hyperdemocracy/usc-textversion huggingface dataset:
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2506 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Buchanan (for himself, Mrs. Blackburn , and Mr. Rangel ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means , and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce , 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 delay the authority to terminate Medicare Advantage contracts for MA plans failing to achieve minimum quality ratings.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Seniors’ Health Care Plan Protection Act of 2015 . 2. Delay in authority To terminate contracts for Medicare Advantage plans failing To achieve minimum quality ratings (a) Findings Consistent with the studies provided under the IMPACT Act of 2014 ( Public Law 113–185 ), it is the intent of Congress— (1) to continue to study and request input on the effects of socioeconomic status and dual-eligible populations on the Medicare Advantage STARS rating system before reforming such system; and (2) pending the results of such studies and input, to provide for a temporary delay in authority of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to terminate Medicare Advantage plan contracts solely on the basis of performance of plans under the STARS rating system. (b) Delay in MA contract termination authority for plans failing To achieve minimum quality ratings Section 1857(h) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–27(h) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Delay in contract termination authority for plans failing to achieve minimum quality rating The Secretary may not terminate a contract under this section with respect to the offering of an MA plan by a Medicare Advantage organization solely because the MA plan has failed to achieve a minimum quality rating under the 5-star rating system established under section 1853(o) during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph and through the end of plan year 2018. .
IB Union Calendar No. 114 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2506 [Report No. 114–158, Part I] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Buchanan (for himself, Mrs. Blackburn , and Mr. Rangel ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means , and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce , 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 June 16, 2015 Additional sponsors: Ms. Sinema , Mr. DesJarlais , and Mr. Murphy of Florida June 16, 2015 Reported from the Committee on Ways and Means with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic June 16, 2015 The Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on May 21, 2015 A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to delay the authority to terminate Medicare Advantage contracts for MA plans failing to achieve minimum quality ratings.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Seniors’ Health Care Plan Protection Act of 2015 . 2. Delay in authority To terminate contracts for Medicare Advantage plans failing To achieve minimum quality ratings (a) Findings Consistent with the studies provided under the IMPACT Act of 2014 ( Public Law 113–185 ), it is the intent of Congress— (1) to continue to study and request input on the effects of socioeconomic status and dual-eligible populations on the Medicare Advantage STARS rating system before reforming such system with the input of stakeholders; and (2) pending the results of such studies and input, to provide for a temporary delay in authority of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to terminate Medicare Advantage plan contracts solely on the basis of performance of plans under the STARS rating system. (b) Delay in MA contract termination authority for plans failing To achieve minimum quality ratings Section 1857(h) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–27(h) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) Delay in contract termination authority for plans failing to achieve minimum quality rating The Secretary may not terminate a contract under this section with respect to the offering of an MA plan by a Medicare Advantage organization solely because the MA plan has failed to achieve a minimum quality rating under the 5-star rating system established under section 1853(o) during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph and through the end of plan year 2018. .

June 16, 2015 Reported from the Committee on Ways and Means with an amendment June 16, 2015 The Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2507 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish an annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates under Medicare Advantage.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Increasing Regulatory Fairness Act of 2015 . 2. Establishing an annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates under Medicare Advantage Section 1853(b) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–23(b) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting , annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates for 2017 and subsequent years after Rates ; (2) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (B)— (i) in the subparagraph heading, by inserting before 2017 after years ; and (ii) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting and before 2017 after 2005 ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates for 2017 and subsequent years For 2017 and each subsequent year, before April 1 of the preceding year, the Secretary shall, by regulation and in accordance with the notice and public comment periods required under paragraph (2) for such a year, annually determine and announce the following: (i) The annual MA capitation rate for each MA payment area for such year. (ii) The risk and other factors to be used in adjusting such rates under subsection (a)(1)(A) for payments for months in such year. (iii) With respect to each MA region and each MA regional plan for which a bid was submitted under section 1854, the MA region-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount for that region for the year involved. (iv) The major policy changes to the risk adjustment model, and the 5-star rating system established under subsection (o), that are determined to have an economic impact. ; and (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) by inserting (or, for 2017 and each subsequent year, at least 60 days) after 45 days ; and (B) by inserting (for 2017 and each subsequent year, of no less than 30 days) after opportunity .

