Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``United States Secret Service
Accountability and Improvement Act of 2014''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    (a) In General.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Several recent failures have drawn negative attention
        to the protective mission of the United States Secret Service.
        Such key failures include lapses in responding appropriately to
        potential threats to the White House complex, United States
        Secret Service personnel exhibiting conduct that is unbecoming
        to the Service in several instances, and reports of United
        States Secret Service personnel misusing the authorities and
        resources of the Service.
            (2) For example, on September 19, 2014, an individual
        obtained unauthorized access to the White House. Such access
        was obtained after failures in five security layers by the
        United States Secret Service. In another example, on November
        11, 2011, an individual fired multiple shots from a
        semiautomatic rifle at the White House complex. It was revealed
        that a total of seven bullets struck the exterior of the
        building. The Service failed to fully investigate the incident
        in a timely manner or to disclose it.
            (3) On March 23, 2014, a Special Agent assigned to the
        Counter Assault Team was found intoxicated to the point of
        unconsciousness in a hotel in Amsterdam in advance of a
        Presidential visit. In another example, on April 11, 2012,
        conduct unbecoming to United States Secret Service personnel
        was exhibited before a Presidential visit to Cartagena,
        Columbia. Nine personnel were involved in serious misconduct.
            (4) Surveillance personnel from the Washington field office
        were diverted in 2011 from supporting the protective mission at
        the request of senior leadership in order to provide protection
        to a United States Secret Service employee at her home
        following a neighborhood dispute. Such a diversion was outside
        the scope of the Service's duties and violated the Standards of
        Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch.
    (b) Further Findings.--Congress further finds that the protection
of the President, Vice President, First and Second Families, and former
Presidents is a matter of national security. Any issues that distract
from the protective mission of the United States Secret Service are a
threat to the national security of the United States.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.

    There is established in the legislative branch an independent
advisory panel to--
            (1) examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the
        leadership structure, protocols, training, tools, and
        capabilities of the Department of Homeland Security's mission
        to protect national leaders, visiting heads of state and
        government, designated sites, and special events of national
        significance (in accordance with paragraph (1) of section
        3056(e) of title 18 United States Code); and
            (2) make recommendations to improve the overall efficiency
        and effectiveness of the United States Secret Service.

SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.

    (a) In General.--The independent advisory panel (in this Act
referred to as the ``Panel'') established pursuant to section 3 shall
be composed of eight members, as follows:
            (1) Two members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
        House of Representatives, in coordination with the chairs of
        the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland
        Security of the House of Representatives. Only one of such
        members may be from the same political party as the Speaker of
        the House of Representatives.
            (2) Two members shall be appointed by the majority leader
        of the Senate, in coordination with the chairs of the Committee
        on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security and
        Governmental Affairs of the Senate. Only one of such members
        may be from the same political party as the majority leader of
        the Senate.
            (3) One member shall be appointed by the minority leader of
        the House of Representatives, in coordination with the ranking
        members of the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on
        Homeland Security of the House of Representatives.
            (4) One member shall be appointed by the minority leader of
        the Senate, in coordination with the ranking members of the
        Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland
        Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
            (5) Two members shall be appointed by the President, in
        consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Only one
        of such members may be from the same political party as the
        President.
    (b) Prohibition.--Except as provided in subsection (a), members of
the Panel may not be current appointees of the President's
Administration or Members of Congress, in order to ensure objectivity
of the Panel's assessments. No member may be or have been an employee
of the United States Secret Service at any point in their career.
    (c) Deadline for Appointments.--All appointments to the Panel shall
be made not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
    (d) Co-Chairs.--The Panel shall have two co-chairs, as follows:
            (1) A co-chair who shall be a member of the Panel
        designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
            (2) A co-chair who shall be a member of the Panel
        designated by the majority leader of the Senate.
    (e) Vacancy.--In the event of a vacancy on the Panel, the
individual appointed to fill the vacant seat shall be--
            (1) subject to paragraph (2), appointed by the same officer
        (or the officer's successor) who made the appointment to the
        seat when the Panel was first established; or
            (2) if the officer's successor is of a party other than the
        party of the officer who made the initial appointment when the
        Panel was first established, chosen in consultation with the
        senior officers of the House of Representatives and the Senate
        of the party which is the party of the officer who made such
        initial appointment.
    (f) Government Employees.--Members of the Panel who are officers or
employees of the Federal Government shall serve without additional pay
(or benefits in the nature of compensation) for service as a member of
the Panel.
    (g) Initial Meeting.--The Panel shall meet and begin the operations
of the Panel not later than 60 days after the appointment of all Panel
members under subsection (a).

SEC. 5. DUTIES.

    The Panel shall assess the current leadership structure, protocols,
training, tools, and capabilities of the United States Secret Service,
including assessing--
            (1) the unity of effort between the divisions of the United
        States Secret Service, law enforcement agencies, and other
        components of the Department of Homeland Security related to
        the protective and investigative missions, including whether
        mission duplication with other Federal entities exists;
            (2) the impact of United States Secret Service personnel
        culture on the effectiveness and efficiency of the Service,
        including Special Agent and Uniformed Division retention;
            (3) the impact any leadership or security deficiencies have
        on the threat from acts of terrorism or other security
        incidents;
            (4) identification of all security breaches at locations
        under United States Secret Service protection in the past five
        years;
            (5) the extent to which current resources provide for
        accomplishing the mission of the United States Secret Service;
            (6) the effectiveness of communications and dissemination
        of homeland security information within the United States
        Secret Service and with other law enforcement entities in
        routine as well as emergency situations; and
            (7) any necessary recommendations for congressional
        consideration.

SEC. 6. POWERS AND AUTHORITIES.

    (a) In General.--The Panel or, on the authority of the Panel, any
portion thereof, may, for the purpose of carrying out this section--
            (1) hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and
        places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, administer
        such oaths (provided that the quorum for a hearing shall be two
        members of the Panel); and
            (2) subject to subsection (b), require by subpoena or
        otherwise provide for the attendance and testimony of such
        witnesses and the production of such books, records,
        correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents, as the Panel,
        or such portion thereof, may determine advisable.
    (b) Open to the Public.--Hearings and other activities conducted
under subsection (a) shall be open to the public unless the Panel, or,
on the authority of the Panel, any portion thereof, determines that
such is not appropriate, including for reasons relating to the
disclosure of information or material regarding the national security
interests of the United States or the disclosure of sensitive law
enforcement data.
    (c) Subpoenas.--
            (1) Issuance.--
                    (A) In general.--A subpoena may be issued under
                this subsection only--
                            (i) by the two co-chairs; or
                            (ii) by the affirmative recorded vote of
                        six members of the Panel.
                    (B) Signature.--Subpoenas issued under this
                subsection may be--
                            (i) issued under the signature of the two
                        co-chairs or any member designated by a
                        majority of the Panel; and
                            (ii) served by any person designated by the
                        two co-chairs or by any member designated by a
                        majority of the Panel.
            (2) Enforcement.--
                    (A) In general.--In the case of contumacy or
                failure to obey a subpoena issued under this
                subsection, the United States district court for the
                judicial district in which the subpoenaed person
                resides, is served, or may be found, or where the
                subpoena is returnable, may issue an order requiring
                such person to produce documentary or other evidence.
                Any failure to obey the order of the court may be
                punished by the court as contempt of that court.
                    (B) Additional enforcement.--In the case of any
                failure of any witness to comply with any subpoena, the
                Panel may, by majority vote, certify a statement of
                fact constituting such failure to the appropriate
                United States attorney, who may bring the matter before
                a grand jury for its action, under the same statutory
                authority and procedures as if the United States
                attorney had received a certification under sections
                102 through 104 of the Revised Statutes of the United
                States (2 U.S.C. 192 through 194).
    (d) Personnel.--
            (1) In general.--The Panel shall have the authorities
        provided in section 3161 of title 5, United States Code, and
        shall be subject to the conditions specified in such section,
        except to the extent that such conditions would be inconsistent
        with the requirements of this section.
            (2) Compensation.--The co-chairs, in accordance with rules
        agreed upon by the Panel, may appoint and fix the compensation
        of a staff director and such other personnel as may be
        necessary to enable the Panel to carry out its functions,
        without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States
        Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and
        without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter
        III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and
        General Schedule pay rates, except that no rate of pay fixed
        under this paragraph may exceed the equivalent of that payable
        for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under
        section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
            (3) Detailees.--Any employee of the Federal Government may
        be detailed to the Panel without reimbursement from the Panel,
        and such employee shall retain the rights, status, and
        privileges of such employee's regular employment without
        interruption.
            (4) Expert and consultant services.--The Panel is
        authorized to procure the services of experts and consultants
        in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code,
        but at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a person
        occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule
        under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
            (5) Volunteer services.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of
        title 31, United States Code, the Panel may accept and use
        voluntary and uncompensated services as the Panel determines
        necessary.
    (e) Security Clearances.--The appropriate departments or agencies
of the Federal Government shall cooperate with the Panel in
expeditiously providing to the Panel members and staff appropriate
security clearances to the extent possible pursuant to existing
procedures and requirements, except that no person shall be provided
with access to classified information under this section without the
appropriate security clearances.
    (f) Contracting.--The Panel may, to such extent and in such amounts
as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to enable
the Panel to carry out its duties under this Act.
    (g) Postal Services.--The Panel may use the United States mails in
the same manner and under the same conditions as departments and
agencies of the Federal Government.
    (h) Support Services.--Upon request of the Panel, the Administrator
of General Services shall provide the Panel, on a reimbursable basis,
with the administrative support services necessary for the Panel to
carry out its duties under this Act. Such administrative services may
include human resource management, budget, leasing, accounting, and
payroll services.
    (i) Rules of Procedure.--The Panel may establish rules for the
conduct of the Panel's business, if such rules are not inconsistent
with this Act or other applicable law.
    (j) Nonapplicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the
Panel.
    (k) Termination.--The Panel shall terminate on the date that is 60
days after the date of the submission of its final report.

