Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Infrastructure Reinvestment and
Economic Revitalization Act of 1993''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            (1) the quality of our Nation's transportation
        infrastructure and the efficient movement of people and goods
        are directly linked to our Nation's economic productivity and
        competitiveness;
            (2) our Nation's trading partners, with whom we compete in
        the global economy, have invested substantial amounts of their
        resources into capital infrastructure investment and currently
        enjoy productivity growth rates that are more than triple the
        United States growth rate;
            (3) to compete in the global marketplace of the 1990's, the
        United States must substantially increase its level of
        infrastructure investment as soon as possible;
            (4) by allowing infrastructure investment to drop from 2.4
        percent of the gross national product in the late 1960's to
        less than 0.3 percent in the 1980's, our Nation has neglected
        the foundation of economic growth; and
            (5) without a substantial influx of new capital,
        infrastructure investment will not be able to keep pace with
        the rapid rate of infrastructure decay that will result in
        crumbling roads, increasing traffic congestion, higher costs,
        and inadequate transit systems.
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are as follows:
            (1) Issuance of bonds to finance massive capital
        infrastructure reinvestment immediately.
            (2) Creation of thousands of productive new jobs by
        initiating new rehabilitation and construction projects.
            (3) Stimulation of the economy and creation of economic
        growth by increasing the efficiency of our Nation's
        infrastructure and investment in its long-term maintenance.
            (4) Complementing the purposes of the Intermodal Surface
        Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 by creating a new
        financing mechanism to provide a more immediate source of
        funds.

SEC. 3. INFRASTRUCTURE REINVESTMENT FUND.

    (a) Revenues From Highway Trust Fund.--Subsection (c) of section
9503 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to Highway Trust
Fund) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
paragraph:
            ``(7) Infrastructure reinvestment fund.--The Secretary
        shall pay from time to time from the Highway Trust Fund into
        the Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund amounts (as determined by
        him) equivalent to 2.5 cents per gallon of the taxes imposed by
        sections 4041(a) and 4081 which are received after September
        30, 1994, and before October 1, 2024.''.
    (b) Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund.--
            (1) In general.--Subchapter A of chapter 98 of such Code
        (relating to trust fund code) is amended by adding at the end
        thereof the following new section:

``SEC. 9512. INFRASTRUCTURE REINVESTMENT FUND.

    ``(a) Creation of Fund.--There is established in the Treasury of
the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Infrastructure
Reinvestment Fund', consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated
or credited to such Fund as provided in this section, section
9503(c)(7), or section 9602(b).
    ``(b) Transfers to Fund.--In addition to the amounts transferred
under section 9503(c)(7), there are hereby appropriated to the
Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund amounts equivalent to 2.5 cents per
gallon of the taxes imposed by sections 4041(a) and 4081 which are
received after September 30, 1994, and before October 1, 2024.
    ``(c) Expenditures From Fund.--Amounts in the Infrastructure
Reinvestment Fund shall be available, as provided in appropriation
Acts, only for purposes of carrying out section 5 of the Infrastructure
Reinvestment and Economic Revitalization Act of 1993.
    ``(d) Infrastructure Bonds.--
            ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
        to the Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund, as repayable advances,
        the maximum amount (less an appropriate reserve) which the
        Secretary estimates may be fully amortized before October 1,
        2024--
                    ``(A) based on an amortization schedule comparable
                to a 30-year bond issued as part of the public debt,
                and
                    ``(B) using only amounts appropriated to such Fund
                under subsection (b) (and interest thereon) with
                respect to infrastructure reinvestment taxes received
                in the Treasury before such date.
            ``(2) Repayment of advances.--Advances made to the
        Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund shall be repaid, and interest
        on such advances shall be paid, under such terms and conditions
        as the Secretary shall prescribe.
            ``(3) Final repayment.--No advance shall be made to the
        Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund after September 30, 2024, and
        all advances made to such Fund shall be repaid on or before
        such date.
            ``(4) Rate of interest.--Interest on advances made pursuant
        to this subsection shall be determined in accordance with
        section 9509(d)(3)(C).''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for such
        subchapter A is amended by adding at the end thereof the
        following new item:

                              ``Sec. 9512. Infrastructure Reinvestment
                                        Fund.''.

SEC. 4. OFF-BUDGET STATUS OF FUND.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the receipts and
disbursements of the Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund shall not be
counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or
surplus for purposes of--
            (1) the budget of the United States Government as submitted
        by the President,
            (2) the congressional budget, or
            (3) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act
        of 1985.

SEC. 5. INFRASTRUCTURE REINVESTMENT PROGRAM.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There shall be available, out
of the Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund, for fiscal year 1995 to the
Secretary for carrying out surface transportation programs an amount
equal to the aggregate amount advanced to such Fund under section
9512(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 plus interest thereon.
Such sums shall remain available until expended.
    (b) Allocation of Funds Among Programs.--From the funds made
available by subsection (a), the Secretary shall make available to
carry out a surface transportation program an amount determined by
multiplying--
            (1) the amount of funds made available by subsection (a),
        and
            (2) the quotient of the amount of funds made available for
        such program for fiscal year 1993 divided by the aggregate of
        all funds made available for all such programs for fiscal year
        1993.
    (c) Applicability of Apportionment Formulas and Other Provisions.--
            (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided by this Act,
        funds made available to a surface transportation program under
        subsection (b) shall be subject to apportionment, Federal
        share, planning, design, period of availability, and other
        requirements in the same manner and to the same extent as if
        such funds were made available, out of the Highway Trust Fund,
        for such program.
            (2) Obligation limitation.--Funds made available by
        subsection (a) shall not be subject to any obligation
        limitation.
    (d) Contract Authority.--Approval by the Secretary of a grant,
project, or contract with funds made available by subsection (a) shall
be deemed a contractual obligation of the United States for payment of
the Federal share of the cost of the grant, project, or contract.

SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act, the following definitions apply:
            (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Transportation.
            (2) Surface transportation program.--The term ``surface
        transportation program'' means any program or project for which
        funds are made available for fiscal year 1993 by or under the
        Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and
        any Act amended by the Intermodal Surface Transportation
        Efficiency Act of 1991, including title 23, United States Code,
        the Federal Transit Act, and the Surface Transportation
        Assistance Act of 1982. Such term shall not include--
                    (A) any project described in section 1103, 1104,
                1105, 1106, 1107, or 1108 of the Intermodal Surface
                Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991; and
                    (B) the national recreation trails funding program
                under part B of title I of such Act.

Output:
Infrastructure Reinvestment and Economic Revitalization Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to pay from time to time from the Highway Trust Fund into the Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund Reinvestment Fund amounts equivalent to 2.5 cents per gallon of the taxes imposed on diesel and special motor fuels and on the removal, entry, or sale of gasoline between September 30, 1994, and October 1, 2024.
Establishes the Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund.  Makes the Fund off-budget.
Authorizes appropriations from such Fund for surface transportation programs.


