hyperdemocracy/usc-textversion huggingface dataset:
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 693 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 24, 2017 Mr. Ross introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce A BILL To amend the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 to provide an exemption from the protections of that Act with regard to certain prospective employees whose job would include caring for or interacting with children.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting Our Children Act . 2. Exemption for employers of employees who care for or interact with unsupervised children (a) Exemption Section 7 of the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 ( 29 U.S.C. 2006 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Exemption for certain employers of employees who care for or interact with unsupervised children (1) Exemption Subject to paragraph (2) and subsection (c) of section 8, this Act shall not prohibit the use of a polygraph test by any employer if the test is administered to a prospective employee— (A) whose activities would involve the care or supervision of children or regular access to children who are cared for or supervised by another employee; (B) whose job description indicates a high probability that the prospective employee will interact with unsupervised children on a frequent basis; or (C) where the employer reasonably believes there is a high probability of unsupervised interaction between the prospective employee and a child on a more than incidental basis. (2) Conditions In addition to the requirements imposed by section 8(c), the exemption provided under paragraph (1) shall not apply unless the following conditions are met: (A) The prospective employee is provided with reasonable written notice of the date, time, and location of the polygraph test and of such examinee’s right to obtain and consult with legal counsel or an employee representative before each phase of the test. (B) Following the polygraph test, before any adverse employment action is taken, the employer shall— (i) further interview the examinee on the basis of the results of the test; and (ii) provide the examinee with— (I) a written copy of any opinion or conclusion rendered as a result of the test; and (II) a copy of the questions asked during the test along with the corresponding charted responses. . (b) Conforming amendment Section 8(c) of such Act ( 29 U.S.C. 2007(c) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking and (f) and inserting (f) and (g) .
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 694 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 24, 2017 Mr. Rouzer (for himself, Mr. Jones , Mr. Crawford , Mr. Grothman , Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania , Mr. Duffy , Mr. Duncan of Tennessee , Mr. Allen , Mr. Huizenga , Mr. O'Halleran , Mr. Mooney of West Virginia , and Mr. Latta ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To repeal the Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent rule for new residential wood heaters.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Stop EPA Overregulation of Rural Americans Act . 2. Repeal of rule for new residential wood heaters The final rule entitled Standards of Performance for New Residential Wood Heaters, New Residential Hydronic Heaters and Forced-Air Furnaces published at 80 Fed. Reg. 13672 (March 16, 2015) shall have no force or effect and shall be treated as if such rule had never been issued.
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 696 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 24, 2017 Mr. Schrader (for himself and Mr. Moulton ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform A BILL To prohibit any hiring freeze from affecting the Department of Veterans Affairs.

1. Prohibition on hiring freeze from affecting Department of Veterans Affairs The memorandum titled Presidential Memorandum Regarding the Hiring Freeze published on January 23, 2017, or any other substantially similar memorandum, Executive order, or other action by the President to prevent a department or agency of the Federal Government from filling vacant Federal civilian employee positions or creating new such positions, shall have no force or effect with respect to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 698 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To require a land conveyance involving the Elkhorn Ranch and the White River National Forest in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Elkhorn Ranch and White River National Forest Conveyance Act of 2017 . 2. Land conveyance, Elkhorn Ranch and White River National Forest, Colorado (a) Land conveyance required Consistent with the purpose of the Act of March 3, 1909 ( 43 U.S.C. 772 ), all right, title, and interest of the United States (subject to subsection (b)) in and to a parcel of land consisting of approximately 148 acres as generally depicted on the map entitled Elkhorn Ranch Land Parcel–White River National Forest and dated March 2015 shall be conveyed by patent to the Gordman-Leverich Partnership, a Colorado Limited Liability Partnership (in this section referred to as GLP ). (b) Existing rights The conveyance under subsection (a)— (1) is subject to the valid existing rights of the lessee of Federal oil and gas lease COC–75070 and any other valid existing rights; and (2) shall reserve to the United States the right to collect rent and royalty payments on the lease referred to in paragraph (1) for the duration of the lease. (c) Existing boundaries The conveyance under subsection (a) does not modify the exterior boundary of the White River National Forest or the boundaries of Sections 18 and 19 of Township 7 South, Range 93 West, Sixth Principal Meridian, Colorado, as such boundaries are in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Time for conveyance; payment of costs The conveyance directed under subsection (a) shall be completed not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. The conveyance shall be without consideration, except that all costs incurred by the Secretary of the Interior relating to any survey, platting, legal description, or other activities carried out to prepare and issue the patent shall be paid by GLP to the Secretary prior to the land conveyance.

