Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Skilled Worker
Immigration and Fairness Act''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. H-1B visas.
Sec. 3. Employment-based immigration.
Sec. 4. H-1B visa fraud and abuse protections.

SEC. 2. H-1B VISAS.

    (a) Exemptions to Numerical Limitations.--
            (1) In general.--Section 214(g)(5) of the Immigration and
        Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(5)) is amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``until the
                number of aliens who are exempted from such numerical
                limitation during such year exceeds 20,000.'' and
                inserting ``or has been awarded a medical specialty
                certification based on post-doctoral training and
                experience in the United States; or''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) has earned a masters or higher degree in
                science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from
                an institution of higher education outside of the
                United States.''.
            (2) Applicability.--The amendments made by paragraph (1)
        shall apply to--
                    (A) any petition or visa application pending on the
                date of the enactment of this Act; and
                    (B) any petition or visa application filed on or
                after such date.
    (b) Market-Based Visa Limits.--Section 214(g) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1184(g)), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
                striking ``(beginning with fiscal year 1992)''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking clauses (i)
                through (vii) and inserting the following:
                    ``(i) 115,000 in fiscal year 2007; and
                    ``(ii) in fiscal year 2008, and in each subsequent
                fiscal year, the greater of--
                            ``(I) 115,000; or
                            ``(II) the number calculated under
                        paragraph (9);'';
            (2) in paragraph (8)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking clause (iv);
                and
                    (B) by striking subparagraph (D);
            (3) by redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), and (11) as
        paragraphs (10), (11), and (12), respectively; and
            (4) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:
    ``(9) If the numerical limitation under paragraph (1)(A)--
            ``(A) is reached during a given fiscal year, the numerical
        limitation under paragraph (1)(A) for the subsequent fiscal
        year shall be equal to the lesser of--
                    ``(i) 120 percent of the numerical limitation for
                the given fiscal year; or
                    ``(ii) 180,000; and
            ``(B) is not reached during a given fiscal year, the
        numerical limitation under paragraph (1)(A) for the subsequent
        fiscal year shall be equal to the numerical limitation for the
        given fiscal year.''.

SEC. 3. EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 201(b)(1) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
            ``(F) Aliens who have earned a master's or higher degree
        from an accredited university in the United States.
            ``(G) Aliens who--
                    ``(i) have earned an advanced degree in science,
                technology, engineering, or mathematics; and
                    ``(ii) have been working in a related field in the
                United States under a nonimmigrant visa during the 3-
                year period preceding their application for an
                immigrant visa under section 203(b).
            ``(H) Aliens who--
                    ``(i) are described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of
                section 203(b)(1); or
                    ``(ii) have received a national interest waiver
                under section 203(b)(2)(B).
            ``(I) The immediate relatives of an alien who is admitted
        as an employment-based immigrant under section 203(b).''.
    (b) Adjustment of Status for Employment-Based Immigrants.--
            (1) In general.--Section 245 of the Immigration and
        Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255) is amended by adding at the end
        the following:
    ``(n) Adjustment of Status to Employment-Based Immigrant.--
            ``(1) Eligibility.--An alien, and any eligible dependents
        of such alien, may file an application for adjustment of status
        with the Secretary of Homeland Security, whether or not an
        employment-based immigrant visa is immediately available at the
        time the application is filed, if--
                    ``(A) a petition filed under subparagraph (E) or
                (F) of section 204(a)(1) on behalf of the alien has
                been approved; or
                    ``(B) in the discretion of the Secretary, the
                adjudication of such petition is pending.
            ``(2) Visa availability.--An application filed under
        paragraph (1) may not be approved until the appropriate
        employment-based immigrant visa becomes available under section
        203(b).
            ``(3) Fees.--If an employment-based immigrant visa is not
        available on the date on which an application is filed under
        paragraph (1), a supplemental fee of $500 shall be paid on
        behalf of the beneficiary of such application. Such fee may not
        be charged with respect to any dependent accompanying or
        following to join such beneficiary.
    ``(o) Extension of Employment Authorization and Advanced Parole
Document.--The Secretary of Homeland Security--
            ``(1) shall issue a 3-year employment authorization and 3-
        year advanced parole document to any beneficiary of an
        application for adjustment of status if a petition has been
        filed or is pending under subparagraph (E) or (F) of section
        204(a)(1); and
            ``(2) may adjust fees assessed under this section in
        accordance to the 3-year period of validity assigned to the
        employment authorization or advanced parole documents issued
        under subparagraph (1).''.
            (2) Use of fees.--Section 286 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1356)
        is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (m), by striking ``provisions of
                law, all adjudication fees'' and inserting ``provision
                of law, all adjudication fees and the fees collected
                under section 245(n)(3)''; and
                    (B) in subsection (n)--
                            (i) by striking ``All deposits'' and
                        inserting the following: ``(1) Except as
                        provided in paragraph (2), all deposits''; and
                            (ii) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(2) All deposits in the Immigration Examinations Fee Account that
were originally collected under section 245(n)(3) shall be used to
clear security background check delays.''.
    (c) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall apply to any visa application--
            (1) pending on the date of the enactment of this Act; or
            (2) filed on or after such date.

SEC. 4. H-1B VISA FRAUD AND ABUSE PROTECTIONS.

