hyperdemocracy/usc-textversion huggingface dataset:
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 591 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 26, 2015 Mr. Blunt (for himself, Mr. Schumer , Mr. Daines , and Mr. Cardin ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the new markets tax credit, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2015 . 2. Permanent extension of new markets tax credit (a) Extension (1) In general Subparagraph (G) of section 45D(f)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking , 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 and inserting and each calendar year thereafter . (2) Conforming amendment Section 45D(f)(3) of such Code is amended by striking the last sentence. (b) Inflation adjustment Subsection (f) of section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) Inflation adjustment (A) In general In the case of any calendar year beginning after 2014, the dollar amount in paragraph (1)(G) shall be increased by an amount equal to— (i) such dollar amount, multiplied by (ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year, determined by substituting calendar year 2000 for calendar year 1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof. (B) Rounding rule Any increase under subparagraph (A) which is not a multiple of $1,000,000 shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $1,000,000. . (c) Alternative minimum tax relief Subparagraph (B) of section 38(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— (1) by redesignating clauses (v) through (ix) as clauses (vi) through (x), respectively, and (2) by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause: (v) the credit determined under section 45D, but only with respect to credits determined with respect to qualified equity investments (as defined in section 45D(b)) initially made after the date of the enactment of the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2015 , . (d) Effective dates (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall apply to calendar years beginning after December 31, 2014. (2) Alternative minimum tax relief The amendments made by subsection (c) shall apply to credits determined with respect to qualified equity investments (as defined in section 45D(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) initially made after the date of the enactment of this Act.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 592 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 26, 2015 Mr. Rubio (for himself, Mr. Heinrich , and Mr. Udall ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To improve the transition between experimental permits and commercial licenses for commercial reusable launch vehicles.

1. Commercial space launch licensing Section 50906 of title 51, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (d), by striking launched or reentered and inserting launched or reentered under that permit ; (2) by amending subsection (d)(1) to read as follows: (1) research and development to test design concepts, equipment, or operating techniques; ; (3) in subsection (d)(3), by striking prior to obtaining a license ; (4) in subsection (e)(1), by striking suborbital rocket design and inserting suborbital rocket or rocket design ; and (5) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows: (g) The Secretary may issue a permit under this section notwithstanding any license issued under this chapter. The issuance of a license under this chapter may not invalidate a permit under this section. .
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 594 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 26, 2015 Mr. Donnelly (for himself, Mr. Cruz , Mr. Blunt , and Mr. Leahy ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To establish a tiered hiring preference for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Military Reserve Jobs Act of 2015 . 2. Tiered preference eligibility for members of reserve components of the armed forces (a) Preference eligibility for members of reserve components of the armed forces Section 2108 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (G)(iii), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (H), by adding and at the end; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following: (I) a qualified reservist; ; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking and at the end; (3) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (6) qualified reservist means an individual who is a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces on the date of the applicable determination— (A) who— (i) has completed at least 6 years of service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces; and (ii) in each year of service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces, was credited with at least 50 points under section 12732 of title 10; or (B) who— (i) has completed at least 10 years of service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces; and (ii) in each year of service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces, was credited with at least 50 points under section 12732 of title 10; and (7) reserve component of the Armed Forces means a reserve component specified in section 101(27) of title 38. . (b) Tiered hiring preference for members of reserve components of the armed forces Section 3309 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) a preference eligible described in section 2108(6)(B)—3 points; and (4) a preference eligible described in section 2108(6)(A)—2 points. . (c) GAO review Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that— (1) assesses Federal employment opportunities for members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces; (2) evaluates the impact of the amendments made by this section on the hiring of reservists and veterans by the Federal Government; and (3) provides recommendations, if any, for strengthening Federal employment opportunities for members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 597 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 26, 2015 Mr. Tillis introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To amend section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to provide that such section does not authorize the Federal Communications Commission to preempt the laws of certain States relating to the regulation of municipal broadband, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the States’ Rights Municipal Broadband Act of 2015 . 2. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Communications Commission does not have the authority under section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 ( 47 U.S.C. 1302 ) to prevent any State from implementing any law of such State with respect to the provision of broadband Internet access service (as defined in section 8.11 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations) by such State or a municipality or other political subdivision of such State. 3. Preservation of State municipal broadband laws Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 ( 47 U.S.C. 1302 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following: (d) Preservation of State municipal broadband laws Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the Commission to prevent the State of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, or Wisconsin, or any other State, from implementing any law of such State with respect to the provision of broadband Internet access service (as defined in section 8.11 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations) by such State or a municipality or other political subdivision of such State. .