Passed the House of Representatives June 17, 2015. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2507 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Brady of Texas (for himself, Mr. Pitts , and Mr. Thompson of California ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means , and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce , 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 establish an annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates under Medicare Advantage.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Increasing Regulatory Fairness Act of 2015 . 2. Establishing an annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates under Medicare Advantage Section 1853(b) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–23(b) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting , annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates for 2017 and subsequent years after Rates ; (2) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (B)— (i) in the subparagraph heading, by inserting before 2017 after years ; and (ii) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting and before 2017 after 2005 ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates for 2017 and subsequent years For 2017 and each subsequent year, before April 1 of the preceding year, the Secretary shall, by regulation and in accordance with the notice and public comment periods required under paragraph (2) for such a year, annually determine and announce the following: (i) The annual MA capitation rate for each MA payment area for such year. (ii) The risk and other factors to be used in adjusting such rates under subsection (a)(1)(A) for payments for months in such year. (iii) With respect to each MA region and each MA regional plan for which a bid was submitted under section 1854, the MA region-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount for that region for the year involved. ; and (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) by inserting (or, for 2017 and each subsequent year, at least 60 days) after 45 days ; and (B) by inserting (for 2017 and each subsequent year, of no less than 30 days) after opportunity .
IIB 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2507 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 18, 2015 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance AN ACT To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish an annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates under Medicare Advantage.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Increasing Regulatory Fairness Act of 2015 . 2. Establishing an annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates under Medicare Advantage Section 1853(b) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–23(b) ) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting , annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates for 2017 and subsequent years after Rates ; (2) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (B)— (i) in the subparagraph heading, by inserting before 2017 after years ; and (ii) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting and before 2017 after 2005 ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates for 2017 and subsequent years For 2017 and each subsequent year, before April 1 of the preceding year, the Secretary shall, by regulation and in accordance with the notice and public comment periods required under paragraph (2) for such a year, annually determine and announce the following: (i) The annual MA capitation rate for each MA payment area for such year. (ii) The risk and other factors to be used in adjusting such rates under subsection (a)(1)(A) for payments for months in such year. (iii) With respect to each MA region and each MA regional plan for which a bid was submitted under section 1854, the MA region-specific non-drug monthly benchmark amount for that region for the year involved. (iv) The major policy changes to the risk adjustment model, and the 5-star rating system established under subsection (o), that are determined to have an economic impact. ; and (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) by inserting (or, for 2017 and each subsequent year, at least 60 days) after 45 days ; and (B) by inserting (for 2017 and each subsequent year, of no less than 30 days) after opportunity .