    (a) Prohibition Against Advertising Exclusively to H-1B
Nonimmigrants.--Section 212(n)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as subparagraph (H);
            (2) by inserting after subparagraph (H), as redesignated,
        the following:
            ``(I) The employer has not advertised the available jobs
        specified in the application in an advertisement that states or
        indicates that--
                    ``(i) the jobs are only available to persons who
                are, or may become, H-1B nonimmigrants; or
                    ``(ii) persons will receive priority or preference
                in the hiring process because they are, or may become,
                H-1B nonimmigrants.''; and
            (3) in the undesignated paragraph at the end, by striking
        ``The employer'' and inserting the following:
            ``(K) The employer''.
    (b) Limit on Percentage of H-1B Employees.--Section 212(n)(1) of
such Act, as amended by this section, is further amended by inserting
after subparagraph (I), as added by subsection (a)(1), the following:
            ``(J) If the employer employs 50 or more employees in the
        United States, not more than 50 percent of such employees are
        H-1B nonimmigrants.''.
    (c) Safeguards Against Fraud and Misrepresentation in Application
Review Process.--Section 212(n)(1)(K) of such Act, as designated by
subsection (a)(2), is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``, clear indicators of fraud,
        misrepresentation of material fact,'' after ``completeness'';
            (2) by striking ``or obviously inaccurate'' and inserting
        ``, presents clear indicators of fraud or misrepresentation of
        material fact, or is obviously inaccurate''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following: ``If the
        Secretary's review of an application identifies clear
        indicators of fraud or misrepresentation of material fact, the
        Secretary may conduct an investigation and hearing under
        paragraph (2).''.
    (d) Investigations by Department of Labor.--Section 212(n)(2) of
such Act is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``12 months'' and all
        that follows and inserting ``24 months after the date of the
        failure or misrepresentation, respectively. Upon the receipt of
        such a complaint, the Secretary may initiate an investigation
        to determine if such a failure or misrepresentation has
        occurred.'';
            (2) in subparagraph (C)(i)--
                    (A) by striking ``a condition of paragraph (1)(B),
                (1)(E), or (1)(F)'' and inserting ``a condition under
                subparagraph (B), (C), (E), (F), (H), (I), or (J) of
                paragraph (1)''; and
                    (B) by striking ``paragraph (1)(C), (1)(D), or
                (1)(G)(i)(I)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (C), (D) or
                (G)(i)(I) of paragraph (1)'';
            (3) in subparagraph (G)--
                    (A) in clause (i), by striking ``if the Secretary''
                and all that follows and inserting ``with regard to the
                employer's compliance with the requirements under this
                subsection.'';
                    (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``and whose
                identity'' and all that follows through ``failure or
                failures.'' and inserting ``the Secretary of Labor may
                conduct an investigation into the employer's compliance
                with the requirements under this subsection.'';
                    (C) in clause (iii), by striking the last sentence;
                    (D) by striking clauses (iv) and (v);
                    (E) by redesignating clauses (vi), (vii), and
                (viii) as clauses (iv), (v), and (vi), respectively;
                    (F) in clause (iv), as redesignated, by striking
                ``meet a condition'' and all that follows and inserting
                ``comply with the requirements under this subsection,
                unless the Secretary of Labor receives the information
                not later than 24 months after the date of the alleged
                failure.'';
                    (G) by amending clause (v), as redesignated, to
                read as follows:
    ``(v) The Secretary of Labor shall provide notice to an employer of
the intent to conduct an investigation. The notice shall be provided in
such a manner, and shall contain sufficient detail, to permit the
employer to respond to the allegations before an investigation is
commenced. The Secretary is not required to comply with this clause if
the Secretary determines that such compliance would interfere with an
effort by the Secretary to investigate the employer or secure the
employer's compliance with this subsection. A determination by the
Secretary under this clause is not subject to judicial review.'';
                    (H) in clause (vi), as redesignated, by striking
                ``An investigation'' and all that follows through ``the
                determination.'' and inserting ``If the Secretary of
                Labor, after an investigation under clause (i) or (ii),
                determines that a reasonable basis exists to make a
                finding that the employer has failed to comply with the
                requirements under this subsection, the Secretary shall
                provide interested parties with notice of such
                determination and an opportunity for a hearing in
                accordance with section 556 of title 5, United States
                Code, not later than 120 days after the date of such
                determination.''; and
                    (I) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(vii) If the Secretary of Labor, after a hearing, finds a
reasonable basis to believe that the employer has violated a
requirement under this subsection, the Secretary may impose a penalty
under subparagraph (C).'';
            (4) by redesignating subparagraph (I) as subparagraph (J).
    (e) Additional Department of Labor Employees.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Labor is authorized to
        hire 200 additional employees to administer, oversee,
        investigate, and enforce programs involving H-1B nonimmigrant
        workers.
            (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
        to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
        this subsection.
    (f) Schedule of Fees.--Section 214(c)(12)(C) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(12)(C)) is amended by striking
``$500'' and inserting ``$1,000''.
    (g) Information Sharing Between Department of Labor and Department
of Homeland Security.--Section 212(n)(2) of such Act, as amended by
this section, is further amended by inserting after subparagraph (H)
the following:
    ``(I) If any information contained in the materials submitted by
employers of H-1B nonimmigrants as part of the adjudication process
indicates that the employer is not complying with the requirements
under this subsection, the Director of United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services shall provide such information to the Secretary of
Labor. The Secretary may initiate and conduct an investigation and
hearing under this paragraph after receiving such information.''.
    (h) Audits.--Section 212(n)(2)(A) of such Act, as amended by this
section, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``The
Secretary may conduct surveys regarding the degree to which employers
comply with the requirements under this subsection and may conduct
annual compliance audits of employers of H-1B nonimmigrants. The
Secretary shall conduct annual compliance audits of not less than 1
percent of the employers of H-1B nonimmigrants during the applicable
calendar year. The Secretary shall conduct annual compliance audits of
each employer with more than 100 employees who work in the United
States if more than 15 percent of such employees are H-1B
nonimmigrants.''.
    (i) Penalties.--Section 212(n)(2)(C) of such Act, as amended by
this section, is further amended--
            (1) in clause (i)(I), by striking ``$1,000'' and inserting
        ``$2,000'';
            (2) in clause (ii)(I), by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting
        ``$10,000''; and
            (3) in clause (vi)(III), by striking ``$1,000'' and
        inserting ``$2,000''.
    (j) Information Provided to H-1B Nonimmigrants Upon Visa
Issuance.--Section 212(n) of such Act, as amended by this section, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(6)(A) Upon providing H-1B nonimmigrant status to an alien in the
United States, the office processing the petition for such status shall
provide the applicant with--
            ``(i) a brochure outlining the employer's obligations and
        the employee's rights under Federal law, including labor and
        wage protections; and
            ``(ii) the contact information for Federal agencies that
        can offer more information or assistance in clarifying employer
        obligations and workers' rights.
    ``(B) Upon issuing an H-1B nonimmigrant visa to an alien outside
the United States, the officer of the Department of State shall provide
the applicant with the items described in clauses (i) and (ii) of
subparagraph (A).''.

Output:
Skilled Worker Immigration and Fairness Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from the annual H-1B (specialty occupation/fashion models) visa cap an alien who has: (1) earned a master's or higher degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from an institution of higher education outside of the United States; or (2) been awarded a medical specialty certification based on post-doctoral training and experience in the United States.

Sets H-1B annual limits at: (1) 115,000 for FY2007; and (2) for each subsequent fiscal year, the greater of 115,000 or a market-based calculation.

Exempts from numerical limitations on employment-based immigrants: (1) aliens who have earned advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math and have been working in their fields in the United States under a nonimmigrant visa in the three years prior to filing for adjustment; (2) recipients of national interest waivers; and (3) immediate relatives of employment-based immigrants.

Permits an alien (and dependents) to file for adjustment of status whether or not an employment-based immigrant visa is immediately available if: (1) a petition on behalf of the alien has been approved; or (2) adjudication of such petition is pending.

Revises H-1B provisions with respect to: (1) application fraud and misrepresentation; (2) employer penalties; (3) Department of Labor investigations; (4) Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) information sharing; (5) information provided to an H-1B nonimmigrant upon visa issuance; (6) prohibiting H-1B-exclusive employment advertising; and (7) prohibiting an employer of fewer than 50 employees in the United States from having more than 50% H-1B nonimmigrant employees.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Liberian Refugee Immigration
Fairness Act of 2015''.

SEC. 2. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS.