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 602 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 26, 2015 Mr. Wyden (for himself and Mr. Boozman ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to consider certain time spent by members of reserve components of the Armed Forces while receiving medical care from the Secretary of Defense as active duty for purposes of eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the GI Bill Fairness Act of 2015 . 2. Consideration of certain time spent receiving medical care from Secretary of Defense as active duty for purposes of eligibility for Post-9/11 Educational Assistance (a) In general Section 3301(1)(B) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting 12301(h), after 12301(g), . (b) Retroactive application The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply as if such amendment were enacted immediately after the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–252 ).
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 603 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 26, 2015 Mr. Tester (for himself and Mrs. Murray ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transport individuals to and from facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, and care, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act of 2015 . 2. Making permanent authority for Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transport individuals to and from facilities of Department of Veterans Affairs Section 111A(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (2); and (2) in paragraph (1), by striking (1) . 3. Treatment of Vet Centers as Department of Veterans Affairs facilities for purposes of payments or allowances for beneficiary travel (a) In general Section 111 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (h) (1) Vet Centers shall be treated as Department facilities for purposes of providing payment of actual expenses of travel or allowance for travel to or from a Department facility under this section. (2) In this subsection, the term Vet Center means a center for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans under section 1712A of this title. . (b) Applicability Section 111(h) of such title, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to travel occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 4. Reauthorization of grants for veterans service organizations for transportation of highly rural veterans Section 307(d) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 ( Public Law 111–163 ; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended by striking through 2014 and inserting through 2020 .
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 606 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 26, 2015 Mr. Tester (for himself and Mr. Schatz ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To extend the right of appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board to certain employees of the United States Postal Service.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Postal Employee Appeal Rights Amendments Act of 2015 . 2. Right of appeal to Merit Systems Protection Board Section 1005(a)(4)(A)(ii)(I) of title 39, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (I) is an officer or employee of the Postal Service who— (aa) is not represented by a bargaining representative recognized under section 1203; and (bb) is in a supervisory, professional, technical, clerical, administrative, or managerial position covered by the Executive and Administrative Schedule; and .
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 607 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 27, 2015 Mr. Grassley (for himself, Mr. Bennet , Ms. Murkowski , and Mr. Moran ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a five-year extension of the rural community hospital demonstration program, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Extension Act of 2015 . 2. Five-year extension of the rural community hospital demonstration program (a) Extension Section 410A of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 ( Public Law 108–173 ; 42 U.S.C. 1395ww note), as amended by sections 3123 and 10313 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( Public Law 111–148 ), is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(5), by striking 5-year extension period and inserting 10-year extension period ; and (2) in subsection (g)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Five-Year and inserting Ten-Year ; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking additional 5-year and inserting additional 10-year ; and (C) by striking 5-year extension period and inserting 10-year extension period each place it appears . (b) Change in timing for report Subsection (e) of such section 410A is amended by striking Not later than 6 months after the completion and inserting Not later than 2 years prior to the completion .
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 608 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 27, 2015 Ms. Stabenow (for herself, Mr. Heller , Mr. Menendez , and Mr. Isakson ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To prevent homeowners from being forced to pay taxes on forgiven mortgage loan debt.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act . 2. Extension of exclusion from gross income of discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness (a) In general Subparagraph (E) of section 108(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 102 of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 ( Public Law 113–295 ), is amended by striking before January 1, 2015 and inserting subject to an arrangement that is entered into and evidenced in writing before January 1, 2017 . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to any arrangement entered into and evidenced in writing before January 1, 2017.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 609 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 27, 2015 Mr. Schumer (for himself and Ms. Collins ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and increase the exclusion for benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2015 . 2. Benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders (a) Increase in dollar limitation on qualified payments Subparagraph (B) of section 139B(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking $30 and inserting $50 . (b) Extension Subsection (d) of section 139B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking beginning after December 31, 2010. and inserting “beginning— (1) after December 31, 2010, and before January 1, 2015, or (2) after December 31, 2017. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 610 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 27, 2015 Mr. Cardin (for himself and Ms. Mikulski ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of P.S. 103 in West Baltimore, Maryland and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Thurgood Marshall’s Elementary School Study Act . 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Study area The term study area means— (A) P.S. 103, the public school located in West Baltimore, Maryland, which Thurgood Marshall attended as a youth; and (B) any other resources in the neighborhood surrounding P.S. 103 that relate to the early life of Thurgood Marshall. 3. Special resource study (a) Study The Secretary shall conduct a special resource study of the study area. (b) Contents In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) evaluate the national significance of the study area; (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a unit of the National Park System; (3) consider other alternatives for preservation, protection, and interpretation of the study area by the Federal Government, State or local government entities, or private and nonprofit organizations; (4) consult with interested Federal agencies, State or local governmental entities, private and nonprofit organizations, or any other interested individuals; and (5) identify cost estimates for any Federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance associated with the alternatives. (c) Applicable law The study required under subsection (a) shall be conducted in accordance with section 100507 of title 54, United States Code. (d) Report Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes— (1) the results of the study; and (2) any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary.
