Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Country-of-Origin Labeling for Fuels
Act''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Country-of-origin information.--The term ``country-of-
        origin information'' means information regarding each country
        in which motor vehicle fuel or the components of such fuel were
        extracted, refined, or otherwise processed.
            (2) Motor vehicle fuel.--The term ``motor vehicle fuel''--
                    (A) means any fuel used to power an automobile, as
                defined in section 32901(3) of title 49, United States
                Code; and
                    (B) includes alternative fuels, as defined in
                section 32901(1) of such title, other than electricity
                (including electricity from solar energy).
            (3) Motor vehicle fuel retailer.--The term ``motor vehicle
        fuel retailer'' means a person in the motor vehicle fuel supply
        chain who sells motor vehicle fuel to the general public for
        ultimate consumption.
            (4) Motor vehicle fuel supplier.--The term ``motor vehicle
        fuel supplier'' means a person in the motor vehicle fuel supply
        chain other than a motor vehicle fuel retailer.

SEC. 3. STUDY ON IMPLEMENTING COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABELING FOR MOTOR
              VEHICLE FUEL.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall--
            (1) conduct a study to determine appropriate methods and
        standards for requiring that--
                    (A) motor vehicle fuel suppliers disclose country-
                of-origin information with respect to motor vehicle
                fuel to the next person in the motor vehicle fuel
                supply chain; and
                    (B) motor vehicle retailers disclose such
                information to consumers; and
            (2) make recommendations with respect to the most feasible
        and cost-effective country-of-origin information disclosure
        requirements that can be imposed on motor vehicle fuel
        suppliers and motor vehicle fuel retailers.
    (b) Elements of Study.--The study required by subsection (a) shall
address the following:
            (1) The extent to which persons at each step in the motor
        vehicle fuel supply chain have access to country-of-origin
        information regarding the fuel they sell, and the nature of any
        such information.
            (2) An assessment of whether such information is adequate--
                    (A) to enable a motor vehicle fuel supplier to
                provide country-of-origin information to the next
                person in the supply chain; and
                    (B) to enable a motor vehicle fuel retailer to
                provide country-of-origin information to consumers, by
                displaying that information at fuel pumps or on a
                website.
            (3) If the Secretary determines under paragraph (2) that
        such information is inadequate to enable motor vehicle fuel
        suppliers or motor vehicle fuel retailers to provide country-
        of-origin information, measures that can be taken to collect
        adequate information--
                    (A) by the Secretary; and
                    (B) by motor vehicle fuel suppliers and motor
                vehicle fuel retailers.
            (4) The feasibility of various country-of-origin
        information disclosure requirements, including--
                    (A) displaying at each fuel pump the precise
                country or countries in which the fuel being dispensed
                to each consumer originated; and
                    (B) displaying at each motor vehicle fuel retailer
                or on the website of each motor vehicle fuel supplier
                or motor vehicle fuel retailer the country or countries
                from which the fuel the supplier or retailer (as the
                case may be) sells generally originates.
            (5) Such other issues relating to motor vehicle fuel
        country-of-origin information disclosure requirements as the
        Secretary considers appropriate.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after completing
the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report that--
            (1) summarizes the results of the study; and
            (2) contains the recommendations required by subsection
        (a)(2).

SEC. 4. REGULATIONS REQUIRING COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN INFORMATION DISCLOSURE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after submitting the
report required by section 3(c), the Secretary of Energy, in
consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency, shall prescribe regulations requiring disclosure of country-of-
origin information by motor vehicle fuel suppliers and motor vehicle
fuel retailers in accordance with the Secretary's recommendations in
the report.
    (b) 70 Percent Threshold.--The regulations required by subsection
(a) shall not require the listing of more than one country-of-origin
for a fuel blend containing fuel 70 percent or more of which originated
in a single country.

SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT.

    (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of Energy
may impose a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 on a person that
the Secretary determines, in accordance with section 554 of title 5,
United States Code, knowingly violates the regulations prescribed under
section 4.
    (b) Requirements With Respect to Imposition of Penalty.--
            (1) Notice.--The Secretary of Energy may not impose a
        penalty upon a person for violating the regulations prescribed
        under section 4 unless--
                    (A) the Secretary provides the person with notice
                of the violation; and
                    (B) the violation continues for more than 30 days
                after the date on which the person received notice
                under subparagraph (A).
            (2) Determination of amount of penalty.--In determining the
        amount of the penalty to be imposed on a person for violating
        the regulations prescribed under section 4, the Secretary shall
        consider the severity of the violation, the size of the
        person's business, and the effect of the penalty on the
        person's ability to continue in business.

Output:
Country-of-Origin Labeling for Fuels Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to study and report to Congress with recommendations for appropriate methods and standards for requiring: (1) motor vehicle fuel suppliers to disclose to the next person in the motor vehicle fuel supply chain information regarding each country in which the fuel or any of its components were extracted, refined, or otherwise processed; and (2) motor vehicle retailers to disclose this information to consumers.

Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring disclosure of country-of-origin information by motor vehicle fuel suppliers and retailers in accordance with such recommendations. Prohibits such regulations, however, from requiring the listing of more than one country-of-origin for a fuel blend containing fuel 70% or more of which originated in a single country.

Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000 on any person that knowingly violates such regulations.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Homeland Security
Morale, Recognition, Learning and Engagement Act of 2017'' or the ``DHS
MORALE Act''.

SEC. 2. CHIEF HUMAN CAPITAL OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES.

    Section 704 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 344) is
amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by inserting ``, including with respect
                        to leader development and employee
                        engagement,'' after ``policies'';
                            (ii) by striking ``and in line'' and
                        inserting ``, in line''; and
                            (iii) by inserting ``and informed by best
                        practices within the Federal government and the
                        private sector,'' after ``priorities,'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``develop
                performance measures to provide a basis for monitoring
                and evaluating'' and inserting ``evaluate, on an
                ongoing basis,'';
                    (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``that, to the
                extent practicable, are informed by employee
                feedback,'' after ``policies'';
                    (D) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``including
                leader development and employee engagement programs,''
                before ``in coordination'';
                    (E) in paragraph (5), by inserting before the
                semicolon at the end the following: ``that is informed
                by an assessment, carried out by the Chief Human
                Capital Officer, of the learning and developmental
                needs of employees in supervisory and non-supervisory
                roles across the Department and appropriate workforce
                planning initiatives'';
                    (F) by redesignating paragraphs (9) and (10) as
                paragraphs (11) and (12), respectively; and
                    (G) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following
                new paragraphs:
            ``(9) maintain a catalogue of available employee
        development opportunities, including the Homeland Security
        Rotation Program pursuant to section 844, departmental
        leadership development programs, interagency development
        programs, and other rotational programs;
            ``(10) ensure that employee discipline and adverse action
        programs comply with the requirements of all pertinent laws,
        rules, regulations, and Federal guidance, and ensure due
        process for employees;'';
            (2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
        (e) and (f), respectively;
            (3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new
        subsection:
    ``(d) Chief Learning and Engagement Officer.--The Chief Human
Capital Officer may designate an employee of the Department to serve as
a Chief Learning and Engagement Officer to assist the Chief Human
Capital Officer in carrying out this section.''; and
            (4) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)
                as paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively; and
                    (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following
                new paragraphs:
            ``(2) information on employee development opportunities
        catalogued pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection (b) and any
        available data on participation rates, attrition rates, and
        impacts on retention and employee satisfaction;
            ``(3) information on the progress of Department-wide
        strategic workforce planning efforts as determined under
        paragraph (2) of subsection (b);
            ``(4) information on the activities of the steering
        committee established pursuant to section 710(a), including the
        number of meeting, types of materials developed and
        distributed, and recommendations made to the Secretary;''.

SEC. 3. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT STEERING COMMITTEE AND ACTION PLAN.

    (a) In General.--Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 341 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:

``SEC. 710. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT.

