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Q: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Sustainable Revenue for Oregon 
Counties Act of 2009''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) more than half of the land in the State of Oregon is 
        owned by the Federal Government;
            (2) in many counties of the State, significant portions of 
        the land of the counties (often significantly more than half of 
        the land of the counties) is owned by the Federal Government;
            (3) the land described in paragraph (2) includes Forest 
        Service land and Oregon and California grant land;
            (4) the counties described in paragraph (2) are unable to 
        derive revenue from property taxes on land owned by the Federal 
        Government;
            (5) historically, payments made by the Federal Government 
        based on revenues from harvesting timber (including Oregon and 
        California grant land and Forest Service payments) have 
        provided a revenue substitute for property taxes;
            (6) the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-
        Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 500 note; Public Law 106-
        393) augmented the payments described in paragraph (5) because 
        of a significant decline in timber harvest revenues;
            (7) Congress extended the payments described in paragraph 
        (6) for 1 year in 2007, and for 4 years effective beginning in 
        2008, to provide time to develop a long-term sustainable 
        alternative to the payments described in paragraph (6);
            (8) the prospects for a long-term extension are uncertain 
        because of concerns regarding Federal budget deficits and long-
        term financial assistance to local governments of the State;
            (9) counties of the State that have historically received 
        the payments described in paragraph (5) are in need of a 
        sustainable, long-term revenue source;
            (10) there are opportunities for the conduct of activities 
        in the Federal forest land of the counties of the State that 
        could be structured to be economically and environmentally 
        sustainable, including--
                    (A) the harvesting of timber (including thinning to 
                restore forest health) in a sustainable manner and in 
                sustainable quantities;
                    (B) the removal of biomass material from the forest 
                land for--
                            (i) the generation of electricity; and
                            (ii) the production of cellulosic biofuels;
                    (C) the conduct of activities that could--
                            (i) increase the sequestration by the 
                        forest land of atmospheric carbon; or
                            (ii) provide other ecosystem services for 
                        communities, such as clean water; and
                    (D) the conduct of recreational activities;
            (11) other sources of revenue, including State and local 
        revenue sources, should also be considered in selecting a 
        sustainable, long-term revenue source; and
            (12) payments made by the Federal Government could be 
        continued under a variety of different payment methodologies.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Secretaries concerned.--The term ``Secretaries 
        concerned'' means--
                    (A) the Secretary of Agriculture; and
                    (B) the Secretary of the Interior.
            (2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Oregon.
            (3) Task force.--The term ``Task Force'' means the Oregon 
        Task Force on Sustainable Revenue for Counties established by 
        section 4(a).

SEC. 4. TASK FORCE.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established a task force to be known 
as the ``Oregon Task Force on Sustainable Revenue for Counties''.
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) Composition.--The Task Force shall be composed of 15 
        members, of whom--
                    (A) 4 members shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned, of whom--
                            (i) each shall represent a county of the 
                        State; and
                            (ii) 2 shall represent counties in which 
                        there is located Oregon and California grant 
                        land;
                    (B) 1 member shall be appointed by the Governor of 
                the State as the representative of the Governor of the 
                State;
                    (C) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned from among persons who are experts in 
                economics (including natural resource economics);
                    (D) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned from among persons who are experts in 
                sustainable forestry practices;
                    (E) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned from among persons who are experts in 
                scientific and economic aspects of biomass energy;
                    (F) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned from among persons who are experts in the 
                scientific aspects of ecosystem services that are 
                provided by temperate forests (including, at a minimum, 
                the scientific aspects of carbon sequestration);
                    (G) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned from among persons who are experts in fields 
                relating to wildlife habitat, endangered species, and 
                biodiversity;
                    (H) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned as a representative of the forest products 
                industry located in the State;
                    (I) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned as a representative of regionally or locally 
                recognized conservation organizations located in the 
                State;
                    (J) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned as a representative of--
                            (i) organized labor; or
                            (ii) nontimber forest product harvester 
                        groups;
                    (K) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned as a representative of persons who 
                participate in or provide recreational activities or 
                are engaged in related activities; and
                    (L) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretaries 
                concerned as a representative of Indian tribes that are 
                located in the State.
            (2) Date of appointments.--The appointment of a member of 
        the Task Force shall be made not later than 60 days after the 
        date of enactment of this Act.
    (c) Term; Vacancies.--
            (1) Term.--A member shall be appointed for the life of the 
        Task Force.
            (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Task Force--
                    (A) shall not affect the powers of the Task Force; 
                and
                    (B) shall be filled in the same manner as the 
                original appointment was made.
    (d) Initial Meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
which all members of the Task Force have been appointed, the Task Force 
shall hold the initial meeting of the Task Force.
    (e) Meetings.--
            (1) In general.--The Task Force shall meet at the call of 
        the Chairperson.
            (2) Public access.--Each meeting of the Task Force shall be 
        open to the public.
    (f) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Task Force shall 
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
    (g) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.--The Task Force shall select 
a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the members of the Task 
Force.

