Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Accountability Review Board Reform
Act of 2013''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) The United States has a crucial stake in supporting the
        presence abroad of United States Government personnel
        representing United States interests.
            (2) United States Government personnel and missions abroad
        are confronted by serious security risks, including the threat
        of terrorism, which will continue for the foreseeable future.
            (3) The Accountability Review Board process was established
        in 1986 by Congress to conduct a thorough assessment of
        security-related incidents at or related to a United States
        Government mission abroad.
            (4) Each assessment by a Board is expected to promote
        strengthened security measures, and to provide for the
        accountability of United States Government personnel with
        security-related responsibilities.
            (5) The terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, on September
        11, 2012, that took the lives of four United States Government
        personnel has brought unprecedented attention to the work of
        such Boards.
    (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
effectiveness of Accountability Review Boards would be improved by
reconstituting such Boards to increase their independence from the
Department of State.

SEC. 3. NOTIFICATION TO CONGRESS ABOUT CERTAIN INFORMATION RELATING TO
              ACCOUNTABILITY REVIEW BOARDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE.

    Subsection (c) of section 301 of the Omnibus Diplomatic Security
and Antiterrorism Act (22 U.S.C. 4831) is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``,
        the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House
        of Representatives,'' after ``the Committee on Foreign
        Relations of the Senate''; and
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (5); and
            (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
        paragraphs:
            ``(3) of any individual who is employed at a grade of not
        lower than the level of FS-3 or GS-14 who is hired, assigned,
        or detailed to assist the Board to carry out its duties;
            ``(4) of any political appointee who is hired, assigned, or
        detailed to assist the Board to carry out its duties; and''.

SEC. 4. ACCOUNTABILITY REVIEW BOARDS.

    (a) Membership.--Subsection (a) of section 302 of the Omnibus
Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act (22 U.S.C. 4832) is amended--
            (1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the
        following new sentence: ``A Board shall consist of five
        members, two appointed by the Secretary of State, two appointed
        by the Chairperson of the Council of Inspectors General on
        Integrity and Efficiency (the CIGIE Chairperson), and one
        appointed by the Director of National Intelligence.''; and
            (2) by striking the final two sentences and inserting the
        following new sentences: ``Members of a Board who are not
        Federal officers or employees shall each be paid at a rate not
        to exceed the maximum rate of basic pay payable for level IV of
        the Executive Schedule under section 5317 of title 5, United
        States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which
        such members are engaged in the actual performance of duties
        vested in such Board. Members of the Board who are Federal
        officers or employees shall receive no additional pay by reason
        of such membership. Only in exceptional circumstances may a
        member of a Board be a current Federal officer or employee.''.
    (b) Staff.--Paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of section 302 of the
Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act is amended to read as
follows:
            ``(2) Staff.--
                    ``(A) In general.--A Board may hire staff to assist
                the Board, and may have any Federal Government employee
                assigned or detailed to such Board, with or without
                reimbursement, to assist such Board. Any such assignee
                or detailee shall retain without interruption the
                rights, status, and privileges of his or her regular
                employment.
                    ``(B) Special rule.--Any individual who is hired,
                assigned, or detailed to assist a Board under
                subparagraph (A) shall be subject to the rule relating
                to the avoidance of conflicts of interest under
                subsection (a) in the same manner and to the same
                extent as a Member of such a Board is subject to such
                avoidance under such subsection.
                    ``(C) Office of the inspector general.--To the
                maximum extent practicable, individuals assisting the
                Board shall be employees of the Office of the Inspector
                General of the Department of State.''.
    (c) Conflicts of Interest.--Section 302 of the Omnibus Diplomatic
Security and Antiterrorism Act is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsections:
    ``(c) Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of State, the CIGIE
        Chairperson, and the Director of National Intelligence may not
        appoint any individual as a member of a Board if the Secretary,
        the CIGIE Chairperson, or the Director, as the case may be,
        determines that such individual has a conflict of interest
        concerning a person whose performance such Board reasonably
        could be expected to review.
            ``(2) Declining appointment.--An individual shall decline
        appointment to membership on a Board if such individual has
        actual knowledge of a conflict of interest concerning a person
        whose performance such Board could reasonably be expected to
        review.
            ``(3) Recusal from particular activities.--A member of a
        Board shall recuse him or herself from any Board activity,
        interview, deposition, or recommendation concerning a person
        with whom such member has a conflict of interest. Such member
        shall promptly notify the other members of such Board of any
        such recusal, but need not state the basis therefor.
    ``(d) Conflict of Interest Defined.--In this section, the term
`conflict of interest' means one of the following relationships,
whether current or former, that would cause a reasonable person with
knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the
parties to such relationship toward each other:
            ``(1) A business, contractual, or other financial
        relationship that involves other than a routine consumer
        transaction.
            ``(2) A familial, member of household, or other close
        personal relationship, including a social relationship of a
        romantic or intimate nature.
            ``(3) A direct managerial or supervisory workplace
        relationship.''.

SEC. 5. EVIDENCE.

    Subsection (a) of section 303 of the Omnibus Diplomatic Security
and Antiterrorism Act (22 U.S.C. 4833) is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraph:
            ``(4) Determination of relevancy.--The Board may accept any
        evidence determined by a member of the Board to be relevant and
        material to an investigation or inquiry of the Board. The
        Federal Rules of Evidence are not applicable to the Board.''.

SEC. 6. BOARD ACTIONS.

    (a) Program Recommendations.--Subsection (b) of section 304 of the
Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act (22 U.S.C. 4834) is
amended to read as follows:
    ``(b) Program Recommendations.--
            ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), not
        later than 90 days after a Board is convened in a case, such
        Board shall submit to the Secretary of State and Congress its
        findings (which may be classified to the extent determined
        necessary by the Board), together with recommendations as
        appropriate to improve the security and efficiency of any
        program or operation which such Board has reviewed.
            ``(2) Extension.--The 90 day period referred to in
        paragraph (1) may be extended for up to 60 days if the
        Chairperson of the Board referred to in such paragraph
        determines that such additional time is necessary to complete a
        thorough review of the program or operation at issue.
            ``(3) Dissenting views.--If a member dissents from any of
        the findings or recommendations of the Board, such member may
        submit dissenting views to accompany the submission of the
        Board's findings and recommendations under paragraph (1).''.
    (b) Reports.--Paragraph (1) of subsection (d) of section 304 of the
Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act is amended to read as
follows:
            ``(1) Program recommendations.--Not later than 90 days
        after the submission to the Secretary of State of the findings
        and recommendations from any Board in accordance with
        subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
        corresponding report on the action taken with respect to each
        such recommendation.''.

SEC. 7. REGULATIONS.

