114 HR 1070 IH: Student Bill of Rights
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-02-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1070
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 25, 2015
			Mr. Fattah introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

		A BILL
		To provide for adequate and equitable educational opportunities for students in State public school
			 systems, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Student Bill of Rights. 2.Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

				Sec. 1. Short title.
				Sec. 2. Table of contents.
				Sec. 3. Findings and purposes.
				Title I—Educational opportunity in State public school systems
				Subtitle A—Access to educational opportunity
				Sec. 111. Adequate and equitable State public school systems.
				Sec. 112. State educational adequacy and equity requirements.
				Sec. 113. State-established standards for opportunity to learn.
				Subtitle B—State accountability
				Sec. 121. Determination of educationally adequate and inequitable State public school systems.
				Sec. 122. State accountability for improvement of educational opportunity.
				Sec. 123. Consequences of nonremediation.
				Subtitle C—Public reporting and remedy
				Sec. 131. Annual report by Secretary on adequacy and equity in State public school systems.
				Sec. 132. Civil action for enforcement.
				Title II—Effects of educational disparities on economic growth and national defense
				Sec. 201. Effects on economic growth and productivity.
				Sec. 202. Effects on national defense.
				Title III—General provisions
				Sec. 301. Definitions.
				Sec. 302. Notice and opportunity for hearing.
				Sec. 303. Rulemaking.
				Sec. 304. Rule of construction.
		3.Findings and purposes
 (a)FindingsThe Congress finds the following: (1)A high-quality, highly competitive education for all students is imperative for the economic growth and productivity of the United States, for its effective national defense, and for achievement of the historical aspiration to be one Nation of equal citizens. It is therefore necessary and proper to overcome the nationwide phenomenon of educationally inadequate or inequitable State public school systems, in which high-quality public schools serve high-income communities and poor-quality schools serve low-income, urban, rural, and minority communities.
 (2)There exists in the States an ever-widening educational opportunity gap for low-income, urban, rural, and minority students characterized by the following:
 (A)Highly differential educational expenditures among local educational agencies within States. (B)Continuing disparities within the States in students’ access to the opportunity to learn indicators described in section 112(a).
 (C)Radically differential educational achievement among local educational agencies within the States, as measured by the following:
 (i)Achievement in mathematics, reading or language arts, and science on State academic achievement tests and measures, including the academic assessments described in section 113(b)(1).
 (ii)Advanced placement courses offered and taken. (iii)Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and ACT Assessment scores.
 (iv)Dropout rates and graduation rates. (v)College-going and college-completion rates.
 (vi)Job placement and retention rates and indices of job quality. (3)As a consequence of this educational opportunity gap, the quality of a child’s education depends largely upon where the child’s family lives, and the detriments of lower quality public education are imposed particularly on—
 (A)children from low-income families; (B)children living in urban and rural areas; and
 (C)minority children. (4)Since 1785, the Congress of the United States, exercising the power to admit new States under article IV, section 3 of the Constitution (and previously, the Congress of the Confederation of States under the Articles of Confederation), has imposed upon every State, as a fundamental condition of the State’s admission, the following requirements:
 (A)One, and sometimes two, square-mile lots in every township were to be granted and … reserved for the maintenance and use of public schools. (B)[S]chools and the means of education [are to] be forever encouraged.
 (C)State conventions [were to] provide, by ordinances irrevocable without the consent of the United States and the people of said States … that provision … be made for the establishment and maintenance of systems of public schools which shall be open to all children of said States.
					(See Ordinances of May 20, 1785, and July 13, 1787; Act of March 3, 1845, 28th Cong. 2d Sess., 5
			 Stat. 789, Chap. 76 (admitting Iowa and Florida); Act of February 22,
			 1889, 50th Cong., 2d Sess., Chap. 180 (admitting States created from the
			 Dakota Territories); and the Acts of Congress pertaining to the admission
 of each of the States).(5)Over the years since the landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, when a unanimous United States Supreme Court held that the opportunity of an education … , where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms, courts in 44 of the States have heard challenges to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of educationally inadequate or inequitable State public school systems. (347 U.S. 483, 493 (1954)).
 (6)In 1970, the Presidential Commission on School Finance found that significant disparities in the distribution of educational resources existed among local educational agencies within States because the States relied too significantly on local district financing for educational revenues, and that reforms in systems of school financing would increase the Nation’s ability to serve the educational needs of all children.
 (7)In 1999, the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences published a report entitled Making Money Matter, Financing America’s Schools, which found that the concept of funding adequacy, which moves beyond the more traditional concepts of finance equity to focus attention on the sufficiency of funding for desired educational outcomes, is an important step in developing a fair and productive educational system.
 (8)In 2001, the Executive order establishing the President’s Commission on Educational Resource Equity declared, A quality education is essential to the success of every child in the 21st century and to the continued strength and prosperity of our Nation. … [L]ong-standing gaps in access to educational resources exist, including disparities based on race and ethnicity. (Executive Order 13190, § 1 (January 15, 2001); 66 Fed. Reg. 5424).
 (9)According to the Secretary of Education, as stated in a letter (with enclosures) dated January 19, 2002, from the Secretary to States—
 (A)racial and ethnic minorities continue to suffer from lack of access to educational resources, including experienced and qualified teachers, adequate facilities, and instructional programs and support, including technology, as well as … the funding necessary to secure these resources; and
 (B)these inadequacies are particularly acute in high-poverty schools, including urban schools, where many students of color are isolated and where the effect of the resource gaps may be cumulative. In other words, students who need the most may often receive the least, and these students often are students of color.
 (10)The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107–110), provides that—
 (A)States must establish standards and assessments in mathematics, reading or language arts, and science;
 (B)elementary schools and secondary schools must ensure that all students are proficient in such subjects within 12 years after the end of the 2001–2002 school year; and
 (C)elementary schools and secondary schools will be held accountable for the students’ progress. (11)The standards and accountability movement will succeed only if, in addition to standards and accountability, all schools have access to the educational resources necessary to enable students to achieve.
 (12)Raising standards without ensuring adequate and equitable access to educational resources may, in fact, exacerbate achievement gaps and set children up for failure.
 (13)According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2001–2002, the United States ranks last among developed countries in the difference in the quality of schools available to rich and poor children.
 (14)Each State Government has ultimate authority in determining every important aspect and priority of the public school system that provides elementary and secondary education to children in the State, including whether children throughout the State have high access to the opportunity to learn indicators described in section 112(a).
 (15)Since 1965, the Congress, in exercising its spending authority, has provided substantial Federal financial assistance to the States for the improvement of their public school systems. In their expenditure and oversight of this assistance, the States have failed systematically to achieve the purpose of the Congress in providing the assistance, namely the effective education of all the children of the United States.
 (16)Because a well-educated populace is critical to the Nation’s political and economic well-being and national security, the Federal Government has a substantial interest in ensuring that States provide a high-quality education by ensuring that all children have access to the opportunity to learn indicators described in section 112(a) to enable the children to succeed academically and in life.
 (b)PurposesThe purposes of this Act are the following: (1)To further the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107–110) and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) by holding States accountable for providing all students access to the opportunity to learn indicators described in section 112(a).
 (2)To ensure that all students in public elementary schools and secondary schools receive educational opportunities that enable the students—
 (A)to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship, including the ability to participate fully in the political process through informed electoral choice;
 (B)to meet challenging State student academic achievement standards; and (C)to be able to compete and succeed in a global economy.
 (3)To end the pervasive pattern of educationally inadequate or inequitable State public school systems.
				IEducational opportunity in State public school systems
			AAccess to educational opportunity
 111.Adequate and equitable State public school systemsEach State receiving Federal financial assistance for elementary or secondary education shall maintain a public school system that meets the requirements of section 112 and provides all students in the State with—
 (1)the educational resources needed to succeed academically and in life; and (2)an education that enables the students—
 (A)to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (B)to participate fully in the political process through informed electoral choice; and
 (C)to be able to compete and succeed in a global economy. 112.State educational adequacy and equity requirements (a)Opportunity To learnA State shall provide for all public schools in the State access, at levels defined by the State under section 113 as ideal or adequate, to each of the following opportunity to learn indicators:
 (1)highly effective teachers; (2)early childhood education;
 (3)college preparatory curricula; and (4)equitable instructional resources.
 (b)Comparable educational servicesA State shall provide educational services in local educational agencies that receive funds under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) that are, taken as a whole, at least comparable to educational services provided in local educational agencies not receiving such funds.
 (c)Compliance with court ordersA State shall comply with any substantive Federal or State court order in any matter concerning the adequacy or equity of the State’s public school system, to the extent required in the order.
					113.State-established standards for opportunity to learn
 (a)EstablishmentIn carrying out section 112(a), each State educational agency, in consultation with local educational agencies, teachers, principals, pupil services personnel, administrators, other staff, and parents, shall develop standards to describe and measure the extent to which the State provides to the students in each public school and local educational agency in the State each of the opportunity to learn indicators described in section 112(a) in terms of ideal, adequate, and basic levels of such access.
 (b)Factors for considerationIn defining the levels of access required under subsection (a), the State shall consider, in addition to the factors described in section 112(a)—
 (1)the access available to students in schools in the highest achieving decile of public elementary schools and secondary schools in the State, as determined on the basis of student performance on statewide student academic assessments, including—
 (A)student academic assessments in reading or language arts, mathematics, and science under section 1111(b)(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(3));
 (B)national student academic assessments of reading and mathematics under the National Assessment of Educational Progress carried out under section 303(a) of the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9622(a)); and
 (C)State student academic assessments of reading and mathematics under the National Assessment of Educational Progress carried out under section 303(b)(3) of the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9622(b)(3));
 (2)the unique needs of low-income, urban and rural, and minority students; and (3)other educationally appropriate factors.
 (c)Challenging standardsThe levels of access required under subsection (a) shall be aligned with the challenging State academic content and achievement standards, and the high-quality academic assessments, required under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.).
 (d)Submission to SecretaryA State educational agency shall submit to the Secretary— (1)a description of each of the levels of access required under subsection (a);
 (2)a description of the level of access of each local educational agency, elementary school, and secondary school in the State to each of the opportunity to learn indicators described in section 112(a), including identification of any such schools that do not provide ideal or adequate levels of access (as defined under subsection (a));
 (3)an estimate of the additional cost, if any, of ensuring that the public school system meets the requirements of section 112; and
 (4)the information required under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1) and paragraph (2)(B) of section 131(b).
 (e)Publication and dissemination to parentsThe State annually shall publish the information submitted under subsection (d) and shall disseminate the information to the public and the parents of children attending (or who may attend) public schools in the State, in an understandable and uniform format and, to the extent practicable, in a language that the parents can understand, through such means as the Internet, the media, and public agencies.
