hyperdemocracy/usc-textversion huggingface dataset:
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6424 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 2, 2016 Mr. Cartwright (for himself and Mr. Grijalva ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology A BILL To require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a premise plumbing research laboratory, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2016 . 2. Premise plumbing research Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (in this Act, referred to as NIST ) shall— (1) establish or designate a laboratory to conduct research on premise plumbing in relation to water safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience; (2) conduct an organizational review of all research and other activities related to premise plumbing conducted by Federal entities; and (3) appoint one or more officers or employees of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to liaise with non-Federal entities conducting research or other activities related to premise plumbing. 3. Report Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 4 years thereafter, the Director of NIST shall submit to Congress a report on the progress made by NIST regarding— (1) the status of the laboratory described in paragraph (1) of section 2, including any staff designated to work in such laboratory; (2) all projects of NIST related to premise plumbing, including completed projects, projects in progress, and projects planned for the future; (3) updates to data relevant to premise plumbing system structure, design, and construction; and (4) any progress of private organizations in updating premise plumbing standards. 4. Definition In this Act, the term premise plumbing means the water distribution system located within the property lines of a property, including all buildings and permanent structures on such property. Such term includes building supply and distribution pipes, fixtures, fittings, water heaters, water-treating and water-using equipment, and all respective joints, connections, devices, and appurtenances.
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6425 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 2, 2016 Mr. Crawford (for himself, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi , Ms. Sewell of Alabama , Mr. Harper , Mr. Palazzo , Mr. Westerman , Mr. Hill , Mr. Womack , and Mr. Aderholt ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To provide the force and effect of law for certain regulations relating to the taking of double-crested cormorants to reduce depredation at aquaculture facilities and protect public resources.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Safeguard Aquaculture Farmers Act . 2. Regulations relating to the taking of double-crested cormorants (a) Force and effect (1) In general Subject to subsection (b), section 21.47 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act) shall have the force and effect of law. (2) Public notice The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this section as the Secretary ), acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (referred to in this section as the Director ), shall notify the public of the authority provided by paragraph (1) in a manner determined appropriate by the Secretary. (b) Sunset The authority provided by subsection (a)(1) shall terminate on the date that is the earlier of— (1) the effective date of a regulation promulgated by the Director after the date of enactment of this Act to control depredation of double-crested cormorant populations; or (2) 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section limits the authority of the Director to promulgate regulations relating to the taking of double-crested cormorants under any other law.
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6426 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 2, 2016 Mr. Buck introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform A BILL To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for a 2 year prohibition on employment in a career civil service position for any former political appointee, and for other purposes.

1. Temporary prohibition on employment of political appointees in career civil service positions (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 31 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 3115. Employment of former political appointees; restrictions (a) An individual occupying a political position in the civil service may not be appointed to a career position in the civil service during the period of 2 years immediately following the date the individual separates from such political position. (b) In this section— (1) the term political position means— (A) a position which has been excepted from the competitive service by reason of its confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character; or (B) a position in the Senior Executive Service as a limited term appointee, limited emergency appointee, or noncareer appointee (as those terms are defined in paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively, of section 3132(a)); and (2) the term career position means— (A) a position in the competitive service; or (B) a position in the the Senior Executive Service as a career appointee (as that term is defined in section 3132(a)(4)). . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections of chapter 31 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to section 3114 the following: 3115. Employment of former political appointees; restrictions. . (c) Application The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to any individual who separates from a political position (as that term is defined in section 3115 of title 5, United States Code, as added by such subsection) after the date of enactment of this Act.
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6428 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 2, 2016 Ms. Titus (for herself, Mr. Bera , Ms. Hanabusa , Ms. Matsui , Mr. Peterson , Mr. Pocan , Mr. Conyers , Mr. Courtney , Mr. O'Rourke , Mr. Yarmuth , Ms. Schakowsky , Mrs. Lowey , Ms. Kuster , Ms. DelBene , Ms. McCollum , Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico , Mr. Keating , Mr. Bishop of Georgia , Mr. Nolan , Mrs. Dingell , Ms. Edwards , Ms. Frankel of Florida , Mr. Garamendi , Mr. Deutch , Mrs. Bustos , Mr. Cohen , Ms. Slaughter , Ms. Moore , Ms. Castor of Florida , Ms. Pingree , Ms. Wasserman Schultz , Mr. Nadler , Ms. Kaptur , Mr. McGovern , and Ms. Bonamici ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce , and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit Medicare part B premium increases for 2017.

