made available from
the Trust Fund under subsection (f) of this section (or
section 201(g)) which are paid from the Trust Fund
during such fiscal year.
``(C) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the balance in the Account
shall not be available for investment by the Managing Trustee.
``(D)(i) The preceding provisions of this paragraph shall not apply
with respect to fiscal years commencing with or after the first fiscal
year, after fiscal year 2018, for which a provision of Federal law
takes effect and authorizes, for amounts in the Trust Fund, an
investment vehicle other than obligations of the United States.
``(ii) A provision of Federal law shall be deemed to meet the
requirements of clause (i) if such provision includes the following:
`This Act shall be considered to be a provision of Federal law meeting
the requirements of section 1817(c)(2)(D)(i) of the Social Security
Act.'.''.
SEC. 4. SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE PART A INVESTMENT COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the executive branch of
the Government a Social Security and Medicare Part A Investment
Commission (in this section referred to as the ``Commission'').
(b) Study and Report.--As soon as practicable after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall conduct a study to
ascertain the most effective vehicles for investment of the Federal
Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Hospital
Insurance Trust Fund, other than investment in the form of obligations
of the United States. Not later than October 1, 2018, the Commission
shall submit a report to the President and to each House of the
Congress setting forth its recommendations for such vehicles for
investment, together with proposals for such administrative and
legislative changes as the Commission determines necessary to authorize
and implement such recommendations.
(c) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of--
(1) 3 members appointed by the President, of whom 1 shall
be designated by the President as Chairman;
(2) 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives;
(3) 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the House
of Representatives;
(4) 2 members appointed by the majority leader of the
Senate; and
(5) 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the
Senate.
(d) Membership Requirements.--Members of the Commission shall have
substantial experience, training, and expertise in the management of
financial investments and pension benefit plans.
(e) Length of Appointments.--Members of the Commission shall serve
for the life of the Commission. A vacancy on the Commission shall be
filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made and
shall be subject to any conditions that applied with respect to the
original appointment.
(f) Administrative Provisions.--
(1) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet--
(A) not less than once during each month; and
(B) at additional times at the call of the
Chairman.
(2) Exercise of powers.--
(A) In general.--The Commission shall perform the
functions and exercise the powers of the Commission on
a majority vote of a quorum of the Commission. Three
members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business.
(B) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission shall
not impair the authority of a quorum of the Commission
to perform the functions and exercise the powers of the
Commission.
(g) Compensation.--
(1) In general.--Each member of the Commission who is not
an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be
compensated at the daily rate of basic pay for level IV of the
Executive Schedule for each day during which such member is
engaged in performing a function of the Commission.
(2) Expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be paid
travel, per diem, and other necessary expenses under subchapter
I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while traveling
away from such member's home or regular place of business in
the performance of the duties of the Commission.
(h) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the
date of the submission of its report pursuant to subsection (b). | Social Security and Medicare Lock-Box Act This bill establishes: (1) in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, a Social Security Surplus Protection Account; and (2) in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, a Medicare Surplus Protection Account. The Managing Trustee of each trust fund (in both cases, the Secretary of the Treasury): (1) must transfer the annual surplus of the trust fund to its respective account; and (2) may not invest the balance in the account until a law takes effect that authorizes, for amounts in the trust fund, an investment vehicle other than U.S. obligations. The bill establishes in the executive branch a commission to study the most effective vehicles for investment of the trust funds, other than investments in the form of U.S. obligations. | Social Security and Medicare Lock-Box Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Railroad Security
and Public Awareness Act of 2005''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Rail worker security training program.
Sec. 3. Public awareness.
Sec. 4. Railroad security upgrades.
SEC. 2. RAIL WORKER SECURITY TRAINING PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with
appropriate law enforcement, security, and terrorism experts,
representatives of railroad carriers, and nonprofit employee
organizations that represent rail workers, shall develop and issue
detailed guidance for a rail worker security training program to
prepare front-line workers for potential threat conditions.
(b) Program Elements.--The guidance developed under subsection (a)
shall require such a program to include, at a minimum, elements that
address the following:
(1) Determination of the seriousness of any occurrence.
(2) Crew communication and coordination.
(3) Appropriate responses to defend oneself.
(4) Use of protective devices.
(5) Evacuation procedures.
(6) Psychology of terrorists to cope with hijacker behavior
and passenger responses.
(7) Live situational training exercises regarding various
threat conditions, including tunnel evacuation procedures.
(8) All employee training provisions included in the
Transportation Security Directive (SD RAILPAX-04-01 and SD
RAILRAX-04-02) issued under the authority of section 114 of
title 49, United States Code, by the Transportation Security
Administration on May 20, 2004.
(9) Any other areas that the Secretary deems appropriate.
(c) Railroad Carrier Programs.--Not later than 60 days after the
Secretary issues guidance under subsection (a) in final form, each
railroad carrier shall develop a rail worker security training program
in accordance with that guidance and submit it to the Secretary for
approval. Not later than 30 days after receiving a railroad carrier's
program under this subsection, the Secretary shall review the program
and approve it or require the railroad carrier to make any revisions
the Secretary considers necessary for the program to meet the guidance
requirements.
(d) Training.--Not later than 180 days after the Secretary approves
the training program developed by a railroad carrier under this
section, the railroad carrier shall complete the training of all front-
line workers in accordance with that program.
(e) Updates.--The Secretary shall update the training guidance
issued under subsection (a) from time to time to reflect new or
different security threats, and require railroad carriers to revise
their programs accordingly and provide additional training to their
front-line workers.
(f) Security Training Program Grants.--The Secretary of Homeland
Security is authorized to make grants to railroads (including
intercity, heavy, and light rail), hazardous materials shippers, owners
of rail cars used in the transportation of hazardous materials,
universities, colleges, and research centers, and State and local
governments (for railroad facilities and infrastructure) for full or
partial reimbursement of costs incurred to implement the program
detailed in subsection (a).
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security $100,000,000 for
fiscal year 2007 to carry out the purposes of this section. Amounts
appropriated pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until
expended.
(h) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``front-
line workers'' means heavy and light rail employees who have daily
access to the operations infrastructure and passengers of their rail
systems.
SEC. 3. PUBLIC AWARENESS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Homeland Security, shall develop a national plan for
public outreach and awareness. Such plan shall be designed to increase
awareness of measures that the general public, railroad passengers, and
railroad employees can take to increase railroad system security. Such
plan shall also provide outreach to railroad carriers and their
employees to improve their awareness of available technologies, ongoing
research and development efforts, and available Federal funding sources
to improve railroad security. Not later than 9 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
implement the plan developed under this section.
SEC. 4. RAILROAD SECURITY UPGRADES.
(a) Security Improvement Grants.--The Secretary of Homeland
Security is authorized to make grants to railroads (including intercity
passenger and heavy and light rail), hazardous materials shippers,
owners of rail cars used in the transportation of hazardous materials,
universities, colleges, and research centers, and State and local
governments (for railroad facilities and infrastructure) for full or
partial reimbursement of costs incurred to prevent or respond to acts
of terrorism, sabotage, or other railroad security threats, including
providing for--
(1) technologies for reduction of tank car vulnerability;
(2) demonstration of bridge and tunnel inspection
technologies
(3) security and redundancy for critical communications,
electric power (including traction power), computer, and train
control systems essential for secure railroad operations or to
continue railroad operations after an attack impacting railroad
operations;
(4) the security of hazardous material transportation by
railroad;
(5) secure passenger railroad stations, trains, and
infrastructure;
(6) public security awareness campaigns for passenger train
operations;
(7) the sharing of intelligence and information about
railroad security threats;
(8) train tracking and interoperable communications systems
that are coordinated to the maximum extent possible;
(9) additional police and security officers, including
canine units; and
(10) all provisions included in the Transportation Security
Directives (SD RAILPAX-04-01 and SD RAILPAX-04-02) issued under
the authority of section 114 of title 49, United States Code,
by the Transportation Security Administration on May 20, 2004.
(b) Risk Assessments.--Grants shall be awarded under section on the
basis of the results of risk assessments--
(1) conducted by the Secretary of Homeland Security; or
(2) conducted by rail operators or owners, and reviewed and
determined sufficient by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security $400,000,000 for
fiscal year 2007 to carry out the purposes of this section. Amounts
appropriated pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until
expended.
SEC. 5. TIMELINES FOR RISK ASSESSMENT AND AGENCY COOPERATION.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Homeland Security, shall--
(1) develop a plan and timeline for completing the
Department's framework for analyzing sector risks, including
risks to the United States rail system;
(2) evaluate whether the risk assessment methodology used
by the Office for Domestic Preparedness should be leveraged to
facilitate the completion of risk assessments for rail and
other transportation modes; and
(3) set timelines for completing the memorandum of
understanding modal agreements for rail, mass transit, and
research and development, which both the Department of Homeland
Security and the Department of Transportation have agreed to
pursue.
SEC. 6. SECURITY STANDARDS AND INSPECTIONS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop and issue, in coordination
with the Secretary of Transportation and rail operators and owners--
(1) rail security standards outlining actions for securing
rail systems that reflect industry best practices; and
(2) a plan identifying how Transportation Security
Administration rail inspectors will be used to measure,
monitor, and enforce the security standards issued under
paragraph (1) and, if appropriate, recommendations for how rail
asset owners should be required to enforce such standards.
SEC. 7. STUDY OF FOREIGN RAIL SECURITY PRACTICES.
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall--
(1) study select foreign rail security practices, and the
cost and feasibility of implementing selected best practices
that are not currently used in the United States, including--
(A) implementing covert testing processes to
evaluate the effectiveness of rail system security
personnel;
(B) implementing practices used by foreign rail
operators that integrate security into infrastructure
design;
(C) implementing random searches or screening of
passengers and their baggage; and
(D) establishing and maintaining an information
clearinghouse on existing and emergency security
technologies and security best practices used in the
passenger rail industry both in the United States and
abroad; and
(2) report the results of the study, together with any
recommendations that the Secretary may have for implementing
covert testing, practices for integrating security in
infrastructure design, random searches or screenings, and an
information clearinghouse to the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on
Homeland Security of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
of the House of Representatives not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act. | Railroad Security and Public Awareness Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and issue detailed guidance for a rail worker security training program to prepare front-line workers for potential threat conditions. Requires railroad carriers to develop a rail worker security training program that meets the Secretary's approval.
Directs the Secretary to develop a national plan for public outreach and awareness of measures that the general public, railroad passengers, and railroad employees can take to increase railroad security.
Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to railroads (including intercity, heavy, and light rail), hazardous materials shippers, owners of hazardous materials rail cars, universities, colleges, and research centers, and state and local governments (for railroad facilities and infrastructure) for full or partial reimbursement of: (1) rail worker security training program costs; and (2) security upgrade costs incurred by a railroad to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism, sabotage, or other railroad security threats.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop timelines for completing the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) framework for analyzing risks to the U.S. rail system and other transportation sectors; (2) evaluate whether the risk assessment used by the Office for Domestic Preparedness should be leveraged to facilitate the completion of such risk assessments; (3) set timelines for completing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) modal agreements for rail, mass transit, and research and development (R&D), which DHS and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have agreed to pursue; (4) develop and issue rail security standards, including a plan for how Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rail inspectors will be used to enforce such standards; and (5) study select foreign rail security practices, including the cost of implementing selected best practices not currently used in the United States. | To provide for the security and safety of rail transportation systems in the United States, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Semiautomatic Assault Weapon
Violence Prevention Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF SEMIAUTOMATIC ASSAULT WEAPONS.
(a) Definitions.--Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (28) by striking ```semiautomatic rifle'
means any repeating rifle'' and inserting ```semiautomatic
firearm' means a repeating firearm''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(29) The term `semiautomatic assault weapon'--
``(A) means--
``(i) any of the semiautomatic firearms known as--
``(I) A.A. Arms AP-9;
``(II) Auto-Ordnance Thompson;
``(III) Barrett Light-Fifty;
``(IV) Beretta AR-70;
``(V) Bushmaster Auto Rifle;
``(VI) Calico M-900 and M-950;
``(VII) Cobray, Ingram and RPB MAC-10 and
MAC-11;
``(VIII) Colt AR-15 and Sporter;
``(IX) Encom MP-9 and MP-45;
``(X) Fabrique Nationale FN/FAL, FN/LAR,
and FNC;
``(XI) Feather AT-9;
``(XII) Federal XP900 and XP450;
``(XIII) Franchi SPAS-12;
``(XIV) Intratec TEC-9 and TEC-22;
``(XV) Israeli Military Industries UZI and
Galil;
``(XVI) Iver Johnson Enforcer 3000;
``(XVII) Norinco, Mitchell and Poly
Technologies Avtomat Kalashnikovs;
``(XVIII) Steyr AUG; or
``(XIX) USAS-12;
``(ii) a revolving-cylinder shotgun such as or
similar to the Street Sweeper or Striker 12; and
``(iii) a semiautomatic firearm designated by the
Secretary as a semiautomatic assault weapon under
section 931; and
``(B) does not include (among other firearms)--
``(i) any of the firearms known as--
``(I) Remington Model 1100 shotgun;
``(II) Remington Model 7400 rifle;
``(III) Mossberg Model 5500 shotgun;
``(IV) HK Model 300 rifle;
``(V) Marlin Model 9 camp carbine;
``(VI) Browning High-Power rifle; or
``(VII) Remington Nylon 66 auto loading
rifle;
``(ii) a firearm that is a manually operated bolt
action firearm;
``(iii) a lever action firearm;
``(iv) a slide action firearm; or
``(v) a firearm that has been rendered permanently
inoperable.''.
(b) Prohibition.--Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(s)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful
for a person to transfer or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon.
``(2) This subsection does not apply with respect to--
``(A) a transfer to or by, or possession by or under the
authority of the United States or a department or agency of the
United States or a State or a department, agency, or political
subdivision of a State;
``(B) a lawful transfer or lawful possession of a
semiautomatic assault weapon that was lawfully possessed before
the effective date of this subsection or, in the case of a
semiautomatic firearm that the Secretary designates as a
semiautomatic assault weapon pursuant to section 931, before
the date on which the designation is made; or
``(C) the transfer or possession of a semiautomatic assault
weapon by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer for the
purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the
Secretary.''.
(c) Designation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 44 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``Sec. 931. Designation of semiautomatic assault weapons
``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary, in
consultation with the Attorney General, shall determine whether any
other semiautomatic firearm (other than a firearm described in section
921(a)(29)(B)) should be designated as a semiautomatic assault weapon
in addition to those previously designated by section 921(a)(29)(A) or
by the Secretary under this section.
``(b) Criteria.--(1) The Secretary shall by regulation designate as
a semiautomatic assault weapon a rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is a
semiautomatic firearm and that is described in paragraph (2), (3), (4),
or (5).
``(2) A replica or duplicate in any caliber of a semiautomatic
firearm described in section 921(a)(29)(A)(i) is a semiautomatic
assault weapon.
``(3) A rifle that is a semiautomatic firearm is a semiautomatic
assault weapon if it--
``(A) is not generally recognized as being particularly
suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes;
``(B) has an ability to accept a detachable magazine; and
``(C) has at least 2 of the following characteristics:
``(i) A folding or telescoping stock.
``(ii) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously
beneath the action of the weapon.
``(iii) A bayonet mount.
``(iv) A flash suppressor or threaded barrel
designed to accommodate a flash suppressor.
``(v) A grenade launcher.
``(4) A pistol that is a semiautomatic firearm is a semiautomatic
assault weapon if it--
``(A) is not generally recognized as being particularly
suitable for or adaptable to sporting purposes; and
``(B) has an ability to accept a detachable magazine; and
``(C) has at least 2 of the following characteristics:
``(i) An ammunition magazine that attaches to the
pistol outside of the pistol grip.
``(ii) A threaded barrel capable of accepting a
barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward hand grip,
or silencer.
``(iii) A shroud that is attached to or partially
or completely encircles the barrel and that permits the
shooter to hold the firearm with the second hand
without being burned.
``(iv) A manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more
when the pistol is unloaded.
``(v) A semiautomatic version of an automatic
firearm.
``(5) A shotgun that is a semiautomatic firearm is a semiautomatic
assault weapon if it--
``(A) is not generally recognized as being particularly
suitable for or adaptable to sporting purposes; and
``(B) has at least 2 of the following characteristics:
``(i) A folding or telescoping stock.
``(ii) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously
beneath the action of the weapon.
``(iii) A fixed magazine capacity in excess of 6
rounds.
``(iv) An ability to accept a detachable
magazine.''.
(2) Technical amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter
44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end the following new item:
``931. Designation of semiautomatic assault weapons.''.
(d) Penalties.--Section 924(a)(1)(B) of title 18, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``or 922(q)'' and inserting ``922 (q),
(r), or (s)''.
(e) Identification Markings for Semiautomatic Assault Weapons.--
Section 923(i) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at
the end the following new sentence: ``The serial number of a
semiautomatic assault weapon shall clearly show if the weapon was
manufactured or imported after the effective date of this sentence.''.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITION OF LARGE CAPACITY AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICES.
(a) Prohibition.--Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, as
amended by section 2, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(t)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful
for a person to transfer or possess a large capacity ammunition feeding
device.
``(2) This subsection does not apply with respect to--
``(A) a transfer to or by, or possession by or under the
authority of, the United States or any department or agency of
the United States or a State, or a department, agency, or
political subdivision of a State;
``(B) a lawful transfer or lawful possession of a large
capacity ammunition feeding device that was lawfully possessed
before the effective date of this subsection other than a
transfer by a licensed dealer; or
``(C) the transfer or possession of a large capacity
ammunition feeding device by a licensed manufacturer or
licensed importer for the purposes of testing or
experimentation authorized by the Secretary.''.
(b) Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Defined.--Section
921(a) of title 18, United States Code, as amended by section 2, is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(30) The term `large capacity ammunition feeding device'--
``(A) means--
``(i) a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or
similar device that has a capacity of, or that can be
readily restored or converted to accept, more than 10
rounds of ammunition; and
``(ii) any combination of parts from which a device
described in clause (i) can be assembled, but
``(B) does not include an attached tubular device designed
to accept and capable of operating only with .22 caliber
rimfire ammunition.''.
(c) Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Devices Defined and Treated
as Firearms.--Section 921(a)(3) of title 18, United States Code, is
amended in the first sentence--
(1) by striking ``or''; and
(2) by striking ``device.'' and inserting ``, or (E) any
large capacity ammunition feeding device.''.
(d) Penalty.--Section 924(a)(1)(B) of title 18, United States Code,
as amended by section 2(d), is amended by striking ``or (s)'' and
inserting ``(s), or (t)''.
(e) Identification Markings for Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding
Devices.--Section 923(i) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new sentence: ``A large capacity
ammunition feeding device shall be identified by a serial number that
clearly shows the device was manufactured or imported after the
effective date of this subsection, and such other identification as the
Secretary may by regulations prescribe.''. | Semiautomatic Assault Weapon Violence Prevention Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful to transfer or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon. Makes this Act inapplicable to the transfer or possession of a weapon: (1) by a Federal or State agency; (2) that was lawfully possessed before this Act's enactment or, in the case of a semiautomatic firearm designated as a semiautomatic assault weapon under this Act, before the designation is made; or (3) by a licensed manufacturer or importer for purposes of authorized testing or experimentation.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to designate a rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is a semiautomatic firearm and meets specified criteria as a semiautomatic assault weapon.
Makes it unlawful to transfer or possess a large capacity ammunition feeding device except in connection with activities parallel to those listed for the possession or transfer of semiautomatic assault weapons.
Requires the serial numbers of such weapons or devices to clearly show if they were manufactured or imported after this Act's effective date. | Semiautomatic Assault Weapon Violence Prevention Act of 1993 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Cabin Fee Act of 2014''.
SEC. 2. CABIN USER FEES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this
Act as the ``Secretary'') shall establish a fee in accordance with this
section for the issuance of a special use permit for the use and
occupancy of National Forest System land for recreational residence
purposes.
(b) Interim Fee.--During the period beginning on January 1, 2014,
and ending on the last day of the calendar year during which the
current appraisal cycle is completed under subsection (c), the
Secretary shall assess an interim annual fee for recreational
residences on National Forest System land that is an amount equal to
the lesser of--
(1) the fee determined under the Cabin User Fee Fairness
Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.), subject to the
requirement that any increase over the fee assessed during the
previous year shall be limited to not more than 25 percent; or
(2) $5,600.
(c) Completion of Current Appraisal Cycle.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
complete the current appraisal cycle, including receipt of timely
second appraisals, for recreational residences on National Forest
System land in accordance with the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000
(16 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.) (referred to in this Act as the ``current
appraisal cycle'').
(d) Lot Value.--Only appraisals conducted and approved by the
Secretary in accordance with the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000
(16 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.) during the current appraisal cycle shall be
used to establish the base value assigned to the lot, subject to the
adjustment in subsection (e). If a second appraisal--
(1) was approved by the Secretary, the value established by
the second appraisal shall be the base value assigned to the
lot; or
(2) was not approved by the Secretary, the value
established by the initial appraisal shall be the base value
assigned to the lot.
(e) Adjustment.--On the date of completion of the current appraisal
cycle, and before assessing a fee under subsection (f), the Secretary
shall make a 1-time adjustment to the value of each appraised lot on
which a recreational residence is located to reflect any change in
value occurring after the date of the most recent appraisal for the
lot, in accordance with the 4th quarter of 2012 National Association of
Homebuilders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index.
(f) Annual Fee.--
(1) Base.--After the date on which appraised lot values
have been adjusted in accordance with subsection (e), the
annual fee assessed prospectively by the Secretary for
recreational residences on National Forest System land shall be
in accordance with the following tiered fee structure:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Approximate Percent of Fee
Fee Tier Permits Nationally Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tier 1............................ 6 percent................ $650
Tier 2............................ 16 percent............... $1,150
Tier 3............................ 26 percent.............. $1,650
Tier 4............................ 22 percent.............. $2,150
Tier 5............................ 10 percent.............. $2,650
Tier 6............................ 5 percent................ $3,150
Tier 7............................ 5 percent............... $3,650
Tier 8............................ 3 percent............... $4,150
Tier 9............................ 3 percent............... $4,650
Tier 10........................... 3 percent............... $5,150
Tier 11........................... 1 percent................ $5,650.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Inflation adjustment.--The Secretary shall increase or
decrease the annual fees set forth in the table under paragraph
(1) to reflect changes in the Implicit Price Deflator for the
Gross Domestic Product published by the Bureau of Economic
Analysis of the Department of Commerce, applied on a 5-year
rolling average.
(3) Access and occupancy adjustment.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall by regulation
establish criteria pursuant to which the annual fee
determined in accordance with this section may be
suspended or reduced temporarily if access to, or the
occupancy of, the recreational residence is
significantly restricted.
(B) Appeal.--The Secretary shall by regulation
grant the cabin owner the right of an administrative
appeal of the determination made in accordance with
subparagraph (A) whether to suspend or reduce
temporarily the annual fee.
(g) Periodic Review.--
(1) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 10 years
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the
House of Representatives a report that--
(A) analyzes the annual fees set forth in the table
under subsection (f) to ensure that the fees reflect
fair value for the use of the land for recreational
residence purposes, taking into account all use
limitations and restrictions (including any limitations
and restrictions imposed by the Secretary); and
(B) includes any recommendations of the Secretary
with respect to modifying the fee system.
(2) Limitation.--The use of appraisals shall not be
required for any modifications to the fee system based on the
recommendations under paragraph (1)(B).
SEC. 3. CABIN TRANSFER FEES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a fee in the amount
of $1,200 for the issuance of a new recreational residence permit due
to a change of ownership of the recreational residence.
(b) Adjustments.--The Secretary shall annually increase or decrease
the transfer fee established under subsection (a) to reflect changes in
the Implicit Price Deflator for the Gross Domestic Product published by
the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce, applied
on a 5-year rolling average.
SEC. 4. EFFECT.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act limits or restricts any right,
title, or interest of the United States in or to any land or resource
in the National Forest System.
(b) Alaska.--The Secretary shall not establish or impose a fee or
condition under this Act for permits in the State of Alaska that is
inconsistent with section 1303(d) of the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3193(d)).
SEC. 5. RETENTION OF FEES.
(a) In General.--Beginning 10 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary may retain, and expend, for the purposes
described in subsection (b), any fees collected under this Act without
further appropriation.
(b) Use.--Amounts made available under subsection (a) shall be used
to administer the recreational residence program and other recreation
programs carried out on National Forest System land.
SEC. 6. REPEAL OF CABIN USER FEE FAIRNESS ACT OF 2000.
Effective on the date of the assessment of annual permit fees in
accordance with section 2(f) (as certified to Congress by the
Secretary), the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6201 et
seq.) is repealed. | Cabin Fee Act of 2014 - (Sec. 2) Establishes a new process for the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to set annual fees for the issuance of special use permits for the use and occupancy of National Forest System land for recreational residences commonly referred to as cabins. Replaces the current process under which annual user fees are adjusted annually based on changes in land values, which are subject to reappraisals and appeals, with a new tiered system in which fees based on the current appraisal cycle are capped at a specified amount and adjusted annually for inflation only. Requires the Secretary to: (1) complete the current appraisal cycle, including receipt of timely second appraisals, for such residences within one year after enactment of this Act; and (2) assess an interim annual fee for them according to a specified formula. Specifies the annual fee for each of 11 fee tiers that are adjusted annually for inflation. Requires the Secretary to report after 10 years on these annual fees in order to ensure that they reflect fair value for the use of System land, and on any recommendations to modify the fee system. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to establish a transfer fee of $1,200 for the issuance of a new recreational residence permit due to a change in ownership of the recreational residence. (Sec. 5) Permits the Secretary, beginning 10 years after enactment of this Act, to: (1) retain and expend any fees collected under this Act, without further appropriation; and (2) use them to administer the recreational residence program and other recreation programs carried out on System land. (Sec. 6) Repeals the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000, effective on the date the annual permit fees are first assessed under this Act. | Cabin Fee Act of 2014 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Welfare and Teenage Pregnancy
Reduction Act''.
SEC. 2. BLOCK GRANTS TO STATES FOR FAMILIES WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN.
(a) In General.--Part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 601-617) is amended to read as follows:
``Part A--Block Grants to States for Families With Dependent Children
``SEC. 401. ENTITLEMENT.
``For grants to which States meeting the requirements of this part
are entitled, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
for each fiscal year an amount equal to 103 percent of the aggregate
amount of Federal outlays under part A of this title (as in effect
immediately before the effective date of this part) for fiscal year
1992.
``SEC. 402. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.
``To be entitled to a grant under this part for a fiscal year, a
State must, not later than June 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal
year, submit to the Secretary an application which describes the State
program to assist families with dependent children, including the goals
and objectives of the program.
``SEC. 403. BLOCK GRANT.
``The Secretary shall make a grant to each State that meets the
requirement of section 402 in an amount equal to 103 percent of the
amount paid to the State under part A of this title (as in effect
immediately before the effective date of this part) for fiscal year
1992.
``SEC. 404. USE OF FUNDS.
``(a) In General.--Each State to which a grant is made under
section 403 for a fiscal year shall use the grant to carry out the
State program to assist families with dependent children.
``(b) Prohibitions.--Each State to which a grant is made under
section 403 for a fiscal year shall not use any Federal or State funds
provided to carry out the State program to assist families with
dependent children, to provide assistance during the fiscal year with
respect to a dependent child if--
``(1) the mother or father of the dependent child has not
attained 18 years of age; or
``(2) the paternity or maternity of the dependent child has
not been established.
``(c) Special Rule.--During a period not exceeding 1 year from the
date a family with a dependent child moves to a State to which a grant
is made under section 403 for a fiscal year from another State, the
State may--
``(1) apply the same rules as apply with respect to any
other dependent child in the State, in providing assistance
with respect to the dependent child under the State program to
assist families with dependent children; or
``(2) treat the dependent child in the same manner as such
other State would have treated the dependent child if the
dependent child had not moved from such other State.
``SEC. 405. DEFINITION OF DEPENDENT CHILD.
``As used in this part, the term `dependent child' means an
individual who--
``(1) is needy, as determined by the State in which the
child resides;
``(2) has been deprived of parental support or care due to
the death, continued absence from the home (other than absence
occasioned solely due to the performance of active duty in the
uniformed services of the United States), or physical or mental
incapacity of a parent;
``(3) is living with the individual's father, mother,
grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, stepfather,
stepmother, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin,
nephew, or niece, in a place of residence maintained by 1 or
more of such relatives as his, her, or their home; and
``(4) is--
``(A) not more than 18 years of age; or
``(B) at the option of the State--
``(i) not more than 19 years of age; and
``(ii) a full-time student in a secondary
school (or in the equivalent level of
vocational or technical training) who may
reasonably be expected to complete the program
of the secondary school (or the training)
before attaining 19 years of age.''.
``SEC. 406. ANNUAL REPORTS.
``Not later than 6 months after the end of each fiscal year for
which a State is made a grant under section 403, the State shall submit
to the Secretary a report which contains--
``(1) a statement of the average number of families with
dependent children in the State during the fiscal year;
``(2) in absolute and in percentage terms, the extent to
which there has been an increase or decrease, during the fiscal
year and since the effective date of this part, in--
``(A) teen pregnancies in the State;
``(B) births of children immediately eligible for
assistance through the State program of assistance to
families with dependent children;
``(C) families to whom such assistance has been
terminated due to the gainful employment of 1 or more
members of the family; and
``(D) absent parents who contribute financially to
the support of families receiving such assistance; and
``(3) the extent to which the State has met the goals and
objectives set forth in the application for the grant.
``SEC. 407. WITHHOLDING OF BLOCK GRANT.
``Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, beginning 4
years after the effective date of this part, the Secretary may suspend
or withhold for any period part or all of a grant to a State for a
fiscal year under this part if, after reviewing the State reports
submitted pursuant to section 406, the Secretary determines that the
State program of assistance to families with dependent children during
the immediately preceding fiscal year has not adequately met the needs
of the families.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 1993.
(c) References in Other Laws.--Any reference in any law,
regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to
part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, or to a provision of law
contained in such part, shall, unless the context otherwise requires,
be considered to be a reference to such part, or such provision, as in
effect immediately before October 1, 1993.
SEC. 3. REDUCTION OF FEDERAL AFDC ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
(a) Cost-Reduction Requirement.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall, using any authorities otherwise available, take such
actions as may be necessary to ensure that, for each fiscal year
beginning after September 30, 1994, the total administrative costs of
the program described in part A of title IV of the Social Security Act
shall not exceed 50 percent of the total administrative costs of that
program (as then in effect) for fiscal year 1992.
(b) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall submit a written report to Congress describing--
(1) the actions which have been or will be taken in order
to achieve timely compliance with subsection (a);
(2) the procedures and criteria used in determining what
actions to take, including the reasons why each such action was
chosen;
(3) the savings anticipated from each action described
under paragraph (1); and
(4) the methodologies and assumptions used in connection
with any computations under this section. | Welfare and Teenage Pregnancy Reduction Act - Amends title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to replace the program of aid to families with dependent children under SSA title IV part A (AFDC) with a program of block grants to States for families with dependent children whose natural parents have attained age 18.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on actions required under this Act to reduce AFDC administrative costs. | Welfare and Teenage Pregnancy Reduction Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Minority Serving Institution Digital
and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE.
(a) In General.--There is established within the National Science
Foundation an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and
Wireless Technology to carry out the provisions of this Act.
(b) Purpose.--The Office shall--
(1) strengthen the ability of eligible institutions to
provide capacity for instruction in digital and wireless
network technologies by providing grants to, or executing
contracts or cooperative agreements with, those institutions to
provide such instruction; and
(2) strengthen the national digital and wireless
infrastructure by increasing national investment in
telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible
institutions.
SEC. 3. ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED.
An eligible institution shall use a grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement awarded under this Act--
(1) to acquire equipment, instrumentation, networking
capability, hardware and software, digital network technology,
wireless technology, and infrastructure;
(2) to develop and provide educational services, including
faculty development, related to science, mathematics,
engineering, or technology;
(3) to provide teacher education, library and media
specialist training, and preschool and teacher aid
certification to individuals who seek to acquire or enhance
technology skills in order to use technology in the classroom
or instructional process;
(4) to implement joint projects and consortia to provide
education regarding technology in the classroom with a State or
State education agency, local education agency, community-based
organization, national non-profit organization, or business,
including minority businesses;
(5) to provide professional development in science,
mathematics, engineering, or technology to administrators and
faculty of eligible institutions with institutional
responsibility for technology education;
(6) to provide capacity-building technical assistance to
eligible institutions through remote technical support,
technical assistance workshops, distance learning, new
technologies, and other technological applications;
(7) to foster the use of information communications
technology to increase scientific, mathematical, engineering,
and technology instruction and research; and
(8) to develop proposals to be submitted under this Act and
to develop strategic plans for information technology
investments.
SEC. 4. APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURE.
(a) In General.--To be eligible to receive a grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement under this Act, an eligible institution shall
submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such information as the Director may reasonably require.
The Director, in consultation with the advisory council established
under subsection (b), shall establish a procedure by which to accept
and review such applications and publish an announcement of such
procedure, including a statement regarding the availability of funds,
in the Federal Register.
(b) Advisory Council.--The Director shall establish an advisory
council to advise the Director on the best approaches for involving
eligible institutions in the activities described in section 3, and for
reviewing and evaluating proposals submitted to the program. In
selecting the members of the advisory council, the Director may consult
with representatives of appropriate organizations, including
representatives of eligible institutions, to ensure that the membership
of the advisory council reflects participation by technology and
telecommunications institutions, minority businesses, eligible
institution communities, Federal agency personnel, and other
individuals who are knowledgeable about eligible institutions and
technology issues. Any panel assembled to review a proposal submitted
to the program shall include members from minority serving
institutions. Program review criteria shall include consideration of--
(1) demonstrated need for assistance under this Act; and
(2) diversity among the types of institutions receiving
assistance under this Act.
(c) Data Collection.--An eligible institution that receives a
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under section 2 shall provide
the Office with any relevant institutional statistical or demographic
data requested by the Office.
(d) Information Dissemination.--The Director shall convene an
annual meeting of eligible institutions receiving grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under section 2 for the purposes of--
(1) fostering collaboration and capacity-building
activities among eligible institutions; and
(2) disseminating information and ideas generated by such
meetings.
SEC. 5. MATCHING REQUIREMENT.
The Director may not award a grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement to an eligible institution under this Act unless such
institution agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred by
the institution in carrying out the program for which the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement was awarded, such institution will
make available (directly or through donations from public or private
entities) non-Federal contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of
the amount of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement awarded by
the Director, or $500,000, whichever is the lesser amount. The Director
shall waive the matching requirement for any institution or consortium
with no endowment, or an endowment that has a current dollar value
lower than $50,000,000.
SEC. 6. LIMITATIONS.
(a) In General.--An eligible institution that receives a grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement under this Act that exceeds
$2,500,000, shall not be eligible to receive another grant, contract,
or cooperative agreement under this Act until every other eligible
institution that has applied for a grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement under this Act has received such a grant, contract, or
cooperative.
(b) Awards Administered by Eligible Institution.--Each grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement awarded under this Act shall be made
to, and administered by, an eligible institution, even when it is
awarded for the implementation of a consortium or joint project.
SEC. 7. ANNUAL REPORT AND EVALUATION.
(a) Annual Report Required From Recipients.--Each institution that
receives a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this Act
shall provide an annual report to the Director on its use of the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement.
(b) Evaluation by Director.--The Director, in consultation with the
Secretary of Education, shall--
(1) review the reports provided under subsection (a) each
year; and
(2) evaluate the program authorized by section 3 on the
basis of those reports every 2 years.
(c) Contents of Evaluation.--The Director, in the evaluation, shall
describe the activities undertaken by those institutions and shall
assess the short-range and long-range impact of activities carried out
under the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement on the students,
faculty, and staff of the institutions.
(d) Report to Congress.--The Director shall submit a report to the
Congress based on the evaluation. In the report, the Director shall
include such recommendations, including recommendations concerning the
continuing need for Federal support of the program, as may be
appropriate.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Eligible Institution.--The term ``eligible
institution'' means an institution that is--
(A) a historically Black college or university that
is a part B institution, as defined in section 322(2)
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1061(2));
(B) a Hispanic-serving institution, as defined in
section 502(a)(5) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(5));
(C) a tribally controlled college or university, as
defined in section 316(b)(3) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3));
(D) an Alaska Native-serving institution under
section 317(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1059d(b));
(E) a Native Hawaiian-serving institution under
section 317(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1059d(b)); or
(F) an institution determined by the Director, in
consultation with the Secretary of Education, to have
enrolled a substantial number of minority, low-income
students during the previous academic year who received
assistance under subpart I of part A of title IV of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a et seq.)
for that year.
(2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
(3) Minority Business.--The term ``minority business''
includes HUBZone small business concerns (as defined in section
3(p) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(p)).
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the
National Science Foundation $250,000,000 for each of the fiscal years
2006 through 2010 to carry out this Act.
Passed the Senate July 1, 2005.
Attest:
Secretary.
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 432
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for
other purposes. | Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2005 - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions.
Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions. Requires: (1) a matching recipient contribution of 25 percent of the federal assistance amount; and (2) annual reports from recipients to the NSF Director on the uses of such assistance. Makes the following institutions eligible for such assistance: (1) a historically Black college or university; (2) a Hispanic-, Alaska Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution determined to have enrolled a substantial number of minority, low-income students who received assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides a matching funds requirement. Authorizes appropriations for FY2006-FY2010. | A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Social Security Number Protection
Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The inappropriate sale or purchase of Social Security
numbers is a significant factor in a growing range of illegal
activities, including fraud, identity theft, and, in some
cases, stalking and other violent crimes.
(2) While financial institutions, health care providers,
and other entities have often used Social Security numbers to
confirm the identity of an individual, the sale or purchase of
these numbers often facilitates the commission of criminal
activities, and also can result in serious invasions of
individual privacy.
(3) The Federal Government requires virtually every
individual in the United States to obtain and maintain a Social
Security number in order to pay taxes, to qualify for Social
Security benefits, or to seek employment. An unintended
consequence of these requirements is that Social Security
numbers have become tools that can be used to facilitate crime,
fraud, and invasions of the privacy of the individuals to whom
the numbers are assigned. Because the Federal Government
created and maintains this system, and because the Federal
Government does not permit persons to exempt themselves from
those requirements, it is appropriate for the Government to
take steps to stem the abuse of this system.
(4) A Social Security number is simply a sequence of
numbers. In no meaningful sense can the number itself impart
knowledge or ideas. Persons do not sell or transfer such
numbers in order to convey any particularized message, nor to
express to the purchaser any ideas, knowledge, or thoughts.
(5) A Social Security number does not contain, reflect, or
convey any publicly significant information or concern any
public issue. The sale of such numbers in no way facilitates
uninhibited, robust and wide-open public debate; and
restrictions on such sale would not affect public debate.
(6) No one should seek to profit from the sale of Social
Security numbers in circumstances that create a substantial
risk of physical, emotional, or financial harm to the
individuals to whom those numbers are assigned.
(7) Consequently, Congress should enact legislation that
will offer individuals assigned such numbers necessary
protection from the sale and purchase of Social Security
numbers in circumstances that might facilitate unlawful conduct
or that might otherwise likely result in unfair and deceptive
practices.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Trade Commission.
(2) Person.--The term ``person'' means any individual,
partnership, corporation, trust, estate, cooperative,
association, or any other entity.
(3) Sale.--The term ``sale'' means obtaining, directly or
indirectly, anything of value in exchange for a Social Security
number or Social Security account number. Such term does not
include the submission of such numbers as part of the process
for applying for any type of Government benefit or programs
(such as grant or loan applications or welfare or other public
assistance programs). Such term also does not include transfers
of such numbers as part of a data matching program under the
Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act.
(4) Purchase.--The term ``purchase'' means providing
directly or indirectly, anything of value in exchange for a
Social Security number or Social Security account number. Such
term does not include the submission of such numbers as part of
the process for applying for any type of Government benefit or
programs (such as grant or loan applications or welfare or
other public assistance programs). Such term also does not
include transfers of such numbers as part of a data matching
program under the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act.
(5) Social security number; social security account
number.--The terms ``Social Security number'' and ``Social
Security account number'' have the meaning given those terms in
section 208 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 408).
(6) State.--The term ``State'' means any State of the
United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the
Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands,
Guam, American Samoa, and any territory or possession of the
United States.
SEC. 4. REGULATION OF THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
AND SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT NUMBERS.
(a) Prohibition.--It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or
purchase a Social Security number or Social Security account number in
a manner that violates a regulation promulgated by the Commission under
subsection (b) of this section.
(b) Regulations.--
(1) Restrictions authorized.--The Commission, after
consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, the
Attorney General, and other agencies as the Commission deems
appropriate, shall promulgate regulations restricting the sale
and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security
account numbers and any unfair or deceptive acts or practices
in connection with the sale and purchase of Social Security
numbers and Social Security account numbers.
(2) Limitations on restrictions.--In promulgating such
regulations, the Commission shall impose restrictions and
conditions on the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers
and Social Security account numbers that are no broader than
necessary--
(A) to provide reasonable assurance that Social
Security numbers and Social Security account numbers
will not be used to commit or facilitate fraud,
deception, or crime; and
(B) to prevent an undue risk of bodily, emotional,
or financial harm to individuals.
For purposes of subparagraph (B), the Commission shall consider
the nature, likelihood, and severity of the anticipated harm;
the nature, likelihood, and extent of any benefits that could
be realized from the sale or purchase of the numbers; and any
other relevant factors.
(3) Exceptions.--The regulations promulgated pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall include exceptions which permit the sale
and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security
account numbers--
(A) to the extent necessary for law enforcement or
national security purposes;
(B) to the extent necessary for public health
purposes;
(C) to the extent necessary in emergency situations
to protect the health or safety of 1 or more
individuals;
(D) to the extent necessary for research conducted
for the purpose of advancing public knowledge, on the
condition that the researcher provides adequate
assurances that--
(i) the Social Security numbers or Social
Security account numbers will not be used to
harass, target, or publicly reveal information
concerning any identifiable individuals;
(ii) information about identifiable
individuals obtained from the research will not
be used to make decisions that directly affect
the rights, benefits, or privileges of specific
individuals; and
(iii) the researcher has in place
appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy
and confidentiality of any information about
identifiable individuals;
(E) to the extent consistent with an individual's
voluntary and affirmative written consent to the sale
or purchase of a Social Security number or Social
Security account number that has been assigned to that
individual; and
(F) under other appropriate circumstances as the
Commission may determine and as are consistent with the
findings in section 2 and the principles in paragraph
(2).
(c) Rulemaking.--
(1) Deadline for action.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate
the regulations under subsection (b) of this section, in
accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Effective dates.--Subsection (a) and the regulations
promulgated under subsection (b) shall take effect 30 days
after the date on which the final regulations issued under this
section are published in the Federal Register.
(d) Enforcement.--Any violation of a regulation promulgated under
subsection (b) of this section shall be treated as a violation of a
regulation under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission
Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)) regarding unfair or deceptive acts or
practices.
(e) Administration and Applicability of Act.--
(1) The commission.--The Commission shall prevent any
person from violating this section, and any regulation
promulgated thereunder, in the same manner, by the same means,
and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though
all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade
Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into
and made a part of this Act. Any person who violates such
regulation shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to
the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade
Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) as though all applicable
terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15
U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of
this Act. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to
limit the authority of the Commission under any other provision
of law.
(2) Actions by states.--
(A) Civil actions.--In any case in which the
attorney general of a State has reason to believe that
an interest of the residents of that State has been or
is threatened or adversely affected by an act or
practice that violates any regulation of the Commission
promulgated under subsection (b), the State, as parens
patriae, may bring a civil action on behalf of the
residents of the State in a district court of the
United States of appropriate jurisdiction, to--
(i) enjoin that act or practice;
(ii) enforce compliance with the
regulation;
(iii) obtain damages, restitution, or other
compensation on behalf of residents of the
State; or
(iv) obtain such other legal and equitable
relief as the district court may consider to be
appropriate.
Before filing an action under this subsection, the
attorney general of the State involved shall provide to
the Commission and to the Attorney General a written
notice of that action and a copy of the complaint for
that action. If the State attorney general determines
that it is not feasible to provide the notice described
in this subparagraph before the filing of the action,
the State attorney general shall provide the written
notice and the copy of the complaint to the Commission
and to the Attorney General as soon after the filing of
the complaint as practicable.
(B) Commission and attorney general authority.--On
receiving notice under subparagraph (A), the Commission
and the Attorney General each shall have the right--
(i) to move to stay the action, pending the
final disposition of a pending Federal matter
as described in subparagraph (C);
(ii) to intervene in an action under clause
(i);
(iii) upon so intervening, to be heard on
all matters arising therein; and
(iv) to file petitions for appeal.
(C) Pending criminal proceedings.--If the Attorney
General has instituted a criminal proceeding or the
Commission has instituted a civil action for a
violation of this Act or any regulations thereunder, no
State may, during the pendency of such proceeding or
action, bring an action under this section against any
defendant named in the criminal proceeding or civil
action for any violation of this section that is
alleged in that proceeding or action.
(D) Rule of construction.--For purposes of bringing
any civil action under subparagraph (A), nothing in
this Act shall be construed to prevent an attorney
general of a State from exercising the powers conferred
on the attorney general by the laws of that State to
conduct investigations, administer oaths and
affirmations, or compel the attendance of witnesses or
the production of documentary and other evidence.
(E) Venue; service of process.--Any action brought
under this section may be brought in any district court
of the United States that meets applicable requirements
relating to venue under section 1391 of title 28,
United States Code. In an action brought under this
section, process may be served in any district in which
the defendant is an inhabitant or may be found. | Social Security Number Protection Act of 2006 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make it unlawful for any person to sell or purchase a Social Security number in a manner that violates a regulation promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Directs the FTC to promulgate regulations restricting the sale and purchase of such numbers and any unfair or deceptive acts or practices involved in such a sale or purchase. Requires such regulations to be no broader than necessary to: (1) provide reasonable assurance that Social Security numbers will not be used to commit or facilitate fraud, deception, or crime; and (2) prevent an undue risk of bodily, emotional, or financial harm to individuals.
Requires such regulations also to include exceptions which permit the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers to the extent necessary for: (1) law enforcement, national security, and public health purposes; (2) research conducted for the purpose of advancing public knowledge, subject to certain conditions; and (3) legitimate consumer credit verification, if the numbers used are redacted in accordance with uniform redaction standards established by the FTC in such regulations.
Requires exceptions also for the sale and purchase of such numbers to the extent: (1) necessary in emergency situations to protect the health or safety of one or more individuals; and (2) consistent with an individual's voluntary and affirmative written consent to the sale or purchase of his or her number.
Prescribes enforcement requirements. Authorizes states to bring civil actions on behalf of state residents in a U.S. district court to: (1) enjoin an act or practice; (2) enforce compliance with the regulation; (3) obtain civil penalties in an amount of $11,000 per violation, up to a total of $5 million; or (4) obtain other appropriate legal and equitable relief.
Allows the U.S. Attorney General to institute a criminal proceeding for a violation of this Act. | To strengthen the authority of the Federal Government to protect individuals from certain acts and practices in the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security account numbers, and for other purposes. |
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. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives and job training grants for communities affected by the migration of businesses and jobs to Canada or Mexico as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Campus Fire Safety Right to Know
Act''.
SEC. 2. DISCLOSURE OF FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS AND MEASURES WITH RESPECT
TO CAMPUS BUILDINGS.
Section 485 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
(N);
(B) by striking the period at the end of
subparagraph (O) and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(P) the fire safety report prepared by the institution
pursuant to subsection (h).''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(h) Disclosure of Fire Safety Standards and Measures.--
``(1) Fire safety reports required.--Each eligible
institution participating in any program under this title
shall, beginning in academic year 2002-2003, and each academic
year thereafter, prepare, publish, and distribute, through
appropriate publications, including the Internet, or mailings,
to all current students and employees, and upon request to any
applicant for enrollment or employment, an annual fire safety
report containing at least the following information with
respect to the campus fire safety practices and standards of
that institution:
``(A) A statement that identifies each student
housing facility of the institution, and whether each
such facility is equipped with a fire sprinkler system
or another equally protective fire safety system.
``(B) Statistics concerning the occurrence on
campus, during the 2 preceding academic years for which
data are available, of fires and false fire alarms.
``(C) For each such occurrence, a statement of the
human injuries or deaths and the structural damage
caused by the occurrence.
``(D) Information regarding fire alarms, smoke
alarms, the presence of adequate fire escape planning
or protocols, rules on portable electrical appliances,
smoking and open flames (such as candles), regular
mandatory supervised fire drills, and planned and
future improvement in fire safety.
``(E) Information about fire safety education and
training provided to students, faculty, and staff,
including the percentage of students, faculty, and
staff who have participated in such education and
training.
``(F) Information concerning fire safety at student
fraternities and sororities that are recognized by the
institution, including--
``(i) information reported to the
institution under paragraph (5); and
``(ii) a statement concerning whether and
how the institution works with recognized
student fraternities and sororities to make
buildings and property owned or controlled by
such fraternities or sororities more fire safe.
``(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to require
particular policies, procedures, or practices by institutions
of higher education with respect to fire safety.
``(3) Reports.--Each institution participating in any
program under this title shall make timely reports to the
campus community on fires that are reported to local fire
departments and the incidence of false fire alarms on campus.
Such reports shall be provided to students and employees in a
manner that is timely and that will aid in the prevention of
similar occurrences.
``(4) Logs.--Each institution participating in any program
under this title shall make, keep, and maintain a log, written
in a form that can be easily understood, recording all fires
reported to local fire departments, including the nature, date,
time, and general location of each fire, and all false fire
alarms. All entries that are required pursuant to this
paragraph shall, except where disclosure of such information is
prohibited by law, be open to public inspection.
``(5) Fraternities and sororities.--Each institution
participating in a program under this title shall request each
fraternity and sorority that is recognized by the institution
to collect and report to the institution the information
described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1), as
applied to the fraternity or sorority, for each building and
property owned or controlled by the fraternity or sorority,
respectively.
``(6) Reports to secretary.--On an annual basis, each
institution participating in any program under this title shall
submit to the Secretary a copy of the statistics required to be
made available under paragraph (1)(B). The Secretary shall--
``(A) review such statistics;
``(B) make copies of the statistics submitted to
the Secretary available to the public; and
``(C) in coordination with representatives of
institutions of higher education, identify exemplary
fire safety policies, procedures, and practices and
disseminate information concerning those policies,
procedures, and practices that have proven effective in
the reduction of campus fires.
``(7) Definition of campus.--In this subsection, the term
`campus' means--
``(A) any building or property owned or controlled
by an institution of higher education within the same
reasonably contiguous geographic area of the
institution and used by the institution in direct
support of, or in a manner related to, the
institution's educational purposes, including residence
halls; and
``(B) property within the same reasonably
contiguous geographic area of the institution that is
owned by the institution but controlled by another
person, is used by students, and supports institutional
purposes (such as a food or other retail vendor).''.
SEC. 3. REPORT TO CONGRESS BY SECRETARY OF EDUCATION.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Education shall prepare and submit to Congress a report
containing--
(1) an analysis of the current status of fire safety
systems in college and university facilities, including
sprinkler systems;
(2) an analysis of the appropriate fire safety standards to
apply to these facilities, which the Secretary shall prepare
after consultation with such fire safety experts,
representatives of institutions of higher education, and other
Federal agencies as the Secretary, in the Secretary's
discretion, considers appropriate;
(3) an estimate of the cost of bringing all nonconforming
dormitories and other campus buildings up to current new
building codes or life safety codes; and
(4) recommendations from the Secretary concerning the best
means of meeting fire safety standards in all college and
university facilities, including recommendations for methods to
fund such cost. | Campus Fire Safety Right to Know Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each eligible institution participating in any program under title IV (Student Assistance) to: (1) prepare, publish, and distribute to all current students and employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon request, an annual fire safety report which discloses specified types of information about that institution's campus fire safety standards and practices; (2) make periodic reports to the campus community on fires and false alarms that are reported to local fire departments, to aid in preventing similar occurrences; and (3) submit annually to the Secretary of Education a copy of statistics on campus occurrences of fires and false fire alarms.Directs the Secretary to: (1) review such statistics; (2) make copies available to the public; (3) identify exemplary fire safety policies, procedures, and practices, and disseminate information concerning those policies, procedures, and practices that have proven effective in the reduction of campus fires; and (4) report to Congress analyses of the current status of fire safety systems in college and university facilities, and of the appropriate fire safety standards to apply to these facilities, as well as cost estimates and recommendations. | A bill to provide for disclosure of fire safety standards and measures with respect to campus buildings, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Access to Medical Treatment Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) Advertising or labeling claims.--The term ``advertising
or labeling claims'' means any representations made or
suggested by statement, word, design, device, sound, or any
combination thereof with respect to treatment, including a
representation made or suggested by a label.
(2) Danger.--The term ``danger'' means any serious negative
reaction that--
(A) occurred as a result of a method of treatment;
(B) would not otherwise have occurred; and
(C) is more serious than reactions frequently
experienced with accepted treatments for the same or
similar health problems.
(3) Device.--The term ``device'' has the same meaning given
such term in section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(h)).
(4) Drug.--The term ``drug'' has the same meaning given
such term in section 201(g)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(g)(1)).
(5) Food.--The term ``food'' has the same meaning given
such term in section 201(f) of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(f)).
(6) Health care practitioner.--The term ``health care
practitioner'' means any properly licensed medical doctor,
osteopath, chiropractor, or naturopath.
(7) Label.--The term ``label'' has the same meaning given
such term in section 201(k) of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(k)).
(8) Legal representative.--The term ``legal
representative'' means a parent or an individual who qualifies
as a legal guardian under State law.
(9) Treatment.--The term ``treatment'' means the use of
any food, drug, device, or procedure.
SEC. 3. ACCESS TO MEDICAL TREATMENT.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and
except as provided in subsection (b), an individual shall be permitted
to be treated by a health care practitioner with any method of medical
treatment that such individual desires or the legal representative of
such individual authorizes if--
(1) such practitioner agrees to treat such individual; and
(2) the administration of such treatment falls within the
scope of the practice of such practitioner.
(b) Treatment Requirements.--A health care practitioner may provide
any method of treatment to an individual described in subsection (a)
if--
(1) there is no evidence that such treatment itself, when
taken as prescribed, is a danger to such individual;
(2) in the case of an individual whose treatment is the
administration of a food, drug, or device that has not been
approved by the Food and Drug Administration--
(A) such individual has been informed that such
food, drug, or device has not yet been approved or
certified by the Food and Drug Administration for use
of the medical condition of such individual; and
(B) such food, drug, or device (or information
accompanying the administration of such food, drug, or
device) contains the following warning:
``WARNING: This food, drug, or device has
not been proved safe and effective by the
Federal Government and any individual who uses
such food, drug, or device, does so at his or
her own risk.'';
(3) such individual has been informed of the nature of the
treatment, including--
(A) the contents of such treatment;
(B) any reasonably foreseeable side effects that
may result from such treatment; and
(C) the results of past applications of such
treatment by the health care practitioner and others;
(4) except as provided in subsection (c), there have been
no claims, including advertising and labeling claims, made with
respect to the efficacy of such treatment; and
(5) such individual--
(A) has been provided a written statement that such
individual has been fully informed with respect to the
information described in paragraphs (1) through (4);
(B) desires such treatment; and
(C) signs such statement.
(c) Claim Exceptions.--Subsection (b)(4) shall not apply to an
accurate and truthful reporting by a practitioner of the results of the
practitioner's administration of a treatment in recognized journals or
at seminars, conventions, or similar meetings, if the only financial
gain of such practitioner with respect to such treatment is the payment
received from an individual or representative of such individual for
the administration of such treatment to such individual.
SEC. 4. REPORTING OF A DANGEROUS TREATMENT.
If a practitioner, after administering such treatment, discovers
that the treatment itself (when taken as prescribed) was a danger to
the individual receiving the treatment, the practitioner shall
immediately report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services the
nature of the treatment, the results of such treatment, the complete
protocol of such treatment, and the source from which such treatment or
any part thereof was obtained.
SEC. 5. TRANSPORTATION OF MEDICATION AND EQUIPMENT.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), a person may introduce or deliver
into interstate commerce medication or equipment for use in accordance
with this Act.
SEC. 6. RESTRICTIONS ON LICENSING BOARDS.
A licensing board that issues licenses to health care practitioners
may not deny, suspend, or revoke the license of a health care
practitioner solely because such practitioner provides treatment to
which section 3 applies.
SEC. 7. PENALTY.
A health care practitioner who violates any provisions under this
Act shall not be covered by the protections under this Act and shall be
subject to all other applicable laws and regulations. | Access to Medical Treatment Act - Permits any individual to be treated by a health care practitioner with any method of medical treatment that such individual desires or the legal representative of such individual authorizes if: (1) the practitioner agrees to treat the individual; and (2) the administration of such treatment falls within the practitioner's scope of practice.
Authorizes health care practitioners to provide any method of treatment to such an individual if: (1) there is no evidence that the treatment is a danger to the individual; (2) in the case of treatment that is the administration of a food, drug, or device that has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the individual has been informed that the treatment has not been approved and the food, drug, or device contains a warning to that effect; (3) the individual has been informed of the nature of the treatment; (4) there have been no claims, including advertising and labeling claims, made with respect to the efficacy of such treatment; and (5) the individual desires such treatment and has been provided and has signed a written statement that such individual has been fully informed with respect to such information.
Requires a practitioner, after administering such treatment and discovering it to be a danger to an individual, to submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Authorizes the introduction or delivery into interstate commerce of medication or equipment for use in accordance with this Act.
Prohibits a licensing board from denying, suspending, or revoking the license of a health care practitioner solely because such practitioner provides treatment described by this Act. | Access to Medical Treatment Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Carlsbad Irrigation Project Acquired
Land Transfer Act''.
SEC. 2. CONVEYANCE.
(a) Lands and Facilities.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), and
subject subsection (c), the Secretary of the Interior (in this
Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') may convey to the
Carlsbad Irrigation District (a quasi-municipal corporation
formed under the laws of the State of New Mexico and in this
Act referred to as the ``District''), all right, title, and
interest of the United States in and to the lands described in
subsection (b) (in this Act referred to as the ``acquired
lands'') and all interests the United States holds in the
irrigation and drainage system of the Carlsbad Project and all
related lands including ditch rider houses, maintenance shop
and buildings, and Pecos River Flume.
(2) Limitations.--
(A) Retained surface rights.--The Secretary shall
retain title to the surface estate (but not the mineral
estate) of such acquired lands which are located under
the footprint of Brantley and Avalon dams or any other
project dam or reservoir diversion structure.
(B) Storage and flow easements.--The Secretary
shall retain storage and flow easements for any tracts
located under the maximum spillway elevations of Avalon
and Brantley Reservoirs.
(b) Acquired Lands Described.--The lands referred to in subsection
(a) are those lands (including the surface and mineral estate) in Eddy
County, New Mexico, described as the acquired lands in section (7) of
the ``Status of Lands and Title Report: Carlsbad Project'' as reported
by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1978 .
(c) Terms and Conditions of Conveyance.--Any conveyance of the
acquired lands under this Act shall be subject to the following terms
and conditions:
(1) Management and use, generally.--The conveyed lands
shall continue to be managed and used by the District for the
purposes for which the Carlsbad Project was authorized,
consistent with the management of other adjacent project lands.
(2) Assumed rights and obligations.--Except as provided in
paragraph (3), the District shall assume all rights and
obligations of the United States under--
(A) the agreement dated July 28, 1994, between the
United States and the Director, New Mexico Department
of Game and Fish (Document No. 2-LM-40-00640), relating
to management of certain lands near Brantley Reservoir
for fish and wildlife purposes; and
(B) the agreement dated March 9, 1977, between the
United States and the New Mexico Department of Energy,
Minerals, and Natural Resources (Contract No. 7-07-57-
X0888) for the management and operation of Brantley
Lake State Park.
(3) Exceptions.--In relation to agreements referred to in
paragraph (2)--
(A) the District shall not be obligated for any
financial support agreed to by the Secretary, or the
Secretary's designee, in either agreement; and
(B) the District shall not be entitled to any
receipts or revenues generated as a result of either
agreement.
(d) Completion of Conveyance.--
(1) Sense of the congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that the Secretary should complete the conveyance authorized by
this Act, including such action as may be required under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.), within the 9-month period beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act.
(2) Report.--If the Secretary does not complete the
conveyance within the period referred to in paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress within 30 days after
that period that includes a detailed explanation of problems that have
been encountered in completing of the conveyance, and specific steps
that the Secretary has taken or will take to complete the conveyance.
SEC. 3. LEASE MANAGEMENT AND PAST REVENUES COLLECTED FROM THE ACQUIRED
LANDS.
(a) Identification and Notification of Leaseholders.--Within 120
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the
Interior shall--
(1) provide to the District a written identification of all
mineral and grazing leases in effect on the acquired lands on
the date of enactment of this Act; and
(2) notify all leaseholders of the conveyance authorized by
this Act.
(b) Management of Mineral and Grazing Leases, Licenses, and
Permits.--The District shall assume all rights and obligations of the
United States for all mineral and grazing leases, licenses, and permits
existing on the acquired lands conveyed under section 2, and shall be
entitled to any receipts from such leases, licenses, and permits
accruing after the date of conveyance. All such receipts shall be used
for purposes for which the project was authorized. The District shall
continue to adhere to the current Bureau of Reclamation mineral leasing
stipulations for the Carlsbad Project.
(c) Availability of Amounts Paid Into Reclamation Fund.--
(1) Existing receipts.--Receipts in the reclamation fund on
the date of enactment of this Act which exist as construction
credits to the Carlsbad Project under the terms of the Mineral
Leasing Act for Acquired Lands (30 U.S.C. 351-359) shall be
made available to the District as credits toward its ongoing
operation and maintenance obligation to the United States until
such credits are depleted.