					BState accountability
				121.Determination of educationally adequate and inequitable State public school systems
 (a)Annual determination by SecretaryBeginning not later than October 1 of the first full school year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall annually determine whether each State meets each of the requirements of section 112.
 (b)Publication by SecretaryThe Secretary shall publish and make available to the general public (including by means of the Internet) the determinations under subsection (a).
					122.State accountability for improvement of educational opportunity
 (a)State remediation planA State determined under section 121 not to meet the requirements of section 112 shall develop and submit to the Secretary, by not later than 1 year after the determination, a remediation plan (which the State may amend to improve the plan or to take into account significantly changed circumstances), as follows:
 (1)Long-term remediation for Access to opportunity to learn indicatorsIf the State is determined not to meet the requirements under section 112(a) (relating to access to the opportunity to learn indicators), the plan shall provide for the following:
 (A)A description of the actions the State will take to meet the requirements of section 112(a), by not later than 12 years after the end of the 2015–2016 school year, to provide ideal or adequate access (as defined by the State under section 113) to the opportunity to learn indicators for each public school in the State.
 (B)A timeline for improvement that includes annual interim goals for increasing the number of public schools and local educational agencies in the State that have ideal or adequate levels of access (as defined by the State under section 113) to each of the opportunity to learn indicators, in order to achieve the required levels of access within the time described in subparagraph (A).
 (C)Implementation of a single, statewide accountability system to ensure that the State achieves the interim goals described in subparagraph (B).
 (2)Two-year remediation for comparable educational servicesIf the State is determined not to meet the requirements of section 112(b) (relating to comparable educational services), the plan shall describe the actions the State will take to meet the requirements of such section by not later than 2 school years after submission of the plan.
 (b)Disapproval of planThe Secretary may disapprove a plan (or amendment) submitted under subsection (a) that the Secretary determines does not meet the requirements of such subsection.
					123.Consequences of nonremediation
 (a)Failure To meet annual interim access goalsNotwithstanding any other provision of law and in addition to any other consequence under this section, the Secretary shall withhold 2.75 percent of any funds otherwise available to a State (or a State educational agency) for administration of Federal elementary and secondary education programs for each annual interim goal established under section 122(a)(1)(B) for a fiscal year, or a prior fiscal year, that the Secretary determines the State fails to meet.
 (b)Continuing failure To provide comparable educational servicesNotwithstanding any other provision of law and in addition to any other consequence under this section, the Secretary shall withhold from a State determined by the Secretary to continue to fail to meet the requirements of section 112(b) (relating to comparable educational services) at the end of the second school year after a plan is required to be submitted under section 122, up to 331/3 percent of funds otherwise available to the State for administration of Federal elementary and secondary education programs.
 (c)Noncompliance with court ordersNotwithstanding any other provision of law and in addition to any other consequence under this section, the Secretary shall withhold from a State determined by the Secretary to fail to meet the requirements of section 112(c) (relating to compliance with court orders) up to 331/3 percent of funds otherwise available to the State for the administration of Federal elementary and secondary education programs.
 (d)Disposition of withheld fundsFor each State from which funds are withheld under this section, the Secretary shall make a determination whether the State, by not later than 1 year after a determination under subsection (a), (b), or (c), has corrected the condition leading to a withholding of funds and shall distribute withheld funds as follows:
 (1)If the State corrects a condition leading to a withholding of funds, the Secretary shall make the applicable withheld funds available to the State (or State educational agency).
 (2)If the State fails to correct a condition leading to a withholding of funds, the Secretary shall allocate the applicable withheld funds to public schools or local educational agencies affected by the State’s failure to make adequate remediation, for the purpose of enabling the school or local educational agency to correct such condition.
 (e)Temporary waiverThe Secretary may grant a request by a State for a waiver of the withholding provisions of subsections (a) through (c) for a total period of not more than 1 year if—
 (1)the Secretary is satisfied that exceptional circumstances (such as a precipitous decrease in State revenues) prevent a State from complying with the requirements of section 112; and
 (2)the State’s request describes the manner in which the State will comply with the requirements of section 112 by the end of the waiver period.
						CPublic reporting and remedy
				131.Annual report by Secretary on adequacy and equity in State public school systems
 (a)Annual report to CongressNot later than October 1 of the first full school year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Congress a report that provides a detailed analysis of the public school system of each State.
 (b)Contents of reportThe analysis under subsection (a) shall include the following information with respect to each State’s public school system:
						(1)Basic public school system information
 (A)The number of students, elementary schools, secondary schools, and local educational agencies in the public school system.
 (B)For each such school and local educational agency, the number and percentage of— (i)children counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6333(c)); and
 (ii)students, disaggregated by groups described in section 1111(b)(3)(C)(xiii) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(3)(C)(xiii)). (C)For each such school, a statement whether the school is an urban, rural, or mixed school (as defined by the Commissioner for Education Statistics).
 (D)The average per-pupil expenditure (in actual dollars and adjusted for cost and need) for the State and for each school and local educational agency.
 (E)The decile ranking of each local educational agency, as measured by achievement in mathematics, reading or language arts, and science on the academic assessments described in subparagraphs (A) and (C) of section 113(b)(1).
							(2)Success in providing opportunity to learn indicators
 (A)A description of the ideal, adequate, and basic levels of access established by the State under section 113 to each of the opportunity to learn indicators described under section 112(a).
 (B)For each school and local educational agency, the following information: (i)The level of access (as established under section 113) of the school or local educational agency to each of the opportunity to learn indicators described in section 112(a).
 (ii)The percentage of students proficient in mathematics, reading or language arts, and science, as measured through assessments under section 1111(b)(3)(C)(v) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(3)(C)(v)).
 (iii)Whether the school or local educational agency is making adequate yearly progress under section 1111(b)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)).
 (C)The number and names of each school in the State that does not provide each of the opportunity to learn indicators described in section 112(a) at an ideal or adequate level (as established under section 113).
 (3)State remediation actionsIf the State is determined under section 121 not to meet the requirements of section 112— (A)a detailed description and evaluation of—
 (i)the State’s success in carrying out any remediation plan required to be submitted by the State under section 122; and
 (ii)any other actions taken, or measures proposed to be taken, by the State to meet the requirements of section 112; and
 (B)a copy of any remediation plan required to be submitted by the State under section 122 (including any amendments).
 (4)Effects on academic achievementAn analysis of the effects of the average per-pupil expenditure, and the level of access (as provided by the State under section 113) to each of the opportunity to learn indicators described in section 112(a) provided to students in each school and local educational agency on the outcomes of the academic assessments identified in section 113(b)(1).
						(5)Other information
 (A)The most recent information submitted by the State under section 113(d). (B)For the year covered by the report, a summary of any changes in the data required in paragraphs (1) and (2) for each of the preceding 3 years (which may be based on such data as are available for the first 3 reports under subsection (a)).
 (C)Such other information as the Secretary considers useful and appropriate to include. (c)Scope of reportThe report required under subsection (a) shall cover the school year ending in the calendar year in which the report is required to be submitted.
 (d)Submission of data to SecretaryEach State receiving Federal financial assistance for elementary and secondary education shall submit to the Secretary, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require, such data as the Secretary deems necessary to make a determination under section 121 and to submit the report under this section. Such data shall include the information used to measure the State’s success in providing the opportunity to learn indicators described in section 112(a).
 (e)Failure To submit dataIf a State fails to submit the data required to make a determination under section 121— (1)the State shall be deemed to have been determined under such section not to meet the applicable requirements of section 112, until the State submits the data and the Secretary is able to make a determination under such section based on such data; and
 (2)the Secretary shall— (A)provide, to the extent practicable, the analysis required in subsection (a) for the State based on the best data available to the Secretary; and
 (B)update the analysis, as necessary, after submission of the data by the State. (f)PublicationThe Secretary shall publish and make available to the general public (including by means of the Internet) the report required under subsection (a).
 132.Civil action for enforcementA student or parent of a student aggrieved by a violation of this Act may bring a civil action against an appropriate official in an appropriate United States district court seeking declaratory and injunctive relief to enforce the requirements of this Act, together with reasonable attorney fees and the costs of the action, without regard to the citizenship of the parties or the amount in controversy.
				IIEffects of educational disparities on economic growth and national defense
			201.Effects on economic growth and productivity
 (a)StudyThe Commissioner for Education Statistics, in consultation with the Secretaries of Commerce, Labor, and the Treasury, shall conduct a comprehensive study concerning the effects on economic growth and productivity of eliminating disparities in public school systems that do not meet the requirements of section 112. Such study shall include the following:
 (1)The economic costs to the Nation resulting from the maintenance by States of public school systems that do not meet the requirements of section 112.
 (2)The economic gains to be expected from the elimination of disparities in public school systems that do not meet the requirements of section 112.
 (b)Report to CongressNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner for Education Statistics shall submit to the Congress a final report detailing the results of the study required under subsection (a).
				202.Effects on national defense
 (a)StudyThe Commissioner for Education Statistics, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall conduct a comprehensive study concerning the effects on national defense of eliminating disparities in public school systems that do not meet the requirements of section 112. Such study shall include the following:
 (1)The detriments to national defense resulting from the maintenance by States of public school systems that do not meet the requirements of section 112, including the effects of education deficits arising from low-quality schools on—
 (A)knowledge and skills necessary for the effective functioning of the Armed Forces; (B)the costs to the Armed Forces of training; and
 (C)efficiency resulting from the use of sophisticated equipment and information technology. (2)The gains to national defense to be expected from the elimination of disparities in public school systems that do not meet the requirements of section 112.
 (b)Report to CongressNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner for Education Statistics shall submit to the Congress a final report detailing the results of the study required under subsection (a).
				IIIGeneral provisions
 301.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)The terms average per-pupil expenditure, core academic subjects, elementary school, highly qualified, local educational agency, parent, pupil services, pupil services personnel, secondary school, and State educational agency each have the meanings given those terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
 (2)The term public school system means a State’s system of public elementary and secondary education. (3)The term Federal elementary and secondary education programs means programs providing Federal financial assistance for elementary or secondary education, other than programs under the following provisions of law:
 (A)The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.). (B)Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.).
 (C)The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.). (D)The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.).
 (4)The term State includes the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
 302.Notice and opportunity for hearingThe Secretary may make an adverse determination under this Act only after notice and opportunity for hearing.
 303.RulemakingThe Secretary may prescribe regulations to carry out this Act. 304.Rule of constructionNothing in this Act may be construed to require a jurisdiction to increase property tax or other tax rates or to redistribute revenues from such taxes.