    ``(a) Steering Committee.--Not later than 120 days after the date
of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish an
employee engagement steering committee, including representatives from
operational components, headquarters, and field personnel, including
supervisory and non-supervisory personnel, and employee labor
organizations that represent Department employees, and chaired by the
Under Secretary for Management, to carry out the following activities:
            ``(1) Identify factors that have a negative impact on
        employee engagement, morale, and communications within the
        Department, such as perceptions about limitations on career
        progression, mobility, or development opportunities, collected
        through employee feedback platforms, including through annual
        employee surveys, questionnaires, and other communications, as
        appropriate.
            ``(2) Identify, develop, and distribute initiatives and
        best practices to improve employee engagement, morale, and
        communications within the Department, including through annual
        employee surveys, questionnaires, and other communications, as
        appropriate.
            ``(3) Monitor efforts of each component to address employee
        engagement, morale, and communications based on employee
        feedback provided through annual employee surveys,
        questionnaires, and other communications, as appropriate.
            ``(4) Advise the Secretary on efforts to improve employee
        engagement, morale, and communications within specific
        components and across the Department.
            ``(5) Conduct regular meetings and report, not less than
        once per quarter, to the Under Secretary for Management, the
        head of each component, and the Secretary on Department-wide
        efforts to improve employee engagement, morale, and
        communications.
    ``(b) Action Plan; Reporting.--The Secretary, acting through the
Chief Human Capital Officer, shall--
            ``(1) not later than 120 days after the date of the
        establishment of the steering committee under subsection (a),
        issue a Department-wide employee engagement action plan,
        reflecting input from the employee engagement steering
        committee established pursuant to subsection (a) and employee
        feedback provided through annual employee surveys,
        questionnaires, and other communications in accordance with
        paragraph (1) of such subsection, to execute strategies to
        improve employee engagement, morale, and communications within
        the Department; and
            ``(2) require the head of each component to--
                    ``(A) develop and implement a component-specific
                employee engagement plan to advance the action plan
                required under paragraph (1) that includes performance
                measures and objectives, is informed by employee
                feedback provided through annual employee surveys,
                questionnaires, and other communications, as
                appropriate, and sets forth how employees and, where
                applicable, their labor representatives are to be
                integrated in developing programs and initiatives;
                    ``(B) monitor progress on implementation of such
                action plan; and
                    ``(C) provide to the Chief Human Capital Officer
                and the steering committee quarterly reports on actions
                planned and progress made under this paragraph.
    ``(c) Termination.--This section shall terminate on the date that
is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 709 the following new item:

``Sec. 710. Employee engagement.''.
    (c) Submissions to Congress.--
            (1) Department-wide employee engagement action plan.--The
        Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Chief Human
        Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, shall
        submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
        Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
        Governmental Affairs of the Senate the Department-wide employee
        engagement action plan required under subsection (b)(1) of
        section 710 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (as added by
        subsection (a) of this section) not later than 30 days after
        the issuance of such plan under such subsection (b)(1).
            (2) Component-specific employee engagement plans.--Each
        head of a component of the Department of Homeland Security
        shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House
        of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
        Governmental Affairs of the Senate the component-specific
        employee engagement plan of each such component required under
        subsection (b)(2) of section 710 of the Homeland Security Act
        of 2002 (as added by subsection (a) of this section) not later
        than 30 days after the issuance of each such plan under such
        subsection (b)(2).

SEC. 4. ANNUAL EMPLOYEE AWARD PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 341 et seq.), as amended by section 3 of this Act, is further
amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``SEC. 711. ANNUAL EMPLOYEE AWARD PROGRAM.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may establish an annual employee
award program to recognize Department employees or groups of employees
for significant contributions to the achievement of the Department's
goals and missions. If such a program is established, the Secretary
shall--
            ``(1) establish within such program categories of awards,
        each with specific criteria, that emphasizes honoring employees
        who are at the non-supervisory level;
            ``(2) publicize within the Department how any employee or
        group of employees may be nominated for an award;
            ``(3) establish an internal review board comprised of
        representatives from Department components, headquarters, and
        field personnel to submit to the Secretary award
        recommendations regarding specific employees or groups of
        employees;
            ``(4) select recipients from the pool of nominees submitted
        by the internal review board under paragraph (3) and convene a
        ceremony at which employees or groups of employees receive such
        awards from the Secretary; and
            ``(5) publicize such program within the Department.
    ``(b) Internal Review Board.--The internal review board described
in subsection (a)(3) shall, when carrying out its function under such
subsection, consult with representatives from operational components
and headquarters, including supervisory and non-supervisory personnel,
and employee labor organizations that represent Department employees.
    ``(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be
construed to authorize additional funds to carry out the requirements
of this section or to require the Secretary to provide monetary bonuses
to recipients of an award under this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by section 3 of this Act,
is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 710
the following new item:

``Sec. 711. Annual employee award program.''.

SEC. 5. INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act or the issuance of a report by the Inspector
General of the Department of Homeland Security on the extent to which
the Department has an equitable and consistent disciplinary process,
whichever is later, but in no case later than 1 year after such date of
enactment, the Comptroller General of the United States shall utilize,
if available, such report and investigate whether the application of
discipline and adverse actions are administered in an equitable and
consistent manner that results in the same or substantially similar
disciplinary outcomes across the Department for misconduct by a non-
supervisory or supervisor employee who engaged in the same or
substantially similar misconduct.
    (b) Consultation.--In carrying out the investigation described in
subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall
consult with the employee engagement steering committee established
pursuant to subsection (b)(1) of section 710 of the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (as added by section 3(a) of this Act).
    (c) Action by Under Secretary for Management.--Upon completion of
the investigation described in subsection (a), the Under Secretary for
Management of the Department of Homeland Security shall review the
findings and recommendations of such investigation and implement a
plan, in consultation with the employee engagement steering committee
established pursuant to subsection (b)(1) of section 710 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002, to correct any relevant deficiencies
identified by the Comptroller General of the United States. The Under
Secretary for Management shall direct the employee engagement steering
committee to review such plan to inform committee activities and action
plans authorized under such section 710.

SEC. 5. PROHIBITION ON NEW FUNDING.

    No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of
this Act and the amendments made by this Act. Such requirements shall
be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized.

            Passed the House of Representatives June 20, 2017.

            Attest:

                                                 KAREN L. HAAS,

                                                                 Clerk.

Output: Department of Homeland Security Morale, Recognition, Learning and Engagement Act of 2017 or the DHS MORALE Act (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (the chief) to:  develop and implement strategic workforce planning policies with respect to leader development and employee engagement; develop and implement policies that are informed by employee feedback; require that the career path framework and leader development opportunities are informed by an assessment of the learning and developmental needs of employees across DHS and appropriate workforce planning initiatives;  maintain a catalogue of available employee development opportunities, departmental leadership development programs, interagency development programs, and other rotational programs; and  ensure that employee discipline and adverse action programs comply with all pertinent laws, regulations, and federal guidance and ensure due process.  The chief may designate a DHS employee to serve as Chief Learning and Engagement Officer. DHS's report to Congress on fulfilling its workforce strategies shall include information on: (1) employee development opportunities, participation and attrition rates, and impacts on retention and employee satisfaction; (2) progress of strategic workforce planning efforts; and (3) activities of the employee engagement steering committee. (Sec. 3) The bill establishes an employee engagement steering committee, including representatives from operational components, headquarters, field personnel, and employee labor organizations, to:  identify factors that have a negative impact on employee engagement, morale, and communications within DHS; identify, develop, and distribute initiatives and best practices to improve employee engagement, morale, and communications within DHS; monitor efforts of each DHS component to address employee engagement, morale, and communications based on employee feedback provided through annual employee surveys, questionnaires, and other communications; advise DHS on efforts to improve employee engagement, morale, and communications within specific DHS components and across DHS; and conduct regular meetings and report, at least quarterly, to the Under Secretary for Management, the head of each component, and the DHS Secretary on DHS-wide efforts to improve employee engagement, morale, and communications.  The chief shall: (1) issue a DHS-wide employee engagement action plan to execute strategies to improve employee engagement, morale, and communications within DHS; and (2) require each component to develop and implement a component-specific plan to advance such action plan, monitor progress, and provide quarterly reports on progress. The preceding provisions terminate five years after enactment. (Sec. 4) DHS may establish an annual employee award program to recognize DHS employees for significant contributions to the achievement of its goals and missions. (Sec. 5) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall utilize a report by the Inspector General General of DHS, if available, and investigate whether the application of discipline and adverse actions are administered in an equitable and consistent manner that results in the same or substantially similar disciplinary outcomes across DHS for misconduct by a non-supervisory or a supervisor employee.   DHS's Under Secretary for Management shall: (1) review the findings and recommendations of such investigation and implement a plan to correct any relevant deficiencies identified by the GAO, and (2) direct the steering committee to review such plan to inform committee activities and action plans authorized under this bill.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Political Intelligence Disclosure
Act''.

