Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``21st Century Energy Workforce
Development Jobs Initiative Act of 2014''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds the following:
            (1) There are, currently and for well into the future,
        significant opportunities for African-Americans and Hispanic-
        Americans throughout the energy industry at each level of
        education and training, but raising the educational achievement
        for large segments of the upcoming generation is resource
        intensive and will take decades to achieve, although the payoff
        of an increased skilled labor pool would be enormous to society
        in general and United States industry in particular.
            (2) African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans represent an
        important talent pool to help meet the demands of the projected
        growth in the energy industry, and workforce training and
        education in business, finance, science, technology,
        engineering, and mathematics will prove vital in achieving this
        growth, as noted by the American Petroleum Institute.
            (3) Improving minority preparation in science, technology,
        engineering, and mathematics related disciplines at the primary
        and secondary school levels is crucial to increasing the share
        of minority science-based degree attainment in 4-year and 2-
        year programs of higher education, as well as for increasing
        attainment of vocational certificates.
            (4) The rates at which African-Americans and Hispanic-
        Americans attain employment in the energy industry is in part
        related to the choice of the field of study for college degrees
        (4-year or 2-year) and vocational certificates.
            (5) Data from the National Center for Education Statistics
        suggest that, over the 2001 through 2010 period, African-
        American and Hispanic-American students chose and completed 4-
        year college degrees applicable to employment in the oil and
        natural gas industry at rates one-fifth and one-half,
        respectively, the rates of the total student population.
            (6) With respect to 2-year associate degrees and
        certificates, data from the National Center for Education
        Statistics suggest that over the same time period, African-
        American and Hispanic-American students chose and completed
        programs of study/training applicable to employment in the oil
        and natural gas industry at rates roughly one-tenth above and
        one-third below, respectively, the rates of the total student
        population.
            (7) The American Petroleum Institute projects 525,000 new
        job opportunities in the oil and natural gas industry by 2020,
        with 166,000, or 31 percent of such jobs, expected to be held
        by African-American and Hispanic-American workers, and, with
        forward looking policies, that number could increase to a
        projected 811,000 new job opportunities, with more than
        285,000, or 35 percent, of such jobs being filled by
        minorities, by 2030.
            (8) The American Petroleum Institute projects that more
        than 50 percent of all jobs created in the oil and natural gas
        industry by 2020 would be high-paying skilled and semiskilled
        blue collar jobs, with a significant range of opportunities at
        the scientific/managerial level requiring a college degree.
            (9) The American Petroleum Institute projects that over
        half of the future potential job growth in the oil and natural
        gas industry, approximately 417,000 jobs, is expected in the
        Gulf region, with the East region expected to contribute nearly
        140,000 job opportunities, the Rockies region nearly 116,000
        job opportunities, and the West, Alaska, and Central regions
        expected to contribute approximately 138,000 job opportunities
        combined.
            (10) The National Mining Association reports that the coal
        mining industry supported a total of 805,680 jobs in 2011. That
        includes 204,580 direct jobs, including mine workers (143,520),
        support activities (7,280), and transportation (53,780).
            (11) Broad occupational categories of potential job
        creation in the upstream oil and gas industry include--
                    (A) management, business, and financial jobs;
                    (B) professional and related jobs;
                    (C) service jobs;
                    (D) sales and related jobs;
                    (E) office and administrative support jobs;
                    (F) skilled blue collar jobs;
                    (G) semiskilled blue collar jobs; and
                    (H) unskilled blue collar jobs.
            (12) Potential job creation in the upstream oil and gas
        industry by selected detailed occupational category include--
                    (A) derrick, rotary drill, and service unit
                operators;
                    (B) oil and gas roustabouts;
                    (C) operating engineers and other construction
                workers;
                    (D) equipment operators;
                    (E) construction laborers;
                    (F) first-line supervisors/managers of construction
                and extraction workers;
                    (G) heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers;
                    (H) pump operators and wellhead pumpers;
                    (I) helpers and other extraction workers;
                    (J) petroleum engineers; and
                    (K) secretaries.
            (13) The National Petroleum Council estimates that over the
        next decade 30,000 miles of new long-distance natural gas
        pipelines will be needed to manage the new sources of shale
        natural gas supply, while a 2007 Census Bureau's Survey of
        Business Owners estimated that a very small percentage of
        pipelines were owned by minority-owned and woman-owned firms
        compared to the total owned by nonminority males.
            (14) In 2013, the Energy Information Administration
        estimated that relatively low natural gas prices, maintained by
        growing shale natural gas production, will spur increased use
        of natural gas in the industrial and electric power sectors by
        16 percent, from 6.8 trillion cubic feet per year in 2011 to
        7.8 trillion cubic feet per year in 2025, while total
        consumption of natural gas in the United States will continue
        to grow in the electric power sector from 16 percent of
        generation in 2000 to 30 percent in 2040, which will lead to a
        significant number of new jobs in the natural gas sector.
            (15) The Energy Information Administration estimates
        natural gas production in the United States will increase
        annually, outpacing domestic consumption and making the United
        States a net exporter of natural gas by 2019, while continued
        low levels of liquefied natural gas imports, combined with
        increased United States exports of domestically sourced
        liquefied natural gas, position the United States as a net
        exporter of liquefied natural gas by 2016, creating an
        abundance of new jobs and investment opportunities.
            (16) The Energy Information Administration estimates that
        coal-fired electricity generation will remain a dominant
        resource in the Nation's total generation portfolio,
        representing 34 percent of United States baseload electricity
        in 2035.
            (17) In 2013, a report by the Bloomberg New Energy Finance
        research team estimated that clean energy investment is most
        likely to grow by 230 percent to a projected $630 billion
        annually in 2030, driven by further improvements in the cost-
        competitiveness of wind and solar technologies and an increase
        in the roll-out of non-intermittent clean energy sources
        including hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, requiring
        additional investment in science, technology, engineering, and
        mathematics education.
            (18) A 2013 report by the Bloomberg New Energy Finance
        research team estimated that renewable energy projects
        including wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass will account for
        70 percent of new power generation capacity between 2012 and
        2030, and, by 2030, renewable energy will account for half of
        the generation capacity worldwide, up from 28 percent in 2012,
        requiring additional investment in supporting infrastructure,
        including long distance transmission systems, smart grids,
        storage, and demand response.
            (19) The Energy Information Administration states that
        since 2005 renewable energy has garnered more than $1.3
        trillion worth of investment and the Energy Information
        Administration estimates that global energy consumption will
        increase by 47 percent between 2010 and 2035, with clean energy
        providing more than half of that new capacity and attracting up
        to $5.9 trillion worth of investment, leading to new employment
        and investment opportunities.