 HCON 25 ENR: Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-04-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America
At the First SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the sixth day of January, two thousand and fifteen
H. CON. RES. 25

April 23, 2015
Agreed to

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

1.Use of the capitol grounds for national peace officers memorial service
(a)In generalThe Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary shall be permitted to sponsor a public event, the 34th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service (in this resolution referred to as the Memorial Service), on the Capitol Grounds, in order to honor the law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during 2014.  (b)Date of memorial serviceThe Memorial Service shall be held on May 15, 2015, or on such other date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate jointly designate, with preparation for the event to begin on May 12, 2015.
2.Use of the capitol grounds for national honor guard and pipe band exhibition
(a)In generalThe Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary shall be permitted to sponsor a public event, the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition (in this resolution referred to as the Exhibition), on the Capitol Grounds, in order to allow law enforcement representatives to exhibit their ability to demonstrate Honor Guard programs and provide for a bag pipe exhibition.  (b)Date of exhibitionThe exhibition shall be held on May 14, 2015, or on such other date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate jointly designate.
3.Terms and conditions
(a)In generalUnder conditions to be prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board, the event shall be— (1)free of admission charge and open to the public; and
(2)arranged not to interfere with the needs of Congress.  (b)Expenses and liabilitiesThe sponsors of the Memorial Service and Exhibition shall assume full responsibility for all expenses and liabilities incident to all activities associated with the events.
4.Event preparationsSubject to the approval of the Architect of the Capitol, the sponsors referred to in section 3(b) are authorized to erect upon the Capitol Grounds such stage, sound amplification devices, and other related structures and equipment, as may be required for the Memorial Service and Exhibition.  5.Enforcement of restrictionsThe Capitol Police Board shall provide for enforcement of the restrictions contained in section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, concerning sales, advertisements, displays, and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as well as other restrictions applicable to the Capitol Grounds, in connection with the events.

Clerk of the House of Representatives.Secretary of the Senate.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3926
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			October 26, 2009
			Mr. Boswell (for
			 himself, Mr. Walz,
			 Mr. Hall of New York,
			 Mr. LoBiondo,
			 Mrs. Dahlkemper,
			 Mr. Braley of Iowa, and
			 Mr. Loebsack) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Veterans’ Affairs, for a
			 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
			 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
			 committee concerned

		A BILL
		To direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of
		  Veterans Affairs to jointly conduct a study on the incidence of breast cancer
		  among members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Armed Forces Breast Cancer Research
			 Act.
		2.Study on breast
			 cancer among members of the Armed Forces and veterans
			(a)StudyThe Secretary of Defense and the Secretary
			 of Veterans Affairs shall jointly conduct a study on the incidence of breast
			 cancer among members of the Armed Forces (including members of the National
			 Guard and Reserve components) and veterans. Such study shall include the
			 following:
				(1)A determination of the number of the
			 members and veterans diagnosed with breast cancer.
				(2)A determination of demographic information
			 regarding such members and veterans, including—
					(A)race;
					(B)ethnicity;
					(C)sex;
					(D)age;
					(E)possible exposure
			 to hazardous elements or chemical or biological agents (including any vaccines)
			 and where such exposure occurred;
					(F)the locations of
			 duty stations that such member or veteran was assigned;
					(G)the locations in
			 which such member or veteran was deployed; and
					(H)the geographic
			 area of residence prior to deployment.
					(3)An analysis of breast cancer treatments
			 received by such members and veterans.
				(4)Other information
			 the Secretaries consider necessary.
				(b)ReportNot
			 later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
			 of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to
			 Congress a report containing the results of the study required under subsection
			 (a).