II Calendar No. 209 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 610 [Report No. 114–129] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 27, 2015 Mr. Cardin (for himself and Ms. Mikulski ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources September 9, 2015 Reported by Ms. Murkowski , without amendment A BILL To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of P.S. 103 in West Baltimore, Maryland and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Thurgood Marshall’s Elementary School Study Act . 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Study area The term study area means— (A) P.S. 103, the public school located in West Baltimore, Maryland, which Thurgood Marshall attended as a youth; and (B) any other resources in the neighborhood surrounding P.S. 103 that relate to the early life of Thurgood Marshall. 3. Special resource study (a) Study The Secretary shall conduct a special resource study of the study area. (b) Contents In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) evaluate the national significance of the study area; (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a unit of the National Park System; (3) consider other alternatives for preservation, protection, and interpretation of the study area by the Federal Government, State or local government entities, or private and nonprofit organizations; (4) consult with interested Federal agencies, State or local governmental entities, private and nonprofit organizations, or any other interested individuals; and (5) identify cost estimates for any Federal acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance associated with the alternatives. (c) Applicable law The study required under subsection (a) shall be conducted in accordance with section 100507 of title 54, United States Code. (d) Report Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes— (1) the results of the study; and (2) any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary.

September 9, 2015 Reported without amendment
114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 612 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES AN ACT To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse .

1. George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse (a) Designation The Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, shall be known and designated as the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse . (b) References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building and United States courthouse referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse .

Passed the Senate May 21, 2015. Secretary
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 612 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 27, 2015 Mr. Cornyn (for himself and Mr. Cruz ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works A BILL To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse .

1. George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse (a) Designation The Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, shall be known and designated as the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse . (b) References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building and United States courthouse referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse .
IC 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 612 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 22, 2015 Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure AN ACT To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse .

1. George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse (a) Designation The Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, shall be known and designated as the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse . (b) References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building and United States courthouse referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse .

Passed the Senate May 21, 2015. Julie E. Adams, Secretary
II Calendar No. 65 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 612 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 27, 2015 Mr. Cornyn (for himself and Mr. Cruz ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works May 4, 2015 Reported by Mr. Inhofe , without amendment A BILL To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse .

1. George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse (a) Designation The Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, shall be known and designated as the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse . (b) References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building and United States courthouse referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse .

May 4, 2015 Reported without amendment
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 618 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 2, 2015 Mr. Lee (for himself, Mr. Tester , Mr. Grassley , and Ms. Murkowski ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 relative to the powers of the Department of Justice Inspector General.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Inspector General Access Act of 2015 . 2. Investigations of Department of Justice personnel Section 8E of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking and paragraph (3) ; (B) by striking paragraph (3); (C) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and (D) in paragraph (4), as redesignated, by striking paragraph (4) and inserting paragraph (3) ; and (2) in subsection (d), by striking , except with respect to allegations described in subsection (b)(3), .