    The Secretary of State shall promulgate or update regulations, as
the case may be, to carry out the amendments made by this Act.

SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to any
case of an Accountability Review Board that is convened under section
301 of the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act (22 U.S.C.
4831) on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Output: Accountability Review Board Reform Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the effectiveness of Accountability Review Boards would be improved by increasing their independence from the Department of State. Amends the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act regarding congressional notification of an Accountability Review Board's convening to include: (1) notification of the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; and (2) disclosure of any individual employed at a grade not lower than FS-3 or GS-14 or any political appointee who is hired, assigned, or detailed to assist the Board.  Revises the appointment of the five Board members to provide that two members shall be appointed by the Secretary, two by the Chairperson of the Council of Inspectors General of Integrity and Efficiency, and one by the Director of National Intelligence.  States that to the maximum extent practicable individuals assisting a Board shall be employees of the Department's Office of the Inspector General. Prohibits an individual who has a personal or professional relationship with someone expected to be investigated from serving as a Board member or staffer. Defines "conflict of interest" for such purposes. Authorizes a Board to accept any evidence determined by a Board member to be relevant and material to an investigation. States that the Federal Rules of Evidence shall not apply to the Board. Requires that a Board report and related recommendations be submitted to Congress, in addition to the Secretary.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Preparing and Reinvesting in Early
Education Act of 2012'' or ``PRE ED Act of 2012''.

SEC. 2. EXPANDING FFEL LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM TO EARLY CHILDHOOD
              EDUCATORS.

    Section 428J of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078-
10) is amended--
            (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``early childhood
        educators and elementary and secondary school'' before
        ``teachers'';
            (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall carry out a program,
through the holder of the loan, of assuming the obligation to repay a
qualified loan amount for a loan made under section 428 or 428H, in
accordance with subsection (c), for any borrower who--
            ``(1)(A) is a new borrower on or after October 1, 1998, and
        has been employed as a full-time teacher for 5 consecutive
        complete school years--
                    ``(i) in a school or location that qualifies under
                section 465(a)(2)(A) for loan cancellation for Perkins
                loan recipients who teach in such schools or locations;
                and
                    ``(ii) if employed as an elementary school or
                secondary school teacher, is highly qualified as
                defined in section 9101 of the Elementary Secondary
                Education Act of 1965, or meets the requirements of
                subsection (g)(3); or
            ``(B)(i) has been employed as a full-time early childhood
        educator at an early childhood program for 5 consecutive
        complete school years or a comparable period, as determined by
        the Secretary; and
            ``(ii) obtained an associate degree or baccalaureate degree
        in early childhood education from an institution of higher
        education prior to the beginning of the period described in
        clause (i); and
            ``(2) is not in default on a loan for which the borrower
        seeks forgiveness.'';
            (3) by striking paragraph (1) of subsection (c) and
        inserting the following:
            ``(1) In general.--
                    ``(A) Aggregate amounts.--Of the loan obligation on
                a loan made under section 428 or 428H that is
                outstanding after the completion of the fifth complete
                school year of teaching described in subsection (b)(1)
                or comparable period (in accordance with subsection
                (b)(1)(B)(i)), the Secretary shall repay not more
                than--
                            ``(i) $5,000 in the aggregate for a
                        borrower described in subsection (b)(1)(A),
                        except as provided in paragraph (3); and
                            ``(ii) $25,000 in the aggregate for a
                        borrower described in subsection (b)(1)(B).
                    ``(B) Interaction with direct loan program.--No
                borrower may receive a reduction of loan obligations
                under both this section and section 460.''; and
            (4) in subsection (g)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``(b)(1)(A)''
                and inserting ``(b)(1)(A)(i)''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``(b)(1)(B)'' and
                inserting ``(b)(1)(A)(ii)''.

SEC. 3. EXPANDING FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN CANCELLATION PROGRAM TO EARLY
              CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS.

    Section 460 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087j)
is amended--
            (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``early childhood
        educators and elementary and secondary school'' before
        ``teachers'';
            (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall carry out a program
of canceling the obligation to repay a qualified loan amount in
accordance with subsection (c) for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans made under this part for any
borrower who--
            ``(1)(A) is a new borrower on or after October 1, 1998 and
        has been employed as a full-time teacher for 5 consecutive
        complete school years--
                    ``(i) in a school or location that qualifies under
                section 465(a)(2)(A) for loan cancellation for Perkins
                loan recipients who teach in such schools or locations;
                and
                    ``(ii) if employed as an elementary school or
                secondary school teacher, is highly qualified as
                defined in section 9101 of the Elementary Secondary
                Education Act of 1965, or meets the requirements of
                subsection (g)(3); or
            ``(B)(i) has been employed as a full-time early childhood
        educator at an early childhood program for 5 consecutive
        complete school years or a comparable period, as determined by
        the Secretary; and
            ``(ii) obtained an associate degree or baccalaureate degree
        in early childhood education from an institution of higher
        education prior to the beginning of the period described in
        clause (i); and
            ``(2) is not in default on a loan for which the borrower
        seeks forgiveness.'';
            (3) by striking paragraph (1) of subsection (c) and
        inserting the following:
            ``(1) In general.--
                    ``(A) Aggregate amounts.--Of the loan obligation on
                a Federal Direct Stafford Loan or a Federal Direct
                Unsubsidized Stafford Loan that is outstanding after
                the completion of the fifth complete school year of
                teaching described in subsection (b)(1) or comparable
                period (in accordance with subsection (b)(1)(B)(i)),
                the Secretary shall cancel not more than--
                            ``(i) $5,000 in the aggregate for a
                        borrower described in subsection (b)(1)(A),
                        except as provided in paragraph (3); and
                            ``(ii) $25,000 in the aggregate for a
                        borrower described in subsection (b)(1)(B).
                    ``(B) Interaction with ffel program.--No borrower
                may receive a reduction of loan obligations under both
                this section and section 428J.''; and
            (4) in subsection (g)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``(b)(1)(A)''
                and inserting ``(b)(1)(A)(i)''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``(b)(1)(B)'' and
                inserting ``(b)(1)(A)(ii)''.

SEC. 4. AMENDMENT TO LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR SERVICE IN AREAS OF NATIONAL
              NEED PROGRAM.

    Section 428K(g)(3)(C) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1078-11(g)(3)(C)) is amended by inserting ``an associate degree
in early childhood education or'' before ``a baccalaureate''.

Output:
Preparing and Reinvesting in Early Education Act of 2012 or PRE ED Act of 2012 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include early childhood educators in the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Direct Loan (DL) forgiveness programs for teachers.