		IIB
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6007
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			September 11, 2012
			Received; read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Environment and Public
			 Works

		AN ACT
		To exempt from the Lacey Act Amendments of
		  1981 certain water transfers by the North Texas Municipal Water District and
		  the Greater Texoma Utility Authority.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 North Texas Zebra Mussel Barrier Act
			 of 2012.
		2.Compliance with
			 Lacey ActThe Lacey Act
			 Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) and
			 section
			 42 of title 18, United States Code, shall not apply with
			 respect to any water transfer by the North Texas Municipal Water District and
			 the Greater Texoma Utility Authority using only closed conveyance systems from
			 the Lake Texoma raw water intake structure to treatment facilities at which all
			 zebra mussels are extirpated and removed from the water transferred.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives September 10, 2012.
			Karen L. Haas,
			Clerk


		II
		109th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2771
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 9, 2006
			Mr. Vitter introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Homeland Security and
			 Governmental Affairs

		A BILL
		To increase the types of Federal housing assistance
		  available to individuals and households in response to a major disaster, and
		  for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Disaster
			 Housing Flexibility Act of 2006.
		2.Federal assistance to
			 individuals and householdsSection 408 of the Robert T. Stafford
			 Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is
			 amended—
			(1)in subsection
			 (b)—
				(A)in paragraph (2),
			 by adding at the end the following:

						(C)Manufactured
				modular housingIn making any determination of cost effectiveness
				under subparagraph (A), the President shall consider if manufactured modular
				housing can be provided to an individual or household at a cost to the
				Government that is less than the same cost necessary to provide other readily
				fabricated dwellings.
						;
				and
				(B)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(3)Consent of
				owner
							(A)In
				generalNotwithstanding paragraph (2), the President shall seek
				the consent of each individual or household prior to providing such individual
				or household with manufactured modular housing assistance.
							(B)rejection of
				manufactured modular housing assistanceIf an individual or
				household does not provide consent under subparagraph (A), such individual or
				household shall remain eligible for any other assistance available under this
				section.
							(4)Owner
				contributionNothing in this section shall be construed to
				prevent an individual or household from contributing, in addition to any
				assistance provided under this section, such sums as are necessary in order to
				obtain manufactured modular housing that is of greater size or quality than
				that provided by the President under this
				section.
						;
				(2)in subsection
			 (c)(4)—
				(A)in the paragraph
			 heading, by inserting or
			 semi-permanent after Permanent;
				(B)by inserting
			 or semi-permanent after permanent;
				(C)by striking
			 in insular areas and inserting the following: “in—

						(A)insular
				areas
						;
				(D)by striking
			 (A) no alternative and inserting (i) no
			 alternative and adjusting the margin accordingly;
				(E)by striking
			 (B) and inserting (ii) and adjusting the margin
			 accordingly;
				(F)by striking the
			 period at the end and inserting ; and; and
				(G)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(B)any area in which
				the President declared a major disaster or emergency in connection with
				Hurricane Katrina of
				2005.
						;
				(3)in subsection
			 (d)(1), by adding at the end the following:

					(C)Sites located
				in a floodplainNotwithstanding any other provision of law,
				including section 9 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations (or any
				corresponding similar regulation or ruling), any permanent, semi-permanent, or
				temporary housing provided under this section, including any readily fabricated
				dwelling, manufactured housing, or manufactured modular housing, may be located
				in any area identified by the Director as an area having special flood hazards
				under section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C.
				4012a)).
					(D)Individual
				sites for manufactured modular housingManufactured modular
				housing made available under this section—
						(i)shall, whenever
				practicable, be located on a site that is a discrete and separate parcel of
				land; and
						(ii)may not be
				located on a site that—
							(I)is managed by the
				Director; and
							(II)contains 3 or
				more other manufactured modular housing
				units.
							;
				and
			(4)by adding at the
			 end the following:

					(j)Evacuation
				plansThe Director, in consultation with the Governor of each
				State and the heads of such units of local government as the Director may
				determine, shall develop and maintain detailed and comprehensive mass
				evacuation plans for individuals or households receiving assistance under this
				section.
					.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3402
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 31, 2008
			Mr. Salazar introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To provide information and education to consumers
		  concerning health care services and health insurance coverage.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Consumer Health Education and
			 Transparency Act of 2008.
		2.Office of
			 Consumer Health Education and Information
			(a)EstablishmentThe Secretary of Health and Human Services
			 (referred to in this Act as the Secretary) shall establish within
			 the Department of Health and Human Services an office to be known as the
			 Office of Consumer Health Education and Information (referred to
			 in this Act as the Office) to provide consumers of health care
			 services and health insurance with information, through education and outreach,
			 concerning personal health and wellness and health insurance coverage.
			(b)DirectorThe Office shall be headed by a Director
			 who shall be appointed by the Secretary,
			(c)DutiesThe
			 Office shall—
				(1)collect and
			 organize personal health and wellness information from private and public
			 sources and disseminate such information to members of the general public to
			 improve personal health awareness and behaviors;
				(2)collect and
			 organize information on available health insurance options and consumer health
			 insurance protections in each of the 50 States and United States territories
			 and disseminate such information to the general public through the Internet
			 website established under paragraph (8) and the Federal Citizen Information
			 Center hotline established under paragraph (5);
				(3)coordinate the
			 public health education and outreach efforts of organizations and offices
			 within the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Centers for
			 Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Health Resources and Services
			 Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease
			 Control and Prevention, and the Administration on Aging, to increase the
			 effectiveness of such efforts;
				(4)enter into
			 interagency agreements with the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of
			 Labor, and other Federal agencies determined appropriate by the Secretary to
			 facilitate the coordination of personal health and wellness or health insurance
			 information provided to consumers;
				(5)enter into an
			 interagency agreement with the General Services Administration to operate
			 directly or indirectly, through grant or contract, a 24-hour, toll-free
			 telephone hotline at the Federal Citizen Information Center to provide consumer
			 information regarding health insurance and personal health and wellness
			 behaviors as well as direct consumers to geographically appropriate
			 resources;
				(6)identify and
			 develop methods to increase the quality and amount of information available to
			 consumers regarding the cost, quality, and availability of health care services
			 and health insurance plans;
				(7)develop
			 partnership agreements with public and private organizations to improve the
			 education of the general public regarding personal health and wellness and
			 health insurance;
				(8)develop and
			 maintain a consumer education Internet website to provide information
			 concerning personal health and wellness and health insurance; and
				(9)develop and
			 disseminate relevant information for employers purchasing health insurance
			 coverage for employees and their families.
				(d)Annual
			 reportNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
			 Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
			 that includes—
				(1)a detailed review
			 of the Office’s activities, operations, and achievements during the year for
			 which the report is being prepared;
				(2)a description of
			 the Office’s goals for the year following the year for which the report is
			 being prepared and a strategic plan for the operation and activities of the
			 Office to achieve such goals; and
				(3)a detailed
			 request for additional appropriations needed for the implementation of such
			 plan, as appropriate.
				(e)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated, such
			 sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
			3.Development and
			 utilization of uniform summary of benefits explanation
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall request the National Association of
			 Insurance Commissioners (referred to as the NAIC) to develop, and
			 submit to the Secretary not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of
			 this Act, standards for use by health insurance issuers in compiling and
			 providing to enrollees a summary of benefits explanation that accurately
			 represents the benefits and coverage provided by the issuer under the
			 applicable health insurance plan. In developing such standards, the NAIC shall
			 consult with a working group composed of representatives of health
			 insurance-related consumer advocacy organizations, issuers of health insurance
			 plans, and other qualified individuals.
			(b)RequirementsThe
			 standards for the summary of benefits explanation developed under subsection
			 (a) shall provide for the following:
				(1)AppearanceThe
			 standards shall ensure that the summary is presented in a uniform format that
			 does not exceed 4 pages in length and does not include print smaller than
			 12-point font.
				(2)LanguageThe
			 standards shall ensure that the language used in the summary is presented in a
			 manner determined to be understandable by the average health plan
			 enrollee.
				(3)ContentsThe
			 standards shall ensure that the summary includes—
					(A)information
			 determined to be essential to a consumer’s understanding of the applicable
			 health insurance plan benefits;
					(B)uniform
			 definitions of standard insurance terms;
					(C)examples to
			 illustrate common benefits scenarios; and
					(D)illustrations
			 that enhance consumer understanding of the explanation.
					(c)Regulations
				(1)SubmissionIf,
			 not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the NAIC
			 submits to the Secretary the standards provided for under subsection (a), the
			 Secretary shall, not later than 60 days after the date on which such standards
			 are submitted, promulgate regulations to apply such standards to entities
			 described in subsection (c)(2).
				(2)Failure to
			 submitIf the NAIC fails to submit to the Secretary the standards
			 under subsection (a) within the 12-month period provided for in paragraph (1),
			 the Secretary shall, not later than 90 days after the expiration of such
			 12-month period, promulgate regulations providing for the application of
			 Federal standards for the summary of benefit explantion to entities described
			 in subsection (d)(2).
				(d)Requirement To
			 provide
				(1)In
			 generalNot later than 24 months after the date of enactment of
			 the Act, each entity described in paragraph (2) shall, prior to the effective
			 date of any health insurance coverage provided by the entity to an individual,
			 provide to such individual a summary of benefits explanation pursuant to the
			 standards promulgated by the Secretary under subsection (c).
				(2)Entities
					(A)In
			 generalAn entity is described in this paragraph is—
						(i)a
			 health insurance issuer (including a group health plan) offering health
			 insurance coverage within the United States (including carriers under the
			 Federal Employee Health Benefits Program under chapter 89 of title 5, United
			 States Code);
						(ii)the Secretary
			 with respect to coverage under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP programs under
			 titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395, 1396,
			 1397aa et seq.);
						(iii)the Secretary
			 of Veterans Affairs with respect to coverage provided through the Department of
			 Veterans Affairs; and
						(iv)the Secretary of
			 Defense with respect to military health program coverage under chapter 55 of
			 title 10, United States Code, including under the TRICARE program (as defined
			 in section 1072(7) of such title).
						(B)LimitationAn
			 entity described in the paragraph shall not include a self-funded group health
			 plan to which the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
			 applies.
					(e)PreemptionThe
			 standards promulgated under subsection (c) shall preempt any related State
			 standards that require summary of benefits health plan explanations that
			 provide less information to consumers, as determined by the Secretary.
			(f)Failure To
			 provideAn entity described in subsection (d)(2) that willfully
			 fails to provide the information required under this section shall be subject
			 to a fine of not more than $1,000 for each such failure. Such failure with
			 respect to each enrollee shall constitute a separate offense for purposes of
			 this subsection.
			4.Consumer Health
			 Education and Outreach Initiative
			(a)EstablishmentNot
			 later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary,
			 acting through the Director of the Office, shall establish and implement a
			 consumer health education and outreach initiative through the use of print,
			 Internet, television, and radio media.
			(b)Required
			 informationThe initiative established under subsection (a) shall
			 provide consumers with information concerning the following:
				(1)The importance of
			 adopting responsible personal health and wellness behaviors.
				(2)The important
			 role of health insurance coverage in maintaining personal health and wellness
			 behaviors.
				(3)The impact of
			 individuals without health insurance on the general health care market and
			 costs of health care services.
				(4)The importance of
			 utilizing preventive health services and how to access such services.
				(5)The operation of
			 health insurance plans.
				(6)Common health
			 care terminology.
				(7)The information
			 that a consumer should obtain about health care services and health insurance
			 plans prior to participating.
				(8)The availability
			 of, and eligibility for, Federal health care programs and assistance.
				(9)The format and
			 content of the summary of benefits explanation required under section 3.
				(10)The resources
			 available through the Office and how to access those resources, including the
			 Internet website and toll free hotline.
				(c)LanguagesThe
			 Secretary shall provide information through the initiative under subsection (a)
			 in multiple languages and in an accessible format for individuals with sight
			 and hearing disabilities.
			(d)DurationThe
			 initiative under subsection (a) shall be at least 6 months in duration.
			(e)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated,
			 $10,000,000 to carry out this section.
			5.Report
			 Concerning End-of-Life Care Education and Spending
			(a)StudyThe
			 Secretary, in consultation with the representatives described in subsection
			 (c), shall conduct a comprehensive study of matters related to improved
			 consumer education on end-of-life care decisions and spending. Such study shall
			 evaluate issues including—
				(1)consumer
			 attitudes and questions regarding end-of-life care decisions;
				(2)effective
			 outreach methods to increase consumer understanding of end-of-life care
			 considerations and tools for making end-of-life care decisions;
				(3)methods for
			 empowering consumers to ensure that their end-of-life care instructions are
			 properly executed;
				(4)the appropriate
			 timing and venues for end-of-life care discussions between health care
			 consumers and providers;
				(5)ethical and legal
			 considerations considered by consumers when making end-of-life care
			 decisions;
				(6)trends in
			 end-of-life care spending and the impact of such spending on overall health
			 care costs; and
				(7)potential
			 strategies for addressing any identified end-of-life care spending
			 issues.
				(b)ReportNot
			 later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
			 shall submit to Congress, a report concerning the study conducted under
			 subsection (a) together with the recommendations of the Secretary for
			 legislative or administrative action where appropriate.
			(c)RepresentativesThe
			 representatives described in this subsection include representatives from the
			 following groups, organizations, or associations:
				(1)A senior citizen
			 advocacy organization.
				(2)A hospice
			 organization.
				(3)A physician-based
			 hospice and palliative care organization.
				(4)A home-health
			 organization.
				(5)A long-term care
			 advocacy organization.
				(6)A cancer research
			 organization.
				(7)A patient
			 advocacy organization.
				(8)A faith-based
			 health care organization.
				(9)A nurse-based
			 medical association.
				(10)A
			 geriatrician-based medical association.
				(11)An academic
			 medical institution.
				(12)A caregiver
			 advocacy organization.
				(13)A chronic
			 disease advocacy organization.
				(14)A disability
			 rights advocacy organization.
				(15)A social work
			 association.
				(16)A pediatric
			 palliative care organization.
				(17)A veterans
			 health care organization.
				6.Establishment of
			 Department of Education grants to local educational agencies for development
			 and implementation of personal health and nutrition programs in grades
			 K–12
			(a)DefinitionsIn
			 this section:
				(1)Local
			 educational agencyThe term local educational agency
			 has the meaning given the term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary
			 Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
				(2)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of Education.
				(b)Program
			 authorizedThe Secretary shall establish a 5-year pilot program
			 awarding grants, on a competitive basis, to not more than 25 local educational
			 agencies to allow the local educational agencies to develop and implement a
			 personal health and nutrition curriculum in elementary schools or secondary
			 schools.
			(c)ApplicationA
			 local educational agency that desires to receive a grant under this section
			 shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
			 accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. The application
			 shall contain a plan for the proposed curriculum and for the use of the grant
			 funds by the local educational agency, including a description of the
			 population of children to be targeted by the program assisted under the
			 grant.
			(d)Award
			 basisIn awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall
			 consider whether the curriculum proposal submitted by the local educational
			 agency in the application—
				(1)is
			 age-appropriate for, and appealing to, children in the targeted population
			 described in the application;
				(2)incorporates
			 evidence-based health and nutrition standards as the basis for
			 instruction;
				(3)integrates
			 classroom instruction with physical activity to demonstrate the benefits of
			 adopting good personal health and nutrition habits;
				(4)incorporates
			 communication with parents and includes family learning activities outside of
			 the classroom; and
				(5)promotes school
			 staff health and wellness.
				(e)Use of
			 fundsA local educational agency receiving a grant under this
			 section shall use such funds to develop and implement a personal health and
			 nutrition curriculum for elementary or secondary school students.
			(f)Authorization
			 of appropriationThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry
			 out this section $500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 through
			 2014.


