Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Western Water Recycling and Drought
Relief Act''.

SEC. 2. WESTERN RECYCLED WATER PROJECT AUTHORIZATIONS.

    (a) Authorizations.--The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater
Study and Facilities Act (43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.) is amended by adding
at the end the following:

``SEC. 16__. BENICIA WATER REUSE PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Benicia, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $6,750,000.

``SEC. 16__. BRENTWOOD RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Brentwood, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,200,000.

``SEC. 16__. CENTRAL DUBLIN RECYCLED WATER DISTRIBUTION AND RETROFIT
              PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Dublin
San Ramon Services District, California, is authorized to participate
in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system
facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $1,150,000.

``SEC. 16__. CENTRAL REDWOOD CITY RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Redwood City, California, is authorized to participate in the
design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $7,500,000.

``SEC. 16__. CITY OF PLEASANTON RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Pleasanton, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000.

``SEC. 16__. CONCORD RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, California, is authorized to
participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water
system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000.

``SEC. 16__. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY REFINERY RECYCLED WATER PROJECT, PHASE
              1.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, California, is authorized to
participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water
system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $6,250,000.

``SEC. 16__. DELTA DIABLO RECYCLED WATER SYSTEM EXPANSION PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Delta
Diablo, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $8,500,000.

``SEC. 16__. DELTA DIABLO HIGH PURITY WATER TREATMENT FACILITY.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Delta
Diablo, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $12,500,000.

``SEC. 16__. DUBLIN AND SAN RAMON RECYCLED WATER EXPANSION PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Dublin
San Ramon Services District and the Dublin San Ramon Services District/
East Bay Municipal Utility District Recycled Water Authority (DERWA),
California, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and
construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $6,300,000.

``SEC. 16__. HAYWARD RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Hayward, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000.

``SEC. 16__. IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT CYPRESS RECYCLED WATER
              PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Ironhouse Sanitary District, California, is authorized to participate
in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water
distribution systems.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000.

``SEC. 16__. IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT INDUSTRIAL RECYCLED WATER
              PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Ironhouse Sanitary District, California, is authorized to participate
in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water
distribution systems.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $3,500,000.

``SEC. 16__. IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT DIRECT POTABLE REUSE PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Ironhouse Sanitary District, California, is authorized to participate
in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water
distribution systems.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000.

``SEC. 16__. MOUNTAIN VIEW RECYCLED WATER SYSTEM EXPANSION.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Mountain View, California, is authorized to participate in the
design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000.

``SEC. 16__. NORTH VALLEY REGIONAL RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Turlock, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000.

``SEC. 16__. PALO ALTO RECYCLED WATER PIPELINE PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Palo Alto, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $8,250,000.

``SEC. 16__. PURE WATER MONTEREY A GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the
Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency, California, is
authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of
recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $7,500,000.

``SEC. 16__. SAN JOSE WATER COMPANY RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the San
Jose Water Company, California, is authorized to participate in the
design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $6,000,000.

``SEC. 16__. SUNNYVALE CONTINUOUS RECYCLED WATER PRODUCTION PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City
of Sunnyvale, California, is authorized to participate in the design,
planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $500,000.

``SEC. 16__. WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT WASTEWATER RECLAMATION FACILITY
              EXPANSION PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with Hawaii
Water Service Company, Waikoloa, Hawaii, is authorized to participate
in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system
facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000.

``SEC. 16__. WEST BAY SANITARY DISTRICT RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the West
Bay Sanitary District, California, is authorized to participate in the
design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000.

``SEC. 16__. WOLFE ROAD RECYCLED WATER PROJECT.

    ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Santa
Clara Valley Water District and the City of Sunnyvale, California, is
authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of
recycled water system facilities.
    ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project
authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total
cost of the project.
    ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the
operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $4,375,000.''.
    (b) Project Implementation.--In carrying out sections 1642 through
1648 of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities
Act, and the sections added to such Act by subsection (a), the
Secretary shall enter into individual agreements with the Western
Recycled Water Coalition participating agencies to fund the projects,
and shall include in such agreements a provision for the reimbursement
of design, planning and construction costs, including those costs
incurred prior to the enactment of this Act, subject to appropriations
made available for the Federal share of the project under sections 1642
through 1648 of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and
Facilities Act and the sections added to such Act by subsection (a).
    (c) Clerical Amendments.--The table of contents of the Reclamation
Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. prec. 371)
(as amended by section 512(a) of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act
of 2008) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``Sec. 16__. Benicia water reuse project.
``Sec. 16__. Brentwood recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Central Dublin recycled water distribution and retrofit
                            project.
``Sec. 16__. Central Redwood City recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. City of Pleasanton recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Concord recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Contra Costa County refinery recycled water project, phase
                            1.
``Sec. 16__. Delta Diablo recycled water system expansion project.
``Sec. 16__. Delta Diablo high purity water treatment facility.
``Sec. 16__. Dublin and San Ramon recycled water expansion project.
``Sec. 16__. Hayward recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Ironhouse Sanitary District Cypress recycled water
                            project.
``Sec. 16__. Ironhouse Sanitary District industrial recycled water
                            project.
``Sec. 16__. Ironhouse Sanitary District direct potable reuse project.
``Sec. 16__. Mountain View recycled water system expansion.
``Sec. 16__. North Valley Regional recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Palo Alto recycled water pipeline project.
``Sec. 16__. Pure Water Monterey a groundwater replenishment project.
``Sec. 16__. San Jose Water Company recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Sunnyvale continuous recycled water production project.
``Sec. 16__. Waikoloa Beach Resort Wastewater Reclamation Facility
                            expansion project.
``Sec. 16__. West Bay Sanitary District recycled water project.
``Sec. 16__. Wolfe Road recycled water project.''.

SEC. 3. MODIFICATION TO AUTHORIZED PROJECTS.