(2) Receipts after enactment.--Of the receipts from mineral
and grazing leases, licenses, and permits on acquired lands to
be conveyed under section 2, that are received by the United
States after the date of enactment and before the date of
conveyance--
(A) not to exceed $200,000 shall be available to
the Secretary for the actual costs of implementing this
Act; and
(B) the remainder shall be deposited into the
reclamation fund and shall be made available to the
District as credits toward its ongoing operation and
maintenance obligation to the United States until such
credits are depleted.
SEC. 4. WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES.
(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary, in
cooperation with the District, may expend not to exceed $100,000
annually, from amounts appropriated for operation and maintenance
within the Bureau of Reclamation, for the purposes of implementing
water conservation practices at the Carlsbad Project, including, but
not limited to, phreatophyte control.
(b) Matching Funds.--As a condition of any expenditure under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall require that the District provide
matching funds in direct proportion to the amount of project lands held
by the District in relation to withdrawn or other project lands held by
the United States.
(c) Voluntary Water Conservation Practices.--Nothing in this Act
shall be construed to limit the ability of the District to voluntarily
implement water conservation practices.
(d) Liability.--Effective on the date of conveyance of any lands
authorized by this Act, the United States shall not be held liable by
any court for damages of any kind arising out of any act, omission, or
occurrence relating to the conveyed property, except for damages caused
by acts of negligence committed by the United States or by its
employees, agents, or contractors, prior to conveyance. Nothing in this
section shall be considered to increase the liability of the United
States beyond that provided under chapter 171 of title 28, United
States Code, popularly known as the Federal Tort Claims Act. | Carlsbad Irrigation Project Acquired Land Transfer Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Carlsbad Irrigation District specified real property within the Carlsbad Project in New Mexico and all U.S. interests in the irrigation and drainage system of the Project and all related lands, including ditch rider houses, the maintenance shop and buildings, and the Pecos River Flume. Requires the conveyed lands to continue to be managed and used for the purposes for which the project was authorized.
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should complete such conveyance within nine months after the enactment of this Act. Requires a report from the Secretary to the Congress if the conveyance is not completed in such time.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide a written identification of all mineral and grazing leases in effect on such lands; and (2) notify all such leaseholders of the conveyance made by this Act. Provides that the District shall assume all U.S. rights and obligations for all mineral and grazing leases, licenses, and permits existing on the conveyed lands and shall be entitled to any associated receipts.
Requires receipts paid into the reclamation fund as credits to the Carlsbad Project to be made available to the District for Project purposes.
Authorizes the Secretary to expend a specified amount annually from Bureau of Reclamation operation and maintenance funds to implement water conservation practices at the Project. Requires the District to provide matching funds.
Indemnifies the United States from damages arising out of any act or omission related to the conveyed property (with an exception for negligence). | Carlsbad Irrigation Project Acquired Land Transfer Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Homeowners' Protection Act of
2008''.
SEC. 2. WAIVER OF COUNSELING REQUIREMENT WHEN HOUSES ARE IN
FORECLOSURE.
Section 109(h) of title 11, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(5) The requirements of paragraph (1) shall not apply in a case
under chapter 13 with respect to a debtor who submits to the court a
certification that the debtor has received notice that the holder of a
claim secured by the debtor's principal residence may commence a
foreclosure on the debtor's principal residence.''.
SEC. 3. AUTHORITY TO MODIFY CERTAIN MORTGAGES.
Section 1322(b) of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (11) as paragraph (12),
(2) in paragraph (10) by striking ``and'' at the end, and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (10) the following:
``(11) notwithstanding paragraph (2) and otherwise
applicable nonbankruptcy law, with respect to a claim for a
debt for a loan secured by a security interest in the debtor's
principal residence that is the subject of a notice that a
foreclosure may be commenced, modify the rights of the holder
of such claim--
``(A) by reducing such claim to equal the value of
the interest of the debtor in such residence securing
such claim;
``(B) by waiving any otherwise applicable early
repayment or prepayment penalties;
``(C) if any applicable rate of interest is
adjustable under the terms of such security interest by
prohibiting, reducing, or delaying adjustments to such
rate of interest applicable on and after the date of
filing of the plan; and
``(D) by modifying the terms and conditions of such
loan--
``(i) to extend the repayment period for a
period that is the longer of 40 years (reduced
by the period for which such loan has been
outstanding) or the remaining term of such
loan, beginning on the date of the order for
relief under this chapter; and
``(ii) to provide for the payment of
interest accruing after the date of the order
for relief under this chapter at an annual
percentage rate calculated at a fixed annual
percentage rate, in an amount equal to the then
most recently published annual yield on
conventional mortgages published by the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as
of the applicable time set forth in the rules
of the Board, plus a reasonable premium for
risk; and''.
SEC. 4. COMBATING EXCESSIVE FEES.
Section 1322(c) of title 11, the United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon, and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) the debtor, the debtor's property, and property of
the estate are not liable for a fee, cost, or charge that is
incurred while the case is pending and arises from a debt that
is secured by the debtor's principal residence except to the
extent that--
``(A) the holder of the claim for such debt files
with the court notice of such fee, cost, or charge
before the earlier of--
``(i) 1 year after such fee, cost, or
charge is incurred; or
``(ii) 60 days before the closing of the
case; and
``(B) such fee, cost, or charge--
``(i) is lawful under applicable
nonbankruptcy law, reasonable, and provided for
in the applicable security agreement; and
``(ii) is secured by property the value of
which is greater than the amount of such claim,
including such fee, cost, or charge;
``(4) the failure of a party to give notice described in
paragraph (3) shall be deemed a waiver of any claim for fees,
costs, or charges described in paragraph (3) for all purposes,
and any attempt to collect such fees, costs, or charges shall
constitute a violation of section 524(a)(2) or, if the
violation occurs before the date of discharge, of section
362(a); and
``(5) a plan may provide for the waiver of any prepayment
penalty on a claim secured by the debtor's principal
residence.''.
SEC. 5. CONFIRMATION OF PLAN.
Section 1325(a) of title 11, the United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (8) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(2) in paragraph (9) by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon, and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
``(10) notwithstanding subclause (I) of paragraph
(5)(B)(i), the plan provides that the holder of a claim whose
rights are modified pursuant to section 1322(b)(11) retain the
lien until the later of--
``(A) the payment of such claim as reduced and
modified; or
``(B) discharge under section 1328; and
``(11) the plan modifies a claim in accordance with section
1322(b)(11), and the court finds that such modification is in
good faith.''.
SEC. 6. DISCHARGE.
Section 1328 of title 11, the United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``(other than payments to holders
of claims whose rights are modified under section
1322(b)(11)'' after ``paid'' the 1st place it appears,
and
(B) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``or, to the
extent of the unpaid portion of the claim as reduced,
provided for in section 1322(b)(11)'' after
``1322(b)(5)'', and
(2) in subsection (c)(1) by inserting ``or, to the extent
of the unpaid portion of the claim as reduced, provided for in
section 1322(b)(11)'' after ``1322(b)(5)''.
SEC. 7. 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 apply only with respect to cases commenced under title 11 of the
United States Code on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. | Homeowners' Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the federal bankruptcy code to eliminate the pre-petition credit counseling requirement for a debtor under chapter 13 (Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income) who is facing foreclosure, if the debtor submits to the court a certification that the debtor has received notice that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence may commence foreclosure.
Allows modification of the rights of claim holders, in the event of a foreclosure notice for a chapter 13 debtor, among other means by: (1) reducing a claim to equal the value of the debtor's interest in the residence securing such claim, and any adjustments to a related adjustable rate of interest; (2) waiving early repayment or prepayment penalties; and (3) extending the repayment period.
Denies debtor liability for certain fees and charges incurred while the bankruptcy case is pending and arising from a debt secured by the debtor's principal residence, unless the claim holder observes specified requirements.
Adds to conditions for court confirmation of a plan in bankruptcy that: (1) the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence retain the lien securing the claim until the later of the payment of such claim as reduced and modified or the discharge of a debtor from all debts; and (2) the plan modifies the claim in good faith.
Excludes from final discharge of a debtor from all debts: (1) any payments to claim holders whose rights are modified under this Act; and (2) any unpaid portion of a claim as reduced. | To amend title 11 of the United States Code with respect to modification of certain mortgages on principal residences, and for other purposes. |
OF IDENTITY THEFT DISPUTES.
The Commission shall require entities that receive disputes
regarding the unauthorized use of accounts of such entities from
consumers that have reason to believe that they are victims of identity
theft to conduct any necessary investigation and decide an outcome of a
claim within 90 days from the date on which all necessary information
to investigate the claim has been submitted to the entity.
SEC. 204. IMPROVEMENTS TO CONSUMER CLEARINGHOUSE.
The Commission shall utilize the Identity Theft Clearinghouse to
permit consumers that have a reasonable belief that they are victims of
identity theft to submit any information relevant to such identity
theft to the Clearinghouse (including by means of an Identity Theft
Affidavit), so that such information may be transmitted by the
Clearinghouse to appropriate entities for necessary protective action
and to mitigate losses resulting from such identity theft.
SEC. 205. IMPROVED IDENTITY THEFT DATA.
(a) In General.--The Commission shall--
(1) establish a process to contact, not less than annually,
public and private entities that receive and process complaints
from consumers that have a reasonable belief that they are
victims of identity theft; and
(2) obtain accurate data on the incidences and nature of
complaints from such entities.
(b) Inclusion in Database.--Such information shall be made part of
the Commission's Identity Theft Clearinghouse database.
SEC. 206. CHANGE OF ADDRESS PROTECTIONS.
The Commission shall require appropriate entities to take
reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of a consumer's address,
including by confirming a consumer's change of address by sending a
confirmation of such change to the old and the new address of the
consumer.
SEC. 207. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This title shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act.
TITLE III--INTERNATIONAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 301. STUDY BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study
and issue a report analyzing the impact on the interstate and foreign
commerce of the United States of information privacy laws, regulations,
or agreements enacted, promulgated, or adopted by other nations,
including regional or international agreements between nations, and
whether the enforcement mechanisms or procedures of those laws,
regulations, or agreements result in discriminatory treatment of United
States entities. The first report under this section shall be issued
not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act and
subsequent reports shall be issued every 3 years thereafter.
SEC. 302. REMEDIATION OF DISCRIMINATORY IMPACT BY SECRETARY OF
COMMERCE.
If the Comptroller General of the United States finds, in the study
and report under section 301, that such information privacy laws,
regulations, or agreements substantially impede interstate and foreign
commerce of the United States and that the enforcement mechanisms or
procedures of the information privacy laws, regulations, or agreements
described in such subsection result in discriminatory treatment of
United States entities, the Secretary of Commerce shall, to the extent
permitted by law take all steps necessary to mitigate against such
discriminatory impact within 180 days after the report making such
findings is issued.
SEC. 303. EFFECT OF NONREMEDIATION.
(a) Recommendations.--If by the end of the 180-day period described
in section 302, the Secretary of Commerce has not attained complete
relief from the discriminatory impact described in such subsection, the
Secretary shall report to the Congress and the President
recommendations on action to relieve any such remaining discriminatory
impact.
(b) Federal Agency Action After Consideration by Congress.--During
the period after the Secretary reports recommendations under subsection
(a) for mitigation of discriminatory impact and before the Congress
acts with respect to such recommendations, no officer or employee of
any Federal agency may take or continue any action to enjoin, or impose
any penalty on, a United States entity, or a citizen or legal resident
of the United States, for the purpose of fulfilling an international
obligation of the United States under an international privacy
agreement (other than such an obligation under a ratified treaty) that
resulted in such discriminatory impact.
SEC. 304. HARMONIZATION OF INTERNATIONAL PRIVACY LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND
AGREEMENTS.
Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Commerce shall provide notice of the provisions of this Act to other
nations, individually, or as members of international organizations or
unions that have enacted, promulgated, or adopted information privacy
laws, regulations, or agreements, and shall seek recognition of this
Act by such nations, organizations, or unions. The Secretary shall seek
the harmonization of this Act with such information privacy laws,
regulations, or agreements, to the extent such harmonization is
necessary for the advancement of transnational commerce, including
electronic commerce. | Consumer Privacy Protection Act of 2003 - Requires data collection organizations, under specified conditions, to notify consumers: (1) at the time of collection that their personally identifiable information may be used for an unrelated transaction purpose; and (2) of any material change in the organization's privacy policy statement immediately after each change.
Requires such organizations to establish a privacy policy with respect to the collection, sale, disclosure for consideration, or use of the consumer's information.
Requires an organization to provide consumers, without charge, the opportunity to preclude the sale or disclosure of their information to any organization that is not an information-sharing partner. Prescribes requirements for opportunities an organization may give consumers to limit other information practices of the organization.
Directs an organization to prepare and implement an information security policy that prevents the unauthorized disclosure or release of a consumer's information.
Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to presume that an organization is in compliance with this Act if it participates in an approved five-year self-regulatory program. Prescribes requirements for a self-regulatory consumer dispute resolution process.
Directs the FTC to: (1) facilitate electronic and promote the use of common identity theft affidavits; (2) require the timely resolution of identity theft disputes; (3) utilize the Identity Theft Clearinghouse to transmit information to appropriate entities for protective action and to mitigate losses; and (4) provide change of address protection for consumers.
Requires: (1) the Comptroller General to analyze the impact on U.S. interstate and foreign commerce of information privacy laws, regulations, or agreements enacted, promulgated, or adopted by other nations, and whether the enforcement mechanisms or procedures of them result in discriminatory treatment of U.S. entities; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce, based on such results, to take steps to mitigate against such discriminatory impact.
Directs the Secretary to seek harmonization of this Act with other international privacy laws, regulations, and agreements for the advancement of transnational and electronic commerce. | To protect and enhance consumer privacy, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Paleontological Resources
Preservation Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) Casual collecting.--The term ``casual collecting''
means the collecting of a reasonable amount of common
invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-
commercial personal use, either by surface collection or the
use of non-powered hand tools resulting in only negligible
disturbance to the Earth's surface and other resources. As used
in this paragraph, the terms ``reasonable amount'', ``common
invertebrate and plant paleontological resources'' and
``negligible disturbance'' shall be determined by the
Secretary.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior with respect to lands controlled or
administered by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary
of Agriculture with respect to National Forest System Lands
controlled or administered by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(3) Federal lands.--The term ``Federal lands'' means--
(A) lands controlled or administered by the
Secretary of the Interior, except Indian lands; or
(B) National Forest System lands controlled or
administered by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(4) Indian lands.--The term ``Indian Land'' means lands of
Indian tribes, or Indian individuals, which are either held in
trust by the United States or subject to a restriction against
alienation imposed by the United States.
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means the fifty States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any
other territory or possession of the United States.
(6) Paleontological resource.--The term ``paleontological
resource'' means any fossilized remains, traces, or imprints of
organisms, preserved in or on the earth's crust, that are of
paleontological interest and that provide information about the
history of life on earth, except that the term does not
include--
(A) any materials associated with an archaeological
resource (as defined in section 3(1) of the
Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16
U.S.C. 470bb(1)); or
(B) any cultural item (as defined in section 2 of
the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation
Act (25 U.S.C. 3001)).
SEC. 3. MANAGEMENT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall manage and protect
paleontological resources on Federal lands using scientific principles
and expertise. The Secretary shall develop appropriate plans for
inventory, monitoring, and the scientific and educational use of
paleontological resources, in accordance with applicable agency laws,
regulations, and policies. These plans shall emphasize interagency
coordination and collaborative efforts where possible with non-Federal
partners, the scientific community, and the general public.
(b) Coordination.--To the extent possible, the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate in the
implementation of this Act.
SEC. 4. PUBLIC AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAM.
The Secretary shall establish a program to increase public
awareness about the significance of paleontological resources.
SEC. 5. COLLECTION OF PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES.
(a) Permit Requirement.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in this Act, a
paleontological resource may not be collected from Federal
lands without a permit issued under this Act by the Secretary.
(2) Casual collecting exception.--The Secretary may allow
casual collecting without a permit on Federal lands controlled
or administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of
Reclamation, and the Forest Service, where such collection is
consistent with the laws governing the management of those
Federal lands and this Act.
(3) Previous permit exception.--Nothing in this section
shall affect a valid permit issued prior to the date of
enactment of this Act.
(b) Criteria for Issuance of a Permit.--The Secretary may issue a
permit for the collection of a paleontological resource pursuant to an
application if the Secretary determines that--
(1) the applicant is qualified to carry out the permitted
activity;
(2) the permitted activity is undertaken for the purpose of
furthering paleontological knowledge or for public education;
(3) the permitted activity is consistent with any
management plan applicable to the Federal lands concerned; and
(4) the proposed methods of collecting will not threaten
significant natural or cultural resources.
(c) Permit Specifications.--A permit for the collection of a
paleontological resource issued under this section shall contain such
terms and conditions as the Secretary deems necessary to carry out the
purposes of this Act. Every permit shall include requirements that--
(1) the paleontological resource that is collected from
Federal lands under the permit will remain the property of the
United States;
(2) the paleontological resource and copies of associated
records will be preserved for the public in an approved
repository, to be made available for scientific research and
public education; and
(3) specific locality data will not be released by the
permittee or repository without the written permission of the
Secretary.
(d) Modification, Suspension, and Revocation of Permits.--
(1) The Secretary may modify, suspend, or revoke a permit
issued under this section--
(A) for resource, safety, or other management
considerations; or
(B) when there is a violation of term or condition
of a permit issued pursuant to this section.
(2) The permit shall be revoked if any person working under
the authority of the permit is convicted under section 7 or is
assessed a civil penalty under section 8.
(e) Area Closures.--In order to protect paleontological or other
resources and to provide for public safety, the Secretary may restrict
access to or close areas under the Secretary's jurisdiction to the
collection of paleontological resources.
SEC. 6. CURATION OF RESOURCES.
Any paleontological resource, and any data and records associated
with the resource, collected under a permit, shall be deposited in an
approved repository. The Secretary may enter into agreements with non-
Federal repositories regarding the curation of these resources, data,
and records.
SEC. 7. PROHIBITED ACTS; CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
(a) In General.--A person may not--
(1) excavate, remove, damage, or otherwise alter or deface
or attempt to excavate, remove, damage, or otherwise alter or
deface any paleontological resources located on Federal lands
unless such activity is conducted in accordance with this Act;
(2) exchange, transport, export, receive, or offer to
exchange, transport, export, or receive any paleontological
resource if, in the exercise of due care, the person knew or
should have known such resource to have been excavated or
removed from Federal lands in violation of any provisions,
rule, regulation, law, ordinance, or permit in effect under
Federal law, including this Act; or
(3) sell or purchase or offer to sell or purchase any
paleontological resource if, in the exercise of due care, the
person knew or should have known such resource to have been
excavated, removed, sold, purchased, exchanged, transported, or
received from Federal lands.
(b) False Labeling Offenses.--A person may not make or submit any
false record, account, or label for, or any false identification of,
any paleontological resource excavated or removed from Federal lands.
(c) Penalties.--A person who knowingly violates or counsels,
procures, solicits, or employs another person to violate subsection (a)
or (b) shall, upon conviction, be fined in accordance with title 18,
United States Code, or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both; but
if the sum of the commercial and paleontological value of the
paleontological resources involved and the cost of restoration and
repair of such resources does not exceed $500, such person shall be
fined in accordance with title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned
not more than one year, or both.
(d) General Exception.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall apply to
any person with respect to any paleontological resource which was in
the lawful possession of such person prior to the date of the enactment
of this Act.
SEC. 8. CIVIL PENALTIES.
(a) In General.--
(1) Hearing.--A person who violates any prohibition
contained in an applicable regulation or permit issued under
this Act may be assessed a penalty by the Secretary after the
person is given notice and opportunity for a hearing with
respect to the violation. Each violation shall be considered a
separate offense for purposes of this section.
(2) Amount of penalty.--The amount of such penalty assessed
under paragraph (1) shall be determined under regulations
promulgated pursuant to this Act, taking into account the
following factors:
(A) The scientific or fair market value, whichever
is greater, of the paleontological resource involved,
as determined by the Secretary.
(B) The cost of response, restoration, and repair
of the resource and the paleontological site involved.
(C) Any other factors considered relevant by the
Secretary assessing the penalty.
(3) Multiple offenses.--In the case of a second or
subsequent violation by the same person, the amount of a
penalty assessed under paragraph (2) may be doubled.
(4) Limitation.--The amount of any penalty assessed under
this subsection for any one violation shall not exceed an
amount equal to double the cost of response, restoration, and
repair of resources and paleontological site damage plus double
the scientific or fair market value of resources destroyed or
not recovered.
(b) Petition for Judicial Review; Collection of Unpaid
Assessments.--
(1) Judicial review.--Any person against whom an order is
issued assessing a penalty under subsection (a) may file a
petition for judicial review of the order in the United States
District Court for the District of Columbia or in the district
in which the violation is alleged to have occurred within the
30-day period beginning on the date the order making the
assessment was issued. Upon notice of such filing, the
Secretary shall promptly file such a certified copy of the
record on which the order was issued. The court shall hear the
action on the record made before the Secretary and shall
sustain the action if it is supported by substantial evidence
on the record considered as a whole.
(2) Failure to pay.--If any person fails to pay a penalty
under this section within 30 days--
(A) after the order making assessment has become
final and the person has not filed a petition for
judicial review of the order in accordance with
paragraph (1); or
(B) after a court in an action brought in paragraph
(1) has entered a final judgment upholding the
assessment of the penalty, the Secretary may request
the Attorney General to institute a civil action in a
district court of the United States for any district in
which the person if found, resides, or transacts
business, to collect the penalty (plus interest at
currently prevailing rates from the date of the final
order or the date of the final judgment, as the case
may be). The district court shall have jurisdiction to
hear and decide any such action. In such action, the
validity, amount, and appropriateness of such penalty
shall not be subject to review. Any person who fails to
pay on a timely basis the amount of an assessment of a
civil penalty as described in the first sentence of
this paragraph shall be required to pay, in addition to
such amount and interest, attorneys fees and costs for
collection proceedings.
(c) Hearings.--Hearings held during proceedings instituted under
subsection (a) shall be conducted in accordance with section 554 of
title 5, United States Code.
(d) Use of Recovered Amounts.--Penalties collected under this
section shall be available to the Secretary and without further
appropriation may be used only as follows:
(1) To protect, restore, or repair the paleontological
resources and sites which were the subject of the action, or to
acquire sites with equivalent resources, and to protect,
monitor, and study the resources and sites. Any acquisition
shall be subject to any limitations contained in the organic
legislation for such Federal lands.
(2) To provide educational materials to the public about
paleontological resources and sites.
(3) To provide for the payment of rewards as provided in
section 9.
SEC. 9. REWARDS AND FORFEITURE.
(a) Rewards.--The Secretary may pay from penalties collected under
section 7 or 8--
(1) consistent with amounts established in regulations by
the Secretary; or
(2) if no such regulation exists, an amount equal to the
lesser of one-half of the penalty or $500, to any person who
furnishes information which leads to the finding of a civil
violation, or the conviction of criminal violation, with
respect to which the penalty was paid. If several persons
provided the information, the amount shall be divided among the
persons. No officer or employee of the United States or of any
State or local government who furnishes information or renders
service in the performance of his official duties shall be
eligible for payment under this subsection.
(b) Forfeiture.--All paleontological resources with respect to
which a violation under section 7 or 8 occurred and which are in the
possession of any person, and all vehicles and equipment of any person
that were used in connection with the violation, shall be subject to
civil forfeiture, or upon conviction, to criminal forfeiture. All
provisions of law relating to the seizure, forfeiture, and condemnation
of property for a violation of this Act, the disposition of such
property or the proceeds from the sale thereof, and remission or
mitigation of such forfeiture, as well as the procedural provisions of
chapter 46 of title 18, United States Code, shall apply to the seizures
and forfeitures incurred or alleged to have incurred under the
provisions of this Act.
(c) Transfer of Seized Resources.--The Secretary may transfer
administration of seized paleontological resources to Federal or non-
Federal educational institutions to be used for scientific or
educational purposes.
SEC. 10. CONFIDENTIALITY.
Information concerning the nature and specific location of a
paleontological resource the collection of which requires a permit
under this Act or under any other provision of Federal law shall be
exempt from disclosure under section 552 of title 5, United States
Code, and any other law unless the Secretary determines that disclosure
would--
(1) further the purposes of this Act;
(2) not create risk of harm to or theft or destruction of
the resource or the site containing the resource; and
(3) be in accordance with other applicable laws.
SEC. 11. REGULATIONS.
As soon as practical after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry
out this Act, providing opportunities for public notice and comment.
SEC. 12. SAVINGS PROVISIONS.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to--
(1) invalidate, modify, or impose any additional
restrictions or permitting requirements on any activities
permitted at any time under the general mining laws, the
mineral or geothermal leasing laws, laws providing for minerals
materials disposal, or laws providing for the management or
regulation of the activities authorized by the aforementioned
laws including but not limited to the Federal Land Policy
Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1701-1784), Public Law 94-429
(commonly known as the ``Mining in the Parks Act'') (16 U.S.C.
1901 et seq.), the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1201-1358), and the Organic Administration
Act (16 U.S.C. 478, 482, 551);
(2) invalidate, modify, or impose any additional
restrictions or permitting requirements on any activities
permitted at any time under existing laws and authorities
relating to reclamation and multiple uses of Federal lands;
(3) apply to, or require a permit for, casual collecting of
a rock, mineral, or invertebrate or plant fossil that is not
protected under this Act;
(4) affect any lands other than Federal lands or affect the
lawful recovery, collection, or sale of paleontological
resources from lands other than Federal lands;
(5) alter or diminish the authority of a Federal agency
under any other law to provide protection for paleontological
resources on Federal lands in addition to the protection
provided under this Act; or
(6) create any right, privilege, benefit, or entitlement
for any person who is not an officer or employee of the United
States acting in that capacity. No person who is not an officer
or employee of the United States acting in that capacity shall
have standing to file any civil action in a court of the United
States to enforce any provision or amendment made by this Act.
SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this Act. | Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.
(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to increase public awareness about such resources.
(Sec. 5) Prohibits a person from collecting a paleontological resource from federal land without a permit issued under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to allow casual collecting of a reasonable amount of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-commercial personal uses without a permit on certain federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretary may issue permits for paleontological resources. Requires that any paleontological resource and associated records collected under a permit be deposited in an approved repository. Allows the Secretary to modify, suspend, or revoke a permit under specified circumstances, including if there is a violation of a term or a condition of a permit. Declares that a permit shall be revoked if any person working under the authority of the permit is convicted of a criminal offense under this Act or assessed a civil penalty under this Act.
(Sec. 6) States that the Secretary may enter into agreements with non-federal repositories regarding the curation of paleontological resources, data, and records.
(Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) evacuating, removing, or altering a paleontological resource located on federal lands, except in accordance with this Act; (2) exchanging or receiving a paleontological resource, or selling or purchasing a paleontological resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource was illegally removed from federal lands; or (3) making or submitting false records, accounts, or identification of any paleontological resource excavated or removed from federal lands. Imposes criminal penalties for violating this Act.
(Sec. 8) Sets forth requirements for the assessment of civil penalties by the Secretary for violations of any prohibitions contained in regulations or permits issued under this Act. Requires any recovered amounts to be available for use: (1) to protect or restore paleontological resources and sites which were the subject of the action, or to acquire sites with equivalent resources, and to protect, monitor, and study the resources and sites; (2) to provide educational materials to the public about paleontological resources and sites; and (3) as a reward.
(Sec. 9) Allows the Secretary to pay a reward from penalties collected under this Act to any person who furnishes information leading to the finding of a civil violation, or the conviction of criminal violation, with respect to which the penalty was paid. Subjects to civil or, as appropriate, criminal forfeiture all paleontological resources with respect to which a violation occurred and all vehicles and equipment that were used in connection with the violation. Allows the Secretary to transfer administration of seized paleontological resources to educational institutions for scientific or educational purposes.
(Sec. 10) Requires that information on the nature and specific location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit under this Act or other federal law be withheld from the public, including under the Freedom of Information Act, except under specified conditions.
(Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry out this Act.
(Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations. | To provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Increasing Transparency and
Accountability in Oil Prices Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. SENSE OF SENATE ON ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY FUNDING FOR COMMISSION.
(a) Findings.--The House of Representatives finds that--
(1) excessive speculation may be adding significantly to
the price of oil and other energy commodities;
(2) the public and Congress are concerned that private,
unregulated transactions and overseas exchange transactions are
not being adequately reviewed by any regulatory body;
(3) an important Federal overseer of commodity speculation,
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, has staffing levels
that have dropped to the lowest levels in the 33-year history
of the Commission; and
(4) the acting Chairman of the Commission has said publicly
that an additional 100 employees are needed in light of the
inflow of trading volume.
(b) Sense of the House.--It is the sense of the House of
Representatives that the President should immediately send to Congress
a request for emergency appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission in an amount that is sufficient--
(1) to help restore public confidence in energy commodities
markets and Federal oversight of those markets;
(2) to potentially impose limits on excessive speculation
that is increasing the price of oil, gasoline, diesel, and
other energy commodities;
(3) to significantly improve the information technology
capabilities of the Commission to help the Commission
effectively regulate the energy futures markets; and
(4) to fund at least 100 new full-time positions at the
Commission to oversee energy commodity market speculation and
to enforce the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).
SEC. 3. ADDITIONAL COMMISSION EMPLOYEES FOR IMPROVED ENFORCEMENT.
Section 2(a)(7) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 2(a)(7)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Additional employees.--As soon as practicable
after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the
Commission shall appoint at least 100 full-time
employees (in addition to the employees employed by the
Commission as of the date of enactment of this
subparagraph)--
``(i) to increase the public transparency
of operations in energy futures markets;
``(ii) to improve the enforcement of this
Act in those markets; and
``(iii) to carry out such other duties as
are prescribed by the Commission.''.
SEC. 4. INSPECTOR GENERAL.
Section 2(a) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 2(a)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(13) Inspector general.--
``(A) Office.--There shall be in the Commission, as
an independent office, an Office of the Inspector
General.
``(B) Appointment.--The Office shall be headed by
an Inspector General, appointed in accordance with the
Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.).
``(C) Compensation.--The Inspector General shall be
compensated at the rate provided for level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5,
United States Code.
``(D) Administration.--The Inspector General shall
exert independent control of the budget allocations,
expenditures, and staffing levels, personnel decisions
and processes, procurement, and other administrative
and management functions of the Office.''.
SEC. 5. STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL REGULATION OF ENERGY COMMODITY MARKETS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a study of the international regime for regulating the trading
of energy commodity futures and derivatives.
(b) Analysis.--The study shall include an analysis of, at a
minimum--
(1) key common features and differences among countries in
the regulation of energy commodity trading, including with
respect to market oversight and enforcement;
(2) agreements and practices for sharing market and trading
data;
(3) the use of position limits or thresholds to detect and
prevent price manipulation, excessive speculation, or other
unfair trading practices;
(4) practices regarding the identification of commercial
and noncommercial trading and the extent of market speculation;
and
(5) agreements and practices for facilitating international
cooperation on market oversight, compliance, and enforcement.
(c) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report that--
(1) describes the results of the study; and
(2) provides recommendations to improve openness,
transparency, and other necessary elements of a properly
functioning market in a manner that protects consumers in the
United States from the effects of excessive speculation and
energy price volatility.
SEC. 6. SPECULATIVE LIMITS AND TRANSPARENCY FOR OFF-SHORE COMMODITY
TRADING.
Section 4 of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 6) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(e) Foreign Boards of Trade.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of any board of trade,
exchange, or market located outside of the United States, its
territories or possessions (i) for which the Commission has
granted or is considering granting an application for relief
from the requirement of subsection (a) to become a designated
contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or
other registered entity, and (ii) upon which there is traded
any contract, agreement, or transaction in an energy commodity
the settlement price of which is established with reference to
the price of a contract, agreement, or transaction in an energy
commodity traded on a designated contract market, derivatives
transaction execution facility or other registered entity for
which the primary physical delivery point is located within the
United States, prior to continuing to or initially granting the
relief, the Commission shall determine that the foreign board
of trade--
``(A) applies comparable principles or requirements
regarding the daily publication of trading information
and position limits or accountability levels for
speculators as apply to a designated contract market,
derivatives transaction execution facility, or other
registered entity trading energy commodities physically
delivered in the United States; and
``(B) provides such information to the Commission
regarding the extent of speculative and nonspeculative
trading in the energy commodity that is comparable to
the information the Commission determines necessary to
publish a Commitment of Traders report for a designated
contract market, derivatives transaction execution
facility, or other registered entity trading energy
commodities physically delivered in the United States.
``(2) Existing foreign boards of trade.--During the period
beginning 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection
and ending 18 months after the date of enactment of this
subsection, the Commission shall determine whether to continue
to grant relief in accordance with paragraph (1) to any foreign
board of trade for which the Commission granted relief prior to
the date of enactment of this subsection.''.
SEC. 7. COMMISSION AUTHORITY OVER TRADERS.
Section 4 of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 6) (as amended by
section 6) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Commission Authority Over Traders.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this section or any determination made by the Commission to
grant relief from the requirements of subsection (a) to become
a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution
facility, or other registered entity, in the case of a person
located within the United States, or otherwise subject to the
jurisdiction of the Commission, trading on a foreign board of
trade, exchange, or market located outside the United States
(including the territories and or possessions of the United
States), the Commission shall have authority under this Act--
``(A) to apply and enforce section 9, including
provisions relating to manipulation or attempted
manipulation, the making of false statements, and
willful violations of this Act;
``(B) to require or direct the person to limit,
reduce, or liquidate any position to prevent or reduce
the threat of price manipulation, excessive
speculation, price distortion, or disruption of
delivery or the cash settlement process; and
``(C) to apply such recordkeeping requirements as
the Commission determines are necessary.
``(2) Consultation.--Prior to the issuance of any order
under paragraph (1) to reduce a position on a foreign board of
trade, exchange, or market located outside the United States
(including the territories and possessions of the United
States), the Commission shall consult with the foreign board of
trade, exchange, or market and the appropriate regulatory
authority.
``(3) Administration.--Nothing in this subsection limits
any of the otherwise applicable authorities of the
Commission.''.
SEC. 8. INDEX TRADERS AND SWAP DEALERS.
Section 4 of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 6) (as amended by
section 7) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Index Traders and Swap Dealers.--Not later than 60 days after
the date of enactment of this subsection, the Commission shall--
``(1) routinely require detailed reporting from index
traders and swap dealers in markets under the jurisdiction of
the Commission;
``(2) reclassify the types of traders for regulatory and
reporting purposes to distinguish between index traders and
swaps dealers; and
``(3) review the trading practices for index traders in
markets under the jurisdiction of the Commission--
``(A) to ensure that index trading is not adversely
impacting the price discovery process; and
``(B) to determine whether different practices or
regulations should be implemented.''.
SEC. 9. DISAGGREGATION OF INDEX FUNDS AND OTHER DATA IN ENERGY MARKETS.
Section 4 of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 6) (as amended by
section 8) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Disaggregation of Index Funds and Data in Energy Markets.--
The Commission shall disaggregate and make public monthly--
``(1) the number of positions and total value of index
funds and other passive, long-only positions in energy markets;
and
``(2) data on speculative positions relative to bona fide
physical hedgers in those markets.''. | Increasing Transparency and Accountability in Oil Prices Act of 2008 - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should immediately send to Congress a request for emergency appropriations for FY2008 for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in an amount sufficient to: (1) help restore public confidence in energy commodities markets and federal oversight of those markets; (2) potentially impose limits on excessive speculation that is increasing the price of oil, gasoline, diesel, and other energy commodities; (3) significantly improve the information technology capabilities of the CFTC to help it effectively regulate the energy futures markets; and (4) fund at least 100 new full-time positions at the CFTC to oversee energy commodity market speculation and to enforce the Commodity Exchange Act.
Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to: (1) provide for additional employees for improved enforcement; and (2) establish an independent Office of the Inspector General in the CFTC.
Direct the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the international regime for regulating the trading of energy commodity futures and derivatives.
Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to address the kind of case in which the CFTC grants or considers granting relief to a foreign board of trade from the requirement that it become a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity with respect to an energy commodity for which the primary physical delivery point is located within the United States. Requires the CFTC, before granting or considering such relief, to determine that the foreign board of trade: (1) applies comparable principles or requirements regarding the daily publication of trading information and position limits or accountability levels for speculators as apply to a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity trading energy commodities physically delivered in the United States; and (2) provides such information to the Commission regarding the extent of speculative and nonspeculative trading in the energy commodity that is comparable to the information the Commission determines necessary to publish a Commitment of Traders report for such a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity.
Authorizes the CFTC, in the case of a registered entity located within the United States, subject to CFTC jurisdiction, which trades on a foreign board of trade, exchange, or market located outside the United States, to: (1) apply and enforce provisions concerned with violations, including provisions related to manipulation or attempted manipulation, the making of false statements, and willful violations of this Act; (2) require or direct the person to limit, reduce, or liquidate any position to prevent or reduce the threat of price manipulation, excessive speculation, price distortion, or disruption of delivery or the cash settlement process; and (3) apply necessary recordkeeping requirements.
Directs the CFTC to: (1) routinely require detailed reporting from index traders and swap dealers in markets under CFTC jurisdiction; (2) reclassify the types of traders for regulatory and reporting purposes to distinguish between index traders and swaps dealers; and (3) review the trading practices for index traders in markets under CFTC jurisdiction to ensure that index trading is not adversely impacting the price discovery process, and to determine whether different practices or regulations should be implemented.
Requires the CFTC to disaggregate and make public monthly: (1) the number of positions and total value of index funds and other passive, long-only positions in energy markets; and (2) data on speculative positions relative to bona fide physical hedgers in those markets. | To provide energy price relief by authorizing greater resources and authority for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Capital Budgeting Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF FINDING AND PURPOSE.
(a) Statement of Finding.--The Congress finds that the existing
budget obscures the distinctions between capital activities and
operating activities, and between general funds, trust funds, and
enterprise funds, so as to hinder identification of the resources
needed to meet the needs of the Government and the investment needs of
the economy that are necessary for sustained economic growth.
(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act that the unified budget
present a capital budget and an operating budget, and distinguish
between general funds, trust funds, and enterprise funds, in order to
provide better and more relevant information on the revenues, expenses,
and financing requirements of Government programs and activities.
SEC. 3. CAPITAL AND OPERATING BUDGETS.
Title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section
1105 the following new section:
Sec. 1105a. Capital and operating budgets
``(a)(1) The budget of the United States submitted by the President
under section 1105 of this title shall be a unified budget composed of
an operating budget and a capital budget.
``(2) Operating and capital budgets shall be presented separately
for unified funds, general funds, trust funds, and enterprise funds.
``(b)(1) Actual, estimated, and proposed amounts shall be presented
for unified funds, general funds, trust funds, and enterprise funds,
and, at a minimum, shall contain--
``(A) for the operating budget the following: (i) operating
revenues, (ii) operating expenses, (iii) operating surplus/
deficit before interfund transfers, (iv) interfund transfers,
(v) operating surplus/deficit, and (vi) Federal expenditures
financing the operating expenses of State and local
governments;
``(B) for the capital budget the following: (i) capital
revenues, (ii) capital investments, (iii) capital financing
requirements before interfund transfers, (iv) interfund
transfers, and (v) capital financing requirements; and
``(C) unified budget financing requirements.
``(2) The capital budget shall represent only the major activities,
projects, and programs which support the acquisition, construction,
alteration, and rehabilitation of capital assets. All other activities,
projects, and programs shall be represented in the operating budget.
``(c) In addition to the unified budget submitted by the President
as required by subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the President
shall present information in the form required by subsection (b)(1) for
accounts, agencies, and functions, to the extent applicable, the
capital investments by State and local governments not financed by the
Federal Government.
``(d) In this section--
``(1) `unified budget' means a budget in which revenues and
expenses for general funds, trust funds, and enterprise funds
are consolidated to display totals for the Federal Government
as a whole;
``(2) `trust funds' means--
``(A) the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance
Trust Fund,
``(B) the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund,
``(C) the Civil Service Retirement and Disability
Fund,
``(D) the Military Retirement Fund,
``(E) the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance
Trust Fund,
``(F) the Unemployment Trust Fund,
``(G) the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund,
``(H) the Highway Trust Fund,
``(I) the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and
``(J) such other funds or accounts of the
Government that the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget, in consultation with the
Comptroller General, determines should be classified as
trust funds in order to fulfill the purpose of this
section;
``(3) `enterprise funds' means--
``(A) the Postal Service,
``(B) the Resolution Trust Corporation,
``(C) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Fund,
``(D) the Federal Housing Administration,
``(E) the Tennessee Valley Authority Fund,
``(F) the Bonneville Power Administration Fund,
``(G) the Rural Electrification and Telephone
Revolving Loan Fund,
``(H) the Export-Import Bank of the United States,
``(I) the Southeastern Power Administration,
``(J) the Southwestern Power Administration,
``(K) the Western Area Power Administration,
``(L) the Alaska Power Administration,
``(M) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation,
``(N) the St. Lawrence Seaway Development
Corporation,
``(O) the Rural Telephone Bank,
``(P) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and
``(Q) such other funds or accounts of the
Government that the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget, in consultation with the
Comptroller General, determines should be classified as
enterprise funds in order to fulfill the purpose of
this section;
``(4) `general funds' includes all accounts of the
Government that are not trust funds or enterprise funds;
``(5) `unified funds' means general funds, trust funds, and
enterprise funds and represents the unified budget;
``(6) `capital assets' means physical assets and financial
assets, but does not include consumable inventories;
``(7) `physical assets' means tangible assets (other than
assets used for national defense or security)--
``(A) the ownership of which is or will be in the
public domain;
``(B) that produce services or benefits for more
than 5 years;
``(C) that have an initial cost equal to or more
than $500,000; and
``(D) including--
``(i) roadways and bridges;
``(ii) airports and airway facilities;
``(iii) mass transportation systems;
``(iv) waste water treatment, water
distribution delivery, and related facilities;
``(v) water resource projects;
``(vi) medical facilities;
``(vii) resource recovery facilities;
``(viii) public structures;
``(ix) space and communication facilities;
and
``(x) strategic petroleum reserves and
mineral stockpiles;
``(8) `financial assets' means interests of the Federal
Government in, and claims of the Federal Government against,
foreign governments, States and their political subdivisions,
corporations, associations, and individuals and their resources
which are represented by a legal instrument (such as bonds,
debentures, notes, and other securities), less any credit
subsidy costs attributable to such financial assets;
``(9) `credit subsidy costs' means the losses incurred by
the Federal Government as a result of its direct and guaranteed
loans, including such costs as interest and default;
``(10) `consumable inventories' means tangible assets of
the Federal Government, including stockpiles, supplies, and
inventories, which typically are consumed within 5 years or
which have an initial price less than $500,000;
``(11) `operating revenues' means all receipts of the
Federal Government, other than those identified in paragraph
(17), including profits and interest earned on financial
assets;
``(12) `operating expenses' means all expenses of the
Federal Government, other than those identified in paragraph
(18), including interest payments on debts, asset consumption
charge, and credit subsidy costs;
``(13) `the operating surplus/deficit before interfund
transfers' means the difference between operating revenues and
operating expenses before interfund transfers;
``(14) `interfund transfers' means the flow of revenues
between general and enterprise funds and trust funds accounts
that are expenses from the account making the payments and
revenues to the account receiving the payments;
``(15) `operating surplus/deficit' means the operating
surplus/deficit before interfund transfers plus or minus
interfund transfers;
``(16) `asset consumption charge' means the systematic and
rational allocation of the cost--historical, replacement, or
current value--of a physical asset (having a useful life of
more than 5 years) financed by the appropriation accounts for
which the capital budget required by this section applies;
``(17) `capital revenues' means receipts of the Federal
Government derived from taxes, collections, and receipts
dedicated by statute, for the rehabilitation of capital assets
which relate to the activities, functions, and programs
represented by the capital budget;
``(18) `capital investments' means expenditures of the
Federal Government, including those under grants, contracts,
and leases, which are for the acquisition, construction, and
rehabilitation of capital assets; and Federal expenditures
(including tax expenditures) which are for the acquisition,
construction, and rehabilitation of the physical assets of
State and local governments;
``(19) `capital financing requirements before interfund
transfers' means the difference between capital revenues and
capital investments before interfund transfers;
``(20) `capital financing requirements' means financing
requirements before interfund transfers plus or minus interfund
transfers; and
``(21) `unified budget financing requirements' means the
total of the operating surplus/deficit and the capital
financing requirements; and
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS
Section 1112 of title 31, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1) by inserting ``criteria,
principles, and standards for determining the contents of the
operating and capital budgets required under section 1105a of
this title, and'' after ``including''; and
(2) by adding the following subsection at the end thereof:
``(g) The Comptroller General shall review and report to the
Congress on the implementation of section 1105a of this title as the
Comptroller General deems necessary. A review by the Comptroller
General may include determining whether--
``(1) the actual, estimated, and proposed appropriations,
receipts, and investments presented in the capital budget
represent activities, functions, and programs which support the
acquisition, construction, alteration, and rehabilitation of
capital assets; and
``(2) the classifications made by the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget under section 1105a(d)(2)(H) of
this title further the purposes of section 1105a.''.
SEC. 5. REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET.
Not later than September 30, 1994, the Committee on the Budget
shall submit to the House of Representatives proposed legislation which
shall establish additional deficit targets under the Balanced Budget
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 beginning in fiscal year 1995
which would require the eventual elimination of deficits in the
operating account as set forth in the amendments made by this Act in
accordance with the Committee on the Budget's proposed deficit targets.
SEC. 6. REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS.
Not later than September 30, 1994, the Committee on Government
Operations of the House of Representatives shall report legislation
directing the Comptroller General to evaluate--
(1) on an annual basis, the value and usefulness of capital
investments in the capital account as set forth in the
amendments made by this Act; and
(2) the value and usefulness of proposed capital
investments submitted to the House of Representatives after the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 7. REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE ON RULES.
Not later than September 30, 1994, the Committee on Rules of the
House of Representatives shall report legislation establishing rules to
facilitate the enforcement of the amendments made by this Act to title
31, United States Code.
SEC. 8. PUBLIC WORKS FINANCING INFORMATION.
Title VII of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965
(42 U.S.C. 3211-3226) is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``SEC. 717. PUBLIC WORKS FINANCING INFORMATION.
``(a) Transportation Reports.--Not later than 12 months after the
date of enactment of the Capital Budgeting Act of 1993, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation shall report to the House
Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the Senate Committee
on Environment and Public Works, at the account, function, and agency
levels, the actual, estimated, and proposed appropriations, receipts,
and expenditures for capital activities and operating activities
associated with the following:
``(1) roadways and bridges;
``(2) airports and airway facilities; and
``(3) mass transportation systems.
``(b) Water Pollution Reports.--Not later than 12 months after the
date of enactment of the Capital Budgeting Act of 1993 and annually
thereafter, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
shall report to the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation
and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, at the
account and function levels, the actual, estimated, and proposed
appropriations, receipts, and expenditures for capital activities and
operating activities associated with waste water treatment, water
distribution delivery, and related facilities.
``(c) Water Resources Reports.--Not later than 12 months after the
date of enactment of the Capital Budgeting Act of 1993 and annually
thereafter, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works shall
report to the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation and
the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, at the account
and function levels, the actual, estimated, and proposed
appropriations, receipts, and expenditures for capital activities and
operating activities associated with water resource projects.
``(d) Public Buildings Reports.--Not later than 12 months after the
date of enactment of the Capital Budgeting Act of 1993 and annually
thereafter, the Administrator of the General Services Administration
shall report to the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation
and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, at the
account and function levels, the actual, estimated, and proposed
appropriations, receipts, and expenditures for capital activities and
operating activities associated with public buildings.''. | Capital Budgeting Act of 1993 - Amends Federal law to require that the budget the President submits to the Congress be a unified budget comprising an operating budget and a capital budget, each presented separately for unified, general, trust, and enterprise funds. Restricts the capital budget to the major activities and programs supporting the acquisition, construction, alteration, and rehabilitation of capital assets and includes all other items in the operating budget. Requires the President to present certain additional information, including the capital investments by State and local governments not financed by the Federal Government.
Requires the House Committee on the Budget to submit legislation to establish additional deficit targets under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) beginning in FY 1995 which would require the eventual elimination of deficits in the operating account.
Requires the House Committee on Government Operations to report legislation directing the Comptroller General to evaluate the value and usefulness: (1) of capital investments in the capital account on an annual basis; and (2) of proposed capital investments submitted to the House after enactment of this Act.
Requires the House Committee on Rules to report legislation establishing rules to facilitate the enforcement of amendments made by this Act.
Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to require reports to specified congressional committees on the actual, estimated, and proposed appropriations, receipts, and expenditures for capital and operating activities associated with certain transportation, water, and public buildings projects. | Capital Budgeting Act of 1993 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Albuquerque Indian School Land
Transfer Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) 19 pueblos.--The term ``19 Pueblos'' means the New
Mexico Indian Pueblos of--
(A) Acoma;
(B) Cochiti;
(C) Isleta;
(D) Jemez;
(E) Laguna;
(F) Nambe;
(G) Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan);
(H) Picuris;
(I) Pojoaque;
(J) San Felipe;
(K) San Ildefonso;
(L) Sandia;
(M) Santa Ana;
(N) Santa Clara;
(O) Santo Domingo;
(P) Taos;
(Q) Tesuque;
(R) Zia; and
(S) Zuni.
(2) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``The
Town of Albuquerque Grant, Bernalillo County, within Township
10 North, Range 3 East, of the New Mexico Principal Meridian,
New Mexico--Metes and Bounds Survey'' and dated August 12,
2011.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means Secretary of
the Interior.
SEC. 3. LAND TAKEN INTO TRUST FOR BENEFIT OF 19 PUEBLOS.
(a) Action by Secretary.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall take into trust all
right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the
Federal land described in subsection (b) for the benefit of the
19 Pueblos immediately after the Secretary determines that the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) have been satisfied regarding the
trust acquisition of the Federal land.
(2) Administration.--The Secretary shall--
(A) take such action as the Secretary determines to
be necessary to document the transfer under paragraph
(1); and
(B) appropriately assign each applicable private
and municipal utility and service right or agreement.
(b) Description of Land.--The Federal land referred to in
subsection (a)(1) is the 4 tracts of Federal land, the combined acreage
of which is approximately 11.11 acres, that were historically part of
the Albuquerque Indian School, more particularly described as follows:
(1) Abandoned indian school road.--The approximately 0.83
acres located in sec. 7 and sec. 8 of T. 10 N., R. 3 E., of the
New Mexico Principal Meridian in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as
identified on the map.
(2) Southern part tract d.--The approximately 6.18 acres
located in sec. 7 of T. 10 N., R. 3 E., of the New Mexico
Principal Meridian in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as identified on
the map.
(3) Tract 1.--The approximately 0.41 acres located in sec.
7 of T. 10 N., R. 3 E., of the New Mexico Principal Meridian in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, as identified on the map.
(4) Western part tract b.--The approximately 3.69 acres
located in sec. 7 of T. 10 N., R. 3 E., of the New Mexico
Principal Meridian in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as identified on
the map.
(c) Survey.--The Secretary shall conduct a survey of the Federal
land to be transferred consistent with subsection (b) and may make
minor corrections to the survey and legal description of the Federal
land described in subsection (b) as the Secretary determines to be
necessary to correct clerical, typographical, and surveying errors.
(d) Use of Land.--The Federal land taken into trust under
subsection (a) shall be used for the educational, health, cultural,
business, and economic development of the 19 Pueblos.
(e) Limitations and Conditions.--The Federal land taken into trust
under subsection (a) shall remain subject to any private or municipal
encumbrance, right-of-way, restriction, easement of record, or utility
service agreement in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
(f) Bureau of Indian Affairs Use.--
(1) In general.--The 19 Pueblos shall allow the Bureau of
Indian Affairs to continue to use the land taken into trust
under subsection (a) for the facilities and purposes as in
existence on the date of enactment of this Act, in accordance
with paragraph (2).
(2) Requirements.--The use by the Bureau of Indian Affairs
under paragraph (1) shall--
(A) be free of any rental charge; and
(B) continue until such time as the Secretary
determines there is no further need for the existing
Bureau of Indian Affairs facilities.
SEC. 4. EFFECT OF OTHER LAWS.
(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), Federal land taken into
trust under section 3(a) shall be subject to Federal laws relating to
Indian land.
(b) Gaming.--No class I gaming, class II gaming, or class III
gaming (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25
U.S.C. 2703)) shall be carried out on the Federal land taken into trust
under section 3(a). | . Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act (Sec. 3) Directs the Department of the Interior to take into trust 4 tracts of federal land in New Mexico, the combined acreage of which is approximately 11.11 acres, that were historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School for the benefit of 19 specified pueblos immediately after the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 have been satisfied regarding the trust acquisition of such federal land. Requires the federal lands taken into trust to: be used for the educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development of the 19 pueblos; and remain subject to any private or municipal encumbrance, right-of-way, restriction, easement of record, or utility service agreement in effect on this Act's enactment date. Requires the 19 pueblos to allow the Bureau of Indian Affairs to continue to use the federal lands taken into trust for the facilities and purposes in existence on this Act's enactment date. (Sec. 4) Prohibits gaming on the federal lands taken into trust under this Act. | Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Theodore Roosevelt Commemorative
Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Theodore Roosevelt, one of America's greatest
presidents, was born on October 27, 1858, in New York City, New
York.
(2) At the young age of 23, Theodore Roosevelt was elected
to the first of 3 terms as a representative in the New York
State Assembly (1882-1884).
(3) From 1895-1897, Theodore Roosevelt served as
Commissioner of the New York City Police Department.
(4) While serving as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under
President William McKinley (1897-1898), Theodore Roosevelt
organized the First United States Volunteer Cavalry Regiment,
popularly known as the ``Rough Riders'', and then served as
Colonel of this regiment during the Spanish-American War.
(5) From 1898-1900, Theodore Roosevelt served as Governor
of New York.
(6) In 1900, with the election of President McKinley,
Theodore Roosevelt was elected as the 25th Vice-President of
the United States.
(7) Becoming the 26th President of the United States the
following year, Theodore Roosevelt took a very active role in
foreign affairs, establishing the United States as a new world
power, and instituted broad reforms, at home, particularly with
respect to labor, monopolies, and conservation, until the end
of his presidency in 1909.
(8) On January 16, 2001, Theodore Roosevelt was
posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for
leading a charge up the San Juan Heights in Cuba during the
Spanish-American War, shortly before the war ended, thereby
becoming the first President of the United States to be awarded
the Congressional Medal of Honor.
(9) 2006 will mark the 100th anniversary of Theodore
Roosevelt receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, the first citizen of
the United States to receive such prize, for drawing up the
1905 peace treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War.
SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) Denominations.--The Secretary of the Treasury (hereinafter 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 500,000 $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.
(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 5136 of title 31,
United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered
to be numismatic items.
(d) Use of the United States Mint at West Point, New York.--It is
the sense of the Congress that the coins minted under this Act should
be struck at the United States Mint at West Point, New York, to the
greatest extent possible.
SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this
Act shall--
(A) be emblematic of the life and legacy of
President Theodore Roosevelt; and
(B) use the designs of James Earle Fraser or
Augustus Saint-Gaudens, 2 sculptors most closely
associated with the revitalization of the United States
coinage, commonly referred to as the ``Golden Age of
American Coin Design'', that was initiated by President
Theodore Roosevelt.
(2) Obverse.--The obverse of the coins minted under this
Act shall bear the image of Theodore Roosevelt as a Rough Rider
that was used on the James Earle Fraser medal of 1920.
(3) Reverse.--The reverse of the coins minted under this
Act shall bear the eagle design, with motto, from the $20 gold
``double eagle'' coin produced between 1907 and 1933 and
designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
(4) 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 ``2006''; 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 selected by the Secretary after consultation with the
Commission of Fine Arts.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued
in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Commencement of Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted
under this Act beginning January 1, 2006, except that the Secretary may
initiate sales of such coins, without issuance, before such date.
(c) Termination of Minting Authority.--No coins shall be minted
under this Act after December 31, 2006.
SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.
(a) Sale Price.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price
equal to the face value, plus the cost of designing and issuing such
coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead
expenses, and marketing).
(b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins
issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.
(c) Prepaid Orders at a Discount.--
(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) Surcharge Required.--All sales shall include a surcharge of $35
per coin for the $5 coins and $10 per coin for the $1 coins.
(b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, United
States Code, all surcharges which are received by the Secretary from
the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the
Secretary to the Theodore Roosevelt Association to be used exclusively
for educational programs at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site,
operated by the National Park Service, including for the construction
and maintenance of a visitor's center.
(c) Audits.--The Theodore Roosevelt Association shall be subject to
the audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States
Code. | Theodore Roosevelt Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 50,000 $5 coins and 500,000 $1 coins emblematic of the life and legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt. Requires the coins to be issued in 2006 to mark the 100th anniversary of Roosevelt receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Requires surcharges from the sale of the coins to be paid to the Theodore Roosevelt Association to be used exclusively for educational programs at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, including for construction and maintenance of a visitor's center. | To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centenary of the bestowal of the Nobel Peace Prize on President Theodore Roosevelt, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nevada Test Site Veterans'
Compensation Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The contribution of the State of Nevada to the security
of the United States throughout the Cold War and since has been
unparalleled.
(2) In 1950, President Harry S Truman designated what would
later be called the Nevada Test Site as the country's nuclear
proving grounds and, a month later, the first atmospheric test
at the Nevada Test Site was detonated.
(3) The United States conducted 100 above-ground and 828
underground nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site from 1951 to
1992.
(4) Out of the 1,054 nuclear tests conducted in the United
States, 928, or 88 percent, were conducted at the Nevada Test
Site.
(5) The Nevada Test Site has served, and continues to
serve, as the premier research, testing, and development site
for the nuclear defense capabilities of the United States.
(6) The Nevada Test Site and its workers are an essential
and irreplaceable part of the Nation's defense capabilities.
(7) Individuals working on Cold War-era nuclear weapons
programs were employed in facilities owned by the Federal
Government and the private sector producing and testing nuclear
weapons and engaging in related atomic energy defense
activities for the national defense beginning in the 1940s.
(8) These Cold War atomic energy veterans helped to build
and test the nuclear arsenal that served as a deterrent during
the Cold War, sacrificing their personal health and well-being
in service to the United States.
(9) During the Cold War, many of these workers were exposed
to radiation, beryllium, and silica, and were placed in harm's
way by the Department of Energy and contractors,
subcontractors, and vendors of the Department without the
workers' knowledge or consent, without adequate radiation
monitoring, and without necessary protections from internal or
external occupational radiation exposure.
(10) The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation
Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 7384 et seq.) (in this section
referred to as ``EEOICPA'') was enacted to ensure fairness and
equity for the men and women who, during the past 60 years,
performed duties uniquely related to the nuclear weapons
production and testing programs of the Department of Energy,
its predecessor agencies, and its contractors by establishing a
program that would provide timely, uniform, and adequate
compensation for beryllium- and radiation-related health
conditions.
(11) Research by the Department of Energy, the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), NIOSH
contractors, the President's Advisory Board on Radiation and
Worker Health, and congressional committees indicates that at
certain nuclear weapons facilities--
(A) workers were not adequately monitored for
internal or external exposure to ionizing radiation;
and
(B) records were not maintained, are not reliable,
are incomplete, or fail to indicate the radioactive
isotopes to which workers were exposed.
(12) Due to the inequities posed by the factors described
above and the resulting harm to the workers, Congress
designated classes of atomic weapons employees at the Paducah,
Kentucky, Portsmouth, Ohio, Oak Ridge K-25, Tennessee, and the
Amchitka Island, Alaska, sites as members of the Special
Exposure Cohort under EEOICPA.
(13) It has become evident that it is not feasible to
estimate with sufficient accuracy in a timely manner the
radiation dose received by employees at the Department of
Energy facility at the Nevada Test Site for many reasons,
including the following:
(A) The NIOSH Technical Basis Document, the
threshold document for radiation dose reconstruction
under EEOICPA, has incomplete radionuclide lists.
(B) NIOSH has not demonstrated that it can estimate
dose from exposure to large, nonrespirable hot
particles.
(C) There are significant gaps in environmental
measurement and exposure data.
(D) Resuspension doses have been seriously
underestimated.
(E) NIOSH has not been able to estimate accurately
exposures to bomb assembly workers and radon levels.
(F) NIOSH has not demonstrated that it can
accurately sample tritiated water vapor.
(G) External dose records lack integrity.
(H) There are no beta dose data from before 1966.
(I) There are no neutron dose data from before 1966
and only partial data after such date.
(J) There are no internal dose data from before
late 1955 or 1956, and limited data until well into the
1960s.
(K) NIOSH has ignored exposure from more than a
dozen underground tests that vented, including Blanca,
Des Moines, Baneberry, Camphor, Diagonal Line, Riola,
Agrini, Midas Myth, Misty Rain, and Mighty Oak.
(L) Instead of monitoring individuals, groups were
monitored, resulting in unreliable personnel
monitoring.
(14) Some Nevada Test Site workers, despite having worked
with significant amounts of radioactive materials and having
known exposures leading to serious health effects, have been
denied compensation under EEOICPA as a result of flawed
calculations based on records that are incomplete or in error,
or based on faulty assumptions and incorrect models.
(15) Although basal cell carcinoma and chronic lymphocytic
leukemia are both radiogenic cancers that employees at the
Nevada Test Site may have contracted in the scope of their
work, EEOICPA currently will not include individuals with basal
cell carcinoma as members of the Special Exposure Cohort, nor
does it provide for compensation for employees with chronic
lymphocytic leukemia.