SEC. 2. DISCLOSURE OF POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES UNDER LOBBYING
              DISCLOSURE ACT.

    (a) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995
(2 U.S.C. 1602) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by inserting after ``lobbying activities'' each
                place that term appears the following: ``or political
                intelligence activities''; and
                    (B) by inserting after ``lobbyists'' the following:
                ``or political intelligence consultants''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
            ``(17) Political intelligence activities.--The term
        `political intelligence activities' means political
        intelligence contacts and efforts in support of such contacts,
        including preparation and planning activities, research, and
        other background work that is intended, at the time it is
        performed, for use in contacts, and coordination with the
        political intelligence activities of others.
            ``(18) Political intelligence contact.--
                    ``(A) Definition.--The term `political intelligence
                contact' means any oral or written communication
                (including an electronic communication) to or from a
                covered executive branch official or a covered
                legislative branch official, the information derived
                from which is intended for use in analyzing securities
                or commodities markets, or in informing investment
                decisions, that is made on behalf of a client with
                regard to--
                            ``(i) the formulation, modification, or
                        adoption of Federal legislation (including
                        legislative proposals);
                            ``(ii) the formulation, modification, or
                        adoption of a Federal rule, regulation,
                        Executive order, or any other program, policy,
                        or position of the United States Government; or
                            ``(iii) the administration or execution of
                        a Federal program or policy (including the
                        negotiation, award, or administration of a
                        Federal contract, grant, loan, permit, or
                        license).
                    ``(B) Exception.--The term `political intelligence
                contact' does not include a communication that is made
                by or to a representative of the media if the purpose
                of the communication is gathering and disseminating
                news and information to the public.
            ``(19) Political intelligence firm.--The term `political
        intelligence firm' means a person or entity that has 1 or more
        employees who are political intelligence consultants to a
        client other than that person or entity.
            ``(20) Political intelligence consultant.--The term
        `political intelligence consultant' means any individual who is
        employed or retained by a client for financial or other
        compensation for services that include one or more political
        intelligence contacts.''.
    (b) Registration Requirement.--Section 4 of the Lobbying Disclosure
Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1603) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by inserting after ``whichever is
                        earlier,'' the following: ``or a political
                        intelligence consultant first makes a political
                        intelligence contact,''; and
                            (ii) by inserting after ``such lobbyist''
                        each place that term appears the following:
                        ``or consultant'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting after
                ``lobbyists'' each place that term appears the
                following: ``or consultants''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (3)(A)--
                            (i) by inserting after ``lobbying
                        activities'' each place that term appears the
                        following: ``and political intelligence
                        activities''; and
                            (ii) in clause (i), by inserting after
                        ``lobbying firm'' the following: ``or political
                        intelligence firm'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (3), by inserting after ``lobbying
                activities'' each place that term appears the
                following: ``or political intelligence activities'';
                    (B) in paragraph (4)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
                        (A), by inserting after ``lobbying activities''
                        the following: ``or political intelligence
                        activities''; and
                            (ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting
                        after ``lobbying activity'' the following: ``or
                        political intelligence activity'';
                    (C) in paragraph (5), by inserting after ``lobbying
                activities'' each place that term appears the
                following: ``or political intelligence activities'';
                    (D) in paragraph (6), by inserting after
                ``lobbyist'' each place that term appears the
                following: ``or political intelligence consultant'';
                and
                    (E) in the matter following paragraph (6), by
                inserting ``or political intelligence activities''
                after ``such lobbying activities'';
            (3) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting after ``lobbying
                contacts'' the following: ``or political intelligence
                contacts''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) by inserting after ``lobbying contact''
                        the following: ``or political intelligence
                        contact''; and
                            (ii) by inserting after ``lobbying
                        contacts'' the following: ``and political
                        intelligence contacts''; and
            (4) in subsection (d)(1), by inserting after ``lobbying
        activities'' each place that term appears the following: ``or
        political intelligence activities''.
    (c) Reports by Registered Political Intelligence Consultants.--
Section 5 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1604) is
amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by inserting after ``lobbying
        activities'' the following: ``and political intelligence
        activities'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
                        (A), by inserting after ``lobbying activities''
                        the following: ``or political intelligence
                        activities'';
                            (ii) in subparagraph (A)--
                                    (I) by inserting after ``lobbyist''
                                the following: ``or political
                                intelligence consultant''; and
                                    (II) by inserting after ``lobbying
                                activities'' the following: ``or
                                political intelligence activities'';
                            (iii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
                        after ``lobbyists'' the following: ``or
                        political intelligence consultants''; and
                            (iv) in subparagraph (C), by inserting
                        after ``lobbyists'' the following: ``or
                        political intelligence consultants'';
                    (B) in paragraph (3)--
                            (i) by inserting after ``lobbying firm''
                        the following: ``or political intelligence
                        firm''; and
                            (ii) by inserting after ``lobbying
                        activities'' each place that term appears the
                        following: ``or political intelligence
                        activities''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (4), by inserting after ``lobbying
                activities'' each place that term appears the
                following: ``or political intelligence activities'';
                and
            (3) in subsection (d)(1), in the matter preceding
        subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or a political intelligence
        consultant'' after ``a lobbyist''.
    (d) Disclosure and Enforcement.--Section 6(a) of the Lobbying
Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1605) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting after ``lobbying
        firms'' the following: ``, political intelligence consultants,
        political intelligence firms,'';
            (2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``or lobbying firm'' and
        inserting ``lobbying firm, political intelligence consultant,
        or political intelligence firm''; and
            (3) in paragraph (8), by striking ``or lobbying firm'' and
        inserting ``lobbying firm, political intelligence consultant,
        or political intelligence firm''.
    (e) Rules of Construction.--Section 8(b) of the Lobbying Disclosure
Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1607(b)) is amended by striking ``or lobbying
contacts'' and inserting ``lobbying contacts, political intelligence
activities, or political intelligence contacts''.
    (f) Identification of Clients and Covered Officials.--Section 14 of
the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1609) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in the heading, by inserting ``or Political
                Intelligence'' after ``Lobbying'';
                    (B) by inserting ``or political intelligence
                contact'' after ``lobbying contact'' each place that
                term appears; and
                    (C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or political
                intelligence activity, as the case may be'' after
                ``lobbying activity'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in the heading, by inserting ``or Political
                Intelligence'' after ``Lobbying'';
                    (B) by inserting ``or political intelligence
                contact'' after ``lobbying contact'' each place that
                term appears; and
                    (C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or political
                intelligence activity, as the case may be'' after
                ``lobbying activity''; and
            (3) in subsection (c), by inserting ``or political
        intelligence contact'' after ``lobbying contact''.
    (g) Annual Audits and Reports by Comptroller General.--Section 26
of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1614) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``political
        intelligence firms, political intelligence consultants,'' after
        ``lobbying firms'';
            (2) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by inserting ``political
        intelligence firms, political intelligence consultants,'' after
        ``lobbying firms''; and
            (3) in subsection (c), by inserting ``or political
        intelligence consultant'' after ``a lobbyist''.

Output:
Political Intelligence Disclosure Act - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to require the disclosure of political intelligence activities.

Requires political intelligence consultants to register with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and make quarterly reports on political intelligence activities.

Requires any person or entity that makes an oral political intelligence contact with a covered legislative branch or executive branch official on the official's request to: (1) state whether such person or entity is registered under this Act; (2) identify the client on behalf of whom the contact is made; and (3) state whether such client is a foreign entity, and make any related disclosures.

Requires any person making a written political intelligence contact with a covered legislative branch or executive branch official to make similar disclosures, especially about clients considered foreign entities.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act
of 1996''.

SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF PERIOD FOR RECEIPT OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS.

    Section 102 of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting
Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff-1) is amended--
            (1) by striking out ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2);
            (2) by striking out the period at the end of paragraph (3)
        and inserting in lieu thereof ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(4) permit absentee ballots to be received at least until
        the close of polls on election day.''.

SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF FEDERAL WRITE-IN ABSENTEE BALLOT PROVISIONS TO
              SPECIAL, PRIMARY, AND RUNOFF ELECTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 103(a) of the Uniformed and Overseas
Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff-2(a)) is amended--
            (1) by inserting after ``general'' the following: ``,
        special, primary, and runoff''; and
            (2) by striking out ``States,'' and inserting in lieu
        thereof ``State''.
    (b) Special Rules.--Section 103(c) of the Uniformed and Overseas
Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff-2(c)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting after ``candidate or''
        the following: ``, with respect to a general or special
        election,''; and
            (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting after ``candidate or''
        the following: ``with respect to a general election''.
    (c) Use of Approved State Absentee Ballot in Place of Federal
Write-in Absentee Ballot.--Section 103(e) of the Uniformed and Overseas
Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff-2(e)) is amended by
striking out ``a general'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``an''.
    (d) Certain States Exempted.--Section 103(f) of the Uniformed and
Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff-2(f)) is
amended by striking out ``general'' each place it appears.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to elections taking place after December 31, 1996.

SEC. 4. USE OF ELECTRONIC RETURN OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS.

    (a) In General.--Section 104 of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens
Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff-3) is amended--
            (1) by striking out ``and'' at the end of paragraph (8);
            (2) by striking out the period at the end of paragraph (9)
        and inserting in lieu thereof ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(10) in consultation with the Presidential designee,
        consider means for providing for expeditious methods for the
        return of absentee ballots, including return by electronic
        transmittal, with maximum regard for ballot secrecy, audit
        procedures, and other considerations relating to the integrity
        of the election process.''.
    (b) Secrecy and Verification of Electronically Transmitted
Ballots.--Section 104 of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee
Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff-3) is amended--
            (1) by striking out ``To afford'' and inserting in lieu
        thereof ``(a) In General.--To afford''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(b) Secrecy and Verification of Electronically Transmitted
Ballots.--No electronic transmittal or related procedure under
subsection (a)(10) that is paid for, in whole or in part, with Federal
funds may be carried out in any manner that (1) permits any person
other than the voter to view a completed ballot, or (2) otherwise
compromises ballot secrecy. At the earliest possible opportunity, the
original of each completed ballot that is transmitted electronically
shall be submitted in a secrecy envelope to the applicable location in
the State involved.''

SEC. 5. ELECTRONIC TRANSMITTAL OF BALLOTING MATERIALS.

    (a) In General.--The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee
Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following new sections:

``SEC. 108. ELECTRONIC TRANSMITTAL OF BALLOTING MATERIALS.

    ``(a) In General.--Each State, in cooperation with the Presidential
designee, shall establish a system for electronic transmittal of
balloting materials for overseas voters. The system shall provide for--
            ``(1) electronic transmittal as an alternative method for
        transmittal of balloting materials to overseas voters;
            ``(2) use of the format of the official post card form
        prescribed under section 101 (or the format of any other
        registration form provided for under State law) for purposes of
        absentee voter registration application and absentee ballot
        application, with the condition that a State may require
        receipt of a form with an original signature before the ballot
        of the voter is counted;
            ``(3) furnishing of absentee ballots by electronic
        transmittal, from locations within the State, as selected by
        the chief State election official, to overseas voters who
        request such transmittal; and
            ``(4) special alternative methods of transmittal of
        balloting materials for use only when required by an emergency
        declared by the President or the Congress.
    ``(b) Funding Requirement.--The requirements of subsection (a)
shall apply to a State with respect to an election--
            ``(1) if there is full payment by the Federal Government of
        any additional cost incurred by the State after the date of the
        enactment of this Act for the implementation of such subsection
        (a), with such costs to be determined by the Presidential
        designee and the chief State election official, acting jointly;
        or
            ``(2) in any case of less than full payment, as described
        in paragraph (1), if the State, in the manner provided for
        under the law of the State, agrees to the application of such
        requirements.

``SEC. 109. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL OF ELECTRONIC
              TRANSMITTAL METHOD.

    ``The Presidential designee may not approve use of any method of
electronic transmittal for purposes of this Act, unless, not later than
90 days before the effective date of the approval, the Presidential
designee submits to the Congress a detailed report describing the
method.''.
    (b) Definition Amendment.--Section 107 of the Uniformed and
Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff-6) is amended--
            (1) by striking out ``and'' at the end of paragraph (7);
            (2) by striking out the period at the end of paragraph (8)
        and inserting in lieu thereof ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(9) the term `electronic transmittal' means, with respect
        to balloting materials, transmittal by facsimile machine or
        other electronic method approved by the Presidential
        designee.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to elections taking place after December 31, 1996.

SEC. 6. REPORT PROVISION.

    Section 101(b)(6) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee
Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff(b)(6)) is amended--
            (1) by striking out ``participation and'' and inserting in
        lieu thereof ``participation,''; and
            (2) by inserting before the period at the end the
        following: ``, and a separate analysis of electronic
        transmittal of balloting materials''.

            Passed the House of Representatives May 14, 1996.

            Attest:

                                                ROBIN H. CARLE,

                                                                 Clerk.

Output:
Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act of 1996 - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to require each State to allow absentee ballots to be received at least until the closing of polls on election day.
(Sec. 3) Extends the Federal write-in ballot provisions to include special, primary, and run-off elections.
(Sec. 4) Recommends that the States consider, with respect to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters, means to provide for the expeditious return of absentee ballots, including return by electronic transmittal.
(Sec. 5) Requires each State to establish a system for electronic transmittal of balloting materials for overseas voters.  Sets forth provisions concerning system requirements, including funding and notification requirements.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``King Holiday and Service Act of
1993''.

SEC. 2. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. FEDERAL HOLIDAY COMMISSION.

    The Act entitled ``An Act to establish a commission to assist in
the first observance of the Federal legal holiday honoring Martin
Luther King, Jr.'', approved August 27, 1984 (36 U.S.C. 169j et seq.;
Public Law 98-399; 98 Stat. 1473) is amended--
            (1) in section 3(1) by inserting ``including service
        opportunities'' after ``activities'';
            (2) in section 4 by adding at the end thereof the following
        new subsections:
    ``(e)(1) No less than 3 of the members appointed to the Commission
under the provisions of subsection (a)(6) shall be under the age of 29
years on the date of such appointment.
    ``(2) The requirement under paragraph (1) shall apply with regard
to appointments made during fiscal year 1994 and each fiscal year
thereafter.
    ``(f) The Chairperson of the Board of the Commission on National
and Community Service established under section 190 of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12651) shall be an ex officio
member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission. Such
ex officio member shall be a voting member.'';
            (3) in section 6(a) by striking out ``grade GS-18 of the
        General Schedule under section 5332'' and inserting in lieu
        thereof ``a position above GS-15 of the General Schedule under
        section 5108'';
            (4) in section 7 by striking out ``$300,000 for fiscal year
        1989 and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.'' and inserting
        in lieu thereof ``$300,000 for each of fiscal years 1994 and
        1995 and such funds as may be necessary for each of fiscal
        years 1996 and 1997.'';
            (5) in section 8 by inserting after ``under this Act'' the
        following: ``or under section 168 of the National and Community
        Service Act of 1990''; and
            (6) in section 9 by striking out ``April 20, 1994'' and
        inserting in lieu thereof ``until terminated by law''.

SEC. 3. NATIONAL SERVICE DAY.

    Part IV of subtitle E of title I of the National and Community
Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12621 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end thereof the following:

``SEC. 168. NATIONAL SERVICE DAY.