1. Limiting Medicare part B premium increases for 2017 (a) In general Section 1839(a) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395r(a) ) is amended— (1) in the second sentence of paragraph (1), by striking paragraphs (5) and (6) and inserting paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (7) (A) In applying this part (including subsection (i) and section 1833(b)), subject to subparagraph (B), the monthly premium otherwise determined under this section for an individual for 2017 shall not be increased by more than $4 from the monthly premium determined under this section for the individual for 2016. (B) Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall affect the application of paragraph (6) with respect to a repayment month described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph. . (b) Conforming funding Section 1844(d)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w(d)(1) ) is amended— (1) by inserting and 2017 after 2016 ; (2) by striking such year and inserting such respective year ; and (3) by striking section 1839(a)(5)(A) and inserting paragraph (5)(A) of section 1839(a) or (7)(A) of such section, respectively, .
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6429 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 2, 2016 Mr. Babin (for himself, Mr. Conaway , Mr. Farenthold , and Mr. Williams ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To amend the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to include certain areas in the Central Texas Corridor.

1. Central Texas Corridor Section 1105(c)(84) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 2032; 112 Stat. 190; 119 Stat. 1213) is amended by adding at the end the following: The Corridor also shall— (A) not include the section of US 190 from I–10 in Pecos County to Brady in McCullough County; (B) include the following routes in the Central Texas Corridor and the I–14 system in Texas— (i) beginning in the vicinity of State Highway 338 in Odessa, Texas, running eastward concurrent with Interstate 20, connecting to State Highway 158 in the vicinity of Midland, Texas, then following State Highway 158 eastward to US 87 and then following US 87 southeastward, passing in the vicinity of San Angelo; and (ii) connecting to US 190 in the vicinity of Brady, Texas; and (C) include US 83 southward from the vicinity of Eden, Texas, to a logical connection to Interstate 10 at Junction, Texas; (D) include US 96 from I–10 at Beaumont, Texas, north to US 84 in the vicinity of Tenaha, Texas; and (E) include US 69 from I–10 at Beaumont north to US 59 in the vicinity of Lufkin, Texas. .
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6430 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 2, 2016 Ms. Kaptur (for herself, Mr. Benishek , and Mr. Quigley ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To require the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to conduct an assessment of cultural and historic resources in the waters of the Great Lakes, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Assessment Act . 2. Assessment of cultural and historic resources in waters of Great Lakes (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere shall— (1) conduct an assessment of cultural and historic resources in the waters of the Great Lakes; and (2) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the Under Secretary with respect to such assessment. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a)(2) shall include the following: (1) Identification of underwater geographic areas in the Great Lakes that possess historical and archaeological resources of sufficient value and density to make them nationally significant. (2) A description of the historical and archaeological resources in such geographic areas. (3) An evaluation of community interest in preserving and interpreting such resources. (4) A recommendation regarding whether such geographic areas should be designated as national marine sanctuaries to protect resources of historical and archeological significance. (5) Recommendations regarding whether the designation of a network of underwater Great Lakes areas that protect resources of historical and archeological significance, including the existing successful Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, could bring significant educational opportunities, economic development, jobs, and tourism to the Great Lakes region. (c) Collaboration In carrying out this section, the Under Secretary shall collaborate with local communities.
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6431 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To ensure United States jurisdiction over offenses committed by United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act of 2016 . 2. Jurisdiction over offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada (a) Amendment Chapter 212A of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the chapter heading, by striking trafficking in persons ; and (2) by adding after section 3272 the following: 3273. Offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives (a) In general Whoever, while employed by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice and stationed or deployed in Canada pursuant to a treaty, executive agreement, or bilateral memorandum in furtherance of a border security initiative, engages in conduct (or conspires or attempts to engage in conduct) in Canada that would constitute an offense for which a person may be prosecuted in a court of the United States had the conduct been engaged in within the United States or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, as provided for that offense. (b) Definition In this section, the term employed by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice means— (1) being employed as a civilian employee, a contractor (including a subcontractor at any tier), or an employee of a contractor (or a subcontractor at any tier) of the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice; (2) being present or residing in Canada in connection with such employment; and (3) not being a national of or ordinarily resident in Canada. . (b) Technical and conforming amendments Part II of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the table of chapters, by striking the item relating to chapter 212A and inserting the following: 212A. Extraterritorial jurisdiction over certain offenses 3271 ; and (2) in the table of sections for chapter 212A, by inserting after the item relating to section 3272 the following: 3273. Offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives. . (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to infringe upon or otherwise affect the exercise of prosecutorial discretion by the Department of Justice in implementing this section and the amendments made by this section.

