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SECTION 1. LIABILITY OF BUSINESS ENTITIES PROVIDING USE OF FACILITIES
TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Business entity.--The term ``business entity'' means a
firm, corporation, association, partnership, consortium, joint
venture, or other form of enterprise.
(2) Facility.--The term ``facility'' means any real
property, including any building, improvement, or appurtenance.
(3) Gross negligence.--The term ``gross negligence'' means
voluntary and conscious conduct by a person with knowledge (at
the time of the conduct) that the conduct is likely to be
harmful to the health or well-being of another person.
(4) Intentional misconduct.--The term ``intentional
misconduct'' means conduct by a person with knowledge (at the
time of the conduct) that the conduct is harmful to the health
or well-being of another person.
(5) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit
organization'' means--
(A) any organization described in section 501(c)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from
tax under section 501(a) of such Code; or
(B) any not-for-profit organization organized and
conducted for public benefit and operated primarily for
charitable, civic, educational, religious, welfare, or
health purposes.
(6) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern
Mariana Islands, any other territory or possession of the
United States, or any political subdivision of any such State,
territory, or possession.
(b) Limitation on Liability.--
(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (c), a business
entity shall not be subject to civil liability relating to any
injury or death occurring at a facility of the business entity
in connection with a use of such facility by a nonprofit
organization if--
(A) the use occurs outside of the scope of business
of the business entity;
(B) such injury or death occurs during a period
that such facility is used by the nonprofit
organization; and
(C) the business entity authorized the use of such
facility by the nonprofit organization.
(2) Application.--This subsection shall apply--
(A) with respect to civil liability under Federal
and State law; and
(B) regardless of whether a nonprofit organization
pays for the use of a facility.
(c) Exception for Liability.--Subsection (b) shall not apply to an
injury or death that results from an act or omission of a business
entity that constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct,
including any misconduct that--
(1) constitutes a crime of violence (as that term is
defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code) or act
of international terrorism (as that term is defined in section
2331 of title 18) for which the defendant has been convicted in
any court;
(2) constitutes a hate crime (as that term is used in the
Hate Crime Statistics Act (28 U.S.C. 534 note));
(3) involves a sexual offense, as defined by applicable
State law, for which the defendant has been convicted in any
court; or
(4) involves misconduct for which the defendant has been
found to have violated a Federal or State civil rights law.
(d) Superseding Provision.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2) and subsection
(e), this Act preempts the laws of any State to the extent that
such laws are inconsistent with this Act, except that this Act
shall not preempt any State law that provides additional
protection from liability for a business entity for an injury
or death with respect to which conditions under subparagraphs
(A) through (C) of subsection (b)(1) apply.
(2) Limitation.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to
supersede any Federal or State health or safety law.
(e) Election of State Regarding Nonapplicability.--This Act shall
not apply to any civil action in a State court against a business
entity in which all parties are citizens of the State if such State
enacts a statute--
(1) citing the authority of this subsection;
(2) declaring the election of such State that this Act
shall not apply to such civil action in the State; and
(3) containing no other provision. | Shields a business entity from civil liability relating to any injury or death occurring at a facility of that entity in connection with a use of such facility by a nonprofit organization if: (1) the use occurs outside the scope of business of the business entity; (2) such injury or death occurs during a period that such facility is used by such organization; and (3) the business entity authorized the use of such facility by the organization.
Makes this Act inapplicable to an injury or death that results from an act or omission of a business entity that constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct, including misconduct that: (1) constitutes a hate crime or a crime of violence or act of international terrorism for which the defendant has been convicted in any court; or (2) involves a sexual offense for which the defendant has been convicted in any court or misconduct for which the defendant has been found to have violated a Federal or State civil rights law.
Preempts State laws to the extent that such laws are inconsistent with this Act, except State law that provides additional protection from liability. Specifies that this Act shall not be construed to supersede any Federal or State health or safety law.
Makes this Act inapplicable to any civil action in a State court against a business entity in which all parties are citizens of the State if such State, citing this Act's authority and containing no other provision, enacts a statute declaring the State's election that this Act shall not apply to such action in the State. | A bill to limit the civil liability of business entities providing use of facilities to nonprofit organizations. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Kidney Disease Educational Benefits
Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. MEDICARE COVERAGE OF KIDNEY DISEASE EDUCATION SERVICES.
(a) Coverage of Kidney Disease Education Services.--
(1) In general.--Section 1861 of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395x), as amended by section 105 of the Medicare,
Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of
2000 (114 Stat. 2763A-471), as enacted into law by section
1(a)(6) of Public Law 106-554, is amended--
(A) in subsection (s)(2)--
(i) in subparagraph (U), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (V)(iii), by adding
``and'' at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(W) kidney disease education services (as defined in
subsection (ww));''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``Kidney Disease Education Services
``(ww)(1) The term `kidney disease education services' means
educational services that are--
``(A) furnished to an individual with kidney disease who,
according to accepted clinical guidelines identified by the
Secretary, will require dialysis or a kidney transplant;
``(B) furnished, upon the referral of the physician
managing the individual's kidney condition, by a qualified
person (as defined in paragraph (2)); and
``(C) designed--
``(i) to provide comprehensive information
regarding--
``(I) the management of comorbidities;
``(II) the prevention of uremic
complications; and
``(III) each option for renal replacement
therapy (including peritoneal dialysis,
hemodialysis in a center or at home (including
vascular access options), and transplantation);
and
``(ii) to ensure that the individual has the
opportunity to actively participate in the choice of
therapy.
``(2) The term `qualified person' means--
``(A) a physician (as described in subsection (r)(1));
``(B) an individual who--
``(i) is--
``(I) a registered nurse;
``(II) a registered dietitian or nutrition
professional (as defined in subsection
(vv)(2));
``(III) a clinical social worker (as
defined in subsection (hh)(1)); or
``(IV) a physician assistant, nurse
practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist (as
those terms are defined in section
1861(aa)(5)); and
``(ii) meets such requirements related to
experience and other qualifications that the Secretary
finds necessary and appropriate for furnishing the
services described in paragraph (1); or
``(C) a renal dialysis facility subject to the requirements
of section 1881(b)(1) with personnel who--
``(i) provide the services described in paragraph
(1); and
``(ii) meet the requirements of subparagraph (A) or
(B).
``(3) The Secretary shall develop the requirements under paragraph
(2)(B)(ii) after consulting with physicians, health educators,
professional organizations, accrediting organizations, kidney patient
organizations, dialysis facilities, transplant centers, network
organizations described in section 1881(c)(2), and other knowledgeable
persons.
``(4) In promulgating regulations to carry out this subsection, the
Secretary shall ensure that such regulations ensure that each
beneficiary who is entitled to kidney disease education services under
this title receives such services in a timely manner that ensures that
the beneficiary receives the maximum benefit of those services.
``(5) The Secretary shall monitor the implementation of this
subsection to ensure that beneficiaries who are eligible for kidney
disease education services receive such services in the manner
described in paragraph (4).
``(6) Not later than April 1, 2003, and annually thereafter, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the number of medicare
beneficiaries who are entitled to kidney disease education services (as
defined in paragraph (1)) and who receive such services, together with
such recommendations for legislative and administrative action as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate to fulfill the legislative
intent that resulted in the enactment of this subsection.''.
(2) Payment under physician fee schedule.--Section
1848(j)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(j)(3))
is amended by inserting ``, (2)(W)'', after ``(2)(S)''.
(3) Payment to renal dialysis facilities.--Section 1881(b)
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395rr(b)) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(12) For purposes of paragraph (7), the single composite
weighted formulas determined under such paragraph shall not
take into account the amount of payment for kidney disease
education services (as defined in section 1861(ww)). Instead,
payment for such services shall be made to the renal dialysis
facility on an assignment-related basis under section 1848.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to services furnished on or after the date that is 6 months after
the date of enactment of this Act. | Kidney Disease Educational Benefits Act of 2002 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to provide coverage for kidney disease education services furnished, upon the managing physician's referral, to an individual with kidney disease who will require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Requires such services to: (1) impart comprehensive information regarding management, prevention, and options regarding treatment of kidney disease; and (2) ensure that such individuals have the opportunity to participate actively in the choice of therapy. | A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for kidney disease education services under the medicare program, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Public Safety and Protection
Investment Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. BUSINESS DEDUCTION FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF SECURITY
DEVICES.
(a) In General.--Part VI of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to itemized deductions for
individuals and corporations) is amended by inserting after section
179A the following new section:
``SEC. 179B. SECURITY DEVICE PURCHASES.
``(a) Allowance of Deduction.--A taxpayer may elect to treat the
cost of any qualifying security device as an expense which is not
chargeable to capital account. Any cost so treated shall be allowed as
a deduction for the taxable year in which such device is placed in
service.
``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualifying security device.--The term `qualifying
security device' means a security device (to which section 168
applies) which is acquired by purchase (as defined in section
179(d)(2)) and which is installed or placed in service in a
building which is owned or occupied by the taxpayer and which
is located in the United States.
``(2) Security device.--The term `security device' means
any of the following:
``(A) An electronic access control device or
system.
``(B) Biometric identification or verification
device or system.
``(C) Closed-circuit television or other
surveillance and security cameras and equipment.
``(D) Locks for doors and windows, including
tumbler, key, and numerical or other coded devices.
``(E) Computers and software used to combat
cyberterrorism.
``(F) Electronic alarm systems to provide detection
notification and off-premises transmission of an
unauthorized entry, attack, or fire.
``(G) An electronic device capable of tracking or
verifying the presence of assets.
``(H) High efficiency air filtering systems.
``(I) Mechanical and non-mechanical vehicle
arresting barricades.
``(J) Metal detectors.
``(K) Signal repeating devices for emergency
response personnel wireless communication systems.
``(L) Components, wiring, system displays,
terminals, auxiliary power supplies, computer systems,
software, networking infrastructure and other equipment
necessary or incidental to the operation of any item
described in any of the preceding subparagraphs.
``(3) Building.--The term `building' includes any structure
or part of a structure used for commercial, retail, or business
purposes.
``(c) Special Rules.--
``(1) Basis reduction.--For purposes of this subtitle, if a
deduction is allowed under this section with respect to the
purchase of a qualifying security device, the basis of such
device shall be reduced by the amount of the deduction so
allowed.
``(2) Certain rules to apply.--Rules similar to the rules
of section 179(b)(3), section 179(c), and paragraphs (3), (4),
(8), and (10) of section 179(d), shall apply for purposes of
this section.''.
(b) Conforming and Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Section 263(a)(1) of such Code is amended by striking
``or'' at the end of subparagraph (G), by striking the period
at the end of subparagraph (H) and inserting ``, or'', and by
inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new
subparagraph:
``(I) expenditures for which a deduction is allowed
under section 179B.''.
(2) Section 312(k)(3)(B) of such Code is amended by
striking ``or 179A'' each place it appears in the heading and
text and inserting ``, 179A, or 179B''.
(3) Section 1016(a) of such Code is amended by striking
``and'' at the end of paragraph (27), by striking the period at
the end of paragraph (28) and inserting ``, and'', and by
inserting after paragraph (28) the following new paragraph:
``(29) to the extent provided in section 179B(d)(1),''.
(4) Section 1245(a) of such Code is amended by inserting
``179B,'' after ``179A,'' both places it appears in paragraphs
(2)(C) and (3)(C).
(5) The table of sections for part VI of subchapter B of
chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 179A the following new item:
``Sec. 179B. Security device
purchases.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall apply to
taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act. | Public Safety and Protection Investment Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow businesses to expense the costs of purchasing and installing qualifying security devices. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow businesses to expense qualified security devices. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``New Millennium Classrooms Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF DEDUCTION FOR COMPUTER DONATIONS TO SCHOOLS AND
PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
(a) Expansion of Computer Donations to Public Libraries.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (6) of section 170(e) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to special rule for
contributions of computer technology and equipment for
elementary or secondary school purposes) is amended by striking
``qualified elementary or secondary educational contribution''
each place it occurs in the headings and text and inserting
``qualified computer contribution''.
(2) Qualified computer contribution defined.--Subclause
(II) of section 170(e)(6)(B)(i) of such Code (relating to
qualified elementary or secondary educational contribution) is
amended by striking ``or'' at the end of subclause (I), by
inserting ``or'' at the end of subclause (II), and by inserting
after subclause (II) the following new subclause:
``(III) a public library (within
the meaning of section 213(2)(A) of the
Library Services and Technology Act (20
U.S.C. 9122(2)(A)), as in effect on the
date of the enactment of the New
Millennium Classrooms Act, established
and maintained by an entity described
in subsection (c)(1).''.
(3) Conforming amendment.--The heading of paragraph (6) of
section 170(e) of such Code is amended by striking ``elementary
or secondary school purposes'' and inserting ``school and
library purposes''.
(b) Extension of Age of Eligible Computers.--Clause (ii) of section
170(e)(6)(B) of such Code (defining qualified elementary or secondary
educational contribution) is amended--
(1) by striking ``2 years'' and inserting ``3 years'', and
(2) by striking ``date'' the first place it appears and all
that follows and inserting the following:
``date--
``(I) the taxpayer acquired or
reacquired the property,
``(II) construction of the property
is substantially completed in the case
of property constructed by the taxpayer
for its own use in its trade or
business and which is not inventory
with respect to the taxpayer, or
``(III) the property was originally
sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of
by the taxpayer in the case of property
reacquired by the taxpayer.''.
(c) Reacquired Computers Eligible for Donation.--Clause (iii) of
section 170(e)(6)(B) of such Code (defining qualified elementary or
secondary educational contribution) is amended by inserting ``, the
person from whom the donor reacquires the property,'' after ``the
donor''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to contributions made in taxable years ending after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR COMPUTER DONATIONS TO SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business related
credits) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 45D. CREDIT FOR COMPUTER DONATIONS TO SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC
LIBRARIES.
``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, the school and
public library computer donation credit determined under this section
is an amount equal to 30 percent of the qualified computer
contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
``(b) Increased Percentage for Contributions to Schools or Public
Libraries in Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities, and Indian
Reservations.--In the case of a qualified computer contribution to an
educational organization, public library, or entity located in an
empowerment zone or enterprise community designated under section 1391
or an Indian reservation (as defined in section 168(j)(6)), subsection
(a) shall be applied by substituting `50 percent' for `30 percent'.
``(c) Limitation.--No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a)
for the contribution of a computer (as defined in section
168(i)(2)(B)(ii)) if the computer software (as defined in section
197(e)(3)(B)) that serves as the operating system of such computer has
not been lawfully installed.
``(d) Qualified Computer Contribution.--For purposes of this
section, the term `qualified computer contribution' has the meaning
given such term by section 170(e)(6)(B).
``(e) Certain Rules Made Applicable.--For purposes of this section,
rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 41(f)
shall apply.
``(f) Termination.--This section shall not apply to taxable years
beginning on or after the date which is 3 years after the date of the
enactment of the New Millennium Classrooms Act.''
(b) Current Year Business Credit Calculation.--Section 38(b) of
such Code (relating to current year business credit) is amended by
striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (11), by striking the period
at the end of paragraph (12) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at
the end the following:
``(13) the school and public library computer donation
credit determined under section 45D(a).''.
(c) Disallowance of Deduction by Amount of Credit.--Section 280C of
such Code (relating to certain expenses for which credits are
allowable) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Credit for School and Public Library Computer Donations.--No
deduction shall be allowed for that portion of the qualified computer
contributions (as defined in section 170(e)(6)(B)) made during the
taxable year that is equal to the amount of credit determined for the
taxable year under section 45D(a). In the case of a corporation which
is a member of a controlled group of corporations (within the meaning
of section 52(a)) or a trade or business which is treated as being
under common control with other trades or businesses (within the
meaning of section 52(b)), this subsection shall be applied under rules
prescribed by the Secretary similar to the rules applicable under
subsections (a) and (b) of section 52.''
(d) Limitation on Carryback.--Subsection (d) of section 39 of such
Code (relating to carryback and carryforward of unused credits) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(9) No carryback of school and public library computer
donation credit before effective date.--No amount of unused
business credit available under section 45D may be carried back
to a taxable year beginning on or before the date of the
enactment of this paragraph.''.
(e) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 45C the following:
``Sec. 45D. Credit for computer donations
to schools and public
libraries.''
(f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to contributions made in taxable years beginning after the date
of the enactment of this Act. | New Millennium Classrooms Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) expand the tax deduction for computer donations by corporations to tax-exempt schools to include donations to public libraries; (2) increase from two to three years the age of computers that can be contributed for such deduction; and (3) allow a business tax credit of 30 percent of the value of computers donated to tax-exempt schools and public libraries. Increases the amount of such credit to 50 percent for contributions to schools or public libraries in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and Indian reservations. | New Millennium Classrooms Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Military Personnel War Zone Toxic
Exposure Prevention Act''.
SEC. 2. IDENTIFICATION OF HEALTH EFFECTS RELATED TO HAZARDOUS DISPOSAL
SITE.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Defense shall establish and
administer a system to identify members of the Armed Forces who were
potentially exposed to a hazardous disposal site and any negative
health effects that may be related to such exposure. The Secretary
shall administer such system using existing medical surveillance
systems.
(b) Notification.--If the Secretary learns that a member of the
Armed Forces was potentially exposed to a hazardous disposal site, the
Secretary shall--
(1) give notice of the potential exposure to--
(A) the member;
(B) the commanding officer of the unit to which the
member belonged at the time of potential exposure; and
(C) in the case of a member of the National Guard,
the Adjutant General of the State concerned; and
(2) inform the member that the member may be included in
the system required by subsection (a).
(b) Registration.--For each member of the Armed Forces notified of
a potential exposure under subsection (b), the Secretary shall collect
information for purposes of the system required by subsection (a). Such
information shall include--
(1) the locations that the member was deployed, including
dates of such deployment;
(2) the approximate distance of the living and working
quarters of the member from a hazardous disposal site;
(3) the types of materials disposed of at the site;
(4) the length of time the member was exposed to such site;
(5) any symptoms experienced by the member while deployed;
(6) any symptoms the member experiences at the time of
submitting such information to the Secretary; and
(7) other information the Secretary considers appropriate.
(c) Examination.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which
the Secretary learns that a member of the Armed Forces was potentially
exposed to a hazardous disposal site, and annually thereafter, the
Secretary shall--
(1) provide such member--
(A) a complete physical examination; and
(B) consultation and counseling with respect to the
results of such physical examination; and
(2) ensure that documentation of the potential exposure is
placed in the medical record of the member maintained by the
Department of Defense.
(d) Proposed Capabilities.--
(1) Sufficiency.--The Secretary shall determine if existing
medical surveillance systems are sufficient to identify all
potential negative health effects resulting from exposure to a
hazardous disposal site.
(2) Report.--Not later than six months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report with any recommendations to change existing
medical surveillance systems in order to improve the
identification of negative health effects resulting from
exposure to a hazardous disposal site.
(e) Annual Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report
describing--
(1) the status of implementing the system required by
subsection (a); and
(2) the incidences of illnesses among members of the Armed
Forces notified under subsection (b) and whether such illnesses
may have been caused by exposure to a hazardous disposal site.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``existing medical surveillance systems''
means medical surveillance systems and other data in the
possession of the Secretary as of the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(2) The term ``exposure to a hazardous disposal site''
includes the following:
(A) Exposure to the fumes emanating from a
hazardous disposal site for--
(i) more than one year if the member of the
Armed Forces was deployed to a military
installation that made use of open pits to burn
waste; or
(ii) any period of time when exposure to
such fumes was intensive.
(B) A situation where a member of the Armed Forces
with service-related health problems demonstrates
significant exposure to fumes emanating from a
hazardous disposal site.
(3) The term ``hazardous disposal site'' means a location
where hazardous methods of disposing of mass amounts of waste
were used during Operation Enduring Freedom or Operations Iraqi
Freedom, including the use of open pits to burn waste.
(4) The term ``member of the Armed Forces'' includes former
members of the Armed Forces.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON DISPOSAL OF WASTES IN A MANNER THAT PRODUCES
DANGEROUS LEVELS OF TOXINS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall prohibit the
disposal of waste during contingency operations lasting more than six
months in a manner that exposes members of the Armed Forces or civilian
employees of the Department of Defense to the following:
(1) Environmental toxins, including dioxin, benzene, and
other carcinogens.
(2) Combinations of toxins that may lead to long-term
negative health effects.
(3) Low levels of toxins that exceed military exposure
guidelines for exposures of over one year.
(b) Regulations.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe
regulations to carry out this section.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
on the status of waste disposal techniques used by members of the Armed
Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, including, for each military
department, an assessment of the compliance with the regulations
required under this section. | Military Personnel War Zone Toxic Exposure Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and administer a system to identify members of the Armed Forces who were potentially exposed to a hazardous disposal site, as well as any negative health effects that may be related to such exposure.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) administer the system using existing medical surveillance systems; (2) notify a member and his or her commanding officer of a potential exposure; (3) for each member notified, collect information for purposes of the system; (4) for each member notified, annually provide a complete physical examination and related consultation and counseling; and (5) determine, and report to Congress on, whether existing surveillance systems are sufficient to identify all potential negative health effects resulting from such exposure. | To require the Secretary of Defense to establish a medical surveillance system to identify members of the Armed Forces exposed to chemical hazards resulting from the disposal of waste in Iraq and Afghanistan, to prohibit the disposal of waste by the Armed Forces in a manner that would produce dangerous levels of toxins, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Private Security Officer Employment
Standards Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) employment of private security officers in the United
States is growing rapidly;
(2) private security officers function as an adjunct to,
but not a replacement for, public law enforcement by helping to
reduce and prevent crime;
(3) such private security officers protect individuals,
property, and proprietary information, and provide protection
to such diverse operations as banks, hospitals, research and
development centers, manufacturing facilities, defense and
aerospace contractors, high technology businesses, nuclear
power plants, chemical companies, oil and gas refineries,
airports, communication facilities and operations, office
complexes, schools, residential properties, apartment
complexes, gated communities, and others;
(4) sworn law enforcement officers provide significant
services to the citizens of the United States in its public
areas, and are supplemented by private security officers;
(5) the threat of additional terrorist attacks requires
cooperation between public and private sectors and demands
professional security officers for the protection of people,
facilities, and institutions;
(6) the trend in the Nation toward growth in such security
services has accelerated rapidly;
(7) such growth makes available more public sector law
enforcement officers to combat serious and violent crimes;
(8) the American public deserves the employment of
qualified, well-trained private security personnel as an
adjunct to sworn law enforcement officers;
(9) private security officers and applicants for private
security officer positions should be thoroughly screened and
trained; and
(10) standards are essential for the selection, training,
and supervision of qualified security personnel providing
security services.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Employee.--The term ``employee'' includes both a
current employee and an applicant for employment.
(2) Authorized employer.--The term ``authorized employer''
means any person that--
(A) provides, as an independent contractor, for
consideration, the services of private security
officers; and
(B) is authorized by the Attorney General to obtain
information provided by the State or other authorized
entity pursuant to this section.
(3) Private security officer.-- The term ``private security
officer''--
(A) means an individual who performs security
services, full- or part-time, for consideration as an
independent contractor or an employee, whether armed or
unarmed and in uniform or plain clothes, whose primary
duty is to perform security services; but
(B) does not include--
(i) sworn police officers who have law
enforcement powers in the State;
(ii) employees whose duties are primarily
internal audit or credit functions;
(iii) an individual on active duty in the
military service;
(iv) employees of electronic security
system companies acting as technicians or
monitors; or
(v) employees whose duties primarily
involve the secure movement of prisoners.
(4) Security services.--The term ``security services''
means the performance of security services as such services are
defined by regulations promulgated by the Attorney General.
SEC. 4. BACKGROUND CHECKS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Submission of fingerprints.--An authorized employer may
submit fingerprints or other means of positive identification
of an employee of such employer for purposes of a background
check pursuant to this Act.
(2) Employee rights.--
(A) Permission.--An authorized employer shall
obtain written consent from an employee to submit the
request for a background check of the employee under
this Act.
(B) Access.--An employee shall be provided
confidential access to information relating to the
employee provided pursuant to this Act to the
authorized employer.
(3) Providing records.--Upon receipt of a background check
request from an authorized employer, submitted through the
State identification bureau or other entity authorized by the
Attorney General, the Attorney General shall--
(A) search the appropriate records of the Criminal
Justice Information Services Division of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation; and
(B) promptly provide any identification and
criminal history records resulting from the background
checks to the submitting State identification bureau or
other entity authorized by the Attorney General.
(4) Frequency of requests.--An employer may request a
background check for an employee only once every 12 months of
continuous employment by that employee unless the employer has
good cause to submit additional requests.
(b) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall issue such final or
interim final regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act,
including--
(1) measures relating to the security, confidentiality,
accuracy, use, submission, dissemination, and destruction of
information and audits, and recordkeeping;
(2) standards for qualification as an authorized employer;
and
(3) the imposition of reasonable fees necessary for
conducting the background checks.
(c) Criminal Penalty.--Whoever falsely certifies that he meets the
applicable standards for an authorized employer or who knowingly and
intentionally uses any information obtained pursuant to this Act other
than for the purpose of determining the suitability of an individual
for employment as a private security officer shall be fined not more
than $50,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.
(d) User Fees.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation may--
(A) collect fees pursuant to regulations
promulgated under subsection (b) to process background
checks provided for by this Act;
(B) notwithstanding the provisions of section 3302
of title 31, United States Code, retain and use such
fees for salaries and other expenses incurred in
providing such processing; and
(C) establish such fees at a level to include an
additional amount to remain available until expended to
defray expenses for the automation of fingerprint
identification and criminal justice information
services and associated costs.
(2) State costs.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed as
restricting the right of a State to assess a reasonable fee on
an authorized employer for the costs to the State of
administering this Act.
(e) State Opt Out.--A State may decline to participate in the
background check system authorized by this Act by enacting a law
providing that the State is declining to participate pursuant to this
subsection.
(f) State Standards and Information Provided to Employer.--
(1) Absence of state standard.--If a State participates in
the background check system authorized by this Act and has no
State standard for qualification to be a private security
officer, the State shall notify an authorized employer whether
or not an employee has been convicted of a felony, an offense
involving dishonesty or false statement if the conviction
occurred during the previous 10 years, or an offense involving
the use or attempted use of physical force against the person
of another if the conviction occurred during the previous 10
years.
(2) State standard.--If a State participates in the
background check system authorized by this Act and has State
standards for qualification to be a private security officer,
the State shall use the information received pursuant to this
Act in applying the State standard and shall notify the
employer of the results. | Private Security Officer Employment Standards Act of 2002 - Permits an authorized employer of private security officers to submit fingerprints or other means of positive identification of an employee or an applicant for a background check. Requires: (1) an employer to obtain an employee's written consent to submit the background check request; and (2) that an employee be provided confidential access to information relating to the employee provided to the employer.Directs the Attorney General, upon receipt of such a request submitted through the State identification bureau or other authorized entity, to search the appropriate records of the Criminal Justice Information Services Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and to provide any identification and criminal history records.Limits requests to once every 12 months of continuous employment unless the employer has good cause to submit additional requests.Prescribes criminal penalties for falsely certifying compliance with applicable employer standards or for intentionally using information obtained for purposes other than determining suitability for employment as a private security officer.Authorizes: (1) the FBI Director to collect fees to process background checks; and (2) a State to opt out from participation in the background check system.Sets forth provisions regarding State notification of authorized employers. | A bill to permit reviews of criminal records of applicants for private security officer employment. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Enhancements for Needed
Drugs Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. GAO STUDIES AND REPORTS ON PRICES OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
(a) Review and Reports on Retail Prices of Prescription Drugs.--
(1) Initial review.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a review of the retail cost of
prescription drugs in the United States during 2000 through
2003, with an emphasis on the prescription drugs most utilized
for individuals age 65 or older.
(2) Subsequent review.--After conducting the review under
paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall continuously
review the retail cost of such drugs through April 1, 2006, to
determine the changes in such costs.
(3) Reports.--
(A) Initial review.--Not later than September 1,
2005, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress
a report on the initial review conducted under
paragraph (1).
(B) Subsequent review.--Not later than July 1,
2006, January 1, 2007, and July 1, 2007, the
Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report
on the subsequent review conducted under paragraph (2).
(b) Annual GAO Study and Report on Retail and Acquisition Prices of
Certain Prescription Drugs.--
(1) Ongoing study.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct an ongoing study that compares the average
retail cost in the United States for each of the 20 most
utilized prescription drugs for individuals age 65 or older
with--
(A) the average price at which private health plans
acquire each such drug;
(B) the average price at which the Department of
Defense under the Defense Health Program acquires each
such drug;
(C) the average price at which the Department of
Veterans Affairs under the laws administered by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs acquires each such drug;
and
(D) the average negotiated price for each such drug
that eligible beneficiaries enrolled in a prescription
drug plan under part D of title XVIII of the Social
Security Act, as added by section 101 of the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act
of 2003 (Public Law 108-173), that provides only basic
prescription drug coverage have access to under such
plans.
(2) Annual report.--Not later than December 1, 2007, and
annually thereafter, the Comptroller General shall submit to
Congress a report on the study conducted under paragraph (1),
together with such recommendations as the Comptroller General
determines appropriate.
SEC. 3. INCLUSION OF AVERAGE AGGREGATE BENEFICIARY COSTS AND SAVINGS IN
COMPARATIVE INFORMATION FOR BASIC MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION
DRUG PLANS.
Section 1860D-1(c)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-
101(c)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (B)
and (C)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(vi) Average aggregate beneficiary costs
and savings.--With respect to plan years
beginning on or after January 1, 2007, the
average aggregate costs, including deductibles
and other cost-sharing, that a beneficiary will
incur for covered part D drugs in the year
under the plan compared to the average
aggregate costs that an eligible beneficiary
with no prescription drug coverage will incur
for covered part D drugs in the year.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Average aggregate beneficiary costs and
savings information only for basic prescription drug
plans.--The Secretary shall not provide comparative
information under subparagraph (A)(vi) with respect
to--
``(i) a prescription drug plan that
provides supplemental prescription drug
coverage; or
``(ii) a Medicare Advantage plan.''.
SEC. 4. NEGOTIATING FAIR PRICES FOR MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
(a) In General.--Section 1860D-11 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395w-111) is amended by striking subsection (i) (relating to
noninterference) and by inserting the following:
``(i) Authority To Negotiate Prices With Manufacturers.--
``(1) In general.--In order to ensure that beneficiaries
enrolled under prescription drug plans and MA-PD plans pay the
lowest possible price, the Secretary shall have authority
similar to that of other Federal entities that purchase
prescription drugs in bulk to negotiate contracts with
manufacturers of covered part D drugs, consistent with the
requirements and in furtherance of the goals of providing
quality care and containing costs under this part.
``(2) Mandatory responsibilities.--The Secretary shall be
required to--
``(A) negotiate contracts with manufacturers of
covered part D drugs for each fallback prescription
drug plan under subsection (g); and
``(B) participate in negotiation of contracts of
any covered part D drug upon request of an approved
prescription drug plan or MA-PD plan.
``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (2) shall
be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary under
paragraph (1) to the mandatory responsibilities under paragraph
(2).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment 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 (Public
Law 108-173).
SEC. 5. NAIC REVIEW AND REPORT ON CHANGES IN MEDIGAP POLICIES THAT
PROVIDE COVERAGE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS CONTAINED IN THE
MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG, IMPROVEMENT, AND
MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2003.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to conduct
a review of the changes to the rules relating to medicare supplemental
policies that provide prescription drug coverage contained in
subsection (v) of section 1882 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395ss), as added by section 104(a) of the Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173).
(b) Impact on Medicare Beneficiaries.--The review conducted
pursuant to subsection (a) should focus on the impact the changes
described in such subsection will have on medicare beneficiaries.
(c) Report.--The Secretary shall request the National Association
of Insurance Commissioners to submit to Congress, by not later than
January 1, 2006, a report on the review conducted pursuant to
subsection (a), together with such recommendations as the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners determines appropriate. | Medicare Enhancements for Needed Drugs Act of 2005 - Directs the Comptroller General to review and report to Congress on the retail cost of prescription drugs in the United States during 2000 and 2003, and through April 1, 2006, with an emphasis on the prescription drugs most utilized for individuals age 65 or older.
Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an ongoing study that compares the average retail cost in the United States for each of the 20 most utilized prescription drugs for individuals age 65 or older with: (1) the average prices at which private health plans, the Department of Defense under the Defense Health Program, and the Department of Veterans Affairs acquire each such drug; and (2) the average negotiated price for each such drug that eligible beneficiaries have access to under a Medicare prescription drug plan providing only basic prescription drug coverage.
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include in the comparative plan information for beneficiaries under new Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) a comparison of average aggregate prescription drug plan beneficiary costs and savings with such costs for a beneficiary with no prescription drug plan.
Repeals the prohibition against interference by the Secretary with the negotiations between drug manufacturers and pharmacies and prescription drug plan sponsors, as well as the requirement of a particular formulary to institute a price structure for the reimbursement of Medicare part D covered drugs. Authorizes the Secretary instead, like other Federal entities that purchase prescription drugs in bulk, to negotiate contracts with manufacturers of covered part D drugs. | A bill to reduce the costs of prescription drugs for medicare beneficiaries, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``DSHEA Full Implementation and
Enforcement Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Over 158,000,000 Americans regularly consume dietary
supplements to maintain and improve their health.
(2) Consumer expenditures on dietary supplements reached a
reported $17,100,000,000 in 2000, double the amount spent in
1994.
(3) According to a recent report issued by the Food and
Drug Administration (in this Act referred to as the ``FDA'')
the use of dietary supplements is likely to grow due to factors
such as the aging of the baby boom generation, increased
interest in self-sufficiency, and advances in science that are
uncovering new relationships between diet and disease.
(4) In 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education
Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-417) (in this Act referred to as
``DSHEA'') was enacted. This Act balanced continued consumer
access to vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements,
increased scientific research on the benefits and risks of
dietary supplements, public education on dietary supplements,
and needed consumer protections.
(5) DSHEA requires that claims made on dietary supplement
labels, packaging, and accompanying material be truthful, non-
misleading, and substantiated. Manufacturers are prohibited
from making claims that products are intended to diagnose,
treat, mitigate, cure, or prevent a disease.
(6) DSHEA provides for good manufacturing practice
standards setting requirements for potency, purity, sanitary
conditions, and recordkeeping for dietary supplements.
(7) DSHEA requires that manufacturers submit adequate
information as to the safety of any new ingredients contained
in dietary supplements before those products can be sold.
(8) The FDA has updated and expanded its system for the
reporting, collection, and analysis of dietary supplement
adverse events reports.
(9) DSHEA provides the FDA with a number of authoritites to
remove unsafe dietary supplements from the marketplace.
(10) DSHEA created the Office of Dietary Supplements within
the National Institutes of Health to expand research and
consumer information about the health effects of dietary
supplements.
(11) The FDA has not adequately used its authority to
enforce DSHEA.
(12) The FDA needs adequate resources to appropriately
implement and enforce DSHEA. Congress has appropriated
additional funds over the last several years beyond those
requested in the President's budget to implement and enforce
DSHEA, reaching $9,700,000 in fiscal year 2003.
(13) However, according to the FDA, full implementation of
DSHEA would require substantial additional resources. The FDA
asserts that between $24,000,000 and $65,000,000 per year will
be needed to fully implement DSHEA.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION AND APPROPRIATION OF RESOURCES.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the Dietary Supplement Health and Education
Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-417), the amendments made by such Act, and
all applicable regulatory requirements for dietary supplements under
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.)--
(1) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
(2) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
(3) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
(4) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
(5) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
(b) Appropriation of Funds for Fiscal Year 2005.--There are
appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, to carry out the Dietary Supplement Health and Education
Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-417), the amendments made by such Act, and
all applicable regulatory requirements for dietary supplements under
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.),
$20,000,000 for fiscal year 2005.
(c) Office of Dietary Supplements.--There are authorized to be
appropriated and there are appropriated, out of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for expanded research and
development of consumer information on dietary supplements by the
Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health--
(1) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2005; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2006 through 2009.
(d) Use of Funds.--The Food and Drug Administration shall fully and
appropriately use the funds appropriated in subsections (b) and (c) and
pursuant to subsection (a) to regulate dietary supplements.
SEC. 4. ANNUAL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT ON THE REGULATION OF DIETARY
SUPPLEMENTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than January 31, 2005, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit a
report to Congress on the implementation and enforcement of the Dietary
Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-417).
(b) Contents.--The report under subsection (a) shall include the
following:
(1) The total funding and number of full-time equivalent
personnel in the Food and Drug Administration dedicated to
dietary supplement regulation over the prior fiscal year.
(2) The total funding and number of full-time equivalent
personnel in the Food and Drug Administration dedicated to
administering adverse event reporting systems as they relate to
dietary supplement regulation over the prior fiscal year.
(3) The total funding and number of full-time equivalent
personnel in the Food and Drug Administration dedicated to
enforcement of dietary supplement labeling and claims
requirements over the prior fiscal year and an explanation of
their activities.
(4) The total funding and number of full-time equivalent
personnel in the Food and Drug Administration dedicated to good
manufacturing practices inspections of dietary supplement
manufacturers over the prior fiscal year and an explanation of
their activities.
(5) The number of good manufacturing practices inspections
of dietary supplement manufacturers by the Food and Drug
Administration over the prior fiscal year and a summary of the
results.
(6) The number of new ingredient reviews and safety reviews
related to dietary supplements and the results of those
reviews.
(7) An explanation of all enforcement actions taken by the
Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and
Human Services related to dietary supplements over the prior
fiscal year, including the number and type of actions.
(8) The number of dietary supplement claims for which the
Food and Drug Administration requested substantiation from the
manufacturer over the prior fiscal year, and the agency's
response.
(9) The number of dietary supplement claims determined to
be false, misleading, or nonsubstantiated by the Food and Drug
Administration over the prior fiscal year.
(10) The research and consumer education activities
supported by the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National
Institutes of Health.
(11) Any recommendations for administrative or legislative
actions regarding the regulation of dietary supplements.
(12) Any other information regarding the regulation of
dietary supplements determined appropriate by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services or the Commissioner of Food and
Drugs. | DSHEA Full Implementation and Enforcement Act of 2004 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005, and authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009: (1) to carry out the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the amendments made by DSHEA, and all applicable regulatory requirements for dietary supplements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (2) for expanded research and development of consumer information, including information on safety and beneficial effects, of dietary supplements by the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to: (1) fully and appropriately use such funds to regulate dietary supplements; and (2) report annually on DSHEA implementation and enforcement. | To ensure that the goals of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 are met by authorizing appropriations to fully enforce and implement such Act and the amendments made by such Act, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Quality Health Care Coalition Act of
2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) According to a 2002 survey conducted by the Henry J.
Kaiser Family Foundation, 95 percent of the Americans who
receive their health care coverage through their employer are
enrolled in a managed health care plan, up from 27 percent in
1987. Serious questions have been raised about the quality of
care patients are receiving under these plans.
(2) Changes in the health care industry have led to an
increased concentration of health care plans, including
approximately 177 mergers in the last 13 years. This enhanced
concentration has given health care plans significant leverage
over health care providers and patients.
(3) Antitrust laws which prohibit health care professionals
from negotiating freely with health care plans infringe on the
health care professionals' constitutionally-protected rights of
freedom of association and contract.
(4) Repealing Federal laws which prohibit medical
professionals from negotiating collectively with health care
plans will create a more equal balance of negotiating power,
will promote cooperation, and will enhance the quality of
patient care.
(5) Repealing Federal laws which prohibit medical
professionals from negotiating collectively with health care
plans will not change the professionals ethical duty to
continue to provide medically necessary care to their patients.
SEC. 3. APPLICATION OF THE FEDERAL ANTITRUST LAWS TO HEALTH CARE
PROFESSIONALS NEGOTIATING WITH HEALTH PLANS.
(a) In General.--Any health care professionals who are engaged in
negotiations with a health plan regarding the terms of any contract
under which the professionals provide health care items or services for
which benefits are provided under such plan shall, in connection with
such negotiations, be exempt from the Federal antitrust laws.
(b) Limitation.--
(1) No new right for collective cessation of service.--The
exemption provided in subsection (a) shall not confer any new
right to participate in any collective cessation of service to
patients not already permitted by existing law.
(2) No change in national labor relations act.--This
section applies only to health care professionals 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.
(c) No Application to Federal Programs.--Nothing in this section
shall apply to negotiations between health care professionals and
health plans pertaining to benefits provided under any of the
following:
(1) The medicare program under title XVIII of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).
(2) The medicaid program under title XIX of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
(3) The SCHIP program under title XXI of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.).
(4) Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code (relating to
medical and dental care for members of the uniformed services).
(5) Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code (relating to
Veterans' medical care).
(6) Chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code (relating to
the Federal employees' health benefits program).
(7) The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1601
et seq.).
(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Federal antitrust laws.--The term ``Federal antitrust
laws'' has the meaning the term ``antitrust laws'' 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.
(2) Health plan and related terms.--
(A) In general.--The term ``health plan'' means a
group health plan or a health insurance issuer that is
offering health insurance coverage.
(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) Health care professional.--The term ``health care
professional'' means an individual who provides health care
items or services, treatment, assistance with activities of
daily living, or medications to patients and who, to the extent
required by State or Federal law, possesses specialized
training that confers expertise in the provision of such items
or services, treatment, assistance, or medications. | Quality Health Care Coalition Act of 2005 - Exempts health care professionals that are negotiating with a health plan regarding contract terms under which the professionals provide health care items or services for which plan benefits are provided from federal antitrust laws in connection with such negotiations.
Declares that this Act: (1) applies only to health care professionals excluded from the National Labor Relations Act; and (2) does not apply to such negotiations relating to Medicare or Medicaid programs, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), medical and dental care for members of the uniformed services, veterans' medical care, the federal employees health benefits program, or the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. | To ensure and foster continued patient safety and quality of care by exempting health care professionals from the Federal antitrust laws in their negotiations with health plans and health insurance issuers. |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) On January 19, 1942, 6 weeks after the December 7,
1941, attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Navy, the United
States Army discharged all Japanese-Americans in the Reserve
Officers Training Corps and changed their draft status to
``4C''--the status of ``enemy alien'' which is ineligible for
the draft.
(2) On January 23, 1942, Japanese-Americans in the military
on the mainland were segregated out of their units.
(3) Further, on May 3, 1942, General John L. DeWitt issued
Civilian Exclusion Order No. 346, ordering all people of
Japanese ancestry, whether citizens or noncitizens, to report
to assembly centers, where they would live until being moved to
permanent relocation centers.
(4) On June 5, 1942, 1,432 predominantly Nisei (second
generation Americans of Japanese ancestry) members of the
Hawaii Provisional Infantry Battalion were shipped from the
Hawaiian Islands to Oakland, CA, where the 100th Infantry
Battalion was activated on June 12, 1942, and then shipped to
train at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.
(5) The excellent training record of the 100th Infantry
Battalion and petitions from prominent civilian and military
personnel helped convince President Roosevelt and the War
Department to re-open military service to Nisei volunteers who
were incorporated into the 442nd Regimental Combat Team after
it was activated in February of 1943.
(6) In that same month, the 100th Infantry Battalion was
transferred to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, where it continued to
train and even though the battalion was ready to deploy shortly
thereafter, the battalion was refused by General Eisenhower,
due to concerns over the loyalty and patriotism of the Nisei.
(7) The 442nd Regimental Combat Team later trained with the
100th Infantry Battalion at Camp Shelby in May of 1943.
(8) Eventually, the 100th Infantry Battalion was deployed
to the Mediterranean and entered combat in Italy on September
26, 1943.
(9) Due to their bravery and valor, members of the
Battalion were honored with 6 awards of the Distinguished
Service Cross in the first 8 weeks of combat.
(10) The 100th Battalion fought at Cassino, Italy in
January, 1944, and later accompanied the 34th Infantry Division
to Anzio, Italy.
(11) In May and June of 1944, the battalion was joined by
the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and helped push the German
Army north of Rome.
(12) The battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit
Citation for its actions in battle on June 26-27, 1944.
(13) On August 14th, 1944, the 100th Infantry Battalion was
formally made an integral part of the 442nd Regimental Combat
Team, and fought for the last 9 months of the war with
distinction in Italy, southern France, and Germany.
(14) The 442nd Regimental became the most decorated unit in
United States military history for its size and length of
service.
(15) The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and members of the
team, received 7 Presidential Unit Citations, 21 Medals of
Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars,
4,000 Bronze Stars, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 15 Soldier's
Medals, and nearly 10,000 Purple Hearts, among numerous
additional distinctions.
(16) The United States remains forever indebted to the
bravery, valor, and dedication to country these men faced while
fighting a 2-fronted battle of discrimination at home and
fascism abroad.
(17) Their commitment and sacrifice demonstrates a highly
uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Award Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives
and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate
arrangements for the award, on behalf of the Congress, of a single gold
medal of appropriate design to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the
442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, collectively, in
recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
(b) Design and Striking.--For the purposes of the award referred to
in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall strike the gold medal with
suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the
Secretary.
(c) Smithsonian Institution.--
(1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal in
honor of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental
Combat Team, United States Army, under subsection (a), the gold
medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where it
will be displayed as appropriate and made available for
research.
(2) Sense.--It is the sense of the Congress that the
Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal received
under paragraph (1) available for display elsewhere,
particularly at other appropriate locations associated with the
100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team,
United States Army.
SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the
Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal
struck under section 2, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the
medals, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS.
Medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals for purposes
of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; PROCEEDS OF SALE.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, an
amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for the cost of the medal
authorized under section 2.
(b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sale of duplicate
bronze medals under section 3 shall be deposited in the United States
Mint Public Enterprise Fund. | Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the award of a congressional gold medal to the Army's 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. | To grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Infant Crib Safety Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(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 more than 11,500 children age 2 and under are
injured in cribs seriously enough to require hospital
treatment.
(4) Each year at least 26 children age 4 and under die from
injuries sustained in cribs.
(5) The United States 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 one 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 contracting to sell, resell, lease, or
sublease unsafe cribs that are not new, or otherwise placing 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 illegal--
(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. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) Commercial user.--
(A) In general.--The term ``commercial user'' means
any person--
(i) who manufactures, sells, or contracts
to sell full-size cribs or nonfull-size cribs;
or
(ii) 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) Exception.--The term does not include 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,
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, Code of Federal Regulations (including a portable
crib and a crib-pen described in paragraph (2) of subsection
(b) of that section).
SEC. 4. REQUIREMENTS FOR CRIBS.
(a) Manufacture and Sale of Cribs.--It shall be unlawful for any
commercial user--
(1) to manufacture, sell, or contract to sell any full-size
crib or nonfull-size crib that is unsafe for any infant using
it; or
(2) to sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, or
otherwise place in the stream of commerce any full-size or
nonfull-size crib that is not new and that is unsafe for any
infant using it.
(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 is unsafe for any infant using it.
(c) Adherence to Crib Safety Standards.--A full-size crib, nonfull-
size crib, portable crib, playpen, or play yard shall be presumed to be
unsafe under this section if it does not conform to the standards
applicable to such product as follows:
(1) Part 1508 (commencing with section 1508.1) of title 16,
Code of Federal Regulations (requirements for full-size baby
cribs).
(2) Part 1509 (commencing with section 1509.1) of title 16,
Code of Federal Regulations (requirements for nonfull-size baby
cribs).
(3) American Society for Testing Materials F406 Consumer
Safety Specification for Play Yards.
(4) American Society for Testing Materials F1169 Consumer
Safety Specification for Full-Size Cribs.
(5) American Society for Testing Materials F1822 Consumer
Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Cribs.
(6) American Society for Testing Materials F966 Consumer
Safety Specification for Full-Size and Non-Full-Size Baby Crib
Corner Post Extensions.
(7) Part 1303 (commencing with section 1303.1) of title 16,
Code of Federal Regulations.
(8) Any amendments to the regulations or standards
specified in paragraphs (1) through (7), or any other
regulations or standards that are adopted in order to amend or
supplement the regulations or standards specified in such
paragraphs.
(d) Exception.--This section 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, sublet, 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.
(e) Enforcement.--(1) The Consumer Product Safety Commission shall
have the power to enforce the provisions of this section as if such
provisions were a consumer product safety standard promulgated by the
Commission under the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et
seq.).
(2) A violation of this section shall be considered a prohibited
act within the meaning of section 19 of the Consumer Product Safety Act
(15 U.S.C. 2068), and shall be subject to the penalties and remedies
available for prohibited acts under the Consumer Product Safety Act.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall become effective 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act. | Infant Crib Safety Act - Makes it unlawful for any commercial user to: (1) manufacture, sell, or contract to sell any full-size or nonfull-size crib which is unsafe for any infant; or (2) sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, or otherwise place in the stream of commerce any such crib which is not new and is unsafe for any infant. Makes it unlawful for any lodging facility to offer or provide such an unsafe crib. Presumes as unsafe a crib which does not conform to specified standards in the Code of Federal Regulations and the American Society for Testing Materials Voluntary Standards, unless labeled as dangerous for an infant and not intended to be used for one.
Grants the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforcement powers as if this Act were a consumer product safety standard promulgated by it under the Consumer Product Safety Act.
Declares a violation of this Act shall be considered a prohibited act within the meaning of the CPSA, and subject to its penalties and remedies. | A bill to provide for infant crib safety, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Santa Ana River Water Supply
Enhancement Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. PRADO BASIN NATURAL TREATMENT SYSTEM PROJECT.
(a) In General.--The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study
and Facilities Act (Public Law 102-575, title XVI; 43 U.S.C. 390h et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 16__. PRADO BASIN NATURAL TREATMENT SYSTEM PROJECT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Orange
County Water District, shall participate in the planning, design, and
construction of natural treatment systems and wetlands for the flows of
the Santa Ana River, California, and its tributaries into the Prado
Basin.
``(b) Cost Sharing.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
described in subsection (a) shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
``(c) Limitation.--Funds provided by the Secretary shall not be
used for the operation and maintenance of the project described in
subsection (a).
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000.
``(e) Sunset of Authority.--This section shall have no effect after
the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this
section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections in section 2 of
Public Law 102-575 is further amended by inserting after the last item
the following:
``16__. Prado Basin Natural Treatment System Project.''.
SEC. 3. REGIONAL BRINE LINES.
(a) In General.--The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study
and Facilities Act (Public Law 102-575, title XVI; 43 U.S.C. 390h et
seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 16__. REGIONAL BRINE LINES.
``(a) Southern California.--The Secretary, under Federal
reclamation laws and in cooperation with units of local government, may
assist agencies in projects to construct regional brine lines to export
the salinity imported from the Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean as
identified in--
``(1) the Salinity Management Study prepared by the Bureau
of Reclamation and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California; and
``(2) the Southern California Comprehensive Water
Reclamation and Reuse Study prepared by the Bureau of
Reclamation.
``(b) Agreements and Regulations.--The Secretary may enter into
such agreements and promulgate such regulations as are necessary to
carry out this section.
``(c) Cost Sharing.--The Federal share of the cost of a project to
construct regional brine lines described in subsection (a) shall not
exceed--
``(1) 25 percent of the total cost of the project; or
``(2) $40,000,000.
``(d) Limitation.--Funds provided by the Secretary shall not be
used for operation or maintenance of any project described in
subsection (a).
``(e) Sunset of Authority.--This section shall have no effect after
the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this
section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections in section 2 of
Public Law 102-575 is further amended by inserting after the last item
the following:
``16__. Regional brine lines.''.
SEC. 4. LOWER CHINO DAIRY AREA DESALINATION DEMONSTRATION AND
RECLAMATION PROJECT.
(a) In General.--The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study
and Facilities Act (Public Law 102-575, title XVI; 43 U.S.C. 390h et
seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 16__. LOWER CHINO DAIRY AREA DESALINATION DEMONSTRATION AND
RECLAMATION PROJECT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Chino
Basin Watermaster, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and the Santa
Ana Watershed Project Authority and acting under the Federal
reclamation laws, shall participate in the design, planning, and
construction of the Lower Chino Dairy Area desalination demonstration
and reclamation project.
``(b) Cost Sharing.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
described in subsection (a) shall not exceed--
``(1) 25 percent of the total cost of the project; or
``(2) $50,000,000.
``(c) Limitation.--Funds provided by the Secretary shall not be
used for operation or maintenance of the project described in
subsection (a).
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
``(e) Sunset of Authority.--This section shall have no effect after
the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this
section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections in section 2 of
Public Law 102-575 is further amended by inserting after the last item
the following:
``16__. Lower Chino dairy area desalination demonstration and
reclamation project.''. | Santa Ana River Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with: (1) the Orange County Water District (the District), to participate in the design, planning, and construction of natural treatment systems and wetlands for the flows of the Santa Ana River, California, and its tributaries into the Prado Basin; (2) local governments, to assist agencies in projects to construct regional brine lines to export the salinity imported from the Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean; and (3) the Chino Basin Watermaster, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, to participate in the design, planning, and construction of the Lower Chino Dairy Area desalination demonstration and reclamation project. Limits the federal share of total project costs. Prohibits using funds provided by the Secretary for operation and maintenance of the projects. Terminates the Secretary's authority to carry out this Act after 10 years. | To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the Prado Basin Natural Treatment System Project, to authorize the Secretary to carry out a program to assist agencies in projects to construct regional brine lines in California, to authorize the Secretary to participate in the Lower Chino Dairy Area desalination demonstration and reclamation project, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Human Cloning Prohibition Act of
2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the National Bioethics Advisory Commission (referred to
in this Act as the ``NBAC'') has reviewed the scientific and
ethical implications of human cloning and has determined that
the cloning of human beings is morally unacceptable;
(2) the NBAC recommended that Federal legislation be
enacted to prohibit anyone from conducting or attempting human
cloning, whether using Federal or non-Federal funds;
(3) the NBAC also recommended that the United States
cooperate with other countries to enforce mutually supported
prohibitions on human cloning;
(4) the NBAC found that somatic cell nuclear transfer (also
known as nuclear transplantation) may have many important
applications in medical research;
(5) the Institute of Medicine has found that nuclear
transplantation may enable stem cells to be developed in a
manner that will permit such cells to be transplanted into a
patient without being rejected;
(6) the NBAC concluded that any regulatory or legislative
actions undertaken to prohibit human cloning should be
carefully written so as not to interfere with other important
areas of research, such as stem cell research; and
(7)(A) biomedical research and clinical facilities engage
in and affect interstate commerce;
(B) the services provided by clinical facilities move in
interstate commerce;
(C) patients travel regularly across State lines in order
to access clinical facilities; and
(D) biomedical research and clinical facilities engage
scientists, doctors, and other staff in an interstate market,
and contract for research and purchase medical and other
supplies in an interstate market.
SEC. 3. PURPOSES.
It is the purpose of this Act to prohibit any attempt to clone a
human being while protecting important areas of medical research,
including stem cell research.
SEC. 4. PROHIBITION ON HUMAN CLONING.
(a) In General.--Title 18, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after chapter 15, the following:
``CHAPTER 16--PROHIBITION ON HUMAN CLONING
``Sec.
``301. Prohibition on human cloning.
``Sec. 301. Prohibition on human cloning
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Human cloning.--The term `human cloning' means
asexual reproduction by implanting or attempting to implant the
product of nuclear transplantation into a uterus.
``(2) Human somatic cell.--The term `human somatic cell'
means a mature, diploid cell that is obtained or derived from a
living or deceased human being at any stage of development.
``(3) Nuclear transplantation.--The term `nuclear
transplantation' means transferring the nucleus of a human
somatic cell into an oocyte from which the nucleus or all
chromosomes have been or will be removed or rendered inert.
``(4) Nucleus.--The term `nucleus' means the cell structure
that houses the chromosomes, and thus the genes.
``(5) Oocyte.--The term `oocyte' means the female germ
cell, the egg.
``(b) Prohibitions on Human Cloning.--It shall be unlawful for any
person or other legal entity, public or private--
``(1) to conduct or attempt to conduct human cloning;
``(2) to ship the product of nuclear transplantation in
interstate or foreign commerce for the purpose of human cloning
in the United States or elsewhere; or
``(3) to use funds made available under any provision of
Federal law for an activity prohibited under paragraph (1) or
(2).