SEC. 7. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.

    (a) Interim Report.--Not later than nine months after the date of
the appointment of all the members of the Panel, the Panel shall submit
to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland
Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the
Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate an interim report, including the results and
findings of the assessments carried out in accordance with section 5.
    (b) Other Reports and Briefings.--The Panel may from time to time
submit to the committees specified in subsection (a) such other reports
and briefings relating to the assessments carried out in accordance
with section 5 as the Panel considers appropriate. Such committees may
request information on the Panel's progress as it conducts its work.
    (c) Final Report.--Not later than eighteen months after the date of
the appointment of all the members of the Panel, the Panel shall submit
to the committees specified in subsection (a) a final report on the
assessments carried out in accordance with section 5. Such final report
shall--
            (1) include the findings of the Panel;
            (2) identify lessons learned related to United States
        Secret Service leadership issues; and
            (3) include specific recommendations, including those for
        congressional consideration, relating to--
                    (A) improving the efficiency and effectiveness of
                the leadership structure, protocols, training, tools,
                and capabilities of the Department of Homeland
                Security's mission to protect national leaders,
                visiting heads of state and government, designated
                sites, and special events of national significance (in
                accordance with paragraph (1) of section 3056(e) of
                title 18 United States Code);
                    (B) improving unity of effort between the divisions
                of the United States Secret Service and other law
                enforcement agencies and other components of the
                Department of Homeland Security relating to the
                protective and, as applicable, investigative missions,
                including whether duplication with other Federal
                entities exists;
                    (C) eliminating barriers to effective
                communications in routine as well as emergency
                situations;
                    (D) identifying and mitigating cultural issues
                within the United States Secret Service that detract
                from the mission of the Service; and
                    (E) improvements needed to mitigate risks based on
                past security breaches.

Output: United States Secret Service Accountability and Improvement Act of 2014 - Establishes in the legislative branch an independent advisory panel to: (1) examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the leadership structure, protocols, training, tools, and capabilities of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) mission to protect national leaders, visiting heads of state and government, designated sites, and special events of national significance; and (2) make recommendations to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the United States Secret Service.  Directs the panel to assess the current leadership structure, protocols, training, tools, and capabilities of the Service, including assessing:  the unity of effort between the divisions of the Service, law enforcement agencies, and other components of DHS related to the protective and investigative missions; the impact of Service personnel culture on its effectiveness and efficiency; the impact any leadership or security deficiencies have on the threat from acts of terrorism or other security incidents; identification of all security breaches at locations under Service protection in the past five years;  the extent to which current resources provide for accomplishing its mission, and the effectiveness of communications and dissemination of homeland security information within the Service and with other law enforcement entities in routine and emergency situations.  Sets forth reporting requirements, including requiring the final report to identify lessons learned regarding Service leadership issues and to include recommendations for improving efficiency and effectiveness, improving unity of effort, eliminating barriers to effective communications, identifying and mitigating culture issues that detract from its mission, and mitigating risks based on past security breaches.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``United States Employee Ownership
Bank Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds as follows:
            (1) Over the past 2 years, the United States has lost more
        than 2,000,000 decent-paying manufacturing jobs.
            (2) With 14,731,000 total manufacturing jobs, the United
        States now has the lowest number of factory jobs since October,
        1958.
            (3) According to Forrester Research, ``Over the next 15
        years, 3,300,000 United States service industry jobs and
        $136,000,000,000 in wages will move offshore to countries like
        India, Russia, China and the Philippines. The IT industry will
        lead the initial overseas exodus.''.
            (4) At the end of 2002, the United States had a record-
        breaking trade deficit of $435,200,000,000, including a
        $103,100,000,000 trade deficit with China.
            (5) Preserving and increasing decent-paying jobs must be a
        top priority of the United States Congress.
            (6) Providing loan guarantees, direct loans, and technical
        assistance to employees to buy their own companies will
        preserve and increase employment in the United States.
            (7) Just like the United States Export-Import Bank was
        created in 1934 during the midst of the Great Depression as a
        way to increase United States jobs through exports, the time
        has come to establish the United States Employee Ownership Bank
        within the Department of the Treasury to preserve and expand
        jobs in the United States.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP BANK WITHIN
              THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY.