SEC. 5. DUTIES.

    (a) Consideration and Review of Revenue Sources.--
            (1) In general.--The Task Force shall consider and review 
        concepts for the establishment of a long-term revenue source 
        for counties located in the State that have historically 
        received Federal funds.
            (2) Revenue sources.--In conducting the consideration and 
        review under paragraph (1), in accordance with paragraph (3), 
        the Task Force shall consider--
                    (A) revenue sources proposed by relevant 
                legislation or administrative actions;
                    (B) payments based on timber harvests (including 
                thinning to restore forest health) carried out at 
                sustainable levels;
                    (C) payments based on revenues that each county of 
                the State could have received through property taxation 
                if the land owned by the Federal Government located in 
                the county was privately held and subject to a property 
                tax;
                    (D) revenue based on--
                            (i) a portion of the proceeds from sales of 
                        material collected from public land located in 
                        the State for the production of biomass 
                        electricity or cellulosic liquid transportation 
                        fuels;
                            (ii) user fees for recreational activities 
                        carried out on public land located in the 
                        State;
                            (iii) payments for increases in carbon 
                        sequestration; and
                            (iv) land exchanges or transfers that could 
                        provide compensation for nontaxable Federal 
                        land located in counties of the State;
                    (E) local sources of revenue that could be used to 
                reduce or eliminate the reliance of counties of the 
                State on Federal funds (including taxes, user fees, or 
                economic development activities that could increase the 
                revenue base of the counties of the State);
                    (F) payments made by the Federal Government to the 
                counties of the State, including--
                            (i) guaranteed payments that are to be 
                        established at a reduced level and not based on 
                        timber harvest revenues; and
                            (ii) guaranteed payments that are to be 
                        established--
                                    (I) at a level similar to the level 
                                of payments reauthorized in 2008;
                                    (II) in part by timber harvest 
                                revenues; and
                                    (III) with the use of additional 
                                Federal funds to the extent that timber 
                                harvest revenues described in subclause 
                                (II) do not meet the guaranteed level 
                                of payment; and
                    (G) any other revenue source that the Task Force 
                determines to be appropriate for consideration and 
                review.
            (3) Factors.--In considering each revenue source under 
        paragraph (2), the Task Force shall take into account--
                    (A) the long-term sustainability of each revenue 
                source considered under paragraph (2);
                    (B) the relative value, long-term sustainability, 
                and any other implication of the relative reliance of 
                the counties of the State on revenues arising from 
                Federal forests located in the counties, as compared to 
                other local revenue sources;
                    (C) the potential long-term effects of each revenue 
                source considered under paragraph (2) on the economies 
                of the counties of the State;
                    (D) revenue sources that are used by other cities 
                or counties of the State;
                    (E) the environmental effects of each revenue 
                source considered under paragraph (2);
                    (F) the effect of each revenue source considered 
                under paragraph (2) on local revenue streams and county 
                services; and
                    (G) comments submitted to the Task Force by a 
                stakeholder relating to any issue or proposal 
                considered by the Task Force.
    (b) Hearings.--
            (1) In general.--The Task Force shall hold such hearings, 
        meet and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and 
        receive such evidence as the Task Force considers advisable to 
        receive the input and determine the opinions of the public and 
        stakeholders with respect to the establishment of a 
        sustainable, long-term revenue source for the counties of the 
        State.
            (2) Incorporation of public and stakeholder input.--In 
        preparing the report required under subsection (c), the Task 
        Force shall incorporate into the recommendations of the Task 
        Force required under subsection (c)(2), to the maximum extent 
        practicable, the public and stakeholder input received under 
        paragraph (1).
    (c) Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Task Force shall submit to the Committee on Natural 
Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy 
and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that contains--
            (1) a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of 
        the Task Force;
            (2) a description of not less than 2 policy scenarios for 
        providing sustainable revenue to the counties of the State that 
        are recommended by not less than \3/5\ of the members of the 
        Task force for consideration by the Federal Government, the 
        State, and the counties of the State as the Task Force 
        considers appropriate (including such legislation and 
        administrative actions necessary to implement each policy 
        scenario);
            (3) a description of the opinion of each member of the Task 
        Force regarding each policy scenario described in paragraph 
        (2);
            (4) a description of the minority views of each member of 
        the Task Force who does not support any policy scenario 
        described in paragraph (2);
            (5) a description of each revenue source considered but not 
        recommended by the Task Force under paragraph (2), including--
                    (A) an explanation of each reason why the Task 
                Force did not recommend the policy scenario; and
                    (B) a description of the minority views of each 
                member of the Task Force relating to the decision by 
                the Task Force not to recommend the policy scenario; 
                and
            (6) a summary of comments received by the Task Force under 
        subsections (a)(3)(G) and (b)(1).
    (d) Required Hearings.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
which each committee described in subsection (c) receives the report 
required under that subsection, each committee shall hold a hearing to 
evaluate the recommendations contained in the report.