Input:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Advisory committee.--The term ``advisory committee''
        means the advisory committee established by the Secretary under
        section 2(b).
            (2) Columbia/snake river basin.--The term ``Columbia/Snake
        River Basin'' means the basin of the Columbia River and Snake
        River in the States of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
            (3) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the Pacific
        Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council
        established under the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and
        Conservation Planning Act (16 U.S.C. 839 et seq.).
            (4) Federal agency.--The term ``Federal agency'' means--
                    (A) the Bonneville Power Administration in the
                Department of Energy;
                    (B) the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of
                Reclamation, United States Fish and Wildlife Service,
                and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Department of
                the Interior;
                    (C) the National Marine Fisheries Service in the
                Department of Commerce;
                    (D) the Army Corps of Engineers in the Department
                of the Army;
                    (E) the Forest Service and the Natural Resource
                Conservation Service in the Department of Agriculture;
                and
                    (F) the Environmental Protection Agency.
            (5) Memorandum of understanding.--The term ``memorandum of
        understanding'' means any written or unwritten agreement
        between or among 1 or more of the Federal agencies and 1 or
        more State or local government agencies, 1 or more Indian
        tribes, or 1 or more private persons or entities--
                    (A) concerning the manner in which any authority of
                a Federal agency under any law is to be exercised
                within the Columbia/Snake River Basin; or
                    (B) for the purpose of formulating recommendations
                concerning the manner in which any such authority
                should be exercised.
            (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of the Interior.

SEC. 2. CONDITIONS ON MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.

    (a) In General.--The Bonneville Power Administration or any other
Federal agency, acting individually or with 1 or more of the other
Federal agencies, shall not enter into or implement a memorandum of
understanding unless all of the conditions stated in this section are
met.
    (b) Advisory Committee.--
            (1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an
        advisory committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5
        U.S.C. App.) to advise the Federal agencies with respect to
        matters to be addressed under any memorandum of understanding,
        including the economic and social impacts of proposed
        activities or recommendations.
            (2) Membership.--The advisory committee shall be composed
        of--
                    (A) 1 representative of the large industrial
                customers served directly by the Bonneville Power
                Administration;
                    (B) 1 representative of the preference power
                customers that purchase power from the Bonneville Power
                Administration;
                    (C) 1 representative of non-Federal utilities that
                have hydropower generation on the Columbia River or
                Snake River;
                    (D) 1 irrigator that receives water diverted from a
                Federal water project on the Snake River;
                    (E) 1 irrigator that receives water diverted from a
                Federal water project on the Columbia River or a
                tributary of the Columbia River (other than a tributary
                that is also a tributary of the Snake River);
                    (F) 1 private forest land owner;
                    (G) 1 representative of the commercial fishing
                industry;
                    (H) 1 representative of the sport fishing industry;
                    (I) 1 representative of the environmental
                community;
                    (J) 1 representative of a river port upstream of
                Bonneville Dam;
                    (K) 1 representative of shippers that ship from
                places upstream of any lock on the Columbia River;
                    (L) 1 representative of persons that hold Federal
                grazing permits; and
                    (M) 1 representative of county governments from
                each of the States of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and
                Montana.
            (3) Manner of appointment.--The members of the advisory
        committee shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior
        from among persons nominated by the Governors of the States of
        Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
            (4) Chairperson.--At the first meeting of the advisory
        committee, the members shall select 1 of the members to serve
        as chairperson, on a simple majority vote.
            (5) Compensation.--A member of the advisory committee shall
        serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for travel,
        subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred in the
        performance of duties of the advisory committee.
            (6) Support.--The Secretary shall--
                    (A) provide such office space, furnishings and
                equipment as may be required to enable the advisory
                committee to perform its functions; and
                    (B) furnish the advisory committee with such staff,
                including clerical support, as the advisory committee
                may require.
            (7) Opportunity to formulate and present views.--The
        advisory committee shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity
        to--
                    (A) attend each meeting convened under the
                memorandum of understanding; and
                    (B) formulate and present its views on each matter
                addressed at the meeting.
            (8) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
        to be appropriated to carry out the activities of the advisory
        committee a total of $1,000,000 during the period in which the
        advisory committee is in existence.
            (9) Termination.--The advisory committee shall terminate on
        termination of the memorandum of understanding.
    (c) Reconciliation of Differences.--The Director of the Office of
Management and Budget shall designate an official who, at the request
of a non-Federal party to any memorandum of understanding, shall have
authority to reconcile differences between the Federal agencies on any
issue relating to activities addressed under the memorandum of
understanding.
    (d) Public Availability of Data and Methodologies.--Each Federal
agency shall publish and make available to the public, through use of
the Internet and by other means--
            (1) all scientific data that are prepared by or made
        available to the Federal agency for use for the purpose of
        formulating recommendations regarding any matter addressed
        under any memorandum of understanding; and
            (2) all methodologies that are prepared by or made
        available to the Federal agency for the purpose of assessing
        the cost or benefit of any activity addressed under any
        memorandum of understanding.
    (e) Reporting by the Council.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days before the
        beginning of each fiscal year, the Council shall submit to
        Congress a report that describes how the recommendations on
        fish and wildlife activities under any memorandum of
        understanding during the fiscal year will be reconciled and
        coordinated with activities of the Council under the Pacific
        Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Act (16
        U.S.C. 839 et seq.).
            (2) Cooperation.--Each Federal agency that is a party to a
        memorandum of understanding shall provide the Council such
        information and cooperation as the Council may request to
        enable the Council to make determinations necessary to prepare
        a report under paragraph (1).

SEC. 3. BUDGET INFORMATION.

    (a) In General.--The President shall include in each budget of the
United States Government for a fiscal year submitted under section 1105
of title 31, United States Code, a separate section that states for
each Federal agency the amount of budget authority and outlays proposed
to be expended in the Columbia/Snake River Basin (including a pro rata
share of overhead expenses) for the fiscal year.
    (b) Itemization.--The statement of budget authority and outlays for
the Columbia/Snake River Basin under subsection (a) for each Federal
agency shall be stated in the same degree of specificity for each
category of expense as in the statement of budget authority and outlays
for the entire Federal agency elsewhere in the budget.

Output:
Prescribes conditions under which the Bonneville Power Administration or any other Federal agency may enter into or implement a memorandum of understanding.  Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish an advisory committee to advise Federal agencies regarding matters addressed under any such memorandum, including the economic and social impact of proposed activities or recommendations. Instructs the Secretary to appoint committee members from among the persons nominated by the Governors of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.  Authorizes appropriations.
Instructs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, upon the request of a non-Federal party to such a memorandum, to designate an official authorized to reconcile differences between the Federal agencies on issues pertinent to the memorandum.
Requires each Federal agency to make available to the public all data and methodologies prepared under such a memorandum.
Directs the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council to report annually to the Congress on how the recommendations concerning fish and wildlife activities under the current memorandum of understanding will be reconciled and coordinated with its activities under the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Act.
Requires the President to include in each fiscal year budget for each Federal agency the amount of budget authority and outlays proposed to be expended in the Columbia-Snake River Basin.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Energy and Climate Policy Act of
1999''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            (1) although there are significant uncertainties
        surrounding the science of climate change, human activities may
        contribute to increasing global concentrations of greenhouse
        gases in the atmosphere, which in turn may ultimately
        contribute to global climate change beyond that resulting from
        natural variability;
            (2) the characteristics of greenhouse gases and the
        physical nature of the climate system require that any
        stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations must
        be a long-term effort undertaken on a global basis;
            (3) since developing countries will constitute the major
        source of greenhouse gas emissions early in the 21st century,
        all nations must share in an effective international response
        to potential climate change;
            (4) environmental progress and economic prosperity are
        interrelated;
            (5) effective greenhouse gas management efforts depend on
        the development of long-term, cost-effective technologies and
        practices that can be developed, refined, and deployed
        commercially in an orderly manner in the United States and
        around the world;
            (6) in its present form as signed by the Administration,
        the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention
        on Climate Change fails to meet the minimum conditions of
        Senate Resolution 98, 105th Congress, which was adopted by the
        Senate on July 25, 1997, by a vote of 95-0;
            (7) the President has not submitted the Kyoto protocol to
        the Senate for debate and advice and consent to ratification
        under article II, section 2, clause 2 of the United States
        Constitution and has indicated that the Administration has no
        intention to do so in the foreseeable future, or to implement
        any portion of the Kyoto protocol prior to its ratification in
        the Senate.
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to strengthen provisions
of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13381 et seq.) to--
            (1) further promote voluntary efforts to reduce or avoid
        greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency; and
            (2) focus Department of Energy efforts in this area.

