Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``E-911 Implementation Act of 2003''.

SEC. 2. COORDINATION OF E-911 IMPLEMENTATION.

    Part C of title I of the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 158. COORDINATION OF E-911 IMPLEMENTATION.

    ``(a) E-911 Implementation Coordination Office.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--The Assistant Secretary and the
        Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety
        Administration shall--
                    ``(A) establish a joint program to facilitate
                coordination and communication between Federal, State,
                and local emergency communications systems, emergency
                personnel, public safety organizations,
                telecommunications carriers, and telecommunications
                equipment manufacturers and vendors involved in the
                implementation of E-911 services; and
                    ``(B) create an E-911 Implementation Coordination
                Office to implement the provisions of this section.
            ``(2) Management plan.--The Assistant Secretary and the
        Administrator shall jointly develop a management plan for the
        program established under this section. Such plan shall include
        the organizational structure and funding profiles for the 5-
        year duration of the program. The Assistant Secretary and the
        Administrator shall, within 90 days after the date of enactment
        of this Act, submit the management plan to the Committees on
        Energy and Commerce and Appropriations of the House of
        Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science, and
        Transportation and Appropriations of the Senate.
            ``(3) Purpose of office.--The Office shall--
                    ``(A) take actions, in concert with coordinators
                designated in accordance with subsection (b)(3)(A)(ii),
                to improve such coordination and communication;
                    ``(B) develop, collect, and disseminate information
                concerning practices, procedures, and technology used
                in the implementation of E-911 services;
                    ``(C) advise and assist eligible entities in the
                preparation of implementation plans required under
                subsection (b)(3)(A)(iii);
                    ``(D) receive, review, and recommend the approval
                or disapproval of applications for grants under
                subsection (b); and
                    ``(E) oversee the use of funds provided by such
                grants in fulfilling such implementation plans.
            ``(4) Reports.--The Assistant Secretary and the
        Administrator shall provide a joint annual report to Congress
        by the first day of October of each year on the activities of
        the Office to improve coordination and communication with
        respect to the implementation of E-911 services.
    ``(b) Phase II E-911 Implementation Grants.--
            ``(1) Matching grants.--The Assistant Secretary and the
        Administrator, after consultation with the Secretary of
        Homeland Security and the Chairman of the Federal
        Communications Commission, and acting through the Office, shall
        provide grants to eligible entities for the implementation of
        phase II E-911 services through planning, infrastructure
        improvements, telecommunications equipment purchases, and
        personnel training.
            ``(2) Matching requirement.--The Federal share of the cost
        of a project eligible for a grant under this section shall not
        exceed 50 percent. The non-Federal share of the cost shall be
        provided from non-Federal sources.
            ``(3) Coordination required.--In providing grants under
        paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator
        shall require an eligible entity to certify in its application
        that--
                    ``(A) in the case of an eligible entity that is a
                State government, the entity--
                            ``(i) has coordinated its application with
                        the public safety answering points (as such
                        term is defined in section 222(h)(4) of the
                        Communications Act of 1934) located within the
                        jurisdiction of such entity;
                            ``(ii) has designated a single officer or
                        governmental body of the entity to serve as the
                        coordinator of implementation of E-911
                        services, except that such designation need not
                        vest such coordinator with direct legal
                        authority to implement E-911 services or manage
                        emergency communications operations;
                            ``(iii) has established a plan for the
                        coordination and implementation of E-911
                        services; and
                            ``(iv) has integrated telecommunications
                        services involved in the implementation and
                        delivery of phase II E-911 services; or
                    ``(B) in the case of an eligible entity that is not
                a State, the entity has complied with clauses (i),
                (iii), and (iv) of subparagraph (A), and the State in
                which it is located has complied with clause (ii) of
                such subparagraph.
            ``(4) Criteria.--The Assistant Secretary and the
        Administrator shall jointly issue regulations within 180 days
        of the enactment of the E-911 Implementation Act of 2003, after
        a public comment period of not less than 60 days, prescribing
        the criteria for selection for grants under this section, and
        shall update such regulations as necessary.
    ``(c) Diversion of E-911 Charges.--
            ``(1) Designated e-911 charges.--For the purposes of this
        subsection, the term `designated E-911 charges' means any
        taxes, fees, or other charges imposed by a State or other
        taxing jurisdiction that--
                    ``(A) appear on telecommunications services
                customers' bills; and
                    ``(B) are designated or presented as dedicated to
                deliver or improve E-911 services.
            ``(2) Certification.--Each applicant for a matching grant
        under this section shall certify to the Assistant Secretary and
        the Administrator at the time of application, and each
        applicant that receives such a grant shall certify to the
        Assistant Secretary and the Administrator annually thereafter
        during any period of time during which the funds from the grant
        are available to the applicant, that no portion of any
        designated E-911 charges imposed by a State or other taxing
        jurisdiction within which the applicant is located are being
        obligated or expended for any purpose other than the purposes
        for which such charges are designated or presented.
            ``(3) Condition of grant.--Each applicant for a grant under
        this section shall agree, as a condition of receipt of the
        grant, that if the State or other taxing jurisdiction within
        which the applicant is located, during any period of time
        during which the funds from the grant are available to the
        applicant, obligates or expends designated E-911 charges for
        any purpose other than the purposes for which such charges are
        designated or presented, all of the funds from such grant shall
        be returned to the Office.
            ``(4) Penalty for providing false information.--Any
        applicant that provides a certification under paragraph (1)
        knowing that the information provided in the certification was
        false shall--
                    ``(A) not be eligible to receive the grant under
                subsection (b);
                    ``(B) return any grant awarded under subsection (b)
                during the time that the certification was not valid;
                and
                    ``(C) not be eligible to receive any subsequent
                grants under subsection (b).
    ``(d) Authorization; Termination.--
            ``(1) Authorization.--There are authorized to be
        appropriated to the Department of Transportation, for the
        purposes of grants under the joint program operated under this
        section with the Department of Commerce, not more than
        $100,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2004 through 2008.
            ``(2) Termination.--The provisions of this section shall
        cease to be effective on October 1, 2008.
    ``(e) Definitions.--As used in this section:
            ``(1) Office.--The term `Office' means the E-911
        Implementation Coordination Office.
            ``(2) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
        Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety
        Administration.
            ``(3) Eligible entity.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible entity' means
                a State or local government or a tribal organization
                (as defined in section 4(l) of the Indian Self-
                Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
                450b(l))).
                    ``(B) Instrumentalities.--Such term includes public
                authorities, boards, commissions, and similar bodies
                created by one or more eligible entities described in
                subparagraph (A) to provide E-911 services.
                    ``(C) Exception.--Such term does not include any
                entity that has failed to submit the most recently
                required certification under subsection (c) within 30
                days after the date on which such certification is due.
            ``(4) E-911 services.--The term `E-911 services' means both
        phase I and phase II enhanced 911 services, as described in
        section 20.18 of the Commission's regulations (47 CFR 20.18),
        as in effect on the date of enactment of this section, or as
        subsequently revised by the Federal Communications Commission.
            ``(5) Phase ii e-911 services.--The term `phase II E-911
        services' means only phase II enhanced 911 services, as
        described in such section 20.18 (47 CFR 20.18), as in effect on
        such date, or as subsequently revised by the Federal
        Communications Commission.''.

SEC. 3. REPORT ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF E-911 PHASE II SERVICES BY TIER III
              SERVICE PROVIDERS.