    (a) Antioch Recycled Water Project.--Section 1644(d) of the
Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (43
U.S.C. 390h-27) (as amended by section 512(a) of the Consolidated
Natural Resources Act of 2008) is amended by striking ``$2,250,000''
and inserting ``$3,200,000''.
    (b) South Santa Clara County Recycled Water Project in Santa Clara
County.--Section 1644(d) of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater
Study and Facilities Act (43 U.S.C. 390h-27) (as amended by section
512(a) of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008) is amended by
striking ``$7,000,000'' and inserting ``$17,950,000''.

Output: Western Water Recycling and Drought Relief Act This bill amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Department of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities in California in cooperation with:  the cities of Benicia, Brentwood, Redwood City, Pleasanton, Hayward, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Turlock;  the Dublin San Ramon Services District and the Dublin San Ramon Services District/East Bay Municipal Utility District Recycled Water Authority; the Santa Clara Valley Water District; the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District; the Delta Diablo; the Ironhouse Sanitary District;  the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency; the San Jose Water Company; and  the West Bay Sanitary District.  The bill also authorizes Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities in Hawaii in cooperation with Hawaii Water Service Company, Waikoloa. The federal share of each project is limited to 25%.  Interior must: (1) enter into individual agreements with the Western Recycled Water Coalition participating agencies to fund such projects (as well as existing projects done in cooperation with the California cities of Palo Alto, Mountain View, Pittsburg, Antioch, Redwood City, and San Jose and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District, the North Coast County Water District, the South County Regional Wastewater Authority, and the Santa Clara Valley Water District); and (2) include in such agreements a provision for the reimbursement of design, planning, and construction costs. The bill increases the authorization of appropriations for the recycled water system facilities of: (1) Antioch and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District, and (2) the South County Regional Wastewater Authority and the Santa Clara Valley Water District.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``9/11 Can You Hear Me Now Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds the following:
            (1) After two terrorist attacks it is time to fix the
        communications system for the New York City Fire Department.
            (2) During its response to the 1993 bombing of the World
        Trade Center in New York City, the New York City Fire
        Department's radios did not work in the twin towers of the
        World Trade Center. The resulting lack of communication
        complicated operations but did not result in the death of any
        firefighter.
            (3) Eight years later, on September 11, 2001, the World
        Trade Center was attacked again and the fire department's radio
        system failed again.
            (4) Soon before the collapse of Tower One of the World
        Trade Center, fire department officials tried in vain to radio
        firefighters to evacuate the building.
            (5) The firefighters' radio system failed the firefighters
        in Tower One and as a result many were not able to receive this
        warning. The failure of the radio system was largely
        responsible for the death of many of the 343 firefighters who
        died in the collapse of the World Trade Center twin towers.
            (6) Since September 11, 2001, the fire department has taken
        steps to improve the communications system that failed them.
        However, many tall buildings in New York City have not
        installed repeaters that are needed to boost signals, and the
        signals are often lost in high-rise buildings and underground.
            (7) In August 2003, New York City experienced a blackout.
        During the blackout the fire department's radio system was
        again found not to work reliably during emergency situations or
        in high buildings.
            (8) The dispatch system currently used by the New York City
        Fire Department was acquired in the early 1970s and hampers the
        ability of the department to fully communicate with its
        firefighters and provide appropriate detailed information about
        the buildings and locations to which they respond.
            (9) Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001,
        executive branch officials have repeatedly warned that future
        terror attacks are not a matter of if, but when. The Secretary
        of Homeland Security has identified New York City as one of the
        main terrorist targets.
            (10) With New York City remaining a top terrorist target,
        such communications system should be a national priority.
            (11) A new state-of-the-art communications system and
        upgrades to the critical information dispatch system for the
        New York City Fire Department should be--
                    (A) seamless from the receipt of a 911 call to the
                dispatch of the firefighter; and
                    (B) interoperable with other public safety offices
                within the City of New York.

SEC. 3. REQUIREMENT TO PROCURE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR NEW YORK CITY
              FIRE DEPARTMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, by not
later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, procure
development and provision of a communications system for the New York
City Fire Department, including appropriate radios for the entire
department and upgrades to the critical information dispatch system of
the department.
    (b) Requirements.--
            (1) Radios.--Radios procured pursuant to this section must
        be capable of operating in all locations, and under all
        conditions, in which firefighters can reasonably be expected to
        work in responding to an emergency in New York City.
            (2) Supplemental communication device.--Any communications
        system procured pursuant to this section must include provision
        to each firefighter of a supplemental radio communication
        device that--
                    (A) allows the firefighter to transmit audio and
                radio emergency notification warning signals to other
                firefighters whenever the firefighter is in distress
                and in immediate need of assistance; and
                    (B) has the capability to operate automatically in
                a passive mode by transmitting audio and radio messages
                that will relay the firefighter's identification and
                location if the firefighter--
                            (i) becomes incapacitated and motionless;
                        and
                            (ii) is unable to physically transmit a
                        call for help.
            (3) Dispatch system.--Upgrades to the critical information
        dispatch system procured pursuant to this section must--
                    (A) allow the fire department to communicate with
                firefighters in all locations, and under all
                conditions, in which firefighters can reasonably be
                expected to work in responding to an emergency in New
                York City, including all high-rise buildings and
                subways;
                    (B) provide useful, detailed data concerning all
                likely terrorist target locations in the City of New
                York; and
                    (C) be capable of providing to responding
                firefighters, instantaneously, details about particular
                buildings and other locations to assist them in making
                decisions about how to mitigate a terrorist attack and
                save lives and property.
    (c) Testing.--Radios, any dispatch system upgrades, and
supplemental communication devices procured pursuant to this section
must have been tested to ensure they will operate in all locations and
under all conditions in which firefighters can reasonably be expected
to work in responding to an emergency in New York City.
    (d) Coordination.--In carrying out this section the Secretary shall
coordinate with the City of New York to ensure that the communications
system procured under this section is--
            (1) compatible with the plans of the City of New York to
        upgrade its 911 system; and
            (2) interoperable with other public safety communications
        systems.
    (e) Progress Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Congress a
report on progress made in carrying out this section, on--
            (1) February 26, 2008; and
            (2) September 11, 2008.