    (a) Establishment Required.--Before the end of the 30-day period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
the Treasury (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'')
shall establish the United States Employee Ownership Bank (hereinafter
referred to as the ``Bank'') to foster increased employee ownership and
greater employee participation in company decision-making throughout
the United States.
    (b) Duties of Bank.--The Secretary shall establish such Bank to
provide the following:
            (1) Loans subordinated to the interests of all other
        creditors, loan guarantees, and technical assistance, on such
        terms and subject to such conditions as the Secretary
        determines to be appropriate, to employees to purchase a
        business through an employee stock ownership plan or eligible
        worker-owned cooperative that are at least 51 percent employee
        owned.
            (2) Grants to States and nonprofit and cooperative
        organizations with experience in developing employee-owned
        businesses and worker-owned cooperatives to provide education
        and outreach to inform people about the possibilities and
        benefits of employee ownership of companies, gain sharing, and
        participation in company decision-making, including some
        financial education.
            (3) Grants to States and nonprofit and cooperative
        organizations with experience in developing employee-owned
        businesses and worker-owned cooperatives to provide technical
        assistance to assist employee efforts to become business
        owners.
            (4) Grants to States and nonprofit and cooperative
        organizations with experience in developing employee-owned
        businesses and worker-owned cooperatives to provide
        participation training to teach employees and employers methods
        of employee participation in company decision-making.
            (5) Grants to States and nonprofit and cooperative
        organizations with experience in developing employee-owned
        businesses and worker-owned cooperatives to conduct objective
        third party pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to
determine if employees who would like to start-up employee stock
ownership plans or worker cooperatives would be able to make a profit.
    (c) Preconditions.--Before the Bank makes any subordinated loan or
loan guarantee under subsection (b)(1), the employees shall submit to
the Bank the following:
            (1) A business plan that shows that--
                    (A) at least 51 percent of all interests in the
                employee stock ownership plan or eligible worker-owned
                cooperative is owned or controlled by employees;
                    (B) the Board of Directors of the employee stock
                ownership plan or eligible worker-owned cooperative is
                elected by all of the employees; and
                    (C) all employees receive basic information about
                company progress and have the opportunity to
                participate in day-to-day operations.
            (2) A feasibility study from an objective third party with
        a positive determination that the employee stock ownership plan
        or eligible worker owned cooperative will be profitable enough
        to pay back any loan, subordinated loan or loan guarantee that
        was made possible through the United States Employee Ownership
        Bank.
    (d) Insurance of Subordinated Loans and Loan Guarantees.--
            (1) In general.--The Bank shall, with respect to any
        subordinated loan or loan guarantee provided under this Act,
        insure such loan or loan guarantee against the nonrepayment of
        the outstanding balance of the loan.
            (2) Annual premiums.--The Bank shall fix the annual premium
        for the insurance of each subordinated loan or loan guarantee
        under this subsection to be paid by the borrower in such manner
        and in such amount as the Secretary determines to be
        appropriate.
            (3) Premiums and guarantee fees available to cover
        losses.--The premiums collected by the Bank from insurance
        issued under this subsection and the fees collected by the Bank
        for loan guarantees issued under subsection (b) shall be
        deposited in a fund in the Treasury and shall be available to
        the Bank to cover any losses incurred by the Bank in connection
        with any such loan or loan guarantee.
    (e) Technical Assistance in the Discretion of the Secretary.--In
the case of activities under subsection (b)(3), the Secretary may
require the Bank to take the following actions:
            (1) Provide for the targeting of key groups such as
        retiring business owners, unions, managers, trade associations,
        and community organizations.
            (2) Encourage cooperation in organizing workshops and
        conferences.
            (3) Provide for the preparation and distribution of
        materials concerning employee ownership and participation.
    (f) Participation Training in the Discretion of the Secretary.--In
the case of activities under subsection (b)(4), the Secretary may
require the Bank to take the following actions:
            (1) Provide for courses on employee participation.
            (2) Provide for the development and fostering of networks
        of employee owned companies to spread the use of successful
        participation techniques.

SEC. 4. REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS OF THE UNITED
              STATES EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP BANK.

    Before the end of the 30-day period beginning the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe
regulations to ensure the safety and soundness of the United States
Employee Ownership Bank.

SEC. 5. REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THE UNITED STATES EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP BANK
              WILL NOT COMPETE WITH COMMERCIAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

    Before the end of the 30-day period beginning the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe
regulations to ensure that the United States Employee Ownership Bank
will not compete with commercial financial institutions.

SEC. 6. COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT CREDIT.

    Section 804 of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (12 U.S.C.
2903) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(d) Establishment of ESOPs and EWOCs.--In assessing and taking
into account, under subsection (a), the record of a financial
institution, the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency may
consider as a factor capital investments, loans, loan participation,
technical assistance, financial advice, grants, and other ventures
undertaken by the institution to support or enable manufacturing
employees to establish employee stock ownership plans or eligible
worker owned cooperatives that are at least 51 percent employee-owned
plans or cooperatives.''.

SEC. 7. ORGANIZATION OF BANK.

    (a) Management.--There shall be at the head of the Bank, a Director
of the United States Employee Ownership Bank (hereinafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Director''), who shall be appointed by and serve
at the pleasure of the Secretary.
    (b) Staff.--The Director may select, appoint, employ, and fix the
compensation of such employees as shall be necessary to carry out the
functions of the Bank.

SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the
Treasury $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,
and 2008 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Output:
United States Employee Ownership Bank Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the United States Employee Ownership Bank in order to foster increased employee ownership and participation in company decision-making throughout the United States.

Lists among the Bank's duties providing loans to enable employees to purchase a business through an employee stock ownership plan or eligible worker-owned cooperative that is at least 51 percent employee-owned.

States that such loans are subordinated to the interests of all other creditors, loan guarantees, and technical assistance programs.

Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to provide that in assessing and taking into account the record of a financial institution, the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency may consider as a factor capital investments, loans, loan participation, technical assistance, financial advice, grants, and other ventures undertaken by the institution to support or enable manufacturing employees to establish employee stock ownership plans or eligible worker owned cooperatives that are at least 51 percent employee-owned plans or cooperatives.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act of
2006''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) The Saddam Hussein regime committed human rights
        atrocities against the citizens of Iraq.
            (2) In the past, women in Iraq played important roles in
        public and private industries, including the government.
            (3) Iraqi women currently are serving in the National
        Assembly, government ministries, and local governments.
            (4) The reconstruction of Iraq and the writing of the
        permanent Iraqi Constitution provide a unique opportunity to
        continue this success and to affirm women's human rights under
        law.
            (5) For women to fully participate in Iraqi society, they
        must have the guaranteed right to vote, the guaranteed right to
        run for office, guaranteed equality of opportunity, guaranteed
        equality in family law, guaranteed equal access to the civil
        courts, protection from gender-motivated violence, and
        guaranteed access to health care, education, and employment.
            (6) The United States, through its involvement in Iraq,
        must be actively working toward guaranteeing the full inclusion
        and participation of Iraqi women in the political and economic
        life of their country, and must continue to do so throughout
        the reconstruction process.
            (7) The United States must be actively working to ensure
        that the lives of Iraqi women are made better, not worse,
        because of United States intervention.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF IRAQI WOMEN'S FUND.

    (a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the United States Agency
for International Development shall establish a fund for the purpose of
assisting women and girls in Iraq in the areas of political, legal, and
human rights, health care, education, training, security, and shelter.
    (b) Activities Supported.--The fund established under subsection
(a) shall support the following activities:
            (1) Direct financial and programmatic assistance to the
        Iraq Ministry of Women's Affairs (hereafter in this section
        referred to as the ``Ministry'') to promote the strengthening
        of the Ministry as the Government of Iraq continues its
        transition to a long-term government structure. The Ministry
        may use such assistance to support activities such as the
        following:
                    (A) Multiyear women-centered economic development
                programs, including programs to assist widows, female
                heads of household, women in rural areas, and disabled
                women.
                    (B) Collaboration with the Iraq Ministry of Health
                to construct health infrastructure and delivery of
                high-quality comprehensive health care programs,
                including primary, maternal, child, reproductive, and
                mental health care.
                    (C) Programs to prevent trafficking in persons,
                assist victims, and apprehend and prosecute traffickers
                in persons.
                    (D) Programs to prevent gender-motivated violence
                targeted at women, including domestic violence.
            (2) Collaboration with the Iraq Ministry of Education to
        construct women's educational facilities in Iraq and promote
        the education of Iraqi girls beyond primary school.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Administrator of the United
States Agency for International Development shall prepare and submit to
Congress a report that contains documentation of activities of the
United States Agency for International Development, the Iraq Ministry
of Women's Affairs, the Iraq Ministry of Health, and the Iraq Ministry
of Education to implement the requirements of this section.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $22,500,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2007, 2008, and 2009 and such sums as are necessary for
each subsequent fiscal year.

SEC. 4. ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not less than 15
percent of the aggregate amount of economic and humanitarian assistance
authorized to be made available to Iraq for each of the fiscal years
2007, 2008, and 2009 shall be made available for assistance directly to
Iraqi-led local nongovernmental organizations, including not less than
5 percent of that 15 percent for Iraqi women-led organizations, with
demonstrated experience in delivering services to Iraqi women and
children to support their programmatic activities and organizational
development. In recognition of the appreciating capacity of Iraqi-led
local nongovernmental organizations, including Iraqi women-led
organizations, an appropriate percentage of the aggregate amount of
economic and humanitarian assistance authorized to be made available to
Iraq for fiscal year 2010 and each subsequent fiscal year shall be made
available for assistance directly to Iraqi-led local nongovernmental
organizations, including Iraqi women-led organizations.