``(c) Protection of Medical Research.--Nothing in this section
shall be construed to restrict areas of biomedical and agricultural
research or practices not expressly prohibited in this section,
including research or practices that involve the use of--
``(1) nuclear transplantation to produce human stem cells;
``(2) techniques to create exact duplicates of molecules,
DNA, cells, and tissues;
``(3) mitochondrial, cytoplasmic or gene therapy; or
``(4) nuclear transplantation techniques to create nonhuman
animals.
``(d) Penalties.--
``(1) In general.--Whoever intentionally violates any
provision of subsection (b) shall be fined under this title and
imprisoned not more than 10 years.
``(2) Civil penalties.--Whoever intentionally violates
paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b) shall be subject
to a civil penalty of $1,000,000 or three times the gross
pecuniary gain resulting from the violation, whichever is
greater.
``(3) Civil actions.--If a person is violating or about to
violate the provisions of subsection (b), the Attorney General
may commence a civil action in an appropriate Federal district
court to enjoin such violation.
``(4) Forfeiture.--Any property, real or personal, derived
from or used to commit a violation or attempted violation of
the provisions of subsection (b), or any property traceable to
such property, shall be subject to forfeiture to the United
States in accordance with the procedures set forth in chapter
46 of title 18, United States Code.
``(5) Advisory opinions.--The Attorney General shall, upon
request, render binding advisory opinions regarding the scope,
applicability, interpretation, and enforcement of this section
with regard to specific research projects or practices.
``(e) Cooperation With Foreign Countries.--It is the sense of
Congress that the President should cooperate with foreign countries to
enforce mutually supported restrictions on the activities prohibited
under subsection (b).
``(f) Right of Action.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
to give any individual or person a private right of action.
``(g) Preemption of State Law.--The provisions of this section
shall preempt any State or local law, that is inconsistent with this
section or section 498C of the Public Health Service Act, that
prohibits or restricts research regarding, or practices constituting,
nuclear transplantation or human cloning.''.
(b) Ethical Requirements for Nuclear Transplantation Research.--
Part H of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 289 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 498C. ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NUCLEAR TRANSPLANTATION RESEARCH.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Human somatic cell.--The term `human somatic cell'
means a mature, diploid cell that is obtained or derived from a
living or deceased human being at any stage of development.
``(2) Nuclear transplantation.--The term `nuclear
transplantation' means transferring the nucleus of a human
somatic cell into an oocyte from which the nucleus or all
chromosomes have been or will be removed or rendered inert.
``(3) Nucleus.--The term `nucleus' means the cell structure
that houses the chromosomes, and thus the genes.
``(4) Oocyte.--The term `oocyte' means the female germ
cell, the egg.
``(b) Applicability of Federal Ethical Standards to Nuclear
Transplantation Research.--Research involving nuclear transplantation
shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of part
46 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date
of enactment of the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001).
``(c) Civil Penalties.--Whoever intentionally violates subsection
(b) shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $250,000.
``(d) Enforcement.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall have the exclusive authority to enforce this section.''. | Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) conducting or attempting to conduct human cloning; (2) shipping the product of nuclear transplantation for the purpose of human cloning in the United States or elsewhere; and (3) using funds made available under Federal law for any such activity. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action to enjoin a violation.Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to restrict areas of biomedical and agricultural research or practices not expressly prohibited, including nuclear transplantation to produce human stem cells or to create nonhuman animals.Subjects to forfeiture any real or personal property derived from or used to commit a violation.Directs the Attorney General, upon request, to render binding advisory opinions regarding the applicability of such prohibition with respect to specific research projects or practices.Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should cooperate with foreign countries to enforce mutually supported restrictions on such prohibited activities.Amends the Public Health Service Act to require research involving nuclear transplantation to be conducted in accordance with applicable Federal standards for the protection of human subjects. | A bill to prohibit human cloning while preserving important areas of medical research, including stem cell research. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Emergency Petroleum Supply Act''.
SEC. 2. PURCHASES FROM STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE BY ENTITIES IN
INSULAR AREAS OF UNITED STATES.
Section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C.
6241) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Purchases From Strategic Petroleum Reserve by Entities in
Insular Areas of United States.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Binding offer.--The term `binding offer'
means a bid submitted by the State of Hawaii for an
assured award of a specific quantity of petroleum
product, with a price to be calculated pursuant to this
Act, that obligates the offeror to take title to the
petroleum product without further negotiation or
recourse to withdraw the offer.
``(B) Category of petroleum product.--The term
`category of petroleum product' means a master line
item within a notice of sale.
``(C) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
means an entity that owns or controls a refinery that
is located within the State of Hawaii.
``(D) Full tanker load.--The term `full tanker
load' means a tanker of approximately 700,000 barrels
of capacity, or such lesser tanker capacity as may be
designated by the State of Hawaii.
``(E) Insular area.--The term `insular area' means
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Republic of the
Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia,
and the Republic of Palau.
``(F) Offering.--The term `offering' means a
solicitation for bids for a quantity or quantities of
petroleum product from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
as specified in the notice of sale.
``(G) Notice of sale.--The term `notice of sale'
means the document that announces--
``(i) the sale of Strategic Petroleum
Reserve products;
``(ii) the quantity, characteristics, and
location of the petroleum product being sold;
``(iii) the delivery period for the sale;
and
``(iv) the procedures for submitting
offers.
``(2) In General.--In the case of an offering of a quantity
of petroleum product during a drawdown of the Strategic
Petroleum Reserve--
``(A) the State of Hawaii, in addition to having
the opportunity to submit a competitive bid, may--
``(i) submit a binding offer, and shall on
submission of the offer, be entitled to
purchase a category of a petroleum product
specified in a notice of sale at a price equal
to the volumetrically weighted average of the
successful bids made for the remaining quantity
of the petroleum product within the category
that is the subject of the offering; and
``(ii) submit 1 or more alternative offers,
for other categories of the petroleum product,
that will be binding if no price competitive
contract is awarded for the category of
petroleum product on which a binding offer is
submitted under clause (i); and
``(B) at the request of the Governor of the State
of Hawaii, a petroleum product purchased by the State
of Hawaii at a competitive sale or through a binding
offer shall have first preference in scheduling for
lifting.
``(3) Limitation on quantity.--
``(A) In general.--In administering this
subsection, in the case of each offering, the Secretary
may impose the limitation described in subparagraph (B)
or (C) that results in the purchase of the lesser
quantity of petroleum product.
``(B) Portion of quantity of previous imports.--The
Secretary may limit the quantity of a petroleum product
that the State of Hawaii may purchase through a binding
offer at any offering to \1/12\ of the total quantity
of imports of the petroleum product brought into the
State during the previous year (or other period
determined by the Secretary to be representative).
``(C) Percentage of offering.--The Secretary may
limit the quantity that may be purchased through
binding offers at any offering to 3 percent of the
offering.
``(4) Adjustments.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any limitation
imposed under paragraph (3), in administering this
subsection, in the case of each offering, the Secretary
shall, at the request of the Governor of the State of
Hawaii, or an eligible entity certified under paragraph
(7), adjust the quantity to be sold to the State of
Hawaii in accordance with this paragraph.
``(B) Upward adjustment.--The Secretary shall
adjust upward to the next whole number increment of a
full tanker load if the quantity to be sold is--
``(i) less than 1 full tanker load; or
``(ii) greater than or equal to 50 percent
of a full tanker load more than a whole number
increment of a full tanker load.
``(C) Downward adjustment.--The Secretary shall
adjust downward to the next whole number increment of a
full tanker load if the quantity to be sold is less
than 50 percent of a full tanker load more than a whole
number increment of a full tanker load.
``(5) Delivery to other locations.--The State of Hawaii may
enter into an exchange or a processing agreement that requires
delivery to other locations, if a petroleum product of similar
value or quantity is delivered to the State of Hawaii.
``(6) Standard sales provisions.--Except as otherwise
provided in this Act, the Secretary may require the State of
Hawaii to comply with the standard sales provisions applicable
to purchasers of petroleum product at competitive sales.
``(7) Eligible entities.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and
(C) and notwithstanding any other provision of this
paragraph, if the Governor of the State of Hawaii
certifies to the Secretary that the State has entered
into an agreement with an eligible entity to carry out
this Act, the eligible entity may act on behalf of the
State of Hawaii to carry out this subsection.
``(B) Limitation.--The Governor of the State of
Hawaii shall not certify more than 1 eligible entity
under this paragraph for each notice of sale.
``(C) Barred company.--If the Secretary has
notified the Governor of the State of Hawaii that a
company has been barred from bidding (either prior to,
or at the time that a notice of sale is issued), the
Governor shall not certify the company under this
paragraph.
``(7) Supplies of petroleum products.--At the request of
the governor of an insular area, the Secretary shall, for a
period not to exceed 180 days following a drawdown of the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve, assist the insular area in its
efforts to maintain adequate supplies of petroleum products
from traditional and non-traditional suppliers.''.
SEC. 3. REGULATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall issue such
regulations as are necessary to carry out the amendment made by section
2.
(b) Administrative Procedure.--Regulations issued to carry out the
amendment made by section 2 shall not be subject to--
(1) section 523 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act
(42 U.S.C. 6393); or
(2) section 501 of the Department of Energy Organization
Act (42 U.S.C. 7191).
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendment made by section 2 takes effect on the earlier of--
(1) the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act; or
(2) the date that final regulations are issued under
section 3. | Emergency Petroleum Supply Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to each offering of a quantity of petroleum product during a drawdown of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to prescribe guidelines according to which the State of Hawaii may: (1) submit binding offers for (thus becoming entitled to) and purchase categories of such product, receiving, at the Governor's request, first preference in scheduling for lifting; and (2) enter into agreements with eligible entities (local refineries) which may act on the State's behalf.
Instructs the Secretary of Energy, at the request of the governor of an insular area, to assist such area in its efforts to maintain adequate petroleum products supplies for a maximum 180-day period. | Emergency Petroleum Supply Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Flexibility to Promote Reemployment
Act''.
SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF BARRIERS TO PROMOTE REEMPLOYMENT THROUGH
DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
(a) Modification of Numerical Limitation.--Subsection (a) of
section 305 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 505) is amended by
inserting ``per year'' after ``10 States''.
(b) Clarification of Application Requirements.--Subsection (b) of
such section 305 is amended--
(1) by inserting ``or his or her designee'' after ``The
Governor of any State''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) for any waiver requested under subsection (c), a
statement describing--
``(A) the specific provision or provisions of law
for which such waiver is requested; and
``(B) the specific aspects of the project to which
such waiver would apply and the reasons why it is
needed;''.
(c) Extension of Eligible Time Period.--Subsection (d) of such
section 305 is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``may not be approved''
and inserting ``may not be conducted''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``December 31, 2015'' and
inserting ``December 31, 2021''.
(d) Clarification of Demonstration Activities.--Subsection (e) of
such section 305 is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``for employer-provided
training, such as'' and inserting ``to employers or claimants
for employer-provided training or''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, not to exceed the
weekly benefit amount for each such individual, to pay part of
the cost of wages that exceed the unemployed individual's prior
benefit level'' and inserting ``that include disbursements
promoting retention''.
(e) Selection of Qualifying Applications on a First-Come, First-
Served Basis.--Subsection (f) of such section 305 is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs
(2) and (3); and
(2) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as redesignated by
this subsection) the following:
``(1) approve completed applications in the order of
receipt;''.
(f) Termination of Demonstration Projects.--Subsection (g) of such
section 305 is amended to read as follows:
``(g) The Secretary of Labor may terminate a demonstration project
under this section if the Secretary--
``(1) determines that the State has violated the
substantive terms or conditions of the project;
``(2) notifies the State in writing with sufficient detail
describing the violation; and
``(3) determines that the State has not taken action to
correct the violation within 90 days after the notification.''.
(g) Effective Date; Transition Rule.--
(1) Effective date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Transition rule.--
(A) In general.--Nothing in this Act shall be
considered to terminate or otherwise affect any
demonstration project approved under section 305 of the
Social Security Act before the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(B) Original conditions continue to apply.--A
demonstration project described in subparagraph (A)
shall be conducted in the same manner as if subsections
(a) through (f) had not been enacted.
SEC. 3. EVALUATION OF DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
(a) In General.--Section 305 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
505) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i) The Secretary of Labor shall conduct an impact evaluation of
each demonstration project conducted under this section, using existing
data sources to the extent possible and methodology appropriate to
determine the effects of the demonstration project, including on
individual skill levels, earnings, and employment retention.''.
(b) Cooperation by State.--Section 305(b) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 505(b)) (as amended by section 2(b) of this Act) is
further amended by striking paragraphs (5) and (6) and inserting the
following:
``(5) a description of the manner in which the State will
determine the extent to which the goals and outcomes described
in paragraph (3) were achieved;
``(6) assurances that the State will cooperate, in a timely
manner, with the Secretary of Labor with respect to the impact
evaluation conducted under subsection (i); and''.
(c) Reporting.--Not later than 90 days after the end of fiscal year
2018 and each fiscal year thereafter, until the completion of the last
evaluation under section 305(i) of the Social Security Act, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, a report
that includes a description of--
(1) the status of each demonstration project being carried
out under this section;
(2) the results of the evaluation completed during the
previous fiscal year; and
(3) the Secretary's plan for--
(A) disseminating the findings of the report to
appropriate State agencies; and
(B) incorporating the components of successful
demonstration projects that reduced benefit duration
and increased employment into Federal unemployment law.
(d) Public Dissemination.--In addition to the reporting
requirements under subparagraph (c), evaluation results shall be shared
broadly to inform policy makers, service providers, other partners, and
the public in order to promote wide use of successful strategies,
including by posting evaluation results on the Internet website of the
Department of Labor. | Flexibility to Promote Reemployment Act This bill authorizes the Department of Labor to enter into agreements with 10 states per year (currently, 10 states total) for the purpose of allowing such states to conduct reemployment demonstration projects. In addition to a governor of a state, a designee of a governor may apply for approval of such a project. The allowable project period is extended through December 31, 2021. A demonstration project may include disbursements promoting retention to employers who hire individuals receiving unemployment compensation. Labor must approve completed applications in the order of receipt. Labor may terminate a demonstration project under this bill if it notifies the state in writing with sufficient detail describing the violation and determines that the state has not taken action to correct the violation within 90 days after the notification. The bill directs Labor to evaluate the impact of each demonstration project using existing data sources and methodology appropriate to determine project effects, including the effect on individual skill levels, earnings, and employment retention. | Flexibility to Promote Reemployment Act |
SECTION 1. COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT ALLOWED AS A QUALIFIED
HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSE FOR SECTION 529 ACCOUNTS.
(a) Made Permanent.--Clause (iii) of section 529(e)(3)(A) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``in 2009 or
2010''.
(b) Only for Use Primarily by the Beneficiary.--Clause (iii) of
section 529(e)(3)(A) of such Code is amended by striking ``used by the
beneficiary and the beneficiary's family'' and inserting ``used
primarily by the beneficiary''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to expenses paid or incurred after December 31, 2010.
SEC. 2. INVESTMENT DIRECTION UNDER QUALIFIED TUITION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (4) of section 529(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``more frequently than 4 times per calendar year.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The heading for paragraph (4) of section
529(b) of such Code is amended by striking ``No investment direction''
and inserting ``Limited investment direction''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to years beginning after December 31, 2013.
SEC. 3. ELIMINATION OF DISTRIBUTION AGGREGATION REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Clause (ii) of section 529(c)(3)(D) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting before the comma
at the end the following: ``, except for purposes of calculating the
earnings portion of any distribution.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to distributions after December 31, 2013.
SEC. 4. CONTRIBUTION OF AMOUNTS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED IN CASE OF
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (3) of section 529(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(E) Special rule for contributions relating to
withdrawal from school.--In the case of a beneficiary
who receives a refund of any qualified higher education
expenses from an eligible educational institution in
connection with withdrawal from enrollment at such
institution, subparagraph (A) shall not apply to that
portion of any distribution for the taxable year which
is recontributed to a qualified tuition program of
which such individual is a beneficiary, but only to the
extent such recontribution is made not later than 60
days after the date of such refund and does not exceed
the refunded amount.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
with respect to distributions after December 31, 2013.
SEC. 5. SPECIAL ROLLOVER TO ROTH IRA FROM LONG-TERM QUALIFIED TUITION
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (3) of section 529(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by this Act, is amended by adding at
the end the following new subparagraph:
``(F) Special rollover to roth ira from long-term
qualified tuition program.--For purposes of this
section--
``(i) In general.--In the case of a
distribution from a qualified tuition program
which has been maintained by an account owner
for the 10-year period ending on the date of
such distribution--
``(I) subparagraph (A) shall not
apply to any portion of such
distribution which, not later than 60
days after such distribution, is paid
into a Roth IRA maintained for the
benefit of such account owner or the
designated beneficiary under such
qualified tuition program, and
``(II) such portion shall be
treated as a rollover contribution for
purposes of section 408A(e).
``(ii) Limitation.--Clause (i) shall only
apply to so much of any distribution as does
not exceed the lesser of--
``(I) $25,000, or
``(II) the aggregate amount
contributed to the program (and
earnings attributable thereto) before
the 5-year period ending on the date of
the distribution.''.
(b) Qualified Rollover Contribution.--Paragraph (1) of section
408A(e) of such Code is amended by striking the period at the end of
subparagraph (B) and inserting ``, and'' and by inserting after
subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph:
``(C) from a covered qualified tuition program (as
defined in section 529(c)(3)(F)(ii)).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to distributions after December 31, 2013. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to tax-exempt qualified tuition programs (529 plans), to: (1) make permanent the allowance for computer technology and equipment expenses and require that such technology and equipment be used primarily by the plan beneficiary (formerly, beneficiary and beneficiary's family); (2) allow contributors to a 529 plan or a plan beneficiary to direct plan investments, but not more frequently than four times per calendar year; (3) permit a recontribution to a 529 plan of amounts refunded to a student who withdraws from an educational institution if the recontribution is made not later than 60 days after the date of such refund and does not exceed the refunded amount; and (4) allow tax-free rollovers to a Roth individual retirement account (Roth IRA) of distributions from a qualified tuition program which has been maintained by the account holder for a 10-year period. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve 529 plans. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Girls Count Act of 2014''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) According to the United States Census Bureau's 2014
international figures, 1 person in 8--or 12 percent of the
total population of the world--is a girl or young woman age 10
through 24.
(2) The Census Bureau's data also asserts that young people
are the fastest growing segment of the population in developing
countries.
(3) Even though most countries have birth registration
laws, every year 51,000,000 children under age 5 are not
registered at birth, most of whom are girls.
(4) A nationally recognized proof of birth system is the
key to determining a child's citizenship, nationality, place of
birth, parentage, and age. Without such a system, a passport,
drivers license, or national identification card is extremely
difficult to obtain. The lack of such documentation prevents
girls and women from officially participating in and
benefitting from the formal economic, legal, and political
sectors in their countries.
(5) Without the ability to gain employment and
identification necessary to officially participate in these
sectors, women and girls are confined to the home and remain
unpaid and often-invisible members of society.
(6) Girls undertake much of the domestic labor needed for
poor families to survive: carrying water, harvesting crops,
tending livestock, caring for younger children, and doing
chores.
(7) Accurate assessments of access to education, poverty
levels, and overall census activities are hampered by the lack
of official information on women and girls. Without this
rudimentary information, assessments of foreign assistance and
domestic social welfare programs cannot be accurately gauged.
(8) To ensure that women and girls are fully integrated
into United States foreign assistance policies and programs,
that the specific needs of girls are, to the maximum extent
possible, addressed in the design, implementation, and
evaluation of development assistance programs, and that women
and girls have the power to effect the decisions that affect
their lives, all girls should be counted and have access to
birth certificates and other official documentation.
SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
It is the policy of the United States to--
(1) encourage countries to uphold the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and enact laws that ensure girls and boys of
all ages are full participants in society, including requiring
birth certifications and some type of national identity card to
ensure that all citizens, including girls, are counted;
(2) enhance training and capacity-building in developing
countries, local nongovernmental organizations, and other civil
society organizations to effectively address the needs of birth
registries in countries where girls are undercounted;
(3) include organizations representing children and
families in the design, implementation, and monitoring of
programs under this Act; and
(4) incorporate into the design, implementation, and
evaluation of policies and programs at all levels an
understanding of the distinctive impact that such policies and
programs may have on girls.
SEC. 4. UNITED STATES ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT COUNTING OF GIRLS IN THE
DEVELOPING WORLD.
(a) Authorization.--The Secretary and the Administrator are
authorized to--
(1) support programs that will contribute to improved and
sustainable Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems
(CRVS) with a focus on birth registration as the first and most
important life event to be registered;
(2) promote programs that build the capacity of developing
countries' national and local legal and policy frameworks to
prevent discrimination against girls;
(3) support programs to help increase property rights,
social security, home ownership, land tenure security, and
inheritance rights for women; and
(4) assist key ministries in the governments of developing
countries, including health, interior, youth, and education
ministries, to ensure that girls from poor households obtain
equitable access to social programs.
(b) Coordination With Multilateral Organizations.--The Secretary
and the Administrator shall coordinate with the World Bank, relevant
United Nations agencies and programs, and other relevant organizations
to urge and work with countries to enact, implement, and enforce laws
that specifically collect data on girls and establish registration and
identification laws to ensure girls are active participants in the
social, economic, legal and political sectors of society in their
countries.
(c) Coordination With Private Sector and Civil Society
Organizations.--The Secretary and the Administrator should work with
United States, international, and local private sector and civil
society organizations to advocate for the registration and
documentation of all girls and boys in developing countries to prevent
exploitation, violence, and other abuses.
SEC. 5. REPORT.
The Secretary and the Administrator shall include in all relevant
congressionally mandated reports and documents the following
information:
(1) To the extent possible, United States foreign
assistance and development assistance beneficiaries by age,
gender, marital status, location, and school enrollment status
in all programs and sectors.
(2) A description of how United States foreign assistance
and development assistance benefits girls.
(3) Information on programs that address the particular
needs of girls.
SEC. 6. OFFSET.
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for United States
foreign assistance programs of a Federal department or agency that
administers such programs for a fiscal year, up to 5 percent of such
amounts are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act for
such fiscal year.
SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development.
(2) Development assistance.--The term ``development
assistance'' means--
(A) assistance under--
(i) chapter 1 of part 1 of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et
seq.);
(ii) the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003
(22 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.);
(iii) the United States Leadership Against
HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003
(22 U.S.C. 7601 et seq.);
(iv) title V of the International Security
and Development Cooperation Act of 1980 (22
U.S.C. 290h et seq.; relating to the African
Development Foundation); and
(v) section 401 of the Foreign Assistance
Act of 1969 (22 U.S.C. 290f; relating to the
Inter-American Foundation);
(B) official development assistance under any
provision of law; and
(C) reconstruction assistance under any provision
of law.
(3) Foreign assistance.--The term ``foreign assistance''
means any tangible or intangible item provided by the United
States Government to a foreign country or international
organization under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22
U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) or any other Act, including any training,
service, or technical advice, any item of real, personal, or
mixed property, any agricultural commodity, any gift, loan,
sale, credit, guarantee, or export subsidy, United States
dollars, and any currencies of any foreign country which are
owned by the United States Government.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of State.
SEC. 8. SUNSET.
This Act shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act. | Girls Count Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to: (1) support programs that will contribute to improved civil registration and vital statistics systems with a focus on birth registration; and (2) promote programs that build the capacity of developing countries' national and local legal and policy frameworks to prevent discrimination against girls, and help increase property rights, social security, land tenure, and inheritance rights for women. | Girls Count Act of 2014 |
SECTION 1. CONVEYANCE TO LANDER COUNTY, NEVADA.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the historical use by settlers and travelers since the
late 1800's of the cemetery known as ``Kingston Cemetery'' in
Kingston, Nevada, predates incorporation of the land within the
jurisdiction of the Forest Service on which the cemetery is
situated;
(2) it is appropriate that that use be continued through
local public ownership of the parcel rather than through the
permitting process of the Federal agency;
(3) in accordance with Public Law 85-569 (commonly known as
the ``Townsite Act'') (16 U.S.C. 478a), the Forest Service has
conveyed to the Town of Kingston 1.25 acres of the land on
which historic gravesites have been identified; and
(4) to ensure that all areas that may have unmarked
gravesites are included, and to ensure the availability of
adequate gravesite space in future years, an additional parcel
consisting of approximately 8.75 acres should be conveyed to
the county so as to include the total amount of the acreage
included in the original permit issued by the Forest Service
for the cemetery.
(b) Conveyance on Condition Subsequent.--Subject to valid existing
rights and the condition stated in subsection (e), the Secretary of
Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service (referred
to in this section as the ``Secretary''), as soon as practicable after
the date of enactment of this Act, shall convey to Lander County,
Nevada (referred to in this section as the ``county''), for no
consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in
and to the parcel of land described in subsection (c).
(c) Description of Land.--The parcel of land referred to in
subsection (b) is the parcel of National Forest System land (including
any improvements on the land) known as ``Kingston Cemetery'',
consisting of approximately 10 acres and more particularly described as
SW1/4SE1/4SE1/4 of section 36, T. 16N., R. 43E., Mount Diablo Meridian.
(d) Easement.--At the time of the conveyance under subsection (b),
subject to subsection (e)(2), the Secretary shall grant the county an
easement allowing access for persons desiring to visit the cemetery and
other cemetery purposes over Forest Development Road #20307B,
notwithstanding any future closing of the road for other use.
(e) Condition on Use of Land.--
(1) In general.--The county (including its successors)
shall continue the use of the parcel conveyed under subsection
(b) as a cemetery.
(2) Termination and reversion.--If the Secretary, after
notice to the county and an opportunity for a hearing, makes a
finding that the county has used or permitted the use of the
parcel for any purpose other than the purpose specified in
paragraph (1), and the county fails to discontinue that use--
(A) title to the parcel in the county shall
terminate;
(B) title to the parcel shall revert to the
Secretary; and
(C) the easement granted to the county under
subsection (d) shall be revoked.
SEC. 2. CONVEYANCE TO EUREKA COUNTY, NEVADA.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the historical use by settlers and travelers since the
late 1800's of the cemetery known as ``Maiden's Grave
Cemetery'' in Beowawe, Nevada, predates incorporation of the
land within the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management
on which the cemetery is situated; and
(2) it is appropriate that that use be continued through
local public ownership of the parcel rather than through the
permitting process of the Federal agency.
(b) Conveyance on Condition Subsequent.--Subject to valid existing
rights and the condition stated in subsection (e), the Secretary of the
Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary''), as soon as
practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, shall convey to
Eureka County, Nevada (referred to in this section as the ``county''),
for no consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United
States in and to the parcel of land described in subsection (c).
(c) Description of Land.--The parcel of land referred to in
subsection (b) is the parcel of public land (including any improvements
on the land) known as ``Maiden's Grave Cemetery'', consisting of
approximately 10 acres and more particularly described as S1/2NE1/4SW1/
4SW1/4, N1/2SE1/4SW1/4SW1/4 of section 10, T.31N., R.49E., Mount Diablo
Meridian.
(d) Easement.--At the time of the conveyance under subsection (b),
subject to subsection (e)(2), the Secretary shall grant the county an
easement allowing access for persons desiring to visit the cemetery and
other cemetery purposes over an appropriate access route.
(e) Condition on Use of Land.--
(1) In general.--The county (including its successors)
shall continue the use of the parcel conveyed under subsection
(b) as a cemetery.
(2) Termination and reversion.--If the Secretary, after
notice to the county and an opportunity for a hearing, makes a
finding that the county has used or permitted the use of the
parcel for any purpose other than the purpose specified in
paragraph (1), and the county fails to discontinue that use--
(A) title to the parcel in the county shall
terminate;
(B) title to the parcel shall revert to the
Secretary; and
(C) the easement granted to the county under
subsection (d) shall be revoked. | Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land to Lander County, Nevada, and the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land to Eureka County, Nevada, for continued cemetery use. | A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land to Lander County, Nevada, and the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land to Eureka County, Nevada, for continued use as cemeteries. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Securing Care for Seniors Act of
2015''.
SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENTS TO MA RISK ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM.
Section 1853(a)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-
23(a)(1)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clauses:
``(iv) Evaluation and subsequent revision
of the risk adjustment system to account for
chronic conditions and other factors for the
purpose of making the risk adjustment system
more accurate, transparent, and regularly
updated.--
``(I) Revision based on number of
chronic conditions.--The Secretary
shall revise for 2017 and periodically
thereafter, the risk adjustment system
under this subparagraph so that a risk
score under such system, with respect
to an individual, takes into account
the number of chronic conditions with
which the individual has been
diagnosed.
``(II) Evaluation of different risk
adjustment models.--The Secretary shall
evaluate the impact of including two
years of data to compare the models
used to determine risk scores for 2013
and 2014 under such system.
``(III) Evaluation and analysis on
chronic kidney disease (ckd) codes.--
The Secretary shall evaluate the impact
of removing the diagnosis codes related
to chronic kidney disease in the 2014
risk adjustment model and conduct an
analysis of best practices of MA plans
to slow disease progression related to
chronic kidney disease.
``(IV) Evaluation and
recommendations on use of encounter
data.--The Secretary shall evaluate the
impact of including 10 percent of
encounter data in computing payment for
2016 and the readiness of the Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services to
incorporate encounter data in risk
scores. In conducting such evaluation,
the Secretary shall use data collected
as encounter data on or after January
1, 2012, shall analyze such data for
accuracy and completeness and issue
recommendations for improving such
accuracy and completeness, and shall
not increase the percentage of such
encounter data used unless the
Secretary releases the data publicly,
indicates how such data will be
weighted in computing the risk scores,
and ensures that the data reflects the
degree and cost of care coordination
under MA plans.
``(V) Conduct of evaluations.--
Evaluations and analyses under
subclause (II) through (IV) shall
include an actuarial opinion from the
Chief Actuary of the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services about the
reasonableness of the methods,
assumptions, and conclusions of such
evaluations and analyses. The Secretary
shall consult with the Medicare Payment
Advisory Commission and accept and
consider comments of stakeholders, such
as managed care organizations and
beneficiary groups, on such evaluation
and analyses. The Secretary shall
complete such evaluations and analyses
in a manner that permits the results to
be applied for plan years beginning
with the second plan year that begins
after the date of the enactment of this
clause.
``(VI) Implementation of revisions
based on evaluations.--If the Secretary
determines, based on such an evaluation
or analysis, that revisions to the risk
adjustment system to address the
matters described in any of subclauses
(II) through (IV) would make the risk
adjustment system under this
subparagraph better reflect and
appropriately weight for the population
that is served by the plan, the
Secretary shall, beginning with 2017,
and periodically thereafter, make such
revisions.
``(VII) Periodic reporting to
congress.--With respect to plan years
beginning with 2017 and every third
year thereafter, the Secretary shall
submit to Congress a report on the most
recent revisions (if any) made under
this clause, including the evaluations
conducted under subclauses (II) through
(IV).
``(v) No changes to adjustment factors that
prevent activities consistent with national
health policy goals.--In making any changes to
the adjustment factors, including adjustment
for health status under paragraph (3), the
Secretary shall ensure that the changes do not
prevent Medicare Advantage organizations from
performing or undertaking activities that are
consistent with national health policy goals,
including activities to promote early detection
and better care coordination, the use of health
risk assessments, care plans, and programs to
slow the progression of chronic diseases.
``(vi) Opportunity for review and public
comment regarding changes to adjustment
factors.--For changes to adjustment factors
effective for 2017 and subsequent years, in
addition to providing notice of such changes in
the announcement under subsection (b)(2), the
Secretary shall provide an opportunity for
review of proposed changes of not less than 60
days and a public comment period of not less
than 30 days before implementing such
changes.''.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has
inadvertently created a star rating system under section
1853(o)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-
23(o)(4)) for Medicare Advantage plans that lacks proper
accounting for the socioeconomic status of enrollees in such
plans and the extent to which such plans serve individuals who
are also eligible for medical assistance under title XIX of
such Act; and
(2) Congress will work with the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services and stakeholders, including beneficiary
groups and managed care organizations, to ensure that such
rating system properly accounts for the socioeconomic status of
enrollees in such plans and the extent to which such plans
serve such individuals described in paragraph (1). | Securing Care for Seniors Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) This bill amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (in effect, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS]) to revise for 2017, and periodically afterwards, the system for risk adjustments to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations so that an individual's risk score takes into account the number of chronic conditions with which the individual has been diagnosed. HHS must, including an actuarial opinion of the CMS Chief Actuary, evaluate the impacts of: including two years of data to compare the models used to determine the risk scores for 2013 and 2014, removing the diagnosis codes related to chronic kidney disease in the 2014 risk adjustment model, and including 10% of encounter data in computing payment for 2016 and CMS readiness to incorporate encounter data in risk scores. HHS shall also analyze the best practices of MedicareAdvantage (MA) plans to slow disease progression related to chronic kidney disease. HHS shall then, if appropriate, make revisions to the risk adjustment system, based on such an evaluation or analysis, to better reflect and appropriately weight for the population served. (Sec. 3) Congress declares that the MA star rating system lacks proper accounting for the socioeconomic status of plan enrollees and the extent to which those plans serve individuals also eligible for medical assistance under SSAct title XIX (Medicaid). | Securing Care for Seniors Act of 2015 |
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(2) RUE.--The term ``RUE'' means the retained use estate
entered into by the Jackson Hole Preserve and the United States
on September 30, 1983.
(3) Park.--The term ``park'' means Virgin Islands National
Park.
(4) CBI.--The term ``CBI'' means CBI Acquisitions, LLC.
(5) Resort.--The term ``Resort'' means Caneel Bay Resort on
the island of St. John in Virgin Islands National Park.
SEC. 2. LEASE AGREEMENT.
(a) Authorization.--The Secretary may enter into a lease agreement
with CBI governing the use of property for the continued management and
operation of the Resort.
(b) Additional Lands.--Any lease entered into pursuant to this Act
shall include the property covered by the RUE and any associated
property owned by CBI donated to the National Park Service.
(c) Terms.--The lease agreement authorized under subsection (a)
shall--
(1) require that operations and maintenance of the Resort
are conducted in a manner consistent with the preservation and
conservation of the resources and values of the Park as well as
the best interests of the Resort;
(2) be for the minimum number of years practicable to
enable the lessee to secure financing for any necessary
improvements to the Resort, taking into account the financial
obligations of CBI, but in any event shall not exceed 40 years;
(3) prohibit any transfer, assignment or sale of the lease
or otherwise convey or pledge any interest in the lease without
prior written notification to and approval by the Secretary;
(4) prohibit any increase in the number of guest
accommodations available at the Resort;
(5) prohibit any increase in the overall size of the
Resort;
(6) prohibit the sale of partial ownership shares or
timeshares in the Resort;
(7) be designed to facilitate transfer of all property
covered by the lease to Federal administration upon expiration
of the lease; and
(8) include any other provisions determined by the
Secretary to be necessary to protect the Park and the public
interest.
(d) Appraisals.--The Secretary shall require appraisals to
determine the fair market value of all property covered by the RUE and
any property, including the value, if any, of the surrendered term of
the RUE, owned by CBI to be donated, or otherwise conveyed, to the
National Park Service. Such appraisals shall be conducted pursuant to
the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition.
(e) Compensation.--
(1) In general.--The lease authorized by this Act shall--
(A) require payment to the United States of the
property's fair market value rent, taking into account
the value of any associated property transferred by CBI
as well as the value, if any, of the surrendered term
of the RUE;
(B) include a provision--
(i) allowing recalculation of the amount of
the payment required under this subsection, at
the request of the Secretary or CBI, in the
event of extraordinary unanticipated changes in
conditions anticipated at the time the lease
was finalized; and
(ii) providing for binding arbitration in
the event the Secretary and CBI are unable to
agree upon an adjustment to the payment in
these circumstances.
(2) Distribution.--Eighty percent of the payment to the
United States required by this subsection shall be available to
the Secretary, without further appropriation, for expenditure
within the Park. The remaining twenty percent shall be
deposited in the Treasury.
(3) Applicability of certain law.--Section 321 of the Act
of June 30, 1932 (40 U.S.C. 1302), relating to the leasing of
buildings and property of the United States, shall not apply to
the lease entered into by the Secretary pursuant to this Act.
SEC. 3. RETAINED USE ESTATE.
As a condition of the lease, CBI shall relinquish to the Secretary
all rights under the RUE and transfer, without compensation, ownership
of improvements covered by the RUE to the United States.
Passed the House of Representatives March 4, 2008.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk.
By Deborah M. Spriggs,
Deputy Clerk. | Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a lease with CBI Acquisitions, LLC, governing the use of property for the continued management and operation of the Caneel Bay Resort on the island of St. John in Virgin Islands National Park.
Requires any lease entered into pursuant to this Act to include the property covered by the retained use estate entered into by the Jackson Hole Preserve and the United States on September 30, 1983, (the RUE) and any associated property owned by CBI donated to the National Park Service (NPS).
Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the terms of the lease agreement; (2) appraisals to determine the fair market value of all property covered by the RUE and any property, including the value, if any, of the surrendered term of the RUE, owned by CBI to be donated, or otherwise conveyed, to the NPS; and (3) compensation to the United States of the property's fair market value rent. Makes 80% of such payment available for expenditure within Virgin Islands National Park.
Requires CBI, as a condition of the lease, to relinquish to the Secretary all rights under the RUE and to transfer, without compensation, ownership of improvements covered by the RUE to the United States. | To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine
Support Act of 2017'' or the ``VETS Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. LICENSURE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVIDING TREATMENT VIA TELEMEDICINE.
(a) In General.--Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 1730A the following new section:
``Sec. 1730B. Licensure of health care professionals providing
treatment via telemedicine
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any provision of law regarding
the licensure of health care professionals, a covered health care
professional may practice the health care profession of the health care
professional at any location in any State, regardless of where the
covered health care professional or the patient is located, if the
covered health care professional is using telemedicine to provide
treatment to an individual under this chapter.
``(b) Property of Federal Government.--Subsection (a) shall apply
to a covered health care professional providing treatment to a patient
regardless of whether the covered health care professional or patient
is located in a facility owned by the Federal Government during such
treatment.
``(c) Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to
remove, limit, or otherwise affect any obligation of a covered health
care professional under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et
seq.).
``(d) Covered Health Care Professional Defined.--In this section,
the term `covered health care professional' means a health care
professional who--
``(1) is an employee of the Department appointed under the
authority under sections 7306, 7401, 7405, 7406, or 7408 of
this title, or title 5;
``(2) is authorized by the Secretary to provide health care
under this chapter;
``(3) is required to adhere to all quality standards
relating to the provision of telemedicine in accordance with
applicable policies of the Department; and
``(4) has an active, current, full, and unrestricted
license, registration, or certification in a State to practice
the health care profession of the health care professional.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 1730A the following new item:
``1730B. Licensure of health care professionals providing treatment via
telemedicine.''.
(c) Report on Telemedicine.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a report on the effectiveness of the use of
telemedicine by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include an assessment of the following:
(A) The satisfaction of veterans with telemedicine
furnished by the Department.
(B) The satisfaction of health care providers in
providing telemedicine furnished by the Department.
(C) The effect of telemedicine furnished by the
Department on the following:
(i) The ability of veterans to access
health care, whether from the Department or
from non-Department health care providers.
(ii) The frequency of use by veterans of
telemedicine.
(iii) The productivity of health care
providers.
(iv) Wait times for an appointment for the
receipt of health care from the Department.
(v) The reduction, if any, in the use by
veterans of in-person services at Department
facilities and non-Department facilities.
(D) The types of appointments for the receipt of
telemedicine furnished by the Department that were
provided during the 1-year period preceding the
submittal of the report.
(E) The number of appointments for the receipt of
telemedicine furnished by the Department that were
requested during such period, disaggregated by Veterans
Integrated Service Network.
(F) Savings by the Department, if any, including
travel costs, of furnishing health care
through the use of telemedicine during such period.
Passed the House of Representatives November 7, 2017.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | . Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act of 2017 or the VETS Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill allows a licensed health care professional of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to practice his or her profession using telemedicine at any location in any state regardless of where the professional or patient is located if the covered health care professional is using telemedicine to provide VA medical or health services. Such authority shall apply to a covered health care professional regardless of whether the covered health care professional or patient is located in a federally-owned facility. The bill defines "covered health care professional" as a health care professional who: (1) is a VA employee appointed under specified VA authorities or under the civil service; (2) is authorized by the VA to provide health care; (3) is required to adhere to all telemedicine quality standards; and (4) has an active, current, full, and unrestricted state license, registration, or certification for such health care profession. The VA shall report to Congress on the effectiveness of the VA's use of telemedicine. | Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act of 2017 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Oil Price Reduction Act of 2000''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Oil producing countries, including the nations of the
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), took
concerted actions in March and September of 1999 to cut oil
production and hold back from the market 4,000,000 barrels a
day representing approximately six percent of the global
supply.
(2) OPEC, in its capacity as an oil cartel, has been a
critical factor in driving prices from approximately $11 a
barrel in December 1998 to a high of $30 a barrel in mid-
February 2000, levels not seen since the Persian Gulf Conflict.
(3) On February 10, 2000, a hearing before the Committee on
International Relations of the House of Representatives on
``OPEC and the Northeast Energy Crisis'' clearly demonstrated
that OPEC's goal of reducing its oil stocks was the major
reason behind price increases in heating oil, gasoline, and
diesel oil stocks.
(4) During this hearing, the Assistant Secretary in the
Office of International Affairs of the Department of Energy
noted that artificial supply constraints placed on the market
are ultimately self-defeating in so far as they increase
volatility in the market, lead to boom and bust cycles, and
promote global instability, particularly in developing
countries whose economies are extremely vulnerable to sharp
price increases.
(5) These price increases have caused inflationary shocks
to the United States economy and could threaten the global
economic recovery now underway in Europe and Asia where the
demand for oil is rising.
(6) The transportation infrastructure of the United States
is under stress and tens of thousands of small- to medium-sized
trucking firms throughout the Northeast region are on the verge
of bankruptcy because of the rise in diesel oil prices to more
than $2 per gallon--a 43 percent increase in the Central
Atlantic region and a 55 percent increase in the New England
region--an increase that has had the effect of requiring these
trucking firms to use up to 20 percent of their operating
budgets for the purchase of diesel oil.
(7) Many elderly and retired Americans on fixed incomes
throughout the Northeast region of the United States cannot
afford to pay the prevailing heating oil costs and all too
often are faced with the choice of paying the grocery bills or
staying warm.
(8) Several key oil producing nations relied on the United
States military for their protection in 1990 and 1991,
including during the Persian Gulf Conflict, and these nations
still depend on the United States for their security.
(9) Many of these nations enjoy a close economic and
security relationship with the United States which is a
fundamental underpinning of global security and cooperation.
(10) A continuation of the present policies put in place at
the meeting of OPEC Ministers in March and September of 1999
threatens the relationship that many of the OPEC nations enjoy
with the United States.
SEC. 3. POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES.
(a) Policy With Respect to Oil Exporting Countries.--It shall be
the policy of the United States to consider the extent to which major
net oil exporting countries engage in oil price fixing to be an
important determinant in the overall political, economic, and security
relationship between the United States and these countries.
(b) Policy With Respect to Oil Importing Countries.--It shall be
the policy of the United States to work multilaterally with other
countries that are major net oil importers to bring about the complete
dismantlement of international oil price fixing arrangements.
SEC. 4. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the President shall transmit to the Congress a report that contains the
following:
(1) A description of the overall economic and security
relationship between the United States and each country that is
a major net oil exporter, including each country that is a
member of OPEC.
(2) A description of the effect that coordination among the
countries described in paragraph (1) with respect to oil
production and pricing has had on the United States economy and
global energy supplies.
(3) Detailed information on any and all assistance programs
under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export
Control Act, including licenses for the export of defense
articles and defense services under section 38 of such Act,
provided to the countries described in paragraph (1).
(4) A determination made by the President in accordance
with section 5 for each country described in paragraph (1).
SEC. 5. DETERMINATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF MAJOR OIL EXPORTING COUNTRIES
ENGAGED IN PRICE FIXING.
The report submitted pursuant to section 4 shall include the
determination of the President with respect to each country described
in section 4(1) as to whether or not, as of the date on which the
President makes the determination, that country is engaged in oil price
fixing to the detriment of the United States economy.
SEC. 6. DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS TO END PRICE FIXING.
(a) Diplomatic Efforts.--Not later than 30 days after the date on
which the President transmits to the Congress the report pursuant to
section 4, the President shall--
(1) undertake a concerted diplomatic campaign to convince
any country determined by the President pursuant to section 5
to be engaged in oil price fixing to the detriment of the
United States economy that the current oil price levels are
unsustainable and will negatively effect global economic growth
rates in oil consuming and developing countries; and
(2) take the necessary steps to begin negotiations to
achieve multilateral action to reduce, suspend, or terminate
bilateral assistance and arms exports to major net oil
exporters engaged in oil price fixing as part of a concerted
diplomatic campaign with other major net oil importers to bring
about the complete dismantlement of international oil price
fixing arrangements described in such report.
(b) Report on Diplomatic Efforts.--Not later than 120 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to
the Congress a report describing any diplomatic efforts undertaken in
accordance with subsection (a) and the results achieved by those
efforts.
SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Oil price fixing.--The term ``oil price fixing'' means
participation in any agreement, arrangement, or understanding
with other countries that are oil exporters to increase the
price of oil or natural gas by means of, inter alia, limiting
oil or gas production or establishing minimum prices for oil or
gas.
(2) OPEC.--The term ``OPEC'' means the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Passed the House of Representatives March 22, 2000.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Directs the President, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, to report to Congress with respect to: (1) the overall economic and security relationship between the United States and each major net oil exporting country (including members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)); (2) the effect that coordination among such countries with respect to oil production and pricing has had on the U.S. economy and global energy supplies; (3) information on all assistance provided to such countries under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act (including licenses for the export of defense articles and defense services); and (4) the President's determination as to whether or not each such country is engaging in oil price fixing to the detriment of the U.S. economy.Directs the President, not later than 30 days after submitting the report, to: (1) undertake a concerted diplomatic campaign to convince any country determined to be engaged in oil price fixing to the detriment of the U.S. economy that the current oil price levels are unsustainable and will negatively affect global economic growth rates in oil consuming and developing countries; and (2) take the necessary steps to begin negotiations to achieve multilateral action to reduce, suspend, or terminate bilateral assistance and arms exports to major net oil exporters engaged in oil price fixing as part of a concerted diplomatic campaign with other major net oil importers to bring about the complete dismantlement of international oil price fixing arrangements. Requires the President to report to Congress with respect to such diplomatic efforts. | Oil Price Reduction Act of 2000 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Teacher Support Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. ABOVE-THE-LINE DEDUCTION FOR QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
EXPENSES OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
(a) Deduction Allowed.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized
deductions for individuals) is amended by redesignating section 222 as
section 223 and by inserting after section 221 the following new
section:
``SEC. 222. QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES.
``(a) Allowance of Deduction.--In the case of an eligible teacher,
there shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the qualified
professional development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer
during the taxable year.
``(b) Qualified Professional Development Expenses of Eligible
Teachers.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified professional development expenses.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified professional
development expenses' means expenses for tuition, fees,
books, supplies, equipment, and transportation required
for the enrollment or attendance of an individual in a
qualified course of instruction.
``(B) Qualified course of instruction.--The term
`qualified course of instruction' means a course of
instruction which--
``(i) is--
``(I) directly related to the
curriculum and academic subjects in
which an eligible teacher provides
instruction, or
``(II) designed to enhance the
ability of an eligible teacher to
understand and use State standards for
the academic subjects in which such
teacher provides instruction,
``(ii) may--
``(I) provide instruction in how to
teach children with different learning
styles, particularly children with
disabilities and children with special
learning needs (including children who
are gifted and talented), or
``(II) provide instruction in how
best to discipline children in the
classroom and identify early and
appropriate interventions to help
children described in subclause (I) to
learn,
``(iii) is tied to challenging State or
local content standards and student performance
standards,
``(iv) is tied to strategies and programs
that demonstrate effectiveness in increasing
student academic achievement and student
performance, or substantially increasing the
knowledge and teaching skills of an eligible
teacher,
``(v) is of sufficient intensity and
duration to have a positive and lasting impact
on the performance of an eligible teacher in
the classroom (which shall not include 1-day or
short-term workshops and conferences), except
that this clause shall not apply to an activity
if such activity is 1 component described in a
long-term comprehensive professional
development plan established by an eligible
teacher and the teacher's supervisor based upon
an assessment of the needs of the teacher, the
students of the teacher, and the local
educational agency involved, and
``(vi) is part of a program of professional
development which is approved and certified by
the appropriate local educational agency as
furthering the goals of the preceding clauses.
``(C) Local educational agency.--The term `local
educational agency' has the meaning given such term by
section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965, as in effect on the date of the enactment
of this section.
``(2) Eligible teacher.--
``(A) In general.--The term `eligible teacher'
means an individual who is a kindergarten through grade
12 classroom teacher or aide in an elementary or
secondary school for at least 720 hours during a school
year.
``(B) Elementary or secondary school.--The terms
`elementary school' and `secondary school' have the
meanings given such terms by section 14101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 8801), as so in effect.
``(c) Denial of Double Benefit.--
``(1) In general.--No other deduction or credit shall be
allowed under this chapter for any amount taken into account
for which a deduction is allowed under this section.
``(2) Coordination with exclusions.--A deduction shall be
allowed under subsection (a) for qualified professional
development expenses only to the extent the amount of such
expenses exceeds the amount excludable under section 135,
529(c)(1), or 530(d)(2) for the taxable year.''.
(b) Deduction Allowed in Computing Adjusted Gross Income.--Section
62(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting
after paragraph (17) the following new paragraph:
``(18) Qualified professional development expenses.--The
deduction allowed by section 222.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for part VII of
subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by striking the item relating to section 222 and inserting the
following new items:
``Sec. 222. Qualified professional
development expenses.
``Sec. 223. Cross reference.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2000.
SEC. 3. CREDIT TO ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO PROVIDE
CLASSROOM MATERIALS.
(a) In General.--Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to other credits) is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 30B. CREDIT TO ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO
PROVIDE CLASSROOM MATERIALS.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an eligible teacher,
there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this
chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to the qualified
elementary and secondary education expenses which are paid or incurred
by the taxpayer during such taxable year.
``(b) Maximum Credit.--The credit allowed by subsection (a) for any
taxable year shall not exceed $100.
``(c) Definitions.--
``(1) Eligible teacher.--The term `eligible teacher' means
an individual who is a kindergarten through grade 12 classroom
teacher, instructor, counselor, aide, or principal in an
elementary or secondary school on a full-time basis for an
academic year ending during a taxable year.
``(2) Qualified elementary and secondary education
expenses.--The term `qualified elementary and secondary
education expenses' means expenses for books, supplies (other
than nonathletic supplies for courses of instruction in health
or physical education), computer equipment (including related
software and services) and other equipment, and supplementary
materials used by an eligible teacher in the classroom.
``(3) Elementary or secondary school.--The term `elementary
or secondary school' means any school which provides elementary
education or secondary education (through grade 12), as
determined under State law.
``(d) Special Rules.--
``(1) Denial of double benefit.--No deduction shall be
allowed under this chapter for any expense for which credit is
allowed under this section.
``(2) Application with other credits.--The credit allowable
under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the
excess (if any) of--
``(A) the regular tax for the taxable year, reduced
by the sum of the credits allowable under subpart A and
the preceding sections of this subpart, over
``(B) the tentative minimum tax for the taxable
year.
``(e) Election To Have Credit Not Apply.--A taxpayer may elect to
have this section not apply for any taxable year.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart B of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 is amended by adding at the end
the following new item:
``Sec. 30B. Credit to elementary and
secondary school teachers who
provide classroom materials.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2000. | Teacher Support Act of 2001- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make the two percent floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions inapplicable to qualified professional development expenses incurred by elementary and secondary school teachers and aides; and (2) allow a credit to elementary and secondary school teachers, instructors, counselors, aides, or principals who provide classroom materials. | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an above-the-line deduction for qualified professional development expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers and to allow a credit against income tax to elementary and secondary school teachers who provide classroom materials. |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Guam was captured by Japan on December 10, 1941, three
days after the attack on Pearl Harbor and remained in the hands
of the Japanese until June 1944. Those prisoners who remained
on Guam suffered atrocities at the hands of the Japanese or
were transported on ``Hell Ships'' to Japanese POW camps.
(2) In January 1942 the Japanese took approximately 1,600
prisoners on Wake Island. Approximately 450 military and 1,150
civilians were then transported to POW camps in China and
Japan.
(3) On April 9, 1942, Major General Edward King surrendered
the soldiers from the United States and the Philippines into
enemy hands.
(4) Over the next week, the soldiers from the United States
and the Philippines were taken prisoner and forced to march 65
miles without any food, water, or medical care in what came to
be known as the Bataan Death March.
(5) On May 6, 1942, Corregidor fell after a weeklong siege
and its defenders were surrendered.
(6) On May 10, 1942, American forces under the command of
Major General William F. Sharp surrendered after fighting the
Japanese from April 29, 1942, to May 9, 1942, on the island of
Mindanao in the southernmost portion of the Philippine
Archipelago. It was on this date, May 10, 1942, that General
Wainwright, as Supreme Allied Commander, surrendered all Allied
Forces in the Philippine Archipelago.
(7) During this forced march, thousands of soldiers died,
either from starvation, lack of medical care, sheer exhaustion,
or abuse by their captors.
(8) Within the first 40 days at Camp O'Donnell, 1,600 more
prisoners from the United States died.
(9) The conditions at the camp were substandard, leading to
increased disease and malnutrition among the prisoners.
(10) In May 1942 the Japanese began transferring POWs by
sea. Prisoners were crammed into cargo holds with little air,
food or water for journeys that would last for weeks on what
were to be known as the ``Hell Ships''. Many died due to
asphyxia, starvation, or dysentery. Some prisoners became
delirious and unresponsive in an environment of heat, humidity
and lack of oxygen, food, and water. More than 3,300 prisoners
died at sea while being transported by these ships.
(11) On June 6, 1942, the prisoners from the United States
were transferred to Cabanatuan, north of Camp O'Donnell.
(12) The campus of the University of Santo Tomas was
converted to the Santo Tomas Internment Camp by the Japanese
during their occupation of the Philippines. Santo Tomas became
the initial internment camp for both the army and navy nurses,
with the army and navy nurses remaining there until their
liberation.
(13) The prisoners who remained in the camps suffered from
continued mistreatment, malnutrition, lack of medical care, and
horrific conditions.
(14) The prisoners who remained in these camps were
liberated in 1945.
(15) Over the subsequent decades, these prisoners formed
support groups, were honored in local and State memorials, and
told their story to all people of the United States.
(16) The people of the United States are forever indebted
to these men and women for--
(A) the courage they demonstrated during the first
4 months of World War II in fighting against enemy
soldiers; and
(B) the perseverance they demonstrated during years
of capture, imprisonment, and atrocious conditions,
while maintaining dignity, honor, patriotism, and
loyalty.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Award Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives
and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate
arrangements for the award, on behalf of the Congress, of a single gold
medal of appropriate design to American military personnel who fought
in defense of Bataan, Corregidor, Guam, Wake Island, and the Philippine
Archipelago between December 7, 1941, and May 10, 1942, and who died or
were imprisoned by the Japanese military in the Philippines, Japan,
Korea, Manchuria, Wake Island, and Guam from April 9, 1942, until
September 2, 1945, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and
service to their country.
(b) Design and Striking.--For purposes of the award under
subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall strike the gold medal with
suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the
Secretary.
(c) Transfer and Display of Medals.--
(1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal
under subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to the
Smithsonian Institution, where it shall be displayed as
appropriate and made available for research.
(2) Sense of the congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal
received under paragraph (1) available for display at other
locations, particularly such locations as are associated with
the American military prisoners described under subsection (a).
SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
(a) Striking of Duplicates.--Under such regulations as the
Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may strike duplicates in bronze
of the gold medal struck under section 2.
(b) Selling of Duplicates.--The Secretary may sell such duplicates
under subsection (a) at a price sufficient to cover the costs of such
duplicates, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS.