    (a) Adjustment of Status.--
            (1) In general.--
                    (A) Eligibility.--Except as provided under
                subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Homeland Security
                shall adjust the status of an alien described in
                subsection (b) to that of an alien lawfully admitted
                for permanent residence if the alien--
                            (i) applies for adjustment not later than 1
                        year after the date of the enactment of this
                        Act; and
                            (ii) is otherwise eligible to receive an
                        immigrant visa and admissible to the United
                        States for permanent residence, except that, in
                        determining such admissibility, the grounds for
                        inadmissibility specified in paragraphs (4),
                        (5), (6)(A), and (7)(A) of section 212(a) of
                        the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
                        1182(a)) shall not apply.
                    (B) Ineligible aliens.--An alien shall not be
                eligible for adjustment of status under this section if
                the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that the
                alien--
                            (i) has been convicted of any aggravated
                        felony (as defined in section 101(a)(43) of the
                        Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
                        1101(a)(43));
                            (ii) has been convicted of 2 or more crimes
                        involving moral turpitude; or
                            (iii) has ordered, incited, assisted, or
                        otherwise participated in the persecution of
                        any person on account of race, religion,
                        nationality, membership in a particular social
                        group, or political opinion.
            (2) Relationship of application to certain orders.--
                    (A) In general.--An alien present in the United
                States who has been subject to an order of exclusion,
                deportation, or removal, or has been ordered to depart
                voluntarily from the United States under any provision
                of the Immigration and Nationality Act may,
                notwithstanding such order, apply for adjustment of
                status under paragraph (1) if otherwise qualified under
                such paragraph.
                    (B) Separate motion not required.--An alien
                described in subparagraph (A) may not be required, as a
                condition of submitting or granting such application,
                to file a separate motion to reopen, reconsider, or
                vacate the order described in subparagraph (A).
                    (C) Effect of decision by secretary.--If the
                Secretary of Homeland Security adjusts the status of an
                alien pursuant to an application under paragraph (1),
                the Secretary shall cancel the order described in
                subparagraph (A). If the Secretary of Homeland Security
                makes a final decision to deny such adjustment of
                status, the order shall be effective and enforceable to
                the same extent as if the application had not been
                made.
    (b) Aliens Eligible for Adjustment of Status.--
            (1) In general.--The benefits provided under subsection (a)
        shall apply to any alien--
                    (A) who is--
                            (i) a national of Liberia; and
                            (ii) has been continuously present in the
                        United States between January 1, 2013, and the
                        date on which the alien submits an application
                        under subsection (a); or
                    (B) who is the spouse, child, or unmarried son or
                daughter of an alien described in subparagraph (A).
            (2) Determination of continuous physical presence.--For
        purposes of establishing the period of continuous physical
        presence referred to in paragraph (1)(A)(ii), an alien shall
        not be considered to have failed to maintain continuous
        physical presence by reasons of an absence, or absences, from
        the United States for any period or periods amounting in the
        aggregate to not more than 180 days.
    (c) Stay of Removal.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
        establish procedures, by regulation, through which an alien,
        who is subject to a final order of deportation, removal, or
        exclusion, may seek a stay of such order based upon the filing
        of an application under subsection (a).
            (2) During certain proceedings.--Notwithstanding any
        provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101
        et seq.), the Secretary of Homeland Security may not order an
        alien to be removed from the United States if the alien is in
        exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings under any
        provision of such Act and has applied for adjustment of status
        under subsection (a) unless the Secretary of Homeland Security
        has made a final determination to deny the application.
            (3) Work authorization.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security
                may--
                            (i) authorize an alien who has applied for
                        adjustment of status under subsection (a) to
                        engage in employment in the United States while
                        a determination regarding such application is
                        pending; and
                            (ii) provide the alien with an ``employment
                        authorized'' endorsement or other appropriate
                        document signifying authorization of
                        employment.
                    (B) Pending applications.--If an application for
                adjustment of status under subsection (a) is pending
                for a period exceeding 180 days and has not been
                denied, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
                authorize such employment.
    (d) Record of Permanent Residence.--Upon the approval of an alien's
application for adjustment of status under subsection (a), the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a record of the alien's
admission for permanent residence as of the date of the alien's arrival
in the United States.
    (e) Availability of Administrative Review.--The Secretary of
Homeland Security shall provide to applicants for adjustment of status
under subsection (a) the same right to, and procedures for,
administrative review as are provided to--
            (1) applicants for adjustment of status under section 245
        of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255); and
            (2) aliens subject to removal proceedings under section 240
        of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1229a).
    (f) Limitation on Judicial Review.--A determination by the
Secretary of Homeland Security regarding the adjustment of status of
any alien under this section is final and shall not be subject to
review by any court.
    (g) No Offset in Number of Visas Available.--If an alien is granted
the status of having been lawfully admitted for permanent residence
pursuant to this section, the Secretary of State shall not be required
to reduce the number of immigrant visas authorized to be issued under
any provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et
seq.).
    (h) Application of Immigration and Nationality Act Provisions.--
            (1) Definitions.--Except as otherwise specifically provided
        in this Act, the definitions contained in the Immigration and
        Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) shall apply in this
        section.
            (2) Savings provision.--Nothing in this Act may be
        construed to repeal, amend, alter, modify, effect, or restrict
        the powers, duties, function, or authority of the Secretary of
        Homeland Security in the administration and enforcement of the
        Immigration and Nationality Act or any other law relating to
        immigration, nationality, or naturalization.
            (3) Effect of eligibility for adjustment of status.--
        Eligibility to be granted the status of having been lawfully
        admitted for permanent residence under this section shall not
        preclude an alien from seeking any status under any other
        provision of law for which the alien may otherwise be eligible.

Output: Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2015   This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to adjust to permanent resident status a qualifying Liberian national who: (1) has been continuously present in the United States between January 1, 2013, through the date of status adjustment application; or (2) is the spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of such an alien.  Adjustment applications must be filed not later than one year after the date of enactment of this bill.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug
Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE COVERAGE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS
              UNDER THE MEDICARE PROGRAM FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
              RECIPIENTS.

    (a) Continued Entitlement to Immunosuppressive Drugs.--
            (1) Kidney transplant recipients.--Section 226A(b)(2) of
        the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 426-1(b)(2)) is amended by
        inserting ``(except for coverage of immunosuppressive drugs
        under section 1861(s)(2)(J))'' after ``shall end''.
            (2) Application.--Section 1836 of the Social Security Act
        (42 U.S.C. 1395o) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``Every individual who'' and
                inserting ``(a) In General.--Every individual who'';
                and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new
                subsection:
    ``(b) Special Rules Applicable to Individuals Only Eligible for
Coverage of Immunosuppressive Drugs.--
            ``(1) In general.--In the case of an individual whose
        eligibility for benefits under this title has ended except for
        the coverage of immunosuppressive drugs by reason of section
        226A(b)(2), the following rules shall apply:
                    ``(A) The individual shall be deemed to be enrolled
                under this part for purposes of receiving coverage of
                such drugs.
                    ``(B) The individual shall be responsible for the
                full amount of the premium under section 1839 in order
                to receive such coverage.
                    ``(C) The provision of such drugs shall be subject
                to the application of--
                            ``(i) the deductible under section 1833(b);
                        and
                            ``(ii) the coinsurance amount applicable
                        for such drugs (as determined under this part).
                    ``(D) If the individual is an inpatient of a
                hospital or other entity, the individual is entitled to
                receive coverage of such drugs under this part.
            ``(2) Establishment of procedures in order to implement
        coverage.--The Secretary shall establish procedures for--
                    ``(A) identifying beneficiaries that are entitled
                to coverage of immunosuppressive drugs by reason of
                section 226A(b)(2); and
                    ``(B) distinguishing such beneficiaries from
                beneficiaries that are enrolled under this part for the
                complete package of benefits under this part.''.
            (3) Technical amendment.--Subsection (c) of section 226A of
        the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 426-1), as added by section
        201(a)(3)(D)(ii) of the Social Security Independence and
        Program Improvements Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-296; 108 Stat.
        1497), is redesignated as subsection (d).
    (b) Extension of Secondary Payer Requirements for ESRD
Beneficiaries.--Section 1862(b)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395y(b)(1)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``With regard to immunosuppressive drugs furnished on or
after the date of enactment of the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug
Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2007, this subparagraph
shall be applied without regard to any time limitation.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to drugs furnished on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 3. PLANS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN COVERAGE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS
              FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS.

    (a) Application to Certain Health Insurance Coverage.--
            (1) In general.--Subpart 2 of part A of title XXVII of the
        Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-4 et seq.) is
        amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 2707. COVERAGE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
              RECIPIENTS.

    ``A group health plan (and a health insurance issuer offering
health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan) shall
provide coverage of immunosuppressive drugs in connection with a kidney
transplant that is at least as comprehensive as the coverage provided
by such plan or issuer on the day before the date of enactment of the
Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant
Patients Act of 2007, and such requirement shall be deemed to be
incorporated into this section.''.
            (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 2721(b)(2)(A) of the
        Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-21(b)(2)(A)) is
        amended by inserting ``(other than section 2707)'' after
        ``requirements of such subparts''.
    (b) Application to Group Health Plans and Group Health Insurance
Coverage Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.--
            (1) In general.--Subpart B of part 7 of subtitle B of title
        I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29
        U.S.C. 1185 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
        following new section:

``SEC. 714. COVERAGE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
              RECIPIENTS.

    ``A group health plan (and a health insurance issuer offering
health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan) shall
provide coverage of immunosuppressive drugs in connection with a kidney
transplant that is at least as comprehensive as the coverage provided
by such plan or issuer on the day before the date of enactment of the
Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant
Patients Act of 2007, and such requirement shall be deemed to be
incorporated into this section.''.
            (2) Conforming amendments.--
                    (A) Section 732(a) of the Employee Retirement
                Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1191(a)) is
                amended by striking ``section 711'' and inserting
                ``sections 711 and 714''.
                    (B) The table of contents in section 1 of the
                Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 is
                amended by inserting after the item relating to section
                713 the following new item:

``Sec. 714. Coverage of immunosuppressive drugs.''.
    (c) Application to Group Health Plans Under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986.--Subchapter B of chapter 100 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 is amended--
            (1) in the table of sections, by inserting after the item
        relating to section 9812 the following new item:

``Sec. 9813. Coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant
                            recipients.'';
        and
            (2) by inserting after section 9812 the following:

``SEC. 9813. COVERAGE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
              RECIPIENTS.