SEC. 5. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO UNITED STATES ACTIVITIES IN IRAQ.

    (a) In General.--Activities described in subsections (b) through
(d) that are carried out by the United States in Iraq shall comply with
the applicable requirements contained in such subsections.
    (b) Governance of Iraq.--With respect to the governance of Iraq,
the applicable requirements are the following:
            (1) Include the perspectives and advice of Iraqi women's
        organizations, networks, and leaders in United States
        policymaking related to the governance of Iraq.
            (2) Promote the achievement of 25 percent of the seats in
        the National Assembly to be held by Iraqi women to ensure that
        women's full range of human rights are included and upheld in
        any constitution or legal structures of Iraq.
            (3) Encourage the appointment of women to high level
        positions within Iraqi Ministries.
    (c) Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development.--With respect to
activities relating to post-conflict stability in Iraq, the applicable
requirements are the following:
            (1) Encourage United States organizations that receive
        funds authorized by this Act to partner with or create Iraqi-
        led counterpart organizations and provide these organizations
        with significant financial resources, technical assistance, and
        capacity building.
            (2) Increase women's access to or ownership of productive
        assets such as land, water, agricultural inputs, credit, and
        property.
            (3) Provide long-term financial assistance for primary,
        secondary, higher, nontraditional, and vocational education for
        Iraqi girls, women, boys, and men.
            (4) Integrate education and training programs for former
        combatants with economic development programs to encourage
        their reintegration into society and to promote post-conflict
        stability.
    (d) Iraqi Military and Police.--With respect to training for
military and police forces in Iraq, the applicable requirements are the
following:
            (1) Include training on the protection, rights, and the
        particular needs of women and emphasize that violations of
        women's rights are intolerable and should be prosecuted.
            (2) Encourage such trainers who will carry out the
        activities in paragraph (1) to consult with women's
        organizations in Iraq to ensure that training content and
        materials are adequate, appropriate, and comprehensive.

SEC. 6. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
and annually thereafter, the President shall prepare and transmit to
Congress a report that contains documentation of activities of the
United States to guarantee the rights of Iraqi women, including
progress in implementing the requirements of section 5 and on the
status of women's rights in Iraq. All data in the report shall be
disaggregated by gender.

Output:
Empowerment of Iraqi Women Act of 2006 - Directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) establish a fund to assist women and girls in Iraq in the areas of political, legal, and human rights, health care, education, training, security, and shelter.

Directs that the fund: (1) provide direct financial and programmatic assistance to the Iraq Ministry of Women's Affairs to strengthen the Ministry as the government of Iraq transitions to a long-term government structure; and (2) collaborate with the Iraq Ministry of Education to construct women's educational facilities and promote the education of Iraqi girls beyond primary school.

Obligates specified economic and humanitarian assistance to Iraq for assistance directly to Iraqi-led local nongovernmental organizations, including Iraqi women-led organizations, with demonstrated experience in delivering services to Iraqi women and children.


Input:
SECTION 1. DEDUCTION FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES.

    (a) Deduction Allowed.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized
deductions for individuals) is amended by redesignating section 220 as
section 221 and by inserting after section 219 the following new
section:

``SEC. 220. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES.

    ``(a) Allowance of Deduction.--In the case of an individual, there
shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the qualified
postsecondary education expenses paid by the taxpayer during the
taxable year.
    ``(b) Dollar Limitations.--
            ``(1) Per student.--The aggregate payments during the
        taxable year for the qualified postsecondary education expenses
        of each individual which may be taken into account under
        subsection (a) shall not exceed $10,000.
            ``(2) Per taxpayer.--The amount allowed as a deduction
        under subsection (a) for the taxable year shall not exceed
        $20,000.
    ``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
            ``(1) Qualified postsecondary education expenses.--The term
        `qualified postsecondary education expenses' means qualified
        tuition and related expenses of--
                    ``(A) the taxpayer, or
                    ``(B) an individual who is the spouse, or a
                dependent, of the taxpayer for the taxable year in
                which such expenses are incurred,
        for attendance at an eligible educational institution.
            ``(2) Qualified tuition and related expenses.--The term
        `qualified tuition and related expenses' means--
                    ``(A) tuition and fees required for enrollment or
                attendance at an eligible educational institution,
                    ``(B) fees, books, supplies, and equipment required
                for courses of instruction at such an institution, and
                    ``(C) reasonable living expenses while away from
                home.
        Such term shall not include expenses which are treated as not
        described in section 135(c)(2)(A) by reason of section
        135(c)(2)(B).
            ``(3) Eligible educational institution.--The term `eligible
        educational institution' has the meaning given to such term by
        section 135(c)(3).
    ``(d) Coordination With Other Provisions.--
            ``(1) No double benefit.--
                    ``(A) In general.--No deduction shall be allowed
                under subsection (a) for qualified postsecondary
                education expenses with respect to which a deduction is
                allowed under any other provision of this chapter.
                    ``(B) Savings bond exclusion.--A deduction shall be
                allowed under subsection (a) for qualified
                postsecondary education expenses only to the extent the
                amount of such expenses exceeds the amount excludable
                under section 135 for the taxable year.
    ``(e) Special Rules.--
            ``(1) Adjustment for certain scholarships and veterans
        benefits.--The amounts otherwise taken into account under
        subsection (a) as qualified postsecondary education expenses of
        any individual during any period shall be reduced (before the
        application of subsection (b)) by any amounts received by such
        individual during such period as--
                    ``(A) a qualified scholarship (within the meaning
                of section 117(b)) which under section 117 is not
                includible in gross income, or
                    ``(B) an educational assistance allowance under
                chapters 30, 31, 32, 34, or 35 of title 38 of the
                United States Code.
            ``(2) Eligible courses.--Amounts paid for qualified
        postsecondary education expenses of any individual shall be
        taken into account under subsection (a) only to the extent such
        expenses are attributable to courses of instruction for which
        credit is allowed toward a degree by an institution of higher
        education or toward a certificate of required course work at a
        vocational school.
            ``(3) Individual must be at least a half-time student.--No
        deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a) for amounts
        paid during the taxable year for qualified postsecondary
        education expenses with respect to any individual unless that
        individual, during any 4 calendar months during the calendar
        year in which the taxable year of the taxpayer begins, is at
        least a half-time student at an eligible education institution.
            ``(4) Taxpayer who is dependent of another taxpayer.--No
        deduction shall be allowed to a taxpayer under subsection (a)
        for amount paid for the education of such taxpayer if such
        taxpayer is a dependent of another person for a taxable year
        beginning in the calendar year in which the taxable year of the
        taxpayer begins.
            ``(5) Spouse.--No deduction shall be allowed under
        subsection (a) for amounts paid during the taxable year for
        qualified postsecondary education expenses for the spouse of
        the taxpayer unless--
                    ``(A) the taxpayer is entitled to an exemption for
                his spouse under section 151(b) for the taxable year,
                or
                    ``(B) the taxpayer files a joint return with his
                spouse for the taxable year.''
    (b) Deduction Allowed in Computing Adjusted Gross Income.--Section
62(a) of such Code is amended by inserting after paragraph (15) the
following new paragraph:
            ``(16) Postsecondary education expenses.--The deduction
        allowed by section 220.''
    (c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for part VII of
subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the item
relating to section 220 and inserting:

                              ``Sec. 220. Postsecondary education
                                        expenses.
                              ``Sec. 221. Cross reference.''
    (d) Effective Dates.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1994.