Output:
9/11 Can You Hear Me Now Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to procure development and provision of a communications system for the New York City Fire Department, including appropriate radios and upgrades to the Department's critical information dispatch system that allow communication in all locations and under all conditions in which firefighters can reasonably be expected to work, including all high-rise buildings and subways.

Directs that any communications system procured include provision to each firefighter of a supplemental radio communication device that: (1) allows the firefighter to transmit emergency notification warning signals to other firefighters; and (2) has the capability to operate automatically by transmitting messages that will relay an incapacitated firefighter's identification and location.

Requires that upgrades procured: (1) provide useful, detailed data concerning all likely terrorist target locations in the city; and (2) be capable of providing to responding firefighters, instantaneously, details about particular buildings and other locations to assist in making decisions about how to mitigate a terrorist attack.

Requires that: (1) radios, any dispatch system upgrades, and supplemental communication devices procured be tested; and (2) the Secretary coordinate with the city to ensure that the communications system procured is compatible with city plans to upgrade its 911 system and interoperable with other public safety communications systems.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``United States-Israel Energy
Cooperation Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) it is in the highest national security interests of the
        United States to ensure secure access to reliable energy
        sources;
            (2) the United States relies heavily on the foreign supply
        of crude oil to meet the energy needs of the United States,
        currently importing 58 percent of the total oil requirements of
        the United States, of which 45 percent comes from member states
        of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC);
            (3) revenues from the sale of oil by some of these
        countries directly or indirectly provide funding for terrorism
        and propaganda hostile to the values of the United States and
        the West;
            (4) in the past, these countries have manipulated the
        dependence of the United States on the oil supplies of these
        countries to exert undue influence on United States policy, as
        during the embargo of OPEC during 1973 on the sale of oil to
        the United States, which became a major factor in the ensuing
        recession;
            (5) research by the Energy Information Administration of
        the Department of Energy has shown that the dependence of the
        United States on foreign oil will increase by 33 percent over
        the next 20 years;
            (6) a rise in the price of imported oil sufficient to
        increase gasoline prices by 10 cents per gallon at the pump
        would result in an additional outflow of $18,000,000,000 from
        the United States to oil-exporting nations;
            (7) for economic and national security reasons, the United
        States should reduce, as soon as practicable, the dependence of
        the United States on nations that do not share the interests
        and values of the United States;
            (8) the State of Israel has been a steadfast ally and a
        close friend of the United States since the creation of Israel
        in 1948;
            (9) like the United States, Israel is a democracy that
        holds civil rights and liberties in the highest regard and is a
        proponent of the democratic values of peace, freedom, and
        justice;
            (10) cooperation between the United States and Israel on
        such projects as the development of the Arrow Missile has
        resulted in mutual benefits to United States and Israeli
        security;
            (11) the special relationship between Israel and the United
        States has been and continues to be manifested in a variety of
        jointly-funded cooperative programs in the field of scientific
        research and development, such as--
                    (A) the United States-Israel Binational Science
                Foundation (BSF);
                    (B) the Israel-United States Binational
                Agricultural Research and Development Fund (BARD); and
                    (C) the Israel-United States Binational Industrial
                Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation;
            (12) these programs, supported by the matching
        contributions from the Government of Israel and the Government
        of the United States and directed by key scientists and
        academics from both countries, have made possible many
        scientific breakthroughs in the fields of life sciences,
        medicine, bioengineering, agriculture, biotechnology,
        communications, and others;
            (13) on February 1, 1996, United States Secretary of Energy
        Hazel R. O'Leary and Israeli Minister of Energy and
        Infrastructure Gonen Segev signed the Agreement Between the
        Department of Energy of the United States of America and the
        Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of Israel Concerning
        Energy Cooperation, to establish a framework for collaboration
        between the United States and Israel in energy research and
        development activities;
            (14) Israeli scientists and researchers have long been at
        the forefront of research and development in the field of
        alternative renewable energy sources;
            (15) many of the top corporations of the world have
        recognized the technological and scientific expertise of Israel
        by locating important research and development facilities in
        Israel;
            (16) among the technological breakthroughs made by Israeli
        scientists and researchers in the field of alternative,
        renewable energy sources are--
                    (A) the development of a cathode that uses
                hexavalent iron salts that accept 3 electrons per ion
                and enable rechargeable batteries to provide 3 times as
                much electricity as existing rechargeable batteries;
                    (B) the development of a technique that vastly
                increases the efficiency of using solar energy to
                generate hydrogen for use in energy cells; and
                    (C) the development of a novel membrane used in new
                and powerful direct-oxidant fuel cells that is capable
                of competing favorably with hydrogen fuel cells and
                traditional internal combustion engines; and
            (17) cooperation between the United States and Israel in
        the field of research and development of alternative renewable
        energy sources would be in the interests of both countries, and
        both countries stand to gain much from such cooperation.