115 HR 3859 IH: Drinking Water Infrastructure for Job Creation Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-09-27
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
115th CONGRESS1st Session
H. R. 3859
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 27, 2017
Ms. Maxine Waters of California (for herself, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Ms. Esty of Connecticut, Ms. Hanabusa, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Gabbard, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Hastings, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mrs. Torres, Ms. Moore, Mr. Evans, Mr. Cicilline, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Mr. Butterfield, Ms. Norton, Mr. Raskin, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Mr. Lawson of Florida, Ms. Shea-Porter, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Keating, Mr. Higgins of New York, Ms. Brownley of California, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Mr. Michael F. Doyle of Pennsylvania, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Mr. Huffman, Ms. McCollum, Ms. Barragán, Ms. Lee, Mr. Nolan, Mrs. Lawrence, Ms. Blunt Rochester, Mr. Gallego, Mr. Rush, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Sires, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Perlmutter, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Serrano, Mr. Richmond, Ms. Kuster of New Hampshire, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Correa, Ms. Clarke of New York, Ms. Jackson Lee, Mr. Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Loebsack, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Cohen, and Ms. Slaughter) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Drinking Water Infrastructure for Job Creation Act. 2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
(1)Investments in infrastructure create jobs while fulfilling critical needs in communities throughout the United States. (2)According to the Brookings Institution, nearly 14.5 million workers—11 percent of the U.S. workforce—were employed in infrastructure jobs in 2013.
(3)According to data from the Brookings Institution, infrastructure occupations often provide more competitive and equitable wages in comparison to all jobs nationally, consistently paying up to 30 percent more to low-income workers over the past decade. (4)The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the infrastructure of the United States an overall grade of D+ in 2017 and estimated that the United States will need to invest $4.59 trillion by 2025 in order to improve the condition of the Nation’s infrastructure and bring it to a state of good repair.
(5)The American Society of Civil Engineers assigned a D grade to the Nation’s drinking water infrastructure and a D+ grade to the Nation’s wastewater infrastructure and estimated that the United States will need to invest $150 billion by 2025 to bring them to a state of good repair. (6)According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, there are an estimated 240,000 water main breaks per year in the United States, wasting over two trillion gallons of treated drinking water.
(7)In 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that although exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, including damage to the brain and nervous system in children and kidney problems and high blood pressure in adults, an estimated 6.5 to 10 million homes nationwide receive drinking water through lead service lines.  (8)Congress created the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds in 1996 to help eligible public water systems finance infrastructure projects in order to comply with Federal drinking water regulations and meet the health objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
(9)The EPA is required periodically to conduct a survey of the capital improvement needs of eligible public water systems and distribute funding appropriated for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds among the States based on the results of the most recent survey. (10)In 2013, the EPA completed the most recent survey of the capital improvement needs of eligible public water systems and estimated that $384 billion in improvements are needed for the Nation’s drinking water infrastructure over 20 years in order to ensure the safety of drinking water.
(11)The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–5) included $2 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to enable States to provide grants and financing assistance to eligible public water systems in order to improve drinking water infrastructure in communities throughout the United States. (12)Past appropriations for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds are not sufficient to address the tremendous need for investments in drinking water infrastructure in communities throughout the United States.
(13)Appropriating $7.5 billion in fiscal year 2017 for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, and allowing the funds to remain available for 6 years, will enable States to begin immediately to expand investments in drinking water infrastructure in communities throughout the United States. (14)Restricting appropriations for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds through the use of arbitrary budget caps or sequestration undermines economic recovery and job creation efforts; disrupts planning by States, local communities, and eligible public water systems; and leaves critical infrastructure needs unmet.
(15)Emergency supplemental appropriations for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, provided in addition to other appropriations and not subject to sequestration, will improve drinking water infrastructure and create jobs throughout the United States without reducing funding for other domestic priorities. (16)An emergency supplemental appropriation of $7.5 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to be made available in fiscal year 2017, and to remain available for 6 years, will allow States to begin immediately to distribute funds to eligible public water systems and allow local communities and eligible public water systems to develop and implement plans to improve drinking water infrastructure, thus ensuring an efficient use of funds and timely job creation.
3.Supplemental appropriations for the Drinking Water State Revolving FundsThe following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for fiscal year 2017:Environmental Protection AgencyState and Tribal Assistance GrantsFor an additional amount for capitalization grants under section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act in accordance with the provisions under this heading in title VII of division A of Public Law 111–5, $7,500,000,000, to remain available through September 30, 2022: Provided, That the amount under this heading is designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, except that such amount shall be available only if the President subsequently so designates such amount and transmits such designation to the Congress. 4.Exemption from sequestrationThe appropriation in section 3 shall be exempt from sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.


115 S1970 IS: Medicare-X Choice Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-10-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 1970
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 17, 2017
			Mr. Bennet (for himself, Mr. Kaine, and Mrs. Feinstein) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