SEC. 3. OFFICE OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE.

    Section 1603 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13383) is
amended--
            (1) in the section heading, by striking ``DIRECTOR OF
        CLIMATE PROTECTION'' and inserting ``OFFICE OF GLOBAL CLIMATE
        CHANGE''; and
            (2) by striking the first sentence and inserting the
        following:
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established by this Act in the
Department of Energy an Office of Global Climate Change.
    ``(b) Function.--The Office shall serve as a focal point for
coordinating for the Secretary and Congress all departmental issues and
policies regarding climate change and related matters.
    ``(c) Director.--The Secretary shall appoint a director of the
Office, who--
            ``(1) shall be compensated at no less than level IV of the
        Executive Schedule;
            ``(2) shall report to the Secretary; and
            ``(3) at the request of the Committees of the Senate and
        House of Representatives with appropriation and legislative
        jurisdiction over programs and activities of the Department of
        Energy, shall report to Congress on the activities of the
        Office.'';
            (3) in the second sentence, by striking ``The Director''
        and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Duties.--The Director''; and
            (4) in subsection (c) (as designated by paragraph (2)), by
        striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following:
            ``(2) participate, in cooperation with other federal
        agencies, in the development and monitoring of domestic and
        international policies for their effects on any kind of climate
        change globally and domestically and on the generation,
        reduction, avoidance, and sequestration of greenhouse gases;
            ``(3) develop and implement a balanced, scientifically
        sound, nonadvocacy educational and informative public awareness
        program on--
                    ``(A) potential global climate change, including
                any known adverse and beneficial effects on the United
                States and the economy of the United States and the
                world economy, taking into consideration whether those
                effects are known or expected to be temporary, long-
                term, or permanent; and
                    ``(B) voluntary means and measures to mitigate or
                minimize significant adverse effects and, where
                appropriate, to adapt, to the greatest extent
                practicable, to climate change;
            ``(4) provide, consistent with applicable provisions of law
        (including section 1605 (b)(3)), public assess to all
        information on climate change, effects of climate change, and
        adaptation to climate change;
            ``(5) promote and cooperate in the research, development,
        demonstration, and diffusion of environmentally sound, cost-
        effective and commercially practicable technologies, practices
        and processes that avoid, sequester, control, or reduce
        anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases not controlled by
        the Montreal Protocol for all relevant economic sectors,
        including, where appropriate, the transfer of environmentally
        sound, cost-effective and commercially practicable
        technologies, practices, and processes developed with Federal
        funds by the Department of Energy or any of its facilities and
        laboratories to interested persons in the United States and to
        developing country Parties to the United Nations Framework
        Convention on Climate Change, and Parties thereto with
        economies in transition to market-based economies, consistent
        with, and subject to, any applicable Federal law, including
        patent and intellectual property laws, and any applicable
        contracts, and taking into consideration the provisions and
        purposes of section 1608; and
            ``(6) have the authority to participate in the planning
        activities of relevant Department of Energy programs.''.

SEC. 4. NATIONAL INVENTORY AND VOLUNTARY REPORTING OF GREENHOUSE GASES.

    (a) Updating.--Section 1605 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42
U.S.C. 13385) is amended--
            (1) by amending the second sentence of subsection (a) to
        read as follows--
                    ``The Administrator of the Energy Information
                Administration shall annually update and analyze such
                inventory using available data, including beginning in
                calendar year 2001, information collected as a result
                of voluntary reporting under subsection (b). The
                inventory shall identify for calendar year 2001 and
                thereafter the amount of emissions reductions
                attributed to those reported under subsection (b).'';
            (2) by amending subsection (b)(1)(B) and (C) to read as
        follows--
            ``(B) annual reductions or avoidance of greenhouse gas
        emissions and sequestration and carbon fixation achieved
        through any measures, including agricultural activities,
        cogeneration, appliance efficiency, energy efficiency, forestry
        activities that increase carbon sequestration stocks (including
        the use of forest products), fuel switching, management of
        grasslands and drylands, manufacture or use of vehicles with
        reduced greenhouse gas emissions, methane recovery, ocean
        seeding, use of renewable energy, chlorofluorocarbon capture
        and replacement, and power plant heat rate improvement; and
            ``(C) reductions in, or avoidance of, greenhouse gas
        emissions achieved as a result of voluntary activities
        domestically, or internationally, plant or facility closings,
        and State or Federal requirements.'';
            (3) by striking in the first sentence of subsection (b)(2)
        the word ``entities'' and inserting ``persons or entities'' and
        in the second sentence of such subsection, by inserting after
        ``Persons'' the words ``or entities'';
            (4) by inserting in the second sentence of subsection
        (b)(4) the words ``persons or'' before ``entity''; and
            (5) by adding after subsection (b)(4) the following new
        paragraphs--
    ``(5) Recognition of voluntary reductions or avoided emissions of
greenhouse gases.--In order to encourage and facilitate new and
increased voluntary efforts on a continuing basis, particularly by
persons and entities in the private sector, to reduce global emissions
of greenhouse gases, including voluntary efforts to limit, control,
sequester, and avoid such emissions, the Secretary shall promptly
develop and establish, after an opportunity for public comment of at
least 60 days, a program of giving annual public recognition, beginning
not later than January 31, 2001, to all reporting persons and entities
demonstrating, pursuant to the voluntary collections and reporting
guidelines issued under this section, voluntarily achieved greenhouse
gases reductions, including such information reported prior to the
enactment of this paragraph. Such recognition shall be based on the
information certified, subject to 18 U.S.C. 1001, by such persons or
entities for accuracy as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection. At
a minimum such recognition shall annually be published in the Federal
Register.
    ``(6) Changes in guidelines to improve accuracy and reliability.--
The Secretary of Energy, through the Administrator of the Energy
Information Administration, shall conduct a review, which shall include
an opportunity for public comment, of what, if any, changes should be
made to the guidelines established under this section regarding the
accuracy and reliability of greenhouse gas reductions and related
information reported under this section. Any such review shall give
considerable weight to the voluntary nature of this section and to the
purpose of encouraging voluntary greenhouse gas emission reductions by
the private sector. Changes to be reviewed shall include the need for,
and the appropriateness of--
            ``(A) a random or other verification process using the
        authorities available to the Administrator under other
        provisions of law;
            ``(B) a range of reference cases for reporting of project-
        based activities in sectors, including, but not limited to, the
        measures specified in subparagraph (1)(B) of this subsection,
        and the inclusion of benchmark and default methodologies for
        use in the reference cases for `greenfield' projects; and
            ``(C) provisions to address the possibility of reporting,
        inadvertently or otherwise, of some or all of the same
        greenhouse gas emissions reductions by more than one reporting
        entity or person and to make corrections where necessary.
    The review should consider the costs and benefits of any such
changes, the impacts on encouraging participation in this section,
including by farmers and small businesses, and the need to avoid
creating undue economic advantages or disadvantages for persons or
entities of the private sector. The review should provide, where
appropriate, a range of reasonable options that are consistent with the
voluntary nature of this section and that will help further the
purposes of this section. The review should be available in draft form
for public comment at least 45 days before it is submitted to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Commerce of the House of Representatives. Such submittal
should be made by December 31, 2000. If the Secretary, in consultation
with the Administrator, finds, based on the study results, that such
changes are likely to be beneficial and cost effective in improving the
accuracy and reliability of reported greenhouse gas reductions and
related information, are consistent with the voluntary nature of this
section, and furthers the purposes of this section, the Secretary shall
propose and promulgate, consistent with such finding, such guidelines,
together with such findings. In carrying out the provisions of this
paragraph, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of
Agriculture and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration
to facilitate greater participation by small business and farmers in
this subsection for the purpose of addressing greenhouse gas emission
reductions and reporting such reductions.''.
            (6) in subsection (c), by inserting ``the Secretary of the
        Department of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Department of
        Commerce, the Administrator of the Energy Information
        Administration, and'' before ``the Administrator''.
    (b) Guidelines.--The Secretary shall revise, after opportunity for
public comment, the guidelines issued under section 1605(b) of the
Energy Policy Act of 1992 to reflect the amendments made to such
section 1605(b) by subsection (a)(2) through (4) of this section not
later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Such
revised guidelines shall specify their effective date.
    (c) Effective Date.--The provisions of subsection (a) (5) and (6)
of this section shall be effective on the date of enactment of this
Act.

SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.

    For the purpose of this Act and the provisions of the Energy Policy
Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13381, et seq.) amended by this Act, the
following terms are defined as follows:
            ``(1) Agricultural activity.--The term `agricultural
        activity' means livestock production, cropland cultivation,
        biogas recovery and nutrient management.
            ``(2) Climate change.--The term `climate change' means a
        change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to
        human activity which is in addition to natural climate
        variability observed over comparable time periods.
            ``(3) Climate system.--The term `climate system' means the
        totality of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and
        geosphere and their interactions.
            ``(4) Greenhouse gases.--The term `greenhouse gases' means
        those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere, both natural and
anthropogenic, that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation.
            ``(5) Greenhouse gas reduction.--The term `greenhouse gas
        reduction' means 1 metric ton of greenhouse gas (expressed in
        terms of carbon dioxide equivalent) that is voluntarily
        certified to have been achieved under section 1605 of the
        Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13385).
            ``(6) Greenhouse gas sequestration.--The term `greenhouse
        gas sequestration' means extracting one or more greenhouse
        gases from the atmosphere or an emissions stream through a
        technological process designed to extract and isolate those
        gases from the atmosphere or an emissions stream; or the
        natural process of photosynthesis that extracts carbon dioxide
        from the atmosphere and stores it as carbon in trees, roots,
        stems, soils, foliage, and durable wood products.
            ``(7) Forest products.--The term `forest products' means
        all products or goods manufactured from trees.
            ``(8) Forestry activity.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `forestry activity'
                means any ownership or management action that has a
                discernible impact on the use and productivity of
                forests.
                    ``(B) Inclusions.--Forestry activities include, but
                are not limited to, the establishment of trees on an
                area not previously forested, the establishment of
                trees on an area previously forested if a net carbon
                benefit can be demonstrated, enhanced forest management
                (e.g., thinning, stand improvement, fire protection,
                weed control, nutrient application, pest management,
                other silvicultural practices), forest protection or
                conservation if a net carbon benefit can be
                demonstrated, and biomass energy (using wood, grass or
                other biomass in lieu of fossil fuel).
                    ``(C) Exclusions.--The term `forest activity' does
                not include a land use change associated with--
                            ``(i) an act of war; or
                            ``(ii) an act of nature, including floods,
                        storms, earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, and
                        tornadoes.
            ``(9) Management of grasslands and drylands.--The term
        `management of grasslands and drylands' means seeding,
        cultivation, and nutrient management.
            ``(10) Ocean seeding.--The term `ocean seeding' means
        adding nutrients to oceans to enhance the biological fixation
        of carbon dioxide.''.

Output:
Revises requirements governing a national inventory and voluntary reporting of greenhouse gases.
Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) implement a program of giving annual public recognition in the Federal Register to persons and entities demonstrating voluntarily achieved greenhouse gas reductions; and (2) conduct a review of possible changes to the guidelines to improve the accuracy and reliability of greenhouse gas emission reductions.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act
of 1999''.

SEC. 2. JOHN H. PRESCOTT MARINE MAMMAL RESCUE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Title IV of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of
1972 (16 U.S.C. 1371 et seq.) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating sections 408 and 409 as sections 409
        and 410, respectively; and
            (2) by inserting after section 407 the following:

``SEC. 408. JOHN H. PRESCOTT MARINE MAMMAL RESCUE ASSISTANCE GRANT
              PROGRAM.

    ``(a) In General.--(1) Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary shall conduct a grant program to be known
as the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program,
to provide grants to eligible stranding network participants for the
recovery or treatment of marine mammals, the collection of data from
living or dead marine mammals for scientific research regarding marine
mammal health, and facility operation costs that are directly related
to those purposes.
    ``(2)(A) The Secretary shall ensure that, to the greatest extent
practicable, funds provided as grants under this subsection are
distributed equitably among the designated stranding regions.
    ``(B) In determining priorities among such regions, the Secretary
may consider--
            ``(i) any episodic stranding or any mortality event other
        than an event described in section 410(6), that occurred in any
        region in the preceding year; and
            ``(ii) data regarding average annual strandings and
        mortality events per region.
    ``(b) Application.--To receive a grant under this section, a
stranding network participant shall submit an application in such form
and manner as the Secretary may prescribe.
    ``(c) Advisory Group.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
        Marine Mammal Commission, shall establish an advisory group in
        accordance with this subsection to advise the Secretary
        regarding the implementation of this section, including the
        award of grants under this section.
            ``(2) Membership.--The advisory group shall consist of a
        representative from each of the designated stranding regions
        and other individuals who represent public and private
        organizations that are actively involved in rescue,
        rehabilitation, release, scientific research, marine
        conservation, and forensic science regarding stranded marine
        mammals.
            ``(3) Public participation.--
                    ``(A) Meetings.--The advisory group shall--
                            ``(i) ensure that each meeting of the
                        advisory group is open to the public; and
                            ``(ii) provide, at each meeting of the
                        advisory group, an opportunity for interested
                        persons to present oral or written statements
                        concerning items on the agenda for the meeting.
                    ``(B) Notice.--The Secretary shall provide to the
                public timely notice of each meeting of the advisory
                group.
                    ``(C) Minutes.--The Secretary shall keep and make
                available to the public minutes of each meeting of the
                advisory group.
            ``(4) Exemption.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5
        U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the establishment and
        activities of an advisory group in accordance with this
        subsection.
    ``(d) Limitation.--The amount of a grant under this section shall
not exceed $100,000.
    ``(e) Matching Requirement.--
            ``(1) In general.--The non-Federal share of the costs of an
        activity conducted with a grant under this section shall be 25
        percent of such costs.
            ``(2) In-kind contributions.--The Secretary may apply to
        the non-Federal share of an activity conducted with a grant
        under this section the amount of funds, and the fair market
        value of property and services, provided by non-Federal sources
        and used for the activity.
    ``(f) Administrative Expenses.--Of amounts available each fiscal
year to carry out this section, the Secretary may expend not more than
6 percent to pay the administrative expenses necessary to carry out
this section.
    ``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Designated stranding region.--The term `designated
        stranding region' means a geographic region designated by the
        Secretary for purposes of administration of this title.
            ``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' has the meaning
        given that term in section 3(12)(A).
    ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2001 through 2003, to remain available until
expended.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3(12)(B) of the Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1362(12)(B)) is amended by inserting
``(other than section 408)'' after ``title IV''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in the first section
of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (86 Stat. 1027) is amended
by striking the items relating to sections 408 and 409 and inserting
the following:

``Sec. 408. John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant
                            Program.
``Sec. 409. Authorization of appropriations.
``Sec. 410. Definitions.''.