Passed the House of Representatives February 6, 2017. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
I One Hundred Fifteenth Congress of the United States of America At the Second Session Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday, the third day of January, two thousand and eighteen H. R. 698 AN ACT To require a land conveyance involving the Elkhorn Ranch and the White River National Forest in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Elkhorn Ranch and White River National Forest Conveyance Act of 2017 . 2. Land conveyance, Elkhorn Ranch and White River National Forest, Colorado (a) Land conveyance required Consistent with the purpose of the Act of March 3, 1909 ( 43 U.S.C. 772 ), all right, title, and interest of the United States (subject to subsection (b)) in and to a parcel of land consisting of approximately 148 acres as generally depicted on the map entitled Elkhorn Ranch Land Parcel–White River National Forest and dated March 2015 shall be conveyed by patent to the Gordman-Leverich Partnership, a Colorado Limited Liability Partnership (in this section referred to as GLP ). (b) Existing rights The conveyance under subsection (a)— (1) is subject to the valid existing rights of the lessee of Federal oil and gas lease COC–75070 and any other valid existing rights; and (2) shall reserve to the United States the right to collect rent and royalty payments on the lease referred to in paragraph (1) for the duration of the lease. (c) Existing boundaries The conveyance under subsection (a) does not modify the exterior boundary of the White River National Forest or the boundaries of Sections 18 and 19 of Township 7 South, Range 93 West, Sixth Principal Meridian, Colorado, as such boundaries are in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Time for conveyance; payment of costs The conveyance directed under subsection (a) shall be completed not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. The conveyance shall be without consideration, except that all costs incurred by the Secretary of the Interior relating to any survey, platting, legal description, or other activities carried out to prepare and issue the patent shall be paid by GLP to the Secretary prior to the land conveyance.

Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 698 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 24, 2017 Mr. Tipton (for himself, Mr. Polis , and Mr. Lamborn ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To require a land conveyance involving the Elkhorn Ranch and the White River National Forest in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Elkhorn Ranch and White River National Forest Conveyance Act of 2017 . 2. Land conveyance, Elkhorn Ranch and White River National Forest, Colorado (a) Land conveyance required Consistent with the purpose of the Act of March 3, 1909 ( 43 U.S.C. 772 ), all right, title, and interest of the United States (subject to subsection (b)) in and to a parcel of land consisting of approximately 148 acres as generally depicted on the map entitled Elkhorn Ranch Land Parcel–White River National Forest and dated March 2015 shall be conveyed by patent to the Gordman-Leverich Partnership, a Colorado Limited Liability Partnership (in this section referred to as GLP ). (b) Existing rights The conveyance under subsection (a)— (1) is subject to the valid existing rights of the lessee of Federal oil and gas lease COC–75070 and any other valid existing rights; and (2) shall reserve to the United States the right to collect rent and royalty payments on the lease referred to in paragraph (1) for the duration of the lease. (c) Existing boundaries The conveyance under subsection (a) does not modify the exterior boundary of the White River National Forest or the boundaries of Sections 18 and 19 of Township 7 South, Range 93 West, Sixth Principal Meridian, Colorado, as such boundaries are in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Time for conveyance; payment of costs The conveyance directed under subsection (a) shall be completed not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. The conveyance shall be without consideration, except that all costs incurred by the Secretary of the Interior relating to any survey, platting, legal description, or other activities carried out to prepare and issue the patent shall be paid by GLP to the Secretary prior to the land conveyance.