		A BILL
		To establish a public health plan.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Medicare-X Choice Act of 2017.
 2.Establishment and administration of a public health planThe Social Security Act is amended by adding at the end the following new title:  XXIIMedicare Exchange Health Plan 2201.Establishment (a)Establishment of plan (1)In generalThe Secretary shall establish a coordinated and low-cost health plan, to be known as the Medicare Exchange health plan (referred to in this section as the health plan) to provide access to quality health care for enrollees.
							(2)Timeframe
								(A)Individual market availability
 (i)In generalIn accordance with clause (ii), the Secretary shall make the health plan available in the individual market, in certain rating areas, for plan year 2020 and each subsequent plan year, and increase the availability such that the plan is available in the individual market to all residents of all rating areas in the United States for plan year 2023 and each subsequent plan year.
 (ii)Priority areasIn determining in which rating areas the Secretary initially will make the health plan available, the Secretary shall give priority to rating areas in which—
 (I)not more than 1 health insurance issuer offers plans on the applicable State or Federal American Health Benefit Exchange (referred to in this title as the Exchange); or
 (II)there is a shortage of health providers or lack of competition that results in a high cost of health care services, including health professional shortage areas and rural areas.
 (B)Small group marketThe Secretary shall make the health plan available in the small group market in all rating areas for plan year 2024.
								(b)Establishment of funds
							(1)Plan Reserve Fund
 (A)In generalThere is established in the Treasury of the United States a Plan Reserve Fund, to be administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for purposes of establishing the Medicare Exchange health plan and administering such plan, consisting of amounts appropriated to such fund.
 (B)AppropriationThere is appropriated $1,000,000,000, out of monies in the Treasury not otherwise obligated, to the Plan Reserve Fund for fiscal year 2018.
 (2)Data and Technology FundThere is established in the Treasury of the United States a Data and Technology Fund, to be administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, for purposes of updating technology and performing data collection under section 2205 in order to establish appropriate premiums for all geographic regions of the United States. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Data and Technology Fund such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018.
 (c)RulemakingThe Secretary may promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this title. 2202.Availability of plan (a)EligibilityAn individual shall be eligible to enroll in the health plan if such individual, for the entire period for which enrollment is sought—
 (1)is a qualified individual within the meaning of section 1312 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18032); and
 (2)is not eligible for benefits under the Medicare program under title XVIII.
 (b)ExchangesIn accordance with the timeframe under section 2201(a)(2), the health plan shall be made available through the American Health Benefit Exchanges described in sections 1311 and 1321 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031, 18041), including the Small Business Health Options Program Exchange.
						2203.Plan requirements
 (a)General requirementsThe health plan shall comply with all requirements of subtitle D of title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18021 et seq.) and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg et seq.) applicable to qualified health plans, and such health plan shall be a qualified health plan, including for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
 (b)Levels of coverageThe Secretary— (1)shall make available a silver level and gold level version of the plan, in accordance with section 1301(a)(1)(C)(ii); and
 (2)may make available no more than 2 versions of the plan for each of the 4 levels of coverage described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 1302(d)(1) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18022(d)(1)).
							2204.Administrative contracting
 (a)In generalThe Secretary may enter into contracts for the purpose of performing administrative functions (including functions described in subsection (a)(4) of section 1874A) with respect to the health plan in the same manner as the Secretary may enter into contracts under subsection (a)(1) of such section. The Secretary shall have the same authority with respect to the public health insurance option as the Secretary has under such subsection (a)(1) and subsection (b) of section 1874A with respect to title XVIII.
 (b)Transfer of insurance riskAny contract under subsection (a) shall not involve the transfer of insurance risk from the Secretary to the entity entering into such contract with the Secretary, except in the case of an alternative payment model under section 2209(h).
 2205.Data collectionSubject to all applicable privacy requirements, including the requirements under the regulations promulgated pursuant to section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note), the Secretary may collect data from State insurance commissioners and other relevant entities to establish rates for premiums and for other purposes including to improve quality, and reduce racial, ethnic, and other disparities, with respect to the health plan.
					2206.Premiums; risk pools; reinsurance
 (a)Premium amountsThe Secretary shall establish premiums for the health plan that cover the full actuarial cost of offering such plan, including the administrative costs of offering such plan. Such premiums shall vary geographically and between the small group market and the individual market in accordance with differences in the cost of providing such coverage. If, for any plan year, the amount collected in premiums exceeds the amount required for health care benefits and administrative costs in that plan year, such excess amounts shall remain available to the Secretary to administer the health plan and finance beneficiary costs in subsequent years.
 (b)Risk poolAll enrollees in the health plan within a State shall be members of a single risk pool, except that the Secretary may establish separate risk pools for the individual market and small group market if the State has not exercised its authority under section 1312(c)(3) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18032(c)(3)).
 (c)ReinsuranceNotwithstanding subsection (b), the Secretary may establish a mechanism to pool the costs of the highest-cost patients on a nationwide basis to the extent such costs are not already pooled pursuant to section 1343 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18063).
						2207.Reimbursement rates
						(a)Medicare rates
 (1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2) and subsections (b) and (c) and subject to subsection (d), the Secretary shall reimburse health care providers furnishing items and services under the health plan at rates determined for equivalent items and services under the original Medicare fee-for-service program under parts A and B of title XVIII.
 (2)Authority to increase payments rates in rural areasIf the Secretary determines appropriate, the Secretary may increase the reimbursements rates described in paragraph (1) by up to 25 percent for items and services furnished in rural areas (as defined in section 1886(d)(2)(D)).
 (b)Prescription drugsSubject to subsection (d), payment rates for prescription drugs shall be at a rate negotiated by the Secretary. Such negotiations may be in conjunction with negotiations for covered part D drugs under part D of title XVIII.
 (c)Additional items and servicesSubject to subsection (d), the Secretary shall establish reimbursement rates for any items and services provided under the health plan that are not items and services provided under the original Medicare fee-for-service program under parts A and B of title XVIII.
 (d)Innovative payment methodsThe Secretary may utilize innovative payment methods, including value-based payment arrangements, in making payments for items and services (including prescription drugs) furnished under the health plan.
						2208.Participating providers
 (a)In generalA health care provider that is enrolled under the Medicare program under section 1866(j) or is a participating provider under a State Medicaid plan under title XIX on the date of enactment of this Act shall be a participating provider under the health plan.
 (b)Additional providersThe Secretary shall establish a process to allow health care providers not described in subsection (a) to become a participating provider under the health plan.
 (c)Opt-OutThe Secretary shall establish a process by which a health care provider that is a participating provider under the health plan pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) may opt-out of being such a participating provider.
 (d)Requirement To participate in order To be enrolled under MedicareBeginning January 1, 2019, a health care provider may not be enrolled under the Medicare program under section 1866(j) unless the provider is also a participating provider under the health plan.
						2209.Delivery system reform for an enhanced health plan
 (a)In generalFor plan years beginning with plan year 2020, the Secretary may utilize innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the health plan. The payment mechanisms and policies under this section may include patient-centered medical home and other care management payments, accountable care organizations, value-based purchasing, bundling of services, differential payment rates, performance or utilization based payments, telehealth, remote patient monitoring, partial capitation, and direct contracting with providers.
 (b)Requirements for innovative paymentsThe Secretary shall design and implement the payment mechanisms and policies under this section in a manner that—
 (1)seeks to— (A)improve health outcomes;
 (B)reduce health disparities (including racial, ethnic, and other disparities); (C)provide efficient and affordable care;
 (D)address geographic variation in the provision of health services; or (E)prevent or manage chronic illness; and
 (2)promotes care that is integrated, patient-centered, quality, and efficient. (c)Encouraging the use of high-Value servicesTo the extent allowed by the benefit standards applied to all health benefits plans participating in the Exchanges (as described in section 2202(b)), the health plan may modify cost-sharing and payment rates to encourage the use of services that promote health and value.
 (d)Promotion of delivery system reformThe Secretary shall monitor and evaluate the progress of payment and delivery system reforms under this section and shall seek to implement such reforms subject to the following:
 (1)To the extent that the Secretary finds a payment and delivery system reform successful in improving quality and reducing costs, the Secretary shall implement such reform on as large a geographic scale as practical and economical.
 (2)The Secretary may delay the implementation of such a reform in geographic areas in which such implementation would place the public health insurance option at a competitive disadvantage.
 (3)The Secretary may prioritize implementation of such a reform in high-cost geographic areas or otherwise in order to reduce total program costs or to promote high-value care.
 (e)Non-Uniformity permittedNothing in this section shall prevent the Secretary from varying payments based on different payment structure models (such as accountable care organizations and medical homes) under the health plan for different geographic areas.
 (f)Integration with Social ServicesThe Secretary shall establish processes and, when appropriate, collaborate with other agencies to integrate medical care under the health plan with food, housing, transportation, and income assistance if the Secretary determines that such integration is expected to—
 (1)reduce spending without reducing the quality of patient care; or (2)improve the quality of patient care without increasing spending.
 (g)TelehealthThe Secretary shall ensure the integration of telehealth tools that increase patient access to medical care, particularly in remote or underserved areas, if the Secretary determines that such integration is expected to—
 (1)reduce spending without reducing the quality of patient care; or (2)improve the quality of patient care without increasing spending.
							(h)Alternative payment model
 (1)In generalThe Secretary shall evaluate the possibility of providing incentives, and, if appropriate, apply incentives, for enrollees in the health plan who receive services from providers who are participating in an alternative payment model (as defined in section 1833(z)(3)(C)).
 (2)Authority to use apms in use under traditional MedicareNothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary from using alternative payment models (as so defined) under this title that are in use under title XVIII.
 2210.No effect on Medicare benefits or Medicare Trust FundsNothing in this title shall— (1)affect the benefits available under title XVIII; or
 (2)impact the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund under section 1817 or the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund under section 1841 (including the Medicare Prescription Drug Account within such Trust Fund)..
		3.Authority to negotiate fair
			 prices for Medicare prescription drugs
 (a)In generalSection 1860D–11 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–111) is amended by striking subsection (i).
			(b)Effective
 dateThe amendment made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.