Passed the House of Representatives December 7, 2016. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
I One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America At the Second Session Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the fourth day of January, two thousand and sixteen H. R. 6431 AN ACT To ensure United States jurisdiction over offenses committed by United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act of 2016 . 2. Jurisdiction over offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada (a) Amendment Chapter 212A of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the chapter heading, by striking trafficking in persons ; and (2) by adding after section 3272 the following: 3273. Offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives (a) In general Whoever, while employed by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice and stationed or deployed in Canada pursuant to a treaty, executive agreement, or bilateral memorandum in furtherance of a border security initiative, engages in conduct (or conspires or attempts to engage in conduct) in Canada that would constitute an offense for which a person may be prosecuted in a court of the United States had the conduct been engaged in within the United States or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, as provided for that offense. (b) Definition In this section, the term employed by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice means— (1) being employed as a civilian employee, a contractor (including a subcontractor at any tier), or an employee of a contractor (or a subcontractor at any tier) of the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice; (2) being present or residing in Canada in connection with such employment; and (3) not being a national of or ordinarily resident in Canada. . (b) Technical and conforming amendments Part II of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the table of chapters, by striking the item relating to chapter 212A and inserting the following: 212A. Extraterritorial jurisdiction over certain offenses 3271 ; and (2) in the table of sections for chapter 212A, by inserting after the item relating to section 3272 the following: 3273. Offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives. . (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to infringe upon or otherwise affect the exercise of prosecutorial discretion by the Department of Justice in implementing this section and the amendments made by this section.

Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6431 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 2, 2016 Ms. Kuster (for herself and Ms. Stefanik ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To ensure United States jurisdiction over offenses committed by United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act of 2016 . 2. Jurisdiction over offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada (a) Amendment Chapter 212A of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the chapter heading, by striking trafficking in persons ; and (2) by adding after section 3272 the following: 3273. Offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives (a) In general Whoever, while employed by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice and stationed or deployed in Canada pursuant to a treaty, executive agreement, or bilateral memorandum in furtherance of a border security initiative, engages in conduct (or conspires or attempts to engage in conduct) in Canada that would constitute an offense for which a person may be prosecuted in a court of the United States had the conduct been engaged in within the United States or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, as provided for that offense. (b) Definition In this section, the term employed by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice means— (1) being employed as a civilian employee, a contractor (including a subcontractor at any tier), or an employee of a contractor (or a subcontractor at any tier) of the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice; (2) being present or residing in Canada in connection with such employment; and (3) not being a national of or ordinarily resident in Canada. . (b) Technical and conforming amendments Part II of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the table of chapters, by striking the item relating to chapter 212A and inserting the following: 212A. Extraterritorial jurisdiction over certain offenses 3271 ; and (2) in the table of sections for chapter 212A, by inserting after the item relating to section 3272 the following: 3273. Offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives. . (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to infringe upon or otherwise affect the exercise of prosecutorial discretion by the Department of Justice in implementing this section and the amendments made by this section.
II 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6431 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 8, 2016 Received AN ACT To ensure United States jurisdiction over offenses committed by United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act of 2016 . 2. Jurisdiction over offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada (a) Amendment Chapter 212A of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the chapter heading, by striking trafficking in persons ; and (2) by adding after section 3272 the following: 3273. Offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives (a) In general Whoever, while employed by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice and stationed or deployed in Canada pursuant to a treaty, executive agreement, or bilateral memorandum in furtherance of a border security initiative, engages in conduct (or conspires or attempts to engage in conduct) in Canada that would constitute an offense for which a person may be prosecuted in a court of the United States had the conduct been engaged in within the United States or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States shall be fined or imprisoned, or both, as provided for that offense. (b) Definition In this section, the term employed by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice means— (1) being employed as a civilian employee, a contractor (including a subcontractor at any tier), or an employee of a contractor (or a subcontractor at any tier) of the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice; (2) being present or residing in Canada in connection with such employment; and (3) not being a national of or ordinarily resident in Canada. . (b) Technical and conforming amendments Part II of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the table of chapters, by striking the item relating to chapter 212A and inserting the following: 212A. Extraterritorial jurisdiction over certain offenses 3271 ; and (2) in the table of sections for chapter 212A, by inserting after the item relating to section 3272 the following: 3273. Offenses committed by certain United States personnel stationed in Canada in furtherance of border security initiatives. . (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to infringe upon or otherwise affect the exercise of prosecutorial discretion by the Department of Justice in implementing this section and the amendments made by this section.