SEC. 3. GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Authority.--Pursuant to the responsibilities described in
section 102(10), (14), and (17) of the Department of Energy
Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7112(10), (14), and (17)) and section
103(9) of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5813(9)),
the Secretary, in consultation with the BIRD or BSF, shall award grants
to eligible entities.
    (b) Application.--
            (1) Submission of applications.--To receive a grant under
        this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to
        the Secretary containing such information and assurances as the
        Secretary, in consultation with the BIRD or BSF, may require.
            (2) Selection of eligible entities.--The Secretary, in
        consultation with the Directors of the BIRD and BSF, may review
        any application submitted by any eligible entity and select any
        eligible entity meeting criteria established by the Secretary,
        in consultation with the Advisory Board, for a grant under this
        section.
    (c) Amount of Grant.--The amount of each grant awarded for a fiscal
year under this section shall be determined by the Secretary, in
consultation with the BIRD or BSF.
    (d) Recoupment.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures
        and criteria for recoupment in connection with any eligible
        project carried out by an eligible entity that receives a grant
        under this section, which has led to the development of a
        product or process which is marketed or used.
            (2) Amount required.--
                    (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), such
                recoupment shall be required as a condition for award
                and be proportional to the Federal share of the costs
                of such project, and shall be derived from the proceeds
                of royalties or licensing fees received in connection
                with such product or process.
                    (B) In the case where a product or process is used
                by the recipient of a grant under this section for the
                production and sale of its own products or processes,
                the recoupment shall consist of a payment equivalent to
                the payment which would be made under subparagraph (A).
            (3) Waiver.--The Secretary may at any time waive or defer
        all or some of the recoupment requirements of this subsection
        as necessary, depending on--
                    (A) the commercial competitiveness of the entity or
                entities developing or using the product or process;
                    (B) the profitability of the project; and
                    (C) the commercial viability of the product or
                process utilized.
    (e) Private Funds.--The Secretary may accept contributions of funds
from private sources to carry out this Act.
    (f) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.--The
Secretary shall carry out this section through the existing programs at
the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
    (g) Report.--Not later than 180 days after receiving a grant under
this section, each recipient shall submit a report to the Secretary--
            (1) documenting how the recipient used the grant funds; and
            (2) evaluating the level of success of each project funded
        by the grant.

SEC. 4. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY ADVISORY BOARD.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department of
Energy an International Energy Advisory Board.
    (b) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall advise the Secretary on--
            (1) criteria for the recipients of grants awarded under
        section 3(a);
            (2) the total amount of grant money to be awarded to all
        grantees selected by the Secretary, in consultation with the
        BIRD; and
            (3) the total amount of grant money to be awarded to all
        grantees selected by the Secretary, in consultation with the
        BSF, for each fiscal year.
    (c) Membership.--
            (1) Composition.--The Advisory Board shall be composed of--
                    (A) 1 member appointed by the Secretary of
                Commerce;
                    (B) 1 member appointed by the Secretary of Energy;
                and
                    (C) 2 members who shall be Israeli citizens,
                appointed by the Secretary of Energy after consultation
                with appropriate officials in the Israeli Government.
            (2) Deadline for appointments.--The initial appointments
        under paragraph (1) shall be made not later than 60 days after
        the date of enactment of this Act.
            (3) Term.--Each member of the Advisory Board shall be
        appointed for a term of 4 years.
            (4) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Advisory Board shall be
        filled in the manner in which the original appointment was
        made.
            (5) Basic pay.--
                    (A) Compensation.--A member of the Advisory Board
                shall serve without pay.
                    (B) Travel expenses.--Each member of the Advisory
                Board shall receive travel expenses, including per diem
                in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable
                provisions of subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5,
                United States Code.
            (6) Quorum.--Three members of the Advisory Board shall
        constitute a quorum.
            (7) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Advisory Board
        shall be designated by the Secretary of Energy at the time of
        the appointment.
            (8) Meetings.--The Advisory Board shall meet at least once
        annually at the call of the Chairperson.
    (d) Termination.--Section 14(a)(2)(B) of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Advisory Board.

SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Advisory board.--The term ``Advisory Board'' means the
        International Energy Advisory Board established by section
        4(a).
            (2) BIRD.--The term ``BIRD'' means the Israel-United States
        Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation.
            (3) BSF.--The term ``BSF'' means the United States-Israel
        Binational Science Foundation.
            (4) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a
        joint venture comprised of both Israeli and United States
        private business entities or a joint venture comprised of both
        Israeli academic persons (who reside and work in Israel) and
        United States academic persons, that--
                    (A) carries out an eligible project; and
                    (B) is selected by the Secretary, in consultation
                with the BIRD or BSF, using the criteria established by
                the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Board.
            (5) Eligible project.--The term ``eligible project'' means
        a project to encourage cooperation between the United States
        and Israel on research, development, or commercialization of
        alternative energy, improved energy efficiency, or renewable
        energy sources.
            (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Energy, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Energy for
        Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

SEC. 6. TERMINATION.

    The grant program authorized under section 3 and the Advisory Board
shall terminate upon the expiration of the 7-year period which begins
on the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    The Secretary is authorized to expend not more than $20,000,000 to
carry out this Act for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2012 from
funds previously authorized to the Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.

SEC. 8. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY.

    The Constitutional authority on which this Act rests is the power
of Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations as enumerated in
Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution.

            Passed the House of Representatives July 26, 2006.

            Attest:

                                                 KAREN L. HAAS,

                                                                 Clerk.

Output:
United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the United States-Israel Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation (BIRD), or the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF), to establish a grant program for joint ventures, composed of both Israeli and U.S. private business entities or of U.S. and Israeli academic persons, to implement projects to encourage cooperation between the United States and Israel on research, development, or commercialization of alternative energy, improved energy efficiency, or renewable energy sources.

Directs the Secretary to implement this Act through existing programs at the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Establishes in the Department of Energy an International Energy Advisory Board to advise the Secretary on the grant program and grant recipients.

Authorizes the Secretary to expend not more than $20 million to implement this Act for each of FY2006-2012 from funds previously authorized to the Office.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Electronic Commerce Enhancement Act
of 1997''.

SEC. 2. STUDIES ON USE OF DIGITAL SIGNATURES TO ENHANCE ELECTRONIC
              COMMERCE.

    The Assistant Secretary shall conduct an ongoing study of the
enhancement of electronic commerce due to the use of digital signatures
pursuant to this Act, and shall report findings to the Commerce
Committee of the House and to the Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee of the Senate not later than--
    (1) 12 months; and
    (2) 60 months;
after the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 3. ELECTRONIC AVAILABILITY OF FORMS.