SEC. 6. POWERS.

    (a) Information From Federal Agencies.--
            (1) In general.--The Task Force may secure directly from a 
        Federal agency such information as the Task Force considers 
        necessary to carry out this Act.
            (2) Provision of information.--On request of the 
        Chairperson of the Task Force, the head of the agency shall 
        provide the information to the Task Force.
    (b) Postal Services.--The Task Force may use the United States 
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other 
agencies of the Federal Government.
    (c) Gifts.--The Task Force may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or 
donations of services or property.

SEC. 7. TASK FORCE PERSONNEL MATTERS.

    (a) Compensation of Members.--Each member of the Task Force shall 
serve without compensation.
    (b) Travel Expenses.--A member of the Task Force shall be allowed 
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates 
authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 
57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular 
place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the 
Task Force.
    (c) Detail of Federal Government Employees.--
            (1) In general.--An employee of the Federal Government may 
        be detailed to the Task Force without reimbursement.
            (2) Civil service status.--The detail of the employee shall 
        be without interruption or loss of civil service status or 
        privilege.
    (d) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--The 
Chairperson of the Task Force may procure temporary and intermittent 
services in accordance with section 3109(b) of title 5, United States 
Code, at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent 
of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive 
Schedule under section 5316 of that title.

SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary 
to carry out this Act, to remain available until expended.

SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF TASK FORCE.

    The Task Force shall terminate 120 days after the date on which the 
Task Force submits the report of the Task Force under section 5(c).

A: Sustainable Revenue for Oregon Counties Act of 2009 - Establishes the Oregon Task Force on Sustainable Revenue for Counties to consider and review concepts for the establishment of a long-term revenue source for counties in Oregon that have historically received federal funds.

Directs the Task Force, in conducting the consideration and review, to consider: (1) revenue sources proposed by relevant legislation or administrative actions; (2) payments based on timber harvests, including thinning to restore forest health, carried out at sustainable levels; (3) payments based on the revenues each county could have received through property taxation if the land owned by the federal government was privately held and subject to a property tax; (4) revenue based on a portion of the proceeds from sales of material collected from public land in Oregon for the production of biomass electricity or cellulosic liquid transportation fuels, user fees for recreational activities on such land, payments for increases in carbon sequestration, and land exchanges or transfers that could provide compensation for nontaxable federal land in the counties; (5) local revenue sources that could be used to reduce or eliminate reliance of the counties on federal funds; (6) federal payments made by the government to the counties, including specified guaranteed payments; and (7) any other revenue source appropriate for review.