    Within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal
Communications Commission shall submit a report to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate detailing--
            (1) the number of tier III commercial mobile service
        providers that are offering phase II E-911 services;
            (2) the number of requests for waivers from compliance with
        the Commission's phase II E-911 service requirements received
        by the Commission from such tier III providers;
            (3) the number of waivers granted or denied by the
        Commission to such tier III providers;
            (4) how long each waiver request remained pending before it
        was granted or denied;
            (5) how many waiver requests are pending at the time of the
        filing of the report;
            (6) when the pending requests will be granted or denied;
            (7) actions the Commission has taken to reduce the amount
        of time a waiver request remains pending; and
            (8) the technologies that are the most effective in the
        deployment of phase II E-911 services by such tier III
        providers.

            Passed the House of Representatives November 4, 2003.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.

Output:
E-911 Implementation Act of 2003 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to: (1) establish a joint program to facilitate coordination between Federal, State, and local emergency communications systems, emergency personnel, public safety organizations, telecommunications carriers, and telecommunications equipment manufacturers and vendors involved in the implementation of E-911 (enhanced emergency) services; (2) create an E-911 Implementation Coordination Office to implement such program; and (3) develop a management plan for such program. Requires annual reports from the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator to Congress on Office activities.

Directs the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator to provide grants to eligible entities (States, local governments, tribal organizations) for the implementation of phase II E-911 services through planning, infrastructure improvements, telecommunications equipment purchases, and personnel training. Limits the Federal share of project costs to 50 percent. Outlines entity participation requirements.

Requires each grant applicant to: (1) certify to the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator, at the time of application and annually thereafter if receiving such a grant, that no portion of designated E-911 charges (taxes or fees designated or presented to deliver or improve E-911 services) imposed by a State or other taxing jurisdiction is being obligated or expended for any other purpose; and (2) agree that if such charges are used for any other purpose, all of the grant funds shall be returned.

Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Transportation for such grants. Terminates the grant program on October 1, 2008.

Requires a report from the Federal Communications Commission to specified congressional committees on the deployment of E-911 Phase II services by Tier III service providers.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``8/29 Investigation Team Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which struck the Gulf
        Coast in 2005, caused almost $200,000,000,000 in total economic
        losses, including insured and uninsured losses;
            (2) while multiple reviews have been conducted to assess
        the failure of each flood detection system and related
        infrastructure since August 2005, Congress has yet to be
        informed of definitive recommendations or specific proposals
        for action;
            (3) to the extent the possibility of another significant
        flood protection system failure with the resulting devastation
        and damage exists, a proper technical and investigative review
        is needed; and
            (4) the most efficient and effective approach to assessing
        the failure of the flood protection system and subsequent
        devastation is--
                    (A) to establish a bipartisan investigation team of
                experts to study--
                            (i) the management, construction, and
                        funding of levee, flood control, coastal
                        reconstruction, and hurricane protection
                        projects; and
                            (ii) the means by which the Federal
                        Government responds to catastrophic disasters
                        and by which the Federal Government prepares
                        and develops contingency plans and disaster
                        preparations; and
                    (B) to require the Investigation Team to timely
                report the recommendations of the Investigation Team to
                Congress so that Congress can quickly identify any
                outstanding issues and determine a solution to protect
                residents of the Gulf Coast in particular and the
                United States in general.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF 8/29 INVESTIGATION TEAM.

    There is established a bipartisan investigation team, to be known
as the ``8/29 Investigation Team'' (referred to in this Act as the
``Investigation Team''), to examine--
            (1) the events beginning on August 29, 2005; and
            (2) each flood control and restoration project that has
        been carried out--
                    (A) since August 29, 2005; and
                    (B) in the Gulf Coast.

SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.

    (a) Composition.--The Investigation Team shall be composed of 12
members, appointed as follows:
            (1) 2 members appointed by the President;
            (2) 2 members appointed by the cochairpersons, in
        consultation with the ranking member, of the Committee on
        Environment and Public Works of the Senate;
            (3) 2 members appointed by the cochairpersons, in
        consultation with the ranking member, of the Committee on
        Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
            (4) 2 members appointed by the cochairpersons, in
        consultation with the ranking member, of the Committee on
        Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
        Representatives;
            (5) 2 members appointed by the cochairpersons, in
        consultation with the ranking member, of the Committee on
        Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; and
            (6) 2 members appointed by the Governor of the State of
        Louisiana, subject to confirmation by the Committee on
        Environment and Public Works of the Senate.
    (b) Cochairpersons.--
            (1) Election of cochairpersons.--The Investigation Team
        shall, by a majority of the members of the Investigation Team,
        elect 2 cochairpersons from the members of the Investigation
        Team.
            (2) Political affiliation.--Each cochairperson elected by
        the members of the Investigation Team under paragraph (1) shall
        be affiliated with a different political party.
    (c) Prohibition.--No elected official of the Federal Government
shall serve as a member of the Investigation Team.
    (d) Sense of Congress Regarding Qualifications.--It is the sense of
Congress that individuals appointed to the Investigation Team should
be--
            (1) prominent United States citizens; and
            (2) individuals who are nationally recognized for a
        significant depth of experience in professions such as--
                    (A) governmental service;
                    (B) engineering;
                    (C) public works;
                    (D) wetlands restoration;
                    (E) public administration;
                    (F) disaster planning and recovery; and
                    (G) environmental planning.
    (e) Meetings; Quorum; Vacancies.--
            (1) Initial meeting.--
                    (A) In general.--If, on the date that is 60 days
                after the date of enactment of this Act, not more than
                6 members of the Investigation Team have been appointed
                under subsection (a), the members shall meet and, if
                necessary, select temporary cochairpersons, who may
                begin the operations of the Investigation Team,
                including the hiring of staff.
                    (B) Review of actions.--Each action carried out by
                the Investigation Team under subparagraph (A) shall be
                reviewed by the Investigation Team as soon as
                practicable after the date on which the Investigation
                Team is comprised of not less than 7 members.
            (2) Subsequent meetings.--After the initial meeting, the
        Investigation Team shall meet at the call of each cochairperson
        or a majority of the members of the Investigation Team.
            (3) Quorum.--7 members of the Investigation Team shall
        constitute a quorum.
            (4) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Investigation Team--
                    (A) shall not affect the powers of the
                Investigation Team; and
                    (B) shall be filled in the same manner as the
                original appointment was made.

SEC. 5. DUTIES OF INVESTIGATION TEAM.