Passed the House of Representatives June 17, 2015. Karen L. Haas, Clerk
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2508 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Rodney Davis of Illinois (for himself and Mr. Ashford ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce A BILL To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit further reductions in sodium levels and to reinstate the grain-rich requirements applicable to the national school lunch and breakfast programs.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Healthy School Meals Flexibility Act . 2. Sodium target levels; whole grain requirement Section 9(f) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1758(f) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) Sodium target levels Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not implement any regulation under this Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( 42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq. ), the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 ( Public Law 111–296 ), or any other law that would require a reduction in the quantity of sodium contained in federally reimbursed meals, foods, and snacks sold in schools below Target 1 (as described in section 220.8(f)(3) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)). (6) Whole grain requirement Notwithstanding the final rule of the Secretary entitled Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs (77 Fed. Reg. 4088 (January 26, 2012)) or any other provision of law— (A) the Secretary shall only require that half of all grains in federally reimbursed meals, foods, and snacks sold in schools are whole grain-rich; and (B) school food authorities shall comply with the applicable grain component or standard with respect to the school lunch or school breakfast program that was in effect prior to July 1, 2014. .
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2511 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Reed (for himself and Mr. Boustany ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means A BILL To condition the eligiblity of disabled children aged 16 or 17 for supplemental security income benefits on school attendance.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the School Attendance Improves Lives Act of 2015 . 2. SSI benefits for disabled children aged 16 or 17 conditioned on school attendance (a) In general Section 1614(a)(3)(C) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)(3)(C) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (iii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this subparagraph, an individual who has attained 16 years of age but not 18 years of age shall not be considered an eligible individual for a month for purposes of this title unless the individual is a full-time elementary or secondary school student (within the meaning of section 202(d)(7) and the regulations promulgated under such section), except where the Commissioner determines that the individual has good medical cause, corroborated by a treating physician, to not attend school for part or all of the month. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to benefits payable for calendar months beginning after the 6-month period that begins with the date of the enactment of this Act.
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2512 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Brady of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means A BILL To amend title 5, United States Code, to make clear that Federal employees who receive back pay for a period during which they are furloughed due to a lapse in appropriations may not also receive unemployment compensation for the same period.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Furloughed Federal Employee Double Dip Elimination Act . 2. Clarification (a) In general Section 8508 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) by inserting (a) before the first sentence; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) The rules and regulations shall include provisions to ensure that, in the case of a Federal employee who receives back pay for a period during which such employee was furloughed due to a lapse in appropriations— (1) such back pay shall be treated in the same way as Federal wages attributable to such employee; and (2) the period to which such back pay relates shall be treated in the same way as a period of Federal service attributable to such employee. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall be effective as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2514 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas (for himself, Mr. Thompson of California , Mr. Babin , Mr. Butterfield , Mr. Coffman , Mr. Nugent , Mr. Olson , Mr. Palazzo , Mr. Rangel , Mr. Reichert , Mr. Roe of Tennessee , Mr. Rush , Mr. Takai , Mr. Wilson of South Carolina , Mr. Zinke , Ms. McSally , and Mr. Sablan ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means A BILL To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prevent veterans from being disqualified from contributing to health savings accounts by reason of receiving medical care for service-connected disabilities under programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Helping Veterans Save for Health Care Act of 2015 . 2. Veterans not disqualified from health savings account by reason of receiving medical care for service-connected disabilities under programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Section 223(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Special rule for individuals eligible for certain veterans benefits An individual shall not fail to be treated as an eligible individual for any period merely because the individual receives hospital care or medical services under any law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for a service-connected disability (within the meaning of section 101(16) of title 38, United States Code). . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2516 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Rangel (for himself, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania , Mr. Pocan , Mr. Lowenthal , Mr. Thompson of California , Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania , Mr. Rush , Mr. Jones , Ms. Bordallo , Mr. Serrano , Mr. Polis , Mrs. Capps , and Mr. McDermott ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the ability of health care professionals to treat veterans via telemedicine.