SEC. 3. COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR ENERGY-RELATED JOBS FOR THE 21ST
              CENTURY.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy (in this Act referred to
as the ``Secretary'') shall establish and carry out a comprehensive
program to improve education and training for energy-related jobs in
order to increase the number of skilled minorities and women trained to
work in energy-related jobs, including by--
            (1) encouraging minority and women students to enter into
        the energy science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
        (in this Act referred to as ``STEM'') fields;
            (2) ensuring that the Nation's education system is
        equipping students with the skills, training, and technical
        expertise necessary to fill the employment opportunities vital
        to managing and operating the Nation's energy industry; and
            (3) providing students and other candidates with the
        necessary skills and certifications for skilled, semiskilled,
        and highly skilled energy-related jobs.
    (b) Priority.--The Secretary shall make educating and training
minorities and other workers for energy-related jobs a national
priority under the program established under subsection (a).
    (c) Direct Assistance.--In carrying out the program established
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide direct assistance
(including grants, technical expertise, mentorships, and partnerships)
to community colleges, workforce development organizations, and
minority-serving institutions.
    (d) Clearinghouse.--In carrying out the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a clearinghouse to--
            (1) maintain and update information and resources on
        training and workforce development programs for energy-related
        jobs; and
            (2) act as a resource, and provide guidance, for schools,
        community colleges, universities, workforce development
        programs, and industry organizations that would like to develop
        and implement energy-related training programs.
    (e) Collaboration.--In carrying out the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary--
            (1) shall collaborate with schools, community colleges,
        universities, workforce training organizations, national
        laboratories, unions, State energy offices, and the energy
        industry;
            (2) shall encourage and foster collaboration, mentorships,
        and partnerships among organizations (including unions,
        industry, schools, community colleges, workforce development
        organizations, and universities) that currently provide
        effective job training programs in the energy field and
        institutions (including schools, community colleges, workforce
        development programs, and universities) that seek to establish
        these types of programs in order to share best practices and
        approaches that best suit local, State, and national needs; and
            (3) shall collaborate with the Energy Information
        Administration and the Bureau of the Census to develop a
        comprehensive and detailed understanding of the energy
        workforce needs and opportunities by State and by region.
    (f) Guidelines for Educational Institutions.--
            (1) In general.--In carrying out the program established
        under subsection (a), the Secretary, in collaboration with the
        Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor, shall
        develop guidelines for educational institutions of all levels,
        including for elementary and secondary schools and community
        colleges and for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate
        university programs, to help provide graduates with the skills
        necessary to work in energy-related jobs.
            (2) Input.--The Secretary shall solicit input from the oil,
        gas, coal, renewable, nuclear, utility, and pipeline industries
        in developing guidelines under paragraph (1).
            (3) Energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.--The
        guidelines developed under paragraph (1) shall include grade-
        specific guidelines for teaching energy efficiency and
        conservation initiatives to educate students and families.
            (4) STEM education.--The guidelines developed under
        paragraph (1) shall promote STEM education as it relates to job
        opportunities in energy-related fields of study in schools,
        community colleges, and universities nationally.
    (g) Outreach to MSIs.--In carrying out the program established
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
            (1) give special consideration to increasing outreach to
        minority serving institutions (including historically black
        colleges and universities, predominantly black institutions,
        Hispanic serving institutions, and tribal institutions);
            (2) make resources available to minority serving
        institutions with the objective of increasing the number of
        skilled minorities and women trained to go into the energy
        sector; and
            (3) encourage industry to improve the opportunities for
        students of minority serving institutions to participate in
        industry internships and cooperative work/study programs.
    (h) Guidelines To Develop Skills for an Energy Industry
Workforce.--In carrying out the program established under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall collaborate with representatives from the
energy industry (including the oil, gas, coal, nuclear, utility,
pipeline, renewable, and nuclear sectors) to identify the areas of
highest need in each sector and to develop guidelines for the skills
necessary to develop a workforce trained to go into the following
sectors of the energy industry:
            (1) Energy efficiency industry, including work in energy
        efficiency, conservation, weatherization, or retrofitting, or
        as inspectors or auditors.
            (2) Pipeline industry, including work in pipeline
        construction and maintenance or work as engineers or technical
        advisors.
            (3) Utility industry, including as utility workers,
        linemen, electricians, pole workers, or repairmen.
            (4) Alternative fuels, including work in biofuel
        development and production.
            (5) Nuclear industry, including work as scientists,
        engineers, technicians, mathematicians, or security personnel.
            (6) Oil and gas industry, including work as scientists,
        engineers, technicians, mathematicians, petrochemical
        engineers, or geologists.
            (7) Renewable industry, including work in the development
        and production of renewable energy sources (such as solar,
        hydropower, wind, or geothermal energy).
            (8) Coal industry, including work as coal miners,
        engineers, developers and manufacturers of state-of-the-art
        coal facilities, technology vendors, coal transportation
        workers and operators, and mining equipment vendors.
    (i) Enrollment in Training and Apprenticeship Programs.--In
carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall work with organized labor and community-based workforce
organizations to help identify students and other candidates, including
from historically underserved communities such as minorities, women,
and veterans, to enroll into training and apprenticeship programs for
energy-related jobs.

Output: 21st Century Energy Workforce Development Jobs Initiative Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a comprehensive program to improve the education and training of workers for energy-related jobs, with emphasis on increasing the number of skilled minorities and women trained to work in such jobs.


Input:
SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Zero Downpayment Act of 2004''.

SEC. 2. INSURANCE FOR ZERO-DOWNPAYMENT MORTGAGES.