    The Investigation Team shall--
            (1) review findings and recommendations contained in all
        public and private studies conducted in the aftermath of the
        levee failures in the State of Louisiana on or after August 29,
        2005, including--
                    (A) the study entitled ``The Federal Response to
                Hurricane Katrina'' and dated February 2006;
                    (B) the study entitled ``Performance Review of
                FEMA's Disaster Management Activities in Response to
                Hurricane Katrina'', numbered OIG-06-32, and dated
                March 2006;
                    (C) the study entitled ``A Failure of Initiative:
                Final Report of the Select Bipartisan Committee to
                Investigate the Preparation for and Response to
                Hurricane Katrina'' (Report No. 109-377) and dated
                February 15, 2006;
                    (D) the study entitled ``Hurricane Katrina: A
                Nation Still Unprepared'' (S. Rept. 109-322);
                    (E) the study entitled ``Interagency Performance
                Evaluation Task Force Report'' and dated June 1, 2006;
                    (F) the study entitled ``Prioritizing America's
                Water Resources'', published by the National
                Associations of Public Administrators, and dated
                February 2007;
                    (G) the study entitled ``The failure of the New
                Orleans Levee System during Hurricane Katrina'',
                published by Team Louisiana, and dated February 2007;
                and
                    (H) the study entitled ``Investigation of the
                Performance of the New Orleans Flood Protection Systems
                In Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005'', published by
                the Independent Levee Investigation Team, and dated
                July 31, 2006;
            (2) examine and review the ongoing exposure of the United
        States to the flood control system failures described in
        paragraph (1) and other potential future flood control system
        failures; and
            (3) submit to the President and Congress a report that
        contains recommendations for any necessary legislative or
        regulatory change that will--
                    (A) improve the functioning of the Corps of
                Engineers to prevent a catastrophic flood control
                system failure;
                    (B) ensure proper planning and review of the
                policies and procedures of Federal and State agencies
                to prevent such a failure in the future;
                    (C) provide for environmental management and
                recovery during and after a disaster;
                    (D) provide for the identification of each party at
                the Federal, State, and local levels that was
                responsible for each decision that helped cause the
                events of August 29, 2005; and
                    (E) outline each proposal that is necessary to
                revise the management, planning, funding, and oversight
                of levee, coastal restoration, and flood control
                projects that are located in the disaster affected
                areas.

SEC. 6. POWERS OF INVESTIGATION TEAM.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Hearings and evidence.--In carrying out the duties of
        the Investigation Team under this Act, the Investigation Team,
        and any subcommittee or member acting under the authority of
        the Investigation Team, may--
                    (A) hold such hearings and sit and act at such
                times and places, take such testimony, receive such
                evidence, and administer such oaths as the
                Investigation Team, subcommittee, or member, as
                applicable, determines to be appropriate; and
                    (B) require, by subpoena or otherwise, the
                attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the
                production of such books, records, correspondence,
                memoranda, papers, and documents, as the Investigation
                Team, subcommittee, or member, as applicable,
                determines to be appropriate.
            (2) Subpoenas.--
                    (A) In general.--A subpoena issued under paragraph
                (1)(B)--
                            (i) may be issued under the signature of
                        each cochairperson of the Investigation Team;
                        and
                            (ii) may be served by--
                                    (I) the chairperson of any
                                subcommittee created by a majority of
                                the members of the Investigation Team;
                                    (II) any member of the
                                Investigation Team designated by a
                                majority of the members of the
                                Investigation Team; and
                                    (III) any person designated by each
                                cochairperson of the Investigation
                                Team.
                    (B) Applicability of revised statutes.--Sections
                102 through 104 of the Revised Statutes (2 U.S.C. 192
                et seq.) shall apply in the case of a failure of any
                witness to comply with a subpoena or to testify when
                summoned under authority of this section.
    (b) Contracting.--The Investigation Team may, to such extent and in
such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into
contracts to enable the Investigation Team to carry out the duties of
the Investigation Team under this Act.
    (c) Information From Federal Agencies.--
            (1) In general.--The Investigation Team may secure directly
        from a Federal agency information the Investigation Team
        considers necessary to carry out this Act.
            (2) Provision of information.--On request of each
        cochairperson of the Investigation Team, the head of the agency
        shall provide the information to the Investigation Team.
    (d) Assistance From Federal Agencies.--
            (1) General services administration.--The Administrator of
        General Services shall provide to the Investigation Team, on a
        reimbursable basis, administrative support and other services
        to assist the Investigation Team in carrying out the duties of
        the Investigation Team under this Act.
            (2) Other departments and agencies.--In addition to the
        assistance prescribed under paragraph (1), any other Federal
        department or agency may provide to the Investigation Team such
        services, funds, facilities, staff, and other support services
        as the head of the department or agency determines to be
        appropriate and in accordance with applicable law.
    (e) Postal Services.--The Investigation Team may use the United
States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
agencies of the Federal Government.
    (f) Gifts.--The Investigation Team may accept, use, and dispose of
gifts or donations of services or property.

SEC. 7. STAFF OF THE INVESTIGATION TEAM.

    (a) Staff.--
            (1) In general.--The cochairpersons of the Investigation
        Team may, without regard to the civil service laws (including
        regulations), appoint and terminate an executive director and
        other personnel as is necessary to enable the Investigation
        Team to perform the duties of the Investigation Team.
            (2) Confirmation of executive director.--The employment of
        an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the
        Investigation Team.
            (3) Compensation.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
                (B), the cochairpersons of the Investigation Team may
                fix the compensation of the executive director and
                other personnel without regard to the provisions of
                chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5,
                United States Code, relating to classification of
                positions and General Schedule pay rates.
                    (B) Maximum rate of pay.--The rate of pay for the
                executive director and other personnel shall not exceed
                the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule
                under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
    (b) Personnel as Federal Employees.--
            (1) In general.--The executive director and any personnel
        of the Investigation Team who are employees shall be employees
        under section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, for purposes
        of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, and 90 of that title.
            (2) Members of investigation team.--Paragraph (1) shall not
        apply to any member of the Investigation Team.
    (c) Detail of Federal Government Employees.--
            (1) In general.--An employee of the Federal Government may
        be detailed to the Investigation Team without reimbursement.
            (2) Civil service status.--The detail of the employee shall
        be without interruption or loss of civil service status or
        privilege.
    (d) Consultant Services.--The Investigation Team may procure the
services of any expert or consultant, in accordance with section 3109
of title 5, United States Code, at a rate not to exceed the daily rate
of pay of an individual occupying a position at level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 8. REPORT.

    Not later than 180 days after the date on which all members of the
Investigation Team are appointed under section 4(a), the Investigation
Team shall submit to the President and Congress a final report that
contains--
            (1) a detailed statement of the findings of the
        Investigation Team; and
            (2) any recommendations of the Investigation Team for
        legislative or administrative action that the Investigation
        Team considers appropriate.

SEC. 9. TERMINATION.

    The Investigation Team shall terminate on the date that is 60 days
after the date on which the Investigation Team submits the final report
under section 8.

SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 to carry out this
Act.

Output:
8/29 Investigation Team Act - Establishes a bipartisan 8/29 Investigation Team to examine: (1) the events beginning on August 29, 2005, with respect to the failure of the flood protection system in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and (2) each flood control and restoration project that has been carried out since that date in the Gulf Coast.

Prohibits any elected federal official from serving as a Team member. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding member qualifications.

Urges the Team to: (1) review findings and recommendations of all studies conducted in the aftermath of the levee failures in Louisiana on or after August 29, 2005; (2) review the ongoing U.S. exposure to flood control system failures; and (3) report on necessary legislative or regulatory changes.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Wall Street Compensation Reform Act
of 2010''.