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act of 2015 or the VETS Act of 2015 . 2. Licensure of health care professionals of the Department of Veterans Affairs providing treatment via telemedicine (a) In general Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 1730A the following new section: 1730B. Licensure of health care professionals providing treatment via telemedicine (a) In general Notwithstanding any provision of law regarding the licensure of health care professionals, a covered health care professional may practice the health profession of the health care professional at any location in any State, the District of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States, regardless of where such health care professional or the patient is located, if the health care professional is using telemedicine to provide treatment to an individual under this chapter. (b) Property of Federal Government Subsection (a) shall apply to a covered health care professional providing treatment to a patient regardless of whether such health care professional or patient is located in a facility owned by the Federal Government during such treatment. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) The term covered health care professional means a health care professional who is— (A) authorized by the Secretary to provide health care under this chapter, including a private health care professional who provides such care under a contract entered into with the Secretary, including a contract entered into under section 1703 of this title; and (B) licensed, nationally registered, or certified to practice the health care profession of the health care professional. (2) The term telemedicine means the use of telecommunication technology and information technology to support the provision of health care in situations where the patient and health care professional are separated by geographic distance. (d) Construction Nothing in this section may be construed to remove, limit, or otherwise affect any obligation of a covered health care professional under the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq. ). . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1730A the following new item: 1730B. Licensure of health care professionals providing treatment via telemedicine. .
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2520 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Young of Indiana (for himself and Mr. Yarmuth ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means A BILL To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce the rate of excise tax on distilled spirits.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Distillery Innovation and Excise Tax Reform Act . 2. Reduced rate of excise tax on distilled spirits (a) In general Section 5001(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking $13.50 and inserting $9 ($2.70 in the case of the first 100,000 proof gallons) . (b) Reduced rate applied with respect to controlled group Section 5001 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d) and by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: (c) Reduced rate applied with respect to controlled group (1) In general In the case of a controlled group, the reduced rate on the first 100,000 proof gallons specified in subsection (a)(1) shall be applied to the controlled group and shall be apportioned among the taxpayers who are component members of such group in such manner as the Secretary may provide. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term controlled group has the meaning assigned to it by subsection (a) of section 1563, except that for such purposes the phrase more than 50 percent shall be substituted for the phrase at least 80 percent each place it appears in such subsection. Principles similar to the principles of the preceding two sentences shall be applied to a group of taxpayers under common control where one or more members of such group is not a corporation. (2) Regulations The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to prevent the reduced rate specified in subsection (a)(1) from being applied to proof gallons in excess of the limitation specified therein. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to distilled spirits produced or imported in calendar years beginning after December 31, 2015.
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2521 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Ms. Edwards (for herself, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois , Ms. Lee , Mr. Scott of Virginia , Ms. DeLauro , Mr. Richmond , Ms. Norton , Mr. Lewis , Ms. Kaptur , Mr. Cárdenas , Ms. Plaskett , Mr. Grijalva , Mr. Kennedy , Mr. Conyers , Mr. Johnson of Georgia , Mr. Rangel , Mr. Ted Lieu of California , and Mr. Hastings ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce A BILL To reinstate Federal Pell Grant eligibility for individuals incarcerated in Federal and State penal institutions, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Restoring Education And Learning Act of 2015 or the REAL Act of 2015 . 2. Reinstatement of Federal pell grant eligibility Section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070a(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (6) and redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (6); and (2) in paragraph (2)(A)(ii), by striking (7)(B) each place it appears and inserting (6)(B) . 3. Effective date The amendments made by section 2 shall be effective for academic year 2015–2016 and succeeding academic years.
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2527 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Crowley (for himself, Ms. Slaughter , Mr. Higgins , Mr. Rangel , Ms. Velázquez , Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York , Mr. Meeks , Mr. Serrano , Ms. Clarke of New York , Ms. Meng , Mr. Israel , Mr. Nadler , Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York , Mr. Engel , and Mr. Tonko ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform A BILL To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7802 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, New York, as the Jeanne Sobelson Manford Post Office Building .