            Passed the House of Representatives September 27, 1999.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.

Output:
Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act of 1999 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program to provide assistance to eligible stranding network participants for: (1) marine mammal rescue and treatment; (2) data collection from living or dead marine mammals; and (3) facilities operation.
Directs the Secretary to establish a related advisory group.
Caps grants at $100,000.  Require
s a 25
 percent non-Federal matching amount, which may be in-kind contributions.  Authorizes FY 2001 through 2003 appropriations.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Clear Creek National Recreation Area
and Conservation Act of 2012''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means
        the Plan for the Recreation Area prepared under section 4(c).
            (2) Recreation area.--The term ``Recreation Area'' means
        the Clear Creek National Recreation Area.
            (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of the Interior.
            (4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
        California.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF CLEAR CREEK NATIONAL RECREATION AREA.

    (a) In General.--To promote environmentally responsible high-
quality motorized and non-motorized trail based recreation, including
off-highway vehicle use, scenic touring, access for hunting and gem
collecting, while protecting ecological, geological, scenic, cultural,
and historic resources, fish and wildlife values, and other resources
of the landscape, there is established the Clear Creek National
Recreation Area in the State, to be managed by the Secretary.
    (b) Boundaries.--The Recreation Area shall consist of approximately
75,000 acres of Federal land in San Benito County and Fresno County,
California, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Clear Creek
National Recreation Area'' and dated July 30, 2012.
    (c) Map.--
            (1) In general.--As soon as practicable, after the date of
        the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a map and
        legal description of the Recreation Area to--
                    (A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House
                of Representatives; and
                    (B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
                of the Senate.
            (2) Availability.--Copies of the map submitted under
        paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public
        inspection in--
                    (A) the Office of the Director of the Bureau of
                Land Management; and
                    (B) the appropriate office of the Bureau of Land
                Management in California.

SEC. 4. MANAGEMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall manage the Recreation Area to
further the purposes described in section 3(a), in accordance with--
            (1) this Act;
            (2) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
        U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
            (3) any other applicable law.
    (b) Uses.--The Secretary shall--
            (1) allow hiking, camping, hunting, gem collecting, and
        sightseeing and the use of motorized vehicles, mountain bikes,
        and horses on designated roads, trails, and areas;
            (2) issue special recreation permits for motorized and non-
        motorized events; and
            (3) reopen the Clear Creek Management Area to the uses
        described in this subsection as soon as practicable following
        the enactment of this Act and in accordance with the management
        guidelines outlined in this Act and other applicable law.
    (c) Interim Management Plan.--The Secretary shall use the 2005
Clear Creek Management Area Travel Management Plan as modified by this
Act, or by the Secretary to incorporate natural resource protection
information not available in 2005, as the basis of an interim
management plan to govern motorized recreation within the Recreation
Area pending the completion of the long-term management plan required
in subsection (d).
    (d) Permanent Management Plan.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall create a
comprehensive management plan for the Clear Creek Recreation Area
that--
            (1) shall describe the appropriate uses and management of
        the Recreation Area in accordance with this Act;
            (2) shall be prepared in consultation with--
                    (A) appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies
                (including San Benito, Monterey, and Fresno Counties);
                    (B) adjacent land owners; and
                    (C) other stakeholders (including conservation and
                recreational organizations);
            (3) shall include a hazards education program to inform
        people entering the Recreation Area of the asbestos related
        risks associated with various activities within the Recreation
        Area, including, but not limited to, off-highway vehicle
        recreation;
            (4) shall include a user fee program for motorized vehicle
        use within the Recreational Area and guidelines for the use of
        the funds collected for the management and improvement of the
        Recreation Area;
            (5) may incorporate any appropriate decisions, as
        determined by the Secretary, in accordance with this Act, that
        are contained in any management or activity plan for the area
        completed before the date of the enactment of this Act;
            (6) may incorporate appropriate wildlife habitat management
        plans or other plans prepared for the land within or adjacent
        to the Recreation Area before the date of the enactment of this
        Act, in accordance with this Act;
            (7) may use information developed under any studies of land
        within or adjacent to the Recreation Area carried out before
        the date of enactment of this Act; and
            (8) may include cooperative agreements with State or local
        government agencies to manage all or a portion of the
        recreational activities within the Recreation Area in
        accordance with an approved management plan and the
        requirements of this Act.
    (e) Acquisition of Property.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary may acquire land adjacent to
        the National Recreation Area by purchase from willing sellers,
        donation, or exchange.
            (2) Management.--Any land acquired under paragraph (1)
        shall be managed in accordance with--
                    (A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
                1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
                    (B) this Act; and
                    (C) any other applicable law (including
                regulations).
            (3) Improved access.--The Secretary may acquire by purchase
        from willing sellers, donation, exchange, or easement, land, or
        interest in land to improve public safety in providing access
        to the Recreation Area.
    (f) Private Property.--
            (1) Access to private property.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide
                landowners adequate access to inholdings within the
                Recreation Area.
                    (B) Inholdings.--For access purposes, private land
                adjacent to the Recreation Area to which there is no
                other practicable access except through the Recreation
                Area shall be managed as an inholding.
            (2) Use of private property.--Nothing in this Act affects
        the ownership, management, or other rights relating to any non-
        Federal land (including any interest in any non-Federal land).
            (3) Buffer zones.--Nothing in this Act creates a protective
        perimeter or buffer zone around the Recreation Area.
            (4) Valid rights.--Nothing in this Act affects any
        easements, rights-of-way, and other valid rights in existence
        on the date of the enactment of this Act.
    (g) Water Right Exclusion.--Nothing in this Act--
            (1) shall constitute or be construed to constitute either
        an express or implied reservation by the United States of any
        water or water rights with respect to the Recreation Area; or
            (2) shall affect any water rights existing on the date of
        the enactment of this Act.
    (h) Hunting and Fishing.--Nothing in this Act--
            (1) limits hunting or fishing; or
            (2) affects the authority, jurisdiction, or responsibility
        of the State to manage, control, or regulate fish and resident
        wildlife under State law (including regulations), including the
        regulation of hunting or fishing on public land managed by the
        Bureau of Land Management.
    (i) Motorized Vehicles.--Except in cases in which motorized
vehicles are needed for administrative purposes or to respond to an
emergency, the use of motorized vehicles on public land in the
Recreation Area shall be permitted only on roads, trails, and areas
designated by the management plan for the use by motorized vehicles.
    (j) Grazing.--In the Recreation Area, the grazing of livestock in
areas in which grazing is allowed as of the date of the enactment of
this Act shall be allowed to continue, consistent with--
            (1) this Act;
            (2) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
        U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
            (3) any regulations promulgated by the Secretary, acting
        through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management.
    (k) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land
within the Recreation Area is withdrawn from--
            (1) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under
        the public land laws;
            (2) location, entry, and patenting under the mining laws;
        and
            (3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials,
        and geothermal leasing laws.
    (l) Fees.--Amounts received by the Secretary under the fee
structure required by subsection (c)(3)(G) shall be--
            (1) deposited in a special account in the Treasury of the
        United States; and
            (2) made available until expended, without further
        appropriation, to the Secretary for use in the Recreation Area.
    (m) Risk Standard.--The National Oil and Hazardous Substances
Pollution Contingency Plan (40 C.F.R. 300), published pursuant to
section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9605), shall not apply to the
Secretary's management of asbestos exposure risks faced by the public
when recreating within the Clear Creek Recreation Area described in
section 3(b).