Requires the Task Force to hold hearings on the establishment of a sustainable, long-term revenue source for the counties.
****
Q: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

     This Act may be cited as ``The American Horse Slaughter Prevention 
Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

     Congress makes the following findings:
            (1) Horses have played a significant role in the history 
        and culture of the United States.
            (2) Horses in the United States are not raised for food or 
        fiber.
            (3) As a non-food and recreational animal, horses should be 
        protected from slaughter.
            (4) The foreign-owned horse slaughter industry has 
        slaughtered and exported for human consumption over 3 million 
        American horses in the last 2 decades.
            (5) Approximately 55,000 American horses are slaughtered 
        for human consumption annually in the United States by foreign-
        owned slaughterhouses. Tens of thousands of live horses are 
        exported from the United States annually for slaughter.
            (6) Horses slaughtered in these foreign-owned plants in the 
        United States have often been hauled several thousand miles 
        over several days, contrary to acceptable non-slaughter 
        standards for water, food, and rest.
            (7) Many horses shipped to slaughter are young, healthy 
        animals. Others are old, sick, blind, crippled and in otherwise 
        poor condition and are unfit to withstand the rigors of long 
        travel. Horses sent to be slaughtered are often shipped on 
        crowded double deck trucks designed for shorter necked species 
        such as pigs, cattle and sheep, and are forced to travel in a 
        bent position which can result in suffering, injury and death.
            (8) Killing of horses by foreign-owned slaughterhouses in 
        the United States contrasts with the preferable method of 
        killing by chemical euthanasia.
            (9) Horses endure repeated blows to the head with stunning 
        equipment that often does not render the animals unconscious. 
        Some horses proceed still conscious through the remaining 
        stages of slaughter being bled out and dismembered.
            (10) Because horses in America are not food animals, 
        veterinarians commonly prescribe and treat horses with potent 
        drugs that may reside in the horseflesh and be dangerous when 
        consumed by humans.
            (11) Because of the lack of disclosure on the part of the 
        agents and dealers for the slaughter plants people's horses are 
        many times acquired and slaughtered through fraud and 
        misrepresentation. Slaughter also provides a quick and 
        evidence-free outlet for stolen horses.
            (12) The imposition of a ban on the sale of horseflesh for 
        human consumption, regardless of its source, is consistent with 
        the international obligations of the United States because it 
        applies equally to domestic and foreign producers and avoids 
        any discrimination among foreign sources of competing products. 
        Such a ban is also consistent with provisions of international 
        agreements to which the United States is a party that expressly 
        allow for measures designed to protect the health and welfare 
        of animals and to enjoin the use of deceptive trade practices 
        in international or domestic commerce.

SEC. 3. PURPOSE.

     The purpose of this Act is --
            (1) to prohibit the slaughter of horses for human 
        consumption;
            (2) to prohibit the sale, possession, and trade of 
        horseflesh for human consumption;
            (3) to prohibit the sale, possession, and trade of live 
        horses for slaughter for human consumption.