    ``(a) Grants.--The Commission may make grants under section 102 to
eligible entities to pay for the Federal share of the cost of planning
and carrying out service opportunities on the Federal legal holiday
honoring the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
    ``(b) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
subsection (a), an entity shall be a State, community, institution of
higher education, local educational agency, State educational agency, a
private industry council established under section 102 of the Job
Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1512), or a community-based agency.
    ``(c) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
subsection (a), an entity shall submit an application at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Commission may
require.
    ``(d) Consideration of Applications.--
            ``(1) Consultation.--In making grants under subsection (a),
        the Commission shall consult with the Martin Luther King, Jr.
        Federal Holiday Commission.
            ``(2) Recommendations.--The Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal
        Holiday Commission shall review the applications submitted
        under subsection (c) and make recommendations with respect to
        the entities that shall be eligible to receive a grant under
        subsection (a).
            ``(3) Selection.--The Commission shall not make a grant
        under subsection (a) to an entity unless the Martin Luther
        King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission has recommended that the
        entity be eligible to receive such a grant.
    ``(e) Federal Share.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of
        planning and carrying out the activities described in
        subsection (a) shall be 30 percent.
            ``(2) Calculation.--The State and local share of such cost
        may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including
        facilities, equipment, or services.''.
    (b) Definition.--Section 101(23) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 12511(23))
is amended by striking out ``students or out-of-school youth'' and
inserting in lieu thereof ``participants or volunteers in programs
under this Act''.
    (c) Report.--Section 172(b)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 12632(b)(2))
is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``Each such
report shall also contain an evaluation, conducted under section 179,
of the service opportunities carried out under section 168.''.
    (d) Ex Officio Member.--Section 190(b)(1)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
12651(b)(1)(B)) is amended by striking out ``and the Director of the
ACTION agency'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``the Director of the
ACTION Agency, and the chairperson of the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Federal Holiday Commission''.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 501(a) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 12681(a)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking out the period and
        inserting in lieu thereof ``and such sums as may be necessary
        for each of the fiscal years 1994 through 1999.''; and
            (2) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) at the end of subparagraph (C), by striking out
                ``and'';
                    (B) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
                subparagraph (E); and
                    (C) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
                following:
                    ``(D) $300,000 shall be available to carry out
                section 168; and''.
    (f) Table of Contents.--Section 1(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 12401
note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 167
the following:

``Sec. 168. National service day.''.

Output:
King Holiday and Service Act of 1993 - Amends Federal law to:  (1) authorize appropriations for the Martin Luther King, Jr.  Federal Holiday Commission; (2) extend the Commission; and (3) revise its membership.
Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to authorize the Commission to make grants to eligible entities to carry out service opportunities on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.  Authorizes appropriations.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Adoption Equality Act of 2007''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) In 1997, Congress enacted the Adoption and Safe
        Families Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-89; 111 Stat. 2115),
        clearly stating that a child's health and safety are paramount,
        and that each child deserves a permanent home.
            (2) The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 provides
        incentives for adoptions, and for fiscal year 2005, States
        placed nearly 52,000 children from State care.
            (3) In 2003, the Adoption Promotion Act (Public Law 108-
        145, 117 Stat. 1879), which reauthorized the incentive program,
        gave greater emphasis on moving older children into permanency.
            (4) Despite the increase in adoptions, in 2005, more than
        115,000 children in foster care were waiting to be adopted.
            (5) Some States have chosen to limit services provided to
        special needs adopted children who are not eligible for
        adoption assistance under part E of title IV of the Social
        Security Act, in effect discriminating against a child whose
        parental rights have been terminated by basing the child's
        eligibility for such assistance on the financial status of
        adults who are no longer the child's legal parents.
            (6) These children have many special needs and require
        Federal financial assistance and support to start the physical
        and emotional healing after what may have been past years of
        abuse and neglect.

SEC. 3. PROMOTION OF ADOPTION OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

    (a) In General.--Section 473(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 673(a)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(2)(A) For purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(ii), a child meets the
requirements of this paragraph if the child--
            ``(i)(I) at the time of termination of parental rights, was
        in the care of a public or licensed private child placement
        agency or Indian tribal organization pursuant to a voluntary
        placement agreement, relinquishment, or involuntary removal of
        the child from the home, and the State has determined, pursuant
        to criteria established by the State, that continuation in the
        home would be contrary to the safety or welfare of the child;
            ``(II) meets all medical or disability requirements of
        title XVI with respect to eligibility for supplemental security
        income benefits; or
            ``(III) was residing in a foster family home or child care
        institution with a minor parent of the child pursuant to a
        voluntary placement agreement, relinquishment, or involuntary
        removal of the child from the home, and the State has
        determined, pursuant to criteria established by the State, that
        continuation in the home would be contrary to the safety or
        welfare of the child; and
            ``(ii) has been determined by the State, pursuant to
        subsection (c), to be a child with special needs, which needs
        shall be considered by the State, together with the
        circumstances of the adopting parents, in determining the
        amount of any payments to be made to the adoptive parents.
    ``(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as
provided in paragraph (7), a child who is not a citizen or resident of
the United States, who is lawfully present in the United States, and
who meets the requirements of subparagraph (A) shall be treated as
meeting the requirements of this paragraph for purposes of paragraph
(1)(B)(ii).
    ``(C) A child who meets the requirements of subparagraph (A) of
this paragraph, who was determined eligible for adoption assistance
payments under this part with respect to a prior adoption (or who would
have been determined eligible for such payments had the Adoption and
Safe Families Act of 1997 been in effect at the time that such
determination would have been made), and who is available for adoption
because the prior adoption has been dissolved and the parental rights
of the adoptive parents have been terminated, or because the child's
adoptive parents have died, shall be treated as meeting the
requirements of this paragraph for purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(ii).''.
    (b) Exception.--Section 473(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 673(a)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(7)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a
State shall not make a payment pursuant to this section to parents with
respect to a child considered by a State to be a special needs child if
the child--
            ``(i) is not a citizen or resident of the United States;
        and
            ``(ii) was adopted outside of the United States or was
        brought into the United States for the purpose of being
        adopted.
    ``(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not be construed as prohibiting
payments under this part for a child described in subparagraph (A) that
is placed in foster care subsequent to the failure, as determined by
the State, of the initial adoption of the child by the parents
described in such subparagraph.''.
    (c) Determination of a Child With Special Needs.--Section 473(c)(1)
of such Act (42 U.S.C. 673(c)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
            ``(1)(A) the State has determined, pursuant to criteria
        established by the State, that the child cannot or should not
        be returned to the home of his or her parents; or
            ``(B) the child meets all medical or disability
        requirements of title XVI with respect to eligibility for
        supplemental security income benefits; and''.

SEC. 4. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.

    It is the sense of the Congress that the States should reinvest in
child welfare programs any savings resulting from the implementation of
the amendments made by this Act.

SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 2008, and
shall apply with respect to adoption assistance agreements entered
into, and to payments under part E of title IV of the Social Security
Act for calendar quarters beginning, on or after such date, without
regard to whether regulations to implement the amendments are
promulgated by such date.
    (b) Delay Permitted if State Legislation Required.--If the
Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that State
legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) is required in
order for a State plan approved under part E of title IV of the Social
Security Act to meet the additional requirements imposed by the
amendments made by this Act, the plan shall not be regarded as failing
to meet any of the additional requirements before the 1st day of the
1st calendar quarter beginning after the first regular session of the
State legislature that begins after the date of the enactment of this
Act. If the State has a 2-year legislative session, each year of the
session is deemed to be a separate regular session of the State
legislature.

Output:
Adoption Equality Act of 2007 - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for children with special needs in the adoption assistance program. Requires that the child be in the care of a public or licensed private child placement agency or Indian tribal organization pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement, relinquishment, or involuntary removal of the child from the home, where the state has determined that continuation in the home would be contrary to the child's safety or welfare. Specifies related requirements.

Prohibits adoption assistance to parents with respect to a child who is not a U.S. citizen or resident, and who was adopted outside of the United States or brought into the United States for the purposes of being adopted.

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the states should reinvest in child welfare programs any savings resulting from the implementation of this Act.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Establishing Beneficiary Equity in
the Hospital Readmission Program Act of 2015''.

SEC. 2. ESTABLISHING BENEFICIARY EQUITY IN THE MEDICARE HOSPITAL
              READMISSION PROGRAM.