    (a) Mortgage Insurance Authority.--Section 203 of the National
Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709) is amended by inserting after subsection
(k) the following:
    ``(l) Zero-Downpayment Mortgages.--
            ``(1) Insurance authority.--The Secretary may insure, and
        commit to insure, under this subsection any mortgage that meets
        the requirements of--
                    ``(A) this subsection; and
                    ``(B) except as otherwise specifically provided in
                this subsection, subsection (b).
            ``(2) Eligible single family property.--To be eligible for
        insurance under this subsection, a mortgage shall involve a
        property upon which there is located a dwelling that is
        designed principally for a 1- to 4-family residence, and that,
        notwithstanding subsection (g), is to be occupied by the
        mortgagor as his or her principal residence, which shall
        include--
                    ``(A) a 1-family dwelling unit in a multifamily
                project and an undivided interest in the common areas
                and facilities which serve the project;
                    ``(B) a 1-family dwelling unit of a cooperative
                housing corporation, the permanent occupancy of the
                dwelling units of which is restricted to members of
                such corporation and in which the purchase of stock or
                membership entitles the purchaser to the permanent
                occupancy of such dwelling unit; and
                    ``(C) a manufactured home, or a manufactured home
                together with a suitably developed lot on which to
                place the manufactured home.
            ``(3) Maximum principal obligation.--
                    ``(A) Limitation.--To be eligible for insurance
                under this subsection, a mortgage shall involve a
                principal obligation in an amount not in excess of 100
                percent of the appraised value of the property, plus
                any initial service charges, appraisal, inspection, and
                other fees in connection with the mortgage as approved
                by the Secretary.
                    ``(B) Inapplicability of other loan-to-value
                requirements.--A mortgage insured under this subsection
                shall not be subject to subsection (b)(2)(B), or to the
                undesignated matter that follows such subsection.
            ``(4) Eligible mortgagors.--The mortgagor under a mortgage
        insured under this subsection shall meet the following
        requirements:
                    ``(A) First-time homebuyer.--The mortgagor shall be
                a first-time homebuyer. The program for mortgage
                insurance under this subsection shall be considered a
                Federal program to assist first-time homebuyers for
                purposes of section 956 of the Cranston-Gonzalez
                National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12713).
                    ``(B) Counseling.--
                            ``(i) Requirement.--The mortgagor shall
                        have received counseling, by a third party
                        (other than the mortgagee or any party related
                        directly or indirectly to the mortgagee) who is
                        approved by the Secretary, with respect to the
                        responsibilities and financial management
                        involved in homeownership.
                            ``(ii) Topics.--Counseling required under
                        clause (i) shall include providing to, and
                        discussing with, the mortgagor--
                                    ``(I) information regarding
                                homeownership options other than a
                                mortgage insured under this subsection,
                                other zero- or low-downpayment mortgage
                                options that are or may become
                                available to the mortgagor, the
                                financial implications of entering into
                                a mortgage (including a
mortgage insured under this subsection), and any other information that
the Secretary may require; and
                                    ``(II) a document that sets forth
                                the amount and the percentage by which
                                the property subject to the mortgage
                                must appreciate for the mortgagor to
                                recover the principal amount of the
                                mortgage, the costs financed under the
                                mortgage, and the estimated costs
                                involved in selling the property, if
                                the mortgagor were to sell the property
                                on each of the second, fifth, and tenth
                                anniversaries of the mortgage.
                            ``(iii) 2- to 4-family residences.--In the
                        case of a mortgage involving a 2- to 4-family
                        residence, counseling required under clause (i)
                        shall include (in addition to the information
                        required under clause (ii)) information
                        regarding the rights and obligations of
                        landlords and tenants.
            ``(5) Option for notice of foreclosure prevention
        counseling availability.--
                    ``(A) Option.--To be eligible for insurance under
                this section, the mortgagee shall provide the
                mortgagor, at the time of the execution of the
                mortgage, an optional written agreement which, if
                signed by the mortgagor, allows, but does not require,
                the mortgagee to provide notice in accordance with
                subparagraph (B) to a housing counseling entity,
                approved by the Secertary, that has agreed to provide
                the notice and counseling required under subparagraph
                (C).
                    ``(B) Notice to counseling agency.--Notice provided
                under subparagraph (A) shall--
                            ``(i) be provided at the earliest time
                        practicable after the mortgagor becomes 60 days
                        delinquent with respect to any payment due
                        under the mortgage;
                            ``(ii) state that the mortgagor is
                        delinquent and set forth how to contact the
                        mortgagor; and
                            ``(iii) be provided once with respect to
                        each delinquency period for a mortgage.
                    ``(C) Notice to mortgagor.--Upon notice from a
                mortgagee that a mortgagor is 60 days delinquent with
                respect to payments due under the mortgage, the housing
                counseling entity shall immediately notify the
                mortgagor of such delinquency, that the entity makes
                available foreclosure prevention counseling that may
                assist the mortgagor in resolving the delinquency, and
                of how to contact the entity to arrange for such
                counseling.
                    ``(D) Ability to cure.--Failure to provide the
                optional written agreement required under subparagraph
                (A) may be corrected by sending such agreement to the
                mortgagor at the earliest time practicable after the
                mortgagor first becomes 60 days delinquent with respect
                to payments due under the mortgage. Insurance provided
                under this subsection may not be terminated and
                penalties for such failure may not be prospectively or
                retroactively imposed if such failure is corrected in
                accordance with this subparagraph.
                    ``(E) Penalties for failure to provide agreement.--
                The Secretary may establish appropriate penalties for
                failure of a mortgagee to provide the optional written
                agreement required under subparagraph (A).
                    ``(F) Limitation on liability of mortgagee.--A
                mortgagee shall not incur any liability or penalties
                for any failure of a housing counseling entity to
                provide notice under subparagraph (C).
                    ``(G) No private right of action.--This section
                shall not create any private right of action on behalf
                of the mortgagor.
                    ``(H) Delinquency period.--For purposes of this
                paragraph, the term `delinquency period' means, with
                respect to a mortgage, a period that begins upon the
                mortgagor becoming delinquent with respect to payments
                due under the mortgage, and ends upon the first
                subsequent occurrence of such payments under the
                mortgage becoming current or the property subject to
                the mortgage being foreclosed or otherwise disposed of.
            ``(6) Inapplicability of downpayment requirement.--A
        mortgage insured under this subsection shall not be subject to
        subsection (b)(9) or any other requirement to pay on account of
        the property, in cash or its equivalent, any amount of the cost
        of acquisition.
            ``(7) Premiums.--In conjunction with the credit subsidy
        estimation calculated each year pursuant to the Federal Credit
        Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), the Secretary shall
        review the program performance for mortgages insured under this
        subsection and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that
        the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund shall continue to generate a
        negative credit subsidy which may include--
                    ``(A) altering mortgage insurance premiums subject
                to subsection (c)(2);
                    ``(B) reviewing underwriting policies; and
                    ``(C) limiting the availability of mortgage
                insurance under this subsection.
            ``(8) Underwriting.--For a mortgage to be eligible for
        insurance under this subsection, the mortgagor's credit and
        ability to pay the monthly mortgage payments shall have been
        evaluated using the Federal Housing Administration's Technology
        Open To Approved Lenders (TOTAL) Mortgage Scorecard, or a
        similar standardized credit scoring system approved by the
        Secretary, and in accordance with procedures established by the
        Secretary.
            ``(9) Approval of mortgagees.--To be eligible for insurance
        under this subsection, a mortgage shall have been made to a
        mortgagee that meets such criteria as the Secretary shall
        establish to ensure that mortgagees meet appropriate standards
        for participation in the program authorized under this
        subsection.
            ``(10) Disclosure of incremental costs.--For a mortgage to
        be eligible for insurance under this subsection, the mortgagee
        shall provide to the mortgagor, at the time of the application
        for the loan involved in the mortgage, a written disclosure, as
        the Secretary shall require, that specifies the effective cost
        to a mortgagor of borrowing the amount by which the maximum
        amount that could be borrowed under a mortgage insured under
        this subsection exceeds the maximum amount that could be
        borrowed under a mortgage insured under subsection (b), based
        on average closing costs with respect to such amount, as
        determined by the Secretary. Such cost shall be expressed as an
        annual interest rate over the first 5 years of a mortgage.
            ``(11) Loss mitigation.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Upon the default of any mortgage
                insured under this subsection, the mortgagee shall
                engage in loss mitigation actions for the purpose of
                providing an alternative to foreclosure to the same
                extent as is required of other mortgages insured under
                this title pursuant to the regulations issued under
                section 230(a).
                    ``(B) Annual reporting.--Not later than 90 days
                after the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall
                submit a report to Congress that compares the rates of
                default and foreclosure during such fiscal year for
                mortgages insured under this subsection, for single-
                family mortgages insured under this title (other than
                under this subsection), and for mortgages for housing
                purchased with assistance provided under the
                downpayment assistance initiative under section 271 of
                the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act
                (42 U.S.C. 12821).
            ``(12) Additional requirements.--The Secretary may
        establish any additional requirements for mortgage insurance
        under this subsection as may be necessary or appropriate.
            ``(13) Limitation.--The aggregate number of mortgages
        insured under this section in any fiscal year may not exceed 30
        percent of the aggregate number of mortgages and loans insured
        by the Secretary under this title during the preceding fiscal
        year.
            ``(14) Program suspension.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (C), the
                authority under paragraph (1) to insure mortgages shall
                be suspended if at any time the claim rate described in
                subparagraph (B) exceeds 3.5 percent. A suspension
                under this subparagraph shall remain in effect until
                such time as such claim rate is 3.5 percent or less.
                    ``(B) FHA total single-family annual claim rate.--
                The claim rate under subparagraph (A), for any
                particular time, shall be the ratio of the number of
                claims during the 12 months preceding such time on
                mortgages on 1- to 4-family residences insured pursuant
                to this title, to the number of mortgages on such
                residences having such insurance in-force at that time.
                    ``(C) Applicability.--A suspension under
                subparagraph (A) shall not preclude the Secretary from
                endorsing or insuring any mortgage that was duly
                executed before the date of such suspension.
            ``(15) Sunset.--No mortgage may be insured under this
        section after September 30, 2011, except that the Secretary may
        endorse or insure any mortgage that was duly executed before
        such date.
            ``(16) GAO reports.--Not later than 2 years after the date
        of enactment of the Zero Downpayment Act of 2004, and annually
        thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
        submit a report to Congress regarding the performance of
        mortgages insured under this subsection.
            ``(17) Implementation.--The Secretary may implement this
        subsection on an interim basis by issuing interim rules, except
        that the Secretary shall solicit public comments upon
        publication of such interim rules and shall issue final rules
        implementing this subsection after consideration of the
        comments submitted.''.
    (b) Mortgage Insurance Premiums.--The second sentence of
subparagraph (A) of section 203(c)(2)(A) of the National Housing Act
(12 U.S.C. 1709(c)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``In'' and inserting
``Except with respect to a mortgage insured under subsection (l), in''.