SEC. 5. JOAQUIN ROCKS WILDERNESS.

    In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the
approximately 21,000 acres of Federal lands located in Fresno County
and San Benito County, California, and generally depicted on a map
entitled ``Proposed Joaquin Rocks Wilderness'' and dated March 11,
2012, is designated as wilderness areas and as components of the
National Wilderness Preservation System and shall be known as the
``Joaquin Rocks Wilderness''.

SEC. 6. CLEAR CREEK MANAGEMENT AREA WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS.

    Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a))
is amended by adding at the end the following paragraphs:
            ``(208) Larious canyon.--The approximately 5.25 miles of
        Larious Canyon Creek from its source near Idria Peak in Section
        6, R12E, T18S, to the boundary of the Clear Creek Special
        Recreation Management Area in Section 23, R11E, T17S.
            ``(209) San carlos creek.--The approximately 5.51 miles of
        the East Fork San Carlos Creek from its source near San Benito
        Mountain in Section 10, R12E, T18S, to the boundary of the
        Clear Creek Special Recreation Management Area in Section 22,
        R12E, T17S.
            ``(210) Cantua creek.--The approximately 7.68 miles of
        Cantua Creek from its source north of Santa Rita Peak in
        Section 24, R12E, T18S, to the public land boundary in Section
        3, R13E, T18S.
            ``(211) Picacho creek.--The approximately 2.65 miles of
        Picacho Creek, from its source spring in Section 20, R12E,
        T18S, to its confluence with the San Benito River.
            ``(212) White creek and tributaries.--
                    ``(A) The approximately 5.37 miles of White Creek,
                from its source in Section 36, R12E, T18S, to the
                boundary of the Clear Creek Special Recreation
                Management Area in Section 17, R13E, T19S.
                    ``(B) The approximately 2.29 miles of the unnamed
                tributary of White Creek from its source just south of
                Spanish Lake in Section 29, R13E, T18S, to its
                confluence with White Creek.
                    ``(C) The approximately 2.45 miles of the unnamed
                tributary of White Creek from its source in Section 33,
                R13E, T18S, to its confluence with White Creek.''.

Output:
Clear Creek National Recreation Area and Conservation Act of 2012 - Establishes the Clear Creek National Recreation Area in California to promote environmentally responsible high-quality motorized and non-motorized trail based recreation, including off-highway vehicle use, scenic touring, and access for hunting and gem collecting, while protecting landscape resources.

Instructs the Secretary to use the 2005 Clear Creek Management Area Travel Management Plan as modified by this Act or by the Secretary to incorporate natural resource protection information unavailable in 2005 as the basis for an interim management plan to govern motorized recreation in the Recreation Area.

Requires the Secretary to create a comprehensive management plan for the Recreation Area within two years of enactment of this Act.

Requires landowners to be provided with adequate access to inholdings within the Recreation Area.

Permits livestock grazing to be allowed to continue in areas in which it is allowed.

Designates specified federal lands in Fresno and San Benito Counties, California, to be known as the Joaquin Rocks Wilderness, as wilderness areas and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to add the Larious Canyon, San Carlos Creek, Cantua Creek, Picacho Creek, and White Creek and its tributaries as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Construction Reform, Authorization,
and Choice Improvement Act of 2015''.

SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CONSTRUCTION REFORMS.

    (a) Project Management.--Section 8103 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e) In the case of any super construction project (as such term
is defined in section 8104(a)(4)(C)), the Secretary shall enter into an
agreement with an appropriate non-Department entity to provide full
project management services for the super construction project.''.
    (b) Application of Industry Standards.--Section 8103 of title 38,
United States Code, as amended by subsection (a) is further amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(f) To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall use
industry standards, standard designs, and best practices in carrying
out the construction of medical facilities.''.
    (c) Limitation on Planning and Design for Super Construction
Projects.--Section 8104(a) of title 38, United States Code, is
amended--
            (1) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
            (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
        paragraph (3):
    ``(3) The Secretary may not obligate or expend funds for advance
planning or design for any super construction project, until the date
that is 60 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of
the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives notice of such
obligation or expenditure.''; and
            (3) in paragraph (4), as redesignated by paragraph (1) of
        this subsection, by adding at the end the following new
        subparagraph:
            ``(C) The term `super construction project' means a project
        for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a medical
        facility involving a total expenditure of more than
        $100,000,000, but such term does not include an acquisition by
        exchange.''.
    (d) Congressional Approval of Certain Projects.--
            (1) Projects that exceed specified amount.--Subsection (c)
        of section 8104 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to
        read as follows:
    ``(c) The Secretary may not obligate funds for a major medical
facility project or a super construction project approved by a law
described in subsection (a)(2) in an amount that would cause the total
amount obligated for that project to exceed the amount specified in the
law for that project (or would add to total obligations exceeding such
specified amount) by more than 10 percent unless the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations
of the House of Representatives each approve in writing the obligation
of those funds.''.
            (2) Use of extra amounts.--Subsection (d) of such section
        is amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (2)(B), in the matter preceding
                clause (i), by striking ``Whenever'' and inserting
                ``Before''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new
                paragraph:
    ``(3) The Secretary may not obligate any funds described in
paragraph (1) or amounts described in paragraph (2) before the date
that is 30 days after the notification submitted under paragraph (1) or
paragraph (2)(B), as the case may be, unless the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives each approve in writing the obligation of
those funds or amounts.''.
            (3) Notification requirements.--
                    (A) Committees required.--Subsection (d)(1) of such
                section is amended by striking ``each committee'' and
                inserting ``the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the
                Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the
                Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on
                Appropriations of the House of Representatives''.
                    (B) Use of amounts from bid savings.--Subsection
                (d)(2)(B) of such section is amended by adding at the
                end the following new clause:
            ``(iv) With respect to the major construction project that
        is the source of the bid savings--
                    ``(I) the amounts already obligated or available in
                the project reserve for such project;
                    ``(II) the percentage of such project that has been
                completed; and
                    ``(III) the amount of such bid savings that is
                already obligated or otherwise being used for a purpose
                other than such project.''.
    (e) Quarterly Report on Super Construction Projects.--
            (1) In general.--At the end of subchapter I of chapter 81
        of title 38, United States Code, insert the following new
        section:
``Sec. 8120. Quarterly report on super construction projects
    ``(a) Quarterly Reports Required.--Not later than 30 days after the
last day of each fiscal quarter the Secretary shall submit to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives on the super construction projects carried out by the
Secretary during such quarter. Each such report shall include, for each
such project--
            ``(1) the budgetary and scheduling status of the project,
        as of the last day of the quarter covered by the report; and
            ``(2) the actual cost and schedule variances of the
        project, as of such day, compared to the planned cost and
        schedules for the project.
    ``(b) Super Construction Project Defined.--In this section, the
term `super construction project' has the meaning given such term in
section 8103(a)(4)(C) of this title.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
        beginning of the chapter is amended by adding at the end of the
        items relating to such subchapter the following new item:

``8120. Quarterly report on super construction projects.''.
    (f) Accelerated Master Planning for Each Medical Facility of the
Department of Veterans Affairs.--
            (1) Existing facilities.--Not later than December 31, 2016,
        the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete a master plan
        described in paragraph (3) for each medical facility of the
        Department of Veterans Affairs.
            (2) New facilities.--For each medical facility of the
        Department for which construction is completed after the date
        of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete a
        master plan described in paragraph (3) for the facility by not
        later than the earlier of the following dates:
                    (A) The date on which activation is completed.
                    (B) The date of the formal dedication of the
                facility.
            (3) Master plan described.--A master plan described in this
        paragraph is, with respect to a medical facility of the
        Department, a plan to inform investment decisions and funding
        requests over a 10-year period for construction projects at
        such medical facility--
                    (A) to meet the health care needs of a changing
                veteran population through a combination of health care
                from the Department and other community resources; and
                    (B) to maximize the best use of the land and
                structures comprising such medical facility.