IIB 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 698 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 7 (legislative day, February 6), 2017 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources AN ACT To require a land conveyance involving the Elkhorn Ranch and the White River National Forest in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Elkhorn Ranch and White River National Forest Conveyance Act of 2017 . 2. Land conveyance, Elkhorn Ranch and White River National Forest, Colorado (a) Land conveyance required Consistent with the purpose of the Act of March 3, 1909 ( 43 U.S.C. 772 ), all right, title, and interest of the United States (subject to subsection (b)) in and to a parcel of land consisting of approximately 148 acres as generally depicted on the map entitled Elkhorn Ranch Land Parcel–White River National Forest and dated March 2015 shall be conveyed by patent to the Gordman-Leverich Partnership, a Colorado Limited Liability Partnership (in this section referred to as GLP ). (b) Existing rights The conveyance under subsection (a)— (1) is subject to the valid existing rights of the lessee of Federal oil and gas lease COC–75070 and any other valid existing rights; and (2) shall reserve to the United States the right to collect rent and royalty payments on the lease referred to in paragraph (1) for the duration of the lease. (c) Existing boundaries The conveyance under subsection (a) does not modify the exterior boundary of the White River National Forest or the boundaries of Sections 18 and 19 of Township 7 South, Range 93 West, Sixth Principal Meridian, Colorado, as such boundaries are in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Time for conveyance; payment of costs The conveyance directed under subsection (a) shall be completed not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. The conveyance shall be without consideration, except that all costs incurred by the Secretary of the Interior relating to any survey, platting, legal description, or other activities carried out to prepare and issue the patent shall be paid by GLP to the Secretary prior to the land conveyance.

Passed the House of Representatives February 6, 2017. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
II Calendar No. 87 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 698 [Report No. 115–69] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 7 (legislative day, February 6), 2017 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources May 16, 2017 Reported by Ms. Murkowski , without amendment AN ACT To require a land conveyance involving the Elkhorn Ranch and the White River National Forest in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Elkhorn Ranch and White River National Forest Conveyance Act of 2017 . 2. Land conveyance, Elkhorn Ranch and White River National Forest, Colorado (a) Land conveyance required Consistent with the purpose of the Act of March 3, 1909 ( 43 U.S.C. 772 ), all right, title, and interest of the United States (subject to subsection (b)) in and to a parcel of land consisting of approximately 148 acres as generally depicted on the map entitled Elkhorn Ranch Land Parcel–White River National Forest and dated March 2015 shall be conveyed by patent to the Gordman-Leverich Partnership, a Colorado Limited Liability Partnership (in this section referred to as GLP ). (b) Existing rights The conveyance under subsection (a)— (1) is subject to the valid existing rights of the lessee of Federal oil and gas lease COC–75070 and any other valid existing rights; and (2) shall reserve to the United States the right to collect rent and royalty payments on the lease referred to in paragraph (1) for the duration of the lease. (c) Existing boundaries The conveyance under subsection (a) does not modify the exterior boundary of the White River National Forest or the boundaries of Sections 18 and 19 of Township 7 South, Range 93 West, Sixth Principal Meridian, Colorado, as such boundaries are in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Time for conveyance; payment of costs The conveyance directed under subsection (a) shall be completed not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. The conveyance shall be without consideration, except that all costs incurred by the Secretary of the Interior relating to any survey, platting, legal description, or other activities carried out to prepare and issue the patent shall be paid by GLP to the Secretary prior to the land conveyance.

May 16, 2017 Reported without amendment
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 704 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 27, 2017 Mr. Ellison (for himself, Mr. Stivers , Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York , Mr. Pittenger , Mr. Delaney , Mr. Paulsen , and Ms. Sinema ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services A BILL To amend the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to expand the purposes of advances and collateral available to community development financial institutions.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Small Business and Community Investments Expansion Act of 2017 . 2. Expanding the purposes of advances and collateral available to community development financial institutions Section 10(a) of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1430(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting or community development financial institution (as defined in section 103 of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 ( 12 U.S.C. 4702 )) after community financial institution ; and (2) in paragraph (3)(E), by inserting or community development financial institution (as defined in section 103 of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 ( 12 U.S.C. 4702 )) after community financial institution .