Medals struck pursuant to this Act are National medals for purposes
of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code. | This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award on behalf of the Congress of a single gold medal to American military personnel who fought in defense of Bataan, Corregidor, Guam, Wake Island, and the Philippine Archipelago between December 7, 1941, and May 10, 1942, and who died or were imprisoned by the Japanese military in the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Wake Island, and Guam from April 9, 1942, until September 2, 1945, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country. Following its award the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution where it shall be displayed and made available for research. The bill expresses the sense of the Congress that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal available for display at other locations, particularly locations associated with these American military prisoners. | To award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to American military personnel who fought in defense of Bataan, Corregidor, Guam, Wake Island, and the Philippine Archipelago between December 7, 1941, and May 10, 1942, and who died or were imprisoned by the Japanese military in the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Wake Island, and Guam from April 9, 1942, until September 2, 1945, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness
Act''.
SEC. 2. GREAT LAKES RESEARCH COUNCIL.
(a) In General.--Section 118 of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. 1268) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the
following:
``(E) `Council' means the Great Lakes Research
Council established by subsection (d)(1);'';
(B) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (J), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(K) `Great Lakes research' means the application
of scientific or engineering expertise to explain,
understand, and predict a physical, chemical,
biological, or socioeconomic process, or the
interaction of 1 or more of the processes, in the Great
Lakes ecosystem.'';
(2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Great Lakes Research Council.--
``(1) Establishment of council.--There is established a
Great Lakes Research Council.
``(2) Duties of council.--The Council shall--
``(A) advise and promote the coordination of
Federal Great Lakes research activities to avoid
unnecessary duplication and ensure greater
effectiveness in achieving protection of the Great
Lakes ecosystem through the goals of the Great Lakes
Water Quality Agreement;
``(B) not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this subparagraph and biennially
thereafter, after providing opportunity for public
review and comment, prepare and provide to interested
parties a document that includes--
``(i) an assessment of the Great Lakes
research activities needed to fulfill the goals
of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement;
``(ii) an assessment of Federal expertise
and capabilities in the activities needed to
fulfill the goals of the Great Lakes Water
Quality Agreement, including an inventory of
Federal Great Lakes research programs,
projects, facilities, and personnel; and
``(iii) recommendations for long-term and
short-term priorities for Federal Great Lakes
research, based on a comparison of the
assessment conducted under clause (i) and the
assessment conducted under clause (ii);
``(C) identify topics for and participate in
meetings, workshops, symposia, and conferences on Great
Lakes research issues;
``(D) make recommendations for the uniform
collection of data for enhancing Great Lakes research
and management protocols relating to the Great Lakes
ecosystem;
``(E) advise and cooperate in--
``(i) improving the compatible integration
of multimedia data concerning the Great Lakes
ecosystem; and
``(ii) any effort to establish a
comprehensive multimedia data base for the
Great Lakes ecosystem; and
``(F) ensure that the results, findings, and
information regarding Great Lakes research programs
conducted or sponsored by the Federal Government are
disseminated in a timely manner, and in useful forms,
to interested persons, using to the maximum extent
practicable mechanisms in existence on the date of the
dissemination, such as the Great Lakes
Research Inventory prepared by the International Joint Commission.
``(3) Membership.--
``(A) In general.--The Council shall consist of 1
research manager with extensive knowledge of, and
scientific expertise and experience in, the Great Lakes
ecosystem from each of the following agencies and
instrumentalities:
``(i) The Agency.
``(ii) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
``(iii) The National Biological Service.
``(iv) The United States Fish and Wildlife
Service.
``(v) Any other Federal agency or
instrumentality that expends $1,000,000 or more
for a fiscal year on Great Lakes research.
``(vi) Any other Federal agency or
instrumentality that a majority of the Council
membership determines should be represented on
the Council.
``(B) Nonvoting members.--At the request of a
majority of the Council membership, any person who is a
representative of a Federal agency or instrumentality
not described in subparagraph (A) or any person who is
not a Federal employee may serve as a nonvoting member
of the Council.
``(4) Chairperson.--The chairperson of the Council shall be
a member of the Council from an agency specified in clause (i),
(ii), or (iii) of paragraph (3)(A) who is elected by a majority
vote of the members of the Council. The chairperson shall serve
as chairperson for a period of 2 years. A member of the Council
may not serve as chairperson for more than 2 consecutive terms.
``(5) Expenses.--While performing official duties as a
member of the Council, a member shall be allowed travel or
transportation expenses under section 5703 of title 5, United
States Code.
``(6) Interagency cooperation.--The head of each Federal
agency or instrumentality that is represented on the Council--
``(A) shall cooperate with the Council in
implementing the recommendations developed under
paragraph (2);
``(B) may, on written request of the chairperson of
the Council, make available, on a reimbursable basis or
otherwise, such personnel, services, or facilities as
may be necessary to assist the Council in carrying out
the duties of the Council under this section; and
``(C) shall, on written request from the
chairperson, furnish data or information necessary to
carry out the duties of the Council under this section.
``(7) International cooperation.--The Council shall
cooperate, to the maximum extent practicable, with the research
coordination efforts of the Council of Great Lakes Research
Managers of the International Joint Commission.
``(8) Reimbursement for requested activities.--Each Federal
agency or instrumentality represented on the Council may
reimburse another Federal agency or instrumentality or a non-
Federal entity for costs associated with activities authorized
under this subsection that are carried out by the other agency,
instrumentality, or entity at the request of the Council.
``(9) Federal advisory committee act.--The Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Council.
``(10) Effect on other law.--Nothing in this subsection
affects the authority of any Federal agency or instrumentality,
under any law, to undertake Great Lakes research activities.'';
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the Program
Office and the Research Office shall prepare a joint
research plan'' and inserting ``the Program Office, in
consultation with the Council, shall prepare a research
plan''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``the Research
Office, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry, and Great Lakes States'' and inserting ``the
Council, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry, and Great Lakes States,''; and
(4) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by adding ``and'' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a period; and
(C) by striking paragraph (3).
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The second sentence of section 403(a) of
the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C.
1447b(a)) is amended by striking ``Great Lakes Research Office
authorized under'' and inserting ``Great Lakes Research Council
established by''. | Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to replace provisions regarding the Great Lakes Research Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with those establishing an interagency Great Lakes Research Council.
Directs the Council to: (1) promote the coordination of Federal Great Lakes research activities to avoid duplication and ensure effectiveness in achieving protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement; (2) prepare a document that assesses research activities and Federal expertise in such activities needed to fulfill Agreement goals; (3) identify topics for and participate in workshops and conferences on Great Lakes research issues; (4) make recommendations for the uniform collection of data for enhancing research and management protocols relating to the Great Lakes ecosystem; (5) advise in improving the integration of multimedia data concerning the ecosystem and in efforts to establish a multimedia data base for the ecosystem; and (6) ensure that findings and information regarding such research are disseminated in a timely manner. | Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Apprenticeship, Training, and
Employment Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR EXPENSES FOR LONG-TERM TRAINING OF EMPLOYEES IN
HIGHLY SKILLED SMALL BUSINESS TRADES.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business-related
credits) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 45G. EXPENSES FOR LONG-TERM TRAINING OF EMPLOYEES IN HIGHLY
SKILLED SMALL BUSINESS TRADES.
``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of a
small business employer, the highly skilled trades training credit
determined under this section for the taxable year is $10,000 for each
employee (not to exceed 3 employees) having a qualified training year
ending with or within such taxable year (whether or not such employee
is an employee of the taxpayer as of the close of such taxable year).
``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Small business employer.--
``(A) In general.--The term `small business
employer' means, with respect to any taxable year, any
employer who qualifies during such taxable year as a
specialty trade contractor under subsector 238 of
sector 23 contained in the table under section 121.201
of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect
on the date of the enactment of this section.
``(B) Controlled groups.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), all persons treated as a single
employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of
section 414 shall be treated as a single employer.
``(2) Qualified training year.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified training
year' means each year during the training period in
which the employee received at least 1,500 hours of
training (including on-the-job training and training at
multi-employer training facilities) from the taxpayer
(or any predecessor) under a qualified training program
as an apprentice in any highly skilled trade.
``(B) Highly skilled trades.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the term `highly skilled trades'
means any specialty trade specified under subsector 238
of sector 23 contained in the table under section
121.201 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, as in
effect on the date of the enactment of this section.
Such term shall not include any trade if the customary
apprenticeship period for such trade is less than 2
years.
``(C) Qualified training program.--
``(i) In general.--The term `qualified
training program' means a written plan of study
and training for individuals in, or entering
into, highly skilled trades.
``(ii) Description of programs.--A plan
under clause (i) must be a program which meets
the requirements of clause (iii) and is
either--
``(I) an apprenticeship program
registered and certified with the
Secretary of Labor under section 1 of
the National Apprenticeship Act (29
U.S.C. 50), or
``(II) a program licensed,
registered, or certified by the
workforce investment board or
apprenticeship agency or council of a
State or administered in compliance
with apprenticeship laws of a State.
``(iii) Requirements.--A program meets the
requirements of this clause if such program--
``(I) is accessible to individuals
without discrimination on the basis of
race, sex, color, religion, or national
origin,
``(II) provides an overview of the
trade, including the history and modern
developments in such trade,
``(III) provides related
instruction of the fundamental,
intermediate, and advanced skills,
techniques, and materials of the trade,
``(IV) provides training in math,
measurement, and blueprint reading
skills, if such skills are required in
the trade,
``(V) provides training on trade-
specific tools and equipment,
``(VI) provides trade specific
safety and health training,
``(VII) provides on-the-job
training which allows performance of
work under close supervision of an
instructor or skilled worker, and
``(VIII) provides periodic review
and evaluation of participants to
demonstrate proficiency in skills,
including the use of tests and
assessment of individual and group
projects.
``(3) Training period.--The term `training period' means,
with respect to an employee, the period--
``(A) beginning on the date that the employee
begins employment with the taxpayer as an apprentice in
the highly skilled trade, and
``(B) ending on the earlier of--
``(i) the date that such apprenticeship
with the employer ends, or
``(ii) the date which is 2 years after the
date referred to in subparagraph (A).
``(c) Coordination With Other Credits.--The amount of credit
otherwise allowable under sections 51(a) and 1396(a) with respect to
any employee shall be reduced by the credit allowed by this section
with respect to such employee.''.
(b) Credit Made Part of General Business Credit.--Subsection (b) of
section 38 of such Code is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of
paragraph (14), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (15) and
inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(16) in the case of a small business employer (as defined
in section 45G(b)), the highly skilled trades training credit
determined under section 45G(a).''.
(c) Denial of Double Benefit.--Section 280C of such Code is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Credit for Training Expenses for Employees in Highly Skilled
Small Business Trades.--No deduction shall be allowed for that portion
of the expenses otherwise allowable as a deduction for the taxable year
which is equal to the amount of the credit determined for the taxable
year under section 45G(a).''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding
at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 45G. Expenses for long-term
training of employees in highly
skilled small business
trades.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to expenses paid or incurred in the taxable years ending after
the date of the enactment of this Act. | Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide small employers with a highly skilled trades training credit. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow small business employers a credit against income tax for certain expenses for long-term training of employees in highly skilled small business trades. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Kids Invest and Develop Savings Act
of 2007''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF SAVERS CREDIT.
(a) Expansion of Credit.--Subsections (a) and (b) of section 25B of
such Code are amended to read as follows:
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an eligible individual,
there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this
subtitle for the taxable year an amount equal to the qualified
retirement savings contributions of the eligible individual for the
taxable year.
``(b) Limitation.--
``(1) In general.--The amount allowed as a credit under
subsection (a) for a taxable year shall not exceed the
applicable dollar limit.
``(2) Applicable dollar limit.--For purposes of paragraph
(1)--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the applicable dollar limit is--
``(i) in the case of a joint return,
$3,000, and
``(ii) in the case of any other return, 50
percent of the dollar amount applicable for the
taxable year under clause (i).
``(B) Limitation based on adjusted gross income.--
The applicable dollar limit shall be zero in the case
of a taxpayer whose adjusted gross income for the
taxable year exceeds--
``(i) $150,000 in the case of a joint
return, and
``(ii) $95,000 in any other case.
``(3) Inflation adjustment.--In the case of any taxable
year beginning after 2007, the amounts contained in
subparagraph (A)(i) and clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph
(B) of paragraph (2) shall each be increased by an amount equal
to--
``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined
under section 1(f)(3) for such calendar year by
substituting `calendar year 2006' for `calendar year
1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.
If any amount as adjusted under the preceding sentence is not a
multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple
of $100.''.
(b) Credit Allowed for Contributions to Roth IRAs for Children.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 25B(d) of such
Code (defining qualified retirement savings contributions) is
amended by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B), by
striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and
inserting ``, and'', and by inserting after subparagraph (C)
the following new subparagraph:
``(D) the amount of contributions made by the
eligible individual to all Roth IRAs for children under
section 408A(g).''.
(2) Limitation.--Paragraph (1) of section 25B(d) of such
Code (defining qualified retirement savings contributions) is
amended by adding at the end the following flush sentence:
``The amount taken into account under subparagraph (D) shall
not exceed the aggregate amount of contributions allowed to all
Roth IRAs of such eligible individual under section 408A(g).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006.
SEC. 3. ROTH IRAS FOR CHILDREN.
(a) In General.--Section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to Roth IRAs) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(g) Special Rules for Roth IRAs for Children.--
``(1) General rule.--A Roth IRA maintained for the benefit
of an individual who has not attained age 25 before the close
of the taxable year shall be maintained under this section, as
modified by this subsection.
``(2) Contribution limits.--
``(A) In general.--For so long as a Roth IRA is
subject to this subsection, contributions to such Roth
IRA shall be subject to this paragraph and not to
subsection (c)(2), and subsection (c)(3) shall not
apply.
``(B) Limit.--The aggregate amount of contributions
for any taxable year to all child Roth IRAs maintained
for the benefit of an individual under this subsection
shall not exceed the maximum amount allowable as a
deduction under subsection (b)(1) of section 219 for
such taxable year (computed without regard to
subsections (b)(1)(B), (d)(1), and (g) of such
section).''.
(b) Enforcement of Contribution Limits.--Paragraphs (1)(B) and
(2)(B) of section 4973(f) of such Code are each amended by striking
``and (c)(3)'' and inserting ``, (c)(3), and (g)(2)''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006. | Kids Invest and Develop Savings Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the allowable amount of the tax credit for retirement savings; (2) expand eligibility for such credit to taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes up to $95,000 ($150,000 for joint returns); (3) establish tax-exempt Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for individuals under the age of 25; and (4) allow a tax credit for contributions to such IRAs. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand incentives for saving. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Know Your Caller Act of 2000''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF INTERFERENCE WITH CALLER IDENTIFICATION
SERVICES.
Section 227 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 227) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections
(f) and (g), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new
subsection:
``(e) Prohibition on Interference With Caller Identification
Services.--
``(1) In general.--It shall be unlawful for any person
within the United States, in making any telephone
solicitation--
``(A) to interfere with or circumvent the
capability of a caller identification service to access
or provide to the recipient of the telephone call
involved in the solicitation any information regarding
the call that such service is capable of providing; and
``(B) to fail to provide caller identification
information in a manner that is accessible by a caller
identification service, if such person has capability
to provide such information in such a manner.
For purposes of this section, the use of a telecommunications
service or equipment that is incapable of transmitting caller
identification information shall not, of itself, constitute
interference with or circumvention of the capability of a
caller identification service to access or provide such
information.
``(2) Regulations.--Not later than 6 months after the
enactment of the Know Your Caller Act of 2000, the Commission
shall prescribe regulations to implement this subsection, which
shall--
``(A) specify that the information regarding a call
that the prohibition under paragraph (1) applies to
includes--
``(i) the name of the person or entity who
makes the telephone call involved in the
solicitation;
``(ii) the name of the person or entity on
whose behalf the solicitation is made; and
``(iii) a valid and working telephone
number at which the person or entity on whose
behalf the telephone solicitation is made may
be reached during regular business hours for
the purpose of requesting that the recipient of
the solicitation be placed on the do-not-call
list required under section 64.1200 of the
Commission's regulations (47 CFR 64.1200) to be
maintained by such person or entity; and
``(B) provide that any person or entity who
receives a request from a person to be placed on such
do-not-call list may not use such person's name and
telephone number for telemarketing, mail marketing, or
other marketing purpose (including transfer or sale to
any other entity for marketing use) other than
enforcement of such list.
``(3) Private right of action.--A person or entity may, if
otherwise permitted by the laws or rules of court of a State,
bring in an appropriate court of that State--
``(A) an action based on a violation of this
subsection or the regulations prescribed under this
subsection to enjoin such violation;
``(B) an action to recover for actual monetary loss
from such a violation, or to receive $500 in damages
for each such violation, whichever is greater; or
``(C) both such actions.
If the court finds that the defendant willfully or knowingly
violated this subsection or the regulations prescribed under
this subsection, the court may, in its discretion, increase the
amount of the award to an amount equal to not more than 3 times
the amount available under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.
``(4) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
``(A) Caller identification service.--The term
`caller identification service' means any service or
device designed to provide the user of the service or
device with the telephone number of an incoming
telephone call.
``(B) Telephone call.--The term `telephone call'
means any telephone call or other transmission which is
made to or received at a telephone number of any type
of telephone service and includes telephone calls made
using the Internet (irrespective of the type of
customer premises equipment used in connection with
such services). Such term also includes calls made by
an automatic telephone dialing system, an integrated
services digital network, and a commercial mobile radio
source.''.
SEC. 3. EFFECT ON STATE LAW AND STATE ACTIONS.
(a) Effect on State Law.--Subsection (f)(1) of section 227 of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 227(f)(1)), as so redesignated by
section 2(1) of this Act, is further amended by inserting after
``subsection (d)'' the following: ``and the prohibition under
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (e),''.
(b) Actions by States.--The first sentence of subsection (g)(1) of
section 227 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 227(g)(1)), as
so redesignated by section 2(1) of this Act, is further amended by
striking ``telephone calls'' and inserting ``telephone solicitations,
telephone calls, or''.
SEC. 4. STUDY REGARDING TRANSMISSION OF CALLER IDENTIFICATION
INFORMATION.
The Federal Communications Commission shall conduct a study to
determine--
(1) the extent of the capability of the public switched
network to transmit the information that can be accessed by
caller identification services;
(2) the types of telecommunications equipment being used in
the telemarketing industry, the extent of such use, and the
capabilities of such types of equipment to transmit the
information that can be accessed by caller identification
services; and
(3) the changes to the public switched network and to the
types of telecommunications equipment commonly being used in
the telemarketing industry that would be necessary to provide
for the public switched network to be able to transmit caller
identification information on all telephone calls, and the
costs (including costs to the telemarketing industry) to
implement such changes.
The Commission shall complete the study and submit a report to the
Congress on the results of the study, not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
Passed the House of Representatives September 27, 2000.
Attest:
Clerk. | Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe regulations implementing such prohibition. Provides a cause of action for a person or entity, or a State attorney general on behalf of its residents, for violations of such prohibition or regulations.Directs the FCC to study and report to Congress regarding the transmission of caller identification information. | Know Your Caller Act of 2000 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities Prevention Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL CENTER ON BIRTH DEFECTS AND DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES.
Section 317C of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-4) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``and developmental
disabilities'' and inserting ``, developmental
disabilities, and disabilities and health'';
and
(ii) by striking ``subsection (d)(2)'' and
inserting ``subsection (c)(2)'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period;
and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) to conduct research on and to promote the
prevention of such birth defects, disabilities, and the
prevention of secondary health conditions among
individuals with disabilities; and
``(E) to support a National Spina Bifida Program to
prevent and reduce suffering from the nation's most
common permanently disabling birth defect.'';
(2) by striking subsection (b);
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``1999'' and inserting ``2004'';
(B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) contains information regarding the incidence and
prevalence of birth defects, developmental disabilities, and
the health status of individuals with disabilities and the
extent to which these conditions have contributed to the
incidence and prevalence of infant mortality and affected
quality of life;'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``,
developmental disabilities, and secondary health
conditions among individuals with disabilities'' after
``defects'';
(D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(E) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph
(7); and
(F) by inserting after paragraph (4), the
following:
``(5) contains information on the incidence and prevalence
of individuals living with birth defects and disabilities,
developmental disabilities, and the health status of
individuals with disabilities, any health disparities
experienced by such individuals, and recommendations for
improving the health and wellness and quality of life of such
individuals;
``(6) contains a summary of recommendations from all birth
defects research conferences sponsored by the agency including
conferences related to spina bifida; and'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) by inserting ``, including section 444 of the
General Education Provisions Act,'' after ``privacy of
information''; and
(B) by inserting before the period the following:
``, except that the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention shall have access to information under
section 444(b)(1)(F) of such Act solely for purposes of
carrying out subsection (a)(2) of this section and
shall otherwise comply with all other requirements of
such section 444'';
(5) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as
subsections (b), (c), and (d), respectively;
(6) by inserting after subsection (d) (as so redesignated),
the following:
``(e) Advisory Committee.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the members of the advisory committee appointed by the Director of
the National Center for Environmental Health that have expertise in
birth defects, developmental disabilities, and disabilities and health
shall be transferred to and shall advise the National Center on Birth
Defects and Developmental Disabilities on the date of enactment of the
Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Prevention Act of 2002.'';
and
(7) in subsection (f), by striking ``$30,000,000'' and all
that follows and inserting ``such sums as may be necessary for
each of fiscal yeas 2003 through 2007.''.
SEC. 3. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS FOR STATE COUNCILS ON DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES
Section 122(a) of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and
Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 3 U.S.C. 15022(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(A)(ii), by inserting before the period
the following: ``, the amount received by the State for the
previous year, or the amount of Federal appropriations received
in fiscal years 2000, 2001, or 2002, whichever is greater'';
and
(2) in paragraph (4)(A)(ii), by inserting before the period
the following: ``, the amount received by the State for the
previous year, or the amount of Federal appropriations received
in fiscal years 2000, 2001, or 2002, whichever is greater''.
Passed the Senate October 2, 2002.
Attest:
JERI THOMSON,
Secretary. | Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Prevention Act of 2002 - (Sec. 2) Amends Public Health Service Act provisions concerning the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities to add "disabilities and health" to categories of data with regard to which the Secretary of Heath and Human Services is directed to collect, analyze, and make available. Requires the Secretary to conduct research on and promote the prevention of birth defects and disabilities and to support a National Spina Bifida Program to prevent and reduce suffering from the nation's most common permanently disabling birth defect.Removes certain provisions regarding data collection, including one requiring the Secretary to collect and analyze data by gender and ethnic and racial group. Modifies reporting requirements, including to require the Secretary to report to Congress on the incidence and prevalence of individuals living with developmental disabilities and the health status of such individuals. Declares that certain data and information collected under the Act shall be subject to a specified provision of the General Education Provisions Act pertaining to privacy.Requires that the members of the advisory committee appointed by the Director of the National Center for Environmental Health that have expertise in birth defects, developmental disabilities, and disabilities and health shall be transferred to and shall advise the National Center on Birth Defects on the date of the enactment of this Act.Authorizes appropriations through FY 2007.(Sec. 3) Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to revise provisions concerning allotments to State councils on developmental disabilities. | A bill to revise and extend the Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1998. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Domestic Partnership Benefits and
Obligations Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. BENEFITS TO DOMESTIC PARTNERS OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.
(a) In General.--A domestic partner of an employee shall be
entitled to benefits available to and obligations imposed upon a spouse
of an employee.
(b) Certification of Eligibility.--In order to obtain benefits
under this Act, an employee shall file an affidavit of eligibility for
benefits with the Office of Personnel Management certifying that the
employee and the domestic partner of the employee--
(1) are each other's sole domestic partner and intend to
remain so indefinitely;
(2) have a common residence, and intend to continue the
arrangement;
(3) are at least 18 years of age and mentally competent to
consent to contract;
(4) share responsibility for a significant measure of each
other's common welfare and financial obligations;
(5) are not married to or domestic partners with anyone
else;
(6) understand that willful falsification of information
within the affidavit may lead to disciplinary action and the
recovery of the cost of benefits received related to such
falsification; and
(7)(A) are same sex domestic partners, and not related in a
way that, if the 2 were of opposite sex, would prohibit legal
marriage in the state in which they reside; or
(B) are opposite sex domestic partners, and are not related
in a way that would prohibit legal marriage in the state in
which they reside.
(c) Dissolution of Partnership.--
(1) In general.--An employee or domestic partner of an
employee who obtains benefits under this Act shall file a
statement of dissolution of the domestic partnership with the
Office of Personnel Management not later than 30 days after the
death of the employee or the domestic partner or the date of
dissolution of the domestic partnership.
(2) Death of employee.--In a case in which an employee
dies, the domestic partner of the employee at the time of death
shall be deemed a spouse of the employee for the purpose of
receiving benefits under this Act.
(3) Other dissolution of partnership.--
(A) In general.--In a case in which a domestic
partnership dissolves by a method other than death of
the employee or domestic partner of the employee, any
benefits received by the domestic partner as a result
of this Act shall terminate.
(B) Exception.--In a case in which a domestic
partnership dissolves by a method other than death of
the employee or domestic partner of the employee, any
health benefits received by the domestic partner as a
result of this Act shall continue for a period of 60
days after the date of the dissolution of the
partnership. The domestic partner shall pay for such
benefits in the same manner that a former spouse would
pay for such benefits under applicable provisions of
chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.
(d) Confidentiality.--Any information submitted to the Office of
Personnel Management under subsection (b) shall be used solely for the
purpose of certifying an individual's eligibility for benefits under
subsection (a).
(e) Definitions.--For purposes of this Act:
(1) Domestic partner.--The term ``domestic partner'' means
an adult person living with, but not married to, another adult
person in a committed, intimate relationship.
(2) Benefits.--The term ``benefits'' means--
(A) Civil Service Retirement, as provided in title
5, chapter 83, of the United States Code;
(B) Federal Employees' Retirement, as provided in
title 5, chapter 84, of the United States Code;
(C) life insurance, as provided in title 5, chapter
87, of the United States Code;
(D) health insurance, as provided in title 5,
chapter 89, of the United States Code; and
(E) compensation for work injuries, as provided in
title 5, chapter 81, of the United States Code.
(3) Employee.--
(A) With respect to Civil Service Retirement, the
term ``employee'' shall have the meaning given such
term in section 8331(1) of title 5, United States Code.
(B) With respect to Federal Employees' Retirement,
the term ``employee'' shall have the meaning given such
term in section 8401(11) of title 5, United States
Code.
(C) With respect to life insurance, the term
``employee'' shall have the meaning given such term in
section 8701(a) of title 5, United States Code.
(D) With respect to health insurance, the term
``employee'' shall have the meaning given such term in
section 8901 of title 5, United States Code.
(E) With respect to compensation for work injuries,
the term ``employee'' shall have the meaning given such
term in section 8101(1) of title 5, United States Code.
(4) Obligations.--The term ``obligations'' means any duties
or responsibilities that would be incurred by the spouse of an
employee.
SEC. 3. EXEMPTION FROM TAX FOR EMPLOYER-PROVIDED FRINGE BENEFITS TO
DOMESTIC PARTNERS.
Section 106 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to
contributions by employer to accident and health plans) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Treatment of Domestic Partners.--The provisions of section 2
of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2001 shall
apply to employees and domestic partners of employees for purposes of
this section and any other benefit which is not includible in the gross
income of employees by reason of an express provision of this
chapter.''. | Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2001 - Entitles domestic partners of Federal employees to benefits available to spouses of Federal employees. Specifies certifications required for benefit eligibility, filing requirements regarding partnership dissolution, and confidentiality requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax exemption for employer contributions to accident and health plans to domestic partners under this Act. | To provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``50 States Commemorative Coin Program
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress hereby finds the following:
(1) It is appropriate and timely to--
(A) honor the unique Federal republic of 50 States
that comprise the United States; and
(B) promote the diffusion of knowledge among the
youth of the United States about the individual States,
their history and geography, and the rich diversity of
the national heritage.
(2) The circulating coinage of the United States has not
been modernized within the past 25 years.
(3) A circulating commemorative 25-cent coin program could
produce earnings of $110,000,000 from the sale of silver proof
coins and sets over the 10-year period of issuance and would
produce indirect earnings of an estimated $2,600,000,000 to
$5,100,000,000 to the United States Treasury, money that will
replace borrowing to fund the national debt to at least that
extent.
(4) It is appropriate to launch a commemorative circulating
coin program that encourages young people and their families to
collect memorable tokens of all the States for the face value
of the coins.
SEC. 3. ISSUANCE OF REDESIGNED QUARTER DOLLARS OVER 10-YEAR PERIOD
COMMEMORATING EACH OF THE 50 STATES.
Section 5112 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Redesign and Issuance of Quarter Dollar in Commemoration of
Each of the 50 States.--
``(1) Redesign beginning in 1999.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding the 4th sentence
of subsection (d)(1) and subsection (d)(2), quarter
dollar coins issued during the 10-year period beginning
in 1999, shall have designs on the reverse side
selected in accordance with this subsection which are
emblematic of the 50 States.
``(B) Transition provision.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), the Secretary may continue to mint
and issue quarter dollars in 1999 which bear the design
in effect before the redesign required under this
subsection and an inscription of the year `1998' as
required to ensure a smooth transition into the 10-year
program under this subsection.
``(2) Single state designs.--The design on the reverse side
of each quarter dollar issued during the 10-year period
referred to in paragraph (1) shall be emblematic of 1 of the 50
States.
``(3) Issuance of coins commemorating 5 states during each
of the 10 years.--
``(A) In general.--The designs for the quarter
dollar coins issued during each year of the 10-year
period referred to in paragraph (1) shall be emblematic
of 5 States selected in the order in which such States
ratified the Constitution of the United States or were
admitted into the Union, as the case may be.
``(B) Number of each of 5 coin designs in each
year.--Of the quarter dollar coins issued during each
year (of the 10-year period referred to in paragraph
(1)), the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe, on
the basis of such factors as the Secretary determines
to be appropriate, the number of quarter dollars which
shall be issued with each of the 5 designs selected for
such year.
``(4) Selection of design.--
``(A) In general.--Each of the 50 designs required
under this subsection for quarter dollars shall be--
``(i) selected by the Secretary after
consultation with--
``(I) the Governor of the State
being commemorated, or such other State
officials or group as the State may
designate for such purpose; and
``(II) the Commission of Fine Arts;
and
``(ii) reviewed by the Citizens
Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee.
``(B) Selection and approval process.--Designs for
quarter dollars may be submitted in accordance with the
design selection and approval process developed by the
Secretary in the sole discretion of the Secretary.
``(C) Participation.--The Secretary may include
participation by State officials, artists from the
States, engravers of the United States Mint, and
members of the general public.
``(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 quarter dollar 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 quarter dollar under
this subsection.
``(5) Treatment as numismatic items.--For purposes of
sections 5134 and 5136, all coins minted under this subsection
shall be considered to be numismatic items.
``(6) Numismatic items.--
``(A) Quality of coins.--The Secretary may mint and
issue such number of quarter dollars of each design
selected under paragraph (4) in uncirculated and proof
qualities as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
``(B) Silver coins.--Notwithstanding subsection
(b), the Secretary may mint and issue such number of
quarter dollars of each design selected under paragraph
(4) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate with
a content of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
``(C) Sources of bullion.--The Secretary shall
obtain silver for minting coins under subparagraph (B)
from available resources, including stockpiles
established under the Strategic and Critical Materials
Stock Piling Act.
``(7) Application in event of the admission of additional
states.--If any additional State is admitted into the Union
before the end of the 10-year period referred to in paragraph
(1), the Secretary of the Treasury may issue quarter dollar
coins, in accordance with this subsection, with a design which
is emblematic of such State during any 1 year of such 10-year
period, in addition to the quarter dollar coins issued during
such year in accordance with paragraph (3)(A).''.
Passed the House of Representatives September 23, 1997.
Attest:
ROBIN H. CARLE,
Clerk.
By Jeff Trandahl,
Deputy Clerk. | 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act - Amends Federal law to mandate redesign of quarter dollar coins issued during the ten-year period beginning 1999, with the reverse side emblematic of five of the 50 States each year during such period, selected in the order of their ratification of the U.S. Constitution or their admission to the Union. | 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Poison Control Center Enhancement
and Awareness Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Each year more than 2,000,000 poisonings are reported to
poison control centers throughout the United States. More than 90
percent of these poisonings happen in the home. Fifty-three percent
of poisoning victims are children younger than 6 years of age.
(2) Poison control centers are a valuable national resource
that provide life-saving and cost-effective public health services.
For every dollar spent on poison control centers, $7 in medical
costs are saved. The average cost of a poisoning exposure call is
$32, while the average cost if other parts of the medical system
are involved is $932. Over the last 2 decades, the instability and
lack of funding has resulted in a steady decline in the number of
poison control centers in the United States. Within just the last
year, 2 poison control centers have been forced to close because of
funding problems. A third poison control center is scheduled to
close in April 1999. Currently, there are 73 such centers.
(3) Stabilizing the funding structure and increasing
accessibility to poison control centers will increase the number of
United States residents who have access to a certified poison
control center, and reduce the inappropriate use of emergency
medical services and other more costly health care services.
SEC. 3. DEFINITION.
In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health
and Human Services.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL TOLL-FREE NUMBER.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide coordination and
assistance to regional poison control centers for the establishment of
a nationwide toll-free phone number to be used to access such centers.
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as prohibiting the establishment or continued operation of
any privately funded nationwide toll-free phone number used to provide
advice and other assistance for poisonings or accidental exposures.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $2,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2000 through 2004. Funds appropriated under this
subsection shall not be used to fund any toll-free phone number
described in subsection (b).
SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONWIDE MEDIA CAMPAIGN.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a national media
campaign to educate the public and health care providers about poison
prevention and the availability of poison control resources in local
communities and to conduct advertising campaigns concerning the
nationwide toll-free number established under section 4.
(b) Contract With Entity.--The Secretary may carry out subsection
(a) by entering into contracts with 1 or more nationally recognized
media firms for the development and distribution of monthly television,
radio, and newspaper public service announcements.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $600,000 for each of the fiscal
years 2000 through 2004.
SEC. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF A GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Regional Poison Control Centers.--The Secretary shall award
grants to certified regional poison control centers for the purposes of
achieving the financial stability of such centers, and for preventing
and providing treatment recommendations for poisonings.
(b) Other Improvements.--The Secretary shall also use amounts
received under this section to--
(1) develop standard education programs;
(2) develop standard patient management protocols for commonly
encountered toxic exposures;
(3) improve and expand the poison control data collection
systems;
(4) improve national toxic exposure surveillance; and
(5) expand the physician/medical toxicologist supervision of
poison control centers.
(c) Certification.--Except as provided in subsection (d), the
Secretary may make a grant to a center under subsection (a) only if--
(1) the center has been certified by a professional
organization in the field of poison control, and the Secretary has
approved the organization as having in effect standards for
certification that reasonably provide for the protection of the
public health with respect to poisoning; or
(2) the center has been certified by a State government, and
the Secretary has approved the State government as having in effect
standards for certification that reasonably provide for the
protection of the public health with respect to poisoning.
(d) Waiver of Certification Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may grant a waiver of the
certification requirement of subsection (c) with respect to a
noncertified poison control center or a newly established center
that applies for a grant under this section if such center can
reasonably demonstrate that the center will obtain such a
certification within a reasonable period of time as determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
(2) Renewal.--The Secretary may only renew a waiver under
paragraph (1) for a period of 3 years.
(e) Supplement Not Supplant.--Amounts made available to a poison
control center under this section shall be used to supplement and not
supplant other Federal, State, or local funds provided for such center.
(f) Maintenance of Effort.--A poison control center, in utilizing
the proceeds of a grant under this section, shall maintain the
expenditures of the center for activities of the center at a level that
is not less than the level of such expenditures maintained by the
center for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the
grant is received.
(g) Matching Requirement.--The Secretary may impose a matching
requirement with respect to amounts provided under a grant under this
section if the Secretary determines appropriate.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, $25,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2000 through 2004.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide coordination and assistance to regional poison control centers for the establishment of a nationwide toll-free phone number to be used to access such centers. Authorizes appropriations, prohibiting use of the funds to fund any privately funded nationwide toll-free phone number used to provide advice and other assistance for poisonings or accidental exposures. Directs the Secretary to establish a national media campaign to educate the public about poison prevention and the availability of local poison control resources and to conduct advertising campaigns concerning the nationwide toll-free number. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to award grants for certified regional poison control centers to achieve financial stability and to prevent, and provide treatment recommendations for, poisoning. Mandates other grant uses. Sets forth center certification requirements. Authorizes appropriations. | Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Timely Repatriation Act''.
SEC. 2. TIMELY REPATRIATION.
(a) Listing of Countries.--Beginning on the date that is 6 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter,
the Secretary of Homeland Security shall publish a report including the
following:
(1) A list of the following:
(A) Countries that have refused or unreasonably
delayed repatriation of an alien who is a national of
that country since the date of enactment of this Act
and the total number of such aliens, disaggregated by
nationality.
(B) Countries that have an excessive repatriation
failure rate.
(2) A list of each country that was included under
subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1) in both the report
preceding the current report and the current report.
(b) Sanctions.--Beginning on the date that a country is included in
a list under subsection (a)(2) and ending on the date that that country
is not included in such list, that country shall be subject to the
following:
(1) The Secretary of State may not issue visas under
section 101(a)(15)(A)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(A)(iii)) to attendants, servants,
personal employees, and members of their immediate families, of
the officials and employees of that country who receive
nonimmigrant status under clause (i) or (ii) of section
101(a)(15)(A) of such Act.
(2) Each 6 months thereafter that the country is included
in that list, the Secretary of State shall reduce the number of
visas available under clause (i) or (ii) of section
101(a)(15)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act in a
fiscal year to nationals of that country by an amount equal to
10 percent of the baseline visa number for that country. Except
as provided under section 243(d) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1253), the Secretary may not reduce
the number to a level below 20 percent of the baseline visa
number.
(c) Waivers.--
(1) National security waiver.--If the Secretary of State
submits to Congress a written determination that significant
national security interests of the United States require a
waiver of the sanctions under subsection (b), the Secretary may
waive any reduction below 80 percent of the baseline visa
number. The Secretary of Homeland Security may not delegate the
authority under this subsection.
(2) Temporary exigent circumstances.--If the Secretary of
State submits to Congress a written determination that
temporary exigent circumstances require a waiver of the
sanctions under subsection (b), the Secretary may waive any
reduction below 80 percent of the baseline visa number during
6-month renewable periods. The Secretary of Homeland Security
may not delegate the authority under this subsection.
(d) Exemption.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation
with the Secretary of State, may exempt a country from inclusion in a
list under subsection (a)(2) if the total number of nonrepatriations
outstanding is less than 10 for the preceding 3-year period.
(e) Unauthorized Visa Issuance.--Any visa issued in violation of
this section shall be void.
(f) Notice.--If an alien who has been convicted of a criminal
offense before a Federal or State court whose repatriation was refused
or unreasonably delayed is to be released from detention by the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary shall provide notice to
the State and local law enforcement agency for the jurisdictions in
which the alien is required to report or is to be released. When
possible, and particularly in the case of violent crime, the Secretary
shall make a reasonable effort to provide notice of such release to any
crime victims and their immediate family members.
(g) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Refused or unreasonably delayed.--A country is deemed
to have refused or unreasonably delayed the acceptance of an
alien who is a citizen, subject, national, or resident of that
country if, not later than 90 days after receiving a request to
repatriate such alien from an official of the United States who
is authorized to make such a request, the country does not
accept the alien or issue valid travel documents.
(2) Failure rate.--The term ``failure rate'' for a period
means the percentage determined by dividing the total number of
repatriation requests for aliens who are citizens, subjects,
nationals, or residents of a country that that country refused
or unreasonably delayed during that period by the total number
of such requests during that period.
(3) Excessive repatriation failure rate.--The term
``excessive repatriation failure rate'' means, with respect to
a report under subsection (a), a failure rate greater than 10
percent for any of the following:
(A) The period of the 3 full fiscal years preceding
the date of publication of the report.
(B) The period of 1 year preceding the date of
publication of the report.
(4) Number of non-repatriations outstanding.--The term
``number of non-repatriations outstanding'' means, for a
period, the number of unique aliens whose repatriation a
country has refused or unreasonably delayed and whose
repatriation has not occurred during that period.
(5) Baseline visa number.--The term ``baseline visa
number'' means, with respect to a country, the average number
of visas issued each fiscal year to nationals of that country
under clauses (i) and (ii) of section 101(a)(15)(A) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(A)) for
the 3 full fiscal years immediately preceding the first report
under subsection (a) in which that country is included in the
list under subsection (a)(2).
(h) GAO Report.--On the date that is 1 day after the date that the
President submits a budget under section 1105(a) of title 31, United
States Code, for fiscal year 2016, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit a report to Congress regarding the progress
of the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State in
implementation of this section and in making requests to repatriate
aliens as appropriate. | Timely Repatriation Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish a report every six months listing: (1) countries that have refused or unreasonably delayed repatriation of an alien who is a national of that country (the report must include the total number of such aliens) and countries that have an excessive repatriation failure rate, and (2) each country that was included in both the report preceding the current report and the current report (DHS may exclude a country if the total number of nonrepatriations outstanding is less than 10 for the preceding three-year period). The Department of State, with respect to a listed country: (1) may not issue visas to attendants, servants, and personal employees of such country's officials and employees who receive nonimmigrant status; and (2) shall reduce the number of visas available for such country's diplomats and officials/employees by 10% for each six months that a country is listed. | Timely Repatriation Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Civil Rights History Project Act of
2006''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds as follows:
(1) A fundamental principle of American democracy is that
individuals should stand up for their rights and beliefs and
fight for justice.
(2) The actions of those who participated in the Civil
Rights movement from the 1950's through the 1960's are a
shining example of this principle in action, demonstrated in
events as varied as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the sit-ins,
the Freedom Rides, the March on Washington, the drive for
voting rights in Mississippi, and the March to Selma.
(3) While the Civil Rights movement had many visible
leaders, including Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr., and Rosa Parks, there were many others whose impact and
experience were just as important to the cause but who are not
as well known.
(4) The participants in the Civil Rights movement possess
an invaluable resource in their first-hand memories of the
movement, and the recording of the retelling of their stories
and memories will provide a rich, detailed history of our
Nation during an important and tumultuous period.
(5) It is in the Nation's interest to undertake a project
to collect oral histories of individuals from the Civil Rights
movement so future generations will be able to learn of their
struggle and sacrifice through primary-source, eyewitness
material. A coordinated Federal project would also focus
attention on the efforts undertaken by various public and
private entities to collect and interpret articles in all
formats relating to the Civil Rights movement, and serve as a
model for future projects undertaken in museums, libraries, and
universities throughout the Nation.
(6) The Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution
are appropriate repositories to collect, preserve, and make
available to the public a collection of these oral histories.
The Library and Smithsonian have expertise in the management of
documentation projects, and experience in the development of
cultural and educational programs for the public.
(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to create a new
federally sponsored, authorized, and funded project that will
coordinate at a national level the collection of video and audio
recordings of personal histories and testimonials of individuals who
participated in the American Civil Rights movement that will build upon
and complement previous and ongoing documentary work on this subject,
and to assist and encourage local efforts to preserve the memories of
such individuals so that Americans of all current and future
generations may hear from them directly and better appreciate the
sacrifices they made.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT PROJECT AT LIBRARY OF CONGRESS AND
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE
TO COLLECT VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDINGS OF HISTORIES OF
PARTICIPANTS IN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT.
(a) Establishment of Project.--
(1) In general.--Within the limits of available funds, the
Librarian of Congress (hereafter referred to as the
``Librarian'') and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
(hereafter referred to as the ``Secretary)'', acting jointly,
shall establish an oral history project--
(A) to survey, during the initial phase of the
project, collections of audio and video recordings of
the reminiscences of participants in the Civil Rights
movement that are housed in archives, libraries,
museums, and other educational institutions, as well as
ongoing documentary work, in order to augment and
complement these endeavors and avoid duplication of
effort;
(B) to solicit, reproduce, and collect--
(i) video and audio recordings of personal
histories and testimonials of individuals who
participated in the Civil Rights movement, and
(ii) visual and written materials (such as
letters, diaries, photographs, and ephemera)
relevant to the personal histories of
individuals;
(C) to create a collection of the recordings and
other materials obtained, and to catalog and index the
collection in a manner the Librarian and the Secretary
consider appropriate; and
(D) to make the collection available for public use
through the Library of Congress and the National Museum
of African American History and Culture, as well as
through such other methods as the Librarian and the
Secretary consider appropriate.
(2) Role of director of museum.--The Secretary shall carry
out the Secretary's duties under this Act through the Director
of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
(b) Use of and Consultation With Other Entities.--The Librarian and
the Secretary may carry out the activities described in subsection
(a)(1) through agreements and partnerships entered into with other
government and private entities, and may otherwise consult with
interested persons (within the limits of available resources) and
develop appropriate guidelines and arrangements for soliciting,
acquiring, and making available recordings under the project under this
Act.
(c) Services of Experts and Consultants; Acceptance of Volunteer
Services; Advance Payments.--In carrying out activities described in
subsection (a)(1), the Librarian and the Secretary may--
(1) procure temporary and intermittent services under
section 3109 of title 5, United States Code;
(2) accept and utilize the services of volunteers and other
uncompensated personnel and reimburse them for travel expenses,
including per diem, as authorized under section 5703 of title
5, United States Code; and
(3) make advances of money and payments in advance in
accordance with section 3324 of title 31, United States Code.
(d) Timing.--As soon as practicable after the enactment of this
Act, the Librarian and the Secretary shall begin collecting video and
audio recordings and other materials under subsection (a)(1), and shall
attempt to collect the first such recordings from the oldest
individuals involved.
(e) Definition.--In this Act, the term ``Civil Rights movement''
means the movement to secure racial equality in the United States for
African Americans that, focusing on the period 1954 through 1968,
challenged the practice of racial segregation in the Nation and
achieved equal rights legislation for all American citizens.
SEC. 4. PRIVATE SUPPORT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY PROJECT.
(a) Encouraging Solicitation and Acceptance of Donations.--The
Librarian of Congress and the Secretary are encouraged to solicit and
accept donations of funds and in-kind contributions to support
activities under section 3.
(b) Dedication of Funds Provided to Library of Congress.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law--
(1) any funds donated to the Librarian of Congress to
support the activities of the Librarian under section 3 shall
be deposited entirely into an account established for such
purpose;
(2) the funds contained in such account shall be used
solely to support such activities; and
(3) the Librarian of Congress may not deposit into such
account any funds donated to the Librarian which are not
donated for the exclusive purpose of supporting such
activities.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act--
(1) $500,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2008 through 2011. | Civil Rights History Project Act of 2006 - Requires the Librarian of Congress and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution (acting through the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture) to establish an oral history project to: (1) collect video and audio recordings of, and visual and written materials relevant to the personal histories of, participants in the Civil Rights movement; and (2) make the collection available for public use through the Library of Congress and the Museum. | To direct the Librarian of Congress and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to carry out a joint project at the Library of Congress and the National Museum of African American History and Culture to collect video and audio recordings of personal histories and testimonials of individuals who participated in the Civil Rights movement, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Citizen Involvement in Campaigns Act
of 2005''.
SEC. 2. TAX CREDIT FOR CERTAIN POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
(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 POLITICAL 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 all qualified political contributions
paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
``(b) Limitations.--
``(1) Maximum credit.--The credit allowed by subsection (a)
shall not exceed $200 ($400 in the case of a joint return).
``(2) Verification.--The credit allowed by subsection (a)
shall be allowed with respect to any qualified political
contribution only if such contribution is verified in such
manner as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation.
``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified political contribution.--The term
`qualified political contribution' means a contribution or gift
of money, or the fair market value of a contribution or gift of
property, to--
``(A) an individual who is a candidate for
nomination or election to any Federal elective public
office in any primary, general, or special election,
for use by such individual to further the candidacy of
the individual for nomination or election to such
office, or
``(B) the national committee of a national
political party.
``(2) Candidate.--The term `candidate' means, with respect
to any Federal elective public office, an individual who--
``(A) publicly announces before the close of the
calendar year following the calendar year in which the
political contribution is made that the individual is a
candidate for nomination or election to such office;
and
``(B) meets the qualifications prescribed by law to
hold such office.
``(3) National political party.--The term `national
political party' means--
``(A) in the case of qualified political
contributions made during a taxable year of the
taxpayer in which the electors of President and Vice
President are chosen, a political party presenting
candidates or electors for such offices on the official
election ballot of ten or more States; or
``(B) in the case of qualified political
contributions made during any other taxable year of the
taxpayer, a political party which met the
qualifications described in subparagraph (A) in the
last preceding election of a President and Vice
President.
``(d) Election not to Have Section Apply.--A taxpayer may elect not
to have this section apply with respect to qualified political
contributions made during the taxable year.
``(e) Cross References.--
``For transfer of appreciated property to a political organization, see
section 84.
``For certain indirect contributions to political parties, see section
276.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code (relating to
nonrefundable personal credits) is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 25B the following new item:
``Sec. 25C. Credit for certain political contributions.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31 of the calendar year
in which this Act is enacted.
SEC. 3. DEDUCTION FOR CERTAIN POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
(a) In General.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating section 224
as section 225 and by inserting after section 223 the following new
section:
``SEC. 224. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, there shall be
allowed as a deduction for the taxable year an amount equal to the
qualified political contributions made by the taxpayer during the
taxable year.
``(b) Limitation.--The amount allowed as a deduction under
subsection (a) for the taxable year shall not exceed $600 ($1200 in the
case of a joint return).
``(c) Qualified Political Contribution.--For purposes of this
section, the term `qualified political contribution' shall have the
meaning given such term by section 25C(c)(1).
``(d) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction shall be allowed
under subsection (a) to a taxpayer for any qualified political
contribution made during the taxable year if a credit is allowed to
such taxpayer under section 25C for such year.''.
(b) Deduction Allowed Whether or not Taxpayer Itemizes Other
Deductions.--Subsection (a) of section 62 of such Code is amended by
inserting before the last sentence at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(21) Qualified political contributions.--The deduction
allowed by section 224.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for part VII of
subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by redesignating the
item relating to section 224 as an item relating to section 225 and by
inserting before such item the following new item:
``Sec. 224. Political contributions.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31 of the calendar year
in which this Act is enacted. | Citizen Involvement in Campaigns Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a $200 tax credit ($400 for joint returns) for contributions to a candidate for Federal elective public office or to the national committee of a national political party; and (2) a tax deduction (available to taxpayers who do not itemize deductions) for such political contributions up to $600 ($1,200 for joint returns). | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit and a deduction for small political contributions. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``George C. Marshall Commemorative
Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. 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 50th anniversary of the
Marshall Plan and George Catlett Marshall:
(1) One dollar silver coins.--Not more than 700,000 one
dollar 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.
(2) Half dollar clad coins.--Not more than 500,000 half
dollar coins each of which shall--
(A) weigh 11.34 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and
(C) be minted to the specifications for half dollar
coins contained in section 5112(b) of title 31, United
States Code.
(b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal
tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.
(c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31,
United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered
to be numismatic items.
SEC. 3. SOURCES OF BULLION.
The Secretary shall obtain silver for minting coins under this Act
only from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical
Materials Stock Piling Act.
SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this
Act shall be emblematic of the 50th anniversary of the Marshall
Plan, which gave Europe's war-ravaged countries the economic
strength by which they might choose freedom, and George C.
Marshall, the author of the plan.
(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 ``1997''; and
(C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God
We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E
Pluribus Unum''.
(3) Obverse side.--The obverse side of each coin minted
under this Act shall bear the likeness of George C. Marshall.
(b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act
shall be--
(1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the
George C. Marshall Foundation, the Friends of George C.
Marshall, and the Commission of Fine Arts; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory
Committee.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued
in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Mint Facility.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may
be used to strike any particular combination of denomination and
quality of the coins minted under this Act.
(c) Commencement of Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted
under this Act beginning January 1, 1997.
(d) Termination of Minting Authority.--No coins may be minted under
this Act after December 31, 1997.
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 subsection (d) with respect
to such coins; and
(3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including
labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses,
marketing, and shipping).
(b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins
issued under this 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.
(d) Surcharges.--All sales shall include a surcharge of--
(1) $12 per coin for the one dollar coin; and
(2) $4 per coin for the half dollar coin.
SEC. 7. GENERAL WAIVER OF PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no provision
of law governing procurement or public contracts shall be applicable to
the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out the
provisions of this Act.
(b) Equal Employment Opportunity.--Subsection (a) shall not relieve
any person entering into a contract under the authority of this Act
from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity.
SEC. 8. DISTRIBUTION OF SURCHARGES.
(a) In General.--All surcharges received by the Secretary from the
sale of coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the
Secretary in equal portions to--
(1) the George C. Marshall Foundation for the purpose of
supporting the Foundation's educational and outreach programs
to promote the ideals and values of George C. Marshall; and
(2) the Friends of George C. Marshall for the sole purpose
of constructing and operating the George C. Marshall Memorial
and Visitor Center in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
(b) Audits.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
have the right to examine such books, records, documents, and other
data of the George C. Marshall Foundation and the Friends of George C.
Marshall as may be related to the expenditures of amounts paid under
subsection (a).
SEC. 9. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES.
(a) No Net Cost to the Government.--The Secretary shall take such
actions as may be necessary to ensure that minting and issuing coins
under this Act will not result in any net cost to the United States
Government.
(b) Payment for Coins.--A coin shall not be issued under this Act
unless the Secretary has received--
(1) full payment for the coin;
(2) security satisfactory to the Secretary to indemnify the
United States for full payment; or
(3) a guarantee of full payment satisfactory to the
Secretary from a depository institution whose deposits are
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the
National Credit Union Administration. | George C. Marshall Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan and George Catlett Marshall.
Mandates that coin sale surcharges be paid equally to: (1) the George C. Marshall Foundation; and (2) the Friends of George C. Marshall for construction and operation of the George C. Marshall Memorial and Visitor Center in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. | George C. Marshall Commemorative Coin Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Church Insurance Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) any arson attacks against churches should be condemned;
and
(2) houses of worship and their congregations should be
held harmless for any acts of arson and insurance companies
should be prohibited from taking punitive measures against the
churches and congregations because of the occurrence of such
acts.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITION OF CANCELING OR DECLINING TO RENEW FIRE INSURANCE
FOR RELIGIOUS PROPERTIES.
An insurer may not cancel or decline to renew any coverage for fire
insurance for a religious property based on--
(1) the race, color, religion, or national origin of the
members of the congregation for, members of, or participants
in, the religious organization or gathering that uses the
property (or the predominant number of such members or
participants);
(2) the status of the property as a religious property;
(3) any previous occurrence of arson against the property;
or
(4) any threat or perceived threat of arson against the
property.
SEC. 4. PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION IN PREMIUM CHARGES.
An insurer may not require, as a condition of coverage for fire
insurance for a religious property, that the insured pay a premium or
contribution which is greater than the premium or contribution for
similar coverage for a similarly situated property, solely on the basis
of--
(1) the race, color, religion, or national origin of the
members of the congregation for, members of, or participants
in, the religious organization or gathering that uses the
property (or the predominant number of such members or
participants);
(2) the status of the property as a religious property;
(3) any previous occurrence of arson against the property;
or
(4) any threat or perceived threat of arson against the
property.
SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT THROUGH DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
(a) In General.--The authority and responsibility for investigating
violations of this Act and for enforcing this Act shall be in the
Attorney General.
(b) Complaints.--The Attorney General shall provide for persons
aggrieved under this Act to file complaints with the Attorney General
alleging violations of this Act and shall investigate such complaints
to determine whether the violations have occurred.
(c) Monitoring Compliance.--The Attorney General may, on the
Attorney General's own initiative, take such actions as the Attorney
General considers appropriate to investigate and determine compliance
with this Act.
SEC. 6. CIVIL ACTION.
(a) Cause of Action.--Whenever the Attorney General has reasonable
cause to believe that a violation of this Act has occurred and judicial
action is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Attorney
General may commence a civil action in any appropriate United States
district court.
(b) Relief.--In addition to other appropriate relief which may be
granted in a civil action, the court in a civil action under subsection
(a)--
(1) may award such preventive relief, including a permanent
or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order
against the person responsible for a violation of this Act as
is necessary to ensure the full enjoyment of rights granted by
this Act (including an order of specific performance of any
contract for insurance coverage); and
(2) shall assess a civil penalty against the person
determined to violate this Act in an amount of--
(A) $50,000, for a first violation;
(B) $250,000, for a second violation; and
(C) $500,000, for a third or subsequent violation.
SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Coverage for fire insurance.--The term ``coverage for
fire insurance'' means any property and casualty insurance
coverage that includes insurance against losses, damages,
expenses, and liabilities caused by fires. The term includes
coverage under a policy for only the line of insurance for
losses from fires and coverage for such fire losses under a
policy that includes the fire line of insurance together with
other lines.
(2) Insurer.--The term ``insurer'' means any corporation,
association, society, order, firm, company, mutual,
partnership, individual, aggregation of individuals, or other
legal entity that is authorized to transact the business of
property or casualty insurance in any State or that is engaged
in a property or casualty insurance business.
(3) Religious property.--The term ``religious property''
means any church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious
property, and includes any buildings and support structures
used primarily for worship and related activities. | Church Insurance Protection Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) any arson attacks against churches should be condemned; and (2) houses of worship and their congregations should be held harmless for any acts of arson and insurance companies should be prohibited from taking punitive measures against them because of such acts.
Prohibits an insurer from canceling, declining to renew, or requiring a higher premium or contribution for fire insurance for a religious property based on: (1) the race, color, religion, or national origin of property users; (2) the status of the property as religious property; (3) any previous arson against the property; or (4) any perceived arson threat. Places authority and responsibility for investigating violations of, and enforcing, this Act in the Attorney General. Authorizes the Attorney General to begin a civil action. Authorizes preventive relief and mandates civil monetary damages. | Church Insurance Protection Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Jean Lafitte National Historical
Park and Preserve Boundary Adjustment Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. JEAN LAFITTE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK AND PRESERVE BOUNDARY
ADJUSTMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 901 of the National Parks and Recreation
Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 230) is amended in the second sentence by
striking ``twenty thousand acres generally depicted on the map entitled
`Barataria Marsh Unit-Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and
Preserve' numbered 90,000B and dated April 1978,'' and inserting
``23,000 acres generally depicted on the map titled `Boundary Map,
Barataria Preserve Unit, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and
Preserve', numbered 467/80100, and dated August 2002,''.
(b) Acquisition of Land.--Section 902 of the National Parks and
Recreation Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 230a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``(a) Within the'' and all that
follows through the first sentence and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Barataria preserve unit.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may acquire any
land, water, and interests in land and water within the
boundary of the Barataria Preserve Unit, as depicted on
the map described in section 901, by donation, purchase
with donated or appropriated funds, but only with the
consent of the owner, transfer from any other Federal
agency, or exchange.
``(B) Limitations.--
``(I) Federal land.--Any Federal land
acquired in the areas identified on the map as
the `Bayou aux Carpes Addition' and `CIT Tract
Addition' (the `Areas') shall be transferred
without consideration to the administrative
jurisdiction of the National Park Service.
``(II) Easements.--Any Federal land in the
Areas that is transferred under clause (I)
shall be subject to any easements that have
been agreed to by the Secretary and the
Secretary of the Army.
``(III) Private interests.--Any private
land, water, or interests in land and water in
the Barataria Preserve Unit may be acquired by
the Secretary only with the consent of the
owner.'';
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ``The
Secretary may also'' and inserting the following:
``(2) French quarter.--The Secretary may'';
(C) in the third sentence, by striking ``Lands,
waters, and interests therein'' and inserting the
following:
``(3) Acquisition of state land.--Land, water, and
interests in land and water''; and
(D) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``In
acquiring'' and inserting the following:
``(4) Acquisition of oil and gas rights.--In acquiring'';
(2) by striking subsections (b) through (f) and inserting
the following:
``(b) Resource Protection.--With respect to the land, water, and
interests in land and water of the Barataria Preserve Unit, the
Secretary shall preserve and protect--
``(1) fresh water drainage patterns;
``(2) vegetative cover;
``(3) the integrity of ecological and biological systems;
and
``(4) water and air quality.''; and
(3) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (c).
(c) Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping.--Section 905 of the National
Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 230d) is amended in the
first sentence--
(1) by inserting after ``Barataria Marsh Unit'' ``, but
only as to land, water, or interests in land and water managed
by the Secretary''; and
(2) by striking ``within the core area'' and all that
follows through ``he may'' and inserting ``the Secretary may''.
(d) Administration.--Section 906 of the National Parks and
Recreation Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 230e) is amended--
(1) by striking the first sentence; and
(2) in the second sentence, by striking ``Pending such
establishment and thereafter the'' and inserting ``The''.
SEC. 3. REFERENCES IN LAW.
(a) In General.--Any reference in a law (including regulations),
map, document, paper, or other record of the United States--
(1) to the Barataria Marsh Unit shall be considered to be a
reference to the Barataria Preserve Unit; or
(2) to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park shall be
considered to be a reference to the Jean Lafitte National
Historical Park and Preserve.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Title IX of the National Parks and
Recreation Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 230 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Barataria Marsh Unit'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Barataria Preserve Unit''; and
(2) by striking ``Jean Lafitte National Historical Park''
each place it appears and inserting ``Jean Lafitte National
Historical Park and Preserve''.
Passed the House of Representatives September 25, 2006.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Boundary Adjustment Act of 2006 - Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to: (1) adjust the boundary of the Barataria Preserve Unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Louisiana by increasing the acreage limitation; and (2) authorize the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to acquire any such additional land, water, and interests in land and water by donation, purchase (but only with the owner's consent), transfer from any other federal agency, or exchange.
Requires, with respect to the Bayou aux Carpes Addition and the CIT Tract Addition, any federal land acquired in such Additions to: (1) be transferred without consideration to the administrative jurisdiction of the National Park Service; and (2) any federal land in the Additions that is transferred, be subject to any easements that have been agreed to by the Secretary and the Secretary of the Army. Permits the acquisition of any private land, water, or interests in land and water in the Unit only with the owner's consent.
Modifies and/or eliminates certain provisions related to the acquisition of property within the Unit.
Permits hunting, fishing, and trapping within the Unit, but only as to land, water, or interests in land and water managed by the Secretary. Continues to provide for the designation of zones where, and established periods when, no hunting, fishing, or trapping shall be permitted except for public safety reasons. | To adjust the boundary of the Barataria Preserve Unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in the State of Louisiana, and for other purposes. |
s, Amendments, Amendments Between the
Houses, and Conference Reports.--
(1) In general.--It shall not be in order in the Senate to
consider a bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, amendment
between the Houses, or conference report that includes an
earmark.
(2) Procedure.--
(A) In general.--Upon a point of order being made
by any Senator under paragraph (1) against an earmark,
and such point of order being sustained, such earmark
shall be stricken.
(B) Form of the point of order.--A point of order
under paragraph (1) may be raised by a Senator as
provided in section 313(e) of the Congressional Budget
Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 644(e)).
(b) Conference Report and Amendment Between the Houses Procedure.--
When the Senate is considering a conference report, or an amendment
between the Houses--
(1) upon a point of order being made by any Senator under
subsection (a) with respect to one or more earmarks, and such
point of order being sustained, such earmarks shall be
stricken; and
(2) after all points of order under subsection (a) have
been disposed of--
(A) the Senate shall proceed to consider the
question of whether the Senate shall recede from its
amendment and concur with a further amendment, or
concur in the House amendment with a further amendment,
as the case may be, which further amendment shall
consist of only that portion of the conference report
or House amendment, as the case may be, not so
stricken;
(B) any such motion in the Senate shall be
debatable under the same conditions as was the
conference report or amendment between the Houses; and
(C) in any case in which such point of order is
sustained against a conference report (or Senate
amendment derived from such conference report by
operation of this subsection), no further amendment
shall be in order.
(c) Waiver; Appeal.--A point of order under subsection (a) may be
waived only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the
Senate, duly chosen and sworn. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
Members of the Senate, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to
sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised
under subsection (a).
(d) Definitions.--
(1) Earmark.--For the purpose of this section, the term
``earmark'' means a provision or report language included
primarily at the request of a Senator or Member of the House of
Representatives as certified under paragraph 1(a)(1) of rule
XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate--
(A) providing, authorizing, or recommending a
specific amount of discretionary budget authority,
credit authority, or other spending authority for a
contract, loan, loan guarantee, grant, loan authority,
or other expenditure with or to an entity, or targeted
to a specific State, locality or Congressional
district, other than through a statutory or
administrative formula-driven or competitive award
process;
(B) that--
(i) provides a Federal tax deduction,
credit, exclusion, or preference to a
particular beneficiary or limited group of
beneficiaries under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986; and
(ii) contains eligibility criteria that are
not uniform in application with respect to
potential beneficiaries of such provision; or
(C) modifying the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States in a manner that benefits ten or fewer
entities.
(2) Determination by the senate.--In the event the Chair is
unable to ascertain whether a provision with respect to which a
Senator raises a point of order under subsection (a)
constitutes an earmark, the question of whether the provision
constitutes an earmark shall be submitted to the Senate and be
decided without debate by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of
the Senators, duly chosen and sworn.
(e) Application.--This section shall not apply to any authorization
of appropriations to a Federal entity if such authorization is not
specifically targeted to a State, locality, or congressional district. | Earmark Elimination Act of 2018 This bill establishes a point of order in the Senate against considering legislation that includes an earmark. Under the bill, an "earmark" is a congressionally directed spending item, tax benefit, or tariff benefit targeted to a specific recipient or group of beneficiaries. The point of order may be waived by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the Senate, duly chosen and sworn. If the point of order is successfully raised and sustained, the earmark shall be stricken from the legislation. | Earmark Elimination Act of 2018 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Give Fans a Chance Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENT TO ANTITRUST EXEMPTION.
The Act of September 30, 1961 (Public Law 87-331; 15 U.S.C. 1291 et
seq.), is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 7. CONDITIONAL APPLICATION OF ACT.
``(a) Inapplicability.--This Act shall not apply to a league of
clubs of a professional sport for any period during which any member
club of such league is--
``(1) subject to such league's requirement, or to an
agreement made by 2 or more member clubs of such league, that
forbids any of such clubs to transfer (by sale or otherwise) an
ownership interest of any kind in such club to any governmental
entity or to members of the general public; or
``(2) not in compliance with subsection (b) or (c).
``(b) Notice of Proposed Change in Community; Opportunities To
Respond to Proposed Relocation or Elimination.--
``(1) In general.--A member club that proposes to relocate,
or a league that proposes to relocate or eliminate a member
club, out of a community in the home territory of the member
club shall furnish notice of such proposed relocation or
elimination not later than 180 days before the commencement of
the season in which the club is to play home games in the
proposed new location.
``(2) Persons entitled to receive notice.--The notice
required by paragraph (1) shall be furnished to all interested
persons.
``(3) Requirements.--The notice shall--
``(A) be in writing and delivered in person or by
certified mail;
``(B) be made available to the news media;
``(C) be published in 1 or more newspapers of
general circulation within the club's home community;
and
``(D) contain--
``(i) an identification of the proposed new
home community of such club if applicable;
``(ii) a summary of the reasons for the
proposed relocation or elimination based on the
criteria listed in subsection (c); and
``(iii) the date on which the proposed
relocation or elimination would become
effective.
``(4) Opportunity to offer to purchase.--
``(A) In general.--During the 180-day notice period
specified in paragraph (1), a local government,
stadium, arena authority, person, or any combination thereof, may
prepare and present a proposal to purchase the club to retain the club
in the home community.
``(B) Membership in league.--If a bid under
subparagraph (A) is successful, the league of which the
club is a member shall not prohibit the club's
membership in the league on the basis that the club is
owned in whole or in part by several persons or
entities, or by 1 or more local governments.
``(5) Opportunity to induce club to stay.--During the 180-
day notice period specified in paragraph (1), the club (and the
league of which the club is a member) shall give a local
government, stadium authority, person, or any combination
thereof, the opportunity to prepare and present a proposal to
induce the club to remain in its home community.
``(6) Response.--The response of the owner of the club to
any offer made under paragraph (4) or (5) shall--
``(A) be in writing and delivered in person or by
certified mail; and
``(B) state in detail the reasons for refusal of
any bona fide offer.
``(7) Determination by league.--
``(A) In general.--The league of which the club is
a member shall make a determination, before the
expiration of the 180-day notice period specified in
paragraph (1), with respect to the relocation or
elimination of the club out of its home community.
``(B) Hearings.--In making a determination under
this paragraph, the league shall conduct a hearing at
which interested persons are afforded an opportunity to
present oral or written testimony regarding the
proposed relocation or elimination of the club. The
league shall keep a record of all such proceedings.
``(C) Consideration of proposals.--The league shall
take into account any inducement proposal that is
offered under paragraph (5).
``(8) Considerations.--In determining whether to approve or
disapprove the relocation or elimination of the club, the
league shall take into consideration the criteria listed in
subsection (c).
``(c) Criteria for Relocation or Elimination Decisions.--
Notwithstanding any other law, before making a decision to approve or
disapprove the relocation or elimination of a club out of its home
community, the league of which such club is a member shall take into
consideration--
``(1) the extent to which fan loyalty to and support for
the club has been demonstrated during the club's operation in
such community;
``(2) the degree to which the club has engaged in good
faith negotiations with appropriate persons concerning terms
and conditions under which the club would continue to play home
games in such community or elsewhere within the club's home
territory;
``(3) the degree to which the ownership or management of
the club has contributed to any circumstances that might
demonstrate the need for the relocation or elimination;
``(4) the extent to which the club, directly or indirectly,
received public financial support by means of any publicly
financed playing facility, special tax treatment, or any other
form of public financial support;
``(5) the adequacy of the stadium in which the club played
its home games in the previous season, and the willingness of
the stadium, arena authority, or local government to remedy any
deficiencies in the facility;
``(6) whether the club has incurred net operating losses,
exclusive of depreciation and amortization, sufficient to
threaten the continued financial viability of the club;
``(7) whether any other club in the league is located in
the same home community;
``(8) whether the club proposes to relocate to a community
that is the home community of another member club of the
league;
``(9) whether the stadium authority, if public, is opposed
to the proposed relocation or elimination; and
``(10) whether there is a bona fide investor offering fair
market value for the club and seeking to retain the club in
such community.''.
SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act and the amendment made by this Act shall take effect on
the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act. | Give Fans a Chance Act of 2001 - Provides that the antitrust exemption applicable to broadcasting agreements made by professional sports leagues shall not apply to a league for any period during which any member club is: (1) subject to a league's requirement or to an agreement made by two or more member clubs that forbids any of such clubs to transfer an ownership interest to any governmental entity or to members of the general public; or (2) not in compliance with the following relocation or elimination requirements.Requires a member club or a league to furnish notice of a proposed relocation of a club out of its home territory or of club elimination not later than 180 days before the commencement of the new season. Provides that, during the notice period: (1) a local government, stadium, arena authority, person, or any combination thereof (local government) may prepare and present a proposal to purchase the club to retain it in the home community; and (2) the club and the league shall give a local government the opportunity to present a proposal to induce the club to remain. Directs the league to make a determination, before the expiration of the notice period, regarding the relocation or elimination. Sets forth criteria for relocation or elimination decisions, including the extent to which fan loyalty to and support for the club has been demonstrated. | To amend the Act of September 30, 1961, to limit the antitrust exemption applicable to broadcasting agreements made by leagues of professional sports, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Tax Equity Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. REGIONAL COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENTS IN INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX
RATES.
(a) General Rule.--Subsection (f) of section 1 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to adjustments in tax tables so that
inflation will not result in tax increases) is amended by adding at the
end thereof the following new paragraphs:
``(9) Regional cost-of-living adjustments.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of an individual,
the rate table otherwise in effect under this section
for any taxable year (determined after the application
of paragraph (1)) shall be further adjusted as provided
in subparagraph (B).
``(B) Method of making regional adjustment.--The
rate table otherwise in effect under this section with
respect to any individual for any taxable year shall be
adjusted as follows:
``(i) The minimum and maximum dollar
amounts otherwise in effect for each rate
bracket shall be multiplied by the applicable
multiplier (for the calendar year in which the
taxable year begins) which applies to the
statistical area in which the individual's
primary place of abode during the taxable year
is located.
``(ii) The rate applicable to any rate
bracket (as adjusted by clause (i)) shall not
be changed.
``(iii) The amount setting forth the tax
shall be adjusted to the extent necessary to
reflect the adjustments in the rate brackets.
If any amount determined under clause (i) is not a
multiple of $50, such amount shall be rounded to the
nearest multiple of $50.
``(10) Determination of multipliers.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than December 15 of
each calendar year, the Secretary shall prescribe an
applicable multiplier for each statistical area of the
United States which shall apply to taxable years
beginning during the succeeding calendar year.
``(B) Determination of multipliers.--
``(i) For each statistical area where the
cost-of-living differential for any calendar
year is greater than 125 percent, the
applicable multiplier for such calendar year is
90 percent of such differential.
``(ii) For each statistical area where the
cost-of-living differential for any calendar
year exceeds 97 percent but does not exceed 125
percent, the applicable multiplier for such
calendar year is 1.05.
``(iii) For each statistical area not
described in clause (i) or (ii), the applicable
multiplier is the cost-of-living differential
for the calendar year.
``(C) Cost-of-living differential.--The cost-of-
living differential for any statistical area for any
calendar year is the percentage determined by
dividing--
``(i) the cost-of-living for such area for
the preceding calendar year; by
``(ii) the average cost-of-living for the
United States for the preceding calendar year.
``(D) Cost-of-living for area.--
``(i) In general.--For each calendar year
beginning after 2009, the Secretary of Labor
shall determine and publish a cost-of-living
index for each statistical area.
``(ii) Methodology.--The cost-of-living
index determined under clause (i) for any
statistical area for any calendar year shall be
based on average market prices for the area for
the 12-month period ending on August 31 of such
calendar year. The market prices taken into
account under the preceding sentence shall be
selected and used under the same methodology as
is used by the Secretary of Labor in developing
the Consumer Price Index for All Urban
Consumers.
``(E) Statistical area.--For purposes of this
subsection the term `statistical area' means--
``(i) any metropolitan statistical area as
defined by the Secretary of Commerce, and
``(ii) the portion of any State not within
a metropolitan statistical area as so defined.
``(11) Areas outside the united states.--The area
applicable multiplier for any area outside the United States
shall be 1.''
(b) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendment made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009.
(2) Transition rule.--Notwithstanding section 1(f)(9)(A) of
the Internal Revenue Code (as added by this section), the date
for prescribing applicable multipliers for taxable years
beginning in calendar year 2010 shall be the date 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act. | Tax Equity Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide regional cost-of-living adjustments in individual income tax rates. Directs the Secretary of Labor to produce a regional cost-of-living index. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for adjustments in the individual income tax rates to reflect regional differences in the cost-of-living. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Family-Friendly Workplace Act''.
SEC. 2. COMPENSATORY TIME.
Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(r) Compensatory Time Off for Private Employees.--
``(1) General rule.--
``(A) Compensatory time off.--An employee may
receive, in accordance with this subsection and in lieu
of monetary overtime compensation, compensatory time
off at a rate not less than one and one-half hours for
each hour of employment for which overtime compensation
is required by this section.
``(B) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection,
the term `employee' does not include an employee of a
public agency.
``(2) Conditions.--An employer may provide compensatory
time to employees under paragraph (1)(A) only if such time is
provided in accordance with--
``(A) applicable provisions of a collective
bargaining agreement between the employer and the labor
organization which has been certified or recognized as
the representative of the employees under applicable
law; or
``(B) in the case of employees who are not
represented by a labor organization which has been
certified or recognized as the representative of such
employees under applicable law, an agreement arrived at
between the employer and employee before the
performance of the work and affirmed by a written or
otherwise verifiable record maintained in accordance
with section 11(c)--
``(i) in which the employer has offered and
the employee has chosen to receive compensatory
time in lieu of monetary overtime compensation;
and
``(ii) entered into knowingly and
voluntarily by such employees and not as a
condition of employment.
No employee may receive or agree to receive compensatory time
off under this subsection unless the employee has worked at
least 1000 hours for the employee's employer during a period of
continuous employment with the employer in the 12-month period
before the date of agreement or receipt of compensatory time
off.
``(3) Hour limit.--
``(A) Maximum hours.--An employee may accrue not
more than 160 hours of compensatory time.
``(B) Compensation date.--Not later than January 31
of each calendar year, the employee's employer shall
provide monetary compensation for any unused
compensatory time off accrued during the preceding
calendar year which was not used prior to December 31
of the preceding year at the rate prescribed by
paragraph (6). An employer may designate and
communicate to the employer's employees a 12-month
period other than the calendar year, in which case such
compensation shall be provided not later than 31 days
after the end of such 12-month period.
``(C) Excess of 80 hours.--The employer may provide
monetary compensation for an employee's unused
compensatory time in excess of 80 hours at any time
after giving the employee at least 30 days notice. Such
compensation shall be provided at the rate prescribed
by paragraph (6).
``(D) Policy.--Except where a collective bargaining
agreement provides otherwise, an employer which has
adopted a policy offering compensatory time to
employees may discontinue such policy upon giving
employees 30 days notice.
``(E) Written request.--An employee may withdraw an
agreement described in paragraph (2)(B) at any time. An
employee may also request in writing that monetary
compensation be provided, at any time, for all
compensatory time accrued which has not yet been used.
Within 30 days of receiving the written request, the
employer shall provide the employee the monetary
compensation due in accordance with paragraph (6).
``(4) Private employer actions.--An employer which provides
compensatory time under paragraph (1) to employees shall not
directly or indirectly intimidate, threaten, or coerce or
attempt to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any employee for the
purpose of--
``(A) interfering with such employee's rights under
this subsection to request or not request compensatory
time off in lieu of payment of monetary overtime
compensation for overtime hours; or
``(B) requiring any employee to use such
compensatory time.
``(5) Termination of employment.--An employee who has
accrued compensatory time off authorized to be provided under
paragraph (1) shall, upon the voluntary or involuntary
termination of employment, be paid for the unused compensatory
time in accordance with paragraph (6).
``(6) Rate of compensation.--
``(A) General rule.--If compensation is to be paid
to an employee for accrued compensatory time off, such
compensation shall be paid at a rate of compensation
not less than--
``(i) the regular rate received by such
employee when the compensatory time was earned;
or
``(ii) the final regular rate received by
such employee,
whichever is higher.
``(B) Consideration of payment.--Any payment owed
to an employee under this subsection for unused
compensatory time shall be considered unpaid overtime
compensation.
``(7) Use of time.--An employee--
``(A) who has accrued compensatory time off
authorized to be provided under paragraph (1); and
``(B) who has requested the use of such
compensatory time,
shall be permitted by the employee's employer to use such time
within a reasonable period after making the request if the use
of the compensatory time does not unduly disrupt the operations
of the employer.
``(8) Definitions.--The terms `overtime compensation' and
`compensatory time' shall have the meanings given such terms by
subsection (o)(7).''.
SEC. 3. REMEDIES.
Section 16 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 216)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ``(b) Any employer'' and
inserting ``(b) Except as provided in subsection (f), any
employer''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) An employer which violates section 7(r)(4) shall be liable to
the employee affected in the amount of the rate of compensation
(determined in accordance with section 7(r)(6)(A)) for each hour of
compensatory time accrued by the employee and in an additional equal
amount as liquidated damages reduced by the amount of such rate of
compensation for each hour of compensatory time used by such
employee.''.
SEC. 4. NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Labor shall revise the materials the Secretary
provides, under regulations published at 29 CFR 516.4, to employers for
purposes of a notice explaining the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to
employees so that such notice reflects the amendments made to such Act
by this Act.
SEC. 5. SUNSET.
This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall expire 5 years
after the date of the enactment of this Act. | Family-Friendly Workplace Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to authorize private employers to provide compensatory time off to private employees, at a rate of 1 1/2 hours per hour of employment for which overtime compensation is required. Authorizes an employer to provide compensatory time only if it is in accordance with an applicable collective bargaining agreement or, in the absence of such an agreement, an agreement between the employer and employee.
Prohibits an employee from accruing more than 160 hours of compensatory time. Requires an employee's employer to provide monetary compensation, after the end of a calendar year, for any unused compensatory time off accrued during the preceding year.
Requires an employer to give employees 30-day notice before discontinuing compensatory time off.
Prohibits an employer from intimidating, threatening, or coercing an employee in order to: (1) interfere with the employee's right to request or not to request compensatory time off in lieu of payment of monetary overtime compensation; or (2) require an employee to use such compensatory time.
Makes an employer who violates such requirements liable to the affected employee in the amount of the compensation rate for each hour of compensatory time accrued, plus an additional equal amount as liquidated damages, reduced for each hour of compensatory time used. | To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide compensatory time for employees in the private sector. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Women's Preventive Health Awareness
Campaign''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Well-woman visits are the foundation on which women's
preventive care is built. Such visits include not only specific
screening tests, but also a medical history, physical
examination, evaluation and counseling, and, as indicated,
vaccinations.
(2) Over the past 20 years, it has become clear that ``one
size does not fit all'' when it comes to prevention. Although a
30-year-old woman without risk factors for cervical cancer may
only need a Pap test with HPV co-testing every 5 years, the
same woman would need more frequent screening if she were
infected with HIV or had a history of cervical cancer
precursors.
(3) It is only after taking a medical history and
evaluating and counseling a patient that a physician can make
patient-specific recommendations for screening tests,
vaccinations, preventive medications, and other preventive
services.
(4) Well-woman visits facilitate increased access to health
care that is shown to identify chronic disease risk factors,
promote well-being, and decrease the likelihood or delay the
onset of a targeted disease or condition.
(5) Heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular
diseases are the number one cause of death in American women,
claiming over 400,000 lives each year, or nearly one death each
minute.
(6) Women are less likely than men to receive aggressive
diagnosis and treatment for cardiovascular diseases.
(7) Women are more likely than men to have forgone needed
health care due to cost.
(8) Between 2002 and 2010, screening mammography rates
among women in the United States who were 50 years of age to 64
years of age declined from about 79 percent to 73 percent.
(9) In 2009, only 53 percent of 18- to 64-year-olds in the
United States reported having ever received an HIV test.
(10) The proportion of women in the United States 22 years
of age to 30 years of age who reported never having had a Pap
test increased from 6.6 percent in 2000 to 9.0 percent in 2010
despite current recommendations that they receive a Pap test
every three years.
(11) In 2007, 29.3 percent of women in the United States
delivering a live birth did not receive any prenatal care in
the first trimester, even though first trimester prenatal care
is recommended.
(12) Among sexually active females in the United States who
are 16 years of age to 20 years of age, only 52.7 percent of
such females receiving benefits under the Medicaid program and
40.1 percent of such females with health insurance coverage
under commercial health insurance plans were screened for
genital Chlamydia infections during the measurement year, as
reported in 2008. A 2013 analysis published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention found that for Chlamydia cases
diagnosed in 2008 alone, the associated lifetime direct medical
costs amount to $516.7 million.
(13) Almost half (49 percent) of the 6.7 million
pregnancies in the United States each year (3.2 million) are
unintended. Multiple studies have shown that improved access to
birth control significantly improves the health of women and
their families, as it is directly linked to improved maternal
and infant health outcomes. Women that plan their pregnancies
are more likely to access prenatal care, improving their own
health and the health of their children.
(14) Between 2006 and 2010, one-third of all pregnancies
were conceived within 18 months of a previous birth, an
interval that is potentially harmful to the health of the
mother.
(15) Improved access to family planning also saves money.
For every $1.00 invested in family planning, taxpayers save
nearly $4.00 in Medicaid-related expenses.
(16) During the 2011-2012 flu season, 53 percent of
pregnant women did not receive recommended vaccination against
influenza.
SEC. 3. WOMEN'S PREVENTIVE HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
280g et al.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 399V-6. WOMEN'S PREVENTIVE HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide for the planning and
implementation of a national public outreach and education campaign to
raise public awareness, including provider awareness, of women's
preventive health. Such campaign shall include the media campaign under
subsection (b) and the website under subsection (c) and shall provide
for the dissemination of information that--
``(1) describes the guidelines for women's preventive
services, including the cervical cancer recommendations updated
in 2012, by the United States Preventive Services Task Force,
by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
(ACOG), and by the American Cancer Society, the American
Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and the American
Society for Clinical Pathology;
``(2) promotes well-woman visits for health assessments
which include screenings, evaluations, counseling,
immunizations, and prenatal visits, as appropriate;
``(3) explains the women's preventive services that are
required under section 2713 to be covered without cost-sharing
by a group health plan or a health insurance issuer offering
group or individual health insurance coverage that is not a
grandfathered plan (as defined in section 1251(e) of the
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act); and
``(4) addresses health disparities in the area of women's
prevention.
``(b) Media Campaign.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this section, as part of the campaign under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish and implement a
national media campaign.
``(2) Requirement of campaign.--The campaign implemented
under paragraph (1)--
``(A) shall disseminate information about the
updated guidelines for women's preventive services
described in subsection (a)(1), promote well-woman
visits described in subsection (a)(2), and provide
information on the women's preventive services
described in subsection (a)(3); and
``(B) may include the use of television, radio,
Internet, and other commercial marketing venues.
``(c) Website.--As part of the campaign under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall, in consultation with private sector experts or through
contract with a private entity including a medical association or non-
profit organization, maintain and update an Internet website to provide
information and resources about the updated guidelines for women's
preventive services described in subsection (a)(1), promote well-woman
visits, and provide information on the women's preventive services
described in subsection (a)(3).
``(d) Funding.--The Secretary may use, out of any funds otherwise
made available to the Department of Health and Human Services, such
sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.''. | Women's Preventive Health Awareness Campaign - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) provide for the planning and implementation of a national public outreach and educational campaign to raise public awareness, including provider awarenesss, of women's preventive health; and (2) establish a national media campaign and maintain and update an appropriate Internet website as part of such campaign. | Women's Preventive Health Awareness Campaign |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Good Samaritan Search and Recovery
Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPEDITED ACCESS TO CERTAIN FEDERAL LAND.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible.--The term ``eligible'', with respect to an
organization or individual, means that the organization or
individual, respectively, is--
(A) acting in a not-for-profit capacity; and
(B) certificated in training that meets or exceeds
standards established by the American Society for
Testing and Materials.
(2) Good samaritan search-and-recovery mission.--The term
``good Samaritan search-and-recovery mission'' means a search
for 1 or more missing individuals believed to be deceased at
the time that the search is initiated.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as applicable.
(b) Process.--
(1) In general.--Each Secretary shall develop and implement
a process to expedite access to Federal land under the
administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary for eligible
organizations and individuals to request access to Federal land
to conduct good Samaritan search-and-recovery missions.
(2) Inclusions.--The process developed and implemented
under this subsection shall include provisions to clarify
that--
(A) an eligible organization or individual granted
access under this section--
(i) shall be acting for private purposes;
and
(ii) shall not be considered to be a
Federal volunteer;
(B) an eligible organization or individual
conducting a good Samaritan search-and-recovery mission
under this section shall not be considered to be a
volunteer under section 102301(c) of title 54, United
States Code;
(C) chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code
(commonly known as the ``Federal Tort Claims Act''),
shall not apply to an eligible organization or
individual carrying out a privately requested good
Samaritan search-and-recovery mission under this
section; and
(D) chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code
(commonly known as the ``Federal Employees Compensation
Act''), shall not apply to an eligible organization or
individual conducting a good Samaritan search-and-
recovery mission under this section, and the conduct of
the good Samaritan search-and-recovery mission shall
not constitute civilian employment.
(c) Release of Federal Government From Liability.--The Secretary
shall not require an eligible organization or individual to have
liability insurance as a condition of accessing Federal land under this
section, if the eligible organization or individual--
(1) acknowledges and consents, in writing, to the
provisions described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of
subsection (b)(2); and
(2) signs a waiver releasing the Federal Government from
all liability relating to the access granted under this
section.
(d) Approval and Denial of Requests.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall notify an eligible
organization or individual of the approval or denial of a
request by the eligible organization or individual to carry out
a good Samaritan search-and-recovery mission under this section
by not later than 48 hours after the request is made.
(2) Denials.--If the Secretary denies a request from an
eligible organization or individual to carry out a good
Samaritan search-and-recovery mission under this section, the
Secretary shall notify the eligible organization or individual
of--
(A) the reason for the denial of the request; and
(B) any actions that the eligible organization or
individual can take to meet the requirements for the
request to be approved.
(e) Partnerships.--Each Secretary shall develop search-and-
recovery-focused partnerships with search-and-recovery organizations--
(1) to coordinate good Samaritan search-and-recovery
missions on Federal land under the administrative jurisdiction
of the Secretary; and
(2) to expedite and accelerate good Samaritan search-and-
recovery mission efforts for missing individuals on Federal
land under the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary.
(f) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretaries shall submit to Congress a joint report
describing--
(1) plans to develop partnerships described in subsection
(e)(1); and
(2) efforts carried out to expedite and accelerate good
Samaritan search-and-recovery mission efforts for missing
individuals on Federal land under the administrative
jurisdiction of each Secretary pursuant to subsection (e)(2). | Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act Directs the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement a process to provide eligible organizations and individuals expedited access to federal land to conduct good Samaritan search-and-recovery missions, which are searches for one or more missing individuals believed to be deceased at the time that the search is initiated. Sets forth procedures for the approval or denial of requests made by eligible organizations or individuals to carry out a good Samaritan search-and-recovery mission. Requires Interior and USDA to develop search-and-recovery focused partnerships with search-and-recovery organizations to coordinate good Samaritan search-and-recovery missions, and expedite and accelerate mission efforts for missing individuals. | Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Smart Energy and Water Efficiency
Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. SMART ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY PILOT PROGRAM.
Subtitle A of title IX of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16191 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 918. SMART ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) a utility;
``(B) a municipality;
``(C) a water district; and
``(D) any other authority that provides water,
wastewater, or water reuse services.
``(2) Smart energy and water efficiency pilot program.--The
term `smart energy and water efficiency pilot program' or
`pilot program' means the pilot program established under
subsection (b).
``(b) Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Pilot Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish and carry
out a smart energy and water efficiency pilot program in
accordance with this section.
``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the smart energy and water
efficiency pilot program is to award grants to eligible
entities to demonstrate novel and innovative technology-based
solutions that will--
``(A) increase the energy efficiency of water,
wastewater, and water reuse systems;
``(B) improve energy efficiency of water,
wastewater, and water reuse systems to help communities
across the United States make significant progress in
conserving water, saving energy, and reducing costs;
and
``(C) support the implementation of innovative
processes and the installation of advanced automated
systems that provide real-time data on energy and
water.
``(3) Project selection.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall make
competitive, merit-reviewed grants under the pilot
program to not less than 3, but not more than 5,
eligible entities.
``(B) Selection criteria.--In selecting an eligible
entity to receive a grant under the pilot program, the
Secretary shall consider--
``(i) energy and cost savings;
``(ii) the novelty of the technology to be
used;
``(iii) the degree to which the project
integrates next-generation sensors, software,
analytics, and management tools;
``(iv) the anticipated cost-effectiveness
of the pilot project in terms of energy
efficiency savings, water savings or reuse, and
infrastructure costs averted;
``(v) whether the technology can be
deployed in a variety of geographic regions and
the degree to which the technology can be
implemented on a smaller or larger scale; and
``(vi) whether the project will be
completed in 5 years or less.
``(C) Applications.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
an eligible entity seeking a grant under the
pilot program shall submit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary
determines to be necessary.
``(ii) Contents.--An application under
clause (i) shall, at a minimum, include--
``(I) a description of the project;
``(II) a description of the
technology to be used in the project;
``(III) the anticipated results,
including energy and water savings, of
the project;
``(IV) a comprehensive budget for
the project;
``(V) the names of the project lead
organization and any partners;
``(VI) the number of users to be
served by the project; and
``(VII) any other information that
the Secretary determines to be
necessary to complete the review and
selection of a grant recipient.
``(4) Administration.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 300 days after
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary
shall select grant recipients under this section.
``(B) Evaluations.--The Secretary shall annually
carry out an evaluation of each project for which a
grant is provided under this section that--
``(i) evaluates the progress and impact of
the project; and
``(ii) assesses the degree to which the
project is meeting the goals of the pilot
program.
``(C) Technical and policy assistance.--On the
request of a grant recipient, the Secretary shall
provide technical and policy assistance.
``(D) Best practices.--The Secretary shall make
available to the public--
``(i) a copy of each evaluation carried out
under subparagraph (B); and
``(ii) a description of any best practices
identified by the Secretary as a result of
those evaluations.
``(E) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall
submit to Congress a report containing the results of
each evaluation carried out under subparagraph (B).
``(c) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall use not less than
$7,500,000 of amounts made available to the Secretary to carry
out this section.
``(2) Prioritization.--In funding activities under this
section, the Secretary shall prioritize funding in the
following manner:
``(A) Any unobligated amounts made available to the
Secretary to carry out the activities of the Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office.
``(B) Any unobligated amounts (other than those
described in subparagraph (A)) made available to the
Secretary.''. | Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Act of 2015 This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish and carry out a smart energy and water efficiency pilot program to award grants to utilities, municipalities, water districts, and other water authorities for demonstrating novel and innovative technology-based solutions that will: increase the energy efficiency of water, wastewater, and water reuse systems; improve those systems to help communities make significant progress in conserving water, saving energy, and reducing costs; and support the implementation of innovative processes and the installation of advanced automated systems that provide real-time data on energy and water. DOE must annually evaluate each grant project and make best practices identified in the evaluations available to the public. | Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Act of 2015 |
SECTION 1. CREDIT FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business-related
credits) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 45G. ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCE CREDIT.
``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, the energy
efficient appliance credit determined under this section for the
taxable year is an amount equal to the applicable amount determined
under subsection (b) with respect to the eligible production of
qualified energy efficient appliances produced by the taxpayer during
the calendar year ending with or within the taxable year.
``(b) Applicable Amount; Eligible Production.--For purposes of
subsection (a)--
``(1) Applicable amount.--The applicable amount is--
``(A) $50, in the case of--
``(i) a clothes washer which is produced in
2003 with at least a 1.26 MEF (at least 1.42
MEF for washers produced after 2003 but not
after 2006), or
``(ii) a refrigerator produced in 2003
which consumes at least 10 percent less kWh per
year than the energy conservation standards for
refrigerators promulgated by the Department of
Energy effective July 1, 2001,
``(B) $100, in the case of--
``(i) a clothes washer which is produced in
2003 with at least a 1.42 MEF (at least 1.5 MEF
for washers produced after 2003 and before
2008), or
``(ii) a refrigerator produced after 2002
and before 2007 which consumes at least 15
percent less kWh per year (at least 20 percent
less kWh per year for refrigerators produced in
2007) than such energy conservation standards,
and
``(C) $150, in the case of a refrigerator which
consumes at least 20 percent less kWh per year than
such energy conservation standards and is produced
after 2002 and before 2007.
``(2) Eligible production.--
``(A) In general.--The eligible production of each
category of qualified energy efficient appliances is
the excess of--
``(i) the number of appliances in such
category which are produced by the taxpayer
during such calendar year, over
``(ii) the average number of appliances in
such category which were produced by the
taxpayer during calendar years 2000, 2001, and
2002.
``(B) Categories.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A), the categories are--
``(i) clothes washers described in
paragraph (1)(A)(i),
``(ii) clothes washers described in
paragraph (1)(B)(i),
``(iii) refrigerators described in
paragraph (1)(A)(ii),
``(iv) refrigerators described in paragraph
(1)(B)(ii), and
``(v) refrigerators described in paragraph
(1)(C).
``(C) Special rule for 2003 production.--For
purposes of determining eligible production for
calendar year 2003--
``(i) only production after the date of
enactment of this section shall be taken into
account under subparagraph (A)(i), and
``(ii) the amount taken into account under
subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be an amount which
bears the same ratio to the amount which would
(but for this subparagraph) be taken into
account under subparagraph (A)(ii) as--
``(I) the number of days in
calendar year 2003 after the date of
enactment of this section, bears to
``(II) 365.
``(c) Limitation on Maximum Credit.--
``(1) In general.--The maximum amount of credit allowed
under subsection (a) with respect to a taxpayer for all taxable
years shall be $60,000,000 except that not more than
$30,000,000 shall be allowed for production of any combination
of clothes washers produced with a 1.26 MEF (described in
subsection (b)(1)(A)(i)) and refrigerators described in
subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii).
``(2) Limitation based on gross receipts.--The credit
allowed under subsection (a) with respect to a taxpayer for the
taxable year shall not exceed an amount equal to 2 percent of
the average annual gross receipts of the taxpayer for the 3
taxable years preceding the taxable year in which the credit is
determined.
``(3) Gross receipts.--For purposes of this subsection, the
rules of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 448(c) shall apply.
``(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified energy efficient appliance.--The term
`qualified energy efficient appliance' means--
``(A) a clothes washer described in subparagraph
(A)(i) or (B)(i) of subsection (b)(1), or
``(B) a refrigerator described in subparagraph
(A)(ii), (B)(ii) or (C) of subsection (b)(1).
``(2) Clothes washer.--The term `clothes washer' means a
residential clothes washer, including a residential style coin
operated washer.
``(3) Refrigerator.--The term `refrigerator' means an
automatic defrost refrigerator-freezer which has an internal
volume of at least 16.5 cubic feet.
``(4) MEF.--The term `MEF' means Modified Energy Factor (as
determined by the Secretary of Energy).
``(e) Special Rules.--
``(1) In general.--Rules similar to the rules of
subsections (c), (d), and (e) of section 52 shall apply for
purposes of this section.
``(2) Aggregation rules.--All persons treated as a single
employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 or
subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as 1
person for purposes of subsection (a).
``(f) Verification.--The taxpayer shall submit such information or
certification as the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
Energy, determines necessary to claim the credit amount under
subsection (a).''.
(b) Limitation on Carryback.--Section 39(d) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to transition rules) is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(11) No carryback of energy efficient appliance credit
before effective date.--No portion of the unused business
credit for any taxable year which is attributable to the energy
efficient appliance credit determined under section 45G may be
carried to a taxable year ending before January 1, 2003.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 38(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to general business credit) is amended by
striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (14), by striking the period
at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
``(16) the energy efficient appliance credit determined
under section 45G(a).''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 45G. Energy efficient appliance
credit.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to appliances produced after December 31, 2002, in taxable years
ending after such date. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited energy efficient appliance credit for the eligible production of qualified energy efficient appliances produced by a taxpayer. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for an energy efficient appliance credit. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Full
Disclosure Act''.
SEC. 2. REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES.
(a) Fannie Mae.--
(1) Mortgage-backed securities.--Section 304(d) of the
Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (12 U.S.C.
1719(d)) is amended by striking the fourth sentence and
inserting the following new sentence: ``Securities issued by
the corporation under this subsection shall not be exempt
securities within the meaning of the laws administered by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.''
(2) Subordinate obligations.--Section 304(e) of the Federal
National Mortgage Association Charter Act (12 U.S.C. 1719(e))
is amended by striking the fourth sentence and inserting the
following new sentence: ``Obligations issued by the corporation
under this subsection shall not be exempt securities within the
meaning of the laws administered by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.''
(3) Securities.--Section 311 of the Federal National
Mortgage Association Charter Act (12 U.S.C. 1723c) is amended--
(A) in the section header, by striking
``association'';
(B) by inserting ``(a) in general.--'' after ``sec.
311.'';
(C) in the second sentence, by inserting ``by the
Association'' after ``issued''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(b) Treatment of Corporation Securities.--
``(1) In general.--Any stock, obligations, securities,
participations, or other instruments issued or guaranteed by
the corporation pursuant to this title shall not be exempt
securities within the meaning of the laws administered by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
``(2) Exemption for approved sellers.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of this title or the Securities Act of 1933,
transactions involving the initial disposition by an approved
seller of pooled certificates that are acquired by that seller
from the corporation upon the initial issuance of the pooled
certificates shall be deemed to be transactions by a person
other than an issuer, underwriter, or dealer within the meaning
of the laws administered by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
``(3) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
``(A) Approved seller.--The term `approved seller'
means an institution approved by the corporation to
sell mortgage loans to the corporation in exchange for
pooled certificates.
``(B) Pooled certificates.--The term `pooled
certificates' means single class mortgage-backed
securities guaranteed by the corporation that have been
issued by the corporation directly to the approved
seller in exchange for the mortgage loans underlying
such mortgage-backed securities.
``(4) Mortgage related securities.--A single class
mortgage-backed security guaranteed by the corporation that has
been issued by the Corporation directly to the approved seller
in exchange for the mortgage loans underlying such mortgage-
backed securities or directly by the corporation for cash shall
be deemed to be a mortgage related security as defined in
section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.''.
(b) Freddie Mac.--Subsection (g) of section 306 of the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1455(g)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(g) Treatment of Securities.--
``(1) In general.--Any securities issued or guaranteed by
the Corporation shall not be exempt securities within the
meaning of the laws administered by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.''.
``(2) Exemption for approved sellers.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of this title or the Securities Act of 1933,
transactions involving the initial disposition by an approved
seller of pooled certificates that are acquired by that seller
from the Corporation upon the initial issuance of the pooled
certificates shall be deemed to be transactions by a person
other than as an issuer, underwriter, or dealer within the
meaning of the laws administered by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
``(3) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
``(A) Approved seller.--The term `approved seller'
means an institution approved by the Corporation to
sell mortgage loans to the Corporation in exchange for
pooled certificates.
``(B) Pooled certificates.--The term `pooled
certificates' means single class mortgage-backed
securities guaranteed by the Corporation that have been
issued by the Corporation directly to the approved
seller in exchange for the mortgage loans underlying
such mortgage-backed securities.''.
(c) Regulations.--The Securities and Exchange Commission may issue
any regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the
purposes of this section and the amendments made by this section.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments under this section shall be
made upon the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date of
the enactment of this Act, but shall apply only with respect to fiscal
years of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation that begin after the expiration of such 180-
day period.
SEC. 3. LIMITATION ON REGISTRATION FEES.
(a) In General.--Section 6(b)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15
U.S.C. 77f(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, no
applicant, or group of affiliated applicants that do not include any
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
filing a registration statement subject to a fee shall be required in
any fiscal year with respect to all registration statements filed by
such applicant in such fiscal year to pay an aggregate amount in fees
to the Commission pursuant to subsection (b) in excess of five percent
of the target offsetting collection amount for such fiscal year. Fees
paid in connection with registration statements relating to business
combinations shall not be included in calculating the total fees paid
by any applicant.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment under subsection (a) shall be
made and shall apply upon the expiration of the 180-day period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. | Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Full Disclosure Act - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to declare that stock, obligations, securities, participations, or other instruments issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) shall not be exempt securities within the meaning of the laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (thus subjecting such securities to SEC regulation).
Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to declare that any securities issued or guaranteed by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) shall not be exempt securities within the meaning of SEC-administered laws (thus subjecting such securities also to SEC regulation).
States that transactions involving the initial disposition by an approved seller of pooled certificates acquired by the seller from Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac upon the initial issuance of the pooled certificates shall be deemed to be transactions by a person other than as an issuer, underwriter, or dealer within the meaning of the laws administered by the SEC.
Defines pooled certificates as single class mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac that have been issued by Fannie or Freddie directly to the approved seller in exchange for the mortgage loans underlying such mortgage-backed securities.
Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt specified applicants filing a securities registration statement subject to a fee from being required to pay aggregate fees in excess of 5% of the target offsetting collection amount for the fiscal year.
States that fees paid in connection with registration statements relating to business combinations shall not be included in calculating the total fees paid by any applicant. | To extend the registration and reporting requirements of the Federal securities laws to certain housing-related Government-sponsored enterprises, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Adams National
Historical Park Act of 1998''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Adams National Historical Park.
Sec. 5. Administration.
Sec. 6. Authorization of appropriations.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) In 1946, the Secretary of the Interior, by means of the
authority provided to the Secretary under section 2 of the Act
of August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 462; commonly known as the
Historic Sites, Buildings, and Antiquities Act), established
the Adams Mansion National Historic Site in Quincy,
Massachusetts.
(2) In 1952, again using the authority provided under the
Act of August 21, 1935, the Secretary enlarged the historic
site and renamed it the Adams National Historic Site.
(3) In 1972, title III of Public Law 92-272 (86 Stat. 121)
authorized the Secretary to expand the boundaries of the Adams
National Historic Site to include an additional 3.68 acres and
to acquire lands and interests in lands within the expanded
boundaries.
(4) Section 312 of the National Parks and Recreation Act of
1978 (Public Law 95-625; 92 Stat. 3479) authorized the
Secretary to accept the conveyance of the birthplaces in
Quincy, Massachusetts, of John Adams, second President of the
United States, and John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the
United States, and to administer the birthplaces as part of the
Adams National Historic Site.
(5) In 1980, Public Law 96-435 (94 Stat. 1861) authorized
the Secretary to accept the conveyance of the United First
Parish Church in Quincy, Massachusetts, the burial site of John
Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams, and John Quincy Adams and
his wife, Louisa Adams, and to administer the burial site as
part of the Adams National Historic Site.
(6) The actions described in the preceding paragraphs to
preserve for the benefit, education, and inspiration of present
and future generations of Americans the home, property,
birthplaces, and burial site of John Adams, Abigail Adams, John
Quincy Adams, and Louisa Adams, have resulted in a multi-site
unit of the National Park System with no overarching enabling
or authorizing legislation.
(7) The sites and resources associated with John Adams and
his wife, Abigail Adams, and John Quincy Adams and his wife,
Louisa Adams, deserve recognition as a national historical park
in the National Park System.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) Historical park.--The term ``historical park'' means
the Adams National Historical Park established in section 4.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 4. ADAMS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK.
(a) Establishment.--In order to preserve for the benefit,
education, and inspiration of the people of the United States certain
properties in Quincy, Massachusetts, associated with John Adams, second
President of the United States, his wife, Abigail Adams, John Quincy
Adams, sixth President of the United States, and his wife, Louisa
Adams, there is established the Adams National Historical Park as a
unit of the National Park System.
(b) Boundaries.--The historical park shall be comprised of--
(1) all property owned by the National Park Service in the
Adams National Historic Site as of the date of the enactment of
this Act, as well as all property previously authorized to be
acquired by the Secretary for inclusion in the Adams National
Historic Site, as generally depicted on the map entitled
``Adams National Historical Park'', numbered NARO 386/92001,
and dated July 22, 1992; and
(2) all property authorized to be acquired for inclusion in
the historical park by this Act or other law enacted after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Visitor and Administrative Sites.--To preserve the historical
character and landscape of the main features of the historical park,
the Secretary may acquire up to 10 acres for the development of
visitor, administrative, museum, curatorial, and maintenance facilities
adjacent to or in the general proximity of the property depicted on the
map identified in subsection (b)(1).
(d) Map.--The map of the historical park shall be on file and
available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the
National Park Service.
SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--The park shall be administered by the Secretary in
accordance with this Act and the provisions of law generally applicable
to units of the National Park System, including the Act of August 25,
1916 (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.; commonly known as the National Park Service
Organic Act), and the Act of August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.;
commonly known as the Historic Sites, Buildings, and Antiquities Act).
(b) Cooperative Agreements.--
(1) Agreements authorized.--The Secretary may consult and
enter into cooperative agreements with interested entities and
individuals to provide for the preservation, development,
interpretation, and use of the historical park.
(2) Condition.--Any payments made by the Secretary pursuant
to a cooperative agreement under this subsection shall be
subject to the condition that conversion, use, or disposal of
the project for which the payments are made for purposes
contrary to the purposes for which the historical park is
established, as determined by the Secretary, will result in a
right of the United States to reimbursement in an amount equal
to the greater of--
(A) all payments made by the Secretary in
connection with the project; or
(B) the proportion of the increased value of the
project attributable to the payments, as determined at
the time of such conversion, use, or disposal.
(c) Acquisition of Real Property.--To advance the purposes for
which the historical park is established, the Secretary may acquire
real property within the boundaries of the historical park by any of
the following methods:
(1) Purchase using funds appropriated or donated to the
Secretary.
(2) Acceptance of a donation of the real property.
(3) Use of a land exchange.
(d) Repeal of Superseded Administrative Authorities.--(1) Section
312 of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-
625; 92 Stat. 3479) is amended--
(A) by striking ``(a)'' after ``Sec. 312.''; and
(B) by striking subsection (b).
(2) The first section of Public Law 96-435 (94 Stat. 1861) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``(a)'' after ``That''; and
(B) by striking subsection (b).
(e) References to Historic Site.--Any reference in any law (other
than this Act), regulation, document, record, map, or other paper of
the United States to the Adams National Historic Site shall be
considered to be a reference to the historical park.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes for which the historical park is
established, for annual operations and maintenance of the historical
park, and for acquisition of property and development of facilities
necessary to operate and maintain the historical park, as may be
outlined in an approved general management plan for the historical
park. | Adams National Historical Park Act of 1998 - Establishes as a unit of the National Park System the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, Massachusetts, to preserve certain properties associated with John and John Quincy Adams, the second and sixth Presidents of the United States, and their wives. Requires the Park to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements for the Park's preservation, development, interpretation, and use.
Authorizes appropriations. | Adams National Historical Park Act of 1998 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Family Health Care Accessibility Act
of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Community Health Centers (CHCs) are nonprofit,
community supported health care facilities providing primary
and preventive health care services to over 15,000,000 low-
income, underinsured, and uninsured families.
(2) Nearly 70 percent of CHC patients have family incomes
at or below poverty ($15,000 annual income for a family of
three). In addition, nearly 40 percent of CHC patients are
uninsured.
(3) For many patients, CHCs are the only source of health
care services available. While the number of uninsured patients
at CHCs is rapidly growing--from around 3,900,000 in 1998 to
over 5,900,000 today--the number of physicians available to
treat these patients is decreasing.
(4) There is a critical shortage of physicians available at
CHCs to meet the health care needs of the uninsured and
underinsured. The Journal of the American Medical Association
reports a 13-percent vacancy rate for family physicians, a 9-
percent vacancy rate for internists, a 20-percent vacancy rate
for OB-GYNs and a 22-percent vacancy rate for psychiatrists.
(5) Physicians hired by CHCs are covered by the Federal
Tort Claims Act for medical liability costs. However,
physicians who wish to volunteer at CHCs are not covered by the
Federal Tort Claims Act.
(6) CHCs have limited resources to meet the current and
future needs of the uninsured and underinsured. Physicians are
willing to volunteer at CHCs, however, they are dissuaded from
doing so because of the cost of medical liability insurance.
Extending Federal Tort Claims Act coverage to volunteer
physicians would result in more patients being served at a
lower cost at CHCs.
SEC. 3. HEALTH CENTERS UNDER PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT; LIABILITY
PROTECTIONS FOR VOLUNTEER PRACTITIONERS.
(a) In General.--Section 224 of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 233) is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(1)(A)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``or
employee'' and inserting ``employee, or (subject to
subsection (k)(4)) volunteer practitioner''; and
(B) in the second sentence, by inserting ``and
subsection (k)(4)'' after ``subject to paragraph (5)'';
and
(2) in each of subsections (g), (i), (j), (k), (l), and
(m)--
(A) by striking the term ``employee, or
contractor'' each place such term appears and inserting
``employee, volunteer practitioner, or contractor'';
(B) by striking the term ``employee, and
contractor'' each place such term appears and inserting
``employee, volunteer practitioner, and contractor'';
(C) by striking the term ``employee, or any
contractor'' each place such term appears and inserting
``employee, volunteer practitioner, or contractor'';
and
(D) by striking the term ``employees, or
contractors'' each place such term appears and
inserting ``employees, volunteer practitioners, or
contractors''.
(b) Applicability; Definition.--Section 224(k) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 233(k)) is amended by adding at the end the
following paragraph:
``(4)(A) Subsections (g) through (m) apply with respect to
volunteer practitioners beginning with the first fiscal year for which
an appropriations Act provides that amounts in the fund under paragraph
(2) are available with respect to such practitioners.
``(B) For purposes of subsections (g) through (m), the term
`volunteer practitioner' means a practitioner who, with respect to an
entity described in subsection (g)(4), meets the following conditions:
``(i) The practitioner is a licensed physician or a
licensed clinical psychologist.