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

     For the purposes of this Act, the following definitions apply:
            (1) Euthanasia.--The term ``euthanasia'' means to kill an 
        animal humanely by means that immediately renders the animal 
        unconscious, with this state remaining until the animal's swift 
        death.
            (2) Export.--The term ``export'' means to take from any 
        place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to a 
        place not subject to such jurisdiction, whether or not the 
        taking constitutes an exportation within the meaning of the 
        customs laws of the United States.
            (3) Horse.--The term ``horse'' means all members of the 
        equid family, including horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, asses, 
        and burros.
            (4) Horseflesh.--The term ``horseflesh'' means the flesh of 
        a dead horse, including the animal's viscera, skin, hair, hide, 
        hooves, and bones.
            (5) Human consumption.--The term ``human consumption'' 
        means ingestion by people as a source of food.
            (6) Import.--The term ``import'' means to bring into any 
        place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States from a 
        place not subject to such jurisdiction, whether or not the 
        bringing constitutes an importation within the meaning of the 
        customs laws of the United States.
            (7) Person.--The term ``person'' means--
                    (A) an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, 
                association, or other private entity;
                    (B) an officer, employee, agent, department, or 
                instrumentality of--
                            (i) the Federal Government; or
                            (ii) any State, municipality, or political 
                        subdivision of State; or
                    (C) any other entity subject to the jurisdiction of 
                the United States.
            (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Agriculture.
            (9) Slaughter.--The term ``slaughter'' means the commercial 
        slaughter of one or more horses with the intent to sell, 
        barter, or trade the flesh for human consumption.
            (10) State.--The term ``State'' means the several States, 
        the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the 
        Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
        Islands, American Samoa, and any other territory, or possession 
        of the United States.
            (11) Transport.--The term ``transport'' means to move by 
        any means, or to receive or load onto a vehicle for the purpose 
        of movement.
            (12) United states.--The term ``United States'' means the 
        customs territory of the United States, as defined in general 
        note 2 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

SEC. 5. PROHIBITED ACTS.

    (a) In General.--A person shall not--
            (1) slaughter a horse for human consumption;
            (2) import into, or export from, the United States 
        horseflesh for human consumption or live horses intended for 
        slaughter for human consumption;
            (3) sell or barter, offer to sell or barter, purchase, 
        possess, transport, deliver, or receive horseflesh for human 
        consumption or live horses intended for slaughter for human 
        consumption; or
            (4) solicit, request, or otherwise knowingly cause any act 
        prohibited under paragraph (1), (2), or (3).

SEC. 6. PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT.