    (a) Transitional Adjustment for Dual Eligible Population and
Socioeconomic Status.--Section 1886(q)(4)(C) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395ww(q)(4)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new clause:
                            ``(iii) Transitional adjustment for dual
                        eligible population and socioeconomic status.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--In determining a
                                hospital's excess readmission ratio
                                under clause (i) for purposes of making
                                payments for discharges occurring
                                during fiscal years 2016 and 2017, and
                                before the initial application of
                                clause (iv), and in order to ensure
                                that hospitals that treat the most
                                vulnerable populations are not unfairly
                                penalized by the program under this
                                subsection, the Secretary shall provide
                                for such risk adjustment as will take
                                into account both a hospital's
                                proportion of inpatients who are full-
                                benefit dual eligible individuals (as
                                defined in section 1935(c)(6)) and the
                                socioeconomic status of the patients
                                served by the hospital.
                                    ``(II) Quantitative method.--For
                                purposes of applying subclause (I)(bb),
                                the Secretary, to the maximum extent
                                practicable, shall utilize the most
                                recent data available from the Bureau
                                of the Census in order to develop a
                                quantitative method to adjust for
                                socioeconomic status. In developing
                                such quantitative method, the
                                Secretary--
                                            ``(aa) shall, to the
                                        maximum extent practicable, use
                                        inputs that address at least
                                        income, education level, or
                                        poverty rate; and
                                            ``(bb) may include inputs
                                        that address other
                                        socioeconomic and
                                        sociodemographic factors
                                        determined appropriate by the
                                        Secretary.
                                    ``(III) Patients served by the
                                hospital.--For purposes of subclause
                                (I)(bb), the Secretary shall, to the
                                maximum extent practicable, measure the
                                socioeconomic status for all patients
                                served by each hospital. The Secretary
                                may supplement incomplete or
                                inaccessible patient-level data with
                                data related to the geographic region
                                of the patients served by the hospital.
                                    ``(IV) Minimizing reporting burden
                                on hospitals.--In carrying out this
                                clause, the Secretary shall not impose
                                any additional reporting requirements
                                on hospitals.''.
    (b) Subsequent Adjustments Based on IMPACT and MedPAC Reports.--
Section 1886(q)(4)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395ww(q)(4)(C)) is further amended by adding at the end the following
new clause:
                            ``(iv) Risk adjustments under readmission
                        program based on impact and medpac reports.--In
                        making recommendations under subparagraph (D)
                        of section 2(d)(1) of the IMPACT Act of 2014
                        (Public Law 113-185; 42 U.S.C. 1395lll note)
                        with respect to the application of risk
                        adjustment under this subsection, the Secretary
                        is required to base such risk adjustment on the
                        reports submitted under subparagraphs (A)(ii)
                        and (B)(ii) of such section as well as on the
                        report submitted by the Medicare Payment
                        Advisory Commission under section 2(c) of the
                        Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital
                        Readmission Program Act of 2015. The
                        Administrator of the Centers for Medicare &
                        Medicaid Services shall incorporate such
                        recommendations in carrying out risk adjustment
                        under this subsection for discharges occurring
                        in fiscal years after fiscal year 2017 in order
                        to ensure that hospitals that treat the most
                        vulnerable populations are not unfairly
                        penalized by the program under this subsection.
                        For fiscal years beginning more than 5 years
                        after the date of submission of the report
                        under section 2(d)(1)(B)(ii) of the IMPACT Act
                        of 2014, the Secretary may use alternative
                        adjustment mechanisms under this subsection to
                        account for socioeconomic factors if the
                        Secretary finds that such measures are better
                        at accounting for socioeconomic factors than
                        the mechanisms that would otherwise apply.''.
    (c) MedPAC Study on 30-Day Readmission Threshold.--The Medicare
Payment Advisory Commission shall conduct a study on the
appropriateness of using a threshold of 30 days for readmissions under
section 1886(q)(5)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395ww(q)(5)(E)). The Commission shall submit to Congress a report on
such study in its report to Congress in June 2016.
    (d) Addressing Issue of Noncompliant Patients.--Section
1886(q)(4)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(q)(4)(C)),
as amended by subsections (b) and (c), is further amended by adding at
the end the following new clause:
                            ``(v) Consideration of exclusion of
                        noncompliant patient cases based on v or other
                        appropriate codes.--In promulgating regulations
                        to carry out this subsection for the applicable
                        period with respect to fiscal year 2017, the
                        Secretary shall consider the use of V or other
                        ICD-related codes for potential exclusions of
                        cases in order to address the issue of
                        noncompliant patients.''.
    (e) Excluding Certain Clinical Conditions.--
            (1) Study.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary of Health and Human
                Services shall conduct a study, consistent with this
                paragraph, that assesses and makes recommendations with
                respect to excluding patients whose clinical conditions
                or diagnoses may require frequent hospitalizations,
                from the calculation of excess readmissions under
                section 1886(q)(5)(E) of the Social Security Act (42
                U.S.C. 1395ww(q)(5)(E)).
                    (B) Use of a technical expert panel.--The Secretary
                shall convene a multi-stakeholder technical expert
                panel comprised of individuals knowledgeable about
                clinical care of hospitalized patients and quality
                measurement, to provide input and recommendations on
                the study conducted under this paragraph.
                    (C) Clinical conditions to be considered.--In
                conducting the study, the Secretary shall consider
                exclusions for patients with transplants, burns,
                psychosis, and substance abuse disorders. The Secretary
                may include additional clinical conditions where
                appropriate care may require frequent hospitalizations.
                    (D) Transparency.--The Secretary shall make a draft
                of report on such study available for public comment
                for a period of not less than 30 days. The final study
                and recommendations shall address the Secretary's
                response to public comments.
                    (E) Deadline.--The Secretary shall submit a final
                report on the study to Congress no later than Oct. 1,
                2016. Such final report shall include recommendations
                regarding the relevant clinical conditions that should
                be excluded from the calculation of excess readmissions
                described in subparagraph (A).
            (2) Application to calculation of excess readmissions.--
        Beginning with fiscal year 2018, the Secretary shall exclude
        any relevant clinical conditions identified in the
        recommendations made in the final report under paragraph (1)(E)
        in determining a hospital's publicly reported readmission rate
        and excess readmissions ratio under section 1886(q)(4)(C) of
        the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(q)(4)(C)). The
        Secretary also is encouraged to consider applying the
        exclusions so identified to other Medicare public reporting and
        pay-for-performance programs in which readmission measures are
        used.
    (f) Budget Neutral Implementation.--The Secretary of Health and
Human Services shall make such payment adjustment to subsection (d)
hospitals under the inpatient prospective payment system under section
1886 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww) as may be necessary
to ensure that the implementation of the this section (including the
amendments made by this section) does not result in an increase in
aggregate expenditures under such section 1886.

Output: Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program Act of 2015 This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) with respect to the hospital readmissions reduction program under the inpatient (hospital) prospective payment system (IPPS). The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in determining a hospital's excess readmission ratio for purposes of making payments for discharges occurring during FY2016-FY2017, is required to make a risk adjustment to the ratio that takes into account both: (1) a hospital's proportion of inpatients who are full-benefit dual eligible individuals (eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid under SSAct title XIX), and (2) the socioeconomic status of patients served by the hospital.  The Secretary must base the risk adjustment under the readmission program for subsequent fiscal years on specified reports required by the Improving Medicare Post Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 as well as a report the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission shall submit on the appropriateness of using a threshold of 30 days for readmissions under the program. The Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must then incorporate report recommendations in carrying out risk adjustments for discharges occurring in such fiscal years in order to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not unfairly penalized by the program.  The Secretary shall consider the use of V or other International Classification of Diseases-related codes for potential exclusion of noncompliant patient cases when promulgating related regulations for FY2017. The Secretary must: (1) assess whether to exclude from the calculation of excess readmissions any patients whose clinical conditions or diagnoses may require frequent hospitalizations; then (2) exclude, starting in FY2018, any relevant clinical conditions identified in the assessment recommendations when determining a hospital's publicly reported readmission rate and excess readmissions ratio. The Secretary is directed to make a payment adjustment to subsection (d) hospitals necessary to ensure that the implementation of this Act does not result in any increase in aggregate expenditures under the IPPS. (Generally, a subsection (d) hospital is an acute care hospital, particularly one that receives payment under the IPPS when providing covered inpatient services to eligible beneficiaries.)


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``National Narcotics Leadership Act
Amendments of 1993''.

SEC. 2. IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY.