SEC. 2. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PAID BY SYSTEMICALLY SIGNIFICANT
              FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Subsection (m) of section 162 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
            ``(6) Special rule for application to systemically
        significant financial institutions.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In the case of an employer which
                is a systemically significant financial institution,
                this subsection shall apply with the following
                modifications:
                            ``(i) Non-public entities.--Paragraph (1)
                        shall be applied by substituting `employer' for
                        `publicly held corporation'.
                            ``(ii) Covered employees.--Paragraph (3)
                        shall be applied--
                                    ``(I) by substituting `such
                                employee is among the 25 highest
                                compensated employees' for so much of
                                subparagraph (B) as precedes `for the
                                taxable year (other than the chief
                                executive officer).', and
                                    ``(II) in addition to the
                                individuals described in such paragraph
                                (including the individuals described in
                                subclause (I) of this clause), by
                                treating any employee whose actions
                                have a material impact on the risk
                                exposure of the taxpayer as a covered
                                employee.
                        Any employee whose applicable employee
                        remuneration for the taxable year exceeds
                        $1,000,000 is presumed to engage in actions
                        which have a material impact on the risk
                        exposure of the taxpayer unless the taxpayer
                        submits an information return to the Secretary
                        which describes the role and responsibilities
                        of such employee and the reason such employee
                        should not be considered to have a material
                        impact on the risk exposure of the taxpayer.
                        Such return shall be deemed to have been
                        approved unless the Secretary notifies the
                        taxpayer in writing within 90 days of the
                        submission of such return. For purposes of this
                        clause, the term `employee' includes employees
                        within the meaning of section 401(c)(1).
                            ``(iii) Remuneration payable on commission
                        basis.--Subparagraph (B) of paragraph (4) shall
                        not apply.
                            ``(iv) Deferred deduction executive
                        remuneration.--In the case of any deferred
                        deduction executive remuneration (as determined
                        under rules similar to the rules of paragraph
                        (5)(F), if executive remuneration for purposes
                        of such paragraph included remuneration of
                        covered employees as defined in clause (ii) of
                        this paragraph, and if the year in which the
                        applicable services were performed were treated
                        as an applicable taxable year), rules similar
                        to the rules of paragraph (5)(A)(ii) shall
                        apply by substituting `$1,000,000' for
                        `$500,000'.
                    ``(B) Systemically significant financial
                institution.--
                            ``(i) In general.--For purposes of this
                        paragraph, the term `systemically significant
                        financial institution' means an entity which
                        engages primarily in activities which are
                        financial in nature (as determined under
                        section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of
                        1956), and which--
                                    ``(I) owns or controls assets
                                greater than $25,000,000,000, or
                                    ``(II) owns or controls assets
                                greater than $10,000,000,000 and
                                maintains a ratio of debt to equity
                                which is greater than 20 to 1.
                            ``(ii) Classification.--A taxpayer which is
                        a systemically significant financial
                        institution for any taxable year shall be a
                        systemically significant financial institution
                        for purposes of all subsequent taxable years.
                    ``(C) Special rules for performance-based
                compensation.--Remuneration payable solely on account
                of the attainment of one or more performance goals
                (hereinafter `performance-based remuneration') which is
                paid by any systemically significant financial
                institution to any covered employee (as determined
                under subparagraph (A)(ii)) shall not be excluded under
                subparagraph (C) of paragraph (4) from treatment as
                applicable employee remuneration unless the following
                requirements are met:
                            ``(i) Performance-based compensation
                        pool.--The amount and allocation of the
                        taxpayer's performance-based remuneration for
                        covered employees are determined by the
                        compensation committee required under paragraph
                        (4)(C)(i) by taking into account--
                                    ``(I) the cost and quantity of
                                capital required to support the risks
                                taken by the taxpayer in the conduct of
                                the financial activities of the
                                taxpayer,
                                    ``(II) the cost and quantity of the
                                liquidity risk assumed by the taxpayer
                                in the conduct of such activities, and
                                    ``(III) the timing and likelihood
                                of potential future revenues from such
                                activities.
                            ``(ii) Material terms.--The material terms
                        of performance-based remuneration paid to
                        covered employees specify that--
                                    ``(I) not less than 50 percent of
                                such remuneration must vest no earlier
                                than 5 years after the date of payment,
                                    ``(II) the proportion of such
                                remuneration payable under vesting
                                arrangements must increase based on the
                                level of seniority or responsibility of
                                the employee,
                                    ``(III) such remuneration payable
                                under vesting arrangements must vest on
                                a basis no faster than pro rata over
                                the specified number of years of such
                                arrangement (not to be less than 5),
                                    ``(IV) such remuneration is
                                contingent on a formal agreement
                                between the taxpayer and the employee
                                which forbids the use of personal
                                hedging strategies, remuneration-
                                related insurance, or liability-related
                                insurance which undermines the risk
                                alignment effects of this paragraph,
                                    ``(V) in the case of an employer
                                which is a publicly held corporation,
                                not less than 50 percent of such
                                remuneration must be in the form of
                                stock in the employer, and
                                    ``(VI) in the case of remuneration
                                paid to a chief executive officer or
                                chief financial officer (if such chief
                                financial officer is a covered
                                employee) of a publicly held
                                corporation, such remuneration must be
                                subject to substantial forfeiture
                                requirements in the event the taxpayer
                                is required to prepare an accounting
                                restatement due to material
                                noncompliance, as a result of
                                misconduct, with any financial
                                reporting requirement under Federal
                                securities laws.
                        For purposes of this clause, the date on which
                        remuneration is deemed to have vested is the
                        first date on which such remuneration is not
                        subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture
                        (within the meaning of section 409A(d)(4)).
                    ``(D) Special rule for performance-based
                compensation paid by non-public entities.--In the case
                of a systemically significant financial institution
                which is not a publicly held corporation, in addition
                to the requirements of subparagraph (C), paragraph
                (4)(C) shall be applied by substituting the following
                for clauses (i) through (iii) thereof:
                            ``(i) the taxpayer commissions an annual,
                        external review of its compensation policies
                        and practices, including an examination and
                        analysis of the taxpayer's compliance with the
                        requirements of this subsection, and
                            ``(ii) the taxpayer obtains certification
                        from an unrelated third party commissioned to
                        evaluated compensation practices that
                        performance goals and other material terms
                        under which the remuneration is to be paid are
                        satisfied before any payment of such
                        remuneration is made.'.
                For purposes of the preceding sentence, all persons
                treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or
                (b) of section 52 or subsection (b) or (c) of section
                414 shall be treated as related taxpayers.
                    ``(E) Coordination with rules for employers
                participating in the troubled assets relief program.--
                In the case of any systemically significant financial
                institution to which paragraph (5) applies for any
                taxable year, this paragraph shall not apply to any
                payment of remuneration to which such paragraph
                applies.
                    ``(F) Regulatory authority.--Not later than 180
                days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph,
                the Secretary shall prescribe such guidance, rules, or
                regulations of general applicability as are necessary
                to carry out the purposes of this paragraph,
                including--
                            ``(i) the method for valuing assets for
                        purposes of subparagraph (B)(i),
                            ``(ii) the method for calculating the ratio
                        described in subparagraph (B)(i)(II),
                            ``(iii) criteria for use in determining
                        whether the actions of an employee have a
                        material impact on the risk exposure of the
                        taxpayer, and for determining what constitutes
                        a substantial forfeiture requirement with
                        respect to executive remuneration,
                            ``(iv) criteria for determining whether a
                        remuneration agreement constitutes a hedging
                        strategy, and
                            ``(v) anti-abuse rules to prevent the
                        avoidance of the purposes of this paragraph,
                        including by use of independent contractors.
                    ``(G) Application of paragraph.--This paragraph
                shall apply--
                            ``(i) in the case of an entity which is a
                        systemically significant financial institution
                        in calendar 2010, to remuneration for services
                        performed in calendar years beginning after
                        2010, and
                            ``(ii) in the case of an entity which
                        becomes a systemically significant financial
                        institution in a calender year after 2010, to
                        remuneration for services performed in calendar
                        years beginning with the second calendar year
                        after the year in which such entity first
                        becomes a systemically significant financial
                        institution.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Subparagraph (G) of section 162(m)(5) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``Paragraph (6) shall not apply to any payment of
remuneration to which this paragraph applies.''.
    (c) Report on Performance-Based Compensation Paid by Publicly Held
Corporations.--
            (1) In general.--Each systemically significant financial
        institution which is a publicly held corporation shall submit
        to the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
        shall make publicly available, an annual report on compensation
        policies and practices which describes--
                    (A) the process used to develop and modify such
                institution's compensation policies, including the
                composition and the mandate of such institution's
                compensation committee,
                    (B) the actions taken by such institution to comply
                with section 162(m)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of
                1986,
                    (C) any additional actions taken to implement the
                Principles for Sound Compensation Practices adopted by
                the Financial Stability Board established by the G-20
                Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors,
                    (D) the most important design characteristics of
                such institution's compensation policies, including
                criteria used for performance measurement and risk
                adjustment, the linkage between pay and performance,
                vesting policy and criteria, and the parameters used
                for allocating cash versus other forms of remuneration,
                    (E) aggregate quantitative information on
                remuneration paid by such institution, differentiating
                between remuneration paid to senior executive officers
                and to employees whose actions have a material impact
                on the risk exposure of such institution, which
                indicates the amounts of remuneration for the financial
                year (divided into fixed and variable remuneration) and
                the number of employees to which such remuneration was
                paid, and
                    (F) the amount of remuneration paid by such
                institution during the financial year preceding the
                year of the report which was nondeductible by reason of
                section 162(m) of such Code.
            (2) Timing of report.--The report required under paragraph
        (1) shall be submitted beginning in calendar year 2011 (or, if
        later, the calendar year after the year in which an entity
        first becomes a systemically significant financial institution
        which is a publicly held corporation), at such time during such
        year and each subsequent year as the Chairman of the Securities
        and Exchange Commission shall specify.
            (3) Definitions.--Any term used in this subsection which is
        also used in section 162(m)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of
        1986 shall have the same meaning as when used in such section.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall apply to remuneration for services performed after December 31,
2010.