SEC. 3. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM WORKERS IN SPECIAL
EXPOSURE COHORT UNDER ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL
ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 3621 of the Energy Employees Occupational
Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 7384l) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (9), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(C) An individual described in paragraph
(14)(D).''; and
(2) in paragraph (14), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(D) The employee was so employed at the Nevada
Test Site or other similar sites located in Nevada
during the period beginning on January 1, 1950, and
ending on December 31, 1993, and contracted an
occupational illness, basal cell carcinoma, or chronic
lymphocytic leukemia, and, during such employment--
``(i) was present during an atmospheric or
underground nuclear test or performed
drillbacks, tunnel re-entry, or clean-up work
following such a test (without regard to the
duration of employment);
``(ii) was present at an event involving
the venting of an underground test or during a
planned or unplanned radiation release (without
regard to the duration of employment);
``(iii) was present during testing or post-
test activities related to nuclear rocket or
ramjet engine testing at the Nevada Test Site
(without regard to the duration of employment);
``(iv) was assigned to work at Area 51 or
other classified program areas of the Nevada
Test Site (without regard to the duration of
employment); or
``(v) was employed at the Nevada Test Site,
and was employed in a job activity that--
``(I) was monitored for exposure to
ionizing radiation; or
``(II) was comparable to a job that
is, was, or should have been monitored
for exposure to ionizing radiation at
the Nevada Test Site.''.
(b) Deadline for Claims Adjudication.--Claims for compensation
under section 3621(14)(D) of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness
Compensation Program Act of 2000, as added by subsection (a), shall be
adjudicated and a final decision issued--
(1) in the case of claims pending as of the date of the
enactment of this Act, not later than 30 days after such date;
and
(2) in the case of claims filed after the date of the
enactment of this Act, not later than 30 days after the date of
such filing. | Nevada Test Site Veterans' Compensation Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include within the definition of a "member of the Special Exposure Cohort" under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program a Department of Energy (DOE) employee, contractor employee, or atomic weapons employee who was so employed at the Nevada Test Site or other similar sites located in Nevada during the period of January 1, 1950, to December 31, 1993, who contracted an occupational illness, basal cell carcinoma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and who met one of other specified criteria during such employment.
Establishes deadlines for claims adjudication. | A bill to amend the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to provide for certain nuclear weapons program workers to be included in the Special Exposure Cohort under the compensation program established by that Act. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Land Transaction
Facilitation Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the Bureau of Land Management has authority under the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701
et seq.) to sell land identified for disposal under its land
use planning;
(2) the Bureau of Land Management has authority under that
Act to exchange Federal land for non-Federal land if the
exchange would be in the public interest;
(3) through land use planning under that Act, the Bureau of
Land Management has identified certain tracts of public land
for disposal;
(4) the Federal land management agencies of the Departments
of the Interior and Agriculture have authority under existing
law to acquire land consistent with the mission of each agency;
(5) the sale or exchange of land identified for disposal
and the acquisition of certain non-Federal land from willing
landowners would--
(A) allow for the reconfiguration of land ownership
patterns to better facilitate resource management;
(B) contribute to administrative efficiency within
Federal land management units; and
(C) allow for increased effectiveness of the
allocation of fiscal and human resources within the
Federal land management agencies;
(6) a more expeditious process for disposal and acquisition
of land, established to facilitate a more effective
configuration of land ownership patterns, would benefit the
public interest;
(7) many private individuals own land within the boundaries
of Federal land management units and desire to sell the land to
the Federal Government;
(8) such land lies within national parks, national
monuments, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and
other areas designated for special management;
(9) Federal land management agencies are facing increased
workloads from rapidly growing public demand for the use of
public land, making it difficult for Federal managers to
address problems created by the existence of inholdings in many
areas;
(10) in many cases, inholders and the Federal Government
would mutually benefit from Federal acquisition of the land on
a priority basis;
(11) proceeds generated from the disposal of public land
may be properly dedicated to the acquisition of inholdings and
other land that will improve the resource management ability of
the Federal land management agencies and adjoining landowners;
(12) using proceeds generated from the disposal of public
land to purchase inholdings and other such land from willing
sellers would enhance the ability of the Federal land
management agencies to--
(A) work cooperatively with private landowners and
State and local governments; and
(B) promote consolidation of the ownership of
public and private land in a manner that would allow
for better overall resource management;
(13) in certain locations, the sale of public land that has
been identified for disposal is the best way for the public to
receive fair market value for the land; and
(14) to allow for the least disruption of existing land and
resource management programs, the Bureau of Land Management may
use non-Federal entities to prepare appraisal documents for
agency review and approval consistent with applicable
provisions of the Uniform Standards for Federal Land
Acquisition.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Exceptional resource.--The term ``exceptional
resource'' means a resource of scientific, historic, cultural,
or recreational value that has been documented by a Federal,
State, or local governmental authority, and for which
extraordinary conservation and protection is required to
maintain the resource for the benefit of the public.
(2) Federally designated area.--The term ``federally
designated area'' means land in Alaska and the eleven
contiguous Western States (as defined in section 103 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1702)) that on the date of enactment of this Act was within the
boundary of--
(A) a national monument, area of critical
environmental concern, national conservation area,
national riparian conservation area, national
recreation area, national scenic area, national
volcanic area, research natural area, national
outstanding natural area, or a national natural
landmark managed by the Bureau of Land Management or
under the National Forest System;
(B) a unit of the National Park System;
(C) a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System;
or
(D) a wilderness area designated under the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the Wild and
Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.), or the
National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.), or areas of the
National Forest System designated for special management by an Act of
Congress,
(3) Inholding.--The term ``inholding'' means any right,
title, or interest, held by a non-Federal entity, in or to a
tract of land that lies within the boundary of a federally
designated area.
(4) Public land.--The term ``public land'' means public
lands (as defined in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702)).
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 4. IDENTIFICATION OF INHOLDINGS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture
shall establish a procedure to--
(1) identify, by State, inholdings for which the landowner
has indicated a desire to sell the land or an interest in land
to the Federal Government; and
(2) establish the date on which the land or interest in
land identified became an inholding.
(b) Notice of Policy.--The Secretary and the Secretary of
Agriculture shall provide, in the Federal Register and through such
other means as the Secretaries may determine to be appropriate,
periodic notice to the public of the policy under subsection (a),
including any information required to consider an inholding for
acquisition under section 6.
(c) Identification.--An inholding--
(1) shall be considered for identification under this
section only if the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture
receive notification of a desire to sell from the landowner in
response to public notice given under subsection (b); and
(2) shall be deemed to have been established as of the
later of--
(A) the earlier of--
(i) the date on which the land was
withdrawn from the public domain; or
(ii) the date on which the land was
established or designated for special
management; or
(B) the date on which the inholding was acquired by
the current owner.
(d) No Obligation To Convey or Acquire.--The identification of an
inholding under this section creates no obligation on the part of a
landowner to convey the inholding or any obligation on the part of the
United States to acquire the inholding.
SEC. 5. DISPOSAL OF PUBLIC LAND.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program, using
funds made available under section 6, to complete appraisals and
satisfy other legal requirements for the sale or exchange of public
land identified for disposal under approved land use plans (as in
effect on the date of enactment of this Act) under section 202 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712).
(b) Sale of Public Land.--
(1) In general.--The sale of public land so identified
shall be conducted in accordance with sections 203 and 209 of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1713, 1719).
(2) Exceptions to competitive bidding requirements.--The
exceptions to competitive bidding requirements under section
203(f) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1713(f)) shall apply to this section in cases in
which the Secretary determines it to be necessary.
(c) Report in Public Land Statistics.--The Secretary shall provide
in the annual publication of Public Land Statistics, a report of
activities under this section.
(d) Termination of Authority.--The authority provided under this
section shall terminate 10 years after the date of enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 6. FEDERAL LAND DISPOSAL ACCOUNT.
(a) Deposit of Proceeds.--Notwithstanding any other law (except a
law that specifically provides for a proportion of the proceeds to be
distributed to any trust funds of any States), the gross proceeds of
the sale or exchange of public land under this Act shall be deposited
in a separate account in the Treasury of the United States to be known
as the ``Federal Land Disposal Account''.
(b) Availability.--Amounts in the Federal Land Disposal Account
shall be available to the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture,
without further Act of appropriation, to carry out this Act.
(c) Use of the Federal Land Disposal Account.--
(1) In general.--Funds in the Federal Land Disposal Account
shall be expended in accordance with this subsection.
(2) Fund allocation.--
(A) Purchase of land.--Except as authorized under
subparagraph (C), funds shall be used to purchase--
(i) inholdings; and
(ii) land that is adjacent to federally
designated areas and contains exceptional
resources.
(B) Inholdings.--Not less than 80 percent of the
funds allocated for the purchase of land within each
State shall be used to acquire inholdings identified
under section 4.
(C) Administrative and other expenses.--An amount
not to exceed 20 percent of the funds in the Federal
Land Disposal Account shall be used by the Secretary
for administrative and other expenses necessary to
carry out the land disposal program under section 5.
(D) Same state purchases.--Of the amounts not used
under subparagraph (C), not less than 80 percent shall
be expended within the State in which the funds were
generated. Any remaining funds may be expended in any
other State.
(3) Priority.--The Secretary and the Secretary of
Agriculture may each develop and use criteria for priority of
acquisition that are based on--
(A) the date on which land or interest in land
became an inholding;
(B) the existence of exceptional resources on the
land; and
(C) management efficiency.
(4) Basis of sale.--Any acquisition of land under this
section shall be--
(A) from a willing seller;
(B) contingent on the conveyance of title
acceptable to the Secretary, or the Secretary of
Agriculture in the case of an acquisition of National
Forest System land, using title standards of the
Attorney General; and
(C) at a price not to exceed fair market value
consistent with applicable provisions of the Uniform
Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions.
(d) Contaminated Sites and Sites Difficult and Uneconomic To
Manage.--Funds in the Federal Land Disposal Account shall not be used
to purchase land or an interest in land that, as determined by the
Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture--
(1) contains a hazardous substance or is otherwise
contaminated; or
(2) because of the location or other characteristics of the
land, would be difficult or uneconomic to manage as Federal
land.
(e) Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.--Funds made available
under this section shall be supplemental to any funds appropriated
under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et
seq.).
(f) Termination.--On termination of activities under section 5--
(1) the Federal Land Disposal Account shall be terminated;
and
(2) any remaining balance in the account shall become
available for appropriation under section 3 of the Land and
Water Conservation Fund Act (16 U.S.C. 460l-6).
SEC. 7. SPECIAL PROVISIONS.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act provides an exemption from any
limitation on the acquisition of land or interest in land under any
Federal Law in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Other Law.--This Act shall not apply to land eligible for sale
under--
(1) Public Law 96-568 (commonly known as the ``Santini-
Burton Act'') (94 Stat. 3381); or
(2) the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998
(112 Stat. 2343).
(c) Exchanges.--Nothing in this Act precludes, preempts, or limits
the authority to exchange land under authorities providing for the
exchange of Federal lands, including but not limited to--
(1) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); or
(2) the Federal Land Exchange Facilitation Act of 1988 (102
Stat. 1086) or the amendments made by that Act.
(d) No New Right or Benefit.--Nothing in this Act creates a right
or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity
by a party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or
any other person. | Directs the Secretary to establish a program, using funds from a Federal Land Disposal Account of the Treasury established by this Act, to complete appraisals and satisfy other legal requirements for the sale or exchange of public land identified for disposal under approved land use plans. Sets forth reporting and program termination requirements. Requires that gross proceeds generated by the sale or exchange of public land under this Act be deposited in the Federal Land Disposal Account. Sets forth provisions regarding use of the Account, contaminated sites and sites difficult and uneconomic to manage, and program termination. | Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Vehicle Corridors Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Traditional transportation refueling networks are well-
established, but market uncertainties regarding alternative
fuel infrastructure continue to hamper the full use of cleaner
alternative domestic energy resources in transportation.
(2) Despite considerable investor interest, higher capital
costs and an uncertain consumer base has limited expansion of
cleaner alternative refueling and recharging options.
(3) Reduced pollution and energy independence are important
factors at a National level, but they are not a sufficient
inducement to create large-scale changes.
(4) While American-made fuels provide many energy security
and environmental benefits, a significant portion of imported
petroleum continues to be consumed as fuel in on-road motor
vehicles.
(5) Motor vehicles fueled by domestically generated,
cleaner alternative transportation fuels, such as compressed
natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, electricity,
hydrogen, and advanced biofuels, can pay for themselves over
time, but sales of such vehicles, other than return-to-base
vehicles, have been hampered because of insufficient refueling
infrastructure.
(6) Simultaneous facilitation of infrastructure development
and a robust customer base is needed to avoid penalizing
current users or early adopters.
(7) Facilitating focused infrastructure development along
designated routes will foster an expansion of cleaner
alternative fuel vehicles and increase the likelihood for
commercial success.
(8) Eliminating the logistical barriers that are delaying
infrastructure development along Clean Vehicle Corridors will--
(A) provide cleaner alternative refueling stations
with a larger customer base;
(B) attract more buyers to the purchase of clean
vehicles; and
(C) provide new market outlets for clean fuel
providers.
SEC. 3. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to provide market certainty to drive private and
commercial capital investment in clean transportation options;
(2) to promote clean transportation technologies that
will--
(A) lead to increased diversity and dissemination
of cleaner alternative fuel options; and
(B) enable the United States to bridge the gap from
foreign energy imports to secure, domestically produced
energy; and
(3) to facilitate clean transportation incentives that
will--
(A) attract a critical mass of clean transportation
vehicles that will give cleaner alternative fueling
stations an assured customer base and market certitude;
(B) provide for ongoing increases in energy
demands;
(C) support the growth of jobs and businesses in
the United States;
(D) reduce pollution by motor vehicles;
(E) decrease our Nation's use of foreign oil; and
(F) encourage innovation in transportation energy
and technology.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Cleaner alternative fuels.--The term ``cleaner
alternative fuels'' includes--
(A) compressed natural gas;
(B) liquefied natural gas;
(C) liquefied petroleum gas (also known as
propane);
(D) plug-in electric;
(E) advanced biofuels (as defined in section
211(o)(1)(B)(i) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
7545(o)(1)(B)(i)));
(F) hydrogen; and
(G) other fuels designated by the Secretary.
(2) Clean cities.--The term ``Clean Cities'' means the
voluntary public-private partnership and technology deployment
program managed by the Department of Energy to meet goals in
the Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-494),
the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (Public Law 101-549), and
the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-486).
(3) Highways.--The term ``highways'' is limited to roadways
that are part of--
(A) the National Highway System, as established by
the Federal Highway Administration;
(B) the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of
Interstate and Defense Highways;
(C) the National Truck Network, as authorized by
the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982
(Public Law 97-424) and established by the Federal
Highway Administration; and
(D) other roadways most critical to trucks as
determined by the Office of Freight Management and
Operations in the Federal Highway Administration and
authorized by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st
Century Act (MAP-21) (Public Law 112-141).
(4) Supporting infrastructure.--The term ``supporting
infrastructure'' includes fueling or charging stations, rest
stops, travel plazas, and other service areas on public or
private property that are found to be most practically located
along a Clean Vehicle Corridor.
SEC. 5. CLEAN VEHICLE CORRIDORS PROGRAM.
(a) Corridor Designations.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall
designate not fewer than 5 ``Clean Vehicle Corridors'' along
Federal highways, interstates, or other contiguous highways.
(2) Consultation.--Before making a designation under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
(A) consult with the Secretary of Energy regarding
the analysis of data collected by both agencies at
cleaner alternative fueling projects authorized by this
Act and other Acts to better understand usage patterns
and petroleum displacement to inform Corridor
designation;
(B) receive approval from the Secretary of Energy;
(C) consult with the Secretary of Commerce, the
Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency;
(D) consult with State, Tribal, and local
governments through whose jurisdictions the proposed
corridor runs or abuts;
(E) gather information from Federal, State, Tribal,
and local governments, nongovernmental organizations,
businesses, Clean Cities, and individuals to help
determine which highways should be included in the
corridors designated under paragraph (1);
(F) consider existing programs, whether Federal,
State, Tribal, local, or private, which can be
leveraged to achieve the purposes of this Act;
(G) give preference to corridors that connect Clean
Cities, as designated by the Department of Energy; and
(H) give consideration to air quality nonattainment
areas, as determined by the Administration of the
Environmental Protection Agency.
(b) Infrastructure Development for Cleaner Alternative Fuels.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation shall
encourage the addition of cleaner alternative fuel options and
other supporting infrastructure along Clean Vehicle Corridors.
These refueling stations should provide at least 1 cleaner
alternative fuel and allow any motor vehicle that operates on
such fuels to refuel at distances comfortably within vehicle
refueling or charging range without the need for prior
arrangement. Existing and private facilities should be
encouraged to be included in the Clean Vehicle Corridors
network.
(2) Incentives.--To promote Clean Vehicle Corridors, the
Secretary may provide waivers to statutory restrictions for
cleaner alternative fuel projects and vehicles along Clean
Vehicle Corridors, including--
(A) modifying HOV/HOT lane restrictions under
section 166 of title 23, United States Code, to
accommodate vehicles using cleaner alternative fuels;
(B) modifying weight limits under section 127 of
title 23, United States Code, to accommodate the
additional weight to vehicles caused by cleaner
alternative fuel technology such as fuel cylinders for
natural gas or auxiliary power sources;
(C) deeming Clean Vehicle Corridor projects
designated under subsection (a) as eligible projects
for an increased Federal funding share under section
1116 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st
Century Act (MAP-21) (Public Law 112-141);
(D) allowing owners and operators of publicly owned
supporting infrastructure to designate parking spaces
that are conveniently located near major facilities for
use by vehicles that use cleaner alternative fuels;
(E) allowing the inclusion of cleaner alternative
fueling infrastructure projects in State energy
conservation plans, in accordance with section
362(d)(5) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42
U.S.C. 6322(d)(5)); and
(F) giving areas surrounding Clean Cities a
priority preference for Department of Energy funding
opportunities.
(c) Information and Resources on Clean Vehicle Corridors.--
(1) Website.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation
shall maintain a publicly accessible website containing
information and resources for Clean Vehicle Corridors.
(B) Best practices.--The Secretary, in consultation
with Federal agencies, Tribes, States, and Clean
Cities, shall--
(i) identify best practices and case
studies of communities and complementary
programs that have successfully promoted
cleaner alternative fuel use; and
(ii) post the information described in
clause (i) on the website referred to in
subparagraph (A).
(C) Available mechanisms.--The Secretary shall--
(i) identify existing technical and
financial mechanisms available to promote the
development of cleaner alternative fuel
infrastructure; and
(ii) post the information described in
clause (i) on the website referred to in
subparagraph (A).
(D) Hyperlink.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
website referred to in subparagraph (A) is linked to
the Alternative Fuels Data Center maintained by the
Department of Energy.
(2) Data gathering.--The Secretary shall collaborate with
the Secretary of Energy and all relevant Clean Vehicle Corridor
stakeholders to collect data on cleaner alternative fueling
station usage patterns, including energy consumption,
performance, petroleum displacement, and other factors deemed
important by the Secretaries to inform Corridor designation and
performance.
(3) Interstate compacts.--
(A) Establishment.--Two or more contiguous States
may enter into an interstate compact to establish Clean
Vehicle Corridor partnerships to facilitate planning
for and siting of necessary facilities within those
States.
(B) Technical assistance.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of Energy, the
Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the
Interior, and the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency, may provide
technical assistance to interstate compact
partnerships established pursuant to
subparagraph (A).
(ii) Federal authority.--Nothing contained
in clause (i) or in any compact may be
construed--
(I) to limit the applicability of
any Federal law;
(II) to diminish or otherwise
impair the jurisdiction of any Federal
agency; or
(III) to alter, amend, or otherwise
affect any Federal law governing the
judicial review of any action taken
pursuant to any compact.
(C) Congressional review.--Each compact established
pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall acknowledge that
Congress may withdraw its consent under this paragraph
every 3 years after the compact has taken effect. | Clean Vehicle Corridors Act Requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to: designate at least five Clean Vehicle Corridors along federal highways, interstates, or other contiguous highways after consulting with specified agencies; and encourage the addition of cleaner alternative fuel options and other supporting infrastructure along the corridors and the inclusion of existing and private facilities in the corridor. Defines "cleaner alternative fuels" to include: compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (also known as propane), plug-in electric, advanced biofuels, and hydrogen. Authorizes DOT to provide waivers of statutory restrictions for cleaner alternative fuel projects and vehicles along Clean Vehicle Corridors. Requires DOT to: maintain a publicly accessible website containing information and resources for corridors; identify best practices and case studies of communities and complementary programs that have successfully promoted cleaner alternative fuel use in consultation with federal agencies, tribes, states, and Clean Cities; identify existing technical and financial mechanisms available to promote the development of cleaner alternative fuel infrastructure; and collaborate with the Department of Energy (DOE) and all relevant Clean Vehicle Corridor stakeholders to collect data on cleaner alternative fueling station usage patterns. Authorizes: two or more contiguous states to enter into an interstate compact to establish Clean Vehicle Corridor partnerships to facilitate planning for and siting of necessary facilities within those states; and DOT, in consultation with DOE, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency, to provide technical assistance to interstate compact partnerships. | Clean Vehicle Corridors Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Diamond Trade Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Funds derived from the sale of rough diamonds are being
used by rebels and state actors to finance military activities,
overthrow legitimate governments, subvert international efforts
to promote peace and stability, and commit horrifying
atrocities against unarmed civilians. During the past decade,
more than 6,500,000 people from Sierra Leone, Angola, and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo have been driven from their
homes by wars waged in large part for control of diamond mining
areas. A million of these are refugees eking out a miserable
existence in neighboring countries, and tens of thousands have
fled to the United States. Approximately 3,700,000 people have
died during these wars.
(2) The countries caught in this fighting are home to
nearly 70,000,000 people whose societies have been torn apart
not only by fighting but also by terrible human rights
violations.
(3) Human rights and humanitarian advocates, the diamond
trade as represented by the World Diamond Council, and the
United States Government have been working to block the trade
in conflict diamonds. Their efforts have helped to build a
consensus that action is urgently needed to end the trade in
conflict diamonds.
(4) The United Nations Security Council has acted at
various times under chapter VII of the Charter of the United
Nations to address threats to international peace and security
posed by conflicts linked to diamonds. Through these actions,
it has prohibited all states from exporting weapons to certain
countries affected by such conflicts. It has further required
all states to prohibit the direct and indirect import of rough
diamonds from Sierra Leone unless the diamonds are controlled
under specified certificate of origin regimes and to prohibit
absolutely the direct and indirect import of rough diamonds
from Liberia.
(5) In response, the United States implemented sanctions
restricting the importation of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone
to those diamonds accompanied by specified certificates of
origin and fully prohibiting the importation of rough diamonds
from Liberia. The United States is now taking further action
against trade in conflict diamonds.
(6) Without effective action to eliminate trade in conflict
diamonds, the trade in legitimate diamonds faces the threat of
a consumer backlash that could damage the economies of
countries not involved in the trade in conflict diamonds and
penalize members of the legitimate trade and the people they
employ. To prevent that, South Africa and more than 30 other
countries are involved in working, through the ``Kimberley
Process'', toward devising a solution to this problem. As the
consumer of a majority of the world's supply of diamonds, the
United States has an obligation to help sever the link between
diamonds and conflict and press for implementation of an
effective solution.
(7) Failure to curtail the trade in conflict diamonds or to
differentiate between the trade in conflict diamonds and the
trade in legitimate diamonds could have a severe negative
impact on the legitimate diamond trade in countries such as
Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Tanzania.
(8) Initiatives of the United States seek to resolve the
regional conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa which facilitate the
trade in conflict diamonds.
(9) The Interlaken Declaration on the Kimberley Process
Certification Scheme for Rough Diamonds of November 5, 2002,
states that Participants will ensure that measures taken to
implement the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for Rough
Diamonds will be consistent with international trade rules.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Controlled through the kimberley process certification
scheme.--An importation or exportation of rough diamonds is
``controlled through the Kimberley Process Certification
Scheme'' if it is an importation from the territory of a
Participant or exportation to the territory of a Participant of
rough diamonds that is--
(A) carried out in accordance with the Kimberley
Process Certification Scheme, as set forth in
regulations promulgated by the President; or
(B) controlled under a system determined by the
President to meet substantially the standards,
practices, and procedures of the Kimberley Process
Certification Scheme.
(2) Exporting authority.--The term ``exporting authority''
means one or more entities designated by a Participant from
whose territory a shipment of rough diamonds is being exported
as having the authority to validate the Kimberley Process
Certificate.
(3) Importing authority.--The term ``importing authority''
means one or more entities designated by a Participant into
whose territory a shipment of rough diamonds is imported as
having the authority to enforce the laws and regulations of the
Participant regulating imports, including the verification of
the Kimberley Process Certificate accompanying the shipment.
(4) Kimberley process certificate.--The term ``Kimberley
Process Certificate'' means a forgery resistant document of a
Participant that demonstrates that an importation or
exportation of rough diamonds has been controlled through the
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and contains the minimum
elements set forth in Annex I of the Kimberley Process
Certification Scheme.
(5) Kimberley process certification scheme.--The term
``Kimberley Process Certification Scheme'' means those
standards, practices, and procedures of the international
certification scheme for rough diamonds presented in the
document entitled ``Kimberley Process Certification Scheme''
referred to in the Interlaken Declaration on the Kimberley
Process Certification Scheme for Rough Diamonds of November 5,
2002.
(6) Participant.--The term ``Participant'' means a state,
customs territory, or regional economic integration
organization identified by the Secretary of State.
(7) Person.--The term ``person'' means an individual or
entity.
(8) Rough diamond.--The term ``rough diamond'' means any
diamond that is unworked or simply sawn, cleaved, or bruted and
classifiable under subheading 7102.10, 7102.21, or 7102.31 of
the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
(9) United states.--The term ``United States'', when used
in the geographic sense, means the several States, the District
of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of
the United States.
(10) United states person.--The term ``United States
person'' means--
(A) any United States citizen or any alien admitted
for permanent residence into the United States;
(B) any entity organized under the laws of the
United States or any jurisdiction within the United
States (including its foreign branches); and
(C) any person in the United States.
SEC. 4. MEASURES FOR THE IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF ROUGH DIAMONDS.
(a) Prohibition.--The President shall prohibit the importation
into, or exportation from, the United States of any rough diamond, from
whatever source, that has not been controlled through the Kimberley
Process Certification Scheme.
(b) Waiver.--The President may waive the requirements set forth in
subsection (a) with respect to a particular country for periods of not
more than 1 year each, if, with respect to each such waiver--
(1) the President determines and reports to the Congress
that such country is taking effective steps to implement the
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme; or
(2) the President determines that the waiver is in the
national interests of the United States, and reports such
determination to the Congress, together with the reasons
therefor.
SEC. 5. REGULATORY AND OTHER AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--The President is authorized to and shall as
necessary issue such proclamations, regulations, licenses, and orders,
and conduct such investigations, as may be necessary to carry out this
Act.
(b) Recordkeeping.--Any United States person seeking to export from
or import into the United States any rough diamonds shall keep a full
record of, in the form of reports or otherwise, complete information
relating to any act or transaction to which any prohibition imposed
under section 4(a) applies. The President may require such person to
furnish such information under oath, including the production of books
of account, records, contracts, letters, memoranda, or other papers, in
the custody or control of such person.
(c) Oversight.--The President shall require the appropriate
Government agency to conduct annual reviews of the standards,
practices, and procedures of any entity in the United States that
issues Kimberley Process Certificates for the exportation from the
United States of rough diamonds to determine whether such standards,
practices, and procedures are in accordance with the Kimberley Process
Certification Scheme. The President shall transmit to the Congress a
report on each annual review under this subsection.
SEC. 6. IMPORTING AND EXPORTING AUTHORITIES.
(a) In the United States.--For purposes of this Act--
(1) the importing authority shall be the United States
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection or, in the case of a
territory or possession of the United States with its own
customs administration, analagous officials; and
(2) the exporting authority shall be the Bureau of the
Census.
(b) Of Other Countries.--The Secretary of State shall publish in
the Federal Register a list of all Participants, and all exporting
authorities and importing authorities of Participants. The Secretary
shall update the list as necessary.
SEC. 7. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
The Congress supports the policy that the President take
appropriate steps to promote and facilitate the adoption by the
international community of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
implemented under this Act.
SEC. 8. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b)--
(1) a civil penalty of not to exceed $10,000 may be imposed
on any person who violates, or attempts to violate, any
license, order, or regulation issued under this Act; and
(2) whoever willfully violates, or willfully attempts to
violate, any license, order, or regulation issued under this
Act shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $50,000, or,
if a natural person, may be imprisoned for not more than 10
years, or both; and any officer, director, or agent of any
corporation who knowingly participates in such violation may be
punished by a like fine, imprisonment, or both.
(b) Import Violations.--Those civil and criminal penalties,
including seizure and forfeiture, under the customs laws of the United
States that apply to goods imported in violation of such laws shall
apply with respect to rough diamonds imported in violation of this Act
or any regulation, license, or order issued under this Act.
SEC. 9. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
The President may direct the appropriate agencies of the United
States Government to make available technical assistance to countries
seeking to implement the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
SEC. 10. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Ongoing Process.--It is the sense of the Congress that the
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, officially launched on January
1, 2003, is an ongoing process. The President should work with
Participants to strengthen the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
through the adoption of measures for the sharing of statistics on the
production of and trade in rough diamonds, and for monitoring the
effectiveness of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in stemming
trade in diamonds the importation or exportation of which is not
controlled through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
(b) Statistics and Reporting.--It is the sense of the Congress that
under Annex III to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme,
Participants recognized that reliable and comparable data on the
international trade in rough diamonds are an essential tool for the
effective implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
Therefore, the executive branch should continue to--
(1) keep and publish statistics on imports and exports of
rough diamonds under subheadings 7102.10.00, 7102.21, and
7102.31.00 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States;
(2) make these statistics available for analysis by
interested parties and by Participants; and
(3) take a leadership role in negotiating a standardized
methodology among Participants for reporting statistics on
imports and exports of rough diamonds.
SEC. 11. REPORTS.
(a) Annual Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act and every 12 months thereafter for such period as
this Act is in effect, the President shall transmit to the Congress a
report--
(1) describing actions taken by countries that have
exported rough diamonds to the United States during the
preceding 12-month period to control the exportation of the
diamonds through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme;
and
(2) identifying each country that, during the preceding 12-
month period, exported rough diamonds to the United States and
was exporting rough diamonds not controlled through the
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, if the failure to do so
has significantly increased the likelihood that those diamonds
not so controlled are being imported into the United States.
(b) Semiannual Reports.--For each country identified in subsection
(a)(2), the President, during such period as this Act is in effect,
shall, every 6 months after the initial report in which the country was
identified, transmit to the Congress a report that explains what
actions have been taken by the United States or such country since the
previous report to ensure that diamonds the exportation of which was
not controlled through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme are
not being imported from that country into the United States. The
requirement to issue a semiannual report with respect to a country
under this subsection shall remain in effect until such time as the
country is controlling the importation and exportation of rough
diamonds through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
SEC. 12. GAO REPORT.
Not later than 24 months after the effective date of this Act, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall transmit a report to the
Congress on the effectiveness of the provisions of this Act in
preventing the importation or exportation of rough diamonds that is
prohibited under section 4. The Comptroller General shall include in
the report any recommendations on any modifications to this Act that
may be necessary.
SEC. 13. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect on the date on which the President
certifies to the Congress that--
(1) an applicable waiver that has been granted by the World
Trade Organization is in effect; or
(2) an applicable decision in a resolution adopted by the
United Nations Security Council pursuant to Chapter VII of the
Charter of the United Nations is in effect.
This Act shall thereafter remain in effect during those periods in
which, as certified by the President to the Congress, an applicable
waiver or decision referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) is in effect. | Clean Diamond Trade Act - Directs the President to prohibit the importation into, or exportation from, the United States of any rough diamond, from whatever source, that has not been controlled through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). Prescribes criteria for waiver of such prohibition. Directs the President to require the appropriate Government agency to conduct annual reviews of the standards, practices, and procedures of any entity in the United States that issues Kimberley Process Certificates for the exportation from the United States of rough diamonds to determine whether they accord with the KPCS.Makes the importing authority under this Act the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) and the exporting authority the Bureau of the Census. Declares that the Congress supports the trade policy that the President take appropriate steps to promote and facilitate the adoption of the KPCS by the international community. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Authorizes the President to direct the appropriate Federal agencies to make available technical assistance, relating to compliance with U.S. trade laws, to countries seeking to implement the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Urges the President to work with Participants to strengthen the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme through the adoption of measures for: (1) sharing statistics on rough diamonds production and trade; and (2) monitoring the effectiveness of the KPCS in stemming trade in diamonds whose importation or exportation is not controlled through the KPCS. Urges the executive branch continue to: (1) keep and publish statistics on imports and exports of rough diamonds; (2) make them available for analysis by interested parties and by Participants; and (3) take a leadership role in negotiating a standardized methodology among Participants for reporting such statistics. | To implement effective measures to stop trade in conflict diamonds, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Children of Fallen Heroes
Scholarship Act''.
SEC. 2. CALCULATION OF ELIGIBILITY.
Section 473(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087mm(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
inserting ``(in the case of a student who meets the
requirement of subparagraph (B)(i)), or academic year
2015-2016 (in the case of a student who meets the
requirement of subparagraph (B)(ii)),'' after
``academic year 2009-2010''; and
(B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as
follows:
``(B) whose parent or guardian was--
``(i) a member of the Armed Forces of the
United States and died as a result of
performing military service in Iraq or
Afghanistan after September 11, 2001; or
``(ii) actively serving as a public safety
officer and died in the line of duty while
performing as a public safety officer; and'';
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting
the following:
``(A) Armed forces.--Notwithstanding'';
(B) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting
``subparagraphs (A), (B)(i), and (C) of paragraph
(2)''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Public safety officers.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, unless the Secretary
establishes an alternate method to adjust the expected
family contribution, for each student who meets the
requirements of subparagraphs (A), (B)(ii), and (C) of
paragraph (2), a financial aid administrator shall--
``(i) verify with the student that the
student is eligible for the adjustment;
``(ii) adjust the expected family
contribution in accordance with this
subsection; and
``(iii) notify the Secretary of the
adjustment and the student's eligibility for
the adjustment.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Treatment of pell amount.--Notwithstanding section
1212 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
(42 U.S.C. 3796d-1), in the case of a student who receives an
increased Federal Pell Grant amount under this section, the
total amount of such Federal Pell Grant, including the increase
under this subsection, shall not be considered in calculating
that student's educational assistance benefits under the Public
Safety Officers' Benefits program under subpart 2 of part L of
title I of such Act.
``(5) Definition of public safety officer.--For purposes of
this subsection, the term `public safety officer' means--
``(A) a public safety officer, as defined in
section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control
and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b); or
``(B) a fire police officer, defined as an
individual who--
``(i) is serving in accordance with State
or local law as an officially recognized or
designated member of a legally organized public
safety agency;
``(ii) is not a law enforcement officer, a
firefighter, a chaplain, or a member of a
rescue squad or ambulance crew; and
``(iii) provides scene security or directs
traffic--
``(I) in response to any fire
drill, fire call, or other fire,
rescue, or police emergency; or
``(II) at a planned special
event.''.
SEC. 3. CALCULATION OF PELL GRANT AMOUNT.
Section 401(b)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1070a(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``The Amount'' and inserting ``Subject to
subparagraph (C), the amount''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) In the case of a student who meets the
requirements of subparagraphs (A), (B)(ii), and (C) of
section 473(b)(2)--
``(i) clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) of
this paragraph shall be applied by substituting
`from the amounts appropriated in the last
enacted appropriation Act applicable to that
award year, an amount equal to the amount of
the increase calculated under paragraph (7)(B)
for that year' for `the amount of the increase
calculated under paragraph (7)(B) for that
year'; and
``(ii) such student--
``(I) shall be provided an amount
under clause (i) of this subparagraph
only to the extent that funds are
specifically provided in advance in an
appropriation Act to such students for
that award year; and
``(II) shall not be eligible for
the amounts made available pursuant to
clauses (i) through (iii) of paragraph
(7)(A).''.
SEC. 4. BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying
with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by
reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO
Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional
Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that
such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect on
July 1, 2015.
Passed the Senate May 10, 2016.
Attest:
JULIE E. ADAMS,
Secretary. | . Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to eliminate the expected family contribution (EFC) used to determine financial need in the case of a Pell Grant-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty as a police officer, firefighter, or other public safety officer. Such student is eligible to receive an automatic zero EFC and qualify for the maximum Pell Grant award if the student was less than 24 years old or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of the parent or guardian's death. (Sec. 4) It specifies procedures for determining the budgetary effects of this bill for compliance with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Act of 2010. | Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act |
SECTION. 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hydrographic Services Improvement
Act Amendments of 2008''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
Section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998
(33 U.S.C. 892) is amended by striking paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) and
inserting the following:
``(3) Hydrographic data.--The term `hydrographic data' means
information that--
``(A) is acquired through--
``(i) hydrographic, bathymetric, photogrammetric,
lidar, radar, remote sensing, or shoreline and other ocean-
and coastal-related surveying;
``(ii) geodetic, geospatial, or geomagnetic
measurements;
``(iii) tide, water level, and current observations; or
``(iv) other methods; and
``(B) is used in providing hydrographic services.
``(4) Hydrographic services.--The term `hydrographic services'
means--
``(A) the management, maintenance, interpretation,
certification, and dissemination of bathymetric, hydrographic,
shoreline, geodetic, geospatial, geomagnetic, and tide, water
level, and current information, including the production of
nautical charts, nautical information databases, and other
products derived from hydrographic data;
``(B) the development of nautical information systems; and
``(C) related activities.
``(5) Coast and geodetic survey act.--The term `Coast and
Geodetic Survey Act' means the Act entitled `An Act to define the
functions and duties of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and for
other purposes', approved August 6, 1947 (33 U.S.C. 883a et
seq.).''.
SEC. 3. FUNCTIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR.
Section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998
(33 U.S.C. 892a) is amended--
(1) by striking ``the Act of 1947,'' in subsection (a) and
inserting ``the Coast and Geodetic Survey Act, promote safe,
efficient and environmentally sound marine transportation, and
otherwise fulfill the purposes of this Act,'';
(2) by striking ``data;'' in subsection (a)(1) and inserting
``data and provide hydrographic services;'' and
(3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Authorities.--To fulfill the data gathering and dissemination
duties of the Administration under the Coast and Geodetic Survey Act,
promote safe, efficient, and environmentally sound marine
transportation, and otherwise fulfill the purposes of this Act, subject
to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator--
``(1) may procure, lease, evaluate, test, develop, and operate
vessels, equipment, and technologies necessary to ensure safe
navigation and maintain operational expertise in hydrographic data
acquisition and hydrographic services;
``(2) shall, subject to the availability of appropriations,
design, install, maintain, and operate real-time hydrographic
monitoring systems to enhance navigation safety and efficiency; and
``(3) where appropriate and to the extent that it does not
detract from the promotion of safe and efficient navigation, may
acquire hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services to
support the conservation and management of coastal and ocean
resources;
``(4) where appropriate, may acquire hydrographic data and
provide hydrographic services to save and protect life and property
and support the resumption of commerce in response to emergencies,
natural and man-made disasters, and homeland security and maritime
domain awareness needs, including obtaining mission assignments (as
defined in section 641 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management
Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 741));
``(5) may create, support, and maintain such joint centers with
other Federal agencies and other entities as the Administrator
deems appropriate or necessary to carry out the purposes of this
Act; and
``(6) notwithstanding the existence of such joint centers,
shall award contracts for the acquisition of hydrographic data in
accordance with subchapter VI of chapter 10 of title 40, United
States Code.''.
SEC. 4. HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICES REVIEW PANEL.
Section 305(c)(1)(A) of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act
of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 892c(c)(1)(A)) is amended to read as follows: ``(A)
The panel shall consist of 15 voting members who shall be appointed by
the Administrator. The Co-directors of the Center for Coastal and Ocean
Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center and no more than 2 employees of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration appointed by the
Administrator shall serve as nonvoting members of the panel. The voting
members of the panel shall be individuals who, by reason of knowledge,
experience, or training, are especially qualified in 1 or more of the
disciplines and fields relating to hydrographic data and hydrographic
services, marine transportation, port administration, vessel pilotage,
coastal and fishery management, and other disciplines as determined
appropriate by the Administrator.''.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 306 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998
(33 U.S.C. 892d) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 306. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator the
following:
``(1) To carry out nautical mapping and charting functions
under sections 304 and 305, except for conducting hydrographic
surveys--
``(A) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
``(B) $56,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
``(C) $57,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
``(D) $58,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
``(2) To contract for hydrographic surveys under section
304(b)(1), including the leasing or time chartering of vessels--
``(A) $32,130,000 for fiscal year 2009;
``(B) $32,760,000 for fiscal year 2010;
``(C) $33,390,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
``(D) $34,020,000 for fiscal year 2012.
``(3) To operate hydrographic survey vessels owned by the
United States and operated by the Administration--
``(A) $25,900,000 for fiscal year 2009;
``(B) $26,400,000 for fiscal year 2010;
``(C) $26,900,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
``(D) $27,400,000 for fiscal year 2012.
``(4) To carry out geodetic functions under this title--
``(A) $32,640,000 for fiscal year 2009;
``(B) $33,280,000 for fiscal year 2010;
``(C) $33,920,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
``(D) $34,560,000 for fiscal year 2012.
``(5) To carry out tide and current measurement functions under
this title--
``(A) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
``(B) $27,500,000 for fiscal year 2010;
``(C) $28,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
``(D) $28,500,000 for fiscal year 2012.
``(6) To acquire a replacement hydrographic survey vessel
capable of staying at sea continuously for at least 30 days
$75,000,000.''.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZED NOAA CORPS STRENGTH.
Section 215 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 3005) is amended to
read as follows:
``SEC. 215. NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
``Effective October 1, 2009, the total number of authorized
commissioned officers on the lineal list of the commissioned corps of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be increased
from 321 to 379 if--
``(1) the Secretary has submitted to the Congress--
``(A) the Administration's ship recapitalization plan for
fiscal years 2010 through 2024;
``(B) the Administration's aircraft remodernization plan;
and
``(C) supporting workforce management plans;
``(2) appropriated funding is available; and
``(3) the Secretary has justified organizational needs for the
commissioned corps for each such fiscal year.''
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 to revise the definitions of: (1) "hydrographic data" to include lidar, radar, remote sensing, shoreline and other ocean- and coastal-related surveying, and water level observations; and (2) "hydrographic services" to include references to shoreline and water level information.
(Sec. 3) Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promote safe, efficient, and environmentally sound marine transportation and to acquire and disseminate hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services.
Revises the Administrator's authorities concerning the acquisition of hydrographic data and provision of hydrographic servicesincluding to permit: (1) support for the conservation and management of coastal and ocean resources; (2) saving and protecting life and property and supporting the resumption of commerce in response to emergencies, natural and man-made disasters, and homeland security and maritime domain awareness needs; and (3) the creation and maintenance of joint centers with other federal agencies.
(Sec. 4) Modifies membership provisions regarding the Hydrographic Services Review Panel.
(Sec. 5) Authorizations appropriations: (1) through FY2012 for specified hydrographic services; and (2) to acquire a replacement hydrographic survey vessel capable of staying at sea continuously for at least 30 days.
(Sec. 6) Amends the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 to increase by 58 the number authorized commissioned officers on the NOAA lineal list if: (1) the Secretary of Commerce has submitted to Congress plans for ship recapitalization, aircraft remodernization, and supporting workforce management plans; (2) appropriated funding is available; and (3) the Secretary has justified organizational needs. | A bill to reauthorize and amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fairness to Pet Owners Act of
2014''.
SEC. 2. APPLICABILITY.
This Act shall only apply to medication for a domesticated
household animal that the Federal Government prevents consumers from
purchasing without a prescription.
SEC. 3. RULES ON VETERINARY PRESCRIPTIONS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Federal Trade Commission shall promulgate rules in accordance
with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, that include the
following requirements with regard to a veterinary prescription:
(1) In general.--A requirement that the prescriber of an
animal drug shall--
(A) whether or not requested by the pet owner,
provide to the pet owner, before offering to fill or
dispensing, a veterinary prescription, a copy of the
veterinary prescription, including by electronic or
other means;
(B) provide a copy of the prescription by
electronic or other means consistent with applicable
State law, if requested by a pharmacy or any other
person designated to act on behalf of the pet owner;
and
(C) upon request by a pharmacy or any other person
designated to act on behalf of the pet owner, verify
the prescription.
(2) Purchase, payment, and waiver.--A requirement that the
prescriber of an animal drug--
(A) may not--
(i) require purchase of the animal drug for
which the veterinary prescription was written
from the prescriber or from another person as a
condition of providing a copy of the veterinary
prescription or verifying such prescription
under paragraph (1);
(ii) require payment in addition to, or as
part of, the fee for an examination and
evaluation as a condition of providing a copy
of the veterinary prescription or verifying
such prescription under paragraph (1); or
(iii) require the pet owner to sign a
waiver or disclaim liability, or deliver to the
pet owner a notice waiving or disclaiming
liability of the prescriber for the accuracy of
the veterinary prescription, as a condition of
providing a copy of such prescription or
verifying such prescription under paragraph
(1); and
(B) may require payment of fees for an examination
and evaluation before providing a veterinary
prescription, but only if the prescriber requires
immediate payment in the case of an examination that
reveals no requirement for an animal drug.
SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Unfair or Deceptive Act or Practice.--A violation of a rule
prescribed pursuant to section 3 of this Act shall be treated as a
violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice
prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission
Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).
(b) Powers of Commission.--
(1) In general.--The Federal Trade Commission shall enforce
this Act in the same manner, by the same means, and with the
same jurisdiction as though all applicable terms and provisions
of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were
incorporated into and made a part of this Act.
(2) Privileges and immunities.--Any person who violates a
rule prescribed pursuant to section 3 of this Act shall be
subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and
immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act (15
U.S.C. 41 et seq.).
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Animal drug.--The term ``animal drug'' means a drug
intended to be administered to an animal that may not be
dispensed without a prescription.
(2) Domesticated household animal.--The term ``domesticated
household animal'' means a companion animal permitted under
applicable State and local law to be kept in a home for
noncommercial purposes.
(3) Pet owner.--The term ``pet owner'' means the legal
owner of a domesticated household animal or a person designated
by such owner to present such animal to the prescriber for
care.
(4) Prescriber.--The term ``prescriber'' means a health
care practitioner who is licensed to practice veterinary
medicine or other person permitted under State law to issue
prescriptions for animal drugs.
(5) Veterinary prescription.--The term ``veterinary
prescription''--
(A) means a written, oral, or electronic order from
a prescriber authorizing the dispensing of an animal
drug for use by a domesticated household animal and
normally administered to the animal by its owner,
issued in accordance with State and Federal law; and
(B) does not include an animal drug administered by
the veterinarian in the course of providing acute care. | Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2014 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to require prescribers of animal drugs to verify prescriptions and provide copies of prescriptions to pet owners, pet owner designees, and pharmacies, without the prescriber demanding payment or establishing other conditions. Treats a violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. | Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2014 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Affordable College Textbook Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The high cost of college textbooks continues to be a
barrier for many students in achieving higher education.
(2) According to the College Board, during the 2012-2013
academic year, the average student budget for college books and
supplies was $1,200.
(3) The Government Accountability Office found that new
textbook prices increased 82 percent over the last decade and
that although Federal efforts to increase price transparency
have provided students and families with more and better
information, more must be done to address rising costs.
(4) The growth of the Internet has enabled the creation and
sharing of digital content, including open educational
resources that can be freely used by students, teachers, and
members of the public.
(5) Using open educational resources in place of
traditional materials in large-enrollment college courses can
reduce textbook costs by 80 to 100 percent.
(6) Federal investment in expanding the use of open
educational resources could significantly lower college
textbook costs and reduce financial barriers to higher
education, while making efficient use of taxpayer funds.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Educational resource.--The term ``educational
resource'' means an educational material that can be used in
postsecondary instruction, including textbooks and other
written or audiovisual works.
(2) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
(3) Open educational resource.--The term ``open educational
resource'' means an educational resource that is licensed under
an open license and made freely available online to the public.
(4) Open license.--The term ``open license'' means a
worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable
copyright license granting the public permission to access,
reproduce, publicly perform, publicly display, adapt,
distribute, and otherwise use the work and adaptations of the
work for any purpose, conditioned only on the requirement that
attribution be given to authors as designated.
(5) Open textbook.--The term ``open textbook'' means an
open educational resource or set of open educational resources
that either is a textbook or can be used in place of a textbook
for a postsecondary course at an institution of higher
education.
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Grants Authorized.--From the amounts appropriated under
subsection (i), the Secretary shall make grants, on a competitive
basis, to eligible entities to support pilot programs that expand the
use of open textbooks in order to achieve savings for students.
(b) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term ``eligible entity''
means an institution of higher education or group of institutions of
higher education.
(c) Applications.--
(1) In general.--Each eligible entity desiring a grant
under this section, after consultation with relevant faculty
(including those engaged in the creation of open educational
resources), 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 project to be completed
with grant funds and--
(A) a plan for promoting and tracking the use of
open textbooks in postsecondary courses offered by the
eligible entity, including an estimate of the projected
savings that will be achieved for students;
(B) a plan for evaluating, before creating new open
educational resources, whether existing open
educational resources could be used or adapted for the
same purpose;
(C) a plan for quality review and review of
accuracy of any open educational resources to be
created or adapted through the grant;
(D) a plan for disseminating information about the
results of the project to institutions of higher
education outside of the eligible entity, including
promoting the adoption of any open textbooks created or
adapted through the grant; and
(E) a statement on consultation with relevant
faculty, including those engaged in the creation of
open educational resources, in the development of the
application.
(d) Special Consideration.--In awarding grants under this section,
the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications that
demonstrate the greatest potential to--
(1) achieve the highest level of savings for students
through sustainable expanded use of open textbooks in
postsecondary courses offered by the eligible entity;
(2) expand the use of open textbooks at institutions of
higher education outside of the eligible entity; and
(3) produce--
(A) the highest quality open textbooks;
(B) open textbooks that can be most easily utilized
and adapted by faculty members at institutions of
higher education;
(C) open textbooks that correspond to the highest
enrollment courses at institutions of higher education;
and
(D) open textbooks created or adapted in
partnership with entities, including campus bookstores,
that will assist in marketing and distribution of the
open textbook.
(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
this section shall use the grant funds to carry out any of the
following activities to expand the use of open textbooks:
(1) Professional development for faculty and staff members
at institutions of higher education, including the search for
and review of open textbooks.
(2) Creation or adaptation of open educational resources,
especially open textbooks.
(3) Development or improvement of tools and informational
resources that support the use of open textbooks.
(4) Research evaluating the efficacy of the use of open
textbooks for achieving savings for students.
(5) Partnerships with other entities, including other
institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, or
nonprofit organizations, to carry out any of the activities
described in paragraphs (1) through (4).
(f) License.--Educational resources created or adapted under
subsection (e) shall be licensed under an open license.
(g) Access and Distribution.--The full and complete digital content
of each educational resource created or adapted under subsection (e)
shall be made available free of charge to the public--
(1) on an easily accessible and interoperable website,
which shall be identified to the Secretary by the eligible
entity; and
(2) in a machine readable, digital format that anyone can
directly download, edit, and redistribute.
(h) Report.--Upon an eligible entity's completion of a project
supported under this section, the eligible entity shall prepare and
submit a report to the Secretary regarding--
(1) the effectiveness of the pilot program in expanding the
use of open textbooks and in achieving savings for students;
(2) the impact of the pilot program on expanding the use of
open textbooks at institutions of higher education outside of
the eligible entity;
(3) educational resources created or adapted under the
grant, including instructions on where the public can access
each educational resource under the terms of subsection (g);
and
(4) all project costs, including the value of any volunteer
labor and institutional capital used for the project.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for
each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years after the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. PRICE INFORMATION.
Section 133(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1015b(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (6); and
(2) in paragraph (9);
(A) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B); and
(B) by striking ``a college textbook that--'' and
inserting ``a college textbook that may include printed
materials, computer disks, website access, and
electronically distributed materials.''.
SEC. 6. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that institutions of higher education
should encourage the consideration of open textbooks by faculty within
the generally accepted principles of academic freedom that establishes
the right and responsibility of faculty members, individually and
collectively, to select course materials that are pedagogically most
appropriate for their classes.
SEC. 7. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than July 1, 2016, the Secretary shall prepare and submit
a report to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the
House of Representatives detailing--
(1) the open textbooks created or adapted under this Act;
(2) the adoption of such open textbooks; and
(3) the savings generated for students, States, and the
Federal Government through the use of open textbooks.
SEC. 8. GAO REPORT.
Not later than July 1, 2017, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall prepare and submit a report to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on
Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives on the cost
of textbooks to students at institutions of higher education. The
report shall particularly examine--
(1) the change of the cost of textbooks;
(2) the factors that have contributed to the change of the
cost of textbooks;
(3) the extent to which open textbooks are used at
institutions of higher education; and
(4) the impact of open textbooks on the cost of textbooks. | Affordable College Textbook Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to support pilot programs that expand the use of open textbooks in order to achieve savings for students. Requires the grants to be used for: professional development for IHE faculty and staff, including the search for and review of open textbooks; the creation or adaptation of open educational resources, especially open textbooks; the development or improvement of tools and informational resources that support the use of open textbooks; research evaluating the efficacy of using open textbooks to achieve savings for students; and partnerships with other entities to carry out the preceding activities. Requires the full and complete digital content of the educational resources created or adopted using such grant funds to be made available free of charge to the public: (1) on an easily accessible and interoperable website; and (2) in a machine readable, digital format that anyone can directly download, edit, and redistribute. Directs the Secretary to give special consideration to grant applicants that demonstrate the greatest potential to: achieve the highest level of savings for students; expand the use of open textbooks at other IHEs; and produce open textbooks that are of the highest quality, that can be most easily utilized and adapted by faculty members, that correspond to the highest enrollment courses, and that are created or adopted in partnership with entities that will assist in their marketing and distribution. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include any educational material developed to accompany a college textbook as supplemental material that is subject to college textbook information disclosure requirements. Expresses the sense of Congress that IHEs should encourage the consideration of open textbooks by faculty within the generally accepted principles of academic freedom that establish the right and responsibility of faculty members to select the most appropriate course materials for their classes. | Affordable College Textbook Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Kendell Frederick Citizenship
Assistance Act''.
SEC. 2. FINGERPRINTS AND OTHER BIOMETRIC INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE
UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
including section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly
referred to as the ``Privacy Act of 1974''), the Secretary of Homeland
Security shall use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the
time the individual enlisted in the United States Armed Forces, or at
the time the individual filed an application for adjustment of status,
to satisfy any requirement for background and security checks in
connection with an application for naturalization if--
(1) the individual may be naturalized pursuant to section 328
or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1439,
1440);
(2) the individual was fingerprinted and provided other
biometric information in accordance with the requirements of the
Department of Defense at the time the individual enlisted in the
United States Armed Forces;
(3) the individual--
(A) submitted an application for naturalization not later
than 24 months after the date on which the individual enlisted
in the United States Armed Forces; or
(B) provided the required biometric information to the
Department of Homeland Security through a United States
Citizenship and Immigration Services Application Support Center
at the time of the individual's application for adjustment of
status if filed not later than 24 months after the date on
which the individual enlisted in the United States Armed
Forces; and
(4) the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that the
biometric information provided, including fingerprints, is
sufficient to conduct the required background and security checks
needed for the applicant's naturalization application.
(b) More Timely and Effective Adjudication.--Nothing in this
section precludes an individual described in subsection (a) from
submitting a new set of biometric information, including fingerprints,
to the Secretary of Homeland Security with an application for
naturalization. If the Secretary determines that submitting a new set
of biometric information, including fingerprints, would result in more
timely and effective adjudication of the individual's naturalization
application, the Secretary shall--
(1) inform the individual of such determination; and
(2) provide the individual with a description of how to submit
such biometric information, including fingerprints.
(c) Cooperation.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall determine the format
of biometric information, including fingerprints, acceptable for usage
under subsection (a). The Secretary of Defense, or any other official
having custody of the biometric information, including fingerprints,
referred to in subsection (a), shall--
(1) make such prints available, without charge, to the
Secretary of Homeland Security for the purpose described in
subsection (a); and
(2) otherwise cooperate with the Secretary of Homeland Security
to facilitate the processing of applications for naturalization
under subsection (a).
(d) Electronic Transmission.--Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Director
of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, implement procedures that will
ensure the rapid electronic transmission of biometric information,
including fingerprints, from existing repositories of such information
needed for military personnel applying for naturalization as described
in subsection (a) and that will safeguard privacy and civil liberties.
(e) Centralization and Expedited Processing.--
(1) Centralization.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
centralize the data processing of all applications for
naturalization filed by members of the United States Armed Forces
on active duty serving abroad.
(2) Expedited processing.--The Secretary of Homeland Security,
the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the
Director of National Intelligence shall take appropriate actions to
ensure that applications for naturalization by members of the
United States Armed Forces described in paragraph (1), and
associated background checks, receive expedited processing and are
adjudicated within 180 days of the receipt of responses to all
background checks.
SEC. 3. PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON MILITARY NATURALIZATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the effective date of
any modification to a regulation related to naturalization under
section 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1439, 1440), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall make appropriate
updates to the Internet sites maintained by the Secretary to reflect
such modification.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Secretary of Homeland Security, not later than 180 days after each
effective date described in subsection (a), should make necessary
updates to the appropriate application forms of the Department of
Homeland Security.
SEC. 4. REPORTS.
(a) Adjudication Process.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the
entire process for the adjudication of an application for
naturalization filed pursuant to section 328 or 329 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1439, 1440), including
the process that--
(A) begins at the time the application is mailed to, or
received by, the Secretary, regardless of whether the Secretary
determines that such application is complete; and
(B) ends on the date of the final disposition of such
application.
(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall
include a description of--
(A) the methods used by the Secretary of Homeland Security
and the Secretary of Defense to prepare, handle, and adjudicate
such applications;
(B) the effectiveness of the chain of authority,
supervision, and training of employees of the Federal
Government or of other entities, including contract employees,
who have any role in such process or adjudication; and
(C) the ability of the Secretary of Homeland Security and
the Secretary of Defense to use technology to facilitate or
accomplish any aspect of such process or adjudication and to
safeguard privacy and civil liberties.
(b) Implementation.--
(1) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States and
the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security shall
conduct a study on the implementation of this Act by the Secretary
of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense, including an
assessment of any technology that may be used to improve the
efficiency of the naturalization process for members of the United
States Armed Forces and an assessment of the impact of this Act on
privacy and civil liberties.
(2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which
the Secretary of Homeland Security submits the report required
under subsection (a), the Comptroller General and the Inspector
General shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees on the study required by paragraph (1) that includes
recommendations for improving the implementation of this Act.
(c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section,
the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(1) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
(2) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
of the Senate;
(3) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate;
(4) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of
Representatives;
(5) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives; and
(6) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of
Representatives.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the time of military enlistment or at the time of applying for (immigration) status adjustment to satisfy any naturalization background or security requirements if: (1) the individual may be naturalized under the Immigration and Nationality Act, was fingerprinted in accordance with Department of Defense (DOD) requirements, and submits a naturalization application within 24 months of enlistment or provides the required biometric information at the time of application for status adjustment if filed within 24 months after enlistment; and (2) the Secretary determines that the biometric information provided, including fingerprints, is sufficient to conduct the naturalization background and security checks.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine the format for biometric information, including fingerprints; (2) implement procedures for electronic transmission of biometric information that will safeguard privacy and civil liberties; and (3) provide for centralization of naturalization applications of active duty personnel serving abroad and such applications' expedited processing.
(Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to update the appropriate Internet websites to reflect naturalization law changes.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should make necessary updates to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) application forms.
(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to the adjudication of military service-related naturalization applications.
Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to implementation of this Act by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense. | A bill to assist members of the Armed Forces in obtaining United States citizenship, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Wounded Warrior Workforce
Enhancement Act''.
SEC. 2. ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT.
(a) Grants Required.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
award grants to eligible institutions to enable the eligible
institutions--
(A) to establish a master's degree program in
orthotics and prosthetics; or
(B) to expand upon an existing master's degree
program in orthotics and prosthetics, including by
admitting more students, further training faculty,
expanding facilities, or increasing cooperation with
the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department
of Defense.
(2) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority in the
award of grants under this section to eligible institutions
that have entered into a partnership with a medical center or
clinic administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or a
facility administered by the Department of Defense, including
by providing clinical rotations at such medical center, clinic,
or facility.
(3) Grant amounts.--Grants awarded under this section shall
be in amounts of not less than $1,000,000 and not more than
$1,500,000.
(b) Requests for Proposals.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than
annually thereafter for two years, the Secretary shall issue a
request for proposals from eligible institutions for grants
under this section.
(2) Proposals.--An eligible institution that seeks the
award of a grant under this section shall submit an application
therefor to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require,
including--
(A) demonstration of a willingness and ability to
participate in a partnership described in subsection
(a)(2); and
(B) a commitment, and demonstration of an ability,
to maintain an accredited orthotics and prosthetics
education program after the end of the grant period.
(c) Grant Uses.--
(1) In general.--An eligible institution awarded a grant
under this section shall use grant amounts to carry out any of
the following:
(A) Building new or expanding existing orthotics
and prosthetics master's degree programs.
(B) Training doctoral candidates in fields related
to orthotics and prosthetics to prepare them to
instruct in orthotics and prosthetics programs.
(C) Training faculty in orthotics and prosthetics
education or related fields for the purpose of
instruction in orthotics and prosthetics programs.
(D) Salary supplementation for faculty in orthotics
and prosthetics education.
(E) Financial aid that allows eligible institutions
to admit additional students to study orthotics and
prosthetics.
(F) Funding faculty research projects or faculty
time to undertake research in the areas of orthotics
and prosthetics for the purpose of furthering their
teaching abilities.
(G) Renovation of buildings or minor construction
to house orthotics and prosthetics education programs.
(H) Purchasing equipment for orthotics and
prosthetics education.
(2) Limitation on construction.--An eligible institution
awarded a grant under this section may use not more than 50
percent of the grant amount to carry out paragraph (1)(G).
(3) Admissions preference.--An eligible institution awarded
a grant under this section shall give preference in admission
to the orthotics and prosthetics master's degree programs to
veterans, to the extent practicable.