SEC. 3. CLARIFICATION OF DISTANCE REQUIREMENT FOR EXPANDED AVAILABILITY
              OF HOSPITAL CARE AND MEDICAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS
              THROUGH THE USE OF AGREEMENTS WITH NON-DEPARTMENT OF
              VETERANS AFFAIRS ENTITIES.

    (a) In General.--Section 101(b)(2) of the Veterans Access, Choice,
and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701
note) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``(as calculated
        based on distance traveled)'' after ``40 miles''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (D)(ii), by striking subclause (II),
        and inserting the following new subclause (II):
                                    ``(II) faces an unusual or
                                excessive burden in traveling to such a
                                medical facility of the Department
                                based on--
                                            ``(aa) geographical
                                        challenges;
                                            ``(bb) environmental
                                        factors, such as roads that are
                                        not accessible to the general
                                        public, traffic, or hazardous
                                        weather;
                                            ``(cc) a medical condition
                                        that impacts the ability to
                                        travel; or
                                            ``(dd) other factors, as
                                        determined by the Secretary.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and apply with
respect to care or services provided on or after such date.

SEC. 4. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2008 MAJOR MEDICAL
              FACILITY PROJECT AT DEPARTMENT MEDICAL CENTER IN TAMPA,
              FLORIDA.

    In chapter 3 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public
Law 110-252; 122 Stat. 2326), in the matter under the heading
``Department of Veterans Affairs-Departmental Administration-
Construction, Major Projects'', after ``Five Year Capital Plan'' insert
the following: ``and for constructing a new bed tower at the Department
of Veterans Affairs medical center in Tampa, Florida, in lieu of
providing bed tower upgrades at such medical center''.

SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2015 MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY
              PROJECTS.

    (a) Authorization.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out
the following major medical facility projects in fiscal year 2015, with
each project to be carried out in an amount not to exceed the amount
specified for that project:
            (1) Construction of a community living center, outpatient
        clinic, renovated domiciliary, and renovation of existing
        buildings in Canandaigua, New York, in an amount not to exceed
        $158,980,000.
            (2) Seismic corrections to the mental health and community
        living center in Long Beach, California, in an amount not to
        exceed $126,100,000.
            (3) Seismic correction of 12 buildings in West Los Angeles,
        California, in an amount not to exceed $70,500,000.
            (4) Construction of a spinal cord injury building and
        seismic corrections in San Diego, California, in an amount not
        to exceed $205,840,000.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2015
or the year in which funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major
Projects, account, a total of $561,420,000 for the projects authorized
in subsection (a).

SEC. 6. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR EXPANDED AVAILABILITY OF HOSPITAL CARE
              AND MEDICAL SERVICES FOR VETERANS THROUGH THE USE OF
              AGREEMENTS WITH NON-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
              ENTITIES.

    (a) In General.--Section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and
Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is
amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (p); and
            (2) by redesignating subsections (q) through (s) as
        subsections (p) through (r), respectively.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Such section is further amended--
            (1) in subsection (i)(2), by striking ``is authorized to
        carry out this section pursuant to subsection (p)'' and
        inserting ``carries out this section''; and
            (2) in subsection (q)(2), by striking subparagraph (F).

SEC. 7. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING VETERANS CHOICE FUND.

    Section 802(e) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability
Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 128 Stat. 1803) is amended by striking
``for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2017''.

Output: Construction Reform, Authorization, and Choice Improvement Act of 2015 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) enter into an agreement with an appropriate non-VA entity to provide full project management services for a super construction project; and (2) use industry standards, standard designs, and best practices in carrying out medical facility construction. A super construction project is one for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a medical facility involving a total expenditure of more than $100 million (but does not include an acquisition by exchange). The VA is prohibited from:   obligating or expending funds for advance planning or design for any super construction project until 60 days after congressional notification,  obligating funds for a major medical facility project or a super construction project by more than 10% of the amount approved by law unless certain congressional committees each approve the obligation, and   using bid savings amounts or funds for other than their original purpose before 30 days after notifying such committees unless each committee approves the obligation.  The VA must complete a master plan for each VA medical facility meeting specified requirements to inform investment decisions and funding requests over a 10-year period for construction projects at the facility.  The 40-mile distance requirement for a veteran to use a non-VA medical facility under the veterans choice program of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 means 40 miles calculated on the basis of distance traveled.  The VA may carry out the following major medical facility projects in FY2015 (with each project not to exceed specified amounts):   construction of a community living center, outpatient clinic, renovated domiciliary, and renovation of existing buildings in Canandaigua, New York;  seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California;  seismic correction of 12 buildings in West Los Angeles, California; and  construction of a spinal cord injury building and seismic corrections in San Diego, California.  VA authority to make medical services and hospital care available for eligible veterans through agreements with non-VA entities shall now be permanent. The sense of Congress regarding the Veterans Choice Fund is revised.


Input:
SECTION 1. DIVIDENDS OF INDIVIDUALS TAXED AT CAPITAL GAIN RATES.

    (a) In General.--Section 1(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to maximum capital gains rate) is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
            ``(13) Dividends taxed as net capital gain.--
                    ``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subsection,
                the term `net capital gain' means net capital gain
                (determined without regard to this paragraph),
                increased by qualified dividend income.
                    ``(B) Qualified dividend income.--For purposes of
                this paragraph--
                            ``(i) In general.--The term `qualified
                        dividend income' means dividends received from
                        domestic corporations during the taxable year.
                            ``(ii) Certain dividends excluded.--Such
                        term shall not include--
                                    ``(I) any dividend from a
                                corporation which for the taxable year
                                of the corporation in which the
                                distribution is made, or the preceding
                                taxable year, is a corporation exempt
                                from tax under section 501 or 521,
                                    ``(II) any amount allowed as a
                                deduction under section 591 (relating
                                to deduction for dividends paid by
                                mutual savings banks, etc.), and
                                    ``(III) any dividend described in
                                section 404(k).
                            ``(iii) Minimum holding period.--Such term
                        shall not include any dividend on any share of
                        stock with respect to which the holding period
                        requirements of section 246(c) are not met.
                    ``(C) Special rules.--
                            ``(i) Amounts taken into account as
                        investment income.--Qualified dividend income
                        shall not include any amount which the taxpayer
                        takes into account as investment income under
                        section 163(d)(4)(B).
                            ``(ii) Nonresident aliens.--In the case of
                        a nonresident alien individual, subparagraph
                        (A) shall apply only--
                                    ``(I) in determining the tax
                                imposed for the taxable year pursuant
                                to section 871(b) and only in respect
                                of amounts which are effectively
                                connected with the conduct of a trade
                                or business within the United States,
                                and
                                    ``(II) in determining the tax
                                imposed for the taxable year pursuant
                                to section 877.
                            ``(iii) Treatment of dividends from
                        regulated investment companies and real estate
                        investment trusts.--