    ``A group health plan shall provide coverage of immunosuppressive
drugs in connection with a kidney transplant that is at least as
comprehensive as the coverage provided by such plan on the day before
the date of enactment of the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug
Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2007, and such
requirement shall be deemed to be incorporated into this section.''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2008.

Output:
Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2007 - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to: (1) continue entitlement to prescription drugs used in immunosuppressive therapy furnished to an individual who receives a kidney transplant for which payment is made under Medicare; and (2) extend Medicare secondary payer requirements for end stage renal disease (ESRD) beneficiaries.

Amends title XVIII (Medicare ) of SSA to apply special rules to kidney transplant recipients receiving additional coverage for immunosuppressive drugs. Deems such individual to be enrolled under Medicare part B. Makes him or her responsible for the full amount of the applicable premiums. Applies deductible and coinsurance requirements to the provision of such drugs.

Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set forth requirements for group health plans to provide coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant patients.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Congenital Heart Futures
Reauthorization Act of 2015''.

SEC. 2. NATIONAL CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM.

    Section 399V-2 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g-13)
is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 399V-2. NATIONAL CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH,
              SURVEILLANCE, AND AWARENESS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall--
            ``(1) enhance and expand research and surveillance
        infrastructure to study and track the epidemiology of
        congenital heart disease (in this section referred to as
        `CHD');
            ``(2) plan and implement a public outreach and education
        campaign regarding CHD across the lifespan; and
            ``(3) award grants to eligible entities to undertake the
        activities described in subsections (b) and (c).
    ``(b) National Congenital Heart Disease Cohort Study.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Director of the Centers for Disease
        Control and Prevention shall plan, develop, implement, and
        submit one or more reports to the Congress on a cohort study to
        improve understanding of the epidemiology of CHD across the
        lifespan, from birth to adulthood, with particular interest in
        the following:
                    ``(A) Health care utilization and natural history
                of those affected by CHD.
                    ``(B) Demographic factors associated with CHD, such
                as age, race, ethnicity, gender, and family history of
                individuals who are diagnosed with the disease.
                    ``(C) Outcome measures, such that analysis of the
                outcome measures will allow derivation of evidence-
                based best practices and guidelines for CHD patients.
            ``(2) Permissible considerations.--The study under this
        subsection may--
                    ``(A) gather data on the health outcomes of a
                diverse population of those affected by CHD;
                    ``(B) consider health disparities among those
                affected by CHD which may include the consideration of
                prenatal exposures; and
                    ``(C) incorporate behavioral, emotional, and
                educational outcomes of those affected by CHD.
            ``(3) Public access.--Subject to paragraph (4), the data
        generated from the study under this subsection shall be made
        available to the public, including CHD researchers.
            ``(4) Patient privacy.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
        study under this subsection is carried out in a manner that
        complies with the requirements applicable to a covered entity
        under the regulations promulgated pursuant to section 264(c) of
        the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
        1996.
    ``(c) Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Campaign.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Director of the Centers for Disease
        Control and Prevention shall establish and implement an
        awareness, outreach, and education campaign regarding CHD
        across the lifespan. The information expressed through such
        campaign shall--
                    ``(A) emphasize that CHD is the most prevalent
                birth defect;
                    ``(B) identify CHD as a condition that affects
                those diagnosed throughout their lives; and
                    ``(C) promote the need for pediatric, adolescent,
                and adult individuals with CHD to seek and maintain
                lifelong, specialized care.
            ``(2) Permissible activities.--The campaign under this
        subsection may--
                    ``(A) utilize collaborations or partnerships with
                other agencies, health care professionals, and patient
                advocacy organizations that specialize in the needs of
                individuals with CHD; and
                    ``(B) include the use of print, film, and
                electronic materials distributed via television, radio,
                Internet, and other commercial marketing venues.
    ``(d) Eligibility for Grants.--To be eligible to receive a grant
under subsection (a)(3), an entity shall--
            ``(1) be a public or private nonprofit entity with
        specialized experience in CHD; and
            ``(2) submit to the Secretary an application at such time,
        in such manner, and containing such information as the
        Secretary may require.
    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there is authorized to be appropriated $4,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2016 through 2020.''.

SEC. 3. CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH.

    Section 425 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285b-8) is
amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 425. CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE.

    ``(a) In General.--The Director of the Institute may expand,
intensify, and coordinate research and related activities of the
Institute with respect to congenital heart disease, which may include
congenital heart disease research with respect to--
            ``(1) causation of congenital heart disease, including
        genetic causes;
            ``(2) long-term outcomes in individuals with congenital
        heart disease, including infants, children, teenagers, adults,
        and elderly individuals;
            ``(3) diagnosis, treatment, and prevention;
            ``(4) studies using longitudinal data and retrospective
        analysis to identify effective treatments and outcomes for
        individuals with congenital heart disease; and
            ``(5) identifying barriers to lifelong care for individuals
        with congenital heart disease.
    ``(b) Coordination of Research Activities.--The Director of the
Institute may coordinate research efforts related to congenital heart
disease among multiple research institutions and may develop research
networks.
    ``(c) Minority and Medically Underserved Communities.--In carrying
out the activities described in this section, the Director of the
Institute shall consider the application of such research and other
activities to minority and medically underserved communities.
    ``(d) Report From NIH.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2015,
the Director of NIH, acting through the Director of the Institute,
shall provide a report to Congress--
            ``(1) outlining the ongoing research efforts of the
        National Institutes of Health regarding congenital heart
        disease; and
            ``(2) identifying--
                    ``(A) future plans for research regarding
                congenital heart disease; and
                    ``(B) the areas of greatest need for such
                research.''.

Output: Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the authorization for a National Congenital Heart Disease Surveillance System with a requirement for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regarding congenital heart disease, to enhance and expand research and surveillance infrastructure, and plan and implement a public outreach and education campaign. (Congenital heart disease is a condition caused by a heart defect that is present at birth.) The CDC must award grants to nonprofit entities to conduct: (1) a cohort study of congenital heart disease, from birth to adulthood, that considers health care utilization, demographic factors, and outcomes; and (2) an awareness, outreach, and education campaign regarding congenital heart disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute must report on its ongoing research efforts regarding congenital heart disease, future plans for such research, and areas of greatest need for such research.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Lending to
Entrepreneurs for Growth in Underserved Populations Act of 2011'' or
the ``Small Business Leg-Up Act of 2011''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds the following:
            (1) Families and small businesses in under-served areas
        have for generations been unable to access affordable credit.
            (2) The financial crisis of 2008 only served to exacerbate
        efforts by entrepreneurs to access capital for the purpose of
        creating jobs and improving economic outcomes in the community.
            (3) Small business investments revitalize communities by
        creating jobs but also contributing to the local tax base,
        which helps finance investments in schools, hospitals,
        infrastructure, and public safety.
            (4) The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
        is well placed to make careful, targeted investments in
        community development financial institutions for the purposes
        of improving economic outcomes for underserved families across
        America.
            (5) Providing the Community Development Financial
        Institutions Fund with a robust capital infusion will make
        efficient use of taxpayer dollars, by leveraging Federal
        investment for the purpose of small business lending.

SEC. 3. TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM SMALL BUSINESS LENDING FUND TO THE CDFI
              FUND.

    (a) Unobligated Funds.--On the date of the expiration of the
investment authority described under section 4109(a) of the Small
Business Jobs Act of 2010, the Secretary shall transfer all unobligated
funds in the Small Business Lending Fund to the Community Development
Financial Institutions Fund.
    (b) Proceeds.--Section 4103(b)(3) of the Small Business Jobs Act of
2010 is amended to read as follows:
            ``(3) Proceeds transferred to cdfi fund.--All funds
        received by the Secretary in connection with purchases made
        pursuant to paragraph (1), including principal, interest
        payments, dividend payments, and proceeds from the sale of any
        financial instrument, shall be transferred to the Community
        Development Financial Institutions Fund.''.

SEC. 4. SMALL BUSINESS CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Riegle Community Development and Regulatory
Improvement Act of 1994 is amended by adding after section 108 the
following new section:

``SEC. 108A. SMALL BUSINESS CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM TO INCREASE
              CREDIT AVAILABILITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.