Output:
Zero Downpayment Act of 2004 - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure zero-downpayment mortgages of an eligible single family residence for a first-time homebuyer who has received specified homeownership counseling.

Terminates program authority after September 30, 2011, except for mortgages executed prior to such date.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Opportunity Passport Act of 2002''.

SEC. 2. OPPORTUNITY PASSPORTS.

    Section 105(a)(3) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
(42 U.S.C. 5106(a)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) Opportunity passports and other assistance.--
                            ``(i) Grants.--The Secretary may make
                        grants to partnerships of public agencies or
                        private nonprofit organizations in not more
                        than 10 States to assist the partnerships in
                        developing and implementing methods of
                        providing long- and short-term financial
                        security for youth in foster care and youth
                        aging out of foster care.
                            ``(ii) Use of funds.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--A partnership
                                that receives a grant under clause (i)
                                shall use the funds made available
                                through the grant to carry out 1 or
                                more of the activities described in
                                clauses (ii) through (v).
                                    ``(II) Opportunity passports.--The
                                partnership may use the funds to
                                develop and provide, for youth aging
                                out of foster care, electronic
                                opportunity passports, such as
                                electronic cards or secure Internet
                                databases that contain vital
                                information, such as medical records,
                                legal identification (analogous to a
                                Social Security card or birth
                                certificate), and school transcripts,
                                to ensure that the youth can carry or
                                readily access the vital information.
                                    ``(III) Individual development
                                accounts.--The partnership may use the
                                funds to establish and provide
                                individual development accounts, to
                                assist youth aging out of foster care
                                to obtain postsecondary education,
                                purchase a house, pay for medical care,
                                operate a business, or purchase a car.
                                In establishing and providing such an
                                account, the partnership shall provide
                                a small amount of seed money and shall
                                require the account holder to attend
                                money management training before
                                receiving access to the account.
                                    ``(IV) Debit accounts for short-
                                term use.--The partnership may use the
                                funds to establish and provide debit
                                accounts, to assist youth aging out of
                                foster care for short periods by
                                enabling the youth to build credit
                                histories and purchase essential items
                                such as work uniforms and car
                                insurance, in order to assist the youth
                                in becoming self-sufficient. In
                                establishing and providing such an
                                account, the partnership shall provide
                                a small amount of seed money and shall
                                require the account holder to attend
                                money management training before
                                receiving access to the account.
                                    ``(V) Assistance from youth
                                leadership boards and community
                                partners.--The partnership may use the
                                funds to establish a youth leadership
                                board and provide assistance through
                                the board, or to provide assistance
                                through members of the partnership, to
                                enable youth in foster care to
                                negotiate agreements, obtain expedited
                                access to education and training
                                programs, obtain pre-approval for
                                student loans or other student
                                financial assistance, and become
                                entrepreneurs.
            ``(iii) Definition.--In this subparagraph, the term `youth
        aging out of foster care' means children who are--
                    ``(A) leaving foster care because such children
                have attained the maximum age for foster care
                eligibility in a State; and
                    ``(B) transitioning to independent living, as
                determined by the Secretary.''.

SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 112 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42
U.S.C. 5106h) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
            (2) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ``(other than
        section 105(a)(3)(D))'' after ``title''; and
            (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
    ``(b) Opportunity Passports.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out section 105(a)(3)(D) $10,000,000 for fiscal
year 2003 and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal
year.''.

Output: Opportunity Passport Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to assist partnerships of public agencies or private nonprofit organizations in developing and implementing methods of providing financial security for youth in foster care and for youth aging out of foster care, including: (1) electronic opportunity passports, such as electronic cards or secure Internet databases containing vital information about medical records, legal identification, and school transcripts; (2) individual development accounts for educational, housing, medical, business, or automobile expenses; (3) debit accounts for short-term use to build credit histories and purchase essential items; and (4) youth leadership boards providing assistance to enable such youth to negotiate agreements, obtain expedited access to education and training programs, obtain pre-approval for student loans or other student financial assistance, and become entrepreneurs.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Persian Gulf War Veterans Health
Care and Research Act of 1998''.

SEC. 2. HEALTH CARE FOR VETERANS OF WAR.

    (a) Authority To Provide Priority Care.--Section 1710(e) of title
38, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by adding at the end of paragraph (1) the following new
        subparagraph:
    ``(D) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a veteran who served on
active duty in a theater of combat operations (as determined by the
Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense) during a
period of war after the Vietnam era, or in combat against a hostile
force during a period of hostilities (as defined in section
1712A(a)(2)(B) of this title) after the date of the enactment of this
subparagraph, is eligible for hospital care, medical services, and
nursing home care under subsection (a)(2)(F) for any illness,
notwithstanding that there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude
that such condition is attributable to such service.'';
            (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``or (1)(D)'' after
        ``paragraph (1)(C)'';
            (3) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) by striking out ``and'' at the end of
                subparagraph (A);
                    (B) by striking out ``December 31, 1998.'' in
                subparagraph (B) and inserting in lieu thereof
                ``December 31, 2001; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new
                subparagraph:
            ``(C) in the case of care for a veteran described in
        paragraph (1)(D), after a period of five years beginning on the
        date of the veteran's discharge or release from active
        military, naval, or air service.''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(5) When the Secretary first provides care for veterans using the
authority provided in paragraph (1)(D), the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report on the experience under that authority. The report
shall cover the period of the first three years during which that
authority is used and shall be submitted not later than nine months
after the end of that three-year period. The Secretary shall include in
the report any recommendations of the Secretary for extension of that
authority.''.
    (b) Enrollment Priority.--Section 1705(a)(4) of such title is
amended--
            (1) by striking out ``and'' after ``permanently
        housebound'' and inserting in lieu thereof a comma; and
            (2) by inserting ``, and veterans described in subparagraph
        (F) of section 1710(a)(2) of this title'' after ``disabled''.

 SEC. 3. NATIONAL CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF WAR-RELATED ILLNESSES.