Makes early childhood educators eligible for FFEL or DL forgiveness if they are not in default on the loan being forgiven and have: (1) been employed as a full-time early childhood educator for five consecutive complete school years or a comparable period, as determined by the Secretary of Education; and (2) obtained an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education prior to that period of service.

Caps at $25,000 the amount of an early childhood educator's FFEL or DL that may be forgiven.

Includes early childhood educators with associate degrees in early childhood development, early child education, or a related field in the program providing FFEL forgiveness for service in areas of national need. (Currently, early childhood educators are required to have completed a baccalaureate or advanced degree in such a field to qualify for participation in that program.)


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Private Well Testing Assistance
Act''.

SEC. 2. ASSISTANCE FOR TESTING OF PRIVATE WELLS.

    Part E of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 1459. ASSISTANCE FOR TESTING OF PRIVATE WELLS.

    ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            ``(1) more than 15,100,000 households in the United States
        are served by private drinking water wells;
            ``(2) while private well owners generally are responsible
        for regular testing of drinking water wells for the presence of
        contaminants, cases of serious or potentially widespread
        groundwater contamination often require State health and
        environmental agencies to conduct costly tests on numerous
        drinking water well sites;
            ``(3) many of those sites are included in the Comprehensive
        Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information
        System of the Environmental Protection Agency, through which
        Federal funding is available for testing of private wells
        during initial site assessments but not for subsequent regular
        sampling to ensure that contaminants have not migrated to other
        wells;
            ``(4) many State governments do not have the resources to
        provide regular, reliable testing of drinking water wells that
        are located in proximity to areas of suspected groundwater
        contamination;
            ``(5) State fiscal conditions, already in decline before
        the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, are rapidly
        approaching a state of crisis;
            ``(6) according to the National Conference of State
        Legislatures--
                    ``(A) revenues in 43 States are below estimates;
                and
                    ``(B) 36 States have already planned or implemented
                cuts in public services;
            ``(7) as a result of those economic conditions, most States
        do not have drinking water well testing programs in place, and
        many State well testing programs have been discontinued,
        placing households served by private drinking water wells at
        increased risk; and
            ``(8) the provision of Federal assistance, with a State
        cost-sharing requirement, would establish an incentive for
        States to provide regular testing of drinking water wells in
        proximity to new and existing areas of suspected groundwater
        contamination.
    ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
        Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, acting in
        consultation with appropriate State agencies.
            ``(2) Area of concern.--The term `area of concern' means a
        geographic area in a State the groundwater of which may, as
        determined by the State--
                    ``(A) be contaminated or threatened by a release of
                1 or more substances of concern; and
                    ``(B) present a serious threat to human health.
            ``(3) Hazardous substance.--The term `hazardous substance'
        has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the
        Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
        Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601).
            ``(4) Pollutant or contaminant.--The term `pollutant or
        contaminant' has the meaning given the term in section 101 of
        the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
        Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601).
            ``(5) Substance of concern.--The term `substance of
        concern' means--
                    ``(A) a hazardous substance;
                    ``(B) a pollutant or contaminant;
                    ``(C) petroleum (including crude oil and any
                fraction of crude oil);
                    ``(D) methyl tertiary butyl ether; and
                    ``(E) such other naturally-occurring or other
                substances (including arsenic, beryllium, and
                chloroform) as the Administrator, in consultation with
                appropriate State agencies, may identify by regulation.
    ``(c) Establishment of Program.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish a
program to provide funds to each State for use in testing private wells
in the State.
    ``(d) Determination of Areas of Concern.--Not later than 30 days
after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall
promulgate regulations that describe criteria to be used by a State in
determining whether an area in the State is an area of concern,
including a definition of the term `threat to human health'.
    ``(e) Application Process.--
            ``(1) In general.--A State that seeks to receive funds
        under this section shall submit to the Administrator, in such
        form and containing such information as the Administrator may
        prescribe, an application for the funds.
            ``(2) Certification.--A State application described in
        paragraph (1) shall include a certification by the Governor of
        the State of the potential threat to human health posed by
        groundwater in each area of concern in the State, as determined
in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the Administrator
under subsection (d).
            ``(3) Processing.--Not later than 15 days after the
        Administrator receives an application under this subsection,
        the Administrator shall approve or disapprove the application.
    ``(f) Provision of Funding.--
            ``(1) In general.--If the Administrator approves an
        application of a State under subsection (e)(3), the
        Administrator shall provide to the State an amount of funds to
        be used to test private wells in the State that--
                    ``(A) is determined by the Administrator based on--
                            ``(i) the number of private wells to be
                        tested;
                            ``(ii) the prevailing local cost of testing
                        a well in each area of concern in the State;
                        and
                            ``(iii) the types of substances of concern
                        for which each well is to be tested; and
                    ``(B) consists of not more than $500 per well,
                unless the Administrator determines that 1 or more
                wells to be tested warrant the provision of a greater
                amount.
            ``(2) Cost sharing.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of
                any test described in paragraph (1) shall not exceed 80
                percent.
                    ``(B) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share of
                the cost of any test described in paragraph (1) may be
                provided in cash or in kind.
    ``(g) Number and Frequency of Tests.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in determining
        the number and frequency of tests to be conducted under this
        section with respect to any private well in an area of concern,
        a State shall take into consideration--
                    ``(A) typical and potential seasonal variations in
                groundwater levels; and
                    ``(B) resulting fluctuations in contamination
                levels.
            ``(2) Limitation.--Except in a case in which at least 2
        years have elapsed since the last date on which a private well
        was tested using funds provided under this section, no funds
        provided under this section may be used to test any private
        well--
                    ``(A) more than 4 times; or
                    ``(B) on or after the date that is 1 year after the
                date on which the well is first tested.
    ``(h) Other Assistance.--Assistance provided to test private wells
under this section shall be in addition to any assistance provided for
a similar purpose under this Act or any other Federal law.
    ``(i) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this section, the Administrator, in cooperation with the National
Ground Water Association, shall submit to Congress a report that
describes the progress made in carrying out this section.
    ``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
        to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years
        2003 through 2006, to remain available until expended.
            ``(2) Minimum allocation.--The Administrator shall ensure
        that, for each fiscal year, each State receives not less than
        0.25 percent of the amount made available under paragraph (1)
        for the fiscal year.''.