Passed the House of Representatives December 7, 2016. Karen L. Haas, Clerk
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6433 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 2, 2016 Mr. Turner (for himself, Mr. Zinke , Mr. Miller of Florida , Mr. Luetkemeyer , Mr. Diaz-Balart , Mr. Collins of Georgia , Mr. Wittman , Mr. Brooks of Alabama , Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia , Mr. Allen , Mr. Kelly of Mississippi , Mr. Brat , Mr. Yoho , Mr. Ribble , Mr. DesJarlais , Mr. Rice of South Carolina , Mr. Boustany , Mr. Walberg , Mr. Schweikert , Mr. Lamborn , Mr. Smith of Missouri , Mrs. Wagner , Mr. Chabot , Mrs. Hartzler , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Wenstrup , Mr. Meadows , Mr. Johnson of Ohio , Mr. McKinley , Mr. Tipton , Mr. Jenkins of West Virginia , Mr. Lance , Mr. Davidson , Mr. Roe of Tennessee , Mr. Abraham , Mrs. Walorski , Ms. Granger , Mr. Neugebauer , Mr. Pearce , Mr. Weber of Texas , Mr. Carter of Texas , Mr. Rogers of Alabama , Mr. Conaway , Mr. Culberson , Mr. Olson , Mr. Farenthold , Mr. Reed , Mr. Guinta , Mr. Bishop of Utah , Mr. Chaffetz , Mr. Stewart , Mrs. Love , Mr. Walker , and Mr. Stivers ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce A BILL To render ineligible for Federal funds any institution of higher education that removes, censors, takes down, prohibits, or otherwise halts display of a flag of the United States.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protect the Flag Act . 2. Ineligibility for Federal funds (a) In general Federal funds may not be made available to an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002(a) )) that, pursuant to an official policy of the institution to prohibit the display of the flag of the United States by the institution, removes, censors, takes down, prohibits, or otherwise halts display of a flag of the United States. (b) Reinstatement of eligibility The prohibition described in subsection (a) shall cease to apply with respect to an institution described in such subsection upon complete and proper reinstatement, by the institution in its official capacity, of the flag of the United States at any and all locations on campus property (including across multiple campuses, if applicable) from which a previously displayed flag of the United States was removed, censored, taken down, prohibited, or otherwise halted from display pursuant to an official policy of the institution to prohibit the display of the flag of the United States by the institution.
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6435 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To authorize the Directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks of the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts with appropriate civilian accreditation entities or appropriate health care evaluation entities to investigate medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

1. Authority of Directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks to investigate medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general The Director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network of the Department of Veterans Affairs may contract with an appropriate entity specializing in civilian accreditation or health care evaluation to investigate any medical center within such Network to assess and report deficiencies of the facilities at such medical center. (b) Coordination Before entering into any contract under subsection (a), the Director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network shall notify the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Comptroller General of the United States for purposes of coordinating any investigation conducted pursuant to such contract with any other investigations or accreditations that may be ongoing. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed— (1) to prevent the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs from conducting any review, audit, evaluation, or inspection regarding a topic for which a review is conducted under subsection (a); or (2) to modify the requirement that employees of the Department assist with any review, audit, evaluation, or inspection conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department.