``(ii) At the request of such entity, the practitioner
provides services to patients of the entity, at a site at which
the entity operates or at a site designated by the entity. The
weekly number of hours of services provided to the patients by
the practitioner is not a factor with respect to meeting
conditions under this subparagraph.
``(iii) The practitioner does not for the provision of such
services receive any compensation from such patients, from the
entity, or from third-party payors (including reimbursement
under any insurance policy or health plan, or under any Federal
or State health benefits program).''. | Family Health Care Accessibility Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem volunteer practitioners who provide medical services to patients at certain nonprofit health centers in underserved areas as employees of the Public Health Service (thus extending the liability protections of the Federal Tort Claims Act to such practitioners).
Defines "volunteer practitioner" as a licensed physician or licensed clinical psychologist who provides services to patients of a health center without compensation or reimbursement at a health center site or a site designated by a health center. | To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide liability protections for volunteer practitioners at health centers under section 330 of such Act. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Family Self-Sufficiency Act of
2009''.
SEC. 2. ADMINISTRATIVE FEES FOR FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM COSTS.
Subsection (h) of section 23 of the United States Housing Act of
1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437u(h)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and
inserting the following new paragraph:
``(1) Section 8 fees.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
fee under section 8(q) for the costs incurred in
administering the self-sufficiency program under this
section to assist families receiving voucher assistance
through section 8(o).
``(B) Eligibility for fee.--The fee shall provide
funding for family self-sufficiency coordinators as
follows:
``(i) Base fee.--A public housing agency
serving 25 or more participants in the family
self-sufficiency program under this section
shall receive a fee equal to the costs of
employing one full-time family self-sufficiency
coordinator. An agency serving fewer than 25
such participants shall receive a prorated fee.
``(ii) Additional fee.--An agency that
meets minimum performance standards shall
receive an additional fee sufficient to cover
the costs of employing a second family self-
sufficiency coordinator if the agency has 75 or
more participating families, and a third such
coordinator if it has 125 or more participating
families.
``(iii) Previously funded agencies.--An
agency that received funding from the
Department of Housing and Urban Development for
more than three such coordinators in any of
fiscal years 1999 through 2008 shall receive
funding for the highest number of coordinators
funded in a single fiscal year during that
period, provided they meet applicable size and
performance standards.
``(iv) Initial year.--For the first year in
which a public housing agency exercises its
right to develop an family self-sufficiency
program for its residents, it shall be entitled
to funding to cover the costs of up to one
family self-sufficiency coordinator, based on
the size specified in its action plan for such
program.
``(v) State and regional agencies.--For
purposes of calculating the family self-
sufficiency portion of the administrative fee
under this subparagraph, each administratively
distinct part of a State or regional public
housing agency shall be treated as a separate
agency.
``(vi) Determination of number of
coordinators.--In determining whether a public
housing agency meets a specific threshold for
funding pursuant to this paragraph, the number
of participants being served by the agency in
its family self-sufficiency program shall be
considered to be the average number of families
enrolled in such agency's program during the
course of the most recent fiscal year for which
the Department of Housing and Urban Development
has data.
``(C) Proration.--If insufficient funds are
available in any fiscal year to fund all of the
coordinators authorized under this section, the first
priority shall be given to funding one coordinator at
each agency with an existing family self-sufficiency
program. The remaining funds shall be prorated based on
the number of remaining coordinators to which each
agency is entitled under this subparagraph.
``(D) Recapture.--Any fees allocated under this
subparagraph by the Secretary in a fiscal year that
have not been spent by the end of the subsequent fiscal
year shall be recaptured by the Secretary and shall be
available for providing additional fees pursuant to
subparagraph (B)(ii).
``(E) Performance standards.--Within six months
after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the
Secretary shall publish a proposed rule specifying the
performance standards applicable to funding under
clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (B). Such
standards shall include requirements applicable to the
leveraging of in-kind services and other resources to
support the goals of the family self-sufficiency
program.
``(F) Data collection.--Public housing agencies
receiving funding under this paragraph shall collect
and report to the Secretary, in such manner as the
Secretary shall require, information on the performance
of their family self-sufficiency programs.
``(G) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct a
formal and scientific evaluation of the effectiveness
of well-run family self-sufficiency programs, using
random assignment of participants to the extent
practicable. Not later than the expiration of the 4-
year period beginning upon the enactment of this
paragraph, the Secretary shall submit an interim
evaluation report to the Congress. Not later than the
expiration of the 8-year period beginning upon such
enactment, the Secretary shall submit a final
evaluation report to the Congress. There is authorized
to be appropriated $10,000,000 to carry out the
evaluation under this subparagraph.
``(H) Incentives for innovation and high
performance.--The Secretary may reserve up to 10
percent of the amounts made available for
administrative fees under this paragraph to provide
support to or reward family self-sufficiency programs
that are particularly innovative or highly successful
in achieving the goals of the program.''.
Passed the House of Representatives April 29, 2009.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | Family Self-Sufficiency Act of 2009 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise requirements for the administrative fee payable to public housing agencies to cover the costs of administering family self-sufficiency programs in connection with the housing choice voucher program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Prescribes: (1) a base fee for a public housing agency serving 25 or more program participants equal to the costs of employing one full-time family self-sufficiency coordinator (prorated for an agency serving fewer than 25 such participants); and (2) an additional fee for an agency meeting minimum performance standards to cover the costs of employing a second coordinator if the agency has 75 or more participating families, and a third coordinator if it has 125 or more participating families.
Permits the Secretary to reserve certain amounts to provide support to or reward family self-sufficiency programs that are particularly innovative or highly successful in achieving program goals. | To provide for payment of an administrative fee to public housing agencies to cover the costs of administering family self-sufficiency programs in connection with the housing choice voucher program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Expanding Research for Women in
Trauma Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Most studies of violence against women currently focus
on physical abuse or rape, primarily because they are easier to
identify and measure and are potentially lethal, however,
almost all battered women describe psychological abuse as the
most harmful.
(2) Most available research on violence against women has
focused on young to middle-aged white women living in the
community although available data shows that incarcerated
women, women living in poverty, women belonging to minority
ethnic and language groups, older women, and women with mental
and physical disabilities report especially high rates of
victimization.
(3) Victims of violence are at increased risk for a number
of physical and mental health problems, for example, in primary
care practice, women who have been raped report more symptoms
of illness and more negative health behaviors than
nonvictimized women.
(4) Effective methods for screening to identify women
affected by violence are prerequisite to understanding the
outcomes of abuse-sensitive medical care, for example, the
effect of medical attention to violence on perceived health
utilization of health services over time, and patient
satisfaction.
(5) Violence against women occurs in a sociocultural
context. More research should be conducted to identify
sociocultural factors that promote and maintain violence
against women and to learn how sociocultural factors, such as
gender roles and poverty, mediate the effects of interpersonal
victimization.
(6) There are a number of community-based and legal system
interventions available to victims of interpersonal violence.
However, there is little evaluation research on the
effectiveness of these interventions, especially for various
subpopulations of women. More research needs to be conducted on
the effectiveness of legal and community-based interventions,
not only those with the goal of changing the behavior of
assailants but also those with the goal of helping women take
safety-promoting actions.
(7) Much of the research on violence against women examines
continuing rates of physical or psychological abuse as outcome
measures and measures the behavior of the perpetrators, not
something over which the woman has direct and immediate
control. However, research on the women's attempts to manage
and end the violence in their lives is rare.
(8) Much of the extant research has focused on violence
against women in the streets (sexual assault) or in their homes
(domestic violence and battering). However, consistent focus on
violence against women in work-related (violence by partners in
these settings and by coworkers and colleagues) and educational
contexts has been more limited.
SEC. 3. RESEARCH INITIATIVES.
Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
280g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 399O. VIOLENCE PREVENTION RESEARCH INITIATIVES.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Director
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Director of the
National Institute of Mental Health, the Director of the Office of
Research on Women's Health, the Director of the Office of Women's
Health, the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the
Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the
Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
the Director of the Office of Behavioral and Social Science, the
Director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, and
the Director of the National Center on Minority Health and Health
Disparities shall make grants and enter into contracts to--
``(1) increase research on the psychological sequelae of
violence against women;
``(2) expand research on special populations and their risk
for violence, including adolescents, older women, ethnic
minorities, women with disabilities, and other affected
populations;
``(3) increase research on violence against women as a risk
factor for various mental and physical health problems;
``(4) develop and test effective methods of screening for
violence in all points of entry to the health care system,
including mental health, emergency medicine, and primary care;
``(5) expand and enhance research on socioeconomic and
sociocultural correlates of violence, such as the factors that
create the predisposition toward violent behavior, situational
variables that trigger the expression of violence, and social
processes that allow violence to continue without negative
consequences to the perpetrator;
``(6) develop systematic and quantifiable measures to
evaluate treatment programs for victims and perpetrators of
violence;
``(7) conduct research to increase better understanding of
the complex process victimized women go through in attempting
to manage and end the violence in their lives and focus on
resilience and coping mechanisms; and
``(8) develop standardized questions concerning rape,
battering, and sexual harassment in work-related and
educational contexts to be routinely included in governmentally
sponsored national surveys in order to obtain a fuller and more
accurate assessment of the nature, prevalence, and effect of
multiple forms of violence against women in these settings.
``(b) Maximum Amount.--The Secretary shall not award a grant under
this section in an amount which exceeds $500,000.
``(c) Duration.--The Secretary shall award grants under this
section for a period not to exceed 5 years.
``(d) Application.--
``(1) In general.--Each eligible entity desiring a grant
under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary
at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such
information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
``(2) Contents.--Each application submitted pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) describe the activities for which assistance
under this section is sought; and
``(B) provide such additional assurances as the
Secretary determines to be essential to ensure
compliance with the requirements of this section.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be
necessary.''. | Expanding Research for Women in Trauma Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to makes grants and enter into contracts for violence against women prevention research initiatives. | A bill to expand research for women in trauma. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Keeping Our Promise to Special
Education Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Children with disabilities are guaranteed an equal
opportunity to an education under the 14th Amendment to the
Constitution.
(2) While States and local educational agencies are
responsible for providing an education for all children with
disabilities, it is in the national interest that the Federal
Government have a role in assisting State and local efforts to
educate children with disabilities in order to improve results
for those children and to ensure equal protection of the law.
(3) It is estimated that the excess expense of educating a
child with a disability is equal to 40 percent of the national
average per pupil expenditure.
(4) Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
Congress committed the Federal Government to contributing up to
40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditure for
the purpose of educating children with disabilities.
(5) To date, the Federal Government has never contributed
more than 15 percent of the maximum state grant allocation for
educating children with disabilities under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act.
SEC. 3. PURPOSE.
It is the purpose of this Act to reach the Federal Government's
goal of providing 40 percent of the national average per pupil
expenditure for the purpose of education all children with disabilities
by fiscal year 2011.
SEC. 4. 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 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) the following percentages of the average
current per-pupil expenditure in public elementary and
secondary schools in the United States for the
following fiscal years:
``(i) 20 percent for fiscal year 2002.
``(ii) 22 percent for fiscal year 2003.
``(iii) 24 percent for fiscal year 2004.
``(iv) 26 percent for fiscal year 2005.
``(v) 28 percent for fiscal year 2006.
``(vi) 30 percent for fiscal year 2007.
``(vii) 32 percent for fiscal year 2008.
``(viii) 34 percent for fiscal year 2009.
``(ix) 37 percent for fiscal year 2010.
``(x) 40 percent for fiscal year 2011 and
each subsequent fiscal year.
``(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 Keeping Our Promise to Special
Education Act of 2001)''; 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)''.
SEC. 5. USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS UNDER THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
EDUCATION ACT.
Section 613(a)(2)(C) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (20 U.S.C. 1413(a)(2)(C)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and
(2) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
``(ii) If a local educational agency
chooses to utilize the authority under clause
(i) to treat as local funds up to 20 percent of
the amount of funds the agency receives under
this part that exceeds the amount it received
under this part for the previous fiscal year,
then the agency shall use those local funds to
provide additional funding for programs under
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965, including, but not limited to, programs
that address school safety, teacher quality and
professional development, before and after
school learning opportunities, comprehensive
school reform and literacy, class size
reduction, school construction and
modernization, or related education programs
authorized under Federal or State law.''.
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect on
October 1, 2001. | Keeping Our Promise to Special Education Act of 2001 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to specify mandatory minimum levels of Federal grant payments to States for assistance for education of all children with disabilities.Requires local educational agencies, if they choose to treat certain IDEA funds as local funds, to use them to provide additional funding for programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. | 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 ``Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform
Act''.
SEC. 2. USE OF UNDERUSED STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FACILITIES.
(a) In General.--Section 168 of the Energy Policy and Conservation
Act (42 U.S.C. 6247a) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 168. USE OF UNDERUSED FACILITIES.
``(a) Leasing of Facilities.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this title, the Secretary may establish a program (referred to
in this section as the `program') under which the Secretary may
lease underused storage facilities and related facilities of
the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to--
``(A) private entities; and
``(B) foreign governments.
``(2) Exclusion from strategic petroleum reserve.--
Petroleum products stored in a storage facility or related
facility leased under the program shall not be part of the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
``(b) Protection of Facilities.--Each lease entered into under the
program shall contain provisions requiring the lessee to pay fees to
fully compensate the United States for all costs relating to the
storage and removal of petroleum products (including the proportionate
cost of any replacement facility necessitated as a result of any
withdrawal) incurred by the United States as a result of the lease.
``(c) Access to Petroleum Products by the United States.--The
Secretary shall ensure that each lease entered into under the program
shall not impair the ability of the United States to withdraw,
distribute, or sell petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum
Reserve in response to--
``(1) an energy emergency; or
``(2) the obligations of the United States under the
international energy program.
``(d) National Security.--The Secretary shall ensure that any lease
entered into under the program with a foreign government shall not
impair national security.
``(e) Deposits of Amounts Received.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
amounts received from a lease entered into under the program
shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury during
the fiscal year in which the amounts are received.
``(2) Payment of costs.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the Secretary, without further
appropriation, may use amounts received from a lease
entered into under the program for the costs described
in subsection (b).
``(B) Exception.--The Secretary may not use amounts
received from a lease entered into under the program
for any cost described in subsection (f).
``(f) Preparation of Facilities.--The Secretary may use amounts
available in the Energy Security and Infrastructure Modernization Fund
established by section 404 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (42
U.S.C. 6239 note; Public Law 114-74) for costs described in subsection
(b) that relate to the addition of a facility or changes to a facility
or facility operations necessary to lease the facility, including costs
relating to--
``(1) the acquisition of land;
``(2) the acquisition of any ancillary facility or
equipment;
``(3) site development; and
``(4) other necessary costs relating to capital
improvement.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the Energy
Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. prec. 6201) is amended by
striking the item relating to section 168 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 168. Use of underused facilities.''.
SEC. 3. PILOT PROGRAM TO LEASE STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FACILITIES.
(a) In General.--Part B of title I of the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6231 et seq.) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``SEC. 170. PILOT PROGRAM TO LEASE STORAGE AND RELATED FACILITIES.
``(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act, as part of the
program established under section 168, the Secretary shall establish a
pilot program (referred to in this section as the `pilot program') to
make available for lease--
``(1) capacity for storage of not more than 200,000,000
barrels of petroleum products at storage facilities of the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve; and
``(2) related facilities.
``(b) Contents.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary
shall--
``(1) identify appropriate storage facilities and related
facilities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to lease, to make
maximum use of those facilities;
``(2) identify and implement any changes to facilities or
facility operations necessary to lease the facilities
identified under paragraph (1), including any changes necessary
to ensure the long-term structural viability and use of the
facilities for purposes of this part and part C;
``(3) make the facilities identified under paragraph (1)
available for lease; and
``(4) identify environmental effects, including benefits,
of leasing storage facilities and related facilities of the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
``(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act, the Secretary shall submit
to Congress a report describing the status of the pilot program.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the Energy
Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. prec. 6201) is amended by adding
at the end of the items relating to part B of title I the following:
``Sec. 170. Pilot program to lease storage and related facilities.''. | Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Department of Energy (DOE)to lease underutilized Strategic Petroleum Reserve storage facilities to private entities. Currently, DOE may only lease these storage facilities to foreign governments. DOE must conduct a pilot program to lease underutilized storage facilities. The program must make available capacity for storage of up to 200 million barrels of petroleum products. | Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Arming Pilots Against Terrorism
Act''.
SEC. 2. FEDERAL FLIGHT DECK OFFICER PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 449 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44921. Federal flight deck officer program
``(a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the Under Secretary of Transportation for
Security shall establish a program to deputize qualified volunteer
pilots of passenger aircraft as Federal law enforcement officers to
defend the flight decks of aircraft of air carriers engaged in air
transportation or intrastate air transportation against acts of
criminal violence or air piracy. Such officers shall be known as
`Federal flight deck officers'. The program shall be administered in
connection with the Federal air marshal program.
``(b) Qualified Pilot.--Under the program, a qualified pilot is a
pilot of an aircraft engaged in air transportation or intrastate air
transportation who--
``(1) is employed by an air carrier;
``(2) has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Under
Secretary fitness to be a Federal flight deck officer under the
program; and
``(3) has been the subject of an employment investigation
(including a criminal history record check) under section
44936(a)(1).
``(c) Training, Supervision, and Equipment.--The Under Secretary of
Transportation for Security shall provide training, supervision, and
equipment necessary for a qualified pilot to be a Federal flight deck
officer under this section at no expense to the pilot or the air
carrier employing the pilot.
``(d) Deputization.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall deputize, as a
Federal flight deck officer under this section, any qualified
pilot who submits to the Under Secretary a request to be such
an officer.
``(2) Initial deputization.--Not later than 120 days after
the date of enactment of this section, the Under Secretary
shall deputize not fewer than 500 qualified pilots who are
former military or law enforcement personnel as Federal flight
deck officers under this section.
``(3) Full implementation.--Not later than 24 months after
the date of enactment of this section, the Under Secretary
shall deputize any qualified pilot as a Federal flight deck
officer under this section.
``(e) Compensation.--Pilots participating in the program under this
section shall not be eligible for compensation from the Federal
Government for services provided as a Federal flight deck officer.
``(f) Authority To Carry Firearms.--The Under Secretary shall
authorize a Federal flight deck officer under this section to carry a
firearm while engaged in providing air transportation or intrastate air
transportation.
``(g) Authority To Use Force.--Notwithstanding section 44903(d), a
Federal flight deck officer may use force (including lethal force)
against an individual in the defense of an aircraft in air
transportation or intrastate air transportation if the officer
reasonably believes that the security of the aircraft is at risk.
``(h) Limitation on Liability.--
``(1) Liability of air carriers.--An air carrier shall not
be liable for damages in any action brought in a Federal or
State court arising out of the air carrier employing a pilot of
an aircraft who is a Federal flight deck officer under this
section or out of the acts or omissions of the pilot in
defending an aircraft of the air carrier against acts of
criminal violence or air piracy.
``(2) Liability of federal flight deck officers.--A Federal
flight deck officer shall not be liable for damages in any
action brought in a Federal or State court arising out of the
acts or omissions of the officer in defending an aircraft
against acts of criminal violence or air piracy unless the
officer is guilty of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
``(i) Regulations.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the Under Secretary, in consultation with
the Firearms Training Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
shall issue regulations to carry out this section.
``(j) Pilot Defined.--The term `pilot' means an individual
responsible for the operation of aircraft.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Chapter analysis.--The analysis for such chapter is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 44920
the following:
``44921. Federal flight deck officer program.''.
(2) Employment investigations.--Section 44936(a)(1)(B) is
amended--
(A) by aligning clause (iii) with clause (ii);
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (iii);
(C) by striking the period at the end of clause
(iv) and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) qualified pilots who are deputized as Federal flight
deck officers under section 44921.''.
(3) Flight deck security.--Section 128 of the Aviation and
Transportation Security Act (Public Law 107-71) is repealed. | Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act - Amends Federal law to direct the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security to establish a program to: (1) deputize qualified volunteer pilots of passenger aircraft as Federal flight deck officers; and (2) provide training, supervision, and equipment for such officers.Directs the Under Secretary to authorize flight deck officers to carry firearms and to use force, including lethal force, when they judge the security of an aircraft is at risk. Shields air carriers from liability for damages in Federal or State court arising out of the actions or omissions of a flight deck officer defending a plane from criminal violence or air piracy. Shields flight deck officers from liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. | A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to establish a program for Federal flight deck officers, 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, 2001,
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, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to the Nation. | 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 ``Retiree Health Benefits Protection
Act''.
SEC. 2. RULES GOVERNING LITIGATION INVOLVING RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS.
(a) In General.--Part 5 of subtitle B of title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 516. RULES GOVERNING LITIGATION INVOLVING RETIREE HEALTH
BENEFITS.
``(a) Maintenance of Benefits.--
``(1) In general.--If--
``(A) retiree health benefits or plan or plan
sponsor payments in connection with such benefits are
to be or have been terminated or reduced under an
employee welfare benefit plan; and
``(B) an action is brought by any participant or
beneficiary to enjoin or otherwise modify such
termination or reduction,
the court without requirement of any additional showing shall
promptly order the plan and plan sponsor to maintain the
retiree health benefits and payments at the level in effect
immediately before the termination or reduction while the
action is pending in any court. No security or other
undertaking shall be required of any participant or beneficiary
as a condition for issuance of such relief. An order requiring
such maintenance of benefits may be refused or dissolved only
upon determination by the court, on the basis of clear and
convincing evidence, that the action is clearly without merit.
``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any
action if--
``(A) the termination or reduction of retiree
health benefits is substantially similar to a
termination or reduction in health benefits (if any)
provided to current employees which occurs either
before, or at or about the same time as, the
termination or reduction of retiree health benefits, or
``(B) the changes in benefits are in connection
with the addition, expansion, or clarification of the
delivery system, including utilization review
requirements and restrictions, requirements that goods
or services be obtained through managed care entities
or specified providers or categories of providers, or
other special major case management restrictions.
``(3) Modifications.--Nothing in this section shall
preclude a court from modifying the obligation of a plan or
plan sponsor to the extent retiree benefits are otherwise being
paid by the plan sponsor.
``(b) Burden of Proof.--In addition to the relief authorized in
subsection (a) or otherwise available, if, in any action to which
subsection (a)(1) applies, the terms of the employee welfare benefit
plan summary plan description or, in the absence of such description,
other materials distributed to employees at the time of a participant's
retirement or disability, are silent or are ambiguous, either on their
face or after consideration of extrinsic evidence, as to whether
retiree health benefits and payments may be terminated or reduced for a
participant and his or her beneficiaries after the participant's
retirement or disability, then the benefits and payments shall not be
terminated or reduced for the participant and his or her beneficiaries
unless the plan or plan sponsor establishes by a preponderance of the
evidence that the summary plan description or other materials about
retiree benefits--
``(1) were distributed to the participant at least 90 days
in advance of retirement or disability;
``(2) did not promise retiree health benefits for the
lifetime of the participant and his or her spouse; and
``(3) clearly and specifically disclosed that the plan
allowed such termination or reduction as to the participant
after the time of his or her retirement or disability.
The disclosure described in paragraph (3) must have been made
prominently and in language which can be understood by the average plan
participant.
``(c) Representation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
an employee representative of any retired employee or the employee's
spouse or dependents may--
``(1) bring an action described in this section on behalf
of such employee, spouse, or dependents; or
``(2) appear in such an action on behalf of such employee,
spouse or dependents.
``(d) Retiree Health Benefits.--For the purposes of this section,
the term `retiree health benefits' means health benefits (including
coverage) which are provided to--
``(1) retired or disabled employees who, immediately before
the termination or reduction, have a reasonable expectation to
receive such benefits upon retirement or becoming disabled; and
``(2) their spouses or dependents.''
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 of
such Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 515
the following new item:
``Sec. 516. Rules governing litigation involving retiree health
benefits.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to actions relating to terminations or reductions of retiree
health benefits which are pending or brought, on or after March 23,
1995. | Retiree Health Benefits Protection Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to add rules governing litigation involving the termination or reduction of retiree health benefits. | Retiree Health Benefits Protection Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Low Income Taxpayer Protection Act
of 2001''.
SEC. 2. REGULATION OF INCOME TAX RETURN PREPARERS AND REFUND
ANTICIPATION LOAN PROVIDERS.
(a) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Income tax return preparer.--
(A) In general.--The term ``income tax return
preparer'' means any individual who is an income tax
return preparer (within the meaning of section
7701(a)(36) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) who
prepares not less than 5 returns of tax imposed by
subtitle A of such Code or claims for refunds of tax
imposed by such subtitle A per taxable year.
(B) Exception.--Such term shall not include a
federally authorized tax practitioner within the
meaning of section of 7526(a)(3) of such Code.
(2) Refund anticipation loan provider.--The term ``refund
anticipation loan provider'' means a person who makes a loan of
money or of any other thing of value to a taxpayer because of
the taxpayer's anticipated receipt of a Federal tax refund.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Treasury.
(b) Regulations.--
(1) Registration required.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
promulgate regulations that--
(i) require the registration of income tax
return preparers and of refund anticipation
loan providers with the Secretary or the
designee of the Secretary, and
(ii) prohibit the payment of a refund of
tax to a refund anticipation loan provider or
an income tax return preparer that is the
result of a tax return which is prepared by the
refund anticipation loan provider or the income
tax return preparer which does not include the
refund anticipation loan provider's or the
income tax return preparer's registration
number.
(B) No disciplinary action.--The regulations shall
require that an applicant for registration must not
have demonstrated any conduct that would warrant
disciplinary action under part 10 of title 31, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(C) Burden of registration.--In promulgating the
regulations, the Secretary shall minimize the burden
and cost on the registrant.
(2) Rules of conduct.--All registrants shall be subject to
rules of conduct that are consistent with the rules that govern
federally authorized tax practitioners.
(3) Reasonable fees and interest rates.--The Secretary,
after consultation with any expert as the Secretary deems
appropriate, shall include in the regulations guidance on
reasonable fees and interest rates charged to taxpayers in
connection with loans to taxpayers made by refund anticipation
loan providers.
(4) Renewal of registration.--The regulations shall
determine the time frame required for renewal of registration
and the manner in which a registered income tax return preparer
or a registered refund anticipation loan provider must renew
such registration.
(5) Fees.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary may require the
payment of reasonable fees for registration and for
renewal of registration under the regulations.
(B) Purpose of fees.--Any fees required under this
paragraph shall inure to the Secretary for the purpose
of reimbursement of the costs of administering the
requirements of the regulations.
(c) Prohibition.--Section 6695 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to other assessable penalties with respect to the preparation
of income tax returns for other persons) is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(h) Actions on a Taxpayer's Behalf by a Non-Registered Person.--
Any person not registered pursuant to the regulations promulgated by
the Secretary under the Low Income Taxpayer Protection Act of 2001
who--
``(1) prepares a tax return for another taxpayer for
compensation, or
``(2) provides a loan to a taxpayer that is linked to or in
anticipation of a tax refund for the taxpayer,
shall be subject to a $500 penalty for each incident of
noncompliance.''.
(d) Coordination with Section 6060(a).--The Secretary shall
determine whether the registration required under the regulations
issued pursuant to this section should be in lieu of the return
requirements of section 6060.
(e) Paperwork Reduction.--The Secretary shall minimize the amount
of paperwork required of a income tax return preparer or a refund
anticipation loan provider to meet the requirements of these
regulations.
SEC. 3. IMPROVED SERVICES FOR TAXPAYERS.
(a) Electronic Filing Efforts.--
(1) In General.--The Secretary shall focus electronic
filing efforts on benefiting the taxpayer by--
(A) reducing the time between receipt of an
electronically filed return and remitting a refund, if
any,
(B) reducing the cost of filing a return
electronically,
(C) improving services provided by the Internal
Revenue Service to low and moderate income taxpayers,
and
(D) providing tax-related computer software at no
or nominal cost to low and moderate income taxpayers.
(2) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit
to Congress a report on the efforts made pursuant to paragraph
(1).
(b) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.--
(1) Study.--The Secretary shall undertake a study on the
expansion of the volunteer income tax assistance program to
service more low income taxpayers.
(2) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit
to Congress a report on the study conducted pursuant to
paragraph (1).
(3) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(A) In general.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for volunteer income tax
assistance clinics $6,000,000, to remain available
until expended.
(B) Use of funds.--Such amounts appropriated under
subparagraph (A) shall be used for the operating
expenses of volunteer income tax assistance clinics,
expenses for providing electronic filing expenditures
through such clinics, and related expenses.
(c) Tele-Filing.--The Secretary shall ensure that tele-filing is
available for all taxpayers for the filing of tax returns with respect
to taxable years beginning in 2001.
(d) Deposit Indicator Program.--
(1) Review.--The Secretary shall review the decision to
reinstate the Deposit Indicator program.
(2) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit
to Congress a report on the review made pursuant to paragraph
(1).
(e) Direct Deposit Accounts.--The Secretary shall allocate
resources to programs to assist low income taxpayers in establishing
accounts at financial institutions that receive direct deposits from
the United States Treasury.
(f) Pilot Program for Mobile Tax Return Filing Offices.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a pilot
program for the creation of four mobile tax return filing
offices with electronic filing capabilities.
(2) Location of service.--
(A) In general.--The mobile tax return filing
offices shall be located in communities that the
Secretary determines have a high incidence of taxpayers
claiming the earned income tax credit.
(B) Indian reservation.--At least one mobile tax
return filing office shall be on or near an Indian
reservation (as defined in section 168(j)(6) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986). | Low Income Taxpayer Protection Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the promulgation of regulations that: (1) require the registration of income tax return preparers and of refund anticipation loan providers; and (2) prohibit the payment of a refund of tax to a refund anticipation loan provider or an income tax return preparer that is the result of a tax return which is prepared by the refund anticipation loan provider or the income tax return preparer which does not include the refund anticipation loan provider's or the income tax return preparer's registration number.Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to focus electronic filing efforts on benefitting the taxpayer by: (1) reducing the time between receipt of an electronically filed return and remitting a refund; (2) reducing the cost of filing a return electronically; (3) improving services provided by the Internal Revenue Service to low and moderate income taxpayers; and (4) providing tax-related computer software at no or nominal cost to low and moderate income taxpayers.Provides for a pilot program for the creation of four mobile tax return filing offices with electronic filing capabilities. | A bill to assist low income taxpayers in preparing and filing their tax returns and to protect taxpayers from unscrupulous refund anticipation loan providers, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Congressional Tribute to Constance
Baker Motley Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Constance Baker Motley was born in 1921, in New Haven,
Connecticut, the daughter of immigrants from the Caribbean
island of Nevis.
(2) In 1943, Constance Baker Motley graduated from New York
University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics.
(3) Upon receiving a law degree from Columbia University in
1946, Constance Baker Motley became a staff attorney at the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (in this Act referred
to as the ``LDF''), and fought tirelessly for 2 decades
alongside Thurgood Marshall and other leading civil rights
lawyers to dismantle segregation throughout the United States.
(4) Constance Baker Motley was the only female attorney on
the LDF legal team that won the landmark desegregation case,
Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
(5) In addition to writing briefs in Brown v. Board of
Education, Motley was trial or appellate counsel in 57 civil
rights cases in the United States Supreme Court, 82 cases in
Federal courts of appeals, 48 cases in Federal district courts,
and numerous cases in State courts. She argued four appeals in
desegregation cases in one day. She won cases that ended de
jure segregation in White only restaurants and lunch counters.
She protected the right of protestors to march, sit-in, freedom
ride, and demonstrate in other ways. She represented Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr., and other jailed civil rights activists and
forced their release when they were arrested and locked up in
Southern jails. She secured the right for Blacks to register,
vote, and have access to the political power structure. She won
education desegregation cases in almost every State in the
South and the District of Columbia and secured the right for
Blacks to attend formerly all White public schools, colleges,
and universities including the representation of James Meredith
against the University of Mississippi, Charlayne Hunter Gault
and Hamilton Holmes against the University of Georgia,
Autherine Lucy against the University of Alabama, Harvey Gantt
against Clemson College, and Ernest Morial against Louisiana
State University. Without her victories in the courtroom, the
goal of ending racial segregation in public schools, colleges,
and universities, public accommodations, and voting--a goal of
the Civil Rights Movement--may not have been achieved.
(6) As the country celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the
``Birmingham Movement'', it is noted that Motley was the
attorney who went South and represented Dr. King, defended his
right to march in Birmingham, Alabama, and Albany, Georgia, and
obtained the court order which mandated the reinstatement of
over 1,000 school children who had been expelled from school
for demonstrating with Dr. King in Birmingham fifty years ago.
She represented ``Freedom Riders'' who rode buses to test the
Supreme Court's 1960 ruling prohibiting segregation in
interstate transportation. She protected the right of Blacks to
ride and sit in any vacant seat on buses and trains, to use
bathroom facilities and drink from fountains in bus and train
stations, to be served and eat at lunch counters and
restaurants, to vote, stay in hotels, and to go to parks,
museums, and places of public accommodations on an equal basis
with Whites. She won the case in the Supreme Court that led to
the reversal of all arrests and convictions of all of the
thousands of sit-in activists.
(7) Constance Baker Motley argued 10 major civil rights
cases before the Supreme Court, winning all but one.
(8) Constance Baker Motley's only loss before the United
States Supreme Court was in Swain v. Alabama, 380 U.S. 202
(1965), a case in which the Supreme Court refused to proscribe
race-based peremptory challenges in cases involving African-
American defendants, and which was later reversed in Batson v.
Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79 (1986), on grounds that were largely
asserted by Constance Baker Motley in the Swain case.
(9) In 1964, Constance Baker Motley became the first
African-American woman elected to the New York State Senate.
(10) In 1965, Constance Baker Motley became the first
African-American woman, and the first woman, to serve as
president of the Borough of Manhattan.
(11) Constance Baker Motley, in her capacity as an elected
public official in New York, continued to fight for civil
rights, dedicating herself to the revitalization of the inner
city and improvement of urban public schools and housing.
(12) In 1966, Constance Baker Motley was appointed by
President Lyndon B. Johnson as a judge on the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York.
(13) The appointment of Constance Baker Motley made her the
first African-American woman, and only the fifth woman,
appointed and confirmed for a Federal judgeship.
(14) In 1982, Constance Baker Motley was elevated to Chief
Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York, the largest Federal trial court in the
United States.
(15) Constance Baker Motley assumed senior status in 1986,
and continued serving on the United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York with distinction for nearly 2
decades.
(16) Constance Baker Motley passed away on September 28,
2005, and is survived by her son, Joel Motley III, her 3
grandchildren, her brother, Edward Baker of Florida, and her
sisters Eunice Royster and Marian Green, of New Haven,
Connecticut.
SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Presentation Authorized.--The President pro tempore of the
Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives are authorized
to make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous presentation, on
behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design in
commemoration of Constance Baker Motley, in recognition of her enduring
contributions and service to the United States.
(b) Design and Striking.--For the purpose of the presentation
referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (in this
Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall strike a gold medal with
suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the
Secretary.
SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the
Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal
struck under section 3, at a price sufficient to cover the cost
thereof, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses, and the cost of the gold medal.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL MEDALS.
(a) National Medal.--The medal struck under section 3 is a national
medal for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.
(b) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31,
United States Code, all duplicate medals struck under section 4 shall
be considered to be numismatic items.
SEC. 6. AUTHORITY TO USE FUND AMOUNTS; PROCEEDS OF SALE.
(a) Authority To Use Fund Amounts.--There is authorized to be
charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund such
amounts as may be necessary to pay for the cost of the medals struck
under this Act.
(b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sale of duplicate
bronze medals under section 4 shall be deposited in the United States
Mint Public Enterprise Fund. | Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2013 - Authorizes the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal in commemoration of Constance Baker Motley (civil rights attorney at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., first African-American woman elected to the New York State Senate, and Chief Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York), in recognition of her enduring contributions and service to the United States. | Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2013 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Deepwater Port Modernization Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
Section 3(10) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C.
1502(10)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``for the loading or unloading'' and
inserting ``for the transportation, storage,''; and
(2) by inserting after ``section 23'' the following: ``,
and for any other use consistent with the purposes of this Act,
including transportation of oil from the Outer Continental
Shelf of the United States''.
SEC. 3. LICENSE FOR THE OWNERSHIP, CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF A
DEEPWATER PORT.
Section 4 of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1503) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking the last sentence;
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking paragraph (7); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (10) as
paragraphs (7) through (9), respectively;
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking ``(e)(1) In'' and inserting the
following:
``(e) Terms of Licenses.--
``(1) Conditions.--
``(A) In general.--In'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the first sentence, by striking
``any conditions which he'' and inserting
``only such conditions as the Secretary'';
(ii) by striking ``On petition'' and
inserting the following:
``(B) Preference for license conditions.--To the
maximum extent practicable--
``(i) conditions required to carry out this
Act shall be addressed in license conditions
rather than regulations; and
``(ii) a license shall allow the operating
procedures of a deepwater port to be specified
in an operations manual, prepared in accordance
with section 10(a) and approved by the
Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating, rather than in detailed and
specific license conditions or regulations.
``(C) Review of conditions.--On petition'';
(iii) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting the following:
``(D) Amendment and rescission of conditions.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(iv) in subparagraph (D) (as so
designated), by adding at the end the
following:
``(ii) Procedures for amendments.--An
amendment of a license or operations manual--
``(I) shall not be considered to be
a rulemaking or adjudication within the
meaning of chapter 5 of title 5, United
States Code; and
``(II) may be made in accordance
with such procedures as the Secretary
determines are appropriate given the
issues involved.''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``application,
as approved,'' and inserting ``license''; and
(4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following:
``(f) Amendment, Transfer, or Reinstatement of License.--The
Secretary may amend, transfer, or reinstate a license issued under this
Act on finding that the amendment, transfer, or reinstatement is
consistent with the purposes of this Act.''.
SEC. 4. EXEMPTIONS FROM CERTAIN INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS.
Section 5(c) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1504(c))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Exemptions from certain information requirements.--
The Secretary may exempt a person from any information
requirement under paragraph (2), or under any other provision
of this Act, if the Secretary determines that the information
is not necessary to facilitate the determinations of the
Secretary under section 4.''.
SEC. 5. ANTITRUST REVIEW.
Section 7 of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1506) is
amended--
(1) by striking subsections (a) and (b)(1);
(2) by striking ``(2) Nothing'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) Authority To Challenge Anti-Competitive Situations.--
Nothing'';
(3) by striking ``(3) Nothing'' and inserting the
following:
``(b) Effect on Antitrust Laws.--Nothing''; and
(4) in subsections (a) and (b) (as so redesignated), by
striking ``section'' each place it appears and inserting
``Act''.
SEC. 6. COMMON CARRIER STATUS.
Section 8 of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1507) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and shall accept,
transport, or convey without discrimination all oil delivered
to the deepwater port with respect to which the license of the
deepwater port is issued,'' before ``except as provided''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``(b) A licensee'' and
all that follows through ``However, a licensee is not'' and
inserting the following:
``(b) Exceptions.--A licensee shall not be considered to be
discriminating for the purpose of subsection (a) and shall not be''.
SEC. 7. MARINE PROTECTION AND NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY.
Section 10(a) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1509(a))
is amended--
(1) by striking ``shall prescribe by regulation and enforce
procedures with respect to any deepwater port, including, but
not limited to, rules'' and inserting ``, with respect to a
deepwater port, shall prescribe and enforce procedures, by
regulation or through the operations manual of a licensee,'';
(2) by striking ``unloading procedures'' and inserting
``unloading''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following: ``Compliance by a
licensee with its operations manual, as approved by the
Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating, shall constitute compliance with all requirements
under this Act applicable to the subjects addressed in the
operations manual.''. | Deepwater Port Modernization Act - Amends the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to revise the term "deepwater port" to include a fixed or floating manmade structure (other than a vessel) that is located beyond the territorial sea and off the U.S. coast which is used as a port or terminal for the transportation of oil from the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
Eliminates: (1) certain utilization and transfer restrictions on deepwater ports; and (2) a certain antitrust precondition with respect to the licensing of such ports.
Authorizes the Secretary to exempt a person from certain information requirements with respect to the issuance of a deepwater port license.
Repeals the restriction on the issuance of a deepwater port license requiring that the Secretary of Transportation first receive opinions from the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission as to whether such action would adversely affect competition, restrain trade, promote monopolization, or otherwise contravene the antitrust laws.
Requires a deepwater port, among other things, to accept, transport, or convey without discrimination all oil delivered to it.
Directs the Secretary to prescribe and enforce marine protection and navigational safety procedures with respect to a deepwater port through the operations manual of a deepwater port licensee. (Currently, such procedures are enforced by regulation.) | Deepwater Port Modernization Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement
Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT.
(a) In General.--Chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by adding after section 1028, the following:
``Sec. 1028A. Aggravated identity theft
``(a) Offenses.--
``(1) In general.--Whoever, during and in relation to any
felony violation enumerated in subsection (c), knowingly
transfers, possesses, or uses, without lawful authority, a
means of identification of another person shall, in addition to
the punishment provided for such felony, be sentenced to a term
of imprisonment of 2 years.
``(2) Terrorism offense.--Whoever, during and in relation
to any felony violation enumerated in section 2332b(g)(5)(B),
knowingly transfers, possesses, or uses, without lawful
authority, a means of identification of another person shall,
in addition to the punishment provided for such felony, be
sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 5 years.
``(b) Consecutive Sentence.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law--
``(1) a court shall not place on probation any person
convicted of a violation of this section;
``(2) except as provided in paragraph (4), no term of
imprisonment imposed on a person under this section shall run
concurrently with any other term of imprisonment imposed on the
person under any other provision of law, including any term of
imprisonment imposed for the felony during which the means of
identification was transferred, possessed, or used;
``(3) in determining any term of imprisonment to be imposed
for the felony during which the means of identification was
transferred, possessed, or used, a court shall not in any way
reduce the term to be imposed for such crime so as to
compensate for, or otherwise take into account, any separate
term of imprisonment imposed or to be imposed for a violation
of this section; and
``(4) a term of imprisonment imposed on a person for a
violation of this section may, in the discretion of the court,
run concurrently, in whole or in part, only with another term
of imprisonment that is imposed by the court at the same time
on that person for an additional violation of this section,
provided that such discretion shall be exercised in accordance
with any applicable guidelines and policy statements issued by
the Sentencing Commission pursuant to section 994 of title 28.
``(c) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term `felony
violation enumerated in subsection (c)' means any offense that is a
felony violation of--
``(1) section 664 (relating to theft from employee benefit
plans);
``(2) section 911 (relating to false personation of
citizenship);
``(3) section 922(a)(6) (relating to false statements in
connection with the acquisition of a firearm);
``(4) any provision contained in this chapter (relating to
fraud and false statements), other than this section or section
1028(a)(7);
``(5) any provision contained in chapter 63 (relating to
mail, bank, and wire fraud);
``(6) any provision contained in chapter 69 (relating to
nationality and citizenship);
``(7) any provision contained in chapter 75 (relating to
passports and visas);
``(8) section 523 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C.
6823) (relating to obtaining customer information by false
pretenses);
``(9) section 243 or 266 of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1253 and 1306) (relating to willfully failing to
leave the United States after deportation and creating a
counterfeit alien registration card);
``(10) any provision contained in chapter 8 of title II of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1321 et seq.)
(relating to various immigration offenses); or
``(11) section 208, 1107(b), or 1128B(a) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 408, 1307(b), and 1320a-7b(a))
(relating to false statements relating to programs under the
Act).''.
(b) Amendment to Chapter Analysis.--The table of sections for
chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 1028 the following new item:
``1028A. Aggravated identity theft.''.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING IDENTITY THEFT PROHIBITION.
Section 1028 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(7)--
(A) by striking ``transfers'' and inserting
``transfers, possesses,''; and
(B) by striking ``abet,'' and inserting ``abet, or
in connection with,'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(D), by striking ``transfer'' and
inserting ``transfer, possession,'';
(3) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``three years'' and
inserting ``5 years''; and
(4) in subsection (b)(4), by inserting after ``facilitate''
the following: ``an act of domestic terrorism (as defined under
section 2331(5) of this title) or''. | Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for aggravated identity theft.Prescribes a sentence of: (1) two years imprisonment for knowingly transferring, possessing, or using, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person during and in relation to specified felony violations (including felonies relating to theft from employee benefit plans and to various fraud and immigration offenses), in addition to the punishment provided for such felony; and (2) five years imprisonment for knowingly taking such action during and in relation to specified felony violations pertaining to terrorist acts, in addition to the punishment provided for such felony.Bars probation for any person convicted of such violations. Provides for consecutive sentences, subject to specified limitations.Expands the existing identify theft prohibition to: (1) cover possession of a means of identification of another with intent to commit specified unlawful activity; (2) increase penalties for violations; and (3) include acts of domestic terrorism within the scope of a prohibition against facilitating an act of international terrorism. | To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish penalties for aggravated identity theft, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``District of Columbia National Guard
Retention and College Access Act''.
SEC. 2. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The District of Columbia National Guard is under the
exclusive jurisdiction of the President of the United States as
Commander in Chief and, unlike other National Guards, is
permanently federalized.
(2) The District of Columbia National Guard is unique and
differs from the National Guards of the several States in that
the District of Columbia National Guard is responsible, not
only for residents of the District of Columbia, but also for a
special and unique mission and obligation as a result of the
extensive presence of the Federal Government in the District of
Columbia.
(3) Consequently, the President of the United States,
rather than the chief executive of the District of Columbia, is
in command of the District of Columbia National Guard, and only
the President can call up the District of Columbia National
Guard even for local emergencies.
(4) The District of Columbia National Guard has been
specifically trained to address the unique emergencies that may
occur regarding the presence of the Federal Government in the
District of Columbia.
(5) The great majority of the members of the District of
Columbia National Guard actually live in Maryland or Virginia,
rather than in the District of Columbia.
(6) The District of Columbia National Guard has been
experiencing a disproportionate decline in force in comparison
to the National Guards of Maryland and Virginia.
(7) The States of Maryland and Virginia provide additional
recruiting and retention incentives, such as educational
benefits, in order to maintain their force, and their National
Guards have drawn recruits from the District of Columbia at a
rate that puts at risk the maintenance of the necessary force
levels for the District of Columbia National Guard.
(8) Funds for an educational benefit for members of the
District of Columbia National Guard would provide an incentive
to help reverse the loss of members to nearby National Guards
and allow for maintenance and increase of necessary District of
Columbia National Guard personnel.
(9) The loss of members of the District of Columbia
National Guard could adversely affect the readiness of the
District of Columbia National Guard to respond in the event of
a terrorist attack on the capital of the United States.
(b) Educational Assistance Program Authorized.--The commanding
general of the District of Columbia National Guard (in this section
referred to as the ``commanding general'') may provide financial
assistance under this section to a member of the District of Columbia
National Guard who has satisfactorily completed required initial active
duty service and executes a written agreement to serve in the District
of Columbia National Guard for a period of not less than 6 years, to
assist the member in covering expenses incurred by the member while
enrolled in an approved institution of higher education to pursue the
member's first undergraduate, master's, vocational, or technical degree
or certification.
(c) Maintenance of Eligibility.--To continue to be eligible for
financial assistance under this section, a member of the District of
Columbia National Guard must--
(1) be satisfactorily performing duty in the District of
Columbia National Guard in accordance with regulations of the
National Guard;
(2) be enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis (at least
3, but less than 12 credit hours per semester) in an approved
institution of higher education; and
(3) maintain satisfactory progress in the course of study
the member is pursuing, determined in accordance with section
484(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091(c)).
(d) Covered Expenses.--Financial assistance received by a member of
the District of Columbia National Guard under this section may be used
to cover--
(1) tuition and fees charged by an approved institution of
higher education involved;
(2) the cost of books; and
(3) laboratory expenses.
(e) Amount of Assistance.--The amount of financial assistance
provided to a member of the District of Columbia National Guard under
this section may be up to $400 per credit hour, but not to exceed
$5,500 per year. If the commanding general determines that the amount
available to provide assistance under this section in any year will be
insufficient, the commanding general may reduce the maximum amount of
the assistance authorized, or set a limit on the number of
participants, to ensure that amounts expended do not exceed available
amounts.
(f) Relation to Other Assistance.--A member of the District of
Columbia National Guard may receive financial assistance under this
section in addition to assistance provided under any other provision of
law, except that the member may not receive financial assistance under
this section if the member receives a Reserve Officer Training Corps
scholarship.
(g) Administration.--The commanding general, in consultation with
approved institutions of higher education, shall develop policies and
procedures for the administration of this section. Nothing in this
section shall be construed to require an institution of higher
education to alter the institution's admissions policies or standards
in any manner to enable a member of the District of Columbia National
Guard to enroll in the institution.
(h) Repayment.--A member of the District of Columbia National Guard
who receives assistance under this section and who, voluntarily or
because of misconduct, fails to serve for the period covered by the
agreement required by subsection (b) or fails to comply with the
eligibility conditions specified in subsection (c) shall be subject to
the repayment provisions of section 373 of title 37, United States
Code.
(i) Funding Sources and Gifts.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the District of Columbia such sums as may
be necessary to enable the commanding general to provide
financial assistance under this section. Funds appropriated
pursuant to this authorization of appropriations shall remain
available until expended.
(2) Transfer of funds.--The commanding general may accept
the transfer of funds from Federal agencies and use any funds
so transferred for purposes of providing assistance under this
section. There is authorized to be appropriated to the head of
any executive branch agency such sums as may be necessary to
permit the transfer of funds to the commanding general to
provide financial assistance under this section.
(3) Donations.--The commanding general concerned may
accept, use, and dispose of donations of services or property
for purposes of providing assistance under this section.
(j) Definition.--In this section, the term ``approved institution
of higher education'' means an institution of higher education (as
defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1002)) that--
(1) is eligible to participate in the student financial
assistance programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.); and
(2) has entered into an agreement with the commanding
general containing an assurance that funds made available under
this section are used to supplement and not supplant other
assistance that may be available for members of the District of
Columbia National Guard.
(k) Implementation of Program.--Financial assistance may be
provided under this section to eligible members of the District of
Columbia National Guard for periods of instruction that begin on or
after January 1, 2010. | District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Act - Authorizes the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard to provide educational assistance to members of the District of Columbia National Guard who have satisfactorily completed their initial active duty service and agree to serve for a period of not less than six years.
Requires such assistance to be used by members for expenses incurred in pursuing their first undergraduate, master's, vocational, or technical degree or certification at an approved institution of higher education. | To establish a District of Columbia National Guard Educational Assistance Program to encourage the enlistment and retention of persons in the District of Columbia National Guard by providing financial assistance to enable members of the National Guard of the District of Columbia to attend undergraduate, vocational, or technical courses. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of
2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) It is the obligation of the Federal Government of the
United States to adequately secure the Nation's borders and
prevent the flow of undocumented persons and illegal drugs into
the United States.
(2) Despite the fact that the United States Border Patrol
apprehends over 1,000,000 people each year trying to illegally
enter the United States, according to the Congressional
Research Service, the net growth in the number of unauthorized
aliens has increased by approximately 500,000 each year. The
Southwest border accounts for approximately 94 percent of all
migrant apprehensions each year. Currently, there are an
estimated 11,000,000 unauthorized aliens in the United States.
(3) The border region is also a major corridor for the
shipment of drugs. According to the El Paso Intelligence
Center, 65 percent of the narcotics that are sold in the
markets of the United States enter the country through the
Southwest Border.
(4) Border communities continue to incur significant costs
due to the lack of adequate border security. A 2001 study by
the United States-Mexico Border Counties Coalition found that
law enforcement and criminal justice expenses associated with
illegal immigration exceed $89,000,000 annually for the
Southwest border counties.
(5) In August 2005, the States of New Mexico and Arizona
declared states of emergency in order to provide local law
enforcement immediate assistance in addressing criminal
activity along the Southwest border.
(6) While the Federal Government provides States and
localities assistance in covering costs related to the
detention of certain criminal aliens and the prosecution of
Federal drug cases, local law enforcement along the border are
provided no assistance in covering such expenses and must use
their limited resources to combat drug trafficking, human
smuggling, kidnappings, the destruction of private property,
and other border-related crimes.
(7) The United States shares 5,525 miles of border with
Canada and 1,989 miles with Mexico. Many of the local law
enforcement agencies located along the border are small, rural
departments charged with patrolling large areas of land.
Counties along the Southwest United States-Mexico border are
some of the poorest in the country and lack the financial
resources to cover the additional costs associated with illegal
immigration, drug trafficking, and other border-related crimes.
(8) Federal assistance is required to help local law
enforcement operating along the border address the unique
challenges that arise as a result of their proximity to an
international border and the lack of overall border security in
the region.
SEC. 3. BORDER RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Grants Authorized.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to award
grants to an eligible law enforcement agency to provide
assistance to such agency to address--
(A) criminal activity that occurs in the
jurisdiction of such agency by virtue of such agency's
proximity to the United States border; and
(B) the failure of the United States Government to
adequately secure its borders.
(2) Duration.--Grants may be awarded under this subsection
during fiscal years 2006 through 2010.
(3) Competitive basis.--The Secretary shall award grants
under this subsection on a competitive basis, except that the
Secretary shall give priority to applications from any eligible
law enforcement agency serving a community--
(A) with a population of less than 50,000; and
(B) located no more than 100 miles from a United
States border with--
(i) Canada; or
(ii) Mexico.
(b) Use of Funds.--Grants awarded pursuant to subsection (a) may
only be used to provide additional resources for an eligible law
enforcement agency to address criminal activity occurring along any
such border, including--
(1) to obtain equipment;
(2) to hire additional personnel;
(3) to upgrade and maintain law enforcement technology;
(4) to cover operational costs, including overtime and
transportation costs; and
(5) such other resources as are available to assist that
agency.
(c) Application.--
(1) In general.--Each eligible law enforcement agency
seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application
to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied
by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
(2) Contents.--Each application submitted pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall--
(A) describe the activities for which assistance
under this section is sought; and
(B) provide such additional assurances as the
Secretary determines to be essential to ensure
compliance with the requirements of this section.
(d) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section:
(1) Eligible law enforcement agency.--The term ``eligible
law enforcement agency'' means a tribal, State, or local law
enforcement agency--
(A) located in a county no more than 100 miles from
a United States border with--
(i) Canada; or
(ii) Mexico; or
(B) located in a county more than 100 miles from
any such border, but where such county has been
certified by the Secretary as a High Impact Area.
(2) High impact area.--The term ``High Impact Area'' means
any county designated by the Secretary as such, taking into
consideration--
(A) whether local law enforcement agencies in that
county have the resources to protect the lives,
property, safety, or welfare of the residents of that
county;
(B) the relationship between the failure of the
United States to secure its borders and the rise, if
any, of criminal activity in that county; and
(C) any other unique challenges that local law
enforcement face due to a lack of security along the
United States border.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Department of Homeland Security.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010 to carry
out the provisions of this section.
(2) Division of authorized funds.--Of the amounts
authorized under paragraph (1)--
(A) \2/3\ shall be set aside for eligible law
enforcement agencies located in the 6 States with the
largest number of undocumented alien apprehensions; and
(B) \1/3\ shall be set aside for areas designated
as a High Impact Area under subsection (d).
(f) Supplement Not Supplant.--Amounts appropriated for grants under
this section shall be used to supplement and not supplant other State
and local public funds obligated for the purposes provided under this
Act.
SEC. 4. REPORT REQUIREMENT.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a written
report to Congress describing the costs incurred by State and local law
enforcement agencies in connection with--
(1) criminal activity related to such agencies' proximity
to the United States border with--
(A) Canada; or
(B) Mexico; and
(2) the failure of the Federal Government to secure the
borders of the United States.
SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize State or local
law enforcement agencies or their officers to exercise Federal
immigration law enforcement authority. | Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to award grants to a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency located in a county within 100 miles of a U.S. border with Canada or Mexico, or in a county beyond 100 miles that has been certified by the Secretary as a high impact area, to provide assistance in addressing: (1) criminal activity that occurs by virtue of proximity to the border; and (2) the U.S. government's failure to adequately secure its borders. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the costs incurred by law enforcement agencies in connection with such criminal activity or failure. | A bill to provide financial aid to local law enforcement officials along the Nation's borders, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Bus Utility and Safety in School
Transportation Opportunity and Purchasing Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) school transportation issues remain a concern for
parents, local educational agencies, lawmakers, the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National
Transportation Safety Board, and the Environmental Protection
Agency;
(2) millions of children face potential future health
problems because of exposure to noxious fumes emitted from
older school buses;
(3) many rural local educational agencies are operating
outdated, unsafe school buses that are failing inspection,
resulting in a depletion of the school bus fleets of the local
educational agencies; and
(4) many rural local educational agencies are unable to
afford newer and safer buses.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish within the
Department of Education a Federal cost-sharing program to assist rural
local educational agencies with older, unsafe school bus fleets in
purchasing newer, safer school buses.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Rural local educational agency.--The term ``rural local
educational agency'' means a local educational agency, as
defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801), with respect to which--
(A) each county in which a school served by the
local educational agency is located has a total
population density of fewer than 10 persons per square
mile;
(B) all schools served by the local educational
agency are designated with a school locale code of 7 or
8, as determined by the Secretary of Education; or
(C) all schools served by the local educational
agency have been designated, by official action taken
by the legislature of the State in which the local
educational agency is located, as rural schools for
purposes relating to the provision of educational
services to students in the State.
(2) School bus.--The term ``school bus'' means a vehicle
the primary purpose of which is to transport students to and
from school or school activities.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--From amounts made available under subsection (e)
for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide grants, on a competitive
basis, to rural local educational agencies to pay the Federal share of
the cost of purchasing new school buses.
(b) Application.--
(1) In general.--Each rural local educational agency that
seeks to receive a grant under this Act shall submit to the
Secretary for approval an application at such time, in such
manner, and accompanied by such information (in addition to
information required under paragraph (2)) as the Secretary may
require.
(2) Contents.--Each application submitted under paragraph
(1) shall include--
(A) documentation that, of the total number of
school buses operated by the rural local educational
agency, not less than 50 percent of the school buses
are in need of repair or replacement;
(B) documentation of the number of miles that each
school bus operated by the rural local educational
agency traveled in the most recent 9-month academic
year;
(C) documentation that the rural local educational
agency is operating with a reduced fleet of school
buses;
(D) a certification from the rural local
educational agency that--
(i) authorizes the application of the rural
local educational agency for a grant under this
Act; and
(ii) describes the dedication of the rural
local educational agency to school bus
replacement programs and school transportation
needs (including the number of new school buses
needed by the rural local educational agency);
and
(E) an assurance that the rural local educational
agency will pay the non-Federal share of the cost of
the purchase of new school buses under this Act from
non-Federal sources.
(c) Priority.--
(1) In general.--In providing grants under this Act, the
Secretary shall give priority to rural local educational
agencies that, as determined by the Secretary--
(A) are transporting students in a bus manufactured
before 1977;
(B) have a grossly depleted fleet of school buses;
or
(C) serve a school that is required, under section
1116(b)(9) of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6316(b)(9)), to provide
transportation to students to enable the students to
transfer to another public school served by the rural
local educational agency.
(d) Payments; Federal Share.--
(1) Payments.--The Secretary shall pay to each rural local
educational agency having an application approved under this
section the Federal share described in paragraph (2) of the
cost of purchasing such number of new school buses as is
specified in the approved application.
(2) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of
purchasing a new school bus under this Act shall be 75 percent.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this Act--
(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2006; and
(2) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2007 through 2011. | Bus Utility and Safety in School Transportation Opportunity and Purchasing Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Education to provide grants, on a competitive basis, to rural local educational agencies (LEAs) to pay the federal share (75%) of costs of purchasing new school buses. Requires the Secretary, in providing such grants, to give priority to rural LEAs that: (1) are transporting students in a bus manufactured before 1977; (2) have a grossly depleted fleet of school buses; or (3) serve a school required by law to provide transportation to students to enable them to transfer to another public school served by the rural LEA. | A bill to provide grants for use by rural local educational agencies in purchasing new school buses. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Creating Access to Rides Act''.
SEC. 2. GRANTS FOR LOW-INCOME CAR OWNERSHIP PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 403(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 603(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Grants for low-income car ownership programs.--
``(A) Purposes.--The purposes of this paragraph are
to--
``(i) assist low-income families obtain
dependable, affordable automobiles to improve
their employment opportunities and access to
training; and
``(ii) provide incentives to States, Indian
tribes or tribal organizations, localities, and
nonprofit entities to develop and administer
programs that provide assistance with
automobile ownership for low-income families.
``(B) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Locality.--The term `locality' means
a municipality that does not administer a State
program funded under this part.
``(ii) Low-income families.--The term `low-
income families' means families with total
income of not more than 200 percent of the
poverty line (as defined in section 673(2) of
the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981,
including any revision required by such section
applicable to a family of the size involved).
``(iii) Nonprofit entity.--The term
`nonprofit entity' means a school, local
agency, organization, or institution owned and
operated by 1 or more nonprofit corporations or
associations, no part of the net earnings of
which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the
benefit of any private shareholder or
individual.
``(C) Authority to award grants.--The Secretary may
award grants to States, counties, localities, Indian
tribes or tribal organizations, and nonprofit entities
to promote improving access to dependable, affordable
automobiles by low-income families.
``(D) Grant approval criteria.--The Secretary shall
establish criteria for approval of an application for a
grant under this paragraph that include consideration
of--
``(i) the extent to which the proposal, if
funded, is likely to improve access to training
and employment opportunities and child care
services by low-income families by means of car
ownership;
``(ii) the level of innovation in the
applicant's grant proposal; and
``(iii) any partnerships between the public
and private sector in the applicant's grant
proposal.
``(E) Use of funds.--
``(i) In general.--A grant awarded under
this paragraph shall be used to administer
programs that assist low-income families with
dependable automobile ownership, and
maintenance of, or insurance for, the purchased
automobile.
``(ii) Supplement not supplant.--Funds
provided to a State, Indian tribe or tribal
organization, county, or locality under a grant
awarded under this paragraph shall be used to
supplement and not supplant other State,
county, or local public funds expended for car
ownership programs.
``(iii) General rules governing use of
funds.--The rules of section 404, other than
subsection (b) of that section, shall not apply
to a grant made under this paragraph.
``(iv) Rule of interpretation.--For
purposes of any requirement, limitation, or
prohibition imposed on an individual or family
by or pursuant to this part, assistance
provided to a low-income family pursuant to a
program referred to in clause (i) shall not be
considered assistance under a State program
funded under this part.
``(F) Application.--Each applicant desiring a grant
under this paragraph shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied
by such information as the Secretary may reasonably
require.
``(G) Reversion of funds.--Any funds paid from a
grant made under this paragraph that are not expended
within 3 years after the date the grant is awarded
shall be available for redistribution among other
grantees in such manner and amount as the Secretary may
determine, unless the Secretary extends by regulation
the time period to expend the funds.
``(H) Limitation on administrative costs of the
secretary.--Not more than an amount equal to 5 percent
of the funds appropriated to make grants under this
paragraph for a fiscal year shall be expended for
administrative costs of the Secretary in carrying out
this paragraph.
``(I) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall, by grant,
contract, or interagency agreement, conduct an
evaluation of the programs administered with grants
awarded under this paragraph.
``(J) Limitations on authorization of
appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for grants under this
paragraph $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008
through 2012.''.
(b) Authority To Use Funds in Individual Development Accounts for
Car Ownership, Maintenance, and Insurance.--
(1) Accounts established under the tanf program.--
(A) Additional qualified purpose for use of
funds.--Section 404(h)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 604(h)(2)(B)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(iv) Qualified automotive expenditures.--
Qualified automotive expenditures paid from an
individual development account directly to the
persons to whom the amounts are due.''.
(B) Definition.--Section 404(h)(5) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 604(h)(5)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(J) Qualified automotive expenditures.--The term
`qualified automotive expenditures' means expenditures
for the purchase or maintenance of an automobile, or
for insurance for an automobile.''.
(2) Accounts established under the assets for independence
program.--Section 404(8) of the Assets for Independence Act (42
U.S.C. 604 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Qualified automotive expenditures.--
``(i) In general.--Qualified automotive
expenditures paid from an individual
development account directly to the persons to
whom the amounts are due.
``(ii) Definition.--In clause (i), the term
`qualified automotive expenditures' means
expenditures for the purchase or maintenance of
an automobile, or for insurance for an
automobile.''. | Creating Access to Rides Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states, counties, localties, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and nonprofit entities to promote improving access to ownership of dependable, affordable automobiles by low-income families.
Authorizes the use of funds in TANF individual development accounts for automobile ownership, maintenance, and insurance. | To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to improve access to dependable, affordable automobiles by low-income families. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``DTV Delay Act''.
SEC. 2. POSTPONEMENT OF DTV TRANSITION DATE.
(a) In General.--Section 3002(b) of the Digital Television
Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (47 U.S.C. 309 note) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``February 18, 2009;'' in paragraph (1) and
inserting ``June 13, 2009;''; and
(2) by striking ``February 18, 2009,'' in paragraph (2) and
inserting ``that date''.
(b) Extension of Coupon Program.--Section 3005(c)(1)(A) of that Act
(47 U.S.C. 309 note) is amended by striking ``March 31, 2009,'' and
inserting ``July 31, 2009,''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 3008(a)(1) of that Act (47 U.S.C. 309 note) is
amended by striking ``February 17, 2009.'' and inserting ``June
12, 2009.''.
(2) Section 309(j)(14)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934
(47 U.S.C. 309(j)(14)(A)) is amended by striking ``February 17,
2009.'' and inserting ``June 12, 2009.''.
(3) Section 337(e)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 337(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``February 17, 2009,''
and inserting ``June 12, 2009,''.
(d) License Terms.--
(1) Extension.--The Federal Communications Commission shall
extend the terms of the licenses for the recovered spectrum,
including the license period and construction requirements
associated with those licenses, for a 116-day period.
(2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``recovered
spectrum'' means--
(A) the recovered analog spectrum, as such term is
defined in section 309(j)(15)(C)(vi) of the
Communications Act of 1934; and
(B) the spectrum excluded from the definition of
recovered analog spectrum by subclauses (I) and (II) of
such section.
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER BOX PROGRAM.
(a) Treatment of Expired Coupons.--Section 3005(c)(1) of the
Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (47 U.S.C.
309 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Expired coupons.--The Assistant Secretary may
issue to a household, upon request by the household,
one replacement coupon for each coupon that was issued
to such household and that expired without being
redeemed.''.
(b) Conforming amendment.--Section 3005(c)(1)(A) of the Digital
Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (47 U.S.C. 309
note) is amended by striking ``receives, via the United States Postal
Service,'' and inserting ``redeems''.
SEC. 4. IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Permissive Early Termination Under Existing Requirements.--
Nothing in this Act is intended to prevent a licensee of a television
broadcast station from terminating the broadcasting of such station's
analog television signal (and continuing to broadcast exclusively in
the digital television service) prior to the date established by law
under section 3002(b) of the Digital Television Transition and Public
Safety Act of 2005 for termination of all licenses for full-power
television stations in the analog television service (as amended by
section 2 of this Act) so long as such prior termination is conducted
in accordance with the Federal Communications Commission's requirements
in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, including the flexible
procedures established in the Matter of Third Periodic Review of the
Commission's Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to Digital
Television (FCC 07-228, MB Docket No. 07-91, released December 31,
2007).
(b) Public Safety Radio Services.--
(1) Use on cleared spectrum.--Notwithstanding the
amendments made by section 2, if--
(A) a television broadcast station ceases the
broadcasting of such station's analog television
service under subsection (a) of this section prior to
June 12, 2009, and
(B) as a consequence of such cessation, spectrum
between frequencies 768 and 776 megahertz, inclusive,
and 798 and 806 megahertz, inclusive, becomes available
for non-television broadcast use prior to June 12,
2009, the Federal Communications Commission shall
permit the use of such spectrum for authorized public
safety radio services if the Commission determines that
such use is in the public interest and does not cause
harmful interference to full-power television stations
in the analog or digital television service.
(2) Expedited procedures.--The Federal Communications
Commission may use expedited procedures, and may waive such
rules as may be necessary, to make a determination on an
application made under paragraph (1) to begin such use of such
spectrum by a public safety agency (as such term is defined in
section 3006(d)(1) of the Digital Television Transition and
Public Safety Act of 2005) in not less than 2 weeks after the
date of submission of such application.
(c) Expedited Rulemaking.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Federal Communications Commission and the National
Telecommunications Information Administration shall, not later than 30
days after the date of enactment of this Act, each adopt or revise its
rules, regulations, or orders or take such other actions as may be
necessary or appropriate to implement the provisions, and carry out the
purposes, of this Act and the amendments made by this Act.
SEC. 5. EXTENSION OF COMMISSION AUCTION AUTHORITY.
Section 309(j)(11) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
309(j)(11)) is amended by striking ``2011.'' and inserting ``2012.''.
SEC. 6. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION.
Each amount made available under section 3005 of the Digital
Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (47 U.S.C. 309
note) as a result of the amendments made by this Act is designated as
an emergency requirement and necessary to meet emergency needs pursuant
to section 204(a) of S. Con. Res. 21 (110th Congress) and section
301(b)(2) of S. Con. Res. 70 (110th Congress), the concurrent
resolutions on the budget for fiscal years 2008 and 2009.
Passed the Senate January 26, 2009.
Attest:
Secretary.
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 328
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To postpone the DTV transition date. | DTV Delay Act - Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to delay the transition of television broadcasting from analog to digital to June 13, 2009. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to extend for a 116-day period the licenses for recovered spectrum, including the license period and construction requirements associated with those licenses.
Extends to July 31, 2009, the deadline for requesting digital-to-analog converter box coupons. Authorizes the issuance, on request, of one replacement coupon for each coupon that expired without being redeemed.
Declares that this Act does not prevent a station from ending analog broadcasting (and continuing to broadcast exclusively digitally) before June 13, 2009.
Requires the FCC to permit the use, for authorized public safety radio services, of certain spectrum cleared as a result of a television station ceasing to broadcast analog signals before June 12, 2009, provided the FCC determines that such use does not cause harmful interference to full-power analog or digital television stations.
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend through September 30, 2012 (under current law, September 30, 2011), the authority of the FCC to grant a license or permit under provisions relating to competitive bidding.
Designates the amounts made available by this Act as an emergency requirement and necessary to meet emergency needs under the concurrent resolutions on the budget for FY2008-2009. | A bill to postpone the DTV transition date. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Reciprocal Market Access Act of
2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) A principal negotiating objective of the United States
regarding trade barriers and other trade distortions must be to
expand competitive market opportunities for United States
exports and to obtain fairer and more open conditions of trade
by reducing or eliminating tariff and nontariff barriers and
policies and practices of foreign governments directly related
to trade that hinders market opportunities for United States
exports or otherwise distorts United States trade.
(2) One of the fundamental tenets of the World Trade
Organization (WTO) is reciprocal market access and, in fact,
this principle is underscored in the Marrakesh Agreement
Establishing the World Trade Organization which called for
``entering into reciprocal and mutually advantageous
arrangements directed to the substantial reduction of tariffs
and other barriers to trade and to the elimination of
discriminatory treatment in international trade relations''.
(3) If negotiations between the United States and a foreign
country do not provide meaningful market access for products of
United States domestic producers who have sought market access
assistance from the United States Government, then the United
States must not reduce or eliminate tariffs for products of the
foreign country, having the same physical characteristics and
uses pursuant to any trade agreement entered into between the
United States and the foreign country.
(4) With each subsequent round of bilateral, regional, and
multilateral trade negotiations, tariffs have been
significantly reduced or eliminated for many manufactured
goods, leaving nontariff barriers as the most pervasive,
significant, and challenging barriers to United States exports
and market opportunities.
(5) The United States market is widely recognized as one of
the most open markets in the world: average United States
tariff rates are very low and the United States has limited, if
any, nontariff barriers.
(6) Consequently, the leverage the United States has to
obtain removal of nontariff barriers of foreign countries is
often tariffs on imports from foreign countries into the United
States.
(7) Under the current negotiating process, negotiations to
reduce or eliminate tariff barriers and nontariff barriers are
separate and self-contained, meaning that tradeoffs are tariff-
for-tariff and nontariff-for-nontariff. As a result, a tariff
can be reduced or eliminated without securing elimination of
the real barrier or barriers that deny United States industry
access to a foreign market.
(8) The United States should not engage in trade
negotiations in such a compartmentalized manner thereby
effectively and unilaterally disarming itself by leveraging its
limited tariff barriers without securing elimination of
nontariff barriers of foreign countries and ensuring that new
barriers are not created or discovered.
(9) The United States should seek to ensure market access
results are obtained before reducing or eliminating domestic
tariffs. Specifically, the United States Trade Representative
should seek to ensure market access for products of United
States domestic producers who have sought market access
assistance from the United States Government and have provided
a reasonable indication of the denial of meaningful market
access.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to ensure that United
States trade negotiations achieve real and meaningful results for
United States industry by ensuring that trade agreements result in
meaningful market access for the exports of United States domestic
producers and not just the elimination of tariffs on imports into the
United States.
SEC. 3. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE RATES OF DUTY
PURSUANT TO CERTAIN TRADE AGREEMENTS.
(a) Limitation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of the law,
the President may not agree to a modification of any existing duty that
would reduce or eliminate the bound or applied rate of such duty on any
product in order to carry out any trade agreement entered into between
the United States and a foreign country on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act until the President transmits to Congress a
certification described in subsection (b).
(b) Certification.--A certification referred to in subsection (a)
is a certification of the President that--
(1) the United States has obtained the reduction or
elimination of tariff and nontariff barriers and policies and
practices of the government of the foreign country described in
subsection (a) with respect to United States exports of any
product identified by United States domestic producers that has
the same physical characteristics and uses as the product for
which a modification of any existing duty is sought by the
President to carry out the trade agreement described in
subsection (a); and
(2) a violation of any provision of the trade agreement
described in subsection (a) relating to the matters described
in paragraph (1) is immediately enforceable in accordance with
the provisions of section 4.
SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS.
(a) Withdrawal of Tariff Concessions.--If the United States Trade
Representative determines pursuant to subsection (c) that any tariff or
nontariff barrier or policy or practice of the government of a foreign
country described in section 3(a) has not been reduced or eliminated,
or that a tariff or nontariff barrier or policy or practice of such
government has been imposed or discovered, with respect to United
States exports of any product identified by United States domestic
producers that has the same physical characteristics and uses as the
product for which a modification of any existing duty has been sought
by the President to carry out the trade agreement described in section
3(a), then, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
modification of the existing duty shall be withdrawn until such time as
the United States Trade Representative submits to Congress a
certification that the United States has obtained the reduction or
elimination of the tariff or nontariff barrier or policy or practice of
such government.
(b) Investigation.--
(1) In general.--An investigation shall be initiated by the
United States Trade Representative whenever an interested party
files a petition with the United States Trade Representative
which alleges the elements necessary for the withdrawal of the
modification of an existing duty under subsection (a), and
which is accompanied by information reasonably available to the
petitioner supporting such allegations.
(2) Interested party defined.--For purposes of paragraph
(1), the term ``interested party'' means--
(A) a manufacturer, producer, or wholesaler in the
United States of a domestic product with the same
physical characteristics and uses as the product for
which a modification of any existing duty has been
sought;
(B) a certified union or recognized union or group
of workers engaged in the manufacture, production, or
wholesale in the United States of a domestic product
that has the same physical characteristics and uses as
the product for which a modification of any existing
duty has been sought;
(C) a trade or business association a majority of
whose members manufacture, produce, or wholesale in the
United States a domestic product that has the same
physical characteristics and uses as the product for
which a modification of any existing duty has been
sought; and
(D) a member of the Committee on Ways and Means of
the House of Representatives or a member of the
Committee on Finance of the Senate.
(c) Determination by USTR.--Not later than 45 days after the date
on which a petition is filed under subsection (b), the United States
Trade Representative shall--
(1) determine whether the petition alleges the elements
necessary for the withdrawal of the modification of an existing
duty under subsection (a); and
(2) notify the petitioner of the determination under
paragraph (1) and the reasons for the determination. | Reciprocal Market Access Act of 2007 - Prohibits the President from agreeing to the reduction or elimination of the existing rate of duty on any product in order to carry out any trade agreement entered into between the United States and a foreign country until the President certifies to Congress that: (1) the United States has obtained the reduction or elimination of tariff and nontariff barriers and policies and practices of such foreign country with respect to U.S. exports of any product that has the same physical characteristics and uses as the product for which the President seeks to modify its rate of duty; and (2) any violation of the trade agreement is immediately enforceable by withdrawal of the modification of the existing duty on such foreign product until the United States Trade Representative (USTR) certifies to Congress that the United States has obtained the reduction or elimination of the tariff or nontariff barrier or policy or practice of such foreign government. | To enhance reciprocal market access for United States domestic producers in the negotiating process of bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Baseline Reform Act of 1994''.
SEC. 2. THE BASELINE.
(a) The second sentence of section 257(c) of the Balanced Budget
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 is amended--
(1) by inserting ``but only for the purpose of adjusting
the discretionary spending limits set forth in section
601(a)(2) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974'' after ``for
inflation as specified in paragraph (5); and
(2) by inserting ``but only for the purpose of adjusting
the discretionary spending limits set forth in section
601(a)(2) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974'' after ``to
offset pay absorption and for pay annualization as specified in
paragraph (4)''.
(b) Section 1109(a) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by
adding after the first sentence the following new sentence: ``These
estimates shall not include an adjustment for inflation for programs
and activities subject to discretionary appropriations.''.
SEC. 3. THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET.
(a) Paragraph (5) of section 1105(a) of title 31, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(5) except as provided in subsection (b) of this section,
estimated expenditures and appropriations for the current year
and estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations the
President decides are necessary to support the Government in
the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted and the 4
fiscal years following that year;''.
(b) Section 1105(a)(6) of title 31, United States Code, is amended
by inserting ``current fiscal year and the'' before ``fiscal year''.
(c) Section 1105(a)(12) of title 31, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and'' at the end of subparagraph (B), and by
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) the estimated amount for the same activity (if any)
in the current fiscal year.''.
(d) Section 1105(a)(18) of title 31, United States Code, is amended
by inserting ``new budget authority and'' before ``budget outlays''.
(e) Section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(30) a comparison of levels of estimated expenditures and
proposed appropriations for each function and subfunction in
the current fiscal year and the fiscal year for which the
budget is submitted, along with the proposed increase or
decrease of spending in percentage terms for each function and
subfunction.''.
SEC. 4. THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET.
Section 301(e) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended
by--
(1) inserting after the second sentence the following:
``The starting point for any deliberations in the Committee on
the Budget of each House on the concurrent resolution on the
budget for the next fiscal year shall be the estimated level of
outlays for the current year in each function and subfunction.
Any increases or decreases in the Congressional budget for the
next fiscal year shall be from such estimated levels.''; and
(2) striking paragraph (8) and redesignating paragraphs (9)
and (10) as paragraphs (10) and (11), respectively, and by
inserting after paragraph (7) the following new paragraphs:
``(8) a comparison of levels for the current fiscal year
with proposed spending and revenue levels for the subsequent
fiscal years along with the proposed increase or decrease of
spending in percentage terms for each function and subfunction;
and
``(9) information, data, and comparisons indicating the
manner in which and the basis on which, the committee
determined each of the matters set forth in the concurrent
resolution;''.
SEC. 5. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE REPORTS TO COMMITTEES.
(a) The first sentence of section 202(f)(1) of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974 is amended to read as follows: ``On or before
February 15 of each year, the Director shall submit to the Committees
on the Budget of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report
for the fiscal year commencing on October 1 of that year with respect
to fiscal policy, including (A) alternative levels of total revenues,
total new budget authority, and total outlays (including related
surpluses and deficits) compared to comparable levels for the current
year and (B) the levels of tax expenditures under existing law, taking
into account projected economic factors and any changes in such levels
based on proposals in the budget submitted by the President for such
fiscal year.''.
(b) Section 202(f)(1) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is
amended by inserting after the first sentence the following new
sentence: ``That report shall also include a table on sources of
spending growth in total mandatory spending for the budget year and the
ensuing 4 fiscal years, which shall include changes in outlays
attributable to the following: cost-of-living adjustments; changes in
the number of program recipients; increases in medical care prices,
utilization and intensity of medical care; and residual factors.''.
(c) Section 308(a)(1) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, and shall include
a comparison of those levels to comparable levels for the
current fiscal year'' before ``if timely submitted''; and
(2) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C), by
striking the period and inserting ``; and'' at the end of
subparagraph (D), and by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(E) comparing the levels in existing programs in
such measure to the estimated levels for the current
fiscal year.''
(d) Title IV of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``gao reports to budget committees
``Sec. 408. On or before January 15 of each year, the Comptroller
General, after consultation with appropriate committees of the House of
Representatives and Senate, shall submit to the Congress a report
listing all programs, projects, and activities that fall within the
definition of direct spending under section 250(c)(8) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.''.
(e) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents set forth in
section 1(b) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of
1974 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 407 the
following new item:
``Sec. 408. GAO reports to budget committees.''.
Passed the House of Representatives August 12, 1994.
Attest:
Clerk.
103d CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4907
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To reform the concept of baseline budgeting. | Baseline Reform Act of 1994 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to revise the definition of baseline to provide for certain inflation adjustments only for the purpose of adjusting discretionary spending limits.
Requires the President's budget to include: (1) estimated expenditures and appropriations for the current year; (2) new budget authority in budget outlay comparisons; and (3) a certain comparison of levels of estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations that includes the proposed increase or decrease in spending in percentage terms.
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make conforming changes to the development of the concurrent resolution on the budget.
Requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to include in reports to budget committees certain current year comparisons and a table on sources of spending growth under current law in total mandatory spending for the budget year and the ensuing four fiscal years.
Requires the CBO to include in cost estimates of pending legislation a comparison of prior year spending levels to current year levels.
Requires the CBO to report to the Congress annually on all programs, projects, and activities that fall within the definition of direct spending. | Baseline Reform Act of 1994 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This bill may be cited as the ``Freedom to Fish Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Recreational fishing is traditionally the most popular
outdoor sport with more than 50,000,000 participants of all
ages, in all regions of the country.
(2) Recreational anglers makes a substantial contribution
to local, State, and national economies and infuse
$116,000,000,000 annually into the national economy.
(3) In the United States, more than 1,200,000 jobs are
related to recreational fishing, a number that is approximately
1 percent of the entire civilian workforce in the United
States. In communities that rely on seasonal tourism, the
expenditures of recreational anglers result in substantial
benefits to the local economies and small businesses in those
communities.
(4) Recreational anglers have long demonstrated a
conservation ethic. In addition to payment of Federal excise
taxes on fishing equipment, motorboats and fuel, as well as
license fees, recreational anglers contribute more than
$500,000,000 annually to State fisheries conservation
management programs and projects.
(5) It is a long standing policy of the Federal Government
to allow public access to public lands and waters for
recreational purposes in a manner that is consistent with
principals of sound conservation. This policy is reflected in
the National Forest Management Act of 1976, the Wilderness Act,
the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the National Parks and
Recreation Act of 1978.
(6) In most instances, recreational fishery resources can
be maintained without restricting public access to fishing
areas through a variety of management measures including take
limits, minimum size requirements, catch and release
requirements, gear adaptations, and closed seasons.
(7) A clear policy is required to demonstrate to
recreational anglers that recreational fishing can be managed
without unnecessarily prohibiting such fishing.
(8) A comprehensive policy on the implementation, use, and
monitoring of marine protected areas is required to maintain
the optimum balance between recreational fishing and sustaining
recreational fishery resources.
SEC. 3. POLICY.
It is the policy of the United States to promote sound conservation
of fishery resources by ensuring that--
(1) Federal regulations promote access to fishing areas by
recreational anglers to the maximum extent practicable;
(2) recreational anglers are actively involved in the
formulation of any regulatory procedure that contemplates
imposing restrictions on access to a fishing area; and
(3) limitations on access to fishing areas by recreational
anglers are not imposed unless such limitations are
scientifically necessary to provide for the conservation of a
fishery resource.
SEC. 4. MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT
AMENDMENTS.
(a) Limitation on Closures.--Section 303(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1853(a)) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(15) not establish geographic areas where recreational
fishing is prohibited unless--
``(A) clear indication exists that recreational
fishing in such area is the cause of a specific
conservation problem in the fishery;
``(B) no alternative conservation measures related
to recreational fishing, such as gear restrictions,
quotas, or closed seasons will adequately provide for
conservation and management of the fishery;
``(C) the management plan--
``(i) provides for specific measurable
criteria to assess whether the
prohibition provides conservation benefits to the fishery; and
``(ii) requires a periodic review to assess
the continued need for the prohibition not less
than once every 3 years;
``(D) the best available scientific information
supports the need to close the area to recreational
fishing; and
``(E) the prohibition is terminated as soon as the
condition in subparagraph (A) that was the basis of the
prohibition no longer exists.''.
(b) Technical Amendments.--Such section is further amended--
(1) in paragraph (13), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(2) in paragraph (14), by striking ``fishery.'' and
inserting ``fishery; and''.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES ACT AMENDMENT.
Section 304(a)(5) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C.
1434(a)(5)) is amended to read as follows:
``(5) Fishing regulations.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide the
appropriate Regional Fishery Management Council with
the opportunity to prepare, and to revise from time to
time, draft regulations for fishing within the
exclusive economic zone as the Council may deem
necessary to implement the proposed designation.
``(B) Relationship to magnuson.--Draft regulations
prepared by the Council under subparagraph (A) shall be
made in accordance with the standards and procedures of
the Magnuson Act.
``(C) Regulation within a state.--Such regulations
may regulate a fishery within the boundaries of a State
(other than the State's internal waters) if--
``(i) the Governor of the State approves
such regulation; or
``(ii) the Secretary determines, after
notice and an opportunity for a hearing in
accordance with section 554 of title 5, United
States Code, that the State has taken any
action, or omitted to take any action, the
results of which will substantially and
adversely affect the fulfillment of the
purposes and policies of this Act and the goals
and objectives of the proposed designation.
``(D) Notification and hearing.--If the Secretary
makes a determination under subparagraph (C)(ii) to
regulate a fishery within the boundaries of such State
(other than State's internal waters)--
``(i) the Secretary shall promptly notify
the State and the appropriate Council of such
determination;
``(ii) the State may request that a hearing
be held pursuant to section 554 of title 5,
United States Code; and
``(iii) the Secretary shall conduct a
hearing requested under clause (ii) prior to
taking any action to regulate a fishery within
the boundaries of such State (other than the
State's internal waters) under subparagraph
(C)(ii).
``(E) Termination of regulation within a state.--If
the Secretary, pursuant to a determination under
subparagraph (C)(ii), assumes responsibility for the
regulation of any fishery, the State involved may at
any time thereafter apply to the Secretary for
reinstatement of its authority over such fishery. If
the Secretary finds that the reasons for which the
Secretary assumed such regulation no longer prevail,
the Secretary shall promptly terminate such
regulation.''. | Freedom to Fish Act - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to prohibit any fishery management plan prepared by a Regional Fishery Management Council or the Secretary of Commerce from establishing areas where recreational fishing is prohibited unless: (1) there is clear indication that such fishing in the area is the cause of a specific conservation problem in the fishery; (2) no alternative conservation measures related to recreational fishing will adequately provide for conservation and management of the fishery; (3) the plan provides criteria to assess whether the prohibition provides fishery conservation benefits and requires plan periodic review; (4) the best available scientific information supports the need to close the area to recreational fishing; and (5) the prohibition is terminated as soon as the condition causing the prohibition no longer exists.
Amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to direct the Secretary to provide the appropriate Council with the opportunity to revise draft regulations for fishing within the exclusive economic zone as the Council may deem necessary to implement the proposed designation of a national marine sanctuary. Allows such draft regulations to regulate a fishery within a State if: (1) the governor of the State approves the regulations; or (2) the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that the State has taken, or failed to take, any action the results of which will substantially and adversely affect the fulfillment of the purposes of such Act and the goals and objectives of the proposed sanctuary designation. | A bill to protect the public's ability to fish for sport, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Academies of Practice
Recognition Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. CHARTER.
The National Academies of Practice organized and incorporated under
the laws of the District of Columbia, is hereby recognized as such and
is granted a Federal charter.
SEC. 3. CORPORATE POWERS.
The National Academies of Practice (referred to in this Act as the
``corporation'') shall have only those powers granted to it through its
bylaws and articles of incorporation filed in the State in which it is
incorporated and subject to the laws of such State.
SEC. 4. PURPOSES OF CORPORATION.
The purposes of the corporation shall be to honor persons who have
made significant contributions to the practice of applied psychology,
dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry, osteopathy, podiatry, social
work, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and other health care professions,
and to improve the practices in such professions by disseminating
information about new techniques and procedures.
SEC. 5. SERVICE OF PROCESS.
With respect to service of process, the corporation shall comply
with the laws of the State in which it is incorporated and those States
in which it carries on its activities in furtherance of its corporate
purposes.
SEC. 6. MEMBERSHIP.
Eligibility for membership in the corporation and the rights and
privileges of members shall be as provided in the bylaws of the
corporation.
SEC. 7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS; COMPOSITION; RESPONSIBILITIES.
The composition and the responsibilities of the board of directors
of the corporation shall be as provided in the articles of
incorporation of the corporation and in conformity with the laws of the
State in which it is incorporated.
SEC. 8. OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION.
The officers of the corporation and the election of such officers
shall be as provided in the articles of incorporation of the
corporation and in conformity with the laws of the State in which it is
incorporated.
SEC. 9. RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Use of Income and Assets.--No part of the income or assets of
the corporation shall inure to any member, officer, or director of the
corporation or be distributed to any such person during the life of the
charter under this Act. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed
to prevent the payment of reasonable compensation to the officers of
the corporation or reimbursement for actual necessary expenses in
amounts approved by the board of directors.
(b) Loans.--The corporation shall not make any loan to any officer,
director, or employee of the corporation.
(c) Political Activity.--The corporation, any officer, or any
director of the corporation, acting as such officer or director, shall
not contribute to, support, or otherwise participate in any political
activity or in any manner attempt to influence legislation.
(d) Issuance of Stock and Payment of Dividends.--The corporation
shall have no power to issue any shares of stock nor to declare or pay
any dividends.
(e) Claims of Federal Approval.--The corporation shall not claim
congressional approval or Federal Government authority for any of its
activities.
SEC. 10. LIABILITY.
The corporation shall be liable for the acts of its officers and
agents when acting within the scope of their authority.
SEC. 11. MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS.
(a) Books and Records of Account.--The corporation shall keep
correct and complete books and records of account and shall keep
minutes of any proceeding of the corporation involving any of its
members, the board of directors, or any committee having authority
under the board of directors.
(b) Names and Addresses of Members.--The corporation shall keep at
its principal office a record of the names and addresses of all members
having the right to vote in any proceeding of the corporation.
(c) Right To Inspect Books and Records.--All books and records of
the corporation may be inspected by any member having the right to
vote, or by any agent or attorney of such member, for any proper
purpose, at any reasonable time.
(d) Application of State Law.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to contravene any applicable State law.
SEC. 12. ANNUAL REPORT.
The corporation shall report annually to the Congress concerning
the activities of the corporation during the preceding fiscal year. The
report shall not be printed as a public document.
SEC. 13. RESERVATION OF RIGHT TO AMEND OR REPEAL CHARTER.
The right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act is expressly reserved
to Congress.
SEC. 14. DEFINITION.
In this Act, the term ``State'' includes the District of Columbia,
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions of
the United States.
SEC. 15. TAX-EXEMPT STATUS.
The corporation shall maintain its status as an organization exempt
from taxation as provided in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any
corresponding similar provision.
SEC. 16. TERMINATION.
If the corporation fails to comply with any of the restrictions or
provisions of this Act the charter granted by this Act shall terminate. | National Academies of Practice Recognition Act of 2003 - Grants a Federal charter to the National Academies of Practice (a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the District of Columbia). | A bill to recognize the organization known as the National Academies of Practice. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``North Bay Water Reuse Program Act of
2006''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a
member agency of the North Bay Water Reuse Authority of the
State located in the North San Pablo Bay watershed in--
(A) Marin County;
(B) Napa County;
(C) Solano County; or
(D) Sonoma County.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
California.
(4) Water reclamation and reuse project.--The term ``water
reclamation and reuse project'' means a project carried out by
the Secretary and an eligible entity in the North San Pablo Bay
watershed relating to--
(A) water quality improvement;
(B) wastewater treatment;
(C) water reclamation and reuse;
(D) groundwater recharge and protection;
(E) surface water augmentation; or
(F) other related improvements.
SEC. 3. NORTH BAY WATER REUSE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through a cooperative
agreement with the State or a subdivision of a State, may offer to
enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities for the
planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse
projects.
(b) Coordination With Other Federal Agencies.--In carrying out this
section, the Secretary and the eligible entity shall, to the maximum
extent practicable, use the design work and environmental evaluations
initiated by--
(1) non-Federal entities; and
(2) the Corps of Engineers in the San Pablo Bay Watershed
of the State.
(c) Cooperative Agreement.--
(1) Requirements.--A cooperative agreement entered into
under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, specify the
responsibilities of the Secretary and the eligible entity with
respect to--
(A) ensuring that the cost-share requirements
established by subsection (e) are met;
(B) completing--
(i) a needs assessment for the water
reclamation and reuse project; and
(ii) the planning and final design of the
water reclamation and reuse project;
(C) any environmental compliance activity required
for the water reclamation and reuse project;
(D) the construction of facilities for the water
reclamation and reuse project; and
(E) administrating any contract relating to the
construction of the water reclamation and reuse
project.
(2) Phased project.--
(A) In general.--A cooperative agreement described
in paragraph (1) shall require that any water
reclamation and reuse project carried out under this
section shall consist of 2 phases.
(B) First phase.--During the first phase, the
Secretary and an eligible entity shall complete the
planning, design, and construction of the main
treatment and main conveyance system of the water
reclamation and reuse project.
(C) Second phase.--During the second phase, the
Secretary and an eligible entity shall complete the
planning, design, and construction of the sub-regional
distribution systems of the water reclamation and reuse
project.
(d) Financial Assistance.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may provide financial and
technical assistance to an eligible entity to assist in
planning, designing, conducting related preconstruction
activities for, and constructing a water reclamation and reuse
project.
(2) Use.--Any financial assistance provided under paragraph
(1) shall be obligated and expended only in accordance with a
cooperative agreement entered into under this section.
(e) Cost-Sharing Requirement.--
(1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the total cost of
any activity or construction carried out using amounts made
available under this section shall be not more than 25 percent
of the total cost of a water reclamation and reuse project.
(2) Form of non-federal share.--The non-Federal share may
be in the form of any in-kind services that the Secretary
determines would contribute substantially toward the completion
of the water reclamation and reuse project, including--
(A) reasonable costs incurred by the eligible
entity relating to the planning, design, and
construction of the water reclamation and reuse
project; and
(B) the fair-market value of land that is--
(i) used for planning, design, and
construction of the water reclamation and reuse
project facilities; and
(ii) owned by an eligible entity.
(f) Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement Costs.--
(1) In general.--The eligible entity shall be responsible
for the annual operation, maintenance, and replacement costs
associated with the water reclamation and reuse project.
(2) Operation, maintenance, and replacement plan.--The
eligible entity, in consultation with the Secretary, shall
develop an operation, maintenance, and replacement plan for the
water reclamation and reuse project.
(g) Effect.--Nothing in this Act--
(1) affects or preempts--
(A) State water law; or
(B) an interstate compact relating to the
allocation of water; or
(2) confers on any non-Federal entity the ability to
exercise any Federal right to--
(A) the water of a stream; or
(B) any groundwater resource.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated for the Federal share of the total cost of the first phase
of water reclamation and reuse projects carried out under this Act, an
amount not to exceed 25 percent of the total cost of those reclamation
and reuse projects or $25,000,000, whichever is less, to remain
available until expended. | North Bay Water Reuse Program Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to offer to enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities in the North San Pablo Bay watershed located in Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma Counties, California, for the planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects.
Directs the Secretary and such an entity to use the design work and environmental evaluations initiated by non-federal entities and the Corps of Engineers in that watershed to the maximum extent practicable.
Requires such an agreement to specify the responsibilities of the Secretary and the entity regarding: (1) cost-share requirements; (2) needs assessment and project planning and design; (3) environmental compliance activity; (4) facilities construction; and (5) construction contract administration.
Requires that any such project consist of two phases, during which the Secretary and an entity shall complete the planning, design, and construction of: (1) the main treatment and main conveyance system; and (2) the sub-regional distribution systems.
Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance to an entity in planning, designing, conducting related pre-construction activities for, and constructing a project. Makes the entity responsible for the annual operation, maintenance, and replacement costs of the project. Requires the entity to develop an operation, maintenance, and replacement plan for the project. | To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to create a Bureau of Reclamation partnership with the North Bay Water Reuse Authority and other regional partners to achieve objectives relating to water supply, water quality, and environmental restoration. |
short title
Section 1. This Act may be cited as the ``Government Shutdown
Prevention Act''.
continuing funding
Sec. 2. (a) If any regular appropriation bill for fiscal year 1998
does not become law prior to the beginning of fiscal year 1998 or a
joint resolution making continuing appropriations is not in effect,
there is appropriated, out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, and out of applicable corporate or other revenues,
receipts, and funds, such sums as may be necessary to continue any
program, project, or activity for which funds were provided in fiscal
year 1997.
(b) Appropriations and funds made available, and authority granted,
for a program, project, or activity for fiscal year 1998 pursuant to
this Act shall be at 100 per cent of the rate of operations that was
provided for the program, project, or activity in fiscal year 1997 in
the corresponding regular appropriation Act for fiscal year 1997.
(c) Appropriations and funds made available, and authority granted,
for fiscal year 1998 pursuant to this Act for a program, project, or
activity shall be available for the period beginning with the first day
of a lapse in appropriations and ending with the earlier of--
(1) the date on which the applicable regular appropriation
bill for fiscal year 1998 becomes law (whether or not that law
provides for that program, project, or activity) or a
continuing resolution making appropriations becomes law, as the
case may be; or
(2) the last day of fiscal year 1998.
terms and conditions
Sec. 3. (a) An appropriation of funds made available, or authority
granted, for a program, project, or activity for fiscal year 1998
pursuant to this Act shall be made available to the extent and in the
manner which would be provided by the pertinent appropriation Act for
fiscal year 1997, including all of the terms and conditions and the
apportionment schedule imposed with respect to the appropriation made
or funds made available for fiscal year 1997 or authority granted for
the program, project, or activity under current law.
(b) Appropriations made by this Act shall be available to the
extent and in the manner which would be provided by the pertinent
appropriation Act.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, whenever the rate
for operations for any continuing project or activity would result in a
furlough or a reduction-in-force of Government employees, that rate for
operations shall be increased to a level that would preclude a furlough
or reduction-in-force.
coverage
Sec. 4. Appropriations and funds made available, and authority
granted, for any program, project, or activity for fiscal year 1998
pursuant to this Act shall cover all obligations or expenditures
incurred for that program, project, or activity during the portion of
fiscal year 1998 for which this Act applies to that program, project,
or activity.
expenditures
Sec. 5. Expenditures made for a program, project, or activity for
fiscal year 1998 pursuant to this Act shall be charged to the
applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization whenever a regular
appropriation bill or a joint resolution making continuing
appropriations until the end of fiscal year 1998 providing for that
program, project, or activity for that period becomes law.
initiating or resuming a program, project, or activity
Sec. 6. No appropriation or funds made available or authority
granted pursuant to this Act shall be used to initiate or resume any
program, project, or activity for which appropriations, funds, or other
authority were not available during fiscal year 1997.
protection of other obligations
Sec. 7. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect Government
obligations mandated by other law, including obligations with respect
to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits.
definition
Sec. 8. In this Act, the term ``regular appropriation bill'' means
any annual appropriation bill making appropriations, otherwise making
funds available, or granting authority, for any of the following
categories of programs, projects, and activities:
(1) Agriculture, rural development, and related agencies
programs.
(2) The Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the
judiciary, and related agencies.
(3) The Department of Defense.
(4) The government of the District of Columbia and other
activities chargeable in whole or in part against the revenues
of the District.
(5) The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education, and related agencies.
(6) The Departments of Veterans and Housing and Urban
Development, and sundry independent agencies, boards,
commissions, corporations, and offices.
(7) Energy and water development.
(8) Foreign assistance and related programs.
(9) The Department of the Interior and related agencies.
(10) Military construction.
(11) The Department of Transportation and related agencies.
(12) The Treasury Department, the U.S. Postal Service, the
Executive Office of the President, and certain independent
agencies.
(13) The legislative branch. | Government Shutdown Prevention Act - Provides for continuing appropriations (at 100 percent of the rate of operations provided for in FY 1997) in the absence of regular appropriations for FY 1998.
Requires increases in the rate of operations as necessary to preclude furloughs or reductions-in-force. | Government Shutdown Prevention Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ravi Thackurdeen Safe Students Study
Abroad Act''.
SEC. 2. APPLICATION OF CLERY ACT TO PROGRAMS OF STUDY ABROAD.
(a) Reporting of Crime Statistics.--Paragraph (12) of section
485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (D)
and inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) while a student is participating in a program
of study abroad approved for credit by an institution
of higher education, distinguished by whether the
criminal offense occurred at a location described in
subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D), or at another
location, without regard to whether the institution
owns or controls a building or property at such
location.''.
(b) Additional Reporting for Programs of Study Abroad.--Section
485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (18) as paragraph (19); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (17), the following new
paragraph:
``(18)(A) Each institution of higher education
participating in any program under this title, other than a
foreign institution of higher education, shall develop and
distribute as part of the report described in paragraph (1), a
statement that the institution has adopted and implemented a
program to protect students participating in a program of study
abroad approved for credit by the institution from crime and
harm while participating in such program of study abroad that,
at a minimum, includes the following:
``(i) A biennial review by the institution
of the programs of study abroad approved for
credit by the institution to determine--
``(I) the effectiveness of the
programs at protecting students from
crime and harm, and whether changes to
the programs are needed (based on the
most recent guidance or other
assistance from the Secretary) and will
be implemented;
``(II) for the 10 years preceding
the date of the report, the number (in
the aggregate for all programs of study
abroad approved for credit by the
institution) of--
``(aa) deaths of program
participants resulting during
program participation;
``(bb) accidents and
illnesses occurring during
program participation that
resulted in hospitalization;
``(cc) sexual assaults
against program participants
occurring during program
participation; and
``(dd) incidents involving
program participants during the
program participation that
resulted in police involvement
or a police report; and
``(III) with respect to the
incidents described in items (aa)
through (dd) of subclause (II), whether
the incidents occurred--
``(aa) on campus;
``(bb) in or on a noncampus
building or property;
``(cc) on public property;
``(dd) in dormitories or
other residential facilities
for students; or
``(ee) at a location not
described in items (aa) through
(dd) of this subclause, without
regard to whether the
institution owns or controls a
building or property at the
location.
``(ii) The crime statistics described in
paragraph (12)(E).
``(B) An institution of higher education described in
subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) provide each student who is interested in
participating in a program of study abroad approved for
credit by the institution, with a pre-trip orientation
session and advising that includes--
``(I) a list of countries in which such
programs of study abroad are located;
``(II) all current travel information,
including all travel warnings and travel
alerts, issued by the Bureau of Consular
Affairs of the Department of State for such
countries; and
``(III) the information described in
clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A),
provided specifically for each program of study
abroad approved for credit by the institution
in which the student is considering
participation; and
``(ii) provide each student who returns from such a
program of study abroad with a post-trip orientation
session, including an exit interview that assists the
institution in carrying out subparagraph (A) and clause
(i) of this subparagraph.
``(C) An institution of higher education shall not
disaggregate or otherwise distinguish information for purposes
of subparagraph (A) or (B) in a case in which the number of
students in a category is insufficient to yield statistically
reliable information or the results would reveal personally
identifiable information about an individual student.
``(D) The Secretary shall periodically review a
representative sample of the programs described in subparagraph
(A) that have been adopted and implemented by institutions of
higher education to protect students participating in a program
of study abroad described in subparagraph (A) from crime and
harm while participating in such program of study abroad.''. | Ravi Thackurdeen Safe Students Study Abroad Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify campus security reporting requirements for an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs. Currently, an IHE must annually report data to the Department of Education on certain criminal offenses that occur in the following geographic categories: on campus, on campus in a residential facility, on noncampus property, and on public property. This bill expands the geographic categories of reportable offenses to also include crimes that occur while a student is participating in an approved study abroad program. Additionally, it requires an IHE to develop and distribute, as part of its annual security report provided to students and employees, a statement that it has adopted and implemented a program to protect students participating in an approved study abroad program from crime and harm. | Ravi Thackurdeen Safe Students Study Abroad Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Drinking Water Standards
Preservation Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The safety of drinking water, and the adequacy of water
supplies, is a national concern. In the 29 years since Congress
first mandated the establishment of uniform national minimum
drinking water standards, national standards have been
established for more than 100 contaminants and parameters.
(2) The States have been authorized to enforce those
standards, and, in appropriate cases, set stricter standards on
a statewide basis.
(3) It is technologically infeasible for a drinking water
system to provide water with a zero level of contaminants, and
a determination that drinking water must contain no
contaminants would threaten the adequacy of water supplies.
(4) The setting of drinking water standards is a complex
public policy determination requiring a careful analysis and
balancing of a number of factors, including--
(A) the maximum safe level for each drinking water
contaminant;
(B) the technological capability of removing
contaminants from public drinking water supplies; and
(C) the importance of assuring that drinking water
is affordable to all Americans.
(5) The setting of these standards is not appropriate for
individual juries deciding individual cases in the separate
States, but rather is fundamentally a scientific issue to be
resolved by the appropriate Federal and State agencies in
accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Safe Drinking
Water Act and the applicable State authorities.
(6) Claims for monetary damages brought against public
water providers under the common law of the various States
based on alleged contamination of drinking water threaten to
undermine the science-based uniform national system of water
quality regulation.
(7) The States should retain maximum flexibility to handle
claims for monetary damages brought against public water
providers based on alleged contamination of drinking water,
including the authority to decide whether such claims should be
heard by the courts or an administrative agency.
(8) The costs of defending against multiple legal claims
can be financially burdensome to any water provider, but
especially to small systems, and the imposition of such costs
cannot be justified when a supplier complies with the
requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT.
Section 1449 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j-8) is
amended as follows:
(1) In subsection (e)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``Nothing''
and inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (f),
nothing'';
(B) at the end of the first sentence, by striking
``or to seek any other relief'';
(C) in the second sentence, by striking ``Nothing''
and inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (f),
nothing''; and
(D) by inserting after the first sentence the
following: ``Nothing in subsection (f) creates a new
cause of action, and, except as otherwise explicitly
provided in this title, nothing in this title expands
liability otherwise imposed or limits any defense
otherwise available under Federal or State law.''.
(2) By adding the following new subsection at the end
thereof:
``(f)(1) No public water system shall be liable in a civil suit
brought before any Federal or State court for damages arising from
injury (including personal injury, death, or property damage) allegedly
caused by delivery of contaminated water, unless the court determines
that the plaintiff has established the following:
``(A) In the case of a regulated contaminant, the plaintiff
must establish that each of the following criteria are met:
``(i) The substance in the delivered water which
the plaintiff claims caused the injury was subject to a
Federal or State regulation prescribed under this Act
at the time of delivery.
``(ii) There is substantial scientific evidence
that the substance in the delivered water which the
plaintiff claims caused the injury was of such a
nature, and in such amounts, that it was reasonably
likely to cause the kind of injury of which the
plaintiff complains.
``(iii) The public water system violated the
regulation referred to in clause (i).
``(iv) The violation was negligent.
``(v) The violation caused the injury.
``(B) In the case of an unregulated contaminant, the
plaintiff must establish that each of the following criteria
are met:
``(i) The substance in the delivered water which
the plaintiff claims caused the injury was not subject
to any requirements prescribed under this Act at the
time of delivery.
``(ii) There is substantial scientific evidence
that the substance in the delivered water which the
plaintiff claims caused the injury was of such a
nature, and in such amounts, that it was reasonably
likely to cause the kind of injury of which the
plaintiff complains.
``(iii) The injury actually was caused by delivery
of water that contained such a substance.
``(iv) The public water system knew or should have
known that the substance was in the drinking water at
such a level and was likely to cause the injury.
``(v) It was feasible for the supplier to have
removed such contaminant to a level below which it was
not likely to cause such injury.
``(2) The court shall, in a special pretrial proceeding, subject to
the requirements of paragraph (3), determine whether the plaintiff has
established either that criteria in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of
paragraph (1)(A) or criteria in clauses (i), (ii), and (v) in paragraph
(1)(B) have been met.
``(3) The court, in making the determinations required in
paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B), shall adopt and give binding effect to
any findings of fact, conclusions of law, or determination of any
agency of a State exercising primary enforcement authority for purposes
of this title. Nothing in this section limits the jurisdiction or
authority of any State agency to make findings and determinations with
respect to whether--
``(A) requirements for drinking water quality adequately
protect the public;
``(B) additional requirements for regulated or unregulated
contaminants are warranted; and
``(C) public water systems are in compliance with such
requirements.''. | Drinking Water Standards Preservation Act of 2005 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to establish liability standards for a public water system for damages arising from injury (including personal injury, death, or property damage) allegedly caused by delivery of contaminated water containing either regulated or unregulated contaminants. Requires for both regulated and unregulated contaminants that the plaintiff establish that there is substantial scientific evidence that the kind of injury alleged could be caused by such substance in the amounts present and that the substance did, in fact, cause the injury. Requires proof: (1) in the case of regulated contaminants, that the water system violated the regulation, was negligent and that the violation caused the injury; and (2) in the case of unregulated contaminants, that the water system knew or should have known that the substance at that level was likely to cause such injury and that it was feasible to remove the contaminant to a safe level. Directs the court to make determinations regarding proof requirements in a special pretrial proceeding and to give binding effect to any findings of fact, conclusions of law, or determinations of State agencies exercising primary enforcement authority. | To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide procedures for claims relating to drinking water. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of
2005''.
SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENT OF OUTREACH ACTIVITIES WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter:
``SUBCHAPTER IV--OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
``Sec. 561. Outreach activities: coordination of activities within the
Department
``(a) The Secretary shall establish and maintain procedures for
ensuring the effective coordination of the outreach activities of the
Department between and among the following:
``(1) The Office of the Secretary.
``(2) The Office of Public Affairs.
``(3) The Veterans Health Administration.
``(4) The Veterans Benefits Administration.
``(5) The National Cemetery Administration.
``(b) The Secretary shall--
``(1) annually review the procedures in effect under
subsection (a) for the purpose of ensuring that those
procedures meet the requirements of that subsection; and
``(2) make such modifications to those procedures as the
Secretary considers appropriate in light of such review in
order to better achieve that purpose.
``Sec. 562. Outreach activities: cooperative activities with States;
grants to States for improvement of outreach
``(a) It is the purpose of this section to provide for assistance
by the Secretary to the States in carrying out programs within their
respective jurisdiction that offer a high probability of improving
outreach and assistance to veterans, and to the spouses, children, and
parents of veterans, so as to ensure that such individuals are fully
informed about, and assisted in applying for, any veterans' and
veterans-related benefits and programs (including State veterans'
programs) for which they may be eligible.
``(b) The Secretary shall ensure that, as a condition of the
provision of assistance by the Secretary under this section, that such
assistance is provided for outreach and assistance under State and
county veteran service programs referred to in subsection (a) in
locations--
``(1) that have relatively large concentrations of
populations of veterans and other individuals referred to in
subsection (a); or
``(2) that are experiencing growth in the population of
veterans and other individuals referred to in subsection (a).
``(c) The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements and
arrangements with State veterans agencies in order to carry out,
coordinate, improve, or otherwise enhance outreach by the Department
and the States (including outreach with respect to State veterans'
programs).
``(d)(1) The Secretary may make grants to State veterans agencies
in order to achieve the following purposes:
``(A) To carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise
enhance outreach, including activities pursuant to cooperative
agreements and arrangements under subsection (c).
``(B) To carry out, coordinate, improve, or otherwise
enhance activities to assist in the development and submittal
of claims for veterans' and veterans-related benefits,
including activities pursuant to cooperative agreements and
arrangements under subsection (c).