(4) Period of use of funds.--An eligible institution
awarded a grant under this section may use the grant amount for
a period of three years after the award of the grant.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``eligible institution'' means an educational
institution that offers an orthotics and prosthetics education
program that--
(A) is accredited by the National Commission on
Orthotic and Prosthetic Education in cooperation with
the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs; or
(B) demonstrates an ability to meet the
accreditation requirements for orthotic and prosthetic
education from the National Commission on Orthotic and
Prosthetic Education in cooperation with the Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs if
the institution receives a grant under this section.
(2) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term in
section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated for
fiscal year 2018 for the Department of Veterans Affairs,
$15,000,000 to carry out this section. The amount so authorized
to be appropriated shall remain available for obligation until
September 30, 2020.
(2) Unobligated amounts to be returned to the treasury.--
Any amounts authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1) that
are not obligated by the Secretary as of September 30, 2020,
shall be returned to the Treasury of the United States.
SEC. 3. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC EDUCATION.
(a) Grant for Establishment of Center.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
award a grant to an eligible institution to enable the eligible
institution--
(A) to establish the Center of Excellence in
Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (in this section
referred to as the ``Center''); and
(B) to enable the eligible institution to improve
orthotic and prosthetic outcomes for veterans, members
of the Armed Forces, and civilians by conducting
evidence-based research on--
(i) the knowledge, skills, and training
most needed by clinical professionals in the
field of orthotics and prosthetics; and
(ii) how to most effectively prepare
clinical professionals to provide effective,
high-quality orthotic and prosthetic care.
(2) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority in the
award of a grant under this section to an eligible institution
that has in force, or demonstrates the willingness and ability
to enter into, a memoranda of understanding with the Department
of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or other
appropriate Federal agency, or a cooperative agreement with an
appropriate private sector entity, which memorandum of
understanding or cooperative agreement provides for either, or
both, of the following:
(A) The provision of resources, whether in cash or
in-kind, to the Center.
(B) Assistance to the Center in conducting research
and disseminating the results of such research.
(3) Grant amount.--The grant awarded under this section
shall be in the amount of $5,000,000.
(b) Requests for Proposals.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a request
for proposals from eligible institutions for the grant under
this section.
(2) Proposals.--An eligible institution that seeks the
award of the grant under this section shall submit an
application therefor to the Secretary at such time, in such
manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary
may require.
(c) Grant Uses.--
(1) In general.--The eligible institution awarded the grant
under this section shall use the grant amount as follows:
(A) To develop an agenda for orthotics and
prosthetics education research.
(B) To fund research in the area of orthotics and
prosthetics education.
(C) To publish or otherwise disseminate research
findings relating to orthotics and prosthetics
education.
(2) Period of use of funds.--The eligible institution
awarded the grant under this section may use the grant amount
for a period of five years after the award of the grant.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``eligible institution'' means an educational
institution that--
(A) has a robust research program;
(B) offers an orthotics and prosthetics education
program that is accredited by the National Commission
on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education in cooperation
with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs;
(C) is well recognized in the field of orthotics
and prosthetics education; and
(D) has an established association with--
(i) a medical center or clinic of the
Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(ii) a local rehabilitation hospital.
(2) The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given that term in
section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated for fiscal year 2018 for the Department of Veterans
Affairs, $5,000,000 to carry out this section. | Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants to eligible institutions to: (1) establish a master's degree program in orthotics and prosthetics, or (2) expand upon an existing master's degree program in such area. The VA shall give grant priority to institutions that have entered into a partnership with a medical center administered by the VA or a facility administered by the Department of Defense. An "eligible institution" is an educational institution that is either accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education or that demonstrates an ability to meet such accreditation requirements if it receives a grant. The bill requires the VA to award a grant to an institution with orthotic and prosthetic research and education experience to: (1) establish the Center of Excellence in Orthotic and Prosthetic Education; and (2) improve orthotic and prosthetic outcomes for veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and civilians by conducting orthotic and prosthetic research. | Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act
of 2009''.
SEC. 2. APPLICATION OF THE ANTITRUST LAWS TO RAIL CARRIERS.
(a) Mergers and Acquisitions.--The last undesignated paragraph of
section 7 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18) is amended by inserting
``(excluding transactions involving a rail carrier as defined in
section 10102 of title 49 of the United States Code)'' after ``Surface
Transportation Board''.
(b) Vesting of Authority in Antitrust Agencies.--Section 11(a) of
the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 21(a)) is amended by inserting ``(excluding
a rail carrier as defined in section 10102 of such title)'' after
``Code''.
(c) Injunctions.--The proviso in section 16 of the Clayton Act (15
U.S.C. 26) is amended by inserting ``, except against a rail carrier
(as defined in section 10102 of such title)'' after ``Code''.
(d) Federal Trade Commission Authority.--Section 5(a)(2) of the
Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45(a)(2)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``For purposes of this paragraph with respect to unfair methods of
competition, the term `common carriers' excludes a rail carrier as
defined in section 10102 of title 49 of the United States Code.''.
SEC. 3. TERMINATION OF ANTITRUST EXEMPTIONS IN TITLE 49.
(a) In General.--Section 10706 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) beginning in the 3d sentence of paragraph
(2)(A) by striking ``, and the Sherman Act (15 U.S.C.
1, et seq.),'' and all that follows through ``However,
the'' and inserting ``. The'',
(B) in paragraph (3)(B)--
(i) by striking ``(i)'', and
(ii) by striking clause (ii),
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking the 2d sentence, and
(ii) in the 3d sentence by striking
``However, the'' and inserting ``The'', and
(D) in paragraph (5)(A) by striking ``, and the
antitrust laws set forth in paragraph (2) of this
subsection do not apply to parties and other persons
with respect to making or carrying out the agreement'',
(2) in subsection (d) by striking the last sentence, and
(3) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(e) Nothing in this section exempts an agreement approved, or
submitted for approval, under subsection (a) from the application of
the antitrust laws (as defined in subsection (a) of the 1st section of
the Clayton Act, but including section 5 of the Federal Trade
Commission Act to the extent such section 5 applies to unfair methods
of competition).
``(f) In reviewing any agreement submitted for approval under
subsection (a), the Board shall take into account, among any other
considerations, the impact of such agreement on shippers, consumers,
and affected communities. The Board shall make findings regarding such
impact, which shall be--
``(1) made part of the administrative record;
``(2) submitted to any other reviewing agency for
consideration in making its determination; and
``(3) available in any judicial review of the Board's
decision regarding such agreement.''.
(b) Combinations.--Section 11321 of title 49, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``The authority'' and inserting
``Subject to subsection (c), the authority'', and
(B) in the 3d sentence by striking ``is exempt from
the antitrust laws and from all other law,'' and
inserting ``is exempt from all other law (except the
laws referred to in subsection (c)),'', and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Nothing in this subchapter exempts a transaction described in
subsection (a) from the application of the antitrust laws (as defined
in subsection (a) of the 1st section of the Clayton Act, but including
section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act to the extent such
section 5 applies to unfair methods of competition). The preceding
sentence shall not apply to any transaction relating to the pooling of
railroad cars approved by the Surface Transportation Board or its
predecessor agency pursuant to section 11322.
``(d) In reviewing any transaction described in subsection (a), the
Board shall take into account, among any other considerations, the
impact of the transaction on shippers and affected communities.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Heading.--The heading for section 10706 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Rate
agreements''.
(2) Analysis of sections.--The analysis of sections of
chapter 107 of such title is amended by striking the item
relating to section 10706 and insert the following:
``10706. Rate agreements.''.
SEC. 4. CLARIFICATIONS REGARDING APPLICABILITY OF REGULATORY DOCTRINES.
(a) Filed Rate Doctrine.--The antitrust laws shall apply to a rail
carrier (as defined in section 10102 of title 49 of the United States
Code), without regard to whether such rail carrier filed a rate or
whether a complaint challenging a rate is filed.
(b) Doctrine of Primary Jurisdiction.--In any civil action under
the antitrust laws against a rail carrier (as defined in section 10102
of title 49 of the United States Code), the district court shall retain
the discretion to defer to the jurisdiction of the Surface
Transportation Board.
(c) Definition.--For purposes of subsections (a) and (b), the term
``antitrust laws'' has the meaning given it in subsection (a) of the
1st section of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12(a)), but includes section
5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act to the extent such section 5
applies to unfair methods of competition.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c),
this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the
date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Limitation.--No civil action under the antitrust laws may be
filed with respect to any conduct or activity, including any agreement
or provision thereof, that--
(1) concluded or terminated before the expiration of the
180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this
Act, and
(2) was exempted by statute from the antitrust laws as the
result of an order of the Interstate Commerce Commission or the
Surface Transportation Board issued before the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(c) Exclusion.--No civil action under the antitrust laws may be
filed for the purpose of dissolving or otherwise undoing any merger,
acquisition, or transfer of control consummated before the date of the
enactment of this Act that was exempted by statute from the antitrust
laws as the result of an order described in subsection (b)(2).
(d) Definition.--For purposes of subsections (b) and (c), the term
``antitrust laws'' has the meaning given it in subsection (a) of the
1st section of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12(a)), but 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. | Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009 - Amends the Clayton Act to remove an exemption from coverage under the federal antitrust laws with respect to mergers and acquisitions involving rail carriers. Removes from the Surface Transportation Board (STB) the authority to enforce federal antitrust laws with respect to rail carriers (thus vesting such authority in the federal antitrust agencies). Removes: (1) the prohibition against a private party seeking injunctive relief against a rail carrier for a violation of the antitrust laws; and (2) the rail carrier exemption from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prohibition against unfair methods of competition.
Amends federal transportation law to terminate the exemptions from antitrust laws for rail carriers, including mergers and acquisitions and ratemaking agreements. Requires the STB, when reviewing a proposed rate agreement, to take into account its impact upon shippers, consumers, and affected communities, and to make findings regarding such impact, which shall be made part of the administrative record.
Makes federal antitrust laws applicable to rail carriers regardless of whether the carrier filed a rail carrier rate or whether a complaint challenging a rate is filed. Provides that, in any civil action against a rail carrier, the U.S. district court shall retain the discretion to defer to the jurisdiction of the STB.
Sets forth an effective date for this Act as the date of enactment, but provides a 180-day grace period for conduct that was exempted under the antitrust laws before such date of enactment. | To amend the Federal antitrust laws to provide expanded coverage and to eliminate exemptions from such laws that are contrary to the public interest with respect to railroads. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Routine HIV
Screening Coverage Act of 2009''.
(b) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) HIV/AIDS continues to infect and kill thousands of
Americans, 25 years after the first cases were reported.
(2) It has been estimated that at least 1.6 million
Americans have been infected with HIV since the beginning of
the epidemic and over 500,000 of them have died.
(3) The HIV/AIDS epidemic has disproportionately impacted
African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans and its impact on
women is growing.
(4) It has been estimated that almost one quarter of those
infected with HIV in the United States do not know they are
infected.
(5) Not all individuals who have been infected with HIV
demonstrate clinical indications or fall into high risk
categories.
(6) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has
determined that increasing the proportion of people who know
their HIV status is an essential component of comprehensive
HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention efforts and that early
diagnosis is critical in order for people with HIV/AIDS to
receive life-extending therapy.
(7) On September 21, 2006, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention released new guidelines that recommend routine
HIV screening in health care settings for all patients aged 13-
64, regardless of risk.
(8) Standard health insurance plans generally cover HIV
screening when there are clinical indications of infection or
when there are known risk factors present.
(9) Requiring health insurance plans to cover routine HIV
screening could play a critical role in preventing the spread
of HIV/AIDS and allowing infected individuals to receive
effective treatment.
SEC. 2. COVERAGE FOR ROUTINE HIV SCREENING UNDER GROUP HEALTH PLANS,
INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE, AND FEHBP.
(a) Group Health Plans.--
(1) Public health service act amendments.--Subpart 2 of
part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 2708. COVERAGE FOR ROUTINE HIV SCREENING.
``(a) Coverage.--A group health plan, and a health insurance issuer
offering group health insurance coverage, shall provide coverage for
routine HIV screening under terms and conditions that are no less
favorable than the terms and conditions applicable to other routine
health screenings.
``(b) Prohibitions.--A group health plan, and a health insurance
issuer offering group health insurance coverage, shall not--
``(1) deny to an individual eligibility, or continued
eligibility, to enroll or to renew coverage under the terms of
the plan, solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements
of this section;
``(2) deny coverage for routine HIV screening on the basis
that there are no known risk factors present, or the screening
is not clinically indicated, medically necessary, or pursuant
to a referral, consent, or recommendation by any health care
provider;
``(3) provide monetary payments, rebates, or other benefits
to individuals to encourage such individuals to accept less
than the minimum protections available under this section;
``(4) penalize or otherwise reduce or limit the
reimbursement of a provider because such provider provided care
to an individual participant or beneficiary in accordance with
this section;
``(5) provide incentives (monetary or otherwise) to a
provider to induce such provider to provide care to an
individual participant or beneficiary in a manner inconsistent
with this section; or
``(6) deny to an individual participant or beneficiary
continued eligibility to enroll or to renew coverage under the
terms of the plan, solely because of the results of an HIV test
or other HIV screening procedure for the individual or any
other individual.
``(c) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed--
``(1) to require an individual who is a participant or
beneficiary to undergo HIV screening; or
``(2) as preventing a group health plan or issuer from
imposing deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing in
relation to HIV screening, except that such deductibles,
coinsurance or other cost-sharing may not be greater than the
deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing imposed on
other routine health screenings.
``(d) Notice.--A group health plan under this part shall comply
with the notice requirement under section 715(d) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the requirements
of this section as if such section applied to such plan.
``(e) Preemption.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
preempt any State law in effect on the date of enactment of this
section with respect to health insurance coverage that requires
coverage of at least the coverage of HIV screening otherwise required
under this section.''.
(2) ERISA amendments.--(A) Subpart B of part 7 of subtitle
B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 715. COVERAGE FOR ROUTINE HIV SCREENING.
``(a) Coverage.--A group health plan, and a health insurance issuer
offering group health insurance coverage, shall provide coverage for
routine HIV screening under terms and conditions that are no less
favorable than the terms and conditions applicable to other routine
health screenings.
``(b) Prohibitions.--A group health plan, and a health insurance
issuer offering group health insurance coverage, shall not--
``(1) deny to an individual eligibility, or continued
eligibility, to enroll or to renew coverage under the terms of
the plan, solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements
of this section;
``(2) deny coverage for routine HIV screening on the basis
that there are no known risk factors present, or the screening
is not clinically indicated, medically necessary, or pursuant
to a referral, consent, or recommendation by any health care
provider;
``(3) provide monetary payments, rebates, or other benefits
to individuals to encourage such individuals to accept less
than the minimum protections available under this section;
``(4) penalize or otherwise reduce or limit the
reimbursement of a provider because such provider provided care
to an individual participant or beneficiary in accordance with
this section;
``(5) provide incentives (monetary or otherwise) to a
provider to induce such provider to provide care to an
individual participant or beneficiary in a manner inconsistent
with this section; or
``(6) deny to an individual participant or beneficiary
continued eligibility to enroll or to renew coverage under the
terms of the plan, solely because of the results of an HIV test
or other HIV screening procedure for the individual or any
other individual.
``(c) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed--
``(1) to require an individual who is a participant or
beneficiary to undergo HIV screening; or
``(2) as preventing a group health plan or issuer from
imposing deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing in
relation to HIV screening, except that such deductibles,
coinsurance or other cost-sharing may not be greater than the
deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing imposed on
other routine health screenings.
``(d) Notice Under Group Health Plan.--A group health plan, and a
health insurance issuer providing health insurance coverage in
connection with a group health plan, shall provide notice to each
participant and beneficiary under such plan regarding the coverage
required by this section in accordance with regulations promulgated by
the Secretary. Such notice shall be in writing and prominently
positioned in any literature or correspondence made available or
distributed by the plan or issuer and shall be transmitted--
``(1) in the next mailing made by the plan or issuer to the
participant or beneficiary;
``(2) as part of any yearly informational packet sent to
the participant or beneficiary; or
``(3) not later than January 1, 2010;
whichever is earliest.
``(e) Preemption, Relation to State Laws.--
``(1) In general.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to preempt any State law in effect on the date of
enactment of this section with respect to health insurance
coverage that requires coverage of at least the coverage of HIV
screening otherwise required under this section.
``(2) ERISA.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
affect or modify the provisions of section 514 with respect to
group health plans.''.
(B) Section 732(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1191a(a)) is
amended by striking ``section 711'' and inserting ``sections
711 and 715''.
(C) The table of contents in section 1 of such Act is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 714 the
following new item:
``Sec. 715. Coverage for routine HIV screening.''.
(3) Internal revenue code amendments.--(A) Subchapter B of
chapter 100 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by
inserting after section 9813 the following:
``SEC. 9814. COVERAGE FOR ROUTINE HIV SCREENING.
``(a) Coverage.--A group health plan shall provide coverage for
routine HIV screening under terms and conditions that are no less
favorable than the terms and conditions applicable to other routine
health screenings.
``(b) Prohibitions.--A group health plan shall not--
``(1) deny to an individual eligibility, or continued
eligibility, to enroll or to renew coverage under the terms of
the plan, solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements
of this section;
``(2) deny coverage for routine HIV screening on the basis
that there are no known risk factors present, or the screening
is not clinically indicated, medically necessary, or pursuant
to a referral, consent, or recommendation by any health care
provider;
``(3) provide monetary payments, rebates, or other benefits
to individuals to encourage such individuals to accept less
than the minimum protections available under this section;
``(4) penalize or otherwise reduce or limit the
reimbursement of a provider because such provider provided care
to an individual participant or beneficiary in accordance with
this section;
``(5) provide incentives (monetary or otherwise) to a
provider to induce such provider to provide care to an
individual participant or beneficiary in a manner inconsistent
with this section; or
``(6) deny to an individual participant or beneficiary
continued eligibility to enroll or to renew coverage under the
terms of the plan, solely because of the results of an HIV test
or other HIV screening procedure for the individual or any
other individual.
``(c) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed--
``(1) to require an individual who is a participant or
beneficiary to undergo HIV screening; or
``(2) as preventing a group health plan or issuer from
imposing deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing in
relation to HIV screening, except that such deductibles,
coinsurance or other cost-sharing may not be greater than the
deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing imposed on
other routine health screenings.''.
(B) The table of sections of such subchapter is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 9813 the following
new item:
``Sec. 9814. Coverage for routine HIV screening.''.
(C) Section 4980D(d)(1) of such Code is amended by striking
``section 9811'' and inserting ``sections 9811 and 9814''.
(b) Application to Individual Health Insurance Coverage.--(1) Part
B of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act is amended by
inserting after section 2753 the following new section:
``SEC. 2754. COVERAGE FOR ROUTINE HIV SCREENING.
``(a) In General.--The provisions of section 2708 (other than
subsection (d)) shall apply to health insurance coverage offered by a
health insurance issuer in the individual market in the same manner as
it applies to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance
issuer in connection with a group health plan in the small or large
group market.
``(b) Notice.--A health insurance issuer under this part shall
comply with the notice requirement under section 715(d) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the requirements
referred to in subsection (a) as if such section applied to such issuer
and such issuer were a group health plan.''.
(2) Section 2762(b)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-62(b)(2)) is
amended by striking ``section 2751'' and inserting ``sections 2751 and
2754''.
(c) Application Under Federal Employees Health Benefits Program
(FEHBP).--Section 8902 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(p) A contract may not be made or a plan approved which does not
comply with the requirements of section 2708 of the Public Health
Service Act.''.
(d) Effective Dates.--(1) The amendments made by subsections (a)
and (c) apply with respect to group health plans and health benefit
plans for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2010.
(2) The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect
to health insurance coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed, in effect,
or operated in the individual market on or after January 1, 2010.
(e) Coordination of Administration.--The Secretary of Labor, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of the
Treasury shall ensure, through the execution of an interagency
memorandum of understanding among such Secretaries, that--
(1) regulations, rulings, and interpretations issued by
such Secretaries relating to the same matter over which two or
more such Secretaries have responsibility under the provisions
of this section (and the amendments made thereby) are
administered so as to have the same effect at all times; and
(2) coordination of policies relating to enforcing the same
requirements through such Secretaries in order to have a
coordinated enforcement strategy that avoids duplication of
enforcement efforts and assigns priorities in enforcement. | Routine HIV Screening Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to provide coverage for routine HIV screening under terms and conditions no less favorable than for other routine screenings. Prohibits such a plan from taking specified actions to avoid the requirements of this Act.
Applies such requirements to health insurance coverage offered in the individual market and coverage offered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). | To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and title 5, United States Code, to require individual and group health insurance coverage and group health plans and Federal employees health benefit plans to provide coverage for routine HIV screening. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Truth in Regulating Act of 2000''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are to--
(1) increase the transparency of important regulatory
decisions;
(2) promote effective congressional oversight to ensure
that agency rules fulfill statutory requirements in an
efficient, effective, and fair manner; and
(3) increase the accountability of Congress and the
agencies to the people they serve.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the term--
(1) ``agency'' has the meaning given such term under
section 3502(1) of title 44, United States Code, except that
such term shall not include an independent regulatory agency,
as that term is defined in section 3502(5) of such title;
(2) ``economically significant rule'' means any proposed or
final rule, including an interim or direct final rule, that may
have an annual effect on the economy of $100,000,000 or more or
adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment,
public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments
or communities, or for which an agency has prepared an initial
or final regulatory flexibility analysis pursuant to section
603 or 604 of title 5, United States Code; and
(3) ``independent evaluation'' means a substantive
evaluation of the agency's data, methodology, and assumptions
used in developing the economically significant rule,
including--
(A) an explanation of how any strengths or
weaknesses in those data, methodology, and assumptions
support or detract from conclusions reached by the
agency; and
(B) the implications, if any, of those strengths or
weaknesses for the rulemaking.
SEC. 4. PILOT PROJECT FOR REPORT ON RULES.
(a) In General.--
(1) Request for review.--When an agency publishes an
economically significant rule, a chairman or ranking member of
a committee of jurisdiction of either House of Congress may
request the Comptroller General of the United States to review
the rule.
(2) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit a report
on each economically significant rule selected under paragraph
(4) to the committees of jurisdiction in each House of Congress
not later than 180 calendar days after a committee request is
received, or in the case of a committee request for review of a
notice of proposed rulemaking or an interim final rulemaking,
by the end of the period for submission of comment regarding
the rulemaking, if practicable. The report shall include an
independent evaluation of the economically significant rule by
the Comptroller General.
(3) Independent evaluation.--The independent evaluation of
the economically significant rule by the Comptroller General
under paragraph (2) shall include--
(A) an evaluation of an agency's analysis of the
potential benefits of the rule, including any
beneficial effects that cannot be quantified in
monetary terms and the identification of the persons or
entities likely to receive the benefits;
(B) an evaluation of an agency's analysis of the
potential costs of the rule, including any adverse
effects that cannot be quantified in monetary terms and
the identification of the persons or entities likely to
bear the costs;
(C) an evaluation of an agency's analysis of
alternative approaches set forth in the notice of
proposed rulemaking and in the rulemaking record, as
well as of any regulatory impact analysis, federalism
assessment, or other analysis or assessment prepared by
the agency or required for the economically significant
rule; and
(D) a summary of the results of the evaluation of
the Comptroller General and the implications of those
results.
(4) Procedures for priorities of requests.--The Comptroller
General shall have discretion to develop procedures for
determining the priority and number of requests for review
under paragraph (1) for which a report will be submitted under
paragraph (2).
(b) Authority of Comptroller General.--Each agency shall promptly
cooperate with the Comptroller General in carrying out this Act.
Nothing in this Act is intended to expand or limit the authority of the
General Accounting Office.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the General Accounting
Office to carry out this Act $5,200,000 for each of fiscal years 2001
through 2003.
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF PILOT PROJECT.
(a) Effective Date.--This Act shall take effect 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Duration of Pilot Project.--The pilot project under this Act
shall continue for a period of 3 years, if in each fiscal year, or
portion thereof included in that period, a specific annual
appropriation not less than $5,200,000 or the pro-rated equivalent
thereof shall have been made for the pilot project.
(c) Report.--Before the conclusion of the 3-year period, the
Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report reviewing the
effectiveness of the pilot project and recommending whether or not
Congress should permanently authorize the pilot project.
Passed the House of Representatives July 25, 2000.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2003.
Provides for the pilot project established under this Act to continue for a three-year period, if specified appropriations are provided. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on such project's effectiveness and on whether it should be authorized permanently. | Truth in Regulating Act of 2000 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Prescription Drug Savings
Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICARE OPERATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN
OPTION.
(a) In General.--Subpart 2 of part D of the Social Security Act, as
added by section 101 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement,
and Modernization Act of 2003, is amended by inserting after section
1860D-11 the following new section:
``medicare operated prescription drug plan option
``Sec. 1860D-11A. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this part, for each year (beginning with 2006), in
addition to any plans offered under section 1860D-11, the Secretary
shall offer a medicare operated prescription drug plan (as defined in
subsection (c)) with a service area that consists of the entire United
States and shall enter into negotiations with pharmaceutical
manufacturers to reduce the purchase cost of covered part D drugs for
eligible part D individuals in accordance with subsection (b).
``(b) Negotiations.--Notwithstanding section 1860D-11(i), for
purposes of offering a medicare operated prescription drug plan under
this section, the Secretary shall negotiate with pharmaceutical
manufacturers with respect to the purchase price of covered part D
drugs and shall encourage the use of more affordable therapeutic
equivalents to the extent such practices do not override medical
necessity as determined by the prescribing physician. To the extent
practicable and consistent with the previous sentence, the Secretary
shall implement strategies similar to those used by other Federal
purchasers of prescription drugs, and other strategies, to reduce the
purchase cost of covered part D drugs.
``(c) Medicare Operated Prescription Drug Plan Defined.--For
purposes of this part, the term `medicare operated prescription drug
plan' means a prescription drug plan that only offers the standard
prescription drug coverage and access to negotiated prices described in
section 1860D-2(a)(1)(A) and does not include any supplemental
prescription drug coverage.
``(d) Monthly Beneficiary Premium.--The monthly beneficiary premium
to be charged under a medicare operated prescription drug plan shall be
uniform nationally and shall be determined by the Secretary related to
the Secretary's estimate of the average monthly per capita actuarial
cost, including administrative expenses, under the medicare operated
prescription drug plan of providing coverage in the region, as
calculated by the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services. In calculating such administrative expenses, the Chief
Actuary shall use a factor that is based on similar expenses of
prescription drug plans that are not medicare operated prescription
drug plans.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1860D-3(a) of the Social Security Act, as added
by section 101 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement,
and Modernization Act of 2003, is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraph:
``(4) Availability of the medicare operated prescription
drug plan.--
``(A) In general.--A medicare operated prescription
drug plan (as defined in section 1860D-11A(c)) shall be
offered nationally in accordance with section 1860D-
11A.
``(B) Relationship to other plans.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
a medicare operated prescription drug plan
shall be offered in addition to any qualifying
plan or fallback prescription drug plan offered
in a PDP region and shall not be considered to
be such a plan purposes of meeting the
requirements of this subsection.
``(ii) Designation as a fallback plan.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this
part, the Secretary may designate the medicare
operated prescription drug plan as the fallback
prescription drug plan for any fallback service
area (as defined in section 1860D-11(g)(3))
determined to be appropriate by the
Secretary.''.
(2) Section 1860D-13(c)(3) of such Act, as added by such
section, is amended--
(A) in the heading, by inserting ``and medicare
operated prescription drug plans'' after ``Fallback
plans''; and
(B) by inserting ``or a medicare operated
prescription drug plan'' after ``a fallback
prescription drug plan''.
(3) Section 1860D-16(b)(1) of such Act, as added by such
section, is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' after
the semicolon at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
``(E) payments for expenses incurred with respect
to the operation of medicare operated prescription drug
plans under section 1860D-11A.''.
(4) Section 1860D-41(a) of such Act, as added by such
section, is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(19) Medicare operated prescription drug plan.--The term
`medicare operated prescription drug plan' has the meaning
given such term in section 1860D-11A(c).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect as if included in the enactment of section 101 of the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. | Medicare Prescription Drug Savings Act of 2003 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as added by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each year beginning with 2006, to: (1) offer a Medicare operated prescription drug plan nationally that only offers standard prescription drug coverage and access to negotiated prices, but not any supplemental prescription drug coverage; and (2) enter into negotiations with pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the purchase cost of covered Medicare part D drugs for eligible part D individuals, and encourage use of more affordable therapeutic equivalents. Requires the monthly beneficiary premium charged under such a plan to be uniform nationally and determined by the Secretary. | A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful benefit and lower prescription drug prices under the medicare program. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``State Marihuana And Regulatory
Tolerance Enforcement Act''.
SEC. 2. INAPPLICABILITY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT TO MARIHUANA IN
CERTAIN STATES.
(a) In General.--Part E of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C.
871 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 521. INAPPLICABILITY TO MARIHUANA IN CERTAIN STATES.
``(a) In General.--For the period described in subsection (b), this
title shall not apply with respect to the production, manufacture,
distribution, prescribing, dispensing, possession, and use of marihuana
in a State if each of the following conditions is met:
``(1) The State submits a request to the Attorney General
certifying that the State has legalized marihuana for
recreational or medical use.
``(2) The request includes a certification that the State
has, or will have, in effect a statewide regulatory regime for
marihuana that is sufficient to protect Federal interests,
including each of the following:
``(A) Preventing the distribution of marihuana to
minors.
``(B) Preventing revenue from the sale of marihuana
from going to criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels.
``(C) Preventing the diversion of marihuana from
States where the manufacture, distribution, dispensing,
and possession of marihuana is legal to other States.
``(D) Preventing State-authorized marihuana
activity from being used as a cover or pretext for the
trafficking of other illegal drugs or other illegal
activity.
``(E) Preventing violence and the use of firearms
in the cultivation and distribution of marihuana.
``(F) Preventing drugged driving and the
exacerbation of other adverse public health
consequences associated with marihuana use.
``(G) Preventing the growing of marihuana on public
lands and the attendant public safety and environmental
dangers posed by marihuana production on public lands.
``(H) Preventing marihuana possession or use on
Federal property.
``(I) Preventing distribution of tainted marihuana.
``(3) The State agrees to study and report annually to the
Attorney General regarding outcomes of legalizing marihuana in
the State on the following:
``(A) Youth marihuana use.
``(B) Rates of driving while intoxicated.
``(C) Diversion to other States.
``(D) Prevalence of drug-related organized crime
activity.
``(b) Duration of Period.--Subject to subsection (c), the period
described in this subsection is, with respect to a State--
``(1) the period of 3 years beginning on the date of
receipt by the Attorney General of a request under subsection
(a)(1); and
``(2) any subsequent, consecutive 3-year period if, by the
beginning of such period, the State submits a request under
subsection (a)(1) for such period.
``(c) Delayed Effective Date.--The effective period of a request
under subsection (a)(1) shall commence not sooner than the effective
date of the State's regulatory regime required by subsection (a)(2).
``(d) Loss of Waiver.--
``(1) In general.--The Attorney General may--
``(A) continually review the production,
manufacture, distribution, prescribing, dispensing,
possession, and use of marihuana in a State with a
waiver in effect under subsection (a); and
``(B) after providing notice and an opportunity to
correct under paragraph (2), revoke such waiver if the
Attorney General finds, with respect to such State,
that the conditions listed in subsection (a) are no
longer met.
``(2) Notice; opportunity to correct.--If the Attorney
General finds that the conditions listed in subsection (a) are
no longer met, the Attorney General shall give the State
involved--
``(A) notice of such finding; and
``(B) a period of not less than 180 days to correct
any failure to meet the conditions listed in subsection
(a).
``(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to prohibit the Federal Government from providing assistance
to a State (under Federal law other than this title) in the
implementation or enforcement of State law relating to the production,
manufacture, distribution, prescribing, dispensing, possession, or use
of marihuana.
``(f) Definition.--In this section, the term `tainted' means
containing microbes, pesticides, or controlled substances other than
marihuana.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents at the beginning of
the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (Public
Law 91-513) is amended by inserting at the end of the items relating to
part E of title II the following new item:
``Sec. 521. Inapplicability to marihuana in certain States.''. | State Marihuana And Regulatory Tolerance Enforcement Act This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit federal enforcement of marijuana offenses in a state that: (1) requests a waiver from the Department of Justice (DOJ) certifying that it legalized marijuana; (2) certifies that it has or will have a regulatory scheme sufficient to protect federal interests (e.g., preventing marijuana distribution to minors); and (3) agrees to study and report on certain outcomes. DOJ may revoke the waiver of a state that fails to meets the conditions. | State Marihuana And Regulatory Tolerance Enforcement Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Education Improvement Tax Cut Act''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS WHICH
PROVIDE ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 25B the
following new section:
``SEC. 25C. CONTRIBUTIONS TO ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING ELEMENTARY OR
SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an individual, there
shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter
for the taxable year an amount equal to the qualified scholarship
contributions of the taxpayer for the taxable year.
``(b) Maximum Credit.--The credit allowed by subsection (a) for any
taxable year shall not exceed $3,000 ($1,500 in the case of a married
individual (as determined under section 7703) filing a separate
return).
``(c) Qualified Scholarship Contribution.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified scholarship
contribution' means, with respect to any taxable year, the
amount which would (but for subsection (d)) be allowable as a
deduction under section 170 for cash contributions to a school
tuition organization.
``(2) School tuition organization.--
``(A) In general.--The term `school tuition
organization' means any organization described in
section 170(c)(2) if the annual disbursements of the
organization for elementary and secondary school
scholarships are normally not less than 90 percent of
the sum of such organization's annual gross income and
contributions and gifts.
``(B) Elementary and secondary school
scholarship.--The term `elementary and secondary school
scholarship' means any scholarship excludable from
gross income under section 117 for expenses related to
education at or below the 12th grade.
``(d) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction shall be allowed
under this chapter for any contribution for which a credit is allowed
under this section.
``(e) Election to Have 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).
``(f) Cost-of-Living Adjustment.--In the case of any taxable year
beginning in a calendar year after 2005, each dollar amount contained
in subsection (b) shall be increased by an amount equal to--
``(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(2) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under
section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year
begins, by substituting `calendar year 2004' for `calendar year
1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.
If any increase determined under the preceding sentence is not a
multiple of $10, such increase shall be increased to the next highest
multiple of $10. In the case of a married individual (as determined
under section 7703) filing a separate return, the preceding sentence
shall be applied by substituting `$5' for `$10' each place it appears.
``(g) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to
carry out this section, including regulations providing for claiming
the credit under this section on Form 1040EZ.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 25B the following new
item:
``25C. Contributions to organizations providing elementary or secondary
school scholarships.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2004.
SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS OF AND FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND
MATERIALS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 25C the
following new section:
``SEC. 25D. CONTRIBUTIONS OF AND FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND
MATERIALS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an individual, there
shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter
for the taxable year an amount equal to the qualified school materials
contributions of the taxpayer for the taxable year.
``(b) Maximum Credit.--The credit allowed by subsection (a) for any
taxable year shall not exceed $3,000 ($1,500 in the case of a married
individual (as determined under section 7703) filing a separate
return).
``(c) Qualified School Materials Contribution.--For purposes of
this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified school materials
contribution' means, with respect to any taxable year, the
amount which would (but for subsection (d)) be allowable as a
deduction under section 170 for--
``(A) any cash contribution to any elementary or
secondary school if such contribution is designated to
be used solely to acquire qualified school materials,
``(B) any contribution of qualified school
materials to any elementary or secondary school, and
``(C) any cash contribution to a school materials
organization.
``(2) Elementary or secondary school.--The term `elementary
or secondary school' means any organization described in
section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) which provides education solely at or
below the 12th grade.
``(3) School materials organization.--
``(A) In general.--The term `school materials
organization' means any organization described in
section 170(c)(2) if--
``(i) the primary function of the
organization is to raise funds for elementary
or secondary schools, and
``(ii) the annual disbursements of the
organization for qualified school materials
which are provided to elementary and secondary
schools are normally not less than 90 percent
of the sum of such organization's annual gross
income and contributions and gifts.
``(B) Qualified school materials.--The term
`qualified school materials' means--
``(i) instructional materials and
equipment, including library books and
materials, computers, and computer software,
and
``(ii) materials and equipment for school-
sponsored extracurricular activities.
``(d) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction shall be allowed
under this chapter for any contribution for which a credit is allowed
under this section.
``(e) Election to Have 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).
``(f) Cost-of-Living Adjustment.--In the case of any taxable year
beginning in a calendar year after 2005, each dollar amount contained
in subsection (b) shall be increased by an amount equal to--
``(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(2) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under
section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year
begins, by substituting `calendar year 2004' for `calendar year
1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.
If any increase determined under the preceding sentence is not a
multiple of $10, such increase shall be increased to the next highest
multiple of $10. In the case of a married individual (as determined
under section 7703) filing a separate return, the preceding sentence
shall be applied by substituting `$5' for `$10' each place it appears.
``(g) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to
carry out this section, including regulations providing for claiming
the credit under this section on Form 1040EZ.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 25C the following new
item:
``Sec. 25D. Contributions of and for instructional materials and
materials for extracurricular
activities.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2004. | Education Improvement Tax Cut Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit up to $3,000 per year for contributions to a school tuition organization which distributes at least 90 percent of its annual gross income for elementary and secondary school scholarships; and (2) a tax credit up to $3,000 per year for contributions to a school materials organization which distributes at least 90 percent of its annual gross income to elementary and secondary schools for instructional materials and equipment and for materials and equipment for extracurricular activities. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against income tax for amounts contributed to charitable organizations which provide elementary or secondary school scholarships and for contributions of, and for, instructional materials and materials for extracurricular activities. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Tax Credit for Charitable
Contributions Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO CERTAIN PRIVATE
CHARITIES PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO THE POOR.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 25B the
following new section:
``SEC. 25C. CREDIT FOR CERTAIN CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS.
``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, there shall be
allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the
taxable year an amount equal to the qualified charitable contributions
which are paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
``(b) Limitation.--The credit allowed by subsection (a) for the
taxable year shall not exceed $100 (twice such amount in the case of a
joint return).
``(c) Qualified Charitable Contribution.--For purposes of this
section, the term `qualified charitable contribution' means any
charitable contribution (as defined in section 170(c)) made in cash to
a qualified charity but only if the amount of each such contribution,
and the recipient thereof, are identified on the return for the taxable
year during which such contribution is made.
``(d) Qualified Charity.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term
`qualified charity' means, with respect to the taxpayer, any
organization described in section 501(c)(3) and exempt from tax
under section 501(a)--
``(A) which is certified by the Secretary as
meeting the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3),
``(B) which is organized under the laws of the
United States or of any State in which the organization
is qualified to operate, and
``(C) which is required, or elects to be treated as
being required, to file returns under section 6033.
``(2) Charity must primarily assist the poor.--An
organization meets the requirements of this paragraph only if
the predominant activity of such organization is the provision
of services to individuals whose annual incomes generally do
not exceed 150 percent of the official poverty line (as defined
by the Office of Management and Budget).
``(3) Minimum expenditure requirement.--
``(A) In general.--An organization meets the
requirements of this paragraph only if the Secretary
reasonably expects that the annual exempt purpose
expenditures of such organization will not be less than
70 percent of the annual aggregate expenditures of such
organization.
``(B) Exempt purpose expenditure.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A)--
``(i) In general.--The term `exempt purpose
expenditure' means any expenditure to carry out
the activity referred to in paragraph (2).
``(ii) Exceptions.--Such term shall not
include--
``(I) any administrative expense,
``(II) any expense for the purpose
of influencing legislation (as defined
in section 4911(d)),
``(III) any expense primarily for
the purpose of fundraising, and
``(IV) any expense for litigation
on behalf of any individual referred to
in paragraph (2).
``(e) Time When Contributions Deemed Made.--For purposes of this
section, at the election of the taxpayer, a contribution which is made
not later than the time prescribed by law for filing the return for the
taxable year (not including extensions thereof) shall be treated as
made on the last day of such taxable year.
``(f) Coordination With Deduction for Charitable Contributions.--
``(1) Credit in lieu of deduction.--The credit provided by
subsection (a) for any qualified charitable contribution shall
be in lieu of any deduction otherwise allowable under this
chapter for such contribution.
``(2) Election to have section not apply.--A taxpayer may
elect for any taxable year to have this section not apply.
``(g) Maximum Amount of Credit Adjusted for Inflation.--In the case
of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2003, the $100
amount contained in subsection (b) shall be increased by an amount
equal to--
``(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(2) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under
section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year
begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2002' for
`calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.
Any increase determined under the preceding sentence shall be rounded
to the nearest multiple of $5.''
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 25B the following new
item:
``Sec. 25C. Credit for certain charitable
contributions.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to contributions made after the 90th day after the date of the
enactment of this Act in taxable years ending after such date. | Tax Credit for Charitable Contributions Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect a credit (in lieu of a deduction otherwise available) of up to $100 ($200 for joint filers) for cash contributions to a qualifying charity whose primary activity is assistance to the poor. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for charitable contributions to fight poverty. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Reserve Audit and
Accountability Act''.
SEC. 2. APPOINTMENT OF FEDERAL RESERVE BANK PRESIDENTS BY THE PRESIDENT
BY AND WITH THE CONSENT OF THE SENATE.
(a) In General.--Section 4 of the Federal Reserve Act is amended by
inserting after the 4th undesignated paragraph (12 U.S.C. 341; relating
to general corporate powers) the following new subsection:
``(e) Bank Presidents and 1st Vice Presidents.--
``(1) Appointment of president.--The President shall
appoint, by and with the consent of the Senate, a president for
each Federal reserve bank.
``(2) Appointment of 1st vice president.--The president of
each Federal reserve bank shall appoint a first vice president
for the bank.
``(3) Terms.--The president and first vice president shall
be appointed for terms of 5 years.
``(4) Duty of president.--The president of a Federal
reserve bank shall be the chief executive officer of the bank.
``(5) Duty of 1st vice president.--In addition to any other
duties of the first vice president of a Federal reserve bank,
the first vice president shall, in the absence or disability of
the president or during a vacancy in the office of president,
serve as chief executive officer of the bank.
``(6) Vacancy.--Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the
office of the president or the first vice president, it shall
be filled in the manner provided for the original appointment
and the person so appointed shall hold office until the
expiration of the term to which such person's predecessor was
appointed.''.
(b) Transition.--
(1) President.--The first appointment of the president for
each Federal reserve bank which is made in accordance with the
amendment made by subsection (a) shall take place upon the
earlier of--
(A) the expiration of the term of the president of
the bank who is serving in such office on the date of
the enactment of this Act; or
(B) the occurrence of the first vacancy in the
office of president of the bank after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(2) 1st vice president.--Notwithstanding any provision of
the Federal Reserve Act, the term of the first vice president
of any Federal reserve bank who was appointed to such position
before the date of the enactment of this Act shall end as of
the date on which the president of the bank is first appointed
in accordance with the amendment made by subsection (a) and a first
vice president shall be appointed in the manner provided by such
amendment.
(c) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The subdivision designated
``Fifth.'' of the 4th undesignated paragraph of section 4 of the
Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 341) is amended--
(1) in the 1st sentence, by striking ``a president, vice
presidents, and''; and
(2) by striking the 2d, 3d, and 4th sentences and inserting
the following new sentence: ``All executive officers and all
employees of the bank shall be directly responsible to the
president of the bank.''.
SEC. 3. GAO AUDITS OF FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD AND FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS
REQUIRED; ITEMIZED BUDGETS.
(a) Removal of Limitation on GAO Audits.--Section 714(b) of title
31, United States Code, is amended by striking the 2d sentence and
inserting the following new sentence: ``In the case of any audit of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any Federal reserve
bank pursuant to the preceding sentence, the audit may not include
transactions for or with a foreign central bank, government of a
foreign country, or nonprivate international financing organization or
any part of any discussion or communication among or between members of
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or officers or
employees of such Board which is related to any such transaction.''.
(b) GAO Audit of Cash Vaults.--Section 714 of title 31, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(e) Audit of Federal Reserve System Vault Facilities.--
``(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall audit the vault facilities of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System and each Federal
reserve bank at least once every 3 years to determine if a
system of proper internal controls is being maintained with
respect to each such facility.
``(2) Examination of reports of independent auditors.--The
Comptroller General shall regularly examine the reports of
independent auditors who examine any vault facility referred to
in paragraph (1) to determine if such audits have been properly
performed.
``(3) Report of significant problems.--The Comptroller
General shall report any significant problem discovered with
regard to any vault facility referred to in paragraph (1) or
any audit described in paragraph (2) to--
``(A) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System;
``(B) the Inspector General of the Federal Reserve
System; and
``(C) the chairperson and the ranking minority
member of the Committee on Banking and Financial
Services of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the
Senate.''.
(c) Itemized Budgets.--The Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 221 et
seq.) is amended by inserting after section 11A the following new
section:
``SEC. 11B. ITEMIZED BUDGETS.
``(a) In General.--During the first 15 days of each regular session
of Congress, the estimated receipts and proposed expenditures of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and all Federal
Reserve Banks for the following fiscal year and the 2 succeeding fiscal
years shall be transmitted to the Congress.
``(b) Form of Budget.--The budget submitted pursuant to subsection
(a) shall be transmitted in the same form and shall meet the same
requirements, other than the requirement relating to the budget
message, as the budget of the United States Government transmitted in
accordance with section 1105 of title 31, United States Code.''.
SEC. 4. PROMPT PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF OPEN MARKET COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
Section 12A of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 263) is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Prompt Public Disclosures of Meetings.--
``(1) Transcription of each meeting.--Subject to paragraph
(3), a written verbatim transcript of the discussion at each
meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee shall be
maintained by the Board and made available to the public before
the end of the 1-year period beginning on the date of the
meeting and shall be treated as a Government publication for
purposes of making such material available to depository
libraries through the facilities of the Superintendent of
Documents in accordance with chapter 19 of title 41, United
States Code.
``(2) Prompt disclosure of policy actions.--An explicit,
written description of any determination, decision, directive,
or other conclusion made by the Federal Open Market Committee
at any meeting of the committee, including any directive or
instruction sent to any Federal reserve bank or Federal reserve
agent in connection with any open market operation, shall be
made available to the public by the end of the 1-hour period
beginning at the time the Board or any such bank or agent
begins to implement any such determination, decision,
directive, conclusion, directive, or instruction.
``(3) Limited redaction authority.--
``(A) In general.--No verbatim transcript made
available to the public pursuant to paragraph (1) may
be redacted in any way other than to redact a specific
reference to a foreign central bank.
``(B) Compliance audit.--The Comptroller General of
the United States shall periodically audit compliance
by the Board with the requirements of subparagraph (A).
``(4) Release of prior transcripts.--All transcripts
maintained by the Board of any meeting of the Federal Open
Market Committee which was held more than 1 year before the
date of the enactment of the Federal Reserve Audit and
Accountability Act shall be made available to the public in the
manner provided under paragraph (1) no later than December 31,
1997.
``(5) Meeting includes executive session.--For purposes of
this subsection, the term `meeting' includes any executive
session of the Federal Open Market Committee or any informal
meeting, teleconference call, or other occasion at which a
quorum of the members of the committee are participating.''.
SEC. 23. PRESIDENTIALLY APPOINTED INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR FEDERAL RESERVE
SYSTEM.
(a) Amendments to the Inspector General Act of 1978.--The Inspector
General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
(1) in section 11--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``the Chairman
of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System;'' after ``the Chairperson of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation;''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System,'' after ``the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,'';
(2) by redesignating section 8H as 8I and inserting after
section 8G the following new section:
``SEC. 8H. SPECIAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD.
``(a) Delegation.--The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System may delegate the authority specified in the
second sentence of section 3(a) to the Vice Chairman of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, but may not delegate such
authority to any other officer or employee of the Board or any Federal
reserve bank.
``(b) Personnel.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (7) and (8) of section
6(a), the Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System may select, appoint, and employ such officers and
employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions, powers,
and duties of the Office of Inspector General and to obtain the
temporary or intermittent services of experts or consultants or an
organization of experts or consultants, subject to the applicable laws
and regulations that govern such selections, appointments, and
employment, and the obtaining of such services, with the Federal
Reserve System.
``(c) Clarification of Authority.--The authority of the Inspector
General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System extends
to the conditions, operations, and all facilities of the Federal
reserve banks.'';
(3) in section 8I, as so redesignated, by striking ``or
8E'' and inserting ``8E, or 8H''; and
(4) in section 8G(a)(2), by striking ``the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System,''.
(b) Position at Level IV of the Executive Schedule.--Section 5315
of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
``Inspector General, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.'' the
following:
``Inspector General, Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System.''.
(c) Transition Period.--
(1) Current service.--Except as otherwise provided by law,
the individual serving as the Inspector General of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System before the date of
enactment of this Act may continue to serve in such position
until the earlier of--
(A) the date on which the President appoints a
successor under section 3(a) of the Inspector General
Act of 1978; or
(B) the date which is 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(2) Definition.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the term
``successor'' may include the individual holding the position
of Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System on or after the date of enactment of this Act. | Federal Reserve Audit and Accountability Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to declare that the president and first vice-president of each Federal reserve bank shall be appointed by the President, with the consent of the Senate. (Currently such appointment authority is exercised by each Federal reserve bank's board of directors.)
Amends Federal law to remove specified limitations placed upon General Accounting Office audits of the Federal Reserve Board and Federal reserve banks. Directs the Comptroller General to audit at least triennially the vault facilities of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board).
Requires the Board and all Federal reserve banks to transmit their estimated receipts and proposed expenditures to the Congress during the first 15 days of each regular session.
Mandates prompt public disclosure of Federal Open Market Committee meetings and actions, including policy actions and prior transcripts.
Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to establish for the Board an Office of the Inspector General, with the Inspector General appointed by the President, subject to Senate advice and consent. Permits the Chairman of the Board to delegate authority for general supervision of the Inspector General to the Vice Chairman, but to no one else. Declares that the Inspector General's authority extends to the conditions, operations, and all facilities of the Federal reserve banks. | Federal Reserve Audit and Accountability Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Assault Weapons Ban and Law
Enforcement Protection Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 921(a)(30) of title 18, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(30) The term `semiautomatic assault weapon' means any of the
following:
``(A) The following rifles or copies or duplicates thereof:
``(i) AK, AKM, AKS, AK-47, AK-74, ARM, MAK90, Misr,
NHM 90, NHM 91, SA 85, SA 93, VEPR;
``(ii) AR-10;
``(iii) AR-15, Bushmaster XM15, Armalite M15, or
Olympic Arms PCR;
``(iv) AR70;
``(v) Calico Liberty;
``(vi) Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle or Dragunov SVU;
``(vii) Fabrique National FN/FAL, FN/LAR, or FNC;
``(viii) Hi-Point Carbine;
``(ix) HK-91, HK-93, HK-94, or HK-PSG-1;
``(x) Kel-Tec Sub Rifle;
``(xi) M1 Carbine;
``(xii) Saiga;
``(xiii) SAR-8, SAR-4800;
``(xiv) SKS with detachable magazine;
``(xv) SLG 95;
``(xvi) SLR 95 or 96;
``(xvii) Steyr AUG;
``(xviii) Sturm, Ruger Mini-14;
``(xix) Tavor;
``(xx) Thompson 1927, Thompson M1, or Thompson 1927
Commando; or
``(xxi) Uzi, Galil and Uzi Sporter, Galil Sporter,
or Galil Sniper Rifle (Galatz).
``(B) The following pistols or copies or duplicates
thereof:
``(i) Calico M-110;
``(ii) MAC-10, MAC-11, or MPA3;
``(iii) Olympic Arms OA;
``(iv) TEC-9, TEC-DC9, TEC-22 Scorpion, or AB-10;
or
``(v) Uzi.
``(C) The following shotguns or copies or duplicates
thereof:
``(i) Armscor 30 BG;
``(ii) SPAS 12 or LAW 12;
``(iii) Striker 12; or
``(iv) Streetsweeper.
``(D) A semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a
detachable magazine, and that has--
``(i) a folding or telescoping stock;
``(ii) a threaded barrel;
``(iii) a pistol grip;
``(iv) a forward grip; or
``(v) a barrel shroud.
``(E)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), a semiautomatic
rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept
more than 10 rounds.
``(ii) Clause (i) shall not apply to an attached tubular
device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with,
.22 caliber rimfire ammunition.
``(F) A semiautomatic pistol that has the ability to accept
a detachable magazine, and has--
``(i) a second pistol grip;
``(ii) a threaded barrel;
``(iii) a barrel shroud; or
``(iv) the capacity to accept a detachable magazine
at a location outside of the pistol grip.
``(G) A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has
the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
``(H) A semiautomatic shotgun that has--
``(i) a folding or telescoping stock;
``(ii) a pistol grip;
``(iii) the ability to accept a detachable
magazine; or
``(iv) a fixed magazine capacity of more than 5
rounds.
``(I) A shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
``(J) A frame or receiver that is identical to, or based
substantially on the frame or receiver of, a firearm described
in any of subparagraphs (A) through (I) or (L).
``(K) A conversion kit.
``(L) A semiautomatic rifle or shotgun originally designed
for military or law enforcement use, or a firearm based on the
design of such a firearm, that is not particularly suitable for
sporting purposes, as determined by the Attorney General. In
making the determination, there shall be a rebuttable
presumption that a firearm procured for use by the United
States military or any Federal law enforcement agency is not
particularly suitable for sporting purposes, and a firearm
shall not be determined to be particularly suitable for
sporting purposes solely because the firearm is suitable for
use in a sporting event.''.
(b) Related Definitions.--Section 921(a) of such title is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(36) Barrel shroud.--The term `barrel shroud' means a shroud that
is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel of a
firearm so that the shroud protects the user of the firearm from heat
generated by the barrel, but does not include a slide that encloses the
barrel, and does not include an extension of the stock along the bottom
of the barrel which does not encircle or substantially encircle the
barrel.
``(37) Conversion kit.--The term `conversion kit' means any part or
combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a
firearm into a semiautomatic assault weapon, and any combination of
parts from which a semiautomatic assault weapon can be assembled if the
parts are in the possession or under the control of a person.
``(38) Detachable magazine.--The term `detachable magazine' means
an ammunition feeding device that can readily be inserted into a
firearm.
``(39) Fixed magazine.--The term `fixed magazine' means an
ammunition feeding device contained in, or permanently attached to, a
firearm.
``(40) Folding or telescoping stock.--The term `folding or
telescoping stock' means a stock that folds, telescopes, or otherwise
operates to reduce the length, size, or any other dimension, or
otherwise enhances the concealability, of a firearm.
``(41) Forward grip.--The term `forward grip' means a grip located
forward of the trigger that functions as a pistol grip.
``(42) Pistol grip.--The term `pistol grip' means a grip, a
thumbhole stock, or any other characteristic that can function as a
grip.
``(43) Threaded barrel.--The term `threaded barrel' means a feature
or characteristic that is designed in such a manner to allow for the
attachment of a firearm as defined in section 5845(a) of the National
Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. 5845(a)).''.
SEC. 3. ELIMINATION OF SUNSET.
Section 110105 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act
of 1994 is amended--
(1) by striking ``--'' and all that follows through
``(1)''; and
(2) by striking ``; and'' and all that follows through
``that date''.
SEC. 4. GRANDFATHER PROVISIONS.
Section 922(v)(2) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(2)'';
(2) by striking ``on the date of the enactment of this
subsection'' and inserting ``as of September 13, 1994''; and
(3) by adding after and below the end the following:
``(B) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any firearm the possession
or transfer of which would (but for this subparagraph) be unlawful by
reason of this subsection, and which is otherwise lawfully possessed on
the date of the enactment of this subparagraph.''.
SEC. 5. REPEAL OF CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS.
Section 922(v)(3) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``(3)'' and all that follows through the 1st sentence and
inserting the following:
``(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any firearm that--
``(A) is manually operated by bolt, pump, level, or slide
action;
``(B) has been rendered permanently inoperable; or
``(C) is an antique firearm.''.
SEC. 6. REQUIRING BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR THE TRANSFER OF LAWFULLY
POSSESSED SEMIAUTOMATIC ASSAULT WEAPONS.
Section 922(v) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(5) It shall be unlawful for any person to transfer a
semiautomatic assault weapon to which paragraph (1) does not apply,
except through--
``(A) a licensed dealer, and for purposes of subsection (t)
in the case of such a transfer, the weapon shall be considered
to be transferred from the business inventory of the licensed
dealer and the dealer shall be considered to be the transferor;
or
``(B) a State or local law enforcement agency if the
transfer is made in accordance with the procedures provided for
in subsection (t) of this section and section 923(g).
``(6) The Attorney General shall establish and maintain, in a
timely manner, a record of the make, model, and date of manufacture of
any semiautomatic assault weapon which the Attorney General is made
aware has been used in relation to a crime under Federal or State law,
and the nature and circumstances of the crime involved, including the
outcome of relevant criminal investigations and proceedings. The
Attorney General shall annually submit the record to the Congress and
make the record available to the general public.''.
SEC. 7. STRENGTHENING THE BAN ON THE POSSESSION OR TRANSFER OF A LARGE
CAPACITY AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICE.
(a) Ban on Transfer of Semiautomatic Assault Weapon With Large
Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device.--
(1) In general.--Section 922 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after subsection (y) the
following:
``(z) It shall be unlawful for any person to transfer any assault
weapon with a large capacity ammunition feeding device.''.
(2) Penalties.--Section 924(a) of such title is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(8) Whoever knowingly violates section 922(z) shall be fined
under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.''.
(b) Certification Requirement.--
(1) In general.--Section 922(w) of such title is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``on or before
the date of enactment of this subsection'' and
inserting ``in the United States on or before September 13, 1994'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by adding ``or'' at the end of
subparagraph (B); and
(ii) by striking subparagraph (C) and
redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph
(C); and
(C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the
following:
``(4) It shall be unlawful for a licensed manufacturer, licensed
importer, or licensed dealer who transfers a large capacity ammunition
feeding device that was manufactured on or before September 13, 1994,
to fail to certify to the Attorney General before the end of the 60-day
period that begins with the date of the transfer, in accordance with
regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, that the device was
manufactured on or before September 13, 1994.''.
(2) Penalties.--Section 924(a) of such title is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Whoever knowingly violates section 922(w)(4) shall be fined
under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.''.
SEC. 8. UNLAWFUL WEAPONS TRANSFERS TO JUVENILES.
Section 922(x) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and
inserting a semicolon; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) a semiautomatic assault weapon; or
``(D) a large capacity ammunition feeding device.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and
inserting a semicolon; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) a semiautomatic assault weapon; or
``(D) a large capacity ammunition feeding device.''.
SEC. 9. BAN ON IMPORTATION OF LARGE CAPACITY AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICE.
(a) In General.--Section 922(w) of title 18, United States Code, as
amended by section 7(b)(1) of this Act, is further amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(1) Except as provided
in paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``(1)(A) Except as provided in
subparagraph (B)'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(2) Paragraph (1)'' and
inserting ``(B) Subparagraph (A)''; and
(3) by inserting before paragraph (3) the following:
``(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to import or bring into
the United States a large capacity ammunition feeding device.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 921(a)(31)(A) of such title is
amended by striking ``manufactured after the date of enactment of the
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994''. | Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2003 - Amends Federal firearms provisions to revise the definition of "semiautomatic assault weapon" (SAW) to include conversion kits (for converting a firearm to a SAW) and any semiautomatic rifle or pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and that has any one of the following characteristics, respectively: (1) a folding or telescoping stock, a threaded barrel, a pistol grip, a forward grip, or a barrel shroud; or (2) a second pistol grip, a threaded barrel, a barrel shroud, or the capacity to accept a detachable magazine at a location outside of the pistol grip.
Amends: (1) the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to reauthorize the assault weapons ban and add new restrictions; and (2) the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act to repeal the sunset provision regarding restrictions on large capacity ammunition feeding devices (LCAFDs) and on specified SAWs.
Modifies the exemptions from the Brady Act's prohibition against manufacturing, transferring, or possessing a semiautomatic assault weapon to exclude: (1) specified firearms, or replicas or duplicates, as manufactured on October 1, 1993; (2) any semiautomatic rifle that cannot accept a detachable magazine that holds more than five rounds; and (3) any semiautomatic shotgun that cannot hold more than five rounds in a fixed or detachable magazine.
Prohibits the transfer of a SAW except through a licensed dealer or a State or local law enforcement agency, subject to specified requirements. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish and maintain a record of the make, model, and date of manufacture of any SAW which the Attorney General is made aware has been used in relation to a crime, and of the nature and circumstances of the crime involved; and (2) annually submit the record to Congress and make the record available to the public.
Prohibits: (1) the transfer of any assault weapon with an LCAFD; and (2) a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer who transfers an LCAFD that was manufactured on or before September 13, 1994, from failing to certify to the Attorney General, within 60 days of the transfer date, that the device was manufactured on or before that date. Sets penalties for violations.
Prohibits: (1) the transfer of a SAW or an LCAFD to a juvenile; and (2) the importation of an LCAFD. | To reauthorize the assault weapons ban, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Maximize Offshore Resource
Exploration Act of 2009'' or the ``MORE Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. TERMINATION OF PROHIBITIONS ON EXPENDITURES FOR, AND
WITHDRAWALS FROM, OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS LEASING.
(a) Prohibitions on Expenditures.--All provisions of Federal law
that prohibit the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct oil and
natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer
Continental Shelf shall have no force or effect with respect to such
activities.
(b) Revocation Withdrawals.--All withdrawals of Federal submerged
lands of the Outer Continental Shelf from leasing, including
withdrawals by the President under the authority of section 12(a) of
the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1341(a)), are hereby
revoked and are no longer in effect with respect to the leasing of
areas for exploration for, and development and production of, oil and
natural gas.
SEC. 3. OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF OIL AND NATURAL GAS LEASING PROGRAM.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) is
amended by inserting after section 9 the following:
``SEC. 10. STATE APPROVAL REQUIREMENT WITH RESPECT TO OIL AND NATURAL
GAS LEASING.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may not issue any lease
authorizing exploration for, or development of, oil and natural gas in
any area of the Outer Continental Shelf that is located within 25 miles
of the coastline of a State unless the State has enacted a law
approving of the issuance of such leases by the Secretary.