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 619 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 2, 2015 Mr. Cardin (for himself and Mr. Portman ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To include among the principal trade negotiating objectives of the United States regarding commercial partnerships trade negotiating objectives with respect to discouraging activity that discourages, penalizes, or otherwise limits commercial relations with Israel, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the United States-Israel Trade Enhancement Act of 2015 . 2. Consideration of trade with Israel among principal trade negotiating objectives of the United States for trade agreements regarding commercial partnerships (a) Commercial partnerships Among the principal trade negotiating objectives of the United States for trade agreements regarding commercial partnerships are the following: (1) To discourage actions that directly or indirectly prejudice or otherwise discourage commercial activity solely between the United States and Israel. (2) To discourage politically motivated actions by foreign countries, non-member states of the United Nations, international organizations, and affiliated agencies of international organizations, that are intended to penalize or otherwise limit commercial relations specifically with— (A) Israel; (B) persons doing business in Israel or in territories controlled by Israel; or (C) successor entities to persons described in subparagraph (B). (3) To seek the elimination of politically motivated nontariff barriers on goods, services, or other commerce from Israel. (4) To seek the elimination of any boycott fostered or imposed by a foreign country against Israel. (5) To discourage compliance with the boycott of Israel by the Arab League. (b) Effective date This section applies with respect to any negotiation for a trade agreement commenced before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Person defined In this section: (1) In general The term person means an individual or entity, including a governmental entity operating as a business enterprise. (2) Application to governmental entities The term person does not include a government or governmental entity that is not operating as a business enterprise.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 624 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2015 Mr. Brown (for himself, Mr. Wicker , Mr. Cardin , and Ms. Collins ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to waive coinsurance under Medicare for colorectal cancer screening tests, regardless of whether therapeutic intervention is required during the screening.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2015 . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States. (2) In 2015, more than 130,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and approximately 50,000 Americans will die from it. (3) Approximately 60 percent of colorectal cancer cases and 70 percent of deaths occur in those aged 65 and older. (4) Colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy allows for the detection and removal of polyps, or abnormal growths, that could become cancerous, as well as for the early detection of colorectal cancer when treatment can be most effective. (5) Although colorectal cancer is largely preventable, one in three adults between the ages of 50 and 75 are not up to date with recommended colorectal cancer screening. (6) Over 200 organizations have committed to eliminating colorectal cancer as a major public health problem and are working toward the shared goal of reaching 80 percent screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. (7) Colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy is a highly effective preventive service, and removing financial barriers can help to increase screening rates. 3. Waiving Medicare coinsurance for colorectal cancer screening tests (a) In general Section 1833(a)(1)(Y) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)(Y) ) is amended by inserting , including a colorectal cancer screening test (regardless of the code that is billed for the establishment of a diagnosis as a result of the test, or for the removal of tissue or other procedure that is furnished in connection with, as a result of, and in the same clinical encounter as the screening test), after section 1861(ddd)(3) . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to items and services furnished after the date of the enactment of this Act.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 629 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2015 Mr. Portman (for himself, Mr. Brown , Mrs. Fischer , Mrs. McCaskill , Ms. Baldwin , Mr. Kirk , and Mr. Blunt ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To enable hospital-based nursing programs that are affiliated with a hospital to maintain payments under the Medicare program to hospitals for the costs of such programs.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Making the Education of Nurses Dependable for Schools Act or the MEND Act . 2. Enabling hospital-based nursing programs that are affiliated with a hospital to maintain Medicare payments for the costs of such programs (a) In general For purposes of clarifying the methodology for payment under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act to providers for the costs of nursing and allied health education activities for cost reporting periods beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall apply section 413.85 of title 42, Code of Regulations— (1) by treating a provider as meeting all of the requirements described in paragraph (f)(1) of such section if the provider or a wholly owned subsidiary educational institution of such provider singly or collectively meets all of such requirements; (2) in the case of a provider that would meet the requirements of paragraph (g)(3) of such section, with respect to a nursing or allied health education program, except that the transfer described in such paragraph of such a program to a wholly owned subsidiary educational institution in order to meet accreditation standards occurred after October 1, 2003, by treating such provider as meeting the requirements of such paragraph (and eligible for payments under such paragraph) with respect to such program; (3) in the case of a provider or wholly owned subsidiary educational institution of such provider that has been in continuous operation since October 1, 2003, by treating such provider, beginning as of such date with respect to such program, as described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection; and (4) by defining the term wholly owned subsidiary educational institution , as referenced in such section, as such term is defined under subsection (b). (b) Definitions For purposes of this section: (1) Provider The term provider has the meaning given such term in section 400.202 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations. (2) Wholly owned subsidiary educational institution The term wholly owned subsidiary educational institution means, with respect to a provider, an educational institution that— (A) is organized as a legal entity distinct from the provider; (B) has the provider as its sole owner or sole member; and (C) is organized in the same State in which the provider is organized or registered to do business.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 631 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2015 Ms. Murkowski (for herself and Mr. Sullivan ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To exempt National Forest System land in the State of Alaska from the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.