Output: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for qualified postsecondary education expenses of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse or dependent.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Border Health Security Act of
2015''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) The United States-Mexico border is an interdependent
        and dynamic region of more than 15,000,000 people with
        significant and unique public health challenges.
            (2) These challenges include low rates of health insurance
        coverage, poor access to health care services, high
        unemployment rates, low educational attainment, and high rates
        of dangerous diseases, such as tuberculosis, diabetes, obesity,
        and other non-communicable diseases.
            (3) As the 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) pandemic
        illustrated, diseases do not respect international boundaries,
        and a strong public health effort at and along the borders is
        crucial to not only protect and improve the health of Americans
        but also to help secure the country against threats to
        biosecurity and other emerging threats.
            (4) For 11 years, the United States-Mexico Border Health
        Commission has served as a crucial binational institution to
        address these unique and truly cross-border health issues.
            (5) More than 75 percent of Canadians live within 100 miles
        of the United States border. The 2003 epidemic of severe acute
        respiratory syndrome caused more than 250 illnesses in the
        Greater Toronto Area, just 80 miles from New York.

SEC. 3. UNITED STATES-MEXICO BORDER HEALTH COMMISSION ACT AMENDMENTS.

    The United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act (22 U.S.C.
290n et seq.) is amended--
            (1) in section 3--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and
                inserting ``;'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period and
                inserting a semicolon; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) to cooperate with the Canada-United States Pan-Border
        Public Health Preparedness Council (referred to in this Act as
        the `Council'), as appropriate; and
            ``(4) to serve as an independent and objective body to both
        recommend and implement initiatives that solve border health
        issues.'';
            (2) in section 5--
                    (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``should be the
                leader'' and inserting ``shall be the Chair''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Providing Advice and Recommendations.--Members of the
Commission and the Council may at any time provide advice or
recommendations to the Secretary, Congress, or any Member of Congress
concerning issues that are considered by the Commission or Council.
Such advice or recommendations may be provided regardless of whether a
request for such is made and regardless of whether the member or
individual is authorized to provide such advice or recommendations by
the Commission or Council or any other Federal official.'';
            (3) by redesignating section 8 as section 12;
            (4) by striking section 7 and inserting the following:

``SEC. 7. BORDER HEALTH GRANTS.

    ``(a) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term `eligible
entity' means a State, public institution of higher education, local
government, Indian tribe, tribal organization, urban Indian
organization, nonprofit health organization, trauma center, critical
access hospital or other hospital that serves rural or other vulnerable
communities and populations, faith-based entity, or community health
center receiving assistance under section 330 of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b), that is located in the United States-
Mexico border area or the United States-Canada border area.
    ``(b) Authorization.--From amounts appropriated under section 11,
the Secretary, in consultation with members of the Commission and
Council and in coordination with the Office of Global Affairs, shall
award grants to eligible entities to address priorities and
recommendations outlined by the strategic plan and operational work
plan of the Commission and the Council, as authorized under section 9,
to improve the health of United States-Mexico border area and United
States-Canada border area residents.
    ``(c) Application.--An eligible entity that desires a grant under
subsection (b) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require.
    ``(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
subsection (b) shall use the grant funds for any of the following:
            ``(1) Programs relating to any one or more of the
        following:
                    ``(A) Maternal and child health.
                    ``(B) Primary care and preventative health.
                    ``(C) Infectious disease testing, monitoring, and
                surveillance.
                    ``(D) Public health and public health
                infrastructure.
                    ``(E) Health promotion.
                    ``(F) Oral health.
                    ``(G) Behavioral and mental health.
                    ``(H) Substance abuse prevention and harm
                reduction.
                    ``(I) Health conditions that have a high prevalence
                in the United States-Mexico border area or United
                States-Canada border area.
                    ``(J) Medical and health services research.
                    ``(K) Workforce training and development.
                    ``(L) Community health workers and promotoras.
                    ``(M) Health care infrastructure problems in the
                United States-Mexico border area or United States-
                Canada border area (including planning and construction
                grants).
                    ``(N) Health disparities in the United States-
                Mexico border area or United States-Canada border area.
                    ``(O) Environmental health.
                    ``(P) Health education.
                    ``(Q) Outreach and enrollment services with respect
                to Federal programs (including programs authorized
                under titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act (42
                U.S.C. 1396 et seq. and 1397aa et seq.)).
                    ``(R) Trauma care.
                    ``(S) Health research with an emphasis on
                infectious disease and pressing issues related to
                noncommunicable diseases.
                    ``(T) Epidemiology and health research.
                    ``(U) Cross-border health surveillance coordinated
                with Mexican Health Authorities or Canadian Health
                Authorities.
                    ``(V) Obesity, particularly childhood obesity.
                    ``(W) Crisis communication, domestic violence,
                health literacy, or cancer.
                    ``(X) Community-based participatory research on
                border health issues.
                    ``(Y) Violence prevention.
                    ``(Z) Cross-border public health preparedness.
            ``(2) Other programs determined appropriate by the
        Secretary.
    ``(e) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Amounts provided to an eligible
entity awarded a grant under subsection (b) shall be used to supplement
and not supplant other funds available to the eligible entity to carry
out the activities described in subsection (d).

``SEC. 8. GRANTS FOR EARLY WARNING INFECTIOUS DISEASE SURVEILLANCE
              (EWIDS) IN THE BORDER AREA.

    ``(a) Eligible Entity Defined.--In this section, the term `eligible
entity' means a State, local government, Indian tribe, tribal
organization, urban Indian organization, trauma center, regional trauma
center coordinating entity, or public health entity.
    ``(b) Authorization.--From funds appropriated under section 11, the
Secretary shall award grants for Early Warning Infectious Disease
Surveillance (EWIDS) to eligible entities for infectious disease
surveillance activities in the United States-Mexico border area or
United States-Canada border area.
    ``(c) Application.--An eligible entity that desires a grant under
this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require.
    ``(d) Uses of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant
under subsection (b) shall use the grant funds, in coordination with
State and local all hazards programs, to--
            ``(1) develop and implement infectious disease surveillance
        plans and networks and public health emergency and readiness
        assessments and preparedness plans, and purchase items
        necessary for such plans;
            ``(2) coordinate infectious disease surveillance planning
        and interjurisdictional risk assessments in the region with
        appropriate United States-based agencies and organizations and
        appropriate authorities in Mexico or Canada;
            ``(3) improve infrastructure, including surge capacity,
        syndromic surveillance, and isolation/decontamination capacity,
        and policy preparedness, including for mutual assistance and
        for the sharing of information and resources;
            ``(4) improve laboratory capacity, in order to maintain and
        enhance capability and capacity to detect potential infectious
        disease, whether naturally occurring or the result of
        terrorism;
            ``(5) create and maintain a health alert network, including
        risk communication and information dissemination that is
        culturally competent and takes into account the needs of at-
        risk populations, including individuals with disabilities;
            ``(6) educate and train clinicians, epidemiologists,
        laboratories, and emergency management personnel;
            ``(7) implement electronic data and infrastructure
        inventory systems to coordinate the triage, transportation, and
        treatment of multicasualty incident victims;
            ``(8) provide infectious disease testing in the United
        States-Mexico border area or United States-Canada border area;
        and
            ``(9) carry out such other activities identified by the
        Secretary, members of the Commission, members of the Council,
        State or local public health authorities, representatives of
        border health offices, or authorities at the United States-
        Mexico or United States-Canada borders.

``SEC. 9. PLANS, REPORTS, AUDITS, AND BY-LAWS.