    (a) Criminal Penalties.--A person who violates section 5 shall be 
fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned for not more than 
1 year, or both.
    (b) Civil Penalties.--
            (1) In general.--Any person who violates any provision of 
        section 5 shall, in addition to any other civil or criminal 
        penalty that may be imposed under title 18, United States Code, 
        or any other provision of law, be assessed, by the Secretary, a 
        civil penalty of not more than $5,000 but not less than $2,500, 
        and shall have confiscated all horses in that person's physical 
        or legal possession at the time of arrest, if said horses are 
        intended for slaughter.
            (2) Debarment.--The Secretary shall prohibit a person from 
        importing, exporting, transporting, trading, or selling horses 
        in the United States, if the Secretary finds that the person 
        has engaged in a pattern or practice of actions that has 
        resulted in a final judicial or administrative determination 
        with respect to the assessment of criminal or civil penalties 
        for violations of any provision of this Act
    (c) Notice; Hearing.--No monetary penalty may be assessed under 
this subsection against a person unless the person is given notice and 
opportunity for a hearing with respect to such violation in accordance 
with section 554 of title 5, United States Code.
    (d) Enforcement.--
            (1) Use of personnel.--The Secretary shall enforce this 
        Act, and may use, by agreement, the personnel, services, and 
        facilities of any other Federal, State, or local agency for the 
        purposes of enforcing this Act. For good cause shown, the 
        Secretary may remit or mitigate any civil penalty.
            (2) Execution of process; arrest; search; seizure.--Any 
        person authorized by the Secretary to enforce this Act may 
        execute any warrant or process issued by any officer or court 
        of competent jurisdiction to enforce this Act. Such a person so 
        authorized may, in addition to any other authority conferred by 
        law--
                    (A) with or without warrant or other process, 
                arrest any person committing in his presence or view a 
                violation of this Act or the regulations issued 
                thereunder;
                    (B) seize the cargo of any truck or other 
                conveyance used or employed to violate this Act or the 
                regulations issued hereunder or which reasonably 
                appears to have been so used or employed; and
                    (C) seize, whenever and wherever found, all horses 
                and horseflesh possessed in violation of this Act or 
                the regulations issued thereunder and dispose of them, 
                in accordance with this section and regulations 
                prescribed by the Secretary.
            (3) Placement of confiscated horses.--
                    (A) Temporary placement.--After confiscation of a 
                live horse pursuant to this Act, the arresting 
                authorities shall work with animal welfare societies 
                and animal control departments to ensure the temporary 
                placement of the horse with an animal rescue facility 
                that is an organization described in section 501(c)(3) 
                of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from 
                taxation under section 501(a) of such Code, while the 
                person charged with violating this Act is prosecuted. 
                If placement at such a facility is not possible, the 
                arresting authorities shall work with animal welfare 
                societies and animal control departments to temporarily 
                place the horse with a facility that has as its primary 
                purpose the humane treatment of animals, or another 
                suitable location.
                    (B) Bonds.--
                            (i) Posting of bond.--The owner of a horse 
                        confiscated pursuant to this Act may prevent 
                        permanent placement of the horse by the 
                        facility that has temporary custody of the 
                        horse by posting a bond with the court in an 
                        amount the court determines is sufficient to 
                        provide for the necessary care and keeping of 
                        the horse for at least 60 days, including the 
                        day on which the horse was taken into custody. 
                        Such bond shall be filed with the court within 
                        10 days after the horse is confiscated. If a 
                        bond is not so posted, the custodial facility 
                        shall determine permanent placement of the 
                        horse in accordance with reasonable practices 
                        for the humane treatment of animals. If the 
                        animal has not yet been returned to the owner 
                        at the end of the time for which expenses are 
                        covered by the bond, and if the owner desires 
                        to prevent permanent placement of the animal by 
                        the custodial facility, the owner shall post a 
                        new bond with the court within ten days 
                        following the prior bond's expiration. If a new 
                        bond is not so posted, the custodial facility 
                        shall determine permanent placement of the 
                        horse in accordance with reasonable practices 
                        for the humane treatment of animals.
                            (ii) Costs for providing care for horse 
                        deducted from bond.--If a bond has been posted 
                        in accordance with clause (i), the custodial 
                        facility may draw from the bond the actual 
                        reasonable costs incurred by the facility in 
                        providing the necessary care and keeping of the 
                        confiscated horse from the date of the initial 
                        confiscation to the date of final disposition 
                        of the horse in the criminal action charging a 
                        violation of this Act.
                    (C) Permanent placement.--Any horse confiscated 
                pursuant to this Act and not returned to the owner 
                thereafter (except where otherwise provided in 
                paragraph (4)) shall be placed permanently with an 
                animal rescue facility or other suitable facility as 
                described in this section upon--
                            (i) the conviction of the horse's owner 
                        pursuant to this Act;
                            (ii) the owner's surrender of the horse;
                            (iii) the failure of the horse's owner to 
                        post a bond as required in accordance with 
                        subparagraph (B); or
                            (iv) the Secretary's inability to identify 
                        the owner.
            (4) Euthanasia of horses.--
                    (A) Emergency circumstances.--The Secretary or any 
                law enforcement individual charged with enforcing this 
                Act may order or perform the immediate euthanasia of 
                any horse in the field when such horse is injured 
                beyond recovery and suffering irreversibly. Methods 
                used shall be in accordance with the most recent Report 
                of the American Veterinary Medical Association's Panel 
                on Euthanasia (2000) and State and local laws and may 
                include gunshot, but shall not include electrocution or 
                penetrating captive bolt.
                    (B) Horses beyond recovery and unplaceable.--The 
                Secretary or any individual charged with enforcing this 
                Act may order the euthanasia of any confiscated horse 
                when injured, disabled, or diseased beyond recovery or 
                when placement at an animal rescue facility or other 
                suitable facility, as described in this section, is not 
                possible within 90 days of any circumstance as 
                described in section 6(d)(3)(C). An equine or large-
                animal veterinarian shall perform the euthanasia rated 
                ``Acceptable'' for horses in the most recent Report of 
                the American Veterinary Medical Association's Panel on 
                Euthanasia (2000), but shall not include penetrating 
                captive bolt, electrocution, gunshot, or other non-
                chemical means.
    (e) Funding of Animal Rescue Facilities.--
            (1) Grants.--To the extent that funds are made available 
        for this purpose by Acts of appropriation, the Secretary shall 
        make grants to animal rescue facilities described in this 
        section that have given adequate assurances to the Secretary 
        that they are willing to accept horses confiscated pursuant to 
        this Act.
            (2) Penalties, fines, and forfeited property.--Amounts 
        received as penalties, fines, or forfeited property under this 
        Act shall be used for the care of any live horses seized from 
        violators of this Act and taken into the possession of the 
        United States or placed with an animal rescue facility as 
        described in this section.
    (f) Calculation of Violations.--For purposes of this section, a 
separate offense shall be calculated as follows:
            (1) Each live horse transported, traded, slaughtered, or 
        possessed in violation of this Act shall constitute a separate 
        offense.
            (2) Every four hundred pounds or less of confiscated 
        horseflesh shall constitute a separate offense.