1. Jeanne Sobelson Manford Post Office Building (a) Designation The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7802 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, New York, shall be known and designated as the Jeanne Sobelson Manford Post Office Building . (b) References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Jeanne Sobelson Manford Post Office Building .
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2530 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Ms. Duckworth (for herself, Mr. Takai , Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York , Ms. DeLauro , Mrs. Bustos , Ms. Norton , Mrs. Capps , Mr. Lipinski , Mr. Quigley , Mr. Knight , Mr. Connolly , Mr. Rooney of Florida , and Ms. Herrera Beutler ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for private lactation areas in the terminals of large and medium hub airports, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2015 . 2. Lactation areas in commercial service airports (a) Lactation area defined Section 47102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (10) through (28) as paragraphs (11) through (29), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following: (10) lactation area means a room or other location in a commercial service airport that— (A) provides a location for members of the public to express breast milk that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from the public; (B) has a door that can be locked; (C) includes a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, and an electrical outlet; (D) is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs; and (E) is not located in a restroom. . (b) Project grant written assurances for large and medium hub airports (1) In general Section 47107(a) of such title is amended— (A) in paragraph (20) by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (21) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (22) with respect to a large hub or medium hub airport, the airport owner or operator will maintain a lactation area at each passenger terminal building of the airport behind the airport security screening area. . (2) Applicability The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to a project grant application submitted for a fiscal year beginning on or after the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Terminal development costs Section 47119(a) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Lactation areas In addition to the projects described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may approve a project for terminal development for the construction or installation of a lactation area at a commercial service airport. .
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2531 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Ms. Duckworth (for herself, Mr. Rigell , Ms. Titus , Ms. Bordallo , Mr. Lipinski , Mr. Rush , Mr. Bishop of Utah , Mr. Ashford , Mr. Gallego , Mr. Cook , Mr. Takai , Mr. Zinke , Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois , Mr. Costa , Mr. Walz , Mr. Garamendi , Mr. Langevin , Mr. Kind , Mr. Gohmert , Mr. Westerman , and Ms. Lofgren ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs A BILL To amend section 701 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to clarify the period of eligibility during which certain spouses are entitled to assistance under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Military Spouses Achieving College Education for Survivors Act of 2015 or the ACES Act of 2015 . 2. Clarification of Eligibility for Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (a) In General Section 701(d) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 ( Public Law 113–146 ; 128 Stat. 1796; 38 U.S.C. 3311 note) is amended to read as follows: (d) Applicability (1) In general The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to a quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, commencing on or after January 1, 2015. (2) Deaths that occurred between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2005 For purposes of section 3311(f)(2) of title 38, United States Code, any member of the Armed Forces who died during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2005, is deemed to have died on January 1, 2006. . (b) Election on receipt of certain benefits Section 3311(f) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking A surviving spouse and inserting, Except as provided in paragraph (4), a surviving spouse ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph (4): (4) Exception for certain elections (A) In general An election made under paragraph (3) by a spouse described in subparagraph (B) may not be treated as irrevocable if such election occurred before the date of the enactment of this paragraph. (B) Eligible surviving spouse A spouse described in this subparagraph is an individual— (i) who is entitled to assistance under subsection (a) pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection (b); and (ii) who was the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who died during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2005. .
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2533 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Ms. Frankel of Florida (for herself and Mr. Weber of Texas ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs A BILL To amend the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 relating to local guard contracts abroad under the diplomatic security program, and for other purposes.