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 708 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 27, 2017 Mr. Bucshon introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to change the permissible age variation in health insurance premium rates.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the State Age Rating Flexibility Act of 2017 . 2. Change in permissible age variation in health insurance premium rates Section 2701(a)(1)(A)(iii) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300gg(a)(1)(A)(iii) ), as inserted by section 1201(4) of Public Law 111–148 , is amended by inserting after 3 to 1 for adults (consistent with section 2707(c)) the following: or, for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, 5 to 1 for adults (consistent with section 2707(c)) or such other ratio for adults (consistent with section 2707(c)) as the State involved may provide .
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 710 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 27, 2017 Mr. Flores introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means A BILL To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to better align the grace period required for non-payment of premiums before discontinuing coverage under qualified health plans with such grace periods provided for under State law.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Health Coverage State Flexibility Act of 2017 . 2. Aligning qualified health plan grace period requirements with State law grace period requirements Section 1412(c)(2) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( 42 U.S.C. 18082(c)(2) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B)(iv)(II), by striking a 3-month grace period and inserting a grace period specified in subparagraph (C) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) Grace period specified For purposes of subparagraph (B)(iv)(II), the grace period specified in this subparagraph is— (i) for plan years beginning before January 1, 2018, a 3-month grace period; and (ii) for plan years beginning during 2018 or a subsequent year, such grace period for non-payment of premiums before discontinuing coverage as is applicable under the State law of the State in which the Exchange operates to health insurance coverage offered in the individual market (or, in the case such a State law is not in place for the State involved, a 1-month grace period). .
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 714 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 27, 2017 Mr. Griffith introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To provide for the legitimate use of medicinal marihuana in accordance with the laws of the various States.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Legitimate Use of Medicinal Marihuana Act or the LUMMA . 2. Scheduling of marihuana; prescriptions (a) Schedule Marihuana is moved from schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to schedule II of such Act. (b) Prescription (1) In general In a State in which marihuana may be prescribed by a physician for medical use under applicable State law, no provision of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) or of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) shall prohibit or otherwise restrict— (A) the prescription of marihuana by a physician for medical use; (B) an individual who is an authorized patient from obtaining, possessing, transporting within the individual’s State, or using marihuana for that individual’s medical use; (C) an individual authorized under State law to obtain, possess, transport within their State, or manufacture marihuana, from obtaining, possessing, transporting within that State, or manufacturing marihuana pursuant to that authorization; or (D) a pharmacy or other entity authorized under State law to distribute medical marihuana to an authorized patient, from obtaining or possessing marihuana for that purpose, or from distributing marihuana to an authorized patient for medical use. (2) Production No provision of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) or of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) shall prohibit or otherwise restrict an entity authorized by a State, in which marihuana may be prescribed by a physician for medical use, for the purpose of producing marihuana for prescription by a physician for medical use, from producing, processing, or distributing marihuana for such purpose. 3. Definitions In this Act— (1) the term authorized patient means an individual using marihuana in accordance with a prescription of marihuana by a physician for medical use; (2) the term physician means a practitioner of medicine, who— (A) graduated from a college of medicine or osteopathy; and (B) is licensed by the appropriate State board; (3) the term prescription means an instruction written by a medical physician in accordance with applicable State law that authorizes a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment; and (4) the term State includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States. 4. Relation of Act to certain prohibitions relating to smoking This Act does not affect any Federal, State, or local law regulating or prohibiting smoking in public.