    ``(a) Strategic Plan.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
        enactment of this section, and every 5 years thereafter, the
        Commission (including the participation of members representing
        both the United States and Mexican sections) and the Council
        (including the participation of members representing both the
        United States and Canada) shall each prepare a binational
        strategic plan to guide the operations of the Commission and
        the Council and submit such plan to the Secretary and Congress.
            ``(2) Requirements.--The binational strategic plan under
        paragraph (1) shall include--
                    ``(A) health-related priority areas determined most
                important by the full membership of the Commission or
                Council, as applicable;
                    ``(B) recommendations for goals, objectives,
                strategies, and actions designed to address such
                priority areas; and
                    ``(C) a proposed evaluation framework with output
                and outcome indicators appropriate to gauge progress
                toward meeting the objectives and priorities of the
                Commission or Council, as applicable.
    ``(b) Work Plan.--Not later than January 1, 2017, and every 2 years
thereafter, the Commission and the Council shall develop and approve an
operational work plan and budget based on the strategic plan under
subsection (a).
    ``(c) GAO Review.--Not later than January 1, 2018, and every 2
years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct an evaluation of the activities conducted by the Commission and
the Council based on the operational work plans described in subsection
(b) for the previous year and the output and outcome indicators
included in the strategic plan described in subsection (a). The
evaluation shall include a request for written evaluations from members
of the Commission and the Council about barriers and facilitators to
executing successfully the work plans of the Commission and the
Council.
    ``(d) Biannual Reporting.--The Commission and Council shall each
issue a biannual report to the Secretary that provides independent
policy recommendations related to border health issues. Not later than
3 months following receipt of each such biannual report, the Secretary
shall provide to Congress the report and any studies or other materials
produced independently by the Commission and Council.
    ``(e) Audits.--The Secretary shall annually prepare an audited
financial report to account for all appropriated assets expended by the
Commission and Council to address both the strategic and operational
work plans for the year involved.
    ``(f) By-Laws.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment
of this section, the Commission and Council shall develop and approve
bylaws to provide fully for compliance with the requirements of this
section.
    ``(g) Transmittal to Congress.--The Commission and Council shall
submit copies of the operational work plan and by-laws to Congress. The
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a copy of each
evaluation completed under subsection (c) to Congress.

``SEC. 10. COORDINATION.

    ``(a) In General.--To the extent practicable and appropriate,
plans, systems, and activities to be funded (or supported) under this
Act for all hazard preparedness, and general border health, shall be
coordinated with Federal, State, and local authorities in Mexico,
Canada, and the United States.
    ``(b) Coordination of Health Services and Surveillance.--The
Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and
Response, when appropriate, may coordinate with the Secretary of
Homeland Security in establishing a health alert system that--
            ``(1) alerts clinicians and public health officials of
        emerging disease clusters and syndromes along the United
        States-Mexico border area and United States-Canada border area;
        and
            ``(2) warns of health threats, extreme weather conditions,
        disasters of mass scale, bioterrorism, and other emerging
        threats along the United States-Mexico border area and United
        States-Canada border area.

``SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    ``There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act
$7,000,000 for fiscal year 2017 and each succeeding year, subject to
the availability of appropriations for such purpose, of which
$4,650,000 shall be made available to fund operationally feasible
functions, activities, and grants with respect to the United States-
Mexico border and the border health activities under cooperative
agreements with the border health offices of the States of California,
Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and $2,350,000 shall be allocated for
the administration of United States activities under this Act on the
United States-Canada border and the border health authorities, acting
through the Canada-United States Pan-Border Public Health Preparedness
Council.''; and
            (5) in section 12 (as so redesignated)--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as
                paragraphs (4) and (6), respectively;
                    (B) by inserting after paragraph (2), the
                following:
            ``(3) Indians; indian tribe; tribal organization; urban
        indian organization.--The terms `Indian', `Indian tribe',
        `tribal organization', and `urban Indian organization' have the
        meanings given such terms in section 4 of the Indian Health
        Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603).''; and
                    (C) by inserting after paragraph (4), as so
                redesignated, the following:
            ``(5) United states-canada border area.--The term `United
        States-Canada border area' means the area located in the United
        States and Canada within 100 kilometers of the border between
        the United States and Canada.''.

Output: Border Health Security Act of 2015 This bill amends the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act to require the commission to cooperate with the Canada-United States Pan-Border Public Health Preparedness Council and to recommend and implement initiatives that solve border health issues. Members of the commission may provide advice or recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or Congress without authorization or a request. HHS must award grants: (1) to address the priorities and recommendations of the commission and council to improve the health of border area residents, and (2) for infectious disease surveillance activities in border areas. Every five years, the commission and the council must each prepare a binational strategic plan that includes priority areas, recommendations to address these priority areas, and an evaluation framework to gauge progress. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response may coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security in establishing a system that alerts clinicians and public health officials to emerging health threats in border areas.