Output: Private Well Testing Assistance Act - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to establish a program to provide funds to States for the testing of private wells.Requires that a State certify to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that a potential threat to human health is posed by groundwater in an area of concern.Establishes criteria for the level of funding according to the number of wells to be tested, local test costs, and the types of substances of concern, including any seasonal fluctuations in contamination levels.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Employment in
Telecommunications Industry Act of 1998''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Dislocated worker; low-income individual.--The terms
        ``dislocated worker'' and ``low-income individual'' have the
        meanings given the terms in section 101 of the Workforce
        Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801).
            (2) Low-income rural area.--The term ``low-income rural
        area'' means a county that--
                    (A) has a 1996 population of not less than 60,000
                and not more than 105,000 persons;
                    (B) contains a municipality with a 1996 population
                of not less than 35,000 and not more than 50,000
                persons;
                    (C) has a land area of not less than 5,500 and not
                more than 6,100 square miles;
                    (D) has a population density of not less than 10
                and not more than 20 persons per square mile;
                    (E) has a 1996 per capita income that is--
                            (i) not less than $16,000 and not more than
                        $16,500; and
                            (ii) not less than 86 and not more than 88
                        percent of the statewide per capita income for
                        the State in which the county is located; or
                    (F) is a county no part of which is--
                            (i) within an area designated as a standard
                        metropolitan statistical area by the Director
                        of the Office of Management and Budget; or
                            (ii) within an area designated as a
                        metropolitan statistical area by the Director
                        of the Office of Management and Budget; or
                    (G)(i) is experiencing a significant contraction in
                the oil and natural gas exploration and development
                industry;
                    (ii) experienced a plant closing within 1 year
                before the date of enactment of this Act that
                significantly impacted the county; or
                    (iii) is in close proximity to an Indian
                reservation, as determined by the Bureau of Indian
                Affairs.
            (3) Intensive services.--The term ``intensive services''
        means services described in section 134(d)(3) of the Workforce
        Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2864(d)(3)).
            (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Labor.
            (5) State.--The term ``State'' means 1 of the several
        States.

SEC. 3. RURAL EMPLOYMENT IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program to promote
rural employment in the telecommunications industry. In carrying out
the program, the Secretary shall make grants to States for projects
described in subsection (b).
    (b) Use of Funds.--A State that receives a grant under subsection
(a) shall use the funds made available through the grant to carry out a
State telecommunications employment and training project. In carrying
out the project, the State shall--
            (1) train eligible individuals for new telecommunications
        industry jobs that will be located in low-income rural areas
        pursuant to arrangements with employers participating in the
        project, including ensuring that individuals receive--
                    (A) intensive services;
                    (B) customized training and appropriate remedial
                training described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section
                4; and
                    (C) appropriate supportive services; and
            (2) arrange for the employment of the individuals in the
        telecommunications industry jobs.
    (c) Eligible Participants.--To be eligible to participate in a
project described in subsection (a), an individual shall be--
            (1) a resident of a low-income rural area;
            (2)(A) a low-income individual;
            (B) a dislocated worker from the oil and natural gas
        exploration and development industry;
            (C) an out-of-school youth;
            (D) an individual with a disability, as defined in section
        101 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998;
            (E) an individual who is receiving, or who has received
        within the past year, assistance under the State temporary
        assistance for needy families program established under part A
        of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
        or other public assistance;
            (F) a veteran, as defined in section 101 of the Workforce
        Investment Act of 1998;
            (G) a displaced homemaker, as defined in section 101 of the
        Workforce Investment Act of 1998;
            (H) an older individual, as defined in section 101 of the
        Workforce Investment Act of 1998;
            (I) a homeless individual;
            (J) an individual eligible to participate in activities
        carried out under section 166 of the Workforce Investment Act
        of 1998;
            (K) an individual eligible to participate in employment and
        training activities under section 134 of the Workforce
        Investment Act of 1998;
            (L) a long-term unemployed individual; or
            (M) an individual with multiple barriers to employment; and
            (3) an individual who has been assessed by the entity
        carrying out the project and determined to need intensive
        services.
    (d) Limitation.--The Secretary shall make the grants to not more
than 3 States.

SEC. 4. APPLICATION AND STATE PLAN.

    (a) Contents.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this Act, a
State shall submit an application to the Secretary of Labor at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require, including a State plan that includes--
            (1) information demonstrating how the project will train
        and employ eligible individuals, including individuals
        described in subparagraphs (C) through (M) of section 3(c)(2);
            (2) an assurance that the project will include a customized
        training program for the customer service and supervisory
        competencies needed in the telecommunications industry jobs to
        be located in the low-income rural areas served;
            (3) an assurance that the project will include appropriate
        remedial training in such areas as reading, writing, math, and
        English as a second language for eligible individuals who the
        entity carrying out the project assesses and determines need
        such training;
            (4) includes information describing linkages, including
        linkages relating to providing supportive services for
        participants in and graduates of the project, between--
                    (A) the entity carrying out the project; and
                    (B) one-stop operators (as defined in section 101
                of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998), one-stop
                partners (as defined in section 101 of the Workforce
                Investment Act of 1998), State workforce investment
                boards established under section 111 of such Act, and
                local workforce investment boards established under
                section 117 of such Act;
            (5) information identifying certification criteria for
        individuals who successfully complete the training;
            (6) an assurance that employers participating in the
        project will make available contributions to the costs of
        assessing and training participants in the project including
        those participants who are not eligible individuals described
        in subparagraph (c) for the new telecommunications jobs in an
        amount equal to not less than $1 for every $1 of Federal funds
        provided under the grant;
            (7)(A) an assurance that the project will include an
        appropriate performance assessment program that will measure--
                    (i) the rate of completion of the training by
                participants in the training;
                    (ii) the percentage of the participants who obtain
                unsubsidized employment;
                    (iii) the wages of the participants at placement in
                the employment; and
                    (iv) the percentage of the participants retained in
                the employment after 6 months of employment; and
            (B) an assurance that the entity carrying out the project
        will annually submit to the Secretary the results of the
        performance assessment program; and
            (8)(A) information explaining how the activities carried
        out through the project are linked to State economic
        development activities; and
            (B) information describing commitments from private sector
        employers to locate new telecommunications jobs and facilities
        within the low-income rural areas to be served, including
        commitments to provide any needed upgrade in the
        telecommunications infrastructure.
    (b) Acceptance of Applications.--The Secretary shall accept
applications submitted under subsection (a) not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act.
    (c) Evaluation of Applications.--The Secretary shall evaluate, and
approve or reject, each application submitted under subsection (a) that
meets the criteria described in subsections (a) and (b) not later than
60 days after submission of the application.
    (d) Priority.--In determining which States receive grants under
subsection (a), the Secretary will give priority to a State submitting
a State plan describing a project that--
            (1) will serve an area of high unemployment;
            (2) will serve an area with a significant bilingual
        population;
            (3) will serve an area with a significant minority
        population, including Native Americans;
            (4) will serve an area with a high percentage of youth who
        have failed to complete secondary school;
            (5) will serve an area significantly impacted by the
        contraction of the oil and natural gas exploration and
        development industry;
            (6) will serve an area significantly impacted by recent
        plant closings; or
            (7) is designed to create 1,000 or more new jobs within 2
        years of the commencement of the training.

SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this Act for fiscal years 1999 through 2003.

Output:
Rural Employment in Telecommunications Industry Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a program to promote rural employment in the telecommunications industry through grants to States for telecommunications employment and training projects.  Requires such projects to train eligible individuals for new telecommunications industry jobs in low-income rural areas pursuant to arrangements with employers participating in the project.  Includes as eligible individuals:  (1) a resident of a low-income rural area; (2) a low-income individual; (3) a dislocated worker from the oil and natural gas exploration and development industry; (4) an out-of-school youth; (5) a disabled individual; (6) an individual receiving assistance under the State temporary assistance for needy families program (part A of title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of the Social Security Act); (7) a veteran; (8) a displaced homemaker; (9) an older individual; (10) a homeless individual; (11) an individual eligible to participate in certain activities carried out under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998; (12) a long-term unemployed individual or individual with multiple barriers to employment; and (13) an individual who has been assessed and determined to need intensive services.
Allows the Secretary to make grants to no more than three States. Outlines application requirements, including submission of a State plan containing certain information and assurances.  Provides a priority for the determination of grant awards.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``National Bank Offshore Activities
Act of 2001''.

SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION OF TERRITORIAL APPLICATION.

    Section 14 of the Act entitled ``An Act to amend the national
banking laws to clarify or eliminate ambiguities, to repeal certain
laws which have become obsolete, and for other purposes'' and approved
September 8, 1959 (12 U.S.C. 42) is amended by inserting before the
period at the end ``, except that sections 5156B and 5211(d) of the
Revised Statutes of the United States shall apply with respect to
activities, investments, and affiliations of national banks without
regard to any territorial limitation.''.

SEC. 3. REPORTS ON OFFSHORE INTERESTS REQUIRED.

    Section 5211 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (12
U.S.C. 161) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
    ``(d) Reports on Offshore Interests Required.--
            ``(1) In general.--If a national bank acquires, directly or
        indirectly, a beneficial interest in any offshore company, the
        national bank shall submit a written report on such acquisition
        to the Comptroller of the Currency before the end of the 30-day
        period beginning on the date the acquisition is consummated.
            ``(2) Contents of report.--A report submitted under
        paragraph (1) shall contain the following information:
                    ``(A) The names of all the shareholders,
                principals, or holders of a beneficial interest in the
                offshore company.
                    ``(B) The names of any directors, officers, or
                managing agent of the offshore company.
                    ``(C) The purpose and business of the offshore
                company.
                    ``(D) The identity and value of any assets held or
                owned by the offshore company.
                    ``(E) All criminal convictions, indictments or
                similar formal legal accusations of criminal offenses,
                and government or regulatory investigations of, and any
                complaints concerning, any person identified in
                subparagraph (A) or (B).
                    ``(F) Such other information as the Comptroller of
                the Currency may require by regulation or order.
            ``(3) Update of report.--A national bank which submits a
        report under paragraph (1) shall submit a supplemental report
        whenever any change occurs with regard to any information
        previously submitted to the Comptroller of the Currency under
        this subsection.
            ``(4) Offshore company defined.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `offshore company'
                means any company (as defined in section 2(b) of the
                Bank Holding Company Act of 1956) which is a person of
                a foreign country (as defined in section 3502(d) of the
                Primary Dealers Act of 1988).
                    ``(B) Edge act and agreement corporations not
                included.--The term `offshore company' shall not
                include a company or corporation in which a national
                bank holds an interest pursuant to section 25 or 25A of
                the Federal Reserve Act.''.

SEC. 4. PROHIBITION ON RELATIONS BETWEEN NATIONAL BANKS AND CERTAIN
              VIOLATORS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter one of title LXII of the Revised Statutes
of the United States (12 U.S.C. 21 et seq.) is amended by adding at the
end the following new section:

``SEC. 5156B. PROHIBITION ON RELATIONS BETWEEN NATIONAL BANKS AND
              CERTAIN VIOLATORS.

    ``(a) Notice of Certain Violations Required.--A national bank shall
submit a written notice in a timely manner with the Comptroller of the
Currency disclosing any violation of any Federal, State, or foreign
criminal law, banking or financial services law, or labor law, or
any regulation prescribed under any such law, by any agent or affiliate
of the national bank, or any other entity with which the national bank
maintains a correspondent banking relationship, which has been finally
adjudicated or determined by any adjudicative, regulatory, or other
governmental authority.
    ``(b) Notice and Petition by Others.--In addition to a national
bank, any other person or entity (including any Federal or State
official, department, or agency) may--
            ``(1) file a notice with the Comptroller of the Currency
        under subsection (a) of any violation described in such
        subsection; and
            ``(2) petition the Comptroller to prohibit any further
        relationship between the national bank and the person with
        respect to whom such notice is filed.
    ``(c) Prohibition on Relationship.--
            ``(1) In general.--Upon receiving any notice under
        subsection (a) or (b)(1) of any violation described in
        subsection (a) by any agent or affiliate of the national bank,
        or any other entity with which the national bank maintains a
        correspondent banking relationship, the Comptroller of the
        Currency shall serve on the national bank a written notice to
        show cause why the Comptroller should not issue an order
        prohibiting any further relationship between the national bank
        and any such agent, affiliate, or other entity.
            ``(2) Contents of show cause notice.--Any notice served on
        a national bank by the Comptroller of the Currency under
        paragraph (1) shall--
                    ``(A) contain a statement of the facts constituting
                grounds for the prohibition order; and
                    ``(B) fix the time and place for a hearing to
                determine whether a prohibition order shall be issued
                against the national bank.
            ``(3) Notice and opportunity for hearing by 3rd party.--If
        any person or entity filed a petition with the Comptroller of
        the Currency under subsection (b)(2) concerning the
        relationship at issue in the notice served by the Comptroller
        on the national bank, the Comptroller shall--
                    ``(A) provide, to such person or entity, a copy of
                such notice; and
                    ``(B) provide such person or entity an opportunity
                to be heard on the record at the hearing referred to in
                such notice.
            ``(4) Cease and desist order.--If the Comptroller of the
        Currency determines that--
                    ``(A) any violation of any Federal, State, or
                foreign criminal law, banking or financial services
                law, or labor law, or any regulation prescribed under
                any such law, by any agent or affiliate of the national
                bank, or any other entity with which the national bank
                maintains a correspondent banking relationship, has
                been finally adjudicated or determined by any
                appropriate adjudicative, regulatory, or other
                governmental authority; and
                    ``(B) good cause does not exist for continuing any
                relationship between the national bank and such agent,
                affiliate, or other entity,
        the Comptroller of the Currency may issue a cease and desist
        order prohibiting the national bank from any further
        involvement or relationship with such agent, affiliate, or
        other entity, and requiring the national bank to dispose of any
        direct or indirect ownership interest of the national bank in
        any such agent, affiliate, or other entity.
            ``(5) Applicability of section 8 of federal deposit
        insurance act.--The provisions and requirements of section 8 of
        the Federal Deposit Insurance Act relating to any determination
        concerning the issuance of a cease and desist order under such
        section (except the standard), the scope and content of any
        such order, any judicial review of any such determination, the
        enforcement of any such order, and the penalties for violating
        any such order shall apply with respect to any cease and desist
        order issued under this section.
    ``(d) Foreign Banks.--Any foreign bank having a Federal branch or
agency (as such terms are defined in section 1(b) of the International
Banking Act of 1978) shall be treated as a national bank for purposes
of this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter one of
title LXII of the Revised Statutes of the United States is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 5156A the following new
item:

``5156B. Prohibition on relations between national banks and certain
                            violators.''.

Output: National Bank Offshore Activities Act of 2001 - Amends Federal banking law to subject activities, investments, and affiliations of national banks to certain reporting requirements without regard to any territorial limitation.Sets forth reporting requirements incumbent upon a national bank with respect to: (1) acquisition of a beneficial interest in an offshore company; and (2) violations of banking, financial services, or labor laws committed by its agents, affiliates, or any other entity with which it maintains a correspondent banking relationship.Authorizes the Comptroller of the Currency to issue a cease and desist order: (1) prohibiting a national bank from further involvement with such violators; and (2) requiring the bank to dispose of ownership interests in such entity.States that any foreign bank having a Federal branch or agency shall be treated as a national bank for purposes of this Act.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Improving Contract Procurement for
Small Businesses through More Accurate Reporting Act of 2016''.

SEC. 2. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS.

    Section 15(h)(2)(E) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
644(h)(2)(E)) is amended--
            (1) in clause (i)--
                    (A) in subclause (III), by striking ``and'' at the
                end; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new
                subclauses:
                                    ``(V) that were purchased by
                                another entity after the initial
                                contract was awarded and as a result of
                                the purchase, would no longer be deemed
                                to be small business concerns for
                                purposes of the initial contract; and
                                    ``(VI) that were awarded using a
                                procurement method that restricted
                                competition to small business concerns
                                owned and controlled by service-
                                disabled veterans, qualified HUBZone
                                small business concerns, small business
                                concerns owned and controlled by
                                socially and economically disadvantaged
                                individuals, small business concerns
                                owned and controlled by women, or a
                                subset of any such concerns;'';
            (2) in clause (ii)--
                    (A) in subclause (IV), by striking ``and'' at the
                end; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new
                subclauses:
                                    ``(VI) that were purchased by
                                another entity after the initial
                                contract was awarded and as a result of
                                the purchase, would no longer be deemed
                                to be small business concerns owned and
                                controlled by service-disabled veterans
                                for purposes of the initial contract;
                                and
                                    ``(VII) that were awarded using a
                                procurement method that restricted
                                competition to qualified HUBZone small
                                business concerns, small business
                                concerns owned and controlled by
                                socially and economically disadvantaged
                                individuals, small business concerns
                                owned and controlled by women, or a
                                subset of any such concerns;'';
            (3) in clause (iii)--
                    (A) in subclause (V), by striking ``and'' at the
                end; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new
                subclauses:
                                    ``(VII) that were purchased by
                                another entity after the initial
                                contract was awarded and as a result of
                                the purchase, would no longer be deemed
                                to be qualified HUBZone small business
                                concerns for purposes of the initial
                                contract; and
                                    ``(VIII) that were awarded using a
                                procurement method that restricted
                                competition to small business concerns
                                owned and controlled by service-
                                disabled veterans, small business
                                concerns owned and controlled by
                                socially and economically disadvantaged
                                individuals, small business concerns
                                owned and controlled by women, or a
                                subset of any such concerns;'';
            (4) in clause (iv)--
                    (A) in subclause (V), by striking ``and'' at the
                end; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new
                subclauses:
                                    ``(VII) that were purchased by
                                another entity after the initial
                                contract was awarded and as a result of
                                the purchase, would no longer be deemed
                                to be small business concerns owned and
                                controlled by socially and economically
                                disadvantaged individuals for purposes
                                of the initial contract; and
                                    ``(VIII) that were awarded using a
                                procurement method that restricted
                                competition to small business concerns
                                owned and controlled by service-
                                disabled veterans, qualified HUBZone
                                small business concerns, small business
                                concerns owned and controlled by women,
                                or a subset of any such concerns;'';
            (5) in clause (v)--
                    (A) in subclause (IV), by striking ``and'' at the
                end;
                    (B) in subclause (V), by inserting ``and'' at the
                end; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new
                subclause:
                                    ``(VI) that were purchased by
                                another entity after the initial
                                contract was awarded and as a result of
                                the purchase, would no longer be deemed
                                to be small business concerns owned by
                                an Indian tribe other than an Alaska
                                Native Corporation for purposes of the
                                initial contract;'';
            (6) in clause (vi)--
                    (A) in subclause (IV), by striking ``and'' at the
                end;
                    (B) in subclause (V), by inserting ``and'' at the
                end; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new
                subclause:
                                    ``(VI) that were purchased by
                                another entity after the initial
                                contract was awarded and as a result of
                                the purchase, would no longer be deemed
                                to be small business concerns owned by
                                a Native Hawaiian Organization for
                                purposes of the initial contract;'';
            (7) in clause (vii)--
                    (A) in subclause (IV), by striking ``and'' at the
                end;
                    (B) in subclause (V), by striking ``and'' at the
                end; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new
                subclause:
                                    ``(VI) that were purchased by
                                another entity after the initial
                                contract was awarded and as a result of
                                the purchase, would no longer be deemed
                                to be small business concerns owned by
                                an Alaska Native Corporation for
                                purposes of the initial contract;
                                and''; and
            (8) in clause (viii)--
                    (A) in subclause (VII), by striking ``and'' at the
                end;
                    (B) in subclause (VIII), by striking ``and'' at the
                end; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new
                subclauses:
                                    ``(IX) that were purchased by
                                another entity after the initial
                                contract was awarded and as a result of
                                the purchase, would no longer be deemed
                                to be small business concerns owned and
                                controlled by women for purposes of the
                                initial contract; and
                                    ``(X) that were awarded using a
                                procurement method that restricted
                                competition to small business concerns
                                owned and controlled by service-
                                disabled veterans, qualified HUBZone
                                small business concerns, small business
                                concerns owned and controlled by
                                socially and economically disadvantaged
                                individuals, or a subset of any such
                                concerns; and''.