SEC. 7. REPORT ON ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS.

     Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a 
report to Congress on the efforts of the United States Government to 
enforce the provisions of this Act and the adequacy of the resources to 
do so.

SEC. 8. EXEMPTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Except as provided in section 5, nothing in this 
Act shall be construed to affect the regulation by any State of its 
horse population.
    (b) Exception for Designated Law Enforcement Official Purposes.--A 
person described in section 4(7)(B) may engage in activities described 
in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of section 5 solely for purposes of 
enforcing this Act.

SEC. 9. DATE OF ENFORCEMENT.

     This Act shall take effect one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act.

A: The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act - Prohibits a person from: (1) slaughtering a horse for human consumption; (2) importing to, or exporting from, the United States horseflesh or horses for human consumption; (3) selling, bartering, transferring, receiving, or distributing horseflesh or horses for human consumption; or (4) soliciting or knowingly causing any such actions.Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) criminal and civil penalties; (2) enforcement authority of the Secretary of Agriculture; (3) placement of confiscated horses; (4) euthanasia of unplaceable or severely injured or diseased horses; (4) funding of animal rescue facilities; and (5) exemptions.
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Q: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Section Commission to Advise on 
Reforming Elections Act''.

SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF SELECT COMMISSION TO ADVISE ON REFORMING 
              ELECTIONS.

    There is established a commission to be known as the ``Select 
Commission to Advise on Reforming Elections'' (referred to in this Act 
as the ``Commission''). The purposes of the Commission are to study the 
laws relating to the financing of campaigns for elections for Federal 
office and to report and recommend legislation to reform those laws.

SEC. 3. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 12 members 
appointed not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of 
this Act by the President, of whom--
            (1) Three members shall be appointed from among a list of 
        nominees submitted by the majority leader of the House of 
        Representatives;
            (2) Three members shall be appointed from among a list of 
        nominees submitted by the majority leader of the Senate;
            (3) Two members shall be appointed from among a list of 
        nominees submitted by the minority leader of the House of 
        Representatives;
            (4) Two members shall be appointed from among a list of 
        nominees submitted by the minority leader of the Senate; and
            (5) Two members shall be appointed from individuals meeting 
        such criteria as the President may apply.
    (b) Chair.--The members of the Commission shall select two members 
to serve as co-chairs of the Commission.
    (c) Terms.--The members of the Commission shall serve for the life 
of the Commission.
    (d) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the 
manner in which the original appointment was made.

SEC. 4. POWERS OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Hearings.--The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out 
this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take 
testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers 
appropriate.
    (b) Quorum.--Five members of the Commission shall constitute a 
quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.

SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

    (a) Pay and Travel Expenses of Members.--(1) Each member of the 
Commission, other than the co-chairs, shall be paid at a rate equal to 
the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay payable for level 
IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United 
States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the 
member is engaged in the actual performance of duties vested in the 
Commission. Each co-chair shall be paid for each day referred to in the 
preceding sentence at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the 
annual rate of basic pay payable for level III of the Executive 
Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, United States Code.
    (2) Members of the Commission shall receive travel expenses, 
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 
5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
    (b) Staff Director.--The Commission shall, without regard to 
section 5311(b) of title 5, United States Code, appoint a staff 
director, who shall be paid at the rate of basic pay payable for level 
IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United 
States Code.
    (c) Staff of Commission; Services.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to such rules as may be adopted by 
        the Commission, the staff director of the Commission, without 
        regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, 
        governing appointments in the competitive service and without 
        regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of 
        chapter 53 of that title relating to classifications and 
        General Schedule pay rates, and subject to the approval of the 
Commission, may appoint such personnel as the staff director considers 
necessary, except that an individual so appointed may not receive pay 
in excess of the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-
15 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States 
Code.
            (2) Temporary and intermittent services.--Subject to the 
        approval of the Commission, the staff director of the 
        Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services to 
        the same extent as is authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5, 
        United States Code.