    The Director, in accordance with technical standards provided by
the Assistant Secretary under section 6, shall not later than 12 months
after the date of enactment of this Act establish a method for each
Federal agency to make its forms available electronically. Such forms
shall be--
            (1) available for electronic submission (through use of a
        digital signature when necessary);
            (2) substantially identical in content and requirements to
        any corresponding paper versions;
            (3) available on an Internet web site controlled by the
        Federal Government that contains an electronic link to the
        website described in section 6(f) of this Act;
            (4) available for downloading and printing;
            (5) available for electronic storage by employers that are
        required by law to collect, store, or file paper versions of
        forms completed by employees; and
            (6) acknowledged upon receipt by an agency through prompt
        issuance of an electronic receipt.

SEC. 4. PAYMENTS.

    Under the method established under section 2--
            (1) any payment associated with a form submitted
        electronically shall be no greater than the payment associated
        with any corresponding printed version of such form;
            (2) not less than 2 means of electronic payment shall be
        provided, but such payment may not be required to precede
        submission of a form; and
            (3) a prompt receipt for electronic payment shall be issued
        electronically to each person who submits a payment
        electronically.

SEC. 5. USE OF DIGITAL SIGNATURES BY FEDERAL OFFICIALS.

    (a) Agency Employees to Receive Digital Signatures.--The head of
each agency shall issue guidelines for determining how and which
employees in each respective agency shall be provided digital
signatures for use within the scope of their employment.
    (b) Availability of Electronic Notice.--An agency may provide a
person entitled to receive written notice of a particular matter with
the opportunity to receive electronic notice instead.

SEC. 6. CERTIFICATES FOR DIGITAL SIGNATURES.

    (a) Guidelines for Acceptance of Certificates.--The Director shall
issue guidelines governing the manner in which agencies may accept
certificates.
    (b) Accreditation.--Under the guidelines issued under subsection
(a), an agency shall accept certificates issued by--
            (1) the agency; or
            (2) a trusted third party that is licensed or accredited
        by--
                    (A) a State or local government; or
                    (B) an appropriate accreditation body.
    (c) Trusted Third Party Liability.--Under the guidelines issued
under subsection (a), an agency may accept a certificate only from a
trusted third party that, in accordance with commercially reasonable
standards, accepts liability for and is insured against negligent
issuance or handling of certificates.
    (d) Foreign Trusted Third Party.--The Secretary of State shall
determine from which foreign countries agencies may accept
certificates.
    (e) Agency Establishment of Trusted Third Party.--No agency may
establish a trusted third party except to--
            (1) provide digital signatures to its employees;
            (2) issue certificates relating to messages sent by such
        employees; or
            (3) act as a reliable authority on behalf of another
        trusted third party.
    (f) Directory of Qualified Trusted Third Parties.--The Assistant
Secretary shall compile and post on a website controlled by the Federal
government a list of trusted third parties (along with an electronic
link, if any, to a web site controlled by each trusted third party)
that are qualified under this section to issue certificates.

SEC. 7. STANDARDS FOR DIGITAL SIGNATURES; EFFECT OF DIGITAL SIGNATURES.

    (a) Technical Standards for Digital Signatures.--The Assistant
Secretary shall provide to the Director technical standards for the
digital signatures accepted for purposes of the method established
under section 2 or provided under section 4.
    (b) Compatibility With Private Sector.--The standards referred to
in subsection (a) shall be compatible with standards and technology for
digital signatures used in commerce and industry and by State
governments.
    (c) Reliability of Digital Signatures.--Under the standards
referred to in subsection (a), a digital signature shall be as reliable
as is appropriate for the purpose for which an electronic message
containing a digital signature is generated, in light of all the
circumstances, including any relevant agreement.
    (d) Legal Significance of Digital Signatures.--For purposes of
digitally signed forms accepted under section 2, a digital signature
shall have the same force and effect as a written signature.

SEC. 8. EMPLOYER ELECTRONIC STORAGE OF FORMS.

    If an employer is required by law to collect, store, or file paper
forms that are completed by employees, such employer may store such
forms electronically if such forms are submitted electronically.

SEC. 9. IMPLEMENTATION BY AGENCIES.

    (a) Implementation.--Not later than 36 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, each agency shall implement the method
established under section 2 of this Act and the guidelines issued under
section 4 of this Act.
    (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall submit a report to
the Commerce Committee of the House and to the Commerce, Science, and
Transportation Committee of the Senate that details the technical
standards described in section 6.

SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS.

    For purposes of this Act:
            (1) Assistant Secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary''
        means the Assistant Secretary for Communications and
        Information (the head of the National Telecommunications and
        Information Administration) of the Department of Commerce.
            (1) Agency.--The term ``agency'' has the meaning given the
        term ``executive agency'' in section 105 of title 5, United
        States Code.
            (2) Certificate.--(A) The term ``certificate'' means a
        statement meeting the requirements of subparagraph (B) that
        permits a person holding such statement to determine that a
        digitally signed message--
                    (i) was signed by the person whose digital
                signature appears to be attached to the message; and
                    (ii) has not been altered since the digital
                signature was attached.
            (B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the statement must--
                    (i) identify the trusted third party or agency
                issuing such statement;
                    (ii) identify the person whose digital signature
                the trusted third party or agency is authenticating
                with such statement;
                    (iii) specify the operational period of such
                statement; and
                    (iv) be digitally signed by the trusted third party
                or agency issuing such statement.
            (3) Digital signature.--The term ``digital signature''
        means a method of signing an electronic message that--
                    (A) identifies a particular person as the source of
                such electronic message; and
                    (B) indicates such person's approval of the
                information contained in such electronic message.
            (4) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
        the Office of Management and Budget.
            (5) Form.--The term ``form'' means a document produced by
        an agency--
                    (A) that is used by the agency to facilitate
                interaction between the agency and persons;
                    (B) that is completed by a person by inserting
                information as required by the agency;
                    (C) that is submitted to an agency more than 1,000
                times per year; and
                    (D) that is not required to be completed in the
                presence of a Federal official or at a particular
                location.
            (6) Reliable authority.--The term ``reliable authority''
        means an entity licensed to serve as a notary that vouches to a
        trusted third party for the identity of a person who seeks a
        certificate to be issued on such person's behalf.
            (7) Trusted third party.--The term ``trusted third party''
        means an entity (other than an agency) that issues a
        certificate.