Output: Improving Contract Procurement for Small Businesses through More Accurate Reporting Act of 2016 This bill amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration to report to the President and Congress an analysis of the number and dollar amount of prime contracts awarded by federal agencies each fiscal year to small business concerns, including those:  owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans; located in qualified HUBZones;  owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; owned by an Indian tribe, an Alaska Native Corporation, or a Native Hawaiian Organization; or owned and controlled by women.   The analyses shall cover all such small business concerns:   that were purchased by another entity after the initial contract was awarded and as a result would no longer be deemed to be small business concerns for purposes of the initial contract, and that were awarded using a procurement method that restricted competition to the kinds of small business concerns listed here or a subset of any of them.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Geothermal Exploration and
Technology Act of 2015''.

SEC. 2. GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATORY DRILLING LOAN PROGRAM.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Geothermal
        Investment Fund established under subsection (h).
            (2) Program.--The term ``program'' means the direct loan
        program for high risk geothermal exploration wells established
        under this section.
            (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Energy.
    (b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a direct loan
program for high risk geothermal exploration wells.
    (c) Applications.--An applicant that seeks to receive a loan under
the program may submit to the Secretary an application for the loan at
such time, in such form, and containing such information as the
Secretary may prescribe.
    (d) Project Criteria.--
            (1) In general.--In selecting applicants for loans under
        this section to carry out projects under the program, the
        Secretary shall consider--
                    (A) the potential for unproven geothermal resources
                that would be explored and developed under a project;
                    (B) the expertise and experience of an applicant in
                developing geothermal resources; and
                    (C) the importance of the project in meeting the
                goals of the Department of Energy.
            (2) Preference.--In selecting applicants for loans under
        this section to carry out projects under the program, the
        Secretary shall provide a preference for projects likely to
        lead to successful new geothermal development leading to
        electricity production.
    (e) Data Sharing.--Data from all exploratory wells that are carried
out under the program shall be provided to the Secretary and the
Secretary of the Interior for use in mapping national geothermal
resources and other uses, including--
            (1) subsurface geologic data;
            (2) metadata;
            (3) borehole temperature data; and
            (4) inclusion in the National Geothermal Data System of the
        Department of Energy.
    (f) Administration.--
            (1) Cost share.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall determine the
                cost share for a loan made under this section.
                    (B) Higher risks.--The Secretary may base the cost
                share percentage for loans made under this section on a
                sliding scale, with higher Federal shares awarded to
                projects with higher risks.
            (2) Number of wells.--The Secretary shall determine the
        number of wells for each selected geothermal project for which
        a loan may be made under this section.
            (3) Unproductive projects.--The Secretary may grant further
        delays or dispense with the repayment obligation on a
        demonstration that a selected geothermal project is
        unproductive.
    (g) Loan Repayment.--
            (1) Commencement.--The recipient of a loan made under this
        section for a geothermal facility shall commence repayment of
        the loan beginning on the earlier of--
                    (A) the date that is 4 years after the date the
                loan is made; or
                    (B) the date on which the geothermal facility
                enters into commercial production.
            (2) Term.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
                (B), the term of a loan made under this section shall
                be 4 years beginning on the applicable loan repayment
                commencement date under paragraph (1).
                    (B) Extension.--The Secretary may extend the term
                of a loan under this section for not more than 4 years.
            (3) Use of loan repayments.--Amounts repaid on loans made
        under this section shall be deposited in the Fund.
    (h) Geothermal Investment Fund.--
            (1) Establishment of fund.--There is established in the
        Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the
        ``Geothermal Investment Fund'', to be administered by the
        Secretary, to be available without fiscal year limitation and
        not subject to appropriation, to carry out this section.
            (2) Transfers to fund.--The Fund shall consist of--
                    (A) such amounts as are appropriated to the Fund
                under subsection (j); and
                    (B) amounts repaid on loans under subsection
                (g)(3).
            (3) Prohibition.--Amounts in the Fund may not be made
        available for any purpose other than a purpose described in
        paragraph (1).
            (4) Annual reports.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the
                end of each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year
                2016, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the the
                Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate
                and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House
                of Representatives a report on the operation of the
                Fund during the fiscal year.
                    (B) Contents.--Each report shall include, for the
                fiscal year covered by the report, the following:
                            (i) A statement of the amounts deposited
                        into the Fund.
                            (ii) A description of the expenditures made
                        from the Fund for the fiscal year, including
                        the purpose of the expenditures.
                            (iii) Recommendations for additional
                        authorities to fulfill the purpose of the Fund.
                            (iv) A statement of the balance remaining
                        in the Fund at the end of the fiscal year.
    (i) Guidelines.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidelines for
        the implementation of the program.
            (2) Administration.--The guidelines shall--
                    (A) specify--
                            (i) the terms and conditions that would
                        require a higher or lower level of cost sharing
                        under this section;
                            (ii) the conditions under which the
                        Secretary will allow loan modifications or
                        forgiveness in cases in which a well cannot be
                        used for production or injection; and
                            (iii) the information necessary to provide
                        a loan applicant with certainty about
                        application of subsection (f), including the
                        level of cost and risk that the applicant and
                        the Secretary will assume; and
                    (B) require that--
                            (i) loans be provided under this section
                        only after the developer has committed the
                        share of the developer for expenditures for
                        drilling costs; and
                            (ii) loans for successful wells shall be
                        repaid by the developer within a 10-year
                        period.
    (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary for
each of fiscal years 2016 through 2025.

SEC. 3. LARGE-SCALE GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.

    Title VI of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is
amended by inserting after section 616 (42 U.S.C. 17195) the following:

``SEC. 616A. LARGE-SCALE GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.

    ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            ``(1) the Geothermal Technologies Program of the Office of
        Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department has
        included a focus on direct use of geothermal energy in the low-
        temperature geothermal energy subprogram (including in the
        development of a research and development plan for the
        program);
            ``(2) the Building Technologies Program of the Office of
        Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department--
                    ``(A) is focused on the energy demand and energy
                efficiency of buildings; and
                    ``(B) includes geothermal heat pumps as a component
                technology in the residential and commercial deployment
                activities of the program; and
            ``(3) geothermal heat pumps and direct use of geothermal
        energy, especially in large-scale applications, can make a
        significant contribution to the use of renewable energy but are
        underrepresented in research, development, demonstration, and
        commercialization.
    ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
            ``(1) to improve the components, processes, and systems
        used for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal
        energy; and
            ``(2) to increase the energy efficiency, lower the cost,
        increase the use, and improve and demonstrate the applicability
        of geothermal heat pumps to, and the direct use of geothermal
        energy in, large buildings, commercial districts, residential
        communities, and large municipal, agricultural, or industrial
        projects.
    ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Direct use of geothermal energy.--The term `direct
        use of geothermal energy' means systems that use water that is
        at a temperature between approximately 38 degrees Celsius and
        149 degrees Celsius directly or through a heat exchanger to
        provide--
                    ``(A) heating to buildings; or
                    ``(B) heat required for industrial processes,
                agriculture, aquaculture, and other facilities.
            ``(2) Geothermal heat pump.--The term `geothermal heat
        pump' means a system that provides heating and cooling by
        exchanging heat from shallow ground or surface water using--
                    ``(A) a closed loop system, which transfers heat by
                way of buried or immersed pipes that contain a mix of
                water and antifreeze; or
                    ``(B) an open loop system, which circulates ground
                or surface water directly into the building and returns
                the water to the same aquifer or surface water source.
            ``(3) Large-scale application.--The term `large-scale
        application' means an application for space or process heating
        or cooling for large entities with a name-plate capacity,
        expected resource, or rating of 10 or more megawatts, such as a
        large building, commercial district, residential community, or
        a large municipal, agricultural, or industrial project.
            ``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means Secretary of
        Energy, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Energy
        Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
    ``(d) Program.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program
        of research, development, demonstration, and commercial
        application for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of
        geothermal energy.
            ``(2) Areas.--The program may include research,
        development, demonstration, and commercial application of--
                    ``(A) geothermal ground loop efficiency
                improvements through more efficient heat transfer
                fluids;
                    ``(B) geothermal ground loop efficiency
                improvements through more efficient thermal grouts for
                wells and trenches;
                    ``(C) geothermal ground loop installation cost
                reduction through--
                            ``(i) improved drilling methods;
                            ``(ii) improvements in drilling equipment;
                            ``(iii) improvements in design methodology
                        and energy analysis procedures; and
                            ``(iv) improved methods for determination
                        of ground thermal properties and ground
                        temperatures;
                    ``(D) installing geothermal ground loops near the
                foundation walls of new construction to take advantage
                of existing structures;
                    ``(E) using gray or black wastewater as a method of
                heat exchange;
                    ``(F) improving geothermal heat pump system
                economics through integration of geothermal systems
                with other building systems, including providing hot
                and cold water and rejecting or circulating industrial
                process heat through refrigeration heat rejection and
                waste heat recovery;
                    ``(G) advanced geothermal systems using variable
                pumping rates to increase efficiency;
                    ``(H) geothermal heat pump efficiency improvements;
                    ``(I) use of hot water found in mines and mine
                shafts and other surface waters as the heat exchange
                medium;
                    ``(J) heating of districts, neighborhoods,
                communities, large commercial or public buildings
                (including office, retail, educational, government, and
                institutional buildings and multifamily residential
                buildings and campuses), and industrial and
                manufacturing facilities;
                    ``(K) geothermal system integration with solar
                thermal water heating or cool roofs and solar-
                regenerated desiccants to balance loads and use
                building hot water to store geothermal energy;
                    ``(L) use of hot water coproduced from oil and gas
                recovery;
                    ``(M) use of water sources at a temperature of less
                than 150 degrees Celsius for direct use;
                    ``(N) system integration of direct use with
                geothermal electricity production; and
                    ``(O) coproduction of heat and power, including on-
                site use.
            ``(3) Environmental impacts.--In carrying out the program,
        the Secretary shall identify and mitigate potential
        environmental impacts in accordance with section 614(c).
    ``(e) Grants.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants
        available to State and local governments, institutions of
        higher education, nonprofit entities, utilities, and for-profit
        companies (including manufacturers of heat-pump and direct-use
        components and systems) to promote the development of
        geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy.
            ``(2) Priority.--In making grants under this subsection,
        the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that apply to
        large buildings (including office, retail, educational,
        government, institutional, and multifamily residential
        buildings and campuses and industrial and manufacturing
        facilities), commercial districts, and residential communities.
            ``(3) National solicitation.--Not later than 180 days after
        the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
        conduct a national solicitation for applications for grants
        under this section.
    ``(f) Reports.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
        enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the
        Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural
        Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Science and
        Technology of the House of Representatives a report on progress
        made and results obtained under this section to develop
        geothermal heat pumps and direct use of geothermal energy.
            ``(2) Areas.--Each of the reports required under this
        subsection shall include--
                    ``(A) an analysis of progress made in each of the
                areas described in subsection (d)(2); and
                    ``(B)(i) a description of any relevant
                recommendations made during a review of the program;
                and
                    ``(ii) any plans to address the recommendations
                under clause (i).
    ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section such sums as
are necessary for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020.''.

SEC. 4. FACILITATION OF COPRODUCTION OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY ON OIL AND
              GAS LEASES.

    Section 4(b) of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C.
1003(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Land subject to oil and gas lease.--Land under an oil
        and gas lease issued pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act (30
        U.S.C. 181 et seq.) or the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired
        Lands (30 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) that is subject to an approved
        application for permit to drill and from which oil and gas
        production is occurring may be available for leasing under
        subsection (c) by the holder of the oil and gas lease--
                    ``(A) on a determination that--
                            ``(i) geothermal energy will be produced
                        from a well producing or capable of producing
                        oil and gas; and
                            ``(ii) the public interest will be served
                        by the issuance of such a lease; and
                    ``(B) in order to provide for the coproduction of
                geothermal energy with oil and gas.''.

Output: Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act of 2015 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a direct loan program for high risk geothermal exploration wells, and gives preference to loans to carry out projects that are likely to lead to successful new geothermal development leading to electricity production. Data from exploratory wells must be provided to DOE and the Department of the Interior for use in mapping national geothermal resources and other uses. DOE must determine the number of wells for each selected geothermal project for which a loan may be made.  The Geothermal Investment Fund is established to carry out the program. Amounts repaid on loans must be deposited in the Fund. The bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require DOE to establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy. In carrying out the program, DOE must identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts. DOE must make grants to promote the development of geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy, giving priority to proposals that apply to large buildings, commercial districts, and residential communities. The bill amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to allow the holder of an oil and gas lease of public land to also lease the land for the production of geothermal energy if: (1) the holder of the oil and gas lease has an approved drilling permit, (2) the geothermal energy will be produced from a well producing or capable of producing oil and gas, (3) the geothermal lease would serve the public interest, and (4) oil and gas production is currently occurring under the existing lease.