1. Local guard contracts abroad under diplomatic security program (a) In general Section 136(c)(3) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 ( 22 U.S.C. 4864(c)(3) ) is amended to read as follows: (3) in evaluating proposals for such contracts, award contracts to technically acceptable firms offering the lowest evaluated price, except that— (A) the Secretary may award contracts on the basis of best value (as determined by a cost-technical tradeoff analysis); and (B) proposals received from United States persons and qualified United States joint venture persons shall be evaluated by reducing the bid price by 10 percent; . (b) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that includes— (1) an explanation of the implementation of paragraph (3) of section 136(c) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991, as amended by subsection (a) of this section; and (2) for each instance in which an award is made pursuant to subparagraph (A) of such paragraph (3), as so amended, a written justification and approval, providing the basis for such award and an explanation of the inability to satisfy the needs of the Department of State by technically acceptable, lowest price evaluation award.
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2539 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Kennedy introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the amount of monthly dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Surviving Spouses’ Benefit Improvement Act of 2015 . 2. Increase in amount of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (a) Increase Section 1311 of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking of $1,154 and inserting equal to 55 percent of the rate of monthly compensation in effect under section 1114(j) of this title ; and (B) by striking paragraph (3); and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) In the case of an individual who is eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation under this section who is also eligible for benefits under another provision of law by reason of such individual’s status as the surviving spouse of a veteran, then, notwithstanding any other provision of law (other than section 5304(b)(3) of this title), neither a reduction nor an offset in benefits under such provision shall be made by reason of such individual’s eligibility for benefits under this section. . (b) Effective date (1) In general Except as provided by paragraph (2), the amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to compensation paid under chapter 13 of title 38, United States Code, for months beginning after the date that is six months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Special rule for certain individuals (A) For months beginning after the date that is six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall pay to an individual described in subparagraph (B) dependency and indemnity compensation under section 1311 of title 38, United States Code, in the monthly amount that is the greater of the following: (i) The amount determined under subsection (a)(3) of such section 1311, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act. (ii) The amount determined under subsection (a)(1) of such section 1311, as amended by subsection (a). (B) An individual described in this subparagraph is an individual eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation under section 1311 of title 38, United States Code, that is predicated on the death of a veteran before January 1, 1993.
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2541 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Langevin (for himself and Mr. Cicilline ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to add Rhode Island to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Rhode Island Fishermen’s Fairness Act . 2. Addition of Rhode Island to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Section 302(a)(1)(B) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1852(a)(1)(B) ) is amended— (1) by inserting Rhode Island, after States of ; (2) by inserting Rhode Island, after except North Carolina, ; (3) by striking 21 and inserting 23 ; and (4) by striking 13 and inserting 14 .
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2546 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York (for herself, Mr. Lynch , Ms. Tsongas , Mr. Grijalva , and Ms. Clark of Massachusetts ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To prohibit the sale of a firearm to, and the purchase of a firearm by, a person who is not covered by appropriate liability insurance coverage.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Firearm Risk Protection Act of 2015 . 2. Prohibitions on sale of firearm to, and purchase of firearm by, a person not covered by appropriate liability insurance (a) Prohibitions Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (aa) (1) (A) (i) It shall be unlawful for a person to purchase a firearm unless, at the time of the purchase, the purchaser presents to the seller proof that the purchaser is covered by a qualified liability insurance policy. (ii) It shall be unlawful for a person to sell a firearm unless, at the time of the sale, the seller verifies that the purchaser is covered by a qualified liability insurance policy. (iii) It shall be unlawful for a person who owns a firearm purchased on or after the effective date of this subsection not to be covered by a qualified liability insurance policy. (B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the purchase or sale of a firearm for the use of the United States or any department or agency of the United States, or any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision of a State. (2) In paragraph (1), the term qualified liability insurance policy means, with respect to the purchaser of a firearm, a policy that— (A) provides liability insurance covering the purchaser specifically for losses resulting from use of the firearm while it is owned by the purchaser; and (B) is issued by an insurer licensed or authorized to provide the coverage by the State insurance regulatory authority for the State in which the purchaser resides. . (b) Penalty Section 924 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following: (q) Whoever violates section 922(aa) shall be fined not more than $10,000. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to conduct engaged in after the 180-day period that begins with the date of the enactment of this Act.
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2547 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mrs. McMorris Rodgers introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the development of accelerated approval development plans for investigational drugs and biological products.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Surrogate Endpoint Improvement and Utilization Act of 2015 . 2. Accelerated approval development plan (a) In general Section 506 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 356 ) is amended by adding the following subsection: (g) Accelerated approval development plan (1) In general In the case of a drug determined to be eligible for accelerated approval under subsection (c), at any time after the submission of an application for the investigation of the drug under section 505(i) of this Act or section 351(a)(3) of the Public Health Service Act, the sponsor of such drug may voluntarily request agreement by the Secretary to an accelerated approval development plan with respect to a surrogate endpoint to be used to study the drug. (2) Plan A plan described in paragraph (1) shall include agreement on— (A) the surrogate endpoint to be assessed under the plan; (B) the design of the study that will utilize the surrogate endpoint; and (C) the magnitude of the effect of the drug on the surrogate endpoint that is the subject of the agreement that would be sufficient to form the primary basis of a claim that the drug is effective. (3) Modification; termination The Secretary may require the sponsor of a drug that is the subject of an accelerated approval development plan to modify or terminate the plan if additional data or information indicates that— (A) the plan as originally agreed upon is no longer sufficient to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the drug involved; or (B) the drug is no longer eligible for accelerated approval under subsection (c). (4) Sponsor consultation If the Secretary requires the modification or termination of an accelerated approval development plan under paragraph (3), the sponsor shall be granted a request for a meeting to discuss the basis of the Secretary’s decision before the effective date of the modification or termination. (5) Definition In this section, the term accelerated approval development plan means a development plan agreed upon by the Secretary and the sponsor submitting the plan that contains study parameters for the use of a surrogate endpoint that— (A) is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit; and (B) is intended to be the basis of the accelerated approval of a drug under subsection (c). . (b) Technical amendments Section 506 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 356 ) is amended— (1) by striking (f) Awareness efforts and inserting (e) Awareness efforts ; and (2) by striking (e) Construction and inserting (f) Construction .
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2548 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mrs. McMorris Rodgers introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to a national pediatric research network.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Pediatric Research Improvement Act of 2015 . 2. National Pediatric Research Network Section 409D(d) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 284h(d) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking in consultation with the Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and in collaboration with other appropriate national research institutes and national centers that carry out activities involving pediatric research and inserting in collaboration with the national research institutes and national centers that carry out activities involving pediatric research ; (B) by striking subparagraph (B); (C) by striking may be comprised of, as appropriate and all that follows through the pediatric research consortia and inserting may be comprised of, as appropriate, the pediatric research consortia ; and (D) by striking ; or at the end and inserting a period; and (2) in paragraph (1), paragraph (2)(A), the first sentence of paragraph (2)(E), and paragraph (4), by striking may each place it appears and inserting shall .
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2556 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Salmon introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to repeal the authorization for program development and implementation grants for coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification, and for other purposes.