    (a) In General.--(1) Chapter 73 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 7322 the following new section:
``Sec. 7323. National Center for the Study of War-Related Illnesses
    ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the Under
Secretary for Health, shall establish and operate in the Veterans
Health Administration a National Center for the Study of War-Related
Illnesses (hereinafter in this section referred to as the `Center').
The Center shall, as appropriate, coordinate its activities with those
of the National Center on Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder established
pursuant to section 110(c) of the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984
(Public Law 98-528).
    ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Center shall be to promote
improvement of clinical, research, and educational activities of the
Veterans Health Administration with respect to war-related illnesses,
including medically unexplained illnesses.
    ``(c) Functions.--In carrying out the purposes of the Center, the
Under Secretary shall ensure that the Center--
            ``(1) promotes the training of health care and related
        personnel in, and research into, the causes, mechanisms, and
        treatment of war-related illnesses;
            ``(2) serves as a resource center for, and promotes and
        seeks to coordinate the exchange of information regarding,
        research and training activities carried out by the Department,
        the Department of Defense, and other Federal and non-Federal
        entities; and
            ``(3) coordinates with the Department of Defense and other
        interested Federal departments and agencies in the conduct of
        research, training, and treatment and the dissemination of
        information pertaining to war-related illnesses.
    ``(d) Staff.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that the staff of
the Center has an appropriate range and breadth of expertise so as to
enable the Center to bring an interdisciplinary approach to the study
and treatment of war-related illnesses.
    ``(e) Coordination Between Departments.--(1) In order to ensure
needed coordination between the Department and the Department of
Defense in carrying out the mission of the Center, the officials
identified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 8111(b)(2) of this
title shall--
            ``(A) meet regularly to review pertinent policies,
        procedures, and practices of their respective departments
        relating to such coordination and to identify actions that
        could be taken to change policies, procedures, and practices to
        improve such coordination; and
            ``(B) take all appropriate steps to carry out those actions
        identified under paragraph (1).
    ``(2) The Secretary and the Secretary of Defense shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress an annual joint report, not
later than April 1 each year, on the activities under paragraph (1)
during the preceding year.''.
    (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7322 the
following new item:

``7323. National Center for the Study of War-Related Illnesses.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The National Center for the Study of War-
Related Illnesses required to be established by section 7323 of title
38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall be
established not later than October 1, 1999.

SEC. 4. ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS OF CARE OF PERSIAN GULF WAR
              VETERANS.

    (a) Assessment by National Academy of Sciences.--Not later than
November 1, 1998, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a
contract with the National Academy of Sciences for the conduct of a
review of a methodology which could be used by the Department of
Veterans Affairs for determining the efficacy of treatments furnished
to, and health outcomes (to include functional status) of, Persian Gulf
War veterans who have been treated for illnesses which may be
associated with their service in the Persian Gulf War.
    (b) Action on Report.--Not later than 180 days after receiving the
final report of the National Academy of Sciences under subsection (a),
the Secretary shall--
            (1) if scientifically feasible, develop an appropriate
        mechanism to monitor and study the effectiveness of treatments
        furnished to, and health outcomes of, Persian Gulf War veterans
        who suffer from diagnosed and undiagnosed illnesses which may
        be associated with their service in the Persian Gulf War; and
            (2) submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
        Senate and House of Representatives a report on the
        implementation of this subsection.

SEC. 5. CONTRACT FOR INDEPENDENT RECOMMENDATIONS ON RESEARCH AND FOR
              DEVELOPMENT OF CURRICULUM ON CARE OF PERSIAN GULF WAR
              VETERANS.

    Section 706 of the Persian Gulf War Veterans' Health Status Act
(title VII of Public Law 102-585; 38 U.S.C. 527 note) is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
    ``(d) Research Review and Development of Medical Education
Curriculum.--(1) In order to further understanding of the health
consequences of military service in the Persian Gulf theater of
operations and of new research findings with implications for improving
the provision of care for veterans of such service, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into
an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the
Institute of Medicine of the Academy would--
            ``(A) develop a curriculum pertaining to the care and
        treatment of veterans of such service who have ill-defined or
        undiagnosed illnesses for use in the continuing medical
        education of both general and specialty physicians who provide
        care for such veterans; and
            ``(B) periodically review and provide recommendations
        regarding the research plans and research strategies of the
        Departments relating to the health consequences of military
        service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the
        Persian Gulf War, including recommendations that the Academy
        considers appropriate for additional scientific studies to
        resolve areas of continuing scientific uncertainty relating to
        the health consequences of any aspects of such military
        service.
    ``(2) Not later than 6 months after the Institute of Medicine
provides the Secretaries the curriculum developed under paragraph (1),
the Secretaries shall provide for the conduct of continuing education
programs using the curriculum developed under paragraph (1). Such
programs shall include instruction which seeks to emphasize use of
appropriate protocols of diagnosis, referral, and treatment of such
veterans.''.

SEC. 6. REVISION TO PROCESS FOR DETERMINING PRIORITIES FOR HEALTH-
              RELATED RESEARCH ON THE PERSIAN GULF WAR.

    Section 707 of the Persian Gulf War Veterans' Health Status Act
(title VII of Public Law 102-585; 38 U.S.C. 527 note) is amended by
striking out subsection (b) and inserting in lieu thereof the
following:
    ``(b) Public Advisory Committee.--Not later than January 1, 1999,
the head of the department or agency designated under subsection (a)
shall establish an advisory committee consisting of members of the
general public, to include Persian Gulf War veterans and
representatives of such veterans, to provide advice to the head of that
department or agency on proposed research studies, research plans, or
research strategies relating to the health consequences of military
service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian
Gulf War. The department or agency head shall consult with such
advisory committee on a regular basis.
    ``(c) Reports.--(1) Not later than March 1 of each year, the head
of the department or agency designated under subsection (a) shall
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House
of Representatives a report on--
            ``(A) the status and results of all such research
        activities undertaken by the executive branch during the
        previous year;
            ``(B) research priorities identified during that year; and
            ``(C) recommendations of the public advisory committee
        established under subsection (b) that were not adopted during
        that year and the reasons for not adopting each such
        recommendation.
    ``(2)(A) Not later than 120 days after submission of the
epidemiological research study conducted by the Department of Veterans
Affairs entitled `VA National Survey of Persian Gulf Veterans--Phase
III', the head of the department or agency designated under subsection
(a) shall submit to the congressional committees specified in paragraph
(1) a report on the findings under that study.
    ``(B) With respect to any findings of that study which identify
scientific evidence of a greater relative risk of illness or illnesses
in family members of veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War
theater of operations than in family members of veterans who did not so
serve, the head of the department or agency designated under subsection
(a) shall seek to ensure that appropriate research studies are designed
to follow up on such findings.
    ``(d) Public Availability of Research Findings.--The head of the
department or agency designated under subsection (a) shall ensure that
the findings of all research conducted by or for the executive branch
relating to the health consequences of military service in the Persian
Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War (including
information pertinent to improving provision of care for veterans of
such service) are made available to the public through peer-reviewed
medical journals, the Internet World Wide Web, and other appropriate
media.''.

SEC. 7. DESIGNATION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER IN
              ASPINWALL, PENNSYLVANIA.

    The Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Aspinwall,
Pennsylvania, is hereby designated as the ``H. John Heinz III
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center''. Any reference to that
medical center in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other
paper of the United States shall be considered to be a reference to the
``H. John Heinz III Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center''.

SEC. 8. DESIGNATION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER IN
              GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA.

    The Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Gainesville,
Florida, is hereby designated as the ``Malcom Randall Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center''. Any reference to that medical center
in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the
United States shall be considered to be a reference to the ``Malcom
Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center''.

SEC. 9. MANAGEMENT OF SPECIALIZED TREATMENT AND REHABILITATIVE
              PROGRAMS.