Input:
SECTION 1. ENERGY-RELATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            (1) information and opinions provided by individuals and
        entities of the academic and industrial sectors should be an
        important consideration with respect to energy-related research
        and development activities carried out by the Federal
        Government;
            (2) in carrying out energy-related research and development
        activities, the Federal Government should regularly seek input
        from multiple sources, including the industrial sector,
        academia, and other relevant sectors;
            (3) research is better focused around well-defined problems
        that need to be resolved;
            (4) a number of potential problems to be resolved are
        likely to require input from a diverse selection of
        technologies and contributing sectors;
            (5) sharing of information relating to energy research and
        development is important to the development and innovation of
        energy technologies;
            (6) necessary intellectual property protection can lead to
        delays in sharing valuable information that could aid in
        resolving major energy-related problems;
            (7) the Federal Government should facilitate the sharing of
        information from a diverse array of industries by ensuring the
        protection of intellectual property while simultaneously
        creating an environment of openness and cooperation; and
            (8) the Federal Government should revise the methods of the
        Federal Government regarding energy-related research and
        development to encourage faster development and implementation
        of energy technologies.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Network.--The term ``network'' means the Energy
        Technologies Innovation Network established by subsection
        (d)(1).
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Energy.
            (3) Survey.--The term ``survey'' means a survey conducted
        pursuant to subsection (c).
    (c) Energy-Related Research and Development Priorities.--
            (1) In general.--Not less frequently than once every 5
        years, the Secretary shall conduct a survey in accordance with
        this subsection to determine the 10 highest-priority energy-
        related problems to resolve to ensure the goals of--
                    (A) maximizing the energy security of the United
                States;
                    (B) maximizing improvements in energy efficiency
                within the United States; and
                    (C) minimizing damage to the economy and the
                environment of the United States.
            (2) Survey.--
                    (A) In general.--Each survey shall contain a
                request that the respondent shall list, in descending
                order of priority, the 10 highest-priority energy-
                related problems that, in the opinion of the
                respondent, require resolution as quickly as
                practicable to ensure the goals described in paragraph
                (1).
                    (B) Announcement.--The Secretary shall announce the
                existence of each survey by--
                            (i) publishing an announcement in the
                        Federal Register; and
                            (ii) placing an announcement in a prominent
                        position on the homepage of the website of the
                        Department of the Energy.
                    (C) Availability.--The Secretary shall ensure that
                each survey is made available--
                            (i) in an electronic format only through a
                        link on the Department of Energy website;
                            (ii) for a period of not less than 21 days
                        and not more than 30 days; and
                            (iii) to any individual or entity that
                        elects to participate.
                    (D) Additional information gathering.--Each
                survey--
                            (i) shall require each respondent to
                        provide information regarding--
                                    (I) the age of the respondent;
                                    (II) the occupational category of
                                the respondent;
                                    (III) the period of time during
                                which the respondent has held the
                                current occupation of the respondent;
                                and
                                    (IV) the State and country in which
                                the respondent resides; and
                            (ii) may request, but shall not require--
                                    (I) the name of the respondent;
                                    (II) an identification of the
                                employer of the respondent;
                                    (III) the electronic mail address
                                of the respondent; and
                                    (IV) such other information as the
                                Secretary determines to be appropriate.
                    (E) Respondents.--The Secretary shall seek
                responses to a survey from appropriate representatives
                of--
                            (i) the energy, transportation,
                        manufacturing, construction, mining, and
                        electronic industries;
                            (ii) academia;
                            (iii) research facilities;
                            (iv) nongovernmental organizations;
                            (v) the Federal Government; and
                            (vi) units of State and local government.
                    (F) Nonpolitical requirement.--The Secretary shall
                ensure that each survey is conducted, to the maximum
                extent practicable--
                            (i) in a transparent, nonpolitical, and
                        scientific manner; and
                            (ii) without any political bias.
                    (G) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date
                on which a survey under this subsection is no longer
                available under subparagraph (C)(ii), the Secretary
                shall submit to Congress and make available to the
                public (including through publication in the Federal
                Register and on the website of the Department of
                Energy) a report that--
                            (i) describes the results of the survey;
                        and
                            (ii) includes a list of the 10 highest-
                        priority energy-related problems based on all
                        responses to the survey.
            (3) Effect of results on energy-related research and
        development.--
                    (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), on
                receipt of a report under paragraph (2)(G), the
                Secretary shall ensure that, during the 5-year period
                beginning on the date of receipt of the report, all
                energy-related research and development activities of
                the Department of Energy are carried out for the
                purpose of resolving, to the maximum extent
                practicable, the 10 problems included on the list of
                the report under paragraph (2)(G)(ii).
                    (B) Additional problems.--In addition to the
                activities described in subparagraph (A), during the 5-
                year period beginning on the date of receipt of a
                report under paragraph (2)(G), the Secretary may carry
                out, using the same quantity of resources as are
                allocated to any 1 energy-related problem included on
                the list of the report under paragraph (2)(G)(ii),
                energy-related research and development activities for
                the purpose of resolving, to the maximum extent
                practicable, 2 additional energy-related problems
                that--
                            (i) are not included on the list; and
                            (ii) are high-priority energy-related
                        problems, as determined by the Secretary.
    (d) Energy Technologies Innovation Network.--
            (1) Establishment.--There is established an information and
        collaboration network, to be known as the ``Energy Technologies
        Innovation Network''.
            (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the network shall be to
        provide a forum through which interested parties (including
        scientists and entrepreneurs) can present, discuss, and
        collaborate with respect to information and ideas relating to
        energy technologies.
            (3) Operation of network.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter
                into a contract, after an open bidding process, with a
                third party to operate the network.
                    (B) Requirements.--The third party selected under
                subparagraph (A) shall--
                            (i) have experience with respect to the
                        establishment and maintenance of a
                        comprehensive database of Federal research and
                        development projects that is--
                                    (I) easily searchable;
                                    (II) open to the public; and
                                    (III) capable of expansion;
                            (ii) provide a secure electronic forum to
                        enable collaboration among users of the
                        network; and
                            (iii) collaborate with the Secretary to
                        protect the intellectual property rights of
                        individual users and governmental agencies
                        participating in the network in accordance with
                        paragraph (6).
            (4) Required contributors.--Each research laboratory or
        other facility that receives Federal funding shall provide to
        the network the results of the research conducted using that
        funding, regardless of whether the research relates to energy,
        subject to the condition that revelation of the research will
        not adversely effect national security.
            (5) Other contributors.--Other entities, including entities
        in the academic and industrial sectors and individuals, may
        participate in the network to actively contribute to
        resolving--
                    (A) the energy-related problems included on the
                list of the report under subsection (c)(2)(G)(ii); or
                    (B) any other energy-related problem that the
                contributor determines would advance the goals
                described in subsection (c)(1).
            (6) Protection of information and ideas.--In collaborating
        with a third party in operating the network under paragraph
        (3), the Secretary shall employ such individuals and entities
        with experience relating to--
                    (A) intellectual property as the Secretary
                determines to be necessary to ensure that--
                            (i) information and ideas presented, and
                        discussed in the network are--
                                    (I) monitored with respect to the
                                intellectual property owners and
                                components of the information or ideas;
                                and
                                    (II) protected in accordance with
                                applicable Federal intellectual
                                property law (including regulations);
                            (ii) information and ideas developed within
                        the network are--
                                    (I) monitored with respect to the
                                intellectual property components of the
                                developers of the information or ideas;
                                and
                                    (II) protected in accordance with
                                applicable Federal intellectual
                                property law (including regulations);
                                and
                            (iii) contributors to the network are
                        provided adequate assurances that intellectual
                        property rights of the contributors will be
                        protected with respect to participation in the
                        network;
                    (B) setting up, maintaining, and operating a
                network that ensures security and reliability.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

Output:
Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a survey every five years to determine the 10 highest-priority energy-related problems to resolve to ensure the goals of: (1) maximizing U.S. energy security; (2) maximizing improvements in energy efficiency within the United States; and (3) minimizing damage to the domestic economy and the environment.

Instructs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress the survey results, including a list of the 10 highest-priority energy-related problems based on survey responses; and (2) ensure that, during the five year period beginning on the date of receipt of the report, all energy-related research and development activities of the Department of Energy (DOE) are implemented for the purpose of resolving the problems listed.

Establishes the Energy Technologies Innovation Network to provide a forum through which interested parties (including scientists and entrepreneurs) can present, discuss, and collaborate with respect to information and ideas relating to energy technologies.

Requires each research facility that receives federal funding to provide to the Network the results of the research conducted using that funding, regardless of whether the research relates to energy.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Financial Literacy and Education
Coordinating Act of 2003''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) there is substantial evidence that many Americans do
        not have an adequate basis for making sound decisions about
        personal and household finances;
            (2) financial education could play a critical role in
        equipping consumers with the knowledge to make wise decisions,
        especially for lower income consumers and those underserved by
        the mainstream financial system;
            (3) an increased awareness of the availability of credit
        scores and credit reports, the process of accessing them, their
        significance in obtaining credit, and their effects on credit
        terms, are of paramount importance to consumers;
            (4) easily accessible and affordable resources which inform
        and educate investors as to their rights and avenues of
        recourse should be provided when an investor believes his or
        her rights have been violated by unprofessional conduct of
        market intermediaries;
            (5) a basic understanding of the operation of the financial
        services industry would help consumers and their families to
        make more informed choices about how best to progress
        economically, avoid harmful personal debt, avoid discriminatory
        and predatory practices, invest wisely, develop financial
        planning skills necessary for maximizing short- and long-term
        financial well being, and better prepare for retirement;
            (6) comprehensive financial education would help to provide
        individuals with the necessary tools to create household
        budgets, initiate savings plans, manage debt, and make
        strategic investment decisions for education, retirement, home
        ownership, or other savings goals; and
            (7) improved financial decision making, not simply more
        knowledge, should be the primary financial education goal.

SEC. 3. FINANCIAL LITERACY AND EDUCATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE.

    (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish
within the Office of Financial Education of the Department of the
Treasury, the Financial Literacy and Education Coordinating Committee
(in this Act referred to as the ``Committee'').
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Committee shall be--
            (1) to coordinate financial literacy and education efforts
        among Federal departments and agencies;
            (2) to develop and implement a national strategy to promote
        basic financial literacy and education among all Americans;
            (3) to reduce overlap and duplication in Federal financial
        literacy and education activities;
            (4) to identify the most effective types of public sector
        financial literacy programs and techniques, as measured by
        improved consumer decision making;
            (5) to coordinate and promote financial literacy efforts at
        the State and local level, including partnerships among
        Federal, State, and local governments, nonprofit organizations,
        and private enterprises; and
            (6) to carry out such other duties as are deemed to be
        appropriate, consistent with this Act.

SEC. 4. COMMITTEE DUTIES.