``(2) A State veterans agency receiving a grant under this
subsection shall use the grant amount for purposes described in
paragraph (1) by--
``(A) awarding a portion of such grant amount to local
governments of that State that provide veterans outreach
services, to be awarded on the basis of the number of veterans
residing in the jurisdiction of that local government;
``(B) awarding a portion of such grant amount to local
governments in that State seeking to establish a program of
outreach services; and
``(C) using the remainder for outreach activities of that
State veterans agency.
``(3) No portion of the amount of a grant to a State under this
subsection may be used at the State level for the purpose of
administering those funds.
``(4) Federal funds provided to a State by a grant under this
subsection may not be used to provide more than 50 percent of the total
cost of such State and local government activities and shall be used to
expand existing outreach programs and services, not to supplant
existing State and local funding. The Secretary shall allocate funds to
the States for grants under this subsection on the basis of the veteran
population of the respective States.
``(5)(A) In a case in which a unit of local government does not
have a veteran services program, funds from a grants under this
subsection may be used to establish such a program.
``(B) In a case in which a unit of local government does not have
such a program and does not seek to establish such a program through
assistance from a grant amount under this subsection, the State
veterans agency may use funds available under this subsection to
provide outreach services for that local government jurisdiction.
``(C) In the case of a State in which State and local government
veteran service programs do not seek to receive a grant amount under
this subsection, the funds for that State shall be reallocated to those
States in which local government veteran service programs exist and
have chosen to seek to receive a grant amount under this subsection.
``(6) Funds made available through a grant under this subsection
may be used for education and training for State and local government
employees who provide (or when trained will provide) veterans outreach
services in order for those employees to obtain accreditation in
accordance with procedures approved by the Secretary and, for employees
so accredited, for purposes of continuing education.
``(7) In this subsection, the term `State veterans agency' means
the element of the government of a State that has responsibility for
programs and activities of that State government relating to veterans
benefits.
``Sec. 563. Outreach activities: funding
``(a) Amounts for the outreach activities of the Department under
this subchapter shall be budgeted and appropriated through a separate
appropriation account.
``(b) In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress
in support of the Department budget for any fiscal year (as submitted
with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31),
the Secretary shall include a separate statement of the amount
requested to be appropriated for that fiscal year for the account
specified in subsection (a).
``Sec. 564. Definition of outreach
``For purposes of this subchapter, the term `outreach' means the
act or process of taking steps in a systematic manner to provide
information, services, and benefits counseling to veterans, and the
survivors of veterans, who may be eligible to receive benefits under
the laws administered by the Secretary to ensure that those individuals
are fully informed about, and assisted in applying for, any benefits
and programs under such laws for which they may be eligible.
``Sec. 565. Authorization of appropriations
``There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the
purposes of carrying out this subchapter, including the making of
grants under section 562(d) of this title, the amount of $25,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2006, 2007, and 2008.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new items:
``subchapter iv--outreach activities
``561. Outreach activities: coordination of activities within the
Department.
``562. Outreach activities: cooperative activities with States; grants
to States for improvement of outreach.
``563. Outreach activities: funding.
``564. Definition of outreach.
``565. Authorization of appropriations.''. | Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish, maintain, and modify as necessary procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs between and among the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Public Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration.
Directs the Secretary to ensure that state and local outreach assistance is provided in locations that: (1) have relatively large concentrations of veterans; or (2) are experiencing growth in veteran populations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to state veterans agencies for state and local outreach services. | To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Durable Medical Equipment
Access Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. BENEFICIARY PROTECTIONS.
(a) Application of Quality Standards.--Section 1847(b)(2)(B) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-3(b)(2)(B)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(B) Application of quality standards and receipt
of advice from oversight committee.--The Secretary may
not award any contracts under the competitive
acquisition program under this section unless--
``(i) the quality standards have been
implemented under section 1834(a)(20); and
``(ii) the Secretary has received advice
from the program oversight committee
established under subsection (c).''.
(b) Requiring Use of Exemptions.--Section 1847(a)(3) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395w-3(a)(3)) is amended by striking ``may exempt'' and
inserting ``shall exempt''.
(c) Exemption of Smaller MSAs.--Section 1847(a)(3)(A) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395w-3(a)(3)(A)) is amended by inserting ``(including any
metropolitan statistical area with a population of less than 500,000)''
after ``rural areas''.
(d) Application of Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) to Program
Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC).--Section 1847(c)(4) of such
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-3(c)(4)) is amended to read as follows:
``(4) Applicability of faca.--The provisions of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the
Committee.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall be
effective as if included in the enactment of the Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173).
SEC. 3. SMALL SUPPLIER PROTECTIONS.
(a) Qualified Supplier Participation.--Section 1847(b) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-3(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``The Secretary may
limit'' and inserting ``Subject to paragraph (6)(D), the
Secretary may limit''; and
(2) in paragraph (6)(D), by adding at the end the
following: ``Such appropriate steps shall include permitting
suppliers that are classified as small businesses under the
Small Business Act to continue to participate as suppliers at
the selected award price so long as they submit bids at less
than the fee schedule amount otherwise applicable to the items
and they otherwise comply with applicable program
requirements.''.
(b) Restoration of Due Process.--Section 1847(b)(10) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395w-3(b)(10)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``No administrative or judicial review''
and inserting ``Restoration of appeal rights''; and
(2) by striking ``There shall be no administrative or
judicial review under section 1869, section 1878, or otherwise
of'' and inserting ``Administrative and judicial review shall
only be available under section 1869 (and not otherwise) of''.
(c) Application of Requirement for Significant Savings.--Section
1847(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-3(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(B), by inserting ``of at least 10
percent'' after ``significant savings''; and
(2) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(D) Requirement for significant savings.--The
Secretary shall not implement a program under this
section with respect to an item or service unless the
Secretary demonstrates a probability of achieving
significant savings of at least 10 percent, compared to
the fee schedule in effect on January 1, 2006, by
including the item or service in the program.''.
(d) Comparability Analysis.--Section 1834(a)(1) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1395m(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``subject to
subparagraph (G),'' after ``2009,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(G) Requirement for comparability analysis before
implementation.--The Secretary may not implement
subparagraph (F) with respect to the application of
rates in an area that is not a competitive acquisition
area under section 1847 unless the Secretary has
completed and published in the Federal Register a
comparability analysis to ensure the application is
appropriate. The comparability analysis shall include
at least an analysis of the relative costs of providing
the particular items and services in the respective
metropolitan statistical areas and an assessment of
whether application of the bid rate in an area that is
not a competitive acquisition area would adversely
impact beneficiary access to quality items and
services.
``(H) Application of comparability analysis
requirement to certain other part b items and
services.--Subparagraph (G) shall also apply to the
implementation of section 1847(a) with respect to items
described in paragraph (2)(B) or (2)(C) of such section
that are furnished on or after January 1, 2009.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall be
effective as if included in the enactment of the Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173). | Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from awarding any contracts under the competitive durable medical equipment items and services acquisition program unless: (1) the quality standards have been implemented; and (2) the Secretary has received advice from the program oversight committee.
Requires the Secretary (who currently is authorized), in carrying out competitive acquisition programs, to exempt: (1) rural areas and areas with low population density within urban areas that are not competitive, unless there is a significant national market through mail order for a particular item or service; and (2) items and services for which the application of competitive acquisition is not likely to result in significant savings. Adds to such exemptions smaller metropolitan statistical areas.
Modifies requirements for the protection of small suppliers in bidding and contracting. Requires the Secretary to permit suppliers classified as small businesses to continue to participate as suppliers at the selected award price so long as they submit bids at less than the fee schedule amount otherwise applicable to the items and they otherwise comply with applicable program requirements.
Provides for appeal rights (currently denied).
Requires the Secretary to exempt from competitive acquisition requirements items and services for which the application of competitive acquisition is not likely to result in significant savings of at least 10%.
Prohibits the Secretary from implementing a program with respect to an item or service unless the Secretary demonstrates a probability of achieving significant savings of at least 10%, compared to the fee schedule in effect on January 1, 2006, by including the item or service in the program.
Prohibits the Secretary from implementing certain requirements for the payment basis for covered items furnished after January 1, 2009, with respect to the application of rates in an area that is not a competitive acquisition area, unless the Secretary has completed and published in the Federal Register a comparability analysis to ensure the application is appropriate. Requires application of the comparability analysis requirement to certain other part B items and services. | To amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to assure access to durable medical equipment under the Medicare Program. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nazi Benefits Termination Act of
1999''.
SEC. 2. DENIAL OF FEDERAL PUBLIC BENEFITS TO NAZI PERSECUTORS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an
individual who is determined under this Act to have been a participant
in Nazi persecution is not eligible for any Federal public benefit.
(b) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Federal public benefit.--The term ``Federal public
benefit'' shall have the meaning given such term by section
401(c)(1) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
Reconciliation Act of 1996, but shall not include any benefit
described in section 401(b)(1) of such Act (and, for purposes
of applying such section 401(b)(1), the term ``alien'' shall be
considered to mean ``individual'').
(2) Participant in nazi persecution.--The term
``participant in Nazi persecution'' means an individual who--
(A) if an alien, is shown by a preponderance of the
evidence to fall within the class of persons who (if
present within the United States) would be deportable
under section 237(a)(4)(D) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act; or
(B) if a citizen, is shown by a preponderance of
the evidence--
(i) to have procured citizenship illegally
or by concealment of a material fact or willful
misrepresentation within the meaning of section
340(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act;
and
(ii) to have participated in Nazi
persecution within the meaning of section
212(a)(3)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act.
SEC. 3. DETERMINATIONS.
(a) Hearing by Immigration Judge.--If the Attorney General has
reason to believe that an individual who has applied for or is
receiving a Federal public benefit may have been a participant in Nazi
persecution (within the meaning of section 2 of this Act), the Attorney
General may provide an opportunity for a hearing on the record with
respect to the matter. The Attorney General may delegate the conduct of
the hearing to an immigration judge appointed by the Attorney General
under section 101(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
(b) Procedure.--
(1) Right of respondents to appear.--
(A) Citizens, permanent resident aliens, and
persons present in the united states.--At a hearing
under this section, each respondent may appear in
person if the respondent is a United States citizen, a
permanent resident alien, or present within the United
States when the proceeding under this section is
initiated.
(B) Others.--A respondent who is not a citizen, a
permanent resident alien, or present within the United
States when the proceeding under this section is
initiated may appear by video conference.
(C) Rule of interpretation.--This Act shall not be
construed to permit the return to the United States of
an individual who is inadmissible under section
212(a)(3)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
(2) Other rights of respondents.--At a hearing under this
section, each respondent may be represented by counsel at no
expense to the Federal Government, present evidence, cross-
examine witnesses, and obtain the issuance of subpoenas for the
attendance of witnesses and presentation of evidence.
(3) Rules of evidence.--Unless otherwise provided in this
Act, rules regarding the presentation of evidence in the
hearing shall apply in the same manner in which such rules
would apply in a removal proceeding before a United States
immigration judge under section 240 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act.
(c) Hearings, Findings and Conclusions, and Order.--
(1) Findings and conclusions.--Within 60 days after the end
of a hearing conducted under this section, the immigration
judge shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law with
respect to whether the respondent has been a participant in
Nazi persecution (within the meaning of section 2 of this Act).
(2) Order.--
(A) Finding that respondent has been a participant
in nazi persecution.--If the immigration judge finds,
by a preponderance of the evidence, that the respondent
has been a participant in Nazi persecution (within the
meaning of section 2 of this Act), the immigration
judge shall promptly issue an order declaring the
respondent to be ineligible for any Federal public
benefit, and prohibiting any person from providing such
a benefit, directly or indirectly, to the respondent,
and shall transmit a copy of the order to any
governmental entity or person known to be so providing
such a benefit.
(B) Finding that respondent has not been a
participant in nazi persecution.--If the immigration
judge finds that there is insufficient evidence for a
finding under subparagraph (A) that a respondent has
been a participant in Nazi persecution (within the
meaning of section 2 of this Act), the immigration
judge shall issue an order dismissing the proceeding.
(C) Effective date; limitation of liability.--
(i) Effective date.--An order issued
pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall be effective
on the date of issuance.
(ii) Limitation of liability.--
Notwithstanding clause (i), a person or entity
shall not be found to have provided a benefit
to an individual in violation of this Act until
the person or entity has received actual notice
of the issuance of an order under subparagraph
(A) with respect to the individual and has had
a reasonable opportunity to comply with the
order.
(d) Review by Attorney General; Service of Final Order.--
(1) Review by attorney general.--The Attorney General may,
in her discretion, review any finding or conclusion made, or
order issued, under subsection (c), and shall complete the
review not later than 30 days after the finding or conclusion
is so made, or order is so issued. Otherwise, the finding,
conclusion, or order shall be final.
(2) Service of final order.--The Attorney General shall
cause the findings of fact and conclusions of law made with
respect to any final order issued under this section, together
with a copy of the order, to be served on the respondent
involved.
(e) Judicial Review.--Any party aggrieved by a final order issued
under this section may obtain a review of the order by the United
States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, by filing a petition
for such review not later than 30 days after the final order is issued.
(f) Issue and Claim Preclusion.--In any administrative or judicial
proceeding under this Act, the ordinary rules of issue preclusion and
claim preclusion shall apply.
SEC. 4. JURISDICTION OF UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FEDERAL
CIRCUIT OVER APPEALS UNDER THIS ACT.
Section 1295(a) of title 28, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (13);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (14) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(15) of an appeal from a final order issued under the
Nazi Benefits Termination Act of 1999.''. | Describes hearing procedures under this Act. Requires an immigration judge who finds that the respondent has been a participant in Nazi persecution to: (1) promptly issue an order declaring the respondent to be ineligible for any Federal public benefit and prohibiting any person from providing such a benefit to the respondent; and (2) transmit a copy of the order to any governmental entity or person known to be so providing such a benefit and to any governmental entity or person known to have received an application for benefits that has not been finally adjudicated.
Authorizes the Attorney General to review any finding or conclusion made, or order issued and to initiate any review within 30 days. Requires any order, finding, or conclusion to be final: (1) 30 days after it is issued if the Attorney General does not initiate such a review; or (2) either upon the issuance of a decision by the Attorney General or 90 days after the order, finding, or conclusion is issued, whichever is earlier, if the Attorney General does initiate a review.
Allows any party aggrieved by a final order issued under this Act to obtain judicial review of the order by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit by filing a petition for such review no later than 30 days after the final order becomes final, or completion of any review by the Attorney General, whichever is later. | Nazi Benefits Termination Act of 1999 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Home Energy Affordability Tax Relief
Act of 2011'' or the ``HEATR Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. REFUNDABLE CREDIT FOR RESIDENTIAL ENERGY COSTS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter B of chapter 65 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to rules of special application) is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 6433. REFUNDABLE CREDIT FOR RESIDENTIAL ENERGY COSTS.
``(a) General Rule.--In the case of an individual, there shall be
allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the
taxable year an amount equal to the lesser of--
``(1) 33 percent of the amount of the taxpayer's
residential energy costs for such taxable year, or
``(2) $500.
``(b) Income Limitation.--
``(1) In general.--The amount allowable as a credit under
subsection (a) for any taxable year shall be reduced (but not
below zero) by an amount which bears the same ratio to the
amount so allowable (determined without regard to this
paragraph) as--
``(A) the amount (if any) by which the taxpayer's
adjusted gross income exceeds $50,000 (twice such
amount in the case of a joint return), bears to
``(B) $10,000.
``(2) Determination of adjusted gross income.--For purposes
of paragraph (1), adjusted gross income shall be determined
without regard to sections 911, 931, and 933.
``(c) Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) Residential energy costs.--The term `residential
energy costs' means the amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer
during the taxable year--
``(A) to any utility for electricity or natural gas
used in the principal residence of the taxpayer during
the heating season, and
``(B) for any qualified fuel for use in the
principal residence of the taxpayer but only if such
fuel is the primary fuel for heating such residence.
``(2) Principal residence.--
``(A) In general.--The term `principal residence'
has the meaning given to such term by section 121;
except that no ownership requirement shall be imposed.
``(B) Special rules.--Such term shall not include--
``(i) any residence located outside the
United States, and
``(ii) any residence not used as the
taxpayer's principal place of abode throughout
the heating season.
``(3) Heating season.--The term `heating season' means
October, November, December, January, February, and March.
``(4) Qualified fuel.--The term `qualified fuel' includes
propane, heating oil, kerosene, wood, and wood pellets.
``(d) Other Special Rules.--
``(1) Individuals paying on level payment basis.--Amounts
paid for natural gas under a level payment plan for any period
shall be treated as paid for natural gas used during the
portion (if any) of the heating season during such period to
the extent of the amount charged for natural gas used during
such portion of the heating season. A similar rule shall apply
to electricity and any qualified fuel.
``(2) Homeowners associations, etc.--The application of
this section to homeowners associations (as defined in section
528(c)(1)) or members of such associations, and tenant-
stockholders in cooperative housing corporations (as defined in
section 216), shall be allowed by allocation, apportionment, or
otherwise, to the individuals paying, directly or indirectly,
for the residential energy cost so incurred.
``(3) Dollar amount in case of joint occupancy.--In the
case of a dwelling unit which is the principal residence by 2
or more individuals, the dollar limitation under subsection
(a)(2) shall be allocated among such individuals under
regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
``(4) Treatment as refundable credit.--For purposes of this
title, the credit allowed by this section shall be treated as a
credit allowed under subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of
chapter 1 (relating to refundable credits).
``(e) Inflation Adjustment.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of any taxable year
beginning in 2012, each of the dollar amounts contained in
subsections (a)(2) and (b)(1)(A) shall be increased by an
amount equal to--
``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(B) in the case of--
``(i) the dollar amount contained in
subsection (a)(2), the fuel price inflation
adjustment for 2012, and
``(ii) the dollar amount contained in
subsection (b)(1)(A), the cost-of-living
adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for
2012 by substituting `calendar year 2010' for
`calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B)
thereof.
``(2) Fuel price inflation adjustment.--For purposes of
paragraph (1)(B)(i)--
``(A) In general.--The fuel price inflation
adjustment for 2012 is the percentage (if any) by
which--
``(i) the CPI fuel component for October of
2011, exceeds
``(ii) the CPI fuel component for October
of 2010.
``(B) CPI fuel component.--The term `CPI fuel
component' means the fuel component of the Consumer
Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the
Department of Labor.
``(3) Rounding.--
``(A) Credit amount.--
``(i) Credit amount.--If the dollar amount
in subsection (a)(2) (after being increased
under paragraph (1)), is not a multiple of $10,
such dollar amount shall be rounded to the
nearest multiple of $10.
``(ii) Income threshold.--If the dollar
amount in subsection (b)(1)(A) (after being
increased under paragraph (1)), is not a
multiple of $50, such dollar amount shall be
rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.
``(f) Application of Section.--This section shall apply to
residential energy costs paid or incurred after the date of the
enactment of this section, in taxable years ending after such date, and
before January 1, 2013.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``or 6431,'' and inserting
``6431, or 6433''.
(2) The table of sections for subchapter B of chapter 65 of
such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new
item:
``Sec. 6433. Refundable credit for residential energy costs.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this
Act. | Home Energy Affordability Tax Relief Act of 2011 or the HEATR Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer an income-based refundable tax credit for energy costs for the taxpayer's principal residence. Limits such credit to the lesser of 33% of such costs or $500. Terminates such credit on December 31, 2012. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a refundable credit against income tax to assist individuals with high residential energy costs. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Corporate Patriot Enforcement Act of
2002''.
SEC. 2. PREVENTION OF CORPORATE EXPATRIATION TO AVOID UNITED STATES
INCOME TAX.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (4) of section 7701(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (defining domestic) is amended to read as follows:
``(4) Domestic.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the term `domestic' when applied to a
corporation or partnership means created or organized
in the United States or under the law of the United
States or of any State unless, in the case of a
partnership, the Secretary provides otherwise by
regulations.
``(B) Certain corporations treated as domestic.--
``(i) In general.--The acquiring
corporation in a corporate expatriation
transaction shall be treated as a domestic
corporation.
``(ii) Corporate expatriation
transaction.--For purposes of this
subparagraph, the term `corporate expatriation
transaction' means any transaction if--
``(I) a nominally foreign
corporation (referred to in this
subparagraph as the `acquiring
corporation') acquires, as a result of
such transaction, directly or
indirectly substantially all of the
properties held directly or indirectly
by a domestic corporation, and
``(II) immediately after the
transaction, more than 80 percent of
the stock (by vote or value) of the
acquiring corporation is held by former
shareholders of the domestic
corporation by reason of holding stock
in the domestic corporation.
``(iii) Lower stock ownership requirement
in certain cases.--Subclause (II) of clause
(ii) shall be applied by substituting `50
percent' for `80 percent' with respect to any
nominally foreign corporation if--
``(I) such corporation does not
have substantial business activities
(when compared to the total business
activities of the expanded affiliated
group) in the foreign country in which
or under the law of which the
corporation is created or organized,
and
``(II) the stock of the corporation
is publicly traded and the principal
market for the public trading of such
stock is in the United States.
``(iv) Partnership transactions.--The term
`corporate expatriation transaction' includes
any transaction if--
``(I) a nominally foreign
corporation (referred to in this
subparagraph as the `acquiring
corporation') acquires, as a result of
such transaction, directly or
indirectly properties constituting a
trade or business of a domestic
partnership,
``(II) immediately after the
transaction, more than 80 percent of
the stock (by vote or value) of the
acquiring corporation is held by former
partners of the domestic partnership
(determined without regard to stock of
the acquiring corporation which is sold
in a public offering related to the
transaction), and
``(III) the acquiring corporation
meets the requirements of subclauses
(I) and (II) of clause (iii).
``(v) Special rules.--For purposes of this
subparagraph--
``(I) a series of related
transactions shall be treated as 1
transaction, and
``(II) stock held by members of the
expanded affiliated group which
includes the acquiring corporation
shall not be taken into account in
determining ownership.
``(vi) Other definitions.--For purposes of
this subparagraph--
``(I) Nominally foreign
corporation.--The term `nominally
foreign corporation' means any
corporation which would (but for this
subparagraph) be treated as a foreign
corporation.
``(II) Expanded affiliated group.--
The term `expanded affiliated group'
means an affiliated group (as defined
in section 1504(a) without regard to
section 1504(b)).''
(b) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--The amendment made by this section shall
apply to corporate expatriation transactions completed after
September 11, 2001.
(2) Special rule.--The amendment made by this section shall
also apply to corporate expatriation transactions completed on
or before September 11, 2001, but only with respect to taxable
years of the acquiring corporation beginning after December 31,
2003. | Corporate Patriot Enforcement Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by determining that acquiring corporations in"corporate expatriation transactions" shall be considered domestic corporations. Defines a "corporate expatriation transaction" as, with certain exceptions, one in which a "nominally foreign corporation" acquires substantially all of the properties held by a domestic corporation and in which, immediately after the transaction, more than 80 percent of the stock of the acquiring corporation is held by former shareholders of the domestic corporation. Lowers the 80 percent threshold to 50 percent when the acquiring "nominally foreign corporation" lacks substantial business activities in the foreign country in which it was created and organized compared to the total activities of the "expanded affiliated group" and the stock is publicly traded, with the principal market of trading being the United States. Defines the terms "nominally foreign corporation" and "expanded affiliated group."Applies similar rules to partnership transactions.Establishes that a series of related transactions relevant to the Act shall be handled as a single transaction. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prevent corporations from avoiding the United States income tax by reincorporating in a foreign country. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Backcountry Landing Strip Access
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) aircraft landing strips--
(A) serve an essential safety role as emergency
landing areas;
(B) provide access to people who would otherwise be
physically unable to enjoy national parks, national
forests, wilderness areas, and other Federal land;
(C) support State economies by providing efficient
access for visitors seeking recreational activities;
and
(D) serve an essential role in search and rescue,
forest and ecological management, research, wildlife
management, aerial mapping, firefighting, and disaster
relief; and
(2) the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of
Agriculture should--
(A) adopt a nationwide policy for governing
backcountry aviation issues relating to the management
of Federal land under the jurisdiction of the
Secretaries; and
(B) require regional managers to comply with the
policy adopted under subparagraph (A).
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(2) Aircraft landing strip.--The term ``aircraft landing
strip'' means an established aircraft landing strip located on
Federal land under the administrative jurisdiction of the
Secretary that is commonly known, and has been or is
consistently used, for aircraft landing and departure
activities.
(3) Permanently close.--The term ``permanently close''
means any closure, the duration of which is more than 90 days
in any calendar year.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means--
(A) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of
the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the
Interior; and
(B) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of
the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of
Agriculture.
SEC. 4. PROCEDURE FOR CONSIDERATION OF ACTIONS AFFECTING CERTAIN
AIRCRAFT LANDING STRIPS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall not take any action that would
permanently close, restrict, or render or declare as unserviceable any
aircraft landing strip unless--
(1) the head of the aviation department of each State in
which the aircraft landing strip is located approves the
action;
(2) the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register notice
of the proposed action, including notice that the action would
permanently close, restrict, or render or declare as
unserviceable the aircraft landing strip;
(3) the Secretary provides for a 90-day public comment
period beginning on the date of publication of the notice under
paragraph (2); and
(4) the Secretary and the head of the aviation department
of each State in which the affected aircraft landing strip is
located have taken into consideration any comments received
during the comment period under paragraph (3).
(b) Policies.--
(1) Backcountry aviation policies.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries
shall--
(A) adopt a nationwide policy for governing
backcountry aviation issues relating to the management
of Federal land under the jurisdiction of the
Secretaries; and
(B) require regional managers to adhere to the
policy adopted under subparagraph (A).
(2) Requirements.--Any policy affecting air access to an
aircraft landing strip, including the policy adopted under
paragraph (1), shall not take effect unless the policy--
(A) states that the Administrator has the sole
authority to control aviation and airspace over the
United States; and
(B) seeks and considers comments from State
governments and the public.
(c) Maintenance of Airstrips.--
(1) In general.--To ensure that aircraft landing strips are
maintained in a manner that is consistent with the resource
values of any adjacent area, the Secretary shall consult with--
(A) the head of the aviation department of each
State in which an aircraft landing strip is located;
and
(B) any other interested parties.
(2) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may enter into
cooperative agreements with interested parties for the
maintenance of aircraft landing strips.
(d) Exchanges or Acquisitions.--There shall not be as a condition
of any Federal acquisition of, or exchange involving, private property
on which a landing strip is located--
(1) the closure or purposeful neglect of the landing strip;
or
(2) any other action that would restrict use or render any
landing strip unserviceable.
(e) Applicability.--Subsections (a), (b)(2), and (d) shall apply to
any action, policy, exchange, or acquisition, respectively, that is not
final on the date of enactment of this Act.
(f) Effect on Federal Aviation Administration Authority.--Nothing
in this Act affects the authority of the Administrator over aviation or
airspace. | Backcountry Landing Strip Access Act - Prohibits the Secretaries of the Interior or Agriculture from taking any action that would permanently close, restrict, or render or declare unserviceable any aircraft landing strip located on land under their jurisdiction unless: (1) the head of the aviation department of the state in which the landing strip is located approves the action; (2) the Secretary publishes notice of the proposed action and allows for a 90-day public comment thereafter; and (3) the Secretary and appropriate state aviation department head have taken into consideration any comments received.
Requires the Secretaries to: (1) adopt a nationwide policy for governing backcountry aviation issues relating to the management of federal land under their jurisdiction; and (2) require regional managers to adhere to such policy. | To ensure general aviation aircraft access to Federal land and to the airspace over Federal land. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Neighborhood Infrastructure
Improvement and Inner City Job Creation Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF GRANT PROGRAM.
The Secretary of Labor (in this Act referred to as the
``Secretary'') shall provide grants to eligible administrative entities
described in section 3(a) for the purpose of establishing and carrying
out programs that provide employment opportunities to unemployed
individuals through payments for labor and related costs associated
with the repair and renovation of essential community facilities.
SEC. 3. ELIGIBLE ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITIES.
(a) In General.--An administrative entity shall be eligible to
receive a grant under section 2 if the entity is--
(1) a private industry council (described under section 102
of the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1512)),
(2) a unit of general local government,
(3) a nonprofit private organization, or
(4) in the case of a grant involving a Native American
Indian tribe or Alaska Native Village, a grantee designated
under subsection (c) or (d) of section 401 of the Job Training
Partnership Act, or a consortium of such grantees and the
State,
that serves 1 or more eligible jurisdictions described under subsection
(b).
(b) Eligible Jurisdiction.--An eligible jurisdiction described
under this subsection is an area which has a poverty rate in excess of
30 percent and which is--
(1) a unit of general local government which has a
population of 50,000 or more individuals; or
(2) a Native American Indian tribe, band, or group located
on a Federal or State reservation, the Oklahoma Indians, and
any Alaska Native village or group as defined in the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act, having a governing body.
(c) Priority.--In selecting administrative entities described in
subsection (a) to receive a grant under section 2, priority shall be
given to administrative entities that give assurances to the Secretary
in the application submitted under section 4 that such entities will
give priority to individuals who are low-skilled workers in selecting
individuals to participate in programs established and carried out by
such entities under section 5(a).
SEC. 4. APPLICATION.
The Secretary may not make a grant under section 2 to an eligible
administrative entity unless the entity submits to the Secretary an
application in such form and containing such information as the
Secretary may require.
SEC. 5. USE OF AMOUNTS.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
Secretary may not make a grant under section 2 to an eligible
administrative entity unless the entity agrees that it will use all
amounts received from such grant to establish and carry out a program
to provide wages and related employment benefits to eligible
individuals described in subsections (a) and (b) of section 6 for the
purpose of employing such individuals to repair and renovate essential
community facilities that are located within the eligible jurisdiction
that the entity serves, including--
(1) painting bridges;
(2) repairing and renovating public buildings and other
community facilities, including public libraries;
(3) repairing and renovating public housing units;
(4) repairing water systems and water development projects;
(5) erecting or replacing traffic control signs and
removing road sign obstructions;
(6) replacing school crossing, intersection, and other road
surface markings;
(7) repairing roads and streets;
(8) repairing and renovating parks and playgrounds;
(9) installing and repairing drainage pipes and catch
basins in areas subject to flooding;
(10) installing graded ramps for individuals with
disabilities; and
(11) weatherizing community facilities and carrying out
other energy conservation activities.
(b) Administrative Costs.--Not more than 25 percent of amounts
received from a grant under section 2 for any fiscal year may be used
for the cost of administration and the acquisition of supplies, tools,
and other equipment.
SEC. 6. ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--An individual shall be eligible to participate in
a program described in section 5(a) only if the individual--
(1) is an unemployed individual at the time of enrollment
in such program;
(2) has been unemployed, at a minimum, for the duration of
the 15-week period immediately preceding the date of such
enrollment; and
(3) has made a good-faith attempt to obtain employment
during such 15-week period.
(b) Additional Requirement for Secondary School-Age Individuals.--
(1) In general.--In addition to meeting the requirements
described in subsection (a), a secondary school-age individual
shall be eligible to participate in a program described in
section 5(a) only if the individual has not attended a
secondary school for any part of the 6-month period immediately
preceding the date of enrollment in such program.
(2) Secondary school-age individual defined.--For purposes
of paragraph (1), the term ``secondary school-age individual''
means an individual who has attained the age of 16 but has not
attained the age of 20.
(c) Priority.--In selecting individuals described in subsections
(a) and (b) to participate in a program described in section 5(a),
priority shall be given to the individuals who, at the time of
selection to the program, have exhausted or are otherwise not eligible
for unemployment insurance benefits, particularly those individuals who
have been unemployed for the longest periods of time preceding the date
of their selection to the program.
SEC. 7. NONDISCRIMINATION.
No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the
benefits of, subjected to discrimination under, or denied employment in
the administration of or in connection with any program described in
section 5(a) because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
age, disability, or political affiliation or belief.
SEC. 8. LABOR STANDARDS.
The labor standards described under section 143 of the Job Training
Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1553) shall apply for purposes of a program
established under section 5(a).
SEC. 9. MAINTENANCE OF EXPENDITURES.
The Secretary may not make a grant under section 2 to an eligible
administrative entity unless the entity agrees that it will maintain
its aggregate expenditures from all other sources for employing
individuals to repair and renovate essential community facilities at or
above the average level of such expenditures in the 2 fiscal years
preceding the date on which the entity submits an application under
section 4 to the Secretary.
SEC. 10. REPORT.
The Secretary may not make a grant under section 2 to an eligible
administrative entity unless the entity agrees that it will submit, for
any fiscal year in which the entity receives a grant under such
section, a report to the Secretary describing the use of such grant and
any other information the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry
out section 2 $5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and such sums as may
be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
(b) Availability.--Funds authorized to be appropriated under
subsection (a) shall remain available until expended. | Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvement and Inner City Job Creation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible administrative entities for programs to provide employment opportunities to unemployed individuals through payments for labor and related costs associated with repair and renovation of essential community facilities.
Gives grant priority to administratve entities that assure giving priority to low-skilled workers as program participants. Requires that eligible participants have been unemployed for at least 15 weeks and have sought employment during that period. Makes secondary school-age individuals (16 to 20 years old) eligible only if they have not attended a secondary school at any time during the previous six months. Gives priority to individuals who have exhausted or are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, particularly those who have been unemployed for the longest periods.
Authorizes appropriations. | Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvement and Inner City Job Creation Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Child Safety Lock Act of 1999''.
SEC. 2. CHILD SAFETY LOCKS.
(a) Definitions.--Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(35) The term `locking device' means a device or locking
mechanism--
``(A) that--
``(i) if installed on a firearm and secured
by means of a key or a mechanically,
electronically, or electromechanically operated
combination lock, is designed to prevent the
firearm from being discharged without first
deactivating or removing the device by means of
a key or mechanically, electronically, or
electromechanically operated combination lock;
``(ii) if incorporated into the design of a
firearm, is designed to prevent discharge of
the firearm by any person who does not have
access to the key or other device designed to
unlock the mechanism and thereby allow
discharge of the firearm; or
``(iii) is a safe, gun safe, gun case, lock
box, or other device that is designed to store
a firearm and that is designed to be unlocked
only by means of a key, a combination, or other
similar means; and
``(B) that is approved by a licensed firearms
manufacturer for use on the handgun with which the
device or locking mechanism is sold, delivered, or
transferred.''.
(b) Unlawful Acts.--
(1) In general.--Section 922 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after subsection (y) the
following:
``(z) Locking Devices.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), it
shall be unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, licensed
importer, or licensed dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer any
handgun to any person other than a licensed manufacturer,
licensed importer, or licensed dealer, unless the transferee is
provided with a locking device for that handgun.
``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) does not apply to--
``(A) the--
``(i) manufacture for, transfer to, or
possession by, the United States or a State or
a department or agency of the United States, or
a State or a department, agency, or political
subdivision of a State, of a firearm; or
``(ii) transfer to, or possession by, a law
enforcement officer employed by an entity
referred to in clause (i) of a firearm for law
enforcement purposes (whether on or off duty);
or
``(B) the transfer to, or possession by, a rail
police officer employed by a rail carrier and certified
or commissioned as a police officer under the laws of a
State of a firearm for purposes of law enforcement
(whether on or off duty).''.
(2) Effective date.--Section 922(y) of title 18, United
States Code, as added by this subsection, shall take effect 180
days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Liability; Evidence.--
(1) Liability.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
to--
(A) create a cause of action against any firearms
dealer or any other person for any civil liability; or
(B) establish any standard of care.
(2) Evidence.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
evidence regarding compliance or noncompliance with the
amendments made by this section shall not be admissible as
evidence in any proceeding of any court, agency, board, or
other entity, except with respect to an action to enforce this
section.
(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall
be construed to bar a governmental action to impose a penalty
under section 924(p) of title 18, United States Code, for a
failure to comply with section 922(y) of that title.
(d) Civil Penalties.--Section 924 of title 18, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``or (f)'' and
inserting ``(f), or (p)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(p) Penalties Relating to Locking Devices.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Suspension or revocation of license; civil
penalties.--With respect to each violation of section
922(y)(1) by a licensee, the Secretary may, after
notice and opportunity for hearing--
``(i) suspend or revoke any license issued
to the licensee under this chapter; or
``(ii) subject the licensee to a civil
penalty in an amount equal to not more than
$10,000.
``(B) Review.--An action of the Secretary under
this paragraph may be reviewed only as provided in
section 923(f).
``(2) Administrative remedies.--The suspension or
revocation of a license or the imposition of a civil penalty
under paragraph (1) does not preclude any administrative remedy
that is otherwise available to the Secretary.''. | Child Safety Lock Act of 1999 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to define (firearm) "locking device."
Makes it unlawful for a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun without a locking device to any person other than a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer, with exceptions for law enforcement and governmental entities.
Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to create a cause of action against any firearms dealer or any other person for civil liability, or establish any standard of care.
Makes evidence regarding compliance or noncompliance with this Act inadmissible in a proceeding of any court, agency, board, or other entity, except with respect to an action to enforce this Act.
Sets forth civil penalties (in addition to any administrative penalties) for related violations, including suspension or loss of license. | Child Safety Lock Act of 1999 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Leveraging and Energizing America's
Apprenticeship Programs Act'' or the ``LEAP Act''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN QUALIFIED APPRENTICESHIP
PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 45S. EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN QUALIFIED APPRENTICESHIP
PROGRAMS.
``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 38, the apprenticeship
credit determined under this section for the taxable year is an amount
equal to the sum of the applicable credit amounts (as determined under
subsection (b)) for each apprentice of the employer that exceeds the
applicable apprenticeship level (as determined under subsection (e))
during such taxable year.
``(b) Applicable Credit Amount.--For purposes of subsection (a),
the applicable credit amount for each apprentice for each taxable year
is equal to--
``(1) in the case of an apprentice who has not attained 25
years of age at the close of the taxable year, $1,500, or
``(2) in the case of an apprentice who has attained 25
years of age at the close of the taxable year, $1,000.
``(c) Limitation on Number of Years Which Credit May Be Taken Into
Account.--The apprenticeship credit shall not be allowed for more than
2 taxable years with respect to any apprentice.
``(d) Apprentice.--For purposes of this section, the term
`apprentice' means any employee who is employed by the employer--
``(1) in an officially recognized apprenticeable
occupation, as determined by the Office of Apprenticeship of
the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of
Labor, and
``(2) pursuant to an apprentice agreement registered with--
``(A) the Office of Apprenticeship of the
Employment and Training Administration of the
Department of Labor, or
``(B) a recognized State apprenticeship agency, as
determined by the Office of Apprenticeship of the
Employment and Training Administration of the
Department of Labor.
``(e) Applicable Apprenticeship Level.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the
applicable apprenticeship level shall be equal to--
``(A) in the case of any apprentice described in
subsection (b)(1), the amount equal to 80 percent of
the average number of such apprentices of the employer
for the 3 taxable years preceding the taxable year for
which the credit is being determined, rounded to the
next lower whole number; and
``(B) in the case of any apprentices described in
subsection (b)(2), the amount equal to 80 percent of
the average number of such apprentices of the employer
for the 3 taxable years preceding the taxable year for
which the credit is being determined, rounded to the
next lower whole number.
``(2) First year of new apprenticeship programs.--In the
case of an employer which did not have any apprentices during
any taxable year in the 3 taxable years preceding the taxable
year for which the credit is being determined, the applicable
apprenticeship level shall be equal to zero.
``(f) Coordination With Other Credits.--The amount of credit
otherwise allowable under sections 45A, 51(a), and 1396(a) with respect
to any employee shall be reduced by the credit allowed by this section
with respect to such employee.
``(g) Certain Rules To Apply.--Rules similar to the rules of
subsections (i)(1) and (k) of section 51 shall apply for purposes of
this section.''.
(b) Credit Made Part of General Business Credit.--Subsection (b) of
section 38 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by striking the period at the
end of paragraph (36) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(37) the apprenticeship credit determined under section
45S(a).''.
(c) Denial of Double Benefit.--Subsection (a) of section 280C of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ``45S(a),''
after ``45P(a),''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 45S. Employees participating in qualified apprenticeship
programs.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to individuals commencing apprenticeship programs after the date
of the enactment of this Act. | Leveraging and Energizing America's Apprenticeship Programs Act or the LEAP Act Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business-related tax credit of $1,500 for hiring an apprentice who has not attained age 25 at the close of the taxable year or $1,000 for an apprentice who has attained age 25. Allows such credit for no more than two taxable years with respect to any apprentice. Defines "apprentice" as an employee who is employed in an officially-recognized apprenticeable occupation pursuant to an apprentice agreement registered with the Office of Apprenticeship of the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor or a recognized state apprenticeship agency. | LEAP Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Major Regulation Cost Review Act of
2004''.
SEC. 2. REQUIREMENT FOR PERIODIC REVIEW OF ALL MAJOR RULES.
(a) Requirement.--Chapter 6 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 610 the following new section:
``Sec. 610a. Periodic review of major rules
``(a) Requirement for Review of Major Rules.--Not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of the Major Regulation Cost
Review Act of 2004, each agency shall publish in the Federal Register a
plan for the periodic review of all the major rules issued by the
agency. Such plan may be amended by the agency at any time by
publishing the revision in the Federal Register.
``(b) Purpose of Review.--The purpose of the review shall be to
determine whether such rules should be continued without change, or
should be amended or rescinded, consistent with the stated objectives
of applicable statutes.
``(c) Review Within Five Years.--The plan shall provide for the
review of all such agency rules existing on the effective date of the
Major Regulation Cost Review Act of 2004 within five years after that
date and for the review of such rules adopted after such effective date
within five years after the publication of such rules as the final
rule. If the head of the agency determines that completion of the
review of existing rules is not feasible by the established date, the
head of the agency shall so certify in a statement published in the
Federal Register and may extend the completion date by one year at a
time for a total of not more than five years.
``(d) Factors to Consider.--In reviewing major rules in a manner
consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes, the
agency shall consider the following factors:
``(1) The continued need for the rule.
``(2) The nature of complaints or comments received
concerning the rule from the public.
``(3) The complexity of the rule.
``(4) The extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or
conflicts with other Federal rules, and, to the extent
feasible, with State and local governmental rules.
``(5) The length of time since the rule has been evaluated
or the degree to which technology, economic conditions, or
other factors have changed in the area affected by the rule.
``(e) Cost-Benefit Analysis.--The review shall include a cost-
benefit analysis of the rule, using the standard cost-benefit
methodology included in Office of Management and Budget Circular A-4
(relating to regulatory analysis and issued September 17, 2003). The
cost-benefit analysis shall include an identification and consideration
of a range of less costly regulatory alternatives.
``(f) Publication of List of Rules to Be Reviewed.--Each year, each
agency shall publish in the Federal Register a list of the major rules
which are to be reviewed pursuant to this section during the succeeding
12 months and which are to be included in the accounting statement and
associated report submitted to Congress by the Director of the Office
of Management and Budget under paragraph (4) of section 624(a) of the
Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001 (as added by
section 3 of the Major Regulation Cost Review Act of 2004). The list
shall include a brief description of each such major rule and the need
for and legal basis of such rule, and shall invite public comment upon
the rule.
``(g) Major Rule Defined.--In this section, the term `major rule'
has the meaning provided by section 804 of this title.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 6 of
title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 610 the following new item:
``610a. Periodic review of major rules.''.
SEC. 3. REQUIREMENTS FOR OMB RELATING TO ANNUAL ACCOUNTING STATEMENT.
(a) Requirement to Include List of Rules to Be Reviewed in Annual
Accounting Statement.--Section 624(a) of the Treasury and General
Government Appropriations Act, 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law
106-554; 114 Stat. 2763A-161), is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (3) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) a list of the major rules which are to be reviewed by
each agency, during the year following the year in which the
statement and report are submitted, pursuant to section 610a of
title 5, United States Code.''.
(b) Requirement to Use Agency Cost-Benefit Estimates in Annual
Accounting Statement.--Section 624 of the Treasury and General
Government Appropriations Act, 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law
106-554; 114 Stat. 2763A-161), is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as
subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new
subsection:
``(b) Use of Agency Cost-Benefit Analyses Required.--To carry out
subsection (a), the Director of the Office of Manage | Major Regulation Cost Review Act of 2004 - Amends Federal civil service law to require each Federal agency to publish in the Federal Register a plan, which may be amended at any time by publishing a revision, for the periodic review of all the major rules issued by the agency. Requires that the plan provide for review within five years after publication as a final rule, with a five year extension permitted.
Directs the agency, in reviewing major rules, to consider: (1) the continued need for the rule; (2) the nature of complaints or comments received from the public concerning the rule; (3) the complexity of the rule; (4) the extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other Federal rules, and with State and local governmental rules; and (5) the length of time since the rule has been evaluated or the degree to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in the area affected by the rule.
Requires that: (1) the review include a cost-benefit analysis of the rule, including an identification and consideration of a range of less costly regulatory alternatives; and (2) each year each agency publish a list of the major rules which are to be reviewed and which are to be included in the accounting statement and associated report submitted to Congress by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Makes conforming changes to the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001. | To require agencies to review all major rules within 10 years after issuance, including a cost-benefit analysis using a standard government-wide methodology, and for other purposes. |
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. Causing death of or bodily injury to unborn child.
``Sec. 1841. Causing death of or bodily injury to unborn child
``(a)(1) Any person 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 this title) 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 for that conduct under Federal law 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 be
punished as provided under section 1111, 1112, or 1113 of this title,
as applicable, for intentionally killing or attempting to kill a human
being, instead of the penalties that would otherwise apply under
subparagraph (A).
``(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), 844(f), 844(h)(1),
844(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), 1952(a)(2)(B),
1952(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) Subsection (a) does not permit prosecution--
``(1) for conduct relating to an abortion for which the
consent of the pregnant woman has been obtained or for which
such consent is implied by law in a medical emergency;
``(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.
``(d) In this section--
``(1) the terms `child in utero' and `child, who is in
utero' mean a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage
of development, who is carried in the womb; and
``(2) the term `unborn child' means a child in utero.''.
(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:
``90A. Causing death of or bodily injury to unborn child.... 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:
``Sec. 919a. Art. 119a. Causing death of or bodily injury to unborn
child
``(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 for
that conduct under this chapter 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 be
punished as provided under section 918, 919, or 880 of this title
(article 118, 119, or 80), as applicable, for intentionally killing or
attempting to kill a human being, instead of the penalties that would
otherwise apply under subparagraph (A).
``(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 111, 118, 119(a), 119(b)(2), 120(a), 122, 124, 126, and 128).
``(c) Subsection (a) does not permit prosecution--
``(1) for conduct relating to an abortion for which the
consent of the pregnant woman has been obtained or for which
such consent is implied by law in a medical emergency;
``(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.
``(d) In this section--
``(1) the terms `child in utero' and `child, who is in
utero' mean a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage
of development, who is carried in the womb; and
``(2) the term `unborn child' means a child in utero.''.
(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:
``919a. 119a. Causing death of or bodily injury to unborn child.''. | 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 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) for conduct relating to an abortion for which the consent of the pregnant woman has been obtained or for which such consent is implied by law in a medical emergency; (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 ``Broadcast Ownership for the 21st
Century Act''.
SEC. 2. CROSS-OWNERSHIP LIMITATIONS.
(a) Rule Changes Required.--The Federal Communications Commission
shall modify section 73.3555 of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.3555) by
eliminating any provisions limiting the granting or renewal of an AM,
FM, or TV broadcast station license to any party (including parties
under common control) on the basis of the ownership, operation, or
control by such party of a daily newspaper.
(b) Cable Cross-Ownership Limitations.--Section 613(c) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 533(c)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(c)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Commission may not
prohibit or limit a person or entity from holding any form of ownership
or other interest in a broadcasting station and a cable system serving
the same community.''.
(c) Dual-Network Rules.--The Federal Communications Commission
shall revise section 73.658(g) of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.658(g))
to permit a television broadcast station to affiliate with--
(1) a person or entity that maintains two or more networks
of television broadcast stations unless such dual or multiple
networks are composed of two or more persons or entities that,
on February 8, 1996, offered an interconnected program service
on a regular basis for 15 hours or more per week to at least 25
affiliated television licensees in 10 or more States; or
(2) any person or entity controlling, controlled by, or
under common control with such a person or entity described in
paragraph (1).
(d) Deadline for Actions.--The Federal Communications Commission
shall complete all actions necessary to complete the modifications
required by this section within 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 3. TELEVISION MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP.
Section 310 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 310) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) National Audience Reach Calculation.--In calculating the
national audience reach limitations for television stations under the
Commission's regulations, UHF television stations shall be attributed
with no more than 50 percent of the television households in their
market.''.
SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AUTHORITY.
(a) Amendment.--Section 202(c)(1)(B) of the Telecommunications Act
of 1996 is amended by striking ``35 percent'' and inserting ``45
percent''.
(b) Deadline for Implementation.--The Federal Communications
Commission shall amend its regulations to implement the amendment made
by subsection (a) within 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act. In amending such regulations, the Commission shall not revise
section 73.3555(e)(2)(i) of its regulations (47 C.F.R.
73.3555(e)(2)(i)).
SEC. 5. RECIPROCAL TREATMENT OF FOREIGN OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS.
Subsection (b) of section 310 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 310(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Foreign Ownership Limitations.--
``(1) In general.--No broadcast or common carrier or
aeronautical en route or aeronautical fixed radio station
license shall be granted to or held by--
``(A) any alien or the representative of any alien;
``(B) any corporation organized under the laws of
any foreign country;
``(C) any corporation of which more than one-fifth
of any class of the capital stock is owned of record or
voted by aliens or their representatives or by a
foreign government or representative thereof or by any
corporation organized under the laws of a foreign
country;
``(D) any corporation directly or indirectly
controlled by any other corporation of which more than
one-fourth of any class of the capital stock is owned
of record or voted by aliens, their representatives, or
by a foreign government or representative thereof, or
by any corporation organized under the laws of a
foreign country, if the Commission finds that the
public interest will be served by the refusal or
revocation of such license.
``(2) Reciprocal treatment for broadcast stations.--In the
case of a broadcast station license, if the foreign country or
foreign government referred to in subparagraph (C) or (D) of
paragraph of (1) regularly permits broadcast station licenses
to be granted to or held by--
``(A) any corporation of which more than one-fifth
of the capital stock is owned of record or voted by one
or more United States persons;
``(B) any corporation directly or indirectly
controlled by any other corporation of which more than
one-fourth of the capital stock is owned of record or
voted by one or more United States persons;
then the Commission shall apply such subparagraphs (C) and (D)
by permitting an alien, corporation, government, or
representative from such foreign country to own a portion of
the class of the capital stock of the corporation seeking or
holding the broadcast station license equal to the portion of
the corresponding class of the capital stock of a corporation
holding a broadcast station license in such foreign country
that are permitted by such foreign country or foreign
government to be held by an individual citizen, corporation,
government, or representative from the United States, except
that the Commission shall not be required by this paragraph to
permit a portion of such capital stock ownership representing
voting stock higher than 40 percent.
``(3) Definition of united states persons.--For purposes of
paragraph (2), the term `United States person' means--
``(A) any corporation organized under the laws of a
State;
``(B) an individual who is a citizen of the United
States;
``(C) a government of the United States or any
State; or
``(D) a representative of any of the individuals or
entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of
this paragraph.''. | Provides that, in calculating the national audience reach limitations, UHF stations shall be attributed with no more than 50 percent of the TV households in their market.
Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to direct the FCC to modify its rules for multiple ownership of TV broadcast stations to increase to 45 (currently 35) percent the national audience reach limitations for TV stations owned by the same entity or person.
Revises provisions prohibiting the granting of radio station licenses to aliens or foreign entities to allow the granting of such a license to the same manner and extent to which such alien's or entity's country allows the granting of such a license to a U.S. person or entity. | Broadcast Ownership for the 21st Century Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Idaho Panhandle National Forest
Improvement Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY.
In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture.
SEC. 3. SALE OR EXCHANGE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SITES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may, under such terms and conditions
as the Secretary may prescribe, sell or exchange any or all right,
title, and interest of the United States in and to the following
National Forest System land and improvements:
(1) Granite/Reeder Bay, Priest Lake Parcel, T61N, R4E, Boise
Principal Meridian, section 17, S\1/2\NE\1/4\ (80 acres, more or
less).
(2) North South Ski area, T43N, R3W, Boise Principal Meridian,
section 13, SE\1/4\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\, S\1/2\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\, NE\1/
4\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\, and SW\1/4\SE\1/4\SE\1/4\ (50 acres more or
less).
(3) Shoshone work camp (including easements for utilities),
T50N, R4E, Boise Principal Meridian, section 5, a portion of the
S\1/2\SE\1/4\ (19 acres, more or less).
(b) Descriptions.--The Secretary may modify the descriptions in
subsection (a) to correct errors or to make minor adjustments to the
parcels in order to facilitate the conveyance of the parcels.
(c) Consideration.--Consideration for a sale or exchange of land
under subsection (a)--
(1) shall be equal to the fair market value of the land; and
(2) may include cash or improved or unimproved land.
(d) Applicable Law.--Except as otherwise provided in this Act, any
sale or exchange of National Forest System land under subsection (a)
shall be subject to the laws applicable to the conveyance and
acquisition of land for the National Forest System.
(e) Valuation.--The market value of the land and the improvements
to be sold or exchanged under this Act shall be determined by an
appraisal that is acceptable to the Secretary and conforms with the
Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions.
(f) Cash Equalization.--Notwithstanding section 206(b) of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716(b)), the
Secretary may accept a cash equalization payment in excess of 25
percent of the value of land exchanged under subsection (a).
(g) Solicitations of Offers.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may solicit offers for the sale
or exchange of land under this section on such terms and conditions
as the Secretary may prescribe.
(2) Rejection of offers.--The Secretary may reject any offer
made under this section if the Secretary determines that the offer
is not adequate or not in the public interest.
(h) Methods of Sale.--The Secretary may sell land under subsection
(a) at public or private sale (including at auction), in accordance
with any terms, conditions, and procedures that the Secretary
determines to be in the best interests of the United States.
SEC. 4. DISPOSITION OF FUNDS.
(a) Deposit of Proceeds.--The Secretary shall deposit the proceeds
of a sale or the cash equalization proceeds, if any, from an exchange
under section 3(a) in the fund established under Public Law 90-171
(commonly known as the ``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a).
(b) Use of Proceeds.--Amounts deposited under subsection (a) shall
be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation--
(1) for the acquisition of, construction of, or rehabilitation
of existing facilities for, a new ranger station in the Silver
Valley portion of the Panhandle National Forest; or
(2) to the extent that the amount of funds deposited exceeds
the amount needed for the purpose described in paragraph (1), for
the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of other
facilities in the Panhandle National Forest.
(c) Nondistribution of Proceeds.--Proceeds from the sale or
exchange of land under this Act shall not be paid or distributed to
States or counties under any provision of law, or otherwise treated as
money received from a national forest, for purposes of--
(1) the Act of May 23, 1908 (16 U.S.C. 500);
(2) section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as
the ``Weeks Law'') (16 U.S.C. 500); or
(3) the Act of March 4, 1913 (16 U.S.C. 501).
SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--Land transferred to or otherwise acquired by the
Secretary under this Act shall be managed in accordance with--
(1) the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the ``Weeks
Law'') (16 U.S.C. 480 et seq.); and
(2) other laws relating to the National Forest System.
(b) Exemption From Property Management Regulations.--Part 1955 of
title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation),
shall not apply to any actions taken under this Act.
(c) Withdrawals and Revocations.--
(1) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all land
described in section 3(a) is withdrawn from--
(A) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(B) the operation of the mineral leasing, mineral
materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
(2) Revocation of public land orders.--As of the date of this
Act, any public land order withdrawing land described in section
3(a) from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws is
revoked with respect to any portion of the land conveyed by the
Secretary under this section.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this Act.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Idaho Panhandle National Forest Improvement Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System parcels in Idaho and use the proceeds for acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of: (1) a new ranger station in the Silver Valley portion of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest; or (2) other facilities in such Forest, to the extent that funds exceed amounts necessary for the ranger station.
Authorizes appropriations. | A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange all or part of certain parcels of National Forest System land in the State of Idaho and use the proceeds derived from the sale or exchange for National Forest System purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Enron Employee Pension Recovery Act
of 2002''.
SEC. 2. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE RELIEF.