``(b) State Approval Permanent.--Repeal of such a law by a State
shall have no effect for purposes of subsection (a).''.
SEC. 4. SHARING OF REVENUES.
(a) In General.--Section 8(g) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands
Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (6), and
notwithstanding'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs
(7) and (8); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) Royalties under qualified oil and gas leases.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), of amounts received by the United
States as royalties under any qualified oil and gas
lease on submerged lands that are located within the
seaward boundaries of a State established under section
4(a)(2)(A)--
``(i) 12.5 percent shall be deposited in
the general fund of the Treasury;
``(ii) 12.5 percent shall be deposited in
the Renewable Energy Reserve established by
section 5 of the MORE Act of 2009; and
``(iii) 75 percent shall be paid to the
States that are producing States with respect
to those submerged lands.
``(B) Lease tracts within 25 miles of the
coastline.--Of amounts received by the United States as
royalties under any qualified oil and gas lease on
submerged lands that are located within 25 miles of the
coastline of a State and within the seaward boundaries
of a State established under section 4(a)(2)(A)--
``(i) 5 percent shall be deposited in the
general fund of the Treasury;
``(ii) 5 percent shall be deposited in the
Renewable Energy Reserve established by section
5 of the MORE Act of 2009; and
``(iii) 90 percent shall be paid to the
States that are producing States with respect
to those submerged lands.
``(C) Leased tract that lies partially within the
seaward boundaries of a state.--In the case of a leased
tract that lies partially within the seaward boundaries
of a State, the amounts of royalties from such tract
that are subject to subparagraph (A) or (B), as
applicable, with respect to such State shall be a
percentage of the total amounts of royalties from such
tract that is equivalent to the total percentage of
surface acreage of the tract that lies within such
seaward boundaries.
``(D) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Adjacent state.--The term `adjacent
State' means, with respect to any program,
plan, lease sale, leased tract or other
activity, proposed, conducted, or approved
pursuant to the provisions of this Act, any
State the laws of which are declared, pursuant
to section 4(a)(2), to be the law of the United
States for the portion of the Outer Continental
Shelf on which such program, plan, lease sale,
leased tract, or activity appertains or is, or
is proposed to be, conducted.
``(ii) Adjacent zone.--The term `adjacent
zone' means, with respect to any program, plan,
lease sale, leased tract, or other activity,
proposed, conducted, or approved pursuant to
the provisions of this Act, the portion of the
Outer Continental Shelf for which the laws of a
particular adjacent State are declared,
pursuant to section 4(a)(2), to be the law of
the United States.
``(iii) Producing state.--The term
`producing State' means an Adjacent State
having an adjacent zone containing leased
tracts from which are derived royalties under a
lease under this Act.
``(iv) State.--The term `State' includes
Puerto Rico and the other territories of the
United States.
``(v) Qualified oil and gas lease.--The
term `qualified oil and gas lease' means a
lease under this Act granted after the date of
the enactment of the Maximize Offshore Resource
Exploration Act of 2009 that authorizes
development and production of oil and natural
gas and associated condensate.
``(E) Application.--This paragraph shall apply to
royalties received by the United States after September
30, 2009.''.
(b) Establishment of State Seaward Boundaries.--Section 4(a)(2)(A)
of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1333(a)(2)(A)) is
amended in the first sentence by striking ``, and the President'' and
all that follows through the end of the sentence and inserting the
following: ``. Such extended lines are deemed to be as indicated on the
maps for each Outer Continental Shelf region entitled `Alaska OCS
Region State Adjacent Zone and OCS Planning Areas', `Pacific OCS Region
State Adjacent Zones and OCS Planning Areas', `Gulf of Mexico OCS
Region State Adjacent Zones and OCS Planning Areas', and `Atlantic OCS
Region State Adjacent Zones and OCS Planning Areas', all of which are
dated September 2005 and on file in the Office of the Director,
Minerals Management Service. The preceding sentence shall not apply
with respect to the treatment under section 105 of the Gulf of Mexico
Energy Security Act of 2006 (title I of division C of Public Law 109-
432) of qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues deposited and
disbursed under subsection (a)(2) of that section.''.
SEC. 5. RENEWABLE ENERGY RESERVE.
(a) In General.--For budgetary purposes, there is established a
separate account in the Treasury to be known as the ``Renewable Energy
Reserve''.
(b) Contents.--The Renewable Energy Reserve shall consist of
amounts deposited into it under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph
(6) of section 8(g) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C.
1337(g)), as amended by this Act.
(c) Use.--The Renewable Energy Reserve shall be available to offset
the cost of legislation enacted after the date of the enactment of this
Act--
(1) to accelerate the use of cleaner domestic energy
resources and alternative fuels;
(2) to promote the utilization of energy-efficient products
and practices; and
(3) to increase research, development, and deployment of
clean renewable energy and efficiency technologies and job
training programs for those purposes.
(d) Procedure for Adjustments.--
(1) Budget committee chairman.--After the reporting of a
bill or joint resolution, or the offering of an amendment
thereto or the submission of a conference report thereon,
providing funding for the purposes set forth in subsection (c)
in excess of the amounts provided for those purposes for fiscal
year 2009, the chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the
applicable House of Congress shall make the adjustments set
forth in paragraph (2) for the amount of new budget authority
and outlays in that measure and the outlays flowing from that
budget authority.
(2) Matters to be adjusted.--The adjustments referred to in
paragraph (1) are to be made to--
(A) the discretionary spending limits, if any, set
forth in the appropriate concurrent resolution on the
budget;
(B) the allocations made pursuant to the
appropriate concurrent resolution on the budget
pursuant to section 302(a) of Congressional Budget Act
of 1974; and
(C) the budget aggregates contained in the
appropriate concurrent resolution on the budget as
required by section 301(a) of Congressional Budget Act
of 1974.
(3) Amounts of adjustments.--The adjustments referred to in
paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not exceed the total of the
receipts over a 10-year period, as estimated by the
Congressional Budget Office upon the enactment of this Act. | Maximize Offshore Resource Exploration Act of 2008 or the MORE Act of 2008 - Declares without force or effect all federal prohibitions against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
Revokes all withdrawals of federal submerged lands from leasing for oil and natural gas exploration and production.
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from granting an oil or natural gas lease for any OCS located within 25 miles of a state coastline unless the state has enacted a law approving the issuance of such leases by the Sectretary.
Sets forth an allocation schedule for a 75% state share of revenues derived from U.S. royalties under qualified oil and gas leases on submerged lands located within the seaward boundaries of a state.
Extends the jurisdiction of state civil and criminal law, as appropriate, to the Alaska, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic OCS Region State Adjacent Zones and OCS Planning Areas.
Establishes a separate account in the Treasury to be known as the Renewable Energy Reserve, consisting of 12.5% of revenues derived from U.S. royalties under such oil and gas leases.
Makes the Reserve available to offset the cost of subsequently enacted legislation to: (1) accelerate the use of cleaner domestic energy resources and alternative fuels; (2) promote the utilization of energy-efficient products and practices; and (3) increase research, development, and deployment of clean renewable energy and efficiency technologies and job training programs for those purposes. | To greatly enhance the Nation's environmental, energy, economic, and national security by terminating long-standing Federal prohibitions on the domestic production of abundant offshore supplies of oil and natural gas, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Social Security
Expansion Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Across-the-board benefit increase.
Sec. 3. Computation of cost-of-living increases.
Sec. 4. Increase in minimum benefit for lifetime low earners based on
years in the workforce.
Sec. 5. Payroll tax on remuneration up to contribution and benefit base
and more than $250,000.
Sec. 6. Tax on net earnings from self-employment up to contribution and
benefit base and more than $250,000.
Sec. 7. Tax on investment gain.
SEC. 2. ACROSS-THE-BOARD BENEFIT INCREASE.
Section 215(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
415(a)(1)(B)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); and
(2) by inserting after clause (ii) the following new
clause:
``(iii) For individuals who initially become eligible for
old-age or disability insurance benefits, or who die (before
becoming eligible for such benefits) in any calendar year after
2020, the amount determined under clause (i) of this
subparagraph for purposes of subparagraph (A)(i) for such
calendar year shall be increased by--
``(I) for calendar year 2021, 1 percent;
``(II) for each of calendar years 2022 through
2034, the percent determined under this clause for the
preceding year increased by 1 percentage point; and
``(III) for calendar year 2035 and each year
thereafter, 15 percent.''.
SEC. 3. COMPUTATION OF COST-OF-LIVING INCREASES.
(a) In General.--Section 215(i)(1) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 415(i)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(H) the term `Consumer Price Index' means the Consumer
Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E, as published by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor).''.
(b) Application to Pre-1979 Law.--
(1) In general.--Section 215(i)(1) of the Social Security
Act as in effect in December 1978, and as applied in certain
cases under the provisions of such Act as in effect after
December 1978, is amended by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(D) the term `Consumer Price Index' means the Consumer
Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E, as published by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor).''.
(2) Conforming change.--Section 215(i)(4) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)(4)) is amended by inserting
``and by section 102 of the Social Security Expansion Act''
after ``1986''.
(c) No Effect on Adjustments Under Other Laws.--Section 215(i) of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(6) Any provision of law (other than in this title, title VIII,
or title XVI) which provides for adjustment of an amount based on a
change in benefit amounts resulting from a determination made under
this subsection shall be applied and administered without regard to the
amendments made by section 102 of the Social Security Expansion Act.''.
(d) Publication of Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers.--The
Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall prepare and
publish the index authorized by section 191 of the Older Americans
Amendments Act of 1987 (29 U.S.C. 2 note) for each calendar month,
beginning with July of the calendar year following the calendar year in
which this Act is enacted, and such index shall be known as the
``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to determinations made with respect to cost-of-living computation
quarters (as defined in section 215(i)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 415(i)(1)(B))) ending on or after September 30 of the second
calendar year following the calendar year in which this Act is enacted.
SEC. 4. INCREASE IN MINIMUM BENEFIT FOR LIFETIME LOW EARNERS BASED ON
YEARS IN THE WORKFORCE.
(a) In General.--Section 215(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 415(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E);
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new
subparagraph:
``(D)(i) Effective with respect to the benefits of individuals who
become eligible for old-age insurance benefits or disability insurance
benefits (or die before becoming so eligible) after 2015, no primary
insurance amount computed under subparagraph (A) may be less than the
greater of--
``(I) the minimum monthly amount computed under
subparagraph (C); or
``(II) in the case of an individual who has more than 10
years of work (as defined in clause (iv)(I)), the alternative
minimum amount determined under clause (ii).
``(ii)(I) The alternative minimum amount determined under this
clause is the applicable percentage of \1/12\ of the annual dollar
amount determined under clause (iii) for the year in which the amount
is determined.
``(II) For purposes of subclause (I), the applicable percentage is
the percentage specified in connection with the number of years of
work, as set forth in the following table:
``If the number of years The applicable
of work is: percentage is:
11........................................... 6.25 percent
12........................................... 12.50 percent
13........................................... 18.75 percent
14........................................... 25.00 percent
15........................................... 31.25 percent
16........................................... 37.50 percent
17........................................... 43.75 percent
18........................................... 50.00 percent
19........................................... 56.25 percent
20........................................... 62.50 percent
21........................................... 68.75 percent
22........................................... 75.00 percent
23........................................... 81.25 percent
24........................................... 87.50 percent
25........................................... 93.75 percent
26........................................... 100.00 percent
27........................................... 106.25 percent
28........................................... 112.50 percent
29........................................... 118.75 percent
30 or more................................... 125.00 percent.
``(iii) The annual dollar amount determined under this clause is--
``(I) for calendar year 2016, the poverty guideline for
2015; and
``(II) for any calendar year after 2016, the annual dollar
amount for 2016 multiplied by the ratio of--
``(aa) the national average wage index (as defined
in section 209(k)(1)) for the second calendar year
preceding the calendar year for which the determination
is made, to
``(bb) the national average wage index (as so
defined) for 2014.
``(iv) For purposes of this subparagraph--
``(I) the term `year of work' means, with respect to an
individual, a year to which 4 quarters of coverage have been
credited based on such individual's wages and self-employment
income; and
``(II) the term `poverty guideline for 2015' means the
annual poverty guideline for 2015 (as updated annually in the
Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services
under the authority of section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1981) as applicable to a single
individual.''.
(b) Recomputation.--Notwithstanding section 215(f)(1) of the Social
Security Act, the Commissioner of Social Security shall recompute
primary insurance amounts originally computed for months prior to
November 2014 to the extent necessary to carry out the amendments made
by this section.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 209(k)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
409(k)(1)) is amended by inserting ``215(a)(1)(E),'' after
``215(a)(1)(D),''.
SEC. 5. PAYROLL TAX ON REMUNERATION UP TO CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFIT BASE
AND MORE THAN $250,000.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 3121(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after ``such calendar
year.'' the following: ``The preceding sentence shall apply only to
calendar years for which the contribution and benefit base (as so
determined) is less than $250,000, and, for such calendar years, only
to so much of the remuneration paid to such employee by such employer
with respect to employment as does not exceed $250,000.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (1) of section 3121 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``Act) to'' and
inserting ``Act), or in excess of $250,000, to''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to remuneration paid after December 31, 2015.
SEC. 6. TAX ON NET EARNINGS FROM SELF-EMPLOYMENT UP TO CONTRIBUTION AND
BENEFIT BASE AND MORE THAN $250,000.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 1402(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:
``(1) in the case of the tax imposed by section 1401(a),
the excess of--
``(A) that part of the net earnings from self-
employment which is in excess of--
``(i) an amount equal to the contribution
and benefit base (as determined under section
230 of the Social Security Act) which is
effective for the calendar year in which such
taxable year begins, minus
``(ii) the amount of the wages paid to such
individual during such taxable years; over
``(B) that part of the net earnings from self-
employment which is in excess of the sum of--
``(i) the excess of--
``(I) the net earning from self-
employment reduced by the excess (if
any) of subparagraph (A)(i) over
subparagraph (A)(ii), over
``(II) $250,000, reduced by such
contribution and benefit base, plus
``(ii) the amount of the wages paid to such
individual during such taxable year in excess
of such contribution and benefit base and not
in excess of $250,000; or''.
(b) Phaseout.--Subsection (b) of section 1402 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Paragraph (1) shall apply only to taxable years beginning in calendar
years for which the contribution and benefit base (as determined under
section 230 of the Social Security Act) is less than $250,000.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to net earnings from self-employment derived, and remuneration
paid, after December 31, 2015.
SEC. 7. TAX ON INVESTMENT GAIN.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 1411 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``3.8 percent'' each place
it appears and inserting ``10 percent''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The heading for chapter 2A of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ``AND SOCIAL
SECURITY'' after ``MEDICARE''.
(c) Trust Funds.--
(1) Federal old-age and survivors insurance trust fund.--
Subsection (a) of section 201 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 401) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and'';
(B) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following
new paragraph:
``(5) 62 percent of the taxes imposed under section 1411 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, less the amounts specified in clause (3)
of subsection (b) of this section.''; and
(C) in the flush matter at the end--
(i) by striking ``clauses (3) and (4)''
each place it appears and inserting ``clauses
(3), (4), and (5)''; and
(ii) by striking ``clauses (1) and (2)''
and inserting ``clauses (1), (2), and (3)''.
(2) Federal disability insurance trust fund.--Subsection
(b) of such section is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) 9 percent of the taxes imposed under section 1411 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015. | Social Security Expansion Act Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to: increase the primary insurance amount for all eligible beneficiaries, beginning in 2021; revise computation of cost-of-living adjustments to use the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers; increase the special minimum primary insurance amount for lifetime low earners based on years in the workforce. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) apply employment and self-employment taxes to remuneration up to the contribution and benefit base and to remuneration in excess of $250,000; and (2) increase the tax on investment gain from 3.8% to 10% of the lesser of net investment income for such taxable year or the excess (if any) of the modified adjusted gross income for such taxable year, over the threshold amount, with 62% of such tax allocated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and 9% allocated to the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. | Social Security Expansion Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Forest System Vegetation
Management Pilot Program Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE RIGHTS-OF-WAY VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Pilot Program Required.--To encourage owners or operators of
rights-of-way on National Forest System land to partner with the Forest
Service to voluntarily perform vegetation management on a proactive
basis to better protect utility infrastructure from potential passing
wildfires, the Secretary shall conduct a limited, voluntary pilot
program, in the manner described in this section, to permit vegetation
management projects on National Forest System land adjacent to or near
such rights-of-way.
(b) Eligible Participants.--A participant in the pilot program must
have a right-of-way on National Forest System land. In selecting
participants, the Secretary shall give priority to holders of a right-
of-way who have worked with Forest Service fire scientists and used
technologies, such as Light Detection and Ranging surveys, to improve
utility infrastructure protection prescriptions.
(c) Project Elements.--A vegetation management project under the
pilot program involves limited and selective vegetation management
activities, which--
(1) shall create the least amount of disturbance reasonably
necessary to protect utility infrastructure from passing
wildfires based on applicable models, including Forest Service
fuel models;
(2) may include thinning, fuel reduction, creation and
treatment of shaded fuel breaks, and other measures as
appropriate;
(3) shall only take place adjacent to the participant's
right-of-way or within 75 feet of the participant's right-of-
way;
(4) shall not take place in any designated wilderness area,
wilderness study area, or inventoried roadless area; and
(5) shall be subject to approval by the Forest Service in
accordance with this Act.
(d) Project Costs.--A participant in the pilot program shall be
responsible for all costs, as determined by the Secretary, incurred in
participating in the pilot program, unless the Secretary determines
that it is in the public interest for the Forest Service to contribute
funds for a vegetation management project conducted under the pilot
program.
(e) Liability.--
(1) In general.--Participation in the pilot program does
not affect any existing legal obligations or liability
standards that--
(A) arise under the right-of-way for activities in
the right-of-way; or
(B) apply to fires resulting from causes other than
activities conducted pursuant to an approved vegetation
management project.
(2) Project work.--A participant shall not be liable to the
United States for damage proximately caused by activities
conducted pursuant to an approved vegetation management project
unless--
(A) such activities were carried out in a manner
that was grossly negligent or that violated criminal
law; or
(B) the damage was caused by the failure of the
participant to comply with specific safety requirements
expressly imposed by the Forest Service as a condition
of participating in the pilot program.
(f) Implementation.--The Secretary shall utilize existing laws and
regulations in the conduct of the pilot program and, in order to
implement the pilot program in an efficient and expeditious manner, may
waive or modify specific provisions of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation, including modifications to allow for formation of contracts
or agreements on a noncompetitive basis.
(g) Treatment of Proceeds.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Secretary may--
(1) retain any funds provided to the Forest Service by a
participant in the pilot program; and
(2) use such funds, in such amounts as may be appropriated,
in the conduct of the pilot program.
(h) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) National forest system land.--The term ``National
Forest System land'' means land within the National Forest
System, as defined in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland
Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a))
exclusive of the National Grasslands and land utilization
projects designated as National Grasslands administered
pursuant to the Act of July 22, 1937 (7 U.S.C. 1010-1012).
(2) Passing wildfire.--The term ``passing wildfire'' means
a wildfire that originates outside the right-of-way.
(3) Right-of-way.--The term ``right-of-way'' means a
special use authorization issued by the Forest Service allowing
the placement of utility infrastructure.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(5) Utility infrastructure.--The term ``utility
infrastructure'' means electric transmission lines, natural gas
infrastructure, or related structures.
(i) Duration.--The authority to conduct the pilot program, and any
vegetation management project under the pilot program, expires December
21, 2027.
(j) Report to Congress.--Not later than December 31, 2019, and
every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall issue a report to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, the Committee on
Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of Representatives on the status of the
program and any projects established under this section.
Passed the House of Representatives October 31, 2017.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | . National Forest System Vegetation Management Pilot Program Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a limited, voluntary pilot program to permit vegetation management projects on National Forest System (NFS) land adjacent to rights-of-way to better protect utility infrastructure from potential passing wildfires. Program participants must have a right-of-way on NFS land. USDA shall give priority to holders of a right-of-way who have worked with Forest Service fire scientists and used technologies, such as light detection and ranging surveys, to improve utility infrastructure protection prescriptions. Vegetation management projects will involve limited and selective vegetation management activities, which: shall create the least amount of disturbance necessary to protect utility infrastructure from passing wildfires; may include thinning, fuel reduction, and creation and treatment of shaded fuel breaks; must only take place adjacent to the participant's right-of-way or within 75 feet of it; must not take place in any designated wilderness area, wilderness study area, or inventoried roadless area; and shall be subject to approval by the Forest Service. Participants shall not be held liable to the federal government for damage that was proximately caused by activities conducted pursuant to an approved vegetation management project, unless: such activities were carried out in a manner that was grossly negligent or that was in violation of criminal law, or the damage was caused by the participant's failure to comply with the specific safety requirements imposed by the Forest Service as a condition of participation in the pilot program. In order to implement the pilot program in an efficient and expeditious manner, USDA may waive or modify specific provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, including to allow for the development of contracts or agreements on a noncompetitive basis. USDA may: retain any funds provided to the Forest Service by participants in the pilot program, and use such funds to conduct such program. The bill states that the authority to conduct the pilot program and any vegetation management projects under such program will expire on December 21, 2027. | National Forest System Vegetation Management Pilot Program Act of 2017 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Colusa Basin Watershed Integrated
Resources Management Act''.
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE.
The Secretary of the Interior (in this Act referred to as the
``Secretary''), acting within existing budgetary authority, may provide
financial assistance to the Colusa Basin Drainage District, California
(in this Act referred to as the ``District''), for use by the District
or by local agencies acting pursuant to section 413 of the State of
California statute known as the Colusa Basin Drainage Act (California
Stats. 1987, ch. 1399) as in effect on the date of the enactment of
this Act (in this Act referred to as the ``State statute''), for
planning, design, environmental compliance, and construction required
in carrying out eligible projects in the Colusa Basin Watershed to--
(1)(A) reduce the risk of damage to urban and agricultural
areas from flooding or the discharge of drainage water or
tailwater;
(B) assist in groundwater recharge efforts to alleviate
overdraft and land subsidence; or
(C) construct, restore, or preserve wetland and riparian
habitat; and
(2) capture, as an incidental purpose of any of the
purposes referred to in paragraph (1), surface or stormwater
for conservation, conjunctive use, and increased water
supplies.
SEC. 3. PROJECT SELECTION.
(a) Eligible Projects.--A project shall be an eligible project for
purposes of section 2 only if it is--
(1) consistent with the plan for flood protection and
integrated resources management described in the document
entitled ``Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement/
Environmental Impact Report and Draft Program Financing Plan,
Integrated Resources Management Program for Flood Control in
the Colusa Basin'', dated May 2000; and
(2) carried out in accordance with that document and all
environmental documentation requirements that apply to the
project under the laws of the United States and the State of
California.
(b) Compatibility Requirement.--The Secretary shall ensure that
projects for which assistance is provided under this Act are not
inconsistent with watershed protection and environmental restoration
efforts being carried out under the authority of the Central Valley
Project Improvement Act (Public Law 102-575; 106 Stat. 4706 et seq.) or
the CALFED Bay-Delta Program.
SEC. 4. COST SHARING.
(a) Non-Federal Share.--The Secretary shall require that the
District and cooperating non-Federal agencies or organizations pay--
(1) 25 percent of the costs associated with construction of
any project carried out with assistance provided under this
Act;
(2) 100 percent of any operation, maintenance, and
replacement and rehabilitation costs with respect to such a
project; and
(3) 35 percent of the costs associated with planning,
design, and environmental compliance activities.
(b) Planning, Design, and Compliance Assistance.--Funds
appropriated pursuant to this Act may be made available to fund 65
percent of costs incurred for planning, design, and environmental
compliance activities by the District or by local agencies acting
pursuant to the State statute, in accordance with agreements with the
Secretary.
(c) Treatment of Contributions.--For purposes of this section, the
Secretary shall treat the value of lands, interests in lands (including
rights-of-way and other easements), and necessary relocations
contributed by the District to a project as a payment by the District
of the costs of the project.
SEC. 5. COSTS NONREIMBURSABLE.
Amounts expended pursuant to this Act shall be considered
nonreimbursable for purposes of the Act of June 17, 1902 (32 Stat. 388;
43 U.S.C. 371 et seq.), and Acts amendatory thereof and supplemental
thereto.
SEC. 6. AGREEMENTS.
Funds appropriated pursuant to this Act may be made available to
the District or a local agency only if the District or local agency, as
applicable, has entered into a binding agreement with the Secretary--
(1) under which the District or the local agency is
required to pay the non-Federal share of the costs of
construction required by section 4(a); and
(2) governing the funding of planning, design, and
compliance activities costs under section 4(b).
SEC. 7. REIMBURSEMENT.
For project work (including work associated with studies, planning,
design, and construction) carried out by the District or by a local
agency acting pursuant to the State statute in section 2 before the
date amounts are provided for the project under this Act, the Secretary
shall, subject to amounts being made available in advance in
appropriations Acts, reimburse the District or the local agency,
without interest, an amount equal to the estimated Federal share of the
cost of such work under section 4.
SEC. 8. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative
agreements and contracts with the District to assist the Secretary in
carrying out the purposes of this Act.
(b) Subcontracting.--Under such cooperative agreements and
contracts, the Secretary may authorize the District to manage and let
contracts and receive reimbursements, subject to amounts being made
available in advance in appropriations Acts, for work carried out under
such contracts or subcontracts.
SEC. 9. RELATIONSHIP TO RECLAMATION REFORM ACT OF 1982.
Activities carried out, and financial assistance provided, under
this Act shall not be considered a supplemental or additional benefit
for purposes of the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (96 Stat. 1263; 43
U.S.C. 390aa et seq.).
SEC. 10. APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZED.
Within existing budgetary authority and subject to the availability
of appropriations, the Secretary is authorized to expend up to
$25,000,000, plus such additional amount, if any, as may be required by
reason of changes in costs of services of the types involved in the
District's projects as shown by engineering and other relevant indexes
to carry out this Act. Sums appropriated under this section shall
remain available until expended.
Passed the House of Representatives September 18, 2000.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Permits funds appropriated pursuant to this Act to be made available to fund 65 percent of costs incurred for planning, design, and environmental compliance activities by the District or by local agencies in accordance with agreements with the Secretary, under which the District or local agency is required to pay the non-Federal share of construction costs and which governs the funding of planning, design, and compliance activities costs.
Authorizes specified expenditures within existing budget authority to carry out this Act. | Colusa Basin Watershed Integrated Resources Management Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Employee Protection of
Disclosures Act''.
SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION OF DISCLOSURES COVERED.
Section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``which the employee or applicant
reasonably believes evidences'' and inserting ``,
without restriction as to time, place, form, motive,
context, or prior disclosure made to any person by an
employee or applicant, including a disclosure made in
the ordinary course of an employee's duties, that the
employee or applicant reasonably believes is evidence
of''; and
(B) in clause (i), by striking ``a violation'' and
inserting ``any violation''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by striking ``which the employee or applicant
reasonably believes evidences'' and inserting ``,
without restriction as to time, place, form, motive,
context, or prior disclosure made to any person by an
employee or applicant, including a disclosure made in
the ordinary course of an employee's duties, of
information that the employee or applicant reasonably
believes is evidence of''; and
(B) in clause (i), by striking ``a violation'' and
inserting ``any violation (other than a violation of
this section)''.
SEC. 3. COVERED DISCLOSURES.
Section 2302(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(2) in subparagraph (C)(iii), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) `disclosure' means a formal or informal
communication, but does not include a communication concerning
policy decisions that lawfully exercise discretionary authority
unless the employee providing the disclosure reasonably
believes that the disclosure evidences--
``(i) any violation of any law, rule, or
regulation; or
``(ii) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds,
an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific
danger to public health or safety.''.
SEC. 4. REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION.
Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following: ``For purposes of paragraph (8), any
presumption relating to the performance of a duty by an employee who
has authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve any
personnel action may be rebutted by substantial evidence. For purposes
of paragraph (8), a determination as to whether an employee or
applicant reasonably believes that such employee or applicant has
disclosed information that evidences any violation of law, rule,
regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of
authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or
safety shall be made by determining whether a disinterested observer
with knowledge of the essential facts known to or readily ascertainable
by the employee or applicant would reasonably conclude that the actions
of the Government evidence such violations, mismanagement, waste,
abuse, or danger.''.
SEC. 5. NONDISCLOSURE POLICIES, FORMS, AND AGREEMENTS.
(a) Personnel Action.--Section 2302(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in clause (x), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating clause (xi) as clause (xii); and
(3) by inserting after clause (x) the following:
``(xi) the implementation or enforcement of any
nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement; and''.
(b) Prohibited Personnel Practice.--Section 2302(b) of title 5,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (11), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (12), by striking the period and inserting
a semicolon; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
``(13) implement or enforce any nondisclosure policy, form,
or agreement, if such policy, form, or agreement does not
contain the following statement:
```These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede,
conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or
liabilities created by Executive Order No. 12958; section 7211 of title
5, United States Code (governing disclosures to Congress); section 1034
of title 10, United States Code (governing disclosures to Congress by
members of the military); section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States
Code (governing disclosures of illegality, waste, fraud, abuse, or
public health or safety threats); the Intelligence Identities
Protection Act of 1982 (50 U.S.C. 421 and following) (governing
disclosures that could expose confidential Government agents); and the
statutes which protect against disclosures that could compromise
national security, including sections 641, 793, 794, 798, and 952 of
title 18, United States Code, and section 4(b) of the Subversive
Activities Control Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 783(b)). The definitions,
requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created
by such Executive order and such statutory provisions are incorporated
into this agreement and are controlling.'; or
``(14) conduct, or cause to be conducted, an investigation,
other than any ministerial or nondiscretionary factfinding
activities necessary for the agency to perform its mission, of
an employee or applicant for employment because of any activity
protected under this section.''.
SEC. 6. EXCLUSION OF AGENCIES BY THE PRESIDENT.
Section 2302(a)(2)(C) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
``(ii)(I) the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the
Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence
Agency, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the
National Security Agency; and
``(II) as determined by the President, any
Executive agency or unit thereof the principal function
of which is the conduct of foreign intelligence,
counterintelligence activities, or homeland security,
if the determination (as that determination relates to
a personnel action) is made before that personnel
action; or''.
SEC. 7. DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
Section 1215(a)(3) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to
read as follows:
``(3)(A) A final order of the Board may impose--
``(i) disciplinary action consisting of removal, reduction
in grade, debarment from Federal employment for a period not to
exceed 5 years, suspension, or reprimand;
``(ii) an assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed
$1,000; or
``(iii) any combination of disciplinary actions described
under clause (i) and an assessment described under clause (ii).
``(B) In any case in which the Board finds that an employee has
committed a prohibited personnel practice under paragraph (8) or (9) of
section 2302(b), the Board shall impose disciplinary action if the
Board finds that the activity protected under such paragraph (8) or (9)
(as the case may be) was the primary motivating factor, unless that
employee demonstrates, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the
employee would have taken, failed to take, or threatened to take or
fail to take the same personnel action, in the absence of such
protected activity.''.
SEC. 8. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE STUDY ON REVOCATION OF
SECURITY CLEARANCES.
(a) Requirement.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of
security clearance revocations, taking effect after 1996, with respect
to personnel that filed claims under chapter 12 of title 5, United
States Code, in connection therewith. The study shall consist of an
examination of the number of such clearances revoked, the number
restored, and the relationship, if any, between the resolution of
claims filed under such chapter and the restoration of such clearances.
(b) Report.--Not later than June 30, 2006, the Comptroller General
shall submit to the Committee on Government Reform of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate
a report on the results of the study required by subsection (a).
SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect 30 days after the date of enactment of
this Act. | Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act - (Sec. 2) Includes as a protected disclosure by a federal employee any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant for employment reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, abuse, gross mismanagement, or substantial and specific danger to public health or safety without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. (Sec. 3) Defines the term "disclosure" to mean a formal or informal communication, but does not include a communication concerning policy decisions that lawfully exercise discretionary authority unless the employee providing the disclosure reasonably believes that the disclosure evidences: (1) any violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or (2) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. (Sec. 4) Codifies the legal standard for determining whether a whistleblower has a reasonable belief that a disclosure evidences governmental waste, fraud, or abuse, or a violation of law. (Sec. 5) Includes under the definition of "personnel action" the implementation or enforcement of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement. Prohibits taking the following actions against whistleblowers making protected disclosures: (1) the implementation or enforcement of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement; and (2) an investigation (other than routine nondiscretionary agency investigations) of an employee or applicant. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the President to exclude certain agencies engaged in the conduct of foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities from whistleblower protections if such exclusion is made prior to any personnel action against the whistleblower. (Sec. 7) Expands the authority of the Merit Systems Protection Board to impose disciplinary action for prohibited personnel practices. (Sec. 8) Requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on security clearances revocations taking effect after 1996 with respect to personnel that filed claims in connection with such security clearance revocations. (Sec. 9) Permits an employee, former employee, or applicant to bring an action against the United States at law or equity for de novo review as an alternative recourse in seeking corrective action with respect to a prohibited personnel practice. (Sec. 10) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to modify remedy and enforcement authority under provisions relating to the protection of contractor employees from reprisal for disclosure of certain information, including by permitting such an employee who has been subjected to a reprisal prohibited by such provisions to bring an action at law or equity for de novo review in order to seek compensatory damages and other relief available under those provisions. Makes an identical amendment with respect to federal military law relating to the protection of military contractor employees from reprisal for disclosure of certain information. (Sec. 11) Makes certain prohibited personnel practices provisions applicable to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). | To amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify which disclosures of information are protected from prohibited personnel practices; to require a statement in nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements to the effect that such policies, forms, and agreements are consistent with certain disclosure protections; and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mercury in Dental Fillings
Disclosure and Prohibition Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
(a) General Findings.--The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Elemental mercury and mercury compounds are known to be
toxic and hazardous to human health and to the environment.
(2) Mercury is number three on the 2003 CERCLA Priority
List of Hazardous Substances, behind arsenic and lead.
(3) A dental amalgam, commonly referred to as a ``silver
filling'', consists of 42 to 58 percent mercury.
(4) Consumers may be deceived by the use of the term
``silver'' to describe a dental amalgam, which contains
substantially more mercury than silver.
(5) The American Dental Association estimates that the
dental industry places approximately 70,000,000 dental amalgams
annually and each dental amalgam may contain \1/2\ to \3/4\ of
a gram of mercury, depending on the size of the filling.
(6) The mercury contained in dental amalgam is continually
emitted in the form of mercury vapor, and the total amount of
mercury released depends upon the total number of fillings;
their age, composition, and surface area; the intraoral
presence of other metals; dietary and lifestyle habits; and
other chemical and metabolic conditions affecting the mouth.
(7) When mercury vapors are inhaled, most of the mercury
(about 80 percent) enters the bloodstream directly through the
lungs and then rapidly deposits preferentially in the brain and
kidneys as well as other parts of the body.
(8) Mercury toxicity is a retention toxicity (total body
burden) that builds up over years of exposure, and is therefore
dependent on all sources of mercury to which an individual may
be exposed.
(9) Recently funded research by the National Institutes of
Health has concluded that when inorganic mercury is located in
brain tissue, researchers are unable to demonstrate an
appreciable half-life, or decrease, of mercury over time (more
than 120 days). The implications of this conclusion are that
dental amalgam exposure will permanently increase mercury body
burden.
(10) According to the World Health Organization, the
estimated average daily intake and retention of mercury from
dental amalgam ranges from 3 to 27 micrograms per day, and is
greater than all other sources combined.
(11) The California Dental Association, by court order,
requires postings of warnings about mercury fillings in
California Dental Offices as of March 9, 2003. The warnings
read ``NOTICE TO PATIENTS: PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: Dental
Amalgam, used in many dental fillings, causes exposure to
mercury, a chemical known to the state of California to cause
birth defects or other reproductive harm''.
(12) United States consumers and parents have a right to
know, in advance, the risks of placing a product containing a
substantial amount of mercury in their mouths or the mouths of
their children.
(13) The Food and Drug Administration added Health Canada
warnings regarding mercury in dental amalgam to a consumer
update issued on December 31, 2002.
(14) According to certain scientific studies, Health
Canada, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry, children and pregnant women are at particular risk
for exposure to mercury contained in dental amalgam.
(15) According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry, the mercury from amalgam passes through the
placenta of pregnant women and through the breast milk of
lactating women, increasing health risks to both unborn
children and newborn babies.
(16) The National Academy of Sciences estimated that ``over
600,000 children are born each year at risk for adverse
neurodevelopmental effects due to in utero exposure to methyl
mercury''. This report urged the need to understand the
relative amount of mercury attributable to dental amalgam and
to thimerosal in vaccines.
(17) Studies show that a variety of commonly found human
intestinal and oral bacteria can methylate mercury. In this
way, the mercury vapor from fillings biotransforms into the
highly neurotoxic and teratogenic methylmercury.
(18) The use of mercury in any product being put into the
body is opposed by many health groups, such as the American
Public Health Association, the California Medical Association,
and Health Care Without Harm.
(19) Highly effective and durable alternatives to mercury-
based dental fillings exist, but many publicly and privately
financed health plans do not allow consumers to choose
alternatives to dental amalgam.
(b) Environmental Findings.--In addition to the findings of
subsection (a), the Congress finds as follows:
(1) Mercury wastewater released from dental clinics has
been shown to fail the Environmental Protection Agency's
toxicity characteristic leaching procedure and, therefore, is
regulated as hazardous waste.
(2) Research from the Naval Dental Research Institute
indicates that, when discharged to the environment, conditions
may be right for waste dental mercury to methylate, become
bioavailable, and subsequently biomagnify in fish as methyl
mercury, the most toxic form of mercury.
(3) Forty-eight States, the District of Columbia, and the
United States Territory of American Samoa have issued 2,362
fish consumption advisories to their residents due to mercury
contamination as of 2003.
(4) The Food and Drug Administration has issued fish
consumption advisories due to levels of mercury in
commercially-caught fish and, in January 2001, warned pregnant
woman and young children not to eat certain marine fish.
(5) According to the Environmental Protection Agency,
United States dentists use approximately 34 tons of mercury per
year.
(6) A report issued on June 5, 2002, by the Mercury Policy
Project, the Sierra Club, Health Care Without Harm, Clean Water
Action, and the Toxics Action Center stated that, because of
mercury fillings, dental offices are now the leading source of
mercury in the Nation's wastewater.
(7) Mercury from dental amalgam can enter the environment
during any point of the product's life-cycle. This includes
placement or removal of fillings; through bodily excretions;
when sewage sludge is incinerated, spread on crops, or dumped
in land fills; when vapor is released or land filled; when
vapor is released directly from the filling (which increases
with brushing, chewing, and consuming hot foods or salt); and
during cremation. Currently there are no requirements for
mercury capture before or during cremation.
(8) In 2000, the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage
Agencies reported human wastes from individuals with dental
amalgam fillings to be the most significant source of domestic
mercury entering publicly owned treatment works, greater than
80 percent of the total contributing factors.
(9) According to the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage
Agencies, removal of mercury from publicly owned treatment
works has been shown to cost $10,000,000 to $100,000,000 for
every pound removed.
(10) Mercury use by the dental industry increased from 2
percent in 1980 to 22 percent of the total use of mercury in
the United States in 2001, because of drastic declines in
mercury use by other industries over that period.
(11) Amalgam restorations were estimated to be 55 percent
of the total mercury product reservoir in 2004 by the
Environmental Protection Agency, and will therefore be a source
of environmental contamination into the future.
(12) According to a joint study by the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Cremation Association of North
America, approximately 238 pounds of mercury, mostly from
dental amalgam fillings, were released from crematoria
nationally in 1999.
(13) Cremation is chosen in approximately 30 percent of all
deaths, and this percentage is expected to increase every year.
(14) According to industrial hygiene surveys, 6 to 16
percent of dental offices exceed the exposure levels for air
mercury permitted by Occupational Safety and Health
Administration standards.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON INTRODUCTION OF DENTAL AMALGAM INTO INTERSTATE
COMMERCE.
(a) Prohibition.--Section 501 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(j) Effective January 1, 2009, if it contains mercury intended
for use in a dental filling.''.
(b) Transitional Provision.--For purposes of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), effective December 31,
2006, and subject to the amendment made by subsection (a), a device
that contains mercury intended for use in a dental filling shall be
considered to be misbranded, unless it bears a label that provides as
follows: ``Dental amalgam contains approximately 50 percent mercury, a
highly toxic element. Such product should not be administered to
children less than 18 years of age, pregnant women, or lactating women.
Such product should not be administered to any consumer without a
warning that the product contains mercury, which is a highly toxic
element, and therefore poses health risks.''. | Mercury in Dental Fillings Disclosure and Prohibition Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem adulterated (hence prohibited), effective January 1, 2009, any amalgam containing mercury intended for use in a dental filling.
Provides for a transition period, during which such a device may be manufactured and sold if it bears a specified warning label, until this Act becomes effective. | To prohibit after 2008 the introduction into interstate commerce of mercury intended for use in a dental filling, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Keep Our Promise to America's
Military Retirees Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) No statutory health care program existed for members of
the uniformed services who entered service prior to December 7,
1956, and retired after serving a minimum of 20 years.
(2) Recruiters, re-enlistment counselors, and officers at
all levels of the uniformed services, and other government
officials, as agents of the United States Government, used
recruiting tactics that allowed members who entered the
uniformed services prior to December 7, 1956, to believe they
would be entitled to fully paid lifetime health care upon
retirement.
(3) In the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit decision of November 18, 2002, in Schism v. United
States (No. 99-1402), the Court said: ``Accordingly, we must
affirm the district court's judgment and can do no more than
hope Congress will make good on the promises recruiters made in
good faith to plaintiffs and others of the World War II and
Korean War era--from 1941 to 1956, when Congress enacted its
first health care insurance act for military members, excluding
older retirees. . . . We cannot readily imagine more
sympathetic plaintiffs than the retired officers of the World
War II and Korean War era involved in this case. They served
their country for at least 20 years with the understanding that
when they retired they and their dependents would receive full
free health care for life. The promise of such health care was
made in good faith and relied upon. Again, however, because no
authority existed to make such promises in the first place, and
because Congress has never ratified or acquiesced to this
promise, we have no alternative but to uphold the judgment
against the retirees' breach-of-contract claim. . . . Perhaps
Congress will consider using its legal power to address the
moral claims raised by Schism and Reinlie on their own behalf,
and indirectly for other affected retirees.''.
(4) Only the United States Congress can make good on the
promises recruiters made in good faith to plaintiffs and others
of the World War II and Korean War era.
(5) Statutes enacted in 1956 allowed those who entered
service on or after December 7, 1956, and retired after serving
a minimum of 20 years or by reason of a service-connected
disability to medical and dental care in any facility of the
uniformed services, subject to the availability of space and
facilities and the capabilities of the medical and dental
staff.
(6) Recruiters, re-enlistment counselors, and officers at
all levels of the uniformed services, and other government
officials, as agents of the United States Government, continued
to allow members who entered the uniformed services to believe
they would be entitled to fully paid lifetime health care upon
retirement, despite enactment of statutes in 1956, subsequent
statutes, and the issuance of regulations that defined and
limited the availability of medical care to retired members of
the uniformed services.
(7) After 4 rounds of base closures between 1988 and 1995
and further drawdowns of remaining military medical treatment
facilities, access to ``space available'' health care in a
military medical treatment facility is difficult or virtually
nonexistent for many military retirees.
(8) The failure to provide adequate health care upon
retirement is preventing the retired members of the uniformed
services from recommending, without reservation, that young men
and women make a career of any military service.
(9) Although provisions in the Floyd D. Spence National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (as enacted into
law by Public Law 106-398) extended coverage under the TRICARE
program to medicare eligible military retirees age 65 and
older, those provisions did not address the health care needs
of military retirees under the age of 65.
(10) The United States should make good on the promises
recruiters made in good faith in the World War II and Korean
War era and reestablish high quality health care for all
retired members of the uniformed services.
SEC. 3. COVERAGE OF MILITARY RETIREES UNDER THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM.
(a) Coverage for Retirees and Dependents.--(1) Section 1108 of
title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 1108. Health care coverage through Federal Employees Health
Benefits program
``(a) FEHBP Option.--The Secretary of Defense, after consulting
with the other administering Secretaries, shall enter into an agreement
with the Office of Personnel Management to provide coverage to eligible
beneficiaries described in subsection (b) under the health benefits
plans offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program
under chapter 89 of title 5.
``(b) Eligible Beneficiaries; Coverage.--(1) An eligible
beneficiary under this subsection is--
``(A) a member or former member of the uniformed services
described in section 1074(b) of this title;
``(B) an individual who is an unremarried former spouse of
a member or former member described in section 1072(2)(F) or
1072(2)(G);
``(C) an individual who is--
``(i) a dependent of a deceased member or former
member described in section 1076(b) or 1076(a)(2)(B) of
this title or of a member who died while on active duty
for a period of more than 30 days; and
``(ii) a member of family as defined in section
8901(5) of title 5; or
``(D) an individual who is--
``(i) a dependent of a living member or former
member described in section 1076(b)(1) of this title;
and
``(ii) a member of family as defined in section
8901(5) of title 5.
``(2) Eligible beneficiaries may enroll in a Federal Employees
Health Benefit plan under chapter 89 of title 5 under this section for
self-only coverage or for self and family coverage which includes any
dependent of the member or former member who is a family member for
purposes of such chapter.
``(3) A person eligible for coverage under this subsection shall
not be required to satisfy any eligibility criteria specified in
chapter 89 of title 5 (except as provided in paragraph (1)(C) or
(1)(D)) as a condition for enrollment in health benefits plans offered
through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program under this
section.
``(4) For purposes of determining whether an individual is a member
of family under paragraph (5) of section 8901 of title 5 for purposes
of paragraph (1)(C) or (1)(D), a member or former member described in
section 1076(b) or 1076(a)(2)(B) of this title shall be deemed to be an
employee under such section.
``(5) An eligible beneficiary who enrolls in the Federal Employees
Health Benefits program under this section shall not be eligible to
receive health care under section 1086 or section 1097. Such a
beneficiary may continue to receive health care in a military medical
treatment facility, in which case the treatment facility shall be
reimbursed by the Federal Employees Health Benefits program for health
care services or drugs received by the beneficiary.
``(c) Change of Health Benefits Plan.--An eligible beneficiary
enrolled in a Federal Employees Health Benefits plan under this section
may change health benefits plans and coverage in the same manner as any
other Federal Employees Health Benefits program beneficiary may change
such plans.
``(d) Government Contributions.--The amount of the Government
contribution for an eligible beneficiary who enrolls in a health
benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5 in accordance with this
section may not exceed the amount of the Government contribution which
would be payable if the electing beneficiary were an employee (as
defined for purposes of such chapter) enrolled in the same health
benefits plan and level of benefits.
``(e) Separate Risk Pools.--The Director of the Office of Personnel
Management shall require health benefits plans under chapter 89 of
title 5 to maintain a separate risk pool for purposes of establishing
premium rates for eligible beneficiaries who enroll in such a plan in
accordance with this section.
``(f) Reimbursement for Expenses for Health Care Services Normally
Provided by the Department of Defense Under TRICARE Standard.--The
Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a system to reimburse
an eligible beneficiary who enrolls in a health benefits plan under
chapter 89 of title 5 in accordance with this section for health care
costs incurred by the beneficiary that are not paid under the health
benefits plan but would have been paid by the Department of Defense
under TRICARE Standard.''.
(2) The item relating to section 1108 at the beginning of such
chapter is amended to read as follows:
``1108. Health care coverage through Federal Employees Health Benefits
program.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2005.
SEC. 4. REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRICARE PHARMACY BENEFITS AT TRICARE NETWORK
PHARMACY LEVELS TO CERTAIN MILITARY RETIREES AND
DEPENDENTS IN HARDSHIP CASES.
(a) In General.--In the case of an eligible person who has a
certification described in subsection (b), the Secretary shall
reimburse such person for pharmacy benefits received from a pharmacy
that is not a TRICARE network pharmacy in the same manner and in the
same amounts as the Secretary would reimburse such person for such
benefits received from a pharmacy that is a TRICARE network pharmacy.
(b) Certification.--The certification referred to in subsection (a)
is a certification from an eligible person's physician--
(1) stating that the person does not have access to a
TRICARE network pharmacy due to physical or medical
constraints; and
(2) meeting such other criteria as the Secretary of Defense
considers appropriate.
(c) Eligible Person.--In this section, an eligible person is an
eligible beneficiary as described in section 1108(b) of title 10,
United States Code who has another insurance plan or program that
provides primary coverage for health benefits.
SEC. 5. WAIVER OF MEDICARE PART B PREMIUM FOR CERTAIN MILITARY
RETIREES.
(a) In General.--Section 1839 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395r) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``The monthly
premium'' and inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (j),
the monthly premium''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(j)(1) The amount of the monthly premium for an eligible
individual enrolled under this part is equal to $0.
``(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `eligible individual'
means--
``(A) an individual who is entitled to retired or retainer
pay based upon service in the uniformed services (as defined in
section 101 of title 10, United States Code) that began before
December 7, 1956;
``(B) the spouse (as determined under section 7703 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986) of an individual described in
subparagraph (A); and
``(C) the widow or widower, as the case may be, of an
individual described in subparagraph (A).
``(3) With respect to years beginning after the date of the
enactment of this subsection, the monthly premium rate calculated under
subsection (a)(3) for individuals enrolled under this part who are not
eligible individuals under this subsection shall be determined without
regard to benefits and administrative costs attributable to such
eligible individuals during such years.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1839(i) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395r(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(7) Inapplicability to certain military retirees.--This
subsection shall not apply to eligible individuals (as defined
in subsection (j)(2)).''.
(c) Effective Date.--(1) The amendments made by this section shall
apply to premiums for months beginning with January 2005.
(2) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall use the rebate
methodology established pursuant to section 625(a)(2) of the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public
Law 108-173, 117 Stat. 2318) to provide rebates to eligible individuals
(as defined in subsection (j)(2) of section 1839 of the Social Security
Act, as added by subsection (a)) of any premium or premium penalty paid
under such section for months beginning on or after January 1, 2005. | Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management to provide Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage to the following eligible beneficiaries: (1) a member or former member of the Armed Forces entitled to military retired or retainer pay; (2) an unremarried former spouse who was married to a member for at least 20 years, during which such member performed at least 20 years of retirement-creditable military service; (3) a dependent of a deceased qualifying member or former member; (4) a dependent of a living member or former member; and (5) a family member.
Directs the Secretary to reimburse such eligible persons for pharmacy benefits received from a pharmacy that is not a TRICARE (Department of Defense managed health care plan) network pharmacy in the same manner as the Secretary would reimburse such person for such benefits received from a TRICARE network pharmacy. Requires such persons, in order to receive such reimbursement, to submit a certification from their physician stating that the person does not have access to a TRICARE network pharmacy due to physical or medical constraints.
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the monthly part B premium (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) with respect to: (1) an individual who is entitled to military retired or retainer pay based upon service that began before December 7, 1956; and (2) the spouse, widow, or widower of such individuals. | To restore health care coverage to retired members of the uniformed services, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Language Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. ENGLISH AS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE.
(a) In General.--Title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 6--LANGUAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT
``Sec.
``161. Declaration of official language.
``162. Official Government activities in English.
``163. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language.
``164. Exceptions.
``Sec. 161. Declaration of official language
``English shall be the official language of the Government of the
United States.
``Sec. 162. Official government activities in English
``The Government of the United States shall conduct its official
business in English, including publications, income tax forms, and
informational materials.
``Sec. 163. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language
``The Government of the United States shall preserve and enhance
the role of English as the official language of the United States of
America. Unless specifically stated in applicable law, no person has a
right, entitlement, or claim to have the Government of the United
States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate,
perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other
than English. If exceptions are made, that does not create a legal
entitlement to additional services in that language or any language
other than English. If any forms are issued by the Federal government
in a language other than English (or such forms are completed in a
language other than English), the English language version of the form
is the sole authority for all legal purposes.
``Sec. 164. Exceptions
``This chapter does not apply to the use of a language other than
English--
``(1) for religious purposes;
``(2) for training in foreign languages for international
communication; or
``(3) to programs in schools designed to encourage students
to learn foreign languages.
This chapter does not prevent the Government of the United States from
providing interpreters for persons over 62 years of age.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of chapters for title 4,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
item:
``6. Language of the Government............................. 161''.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF BILINGUAL VOTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Bilingual election requirements.--Section 203 of the
Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a) is repealed.
(2) Voting rights.--Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of
1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973b) is amended by striking subsection (f).
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) References to section 203.--The Voting Rights Act of
1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.) is amended--
(A) in section 204, by striking ``or 203,''; and
(B) in the first sentence of section 205, by
striking ``, 202, or 203'' and inserting ``or 202''.
(2) References to section 4.--The Voting Rights Act of 1965
(42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.), as amended by the Fannie Lou Hamer,
Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act
Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-
246), is amended--
(A) in sections 2(a), 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 4(d), 5, 6,
8(a)(2)(A), and 13(a)(1), by striking ``, or in
contravention of the guarantees set forth in section
4(f)(2)'';
(B) in paragraphs (1)(A) and (3) of section 4(a),
by striking ``or (in the case of a State or subdivision
seeking a declaratory judgment under the second
sentence of this subsection) in contravention of the
guarantees of subsection (f)(2)''; and
(C) in paragraphs (1)(B) and (5) of section 4(a),
by striking ``or (in the case of a State or subdivision
which sought a declaratory judgment under the second
sentence of this subsection) that denials or
abridgments of the right to vote in contravention of
the guarantees of subsection (f)(2) have occurred
anywhere in the territory of such State or
subdivision''.
SEC. 4. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT FOR CEREMONIES FOR ADMISSION OF
NEW CITIZENS.
Section 337(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1448(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence:
``All public ceremonies in which the oath of allegiance is administered
pursuant to this section shall be conducted solely in the English
language.''.
SEC. 5. NONPREEMPTION.
This Act (and the amendments made by this Act) shall not preempt
any law of any State. | National Language Act of 2007 - Makes English the official language of the U.S. government. Requires the government to: (1) conduct its official business in English, including publications, income tax forms, and informational materials; and (2) preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the United States of America. Provides that no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the government act, communicate, perform, or provide services or materials in any other language, unless specifically stated in applicable law.
Provides that this Act shall not apply to the use of a language other than English for religious purposes, for training in foreign languages for international communication, or in school programs designed to encourage students to learn foreign languages. States that this does not prevent the U.S. government from providing interpreters for persons over age 62. Repeals provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 regarding bilingual election requirements and regarding congressional findings of voting discrimination against language minorities, prohibition of English-only elections, and other remedial measures. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that all public ceremonies in which the oath of allegiance is administered pursuant to such Act be conducted solely in English. Specifies that this Act shall not preempt any state law. | To amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the official language of the Government of the United States, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Historic Homeownership Assistance
Act''.
SEC. 2. HISTORIC HOMEOWNERSHIP REHABILITATION CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 22 the
following new section:
``SEC. 23. HISTORIC HOMEOWNERSHIP REHABILITATION CREDIT.
``(a) General Rule.--In the case of an individual, there shall be
allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the
taxable year an amount equal to 20 percent of the qualified
rehabilitation expenditures made by the taxpayer with respect to a
qualified historic home.
``(b) Dollar Limitation.--
``(1) In general.--The credit allowed by subsection (a)
with respect to any residence of a taxpayer shall not exceed
$50,000 ($25,000 in the case of a married individual filing a
separate return).
``(2) Carryforward of credit unused by reason of limitation
based on tax liability.--If the credit allowable under
subsection (a) for any taxable year exceeds the limitation
imposed by section 26(a) for such taxable year reduced by the
sum of the credits allowable under this subpart (other than
this section), such excess shall be carried to the succeeding
taxable year and added to the credit allowable under subsection
(a) for such succeeding taxable year.
``(c) Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditure.--For purposes of this
section:
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified rehabilitation
expenditure' means any amount properly chargeable to capital
account--
``(A) in connection with the certified
rehabilitation of a qualified historic home, and
``(B) for property for which depreciation would be
allowable under section 168 if the qualified historic
home were used in a trade or business.
``(2) Certain expenditures not included.--
``(A) Exterior.--Such term shall not include any
expenditure in connection with the rehabilitation of a
building unless at least 5 percent of the total
expenditures made in the rehabilitation process are
allocable to the rehabilitation of the exterior of such
building.
``(B) Other rules to apply.--Rules similar to the
rules of clauses (ii) and (iii) of section 47(c)(2)(B)
shall apply.
``(3) Mixed use or multifamily building.--If only a portion
of a building is used as the principal residence of the
taxpayer, only qualified rehabilitation expenditures which are
properly allocable to such portion shall be taken into account
under this section.
``(d) Certified Rehabilitation.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, the term `certified rehabilitation' has the meaning
given such term by section 47(c)(2)(C).
``(2) Factors to be considered in the case of targeted area
residences, etc.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of applying section
47(c)(2)(C) under this section with respect to the
rehabilitation of a building to which this paragraph
applies, consideration shall be given to--
``(i) the feasibility of preserving
existing architectural and design elements of
the interior of such building,
``(ii) the risk of further deterioration or
demolition of such building in the event that
certification is denied because of the failure
to preserve such interior elements, and
``(iii) the effects of such deterioration
or demolition on neighboring historic
properties.
``(B) Buildings to which this paragraph applies.--
This paragraph shall apply with respect to any
building--
``(i) any part of which is a targeted area
residence within the meaning of section
143(j)(1), or
``(ii) which is located within an
enterprise or empowerment zone,
but shall not apply with respect to any building which
is listed in the National Register.
``(3) Cooperative agreements.--The term `certified
rehabilitation' includes a certification made in accordance
with a contract or cooperative agreement between the Secretary
of the Interior and a State Historic Preservation Officer which
authorizes such officer (or a local government certified
pursuant to section 101(c)(1) of the National Historic
Preservation Act), subject to such terms or conditions as may
be specified in such agreement, to certify the rehabilitation of
buildings within the jurisdiction of such officer (or local government)
for purposes of this section.
``(e) Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) Qualified historic home.--The term `qualified
historic home' means a certified historic structure--
``(A) which has been substantially rehabilitated,
and
``(B) which (or any portion of which)--
``(i) is owned by the taxpayer, and
``(ii) is used (or will, within a
reasonable period, be used) by such taxpayer as
his principal residence.
``(2) Substantially rehabilitated.--The term `substantially
rehabilitated' has the meaning given such term by section
47(c)(1)(C); except that, in the case of any building described
in subsection (d)(2), clause (i)(I) thereof shall not apply.
``(3) Principal residence.--The term `principal residence'
has the same meaning as when used in section 1034.
``(4) Certified historic structure.--
``(A) In general.--The term `certified historic
structure' has the meaning given such term by section
47(c)(3).
``(B) Certain structures included.--Such term
includes any building (and its structural components)
which is designated as being of historic significance
under a statute of a State or local government, if such
statute is certified by the Secretary of the Interior
to the Secretary as containing criteria which will
substantially achieve the purpose of preserving and
rehabilitating buildings of historic significance.
``(5) Enterprise or empowerment zone.--The term `enterprise
or empowerment zone' means any area designated under section
1391 as an enterprise community or an empowerment zone.
``(6) Rehabilitation not complete before certification.--A
rehabilitation shall not be treated as complete before the date
of the certification referred to in subsection (d).
``(7) Lessees.--A taxpayer who leases his principal
residence shall, for purposes of this section, be treated as
the owner thereof if the remaining term of the lease (as of the
date determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary)
is not less than such minimum period as the regulations
require.
``(8) Tenant-stockholder in cooperative housing
corporation.--If the taxpayer holds stock as a tenant-
stockholder (as defined in section 216) in a cooperative
housing corporation (as defined in such section), such
stockholder shall be treated as owning the house or apartment
which the taxpayer is entitled to occupy as such stockholder.
``(f) When Expenditures Taken Into Account.--In the case of a
building other than a building to which subsection (g) applies,
qualified rehabilitation expenditures shall be treated for purposes of
this section as made--
``(1) on the date the rehabilitation is completed, or
``(2) to the extent provided by the Secretary by
regulation, when such expenditures are properly chargeable to
capital account.
Regulations under paragraph (2) shall include a rule similar to the
rule under section 50(a)(2) (relating to recapture if property ceases
to qualify for progress expenditures).
``(g) Allowance of Credit for Purchase of Rehabilitated Historic
Home.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of a qualified purchased
historic home, the taxpayer shall be treated as having made (on
the date of purchase) the qualified rehabilitation expenditures
made by the seller of such home.
``(2) Qualified purchased historic home.--For purposes of
this subsection, the term `qualified purchased historic home'
means any substantially rehabilitated certified historic
structure purchased by the taxpayer if--
``(A) the taxpayer is the first purchaser of such
structure after the date rehabilitation is completed,
and the purchase occurs within 5 years after such date,
``(B) the structure (or a portion thereof) will,
within a reasonable period, be the principal residence
of the taxpayer,
``(C) no credit was allowed to the seller under
this section or section 47 with respect to such
rehabilitation, and
``(D) the taxpayer is furnished with such
information as the Secretary determines is necessary to
determine the credit under this subsection.
``(h) Historic Rehabilitation Mortgage Credit Certificate.--
``(1) In general.--The taxpayer may elect, in lieu of the
credit otherwise allowable under this section, to receive a
historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate. An
election under this paragraph shall be made--
``(A) in the case of a building to which subsection
(g) applies, at the time of purchase, or
``(B) in any other case, at the time rehabilitation
is completed.
``(2) Historic rehabilitation mortgage credit
certificate.--For purposes of this subsection, the term
`historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate' means a
certificate--
``(A) issued to the taxpayer, in accordance with
procedures prescribed by the Secretary, with respect to
a certified rehabilitation,
``(B) the face amount of which shall be equal to
the credit which would (but for this subsection) be
allowable under subsection (a) to the taxpayer with
respect to such rehabilitation,
``(C) which may only be transferred by the taxpayer
to a lending institution in connection with a loan--
``(i) that is secured by the building with
respect to which the credit relates, and
``(ii) the proceeds of which may not be
used for any purpose other than the acquisition
or rehabilitation of such building, and
``(D) in exchange for which such lending
institution provides the taxpayer a reduction
(determined as provided in such regulations) in the
rate of interest on the loan.