Output:
Wall Street Compensation Reform Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the tax deduction for compensation paid to highly-paid employees of systemically significant financial institutions. Requires such compensation to be performance-based, to vest no earlier than five years after the date of payment, and to consist of 50% employer stock. Prohibits such highly-paid employees from using personal hedging strategies and remuneration or liability-related insurance and requires forfeiture of compensation paid to a chief executive or financial officer of such an institution if an accounting restatement is required due to material noncompliance, as a result of misconduct, with any federal financial reporting requirement.

Defines a "systemically significant financial institution" as an entity which engages primarily in financial activities (as determined under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956) and which: (1) owns or controls assets greater than $25 billion; or (2) owns or controls assets greater than $10 billion and maintains a ratio of debt to equity greater than 20 to 1.

Requires each systemically significant financial institution which is a publicly held corporation to make an annual report on its compensation policies and practices to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and make such report publicly available.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Truth in Video Game Rating Act''.

SEC. 2. DECEPTIVE RATINGS OF VIDEO GAMES.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Federal Trade Commission shall prescribe rules under section 553 of
title 5, United States Code, to prohibit the following as an unfair and
deceptive act or practice prescribed pursuant to section 18(a)(1)(B) of
the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)):
            (1) Rating game only on partial content.--Such rules shall
        prohibit any rating organization from assigning a content
        rating to any video or computer game that is to bear a label
        containing such content rating when sold or distributed in
        interstate commerce unless such rating organization has
        reviewed the playable content of the video or computer game in
        its entirety.
            (2) Withholding content for rating.--
                    (A) In general.--Such rules shall prohibit any
                person who produces, sells, or otherwise distributes
                video or computer games in interstate commerce from
                withholding or hiding any playable content of the video
                or computer game from, or in any other manner failing
                to disclose any playable content of a video or computer
                game to, a rating organization.
                    (B) Hidden content.--Such rules shall provide that
                where, in the course of obtaining a content rating, a
                person submits to a rating organization a video or
                computer game that contains hidden content, that such
                person also provide the rating organization with the
                necessary codes or methods of accessing such hidden
                content.
            (3) Gross mischaracterization of content.--Such rules shall
        prohibit any rating organization from providing a content
        rating that grossly mischaracterizes (as defined by the
        Commission in such rules) the content of the video or computer
        game.

SEC. 3. G.A.O. STUDY.

    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a study to determine--
            (1) the efficacy of the Entertainment Software Ratings
        Board ratings system in assigning appropriate content ratings
        to video and computer games, including ratings for online or
        Internet-based games;
            (2) whether content ratings systems, like that used by the
        Entertainment Software Ratings Board, should be peer-reviewed;
            (3) whether an independent ratings system, developed and
        administered by persons or entities with no financial interest
        in the video and computer game industry, would result in more
        accurate and effective content ratings for video and computer
        games than the rating system used by the Entertainment Software
        Ratings Board; and
            (4) the efficacy of a universal ratings system for visual
        content, including films, broadcast and cable television and
        video, and computer games.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on
the findings of the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a). The
report shall contain recommendations regarding effective approaches to
video and computer game content ratings that address the unique ratings
challenges of online and Internet-based video games.

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Content rating.--The term ``content rating'' means any
        rating of the content of a video or computer game provided to
        notify consumers of any content which may be offensive to
        consumers or may not be suitable to persons of varying ages,
        including such content as violence, graphic sexual content,
        nudity, or strong language.
            (2) Hidden content.--The term ``hidden content'' means any
        playable content that may be disabled or blocked from a user of
        the video or computer game so that it can be accessed only by
        inputting a code or command or by altering the game's software
        with a modification, patch, or similar tool, utility, or
        method.
            (3) Playable content.--The term ``playable content'', with
        respect to video or computer games, means all of the scenes,
        visual images, sounds, and words that a user can access after
        installing the game on a computer, console, telecommunication
        device, or similar technology, and includes hidden content.
            (4) Rating organization.--The term ``rating organization''
        means the Entertainment Software Ratings Board or any other
        independent organization that assigns content ratings for video
        or computer games.
            (5) Video or computer game.--The term ``video or computer
        game'' means any product, whether distributed electronically or
        through a tangible device, consisting of data, programs,
        routines, instructions, applications, symbolic languages, or
        similar electronic information that enables a user to interact
        with a computer-controlled virtual environment for
        entertainment purposes.

Output:
Truth in Video Game Rating Act - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules that prohibit as an unfair and deceptive act or practice: (1) any rating organization from assigning a content rating to any video or computer game unless it has reviewed its playable content; and (2) any producer, seller, or distributor of such games from withholding or hiding any such content.

Requires the FTC rules also to: (1) require any person submitting to a rating organization a video or computer game with hidden content to accompany it with the codes or methods necessary to access such hidden content; and (2) prohibit a rating organization from providing a content rating that grossly mischaracterizes the game content.

Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the efficacy of the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) ratings system in assigning appropriate content ratings to video and computer games, and related questions.