    (a) Standards of Job Performance.--Section 1706(b) of title 38,
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2), by striking out ``April 1, 1997,
        April 1, 1998, and April 1, 1999'', and inserting in lieu
        thereof ``April 1, 1999, April 1, 2000, and April 1, 2001'';
        and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(3)(A) To ensure compliance with paragraph (1), the Under
Secretary for Health shall prescribe objective standards of job
performance for employees in positions described in subparagraph (B)
with respect to the job performance of those employees in carrying out
the requirements of paragraph (1). Those job performance standards
shall include measures of workload, allocation of resources, and
quality-of-care indicators.
    ``(B) Positions described in this subparagraph are positions in the
Veterans Health Administration that have responsibility for allocating
and managing resources applicable to the requirements of paragraph (1).
    ``(C) The Under Secretary shall develop the job performance
standards under subparagraph (A) in consultation with the Advisory
Committee on Prosthetics and Special Disabilities Programs and the
Committee on Care of Severely Chronically Mentally Ill Veterans.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The standards of job performance required by
paragraph (3) of section 1706(b) of title 38, United States Code, as
added by subsection (a), shall be prescribed not later than January 1,
1999.

SEC. 10. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO COUNSEL AND TREAT VETERANS FOR
              SEXUAL TRAUMA.

    Section 1720D(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking out ``December 31, 1998'' in paragraphs (1) and (3) and
inserting in lieu thereof ``December 31, 2001''.

SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION OF A SPINAL CORD INJURY CENTER
              AT THE TAMPA, FLORIDA, VAMC.

    (a) Authorization.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out
a major medical facility project for construction of a spinal cord
injury center at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
Tampa, Florida, in an amount not to exceed $46,300,000.
    (b) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 1999 for the
Construction, Major Projects, account $20,000,000 to be available for
the project authorized in subsection (a).
    (c) Source of Funds.--The project authorized in subsection (a) may
be carried out using --
            (A) funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of
        appropriations in subsection (b);
            (B) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects,
        for a fiscal year before fiscal year 1999 that remain available
        for obligation; and
            (C) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects,
        for a fiscal year before fiscal year 1999 for a category of
        activity not specific to a project.

            Passed the House of Representatives August 3, 1998.

            Attest:

                                                ROBIN H. CARLE,

                                                                 Clerk.

Output:
Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Care and Research Act of 1998 - Authorizes priority hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for any illness for veterans who served on active duty:  (1) in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Vietnam era; or (2) in combat against a hostile force after the date of enactment of this Act.  Allows such priority notwithstanding that there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that such condition is attributable to such service.  Extends through December 31, 2001, the authority for the provision of such services to other Persian Gulf War veterans.  Authorizes priority service for a period of five years after discharge or release. Requires a report from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Congress on the experiences under the priority care.
Elevates from level six to level four the priority assigned for purposes of enrollment for health care to veterans based on Persian Gulf War service, herbicide exposure during the Vietnam era, and exposure to ionizing radiation.
Directs the Secretary to establish in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs a National Center for the Study of War-Related Illnesses to promote the clinical, research, and educational activities of the VHA with respect to war-related illnesses, including medically unexplained illnesses.
Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for the review of a methodology which could be used by the Department to determine the efficacy of treatments furnished to, and health outcomes of, Persian Gulf War veterans who have been treated for illnesses which may be associated with their service.  Requires an implementation report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans' committees.
Authorizes the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Defense to contract with NAS to:  (1) develop a curriculum pertaining to the care and treatment of Persian Gulf War veterans who have ill-defined or undiagnosed illnesses for use in the continuing medical education of both general and specialty physicians providing care to such veterans; and (2) periodically review and provide recommendations regarding the research plans and strategies of the respective Departments relating to the health consequences of military service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.
Amends the Persian Gulf War Veterans' Health Status Act to direct Federal department or agency heads designated by the President to establish within their respective departments an advisory committee to advise on proposed research studies, plans, or strategies relating to the health consequences of military service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations.  Requires:  (1) related reports; and (2) the public availability of all research findings, including through the Internet World Wide Web.
Designates the Department medical center in:  (1) Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, as the H. John Heinz III Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center; and (2) Gainesville, Florida, as the Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Extends through April 1, 2001, reporting requirements of the Secretary concerning management of Department hospital care and medical services.  Requires the VHA's Under Secretary for Health to prescribe objective standards of job performance for Department employees having responsibility for allocating and managing Department hospital and medical resources.
Extends through December 31, 2001, the authority to provide counseling and treatment to veterans to overcome sexual trauma.
Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a major medical facility project for construction of a spinal cord injury center at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tampa, Florida, at a specified cost.  Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 for such construction.  Allows the use of Construction, Major Projects, funding for fiscal years before 1999 for such project.


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

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Rural States
Physician Recruitment and Retention Demonstration Act of 2000''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Rural States Physician Recruitment and Retention Demonstration
                            Program.
Sec. 4. Establishment of the Health Professions Database.
Sec. 5. Evaluation and reports.
Sec. 6. Contracting flexibility.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) COGME.--The term ``COGME'' means the Council on
        Graduate Medical Education established under section 762 of the
        Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 294o).
            (2) Demonstration program.--The term ``demonstration
        program'' means the Rural States Physician Recruitment and
        Retention Demonstration Program established by the Secretary
        under section 3(a).
            (3) Demonstration states.--The term ``demonstration
        States'' means the 2 States selected by the Secretary that,
        based upon 1998 data, have--
                    (A) an uninsured population above 20 percent (as
                determined by the Bureau of the Census);
                    (B) a population eligible for medical assistance
                under the medicaid program under title XIX of the
                Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) above 17
                percent (as determined by the Health Care Financing
                Administration);
                    (C) an unemployment rate above 4.8 percent (as
                determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics);
                    (D) an average per capita income below $21,200 (as
                determined by the Bureau of Economic Analysis); and
                    (E) a geographic practice cost indices component of
                the reimbursement rate for physicians under the
                medicare program that is below the national average (as
                determined by the Health Care Financing
                Administration).
            (4) Eligible residency or fellowship graduate.--The term
        ``eligible residency or fellowship graduate'' means a graduate
        of an approved medical residency training program (as defined
        in section 1886(h)(5)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
        1395ww(h)(5)(A))) in a shortage physician specialty.
            (5) Health professions database.--The term ``Health
        Professions Database'' means the database established under
        section 4(a).
            (6) Medicare program.--The term ``medicare program'' means
        the health benefits program under title XVIII of the Social
        Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).
            (7) MedPAC.--The term ``MedPAC'' means the Medicare Payment
        Advisory Commission established under section 1805 of the
        Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395b-6).
            (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Health and Human Services.
            (9) Shortage physician specialties.--The term ``shortage
        physician specialty'' means a medical or surgical specialty
        identified in a demonstration State by the Secretary based on--
                    (A) an analysis and comparison of National data and
                demonstration State data; and
                    (B) recommendations from appropriate Federal,
                State, and private commissions, centers, councils,
                medical and surgical physician specialty boards, and
                medical societies or associations involved in physician
                workforce, education and training, and payment issues.