``(3) Use of certificate by lender.--The amount of the
credit specified in the certificate shall be allowed to the
lender only to offset the regular tax (as defined in section
55(c)) of such lender. The lender may carry forward all unused
amounts under this subsection until exhausted.
``(i) Recapture.--
``(1) In general.--If, before the end of the 5-year period
beginning on the date on which the rehabilitation of the
building is completed (or, if subsection (g) applies, the date
of purchase of such building by the taxpayer)--
``(A) the taxpayer disposes of such taxpayer's
interest in such building, or
``(B) such building ceases to be used as the
principal residence of the taxpayer,
the taxpayer's tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year
in which such disposition or cessation occurs shall be
increased by the recapture percentage of the credit allowed
under this section for all prior taxable years with respect to
such rehabilitation.
``(2) Recapture percentage.--For purposes of paragraph (1),
the recapture percentage shall be determined in accordance with
the table under section 50(a)(1)(B), deeming such table to be
amended--
``(A) by striking `If the property ceases to be
investment credit property within--' and inserting `If
the disposition or cessation occurs within--', and
``(B) in clause (i) by striking `One full year
after placed in service' and inserting `One full year
after the taxpayer becomes entitled to the credit'.
``(j) Basis Adjustments.--For purposes of this subtitle, if a
credit is allowed under this section for any expenditure with respect
to any property (including any purchase under subsection (g) and any
transfer under subsection (h)), the increase in the basis of such
property which would (but for this subsection) result from such
expenditure shall be reduced by the amount of the credit so allowed.
``(k) Processing Fees.--No State may impose a fee for the
processing of applications for the certification of any rehabilitation
under this section unless the amount of such fee is used only to defray
expenses associated with the processing of such applications.
``(l) Denial of Double Benefit.--No credit shall be allowed under
this section for any amount for which credit is allowed under section
47.
``(m) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations
as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section,
including regulations where less than all of a building is used as a
principal residence and where more than 1 taxpayer use the same
dwelling unit as their principal residence.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (a) of section 1016 of such
Code is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (24), by
striking the period at the end of paragraph (25) and inserting ``,
and'', and by adding at the end the following new item:
``(26) to the extent provided in section 23(j).''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 22 the following new item:
``Sec. 23. Historic homeownership rehabilitation credit.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to rehabilitations the physical work on which begins
after the date of enactment of this Act. | Historic Homeownership Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures made by a taxpayer with respect to a certified historic structure which has been substantially rehabilitated and which is owned by the taxpayer and used as his or her principal residence. Allows the credit for such expenditures to be taken by a purchaser of the rehabilitated home. Permits, in lieu of the credit, a historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate, which shall be transferred to a lender in exchange for a reduction in the rate of interest on the loan secured by the building. | Historic Homeownership Assistance Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Cuban Military
Transparency Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Statement of policy.
Sec. 4. Prohibitions on financial transactions with the Ministry of the
Revolutionary Armed Forces or the Ministry
of the Interior of Cuba.
Sec. 5. Inclusion in Department of State rewards program of rewards for
information leading to the arrest or
conviction of individuals responsible for
the February 24, 1996, attack on United
States aircraft.
Sec. 6. Coordination with INTERPOL.
Sec. 7. Report on the role of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed
Forces and the Ministry of the Interior of
Cuba in the economy and foreign
relationships of Cuba.
Sec. 8. Report on use and ownership of confiscated property.
Sec. 9. Termination.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) In his December 17, 2014, announcement to pursue the
normalization of relations with Cuba, President Barack Obama
stated, ``I believe that more resources should be able to reach
the Cuban people. So we're significantly increasing the amount
of money that can be sent to Cuba, and removing limits on
remittances that support humanitarian projects, the Cuban
people, and the emerging Cuban private sector.''.
(2) In his January 14, 2011, comments on the easing of
travel sanctions, President Barack Obama also stated, ``These
measures will increase people-to-people contact; support civil
society in Cuba; enhance the free flow of information to, from,
and among the Cuban people; and help promote their independence
from Cuban authorities.''.
(3) Article 18 of the 1976 Constitution of Cuba reads,
``The State directs and controls foreign commerce.''.
(4) The largest company in Cuba is the Grupo Gaesa (Grupo
de Administracion Empresarial S.A.), founded by General Raul
Castro Ruz in the 1990s, controlled and operated by the Cuban
military, which oversees all investments, and run by General
Raul Castro's son-in-law, General Luis Alberto Rodriguez Lopez-
Callejas.
(5) Cuba's military-run Grupo Gaesa operates the tourism
industry in Cuba, including hotels, resorts, foreign currency
exchanges, car rentals, nightclubs, retail stores, and
restaurants.
(6) According to Hotels Magazine, Gaviota, S.A., owned by
the Cuban military and a prominent subsidiary of Grupo Gaesa,
is the largest hotel conglomerate in Latin America and the
Caribbean.
(7) The Cuban military, through its tourism conglomerates,
is currently operating resort facilities in properties
confiscated from United States citizens.
(8) In 2003, a United States grand jury indicted General
Ruben Martinez Puente, head of the Cuban Air Force, and two
Cuban Air Force pilots, Col. Lorenzo Alberto Perez-Perez and
Francisco Perez-Perez, on four counts of murder, two counts of
destruction of aircraft, and one count of conspiracy to kill
United States nationals for their roles in the February 24,
1996, attack by Cuban military jets over international waters
on two United States civilian Cessna planes operated by the
Brothers To The Rescue humanitarian organization.
(9) The 2003 United States indictment against Cuban
military officials is the only outstanding indictment against
senior military officials from a country designated by the
United States as a ``state sponsor of terrorism'' for the
murder of United States nationals.
(10) In a December 17, 2014, article in Politico, United
States Representative James McGovern (D-MA) stated that General
Raul Castro admitted to giving the order to shoot down the
United States civilian planes that resulted in the murder of
those United States nationals in 1996. ``I gave the order. I'm
the one responsible.'', Castro told McGovern.
(11) One of the Cuban spies exchanged in the December 17,
2014, deal by President Obama with the Cuban regime was Gerardo
Hernandez, who was serving a life sentence for murder
conspiracy in the deaths of three United States citizens,
Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Pena, and
permanent resident of the United States, Pablo Morales.
(12) The Cuban military played a central role in the 2013
trafficking incident that involved more than 240 metric tons of
heavy weapons, including fully fueled MiG fighter jets,
missiles, and air defense systems, to North Korea.
(13) A United Nations panel of experts found that the
trafficking incident described in paragraph (12) violated
United Nations Security Council sanctions and was the largest
weapons cache ever intercepted being transported to or from
North Korea. The Cuban military refused to cooperate with
United Nations investigators.
(14) In February 2015, the Colombian authorities
intercepted a Chinese-flagged vessel carrying a clandestine
shipment of war materiel destined for the Cuban military, via
one of its shadow companies, TecnoImport S.A. The shipment,
disguised as grain products, included 99 rockets, 3,000 cannon
shells, 100 tons of military-grade dynamite and 2,6000,000
detonators.
(15) The Cuban military has provided military intelligence,
weapons training, strategic planning, and security logistics to
the military and security forces of Venezuela, which has
contributed to the subversion of democratic institutions and
violent suppression of peaceful protests in Venezuela.
(16) The Cuba 2013 Human Rights Report prepared by the
Department of State states that ``the military maintained
effective control over the security forces, which committed
human rights abuses against civil rights activists and other
citizens alike.''.
SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
It is the policy of the United States--
(1) to support the efforts of the people of Cuba to promote
the establishment of basic freedoms in Cuba, including a
democratic political system in which the military and other
security forces are under the control of democratically elected
civilian leaders;
(2) to ensure that legal travel and trade with Cuba by
citizens and residents of the United States does not serve to
enrich or empower the military or other security forces of Cuba
run by the Castro family;
(3) to support the emergence of a government in Cuba that
does not oppress the people of Cuba and does not use its
military or other security forces to persecute, intimidate,
arrest, imprison, or assassinate dissidents;
(4) to bring to justice in the United States the officials
of Cuba involved in the February 24, 1996, attack of two United
States civilian Cessna aircraft by Cuban military jets over
international waters; and
(5) to counter the efforts of Cuba, through military and
other assistance, to promote repression elsewhere in the
Western Hemisphere, especially in Venezuela.
SEC. 4. PROHIBITIONS ON FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS WITH THE MINISTRY OF THE
REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OR THE MINISTRY OF THE
INTERIOR OF CUBA.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), beginning on
the date that is 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a United States person
shall not engage in any financial transaction with, or transfer of
funds to, any of the following:
(1) The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba,
the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba, or any subdivision of
either such Ministry.
(2) Any agency, instrumentality, or other entity that is
operated or controlled by an entity specified in paragraph (1).
(3) Any agency, instrumentality, or other entity owned by
an entity specified in paragraph (1) in a percentage share
exceeding 25 percent.
(4) An individual who is a senior member of the Ministry of
the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba or the Ministry of the
Interior of Cuba.
(5) Any individual or entity--
(A) for the purpose of avoiding a financial
transaction with, or transfer of funds to, an
individual or entity specified in any of paragraphs (1)
through (4); and
(B) for the benefit of an individual or entity
specified in any of paragraphs (1) through (4).
(b) Exceptions.--The prohibitions on financial transactions and
transfers of funds under subsection (a) shall not apply with respect
to--
(1) the sale of agricultural commodities, medicines, and
medical devices sold to Cuba consistent with the Trade
Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C.
7201 et seq.);
(2) a remittance to an immediate family member; or
(3) assistance or support in furtherance of democracy-
building efforts for Cuba described in section 109 of the Cuban
Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (22
U.S.C. 6039).
(c) Implementation; Penalties.--
(1) Implementation.--The President shall exercise all
authorities under sections 203 and 205 of the International
Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to
carry out this section, except that the President--
(A) shall not issue any general license
authorizing, or otherwise authorize, any activity
prohibited under subsection (a); and
(B) shall require any United States person seeking
to engage in a financial transaction or transfer of
funds prohibited under subsection (a) to submit a
written request to the Office of Foreign Assets Control
of the Department of the Treasury.
(2) Penalties.--A person that violates, attempts to
violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of
subsection (a) or any regulation, license, or order issued to
carry out subsection (a) shall be subject to the penalties set
forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) to
the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act
described in subsection (a) of that section.
(d) United States Person Defined.--In this section, the term
``United States person'' means--
(1) a United States citizen or alien admitted for permanent
residence to the United States; and
(2) an entity organized under the laws of the United States
or any jurisdiction within the United States.
SEC. 5. INCLUSION IN DEPARTMENT OF STATE REWARDS PROGRAM OF REWARDS FOR
INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OR CONVICTION OF
INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FEBRUARY 24, 1996, ATTACK
ON UNITED STATES AIRCRAFT.
Section 36(b) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956
(22 U.S.C. 2708(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (9), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) the arrest or conviction in any country of any
individual responsible for committing, conspiring or attempting
to commit, or aiding or abetting in the commission of the
attack on the aircraft of United States persons in
international waters by the military of Cuba on February 24,
1996.''.
SEC. 6. COORDINATION WITH INTERPOL.
The Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of State,
shall seek to coordinate with the International Criminal Police
Organization (INTERPOL) to pursue the location and arrest of United
States fugitives in Cuba, including current and former members of the
military of Cuba, such as those individuals who committed, conspired or
attempted to commit, or aided or abetted in the commission of the
attack on the aircraft of United States persons in international waters
by the military of Cuba on February 24, 1996, with a view to
extradition or similar lawful action, including through the circulation
of international wanted notices (commonly referred to as ``Red
Notices'').
SEC. 7. REPORT ON THE ROLE OF THE MINISTRY OF THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMED
FORCES AND THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR OF CUBA IN THE
ECONOMY AND FOREIGN RELATIONSHIPS OF CUBA.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than annually
thereafter, the President shall submit to Congress a report on the role
of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of
the Interior of Cuba with respect to the economy of Cuba.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An identification of entities the United States
considers to be owned, operated, or controlled, in whole or in
part, by the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces or the
Ministry of the Interior of Cuba or any senior member of the
Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces or the Ministry of
the Interior of Cuba.
(2) An assessment of the business dealings with countries
and entities outside of Cuba conducted by entities identified
under paragraph (1) and officers of the Ministry of the
Revolutionary Armed Forces or the Ministry of the Interior of
Cuba.
(3) An assessment of the relationship of the Ministry of
the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior
of Cuba with the militaries of foreign countries, including
whether either such Ministry has conducted joint training,
exercises, financial dealings, or weapons purchases or sales
with such militaries or provided advisors to such militaries.
(c) Form of Report.--Each report submitted under subsection (a)
shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified
annex.
SEC. 8. REPORT ON USE AND OWNERSHIP OF CONFISCATED PROPERTY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than annually
thereafter, the President shall submit to Congress a report on the
confiscation of property and the use of confiscated property by the
Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the
Interior of Cuba.
(b) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``confiscated'' and
``confiscation'' have the meanings given those terms in section 401 of
the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (22
U.S.C. 6091).
SEC. 9. TERMINATION.
The provisions of this Act shall terminate on the date on which the
President submits to Congress a determination under section 203(c)(3)
of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996
(22 U.S.C. 6063(c)(3)) that a democratically elected government in Cuba
is in power. | Cuban Military Transparency Act This bill prohibits a U.S. person from engaging in any financial transaction with or transfer of funds to: the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba or the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba (or any of their subdivisions); a senior member of such Ministries; any agency, instrumentality, or other entity that is more than 25% owned, or that is operated or controlled by, such a Ministry; or any individual or entity for the purpose of avoiding a prohibited financial transaction or transfer of funds that is for the benefit of that individual or entity. Such prohibitions shall not apply to: the sale to Cuba of agricultural commodities, medicines, and medical devices; a remittance to an immediate family member; or assistance in furtherance of democracy-building efforts for Cuba. A person that violates or attempts to violate such prohibitions shall be subject to specified penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The Department of State rewards program under the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 shall include rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual responsible for or aiding in the February 1996 attack on the aircraft of U.S. persons in international waters by the Cuban military. The Attorney General shall seek to coordinate with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to pursue the location and arrest of U.S. fugitives in Cuba, including current and former members of the Cuban military. | Cuban Military Transparency Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Capital Gains Tax
Simplification Act of 1998''.
(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. REDUCTION AND SIMPLIFICATION OF CAPITAL GAINS TAX.
(a) In General.--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. 1203. CAPITAL GAINS DEDUCTION.
``If for any taxable year a taxpayer other than a corporation has a
net capital gain, 38 percent of such gain shall be a deduction from
gross income.''
(b) Deduction Allowable Whether or Not Taxpayer Itemizes Other
Deductions.--
(1) Subsection (b) of section 63 is amended by striking
``and'' at the end of paragraph (1), by striking the period at
the end of paragraph (2) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding
at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) the deduction allowed by section 1203.''
(2) Subsection (d) of section 63 is amended by striking
``and'' at the end of paragraph (1), by striking the period at
the end of paragraph (2) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding
at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) the deduction allowed by section 1203.''
(c) Minimum Tax Treatment.--
(1) Paragraph (1) of section 56(b) is amended by adding at
the end the following new subparagraph:
``(G) Capital gain deduction not applicable.--
Section 1203 shall not apply.''
(2) Subsection (b) of section 55 is amended by striking
paragraph (3) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
``(3) Maximum tax on net capital gain.--The amount of tax
determined under the first sentence of paragraph (1)(A)(i)
shall not exceed the sum of--
``(A) the amount determined under such first
sentence computed at the rates and in the same manner
as if this paragraph had not been enacted on the
taxable excess reduced by the net capital gain, plus
``(B) a tax on the net capital gain determined by
using the regular tax capital gains tax rates.
``(4) Regular tax on net capital gain.--For purposes of
paragraph (3), the tax on the net capital gain determined by
using the regular tax capital gains tax rates is the excess
of--
``(A) the tax that would be computed under section
1 if net capital gain were determined with the
adjustments under this part, over
``(B) the tax that would be so computed under
section 1 if the taxable income were reduced by 62
percent of the net capital gain as so determined.''
(d) Repeal of Tax Preference for Exclusion on Small Business
Stock.--
(1) Subsection (a) of section 57 is amended by striking
paragraph (7).
(2) Subclause (II) of section 53(d)(1)(B)(ii) is amended by
striking ``, (5), and (7)'' and inserting ``and (5)''.
(e) Treatment of Collectibles.--
(1) In general.--Section 1222 is amended by inserting after
paragraph (11) the following new paragraph:
``(12) Special rule for collectibles.--
``(A) In general.--Any gain or loss from the sale
or exchange of a collectible shall be treated as a
short-term capital gain or loss (as the case may be),
without regard to the period such asset was held. The
preceding sentence shall apply only to the extent the
gain or loss is taken into account in computing taxable
income.
``(B) Treatment of certain sales of interests in
partnerships, etc.--For purposes of subparagraph (A),
any gain from the sale or exchange of an interest in a
partnership, S corporation, or trust which is
attributable to unrealized appreciation in the value of
collectibles held by such entity shall be treated as
gain from the sale or exchange of a collectible. Rules
similar to the rules of section 751(f) shall apply for
purposes of the preceding sentence.
``(C) Collectible.--For purposes of this paragraph,
the term `collectible' means any capital asset which is
a collectible (as defined in section 408(m) without
regard to paragraph (3) thereof).''
(2) Charitable deduction not affected.--
(A) Paragraph (1) of section 170(e) is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new sentence:
``For purposes of this paragraph, section 1222 shall be
applied without regard to paragraph (12) thereof
(relating to special rule for collectibles).''
(B) Clause (iv) of section 170(b)(1)(C) is amended
by inserting before the period at the end thereof the
following: ``and section 1222 shall be applied without
regard to paragraph (12) thereof (relating to special
rule for collectibles)''.
(f) Technical and Conforming Changes.--
(1) Section 1 is amended by striking subsection (h).
(2) Subparagraph (E) of section 163(d)(4) is amended to
read as follows:
``(E) Coordination with capital gains deduction.--
The net capital gain taken into account under section
1203 for any taxable year shall be reduced (but not
below zero) by the amount which the taxpayer takes into
account as investment income under subparagraph
(B)(iii) for such year.''
(3) Paragraph (1) of section 170(e) is amended by striking
``the amount of gain'' in the material following subparagraph
(B)(ii) and inserting ``62 percent (100 percent in the case of
a corporation) of the amount of gain''.
(4) Subparagraph (B) of section 172(d)(2) is amended to
read as follows:
``(B) the exclusion under section 1202 and the
deduction under section 1203 shall not be allowed.''
(5) The last sentence of section 453A(c)(3) is amended by
striking all that follows ``long-term capital gain,'' and
inserting ``the maximum rate on net capital gain under section
1201 or the deduction under section 1203 (whichever is
appropriate) shall be taken into account.''
(6)(A) Section 641(d)(2)(A) is amended by striking ``Except
as provided in section 1(h), the'' and inserting ``The''.
(B) Section 641(d)(2)(C) is amended by inserting after
clause (iii) the following new clause:
``(iv) The deduction under section 1203.''
(7) Paragraph (4) of section 642(c) is amended to read as
follows:
``(4) Adjustments.--To the extent that the amount otherwise
allowable as a deduction under this subsection consists of gain
from the sale or exchange of capital assets held for more than
1 year, proper adjustment shall be made for any exclusion
allowable under section 1202 and any deduction allowable under
section 1203 to the estate or trust. In the case of a trust,
the deduction allowed by this subsection shall be subject to
section 681 (relating to unrelated business income).''
(8) Section 642 is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(j) Capital Gains Deduction.--The deduction under section 1203 to
an estate or trust shall be computed by excluding the portion (if any)
of the gains for the taxable year which is includible by the income
beneficiaries under sections 652 and 662 (relating to inclusions of
amounts in gross income of beneficiaries of trusts) as gain derived
from the sale or exchange of capital assets.''
(9) The last sentence of section 643(a)(3) is amended to
read as follows: ``The exclusion under section 1202 and the
deduction under section 1203 shall not be taken into account.''
(10) Subparagraph (C) of section 643(a)(6) is amended by
inserting ``(i)'' before ``there shall'' and by inserting
before the period ``, and (ii) the deduction under section 1203
(relating to capital gains deduction) shall not be taken into
account''.
(11) Paragraph (4) of section 691(c) is amended by striking
``1(h),'' and by inserting ``1203,'' after ``1202,''.
(12) The second sentence of paragraph (2) of section 871(a)
is amended by striking ``section 1202'' and inserting
``sections 1202 and 1203''.
(13)(A) Paragraph (2) of section 904(b) is amended by
striking subparagraphs (A) and (C), by redesignating
subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (A), and by inserting after
subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated) the following new
subparagraph:
``(B) Other taxpayers.--In the case of a taxpayer
other than a corporation, taxable income from sources
outside the United States shall include gain from the
sale or exchange of capital assets only to the extent
of foreign source capital gain net income.''
(B) Subparagraph (A) of section 904(b)(2), as so
redesignated, is amended--
(i) by striking all that precedes clause (i) and
inserting the following:
``(A) Corporations.--In the case of a corporation--
'', and
(ii) by striking in clause (i) ``in lieu of
applying subparagraph (A),''.
(C) Paragraph (3) of section 904(b) is amended by striking
subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) Rate differential portion.--The rate
differential portion of foreign source net capital
gain, net capital gain, or the excess of net capital
gain from sources within the United States over net
capital gain, as the case may be, is the same
proportion of such amount as the excess of the highest
rate of tax specified in section 11(b) over the
alternative rate of tax under section 1201(a) bears to
the highest rate of tax specified in section 11(b).''
(14) Paragraph (1) of section 1402(i) is amended by
inserting ``, and the deduction provided by section 1203 shall
not apply'' before the period at the end thereof.
(15) Paragraph (1) of section 1445(e) is amended by
striking ``20 percent'' and inserting ``24.5 percent''.
(16)(A) The second sentence of section 7518(g)(6)(A) is
amended--
(i) by striking ``during a taxable year to which
section 1(h) or 1201(a) applies'', and
(ii) by striking ``20 percent'' and inserting
``24.5 percent''.
(B) The second sentence of section 607(h)(6)(A) of the
Merchant Marine Act, 1936, is amended--
(i) by striking ``during a taxable year to which
section 1(h) or 1201(a) of such Code applies'', and
(ii) by striking ``20 percent'' and inserting
``24.5 percent''.
(g) Clerical Amendment.--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. 1203. Capital gains deduction.''
(h) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, the amendments made by this section shall apply to
taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998.
(2) Withholding.--The amendments made by subsection (f)(15)
shall apply only to amounts paid after December 31, 1998.
(3) Repeal of election.--Section 311 of the Taxpayer Relief
Act of 1997 is amended by striking subsection (e).
(4) Coordination with prior transition rule.--Any amount
treated as long-term capital gain by reason of paragraph (3) of
section 1122(h) of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 shall not be
taken into account for purposes of applying section 1203 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section). | Capital Gains Tax Simplification Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, if for any taxable year a non-corporate taxpayer has a net capital gain, 38 percent of such gain shall be a deduction from gross income regardless of whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions. Makes such deduction inapplicable to the alternative minimum tax. Revises provisions concerning the maximum and the regular tax on net capital gain for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
Repeals the tax preference for exclusion for gains on the sale of certain small business stock.
Treats, as a general rule, any gain or loss from the sale or exchange of a collectible as a short-term gain or loss without regard to the period the asset was held.
Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, with respect to maximum capital gains rates for individuals, to repeal the allowance of an election to recognize gain on assets held on January 1, 2001. | Capital Gains Tax Simplification Act of 1998 |
SECTION 1. NOTIFICATION TO CONSUMERS OF FOOD PRODUCTS PRODUCED ON LAND
ON WHICH SEWAGE SLUDGE HAS BEEN APPLIED.
(a) Adulterated Food Under Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.--
Section 402 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 342)
is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(h)(1) Effective one year after the date of the enactment of this
subsection, if it is a food (intended for human consumption and offered
for sale) that was produced, or contains any ingredient that was
produced, on land on which sewage sludge was applied, unless--
``(A) the application of sewage sludge to the land
terminated more than one year before the date on which the
production of the food or ingredient on the land commenced;
``(B) the food bears a label that clearly indicates that
the food, or an ingredient of the food, was produced on land on
which sewage sludge was applied; or
``(C) in the case of a raw agricultural commodity or other
food generally offered for sale without labeling, a sign is
posted within close proximity of the food to notify consumers
that the food, or an ingredient of the food, was produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied.''.
(b) Adulterated Food Under Egg Products Inspection Act.--Section
4(a) of the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1033(a)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (7);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (8) and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(9) effective one year after the date of the enactment of
this paragraph, if it is derived from poultry that were raised,
or that consumed animal feed produced, on land on which sewage
sludge was applied, unless--
``(A) the application of sewage sludge to the land
terminated more than one year before the date on which
the poultry began to be raised on the land or the date
on which the production of the animal feed on the land
commenced; or
``(B) the container bears a label that clearly
indicates that the egg or egg product was derived from
poultry that--
``(i) were raised on land on which sewage
sludge was applied; or
``(ii) consumed animal feed produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied.''.
(c) Adulterated Food Under Federal Meat Inspection Act.--Section
1(m) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601(m)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (8);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (9) and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(10) effective one year after the date of the enactment
of this paragraph, if it is derived from livestock that grazed,
or consumed animal feed produced, on land on which sewage
sludge was applied, unless--
``(A) the application of sewage sludge to the land
terminated more than one year before the date on which
the livestock began grazing on the land or the date on
which the production of the animal feed on the land
commenced;
``(B) the carcass, part thereof, meat or meat food
product bears a label that clearly indicates that the
livestock--
``(i) grazed on land on which sewage sludge
was applied; or
``(ii) consumed animal feed produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied; or
``(C) in the case of a carcass, part thereof, meat
or meat food product generally offered for sale without
labeling, a sign is posted within close proximity of
the item to notify consumers that the livestock--
``(i) grazed on land on which sewage sludge
was applied; or
``(ii) consumed animal feed produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied.''.
(d) Adulterated Food Under Poultry Products Inspection Act.--
Section 4(g) of the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 453(g)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (7);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (8) and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(9) effective one year after the date of the enactment of
this paragraph, if it is derived from poultry that were raised,
or that consumed animal feed produced, on land on which sewage
sludge was applied, unless--
``(A) the application of sewage sludge to the land
terminated more than one year before the date on which
the poultry began to be raised on the land or the date
on which the production of the animal feed on the land
commenced;
``(B) the poultry product bears a label that
clearly indicates that the poultry contained in the
product--
``(i) were raised on land on which sewage
sludge was applied; or
``(ii) consumed animal feed produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied; or
``(C) in the case of a poultry product generally
offered for sale without labeling, a sign is posted
within close proximity of the item to notify consumers
that the poultry contained in the product--
``(i) were raised on land on which sewage
sludge was applied; or
``(ii) consumed animal feed produced on
land on which sewage sludge was applied.''.
(e) Special Rules for Organic Foods.--
(1) Crop production.--Section 2109 of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6508) is amended by adding at
the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Use of Sewage Sludge.--Notwithstanding section 402(h) of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 342(h)) and section
4(a)(9) of the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1033(a)(9)),
foods labeled `100 percent organic', `organic', or `made with organic
ingredients' may not be produced using sewage sludge.''.
(2) Animal production.--Section 2110 of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6509) is amended by adding at
the end the following new subsection:
``(h) Use of Sewage Sludge.--Notwithstanding section 1(m)(10) of
the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601(m)(10)) and section
4(g)(9) of the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 453(g)(9)), any
livestock that is to be slaughtered and sold or labeled as `organically
produced' or that is to be used in the production of foods labeled `100
percent organic', `organic', or `made with organic ingredients' may not
be raised using sewage sludge.''. | Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to deem food, eggs, egg products, meat, meat products, and poultry products adulterated if they are produced, or are from poultry or livestock that consumed feed produced, on land on which sewage sludge was applied unless certain requirements are met. Prohibits labeling such food as organic if sewage sludge was used to produce such food. | To amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the egg, meat, and poultry inspection laws to ensure that consumers receive notification regarding food products produced from crops, livestock, or poultry raised on land on which sewage sludge was applied. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Infant Crib Safety Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The disability and death of infants resulting from
injuries sustained in crib incidents are a serious threat to
the public health, welfare, and safety of people of this
country.
(2) The design and construction of a baby crib must ensure
that it is safe to leave an infant unattended for extended
periods of time. A parent or caregiver has a right to believe
that the crib in use is a safe place to leave an infant.
(3) Each year about 12,400 children are injured in cribs
seriously enough to require emergency room treatment.
(4) Each year at least 43 children under the age of 4 die
from injuries sustained in cribs.
(5) The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that
the cost to society resulting from deaths due to cribs is at
least $150,000,000 per year.
(6) Secondhand, hand-me-down, and heirloom cribs pose a
special problem. There are nearly 4 million infants born in
this country each year, but only an estimated one million to
two million new cribs sold. Many infants are placed in
secondhand, hand-me-down, or heirloom cribs.
(7) Most crib deaths occur in secondhand, hand-me-down, or
heirloom cribs.
(8) Existing State and Federal legislation is inadequate to
deal with the hazard presented by secondhand, hand-me-down, or
heirloom cribs.
(9) Prohibiting the contracting to sell, resell, lease,
sublease of unsafe cribs that are not new, or otherwise place
in the stream of commerce unsafe secondhand, hand-me-down, or
heirloom cribs, will prevent injuries and deaths caused by
cribs.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to prevent the occurrence
of injuries and deaths to infants as a result of unsafe cribs by making
it unlawful--
(1) to manufacture, sell, or contract to sell any crib that
is unsafe for any infant using it; or
(2) to resell, lease, sublet, or otherwise place in the
stream of commerce, after the effective date of this Act, any
unsafe crib, particularly any unsafe secondhand, hand-me-down,
or heirloom crib.
SEC. 3. REQUIREMENTS FOR CRIBS.
(a) Manufacture and Sale of Cribs.--It shall be unlawful for any
commercial user to manufacture, sell, resell, lease, or otherwise place
in the stream of commerce, any full-size or nonfull-size crib that--
(1) was manufactured before 1999;
(2) does not conform to the safety standards described in
subsection (c); or
(3) has any missing, loose, or broken components.
(b) Provision of Cribs by Lodging Facilities.--It shall be unlawful
for any hotel, motel, or similar transient lodging facility to offer or
provide for use or otherwise place in the stream of commerce, on or
after the effective date of this Act, any full-size crib or nonfull-
size crib that--
(1) was manufactured before 1999;
(2) does not conform to the safety standards described in
subsection (c); or
(3) has any missing, loose, or broken components.
(c) Crib Safety Standards.--A full-size or nonfull-size crib that
is not in compliance with the following safety standards shall be
considered to be a banned hazardous product under section 8 of the
Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2057):
(1) Part 1508 of title 16 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (requirements for full-size baby cribs).
(2) Part 1509 of title 16 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (requirements for nonfull-size baby cribs).
(3) American Society for Testing Materials F406-07 Standard
Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full Size Baby Cribs/Play
Yards.
(4) American Society for Testing Materials F1169 Standard
Specification for Full-Size Baby Crib.
(5) American Society for Testing and Materials F966-00
Consumer Safety Specification for Full-Size and Non-Full Size
Baby Crib Corner Post Extensions.
(6) Part 1303 of title 16 of the Code of Federal
Regulations.
(7) Any amendments to the above regulations or standards or
any other regulations or standards that are adopted in order to
amend or supplement the regulations or standards described in
paragraphs (1) through (6).
The Consumer Product Safety Commission shall have the power to enforce
the provisions of this section in the same manner that the Commission
enforces rules declaring products to be banned hazardous products.
(d) Exception.--These requirements shall not apply to a full-size
crib or nonfull-size crib that is not intended for use by an infant,
including a toy or display item, if at the time it is manufactured,
made subject to a contract to sell or resell, leased, or otherwise
placed in the stream of commerce, as applicable, it is accompanied by a
notice to be furnished by each commercial user declaring that the crib
is not intended to be used for an infant and is dangerous to use for an
infant.
SEC. 4. DURABILITY TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR CRIBS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission shall begin a rulemaking to revise
parts 1508 and 1509 of title 16, Code of Federal Regulations, to--
(1) include the safety requirements specified in paragraphs
(3) through (5) of section 3(c), or any successor standards
thereto; and
(2) address any potential hazards due to durability
exhibited by cribs and play yards, taking into consideration--
(A) the Underwriters Laboratories standard UL-2275
for full-size baby cribs; and
(B) the standards set forth in the Cribs and Cradle
Regulations established by the Department of Justice of
Canada, issued September 11, 1986 (SOR/86-962).
SEC. 5. SOFT BEDDING WARNING LABELS.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission shall promulgate a consumer product
safety rule pursuant to section 7 of the Consumer Product Safety Act
(15 U.S.C. 2056) to require that all cribs manufactured and introduced
into interstate commerce contain a warning label affixed to the crib in
a conspicuous location warning consumers against the use of soft
bedding for infants placed in the crib, including bumper pads, quilts,
blankets, pillows, and sleep positioners.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) Commercial user.--
(A) The term ``commercial user'' means--
(i) any person who manufactures, sells, or
contracts to sell full-size cribs or nonfull-
size cribs; or
(ii) any person who--
(I) deals in full-size or nonfull-
size cribs that are not new or who
otherwise by one's occupation holds
oneself out as having knowledge or
skill peculiar to full-size cribs or
nonfull-size cribs, including child
care facilities and family child care
homes; or
(II) is in the business of
contracting to sell or resell, lease,
sublet, or otherwise placing in the
stream of commerce full-size cribs or
nonfull-size cribs that are not new.
(B) The term ``commercial user'' does not mean an
individual who sells a used crib at a one-time private
sale.
(2) Crib.--The term ``crib'' means a full-size crib or
nonfull-size crib.
(3) Full-size crib.--The term ``full-size crib'' means a
full-size baby crib as defined in section 1508.1 of title 16 of
the Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) Infant.--The term ``infant'' means any person less than
35 inches tall or less than 2 years of age.
(5) Nonfull-size crib.--The term ``nonfull-size crib''
means a nonfull-size baby crib as defined in section 1509.2(b)
of title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations (including a
portable crib and a crib-pen described in paragraph (2) of
subsection (b) of that section).
(6) Sleep positioner.--The term ``sleep positioner'' means
any wedge, roll, prop, or pillow designed to encourage one
position during sleep.
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The requirements of section 3 of this Act shall be effective 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act | Infant Crib Safety Act - Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to make it unlawful for any commercial user to manufacture, sell, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce any full-size or nonfull-size crib which was made before 1999, does not conform to the standards of this Act, or has any missing, loose, or broken components.
Makes it unlawful for any hotel, motel, or similar lodging facility to offer or provide such a crib.
Considers to be a banned hazardous product under the Consumer Product Safety Act any crib which does not conform to specified regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations and standards of the American Society for Testing Materials, unless labeled as not intended to be used for, and dangerous to, an infant.
Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to begin a rulemaking to include the requirements of the American Society for Testing Materials standards and to address any hazards due to crib and play yard durability.
Requires the CPSC to promulgate a consumer product safety rule to require that cribs manufactured and introduced into interstate commerce contain a label warning consumers against the use of soft bedding.
Includes in the definition of commercial user any person who manufactures or sells cribs or, by his or her occupation holds himself or herself out as having knowledge or skill peculiar to cribs, including child care facilities and family child care homes. Excludes from that definition an individual who sells a used crib at a one-time private sale. | To provide for infant crib safety, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. was born on October 8, 1941,
in Greenville, South Carolina.
(2) In 1965 Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. joined the civil rights
movement full-time, beginning his activism as a student leader
in the sit-in movement and continuing as a young organizer for
the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as an assistant to
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(3) On June 30, 1968, Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. became an
ordained minister, having attended the Chicago Theological
Seminary.
(4) Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. served as the national director
for Operation Breadbasket and, in 1971 in Chicago, Illinois,
founded People United to Save Humanity, known as PUSH.
(5) In 1984 Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. founded the National
Rainbow Coalition, a national social justice organization
devoted to political empowerment and to expanding educational
and employment opportunities for disadvantaged people and for
communities of color.
(6) In 1996 Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. merged the National
Rainbow Coalition and PUSH to continue the philosophies of both
organizations and to maximize their resources.
(7) Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is, and has been for more than 30
years, one of the foremost political figures in the United
States, playing a pivotal role in virtually every movement for
human rights, civil rights, peace, gender equality,
empowerment, and economic and social justice.
(8) Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. has been and continues to be
counted on to serve as a champion and spokesman for a segment
of the population whose voices all too often are not heard.
(9) Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. has been called the ``conscience
of the Nation'' and the ``great unifier'', challenging the
United States to establish just and humane priorities.
(10) Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. has led a myriad of successful
delegations, marches, and missions for justice, peace, and
reconciliation.
(11) Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is a highly respected world
leader who has acted on many occasions as an international
diplomat.
(12) In 1984 Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. secured the release of a
captured Navy pilot, Lieutenant Robert Goodman, who was shot
down over Lebanon. He also negotiated the release of 22
Americans and 26 Cubans in Cuba during 1984.
(13) In 1990 Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. won the release of
hundreds of foreign nationals, including 47 Americans, being
held in Iraq and Kuwait by Saddam Hussein.
(14) In October 1997 Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. was appointed by
President William Jefferson Clinton and by Secretary of State
Madeleine K. Albright as the Special Envoy of the President and
the Secretary of State for the Promotion of Democracy in
Africa.
(15) On May 2, 1999, Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. obtained the
negotiated release of Army Specialist Steven M. Gonzales and
Staff Sergeants Christopher J. Stone and Andrew Ramirez, 3
United States soldiers who had spent 32 days in captivity in
Yugoslavia as prisoners of war and hostages.
(16) Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. has dedicated his life to the
principles of freedom, peace, justice, international good will,
and the struggle for civil rights and equality for Americans
and for all peoples, at home and abroad.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Presentation Authorized.--The President is authorized to
present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of appropriate design
to Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. in recognition of his outstanding and enduring
contributions to the Nation.
(b) Design and Striking.--For the purpose of the presentation
referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury shall
strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions,
to be determined by the Secretary.
(c) Authorization of Appropriation.--Effective February 1, 1999,
there are authorized to be appropriated $30,000 to carry out this
section.
SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
(a) Striking and Sale.--The Secretary of the Treasury may strike
and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal struck under section 2
under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, at a price
sufficient to cover the cost thereof, including labor, materials, dies,
use of machinery, and overhead expenses, and the cost of the gold
medal.
(b) Reimbursement of Appropriation.--The appropriation used to
carry out section 2 shall be reimbursed out of the proceeds of sales
under subsection (a).
SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS.
The medals struck under this Act are national medals for purposes
of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code. | Authorizes the President to present to Jesse L. Jackson, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to the Nation.
Authorizes appropriations. | To authorize the President to award a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to the Nation. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Alaska Native Veterans Land
Allotment Equity Act''.
SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION REGARDING OCCUPANCY OF NATIVE ALLOTMENTS IN
NATIONAL FORESTS.
Section 18(a) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C.
1617(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(a) No Native'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) Revocation.--
``(1) In general.--No Native'';
(2) in the second sentence, by striking ``Further, the''
and inserting the following:
``(2) Repeal.--The'';
(3) in the third sentence, by striking ``Notwithstanding
the foregoing provisions of this section, any'' and inserting
the following:
``(3) Applications for allotment.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (1)
and (2), any''; and
(4) in paragraph (3) (as designated by paragraph (3)), by
adding at the end the following:
``(B) Certain applications approved.--Any allotment
application pending before the Department of the
Interior on December 18, 1971, that was closed by the
Department pursuant to the civil action styled `Shields
v. United States' (698 F.2d 987 (9th Cir. 1983), cert.
denied (104 S. Ct. 73 (1983))) shall be reopened and
considered to be approved pursuant to this
paragraph.''.
SEC. 3. OPEN SEASON FOR CERTAIN ALASKA NATIVE VETERANS FOR ALLOTMENTS.
Section 41 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C.
1629g) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``In
General'' and inserting ``Alaska Native Veteran
Allotments'';
(B) by striking paragraphs (1) through (4) and
inserting the following:
``(1) Allotments.--
``(A) Eligible recipients.--Any person described in
paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) shall be
eligible to receive an allotment under the Act of May
17, 1906 (34 Stat. 197, chapter 2469) (as in effect
before December 18, 1971), of not more than 2 parcels
of Federal land, the total area of which shall not
exceed 160 acres. Any person described in paragraph (1)
and (2) of subsection (b) who, prior to the date on
which the Secretary promulgates regulations pursuant to
section 4 of the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment
Equity Act, received an allotment that has a total area
of less than 160 acres shall be eligible to receive an
allotment under the Act of May 17, 1906 (34 Stat. 197,
chapter 2469) (as in effect before December 18, 1971),
of not more than 1 parcel of Federal land, the total
area of which shall not exceed the difference in acres
between 160 acres and the total area of the allotment
that the person previously received under the Act.
``(B) Filing deadline.--An allotment shall be filed
for an eligible recipient not later than 3 years after
the date on which the Secretary promulgates regulations
pursuant to section 4 of the Alaska Native Veterans
Land Allotment Equity Act.
``(2) Land available for allotments.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (C), an
allotment under this section shall be selected from
land that is--
``(i)(I) vacant; and
``(II) owned by the United States;
``(ii) selected by, or conveyed to, the
State of Alaska, if the State voluntarily
relinquishes or conveys to the United States
the land for the allotment; or
``(iii) selected by, or conveyed to, a
Native Corporation, if the Native Corporation
voluntarily relinquishes or conveys to the
United States the land for the allotment.
``(B) Relinquishment by native corporation.--If a
Native Corporation relinquishes land under subparagraph
(A)(iii), the Native Corporation may select appropriate
Federal land, as determined by the Secretary, the area
of which is equal to the area of the land relinquished
by the Native Corporation, to replace the relinquished
land.
``(C) Exclusions.--An allotment under this section
shall not be selected from land that is located
within--
``(i) a right-of-way of the TransAlaska
Pipeline;
``(ii) an inner or outer corridor of such a
right-of-way; or
``(iii) a unit of the National Park System,
a National Preserve, or a National Monument.
``(3) Alternative allotments.--A person described in
paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) who qualifies for an
allotment under this section on land described in paragraph
(2)(C) may select an alternative allotment from land that is--
``(A) located within the boundaries of land
described in paragraph (2)(C);
``(B)(i)(I) withdrawn under section 11(a)(1)(C);
and
``(II) not selected, or relinquished after
selection, under section 11(a)(3);
``(ii) contiguous to an outer boundary of land
withdrawn under section 11(a)(1)(C); or
``(iii) vacant, unappropriated, and unreserved; and
``(C) not a unit of the National Park System, a
National Preserve, or a National Monument.''; and
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as
paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively;
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (B)
and inserting the following:
``(B) is a veteran who served during the period beginning
on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975.'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Deceased persons.--If an individual who would
otherwise have been eligible for an allotment under this
section dies before applying for an allotment, an heir of the
person may apply for, and receive, an allotment under this
section, on behalf of the estate of the person.''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
following:
``(3) Limitations.--No person who received an allotment or
has a pending allotment under the Act of May 17, 1906, may
receive an allotment under this section, other than--
``(A) an heir who applies for, and receives, an
allotment on behalf of the estate of a deceased person
under paragraph (2); and
``(B) a person who, prior to the date on which the
Secretary promulgates regulations pursuant to section 4
of the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity
Act, received an allotment under the Act of May 17,
1906 (34 Stat. 197, chapter 2469), that has a total
area of less than 160 acres.'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(f) and (g), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Approval of Allotments.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to any valid right in existence
on the date of enactment of the Alaska Native Veterans Land
Allotment Equity Act, and except as provided in paragraph (3),
not later than December 31, 2020, the Secretary shall--
``(A) approve any application for an allotment
filed in accordance with subsection (a); and
``(B) issue a certificate of allotment under such
terms, conditions, and restrictions as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(2) Notification.--Not later than December 31, 2017, on
receipt of an application for an allotment under this section,
the Secretary shall provide to any person or entity that has an
interest in land described in subsection (a)(2) that is
potentially adverse to the interest of the applicant a notice
of the right of the person or entity, by not later than 90 days
after the date of receipt of the notice--
``(A) to initiate a private contest of the
allotment; or
``(B) to file a protest against the allotment in
accordance with procedures established by the
Secretary.
``(3) Action by secretary.--If a private contest or protest
relating to an application for an allotment is initiated or
filed under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall not issue a
certificate for the allotment under paragraph (1)(B) until a
final determination has been made with respect to the private
contest or protest.
``(e) Reselection.--A person that selected an allotment under this
section may withdraw that selection and reselect land in accordance
with this section after the date of enactment of the Alaska Native
Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act, if the land originally selected--
``(1) was selected before the date of enactment of the
Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act; and
``(2) as of the date of enactment of that Act, was not
conveyed to the person.''; and
(5) by striking subsection (f), as designated by paragraph
(3) and inserting:
``(f) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section:
``(1) The term `veteran' means a person who served in the
active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged
or released therefrom.
``(2) The term `Vietnam era' has the meaning given the term
by paragraph (29) of section 101 of title 38.''.
SEC. 4. REGULATIONS.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of the Interior shall promulgate, after consultation with
Alaska Native organizations, final regulations to carry out the
amendments made by this Act. During the consultation process, the
Secretary shall, in coordination with Alaska Native organizations and
to the greatest extent possible, identify persons who are eligible to
receive an allotment under section 3 of this Act. Upon promulgation of
the final regulations, the Secretary shall contact each of these
persons directly to provide an explanation of the process by which the
person may apply for an allotment under section 3 of this Act. | Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to declare that any allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, that was closed by Interior pursuant to the civil action Shields v. United States shall be reopened and considered to be approved. (Sec. 3) The bill revises the eligibility of Alaska Native Vietnam veterans for an allotment. Eligibility for allotments is extended to veterans who served between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975. Eligible persons may file for allotments of up to two parcels of federal land (as under current law) totaling up to 160 acres. The bill eliminates the limitation of these allotments to lands that were vacant, unappropriated, and unreserved on the date when the person eligible for the allotment first used and occupied them. Allotments may be selected from vacant federal lands or lands that have been selected by or conveyed to the state of Alaska or a Native corporation, if the state or corporation voluntarily relinquishes or conveys the land to the United States for allotment. The lands excluded from allotment are revised to: (1) lands in the right-of-way of the TransAlaska Pipeline; (2) the inner or outer corridor of such a right-of-way; or (3) a unit of the National Park System, a National Preserve, or a National Monument. The heir of a deceased eligible veteran, regardless of the cause of death, may apply for and receive an allotment. Persons who made an allotment selection under ANCSA and were not conveyed the allotment before enactment of this bill may reselect land. | Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly
Consumers Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR ELDERLY CONSUMERS.
(a) In General.--The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department
of Labor shall prepare and publish an index for each calendar month to
be known as the ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers'' that
indicates changes over time in expenditures for consumption which are
typical for individuals in the United States who are 62 years of age or
older.
(b) Effective Date.--Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to
calendar months ending on or after July 31 of the calendar year
following the calendar year in which this Act is enacted.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of
this section.
SEC. 3. COMPUTATION OF COST-OF-LIVING INCREASES.
(a) Amendments to Title II.--
(1) In general.--Section 215(i) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 415(i)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(G), by inserting before the
period the following: ``, and, solely with respect to
any monthly insurance benefit payable under this title
to an individual who has attained age 62, effective for
adjustments under this subsection to the primary
insurance amount on which such benefit is based (or to
any such benefit under section 227 or 228) occurring
after such individual attains such age, the applicable
Consumer Price Index shall be deemed to be the Consumer
Price Index for Elderly Consumers and such primary
insurance amount shall be deemed adjusted under this
subsection using such Index''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and by section
9001'' and inserting ``, by section 9001'', and by
inserting after ``1986,'' the following: ``and by
section 3(a) of the Consumer Price Index for Elderly
Consumers Act,''.
(2) Conforming amendments in applicable former law.--
Section 215(i)(1)(C) of such Act, as in effect in December 1978
and applied in certain cases under the provisions of such Act
in effect after December 1978, is amended by inserting before
the period the following: ``, and, solely with respect to any
monthly insurance benefit payable under this title to an
individual who has attained age 62, effective for adjustments
under this subsection to the primary insurance amount on which
such benefit is based (or to any such benefit under section 227
or 228) occurring after such individual attains such age, the
applicable Consumer Price Index shall be deemed to be the
Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers and such primary
insurance amount shall be deemed adjusted under this subsection
using such Index''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1)
shall apply to determinations made with respect to cost-of-
living computation quarters ending on or after September 30 of
the second calendar year following the calendar year in which
this Act is enacted.
(b) Amendments to Title XVIII.--
(1) In general.--Title XVIII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et
seq.) is amended--
(A) in section 1814(i)(2)(B), by inserting ``(i)
for accounting years ending before October 1 of the
second calendar year following the calendar year in
which the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers
Act was enacted,'' after ``for a year is'', and by
inserting after ``fifth month of the accounting year''
the following: ``, and (ii) for accounting years ending
after October 1 of such calendar year, the cap amount
determined under clause (i) for the last accounting
year referred to in such clause, increased or decreased
by the same percentage as the percentage increase or
decrease, respectively, in the medical care expenditure
category (or corresponding category) of the Consumer
Price Index for Elderly Consumers, published by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, from March of such calendar
year to the fifth month of the accounting year'';
(B) in section 1821(c)(2)(C)(ii)(II), by striking
``consumer price index for all urban consumers (all
items; United States city average)'' and inserting
``Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers'';
(C) in section 1833(h)(2)(A)(i), by striking
``Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (United
States city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price
Index for Elderly Consumers'';
(D) in section 1833(i)(2)(C)(i), by striking
``Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (U.S.
city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index
for Elderly Consumers'';
(E) in each of subparagraphs (K), (L), and (M) of
section 1834(a)(14), by striking ``consumer price index
for all urban consumers (U.S. urban average)'' and
inserting ``applicable consumer price index'';
(F) in section 1834(h)(4)(A)(x), by striking
``consumer price index for all urban consumers (United
States city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price
Index for Elderly Consumers'';
(G) in section 1834(l)(3)(B), by striking
``consumer price index for all urban consumers (U.S.
city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index
for Elderly Consumers'';
(H) in section 1839(i)(5)(A)(ii), by striking
``Consumer Price Index (United States city average)''
and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly
Consumers'';
(I) in section 1842(s)(1), by striking ``consumer
price index for all urban consumers (United States city
average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for
Elderly Consumers'';
(J) in each of subparagraphs (D)(ii) and (E)(i)(II)
of section 1860D-14(a)(3) and in each of clauses (i)
and (ii) of section 1860D-14(a)(4)(A), by striking
``consumer price index (all items; U.S. city average)''
and inserting ``Consumer Price Index for Elderly
Consumers'';
(K) in section 1882(p)(11)(C)(ii), by striking
``Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (all
items; U.S. city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer
Price Index for Elderly Consumers'';
(L) in each of clauses (iv) and (vi)(II) of section
1886(h)(2)(E), by striking ``for all urban consumers'';
and
(M) in section 1886(h)(5)(B), by striking
``Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (United
States city average)'' and inserting ``Consumer Price
Index for Elderly Consumers''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1)
shall apply with respect to determinations made for periods
ending after December 31 of the second calendar year following
the calendar year in which this Act was enacted. | Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2009 - Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor to prepare and publish a monthly Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPIEC) that indicates changes over time in expenditures for consumption which are typical for individuals aged 62 years of age or older.
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVIII (Medicare) to use such new CPIEC in the computation of cost-of-living increases for Social Security and Medicare benefits, replacing the CPI for All Urban Consumers (U.S. city average). | To require the establishment of a Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers to compute cost-of-living increases for Social Security and Medicare benefits under titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Cybersecurity Education Enhancement
Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CYBERSECURITY TRAINING PROGRAMS
AND EQUIPMENT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through
the Assistant Secretary of Cybersecurity, shall establish, in
conjunction with the National Science Foundation, a program to award
grants to institutions of higher education (and consortia thereof)
for--
(1) the establishment or expansion of cybersecurity
professional development programs;
(2) the establishment or expansion (or both) of associate
degree programs in cybersecurity; and
(3) the purchase of equipment to provide training in
cybersecurity for either professional development programs or
degree programs.
(b) Roles.--
(1) Department of homeland security.--The Secretary, acting
through the Assistant Secretary and in consultation with the
Director of the National Science Foundation, shall establish
the goals for the program established under this section and
the criteria for awarding grants.
(2) National science foundation.--The Director of the
National Science Foundation shall operate the program
established under this section consistent with the goals and
criteria established under paragraph (1), including soliciting
applicants, reviewing applications, and making and
administering awards. The Director may consult with the
Assistant Secretary in selecting awardees.
(3) Funding.--The Secretary shall transfer to the National
Science Foundation the funds necessary to carry out this
section.
(c) Awards.--
(1) Peer review.--All awards under this section shall be
provided on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
(2) Focus.--In making awards under this section, the
Director shall, to the extent practicable, ensure geographic
diversity and the participation of women and underrepresented
minorities.
(3) Preference.--In making awards under this section, the
Director--
(A) shall give preference to applications submitted
by consortia of institutions, to encourage as many
students and professionals as possible to benefit from
the program established under this section; and
(B) shall give preference to any application
submitted by a consortium of institutions that includes
at least one institution that is eligible to receive
funds under title III or V of the Higher Education Act
of 1965.
(d) Institution of Higher Education Defined.--In this section the
term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001(a)).
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $3,700,000
for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009.
SEC. 3. E-SECURITY FELLOWS PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment of Program.--Subtitle C of title II of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 121 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 226. E-SECURITY FELLOWS PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
fellowship program in accordance with this section for the
purpose of bringing State, local, tribal, and private sector
officials to participate in the work of the National
Cybersecurity Division in order to become familiar with the
Department's stated cybersecurity missions and capabilities,
including but not limited to--
``(A) enhancing Federal, State, local, and tribal
government cybersecurity;
``(B) developing partnerships with other Federal
agencies, State, local, and tribal governments, and the
private sector;
``(C) improving and enhancing public/private
information sharing involving cyber attacks, threats,
and vulnerabilities;
``(D) providing and coordinating incident response
and recovery planning efforts; and
``(E) fostering training and certification.
``(2) Program name.--The program under this section shall
be known as the E-Security Fellows Program.
``(b) Eligibility.--In order to be eligible for selection as a
fellow under the program, an individual must--
``(1) have cybersecurity-related responsibilities; and
``(2) be eligible to possess an appropriate national
security clearance.
``(c) Limitations.--The Secretary--
``(1) may conduct up to 2 iterations of the program each
year, each of which shall be 180 days in duration; and
``(2) shall ensure that the number of fellows selected for
each iteration does not impede the activities of the Division.
``(d) Condition.--As a condition of selecting an individual as a
fellow under the program, the Secretary shall require that the
individual's employer agree to continue to pay the individual's salary
and benefits during the period of the fellowship.
``(e) Stipend.--During the period of the fellowship of an
individual under the program, the Secretary shall, subject to the
availability of appropriations, provide to the individual a stipend to
cover the individual's reasonable living expenses during the period of
the fellowship.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
such Act is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to such
subtitle the following:
``Sec. 226. E-Security Fellows Program.''. | Cybersecurity Education Enhancement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Cybersecurity, to establish a program awarding competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) and consortia of IHEs for: (1) cybersecurity professional development programs; (2) associate degree programs in cybersecurity; and (3) the purchase of equipment to provide training in cybersecurity for professional development and degree programs.
Gives grant priority to consortia of IHEs and such consortia that include IHEs eligible to receive funds under title III (Institutional Aid) or V (Developing Institutions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Authorizes FY2009-FY2010 appropriations for the grant program.
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to establish a DHS Cybersecurity Fellows program to bring state, local, tribal, and private sector officials to participate in the work of the National Cybersecurity Division in order to assist with Department of Homeland Security's stated cybersecurity missions and capabilities.
Urges the House of Representatives to designate a committee to serve as the single, principal point of cybersecurity oversight and review. | To authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a program to award grants to institutions of higher education for the establishment or expansion of cybersecurity professional development programs, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Remote Sensing Applications Act of
2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) although urban land use planning, growth management,
and other functions of State, local, regional, and tribal
agencies are rightfully within their jurisdiction, the Federal
Government can and should play an important role in the
development and demonstration of innovative techniques to
improve comprehensive land use planning and growth management;
(2) the United States is making a major investment in
acquiring remote sensing and other geospatial information from
both governmental and commercial sources;
(3) while much of the data is being acquired for scientific
and national security purposes, it also can have important
applications to help meet societal goals;
(4) it has already been demonstrated that Landsat,
commercial, and other earth observation data can be of enormous
assistance to Federal, State, local, regional, and tribal
agencies for urban land use planning, coastal zone management,
natural and cultural resource management, and disaster
monitoring;
(5) remote sensing, coupled with the emergence of
geographic information systems and satellite-based positioning
information, offers the capability of developing important new
applications of integrated sets of geospatial information to
address societal needs;
(6) the full range of applications of commercial and civil
remote sensing and other forms of geospatial information to
meeting public sector requirements has not been adequately
explored or exploited;
(7) the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992,
Presidential Decision Directive 23 of 1994, the Commercial
Space Act of 1998, and the United States Commercial Remote
Sensing Policy, issued by the President on April 25, 2003, all
support and promote the development of United States commercial
remote sensing capabilities;
(8) many State, local, regional, tribal, and Federal
agencies are unaware of the utility of remote sensing and other
geospatial information for meeting their needs, even when
research has demonstrated the potential applications of that
information;
(9) remote sensing and other geospatial information can be
particularly useful to State, local, regional, and tribal
agencies in the area of urban planning, especially in their
efforts to plan for and manage the impacts of growth,
development, and sprawl, as well as in environmental impact and
disaster relief planning and management;
(10) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in
coordination with other agencies, can play a unique role in
demonstrating how data acquired for scientific purposes, when
combined with other data sources and processing capabilities,
can be applied to assist State, local, regional, and tribal
agencies and the private sector in decisionmaking in such areas
as agriculture, weather forecasting, and forest management; and
(11) in addition, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, in conjunction with other agencies, can play a
unique role in stimulating the development of the remote
sensing and other geospatial information sectors through pilot
projects to demonstrate the value of integrating governmental
and commercial remote sensing data with geographic information
systems and satellite-based positioning data to provide useful
applications products.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(2) the term ``geospatial information'' means knowledge of
the nature and distribution of physical and cultural features
on the landscape based on analysis of data from airborne or
spaceborne platforms or other types and sources of data;
(3) the term ``high resolution'' means resolution better
than five meters; and
(4) the term ``institution of higher education'' has the
meaning given that term in section 101(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
SEC. 4. PILOT PROJECTS TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC SECTOR APPLICATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall establish a program of
grants for competitively awarded pilot projects to explore the
integrated use of sources of remote sensing and other geospatial
information to address State, local, regional, and tribal agency needs.
(b) Preferred Projects.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Administrator shall give preference to projects that--
(1) make use of commercial data sets, including high
resolution commercial satellite imagery and derived satellite
data products, existing public data sets where commercial data
sets are not available or applicable, or the fusion of such
data sets;
(2) integrate multiple sources of geospatial information,
such as geographic information system data, satellite-provided
positioning data, and remotely sensed data, in innovative ways;
(3) include funds or in-kind contributions from non-Federal
sources;
(4) involve the participation of commercial entities that
process raw or lightly processed data, often merging that data
with other geospatial information, to create data products that
have significant value added to the original data; and
(5) taken together demonstrate as diverse a set of public
sector applications as possible.
(c) Opportunities.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator
shall seek opportunities to assist--
(1) in the development of commercial applications
potentially available from the remote sensing industry; and
(2) State, local, regional, and tribal agencies in applying
remote sensing and other geospatial information technologies
for growth management.
(d) Duration.--Assistance for a pilot project under subsection (a)
shall be provided for a period not to exceed 3 years.
(e) Report.--Each recipient of a grant under subsection (a) shall
transmit a report to the Administrator on the results of the pilot
project within 180 days of the completion of that project.
(f) Workshop.--Each recipient of a grant under subsection (a)
shall, not later than 180 days after the completion of the pilot
project, conduct at least one workshop for potential users to
disseminate the lessons learned from the pilot project as widely as
feasible.
(g) Regulations.--The Administrator shall issue regulations
establishing application, selection, and implementation procedures for
pilot projects, and guidelines for reports and workshops required by
this section.
SEC. 5. PROGRAM EVALUATION.
(a) Advisory Committee.--The Administrator shall establish an
advisory committee, consisting of individuals with appropriate
expertise in State, local, regional, and tribal agencies, the
university research community, and the remote sensing and other
geospatial information industry, to monitor the program established
under section 4. The advisory committee shall consult with the Federal
Geographic Data Committee and other appropriate industry
representatives and organizations. Notwithstanding section 14 of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, the advisory committee established
under this subsection shall remain in effect until the termination of
the program under section 4.
(b) Effectiveness Evaluation.--Not later than December 31, 2009,
the Administrator shall transmit to the Congress an evaluation of the
effectiveness of the program established under section 4 in exploring
and promoting the integrated use of sources of remote sensing and other
geospatial information to address State, local, regional, and tribal
agency needs. Such evaluation shall have been conducted by an
independent entity.
SEC. 6. DATA AVAILABILITY.
The Administrator shall ensure that the results of each of the
pilot projects completed under section 4 shall be retrievable through
an electronic, Internet-accessible database.
SEC. 7. EDUCATION.
The Administrator shall establish an educational outreach program
to increase awareness at institutions of higher education and State,
local, regional, and tribal agencies of the potential applications of
remote sensing and other geospatial information.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator
$15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010 to carry out
this Act. | Remote Sensing Applications Act of 2005 - (Sec. 4) Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a program of grants for pilot projects to explore the integrated use of sources of remote sensing and other geospatial information to address State, local, regional, and tribal agency needs. Requires the Administrator, in awarding grants, to give preference to specified types of projects.