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 717 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 27, 2017 Mr. Olson (for himself, Mr. Burgess , Mr. Gohmert , and Mr. Babin ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require review of the economic cost of adding a species to the list of endangered species or threatened species, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Listing Reform Act . 2. Consideration of economic cost in review of listing petitions under Endangered Species Act of 1973 (a) Consideration required Section 4(b)(3) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(3) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking To the maximum extent practicable, within 90 days after and inserting (i) After ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (ii) The Secretary may prioritize the consideration of petitions under this subparagraph other than in the order in which the petitions are received, except the Secretary may not give general priority to petitions to add species to such a list over petitions to remove a species from such a list. ; (2) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking Within 12 months and inserting As expeditiously as practicable . (b) Consideration of significant, cumulative economic effects (1) In general Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(3)(B) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (iv) (I) In the case of a petition to add a species to a list of threatened species, the petitioned action may be warranted but is precluded due to the likelihood of significant, cumulative economic effects that would result from listing or, to the extent it can be determined, from the likely resulting designation of critical habitat of the species. (II) The Secretary may not reconsider such finding unless— (aa) the Secretary determines there is endangerment of extinction of the species; or (bb) the Secretary receives a new petition to add such species to such list that includes a written qualitative and quantitative analyses reexamining the incremental and significant, cumulative economic effects of likely actions to protect the petitioned species and its potential habitat upon each State and locality that is affected by the petitioned species listing and that, in the opinion of the Secretary, credibly concludes that alternative actions are possible other than those resulting in significant, cumulative economic effects. (III) In this clause the term significant, cumulative economic effects includes economic effects on— (aa) public land and, to the maximum extent practicable, private land and property values; (bb) the provision of water, power, or other public services; (cc) employment; and (dd) revenues available for State and local governments. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 4(b)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(1) ) is amended by inserting (except as provided in clause (iv) of paragraph (3)(B)) after solely .
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 718 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 27, 2017 Mr. Tiberi (for himself, Mr. Wenstrup , Mr. Roe of Tennessee , Mr. Joyce of Ohio , Mr. Gibbs , Mr. Latta , Mr. Renacci , Mr. Turner , Mr. Johnson of Ohio , Mr. Stivers , and Mr. Chabot ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the unlawful disposal of fetal remains, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act of 2017 . 2. Prohibiting unlawful disposal of fetal remains (a) Prohibiting unlawful disposal of fetal remains Part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 125 Unlawful disposal of fetal remains 2741. Unlawful disposal of fetal remains. 2741. Unlawful disposal of fetal remains (a) In general Whoever recklessly disposes of or abandons fetal remains in a landfill or in any of the navigable waters of the United States shall be imprisoned not more than 3 years or fined under this title, or both. (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the disposal of the remains of her unborn child. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Fetal remains The term fetal remains means any part of a human fetus that is deceased by reason of an abortion, but does not include any such part that has been cremated. (2) Landfill The term landfill means a sanitary landfill, as such term is defined in section 1004(26) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. (3) Navigable waters The term navigable waters has the meaning given such term in section 502(7) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of chapters for such part is amended by inserting, after the item pertaining to chapter 123, the following: 125. Unlawful disposal of fetal remains 2741 .
IB 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 720 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to improve attorney accountability, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017 . 2. Attorney accountability (a) Sanctions under rule 11 Rule 11(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking may and inserting shall ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking Rule 5 and all that follows through motion. and inserting Rule 5. ; and (3) in paragraph (4), by striking situated and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting situated, and to compensate the parties that were injured by such conduct. Subject to the limitations in paragraph (5), the sanction shall consist of an order to pay to the party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred as a direct result of the violation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. The court may also impose additional appropriate sanctions, such as striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, or other directives of a non-monetary nature, or, if warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment of a penalty into the court. . (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this Act or an amendment made by this Act shall be construed to bar or impede the assertion or development of new claims, defenses, or remedies under Federal, State, or local laws, including civil rights laws, or under the Constitution of the United States.

Passed the House of Representatives March 10, 2017. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 720 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 30, 2017 Mr. Smith of Texas (for himself, Mr. Goodlatte , Mr. Buck , Mr. Franks of Arizona , Mr. Farenthold , Mr. Chabot , and Mr. Chaffetz ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to improve attorney accountability, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017 . 2. Attorney accountability (a) Sanctions under rule 11 Rule 11(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking may and inserting shall ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking Rule 5 and all that follows through motion. and inserting Rule 5. ; and (3) in paragraph (4), by striking situated and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting situated, and to compensate the parties that were injured by such conduct. Subject to the limitations in paragraph (5), the sanction shall consist of an order to pay to the party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred as a direct result of the violation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. The court may also impose additional appropriate sanctions, such as striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, or other directives of a non-monetary nature, or, if warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment of a penalty into the court. . (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this Act or an amendment made by this Act shall be construed to bar or impede the assertion or development of new claims, defenses, or remedies under Federal, State, or local laws, including civil rights laws, or under the Constitution of the United States.