Output:
Electronic Commerce Enhancement Act of 1997 - Directs the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information (the head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration) of the Department of Commerce to conduct an ongoing study of and report to specified committees concerning the enhancement of electronic commerce due to the use of digital signatures pursuant to this Act.
Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to establish a method for each Federal agency to make its forms available electronically.  Provides for making payments electronically pursuant to such forms.
Sets forth provisions concerning guidelines and standards for digital signatures and certificates.
Permits employers to store forms electronically if such forms are submitted electronically.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Regional Infrastructure Accelerator
Act of 2015''.

SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

    The purpose of this program is to facilitate and mobilize
investment in, and the long-term financing of, economically viable
covered infrastructure projects of regional or national significance by
providing funding for these projects, including through private sector
financing, to accelerate the delivery of high-quality, critical
infrastructure through a self-sustaining regional infrastructure
accelerator that mitigates risk with technical expertise and best
practices.

SEC. 3. REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE ACCELERATOR PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.

    (a) In General.--From amounts appropriated under paragraphs (1) and
(3) of section 8, the Secretary of Treasury may establish a regional
infrastructure accelerator program (in this section referred to as the
``Program'') to provide grants to regional infrastructure accelerators
to establish and administer a process for developing the priorities of
and acquiring financing for covered infrastructure projects.
    (b) Program Structure.--The Program established pursuant to this
Act shall include--
            (1) an initial grant to a regional infrastructure
        accelerator that submits an application and a plan for
        promoting investment in covered infrastructure projects; and
            (2) a subsequent grant to a regional infrastructure
        accelerator for the purpose of awarding subgrants to one or
        more State, local, or regional public entities to support
        covered infrastructure projects and within the geographic area
        represented by the regional infrastructure accelerator.

SEC. 4. INITIAL GRANTS TO REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE ACCELERATORS.

    (a) Application.--A regional infrastructure accelerator that seeks
a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
Secretary may reasonably require, including a plan that describes how
the regional infrastructure accelerator will promote investment in
covered infrastructure projects by--
            (1) providing guidance and feedback to State, local, or
        regional public entities on infrastructure priorities,
        financing strategies, and other matters relating to such
        projects;
            (2) evaluating and promoting innovative financing methods;
            (3) connecting sources of financing to the State, local, or
        regional public entities;
            (4) establishing standards to measure life-cycle costs of
        investments in such projects, defined as budgetary impacts of
        the design, development or construction, operations, and
        maintenance of an infrastructure asset;
            (5) building capacity of State and local governments to
        evaluate and structure projects involving the investment of
        private capital; and
            (6) providing technical assistance and information on best
        practices with respect to such projects which shall include--
                    (A) identifying and selecting qualified advisors
                such as infrastructure financial analysts and contract
                negotiators;
                    (B) incorporating resiliency risk analyses into
                project planning and design;
                    (C) preparing and reviewing requests for
                qualifications and proposals from private sector
                partners; and
                    (D) applying standardized analyses and processes
                that provide quantitative data on infrastructure
                investments, or specifically a ``value for money''
                analysis.
    (b) Selection.--From applications received under subsection (a),
the Secretary shall select 5 regional infrastructure accelerators from
geographically diverse regions to receive a grant under this section.
    (c) Structure of Regional Infrastructure Accelerators.--
            (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
        this Act, a regional infrastructure accelerator shall have a
        board of directors.
            (2) Board of directors.--
                    (A) Composition.--The board of directors of a
                regional infrastructure accelerator shall include at
                least one representative of each State, locality, or
                region in the area served by the regional
                infrastructure accelerator, as nominated by a governing
                body participating in the regional infrastructure
                accelerator and that participated in submitting an
                application under subsection (a).
                    (B) Duties.--The duties of the board of directors
                shall be to--
                            (i) develop and approve of a regional
                        infrastructure accelerator plan for their
                        respective regional infrastructure accelerator;
                            (ii) select subgrantees for award of funds
                        for predevelopment costs, as described in
                        section 5; and
                            (iii) approve of and submit a report to the
                        Secretary as described in subsection (e).
                    (C) Requirements to approve plan.--In carrying out
                its duties under subparagraph (B)(i), the Board of
                Directors shall consider public stakeholder input
                from--
                            (i) a public project sponsor with
                        experience in infrastructure financing;
                            (ii) an entity with the ability to finance
                        covered infrastructure projects in the area
                        served by the regional infrastructure
                        accelerator, including private sector equity
                        investors, public pension funds, endowments,
                        and other financial investment funds;
                            (iii) a construction or real estate
                        development entity with the capacity to develop
                        covered infrastructure projects in the area
                        served by the regional infrastructure
                        accelerator;
                            (iv) a representative of an organized labor
                        association or an association of workers
                        representing labor and workplace standards;
                            (v) a legal expert with experience in
                        contract development and execution of public
                        private partnerships; and
                            (vi) a representative of each Federal
                        agency or department with jurisdiction over
                        covered infrastructure projects.
    (d) Use of Funds.--A regional infrastructure accelerator that is
awarded a grant under this section shall use such grant to--
            (1) assess regional approaches to advancing innovative
        investment in covered infrastructure projects;
            (2) develop strategies for--
                    (A) transparency in the analysis of covered
                infrastructure projects to ensure protection of the
                public interest;
                    (B) the bundling of smaller scale and rural
                projects into a larger transaction for investment; and
                    (C) reducing transaction costs;
            (3) facilitatate the creation of a catalog of covered
        infrastructure projects available for investment; and
            (4) analyze and apply procurement methods for covered
        infrastructure projects, including--
                    (A) assessing taxpayer benefits of contractual
                agreements for the management and allocation of risks
                in infrastructure procurement;
                    (B) measuring the speed and quality of project
                completion;
                    (C) assessing the use of contracting strategies in
                which teams provide design, construction, financing,
                and maintenance solutions for performance outcomes; and
                    (D) complete the report described in subsection
                (e).
    (e) Report.--Not later than 12 months after receipt of a grant
under this section each regional infrastructure accelerator shall
submit to the Secretary a report, which shall include--
            (1) an update on the implementation of the plan described
        in subsection (a);
            (2) a description of the infrastructure needs of the region
        to be served by the regional infrastructure accelerator;
            (3) a proposal of covered infrastructure projects to be
        accomplished through a subsequent grant awarded under section
        4; and
            (4) the procurement strategies the regional infrastructure
        accelerator intends to use for such covered infrastructure
        projects.
    (f) Selection for Subsequent Grant.--The Secretary shall review the
reports submitted under subsection (e) and select not fewer than 4
regional infrastructure accelerators to receive a subsequent grant
pursuant to section 4.