    Section 1003(c) of the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988
(21 U.S.C. 1502(c)) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as
        paragraphs (6), (7), and (8), respectively; and
            (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
    ``(5) The Director may require the inclusion, in the budget
submission to the Office of Management and Budget by any National Drug
Control Program agency, of funding requests for specific initiatives
that are consistent with the President's priorities for the National
Drug Control Strategy and certifications made pursuant to paragraph
(3).''.

SEC. 3. REPORT ON REPROGRAMMING; OFFICE PERSONNEL RESTRICTION.

    (a) Report on Reprogramming.--Section 1003(c)(7) of the National
Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988, as redesignated by section 2(1) of
this Act, is amended to read as follows:
    ``(7) The Director shall report to the Congress on a quarterly
basis regarding the need for any reprogramming or transfer of
appropriated funds in an amount greater than $5,000,000 for National
Drug Control Program activities.''.
    (b) Office Personnel Restriction.--Section 1003 of the National
Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 (21 U.S.C. 1502) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
    ``(f) Prohibition on Political Campaigning.--A Federal officer in
the Office of National Drug Control Policy who is appointed by the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may not
participate in Federal election campaign activities, except that such
an official is not prohibited by this subsection from making
contributions to individual candidates.''.

SEC. 4. NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY OUTCOME MEASURES.

    Section 1005(a) of the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988
(21 U.S.C. 1504(a)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)(A) by inserting ``and the consequences
        of drug abuse'' after ``drug abuse''; and
            (2) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
            ``(4) The Director shall include with each National Drug
        Control Strategy an evaluation of the effectiveness of Federal
        drug control during the preceding year. The evaluation shall
        include an assessment of Federal drug control efforts,
        including--
                    ``(A) assessment of the reduction of drug use,
                including estimates of drug prevalence and frequency of
                use as measured by national, State, and local surveys
                of illicit drug use and by other special studies of--
                            ``(i) high-risk populations, including
                        school dropouts, the homeless and transient,
                        arrestees, parolees, and probationers, and
                        juvenile delinquents; and
                            ``(ii) drug use in the workplace and the
                        productivity lost by such use;
                    ``(B) assessment of the reduction of drug
                availability, as measured by--
                            ``(i) the quantities of cocaine, heroin,
                        and marijuana available for consumption in the
                        United States;
                            ``(ii) the amount of cocaine and heroin
                        entering the United States;
                            ``(iii) the number of hectares of poppy and
                        coca cultivated and destroyed;
                            ``(iv) the number of metric tons of heroin
                        and cocaine seized;
                            ``(v) the number of cocaine processing labs
                        destroyed;
                            ``(vi) changes in the price and purity of
                        heroin and cocaine;
                            ``(vii) the amount and type of controlled
                        substances diverted from legitimate retail and
                        wholesale sources; and
                            ``(viii) the effectiveness of Federal
                        technology programs at improving drug detection
                        capabilities at United States ports of entry;
                    ``(C) assessment of the reduction of the
                consequences of drug use and availability, which shall
                include estimation of--
                            ``(i) burdens drug users placed on hospital
                        emergency rooms in the United States, such as
                        the quantity of drug-related services provided;
                            ``(ii) the annual national health care
                        costs of drug use, including costs associated
                        with people becoming infected with the human
                        immunodeficiency virus and other communicable
                        diseases as a result of drug use;
                            ``(iii) the extent of drug-related crime
                        and criminal activity; and
                            ``(iv) the contribution of drugs to the
                        underground economy, as measured by the retail
                        value of drugs sold in the United States; and
                    ``(D) determination of the status of drug treatment
                in the United States, by assessing--
                            ``(i) public and private treatment capacity
                        within each State, including information on the
                        number of treatment slots available in relation
                        to the number actually used, including data on
                        intravenous drug users and pregnant women;
                            ``(ii) the extent, within each State, to
                        which treatment is available, on demand, to
                        intravenous drug users and pregnant women;
                            ``(iii) the number of drug users the
                        Director estimates could benefit from
                        treatment; and
                            ``(iv) the success of drug treatment
                        programs, including an assessment of the
                        effectiveness of the mechanisms in place
                        federally, and within each State, to determine
                        the relative quality of substance abuse
                        treatment programs, the qualifications of
                        treatment personnel, and the mechanism by which
                        patients are admitted to the most appropriate
                        and cost effective treatment setting.
            ``(5) The Director shall include with the National Drug
        Control Strategy required to be submitted not later than
        February 1, 1994, and with every second such strategy submitted
        thereafter--
                    ``(A) an assessment of the quality of current drug
                use measurement instruments and techniques to measure
                supply reduction and demand reduction activities;
                    ``(B) an assessment of the adequacy of the coverage
                of existing national drug use measurement instruments
                and techniques to measure the casual drug user
                population and groups at-risk for drug use;
                    ``(C) an assessment of the actions the Director
                shall take to correct any deficiencies and limitations
                identified pursuant to subparagraphs (A) and (B); and
                    ``(D) identification of the specific factors that
                restrict the availability of treatment services to
                those seeking it and proposed administrative or
                legislative remedies to make treatment available to
                those individuals.
            ``(6) Federal agencies responsible for the collection or
        estimation of drug-related information required by the Director
        shall cooperate with the Director, to the fullest extent
        possible, to enable the Director to satisfy the requirements of
        sections 4 and 5.
            ``(7) By June 1, 1994, and with each National Drug Control
        Strategy submitted thereafter, the Director shall report to the
        President and the Congress on the Director's assessment of drug
        use and availability in the United States, including an
        estimate of the effectiveness of interdiction, treatment,
        prevention, law enforcement, and international programs under
        the National Drug Control Strategy in effect in the preceding
        year in reducing drug use and availability.''.

SEC. 5. DIRECTOR AS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL.

    Section 402(a)(7) of title 50, United States Code, is amended by--
            (1) striking ``and'' after the semicolon in paragraph (6);
            (2) redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
            (3) inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
            ``(7) the Director of the Office of National Drug Control
        Policy; and''.

SEC. 6. COUNTER-DRUG TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT CENTER.

    (a) Drug Abuse Addiction and Rehabilitation Center.--Section 1003A
of the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 (21 U.S.C.
1502a(c)(1)) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) as
        subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E), respectively; and
            (2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
                    ``(B) identify and support, through interagency
                agreements or grants that are subjected to peer review
                by independent advisory boards, the application of
                technology to expanding the effectiveness or
                availability of drug treatment;''.
    (b) Assistance From the Advanced Research Project Agency.--Section
1003A of the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 (21 U.S.C.
1502a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Assistance and Support to Office of National Drug Control
Policy.--The Director of the Advanced Research Project Agency shall, to
the fullest extent possible, render assistance and support to the
Office of National Drug Control Policy and its Director.''.
    (c) Repeal and Redesignation.--The National Narcotics Leadership
Act of 1988 is amended by--
            (1) repealing section 1008 (21 U.S.C. 1505), as in effect
        on the date of the enactment of this Act;
            (2) redesignating section 1003A, as amended by subsection
        (b) of this section, as section 1008; and
            (3) moving such section, as redesignated, so as to follow
        section 1007.

SEC. 7. PAYING CERTAIN NECESSARY EXPENSES FOR STRATEGY CONSULTATION.

    Section 1005(a)(3) of the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988
(21 U.S.C. 1504(a)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(C) The Director may pay for the necessary and appropriate
expenses for assemblages of individuals providing consultation to the
Director in developing the National Drug Control Strategy.''.

SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 1011 of the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 (21
U.S.C. 1508) is amended by striking ``$3,500,000'' and all that follows
through ``years,'' and inserting ``such sums as may be necessary for
fiscal year 1994,''.

SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY.

    Section 1009 of the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 (21
U.S.C. 1506) is amended by striking ``the date which is 5 years after
the date of the enactment of this subtitle'' and inserting ``September
30, 1994''.

            Passed the House of Representatives November 21, 1993.

            Attest:

                                           DONNALD K. ANDERSON,

                                                                 Clerk.