Requires the Administrator to seek opportunities to assist: (1) in the development of commercial applications potentially available from the remote sensing industry; and (2) State, local, regional, and tribal agencies in applying remote sensing and geospatial information technologies for growth management.
Limits the provision of assistance for a project to three years. Requires each grant recipient to: (1) report project results to the Administrator; and (2) conduct at least one workshop for potential users to disseminate the lessons learned from the project.
(Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator to establish an advisory committee to monitor the program. Instructs the advisory committee to consult with the Federal Geographic Data Committee and other industry representatives and organizations.
Requires the Administrator to transmit to Congress an independent evaluation of program effectiveness.
(Sec. 6) Directs the Administrator to ensure that project results are retrievable through an Internet-accessible database.
(Sec. 7) Requires the Administrator to establish an educational outreach program to increase awareness at institutions of higher education and State, local, regional, and tribal agencies of the potential applications of remote sensing and geospatial information. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations. | To encourage the development and integrated use by the public and private sectors of remote sensing and other geospatial information, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Infrastructure Improvement
Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Acquisition.--The term ``acquisition'' includes the
addition of land, sites, equipment, structures, facilities, or
rolling stock by purchase, lease-purchase, trade, or donation.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the National
Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States
established by section 3(a).
(3) Construction.--The term ``construction'' means--
(A) the design, planning, and erection of new
infrastructure;
(B) the expansion of existing infrastructure;
(C) the reconstruction of an infrastructure project
at an existing site; and
(D) the installation of initial or replacement
infrastructure equipment.
(4) Infrastructure.--
(A) In general.--The term ``infrastructure'' means
a nonmilitary structure or facility and equipment
associated with that structure or facility.
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``infrastructure''
includes--
(i) a surface transportation facility (such
as a road, bridge, highway, public
transportation facility, and freight and
passenger rail);
(ii) a mass transit facility;
(iii) an airport or airway facility;
(iv) a resource recovery facility;
(v) a water supply and distribution system;
(vi) a wastewater collection, treatment,
and related facility;
(vii) a waterway;
(viii) a dock or port;
(ix) a school building; and
(x) a solid waste disposal facility.
(5) Maintenance.--The term ``maintenance'' means any
regularly scheduled activity, such as a routine repair,
intended to ensure that infrastructure continues to operate
efficiently.
(6) Rehabilitation.--The term ``rehabilitation'' means--
(A) the correction of a deficiency in existing
infrastructure so as to extend the useful life or
improve the effectiveness of the infrastructure;
(B) the modernization or replacement of equipment
of existing infrastructure; and
(C) the modernization of, or replacement of parts
for, rolling stock relating to infrastructure.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known
as the ``National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United
States'' to ensure that the infrastructure of the United States--
(1) meets current and future demand; and
(2) facilitates economic growth.
(b) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 7
members, of whom--
(A) 3 members shall be appointed by the President;
(B) 1 member shall be appointed by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives;
(C) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority
leader of the House of Representatives;
(D) 1 member shall be appointed by the majority
leader of the Senate; and
(E) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority
leader of the Senate.
(2) Qualifications.--Each member of the Commission shall
have experience in 1 or more of the fields of economics, public
administration, civil engineering, public works, and related
design professions, planning, or public investment financing.
(3) Date of appointments.--The members of the Commission
shall be appointed under paragraph (1) not later than 90 days
after the enactment of this Act.
(c) Term; Vacancies.--
(1) Term.--A member shall be appointed for the life of the
Commission.
(2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission--
(A) shall not affect the powers of the Commission;
and
(B) shall be filled, not later than 30 days after
the date on which the vacancy occurs, in the same
manner as the original appointment was made.
(d) Initial Meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date on
which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission
shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.
(e) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson or the majority of the Commission members.
(f) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(g) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.--The Commission shall select
a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the members of the
Commission.
SEC. 4. DUTIES.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than February 15, 2007, the
Commission shall complete a study of all matters relating to
the state of the infrastructure of the United States.
(2) Matters to be studied.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
the Commission shall study such matters as--
(A) the capacity of infrastructure improvements to
sustain current and anticipated economic development,
including long-term economic construction and to
support a sustained and expanding economy;
(B) the age and condition of public infrastructure
(including congestion and changes in the condition of
that infrastructure as compared with preceding years);
(C) the methods used to finance the construction,
acquisition, rehabilitation, and maintenance of public
works improvements (including general obligation bonds,
tax-credit bonds, revenue bonds, user fees, excise
taxes, direct governmental assistance, and private
investment);
(D) any trends or innovations in methods used to
finance that construction, acquisition, rehabilitation,
and maintenance;
(E) investment requirements, by type of facility,
that are necessary to maintain the current condition
and performance of those facilities and the investment
needed to improve those facilities in the future;
(F)(i) the projected historical share of Federal,
State, local, and other government levels of investment
requirements as identified in subparagraph (E); and
(ii) the projected expenditure on infrastructure
facility improvements described in subparagraph (E) by
each level of government;
(G) estimates of the return to the economy from
public works investment;
(H) any trends or innovations in infrastructure
procurement methods; and
(I) any trends or innovations in construction
methods or materials.
(3) Consultation.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Commission shall consult with appropriate stakeholders,
including--
(A) the Secretary of the Army;
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture;
(C) the Secretary of Transportation;
(D) the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency;
(E) the Secretary of Commerce;
(F) the Secretary of Education;
(G) the Secretary of Energy;
(H) the Secretary of the Treasury;
(I) the Secretary of the Interior;
(J) the Administrator of General Services;
(K) associations representing private sector
stakeholders;
(L) associations representing State and local
governments; and
(M) such other individuals and entities as are
determined to be appropriate by the Commission.
(4) Resources; data.--In carrying out paragraph (1), to the
maximum extent practicable, the Commission shall--
(A) use existing studies, data, sampling
techniques, and reports of other commissions; and
(B) if collecting new data under this section, make
every effort to ensure that the data is collected in
consultation with the States so as to ensure that
uniform methods, categories, and analyses are used.
(b) Recommendations.--The Commission shall develop
recommendations--
(1) on a Federal infrastructure plan that will detail
national infrastructure program priorities, including
alternative methods of meeting national infrastructure needs to
effectuate balanced growth and economic development;
(2) on public works improvements and methods of delivering
and providing for public work facilities;
(3) for analysis or criteria and procedures that may be
used by Federal agencies and State and local governments in--
(A) inventorying existing and needed public works
improvements;
(B) assessing the condition of public works
improvements; and
(C) developing uniform criteria and procedures for
use in conducting those inventories and assessments;
and
(4) for proposed guidelines for the uniform reporting, by
Federal agencies, of construction, acquisition, rehabilitation,
and maintenance data with respect to infrastructure
improvements.
(c) Statement and Recommendations.--Not later than February 15,
2007, the Commission shall submit to Congress--
(1) a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of
the Commission; and
(2) the recommendations of the Commission under subsection
(b), including recommendations for such legislation and
administrative actions for 5-, 15-, 30-, and 50-year time
periods as the Commission considers to be appropriate.
SEC. 5. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission shall hold such hearings, meet and
act at such times and places, take such testimony, administer such
oaths, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable
to carry out this Act.
(b) Information From Federal Agencies.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may secure directly from a
Federal agency such information as the Commission considers
necessary to carry out this Act.
(2) Provision of information.--On request of the
Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the Federal agency
shall provide the information to the Commission.
(c) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.
(d) Contracts.--The Commission may enter into contracts with other
entities, including contracts under which 1 or more entities, with the
guidance of the Commission, conduct the study required under section
4(a).
(e) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
agencies of the Federal Government.
SEC. 6. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) Compensation of Members.--A member of the Commission shall
serve without pay, but shall be allowed a per diem allowance for travel
expenses, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away
from the home or regular place of business of the member in the
performance of the duties of the Commission.
(b) Staff.--
(1) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission may,
without regard to the civil service laws, including
regulations, appoint and terminate an executive director and
such other additional personnel as are necessary to enable the
Commission to perform the duties of the Commission.
(2) Confirmation of executive director.--The employment of
an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by a
majority of the members of the Commission.
(3) Compensation.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the Chairperson of the Commission may fix the
compensation of the executive director and other
personnel without regard to the provisions of chapter
51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United
States Code, relating to classification of positions
and General Schedule pay rates.
(B) Maximum rate of pay.--In no event shall any
employee of the Commission (other than the executive
director) receive as compensation an amount in excess
of the maximum rate of pay for Executive Level IV under
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Detail of Federal Government Employees.--
(1) In general.--An employee of the Federal Government may
be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement.
(2) Civil service status.--The detail of a Federal employee
shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status
or privilege.
(d) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--On request
of the Commission, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief
of Engineers, shall provide, on a reimbursable basis, such office
space, supplies, equipment, and other support services to the
Commission and staff of the Commission as are necessary for the
Commission to carry out the duties of the Commission under this Act.
SEC. 7. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE REVIEW.
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the report under
section 4(c) is submitted to Congress by the Commission, the
Congressional Budget Office shall review the report and submit a report
on the results of the review to the Committee on Environment and Public
Works and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives.
SEC. 8. FUNDING.
(a) Fiscal Year 2005.--For fiscal year 2005, from amounts otherwise
made available to the Secretary of the Army for the purpose of civil
works for that fiscal year, the Secretary of the Army shall transfer to
the Commission such amount, not to exceed $2,000,000, as the Commission
may request to carry out this Act.
(b) Future Fiscal Years.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Commission to carry out this Act $1,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2006 and 2007.
SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.
The Commission shall terminate on September 30, 2007. | National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2004 - Establishes the National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States to ensure that U.S. infrastructure meets current and future demand and facilitates economic growth.
Requires the Commission to study the state of U.S. infrastructure, including such matters as: (1) the capacity of infrastructure improvements to sustain economic development; (2) the age and condition of public infrastructure; (3) the methods used to finance the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and maintenance of public works improvements; (4) investment requirements needed to maintain and to improve facilities and the projected share of investment requirements and expenditures on infrastructure facility improvements by Federal, State, and local governments; and (5) estimates of the return to the economy from public works investment.
Directs the Commission to develop recommendations regarding: (1) a Federal infrastructure plan that will detail national infrastructure program priorities; (2) public works improvements and methods of delivering and providing for public work facilities; (3) analysis or criteria and procedures that may be used by Federal agencies and State and local governments in inventorying existing and needed public works improvements, assessing the condition of improvements, and developing uniform criteria and procedures; and (4) proposed guidelines for the uniform reporting by Federal agencies of data regarding infrastructure improvements. | A bill to establish a National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Recreational Fee Authority Act of
2004''.
SEC. 2. RECREATION FEE AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--Beginning on January 1, 2006, the Secretary of the
Interior (``Secretary'') may establish, modify, charge, and collect
fees for admission to a unit of the National Park System and the use of
National Park Service (``Service'') administered areas, lands, sites,
facilities, and services (including reservations) by individuals and/or
groups. Fees shall be based on an analysis by the Secretary of--
(1) the benefits and services provided to the visitor;
(2) the cumulative effect of fees;
(3) the comparable fees charged elsewhere and by other
public agencies and by nearby private sector operators;
(4) the direct and indirect cost and benefit to the
government;
(5) public policy or management objectives served;
(6) economic and administrative feasibility of fee
collection; and
(7) other factors or criteria determined by the Secretary.
(b) Number of Fees.--The Secretary shall establish the minimum
number of fees and shall avoid the collection of multiple or layered
fees for a wide variety of uses, activities or programs.
(c) Analysis.--The results of the analysis together with the
Secretary's determination of appropriate fee levels shall be
transmitted to the Congress at least three months prior to publication
of such fees in the Federal Register. New fees and any increases or
decreases in established fees shall be published in the Federal
Register and no new fee or change in the amount of fees shall take
place until at least 12 months after the date the notice is published
in the Federal Register.
(d) Additional Authorities.--Beginning on January 1, 2006, the
Secretary may enter into agreements, including contracts to provide
reasonable commissions or reimbursements with any public or private
entity for visitor reservation services, fee collection and/or
processing services.
(e) Administration.--The Secretary may provide discounted or free
admission days or use, may modify the National Park Passport,
established pursuant to Public Law 105-391, and shall provide
information to the public about the various fee programs and the costs
and benefits of each program.
(f) State Agency Admission and Special Use Passes.--Effective
January 1, 2006, and notwithstanding the Federal Grants Cooperative
Agreements Act, the Secretary may enter into revenue sharing agreements
with State agencies to accept their annual passes and convey the same
privileges, terms and conditions as offered under the auspices of the
National Park Passport, to State agency annual passes and shall only be
accepted for all of the units of the National Park System within the
boundaries of the State in which the specific revenue sharing agreement
is entered into except where the Secretary has established a fee that
includes a unit or units located in more than one State.
SEC. 3. DISTRIBUTION OF RECEIPTS.
Without further appropriation, all receipts collected pursuant to
the Act or from sales of the National Park Passport shall be retained
by the Secretary and may be expended as follows:
(1) 80 percent of amounts collected at a specific area,
site, or project as determined by the Secretary, shall remain
available for use at the specific area, site or project, except
for those units of the National Park System that participate in
an active revenue sharing agreement with a State under Section
2(f) of this Act, not less than 90 percent of amounts collected
at a specific area, site, or project shall remain available for
use.
(2) The balance of the amounts collected shall remain
available for use by the Service on a Service-wide basis as
determined by the Secretary.
(3) Monies generated as a result of revenue sharing
agreements established pursuant to Section 2(f) may provide for
a fee-sharing arrangement. The Service shares of fees shall be
distributed equally to all units of the National Park System in
the specific States that are parties to the revenue sharing
agreement.
(4) Not less than 50 percent of the amounts collected from
the sale of the National Park Passport shall remain available
for use at the specific area, site, or project at which the
fees were collected and the balance of the receipts shall be
distributed in accordance with paragraph 2 of this Section.
SEC. 4. EXPENDITURES.
(a) Use of Fees at Specific Area, Site, or Project.--Amounts
available for expenditure at a specific area, site or project shall be
accounted for separately and may be used for--
(1) repair, maintenance, facility enhancement, media
services and infrastructure including projects and expenses
relating to visitor enjoyment, visitor access, environmental
compliance, and health and safety;
(2) interpretation, visitor information, visitor service,
visitor needs assessments, monitoring, and signs;
(3) habitat enhancement, resource assessment, preservation,
protection, and restoration related to recreation use; and
(4) law enforcement relating to public use and recreation.
(b) The Secretary may use not more than fifteen percent of total
revenues to administer the recreation fee program including direct
operating or capital costs, cost of fee collection, notification of fee
requirements, direct infrastructure, fee program management costs,
bonding of volunteers, start-up costs, and analysis and reporting on
program accomplishments and effects.
SEC. 5. REPORTS.
On January 1, 2009, and every three years thereafter the Secretary
shall submit to the Congress a report detailing the status of the
Recreation Fee Program conducted in units of the National Park System
including an evaluation of the Recreation Fee Program conducted at each
unit of the National Park System; a description of projects that were
funded, work accomplished, and future projects and programs for funding
with fees, and any recommendations for changes in the overall fee
system.
Passed the Senate May 19, 2004.
Attest:
EMILY J. REYNOLDS,
Secretary. | Recreational Fee Authority Act of 2004 - (Sec. 2) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, beginning on January 1, 2006, to establish, modify, charge, and collect fees for: (1) admission to a unit of the National Park System (NPS); and (2) the use of National Park Service administered areas, lands, sites, facilities, and services by individuals and/or groups.
Requires fees to be based on an analysis of specified factors, including: (1) the benefits and services provided to the visitor; (2) the cumulative effect of fees; (3) the comparable fees charged elsewhere and by other public agencies and by nearby private sector operators; (4) the direct and indirect cost and benefit to the Government; (5) public policy or management objectives served; and (6) economic and administrative feasibility of fee collection.
Directs the Secretary to establish the minimum number of fees and avoid the collection of multiple or layered fees. Requires: (1) the results of the analysis together with the Secretary's determination of appropriate fee levels to be transmitted to Congress at least three months prior to publication of such fees in the Federal Register; and (2) proposed new fees or changes to be published in the Federal Register and prohibits them from taking effect for 12 months after the date the notice is published.
Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into agreements, beginning on January 1, 2006, with public or private entities to provide visitor reservation services and fee collection and/or processing services; (2) provide discounted or free admission days or use, modify the National Park Passport, and provide information to the public about various fee programs and program costs and benefits; and (3) enter into revenue sharing agreements with State agencies, effective January 1, 2006, to accept their annual passes for NPs units within the State.
(Sec. 3) Requires, without further appropriation, all receipts collected pursuant to this Act or from sales of the Passport to be retained by the Secretary and permits expenditure of such sums as follows: (1) 80 percent of amounts collected at a specific area, site, or project (area) shall remain available for use at the specific area, except for those NPS units that participate in an active revenue sharing agreement with a State (in which case not less than 90 percent of amounts collected at a specific area shall remain available for use); (2) the balance of the amounts collected shall remain available for use by the National Park Service on a Service-wide basis; (3) monies generated as a result of revenue sharing agreements may provide for a fee-sharing arrangement (with the Service shares of fees being distributed equally to all NPS units in the specific States that are parties to the agreement); and (4) not less than 50 percent of the amounts collected from the sale of the Passport shall remain available for use at the specific area at which the fees were collected and the balance of the receipts shall be distribution as specified.
(Sec. 4) Provides that amounts available for expenditure at a specific area shall be accounted for separately and may be used for: (1) repair, maintenance, facility enhancement, media services and infrastructure including projects and expenses relating to visitor enjoyment, visitor access, environmental compliance, and health and safety; (2) interpretation, visitor information, visitor service, visitor needs assessments, monitoring, and signs; (3) habitat enhancement, resource assessment, preservation, protection, and restoration related to recreation use; and (4) law enforcement relating to public use and recreation.
Limits the Secretary to using 15 percent of total revenues to administer the recreation fee program including direct operating or capital costs, cost of fee collection, notification of fee requirements, direct infrastructure, fee program management costs, bonding of volunteers, startup costs, and analysis and reporting on program accomplishments and effects.
(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary, on January 1, 2009, and every three years thereafter, to submit to Congress a report detailing the status of the Recreation Fee Program conducted in NPS units, including: (1) an evaluation of the Program conducted at each unit; (2) a description of projects that were funded, work accomplished, and future projects and programs for funding with fees; and (3) any recommendations for changes in the overall fee system. | A bill to enhance the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program for the National Park Service, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Soledad Canyon Settlement Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) City of santa clarita.--The term ``City of Santa
Clarita'' means the City of Santa Clarita, California.
(2) City of victorville.--The term ``City of Victorville''
means the City of Victorville, California.
(3) Contracts.--The term ``contracts'' means the Bureau of
Land Management mineral contracts numbered CA-20139 and CA-
22901.
(4) Contract holder.--The term ``contract holder'' means
the private party to the contracts, and any successors that
hold legal interests in the contracts.
(5) County of san bernardino.--The term ``County of San
Bernardino'' means the County of San Bernardino, California.
(6) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled
``Victorville disposal area, California'' and dated March 2011.
(7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(8) Victorville disposal area.--The term ``Victorville
disposal area'' means the 10,206.05 acres of land identified
for disposal in the West Mojave Land Management Plan (2006) of
the Bureau of Land Management and depicted on the Map.
SEC. 3. APPRAISAL; COMPENSATION TO CONTRACT HOLDER.
(a) Appraisals.--
(1) Contract appraisal.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
determine by mineral appraisal, using the discounted
cash flow method of appraisal (in accordance with the
appraisal guidelines for appraisals of large quantities
of mineral materials contained in section IV(E) of BLM
Mineral Material Appraisal Handbook H-3630)--
(i) the fair market value of the contracts;
and
(ii) the amount of royalties the Federal
Government would receive under the contracts
over the 10-year period beginning on the date
of enactment of this Act.
(B) Considerations.--In making the determination
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall assume
that--
(i) the contract holder has obtained all
the permits and entitlements necessary to mine,
produce, and sell sand and gravel under the
contract; and
(ii) mining operations under the contract
have commenced at the time of the
determination, with maximum annual production
volumes that--
(I) are based on the projected
supply and demand outlook at the time
of determination; and
(II) reflect depletion of the
reserves that are subject to the
contract within the effective periods
of the contract.
(C) Donation.--The Secretary shall provide to the
contract holder and the City of Santa Clarita a list of
approved appraisers from which the parties shall select
and provide the funding to cover the costs of the
appraisal under subparagraph (A).
(2) Land appraisal.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
determine by appraisal standards under existing laws
and regulations, the fair market value of the
Victorville disposal area on a net present value basis.
(B) Donation.--The Secretary shall provide to the
contract holder and the City of Santa Clarita a list of
approved appraisers from which the parties shall select
and provide the funding to cover the costs of the
appraisal under subparagraph (A).
(b) Compensation.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), not later than
30 days after completion of the appraisals under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall offer the contract holder compensation
for the cancellation of the contracts.
(2) Conditions on offer.--An offer made by the Secretary
under paragraph (1) shall be subject to the following
conditions:
(A) The cancellation of the contracts and the
provision of compensation shall be contingent on the
availability of funds from the sale of the Victorville
disposal area under section 4, and any additional
compensation provided under subparagraph (D), as
determined necessary by the Secretary.
(B) The amount of compensation offered by the
Secretary under this subsection shall be equal to or
less than the fair market value of the contracts, as
determined under subsection (a)(1)(A)(i).
(C) The amount of compensation offered by the
Secretary under this subsection shall be equal to or
less than the projected revenues generated by the sale
of the Victorville disposal area under section 4, less
the projected lost royalties to the Federal Government
over the 10-year period beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act, as determined under subsection
(a)(1)(A)(ii).
(D) If the amount of projected revenues described
in subparagraph (C) is less than the fair market value
determined under subsection (a)(1)(A)(i), the Secretary
shall, not later than 60 days after the date on which
the Director of the Bureau of Land Management
determines the projected revenues under subparagraph
(C), negotiate an agreement with the contract holder
and the City of Santa Clarita to provide to the
Secretary amounts equal to the difference, in the form
of--
(i) compensation to be received by the
contract holder; and
(ii) compensation in a form acceptable to
the Secretary to be provided by the City of
Santa Clarita.
(3) Acceptance of offer.--
(A) In general.--The contract holder shall have 60
days from the later of the date on which the Secretary
makes the offer under paragraph (1) or an agreement is
negotiated under paragraph (2)(D) to accept the offer
or agreement.
(B) Failure to accept offer.--If the contract
holder does not accept the offer under paragraph (1) or
if an agreement is not negotiated under paragraph
(2)(D) within the time period described in subparagraph
(A), the contracts shall remain in effect and no
further actions shall taken be taken pursuant to this
Act.
SEC. 4. SALE OF LAND NEAR VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding sections 202 and 203 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713)
and subject to subsections (b) through (f), not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall place on
the market and offer for sale by competitive bidding and in a manner
designed to obtain the highest price possible, all right, title, and
interest of the United States in and to the Victorville disposal area.
(b) Availability of Map.--The Secretary shall keep the Map on file
and available for public inspection in--
(1) the office of the Director of the Bureau of Land
Management; and
(2) the district office of the Bureau of Land Management
located in Barstow, California.
(c) Right of Local Land Use Authority To Purchase Certain Land.--
(1) In general.--Before a sale of land under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall provide to the applicable local land
use authority an exclusive preemptive right, as determined
under State law, to purchase any right, title, or interest of
the United States in and to any portion of the parcels of land
identified as ``Area A'' and ``Area B'' on the Map that is
located within the jurisdiction of the local land use
authority.
(2) Timing.--A preemptive right under paragraph (1) shall
be in effect for a period of 30 days before the land is sold
under subsection (a).
(3) Authority.--During the period described in paragraph
(2), the local land use authority may purchase some or all of
the right, title, and interest of the United States, as
provided in subsection (a), in and to the land to be offered
for sale at fair market value, as determined by an appraisal
conducted by the Secretary.
(4) Exercising right.--If the local land use authority
exercises the preemptive right under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall convey the land to the local land use authority
immediately on payment by the local land use authority of the
entire purchase price of the applicable parcel of land.
(5) Failure to pay.--Failure by the local land use
authority to purchase and pay for the right, title, and
interest of the United States in and to the land described in
paragraph (1) within the time period described in paragraph (2)
and to comply with any other terms and conditions as the
Secretary may require shall terminate the preemptive right of
the local land use authority with respect to the right, title,
and interest offered for sale.
(d) Withdrawal and Reservation.--
(1) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the land
described in subsection (a) is withdrawn from--
(A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the
public land laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining
laws; and
(C) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral
materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
(2) Reservation.--In any sale or other disposal of land
under this section, there shall be reserved by the United
States the right of the United States to prospect for, mine,
and remove minerals from the conveyed land.
(e) Consultation.--In addition to any consultation otherwise
required by law, before initiating efforts to dispose of land under
this section, the Secretary shall consult with the City of Victorville,
the County of San Bernardino, and surface owners in the jurisdiction in
which the land is located regarding the potential impact of the
disposal and other appropriate aspects of the disposal.
(f) Account.--The gross proceeds of a sale of land under subsection
(a) shall be deposited in an account acceptable to the Secretary and
available only for the purposes of carrying out this Act.
SEC. 5. CANCELLATION OF CONTRACTS.
(a) In General.--On completion of the compensation to the contract
holder for the value of each contract in accordance with subsection
(b), the Secretary shall cancel the contracts and withdraw those areas
that were subject to the contracts from further mineral entry under all
mineral leasing and sales authorities available to the Secretary.
(b) Compensation; Cancellation; Retention of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary
shall provide to the contract holder the compensation agreed to
under section 3(b) by disbursement of amounts from the account,
in 4 equal payments, as funds are available;
(2) Cancellation.--
(A) Contract ca-20139.--On completion of the first
2 payments to the contract holder under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall cancel contract CA-20139.
(B) Contract ca-22901.--On completion of the
remaining 2 payments to the contract holder under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall cancel contract CA-
22901.
(3) Retention of funds.--The Secretary shall retain
sufficient funds to cover the projected lost royalties
determined under section 3(a)(1)(A)(ii).
(c) Release and Waiver.--Upon acceptance and receipt of
compensation under subsection (b), the contract holder shall waive all
claims against the United States arising out of, or relating to, the
cancellation of the contracts. | Soledad Canyon Settlement Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to offer to cancel Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mineral contracts CA-20139 and CA-22901 (located in Soledad Canyon, California) and compensate the contract holder for the cancellation with proceeds from the sale of lands near Victorville, California. Withdraws affected areas from mineral leasing. | Soledad Canyon Settlement Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. POSTAL BENEFITS PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the
United States Postal Service, shall provide for a program under which
postal benefits shall be provided to qualified individuals in
accordance with succeeding provisions of this Act.
(b) Qualified Individual.--For purposes of this Act, the term
``qualified individual'' means an individual who is--
(1) a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on
active duty (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United
States Code); and
(2)(A) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan; or
(B) hospitalized at a facility under the jurisdiction of
the Armed Forces of the United States as a result of a disease
or injury incurred as a result of service in Iraq or
Afghanistan.
(c) Postal Benefits Described.--
(1) In general.--The postal benefits provided under this
Act shall consist of such coupons or other similar evidence of
credit (whether in printed, electronic, or other format, and
hereinafter in this Act referred to as ``vouchers'') as the
Secretary of Defense (in consultation with the Postal Service)
shall determine, entitling the bearer or user to make qualified
mailings free of postage.
(2) Qualified mailing.--For purposes of this Act, the term
``qualified mailing'' means the mailing of any mail matter
which--
(A) is described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or
(D) of paragraph (3);
(B) is sent from within an area served by a United
States post office; and
(C) is addressed to a qualified individual.
(3) Mail matter described.--The mail matter described in
this paragraph is--
(A) any letter mail not exceeding 13 ounces in
weight and having the character of personal
correspondence;
(B) any sound- or video-recorded communications not
exceeding 15 pounds in weight and having the character
of personal correspondence;
(C) any ground parcel not exceeding 15 pounds in
weight; and
(D) any bound printed matter not exceeding 15
pounds in weight.
(4) Limitations.--
(A) Number.--An individual shall be eligible for 1
voucher for each month in which such individual is a
qualified individual.
(B) Use.--Any such voucher may not be used--
(i) for more than a single qualified
mailing; or
(ii) after the earlier of--
(I) the expiration date of such
voucher, as designated by the Secretary
of Defense; or
(II) the last day of the 1-year
period referred to in section 4.
(5) Coordination rule.--Postal benefits under this Act
shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any reduced rates
of postage or other similar benefits which might otherwise be
available by or under law, including any rates of postage
resulting from the application of section 3401(b) of title 39,
United States Code.
(d) Regulations.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense (in consultation with
the Postal Service) shall prescribe any regulations necessary to carry
out this Act, including--
(1) procedures by which vouchers will be provided or made
available (including measures to allow vouchers to reach, in a
timely manner, the persons selected by qualified individuals to
use the vouchers); and
(2) procedures to ensure that the number of vouchers
provided or made available with respect to any qualified
individual complies with subsection (c)(4)(A).
SEC. 3. FUNDING.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
Department of Defense a sum determined by the Department of Defense to
be equal to the expenses incurred by the Department in providing the
benefits described in section 2(c).
(b) Transfers to Postal Service.--
(1) Based on estimates.--The Department of Defense shall
transfer to the Postal Service, out of any amount so
appropriated and in advance of each calendar quarter during
which postal benefits under this Act may be used, an amount
equal to the amount of postal benefits that the Department of
Defense estimates will be used during such quarter, reduced or
increased (as the case may be) by any amounts by which the
Department finds that a determination under this Act for a
prior quarter was greater than or less than the amount finally
determined for such quarter.
(2) Based on final determination.--A final determination of
the amount necessary to correct any previous determination
under this section, and any transfer of amounts between the
Postal Service and the Department of Defense based on that
final determination, shall be made not later than 6 months
after the end of the 1-year period referred to in section 4.
(c) Consultation Required.--All estimates and determinations under
this section of the amount of postal benefits under this Act used in
any period shall be made by the Department of Defense in consultation
with the Postal Service.
SEC. 4. DURATION.
The postal benefits under this Act shall apply with respect to mail
matter sent during the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the
regulations under section 2(d) take effect.
Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to provide for free
mailing privileges for personal correspondence and certain
other mail matter sent from within the United States to members
of the Armed Forces serving on active duty in Iraq or
Afghanistan.''. | Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide for a program under which postal benefits are provided to a member of the Armed Forces who is on active duty and who is either: (1) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan; or (2) hospitalized at a military medical facility as a result of such service. Provides the postal benefits in the form of coupons or other evidence of credit (vouchers) to use for postal-free mailings. Limits: (1) the weight of the mail and parcels authorized for the program; (2) a member to one voucher per month; and (3) the program duration to one year after the date of implementing regulations.
Authorizes appropriations. | To amend title 39, United States Code, to provide for free mailing privileges for personal correspondence and parcels sent by family members from within the United States to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``John R. Justice Prosecutors and
Defenders Incentive Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. LOAN REPAYMENT FOR PROSECUTORS AND DEFENDERS.
Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
(42 U.S.C. 3711 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``PART JJ--LOAN REPAYMENT FOR PROSECUTORS AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS
``SEC. 3111. GRANT AUTHORIZATION.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to encourage
qualified individuals to enter and continue employment as prosecutors
and public defenders.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Prosecutor.--The term `prosecutor' means a full-time
employee of a State or local agency who--
``(A) is continually licensed to practice law; and
``(B) prosecutes criminal or juvenile delinquency
cases (or both) at the State or local level, including
an employee who supervises, educates, or trains other
persons prosecuting such cases.
``(2) Public defender.--The term `public defender' means an
attorney who--
``(A) is continually licensed to practice law; and
``(B) is--
``(i) a full-time employee of a State or
local agency who provides legal representation
to indigent persons in criminal or juvenile
delinquency cases (or both), including an
attorney who supervises, educates, or trains
other persons providing such representation;
``(ii) a full-time employee of a nonprofit
organization operating under a contract with a
State or unit of local government, who devotes
substantially all of such full-time employment
to providing legal representation to indigent
persons in criminal or juvenile delinquency
cases (or both), including an attorney who
supervises, educates, or trains other persons
providing such representation; or
``(iii) employed as a full-time Federal
defender attorney in a defender organization
established pursuant to subsection (g) of
section 3006A of title 18, United States Code,
that provides legal representation to indigent
persons in criminal or juvenile delinquency
cases (or both).
``(3) Student loan.--The term `student loan' means--
``(A) a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under
part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.);
``(B) a loan made under part D or E of title IV of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087a et
seq. and 1087aa et seq.); and
``(C) a loan made under section 428C or 455(g) of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078-3 and
1087e(g)) to the extent that such loan was used to
repay a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, a Federal Direct
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a loan made under
section 428 or 428H of such Act.
``(c) Program Authorized.--The Attorney General shall, subject to
the availability of appropriations, establish a program by which the
Department of Justice shall assume the obligation to repay a student
loan, by direct payments on behalf of a borrower to the holder of such
loan, in accordance with subsection (d), for any borrower who--
``(1) is employed as a prosecutor or public defender; and
``(2) is not in default on a loan for which the borrower
seeks forgiveness.
``(d) Terms of Loan Repayment.--
``(1) Borrower agreement.--To be eligible to receive
repayment benefits under subsection (c), a borrower shall enter
into a written agreement with the Attorney General that
specifies that--
``(A) the borrower will remain employed as a
prosecutor or public defender for a required period of
service of not less than 3 years, unless involuntarily
separated from that employment;
``(B) if the borrower is involuntarily separated
from employment on account of misconduct, or
voluntarily separates from employment, before the end
of the period specified in the agreement, the borrower
will repay the Attorney General the amount of any
benefits received by such employee under this section;
and
``(C) if the borrower is required to repay an
amount to the Attorney General under subparagraph (B)
and fails to repay such amount, a sum equal to that
amount shall be recoverable by the Federal Government
from the employee (or such employee's estate, if
applicable) by such methods as are provided by law for
the recovery of amounts owed to the Federal Government.
``(2) Repayment by borrower.--
``(A) In general.--Any amount repaid by, or
recovered from, an individual or the estate of an
individual under this subsection shall be credited to
the appropriation account from which the amount
involved was originally paid.
``(B) Merger.--Any amount credited under
subparagraph (A) shall be merged with other sums in
such account and shall be available for the same
purposes and period, and subject to the same
limitations, if any, as the sums with which the amount
was merged.
``(C) Waiver.--The Attorney General may waive, in
whole or in part, a right of recovery under this
subsection if it is shown that recovery would be
against equity and good conscience or against the
public interest.
``(3) Limitations.--
``(A) Student loan payment amount.--Student loan
repayments made by the Attorney General under this
section shall be made subject to the availability of
appropriations, and subject to such terms, limitations,
or conditions as may be mutually agreed upon by the
borrower and the Attorney General in an agreement under
paragraph (1), except that the amount paid by the
Attorney General under this section shall not exceed--
``(i) $10,000 for any borrower in any
calendar year; or
``(ii) an aggregate total of $60,000 in the
case of any borrower.
``(B) Beginning of payments.--Nothing in this
section shall authorize the Attorney General to pay any
amount to reimburse a borrower for any repayments made
by such borrower prior to the date on which the
Attorney General entered into an agreement with the
borrower under this subsection.
``(e) Additional Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--On completion of the required period of
service under an agreement under subsection (d), the borrower
and the Attorney General may, subject to paragraph (2), enter
into an additional agreement in accordance with subsection (d).
``(2) Term.--An agreement entered into under paragraph (1)
may require the borrower to remain employed as a prosecutor or
public defender for less than 3 years.
``(f) Award Basis; Priority.--
``(1) Award basis.--The Attorney General shall provide
repayment benefits under this section--
``(A) subject to the availability of
appropriations; and
``(B) in accordance with paragraph (2), except that
the Attorney General shall determine a fair allocation
of repayment benefits among prosecutors and defenders,
and among employing entities nationwide.
``(2) Priority.--In providing repayment benefits under this
section in any fiscal year, the Attorney General shall give
priority to borrowers--
``(A) who, when compared to other eligible
borrowers, have the least ability to repay their
student loans (considering whether the borrower is the
beneficiary of any other student loan repayment
program), as determined by the Attorney General; or
``(B) who--
``(i) received repayment benefits under
this section during the preceding fiscal year;
and
``(ii) have completed less than 3 years of
the first required period of service specified
for the borrower in an agreement entered into
under subsection (d).
``(g) Regulations.--The Attorney General is authorized to issue
such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of
this section.
``(h) Report by Inspector General.--Not later than 3 years after
the date of the enactment of this section, the Inspector General of the
Department of Justice shall submit to Congress a report on--
``(1) the cost of the program authorized under this
section; and
``(2) the impact of such program on the hiring and
retention of prosecutors and public defenders.
``(i) GAO Study.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall conduct a
study of, and report to Congress on, the impact that law school
accreditation requirements and other factors have on the costs of law
school and student access to law school, including the impact of such
requirements on racial and ethnic minorities.
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2008 through 2013.''.
Passed the House of Representatives May 15, 2007.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to add a program for student loan repayment for prosecutors and public defenders.
Defines "prosecutor" as a full-time state or local agency employee who: (1) is continually licensed to practice law; and (2) prosecutes criminal or juvenile delinquency cases, including an employee who supervises, educates, or trains other attorneys prosecuting such cases.
Defines "public defender" as a licensed attorney who is a full-time state or local agency employee or a full-time employee of a nonprofit organization who provides legal representation to indigent persons in criminal or juvenile delinquency cases, including an attorney who supervises, educates, or trains other attorneys to provide such representation. Includes in such definition a full-time federal defender attorney.
Directs the Attorney General to establish a program to assume the obligation to repay the student loans of any borrowers who are employed as prosecutors or public defenders and who are not in default on their loans. Sets forth requirements for such program, including that: (1) the borrower will remain employed as a prosecutor or public defender for not less than three years; and (2) the borrower will repay to the Attorney General any repayment benefits received if the borrower is fired from employment for misconduct or voluntarily separates from employment.
Limits the amount payable under such program for any borrower to $10,000 per year andan aggregate total of $60,000.
Authorizes the Attorney General to enter into subsequent agreements with a borrower for another three-year period or a lesser period.
Requires the Attorney General to give priority in granting repayment benefits to borrowers who have the least ability to repay their loans.
Authorizes the Attorney General to issue regulations to carry out this Act.
Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to report to Congress on the cost of loan repayment program under this Act and the impact of such program on the hiring and retention of prosecutors and public defenders.
Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact of law school accreditation requirements and other factors on law school costs and access, including the impact of such requirements on racial and ethnic minorities.
Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2013. | To provide for loan repayment for prosecutors and public defenders. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Facility Superfund
Compliance Act of 1997''.
SEC. 2. FEDERAL ENTITIES AND FACILITIES.
Section 120 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620) is amended as
follows:
(1) By amending the heading to read as follows:
``SEC. 120. FEDERAL ENTITIES AND FACILITIES.''.
(2) By amending paragraph (1) of subsection (a) to read as
follows:
``(1)(A) Each department, agency, and instrumentality of
the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the United
States shall be subject to, and comply with, all Federal,
State, interstate and local requirements, both substantive and
procedural (including any requirements for permits, reporting,
or any provisions for injunctive relief and such sanctions as
may be imposed by a court to enforce such relief), regarding
response actions related to, or management of, hazardous
substances, pollutants, or contaminants in the same manner, and
to the same extent, as any nongovernmental entity is subject to
such requirements, including enforcement and liability under
sections 106 and 107 of this title and the payment of
reasonable service charges.
``(B) The Federal, State, interstate, and local substantive
and procedural requirements referred to in subparagraph (A)
include, but are not limited to, all administrative orders and
all civil and administrative penalties and fines, regardless of
whether such penalties and fines are punitive or coercive in
nature or are imposed for isolated, intermittent, or continuing
violations. The United States hereby expressly waives any
immunity otherwise applicable to the United States with respect
to any such substantive or procedural requirement (including,
but not limited to, any injunctive relief, administrative order
or civil or administrative penalty or fine referred to in the
preceding sentence, or reasonable service charge).
``(C) The reasonable service charges referred to in this
paragraph include, but are not limited to, fees or charges
assessed in connection with the processing and issuance of
permits, renewal of permits, amendments to permits, review of
plans, studies, and other documents, and inspection and
monitoring of facilities, as well as any other
nondiscriminatory charges that are assessed in connection with
a State, interstate, or local response program.
``(D) Neither the United States, nor any agent, employee,
or officer thereof, shall be immune or exempt from any process
or sanction of any State or Federal court with respect to the
enforcement of any injunctive relief.
``(E) No agent, employee, or officer of the United States
shall be personally liable for any civil penalty under any
Federal or State response law with respect to any act or
omission within the scope of their official duties. An agent,
employee, or officer of the United States shall be subject to
any criminal sanction (including, but not limited to, any fine
or imprisonment) under any Federal or State response law, but
no department, agency, or instrumentality of the executive,
legislative, or judicial branch of the United States shall be
subject to any such sanctions.
``(F) The waiver of sovereign immunity provided in this
paragraph shall not apply to the extent a State law would apply
any standard or requirement to such Federal department, agency,
or instrumentality in a manner which is more stringent than
such standard or requirement would be applied to any other
person.
``(G) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect
the liability of any person or entity other than a department,
agency, or instrumentality of the United States under sections
106 and 107 of this Act.
``(H)(i) The Administrator may issue an order under section
106 of this Act to any department, agency, or instrumentality
of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the United
States. The Administrator shall initiate an administrative
enforcement action against such a department, agency, or
instrumentality in the same manner and under the same
circumstances as action would be initiated against any other
person.
``(ii) No administrative order issued to such department,
agency, or instrumentality shall become final until such
department, agency, or instrumentality has had the opportunity
to confer with the Administrator.
``(iii) Unless a State law in effect on the date of
enactment of the Federal Facility Superfund Compliance Act of
1997, or a State Constitution, requires the funds to be used in
a different manner, all funds collected by a State from the
Federal Government from penalties and fines imposed for
violation of any substantive or procedural requirement referred
to in subsection (a) of this section shall be used by the State
only for projects designed to improve or protect the
environment or to defray the costs of environmental protection
or enforcement.
``(I) Each such department, agency, and instrumentality
shall have the right to contribution protection set forth in
section 113, when such department, agency, or instrumentality
resolves its liability under this Act.''.
(3) By striking paragraph (4) of subsection (a).
(4) By inserting ``(other than the indemnification
requirements of section 119)'' after ``responsibility'' in
subsection (a)(3).
(5) By adding at the end of subsection (e) the following
new paragraph:
``(7) State requirements.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Act, an interagency agreement under this
section shall in no way impair or diminish the authority of any
State to enforce compliance with requirements of State law,
unless such requirements have been specifically--
``(A) addressed; or
``(B) waived;
without objection from the State before or on the date on which
the response action is selected.''. | Federal Facility Superfund Compliance Act of 1997 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to subject each department, agency, and instrumentality of the Federal Government to all Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements regarding response actions related to, or management of, hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (current law refers only to compliance with CERCLA provisions) in the same manner and to the same extent as a nongovernmental entity. Waives any U.S. immunity otherwise applicable with respect to any such requirement.
Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue an abatement order to a Federal entity and requires initiation of an administrative enforcement action in the same manner and under the same circumstances as action would be initiated against any other person.
Removes provisions for application (and preemption) of State laws concerning removal and remedial action at Federal facilities not on the National Priorities List.
Precludes interagency remedial action agreements from impairing or diminishing State authority to enforce requirements of State law, unless such requirements have been addressed or waived without objection from the State. | Federal Facility Superfund Compliance Act of 1997 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Truth in Budgeting Act''.
SEC. 2. BUDGETARY TREATMENT OF AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND, INLAND
WATERWAYS TRUST FUND, AND HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the receipts and
disbursements of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland
Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund--
(1) shall not be counted as new budget authority, outlays,
receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of--
(A) the budget of the United States Government as
submitted by the President,
(B) the congressional budget (including allocations
of budget authority and outlays provided therein), or
(C) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act of 1985; and
(2) shall be exempt from any general budget limitation
imposed by statute on expenditures and net lending (budget
outlays) of the United States Government.
SEC. 3. SAFEGUARDS AGAINST DEFICIT SPENDING OUT OF AIRPORT AND AIRWAY
TRUST FUND.
(a) In General.--Chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 47134 the following new section:
``Sec. 47135. Safeguards against deficit spending
``(a) Estimates of Unfunded Aviation Authorizations and Net
Aviation Receipts.--Not later than March 31 of each year, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall
estimate--
``(1) the amount which would (but for this section) be the
unfunded aviation authorizations at the close of the first
fiscal year that begins after that March 31, and
``(2) the net aviation receipts at the close of such fiscal
year.
``(b) Procedure if Excess Unfunded Aviation Authorizations.--If the
Secretary determines for any fiscal year that the amount described in
subsection (a)(1) exceeds the amount described in subsection (a)(2),
the Secretary shall determine the amount of such excess.
``(c) Adjustment of Authorizations if Unfunded Authorizations
Exceed Receipts.--
``(1) Determination of percentage.--If the Secretary
determines that there is an excess referred to in subsection
(b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall determine the
percentage which--
``(A) such excess, is of
``(B) the total of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for
the next fiscal year.
``(2) Adjustment of authorizations.--If the Secretary
determines a percentage under paragraph (1), each amount
authorized to be appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust
Fund for the next fiscal year shall be reduced by such
percentage.
``(d) Availability of Amounts Previously Withheld.--
``(1) Adjustment of authorizations.--If, after a reduction
has been made under subsection (c)(2), the Secretary determines
that the amount described in subsection (a)(1) does not exceed
the amount described in subsection (a)(2) or that the excess
referred to in subsection (b) is less than the amount
previously determined, each amount authorized to be
appropriated that was reduced under subsection (c)(2) shall be
increased, by an equal percentage, to the extent the Secretary
determines that it may be so increased without causing the
amount described in subsection (a)(1) to exceed the amount
described in subsection (a)(2) (but not by more than the amount
of the reduction).
``(2) Apportionment.--The Secretary shall apportion amounts
made available for apportionment by paragraph (1).
``(3) Period of availability.--Any funds apportioned under
paragraph (2) shall remain available for the period for which
they would be available if such apportionment took effect with
the fiscal year in which they are apportioned under paragraph
(2).
``(e) Reports.--Any estimate under subsection (a) and any
determination under subsection (b), (c), or (d) shall be reported by
the Secretary to Congress.
``(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the following
definitions apply:
``(1) Net aviation receipts.--The term `net aviation
receipts' means, with respect to any period, the excess of--
``(A) the receipts (including interest) of the
Airport and Airway Trust Fund during such period, over
``(B) the amounts to be transferred during such
period from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund under
section 9502(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(other than paragraph (1) thereof).
``(2) Unfunded aviation authorizations.--The term `unfunded
aviation authorization' means, at any time, the excess (if any)
of--
``(A) the total amount authorized to be
appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund
which has not been appropriated, over
``(B) the amount available in the Airport and
Airway Trust Fund at such time to make such
appropriation (after all other unliquidated obligations
at such time which are payable from the Airport and
Airway Trust Fund have been liquidated).''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of title
49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating
to section 47134 the following:
``47135. Safeguards against deficit spending.''.
SEC. 4. SAFEGUARDS AGAINST DEFICIT SPENDING OUT OF THE INLAND WATERWAYS
TRUST FUND AND HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND.
(a) Estimates of Unfunded Inland Waterways Authorizations and Net
Inland Waterways Receipts.--Not later than March 31 of each year, the
Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Secretary of the
Treasury, shall estimate--
(1) the amount which would (but for this section) be the
unfunded inland waterways authorizations and unfunded harbor
maintenance authorizations at the close of the first fiscal
year that begins after that March 31; and
(2) the net inland waterways receipts and net harbor
maintenance receipts at the close of such fiscal year.
(b) Procedure if Excess Unfunded Inland Waterways Authorizations.--
If the Secretary of the Army determines with respect to the Inland
Waterways Trust Fund or the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for any
fiscal year that the amount described in subsection (a)(1) exceeds the
amount described in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall determine
the amount of such excess.
(c) Adjustment of Authorizations if Unfunded Authorizations Exceed
Receipts.--
(1) Determination of percentage.--If the Secretary of the
Army determines that there is an excess referred to in
subsection (b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary of the Army
shall determine the percentage which--
(A) such excess, is of
(B) the total of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund or
the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, as the case may be,
for the next fiscal year.
(2) Adjustment of authorizations.--If the Secretary of the
Army determines a percentage under paragraph (1), each amount
authorized to be appropriated from the Trust Fund for the next fiscal
year shall be reduced by such percentage.
(d) Availability of Amounts Previously Withheld.--If, after an
adjustment has been made under subsection (c)(2), the Secretary of the
Army determines with respect to the Inland Waterways Trust Fund or the
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund that the amount described in subsection
(a)(1) does not exceed the amount described in subsection (a)(2) or
that the excess referred to in subsection (b) with respect to the Trust
Fund is less than the amount previously determined, each amount
authorized to be appropriated that was reduced under subsection (c)(2)
with respect to the Trust Fund shall be increased, by an equal
percentage, to the extent the Secretary of the Army determines that it
may be so increased without causing the amount described in subsection
(a)(1) to exceed with respect to the Trust Fund the amount described in
subsection (a)(2) (but not by more than the amount of the reduction).
(e) Reports.--Any estimate under subsection (a) and any
determination under subsection (b), (c), or (d) shall be reported by
the Secretary of the Army to Congress.
(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this Act, the following
definitions apply:
(1) Airport and airway trust fund.--The term ``Airport and
Airway Trust Fund'' means the Airport and Airway Trust Fund
established by section 9502 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986.
(2) Harbor maintenance trust fund.--The term ``Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund'' means the Harbor Maintenance Trust
Fund established by section 9505 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986.
(3) Inland waterways trust fund.--The term ``Inland
Waterways Trust Fund'' means the Inland Waterways Trust Fund
established by section 9506 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986.
(4) Net harbor maintenance receipts.--The term ``net harbor
maintenance receipts'' means, with respect to any period, the
receipts (including interest) of the Harbor Maintenance Trust
Fund during such period.
(5) Net inland waterways receipts.--The term ``net inland
waterways receipts'' means, with respect to any period, the
receipts (including interest) of the Inland Waterways Trust
Fund during such period.
(6) Unfunded inland waterways authorizations.--The term
``unfunded inland waterways authorizations'' means, at any
time, the excess (if any) of--
(A) the total amount authorized to be appropriated
from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund which has not been
appropriated, over
(B) the amount available in the Inland Waterways
Trust Fund at such time to make such appropriations.
(7) Unfunded harbor maintenance authorizations.--The term
``unfunded harbor maintenance authorizations'' means, at any
time, the excess (if any) of--
(A) the total amount authorized to be appropriated
from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund which has not
been appropriated, over
(B) the amount available in the Harbor Maintenance
Trust Fund at such time to make such appropriations.
SEC. 5. APPLICABILITY.
This Act (including the amendments made by this Act) shall apply to
fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1999. | Truth in Budgeting Act - Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund from being counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the Federal budget as submitted by the President, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Exempts such trust funds from any general statutory budget outlays limitation.
Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary of Transportation to estimate annually: (1) what, but for this Act, would be at the close of the next fiscal year the amount of unfunded aviation authorizations; and (2) the net aviation receipts at the close of such year. | Truth in Budgeting Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``High-Quality Education Act of
2009''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Tennessee's wide-ranging and research-intensive STAR
project began in the mid-1980's when the Tennessee legislature
funded an initial 4-year study seeking to compare achievements
for early grade students who would be assigned randomly to a
standard-sized class, a standard-sized class with a teacher
aide, or a class with reduced size. Several new analyses of the
Tennessee STAR program show that reducing class size has both
immediate and long-term benefits.
(2) Research shows that the benefits of participating in
small classes increase from year to year, both in the early
grades when classes are small and in subsequent years when
students are placed in larger classes.
(3) Further, follow-up studies of the same students show
that high-school students who were in small classes in first
through third grades beginning in 1985 were less likely to be
held back a year or suspended compared with their peers from
larger classes.
(4) The students from small classes were found to be making
better grades in high school and taking more advanced courses.
(5) The State of Wisconsin passed legislation in 1995 to
phase in reduction of classes to 15 students in low-wealth
schools. A January 2003 study of that program, called SAGE,
revealed that average test scores in smaller first grade
classes increased 12 to 14 percent more than scores of students
in regular classes.
(6) Research further shows that at the end of fifth grade,
students who were in small classes in first through third
grades were about half a school year (5 months) ahead of
students from larger classes in all core subjects--reading,
language arts, math, and science.
(7) In 1999, the Department of Education reported that
studies have consistently identified a positive relationship
between reduced class size and improved student performance.
The National Assessment on Educational Progress, the Economic
Policy Institute, RAND, the Educational Testing Service, the
American Institute of Research, and many other respected
organizations have reached similar conclusions.
(8) In smaller classes, teachers spend more time on
instruction and less time on discipline problems, reporting
that they know their students better, know where each child is
in the learning process, and can provide more individualized
instruction.
(9) Smaller classes lead to better identification of
students who need special help, increased student participation
and engagement, improved student behavior, and reduced
retention of students in the same grade.
(10) Outcomes associated with small classes are the
foundation of safe schools: improved student behavior and human
relations skills, increased participation in schooling and
school-sanctioned events, increased sense of community in small
classes, and generally improved school climate where students,
teachers, and parents feel more comfortable.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to assist States to
proactively attempt to lower class size in order to provide students
and teachers with an educational environment more conducive to optimal
student performance.
SEC. 3. CLASS SIZE REDUCTION MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Grants.--The Secretary of Education may make grants to eligible
entities to reduce the size of core curriculum classes in public
elementary and secondary schools.
(b) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term ``eligible
entity'' means any State, or any local educational agency in a State
that is not a grantee under this section, that meets the following:
(1) The State or local educational agency has in effect a
class size reduction program that--
(A) applies to all public elementary and secondary
schools served by the State or local educational
agency, respectively; and
(B) may be targeted to specific school populations
based on need, socioeconomic factors, or school-age
population.
(2) The State or local educational agency has funding in
its annual budget specifically allocated for the program
described in paragraph (1).
(3) The average core curriculum class size at schools
served by the State or local educational agency--
(A) in kindergarten through third grade, is greater
than 18 students;
(B) in fourth through eighth grade, is greater than
22 students; or
(C) in ninth through twelfth grade, is greater than
25 students.
(c) Use of Funds.--The Secretary may not make a grant under this
section unless the grantee agrees to use the grant for the following:
(1) Constructing new classroom space.
(2) Hiring additional teachers.
(3) Purchasing portable structures to replace
administrative offices converted into classroom space.
(d) Restrictions.--The Secretary may not make a grant under this
section unless the grantee agrees that funds received under the grant
will not be used for any of the following:
(1) To pay any long-term financing obligations such as
bonding.
(2) To pay any administrative costs or fees.
(e) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary
may give priority to eligible entities that serve schools in which--
(1) more than 17 percent of the students older than 4 and
younger than 18 years of age are from families with incomes
below the poverty line; or
(2) the average core curriculum class size is higher,
particularly in the primary grades, than the average core
curriculum class size at schools served by other grant
applicants for the fiscal year.
(f) Matching Funds.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may not make a grant under
this section unless the grantee agrees to make available
(directly or through donations from public or private entities)
non-Federal contributions toward the costs of the activities
under the grant in an amount that is not less than $2 for each
$1 provided by the Secretary in the grant.
(2) Determination of amount contributed.--Non-Federal
contributions required in paragraph (1) may be in cash or in
kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or
services. Amounts provided by the Federal Government, or
services assisted or subsidized to any significant extent by
the Federal Government, may not be included in determining the
amount of such non-Federal contributions.
(g) Application.--
(1) Submission.--To seek a grant under this section, an
eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary in
such form, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Secretary may require.
(2) Contents.--An application for a grant under this
section shall include the following:
(A) Certification of the average core curriculum
class size at schools served by the eligible entity for
each of the grade ranges that--
(i) are described in subsection (b)(3); and
(ii) will be served by the entity's class
size reduction program.
(B) Certification of the eligible entity's actual
and expected expenditures for the entity's class size
reduction program for the fiscal year involved.
(C) A description of the eligible entity's class
size reduction program and the program's goals.
(D) A description of how the eligible entity
intends to use funds received under the grant.
(E) In the case of an eligible entity that has
already received a grant under this section, the
entity's progress in achieving the goals of its class
size reduction program, particularly relative to high
poverty areas.
(3) Deadline.--The Secretary shall establish a deadline for
the submission of applications for a grant under this section.
(h) Other Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``average core curriculum class size'' means
the number that is--
(A) equal to the sum of the number of students in
each core curriculum class (including for each school
term and period of instruction) divided by the total
number of such classes; and
(B) is based on the ratio of physical class rooms
to students, irrespective of the ratio of teachers to
students.
(2) The term ``core curriculum class'' means a class in any
of the following subjects:
(A) Mathematics.
(B) Science.
(C) Reading, language arts, or English, including
English for speakers of other languages.
(D) Social studies, including history, civics,
political science, government, geography, and
economics.
(E) Foreign language.
(3) The terms ``local educational agency'' and ``poverty
line'' have the meanings given those terms in section 9101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801).
(4) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Education.
(5) The term ``State'' includes the several States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa,
Guam, the Virgin Islands, any other territory or possession of
the United States, and any Indian tribe (as that term is
defined in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)).
(i) Funding.--
(1) Biannual payments.--The Secretary shall make payments
to each grantee under this section on a biannual basis.
(2) Limitation.--For any fiscal year, the Secretary may not
make a payment to any grantee under this section in an amount
that exceeds the lesser of the following:
(A) An amount that is 20 percent of the total
amount appropriated to carry out this section for the
fiscal year.
(B) $200,000,000. | High-Quality Education Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to states, or local educational agencies (LEAs) in states that do not receive such grants, to reduce the size of core curriculum classes in public elementary and secondary schools.
Requires such grants to be provided only to states or LEAs serving schools whose average core curriculum class size is greater than 18 students in kindergarten through grade 3, 22 students in grades 4 through 8, and 25 students in grades 9 through 12.
Requires grant funds to be used for: (1) constructing new classroom space; (2) hiring additional teachers; and (3) purchasing portable structures to replace administrative offices that are converted into classrooms.
Permits the Secretary to give grant priority to states or LEAs serving schools: (1) where over 17% of the students between age 4 and 18 are from impoverished families; or (2) whose average core curriculum class size is higher than the average core curriculum class size of schools served by other applicants. | To authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to reduce the size of core curriculum classes in public elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``International Solid Waste
Importation and Management Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL OF MUNICIPAL SOLID
WASTE.
(a) In General.--Subtitle D of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42
U.S.C. 6941 et seq.) is amended by adding after section 4010 the
following new section:
``SEC. 4011. INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL OF MUNICIPAL
SOLID WASTE.
``(a) State Authority To Address Importation and Management of
Municipal Solid Waste.--
``(1) In general.--Until the date on which all final
regulations issued by the Administrator to implement and
enforce the Agreement (including notice and consent provisions
of the Agreement) become effective, a State may enact a law or
laws or issue regulations or orders imposing limitations on the
receipt and disposal of foreign municipal solid waste within
the State. Laws, regulations, and orders enacted or issued
before that date may continue in effect according to their
terms after that date.
``(2) Effect on interstate and foreign commerce.--No State
action taken as authorized by this section shall be considered
to impose an undue burden on interstate and foreign commerce or
to otherwise impair, restrain, or discriminate against
interstate and foreign commerce.
``(3) Trade and treaty obligations.--Nothing in this
section affects, replaces, or amends prior law relating to the
need for consistency with international trade obligations.
``(b) Authority of Administrator.--
``(1) In general.--Beginning immediately after the date of
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall--
``(A) perform the functions of the Designated
Authority of the United States described in the
Agreement with respect to the importation and
exportation of municipal solid waste under the
Agreement; and
``(B) implement and enforce the notice and consent
and other provisions of the Agreement.
``(2) Regulations.--Not later than 24 months after the date
of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall issue
final regulations with respect to the Administrator's
responsibilities under paragraph (1).
``(3) Consent to importation.--In considering whether to
consent to the importation under article 3(c) of the Agreement,
the Administrator shall--
``(A) give substantial weight to the views of the
State or States into which the municipal solid waste is
to be imported, and consider the views of the local
government with jurisdiction over the location where
the waste is to be disposed;
``(B) consider the impact of the importation on--
``(i) continued public support for and
adherence to State and local recycling
programs;
``(ii) landfill capacity as provided in
comprehensive waste management plans;
``(iii) air emissions from increased
vehicular traffic; and
``(iv) road deterioration from increased
vehicular traffic; and
``(C) consider the impact of the importation on
homeland security, public health, and the environment.
``(4) Actions in violation of the agreement.--No person
shall import, transport, or export municipal solid waste for
final disposal or for incineration in violation of the
Agreement.
``(c) Compliance Orders.--(1) Whenever on the basis of any
information the Administrator determines that any person has violated
or is in violation of this section, the Administrator may issue an
order assessing a civil penalty for any past or current violation,
requiring compliance immediately or within a specified time period, or
both, or the Administrator may commence a civil action in the United
States district court in the district in which the violation occurred
for appropriate relief, including a temporary or permanent injunction.
``(2) Any order issued pursuant to this subsection shall state with
reasonable specificity the nature of the violation. Any penalty
assessed in the order shall not exceed $25,000 per day of noncompliance
for each violation. In assessing such a penalty, the Administrator
shall take into account the seriousness of the violation and any good
faith efforts to comply with applicable requirements.
``(d) Public Hearing.--Any order issued under this section shall
become final unless, not later than 30 days after the order is served,
the person or persons named therein request a public hearing. Upon such
request, the Administrator shall promptly conduct a public hearing. In
connection with any proceeding under this section, the Administrator
may issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and
the production of relevant papers, books, and documents, and may
promulgate rules for discovery procedures.
``(e) Violation of Compliance Orders.--If a violator fails to take
corrective action within the time specified in a compliance order, the
Administrator may assess a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for
each day of continued noncompliance with the order.