Passed the House of Representatives December 7, 2016. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6435 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 5, 2016 Mr. Mullin introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To authorize the Directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks of the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts with appropriate civilian accreditation entities or appropriate health care evaluation entities to investigate medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

1. Authority of Directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks to investigate medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general The Director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network of the Department of Veterans Affairs may contract with an appropriate entity specializing in civilian accreditation or health care evaluation to investigate any medical center within such Network to assess and report deficiencies of the facilities at such medical center. (b) Coordination Before entering into any contract under subsection (a), the Director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network shall notify the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Comptroller General of the United States for purposes of coordinating any investigation conducted pursuant to such contract with any other investigations or accreditations that may be ongoing. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed— (1) to prevent the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs from conducting any review, audit, evaluation, or inspection regarding a topic for which a review is conducted under subsection (a); or (2) to modify the requirement that employees of the Department assist with any review, audit, evaluation, or inspection conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department.
II 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6435 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 8, 2016 Received AN ACT To authorize the Directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks of the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts with appropriate civilian accreditation entities or appropriate health care evaluation entities to investigate medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

1. Authority of Directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks to investigate medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general The Director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network of the Department of Veterans Affairs may contract with an appropriate entity specializing in civilian accreditation or health care evaluation to investigate any medical center within such Network to assess and report deficiencies of the facilities at such medical center. (b) Coordination Before entering into any contract under subsection (a), the Director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network shall notify the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Comptroller General of the United States for purposes of coordinating any investigation conducted pursuant to such contract with any other investigations or accreditations that may be ongoing. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed— (1) to prevent the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs from conducting any review, audit, evaluation, or inspection regarding a topic for which a review is conducted under subsection (a); or (2) to modify the requirement that employees of the Department assist with any review, audit, evaluation, or inspection conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department.

Passed the House of Representatives December 7, 2016. Karen L. Haas, Clerk
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6436 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 5, 2016 Mr. Heck of Washington (for himself, Mr. Sherman , and Ms. Kuster ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services A BILL To require that any international insurance standards agreed to by parties representing the United States reflect existing United States laws, regulations, and policies on regulation of insurance, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the U.S. Insurance Regulation Works Act of 2016 . 2. Congressional findings The Congress finds the following: (1) The State-based system for insurance regulation in the United States has served American consumers well for more than 150 years. (2) Protecting policyholders by guaranteeing an insurer’s ability to pay claims has been the hallmark of the successful U.S. system and should be the paramount objective of domestic prudential regulation and emerging international standards. (3) The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ( Public Law 111–203 ) reaffirmed the State-based insurance regulatory system, while giving the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System authority to regulate certain non-bank entities on a consolidated basis, including insurers that have been designated systemically important financial institutions or that include an insured depository institution and are regulated by the States at the insurance entity level. 3. Requirement that international insurance standards reflect United States policy Before assenting to any international insurance regulatory proposal, including proposals developed by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, parties representing the Federal Government shall ensure that— (1) the proposal is consistent with and reflective of existing Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies on regulation of insurance, including the primacy of policyholder protection in solvency regulation; and (2) existing Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies on the regulation of insurance would be recognized as satisfying such proposals. 4. State insurance regulator involvement in international standard setting Parties representing the Federal Government in any international regulatory, standard-setting, or supervisory forum or in any negotiations of any international agreements relating to insurance shall, on matters related to insurance, consult with and seek to include in such meetings, State insurance commissioners or their designees.
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6438 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To extend the waiver of limitations with respect to excluding from gross income amounts received by wrongfully incarcerated individuals.