                                ``For treatment of dividends from
regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts, see
sections 854 and 857.''
    (b) Exclusion of Dividends From Investment Income.--Subparagraph
(B) of section 163(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining
net investment income) is amended by adding at the end the following
flush sentence:
                ``Such term shall include qualified dividend income (as
                defined in section 1(h)(13)(B)) only to the extent the
                taxpayer elects to treat such income as investment
                income for purposes of this subsection.''
    (c) Treatment of Dividends From Regulated Investment Companies.--
            (1) Subsection (a) of section 854 of the Internal Revenue
        Code of 1986 (relating to dividends received from regulated
        investment companies) is amended by inserting ``section
        1(h)(13) (relating to maximum rate of tax on dividends and
        interest) and'' after ``For purposes of''.
            (2) Paragraph (1) of section 854(b) of such Code (relating
        to other dividends) is amended by redesignating subparagraph
        (B) as subparagraph (C) and by inserting after subparagraph (A)
        the following new subparagraph:
                    ``(B) Maximum rate under section 1(h).--
                            ``(i) In general.--If the aggregate
                        dividends received by a regulated investment
                        company during any taxable year is less than 95
                        percent of its gross income, then, in computing
                        the maximum rate under section 1(h)(13), rules
                        similar to the rules of subparagraph (A) shall
                        apply.
                            ``(ii) Gross income.--For purposes of
                        clause (i), in the case of 1 or more sales or
                        other dispositions of stock or securities, the
                        term `gross income' includes only the excess
                        of--
                                    ``(I) the net short-term capital
                                gain from such sales or dispositions,
                                over
                                    ``(II) the net long-term capital
                                loss from such sales or dispositions.''
            (3) Subparagraph (C) of section 854(b)(1) of such Code, as
        redesignated by paragraph (2), is amended by striking
        ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (A) or (B)''.
            (4) Paragraph (2) of section 854(b) of such Code is amended
        by inserting ``the maximum rate under section 1(h)(13) and''
        after ``for purposes of''.
    (d) Treatment of Dividends Received From Real Estate Investment
Trusts.--Section 857(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating
to restrictions applicable to dividends received from real estate
investment trusts) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(c) Restrictions Applicable To Dividends Received From Real
Estate Investment Trusts.--For purposes of section 1(h)(13) (relating
to maximum rate of tax on dividends) and section 243 (relating to
deductions received by corporations), a dividend received from a real
estate investment trust which meets the requirements of this part shall
not be considered a dividend.''
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002.

Output: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that dividend income shall be taxed as net capital gain.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Hurricane Sand Dunes National
Recreation Area Act of 2014''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means land
        owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management in
        Washington County in the State.
            (2) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map prepared by the
        Bureau of Land Management entitled ``Hurricane Sand Dunes
        National Recreation Area'' and dated November 14, 2014.
            (3) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal land'' means
        the State land identified on the map as State land.
            (4) Proposed exchange parcel.--The term ``proposed exchange
        parcel'' means the approximately 1,205 acres of Bureau of Land
        Management land identified on the map as ``Proposed Exchange
        Parcel''.
            (5) Recreation area.--The term ``Recreation Area'' means
        the Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area established
        by section 3(a).
            (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of the Interior.
            (7) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Utah.

SEC. 3. HURRICANE SAND DUNES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, UTAH.

    (a) Designation.--There is established in the State the Hurricane
Sand Dunes National Recreation Area to provide for--
            (1) the enhancement of recreational uses; and
            (2) the use of off-highway vehicles.
    (b) Boundary.--
            (1) In general.--The Recreation Area shall consist of the
        approximately 18,447 acres of Bureau of Land Management land in
        the State identified on the map as ``Open OHV Area''.
            (2) Exclusion.--The proposed exchange parcel shall be
        excluded from the Recreation Area.
    (c) Administration of Recreation Area and Proposed Exchange
Parcel.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Bureau of
Land Management, shall--
            (1) administer the Recreation Area and proposed exchange
        parcel--
                    (A) in accordance with--
                            (i) the applicable Federal laws (including
                        regulations) and rules applicable to the Bureau
                        of Land Management; and
                            (ii) applicable land use plans; and
                    (B) consistent with the administration of the Sand
                Mountain Open OHV Area, as in existence on the day
                before the date of enactment of this Act; and
            (2) only allow uses of the Recreation Area that are
        consistent with the purposes described in subsection (a).
    (d) Fish and Wildlife.--Nothing in this section affects the
jurisdiction or responsibilities of the State with respect to fish and
wildlife in the State.
    (e) Adjacent Management.--Nothing in this section creates any
protective perimeter or buffer zone around the Recreation Area.
    (f) Use of Off-Highway Vehicles.--The land described in subsection
(b)(1) shall remain open, in perpetuity, to the use of off-highway
vehicles.

SEC. 4. EXCHANGE OF FEDERAL LAND AND NON-FEDERAL LAND.

    (a) In General.--If the State offers to convey to the United States
title to the non-Federal land, the Secretary shall--
            (1) accept the offer; and
            (2) on receipt of all right, title, and interest in and to
        the non-Federal land, convey to the State all right, title, and
        interest of the United States in and to the Federal land.
    (b) Valid Existing Rights.--The exchange authorized under
subsection (a) shall be subject to valid existing rights.
    (c) Title Approval.--Title to the Federal land and non-Federal land
to be exchanged under this section shall be in a format acceptable to
the Secretary and the State.
    (d) Appraisals.--
            (1) In general.--The value of the Federal land and the non-
        Federal land to be exchanged under this section shall be
        determined by appraisals conducted by 1 or more independent
        appraisers retained by the State, with the consent of the
        Secretary.
            (2) Applicable law.--The appraisals under paragraph (1)
        shall be conducted in accordance with nationally recognized
        appraisal standards, including, as appropriate, the Uniform
        Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions.
            (3) Approval.--The appraisals conducted under paragraph (1)
        shall be submitted to the Secretary and the State for approval.
    (e) Equal Value Exchange.--
            (1) In general.--The value of the Federal land and non-
        Federal land to be exchanged under this section--
                    (A) shall be equal; or
                    (B) shall be made equal in accordance with
                paragraph (2).
            (2) Equalization.--
                    (A) Surplus of federal land.--If the value of the
                Federal land exceeds the value of the non-Federal land,
                the value of the Federal land and non-Federal land
                shall be equalized, as determined to be appropriate and
                acceptable by the Secretary and the State--
                            (i) by reducing the acreage of the Federal
                        land to be conveyed; or
                            (ii) by adding additional State land to the
                        non-Federal land to be conveyed.
                    (B) Surplus of non-federal land.--If the value of
                the non-Federal land exceeds the value of the Federal
                land, the value of the Federal land and non-Federal
                land shall be equalized by reducing the acreage of the
                non-Federal land to be conveyed, as determined to be
                appropriate and acceptable by the Secretary and the
                State.
    (f) Status and Management of Non-Federal Land.--On conveyance to
the Secretary, the non-Federal land shall, in accordance with section
206(c) of the Federal Land Policy Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716(c)), be
added to, and administered by the Secretary as part of, the Recreation
Area.

Output: Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area Act of 2014 - Establishes the Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area in Utah to provide for the enhancement of recreational uses and the use of off-highway vehicles. Provides for the conveyance of federal lands in Washington County in an equal-value exchange for certain state lands identified on a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) map for the area dated November 14, 2014.