    ``(a) Small Business Revolving Loan Program.--
            ``(1) In general.--Using amounts described under subsection
        (b), the Administrator shall carry out a Small Business Capital
        Investment Program (`Program') to make capital investments in
        eligible community development financial institutions in order
        to increase the availability of credit for small businesses.
            ``(2) Structure of the program.--To the extent practicable,
        the Administrator shall carry out the Program in the same
        manner as the Small Business Lending Fund Program authorized
        under section 4103(a)(2) of the Small Business Jobs Act of
        2010, except that--
                    ``(A) all funds received by the Administrator in
                connection with purchases made under the Program,
                including principal, interest payments, dividend
                payments, and proceeds from the sale of any financial
                instrument, shall be deposited into the Fund;
                    ``(B) eligible community development financial
                institutions may apply to receive a capital investment
                from the Fund in an amount not exceeding 10 percent of
                total assets, or such other percentage as the
                Administrator determines to be appropriate; and
                    ``(C) the authority to make capital investments in
                eligible community development financial institutions
                shall continue so long as amounts described under
                subsection (b) are available to make such investments.
    ``(b) Funding.--
            ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
        this Act, amounts deposited into the Fund pursuant to section
        4(a) of the Small Business Leg-Up Act of 2011, section
        4103(b)(3) of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, or
        subsection (a)(2)(A) shall only be available to carry out the
        Program established under subsection (a).
            ``(2) Administration costs.--Interest payments received
        under subsection (a)(2)(A) may be used to pay for the
        administrative costs of carrying out the Program.
            ``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
        to be appropriated to the Administrator $4,000,000 to carry out
        the Program.
    ``(c) Rulemaking.--The Administrator may issue such regulations as
the Administrator determines to be appropriate to carry out this
section.
    ``(d) Eligible Community Development Financial Institution Defined
.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible community
development financial institution' means a community development
financial institution with assets of $10,000,000,000 or less, as
reported in audited financial statements.''.
    (b) Technical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Riegle
Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 is amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 108 the following new
item:

``108A. Small Business Capital Investment Program to increase credit
                            availability for small businesses.''.

Output:
Small Business Lending to Entrepreneurs for Growth in Underserved Populations Act of 2011 or the Small Business Leg-Up Act of 2011 - Requires, upon the expiration of investment authority for the Small Business Lending Fund Program provided in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, that all unobligated funds in the Small Business Lending Fund be transferred to the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. Directs that all funds received in connection with certain purchases of preferred stock and other financial instruments pursuant to such authority be transferred to the CDFI Fund.

 Amends the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to direct the Administrator of the CDFI Fund to carry out a Small Business Capital Investment (SBCI) Program (a small business revolving loan program) to continue making capital investments in eligible community development financial institutions in order to increase the availability of credit for small businesses.

Requires that: (1) all funds the Administrator receives in connection with SBCI Program purchases be deposited in the CDFI Fund, and (2) the authority to make such capital investments continue so long as specified funding amounts are available.

Allows eligible community development financial institutions (with maximum assets of $10 billion as reported in audited financial statements) to apply to receive a capital investment of up to 10% of total assets, or another appropriate percentage determined by the Administrator.

Directs the Administrator, to the extent practicable and except as otherwise provided, to carry out the SBCI Program in the same manner as the Small Business Lending Fund Program.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``United States Armed Forces
Protection Act of 1996''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND CONGRESSIONAL POLICY.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds as follows:
            (1) The President has made United Nations peace operations
        a major component of the foreign and security policies of the
        United States.
            (2) The President has committed United States military
        personnel under United Nations operational control to missions
        in Haiti, Croatia, and Macedonia that could endanger those
        personnel.
            (3) The President has deployed over 22,000 United States
        military personnel to the former Yugoslavia as peacekeepers
        under NATO operational control to implement the Dayton Peace
        Accord of December 1995.
            (4) Although the President has insisted that he will retain
        command of United States forces at all times, in the past this
        has meant administrative control of United States forces only,
        while operational control has been ceded to United Nations
        commanders, some of whom were foreign nationals.
            (5) The experience of United States forces participating in
        combined United States-United Nations operations in Somalia,
        and in combined United Nations-NATO operations in the former
        Yugoslavia, demonstrate that prerequisites for effective
        military operations such as unity of command and clarity of
        mission have not been met by United Nations command and control
        arrangements.
            (6) Despite the many deficiencies in the conduct of United
        Nations peace operations, there may be unique occasions when it
        is in the national security interests of the United States to
        participate in such operations.
    (b) Policy.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the President should fully comply with all applicable
        provisions of law governing the deployment of the Armed Forces
        of the United States to United Nations peacekeeping operations;
            (2) the President should consult closely with Congress
        regarding any United Nations peace operation that could involve
        United States combat forces and that such consultations should
        continue throughout the duration of such activities;
            (3) the President should consult with Congress before a
        vote within the United Nations Security Council on any
        resolution which would authorize, extend, or revise the mandate
        for any such activity;
            (4) in view of the complexity of United Nations peace
        operations and the difficulty of achieving unity of command and
        expeditious decisionmaking, the United States should
        participate in such operations only when it is clearly in the
national security interest to do so;
            (5) United States combat forces should be under the
        operational control of qualified commanders and should have
        clear and effective command and control arrangements and rules
        of engagement (which do not restrict their self-defense in any
        way) and clear and unambiguous mission statements; and
            (6) none of the Armed Forces of the United States should be
        under the operational control of foreign nationals in United
        Nations peace enforcement operations except in the most
        extraordinary circumstances.
    (c) Definitions.--For purposes of subsections (a) and (b):
            (1) The term ``United Nations peace enforcement
        operations'' means any international peace enforcement or
        similar activity that is authorized by the United Nations
        Security Council under chapter VII of the Charter of the United
        Nations.
            (2) The term ``United Nations peace operations'' means any
        international peacekeeping, peacemaking, peace enforcement, or
        similar activity that is authorized by the United Nations
        Security Council under chapter VI or VII of the Charter of the
        United Nations.

SEC. 3. PLACEMENT OF UNITED STATES FORCES UNDER UNITED NATIONS
              OPERATIONAL OR TACTICAL CONTROL.