116 HR 7836 IH: Masks for All Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-07-29
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7836IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 29, 2020Mr. Khanna (for himself, Mrs. Trahan, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Mr. Cicilline, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. García of Illinois, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Haaland, Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Ted Lieu of California, Mr. Lowenthal, Mr. McNerney, Mr. Neguse, Ms. Norton, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Ms. Omar, Mr. Payne, Mr. Pocan, Ms. Pressley, Mr. Rush, Ms. Scanlon, Ms. Sewell of Alabama, Ms. Shalala, Mr. Soto, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Vargas, Ms. Velázquez, Mr. Welch, and Ms. Jayapal) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, Energy and Commerce, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo provide, manufacture, and distribute high-quality face masks for every individual in the United States during the COVID–19 emergency using the Defense Production Act and other means.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Masks for All Act of 2020.2.Requirement to eliminate mask shortagesThe President, acting through the Administrator, shall, as soon as practicable—(1)eliminate all shortages of face masks, surgical masks, and N–95 respirator masks in the United States; (2)manufacture the masks described in paragraph (1), to the greatest extent practicable, in the United States; and (3)distribute the masks described in paragraph (1) to the general public and the health care workforce in accordance with this Act. 3.Providing high-quality face masks to every individual in the United States(a)In generalNot later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a program to provide a supply of 3 high-quality, reusable face masks to every individual in the United States, including individuals—(1)experiencing homelessness; and(2)living in group quarters, as defined by the Census Bureau for the purposes of the most recent decennial census. (b)No cost to individualsAn individual that receives a supply of face masks under this section shall not be charged for the face masks, for the delivery of the face masks, or for any other administrative cost related to the face masks. (c)Prohibition on identification requirementAn individual that receives a supply of face masks under this section shall not be required to provide identification or proof of citizenship in order to receive the face masks. (d)DeliveriesTo the greatest extent possible, face masks under this section shall be delivered using the United States Postal Service.(e)Educational materials(1)In generalFace masks provided under this section shall be accompanied by a 1-page fact sheet on the importance of wearing face masks, the proper use of face masks, and the nearest face mask pickup sites designated under subsection (f). (2)RequirementsThe information included in the fact sheet required under paragraph (1) shall be—(A)scientifically and medically accurate;(B)written for a layperson;(C)presented in a size and type of font that is easy to read; and(D)provided in the languages that are most appropriate for the community. (3)Publication of informationThe information included in the fact sheet required under paragraph (1) shall be published on the public website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services in multiple languages and in a manner that is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 for reading by the visually impaired. (f)Face mask pickup sites(1)In generalThe Administrator shall designate face mask pickup sites in each community and shall provide face masks to each site, allocated according to population, to be distributed to the general public at no cost to the public. (2)Requirements for designation of sitesIn designating sites as face mask pickup sites under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall choose—(A)a location of a public entity, organization, or business that is providing essential services to communities, such as a post office, community pharmacy, Federally-qualified health center, senior center, congregate meal site, and COVID–19 testing site; (B)a location that is easily accessible and appropriate to maximize the public health response to COVID–19; and(C)when possible, a location that is federally operated or is a recipient of Federal funds. (3)Requirement for pickup sitesIf a site is designated as a face mask pickup site under paragraph (1)—(A)no individual shall be required to make a purchase in order to pick up masks at such location; and(B)the site shall agree to display information, supplied by the Administrator, in a prominent location that—(i)advertises the availability of free face masks provided by the Federal Government; and(ii)meets the requirements described in subsection (e)(2).(g)New technology(1)In generalFor purposes of delivering and providing the best available masks under this section, the Administrator shall consider new designs to create the most comfortable, well-fitting, reusable, and 2-way face masks that have adjustable sizing. (2)Strategic national stockpileIf significant improvements in face mask technology are made available, the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary, shall ensure that such face masks are included in the strategic national stockpile.(h)Required coordination and consultation(1)CoordinationIn carrying out this section, the Administrator shall coordinate with the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, the Postmaster General, and the heads of any other appropriate Federal departments or agencies. (2)ConsultationIn carrying out this section, the Administrator shall consult with States, units of local government, pickup sites, and appropriate labor unions, including labor organizations representing employees of the United States Postal Service. (i)Effect on requests for personal protective equipmentAny face masks provided under this section shall not be taken into account for purposes of the Federal Government responding to State or health care provider requests for surgical masks, N–95 respirator masks, personal protective equipment, or other supplies related to COVID–19. 4.Health care workforce(a)In generalNot later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide surgical masks and N–95 respirator masks to all individuals working in health care settings in the United States that are experiencing a shortage of such masks, including settings that have a short-term supply of such masks and settings that are practicing extended use and re-use of such masks, if such masks are single-use masks. (b)No cost to persons or StatesA person or State that receives surgical masks and N–95 respirator masks under this section shall not be charged for the masks, for the delivery of the masks, or for any other administrative cost related to the masks. (c)Required coordinationIn carrying out this section, the Administrator shall coordinate—(1)with the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, the Postmaster General, and the heads of any other appropriate Federal departments or agencies; and(2)to the greatest extent practicable, with other Federal programs that provide masks or other personal protective equipment to individuals working in health care settings.(d)Required consultationIn carrying out this section, the Administrator shall consult with health care providers and labor organizations representing health professionals and other individuals working in health care settings. 5.Use of authorities(a)In generalIn carrying out this Act—(1)the President shall make use of any and all available authorities at the disposal of the Federal Government to procure, domestically manufacture, support the domestic manufacturing of face masks, and distribute face masks, surgical masks, and N–95 respirator masks, including emergency authorities, such as the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4511 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); and(2)the Administrator shall make use of authorities delegated to the Administrator under title I and title III of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4511 et seq.) to increase domestic production of masks.(b)RequirementAny face masks, surgical masks, and N–95 respirator masks procured or manufactured for purposes of carrying out this Act shall be purchased in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation guidance on fair and reasonable pricing. (c)Excess masksAny face masks, surgical masks, and N–95 respirator masks in the possession of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the Department of Health and Human Services for purposes of carrying out this Act that have not been distributed as of the date described in section 6(d) shall be added to the strategic national stockpile. 6.Appropriation; limitations(a)AppropriationThere is appropriated, out of amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $5,000,000,000, to remain available until the date described in subsection (d), to the Administrator to carry out this Act, provided that the Administrator uses such amounts as are necessary to reimburse the United States Postal Service for the delivery of masks under this Act. (b)LimitationNo funds made available under this section shall be provided to—(1)any person who is a Federal elected official or serving in a Senior Executive Service position; or(2)any entity that is controlled in whole or in part by a Federal elected official or serving in a Senior Executive Service position. (c)Emergency designation(1)In generalThe amounts provided under this section are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(g)).(2)Designation in SenateIn the Senate, this section is designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4112(a) of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.(d)Date describedThe date described in this subsection is the date on which no new cases of COVID–19 are reported in the United States for a period of not less than 14 consecutive days. 7.Reports to Congress(a)Submission of planNot later than 14 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a strategic plan that includes monthly, measurable targets, to, as soon as practicable—(1) eliminate all shortages of face masks, surgical masks, and N–95 respirator masks; (2)increase domestic production of high-quality masks to the greatest extent possible; (3)provide the greatest number possible of masks manufactured in the United States; (4)distribute masks to the general public and the health care workforce in accordance with this Act; and (5)fulfill all other requirements of this Act. (b)Weekly progress reportsBeginning 7 days after the date of on which the strategic plan is submitted under subsection (a), and every 7 days thereafter until the requirements of this Act are met, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a detailed report on the activities undertaken to fulfill the requirements of this Act and a timeline for when such requirements will be fulfilled, which shall include—(1)information on—(A)the use of funds under this Act, provided in an itemized list;(B)the current and projected supply of face masks, surgical masks, and N–95 respirator masks; (C)the sources of face masks, surgical masks, and N–95 respirator masks; (D)the distribution of face masks, surgical masks, and N–95 respirator masks, by State, geographic area, and need; and(E)the prices paid by the Federal Government and to which suppliers such amounts were paid; and(2)any other information requested by Congress. (c)Inspector General Oversight(1)In generalThe Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security shall conduct monitoring and oversight of the receipt, disbursement, and use of funds made available under this Act.(2)ReportNot later than 1 year after the date described in section 6(d), the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security shall conduct an audit of the program established under this Act and submit to Congress a report on the findings of such audit. 8.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)AdministratorThe term Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.(2)Assistant SecretaryThe term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response of the Department of Health and Human Services. (3)Indian TribeThe term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term Indian tribe in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304(e)).(4)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.(5)Senior Executive Service positionThe term Senior Executive Service position has the meaning given that term in section 3132(a) of title 5, United States Code.(6)StateThe term State means—(A)any State of the United States;(B)the District of Columbia;(C)the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;(D)Guam;(E)American Samoa;(F)the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands;(G)the Federated States of Micronesia;(H)the Republic of the Marshall Islands;(I)the Republic of Palau;(J)the United States Virgin Islands; and(K)each Indian Tribe. (7)United StatesThe term United States means—(A)each of the several States of the United States;(B)the District of Columbia;(C)the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;(D)Guam;(E)American Samoa;(F)the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands;(G)the Federated States of Micronesia;(H)the Republic of the Marshall Islands;(I)the Republic of Palau;(J)the United States Virgin Islands; and(K)each Indian Tribe.