Input:
SECTION 1. COORDINATION OF ENERGY RETROFITTING ASSISTANCE FOR SCHOOLS.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) School.--The term ``school'' means--
                    (A) an elementary school or secondary school (as
                defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801));
                    (B) an institution of higher education (as defined
                in section 102(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
                (20 U.S.C. 1002(a));
                    (C) a school of the defense dependents' education
                system under the Defense Dependents' Education Act of
                1978 (20 U.S.C. 921 et seq.) or established under
                section 2164 of title 10, United States Code;
                    (D) a school operated by the Bureau of Indian
                Affairs;
                    (E) a tribally controlled school (as defined in
                section 5212 of the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of
                1988 (25 U.S.C. 2511)); and
                    (F) a Tribal College or University (as defined in
                section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
                U.S.C. 1059c(b))).
            (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
        of Energy.
    (b) Designation of Lead Agency.--The Secretary, acting through the
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, shall act as the lead
Federal agency for coordinating and disseminating information on
existing Federal programs and assistance that may be used to help
initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and
energy retrofitting projects for schools.
    (c) Requirements.--In carrying out coordination and outreach under
subsection (b), the Secretary shall--
            (1) in consultation and coordination with the appropriate
        Federal agencies, carry out a review of existing programs and
        financing mechanisms (including revolving loan funds and loan
        guarantees) available in or from the Department of Agriculture,
        the Department of Energy, the Department of Education, the
        Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, the
        Environmental Protection Agency, and other appropriate Federal
        agencies with jurisdiction over energy financing and
        facilitation that are currently used or may be used to help
        initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency, renewable
        energy, and energy retrofitting projects for schools;
            (2) establish a Federal cross-departmental collaborative
        coordination, education, and outreach effort to streamline
        communication and promote available Federal opportunities and
        assistance described in paragraph (1) for energy efficiency,
        renewable energy, and energy retrofitting projects that enables
        States, local educational agencies, and schools--
                    (A) to use existing Federal opportunities more
                effectively; and
                    (B) to form partnerships with Governors, State
                energy programs, local educational, financial, and
                energy officials, State and local government officials,
                nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities
                to support the initiation of the projects;
            (3) provide technical assistance for States, local
        educational agencies, and schools to help develop and finance
        energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy retrofitting
        projects--
                    (A) to increase the energy efficiency of buildings
                or facilities;
                    (B) to install systems that individually generate
                energy from renewable energy resources;
                    (C) to establish partnerships to leverage economies
                of scale and additional financing mechanisms available
                to larger clean energy initiatives; or
                    (D) to promote--
                            (i) the maintenance of health,
                        environmental quality, and safety in schools,
                        including the ambient air quality, through
                        energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy
                        retrofit projects; and
                            (ii) the achievement of expected energy
                        savings and renewable energy production through
                        proper operations and maintenance practices;
            (4) develop and maintain a single online resource website
        with contact information for relevant technical assistance and
        support staff in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
        Energy for States, local educational agencies, and schools to
        effectively access and use Federal opportunities and assistance
        described in paragraph (1) to develop energy efficiency,
        renewable energy, and energy retrofitting projects; and
            (5) establish a process for recognition of schools that--
                    (A) have successfully implemented energy
                efficiency, renewable energy, and energy retrofitting
                projects; and
                    (B) are willing to serve as resources for other
                local educational agencies and schools to assist
                initiation of similar efforts.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing
the implementation of this section.

Output: This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Department of Energy (DOE), acting through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, to act as the lead federal agency for coordinating and disseminating information on existing federal programs and assistance that may be used to help initiate, develop, and finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy retrofitting projects for schools.  DOE must:   carry out a review of existing programs and financing mechanisms available in or from appropriate federal agencies with jurisdiction over energy financing and facilitation that are currently used or may be used for such purposes;  establish a federal cross-departmental collaborative coordination, education, and outreach effort to streamline communication and promote available federal opportunities and assistance for such projects that enables states, local educational agencies, and schools to use existing federal opportunities more effectively and to form partnerships with appropriate entities to support project initiation;  provide technical assistance for states, local educational agencies, and schools to help develop and finance projects that meet specified requirements;  develop and maintain a single online resource website with contact information for relevant technical assistance and support staff in the Office for states, local educational agencies, and schools to effectively access and use federal opportunities and assistance to develop such projects; and establish a process for recognition of schools that have successfully implemented such projects and are willing to serve as resources for other local educational agencies and schools to assist initiation of similar efforts.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Bill Emerson English Language
Empowerment Act of 1997''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds and declares the following:
            (1) The United States is comprised of individuals and
        groups from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic
        backgrounds.
            (2) The United States has benefited and continues to
        benefit from this rich diversity.
            (3) Throughout the history of the United States, the common
        thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been a
        common language.
            (4) In order to preserve unity in diversity, and to prevent
        division along linguistic lines, the Federal Government should
        maintain a language common to all people.
            (5) English has historically been the common language and
        the language of opportunity in the United States.
            (6) The purpose of this title is to help immigrants better
        assimilate and take full advantage of economic and occupational
        opportunities in the United States.
            (7) By learning the English language, immigrants will be
        empowered with the language skills and literacy necessary to
        become responsible citizens and productive workers in the
        United States.
            (8) The use of a single common language in conducting
        official businesss of the Federal Government will promote
        efficiency and fairness to all people.
            (9) English should be recognized in law as the language of
        official business of the Federal Government.
            (10) Any monetary savings derived from the enactment of
        this title should be used for the teaching of the English
        language to non-English-speaking immigrants.

SEC. 3. ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

    (a) In General.--Title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new chapter:

            ``CHAPTER 6--LANGUAGE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

``Sec.
``161. Declaration of official language of Federal Government.
``162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language.
``163. Official Federal Government activities in English.
``164. Standing.
``165. Reform of naturalization requirements.
``166. Application.
``167. Rule of construction.
``168. Affirmation of constitutional protections.
``169. Definitions.
``Sec. 161. Declaration of official language of Federal Government
    ``The official language of the Federal Government is English.
``Sec. 162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language
    ``Representatives of the Federal Government shall have an
affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as
the official language of the Federal Government. Such obligation shall
include encouraging greater opportunities for individuals to learn the
English language.
``Sec. 163. Official Federal Government activities in English
    ``(a) Conduct of Business.--Representatives of the Federal
Government shall conduct its official business in English.
    ``(b) Denial of Services.--No person shall be denied services,
assistance, or facilities, directly or indirectly provided by the
Federal Government solely because the person communicates in English.
    ``(c) Entitlement.--Every person in the United States is entitled--
            ``(1) to communicate with representatives of the Federal
        Government in English;
            ``(2) to receive information from or contribute information
        to the Federal Government in English; and
            ``(3) to be informed of or be subject to official orders in
        English.
``Sec. 164. Standing
    ``A person injured by a violation of this chapter may in a civil
action (including an action under chapter 151 of title 28) obtain
appropriate relief.
``Sec. 165. Reform of naturalization requirements
    ``(a) Fluency.--It has been the longstanding national belief that
full citizenship in the United States requires fluency in English.
English is the language of opportunity for all immigrants to take their
rightful place in society in the United States.
    ``(b) Ceremonies.--All authorized officials shall conduct all
naturalization ceremonies entirely in English.
``Sec. 166. Application
    ``Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the provisions of
this chapter shall supersede any existing Federal law that contravenes
such provisions (such as by requiring the use of a language other than
English for official business of the Federal Government).
``Sec. 167. Rule of construction
    ``Nothing in this chapter shall be construed--
            ``(1) to prohibit a Member of Congress or an employee or
        official of the Federal Government, while performing official
        business, from communicating orally with another person in a
        language other than English;
            ``(2) to limit the preservation or use of Native Alaskan or
        Native American languages (as defined in the Native American
        Languages Act);
            ``(3) to discriminate against or restrict the rights of any
        individual in the country; and
            ``(4) to discourage or prevent the use of languages other
        than English in any nonofficial capacity.
``Sec. 168. Affirmation of constitutional protections
    ``Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to be inconsistent
with the Constitution of the United States.
``Sec. 169. Definitions
    ``For purposes of this chapter:
            ``(1) Federal government.--The term `Federal Government'
        means all branches of the national Government and all employees
        and officials of the national Government while performing
        official business.
            ``(2) Official business.--The term `official business'
        means governmental actions, documents, or policies which are
        enforceable with the full weight and authority of the Federal
        Government, and includes publications, income tax forms, and
        informational materials, but does not include--
                    ``(A) teaching of languages;
                    ``(B) requirements under the Individuals with
                Disabilities Education Act;
                    ``(C) actions, documents, or policies necessary
                for--
                            ``(i) national security issues; or
                            ``(ii) international relations, trade, or
                        commerce;
                    ``(D) actions or documents that protect the public
                health and safety;
                    ``(E) actions or documents that facilitate the
                activities of the Bureau of the Census in compiling any
                census of population;
                    ``(F) actions, documents, or policies that are not
                enforceable in the United States;
                    ``(G) actions that protect the rights of victims of
                crimes or criminal defendants;
                    ``(H) actions in which the United States has
                initiated a civil lawsuit; or
                    ``(I) using terms of art or phrases from languages
                other than English.
            ``(3) United states.--The term `United States' means the
        several States and the District of Columbia.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of chapters for title 4,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
item:

``6. Language of the Federal Government.....................     161''.

SEC. 4. PREEMPTION.

    This title (and the amendments made by this title) shall not
preempt any law of any State.

SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    The amendments made by section 3 shall take effect on the date that
is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Output:
Bill Emerson English Language Empowerment Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law to declare English to be the official language of the U.S. Government.  States that representatives of the Federal Government have an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the Federal Government.  Requires such representatives to conduct official business in English. Prohibits anyone from being denied Government services because he or she communicates in English.
Requires that all officials conduct all naturalization ceremonies entirely in English.   Directs that nothing in this Act construed to limit the preservation or use of Native Alaskan or Native American languages.
Sets forth definitions for purposes of this Act.


Input:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Small Lands Tracts Conveyance Act''.

SEC. 2. SPECIAL CONVEYANCE AUTHORITY REGARDING SMALL PARCELS OF
              NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND PUBLIC LANDS.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Director concerned.--The term ``Director concerned''
        means the Director of the Bureau of Land Management for a
        State.
            (2) Eligible federal lands parcel.--The term ``eligible
        Federal lands parcel'' means a parcel of National Forest System
        land or the public lands that--
                    (A) shares one or more boundaries with non-Federal
                land;
                    (B) is located within the boundaries of an
                incorporated or unincorporated area with a population
                of at least 500 residents;
                    (C) is not subject to existing rights held by a
                non-Federal entity;
                    (D) does not contain an exceptional resource; and
                    (E) is not habitat for an endangered species or a
                threatened species determined under section 4 of the
                Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533).
            (3) Exceptional resource.--The term ``exceptional
        resource'' means a resource of scientific, historic, cultural,
        or recreational value on a parcel of public lands that the
        Director concerned or Regional Forester concerned determines,
        on the record and after an opportunity for a hearing--
                    (A) is documented by a Federal, State, or local
                governmental authority; and
                    (B) requires extraordinary conservation and
                protection to maintain the resource for the benefit of
                the public.
            (4) National forest system land.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``National Forest System
                land'' means land within the National Forest System, as
                defined in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland
                Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
                1609(a)), including the National Grasslands and land
                utilization projects designated as National Grasslands
                administered pursuant to the Act of July 22, 1937 (7
                U.S.C. 1010-1012).
                    (B) Exclusions.--The term does not include any land
                managed by the Forest Service that is included in a
                national monument, an area of critical environmental
                concern, a national conservation area, a national
                riparian conservation area, a national recreation area,
                a national scenic area, a research natural area, a
                national outstanding natural area, a national natural
                landmark, a wilderness area, a wilderness study area,
                the national wild and scenic rivers system, or the
                national system of trails.
            (5) Public lands.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``public lands'' has the
                meaning given that term in section 103(e) of the
                Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
                U.S.C. 1702(e)).
                    (B) Exclusions.--The term does not include any land
                managed by the Bureau of Land Management that is
                included in a national monument, an area of critical
                environmental concern, a national conservation area, a
                national riparian conservation area, a national
                recreation area, a national scenic area, a research
                natural area, a national outstanding natural area, a
                national natural landmark, a wilderness area, a
                wilderness study area, the national wild and scenic
                rivers system, or the national system of trails.
            (6) Regional forester concerned.--The term ``Regional
        Forester concerned'' means the Regional Forester with
        jurisdiction over the National Forest System land of a specific
        Forest Service Region.
    (b) Selection of Parcels for Conveyance.--
            (1) Two selection methods.--The Director concerned or the
        Regional Forester concerned shall select an eligible Federal
        lands parcel for conveyance under this section--
                    (A) in response to a request submitted by an owner
                of non-Federal land that shares one or more boundaries
                with the parcel; or
                    (B) upon the recommendation of the District Office
                of the Bureau of Land Management or unit of the
                National Forest System exercising administration over
                the parcel.
            (2) Review of landowner request.--When a landowner submits
        a request under paragraph (1)(A) for conveyance of a parcel of
        National Forest System land or public lands, the Director
        concerned or the Regional Forester concerned shall review the
        parcel and determine, within 30 days after receipt of the
        request, whether the parcel satisfies the definition of
        eligible Federal lands parcel for conveyance.
            (3) Rejection of landowner request.--If the Director
        concerned or the Regional Forester concerned determines under
        paragraph (2) that all or a portion of the parcel of National
        Forest System land or public lands covered by a landowner
        request under paragraph (1)(A) fails to satisfy the definition
        of eligible Federal lands parcel, the Director concerned or the
        Regional Forester concerned shall give the landowner--
                    (A) a written explanation of the reasons for the
                rejection, which specifically specifies--
                            (i) which of the elements of the definition
                        of eligible Federal lands parcel the parcel
                        fails to satisfy and how and why the parcel
                        fails to satisfy that element;
                            (ii) how the continued administration of
                        the parcel by the Bureau of Land Management or
                        the Forest Service would impact the parcel and
                        surrounding economy; and
                            (iii) why the Federal Government needs to
                        maintain ownership of the parcel and would be
                        the best land ownership steward of the parcel;
                        and
                    (B) an opportunity to appeal the rejection under
                subsection (e).
    (c) Parcel and Acreage Limitations.--
            (1) Acreage.--An eligible Federal lands parcel conveyed
        under this section may not exceed 160 acres unless a request
        for additional acreage is approved by the Director concerned or
        the Regional Forester concerned.
            (2) Number of parcels.--A person may only acquire one
        eligible Federal lands parcel under this section per year,
        except that, if the parcel is less than 160 acres in size, the
        person may acquire additional eligible Federal lands parcels
        during that year so long as the total acreage acquired does not
        exceed 160 acres unless a request for additional acreage is
        approved by the Director concerned or the Regional Forester
        concerned.
    (d) Conveyance Process.--
            (1) Public notice.--The Director concerned or the Regional
        Forester concerned shall provide public notice of the
        availability of an eligible Federal lands parcel, even in cases
        in which the parcel shares a boundary with only a single parcel
        of non-Federal land or with multiple parcels owned by the same
        landowner. The notice shall state that the parcel satisfies the
        definition of eligible Federal lands parcel for conveyance.