1. Roadless area conservation rule exemption The Roadless Area Conservation Rule established under part 294 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), shall not apply with respect to any National Forest System land in the State of Alaska.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 633 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2015 Mr. Paul introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations A BILL To prohibit certain assistance to the Palestinian Authority.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Stand with Israel Act of 2015 . 2. Prohibition on foreign assistance (a) In general Except as provided under subsection (b) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, no amounts may be obligated or expended to provide any direct United States assistance, loan guarantee, or debt relief to the Palestinian Authority, or any affiliated governing entity or leadership organization. (b) Exception The prohibition under subsection (a) shall have no effect for a fiscal year if the President certifies to Congress during that fiscal year that the Palestinian Authority has— (1) formally recognized the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state; (2) publicly recognized the state of Israel; (3) renounced terrorism; (4) purged all individuals with terrorist ties from security services; (5) terminated funding of anti-American and anti-Israel incitement; (6) publicly pledged to not engage in war with Israel; and (7) honored previous diplomatic agreements.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 634 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2015 Mr. Gardner introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To prohibit the Federal Emergency Management Agency from recouping certain assistance, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Disaster Assistance Fairness and Accountability Act of 2015 . 2. Recoupment of certain assistance prohibited Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5174 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (k) Recoupment of certain assistance (1) In general The Federal Emergency Management Agency may not take any actions to recoup covered assistance from a recipient of such assistance if— (A) the— (i) application of the recipient with respect to such assistance was made in good faith and provided accurate information; and (ii) receipt of such assistance could reasonably have been expected by the recipient; or (B) the receipt of such assistance occurred on a date that is more than 3 years before the date on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency first provides to the recipient written notification of an intent to recoup. (2) Disclosure of fault In carrying out a recoupment of covered assistance that is not prohibited under paragraph (1), the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall provide to the relevant recipient documentation that demonstrates the manner in which the recipient does not satisfy paragraph (1)(A). (3) Covered assistance defined In this subsection, the term covered assistance means assistance provided— (A) under this section; and (B) in relation to a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 on or after January 1, 2012. .
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 637 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2015 Mr. Crapo (for himself, Mr. Wyden , Mr. Moran , Mr. Schumer , Mr. Isakson , Mr. Casey , Mr. Boozman , and Mr. Blumenthal ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the railroad track maintenance credit.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2015 . 2. Extension and modification of Railroad Track Maintenance Credit (a) Extension of credit Section 45G(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking January 1, 2015 and inserting January 1, 2017 . (b) Expenditures Subsection (d) of section 45G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to qualified railroad track maintenance expenditures) is amended by striking for maintaining and all that follows and inserting for maintaining— (A) in the case of taxable years beginning after December 31, 2004, and before January 1, 2015, railroad track (including roadbed, bridges, and related track structures) owned or leased as of January 1, 2005, by a Class II or Class III railroad (determined without regard to any consideration for such expenditures given by the Class II or Class III railroad which made the assignment of such track), and (B) in the case of taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014, railroad track (including roadbed, bridges, and related track structures) owned or leased as of January 1, 2015, by a Class II or Class III railroad (determined without regard to any consideration for such expenditures given by the Class II or Class III railroad which made the assignment of such track). . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 639 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2015 Mr. Flake (for himself, Mr. McCain , Mr. Inhofe , Mr. Crapo , Mr. Lee , Mr. Coats , and Mr. Cornyn ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works A BILL To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to include in any proposed rule that limits greenhouse gas emissions and imposes increased costs on other Federal agencies an offset from funds available to the Administrator for all projected increased costs that the proposed rule would impose on other Federal agencies.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Agency PAYGO for Greenhouse Gases Act . 2. Offsets for increased costs to Federal agencies for regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions (a) In general If the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency proposes a rule that limits greenhouse gas emissions and imposes increased costs on 1 or more other Federal agencies, the Administrator shall include in the proposed rule an offset from funds available to the Administrator for all projected increased costs that the proposed rule would impose on other Federal agencies. (b) No offsets If the Administrator proposes a rule that limits greenhouse gas emissions and imposes increased costs on 1 or more other Federal agencies but does not provide an offset in accordance with paragraph (1), the Administrator may not finalize the rule until the promulgation of the final rule is approved by law. (c) Restriction Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency proposes a rule described in subsection (a)— (1) a Federal agency on which the rule imposes increased costs may not pass the costs imposed by the rule on to any rate payer of the Federal agency; and (2) the proposed rule— (A) shall be considered to be a rule that imposes increased costs on a Federal agency; and (B) shall be subject to this section.