    (a) In General.--(1) Chapter 20 of title 10, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 404 the following new section:
``Sec. 405. Placement of United States forces under United Nations
              operational or tactical control: limitation
    ``(a) Limitation.--Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c),
funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the Department of
Defense may not be obligated or expended for activities of any element
of the armed forces that after the date of the enactment of this
section is placed under United Nations operational or tactical control,
as defined in subsection (f).
    ``(b) Exception for Presidential Certification.--(1) Subsection (a)
shall not apply in the case of a proposed placement of an element of
the armed forces under United Nations operational or tactical control
if the President, not less than 15 days before the date on which such
United Nations operational or tactical control is to become effective
(or as provided in paragraph (2)), meets the requirements of subsection
(d).
    ``(2) If the President certifies to Congress that an emergency
exists that precludes the President from meeting the requirements of
subsection (d) 15 days before placing an element of the armed forces
under United Nations operational or tactical control, the President may
place such forces under such operational or tactical control and meet
the requirements of subsection (d) in a timely manner, but in no event
later than 48 hours after such operational or tactical control becomes
effective.
    ``(c) Additional Exceptions.--(1) Subsection (a) shall not apply in
the case of a proposed placement of any element of the armed forces
under United Nations operational or tactical control if Congress
specifically authorizes by law that particular placement of United
States forces under United Nations operational or tactical control.
    ``(2) Subsection (a) shall not apply in the case of a proposed
placement of any element of the armed forces in an operation conducted
by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
    ``(d) Presidential Certifications.--The requirements referred to in
subsection (b)(1) are that the President submit to Congress the
following:
            ``(1) Certification by the President that it is in the
        national security interests of the United States to place any
        element of the armed forces under United Nations operational or
        tactical control.
            ``(2) A report setting forth the following:
                    ``(A) A description of the national security
                interests that would be advanced by the placement of
                United States forces under United Nations operation or
                tactical control.
                    ``(B) The mission of the United States forces
                involved.
                    ``(C) The expected size and composition of the
                United States forces involved.
                    ``(D) The precise command and control relationship
                between the United States forces involved and the
                United Nations command structure.
                    ``(E) The precise command and control relationship
                between the United States forces involved and the
                commander of the United States unified command for the
                region in which those United States forces are to
                operate.
                    ``(F) The extent to which the United States forces
                involved will rely on forces of other countries for
                security and defense and an assessment of the
capability of those other forces to provide adequate security to the
United States forces involved.
                    ``(G) The exit strategy for complete withdrawal of
                the United States forces involved.
                    ``(H) The extent to which the commander of any unit
                of the armed forces proposed for placement under United
                Nations operational or tactical control will at all
                times retain the right--
                            ``(i) to report independently to superior
                        United States military authorities; and
                            ``(ii) to decline to comply with orders
                        judged by the commander to be illegal or beyond
                        the mandate of the mission to which the United
                        States agreed with the United Nations, until
                        such time as that commander receives direction
                        from superior United States military
                        authorities with respect to the orders that the
                        commander has declined to comply with.
                    ``(I) The extent to which the United States will
                retain the authority to withdraw any element of the
                armed forces from the proposed operation at any time
                and to take any action it considers necessary to
                protect those forces if they are engaged.
                    ``(J) The anticipated monthly incremental cost to
                the United States of participation in the United
                Nations operation by the United States forces which are
                proposed to be placed under United Nations operational
                or tactical control and the percentage that such cost
                represents of the total anticipated monthly incremental
                costs of all nations expected to participate in such
                operation.
    ``(e) Classification of Report.--A report under subsection (d)
shall be submitted in unclassified form and, if necessary, in
classified form.
    ``(f) United Nations Operational or Tactical Control.--For purposes
of this section, an element of the Armed Forces shall be considered to
be placed under United Nations operational or tactical control if--
            ``(1) that element is under the operational or tactical
        control of an individual acting on behalf of the United Nations
        for the purpose of international peacekeeping, peacemaking,
        peace-enforcing, or similar activity that is authorized by the
        Security Council under chapter VI or VII of the Charter of the
        United Nations; and
            ``(2) the senior military commander of the United Nations
        force or operation is a foreign national or is a citizen of the
        United States who is not a United States military officer
        serving on active duty.
    ``(g) Interpretation.--Nothing in this section may be construed--
            ``(1) as authority for the President to use any element of
        the Armed Forces in any operation;
            ``(2) as authority for the President to place any element
        of the Armed Forces under the command or operational control of
        a foreign national; or
            ``(3) as superseding, negating, or otherwise affecting the
        requirements of section 6 of the United Nations Participation
        Act of 1945 (22 U.S.C. 287d).''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of subchapter I of such
chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``405. Placement of United States forces under United Nations
                            operational or tactical control:
                            limitation.''.
    (b) Exception for Ongoing Operations in Macedonia and Croatia.--
Section 405 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection
(a), does not apply in the case of activities of the Armed Forces that
are carried out--
            (1) in Macedonia as part of the United Nations force
        designated as the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force
        (UNPREDEP) pursuant to United Nations Security Council
        Resolution 795, adopted December 11, 1992, and Resolution 983,
        adopted March 31, 1995, and subsequent reauthorization
        Resolutions; or
            (2) in Croatia as part of the United Nations force
        designated as the United Nations Transitional Administration
        for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja, and Western Sirmium (UNTAES)
        pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1037,
        adopted January 15, 1996, and subsequent reauthorization
        Resolutions.

SEC. 4. REQUIREMENT TO ENSURE THAT ALL MEMBERS KNOW MISSION AND CHAIN
              OF COMMAND.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 37 of title 10, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 656. Members required to be informed of mission and chain of
              command
    ``The commander of any unit of the armed forces assigned to an
operation shall ensure that each member of such unit is fully informed
of that unit's mission as part of such operation and of that member's
chain of command.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``656. Members required to be informed of mission and chain of
                            command.''.

SEC. 5. PROHIBITION ON REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES TO
              WEAR UNIFORM ITEMS OF THE UNITED NATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 45 of title 10, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 777. Insignia of United Nations: prohibition on requirement for
              wearing
    ``No member of the armed forces may be required to wear as part of
the uniform any badge, symbol, helmet, headgear, or other visible
indicia or insignia which indicates (or tends to indicate) any
allegiance or affiliation to or with the United Nations except in a
case in which the wearing of such badge, symbol, helmet, headgear,
indicia, or insignia is specifically authorized by law with respect to
a particular United Nations operation.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``777. Insignia of United Nations: prohibition on requirement for
                            wearing.''.

            Passed the House of Representatives September 5, 1996.

            Attest:

                                                ROBIN H. CARLE,

                                                                 Clerk.

Output: United States Armed Forces Protection Act of 1996 - States certain congressional findings and policy concerning the placement of U.S. armed forces under United Nations (UN) operational or tactical control. Prohibits Department of Defense funds from being obligated or expended for activities of any element of the armed forces that is placed under UN operational or tactical control, unless:  (1) the President, at least 15 days before UN control is to become effective (or not later than 48 hours afterwards in an emergency), certifies to the Congress that such action is in the national security interests; or (2) such placement is specifically authorized by law or is part of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization operation. Specifies information to be submitted with the President's certification, including:  (1) information on the national security interests to be advanced; (2) the mission, size, and composition of the U.S. forces involved; (3) the command and control relationship of the U.S. forces with the UN command structure and with the U.S.  unified command for the region; (4) the exit strategy for, and withdrawal authority of, U.S. forces; and (5) the anticipated monthly incremental cost of U.S. participation and the percentage that such cost represents of the total anticipated monthly incremental costs of all nations expected to participate in the operation. Provides that this Act shall not apply to activities of the armed forces carried out as part of specified ongoing activities of the UN Preventive Deployment Force in Macedonia or the UN Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja, and Western Sirmium in Croatia. Requires that members of the armed forces be informed of their unit's mission and their chain of command in any operation to which their unit is assigned. Prohibits U.S. military personnel from being required to wear UN insignia except when such insignia is specifically authorized by law with respect to a particular UN operation.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Interstate Transport Act of 2018''.

SEC. 2. INTERSTATE TRANSPORTATION OF KNIVES.

    (a) Definition.--In this Act, the term ``transport''--
            (1) includes staying in temporary lodging overnight, common
        carrier misrouting or delays, stops for food, fuel, vehicle
        maintenance, emergencies, or medical treatment, and any other
        activity related to the journey of a person; and
            (2) does not include transport of a knife with the intent
        to commit an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term
        exceeding 1 year involving the use or threatened use of force
        against another person, or with knowledge, or reasonable cause
        to believe, that such an offense is to be committed in the
        course of, or arising from, the journey.
    (b) Transport of Knives.--
            (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of any
        law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political
        subdivision thereof, a person who is not otherwise prohibited
        by any Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or
        receiving a knife shall be entitled to transport a knife for
        any lawful purpose from any place where the person may lawfully
        possess, carry, or transport the knife to any other place where
        the person may lawfully possess, carry, or transport the knife
        if--
                    (A) in the case of transport by motor vehicle, the
                knife--
                            (i) is not directly accessible from the
                        passenger compartment of the motor vehicle; or
                            (ii) in the case of a motor vehicle without
                        a compartment separate from the passenger
                        compartment, is contained in a locked container
                        other than the glove compartment or console;
                        and
                    (B) in the case of transport by means other than a
                motor vehicle, including any transport over land or on
                or through water, the knife is contained in a locked
                container.
            (2) Limitation.--This subsection shall not apply to the
        transport of a knife or tool in the cabin of a passenger
        aircraft subject to the rules and regulations of the
        Transportation Security Administration.
    (c) Emergency Knives.--
            (1) In general.--A person--
                    (A) may carry in the passenger compartment of a
                mode of transportation a knife or tool--
                            (i) the blades of which consist only of a
                        blunt tipped safety blade, a guarded blade, or
                        both; and
                            (ii) that is specifically designed for
                        enabling escape in an emergency by cutting
                        safety belts; and
                    (B) shall not be required to secure a knife or tool
                described in subparagraph (A) in a locked container.
            (2) Limitation.--This subsection shall not apply to the
        transport of a knife or tool in the cabin of a passenger
        aircraft subject to the rules and regulations of the
        Transportation Security Administration.
    (d) No Arrest.--A person who is transporting a knife in compliance
with this section may not be arrested for violation of any law, rule,
or regulation of a State or political subdivision of a State related to
the possession, transport, or carrying of a knife, unless there is
probable cause to believe that the person is not in compliance with
subsection (b).
    (e) Costs.--If a person who asserts this section as a claim or
defense in a civil or criminal action or proceeding is a prevailing
party on the claim or defense, the court shall award costs and
reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the person.
    (f) Expungement.--If a person who asserts this section as a claim
or defense in a criminal proceeding is a prevailing party on the claim
or defense, the court shall enter an order that directs that there be
expunged from all official records all references to--
            (1) the arrest of the person for the offense as to which
        the claim or defense was asserted;
            (2) the institution of any criminal proceedings against the
        person relating to such offense; and
            (3) the results of the proceedings, if any.
    (g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to limit any right to possess, carry, or transport a knife
under applicable State law.