    (a) In General.--The Committee shall--
            (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
        this Act, develop a national strategy to promote basic
        financial literacy among all American consumers;
            (2) coordinate Federal efforts to implement the strategy
        developed under paragraph (1);
            (3) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
        this Act, and annually thereafter, submit a report to the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives
regarding actions taken and progress made by the Committee in carrying
out this Act during the reporting period, and any challenges remaining
to implementation of such purposes; and
            (4) provide testimony by the chairperson of the Committee
        to either Committee referred to in paragraph (3), upon request.
    (b) Strategy.--The strategy to promote basic financial literacy
required to be developed under subsection (a)(1) shall provide for--
            (1) participation by State and local governments and
        private, nonprofit, and public institutions in the creation and
        implementation of such strategy;
            (2) the development of methods--
                    (A) to increase the general financial education
                level of current and future consumers of financial
                services and products; and
                    (B) to enhance the general understanding of
                financial services and products;
            (3) review of Federal activities designed to promote
        financial literacy and education and development of a plan to
        improve coordination of such activities;
            (4) the identification of areas of overlap and duplication
        among Federal financial literacy and education activities and
        proposed means of eliminating any such overlap and duplication;
        and
            (5) a proposal to the President of a Federal financial
        literacy and education budget that supports such strategy and
        eliminates funding for such areas of overlap and duplication.

SEC. 5. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP.

    (a) Composition.--The Committee shall be comprised of--
            (1) the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall serve as the
        chairperson of the Committee; and
            (2) a representative from--
                    (A) each Federal banking agency (as defined in
                section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act), the
                National Credit Union Administration, the Securities
                and Exchange Commission, each of the Departments of
                Education, Agriculture, Defense, Health and Human
                Services, Labor, and Veterans Affairs, the Social
                Security Administration, the Federal Trade Commission,
                the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the
                Office of Personnel Management; and
                    (B) a representative from any other department or
                agency that the Secretary determines to be engaged in a
                serious effort to improve financial literacy and
                education.
    (b) Assistance.--The Director of the Office of Financial Education
of the Department of the Treasury shall provide to the Committee, upon
request, such assistance as may be necessary.
    (c) Member Qualifications.--Members of the Committee shall be
appointed by the heads of their respective departments or agencies.
Each member and each alternate designated by any member unable to
attend a meeting of the Committee, shall be an individual who exercises
significant decisionmaking authority.
    (d) Meetings.--Meetings of the Committee shall occur not less
frequently than quarterly, and at the call of the chairperson.
    (e) Consultation.--The Committee shall consult with private and
nonprofit organizations and State and local agencies, as determined
appropriate by the chairperson and the Committee.

Output: Financial Literacy and Education Coordinating Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish within the Office of Financial Education of the Department of the Treasury, the Financial Literacy and Education Coordinating Committee to: (1) coordinate Federal financial literacy and education efforts; (2) develop and implement a national strategy to promote basic financial literacy and education among all Americans; (3) reduce overlap and duplication in Federal financial literacy and education activities; (4) identify the most effective types of public sector financial literacy programs and techniques, as measured by improved consumer decision making; and (5) coordinate and promote financial literacy efforts at the State and local level, including partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private enterprises.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Purchase Card Waste Elimination Act
of 2006''.

SEC. 2. REQUIREMENT FOR GUIDANCE.

    (a) Office of Management and Budget Policy Guidance.--Not later
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director
of the Office of Management and Budget shall issue guidelines to assist
the heads of executive agencies in improving the management of the use
of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card for making
micropurchases. The Director shall include guidelines on the following
matters:
            (1) Analysis of purchase card expenditures to identify
        opportunities for achieving savings through micropurchases made
        in economical volumes.
            (2) Negotiation of discount agreements with major vendors
        accepting the purchase card.
            (3) Establishment of communication programs to ensure that
        purchase card holders receive information pertaining to the
        availability of discounts, including programs for the training
        of purchase card holders on the availability of discounts.
            (4) Assessment of cardholder purchasing practices,
        including use of discount agreements.
            (5) Collection and dissemination of best practices and
        successful strategies for achieving savings in micropurchases.
            (6) Analysis of purchase card expenditures to identify
        opportunities for achieving and accurately measuring fair
        participation of small business concerns in micro-purchases
        consistent with the national policy on small business
        participation in Federal procurements set forth in sections
        2(a) and 15(g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631(a) and
        644(g)), and dissemination of best practices for participation
        of small business concerns in micro-purchases.
    (b) General Services Administration.--The Administrator of General
Services shall--
            (1) continue efforts to improve reporting by financial
        institutions that issue the Governmentwide commercial purchase
        card so that the General Services Administration has the data
        needed to identify opportunities for achieving savings; and
            (2) actively pursue point-of-sale discounts with major
        vendors accepting the purchase card so that any Federal
        Government purchaser using the purchase card can benefit from
        such point-of-sale discounts.
    (c) Agency Reporting Requirement.--The senior procurement executive
for each executive agency shall, as directed by the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget, submit to the Director periodic
reports on the actions taken in such executive agency pursuant to the
guidelines issued under subsection (a).
    (d) Congressional Oversight.--Not later than December 31 of the
year following the year in which this Act is enacted, and December 31
of each of the ensuing three years, the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget shall submit to the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
Government Reform of the House of Representatives a report summarizing
the progress made during the fiscal year ending in the year in which
such report is due--
            (1) in improving the management of the use of the
        Governmentwide commercial purchase card for making
        micropurchases; and
            (2) in achieving savings in micropurchases made with such
        card, expressed in terms of average savings achieved by each
        executive agency in the use of discount agreements identified
        in subsection (a) and the total savings achieved
        Governmentwide.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``executive agency'' has the meaning given
        such term in section 4 of the Office of Federal Procurement
        Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403).
            (2) The term ``micropurchase'' means a purchase in an
        amount not in excess of the micropurchase threshold, as defined
        in section 32 of such Act (41 U.S.C. 428).

SEC. 3. PAYMENTS TO FEDERAL CONTRACTORS WITH FEDERAL TAX DEBT.

    The General Services Administration, in conjunction with the
Internal Revenue Service and the Financial Management Service, shall
develop procedures to subject purchase card payments to Federal
contractors to the Federal Payment Levy program.

SEC. 4. REPORTING OF AIR TRAVEL BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

    (a) Annual Reports Required.--The Administrator of the General
Services shall submit annually to the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government
Reform of the House of Representatives a report on all first class and
business class travel by employees of each executive agency undertaken
at the expense of the Federal Government.
    (b) Content.--The reports submitted pursuant to subsection (a)
shall include, at a minimum, with respect to each travel by first class
or business class--
            (1) the names of each traveler;
            (2) the date of travel;
            (3) the points of origination and destination;
            (4) the cost of the first class or business class travel;
        and
            (5) the cost difference between such travel and travel by
        coach class.
    (c) Executive Agency Defined.--In this section, the term
``executive agency'' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of
the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403).

            Passed the Senate June 6, 2006.

            Attest:

                                                             Secretary.
109th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                                 S. 457

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT

To require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to issue
       guidance for, and provide oversight of, the management of
micropurchases made with Governmentwide commercial purchase cards, and
                          for other purposes.

Output:
Purchase Card Waste Elimination Act of 2006 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidelines to assist executive agencies in improving the management of the use of the governmentwide commercial purchase card for making micropurchases.

Requires such guidelines to cover an analysis of purchase card expenditures to identify opportunities for achieving and accurately measuring: (1) fair participation of small business concerns in micro-purchases, consistent with the national policy on small business participation in federal procurements set forth in the Small Business Act; and (2) dissemination of best practices for participation of small business concerns in micro-purchases.

Requires the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to continue efforts to improve reporting by financial institutions that issue such a card so that GSA has the data needed to: (1) identify opportunities for achieving savings; and (2) actively pursue point-of-sale discounts with major vendors accepting it so that any federal government purchaser using it can benefit from such discounts.

Requires the senior procurement executive for each executive agency, as directed by OMB, to report periodically to OMB on the actions taken in the agency pursuant to the guidelines.

Requires OMB to report annually to specified congressional committees on the progress made in: (1) improving management of the use of the purchase card; and (2) achieving certain savings in micropurchases made with it.

Requires GSA, in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Financial Management Service, to develop procedures to subject to the Federal Payment Levy program any purchase card payments to federal contractors.

Requires GSA to report annually to specified congressional committees on all first class and business class travel by executive agency employees undertaken at federal expense.