IIB 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 720 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 13, 2017 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary AN ACT To amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to improve attorney accountability, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017 . 2. Attorney accountability (a) Sanctions under rule 11 Rule 11(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking may and inserting shall ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking Rule 5 and all that follows through motion. and inserting Rule 5. ; and (3) in paragraph (4), by striking situated and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting situated, and to compensate the parties that were injured by such conduct. Subject to the limitations in paragraph (5), the sanction shall consist of an order to pay to the party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred as a direct result of the violation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. The court may also impose additional appropriate sanctions, such as striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, or other directives of a non-monetary nature, or, if warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment of a penalty into the court. . (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this Act or an amendment made by this Act shall be construed to bar or impede the assertion or development of new claims, defenses, or remedies under Federal, State, or local laws, including civil rights laws, or under the Constitution of the United States.

Passed the House of Representatives March 10, 2017. Karen L. Haas, Clerk
IB Union Calendar No. 4 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 720 [Report No. 115–16] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 30, 2017 Mr. Smith of Texas (for himself, Mr. Goodlatte , Mr. Buck , Mr. Franks of Arizona , Mr. Farenthold , Mr. Chabot , and Mr. Chaffetz ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary February 24, 2017 Additional sponsor: Mr. Sessions February 24, 2017 Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed A BILL To amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to improve attorney accountability, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017 . 2. Attorney accountability (a) Sanctions under rule 11 Rule 11(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking may and inserting shall ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking Rule 5 and all that follows through motion. and inserting Rule 5. ; and (3) in paragraph (4), by striking situated and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting situated, and to compensate the parties that were injured by such conduct. Subject to the limitations in paragraph (5), the sanction shall consist of an order to pay to the party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred as a direct result of the violation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. The court may also impose additional appropriate sanctions, such as striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, or other directives of a non-monetary nature, or, if warranted for effective deterrence, an order directing payment of a penalty into the court. . (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this Act or an amendment made by this Act shall be construed to bar or impede the assertion or development of new claims, defenses, or remedies under Federal, State, or local laws, including civil rights laws, or under the Constitution of the United States.

February 24, 2017 Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 721 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 30, 2017 Ms. Jenkins of Kansas (for herself, Mr. Blumenauer , Mr. Rodney Davis of Illinois , and Mr. Lipinski ) 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 permanently extend the railroad track maintenance credit.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Building Rail Access for Customers and the Economy Act or the BRACE Act . 2. Extension of the railroad track maintenance credit (a) In general Section 45G(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking , and before January 1, 2017 . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to expenditures paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016.
IB 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 725 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend title 28, United States Code, to prevent fraudulent joinder.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Innocent Party Protection Act . 2. Prevention of fraudulent joinder Section 1447 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Fraudulent joinder (1) This subsection shall apply to any case in which— (A) a civil action is removed solely on the basis of the jurisdiction conferred by section 1332(a); (B) a motion to remand is made on the ground that— (i) one or more defendants are citizens of the same State as one or more plaintiffs; or (ii) one or more defendants properly joined and served are citizens of the State in which the action was brought; and (C) the motion is opposed on the ground that the joinder of the defendant or defendants described in subparagraph (B) is fraudulent. (2) The joinder of a defendant described in paragraph (1)(B) is fraudulent if the court finds that— (A) there is actual fraud in the pleading of jurisdictional facts with respect to that defendant; (B) based on the complaint and the materials submitted under paragraph (3), it is not plausible to conclude that applicable State law would impose liability on that defendant; (C) State or Federal law clearly bars all claims in the complaint against that defendant; or (D) objective evidence clearly demonstrates that there is no good faith intention to prosecute the action against that defendant or to seek a joint judgment including that defendant. (3) In determining whether to grant or deny a motion under paragraph (1)(B), the court may permit the pleadings to be amended, and shall consider the pleadings, affidavits, and other evidence submitted by the parties. (4) If the court finds that all defendants described in paragraph (1)(B) have been fraudulently joined under paragraph (2), it shall dismiss without prejudice the claims against those defendants and shall deny the motion described in paragraph (1)(B). .