``(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) Agreement.--The term `Agreement' means--
``(A) the Agreement Concerning the Transboundary
Movement of Hazardous Waste between the United States
and Canada, signed at Ottawa on October 28, 1986 (TIAS
11099) and amended on November 25, 1992; and
``(B) any regulations promulgated and orders issued
to implement and enforce that Agreement.
``(2) Foreign municipal solid waste.--The term `foreign
municipal solid waste' means municipal solid waste generated
outside of the United States.
``(3) Municipal solid waste.--
``(A) Waste included.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the term `municipal solid waste'
means--
``(i) all waste materials discarded for
disposal by households, including single and
multifamily residences, and hotels and motels;
and
``(ii) all waste materials discarded for
disposal that were generated by commercial,
institutional, municipal, and industrial
sources, to the extent such materials--
``(I) are essentially the same as
materials described in clause (i); and
``(II) were collected and disposed
of with other municipal solid waste
described in clause (i) or subclause
(I) of this clause as part of normal
municipal solid waste collection
services, except that this subclause
does not apply to hazardous materials
other than hazardous materials that,
pursuant to regulations issued under
section 3001(d), are not subject to
regulation under subtitle C.
Examples of municipal solid waste include food
and yard waste, paper, clothing, appliances,
consumer product packaging, disposable diapers,
office supplies, cosmetics, glass and metal
food containers, and household hazardous waste.
Such term shall include debris resulting from
construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition
of structures.
``(B) Waste not included.--The term `municipal
solid waste' does not include any of the following:
``(i) Any solid waste identified or listed
as a hazardous waste under section 3001, except
for household hazardous waste.
``(ii) Any solid waste, including
contaminated soil and debris, resulting from--
``(I) a response action taken under
section 104 or 106 of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9604 or
9606);
``(II) a response action taken
under a State law with authorities
comparable to the authorities of such
section 104 or 106; or
``(III) a corrective action taken
under this Act.
``(iii) Recyclable materials that have been
separated, at the source of the waste, from
waste otherwise destined for disposal or that
have been managed separately from waste
destined for disposal.
``(iv) Scrap rubber to be used as a fuel
source.
``(v) Materials and products returned from
a dispenser or distributor to the manufacturer
or an agent of the manufacturer for credit,
evaluation, and possible reuse.
``(vi) Any solid waste that is--
``(I) generated by an industrial
facility; and
``(II) transported for the purpose
of treatment, storage, or disposal to a
facility or unit thereof that is owned
or operated by the generator of the
waste, located on property owned by the
generator or a company with which the
generator is affiliated, or the
capacity of which is contractually
dedicated exclusively to a specific
generator, so long as the disposal area
complies with local and State land use
and zoning regulations applicable to
the disposal site.
``(vii) Any medical waste that is
segregated from or not mixed with solid waste.
``(viii) Sewage sludge and residuals from
any sewage treatment plant.
``(ix) Combustion ash generated by resource
recovery facilities or municipal incinerators,
or waste from manufacturing or processing
(including pollution control) operations not
essentially the same as waste normally
generated by households.
``(x) Solid waste generated incident to the
provision of service in interstate, intrastate,
foreign, or overseas air transportation.''.
(b) Table of Contents Amendment.--The table of contents of the
Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. prec. 6901) is amended by adding
after the item relating to section 4010 the following new item:
``Sec. 4011. International transportation and disposal of municipal
solid waste.''.
Passed the House of Representatives April 24, 2007.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize states to enact laws or issue regulations or orders restricting the receipt and disposal of foreign municipal solid waste within their borders until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues regulations implementing and enforcing the Agreement Concerning the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste between the United States and Canada. Declares that state actions authorized by this Act shall not be considered a burden on, or otherwise impede, interstate and foreign commerce.
Requires the Administrator to: (1) perform the functions of the Designated Authority of the United States with respect to the importation and exportation of municipal solid waste under the Agreement; (2) implement and enforce the notice and consent and other provisions of the Agreement; and (3) issue final regulations on the Administrator's responsibilities as Designated Authority of the United States.
Requires the Administrator to give substantial weight to the views of affected states and local governments before consenting to the importation of foreign municipal solid waste into the United States under the Agreement, and to consider the impact of such importation on: (1) public support for state and local recycling programs; (2) landfill capacities; (3) air emissions and road deterioration from increased vehicular traffic; and (4) homeland security, public health, and the environment.
Makes it unlawful for any person to import, transport, or export municipal solid waste for final disposal or for incineration in violation of the Agreement.
Authorizes the Administrator to assess civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day for violations of this Act or to commence a civil action in U.S. district court. Provides for a public hearing to review any noncompliance order issued by the Administrator.
Defines "municipal solid waste" to mean all waste materials discarded for disposal by: (1) households, including hotels; and (2) commercial, institutional, municipal, and industrial sources to the extent such materials are essentially the same as household waste and were collected and disposed of with other municipal solid waste. Excludes from the term: (1) hazardous waste; (2) any solid waste resulting from a response action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensations, and Liability Act; (3) recyclable materials that have been separated, at the source of the waste, from waste otherwise destined for disposal or that have been managed separately from waste destined for disposal; (4) scrap rubber to be used as a fuel source; (5) materials and products returned from a dispenser or distributor to the manufacturer for credit, evaluation, and possible reuse; (6) any solid waste that is generated by an industrial facility and transported for treatment, storage, or disposal to a facility that is owned or operated by the generator of the waste, located on property owned by the generator or an affiliated company, or the capacity of which is contractually dedicated exclusively to a specific generator, so long as the disposal area complies with local and state land use and applicable zoning regulations; (7) any medical waste that is segregated from or not mixed with solid waste; (8) sewage sludge and residuals from any sewage treatment plant; (9) combustion ash generated by resource recovery facilities or municipal incinerators, or waste from manufacturing or processing (including pollution control) operations not essentially the same as waste normally generated by households; and (10) solid waste generated incident to the provision of service in interstate, intrastate, foreign, or overseas air transportation. | To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize States to restrict receipt of foreign municipal solid waste and implement the Agreement Concerning the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste between the United States and Canada, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Copper and Lead Evaluation and
Reporting Act of 2016'' or the ``CLEAR Act''.
SEC. 2. LEAD AND COPPER IN DRINKING WATER.
(a) Regulations Required.--Section 1412(b) of the Safe Drinking
Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g-1(b)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (14) and (15) as paragraphs
(15) and (16), respectively;
(2) by inserting after paragraph (13) the following:
``(14) Lead and copper in drinking water.--Not later than
180 days after the date of enactment of the CLEAR Act, the
Administrator shall promulgate lead and copper regulations
that--
``(A) based on the amount of lead that would result
in a blood lead level greater than 5 micrograms per
deciliter in an average, healthy infant who consumes
infant formula made with water, establish a health-
based household action level for lead and copper that
triggers--
``(i) not later than 28 days after the date
on which the household action level is reached,
plain-language consumer notification that is
culturally and linguistically appropriate;
``(ii) a report to the appropriate public
health agency; and
``(iii) an examination by the public water
system of service line material and, if
applicable, the initiation of the removal by
the public water system of any lead portion of
the service line;
``(B) provide for frequent and culturally and
linguistically appropriate multi-media outreach in
plain language about the health risk and protection
available to--
``(i) consumers with known or suspected
full or partial lead service lines;
``(ii) public and private institutions and
facilities that serve individuals of any other
vulnerable population, including--
``(I) children;
``(II) pregnant women; and
``(III) an immunocompromised
population, such as--
``(aa) individuals living
with auto immune deficiency
syndrome or human
immunodeficiency virus; and
``(bb) the elderly; and
``(iii) caregivers and healthcare providers
for any individual described in clause (i) or
(ii);
``(C) require, for each monitoring period, each
public water system to publish on a publicly accessible
website of the public water system, or distribute by
carrier route presort if the public water system does
not maintain a publicly accessible website, or
distribute door-to-door if a substantial portion of the
population served by the public water system does not
have access to the Internet or is elderly--
``(i) the number of households served by
the public water system that have a household
action level that is greater than the household
action level established by the Administrator
under subparagraph (A);
``(ii) all levels of lead and copper found
in each monitoring period; and
``(iii) the most recent 90th percentile
levels for lead and copper, as compared to the
system action levels for lead and copper;
``(D) in the case of a community that has a lead
service line, require the public water system to
provide a public statement of lead service line
ownership that includes the legal basis of that
determination of ownership; and
``(E) modify lead monitoring requirements to
provide for--
``(i) voluntary consumer-requested tap
sampling for lead; and
``(ii) the use of any result of a tap
sample described in clause (i)--
``(I) to inform--
``(aa) consumer action to
reduce the risk of lead in the
home of the consumer; and
``(bb) in the case of a tap
sample that is higher than the
household action level
established in subparagraph
(A), the consumer and the
appropriate public health
agency; and
``(II) to assess--
``(aa) if the tap sample
meets the site selection
criteria described in the
regulations issued by the
Administrator for the control
of lead and copper, the
effectiveness of corrosion
control treatment; or
``(bb) any other potential
cause of an elevated lead
level.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1415(e) of the Safe Drinking
Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g-4(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``1412(b)(15)'' and
inserting ``1412(b)(16)''; and
(2) in paragraph (7)(A)--
(A) in clause (ii), by striking ``1412(b)(15)'' and
inserting ``1412(b)(16)''; and
(B) in clause (iii), by striking ``1412(b)(15)(A)''
and inserting ``1412(b)(16)(A)''. | Copper and Lead Evaluation and Reporting Act of 2016 or the CLEAR Act This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate new lead and copper regulations that would set a health-based, household action level for lead and copper that triggers: (1) a consumer notification of drinking water contamination; (2) a report to the appropriate public health agency; and (3) an examination by the public water system of service line material and, if applicable, the removal of lead portions of the service line. That action level must be based on the amount of lead that would result in a blood lead level greater than five micrograms per deciliter in an average, healthy infant who consumes infant formula made with water. The regulations must also: provide outreach about the health risk and protection available to consumers with known or suspected lead service lines, institutions and facilities that serve other vulnerable populations, and the caregivers and health care providers of those consumers or populations; require reporting by public water systems for each monitoring period to the populations they serve on information concerning lead and copper levels; require public water systems to provide a public statement of lead service line ownership where a community has such lines; modify monitoring requirements to provide for voluntary, consumer-requested tap samples for lead; and provide for utilizing the results of those samples. | CLEAR Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fixing America's Inequities with
Revenues Act of 2013'' or the ``FAIR Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. DISTRIBUTION OF REVENUES TO COASTAL STATES.
Section 9 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1338)
is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 9. DISPOSITION OF REVENUES.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Alternative and renewable energy.--The term
`alternative and renewable energy' means energy derived from--
``(A) a wind, solar, renewable biomass, or ocean
(including tidal, wave, current, and thermal) source;
or
``(B) hydrogen derived from renewable biomass or
water using an energy source described in subparagraph
(A).
``(2) Coastal political subdivision.--The term `coastal
political subdivision' means a county-equivalent subdivision of
a coastal State all or part of which--
``(A) lies within the coastal zone (as defined in
section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972
(16 U.S.C. 1453)); and
``(B) the closest point of which is not more than
200 nautical miles from the geographical center of any
leased tract.
``(3) Coastal state.--The term `coastal State' means a
State with a coastal seaward boundary within 200 nautical miles
distance of the geographical center of a leased tract in an
outer Continental Shelf area that is not a Gulf producing State
(as defined in section 102 of the Gulf of Mexico Energy
Security Act of 2006 (43 U.S.C. 1331 note; Public Law 109-
432)).
``(4) Distance.--The terms `distance' and `distances' mean
minimum great circle distance and distances, respectively.
``(5) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
``(b) Coastal State Revenue Sharing for Outer Continental Shelf
Energy Sources.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the other provisions of this
section, for fiscal year 2013 and each subsequent fiscal year--
``(A) the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit
in the Treasury, 37.5 percent of all revenues derived
from all rentals, royalties, bonus bids, and other sums
due and payable to the United States from energy
development on the outer Continental Shelf areas of
coastal States; and
``(B) the Secretary shall, in accordance with
subsection (b), disburse--
``(i) 27.5 percent of the revenues
described in subparagraph (A) to coastal States
and coastal political subdivisions; and
``(ii) 10 percent of the revenues to
coastal States that establish funds in the
treasuries of the coastal States to support
projects and activities relating to alternative
and renewable energy, energy research and
development, energy efficiency, or
conservation.
``(2) Exclusions.--The revenues described in paragraph (1)
do not include revenues generated from leases subject to
section 8(g).
``(3) Allocation among coastal states and coastal political
subdivisions.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), for
each fiscal year, the amount made available under
subsection (a) from any lease shall be allocated to
each coastal State in amounts (based on a formula
established by the Secretary by regulation) that are
inversely proportional to the respective distances
between the point on the coastline of each coastal
State that is closest to the geographic center of the
applicable leased tract and the geographic center of
the leased tract.
``(B) Limitation.--The allocable share of a coastal
State is limited to the revenues collected from a
leased tract located no more than 200 nautical miles
from the coastline of the coastal State.
``(C) Payments to coastal political subdivisions.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall pay
25 percent of the allocable share of each
coastal State, as determined under paragraph
(1), to the coastal political subdivisions of
the coastal State.
``(ii) Allocation.--The amount paid by the
Secretary to coastal political subdivisions
shall be allocated to each coastal political
subdivision in accordance with subparagraphs
(B) and (C) of section 31(b)(4) of the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C.
1356a(b)(4)).
``(iii) Exception for the state of
alaska.--For purposes of carrying out
subparagraph (A) in the State of Alaska, of the
amount paid by the Secretary to coastal
political subdivisions--
``(I) 90 percent shall be allocated
in amounts (based on a formula
established by the Secretary by
regulation) that are inversely
proportional to the respective
distances between the point in each
coastal political subdivision that is
closest to the geographic center of the
applicable leased tract and the
geographic center of the leased tract;
and
``(II) 10 percent shall be divided
equally among each coastal political
subdivision that--
``(aa) is more than 200
nautical miles from the
geographic center of a leased
tract; and
``(bb) the State of Alaska
determines to be a significant
staging area for oil and gas
servicing, supply vessels,
operations, suppliers, or
workers.
``(4) Administration.--The Secretary shall ensure that
revenues from all sources of alternative and renewable energy
leased, developed, or produced from any outer Continental Shelf
area are distributed among coastal States, coastal political
subdivisions, and Gulf producing States (as defined in section
102 of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (43
U.S.C. 1331 note; Public Law 109-432)) in accordance with this
section.
``(c) Revenue Sharing for Certain Onshore Energy Sources.--The
Secretary of the Treasury shall disburse 50 percent of all revenues
derived from all rentals, royalties, bonus bids, rights-of-way, and
other amounts due and payable to the United States from the development
of alternative and renewable onshore energy sources to the State within
the boundaries of which the energy source is located.''.
SEC. 3. DISTRIBUTION OF REVENUES TO GULF PRODUCING STATES.
(a) Definition of Qualified Outer Continental Shelf Revenues.--
Section 102(9) of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (43
U.S.C. 1331 note; Public Law 109-432) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (A); and
(2) by inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified outer
Continental Shelf revenues' means all rentals,
royalties, bonus bids, and other sums due and payable
to the United States received on or after October 1,
2012, from leases entered into on or after the date of
enactment of Public Law 109-432 for--
``(i) the 181 Area;
``(ii) the 181 South Area; and
``(iii) the 2002-2007 planning area.''.
(b) Disposition of Qualified Outer Continental Shelf Revenues.--
Section 105 of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (43
U.S.C. 1331 note; Public Law 109-432) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
``2016'' and inserting ``2012''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``2016'' and inserting ``2012''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking
``2017'' and inserting ``2013''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``2017'' and inserting ``2013''; and
(2) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following:
``(f) Limitations on Amount of Distributed Qualified Outer
Continental Shelf Revenues.--
``(1) Distribution to gulf producing states.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and
(C), the total amount of qualified outer Continental
Shelf revenues made available under subsection (a)(2)
shall not exceed $500,000,000 for each fiscal year.
``(B) Cap increase for gulf producing states.--In
the case of the qualified outer Continental Shelf
revenues that may be made available to Gulf producing
States under subsection (a)(2)(A), the cap on amounts
specified in subparagraph (A) shall be for--
``(i) fiscal year 2014, $600,000,000; and
``(ii) each of fiscal years 2015 through
2023, the applicable amount for the previous
fiscal year increased by $100,000,000.
``(C) Subsequent fiscal years.--For fiscal year
2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, all qualified
outer Continental Shelf revenues made available under
subsection (a)(2)(A) shall be made available without
limitation for allocation to the Gulf producing States
in accordance with subsection (b).
``(2) Pro rata reductions.--If paragraph (1) limits the
amount of qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues that would
be paid under subsection (a)(2)(A)--
``(A) the Secretary shall reduce the amount of
qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues provided to
each recipient on a pro rata basis; and
``(B) any remainder of the qualified outer
Continental Shelf revenues shall revert to the general
fund of the Treasury.''.
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act and the amendments made by this Act take effect on October
1, 2012. | Fixing America's Inequities with Revenues Act of 2013 or FAIR Act of 2013 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit in the Treasury 37.5% of all revenues derived from all rentals, royalties, bonus bids, and other sums payable to the United States from energy development on the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) areas of coastal states (those within 200 nautical miles of a leased tract in the OCS which are not, however, in a Gulf producing state). Excludes from deposit under these terms any revenues generated from the leasing of lands within three miles of seaward boundaries of coastal states. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to disperse: (1) 27.5% of these revenues to coastal states and their political subdivisions; and (2) 10% of such revenues to coastal states that establish funds in their treasuries to support projects relating to alternative and renewable energy, energy research and development, energy efficiency, or conservation. Prescribes requirements for allocating such revenues to coastal states and their coastal subdivisions, with a special rule for Alaska. Limits the allocable share of each coastal state to the revenues collected from a leased tract located no more than 200 nautical miles from the coastline of the state. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to disburse 50% of all revenues derived from all rentals, royalties, bonus bids, rights-of-way, and other amounts payable to the United States from the development of alternative and renewable onshore energy sources to the state within the boundaries of which the energy source is located. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 by: (1) redefining the term "qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues," and (2) revising the cap on the amount of such qualified revenues that may be made available to Gulf producing states. | FAIR Act of 2013 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of
Fame Commemorative Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) on December 21, 1891, a young physical education
instructor named James Naismith introduced the game of ``basket
ball'' to his physical education class in Springfield,
Massachusetts;
(2) in 1959, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
was founded and dedicated to the creator of basketball, Dr.
James Naismith, in Springfield, Massachusetts, ``The Birthplace
of Basketball'', and became the first and only museum to honor
the game at all levels around the world;
(3) the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame honors
players who have achieved greatness, exemplary coaches,
referees, and other major contributors to the sport of
basketball;
(4) the Inaugural Hall of Fame Class of 1959 had 17
honorees who were inducted, including Dr. James Naismith,
George Mikan, Forrest C. Allen, Angelo Luisetti, the Original
Celtics, and the First Team;
(5) the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is
recognized throughout the world as the premier institution
entrusted with recording and disseminating the history of the
game of basketball and recognizing and honoring the
achievements of its greatest players, coaches, and
contributors;
(6) the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame provides
an entertaining and enriching experience and is known for its
educational outreach programs that celebrate and promote
positive core values demonstrated by the hallowed heroes of
basketball and its founder;
(7) basketball is one of the national treasures of the
United States, with its fast pace that reflects the freedom of
expression and the modern experience of life in the 21st
century;
(8) since its opening in 1959, the Naismith Memorial
Basketball Hall of Fame is home to the largest collection of
basketball memorabilia in the world, including more than 30,000
3-dimensional objects, 800,000 photographs, and 1,500,000
documents;
(9) the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame welcomes
more than 6,000,000 visitors interested in discovering the rich
history of the game through its stories, its personalities, and
its most celebrated moments;
(10) the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame reaches
over 7,000,000 Americans through its educational programs,
events, exhibits, social media, and its interactive website;
(11) the customized educational programs of the Naismith
Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame use basketball to teach young
students around the world the important lessons on a variety of
topics, including financial literacy, mathematics, civil
rights, leadership of character, women's and men's history, and
geography; and
(12) the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will
lead the celebration of 60th anniversary of basketball and will
partner with a select group of constituents, including the
National Basketball Association, the National Collegiate
Athletic Association, and USA Basketball in commemorating the
game throughout the 2019-2020 basketball season.
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) be struck on a planchet having 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) be struck on a planchet having a diameter of
1.500 inches; and
(C) contain not less than 90 percent silver.
(3) Half-dollar clad coins.--Not more than 750,000 half-
dollar coins which shall--
(A) weigh 11.34 grams;
(B) be struck on a planchet having 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 sections 5134 and 5136 of
title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be
considered to be numismatic items.
(d) Dome Shape.--The coins minted under this Act shall be in the
shape of a dome.
SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) In General.--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
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
(b) Designations and Inscriptions.--On each coin minted under this
Act there shall be--
(1) a designation of the value of the coin;
(2) an inscription of the year ``2019''; and
(3) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God We
Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E Pluribus Unum''.
(c) Selection and Approval Process for Obverse Design.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall hold a competition to
determine the design of the common obverse of the coins minted
under this Act, with such design being emblematic of the game
of basketball.
(2) Selection and approval.--Proposals for the design of
coins minted under this Act may be submitted in accordance with
the design selection and approval process developed by the
Secretary in the sole discretion of the Secretary.
(3) Proposals.--As part of the competition described in
this subsection, the Secretary may accept proposals from
artists, engravers and other employees of the United States
Mint, other Government employees, and members of the general
public.
(4) Compensation.--The Secretary shall determine
compensation for the winning design under this subsection,
which shall be not less than $5,000. The Secretary shall take
into account this compensation amount when determining the sale
price described in section 6(a).
(d) Reverse Design.--The design on the common reverse of the coins
minted under this Act shall depict a basketball.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued
in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Period for Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted
under this Act only during the 1-year period beginning on January 1,
2019.
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, winning design
compensation, 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 minted under this Act shall
include a surcharge as follows:
(1) A surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coin.
(2) A surcharge of $10 per coin for the $1 coin.
(3) A surcharge of $5 per coin for the half-dollar coin.
(b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, United
States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of
coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to
the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to fund an endowment that
will enable increased operations and educational programming of the
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
(c) Audits.--The Naismith Memorial Basketball 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 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. | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 50,000 $5 coins, 400,000 $1 coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins emblematic of the game of basketball. The bill requires all sales of such coins to include specified surcharges, which shall be paid by Treasury to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to fund an endowment for increased operations and educational programming. | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian
Education Program Modernization Act''.
SEC. 2. SUPPLEMENTAL INDIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM MODERNIZATION.
The Act of April 16, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 452 et seq.) (commonly known
as the ``Johnson-O'Malley Act''), is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 7. SUPPLEMENTAL INDIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM MODERNIZATION.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Elementary school.--The term `elementary school' has
the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an
entity that educates or serves Indian students and is--
``(A) a tribal organization;
``(B) an Indian corporation;
``(C) a school district;
``(D) a State; or
``(E) a consortium of tribal organizations.
``(3) Eligible indian student.--The term `eligible Indian
student' means an Indian student who is eligible under section
273.12 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (or any
corresponding similar regulation or ruling).
``(4) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
``(5) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' has
the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(6) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of the Interior, acting through the Assistant Secretary for
Indian Affairs.
``(7) Tribal college or university.--The term `Tribal
College or University' has the meaning given the term in
section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1059c(b)).
``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary, in coordination with the
Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, shall establish a program
to enter into contracts and to monitor and review contractual
obligations with eligible entities to provide educational benefits to
eligible Indian students.
``(c) Uses of Funds.--An eligible entity that enters into a
contract under subsection (b) shall use the funds available under the
contract for the educational benefit of eligible Indian students--
``(1) to establish and carry out programs, or to expand and
carry out programs in existence before the period of time
covered by the contract, to provide--
``(A) remedial instruction, counseling, and
cultural programs;
``(B) courses related to science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics;
``(C) school supplies and other items that enable
students to participate in curricular and extra-
curricular programs; or
``(D) activities that were available to Indian
students under contracts entered into under this Act
before October 1, 2012;
``(2) to establish targeted, culturally sensitive, dropout
prevention activities; and
``(3) to purchase equipment to facilitate--
``(A) training for professional trade skills; and
``(B) intensified college preparation programs.
``(d) Computation of Awards.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), the
Secretary shall base the amount that an eligible entity
receives under a contract entered into under subsection (b) for
any fiscal year on the number of eligible Indian students of
the eligible entity, as determined by the Secretary under
paragraph (2).
``(2) Determination of number of eligible indian
students.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall determine
the number of eligible Indian students of an eligible
entity in accordance with this paragraph.
``(B) Initial determination.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this section, the
Secretary shall publish a report describing the number
of potentially eligible Indian students of each
eligible entity, using data described in subparagraph
(D) from, as determined by the Secretary, the most
applicable, accurate, and current of--
``(i) the Bureau of the Census; or
``(ii) the National Center for Education
Statistics.
``(C) Reconciliation.--After publishing the report
under subparagraph (B), the Secretary, in coordination
with the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education,
shall consult with entities party to a contract under
subsection (b)--
``(i) to establish a process to reconcile
the data described in the report published
under subparagraph (B) with--
``(I) data described in
subparagraph (D) of entities party to a
contract under subsection (b); and
``(II) tribal enrollment
information; and
``(ii) to determine an accurate number of
eligible Indian students of each eligible
entity.
``(D) Data use.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
the Secretary shall use data from not earlier
than the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year
for which an eligible entity is applying for a
contract under subsection (b) to determine the
number of eligible Indian students.
``(ii) New contractors.--To determine the
number of eligible Indian students of an entity
party to a contract under subsection (b) that
the Secretary recognized as an eligible entity
during or after fiscal year 2012, the Secretary
shall, for the first year of the period of time
covered by the contract, use data of the school
districts served by the entity for the fiscal
year for which the entity is applying for a
contract under subsection (b).
``(3) Hold harmless.--An eligible entity that educates or
serves eligible Indian students attending a public school that
has been afforded supplemental services under a contract under
this Act that took effect during or before fiscal year 1995
shall receive an amount under a contract entered into under
subsection (b) equal to or greater than the amount that the
eligible entity would have received under the contract entered
into under this Act during or before fiscal year 1995, for a
period of time ending not sooner than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this section.
``(4) Funding reform.--The Secretary shall submit to
Congress recommendations for legislation to provide resources
to restore the amount of funds available through contracts
under this Act per Indian student to the amount of funds
available through contracts under this Act per Indian student
during fiscal year 1995.
``(e) Additional Considerations.--
``(1) Geographic coverage and enhanced participation.--In
entering into contracts under subsection (b), the Secretary
shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure--
``(A) full geographic coverage; and
``(B) the full participation of eligible entities.
``(2) Increased participation of eligible entities.--To the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall--
``(A) contact and consult with Indian tribes and
school districts with significant populations of
eligible Indian students that have not previously
contracted under this Act; and
``(B) determine the interest in and eligibility for
administering services under this Act of the Indian
tribes and school districts described in subparagraph
(A).
``(3) Complementary program participants.--In entering into
contracts under subsection (b), the Secretary may give
preference to a consortium of tribal organizations, including a
consortium of tribal organizations that includes a Tribal
College or University, to encourage as many students and
professionals as possible to benefit from the program
established under subsection (b).
``(f) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall include in the budget
request of the Department of the Interior for each fiscal year an
annual assessment of the program established under subsection (b).
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out
this section.''. | Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act This bill amends the Johnson-O'Malley Act to establish a program through which the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) shall contract with eligible entities for the purpose of providing educational benefits to Indian students. An eligible entity is an entity that educates or serves Indian students and is either a tribal organization, an Indian corporation, a school district, a state, or a consortium of tribal organizations. An eligible entity shall use the funds to establish or expand programs to: (1) provide remedial instruction, counseling, cultural programs, school supplies, and specified courses and activities; (2) establish targeted, culturally sensitive, dropout prevention activities; and (3) purchase equipment to facilitate training in trade skills and college preparation. In general, BIA shall base the amount of a contract on the number of eligible Indian students educated or served by an eligible entity. With respect to these contracts, BIA must ensure full geographic coverage and the full participation of eligible entities. | Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary
Commemorative Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) Denominations.--In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and
the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter
in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary) shall mint and issue the
following coins:
(1) $10 gold coins.--Not more than 75,000 $10 gold coins of
such specifications as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
(2) $5 gold coins.--Not more than 100,000 $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.
(3) $1 silver coins.--Not more than 500,000 $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.
(4) Half dollar silver coins.--Not more than 500,000 half
dollar coins which shall--
(A) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and
(B) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent
copper.
(b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal
tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.
(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. 3. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this
Act shall be emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and
unparalleled achievements of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
(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 ``2008''; and
(C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God
We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E
Pluribus Unum'', and such other inscriptions as the
Secretary may determine to be appropriate for the
designs of the coins.
(3) Coin images.--
(A) $10 coins.--The reverse of the $10 coins issued
under this Act shall bear a design emblematic of the
sacrifice of the United States astronauts who lost
their lives in the line of duty over the course of the
space program.
(B) $5 coins.--The reverse of the $5 coins issued
under this Act shall bear at least 2 different
designs--
(i) 1 of which shall be emblematic of the
Moon missions of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration; and
(ii) 1 of which shall be emblematic of the
Earth missions of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration.
(C) $1 coins.--
(i) Obverse.--The obverse of the $1 coins
issued under this Act shall honor the
achievements of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
and bear an image emblematic of the missions
and achievements of the Laboratory in the
exploration of the solar system.
(ii) Reverse.--The reverse of the $1 coins
issued under this Act shall bear 8 different
designs each of which shall consist of an image
of 1 of the 8 planets of the solar system,
other than Earth, and be emblematic of the
missions of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration and the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory to such planet.
(D) Half dollar coins.--The reverse of the half
dollar coins shall bear an image of the universe.
(4) Realistic and scientifically accurate depictions.--The
images for the designs of coins issued under this Act shall be
selected on the basis of the realism and scientific accuracy of
the images and on the extent to which the images are
reminiscent of the dramatic and beautiful artwork on coins of
the so-called ``Golden Age of Coinage'' in the United States,
at the beginning of the Twentieth Century, with the
participation of such noted sculptors and medallic artists as
James Earle Fraser, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Victor David
Brenner, Adolph A. Weinman, Charles E. Barber, and George T.
Morgan.
(b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act
shall be--
(1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory,
and the Commission of Fine Arts; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Coin Advisory Committee.
SEC. 4. SYMBOLIC INCLUSION OF PRECIOUS METALS THAT HAVE FLOWN IN SPACE.
(a) Collection.--Each Federal agency and instrumentality of the
United States, including the Department of Defense, the Smithsonian
Institution, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, that has in its possession any craft, or any
part of a craft, that flew in space shall--
(1) retrieve any gold, silver, copper, and other precious
metal that the Director of the United States Mint determines
may be used in the production of any coins under this Act, from
such craft or part, that can be retrieved without harming any
such craft or part that may be of continuing use for its
original purpose or for research, or whose preservation is
appropriate for historical purposes; and
(2) deposit such precious metals so retrieved with the
Director of the United States Mint.
(b) Segregation and Recordkeeping.--Each Federal agency and
instrumentality of the United States which retrieves any precious
metals in accordance with subsection (a), and the Director of the
United States Mint with respect to precious metals deposited with the
Mint in accordance with such subsection, shall maintain such precious
metals separately from other metals not so retrieved or obtained and
shall maintain accurate and complete records of the retrieval and
deposit of any such precious metals.
(c) Use of Precious Metals in Production of Coins.--Any precious
metals deposited with the Director of the United States Mint under
subsection (a) shall be used in the production of the coins struck
under this Act by blending such precious metals with other bullion
necessary for the production of such coins so that all of the coins
produced under this Act will contain some proportion of the bullion
obtained from craft or parts of crafts that flew in space in an amount
appropriate for the types and denominations of the coins and the amount
of precious metals so deposited.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued
in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Sets.--In issuing coins minted under this Act, the Secretary
shall make not less than 25,000 sets of coins available for issuance
each of which shall contain the coins of each denomination of the coins
minted under this Act, including a coin bearing each design required
for the reverse of any such denomination of coin.
(c) Mint Facility.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may
be used to strike any particular combination of denomination and
quality of the coins minted under this Act.
(d) Commencement of Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted
under this Act beginning January 1, 2008.
(e) Termination of Minting Authority.--No coins may be minted under
this Act after December 31, 2008.
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 6(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) 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 minted under this Act shall
include a surcharge as follows:
(1) A surcharge of $75 per coin for the $10 coin.
(2) A surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coin.
(3) A surcharge of $10 per coin for the $1 coin.
(4) A surcharge of $3 per coin for the half dollar coin.
(b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, United
States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of
coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to
the NASA Family Assistance Fund for the purposes of providing need-
based financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as
a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official
duties.
(c) Audits.--The NASA Family Assistance Fund shall be subject to
the audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States
Code, with regard to the amounts received by the under subsection (b). | NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to mint and issue: (1) ten dollar gold coins; (2) five dollar gold coins; (3) one dollar silver coins; and (4) half-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL.
Directs each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has in its possession any craft or any part of a craft that flew in space to: (1) retrieve any gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal that may be used in the production of any coins under this Act from such craft or part; and (2) deposit such metals with the Director of the United States Mint.
Requires that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a surcharge of : (1) $75 per coin for the ten dollar coin; (2) $35 per coin for the five dollar coin; (3) $10 per coin for the one dollar coin; and (4) $3 for the half-dollar coin, which shall be paid by the Secretary to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for the purposes of providing financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties. | To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``High School Athletics Accountability
Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Participation in sports teaches youth critical life
skills and has a significant positive impact on all areas of
their lives, especially for girls.
(2) Girls who participate in sports have higher levels of
confidence and self-esteem, lower levels of depression, are
less likely to be suicidal, are more likely to have a positive
body image than female non-athletes, and are half as likely to
experience an unintended pregnancy as compared to female non-
athletes. Girls who participate in sports have higher
graduation rates, receive better grades, and are less likely to
smoke or use illegal drugs.
(3) Sports participation effectively combats obesity, which
is particularly significant given that one in six girls are
obese or overweight and African-Americans and Hispanic girls
face even greater risks.
(4) Despite advances in athletic opportunities for women
and girls since the passage of title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, discrimination still limits athletic
opportunities for females in interscholastic and
intercollegiate athletics. Girls comprise 49 percent of the
high school population, but receive only 41 percent of all
interscholastic athletic participation opportunities
nationwide. This translates into 1,300,000 fewer opportunities
to play high school sports for girls than for boys. These lost
participation opportunities also result in the loss of athletic
scholarships that make it possible for many girls and young
women to attend college.
(5) There is ample evidence that girls' teams often receive
inferior benefits and services when they do play, in areas such
as overall budgets; travel; equipment; uniforms; facilities,
including locker rooms, fields, and practice and competitive
facilities; training and medical services; publicity; access to
coaches; and scheduling of practices, games, and sports
seasons.
(6) Without information about how athletic opportunities
and benefits are being allocated at the elementary and
secondary school levels, students may be deprived of
opportunities to play sports and to receive athletic
scholarships to attend college.
(7) Students, parents, and schools should be aware of the
athletic opportunities and benefits available to male and
female students so that they can work to enhance athletic
opportunities for all and address any inequities.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are as follows:
(1) To ensure that information about the allocation of
athletic opportunities and benefits at the elementary and
secondary school levels is available to all students.
(2) To promote equal opportunities for both boys and girls
to engage in school-sponsored athletics.
(3) To provide boys and girls with equal access to the
physical, psychological, health and other benefits that result
from playing sports.
SEC. 3. DISCLOSURE OF STATISTICS ON EQUALITY IN ATHLETIC PROGRAMS.
Subpart 2 of part E of title IX of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7901 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 9537. EQUALITY IN ATHLETIC PROGRAMS.
``(a) Report.--Each coeducational elementary or secondary school
that participates in any program under this Act and has an athletic
program, shall annually, for the immediately preceding academic year,
prepare a report that contains the following information:
``(1) The number of students that attended the school and
for each student an identification of such student's--
``(A) sex;
``(B) race; and
``(C) ethnicity.
``(2) A listing of the teams that competed in athletic
competition and for each such team the following data:
``(A) The total number of participants as of the
day of the first scheduled contest for the team, and
for each participant an identification of such
participant's--
``(i) sex;
``(ii) race; and
``(iii) ethnicity.
``(B) The year the team began.
``(C) The total expenditures for each team from
school and nonschool sources, including a listing of
the following data for each team:
``(i) Expenditures for travel.
``(ii) Expenditures for equipment
(including any equipment replacement schedule).
``(iii) Expenditures for uniforms
(including any uniform replacement schedule).
``(iv) Expenditures for facilities
(including locker rooms, fields, and
gymnasiums) and their maintenance and repair.
``(v) Expenditures for training and medical
facilities and services.
``(vi) Expenditures for publicity for
competitions (including press guides, press
releases, game programs, and publicity
personnel).
``(D) The total number of trainers and medical
personnel, and for each trainer or medical personnel an
identification of such person's--
``(i) sex;
``(ii) employment status (including whether
such person is employed full-time or part-time,
and whether such person is a head or assistant
trainer or medical services provider) and
duties other than providing training or medical
services; and
``(iii) qualifications, including whether
the person is a professional or student.
``(E) The total number of coaches, and for each
coach an identification of such coach's--
``(i) sex;
``(ii) employment status (including whether
such coach is employed full-time or part-time,
and whether such coach is a head or assistant
coach) and duties other than coaching; and
``(iii) qualifications, including whether
the person is a professional or student.
``(F) Total annual revenues generated by the team
(including contributions from outside sources such as
booster clubs), disaggregated by source.
``(G) The total number of competitions scheduled,
and for each scheduled competition an indication of
what day of the week and time the competition was
scheduled.
``(H) The total number of practices scheduled, and
for each scheduled practice an indication of what day
of the week and time the practice was scheduled.
``(I) The season in which the team competed.
``(J) Whether such team participated in postseason
competition, and the success of such team in any
postseason competition.
``(3) The average annual institutional salary attributable
to coaching of the head coaches of men's teams, across all
offered sports, and the average annual institutional salary
attributable to coaching of the head coaches of women's teams,
across all offered sports.
``(4) The average annual institutional salary attributable
to coaching of the assistant coaches of men's teams, across all
offered sports, and the average annual institutional salary
attributable to coaching of the assistant coaches of women's
teams, across all offered sports.
``(b) Special Rule.--For the purpose of reporting the information
described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a), if a coach has
responsibilities for more than 1 team and the school does not allocate
such coach's salary by team, the school should divide the salary by the
number of teams for which the coach has responsibility and allocate the
salary among the teams on a basis consistent with the coach's
responsibilities for the different teams.
``(c) Disclosure of Information to Students and Public.--On an
annual basis, each coeducational elementary or secondary school
described in subsection (a) shall--
``(1) make available to students, potential students, and
the public, upon request, the information contained in each
report by the school under this section by October 15 of each
school year; and
``(2) ensure that all students at the school and members of
the relevant community are informed of their right to request
such information.
``(d) Submission; Information Availability.--On an annual basis,
each coeducational elementary or secondary school described in
subsection (a) shall provide the information contained in each report
by the school under this section to the Commissioner for Education
Statistics not later than 15 days after the date that the school makes
such information available under subsection (c).
``(e) Duties of Commissioner for Education Statistics.--The
Commissioner for Education Statistics shall--
``(1) ensure that the data required under this section are
posted on the Department of Education's Web site within a
reasonable period of time; and
``(2) not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of the High School Athletics Accountability Act of
2009, notify all elementary and secondary schools in all States
about the requirements under subsection (c) and issue guidance
to all elementary and secondary schools on how to collect and
report the information required under this section.''. | High School Athletics Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to direct coeducational elementary and secondary schools that participate in any ESEA program to annually: (1) report certain information on equality in their school athletic programs to the Commissioner for Educational Statistics; and (2) make such information available, upon request, to their students, potential students, and the public.
Directs the Commissioner to ensure that such data are posted on the Department of Education's Web site within a reasonable period of time. | To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct certain coeducational elementary and secondary schools to make available information on equality in school athletic programs, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Full Funding for IDEA Now Act of
2003''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to attain the Federal Government's goal
under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20
U.S.C. 1411 et seq.) of providing 40 percent of the national current
average per pupil expenditure to assist States and local educational
agencies with the excess costs of educating children with disabilities
and to make such funding mandatory.
SEC. 3. AMOUNT OF GRANT FOR STATES UNDER PART B OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITH
DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT.
(a) In General.--Section 611(a) of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411(a)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Minimum amounts.--The minimum amount of the grant a
State is entitled to receive under this section for a fiscal
year is--
``(A) the number of children with disabilities in
the State who are receiving special education and
related services--
``(i) aged 3 through 5 if the State is
eligible for a grant under section 619; and
``(ii) aged 6 through 21; multiplied by
``(B) 40 percent of the average current per-pupil
expenditure in public elementary and secondary schools
in the United States.
``(3) No individual entitlement.--Paragraph (2) shall not
be interpreted to entitle any individual to assistance under
any State program, project, or activity funded under this
part.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Section 611 of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411) is amended by striking
subsection (j).
(2) Section 611 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 1411), as amended by paragraph (1), is further amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``From the amount
appropriated for any fiscal year under subsection (j), the
Secretary shall reserve not more than one percent, which shall
be used'' and inserting ``From the amount available for any
fiscal year to carry out this part (other than section 619),
the Secretary shall use not more than one percent'';
(B) in subsection (c), by striking ``From the amount
appropriated for any fiscal year under subsection (j), the
Secretary shall reserve'' and inserting ``From the amount
available for any fiscal year to carry out this part (other
than section 619), the Secretary shall use'';
(C) in subsection (d)--
(i) in paragraph (1)--
(I) by striking ``(1) In general.--''; and
(II) by striking ``paragraph (2) or
subsection (e), as the case may be'' and
inserting ``subsection (e)''; and
(ii) by striking paragraph (2);
(D) in subsection (e)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``Permanent'';
(ii) in paragraph (1)--
(I) by striking ``subsection (d)(1)'' and
inserting ``subsection (d)''; and
(II) by inserting after ``subsection (j)''
the following: ``(as such subsection was in
effect on the day before the date of the
enactment of the Full Funding for IDEA Now Act
of 2003)''; and
(iii) in paragraph (3)(B)--
(I) in clause (ii)--
(aa) in subclause (I)(bb), by
striking ``amount appropriated under
subsection (j)'' and inserting ``amount
available to carry out this part (other
than section 619)'';
(bb) in subclause (II)(bb), by
striking ``appropriated'' and inserting
``available''; and
(cc) in subclause (III)(bb), by
striking ``appropriated'' and inserting
``available''; and
(II) in clause (iii)(II), by striking
``appropriated'' and inserting ``available'';
(E) in subsection (g)--
(i) in paragraph (2)--
(I) by striking subparagraph (A);
(II) by striking ``(B) Permanent
procedure.--'';
(III) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii)
and subclauses (I) and (II) as subparagraphs
(A) and (B) and clauses (i) and (ii),
respectively; and
(IV) in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated),
by striking ``clause (i)'' and inserting
``subparagraph (A)''; and
(ii) in paragraph (3)(A)--
(I) in clause (i)(I), by striking
``appropriated'' and inserting ``available'';
(II) in clause (ii), by striking
``appropriated'' and inserting ``available'';
and
(F) in subsection (i)(3)(A), by striking ``appropriated
under subsection (j)'' and inserting ``available to carry out
this part (other than section 619)''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2003. | Full Funding for IDEA Now Act of 2003 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to specify a mandatory minimum level of Federal grant payments to States for assistance for education of all children with disabilities.Sets such level at 40 percent of the average current per-pupil expenditure in public and secondary schools in the United States multiplied by the number of children with disabilities in the State who are receiving special education and related services: (1) aged three through five if the State is eligible for an IDEA preschool grant; and (2) aged six through 21. | To amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide full funding for assistance for education of all children with disabilities. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``American Innovation $1 Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. AMERICAN INNOVATION $1 COIN PROGRAM.
Section 5112 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after subsection (v) the following new subsection:
``(w) Redesign and Issuance of $1 Coins Honoring Innovation,
Innovators, and Pioneers From Each State, the District of Columbia, and
Each Territory.--
``(1) Redesign beginning in 2017.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection
(d)(1) and subsection (d)(2) and in accordance with the
provisions of this subsection, during the 14-year
period beginning on January 1, 2017 (or such later date
as provided under subparagraph (B)(ii)), the Secretary
of the Treasury shall mint and issue $1 coins to be
known as `American Innovation $1 coins', that--
``(i) have designs on the obverse selected
in accordance with paragraph (2)(A); and
``(ii) have a design on the reverse
selected in accordance with paragraph (2)(B).
``(B) Continuity provisions.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall continue
to mint and issue $1 coins honoring Native
Americans and their contributions in accordance
with subsection (r).
``(ii) First year.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), if the Secretary finds that
it is not feasible and cost-effective to mint
and issue American Innovation $1 coins
beginning in 2017, the Secretary may mint and
issue $1 coins bearing the designs of such
Presidential $1 coins issued pursuant to
subsection (n) that the Secretary determines to
be appropriate. If any such Presidential $1
coin design bore the inscription `In God We
Trust' incused on the edge, the Secretary shall
modify the design to place that inscription on
the coin's obverse only, and such modification
may be done without review by the Citizens
Coinage Advisory Committee nor consultation
with the Commission of Fine Arts.
``(C) Definition of territory.--For purposes of
this subsection, the term `territory' means the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the
United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands.
``(2) Design requirements.--Notwithstanding subsection
(d)(1) and subsection (d)(2), the $1 coins issued in accordance
with paragraph (1)(A) shall meet the following design
requirements:
``(A) Coin obverse.--The design on the obverse of
each coin issued under this subsection shall contain--
``(i) a design symbolic of Liberty; and
``(ii) the inscription `In God We Trust'.
``(B) Coin reverse.--The design on the reverse of
each coin issued under this subsection shall bear the
following:
``(i) An image or images emblematic of one
of the following from one of the 50 States, the
District of Columbia, or the territories of the
United States:
``(I) A significant innovation.
``(II) An innovator or pioneer.
``(III) A group of innovators or
pioneers.
``(ii) The name of the State, the District
of Columbia, or territory, as applicable.
``(iii) The inscriptions `$1' and `United
States of America'.
``(C) Edge-incused inscriptions.--
``(i) In general.--The inscription of the
year of minting or issuance of the coin and the
inscription `E Pluribus Unum' shall be edge-
incused into the coin.
``(ii) Preservation of distinctive edge.--
The edge-incusing of the inscriptions under
clause (i) on coins issued under this
subsection shall be done in a manner that
preserves the distinctive edge of the coin so
that the denomination of the coin is readily
discernible, including by individuals who are
blind or visually impaired.
``(3) Issuance of coins commemorating innovation,
innovators, and pioneers.--
``(A) Order of issuance.--The coins issued under
this subsection commemorating either an innovation, an
individual innovator or pioneer, or a group of
innovators or pioneers, from each State, the District
of Columbia, or a territory shall be issued in
alphabetic order of the State, the District, or
territory represented, starting with Alabama.
``(B) Issuance of coins commemorating four
innovations, innovators, and pioneers during each of 14
years.--
``(i) In general.--Four $1 coin designs as
described in this subsection shall be issued
during each year of the period referred to in
paragraph (1) until one coin featuring one
innovation, an individual innovator or pioneer,
or a group of innovators or pioneers, from each
of the States, the District of Columbia, and
territories has been issued.
``(ii) Number of coin designs in each
year.--The Secretary shall prescribe, on the
basis of such factors as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate, the number of $1
coins that shall be issued with each of the
designs selected for each year of the period
referred to in paragraph (1).
``(iii) Application in event of the
admission of additional states.--
Notwithstanding clause (i), if any additional
State or territory is admitted into the Union
before the end of the 14-year period referred
to in paragraph (1), the Secretary of the
Treasury may issue $1 coins, in accordance with
this subsection during any one year of such 14-
year period, in addition to the four $1 coins
issued during such year in accordance with
clause (i).
``(iv) Application in the event of
independence.--Notwithstanding paragraph
(3)(B)(i), if any State or territory becomes
independent or otherwise ceases to be a State
or territory of the United States before $1
coins are minted pursuant to this subsection,
the subsection shall cease to apply with
respect to such State or territory.
``(4) Selection of concept and design.--
``(A) Concept.--With respect to each State, the
District of Columbia, and territory to be honored with
a coin under this subsection, the selection of the
significant innovation, innovator or pioneer, or group
of innovators or pioneers to be borne on the reverse of
such coin shall be made by the Secretary of the
Treasury, after consultation with the Governor or other
chief executive of the State, the District of Columbia,
or territory with respect to which a coin is to be
issued under this subsection.
``(B) Design.--Each of the designs required under
this subsection shall be selected by the Secretary
after--
``(i) consultation with--
``(I) the Governor or other chief
executive of the State, the District of
Columbia, or territory with respect to
which a coin is to be issued under this
subsection; and
``(II) the Commission of Fine Arts;
and
``(ii) review by the Citizens Coinage
Advisory Committee.
``(C) Selection and approval process.--Designs for
$1 coins under this subsection may be submitted in
accordance with the design selection and approval
process developed by the Secretary in the sole
discretion of the Secretary.
``(D) Standards.--Because it is important that the
Nation's coinage and currency bear dignified designs of
which the citizens of the United States can be proud,
the Secretary shall not select any frivolous or
inappropriate design for any $1 coin minted under this
subsection.
``(E) Prohibition on certain representations.--No
head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person,
living or dead, and no portrait of a living person may
be included in the design of any coin issued under this
subsection.
``(5) Treatment as numismatic items.--For purposes of
sections 5134 and 5136, all $1 coins minted under this
subsection shall be considered to be numismatic items.
``(6) Issuance of numismatic coins.--The Secretary may mint
and issue such number of $1 coins of each design selected under
this subsection in uncirculated and proof qualities as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(7) Termination of program.--The issuance of coins under
this subsection shall terminate when one innovation, an
individual innovator or pioneer, or a group of innovators or
pioneers, from each State, the District of Columbia, and
territory has been honored and may not be resumed except by an
Act of Congress.''. | American Innovation $1 Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue American Innovation $1 coins commemorating an innovation, an individual innovator or pioneer, or a group of innovators or pioneers from each state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territory. Four such coins shall be issued each year for 14 years until one coin for each of the states, the District of Columbia, and the territories has been issued. Such coins shall be issued in alphabetic order of the jurisdiction represented. | American Innovation $1 Coin Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Robert Stodola Homeless Veterans
Assistance Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION.
(a) In General.--Subtitle A of title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11361 et seq.) is amended by adding
at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 402. DEFINITION OF VETERAN.
``For purposes of this title, the term `veteran' has the meaning
given such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 101(b) of
the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 401 the following new item:
``Sec. 402. Definition of veteran.''.
SEC. 3. EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANTS PROGRAM.
Section 413 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 11373) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(f) Veterans' Share.--
``(1) In general.--Each metropolitan city, urban county,
State, and Indian tribe for which assistance under this
subtitle is provided shall ensure that not less than 20 percent
of the total amount received by the city, county, State, or
tribe in each fiscal year shall be used for eligible activities
designed to serve primarily homeless persons who are veterans.
Such activities shall, to the extent possible, be integrated
and coordinated with services made available by the Department
of Veterans Affairs.
``(2) Exception.--Upon the request of a metropolitan city,
urban county, State, or Indian tribe, the Secretary may, with
respect to a fiscal year, waive the requirement under paragraph
(1) or reduce the percentage under such paragraph for the city,
county, State, or tribe if the city, county, State, or tribe
demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary, and the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs concurs in the determination,
that but for such waiver or reduction amounts of assistance
under this subtitle for the city, county, State, or tribe will
remain unused for an unreasonable period of time.
``(3) Reports by grantees.--Each metropolitan city, urban
county, State, and Indian tribe for which assistance under this
subtitle is provided for a fiscal year shall submit a report to
the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for such
fiscal year describing each project and activity funded with
such assistance that is designed to serve primarily homeless
persons who are veterans, the location of the project or
activity, and the amount of such assistance provided for the
project or activity.''.
SEC. 4. SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAM.
(a) Selection Criteria.--Section 426(b) of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11386(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new
paragraph:
``(7) such factors as the Secretary, after consultation
with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, considers necessary to
ensure compliance with the requirements under section
429(b)(4); and''.
(b) Veterans' Share.--Section 429(b) of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11389(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) not less than 20 percent shall be allocated for use
only for projects and supportive services designed to serve
primarily homeless persons who are veterans, except that--
``(A) the Secretary shall make assistance available
with such amounts only after consultation with and upon
the concurrence of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;
``(B) projects and services provided with amounts
allocated under this paragraph shall, to the extent
possible, be integrated and coordinated with services
made available by the Department of Veterans Affairs;
and
``(C) the Secretary may, with respect to a fiscal
year, waive the requirement to reserve amounts under
this paragraph or reduce the percentage so reserved if
the Secretary determines (based on approvable
applications submitted for assistance under this
subtitle), and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
concurs in the determination, that but for such waiver
or reduction amounts appropriated for such fiscal year
to carry out this subtitle will remain unused for an
unreasonable period of time.''.
(c) Report.--Section 426(c)(4) of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11386(c)(4)) is amended by inserting before
the semicolon at the end the following: ``, which shall include, in the
case of an applicant carrying out a project designed to serve primarily
homeless persons who are veterans, reporting to the Secretary and the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for such fiscal year regarding the
activities funded during such fiscal year with such assistance that are
designed to serve primarily homeless persons who are veterans, the
location of the project and of such activities, and the amount of such
assistance provided for the project or such activities.''.
SEC. 5. SAFE HAVENS FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
(a) Selection Criteria.--Section 434(c) of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11394(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new
paragraph:
``(7) such factors as the Secretary, after consultation
with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, considers necessary to
ensure compliance with the requirements under subsection (e);
and''.
(b) Veterans' Share.--Section 434 of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(e) Veterans' Share.--
``(1) In general.--In making grants to applicants under
this subtitle, the Secretary shall ensure that not less than 20
percent of the amount made available for each fiscal year to
carry out this subtitle is used for eligible activities
designed to serve primarily homeless persons who are veterans,
which activities shall, to the extent possible, be integrated
and coordinated with services made available by the Department
of Veterans Affairs. A grant shall be considered to comply with
the requirement under preceding sentence only if the Secretary
consults with and obtains the concurrence of the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs in making the grant.
``(2) Exception.--The Secretary may, with respect to a
fiscal year, waive the requirement under paragraph (1) or
reduce the percentage under such paragraph if the Secretary
determines (based on approvable applications submitted for
assistance under this subtitle), and the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs concurs in the determination, that but for such waiver
or reduction amounts made available for such fiscal year to
carry out this subtitle will remain unused for an unreasonable
period of time.
``(3) Reports by recipients.--Each recipient provided
assistance under this subtitle for a fiscal year shall submit a
report to the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
for such fiscal year describing each facility and activity
funded with such assistance that is designed to serve primarily
homeless persons who are veterans, the location of the facility
or activity, and the amount of such assistance provided for the
facility or activity.''.
SEC. 6. SECTION 8 PROGRAM FOR SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY DWELLINGS.
(a) Selection Criteria.--Section 441(c) of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11401(c)) is amended by striking the
period at the end of the first sentence and inserting the following:
``, while ensuring compliance with the requirements under subsection
(k). The Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, shall establish any criteria for such competition necessary to
ensure compliance with the requirements under subsection (k).''.
(b) Veterans' Share.--Section 441 of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(k) Veterans' Share.--
``(1) In general.--In allocating amounts to applicants
under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that not less
than 20 percent of the amounts made available for each fiscal
year to carry out this section are used for assistance designed
to serve primarily homeless persons who are veterans, which
assistance shall, to the extent possible, be integrated and
coordinated with services made available by the Department of
Veterans Affairs. Assistance shall be considered to comply with
the requirement under preceding sentence only if the Secretary
consults with and obtains the concurrence of the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs in allocating the assistance.
``(2) Exception.--The Secretary may, with respect to a
fiscal year, waive the requirement under paragraph (1) or
reduce the percentage under such paragraph if the Secretary
determines (based on approvable applications submitted for
assistance under this section), and the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs concurs in the determination, that but for such waiver
or reduction amounts made available for such fiscal year to
carry out this section will remain unused for an unreasonable
period of time.
``(3) Reports by recipients.--Each applicant that receives
assistance under this section for a fiscal year shall submit a
report to the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
for such fiscal year describing each dwelling unit occupied by
a homeless person who is a veteran that is assisted with such
assistance, the location of the dwelling unit, and the amount
of such assistance provided for the dwelling unit.''.
SEC. 7. SHELTER PLUS CARE PROGRAM.
(a) Selection Criteria.--Section 455(a) of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11403d(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (8) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following new
paragraph:
``(9) such factors as the Secretary, after consultation
with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, considers necessary to
ensure compliance with the requirements under subsection (d);
and''.
(b) Veterans' Share.--Section 455 of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(d) Veterans' Share.--
``(1) In general.--In providing assistance to applicants
under this subtitle, the Secretary shall ensure that not less
than 20 percent of the amount made available for each fiscal
year to carry out this subtitle is used for rental assistance
designed to serve primarily homeless persons who are veterans,
which assistance shall, to the extent possible, be integrated
and coordinated with services made available by the Department
of Veterans Affairs. Assistance shall be considered to comply
with the requirement under preceding sentence only if the
Secretary consults with and obtains the concurrence of the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs in providing the assistance.
``(2) Exception.--The Secretary may, with respect to a
fiscal year, waive the requirement under paragraph (1) or
reduce the percentage under such paragraph if the Secretary
determines (based on approvable applications submitted for
assistance under this subtitle), and the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs concurs in the determination, that but for such waiver
or reduction amounts made available for such fiscal year to
carry out this subtitle will remain unused for an unreasonable
period of time.
``(3) Reports by recipients.--Each recipient provided
assistance under this subtitle for a fiscal year shall submit a
report to the Secretary and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
for such fiscal year describing assistance funded with such
amounts that is designed to serve primarily homeless persons
who are veterans, the location of the housing or activity so
assisted, and the amount of such assistance provided for the
housing or activity.''.
SEC. 8. RURAL HOMELESSNESS GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 491(c) of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 11408(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(4) Veterans' share.--
``(A) In general.--In awarding grants under
subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall
ensure that not less than 20 percent of the amount made
available for the fiscal year for such grants is used
for eligible activities under subsection (b) designed
to serve primarily homeless persons who are veterans,
which activities shall, to the extent possible,
be integrated and coordinated with services made available by the
Department of Veterans Affairs. A grant shall be considered to comply
with the requirement under preceding sentence only if the Secretary
consults with and obtains the concurrence of the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs in providing the grant.
``(B) Exception.--The Secretary may, with respect
to a fiscal year, waive the requirement under
subparagraph (A) or reduce the percentage under such
subparagraph if the Secretary determines (based on
approvable applications submitted for grants under this
section), and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs concurs
in the determination, that but for such waiver or
reduction amounts made available for such fiscal year
to carry out this section will remain unused for an
unreasonable period of time.
``(C) Reports by recipients.--Each eligible
organization receiving a grant under this section for a
fiscal year shall submit a report to the Secretary and
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for such fiscal year
describing assistance funded with such amounts that is
designed to serve primarily homeless persons who are
veterans, the location of the housing or activities so
assisted, and the amount of such amounts provided for
the housing or activities.''.
SEC. 9. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ANNUAL REPORTS.
(a) In General.--Subtitle A of title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C 11361), as amended by section 2 of
this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``SEC. 403. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND REPORTS REGARDING ACTIVITIES
BENEFITING HOMELESS VETERANS.
``(a) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary, after consultation with
and upon the concurrence of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall
carry out a program to provide technical advice, training, and outreach
activities necessary to facilitate and encourage the funding, with
grant amounts under this title, of projects and activities designed to
serve primarily homeless persons who are veterans. The program shall
include--
``(1) providing notice of availability of amounts set-aside
under this title for eligible activities designed to serve
primarily homeless persons who are veterans to agencies and
organizations who are qualified or could qualify as grantees
for such amounts and project sponsors for such activities;
``(2) increasing participation, by agencies and
organizations interested in carrying out eligible activities
designed to serve primarily homeless persons who are veterans,
in developing plans required under section 401;
``(3) providing assistance to increase the capability of
such agencies and organizations in developing plans and
applications for grants under this title and activities funded
with such grant amounts (including providing assistance in
integrating and coordinating such activities with services made
available by the Department of Veterans Affairs).
``(b) Annual Reports.--Not later than 6 months after the conclusion
of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the
Congress and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding activities and
assistance provided with grant amounts under this title that are
designed to serve primarily homeless persons who are veterans. The
report shall analyze the extent of compliance with the requirements
under this title to reserve amounts for such activities and assistance
and shall summarize the reports regarding such assistance and
activities submitted under sections 413(f)(3), 426(c)(4), 434(e)(3),
441(k)(3), 455(d)(3), and 491(c)(4)(C) by grant recipients. After
submitting each report under this subsection, the Secretary shall
consult with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding any
recommendations of such Secretary in response to the report.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 101(b) of
the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 402 (as added by section 2(b) of
this Act) the following new item:
``Sec. 403. Technical assistance and reports regarding activities
benefiting homeless veterans.''. | Robert Stodola Homeless Veterans Assistance Act - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to require each city, county, State, and Indian tribe which is provided assistance under the following programs to ensure that not less than 20 percent of the total amount received by such entity is used for activities benefiting homeless veterans: (1) the emergency shelter grants program; (2) the supportive housing program; (3) the safe havens for homeless individuals demonstration program; (4) a program for single room occupancy dwellings; (5) the shelter plus care program; and (6) the rural homelessness grant program. Provides for related technical assistance. Allows a waiver of such requirement in each case upon a determination that general program funds will remain unused for an unreasonable period of time unless the waiver is permitted. | Robert Stodola Homeless Veterans Assistance Act |