            Passed the Senate December 11, 2018.

            Attest:

                                                             Secretary.
115th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                                S. 1092

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT

   To protect the right of law-abiding citizens to transport knives
      interstate, notwithstanding a patchwork of local and State
                             prohibitions.

Output: Interstate Transport Act of 2017 This bill permits an individual to transport a knife for any lawful purpose between two places (e.g., states) where it is legal to possess and carry such knife. The individual must comply with specified requirements.  The bill prohibits the arrest or detention of an individual for a knife violation unless there is probable cause to believe the individual failed to comply with specified requirements. An individual may assert compliance with this bill's requirements as a claim or defense in any civil or criminal action or proceeding.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Hurricane Katrina Disaster Inquiry
Commission Act of 2005''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITION.

    For purposes of this Act, the term ``Commission'' means the
Commission established under this Act.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Establishment.--The President shall establish an independent,
nonpartisan Commission within the executive branch to discover and
assess the circumstances related to the damage caused by Hurricane
Katrina on or between Friday, August 26, 2005, and Tuesday, August 30,
2005.
    (b) Deadline for Establishment.--The President shall issue an
executive order establishing a Commission within 30 days after the date
of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 4. COMPOSITION OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Number of Commissioners.--The Commission shall consist of 15
members.
    (b) Selection.--The members of the Commission shall be chosen in
the following manner:
            (1) The President of the United States Conference of Mayors
        shall be a member of the Commission.
            (2) The President shall appoint the remaining 14 members,
        and shall designate the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the
        Commission from among its members.
            (3) Five of the 14 members appointed by the President shall
        be selected by the President in the following manner:
                    (A) The majority leader of the Senate, the minority
                leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of
                Representatives, the minority leader of the House of
                Representatives, and the President of the collective-
                bargaining organization including the largest number of
                emergency medical responders, shall each provide to the
                President a list of candidates for membership on the
                Commission.
                    (B) The President shall select one of the
                candidates from each of the 5 lists for membership on
                the Commission.
            (4)(A) No officer or employee of the Federal Government
        shall serve as a member of the Commission.
            (B) No member of the Commission shall have, or have
        pending, a contractual relationship with the Federal Emergency
        Management Agency.
            (C) The President may waive the prohibitions in
        subparagraphs (A) and (B) with respect to the selection of not
        more than 2 members of the Commission.
            (5) The President shall not appoint any individual as a
        member of the Commission who has a current or former
        relationship with the Federal Emergency Management Agency that
        the President determines would constitute a conflict of
        interest.
            (6) To the extent practicable, the President shall ensure
        that the members of the Commission include some individuals
        with experience relative to local government administration, as
        well as some individuals with investigative experience and some
        individuals with legal experience.
            (7) To the extent practicable, the President shall seek
        diversity in the membership of the Commission.
    (c) Deadline for Appointment.--All members of the Commission shall
be appointed no later than 60 days after issuance of the executive
order establishing the Commission.
    (d) Initial Meeting.--The Commission shall meet and begin
operations as soon as practicable.
    (e) Quorum; Vacancies.--After its initial meeting, the Commission
shall meet upon the call of the Chairman or a majority of its members.
Eight members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. Any vacancy
in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in
the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

SEC. 5. TASKS OF THE COMMISSION.

     The Commission shall, to the extent possible, undertake the
following tasks:
            (1) Chronicle the trajectory of Hurricane Katrina,
        including the timetable and locations of its path, and the
        responses made by the Federal, State, and local governments.
            (2) Issue a statement of an estimate as to the loss of
        life, physical and structural damage, and displacement of
        residents as a result of the disaster.
            (3) Make recommendations for corrective actions.
            (4) Provide any additional findings or recommendations
        considered by the Commission to be important, whether or not
        they are related to emergency disaster management.
            (5) Prepare a report to Congress, the President, and the
        public.

SEC. 6. POWERS OF COMMISSION.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Hearings and evidence.--The Commission or, on the
        authority of the Commission, any subcommittee or member
        thereof, may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act--
                    (A) hold such hearings and sit and act at such
                times and places, take such testimony, receive such
                evidence, administer such oaths; and
                    (B) subject to paragraph (2)(A), require, by
                subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of
                such witnesses and the production of such books,
                records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and
                documents,
        as the Commission or such designated subcommittee or designated
        member may determine advisable.
            (2) Subpoenas.--
                    (A) Issuance.--
                            (i) In general.--A subpoena may be issued
                        under this subsection only--
                                    (I) by the agreement of the
                                Chairman and the Vice Chairman; or
                                    (II) by the affirmative vote of 8
                                members of the Commission.
                            (ii) Signature.--Subject to clause (i),
                        subpoenas issued under this subsection may be
                        issued under the signature of the Chairman or
                        any member designated by a majority of the
                        Commission, and may be served by any person
                        designated by the Chairman or by a member
                        designated by a majority of the Commission.
                    (B) Enforcement.--
                            (i) In general.--In the case of contumacy
                        or failure to obey a subpoena issued under
                        subparagraph (A), the United States district
                        court for the judicial district in which the
                        subpoenaed person resides, is served, or may be
                        found, or where the subpoena is returnable, may
                        issue an order requiring such person to appear
                        at any designated place to testify or to
                        produce documentary or other evidence. Any
                        failure to obey the order of the court may be
                        punished by the court as a contempt of that
                        court.
                            (ii) Additional enforcement.--In the case
                        of a failure of a witness to comply with a
                        subpoena or to testify when summoned under
                        authority of this section, the Commission may,
                        by majority vote, certify a statement of fact
                        constituting such failure to the appropriate
                        United States attorney, who may bring the
                        matter before a grand jury for its action,
                        under the same statutory authority and
                        procedures as if the United States attorney had
                        received a certification under sections 102
                        through 104 of the Revised Statutes of the
                        United States (2 U.S.C. 192 through 194).
    (b) Contracting.--The Commission may, to such extent and in such
amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to
enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this Act.
    (c) Information From Federal Agencies.--
            (1) In general.--The Commission may secure directly from
        any executive department, bureau, agency, board, commission,
        office, independent establishment, or instrumentality of the
        Government, information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics
        for the purposes of this Act. Each department, bureau, agency,
        board, commission, office, independent establishment, or
        instrumentality shall, to the extent authorized by law, furnish
        such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics
        directly to the Commission, upon request made by the Chairman,
        the chairman of any subcommittee created by a majority of the
        Commission, or any member designated by a majority of the
        Commission.
            (2) Receipt, handling, storage, and dissemination.--
        Information shall be received, handled, stored, and
        disseminated by members of the Commission and its staff
        consistent with all applicable statutes, regulations, and
        Executive orders.
    (d) Assistance From Federal Agencies.--
            (1) General services administration.--The Administrator of
        General Services shall provide to the Commission on a
        reimbursable basis administrative support and other services
        for the performance of the Commission's tasks.
            (2) Other departments and agencies.--In addition to the
        assistance prescribed in paragraph (1), departments and
        agencies of the United States may provide to the Commission
        such services, funds, facilities, staff, and other support
        services as they may determine advisable and as may be
        authorized by law.
    (e) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments
and agencies of the United States.