            (2) Single adjacent landowner.--If the eligible Federal
        lands parcel shares a boundary with only a single parcel of
        non-Federal land or with multiple parcels owned by the same
        landowner, the Director concerned or the Regional Forester
        concerned shall carry out a negotiated sale of the eligible
        Federal lands parcel with the landowner.
            (3) Multiple adjacent landowners.--If multiple parcels of
        non-Federal land, owned by different landowners, share a
        boundary with an eligible public lands parcel, the sale of the
        eligible public lands parcel under this section shall be
        conducted using competitive bidding procedures established
        under section 203(f) of the Federal Land Policy and Management
        Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1713(f)).
            (4) Rejection of offers.--The Director concerned or the
        Regional Forester concerned may reject any offer made under
        this subsection that does not offer the minimum consideration
        required by subsection (f). The landowner shall be given an
        opportunity to appeal the rejection under subsection (e).
            (5) Compliance with local planning and zoning.--As a
        condition of the conveyance of an eligible public lands parcel
        under this section, the Director concerned or the Regional
        Forester concerned shall require the purchaser of the parcel to
        agree to comply all local land use ordinances and any master
        zoning plan applicable to the parcel or the adjacent non-
        Federal land of the purchaser.
            (6) Form of conveyance.--When an eligible Federal lands
        parcel is to sold under this section, the Director concerned or
        the Regional Forester concerned shall convey, by quitclaim
        deed, all right, title, and interest, including the mineral
        estate, of the United States in and to the parcel.
    (e) Appeals Process.--
            (1) Availability of appeal.--If the Director concerned or
        the Regional Forester concerned rejects a landowner request
        under subsection (b)(1)(A) for selection of a parcel of
        National Forest System land or public lands for conveyance
        under this section or rejects a landowner offer for purchase of
        an eligible Federal lands parcel under subsection (d), the
        Director concerned or the Regional Forester concerned shall
        provide an appeals process for reconsideration of the rejection
        using the expedited Forest Service appeals process available
        under section 322(d) of Public Law 102-381 (16 U.S.C. 1612
        note).
            (2) Administering official.--For purposes of applying
        section 322(d) of Public Law 102-381 (16 U.S.C. 1612 note),
        references to the Chief of the Forest Service or the Secretary
        of Agriculture shall be deemed to mean the Director concerned
        or the Regional Forester concerned.
    (f) Consideration.--
            (1) Fair market value.--As consideration for the sale of an
        eligible Federal lands parcel under this section, the Director
        concerned or the Regional Forester concerned shall require a
        cash payment in an amount that is equal to not less than the
        fair market value of the parcel, including the mineral estate,
        being conveyed by the Director concerned or the Regional
        Forester concerned.
            (2) Establishment.--The fair market value of an eligible
        Federal lands parcel shall be established by an appraisal
        submitted by the landowner seeking to purchase the parcel,
        unless the Director concerned or the Regional Forester
        concerned rejects such appraisal within 45 days after
        submission. In the case of the rejection of the appraisal, the
        Director concerned or the Regional Forester concerned shall
        cause another appraisal to be conducted, within 30 days, in
        accordance with the regulations regarding appraisals issued
        under section 206(f) of the Federal Land Policy and Management
        Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716(f)).
    (g) Treatment of Proceeds.--
            (1) Sharing and deposit of proceeds.--Of the consideration
        received by the Director concerned or the Regional Forester
        concerned under subsection (f) for the sale of an eligible
        Federal lands parcel under this section, the Director concerned
        or the Regional Forester concerned shall--
                    (A) subject to paragraph (2), pay 50 percent of the
                consideration to the county government of the county in
                which the parcel is located; and--
                    (B) deposit the remainder in the general fund of
                the Treasury.
            (2) Effect of county purchase.--If an eligible Federal
        lands parcel is purchased by a State, county, or city
        government or any agency thereof, the county government in
        which the parcel is located shall not receive a portion of the
        consideration paid for the parcel. Instead, the entire amount
        of the consideration shall be deposited in the general fund of
        the Treasury.
    (h) Payment of Costs of Conveyance.--
            (1) Payment required.--The Director concerned or the
        Regional Forester concerned shall require the purchaser of an
        eligible Federal lands parcel under this section to cover the
        costs to be incurred, or to reimburse the Director concerned or
        the Regional Forester concerned for costs incurred, to carry
        out the conveyance, including survey and appraisal costs, costs
        for environmental documentation, and any other administrative
        costs related to the conveyance. If amounts are collected from
        the purchaser of the parcel in advance of the Director
        concerned or the Regional Forester concerned incurring the
        actual costs, and the amount collected exceeds the costs
        actually incurred by the Director concerned or the Regional
        Forester concerned to carry out the conveyance, the Director
        concerned or the Regional Forester concerned shall refund the
        excess amount to the purchaser.
            (2) Treatment of amounts received.--Amounts received as
        reimbursement under paragraph (1) shall be credited to the fund
        or account that was used to cover those costs in carrying out
        the conveyance. Amounts so credited shall be merged with
        amounts in such fund or account, and shall be available for the
        same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and
        limitations, as amounts in such fund or account.
    (i) Time for Conveyance.--It is the intent of the Congress that the
sale of an eligible Federal lands parcel under this section, from
selection of the parcel for conveyance through completion of the sale,
should take no more than 18 months.
    (j) NEPA Exemption.--The conveyance of eligible Federal lands
parcels under this section is not a major Federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment under section 102(2)(C)
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C))
because each conveyance involves only a small parcel of National Forest
System land or the public lands and has no significant impact on
critical habitats or endangered or threatened species, critical
environments, exceptional resources.
    (k) Additional Authority.--The conveyance authority provided by
this section is in addition to the sale authority provided by section
203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1713) or any other provision of law.

Output:
Small Lands Tracts Conveyance Act - Requires the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a state (respecting certain public lands) or the Regional Forester (respecting certain National Forest System lands) to select an eligible federal lands parcel for conveyance: (1) in response to a request by an owner of non-federal land that shares one or more boundaries with such parcel, or (2) upon the recommendation of the BLM District Office or System unit that exercises administration over such parcel.

Bars a conveyed eligible parcel from exceeding 160 acres unless the Director or Regional Forester concerned approves a request for additional acreage. Permits acquisition by a person of only one eligible parcel a year, subject to an exception.

Instructs the Director or Regional Forester concerned, as consideration for the sale of an eligible parcel, to require a cash payment in an amount equal to not less than the fair market value of such parcel, including the mineral estate, being conveyed.

Requires the Director or the Regional Forester concerned to: (1) pay 50% of the consideration received for the sale of an eligible parcel to the county government in which such parcel is located, and (2) deposit the remaining amount in the general Treasury fund.

Requires the purchaser of an eligible federal lands parcel under this Act to cover the costs to be incurred, or to reimburse the Director or Regional Forester concerned for the costs incurred, in carrying out the conveyance.