1. Extension of waiver of limitations with respect to excluding from gross income amounts received by wrongfully incarcerated individuals (a) In general Section 304(d) of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 is amended by striking 1-year and inserting 2-year . (b) Technical correction Section 304(d) of such Act is amended by striking application of this Act and inserting application of this section . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in section 304 of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015.

Passed the House of Representatives December 6, 2016. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6438 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 5, 2016 Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas (for himself and Mr. Larson of Connecticut ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means A BILL To extend the waiver of limitations with respect to excluding from gross income amounts received by wrongfully incarcerated individuals.

1. Extension of waiver of limitations with respect to excluding from gross income amounts received by wrongfully incarcerated individuals (a) In general Section 304(d) of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 is amended by striking 1-year and inserting 2-year . (b) Technical correction Section 304(d) of such Act is amended by striking application of this Act and inserting application of this section . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in section 304 of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015.
II 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6438 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 7, 2016 Received AN ACT To extend the waiver of limitations with respect to excluding from gross income amounts received by wrongfully incarcerated individuals.

1. Extension of waiver of limitations with respect to excluding from gross income amounts received by wrongfully incarcerated individuals (a) In general Section 304(d) of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 is amended by striking 1-year and inserting 2-year . (b) Technical correction Section 304(d) of such Act is amended by striking application of this Act and inserting application of this section . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in section 304 of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015.

Passed the House of Representatives December 6, 2016. Karen L. Haas, Clerk
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6442 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 6, 2016 Mr. Fortenberry introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Chief Standing Bear National Historic Trail, and for other purposes.

1. Chief Standing Bear National Historic Trail feasibility study Section 5(c) of the National Trails System Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1244(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (46) Chief standing bear national historic trail (A) In general The Chief Standing Bear Trail, extending approximately 550 miles from Niobrara, Nebraska, to Ponca City, Oklahoma, which follows the route taken by Chief Standing Bear and the Ponca people during Federal Indian removal, and approximately 550 miles from Ponca City, Oklahoma, through Omaha, Nebraska, to Niobrara, Nebraska, which follows the return route taken by Chief Standing Bear and the Ponca people, as generally depicted on the map entitled Chief Standing Bear National Historic Trail Feasibility Study , numbered 903/125,630, and dated November 2014. (B) Availability of map The map described in subparagraph (A) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Department of the Interior. (C) Components The feasibility study conducted under subparagraph (A) shall include a determination on whether the Chief Standing Bear Trail meets the criteria described in subsection (b) for designation as a national historic trail. (D) Considerations In conducting the feasibility study under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of the Interior shall consider input from owners of private land within or adjacent to the study area and shall not consider acquiring any land or interest in land outside the exterior boundaries of any federally administered area. (E) Consultation In conducting the feasibility study under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of the Interior shall consult with the Nebraska Natural Resources Districts. .
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6444 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 6, 2016 Ms. Meng introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce A BILL To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to annually adjust Federal Perkins loan amounts for inflation.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Perkins Loan Program Inflation Adjustment Act of 2016 . 2. Federal Perkins loan amounts adjusted for inflation Section 464(a)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087dd(a)(2) ) is amended by adding the following: (C) With respect to each academic year, the Secretary shall adjust the amounts described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by the percentage equal to the estimated percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (as determined by the Secretary using the definition in section 478(f)) for the most recent calendar year ending prior to the beginning of that academic year. .
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6453 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 7, 2016 Mr. Fitzpatrick introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services , and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To clarify the effect of a Memorandum Opinion for the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, dated September 20, 2011, and pertaining to the lawfulness of proposals by Illinois and New York to use the Internet and out-of-state transaction processors to sell lottery tickets to in-state adults, and for other purposes.