Passed the House of Representatives March 9, 2017. Karen L. Haas, Clerk.
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 725 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 30, 2017 Mr. Buck (for himself, Mr. Goodlatte , Mr. Franks of Arizona , Mr. Farenthold , and Mr. Smith of Texas ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend title 28, United States Code, to prevent fraudulent joinder.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Innocent Party Protection Act . 2. Prevention of fraudulent joinder Section 1447 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Fraudulent joinder (1) This subsection shall apply to any case in which— (A) a civil action is removed solely on the basis of the jurisdiction conferred by section 1332(a); (B) a motion to remand is made on the ground that— (i) one or more defendants are citizens of the same State as one or more plaintiffs; or (ii) one or more defendants properly joined and served are citizens of the State in which the action was brought; and (C) the motion is opposed on the ground that the joinder of the defendant or defendants described in subparagraph (B) is fraudulent. (2) The joinder of a defendant described in paragraph (1)(B) is fraudulent if the court finds that— (A) there is actual fraud in the pleading of jurisdictional facts with respect to that defendant; (B) based on the complaint and the materials submitted under paragraph (3), it is not plausible to conclude that applicable State law would impose liability on that defendant; (C) State or Federal law clearly bars all claims in the complaint against that defendant; or (D) objective evidence clearly demonstrates that there is no good faith intention to prosecute the action against that defendant or to seek a joint judgment including that defendant. (3) In determining whether to grant or deny a motion under paragraph (1)(B), the court may permit the pleadings to be amended, and shall consider the pleadings, affidavits, and other evidence submitted by the parties. (4) If the court finds that all defendants described in paragraph (1)(B) have been fraudulently joined under paragraph (2), it shall dismiss without prejudice the claims against those defendants and shall deny the motion described in paragraph (1)(B). .
IIB 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 725 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 13, 2017 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary AN ACT To amend title 28, United States Code, to prevent fraudulent joinder.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Innocent Party Protection Act . 2. Prevention of fraudulent joinder Section 1447 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Fraudulent joinder (1) This subsection shall apply to any case in which— (A) a civil action is removed solely on the basis of the jurisdiction conferred by section 1332(a); (B) a motion to remand is made on the ground that— (i) one or more defendants are citizens of the same State as one or more plaintiffs; or (ii) one or more defendants properly joined and served are citizens of the State in which the action was brought; and (C) the motion is opposed on the ground that the joinder of the defendant or defendants described in subparagraph (B) is fraudulent. (2) The joinder of a defendant described in paragraph (1)(B) is fraudulent if the court finds that— (A) there is actual fraud in the pleading of jurisdictional facts with respect to that defendant; (B) based on the complaint and the materials submitted under paragraph (3), it is not plausible to conclude that applicable State law would impose liability on that defendant; (C) State or Federal law clearly bars all claims in the complaint against that defendant; or (D) objective evidence clearly demonstrates that there is no good faith intention to prosecute the action against that defendant or to seek a joint judgment including that defendant. (3) In determining whether to grant or deny a motion under paragraph (1)(B), the court may permit the pleadings to be amended, and shall consider the pleadings, affidavits, and other evidence submitted by the parties. (4) If the court finds that all defendants described in paragraph (1)(B) have been fraudulently joined under paragraph (2), it shall dismiss without prejudice the claims against those defendants and shall deny the motion described in paragraph (1)(B). .