SEC. 3. RURAL STATES PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION DEMONSTRATION
              PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a Rural
        States Physician Recruitment and Retention Demonstration
        Program for the purpose of ameliorating physician shortage,
        recruitment, and retention problems in rural States in
        accordance with the requirements of this section.
            (2) Consultation.--For purposes of establishing the
        demonstration program, the Secretary shall consult with--
                    (A) COGME;
                    (B) MedPAC;
                    (C) a representative of each demonstration State
                medical society or association;
                    (D) the health workforce planning and physician
                training authority of each demonstration State; and
                    (E) any other entity described in section 2(9)(B).
    (b) Duration.--The Secretary shall conduct the demonstration
program for a period of 10 years.
    (c) Conduct of Program.--
            (1) Funding of additional residency and fellowship
        positions.--
                    (A) In general.--As part of the demonstration
                program, the Secretary (acting through the
                Administrator of the Health Care Financing
                Administration) shall--
                            (i) waive any limitation under section 1886
                        of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww)
                        with respect to the number of residency and
                        fellowship positions;
                            (ii) increase by up to 15 percent of the
                        total number residency and fellowship positions
                        approved at each medical residency training
                        program in each demonstration State the number
                        of residency and fellowships in each shortage
                        physician specialty; and
                            (iii) subject to subparagraph (C), provide
                        funding for such additional positions under
                        subsections (d)(5)(B) and (h) of section 1886
                        of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww).
                    (B) Establishment of additional positions.--
                            (i) Identification.--The Secretary shall
                        identify each additional residency and
                        fellowship position created as a result of the
                        application of subparagraph (A).
                            (ii) Negotiation and consultation.--The
                        Secretary shall negotiate and consult with
                        representatives of each approved medical
                        residency training program in a demonstration
                        State at which a position identified under
                        clause (i) is created for purposes of
                        supporting such position.
                    (C) Contracts with residents and fellows.--
                            (i) In general.--The Secretary shall
                        condition the availability of funding for each
                        residency and fellowship position identified
                        under subparagraph (B)(i) on the execution of a
                        contract containing the provisions described in
                        clause (ii) by each individual accepting such a
                        residency or fellowship position.
                            (ii) Provisions described.--The provisions
                        described in this clause provide that, upon
                        completion of the residency or fellowship, the
                        individual completing such residency or
                        fellowship will practice in the demonstration
                        State in which such residency or fellowship was
                        completed that is designated by the contract
                        for 1 year for each year of training under the
                        residency or fellowship in the demonstration
                        State.
                            (iii) Construction.--The period that the
                        individual practices in the area designated by
                        the contract shall be in addition to any period
                        that such individual practices in an area
                        designated under a contract executed pursuant
                        to paragraph (2)(C).
                    (D) Limitations.--
                            (i) Period of payment.--The Secretary may
                        not fund any residency of fellowship position
                        identified under subparagraph (B)(i) for a
                        period of more than 5 years.
                            (ii) Phase-out of program.--The Secretary
                        may not enter into any contract under
                        subparagraph (C) after the date that is 5 years
                        after the date on which the Secretary
                        establishes the demonstration program.
            (2) Loan repayment and forgiveness program.--
                    (A) In general.--As part of the demonstration
                program, the Secretary (acting through the
                Administrator of Health Resources and Services
                Administration) shall establish a loan repayment and
                forgiveness program, through the holder of the loan,
                under which the Secretary assumes the obligation to
                repay a qualified loan amount for an educational loan
                of an eligible residency or fellowship graduate--
                            (i) for which the Secretary has approved an
                        application submitted under subparagraph (D);
                        and
                            (ii) with which the Secretary has entered
                        into a contract under subparagraph (C).
                    (B) Qualified loan amount.--
                            (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
                        the Secretary shall repay not more than $25,000
                        per graduate per year of the loan obligation on
                        a loan that is outstanding during the period
                        that the eligible residency or fellowship
                        graduate practices in the area designated by
                        the contract entered into under subparagraph
                        (C).
                            (ii) Limitation.--The aggregate amount
                        under this subparagraph shall not exceed
                        $125,000 for any graduate and the Secretary may
                        not repay or forgive more than 30 loans per
year in each demonstration State under this paragraph.
                    (C) Contracts with residents and fellows.--
                            (i) In general.--Each eligible residency or
                        fellowship graduate desiring repayment of a
                        loan under this paragraph shall execute a
                        contract containing the provisions described in
                        clause (ii).
                            (ii) Provisions.--The provisions described
                        in this clause are provisions that require the
                        eligible residency or fellowship graduate to
                        practice in a demonstration State during the
                        period in which a loan is being repaid or
                        forgiven under this section.
                    (D) Application.--
                            (i) In general.--Each eligible residency or
                        fellowship graduate desiring repayment of a
                        loan under this paragraph shall submit an
                        application to the Secretary at such time, in
                        such manner, and accompanied by such
                        information as the Secretary may reasonably
                        require.
                            (ii) Phase-out of loan repayment and
                        forgiveness program.--The Secretary may not
                        accept an application for repayment of any loan
                        under this paragraph after the date that is 5
                        years after the date on which the demonstration
                        program is established.
                    (E) Construction.--Nothing in the section shall be
                construed to authorize any refunding of any repayment
                of a loan.
                    (F) Prevention of double benefits.--No borrower
                may, for the same service, receive a benefit under both
                this paragraph and any loan repayment or forgiveness
                program under title VII of the Public Health Service
                Act (42 U.S.C. 292 et seq.).
    (d) Waiver of Medicare Requirements.--The Secretary is authorized
to waive any requirement of the medicare program, or approve equivalent
or alternative ways of meeting such a requirement, if such waiver is
necessary to carry out the demonstration program, including the waiver
of any limitation on the amount of payment or number of residents under
section 1886 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww).
    (e) Appropriations.--
            (1) Funding of additional residency and fellowship
        positions.--Any expenditures resulting from the establishment
        of the funding of additional residency and fellowship positions
        under subsection (c)(1) shall be made from the Federal Hospital
        Insurance Trust Fund under section 1817 of the Social Security
        Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i).
            (2) Loan repayment and forgiveness program.--There are
        authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to
        carry out the loan repayment and forgiveness program
        established under subsection (c)(2).

SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS DATABASE.

    (a) Establishment of the Health Professions Database.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 7 months after the date of
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary (acting through the
        Administrator of Health Resources and Services Administration)
        shall establish a State-specific health professions database to
        track health professionals in each demonstration State with
        respect to specialty certifications, practice characteristics,
        professional licensure, practice types, locations, education,
        training, as well as obligations under the demonstration
        program as a result of the execution of a contract under
        paragraph (1)(C) or (2)(C) of section 3(c).
            (2) Data sources.--In establishing the Health Professions
        Database, the Secretary shall use the latest available data
        from existing health workforce files, including the AMA Master
        File, State databases, specialty medical society data sources
        and information, and such other data points as may be
        recommended by COGME, MedPAC, the National Center for Workforce
        Information and Analysis, or the medical society of the
        respective demonstration State.
    (b) Availability.--
            (1) During the program.--During the demonstration program,
        data from the Health Professions Database shall be made
        available to the Secretary, each demonstration State, and the
        public for the purposes of--
                    (A) developing a baseline and to track changes in a
                demonstration State's health professions workforce;
                    (B) tracking direct and indirect graduate medical
                education payments to hospitals;
                    (C) tracking the forgiveness and repayment of loans
                for educating physicians; and
                    (D) tracking commitments by physicians under the
                demonstration program.
            (2) Following the program.--Following the termination of
        the demonstration program, a demonstration State may elect to
        maintain the Health Professions Database for such State at its
        expense.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the purpose of carrying
out this section.

SEC. 5. EVALUATION AND REPORTS.