1. Memorandum not to have force and effect of law The Memorandum Opinion for the Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, dated September 20, 2011, and pertaining to the lawfulness of proposals by Illinois and New York to use the Internet and out-of-state transaction processors to sell lottery tickets to in-state adults (including the applicability of the Wire Act ( 18 U.S.C. 1084 ) and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act ( 31 U.S.C. 5361–5367 ) to such proposal), does not carry the force of law and shall have no force and effect for purposes of interpreting or applying section 5362(a)(10) of title 31, United States Code.
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6454 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 7, 2016 Mr. Garamendi introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce , and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To require a certain percentage of LNG and crude oil exports be transported on United States-built and United States-flag vessels, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Energizing American Shipbuilding and Maritime Act . 2. National policy on strategic energy asset export transportation (a) LNG exports (1) Findings Congress finds the following: (A) LNG is an explosive gas that can be hazardous to national import and export terminals and ports when mishandled. (B) LNG is a strategic national asset, the export of which will be used to preserve the United States tanker fleet and skilled mariner workforce that are essential to national security. (C) For the safety and security of the United States, LNG should be exported on vessels documented under the laws of the United States. (2) Requirement Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act ( 15 U.S.C. 717b ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Transportation of exports of LNG on vessels built in the United States and documented under laws of the United States As a condition for approval of any authorization to export LNG, the Secretary of Energy shall require the applicant to transport the authorized exports on vessels built in the United States and documented under the laws of the United States, as follows: (1) Fifteen percent of the LNG authorized to be exported in each of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. (2) Thirty percent of the LNG authorized to be exported in 2025 and each year thereafter. . (3) Opportunities for licensed and unlicensed mariners Each Federal official responsible for the issuance of a permit authorizing the export of LNG shall require, as a condition and term of the permit, that the permittee shall provide opportunities for United States licensed and unlicensed mariners to receive experience and training necessary for them to become credentialed in working on an LNG vessel. (b) Crude oil Section 101 of title I of division O of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 ( 42 U.S.C. 6212a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting subsections (c), (d), and (e) ; (2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e) Transportation of exports of crude oil on vessels built in the United States and documented under laws of the United States As a condition to export crude oil, the President shall require an applicant to transport the exports on vessels built in the United States and documented under the laws of the United States, as follows: (1) Fifteen percent of the crude oil to be exported in each of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. (2) Thirty percent of the crude oil to be exported in 2025 and each year thereafter. .
I 114th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6455 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 7, 2016 Mr. Garamendi (for himself and Mr. Duncan of Tennessee ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce , and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To require a certain percentage of LNG and crude oil exports be transported on vessels documented under the laws of the United States, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Energizing American Maritime Act . 2. National policy on strategic energy asset export transportation (a) LNG exports (1) Findings Congress finds the following: (A) LNG is an explosive gas that can be hazardous to national import and export terminals and ports when mishandled. (B) LNG is a strategic national asset, the export of which will be used to preserve the United States tanker fleet and skilled mariner workforce that are essential to national security. (C) For the safety and security of the United States, LNG should be exported on vessels documented under the laws of the United States. (2) Requirement Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act ( 15 U.S.C. 717b ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Transportation of exports of LNG on vessels documented under laws of the United States As a condition for approval of any authorization to export LNG, the Secretary of Energy shall require the applicant to transport the authorized exports on vessels documented under the laws of the United States, as follows: (1) Fifteen percent of the LNG authorized to be exported in each of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. (2) Thirty percent of the LNG authorized to be exported in 2025 and each year thereafter. . (3) Opportunities for licensed and unlicensed mariners Each Federal official responsible for the issuance of a permit authorizing the export of LNG shall require, as a condition and term of the permit, that the permittee shall provide opportunities for United States licensed and unlicensed mariners to receive experience and training necessary for them to become credentialed in working on an LNG vessel. (b) Crude oil Section 101 of title I of division O of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 ( 42 U.S.C. 6212a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting subsections (c), (d), and (e) ; (2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and (3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e) Transportation of exports of crude oil on vessels documented under laws of the United States As a condition to export crude oil, the President shall require an applicant to transport the exports on vessels documented under the laws of the United States, as follows: (1) Fifteen percent of the crude oil to be exported in each of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. (2) Thirty percent of the crude oil to be exported in 2025 and each year thereafter. .