Passed the House of Representatives March 9, 2017. Karen L. Haas, Clerk
IB Union Calendar No. 5 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 725 [Report No. 115–17] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 30, 2017 Mr. Buck (for himself, Mr. Goodlatte , Mr. Franks of Arizona , Mr. Farenthold , and Mr. Smith of Texas ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary February 24, 2017 Additional sponsor: Mr. Sessions February 24, 2017 Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed A BILL To amend title 28, United States Code, to prevent fraudulent joinder.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Innocent Party Protection Act . 2. Prevention of fraudulent joinder Section 1447 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Fraudulent joinder (1) This subsection shall apply to any case in which— (A) a civil action is removed solely on the basis of the jurisdiction conferred by section 1332(a); (B) a motion to remand is made on the ground that— (i) one or more defendants are citizens of the same State as one or more plaintiffs; or (ii) one or more defendants properly joined and served are citizens of the State in which the action was brought; and (C) the motion is opposed on the ground that the joinder of the defendant or defendants described in subparagraph (B) is fraudulent. (2) The joinder of a defendant described in paragraph (1)(B) is fraudulent if the court finds that— (A) there is actual fraud in the pleading of jurisdictional facts with respect to that defendant; (B) based on the complaint and the materials submitted under paragraph (3), it is not plausible to conclude that applicable State law would impose liability on that defendant; (C) State or Federal law clearly bars all claims in the complaint against that defendant; or (D) objective evidence clearly demonstrates that there is no good faith intention to prosecute the action against that defendant or to seek a joint judgment including that defendant. (3) In determining whether to grant or deny a motion under paragraph (1)(B), the court may permit the pleadings to be amended, and shall consider the pleadings, affidavits, and other evidence submitted by the parties. (4) If the court finds that all defendants described in paragraph (1)(B) have been fraudulently joined under paragraph (2), it shall dismiss without prejudice the claims against those defendants and shall deny the motion described in paragraph (1)(B). .

February 24, 2017 Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 727 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 30, 2017 Mr. Lamborn introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit Federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting after fiscal year 2019.

1. Prohibition on Federal funds for Corporation for Public Broadcasting after fiscal year 2019 (a) In general Section 396 of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 396 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (n) Prohibition on Federal funds after fiscal year 2019 No Federal funds may be made available to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting after fiscal year 2019. . (b) Corporation prohibited from accepting Federal funds Subsection (g) of such section is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting subject to paragraph (3)(C), before obtain ; and (2) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) accepting funds from the Federal Government after fiscal year 2019. . (c) Conforming amendments Such section is further amended— (1) in subsection (k)(3)(A)(iv)(II), by inserting through fiscal year 2019 after amounts received ; and (2) in subsection (m)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting through fiscal year 2019 after every three years thereafter ; and (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting and through fiscal year 2019, after 1989, .
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 728 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 30, 2017 Mr. LoBiondo (for himself, Mr. Frelinghuysen , Mr. Lance , and Mr. Smith of New Jersey ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing oil and gas leases on portions of the Outer Continental Shelf located off the coast of New Jersey.

1. Prohibition on oil and gas leasing off the coast of New Jersey (a) Prohibition The Secretary of the Interior shall not issue a lease, permit, or license for the exploration for or extraction of oil or gas on or from submerged lands described in subsection (b). (b) Lands described The submerged lands with respect to which subsection (a) applies are all submerged lands seaward from the landward boundary of the Outer Continental Shelf that lie within 125 miles of any point of the coastline of the State of New Jersey.
I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 730 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 30, 2017 Mr. Amash (for himself, Mr. Conyers , Mr. Massie , and Mrs. Dingell ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to remove limitations on the ability of certain dual citizens from participating in the Visa Waiver Program, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Equal Protection in Travel Act of 2017 . 2. Removal of limitations of certain dual citizens from participating in the Visa Waiver Program Section 217(a)(12) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking in subparagraphs (B) and (C)— and inserting in subparagraphs (B) and (C), the alien has not been present, at any time on or after March 1, 2011— ; (B) in subclause (III) of clause (i), by striking ; and at the end and inserting a period; (C) in clause (i), by striking the matter preceding subclause (I); (D) by striking clause (ii); and (E) by redesignating subclauses (I), (II), and (III) of clause (i) as clauses (i), (ii), and (iii); and (2) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking (A)(i) and inserting (A) .