SEC. 5. SUBSEQUENT GRANTS TO REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE ACCELERATORS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the Secretary reviews
the report submitted under section 4(e), and from amounts appropriated
under section 8(2), the Secretary shall award grants to the regional
infrastructure accelerators selected under section 4(f). A regional
infrastructure accelerator may use a grant awarded under this section
to make subgrants to State, local, or regional public entities for
predevelopment costs.
    (b) Restrictions on Subgrants.--Regional infrastructure
accelerators may make subgrants to State, local, or regional public
entities for predevelopment costs in an amount not to exceed $300,000
or 75 percent of the project costs, whichever is less. The subgrantee
shall provide, or shall secure from other sources, funding for
remaining balance of the project costs. Funds made available under this
section for predevelopment costs cannot be used to pay for work already
completed.
    (c) Application.--A State, local, or regional public entity may
submit an application for a subgrant to a regional infrastructure
accelerator that receives a grant under subsection (a) at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the regional
infrastructure accelerator may reasonably require.
    (d) Use of Funds.--Eligible costs shall include the following costs
associated with covered infrastructure projects:
            (1) Project planning, feasibility studies, economic
        assessments, cost-benefit analyses, and public benefit studies.
            (2) ``Value-for-money'' analyses.
            (3) Design and engineering.
            (4) Financial planning (including the identification of
        funding and financing options).
            (5) Permitting, environmental review, and regulatory
        processes.
            (6) Assessment of the impacts of potential projects on the
        area, including the effect on communities and environment.
            (7) The workforce and wages and benefits, as well as
        assessment of infrastructure vulnerability and resilience to
        the impacts of climate change and other risks.
            (8) Public outreach and community engagement.

SEC. 6. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of
the Program established under this Act. The report shall include an
overview of the Program and findings related to the effectiveness of
regional collaboration on infrastructure investment, infrastructure
finance, and the utilization of procurement methods (as described in
section 4(d)(4)).

SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
            (1) Covered infrastructure project.--In this Act, the term
        ``covered infrastructure project'' means an infrastructure
        project--
                    (A) that is sponsored by a State, local, or
                regional public entity; and
                    (B) that involves the construction, consolidation,
                alteration, or repair of any of the following:
                            (i) Intercity passenger or freight rail
                        lines.
                            (ii) Intercity passenger rail facilities or
                        equipment.
                            (iii) Intercity freight rail facilities or
                        equipment.
                            (iv) Intercity passenger bus facilities or
                        equipment.
                            (v) Public transportation facilities or
                        equipment.
                            (vi) Highway facilities, including bridges
                        and tunnels.
                            (vii) Airports.
                            (viii) Air traffic control systems.
                            (ix) Port or marine terminal facilities,
                        including approaches to marine terminal
                        facilities or inland port facilities.
                            (x) Port or marine equipment, including
                        fixed equipment to serve approaches to marine
                        terminals or inland ports.
                            (xi) Ports of entry or border crossing
                        infrastructure.
                            (xii) Transmission or distribution
                        pipelines.
                            (xiii) Inland waterways.
                            (xiv) Intermodal facilities or equipment
                        related to 2 or more of the sectors described
                        in clauses (i) through (xiii).
                            (xv) Water treatment and solid waste
                        disposal facilities, including drinking water
                        facilities.
                            (xvi) Storm water management systems.
                            (xvii) Dams and levees.
                            (xviii) Facilities or equipment for energy
                        transmission, distribution or storage.
            (2) Regional infrastructure accelerator.--The term
        ``regional infrastructure accelerator'' means a multi-
        jurisdictional organization organized and dedicated to provide
        technical assistance, financing options, and resources for
        covered infrastructure projects within the jurisdictions
        represented in such organization.
            (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of the Treasury.
            (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
        States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any
        territory or possession of the United States.

SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program
established under this Act $25,000,000, of which--
            (1) $11,500,000 shall be used for initial grants to
        regional infrastructure accelerator under section 3, to be
        expended not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of
        this Act;
            (2) $13,000,000 shall be used for subgrants to covered
        entities under section 4, to be expended not later than 6
        months after the submission of the final report required under
        section 4(e); and
            (3) $500,000 shall be used for administrative costs of the
        Program.