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 640 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2015 Mr. Flake (for himself, Mr. McCain , Mr. Inhofe , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Crapo , Mr. Enzi , Mr. Coats , Mr. Lee , Mr. Cornyn , and Mr. Vitter ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works A BILL To amend the Clean Air Act to delay the review and revision of the national ambient air quality standards for ozone.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Ozone Regulatory Delay and Extension of Assessment Length Act of 2015 or the ORDEAL Act of 2015 . 2. National ambient air quality standards Section 109(d) of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7409(d) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the first sentence, by striking (d)(1) Not later than December 31, 1980, and at five-year intervals and inserting the following: (d) Review and revision of criteria and standards; independent scientific review committee; appointment; advisory functions (1) Review and revision of criteria and standards (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (C), not later than December 31, 1980, and at 10-year intervals ; (B) in the second sentence, by striking The Administrator and inserting the following: (B) Early and frequent review and revision Except with respect to any national ambient air quality standard promulgated under this section for ozone concentrations, the Administrator ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (C) National ambient air quality standards for ozone concentrations Not earlier than February 1, 2018, but not later than December 31, 2018, and at 10-year intervals thereafter, the Administrator shall, with respect to national ambient air quality standards for ozone concentrations— (i) complete a thorough review of any standard promulgated under this section; and (ii) make revisions to the standards described in clause (i) and promulgate new standards as may be appropriate in accordance with section 108 and subsection (b). ; and (2) in paragraph (2)(B)— (A) by striking (B) Not later than January 1, 1980, and at five-year intervals and inserting the following: (B) Review (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), not later than January 1, 1980, and at 10-year intervals ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (ii) National ambient air quality standards for ozone concentrations Not earlier than February 1, 2018, and at 10-year intervals thereafter, the committee referred to in subparagraph (A) shall, with respect to national ambient air quality standards for ozone concentrations— (I) complete a review of any standard promulgated under this section; and (II) recommend to the Administrator any new standard and any revision to the standards described in subclause (I) as may be appropriate under section 108 and subsection (b). .
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 641 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2015 Mr. Peters (for himself and Mrs. Ernst ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the employer wage credit for activated military reservists.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Military Reserve Small Business Jobs Act of 2015 . 2. Extension of employer wage credit for activated military reservists (a) In general Section 45P(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking December 31, 2014 and inserting December 31, 2019 . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to payments made after December 31, 2014.
II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 642 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2015 Mrs. Shaheen introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To aid human trafficking victims' recovery and rehabilitation.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Human Trafficking Survivors Relief and Empowerment Act of 2015 . 2. Protections for human trafficking survivors (a) Grant program Section 1701(c) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 3796dd(c) ) is amended by striking where feasible and all that follows, and inserting the following: where feasible, to an application— (1) for hiring and rehiring additional career law enforcement officers that involves a non-Federal contribution exceeding the 25 percent minimum under subsection (g); or (2) from an applicant in a State that has in effect a law— (A) that— (i) provides a process by which an individual who is human trafficking survivor can move to vacate any arrest or conviction records for prostitution or any other non-violent offense committed as a direct result of human trafficking; (ii) establishes a rebuttable presumption that any arrest or conviction of an individual for an offense associated with human trafficking is a result of being trafficked, if the individual— (I) is a person granted nonimmigrant status pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(T)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(T)(i) ); (II) is the subject of a certification by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 107(b)(1)(E) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 ( 22 U.S.C. 7105(b)(1)(E) ); or (III) has other similar documentation of trafficking, which has been issued by a Federal agency; and (iii) protects the identity of individuals who are human trafficking survivors in public and court records; and (B) that does not require an individual who is a human trafficking survivor to provide official documentation as described in subclause (I), (II), or (III) of subparagraph (A)(ii) in order to receive protection under the law. . (b) Legal services for human trafficking survivors Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Legal Services Corporation and the recipients of its funding may provide legal services on behalf a human trafficking survivor applying for a motion to vacate under a State law described in paragraph (2) of section 1701(c) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 3796dd(c) ), as added by subsection (a).