SEC. 7. PUBLIC MEETINGS, INFORMATION, AND HEARINGS.

    (a) Public Meetings and Release of Public Versions of Reports.--The
Commission shall--
            (1) hold public hearings and meetings to the extent
        appropriate; and
            (2) release public versions of the reports required under
        this Act.
    (b) Public Hearings.--Any public hearings of the Commission shall
be conducted in a manner consistent with the protection of information
provided to or developed for or by the Commission as required by any
applicable statute, regulation, or Executive order.

SEC. 8. STAFF OF COMMISSION.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Appointment and compensation.--The Chairman, in
        consultation with Vice Chairman, in accordance with rules
        agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the
        compensation of a staff director and such other personnel as
        may be necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its
        functions, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United
        States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service,
        and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and
        subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to
        classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that no
        rate of pay fixed under this paragraph may exceed the
        equivalent of that payable for a position at level V of the
        Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States
        Code. Employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
        shall not be appointed to the staff of the Commission.
            (2) Personnel as federal employees.--
                    (A) In general.--The executive director and any
                personnel of the Commission shall be considered
                employees under section 2105 of title 5, United States
                Code, for purposes of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87,
                89, and 90 of that title.
                    (B) Members of commission.--Subparagraph (A) does
                not apply to members of the Commission.
    (b) Detailees.--Any Federal Government employee, except for an
employee of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, may be detailed to
the Commission without reimbursement from the Commission, and such
detailee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges of his or her
regular employment without interruption.
    (c) Consultant Services.--The Commission may procure the services
of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5,
United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a
person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 9. COMPENSATION AND TRAVEL EXPENSES.

    (a) Compensation.--Each member of the Commission may be compensated
at not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay
in effect for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day during which
that member is engaged in the actual performance of the duties of the
Commission.
    (b) Travel Expenses.--While away from their homes or regular places
of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members
of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem
in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed
intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under
section 5703(b) of title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 10. SECURITY CLEARANCES FOR COMMISSION MEMBERS AND STAFF.

     The appropriate Federal agencies or departments shall cooperate
with the Commission in expeditiously providing to the Commission
members and staff appropriate security clearances to the extent
possible pursuant to existing procedures and requirements. No person
shall be provided with access to classified information under this Act
without the appropriate security clearances.

SEC. 11. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND TERMINATION.

    (a) Interim Reports.--The Commission may submit to the President
and Congress interim reports containing such findings, conclusions, and
recommendations for corrective actions as have been agreed to by a
majority of Commission members.
    (b) Final Report.--The Commission shall submit to the President and
Congress, and make concurrently available to the public, a final report
containing such findings, conclusions, and recommendations for
corrective actions as have been agreed to by a majority of Commission
members. Such report shall include any minority views or opinions not
reflected in the majority report.
    (c) Termination.--
            (1) In general.--The Commission, and all the authorities of
        this Act with respect to the Commission, shall terminate 60
        days after the date on which the final report is submitted
        under subsection (b).
            (2) Administrative activities before termination.--The
        Commission may use the 60-day period referred to in paragraph
        (1) for the purpose of concluding its activities, including
        providing testimony to committees of Congress concerning its
        reports and disseminating the final report.

SEC. 12. FUNDING.

     Such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act are authorized to
be appropriated. Sums authorized by this Act shall remain available
until the termination of the Commission.

Output:
Hurricane Katrina Disaster Inquiry Commission Act of 2005 - Directs the President to establish an independent nonpartisan Commission within the executive branch to discover and assess the circumstances relating to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina on or between Friday, August 26, 2005, and Tuesday, August 30, 2005.

Directs the Commission to: (1) chronicle the trajectory of Hurricane Katrina, including the timetable and locations of its path, and the responses made by the federal, state, and local governments; (2) estimate the loss of life, physical and structural damage, and displacement of residents; (3) recommend corrective actions; and (4) prepare a report to Congress, the President, and the public.


Input:
SECTION 1. ALTERNATE ENERGY-RELATED USES ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL
              SHELF.

    (a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are as follows:
            (1) To protect the economic and land use interests of the
        Federal Government in the management of the outer Continental
        Shelf for energy-related and certain other purposes.
            (2) To provide an administrative framework for the
        oversight and management of energy-related activities on the
        outer Continental Shelf, consistent with other applicable laws.
            (3) To provide for inter-agency coordination in the siting
        and permitting of energy-related activities on the outer
        Continental Shelf.
            (4) To ensure that energy-related activities on the outer
        Continental Shelf are conducted in a manner that provides for
        safety, protection of the environment, prevention of waste,
        conservation of natural resources, the protection of
        correlative rights, and protection of national security
        interests.
            (5) To authorize alternate uses of existing structures and
        facilities previously permitted under the Outer Continental
        Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 note).
            (6) To ensure that the Federal Government receives a fair
        return for any easement or right-of-way granted under section
        8(p) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
    (b) Amendment to Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.--Section 8 of
the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(p) Easements or Rights-of-Way for Energy and Related Purposes.--
            ``(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
        the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating and other
        relevant departments and agencies of the Federal government,
        may grant an easement or right-of-way on the outer Continental
        Shelf or activities not otherwise authorized in this Act, the
        Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.), or the
        Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9101 et
        seq.) when such activities--
                    ``(A) support exploration, development, production,
                transportation, or storage of oil, natural gas, or
                other minerals;
                    ``(B) produce or support production,
                transportation, or transmission of energy from sources
                other than oil and gas; or
                    ``(C) use facilities currently or previously used
                for activities authorized under this Act.
            ``(2)(A) The Secretary shall establish reasonable forms of
        annual or one-time payments for any easement or right-of-way
        granted under this subsection, including fees, rentals, or cash
        bonus payments. The Secretary may establish fees, rentals,
        bonus, or other payments by rule or by agreement with the party
        to whom the easement or right-of-way is granted.
            ``(B) Before exercising the authority granted under this
        subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of
        Defense concerning issues related to national security and
        navigational obstruction.
            ``(C) The Secretary may issue an easement or right-of-way
        for energy and related purposes as described in paragraph (1)
        on a competitive or non-competitive basis. In determining
        whether such easement or right-of-way shall be granted
        competitively or non-competitively, the Secretary shall
        consider such factors as prevention of waste and conservation
        of natural resources, protection of the environment, the
        national interest, national security, human safety, protection
        of correlative rights, and the potential return for the
        easement or right-of-way.
            ``(3) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
        the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating and other
        relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government and
        affected States, shall prescribe any necessary regulations to
        assure safety, protection of the environment, prevention of
        waste, and conservation of the natural resources of the outer
        Continental Shelf, protection of national security interests,
        and the protection of correlative rights therein.
            ``(4) The Secretary shall require the holder of an easement
        or right-of-way granted under this subsection to furnish a
        surety bond or other form of security, as prescribed by the
        Secretary, and to comply with such other requirements as the
        Secretary may deem necessary to protect the interests of the
        United States.
            ``(5) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to
        displace, supercede, limit, or modify the jurisdiction,
        responsibility, or authority of any Federal or State agency
        under any other Federal law.
            ``(6) This subsection shall not apply to any area on the
        outer Continental Shelf designated by legislation as a National
        Marine Sanctuary.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendment.--The text of the heading for section 8 of
the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act is amended to read as follows:
``Leases, Easements, and Rights-of-Way on the Outer Continental
Shelf.''.

Output: Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior (or the appropriate Secretary) to grant easements or rights-of-way on the outer Continental Shelf for activities that: (1) support exploration, development, production, transportation, or storage of oil, natural gas, or other minerals; (2) produce or support production, transportation, or transmission of energy sources other than oil and gas; or (3) use facilities for previously authorized activities.Excludes any National Marine Sanctuary from application of this Act.