1. Repeal of program development and implementation grants authorization Section 406(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1346(b) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) Repeal of authority The Administrator may not make a grant to a State or local government under this subsection after the date of enactment of this paragraph. .
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2559 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To designate the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway in the State of Texas.

1. Designation The segment of Interstate Route 10 between milepost 535 and milepost 545 at Kendall County, Texas, shall be known and designated as the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway . 2. References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the segment of Interstate Route 10 referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway .

Passed the House of Representatives June 15, 2015. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
I One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America At the First Session Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the sixth day of January, two thousand and fifteen H. R. 2559 AN ACT To designate the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway in the State of Texas.

1. Designation The segment of Interstate Route 10 between milepost 535 and milepost 545 at Kendall County, Texas, shall be known and designated as the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway . 2. References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the segment of Interstate Route 10 referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway .

Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2559 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Mr. Smith of Texas (for himself, Mr. Babin , Mr. Barton , Mr. Brady of Texas , Mr. Burgess , Mr. Carter of Texas , Mr. Castro of Texas , Mr. Conaway , Mr. Cuellar , Mr. Culberson , Mr. Doggett , Mr. Farenthold , Mr. Flores , Mr. Gohmert , Ms. Granger , Mr. Al Green of Texas , Mr. Gene Green of Texas , Mr. Hensarling , Mr. Hinojosa , Mr. Hurd of Texas , Ms. Jackson Lee , Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas , Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas , Mr. Marchant , Mr. McCaul , Mr. Neugebauer , Mr. O’Rourke , Mr. Olson , Mr. Poe of Texas , Mr. Ratcliffe , Mr. Sessions , Mr. Thornberry , Mr. Veasey , Mr. Vela , Mr. Weber of Texas , and Mr. Williams ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To designate the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway in the State of Texas.

1. Designation The segment of Interstate Route 10 between milepost 535 and milepost 545 at Kendall County, Texas, shall be known and designated as the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway . 2. References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the segment of Interstate Route 10 referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway .
IIB 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2559 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 16, 2015 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works AN ACT To designate the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway in the State of Texas.

1. Designation The segment of Interstate Route 10 between milepost 535 and milepost 545 at Kendall County, Texas, shall be known and designated as the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway . 2. References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the segment of Interstate Route 10 referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway .

Passed the House of Representatives June 15, 2015. Karen L. Haas, Clerk
I 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2560 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2015 Ms. Stefanik (for herself and Mr. Newhouse ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to waive any emission standard or other requirement under section 112 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7412) applicable to the control of asbestos emissions in the demolition or renovation of a condemned building for which there is a reasonable expectation of structural failure.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Common Sense Waiver Act of 2015 . 2. Waiver from asbestos NESHAP requirements for demolition or renovation of condemned buildings (a) Waiver At the request of a State or local government, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (in this section referred to as the Administrator ) may waive any emission standard or other requirement under section 112 of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7412 ) applicable to the control of asbestos emissions in the demolition or renovation of a building. (b) Standard for approval The Administrator may approve a request for a waiver under subsection (a) only if the request demonstrates that— (1) the building has been condemned; and (2) there is a reasonable expectation of the building’s structural failure. (c) Time period for approval or disapproval of request for waiver The Administrator shall approve or disapprove a request for a waiver under subsection (a) within 90 days after the date on which the request is received by the Administrator. If the Administrator fails to approve or disapprove such a request by the end of such 90-day period, the request is deemed to be approved.