    (a) Evaluation.--
            (1) In general.--COGME and MedPAC shall jointly conduct a
        comprehensive evaluation of the demonstration program
        established under section 3.
            (2) Matters evaluated.--The evaluation conducted under
        paragraph (1) shall include an analysis of the effectiveness of
        the funding of additional residency and fellowship positions
        and the loan repayment and forgiveness program on physician
        recruitment, retention, and specialty mix in each demonstration
        State.
    (b) Progress Reports.--
            (1) COGME.--COGME shall submit a report on the progress of
        the demonstration program to the Secretary and Congress 1 year
        after the date on which the Secretary establishes the
        demonstration program, 5 years after such date, and 10 years
        after such date.
            (2) MedPAC.--MedPAC shall submit biennial reports on the
        progress of the demonstration program to the Secretary and
        Congress.
    (c) Final Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which
the demonstration program terminates, COGME and MedPAC shall submit a
final report to the President, Congress, and the Secretary which shall
contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of COGME
and MedPAC, together with such recommendations for such legislation and
administrative actions as COGME and MedPAC consider appropriate.
    (d) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to COGME such sums as may be necessary for the purpose of
carrying out this section.

SEC. 6. CONTRACTING FLEXIBILITY.

    For purposes of conducting the demonstration program and
establishing and administering the Health Professions Database, the
Secretary may procure temporary and intermittent services under section
3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.

Output:
Authorizes the Secretary to waive any requirements under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act if necessary to carry out the ten-year demonstration program.
Directs the Secretary to establish a State-specific health professions database to track health professionals in each demonstration State with respect to specialty certifications and related practice, license, and training information.
Requires a joint demonstration program evaluation by the Council on Graduate Medical Education and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Tire Investment, Recovery and
Extension Act of 2007'' or the ``TIRE Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

            (1) The majority of rubber used by industry in the United
        States is synthetic rubber that has been derived from
        petroleum.
            (2) The tire industry is the largest consumer of rubber in
        the United States, using over 3 billion pounds of rubber
        annually to produce over 250 million tires.
            (3) Recycled rubber from scrap tires can be used in the
        production of new tires at loadings exceeding 10 percent of the
        weight of rubber in the tire if the particle size of the
        recycled rubber is extremely fine (80 mesh/177 microns or
        finer) and the particles are free from impurities such as steel
        and fiber.
            (4) On average, the United States can save a gallon of oil
        for every tire produced incorporating 10 percent recycled
        rubber.
            (5) On average, for every pound of recycled rubber used as
        an alternative to synthetic rubber, the United States will
        prevent a pound of carbon dioxide from being released into the
        atmosphere.
            (6) An independent study has determined that air
        permeability in a standard tire can be reduced by up to 50
        percent when using recycled content. If recycled content is
        used in every passenger car in the United States, it would
        result in a fuel savings of up to 750 million gallons per year.

SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR PURCHASES BY VEHICLE FLEET OPERATORS OF TIRES MADE
              FROM RECYCLED RUBBER.

    (a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business related
credits) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``SEC. 450. PURCHASES BY VEHICLE FLEET OPERATORS OF TIRES MADE FROM
              RECYCLED RUBBER.

    ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--For purposes of section 38, in the case
of an eligible taxpayer, the recycled rubber tire credit determined
under this section is $3 for each qualified tire purchased by the
taxpayer during the taxable year for use on a highway motor vehicle
used in a trade or business of the taxpayer.
    ``(b) Dollar Limitation.--
            ``(1) In general.--The credit determined under this section
        for any taxable year shall not exceed--
                    ``(A) $10,000,000 in the case of taxable years
                ending during the first year beginning after the date
                of the enactment of this section,
                    ``(B) $15,000,000 in the case of taxable years
                ending during the 2nd such year,
                    ``(C) $25,000,000 in the case of taxable years
                ending during the 3rd, 4th, or 5th such year, and
                    ``(D) except as provided in paragraph (2), zero
                thereafter.
            ``(2) Carryover of unused limitation.--If the limitation
        under this subsection for any taxable year (after the
        application of this paragraph) exceeds the credit determined
        under this section for such year, such limitation for the
        succeeding taxable year shall be increased by the amount of
        such excess. No amount may be carried under the preceding
        sentence to any taxable year ending after the 6th year
        beginning after the date of the enactment of this section.
            ``(3) Aggregate limitation.--In no event shall the
        aggregate credit determined under this section for a taxpayer
        for all taxable years exceed $100,000,000.
    ``(c) Eligible Taxpayer.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible taxpayer' means any person who regularly uses more than 100
vehicles in any trade or business of such person during the taxable
year.
    ``(d) Qualified Tire.--For purposes of this section--
            ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified tire' means--
                    ``(A) any qualified new tire, and
                    ``(B) any qualified retread tire.
            ``(2) Qualified new tire.--The term `qualified new tire'
        means any tire (other than a retread tire) if--
                    ``(A) the tire is manufactured in the United
                States,
                    ``(B) the original use of the tire begins with the
                taxpayer, and
                    ``(C) at least the new tire percentage of the total
                weight of the rubber in the tire is attributable to
                recycled rubber powder.
            ``(3) Qualified retread tire.--The term `qualified retread
        tire' means any retread tire if--
                    ``(A) the tire is of a type used on highway motor
                vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating of at
                least 2,600 pounds,
                    ``(B) the tire is retreaded in the United States,
                    ``(C) the original use of the tire (after
                retreading) begins with the taxpayer, and
                    ``(D) at least the retread tire percentage of the
                total weight of the rubber in the retread portion of
                the tire is attributable to recycled rubber powder.
            ``(4) Recycled content percentages.--The new tire
        percentage and the retread tire percentage shall be determined
        in accordance with the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             The retread
                                              The new tire      tire
    ``If the tire is purchased  during--        percentage   percentage
                                                  is--          is--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
the 1st year after the date of the enactment            8            10
 of this section............................
the 2nd such year...........................            9            11
the 3rd such year...........................           10            12
the 4th such year...........................           11            13
the 5th such year...........................           12            14
------------------------------------------------------------------------

            ``(5) Recycled rubber powder.--The term `recycled rubber
        powder' means recycled vulcanizate particulate rubber at a size
        classification of 80 mesh or finer as defined in the ASTM
        standard D5603-01.
    ``(e) Controlled Groups.--For purposes of this section, all persons
treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52
or subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as one person,
and the dollar limitation applicable under subsection (b) for any
taxable year shall be allocated among such persons in proportion to
their purchases of qualified tires during such year.
    ``(f) Basis Adjustment.--For purposes of this subtitle, if a credit
is determined under this section with respect to any tire, the basis of
such tire shall be reduced by the amount of the credit so allowed.
    ``(g) Application of Section.--This section shall apply to tires
purchased during the 5-year period beginning on the day after the date
of the enactment of this section.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Subsection (b) of section 38 of such Code is amended by
        striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (30), by striking the
        period at the end of paragraph (31) and inserting ``, plus'',
        and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(32) in the case of an eligible taxpayer (as defined in
        section 45O(b)), the recycled rubber tire credit determined
        under section 45O(a).''.
            (2) Subsection (a) of section 1016 of such Code is amended
        by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (35), by striking
        the period at the end of paragraph (36) and inserting ``,
        and'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(37) to the extent provided in section 45O(f).''.
            (3) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of
        subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at
        the end the following new item:

``Sec. 45O. Purchases by vehicle fleet operators of tires made from
                            recycled rubber.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to purchases made after the date of the enactment of this Act in
taxable years ending after such date.

Output: Tire Investment, Recovery and Extension Act of 2007 [sic]or the TIRE Act of 2007 [sic] - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers who regularly use more than 100 vehicles a year in a trade or business (vehicle fleet operators) a tax credit for the purchase of new or retread tires made from recycled rubber.