Output: Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Act of 2015 This bill authorizes the Department of the Treasury to establish a regional infrastructure accelerator program to provide grants to regional infrastructure accelerators to establish and administer a process for developing the priorities of, and acquiring financing for, covered infrastructure projects. A "regional infrastructure accelerator" is defined as a multi-jurisdictional organization dedicated to provide technical assistance, financing options, and resources for covered infrastructure projects within the represented jurisdictions. A "covered infrastructure project" is as an infrastructure project sponsored by a state, local, or regional public entity that involves the construction, consolidation, alteration, or repair of rail, bus, or public transportation facilities or equipment, highway facilities (including bridges and tunnels), airports, port or marine facilities and equipment, pipelines, inland waterways, intermodal facilities and equipment, water treatment and solid waste disposal facilities, storm water management systems, dams and levees, and facilities or equipment for energy transmission, distribution, or storage. From applications received, Treasury shall select five regional infrastructure accelerators from geographically diverse regions to receive initial grants. A regional infrastructure accelerator shall use such a grant to:   assess regional approaches to advancing innovative investment in covered infrastructure projects;   develop strategies for transparency in the analysis of such projects to ensure protection of the public interest, for the bundling of smaller scale and rural projects into a larger transaction for investment, and for reducing transaction costs;   facilitate the creation of a catalog of covered infrastructure projects available for investment; and   analyze and apply project procurement methods.  Treasury shall review reports submitted by such accelerators and select four of them to receive subsequent grants. A selected accelerator may use such subsequent grant to make subgrants to public entities for covered infrastructure predevelopment costs, which may include project planning, feasibility studies, economic assessments, cost-benefit analyses, public benefit studies, design and engineering, financial planning, permitting, environmental review, assessment of the impacts on the area, workforce and wages and benefits, assessment of infrastructure vulnerability and resilience to the impacts of climate change and other risks, and public outreach and community engagement.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Oncology Care Quality Improvement
Act of 2009''.

SEC. 2. ONCOLOGY CARE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in
this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall establish a pilot
program (in this section referred to as the ``OCQI program'') under
title XVIII of the Social Security Act to evaluate the impact of three
provider-led approaches described in subsection (b) to improve care
quality and outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with cancer while
addressing care cost drivers by creating greater efficiencies in the
program.
    (b) Approaches Described.--The approaches described in this
subsection are the following approaches to the delivery of oncology
care:
            (1) Evidence-based guideline adherence.--Reducing variation
        in care through adherence to evidence-based guidelines that
        improves quality and reduces error.
            (2) Patient education and care coordination services.--
        Providing patients with--
                    (A) dedicated educational sessions about the likely
                effects of their cancers and treatments and how to
                manage those prior to initiation of treatment,
                preferably from an oncology nurse; and
                    (B) continuous support throughout their course of
                care.
            (3) End-of-life planning and counseling services.--
        Providing patients with poor prognoses with end-of-life
        planning and counseling services with their physicians and
        nurses in order to empower such patients and their families
        with the best information available about their options to
        assist such patients and families in making difficult choices
        between pursuing potentially ineffective aggressive medical
        treatments or pursuing hospice care or other palliative care to
        improve quality of life in their final months.
    (c) Description.--
            (1) In general.--The OCQI program shall be designed in a
        manner similar to that for the physician group practice
        demonstration program under section 1866A of the Social
        Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc-1) and shall provide performance
        payments to participating oncology groups that implement each
        of the approaches described in subsection (b) equal to one-half
        of the program savings generated by the participating group.
        The other half of program savings shall be retained by the
        Medicare program.
            (2) Expenditure targets.--Under the OCQI program, the
        Secretary shall establish per capita expenditure targets for
        participating oncology groups, taking into account the risk
        characteristics of the patients involved. Those groups that
        meet the performance goals established by the Secretary and
        achieve program savings against the expenditure targets shall
        receive performance payments described in paragraph (1).
            (3) Limitation on number of participating groups.--The
        Secretary shall limit the number of groups that may participate
        in the OCQI program to no more than 75 groups at any time.
            (4) Limitation on duration.--The OCQI program shall be
        conducted over a 3-year period.
            (5) Limitation on patient selection.--The Secretary shall
        prohibit groups participating in the OCQI program from
        selecting the individual patients to be included in the
        program.
            (6) Penalties to prevent reductions in services.--The
        Secretary may impose penalties on those groups participating in
        the OCQI program that the Secretary determines have
        inappropriately reduced cancer therapies, including supportive
        care therapies (basing their determination on existing evidence
        based, medically accurate guidelines). Any such penalties shall
        be in the form of reductions to performance payments payable to
        the groups under paragraph (1).
    (d) Advisory Committee; Evaluation.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall appoint an advisory
        committee composed of representatives of the oncology
        community, including organizations representing physicians,
        nurses, and patients, and industry representatives, to
        collaborate with the Secretary on the creation and
        implementation of the OCQI program, including the development
        of appropriate expenditure targets, and to help analyze the
        data generated by the OCQI program. The advisory committee
        shall specifically advise the Secretary on the methods for
        selecting practices in different regions of the United States
        to particiapte in the OCQI program.
            (2) Evaluation.--In consultation with the advisory
        committee, Secretary shall evaluate the OCQI program to--
                    (A) assess patient outcomes for patients
                participating in the program as compared to such
                outcomes to other individuals for the same health
                conditions;
                    (B) analyze the cost effectiveness of the services
                for which performance payments are made under the
                program, including an evaluation of the cost savings to
                the Medicare program attributable to reductions in
                physicians' services, emergency room visits, hospital
                stays, drug costs, advanced imaging costs, and end-of-
                life care;
                    (C) determine the satisfaction of patients
                participating in the program; and
                    (D) refine the appropriate level and proportion of
                the specific performance payments among the three
                performance components of the program.
    (e) Implementation.--If the Secretary determines that the OCQI
program has been successful in improving care quality while lowering
the rate of growth of Medicare program expenditures, the Secretary is
authorized to include payments for the specific services paid under the
OCQI program as performance payments as permanent, covered services
under the Medicare program.

Output:
Oncology Care Quality Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a pilot program of oncology care quality improvement (OCQI) under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to evaluate the impact of three provider-led approaches to improve the care quality and outcome for Medicare beneficiaries with cancer while addressing care cost drivers by creating greater efficiencies in the program.

Specifies the three provider-led approaches as: (1) evidence-based guideline adherence; (2) patient education and care coordination services; and (3) end-of-life planning and counseling services.

Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee to collaborate with the Secretary on the creation and implementation of the OCQI program.