(a) Proceeds of Enron and Andersen Enforcement Actions.--If in any
administrative or judicial proceeding brought by the Securities and
Exchange Commission against--
(1) the Enron Corporation, any subsidiary or affiliate of
such Corporation, or any officer, director, or principal
shareholder of such Corporation, subsidiary, or affiliate for
any violation of the securities laws; or
(2) Arthur Andersen L.L.C., any subsidiary or affiliate of
Arthur Andersen L.L.C., or any general or limited partner of
Arthur Andersen L.L.C., or such subsidiary or affiliate, for
any violation of the securities laws with respect to any
services performed for or in relation to the Enron Corporation,
any subsidiary or affiliate of such Corporation, or any
officer, director, or principal shareholder of such
Corporation, subsidiary, or affiliate;
the Commission obtains an order providing for an accounting and
disgorgement of funds, such disgorgement fund (including any addition
to such fund required or permitted under this section) shall be
allocated in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(b) Priority for Former Enron Employees.--The Commission shall, by
order, establish an allocation system for the disgorgement fund. Such
system shall provide that, in allocating the disgorgement fund amount
the victims of the securities laws violations described in subsection
(a), the first priority shall be given to individuals who were employed
by the Enron Corporation, or a subsidiary or affiliate of such
Corporation, and who were participants in an individual account plan
established by such Corporation, subsidiary, or affiliate. Such
allocations among such individuals shall be in proportion to the extent
to which the nonforfeitable accrued benefit of each such individual
under the plan was invested in the securities of such Corporation,
subsidiary, or affiliate.
(c) Addition of Civil Penalties.--If, in any proceeding described
in subsection (a), the Commission assesses and collects any civil
penalty, the Commission shall, notwithstanding sections 21(d)(3)(C)(i),
21A(d)(1), or any other provision of the securities laws, be payable to
the disgorgement fund.
(d) Acceptance of Federal Campaign Contributions.--
(1) In general.--Section 313 of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 439a) is amended by inserting
before ``or may be used'' the following: ``may be transferred
to any disgorgement fund which is required to be allocated in
accordance with the requirements of the Enron Employee Pension
Recovery Act of 2002,''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall apply with respect to any amounts received by a candidate
at any time before, on, or after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(e) Acceptance of Additional Donations.--The Commission is
authorized to accept, hold, administer, and utilize gifts, bequests and
devises of property, both real and personal, to the United States for
the disgorgement fund. Gifts, bequests, and devises of money and
proceeds from sales of other property received as gifts, bequests, or
devises shall be deposited in the disgorgement fund and shall be
available for allocation in accordance with subsection (b).
(f) Definitions.--As used in this section:
(1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the
Securities Exchange Commission.
(2) Securities laws.--The term ``securities laws'' means
the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.), the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.), the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. 77aaa et seq.), the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.), the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b et seq.), and
the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 (15 U.S.C. 78aaa
et seq.).
(3) Disgorgement fund.--The term ``disgorgement fund''
means a disgorgement fund established in any administrative or
judicial proceeding described in subsection (a).
(4) Subsidiary or affiliate.--The term ``subsidiary or
affiliate'' when used in relation to a person means any entity
that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control
with such person.
(5) Officer, director, or principal shareholder.--The term
``officer, director, or principal shareholder'' when used in
relation to the Enron Corporation, or any subsidiary or
affiliate of such Corporation, means any person that is subject
to the requirements of section 16 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78p) in relation to the Enron
Corporation, or any subsidiary or affiliate of such
Corporation.
(6) Nonforfeitable; accrued benefit; individual account
plan.--The terms ``nonforfeitable'', ``accrued benefit'', and
``individual account plan'' have the meanings provided such
terms, respectively, in paragraphs (19), (23), and (34) of
section 3 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002(19), (23), (34)). | Enron Employee Pension Recovery Act of 2002 - Sets forth a priority allocation scheme requiring the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to distribute to former Enron, subsidiary, or affiliate employees the proceeds from any administrative or judicial order brought for securities violations against the Enron Corporation or Arthur Andersen L.L.C., or any of their subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, or principal shareholders for an accounting or disgorgement of funds (including any civil penalty assessments).Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to authorize the transfer of Federal campaign contributions to such disgorgement fund.Authorizes the SEC to accept donations to the United States for such fund. | To permit certain funds assessed for securities laws violations to be used to compensate employees who are victims of excessive pension fund investments in the securities of their employers, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fracturing Regulations are Effective
in State Hands Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) hydraulic fracturing is a commercially viable practice
that has been used in the United States for more than 60 years
in more than 1,000,000 wells;
(2) the Ground Water Protection Council, a national
association of State water regulators that is considered to be
a leading groundwater protection organization in the United
States, released a report entitled ``State Oil and Natural Gas
Regulations Designed to Protect Water Resources'' and dated May
2009 finding that the ``current State regulation of oil and gas
activities is environmentally proactive and preventive'';
(3) that report also concluded that ``[a]ll oil and gas
producing States have regulations which are designed to provide
protection for water resources'';
(4) a 2004 study by the Environmental Protection Agency,
entitled ``Evaluation of Impacts to Underground Sources of
Drinking Water by Hydraulic Fracturing of Coalbed Methane
Reservoirs'', found no evidence of drinking water wells
contaminated by fracture fluid from the fracked formation;
(5) a 2009 report by the Ground Water Protection Council,
entitled ``State Oil and Natural Gas Regulations Designed to
Protect Water Resources'', found a ``lack of evidence'' that
hydraulic fracturing conducted in both deep and shallow
formations presents a risk of endangerment to ground water;
(6) a January 2009 resolution by the Interstate Oil and Gas
Compact Commission stated ``The states, who regulate
production, have comprehensive laws and regulations to ensure
operations are safe and to protect drinking water. States have
found no verified cases of groundwater contamination associated
with hydraulic fracturing.'';
(7) on May 24, 2011, before the Oversight and Government
Reform Committee of the House of Representatives, Lisa Jackson,
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency,
testified that she was ``not aware of any proven case where the
fracking process itself has affected water'';
(8) in 2011, Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey
stated, ``We have not seen evidence of any adverse effect as a
result of the use of the chemicals that are part of that
fracking technology.'';
(9)(A) activities relating to hydraulic fracturing (such as
surface discharges, wastewater disposal, and air emissions) are
already regulated at the Federal level under a variety of
environmental statutes, including portions of--
(i) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. 1251 et seq.);
(ii) the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et
seq.); and
(iii) the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.);
but
(B) Congress has continually elected not to include the
hydraulic fracturing process in the underground injection
control program under the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C.
300f et seq.);
(10) in 2011, the Secretary of the Interior announced the
intention to promulgate new Federal regulations governing
hydraulic fracturing on Federal land; and
(11) a February 2012 study by the Energy Institute at the
University of Texas at Austin, entitled ``Fact-Based Regulation
for Environmental Protection in Shale Gas Development'', found
that ``[n]o evidence of chemicals from hydraulic fracturing
fluid has been found in aquifers as a result of fracturing
operations''.
SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF FEDERAL LAND.
In this Act, the term ``Federal land'' means--
(1) public lands (as defined in section 103 of the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702));
(2) National Forest System land;
(3) land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of
Reclamation; and
(4) land under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers.
SEC. 4. STATE AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--A State shall have the sole authority to
promulgate or enforce any regulation, guidance, or permit requirement
regarding the treatment of a well by the application of fluids under
pressure to which propping agents may be added for the expressly
designed purpose of initiating or propagating fractures in a target
geologic formation in order to enhance production of oil, natural gas,
or geothermal production activities on or under any land within the
boundaries of the State.
(b) Federal Land.--The treatment of a well by the application of
fluids under pressure to which propping agents may be added for the
expressly designed purpose of initiating or propagating fractures in a
target geologic formation in order to enhance production of oil,
natural gas, or geothermal production activities on Federal land shall
be subject to the law of the State in which the land is located. | Fracturing Regulations are Effective in State Hands Act - Grants any state sole authority to promulgate or enforce any regulation, guidance, or permit requirement regarding the treatment of a well by the application of fluids under pressure to which propping agents may be added for the expressly designed purpose of initiating or propagating fractures in a target geologic formation in order to enhance production of oil, gas, or geothermal production activities on or under land within the boundaries of that state. Subjects such a well treatment on federal land to state law as well. | Fracturing Regulations are Effective in State Hands Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Art and Collectibles Capital Gains
Tax Treatment Parity Act''.
SEC. 2. CAPITAL GAINS TREATMENT FOR ART AND COLLECTIBLES.
(a) In General.--Section 1(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to maximum capital gains rate) is amended by striking
paragraphs (5) and (6) and inserting the following new paragraph:
``(5) 28-percent rate gain.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `28-percent rate gain' means the excess
(if any) of--
``(A) section 1202 gain, over
``(B) the sum of--
``(i) the net short-term capital loss, and
``(ii) the amount of long-term capital loss
carried under section 1212(b)(1)(B) to the
taxable year.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1(h)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by striking ``collectibles gain, gain described in
paragraph (7)(A)(i),'' and inserting ``gain described in
paragraph (7)(A)(i)''.
(2) Section 1(h) of such Code is amended by redesignating
paragraphs (12) and (13) as paragraphs (6) and (12),
respectively.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2000.
SEC. 3. CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CERTAIN ITEMS CREATED BY THE
TAXPAYER.
(a) In General.--Subsection (e) of section 170 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to certain contributions of ordinary
income and capital gain property) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(7) Special rule for certain contributions of literary,
musical, or artistic compositions.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a qualified
artistic charitable contribution--
``(i) the amount of such contribution shall
be the fair market value of the property
contributed (determined at the time of such
contribution), and
``(ii) no reduction in the amount of such
contribution shall be made under paragraph (1).
``(B) Qualified artistic charitable contribution.--
For purposes of this paragraph, the term `qualified
artistic charitable contribution' means a charitable
contribution of any literary, musical, artistic, or
scholarly composition, or similar property, or the
copyright thereon (or both), but only if--
``(i) such property was created by the
personal efforts of the taxpayer making such
contribution no less than 18 months prior to
such contribution,
``(ii) the taxpayer--
``(I) has received a qualified
appraisal of the fair market value of
such property in accordance with the
regulations under this section, and
``(II) attaches to the taxpayer's
income tax return for the taxable year
in which such contribution was made a
copy of such appraisal,
``(iii) the donee is an organization
described in subsection (b)(1)(A),
``(iv) the use of such property by the
donee is related to the purpose or function
constituting the basis for the donee's
exemption under section 501 (or, in the case of
a governmental unit, to any purpose or function
described under subsection (c)),
``(v) the taxpayer receives from the donee
a written statement representing that the
donee's use of the property will be in
accordance with the provisions of clause (iv),
and
``(vi) the written appraisal referred to in
clause (ii) includes evidence of the extent (if
any) to which property created by the personal
efforts of the taxpayer and of the same type as
the donated property is or has been--
``(I) owned, maintained, and
displayed by organizations described in
subsection (b)(1)(A), and
``(II) sold to or exchanged by
persons other than the taxpayer, donee,
or any related person (as defined in
section 465(b)(3)(C)).
``(C) Maximum dollar limitation; no carryover of
increased deduction.--The increase in the deduction
under this section by reason of this paragraph for any
taxable year--
``(i) shall not exceed the artistic
adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for such
taxable year, and
``(ii) shall not be taken into account in
determining the amount which may be carried
from such taxable year under subsection (d).
``(D) Artistic adjusted gross income.--For purposes
of this paragraph, the term `artistic adjusted gross
income' means that portion of the adjusted gross income
of the taxpayer for the taxable year attributable to--
``(i) income from the sale or use of
property created by the personal efforts of the
taxpayer which is of the same type as the
donated property, and
``(ii) income from teaching, lecturing,
performing, or similar activity with respect to
property described in clause (i).
``(E) Paragraph not to apply to certain
contributions.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any
charitable contribution of any letter, memorandum, or
similar property which was written, prepared, or
produced by or for an individual while the individual
is an officer or employee of any person (including any
government agency or instrumentality) unless such
letter, memorandum, or similar property is entirely
personal.
``(F) Copyright treated as separate property for
partial interest rule.--In the case of a qualified
artistic charitable contribution, the tangible
literary, musical, artistic, or scholarly composition,
or similar property and the copyright on such work
shall be treated as separate properties for purposes of
this paragraph and subsection (f)(3).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to contributions made after the date of the enactment of this Act in
taxable years ending after such date. | Art and Collectibles Capital Gains Tax Treatment Parity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide art and collectibles with capital gain rates similar to other assets held long-term. (Currently art and collectibles have a 28 percent capital gain rate.)Establishes a (limited) fair market value deduction for qualifying literary, musical, or artistic charitable contributions created and donated by the taxpayer. (Currently such deduction is limited to the taxpayer's costs in creating the work.) | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide the same capital gains treatment for art and collectibles as for other investment property and to provide that a deduction equal to fair market value shall be allowed for charitable contributions of literary, musical, artistic, or scholarly compositions created by the donor. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Girl Scouts USA Centennial
Commemorative Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) The Girl Scouts of the United States of America is the
world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where
they build character and skills for success in the real world.
(2) In 1911, Juliette Gordon Low met Sir Robert Baden-
Powell, a war hero and the founder of the Boy Scouts.
(3) With Baden-Powell's help and encouragement, Juliette
Gordon Low made plans to start a similar association for
American girls.
(4) On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low organized the
first 2 Girl Scout Troops in Savannah, Georgia consisting of 18
members.
(5) Low devoted the next 15 years of her life to building
the organization, which would become the largest voluntary
association for women and girls in the United States.
(6) Low drafted the Girl Scout laws, supervised the writing
of the first handbook in 1913, and provided most of the
financial support for the organization during its early years.
(7) The Girl Scouts of the United States of America was
chartered by the United States Congress in 1950 in title 36,
United States Code.
(8) Today there are more than 3,700,000 members in 236,000
troops throughout the United States and United States
territories.
(9) Through membership in the World Association of Girl
Guides and Girl Scouts, Girls Scouts of the United States of
America is part of a worldwide family of 10,000,000 girls and
adults in 145 countries.
(10) More than 50,000,000 American women enjoyed Girl
Scouting during their childhood--and that number continues to
grow as Girl Scouts of the United States of America continues
to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere.
(11) March 12, 2012, will mark the 100th Anniversary of the
Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) $1 Silver Coins.--The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in
this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue not
more than 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration of the centennial of the
Girl Scouts of the USA, each of which shall--
(1) weigh 26.73 grams;
(2) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and
(3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
(b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal
tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.
(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.
SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this
Act shall be emblematic of the centennial of the Girl Scouts of
the United States of America.
(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 ``2011''; and
(C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God
We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E
Pluribus Unum''.
(b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act
shall be--
(1) selected by the Secretary, after consultation with the
Girl Scouts of the United States of America and the Commission
of Fine Arts; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued
in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Mint Facility.--
(1) In general.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint
may be used to strike any particular quality of the coins
minted under this Act.
(2) 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.
(c) Period for Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins under this
Act only during the calendar year beginning on January 1, 2011.
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 with respect to
such coins; and
(3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including
labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses,
marketing, and shipping).
(b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins
issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.
(c) Prepaid Orders.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders
for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such
coins.
(2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders
under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount.
SEC. 7. SURCHARGES.
(a) In General.--All sales of coins issued under this Act shall
include a surcharge of $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 paid to the Girl Scouts of the
United States of America to be made available for Girl Scout program
development and delivery.
(c) Audits.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
have the right to examine such books, records, documents, and other
data of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America as may be
related to the expenditures of amounts paid under subsection (b). | Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration of the centennial of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA.
Requires the coin design to be emblematic of the 100 years of the organization.
Restricts issuance of such coins to calendar year 2011.
Subjects coin sales to a surcharge of $10 per coin.
Requires payment of such surcharges to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America for Girl Scout program development and delivery. | A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of the establishment of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Working Families Gas Tax Credit Act
of 2008''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL USED IN HIGHWAY VEHICLES
FOR NONBUSINESS PURPOSES.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by adding after section 25D the following
new section:
``SEC. 25E. CREDIT FOR GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL USED IN HIGHWAY
VEHICLES FOR NONBUSINESS PURPOSES.
``(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 aggregate qualified taxable
fuel expenditures made by the taxpayer during such year.
``(b) Limitation.--The credit allowed under subsection (a) for a
taxable year shall not exceed $500 ($1,000 in the case of a joint
return).
``(c) Qualified Taxable Fuel Expenditures.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified taxable fuel
expenditures' means amounts paid for a taxable fuel (as defined
by section 4083(a) (without regard to paragraph (1)(C) thereof)
for a nonbusiness use in a highway vehicle.
``(2) Exception.--Such term does not include amounts paid
for any fuel with respect to which a credit is allowed under
section 34 or a refund allowed under section 6420, 6421, or
6427.
``(d) Limitation Based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income.--The
amount which would (but for this subsection) be taken into account
under subsection (a) for the taxable year shall be reduced (but not
below zero) by 5 percent of so much of the taxpayer's adjusted gross
income as exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return).
``(e) Rate of Increase in Price of a Gallon of Gasoline Must Exceed
Rate of Inflation by Not Less Than 300 Percent.--
``(1) General rule.--Subsection (a) shall not apply for any
taxable year unless the Secretary determines that the
percentage change in the price of a gallon of gasoline for the
taxable year is not less than 300 percent of the change in the
inflation rate for such taxable year.
``(2) Percentage change in the price of a gallon of
gasoline.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the percentage change
in the price of a gallon of gasoline for a taxable year is the
percentage (if any) by which--
``(A) the average price of a gallon of gasoline as
of the close of the taxable year, exceeds
``(B) the average price of a gallon gasoline as of
the beginning of the taxable year.
``(3) Inflation rate.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the
inflation rate for the determination period is the percentage
(if any) by which--
``(A) the average of the Consumer Price Index as of
the close of the taxable year, exceeds
``(B) the average of the Consumer Price Index as of
the beginning of the taxable year.
``(4) Price of a gallon of gasoline.--For purposes of this
subsection, the price of a gallon of gasoline shall be as
determined under the U.S. Regular All Formulations Retail
Gasoline Prices by the Energy Information Administration of the
Department of Energy.
``(5) Consumer price index.--For the purposes of this
subsection, the term `Consumer Price Index' means the last
Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers published by the
Department of Labor. For purposes of the preceding sentence,
the revision of the Consumer Price Index which is most
consistent with the Consumer Price Index for calendar year 1986
shall be used.
``(f) Adjustments for Inflation.--In the case of a taxable year
beginning after December 31, 2008, each of the dollar amounts in
subsection (b) and (d) 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 2007' for
`calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. If any amount
as increased under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of
$50, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of
$50.
If, in the case of any amount in subsection (b) as increased under the
preceding sentence, is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be
rounded to the nearest multiple of $10, and if, in the case of any
amount in subsection (d) as increased under the preceding sentence, is
not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest
multiple of $100.
``(g) Guidance.--Not later than January 31 of each year, the
Secretary shall promulgate such guidance as may be necessary or
appropriate to carry out the provisions of this section with respect to
the preceding taxable year.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
such part IV is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
25D the following new item:
``Sec. 25E. Credit for gasoline and diesel fuel used in highway
vehicles for nonbusiness purposes.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007. | Working Families Gas Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for up to $500 ($1,000 in the case of a joint return) of the cost of gasoline and diesel used in highway vehicles for a nonbusiness purpose when the increase in the price of a gallon of gasoline exceeds the annual inflation rate by not less than 300%. Phases out the amount of such credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes exceeding $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return). | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a nonrefundable credit against income tax liability for gasoline and diesel fuel used in highway vehicles for nonbusiness purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer Telephone Records
Protection Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) telephone records can be of great use to criminals
because the information contained in call logs listed in such
records include a wealth of personal information;
(2) many call logs reveal the names of many users' doctors,
public and private relationships, business associates, and
more;
(3) although other personal information, such as social
security numbers may appear in public documents, which can be
accessed by data brokers, the only warehouse of telephone
records is located at the telephone companies themselves; and
(4) telephone records may be accessed without authorization
of the customer by--
(A) an employee of the telephone company selling
the data;
(B) ``pretexting'', whereby a data broker or other
person pretends to be the owner of the phone and
convinces the telephone company's employees to release
the data to them; or
(C) unauthorized access of accounts via the
Internet; and
(5) because telephone companies encourage customers to
manage their accounts online, many set up the online capability
in advance. Many customers never access their Internet
accounts, however. If someone seeking the information activates
the account before the customer, he or she can gain unfettered
access to the telephone records and call logs of that customer.
SEC. 3. PRIVACY PROTECTION FOR CUSTOMER INFORMATION OF
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS.
(a) Prohibition on Obtaining Customer Information by False
Pretenses.--It shall be unlawful for any person to obtain or attempt to
obtain, or cause to be disclosed or attempt to cause to be disclosed to
any person, customer proprietary network information relating to any
other person by--
(1) making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or
representation to an officer, employee, or agent of a
telecommunications carrier; or
(2) by providing, through any means including the Internet,
any document or other information to a telecommunications
carrier or an officer, employee, or agent of a
telecommunications carrier, knowing that the document or other
information is forged, counterfeit, lost, or stolen, was
obtained fraudulently or without the customer's consent, or
contains a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or
representation.
(b) Prohibition on Solicitation of a Person to Obtain Customer
Information Under False Pretenses.--It shall be unlawful to request a
person to obtain customer proprietary network information of a
telecommunications carrier, knowing that the person will obtain, or
attempt to obtain, the information from the telecommunications carrier
in the manner described in subsection (a).
(c) Prohibition on Sale or Other Disclosure of Customer Information
Obtained Under False Pretenses.--It shall be unlawful for any person to
sell customer proprietary network information relating to any other
person, knowing that such information was obtained in the manner
described in subsection (a).
(d) Nonapplicability to Law Enforcement Agencies.--No provision of
this section shall be construed so as to prevent any action by a law
enforcement agency, or any officer, employee, or agent of such agency,
to obtain customer proprietary network information of a
telecommunications carrier in connection with the performance of
official duties of the agency.
SEC. 4. TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.
Section 222 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 222) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following new
subsection:
``(h) Notice of Violations.--The Commission shall by regulation
require each telecommunications carrier to notify the customer of any
incidents in which such telecommunications carrier becomes or is made
aware in which customer proprietary network information relating to
such customer is disclosed to someone other than the customer in
violation of this section or section 3 of the Consumer Telephone
Records Protection Act of 2006.''.
SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT BY THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION.
A violation of section 3 shall be treated as an unfair or deceptive
act or practice in violation of section 5 of the Federal Trade
Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45). All of the functions and powers of the
Federal Trade Commission under that Act are available to the Commission
to enforce compliance by any person with such section, irrespective of
whether that person is engaged in commerce or meets any other
jurisdictional tests in the Federal Trade Commission Act, including the
power to enforce the provisions of such section in the same manner as
if the violation had been a violation of a Federal Trade Commission
trade regulation rule.
SEC. 6. CRIMINAL PENALTY.
(a) In General.--Whoever knowingly and intentionally violates
section 3 shall be fined in accordance with title 18, United States
Code, or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.
(b) Enhanced Penalties for Aggravated Cases.--Whoever violates
section 3 while violating another law of the United States or as part
of a pattern of any illegal activity involving more than $100,000, or
more than 50 customers of a telecommunications carrier, in a 12-month
period shall be fined twice the amount provided in section 3571 of
title 18, or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both.
SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) Customer proprietary network information.--The term
``customer proprietary network information'' has the meaning
given such term in section 222(h)(1) of the Communications Act
of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 222(h)(1)).
(2) Telecommunications carrier.--The term
``telecommunications carrier'' has the meaning given such term
in section 3(44) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
153(44)). | Consumer Telephone Records Protection Act of 2006 - Prohibits any person from obtaining or causing the disclosure of, or requesting another person to obtain, customer proprietary network information relating to another person by: (1) making a false statement to a telecommunications carrier; or (2) providing any information knowing that it is counterfeit, that it was obtained fraudulently or without the customer's consent, or that it contains a false statement. Prohibits a person from selling customer information relating to any other person knowing it was obtained in such manner.
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require each telecommunications carrier to notify a customer when proprietary network information relating to such customer is disclosed in violation of such prohibitions.
Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Gives all of the functions and powers of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under that Act to the FCC to enforce compliance. Prescribes penalties, which double for violations that are part of a pattern of illegal activity. | To prohibit the obtaining of customer information from telecommunications carriers by false pretenses, and the sale or disclosure of such records obtained by false pretenses. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES IN ACT.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Immigration
Moratorium Act of 1994''.
(b) References in Act.--Except as otherwise expressly provided,
whenever in this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment
to a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of the Immigration and
Nationality Act.
SEC. 2. IMMIGRATION MORATORIUM DEFINED.
As used in this Act, the term ``immigration moratorium'' means the
5-year period beginning on October 1, 1994, and ending on September 30,
1999.
SEC. 3. WORLDWIDE LEVELS OF IMMIGRATION.
Notwithstanding section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1151), during the immigration moratorium in lieu of the
worldwide levels of immigration under section 201 (c), (d) and (e)--
(1) the worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants for
a fiscal year under section 201(c) is 325,000, minus the sum
of--
(A) the number of refugees admitted under section
207;
(B) the number of spouses and children of a citizen
of the United States admitted under section
201(b)(2)(A); and
(C) the number of employment-based immigrants
described in sections 203(b) (1) or (2) who were issued
immigrant visas, or who otherwise acquired the status
of aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for
permanent residence.
(2) the worldwide level of employment-based immigrants for
a fiscal year under section 201(d) is 50,000; and
(3) the worldwide level of diversity immigrants for a
fiscal year under section 201(e) is zero.
SEC. 4. ALLOTMENT OF VISAS.
(a) Notwithstanding section 203 of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1153), during the immigration moratorium, visas may be
allotted in any fiscal year under section 203 only as follows--
(1) spouses and unmarried children of permanent resident
aliens who qualify under section 203(a)(2)(A) and who were
holding priority dates as of the effective date of this Act
shall be allotted visas in a number equal to 40 percent of the
worldwide level of immigration of family-sponsored immigrants
under section 3(1) of this Act;
(2) in lieu of the number of visas that otherwise would be
available to parents of a citizen of the United States under
section 201(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1153), the number of visas that shall be allotted in any
fiscal year to such parents of a citizen of the United States
shall, notwithstanding section 201(b), be a number equal to 60 percent
of the worldwide level of immigration of family-sponsored immigrants
for that fiscal year under section 3(1) of this Act;
(3) qualified immigrants holding priority dates as of the
effective date of this Act who are sons and daughters of United
States citizens shall be allocated visas in a number equal to
75 percent of the maximum number of visas available but not
issued under paragraphs (1) and (2);
(4) qualified immigrants holding priority dates as of the
effective date of this Act who are the sons and daughters of
permanent resident aliens shall be allocated visas in a number
equal to 25 percent of the maximum number of visas available
but not issued under paragraphs (1) and (2);
(5) qualified immigrants holding priority dates as of the
effective date of this Act who are the brothers or sisters of
citizens of the United States, if such citizens are at least 21
years of age, shall be allocated visas in a number equal to the
number of visas available but not issued for the classes
specified in paragraphs (3) and (4);
(6) employment-based immigrants who qualify under sections
203(b) (1) or (2) shall be allotted not more than 50,000 visas;
(7) the number of visas that shall be allotted to other
aliens subject to the worldwide level of employment-based
immigrants shall be zero; and
(8) the number of visas that shall be allotted to diversity
immigrants under section 203(c) shall be zero.
(b) Nothing in this Act shall limit the number of visas that
otherwise are available to spouses and children of a citizen of the
United States under section 201(b)(2)(A) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)).
SEC. 5. GRANTING IMMIGRANT STATUS.
During the immigration moratorium, the Attorney General may not
accept or approve any petition for classification under section 204 of
the Immigration and Nationality Act except for classification by reason
of being--
(1) a spouse or child of a citizen of the United States as
described in section 201(b)(2)(A);
(2) a spouse or child of a permanent resident alien as
described in section 203(a)(2)(A);
(3) a parent of a citizen of the United States as described
in section 201(b)(2)(A) to the extent allowed by section
4(a)(2) of this Act;
(4) qualified immigrants holding priority dates as of the
effective date of this Act who are sons and daughters of United
States citizens or of permanent resident aliens or brothers or
sisters as specified in paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of section
4 of this Act; or
(5) by reason of employment-based immigrant status under
sections 203(b) (1) or (2) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act.
Petitions submitted during the moratorium that may not be accepted or
approved shall be returned to the persons who filed the petitions.
SEC. 6. ANNUAL ADMISSION OF REFUGEES.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the immigration
moratorium, the number of refugees who may be admitted under section
207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157), including
the number of admissions made available to adjust to the status of
permanent residence the status of aliens granted asylum under section
209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, shall not exceed 50,000
in any fiscal year.
SEC. 7. IMMEDIATE RELATIVES DEFINED.
During the immigration moratorium, the term ``immediate relatives''
for purposes of section 201(b) means the children and spouse of a
citizen of the United States who shall have acquired citizenship under
chapter 1 of title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect upon enactment. | Immigration Moratorium Act of 1994 - Imposes a five-year immigration moratorium, with exceptions for refugees, certain priority and skilled workers, and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens. | Immigration Moratorium Act of 1994 |
SECTION 1. RENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS OR AT-RISK INDIAN VETERANS.
Section 8(o)(19) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42
U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Indian veterans housing rental assistance
program.--
``(i) Definitions.--In this subparagraph:
``(I) Indian.--The term `Indian'
has the meaning given the term in
section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
``(II) Indian area.--The term
`Indian area' has the meaning given the
term in section 4 of the Native
American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C.
4103).
``(III) Tribal organization.--The
term `tribal organization' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
450b).
``(ii) Authorization of program.--The
Secretary may use not more than 5 percent of
the amounts made available for rental
assistance under this subsection to carry out a
rental assistance and supportive housing
program, in conjunction with the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, for the benefit of Indian
veterans who are homeless or at risk of
homelessness and who are residing on or near an
Indian area.
``(iii) Model.--The program described in
clause (ii) shall be modeled on the rental
assistance and supportive housing program
authorized under this section and applicable
appropriations Acts, including administration
in conjunction with the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, except that the Secretary may make
necessary and appropriate modifications to
facilitate the use of the program by Indian
grant recipients to serve eligible Indian
veterans.
``(iv) Eligible recipients.--Amounts for
rental assistance and associated administrative
costs under clause (ii) shall be made available
to recipients eligible to receive grants under
section 101 of the Native American Housing
Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996
(25 U.S.C. 4111).
``(v) Funding criteria.--Rental assistance
under clause (ii) shall be awarded based on--
``(I) need;
``(II) administrative capacity; and
``(III) any other funding criteria
established by the Secretary in a
notice published in the Federal
Register after consulting with the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
``(vi) Administration.--Rental assistance
made available under clause (ii) shall be
administered in accordance with the Native
American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4101 et
seq.), except that grantees shall--
``(I) submit to the Secretary, in a
manner prescribed by the Secretary,
reports on the utilization of rental
assistance provided under the program;
and
``(II) provide to the Secretary
information specified by the Secretary
to assess the effectiveness of the
program in serving eligible veterans.
``(vii) Consultation.--The Secretary, in
coordination with the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, shall consult with recipients of
grants under section 101 of the Native American
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act
of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4111) and any other
appropriate tribal organization on the design
of the program to ensure the effective delivery
of rental assistance and supportive services to
persons eligible to receive assistance under
this subparagraph.
``(viii) Waiver.--
``(I) In general.--Except as
provided in subclause (II), the
Secretary may waive or specify
alternative requirements for any
provision of law (including
regulations) that the Secretary
administers in connection with the use
of rental assistance made available
under this subparagraph if the
Secretary finds that the waiver or
alternative requirement is necessary
for the effective delivery and
administration of rental assistance
made available under this subparagraph
to Indian veterans.
``(II) Exception.--The Secretary
shall not waive or specify alternative
requirements under subclause (I) for
any provision of law (including
regulations) relating to labor
standards or the environment.''. | This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a rental assistance and supportive housing program, in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for the benefit of Indian veterans who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness and who are residing on or near Indian areas. Rental assistance shall be: (1) made available to recipients eligible for housing assistance block grants under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996; and (2) awarded based on need, administrative capacity, and any other HUD funding criteria. | A bill to provide for rental assistance for homeless or at-risk Indian veterans. |
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'') 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) identified in the document entitled ``Colusa Basin
Water Management Program'', dated February 1995; 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; and
(2) 100 percent of any operation, maintenance, and
replacement and rehabilitation costs with respect to such a
project.
(b) Planning, Design, and Compliance Assistance.--Funds
appropriated pursuant to this Act may be made available to fund all
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.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
out this Act $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. Sums appropriated under this section shall remain
available until expended. | Colusa Basin Watershed Integrated Resources Management Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance for use by the Colusa Basin Drainage District, California, or by local agencies for planning, design, environmental compliance, and construction required to carry out eligible projects in the Colusa Basin Watershed to: (1) reduce the risk of damage to urban and agricultural areas from flooding or the discharge of drainage water or tailwater; (2) assist in groundwater recharge efforts to alleviate overdraft and land subsidence; or (3) construct, restore or preserve wetland and riparian habitat; and (4) capture surface or stormwater for conservation, conjunctive use, and increased water supplies. Requires the Secretary to ensure that funded projects are not inconsistent with watershed protection and environmental restoration efforts being carried out under the Central Valley Project Improvement Act or the CALFED Bay-Delta Program. Directs the Secretary to require that the District and cooperating non-Federal agencies or organizations pay: (1) 25 percent of project costs; and (2) 100 percent of project operation, maintenance, and replacement and rehabilitation costs.
Permits funds appropriated pursuant to this Act to be made available: (1) to fund all costs incurred for planning, design, and environmental compliance activities by the District or by local agencies in accordance with agreements with the Secretary; and (2) only to a District or a local agency that has entered into a binding agreement 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 appropriations. | Colusa Basin Watershed Integrated Resources Management Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ban on Smoking in Federal Buildings
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) environmental tobacco smoke is a cause of lung cancer
in healthy nonsmokers and is responsible for acute and chronic
respiratory problems and other health impacts among sensitive
populations;
(2) environmental tobacco smoke comes from secondhand smoke
exhaled by smokers and sidestream smoke emitted from the
burning of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes;
(3) citizens of the United States spend up to 90 percent of
a day indoors and, consequently, there is a significant
potential for exposure to environmental tobacco smoke from
indoor air;
(4) exposure to environmental tobacco smoke occurs in
public buildings and other indoor facilities;
(5) the health risks posed by environmental tobacco smoke
exceed the risks posed by many environmental pollutants
regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency; and
(6) the Administrator of General Services, having broad
authority and longstanding experience with respect to the
acquisition and management (including restriction of smoking)
of space occupied by Federal employees, is particularly
qualified to issue regulations to institute and enforce a
prohibition on smoking in such space.
SEC. 3. SMOKING PROHIBITION IN FEDERAL BUILDINGS.
(a) Smoking Prohibition.--
(1) General rule.--On and after the 180th day after the
date of the enactment of this Act, smoking shall be prohibited
in any indoor portion of a Federal building, except in areas
designated pursuant to paragraph (2).
(2) Designation of smoking areas.--The head of a Federal
agency may permit smoking in a designated area of a Federal
building owned or leased for use by such agency if such area--
(A) is ventilated separately from other portions of
the Federal building;
(B) is ventilated using a method determined by the
Administrator of General Services to be at least as
effective as the method described in subparagraph (A);
or
(C) is ventilated in accordance with Federal indoor
air quality standards for environmental tobacco smoke,
if such standards are in effect.
(b) Enforcement.--
(1) Executive branch buildings.--
(A) In general.--The Administrator of General
Services shall issue regulations, and take such other
actions as may be necessary, to institute and enforce
the prohibition contained in subsection (a) as such
prohibition applies to Federal buildings owned or
leased for use by an Executive agency.
(B) Delegation.--The Administrator is authorized to
delegate, and to authorize the redelegation of, any
authority vested in the Administrator under
subparagraph (A) (except for the authority to issue
regulations) to any official of the General Services
Administration or to the head of any other Executive
agency.
(2) Judicial branch buildings.--The Director of the
Administrative Office of the United States Courts, after
consultation with the Administrator of General Services, shall
take such actions as may be necessary to institute and enforce
the prohibition contained in subsection (a) as such prohibition
applies to Federal buildings owned or leased for use by an
establishment in the judicial branch of the Government.
(3) Legislative branch buildings.--
(A) House of representatives.--The House Office
Building Commission shall take such actions as may be
necessary to institute and enforce the prohibition
contained in subsection (a) as such prohibition applies
to Federal buildings owned or leased for use by the
House of Representatives.
(B) Senate.--The Committee on Rules and
Administration of the Senate shall take such actions as
may be necessary to institute and enforce the
prohibition contained in subsection (a) as such
prohibition applies to Federal buildings owned or
leased for use by the Senate.
(C) Other establishments.--The Architect of the
Capitol shall take such actions as may be necessary to
institute and enforce the prohibition contained in
subsection (a) as such prohibition applies to Federal
buildings owned or leased for use by an establishment
in the legislative branch of the Government (other than
the House of Representatives and the Senate).
SEC. 4. REPORT.
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Administrator of General Services shall transmit to the Committees
on Public Works and Transportation and on Government Operations of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public
Works of the Senate a report containing--
(1) information concerning the degree of compliance with
this Act; and
(2) information on research and development conducted by
the Administrator on methods of ventilation which are at least
as effective as the method described in section 3(a)(2)(A).
SEC. 5. PREEMPTION.
Nothing in this Act is intended to preempt any provision of law of
a State or political subdivision of a State that is more restrictive
than a provision of this Act.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) Executive agency.--The term ``Executive agency'' has
the same meaning such term has under section 105 of title 5,
United States Code.
(2) Federal agency.--The term ``Federal agency'' means any
Executive agency or any establishments in the legislative or
judicial branches of the Government.
(3) Federal building.--The term ``Federal building'' means
any building or other structure (or portion thereof) owned or
leased for use by a Federal agency; except that the term shall
not include any building or other structure on a military
installation, any health care facility under the jurisdiction
of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or any area of a building
that is used primarily as living quarters.
(4) Military installation.--The term ``military
installation'' means a base, camp, post, station, yard, center,
homeport facility for any ship, or other activity under the
jurisdiction of the Department of Defense, including any leased
facility. Such term does not include any facility used
primarily for civil works, rivers and harbors projects, or
flood control projects.
Passed the House of Representatives November 15, 1993.
Attest:
DONNALD K. ANDERSON,
Clerk. | Ban on Smoking in Federal Buildings Act - Prohibits smoking in buildings owned or leased for use by a Federal agency except in areas, as may be designated by agencies, that are ventilated: (1) separately from other portions of the building; (2) using a method determined by the Administrator of General Services to be at least as effective as such; or (3) in accordance with Federal indoor air quality standards for environmental tobacco smoke, if such standards are in effect.
Directs the Administrator of General Services (with respect to the executive branch), the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (with respect to the judicial branch), and the House Office Building Commission, the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, and the Architect of the Capitol (with respect to the legislative branch) to take such actions as necessary to institute and enforce such prohibition.
Requires the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees with information concerning the degree of compliance with this Act and on research and development on methods of ventilation which are at least as effective as the method described in this Act.
Specifies that nothing in this Act is intended to preempt any provision of State or local law that is more restrictive than a provision of this Act. | Ban on Smoking in Federal Buildings Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Effective Homeland Security
Management Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. DEPUTY SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT.
(a) Establishment and Succession.--Section 103 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 113) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Deputy
Secretary'' and inserting ``Deputy Secretaries'';
(B) by striking paragraph (6);
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as
paragraphs (3) through (6), respectively; and
(D) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) A Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.
``(2) A Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security for
Management.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Vacancies.--
``(1) Vacancy in office of secretary.--
``(A) Deputy secretary.--In case of a vacancy in
the office of the Secretary, or of the absence or
disability of the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security may exercise all the duties of that
office, and for the purpose of section 3345 of title 5,
United States Code, the Deputy Secretary of Homeland
Security is the first assistant to the Secretary.
``(B) Deputy secretary for management.--When by
reason of absence, disability, or vacancy in office,
neither the Secretary nor the Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security is available to exercise the duties
of the office of the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security for Management shall act as
Secretary.
``(2) Vacancy in office of deputy secretary.--In the case
of a vacancy in the office of the Deputy Secretary of Homeland
Security, or of the absence or disability of the Deputy
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security for Management may exercise all the duties of
that office.
``(3) Further order of succession.--The Secretary may
designate such other officers of the Department in further
order of succession to act as Secretary.''.
(b) Responsibilities.--Section 701 of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 341) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``under secretary''
and inserting ``deputy secretary of homeland security'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``The Deputy Secretary of Homeland
Security for Management shall serve as the Chief
Management Officer and principal advisor to the
Secretary on matters related to the management of the
Department, including management integration and
transformation in support of homeland security
operations and programs.'' before ``The Secretary'';
(B) by striking ``Under Secretary for Management''
and inserting ``Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
for Management'';
(C) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the
following:
``(7) Strategic planning and annual performance planning
and identification and tracking of performance measures
relating to the responsibilities of the Department.''; and
(D) by striking paragraph (9), and inserting the
following:
``(9) The integration and transformation process, to ensure
an efficient and orderly consolidation of functions and
personnel to the Department, including the development of a
management integration strategy for the Department.''; and
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Under Secretary
for Management'' and inserting ``Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security for Management''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Under Secretary
for Management'' and inserting ``Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security for Management''.
(c) Appointment, Evaluation, and Reappointment.--Section 701 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 341) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(c) Appointment, Evaluation, and Reappointment.--The Deputy
Secretary of Homeland Security for Management--
``(1) shall be appointed by the President, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate, from among persons who have--
``(A) extensive executive level leadership and
management experience in the public or private sector;
``(B) strong leadership skills;
``(C) a demonstrated ability to manage large and
complex organizations; and
``(D) a proven record in achieving positive
operational results;
``(2) shall--
``(A) serve for a term of 5 years; and
``(B) be subject to removal by the President if the
President--
``(i) finds that the performance of the
Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security for
Management is unsatisfactory; and
``(ii) communicates the reasons for
removing the Deputy Secretary of Homeland
Security for Management to Congress before such
removal;
``(3) may be reappointed in accordance with paragraph (1),
if the Secretary has made a satisfactory determination under
paragraph (5) for the 3 most recent performance years;
``(4) shall enter into an annual performance agreement with
the Secretary that shall set forth measurable individual and
organizational goals; and
``(5) shall be subject to an annual performance evaluation
by the Secretary, who shall determine as part of each such
evaluation whether the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
for Management has made satisfactory progress toward achieving
the goals set out in the performance agreement required under
paragraph (4).''.
(d) Incumbent.--The individual who serves in the position of Under
Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security on the
date of enactment of this Act--
(1) may perform all the duties of the Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security for Management at the pleasure of the
President, until a Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security for
Management is appointed in accordance with subsection (c) of
section 701 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
341), as added by this Act; and
(2) may be appointed Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
for Management, if such appointment is otherwise in accordance
with sections 103 and 701 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(6 U.S.C. 113 and 341), as amended by this Act.
(e) References.--References in any other Federal law, Executive
order, rule, regulation, or delegation of authority, or any document of
or relating to the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of
Homeland Security shall be deemed to refer to the Deputy Secretary of
Homeland Security for Management.
(f) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Other reference.--Section 702(a) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 342(a)) is amended by striking
``Under Secretary for Management'' and inserting ``Deputy
Secretary of Homeland Security for Management''.
(2) Table of contents.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101(b)) is
amended by striking the item relating to section 701 and
inserting the following:
``Sec. 701. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security for Management.''.
(3) Executive schedule.--Section 5313 of title 5, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security the following:
``Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security for Management.''. | Effective Homeland Security Management Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security for Management (who shall assume many responsibilities of the current Under Secretary for Management), to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve as the Chief Management Officer and principal advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security on matters related to management.
Includes among the Deputy Secretary's responsibilities the integration and transformation process to ensure an efficient and orderly consolidation of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) functions and personnel, including the development of a management integration strategy. | A bill to establish a Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security for Management, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Prohibiting Detention of Youth
Status Offenders Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION OF STATUS OFFENDERS.
Section 223 of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5633) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(11)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``shall,'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (i), by adding ``and'' at the
end;
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(iii) by striking clause (iii); and
(iv) in the matter following clause (iii),
by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) if a court determines that a juvenile should
be placed in a secure detention facility or secure
correctional facility for violating an order described
in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
``(i) the court shall issue a written order
that--
``(I) identifies the valid court
order that the juvenile has violated;
``(II) specifies the factual basis
for determining that there is
reasonable cause to believe that the
juvenile has violated the order;
``(III) includes findings of fact
to support a determination that there
is no appropriate less restrictive
alternative available to placing the
juvenile in a secure detention facility
or secure correctional facility, with
due consideration to the best interest
of the juvenile;
``(IV) specifies the length of
time, not to exceed 3 days, that the
juvenile may remain in a secure
detention facility or secure
correctional facility;
``(V) includes a plan for the
release of the juvenile from the secure
detention facility or secure
correctional facility; and
``(VI) may not be renewed or
extended; and
``(ii) the court may not issue a subsequent
order described in clause (i) relating to a
juvenile, unless the juvenile violates a valid
court order after the date on which the court
issues an order described in clause (i);
``(D) there are procedures in place to ensure that
a juvenile held in a secure detention facility or
secure correctional facility pursuant to a court order
described in subparagraph (C)(i) does not remain in a
secure detention facility or secure correctional
facility longer than 3 days (with the exception of
weekends and holidays) or the length of time authorized
by the court, or authorized under applicable State law,
whichever is shorter; and
``(E) a juvenile status offender held in a secure
detention facility or secure correctional facility
pursuant to a court order described in subparagraph
(C)(i) may only be held in a secure detention facility
or secure correctional facility 1 time in any 6-month
period, provided that the conditions set forth in
subparagraph (C) are satisfied.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Additional Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this subsection, no State receiving a formula grant
under this part may use a valid court order described in subsection
(a)(11)(A)(ii) to place a juvenile status offender in a secure
detention facility or secure correctional facility. A State that can
demonstrate hardship as determined by the Administrator may submit to
the Administrator an application for a single 1-year extension to
comply with the requirement described in this subsection, which shall
describe--
``(1) the measurable progress and good faith effort in the
State to reduce the number of juvenile status offenders who are
placed in a secure detention facility or correctional facility
pursuant to a court order described in subsection
(a)(11)(A)(ii); and
``(2) a plan to comply with the requirement described in
this subsection not later than 1 year after the date the
extension is granted.''. | Prohibiting Detention of Youth Status Offenders Act of 2017 This bill amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to modify the deinstitutionalization of status offenders (DSO) core requirement with which a state must comply to receive funds under the Formula Grant Program. The DSO core requirement prohibits the secure detention or confinement of a juvenile who commits a status offense (i.e., an offense that would not be a crime if committed by an adult). This bill eliminates an exception to the DSO core requirement that permits the secure detention or confinement of an out-of-state runaway youth. It also eliminates, not later than one year after enactment, an exception to the DSO core requirement that permits the secure detention or confinement of a juvenile status offender who violates a valid court order. Until then, use of the valid court order exception to securely detain or confine a juvenile status offender must comply with additional requirements, such as issuance of a written court order, a three-day maximum length of detention, and a plan for release. | Prohibiting Detention of Youth Status Offenders Act of 2017 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``International Travelers Bill of
Rights Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Site operator.--The term ``site operator'' means an
individual or entity that operates a Web site that provides
access to international travel services. Such term includes an
overseas vacation destination or a third party that operates a
Web site that offers international travel services.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Trade Commission.
(3) International travel services.--The term
``international travel services'' means a service that a
consumer can use to reserve lodging at an overseas vacation
destination.
(4) Overseas vacation destination.--The term ``overseas
vacation destination'' means a resort, hotel, retreat, hostel,
or any other similar lodging outside the United States.
(5) United states.--The term ``United States'' means each
of the several States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American
Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
SEC. 3. PROVIDING INFORMATION REGARDING THE POTENTIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OVERSEAS VACATION DESTINATIONS.
(a) In General.--A site operator, in a manner in compliance with
regulations issued by the Commission and with the requirements of this
Act, shall provide information on its Web site to consumers in a clear
and conspicuous manner regarding the potential health and safety risks
associated with overseas vacation destinations marketed on its Web
site, if any, including the following:
(1) Information compiled by the Department of State,
including Department of State country-specific travel warnings
and alerts.
(2) Information regarding the onsite health and safety
services that are available to consumers at each overseas
vacation destination, including whether the destination--
(A) employs or contracts with a physician or nurse
on the premises to provide medical treatment for
guests;
(B) employs or contracts with personnel, other than
a physician, nurse, or lifeguard, on the premises who
are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
(C) has an automated external defibrillator and
employs or contracts with 1 or more individuals on the
premises trained in its use; and
(D) employs or contracts with 1 or more lifeguards
on the premises trained in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation, if the overseas vacation destination has
swimming pools or other water-based activities on its
premises, or in areas under its control for use by
guests.
(b) Services Not Available 24 Hours a Day.--If the onsite health
and safety services at an overseas vacation destination are not
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the site operator shall
display the hours and days of availability on its Web site in a clear
and conspicuous manner.
(c) Information Not Available.--If the onsite health and safety
services described in subsection (a)(2) are not available at an
overseas vacation destination, or if the site operator does not possess
information on the onsite health and safety services required to be
displayed on its Web site, the site operator shall display in a clear
and conspicuous manner the following: ``This destination does not
provide certain health and safety services, or information regarding
such services is not available. Travel to this destination may pose an
increased risk to your health or safety.''.
SEC. 4. CONSUMER COMPLAINTS.
(a) Suspension.--A site operator shall establish a process under
which an overseas vacation destination will be suspended from its Web
site as a result of complaints from consumers to the site operator
regarding poor medical care, unsafe or unsanitary facilities, or other
health-related issues with respect to such destination.
(b) Public Availability.--A site operator shall make all complaints
submitted by consumers publicly available on its Web site and may
modify the contents of such complaints at the request of the
complainant or may remove offensive language and personal
identification information.
SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) In General.--A violation of any provision 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)). The 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 were incorporated into and made a part of
this Act.
(b) Deadline for Issuance of Regulations.--The Commission shall
issue regulations to carry out this Act not later than 6 months after
the date of the enactment of this Act. | International Travelers Bill of Rights Act of 2009 - Defines "site operator" as an individual or entity that operates a website providing access to international travel services, including an overseas vacation destination or a third party that operates a website offering international travel services.
Requires a site operator to provide information in a clear and conspicuous way on its website regarding the health and safety risks of overseas vacation destinations marketed on the site, including the onsite health and safety services available and, if those services are not available 24 hours a day, the hours the services are available, if known.
Requires a site operator to: (1) establish a process under which an overseas vacation destination will be suspended from its website as a result of consumer complaints regarding poor medical care, unsafe or unsanitary facilities, or other health-related issues; and (2) make all such complaints publicly available on its website. Allows an operator to modify complaints at the request of the complainant and to remove offensive language and personal identification.
Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. | To require a site operator of an international travel Web site to provide information on its Web site to consumers regarding the potential health and safety risks associated with overseas vacation destinations marketed on its Web site. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as ``Aimee's Law''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Dangerous sexual offense.--The term ``dangerous sexual
offense'' means sexual abuse or sexually explicit conduct
committed by an individual who has attained the age of 18 years
against an individual who has not attained the age of 14 years.
(2) Murder.--The term ``murder'' has the meaning given that
term in section 1111 of title 18, United States Code.
(3) Rape.--The term ``rape'' means any conduct constituting
unlawful sexual intercourse with another individual without the
consent of such other individual.
(4) Sexual abuse.--The term ``sexual abuse'' has the
meaning given that term in section 3509 of title 18, United
States Code.
(5) Sexual contact.--The term ``sexual contact'' has the
meaning given that term in section 2246 of title 18, United
States Code.
(6) Sexually explicit conduct.--The term ``sexually
explicit conduct'' has the meaning given that term in section
2256 of title 18, United States Code.
SEC. 3. REIMBURSEMENT TO STATES FOR CRIMES COMMITTED BY CERTAIN
RELEASED FELONS.
(a) Penalty.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in any case in
which a State convicts an individual of murder, rape, or a
dangerous sexual offense, who has a prior conviction for any 1
of those offenses in another State, the Attorney General shall
transfer an amount equal to the costs of incarceration,
prosecution, and apprehension of that individual, from Federal
law enforcement assistance funds that have been allocated to
but not distributed to the State that convicted such individual
of the prior offense, to the State account that collects
Federal law enforcement assistance funds of the State that
convicted that individual of the subsequent offense.
(2) Multiple states.--In any case in which a State convicts
an individual of murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense,
who has a prior conviction for any 1 or more of those offenses
in more than 1 other State, the Attorney General shall transfer
an amount equal to the costs of incarceration, prosecution, and
apprehension of that individual, from Federal law enforcement
assistance funds that have been allocated to but not
distributed to each State that convicted such individual of the
prior offense, to the State account that collects Federal law
enforcement assistance funds of the State that convicted that
individual of the subsequent offense.
(b) State Applications.--In order to receive an amount transferred
under subsection (a), the chief executive of a State shall submit to
the Attorney General an application, in such form and containing such
information as the Attorney General may reasonably require, which shall
include a certification that the State has convicted an individual of
murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense, who has a prior conviction
for 1 of those offenses in another State.
(c) Source of Funds.--Any amount transferred under subsection (a)
shall be derived by reducing the amount of Federal law enforcement
assistance funds received by the State that convicted such individual
of the prior offense before the distribution of the funds to the State.
The Attorney General, in consultation with the chief executive of the
State that convicted such individual of the prior offense, shall
establish a payment schedule.
(d) Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to
diminish or otherwise affect any court ordered restitution.
(e) Exception.--This section does not apply if an individual
convicted of murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense has escaped
prison and subsequently been convicted for an offense described in
subsection (a).
SEC. 4. COLLECTION OF RECIDIVISM DATA.
(a) In General.--Beginning with calendar year 1999, and each
calendar year thereafter, the Attorney General shall collect and
maintain information relating to, with respect to each State--
(1) the number of convictions during that calendar year for
murder, rape, and any sex offense in the State in which, at the
time of the offense, the victim had not attained the age of 14
years and the offender had attained the age of 18 years; and
(2) the number of convictions described in paragraph (1)
that constitute second or subsequent convictions of the
defendant of an offense described in that paragraph.
(b) Report.--Not later than March 1, 2000, and on March 1 of each
year thereafter, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a
report, which shall include--
(1) the information collected under subsection (a) with
respect to each State during the preceding calendar year; and
(2) the percentage of cases in each State in which an
individual convicted of an offense described in subsection
(a)(1) was previously convicted of another such offense in
another State during the preceding calendar year. | Aimee's Law - Directs the Attorney General, in any case in which a State convicts of murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense an individual who has a prior conviction for any one of those offenses in another State, to transfer an amount equal to the costs of incarceration, prosecution, and apprehension of that individual from Federal law enforcement assistance funds that have been allocated to but not distributed to the State that convicted such individual of the prior offense to the State that convicted that individual of the subsequent offense.
Directs the Attorney General, in any case in which a State convicts of murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense an individual who has a prior conviction for any one or more of those offenses in more than one other State, to transfer an amount equal to the costs of incarceration, prosecution, and apprehension of that individual from Federal law enforcement assistance funds that have been allocated to but not distributed to each State that convicted such individual of the prior offense to the State that convicted that individual of the subsequent offense.
Requires the chief executive officer of a State, in order to receive such transferred funds, to submit to the Attorney General an application including a certification that the State has convicted of murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense an individual who has a prior conviction for one of those offenses in another State.
Specifies that any such transferred amount shall be derived by reducing the amount of Federal law enforcement assistance funds received by the State that convicted such individual of the prior offense before the distribution of the funds to the State. Directs the Attorney General to establish a payment schedule.
Makes such provisions inapplicable if an individual convicted of murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense has escaped and subsequently been convicted for such an offense.
(Sec. 4) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) collect and maintain information relating to the number of convictions (during the calendar year) for murder, rape, and any sex offense in the State in which, at the time of the offense, the victim had not attained age 14 and the offender had attained age 18, and the number of such convictions that constitute second or subsequent convictions of the defendant of such an offense; and (2) report to Congress. | Aimee's Law |
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