SEC. 6. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES IN LAW.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the appointment of its 
members, the Commission shall submit to the President, the Speaker and 
minority leader of the House of Representatives, and the majority and 
minority leaders of the Senate a report of the activities of the 
Commission.
    (b) Recommendations for Changes in Campaign Finance Laws.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Commission 
        shall submit to the President, the Speaker and minority leader 
        of the House of Representatives, and the majority and minority 
        leaders of the Senate any recommendations for changes in the 
        laws (including regulations) governing the conducting and 
        financing of Federal campaigns (including any changes in the 
        rules of the Senate or the House of Representatives) to which 
        seven or more members of the Commission may agree--
                    (A) by including such recommendations in the report 
                submitted under subsection (a); or
                    (B) with the approval of a majority of its members, 
                by submitting a supplemental report containing such 
                recommendations not later than 180 days after 
                submitting the report under subsection (a).
            (2) Final deadline.--The Commission may not submit 
        recommendations under this subsection after July 15, 1998.
    (c) Dissenting Views.--The Commission shall include in the report 
submitted under subsection (a) and in any recommendations submitted 
under subsection (b) any dissenting or minority views of its members, 
including recommendations for changes in law which were proposed by any 
member and to which seven or more members did not agree.

SEC. 7. EXPEDITED CONGRESSIONAL CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION 
              IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS.

    (a) Preparation of Legislation.--If the Commission submits any 
recommendation for changes in the laws under section 6(b), those 
members concurring in the recommendation shall include with the 
recommendation legislation to implement the recommendation.
    (b) Expedited Congressional Consideration of Legislation.--
            (1) In general.--If any legislation is introduced the 
        substance of which implements a recommendation of the 
        Commission submitted under section 6(b), subject to paragraph 
        (2), the provisions of section 2908 (other than subsection (a)) 
        of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 shall 
        apply to the consideration of the legislation in the same 
        manner as such provisions apply to a joint resolution described 
        in section 2908(a) of such Act.
            (2) Special rules.--For purposes of applying paragraph (1) 
        with respect to such provisions, the following rules shall 
        apply:
                    (A) Any reference to the Committee on Armed 
                Services of the House of Representatives shall be 
                deemed a reference to the Committee on House Oversight 
                of the House of Representatives and any reference to 
                the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate shall be 
                deemed a reference to the Committee on Rules and 
                Administration of the Senate.
                    (B) Any reference to the date on which the 
                President transmits a report shall be deemed a 
                reference to the date on which the recommendation 
                involved is submitted under section 6(b).

SEC. 8. TERMINATION.

    The Commission shall cease to exist 90 days after the later of--
            (1) the date of the submission of its report under section 
        6(a); or
            (2) the date of the submission of its recommendations under 
        section 6(b).

A:
Select Commission to Advise on Reforming Elections Act - Establishes the Select Commission to Advise on Reforming Elections to study the laws relating to the financing of campaigns for Federal elections and to report and recommend legislation to reform those laws. 
(Sec. 6) Requires the Commission to submit a report to the President, the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives, and the majority and minority leaders of the Senate on its activities.  Directs the Commission, as specified, to submit to the President, the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives, and the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, any recommendations for changes in campaign finance laws to which seven or more Commission members may agree.  Prohibits the submission of recommendations by the Commission after July 15, 1998. 
(Sec. 7) Requires that when the Commission submits any recommendation for changes in campaign finance laws, those Commission members concurring in the recommendation shall include legislation to implement the recommendation.  Provides for expedited congressional consideration of any legislation introduced which implements a recommendation of the Commission. 
(Sec. 8) Terminates the Commission after the later of:  (1) the submission of its report; or (2) the submission of its recommendations.
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