Output:
National Narcotics Leadership Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to authorize the Director for National Drug Control Policy to require the budget submission to the Office of Management and Budget by any National Drug Control Program agency to include funding requests for specific initiatives that are consistent with the President's priorities for the National Drug Control Strategy and certifications made regarding the adequacy of such request to implement the objectives of the Strategy for the relevant year.
(Sec. 3) Requires the Director to report to the Congress on a quarterly basis regarding the need for any reprogramming or transfer of appropriated funds for Program activities in an amount greater than $5 million.  Prohibits a Federal officer in the Office of National Drug Control Policy who is appointed by the President from participating in Federal election campaign activities, except that such an official is not thereby prohibited from making contributions to individual candidates.
(Sec. 4) Revises provisions regarding the Strategy to:  (1) include long-range goals for reducing the consequences of drug abuse; and (2) require the Director to include an evaluation of the effectiveness of Federal drug control during the preceding year.
Specifies that such evaluation shall include an assessment of Federal drug control efforts, including:  (1) an assessment of the reduction of drug use, drug availability, and associated consequences (such as the burdens drug users place on hospital emergency rooms); and (2) a determination of the status of U.S. drug treatment.
Requires:  (1) the Director to include with the Strategy specified information regarding assessment of drug use measurement, identification of factors restricting the availability of treatment, and proposed remedies to make such treatment available and to report to the President and the Congress on drug use and availability in the United States; and (2) Federal agencies responsible for the collection or estimation of drug-related information to cooperate with the Director to satisfy such requirements.
(Sec. 5) Designates the Director as a member of the National Security Council.
(Sec. 6) Requires:  (1) the Director to identify and support, through interagency agreements or grants that are subjected to peer review by independent advisory boards, the application of technology to expanding the effectiveness or availability of drug treatment; and (2) the Director of the Advanced Research Project Agency to assist and support the Office and its Director.  Repeals provisions of the Act pertaining to an executive reorganization study.
(Sec. 7) Authorizes the Director to pay the expenses for assemblage of individuals providing consultation in developing the Strategy.
(Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations.
(Sec. 9) Terminates the Office on September 30, 1994.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Streamlined and Improved Methods at
Polling Locations and Early Voting Act'' or the ``SIMPLE Voting Act''.

SEC. 2. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR EARLY VOTING AND FOR REDUCING WAITING
              TIMES FOR VOTERS IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

    (a) Requirements for States.--Subtitle A of title III of the Help
America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15481 et seq.) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating sections 304 and 305 as sections 306
        and 307; and
            (2) by inserting after section 303 the following new
        sections:

``SEC. 304. EARLY VOTING.

    ``(a) In General.--Each State shall allow individuals to vote in an
election for Federal office on each day occurring during the 15-day
period which ends 2 days before the date of the election, in the same
manner as voting is allowed on such day.
    ``(b) Minimum Early Voting Requirements.--Each polling place which
allows voting prior to the date of a Federal election pursuant to
subsection (a) shall--
            ``(1) allow such voting for not less than 10 hours on each
        day; and
            ``(2) have uniform hours each day for which such voting
        occurs.
    ``(c) Location of Polling Places Near Public Transportation.--To
the greatest extent practicable, a State shall ensure that each polling
place which allows voting prior to the date of a Federal election
pursuant to subsection (a) is located within reasonable walking
distance of a stop on a public transportation route.
    ``(d) Standards.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Commission shall issue standards for
        the administration of voting prior to the date scheduled for a
        Federal election. Such standards shall include the
        nondiscriminatory geographic placement of polling places at
        which such voting occurs.
            ``(2) Deviation.--The standards described in paragraph (1)
        shall permit States, upon providing adequate public notice, to
        deviate from any requirement in the case of unforeseen
        circumstances such as a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or
        a change in voter turnout.
    ``(e) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect to
elections held on or after January 1, 2014.

``SEC. 305. PREVENTING UNREASONABLE WAITING TIMES FOR VOTERS.

    ``(a) Preventing Unreasonable Waiting Times.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each State shall provide a sufficient
        number of voting systems, poll workers, and other election
        resources (including physical resources) at a polling place
        used in any election for Federal office, including a polling
        place at which individuals may cast ballots prior to the date
        of the election, to ensure--
                    ``(A) a fair and equitable waiting time for all
                voters in the State; and
                    ``(B) that no individual will be required to wait
                longer than one hour to cast a ballot at the polling
                place.
            ``(2) Criteria.--In determining the number of voting
        systems, poll workers, and other election resources provided at
        a polling place for purposes of paragraph (1), the State shall
        take into account the following factors:
                    ``(A) The voting age population.
                    ``(B) Voter turnout in past elections.
                    ``(C) The number of voters registered.
                    ``(D) The number of voters who have registered
                since the most recent Federal election.
                    ``(E) Census data for the population served by such
                voting site, such as the proportion of the voting-age
                population who are under 25 years of age or who are
                naturalized citizens.
                    ``(F) The educational levels and socio-economic
                factors of the population served by such voting site.
                    ``(G) The needs and numbers of voters with
                disabilities and voters with limited English
                proficiency.
                    ``(H) The type of voting systems used.
                    ``(I) The length and complexity of initiatives,
                referenda, and other questions on the ballot.
                    ``(J) Such other factors as the State considers
                appropriate.
            ``(3) Guidelines.--Not later than 180 days after the date
        of the enactment of this section, the Commission shall
        establish and publish guidelines to assist States in meeting
        the requirements of this subsection.
            ``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may
        be construed to authorize a State to meet the requirements of
        this subsection by closing any polling place, prohibiting an
        individual from entering a line at a polling place, or refusing
        to permit an individual who has arrived at a polling place
        prior to closing time from voting at the polling place.
    ``(b) Development and Implementation of Contingency Plans.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each State shall develop, and implement
        to the greatest extent practicable, a contingency plan under
        which the State shall provide additional poll workers,
        machines, ballots, and other equipment and supplies (as the
        case may be) on the date of the election to any polling place
        used in an election for Federal office, including a polling
        place at which individuals may cast ballots prior to the date
        of the election, at which waiting times exceed one hour.
            ``(2) Approval of plan by commission.--The State shall
        ensure that the contingency plan developed under paragraph (1)
        is approved by the Commission prior to the date of the election
        involved, in accordance with such procedures as the Commission
        may establish.
    ``(c) Effective Date.--This section shall apply with respect to
elections held on or after January 1, 2014.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment Relating to Enforcement.--Section 401 of
such Act (42 U.S.C. 15511) is amended by striking ``sections 301, 302,
and 303'' and inserting ``subtitle A of title III''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act is
amended--
            (1) by redesignating the items relating to sections 304 and
        305 as relating to sections 306 and 307; and
            (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 303 the
        following new items:

``Sec. 304. Early voting.
``Sec. 305. Preventing unreasonable waiting times for voters.''.

SEC. 3. NO EFFECT ON AUTHORITY OF STATE TO PROVIDE FOR LONGER PERIODS
              OF EARLY VOTING OR GREATER AMOUNT OF RESOURCES AT POLLING
              PLACES.

    Nothing in this Act or in any amendment made by this Act may be
construed to prohibit a State, with respect to any election for Federal
office--
            (1) from providing (in an equitable and nondiscriminatory
        manner) a longer period for early voting than the minimum
        period required under section 304 of the Help America Vote Act
        of 2002 (as added by section 2(a)); or
            (2) from providing (in an equitable and nondiscriminatory
        manner) a greater number of systems, poll workers, and other
        election resources at any polling place than the minimum number
        required under section 305 of such Act (as added by section
        2(a)).

Output:
Streamlined and Improved Methods at Polling Locations and Early Voting Act or SIMPLE Voting Act - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require each state to allow individuals to vote in a federal election on each day during the 15-day period ending two days before the election date in the same manner as voting is allowed on election day.

Requires a state to ensure that each polling place which allows early voting in a federal election is located within reasonable walking distance of a stop on a public transportation route.

Requires the Election Assistance Commission to issue standards for the administration of early voting in a federal election.

Requires each state to provide a sufficient number of voting systems, poll workers, and other election resources (including physical resources) at a polling place used in a federal election to ensure: (1) a fair and equitable waiting time for all voters in the state, and (2) that no individual will be required to wait longer than one hour to cast a ballot at the polling place.

Requires each state to develop, and implement to the greatest extent practicable, a contingency plan under which it shall provide any polling place on a federal election day whose waiting times exceed one hour with additional poll workers, machines, ballots, and other equipment and supplies, including a polling place at which individuals may cast ballots before the election date.