109 HR 6199 IH: Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2006
U.S. House of Representatives
2006-09-27
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
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6199
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 27, 2006
Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida (for herself and Mr. Camp) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
To improve the quality of, and access to, long-term care.

1.Short title; table of contents
(a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Long-term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2006.
(b)Table of contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Title I—Medicare and Medicaid Modernization
Sec. 101. Joint training of surveyors and providers.
Sec. 102. Facility-based training for new surveyors.
Sec. 103. Resumption of nurse aide training program after correction of deficiencies.
Sec. 104. Clarifying and eliminating the distinction between physician supervision requirements for skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities.
Sec. 105. Permitting split or shared billing by physicians and nurse practitioners in skilled nursing facilities.
Sec. 106. Permitting nurse practitioners employed by skilled nursing facilities to certify skilled care.
Sec. 107. Modernization of therapy caps.
Sec. 108. Establishment of a Medicare skilled nursing facility specific wage index.
Sec. 109. Authority to exclude high cost and low probability drugs used in the treatment of cancer from the Medicare prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities.
Sec. 110. Exclusion of all ambulance services from the Medicare prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities.
Sec. 111. Authority to exclude additional items and services from the Medicare prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities.
Sec. 112. Elimination of Medicare 3-day post-hospital stay requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services.
Title II—Workforce Support
Sec. 201. Nursing loan repayment program.
Sec. 202. National nursing database.
Sec. 203. Reports on nursing levels.
Title III—Tax Incentives
Sec. 301. 10-year recovery period for qualified long-term care improvement property.
IMedicare and Medicaid Modernization
101.Joint training of surveyors and providers
(a)Medicare programSection 1819(e) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–3(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(6)Joint surveyor/provider trainingThe Secretary shall require the State to establish a process for joint training and education of surveyors and providers at least annually and periodically as changes to regulations, guidelines, and policy governing nursing facility operations are implemented and used in surveys of participating facilities..
(b)Medicaid programSection 1919(e) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(8)Joint surveyor/provider trainingThe State shall establish a process for joint training and education to surveyors and providers at least annually and periodically as changes to regulations, guidelines, and policy governing nursing facility operations are implemented and used in surveys of participating facilities.
(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on January 1, 2007.
102.Facility-based training for new surveyors
(a)Medicare programSection 1819(e) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–3(e)), as amended by section 101(a), is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(7)Facility-based training for new surveyorsThe Secretary shall require the State to establish a process for assuring that—
(A)each individual newly hired as a nursing home surveyor, as part of the individual’s basic training, is assigned full-time to a participating nursing facility for at least 5 days within a 7-day period to observe actual operations outside of the survey process before the individual begins oversight responsibilities;
(B)such individual shall not assume oversight responsibility during this training period and such observations may not be the sole basis of a deficiency citation against the facility; and
(C)such individual shall not be assigned as a member of a survey team for the facility in which the individual received training for two standard surveys following the training period in the facility..
(b)Medicaid programSection 1919(e) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r(e)), as amended by section 101(b), is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(9)Facility-based training for new surveyorsThe State shall establish a process for assuring that—
(A)each individual newly hired as a nursing home surveyor, as part of the individual’s basic training, is assigned full-time to a participating nursing facility for at least 5 days within a 7-day period to observe actual operations outside of the survey process before the individual begins oversight responsibilities;
(B)such individual shall not assume oversight responsibility during this training period and such observations may not be the sole basis of a deficiency citation against the facility; and
(C)such individual shall not be assigned as a member of a survey team for the facility in which the individual received training for two standard surveys following the training period in the facility..
(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on January 1, 2007.
103.Resumption of nurse aide training program after correction of deficiencies
(a)Resumption of nurse aide training program for skilled nursing facilitiesSection 1819(f)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–3(f)(2)) is amended—
(1)in paragraph (B)(iii), in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking (C) and (D) and inserting (C), (D), and (E); and
(2)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(E)Resumption of nurse aide training program after correction of deficienciesClause (iii)(I) of subparagraph (B) shall not apply to a program offered by or in a skilled nursing facility if the facility has—
(i)corrected any deficiencies that resulted in the prohibition of approval of such program; and
(ii)demonstrated compliance with the requirements of subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section..
(b)Resumption of nurse aide training program for nursing facilitiesSection 1919(f)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r(f)(2)) is amended—
(1)in paragraph (B)(iii), in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking (C) and (D) and inserting (C), (D), and (E); and
(2)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(E)Resumption of nurse aide training program after correction of deficienciesClause (iii)(I) of subparagraph (B) shall not apply to a program offered by or in a nursing facility if the facility has—
(i)corrected any deficiencies that resulted in the prohibition of approval of such program; and
(ii)been determined to be in compliance with the requirements of subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section..
(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on January 1, 2007.
104.Clarifying and eliminating the distinction between physician supervision requirements for skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities
(a)Physician supervision requirements for skilled nursing facilitiesSection 1819(b)(6)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–3(b)(6)(A)) is amended by inserting (or, at the option of a State, under the supervision of a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant who is working in collaboration with a physician) before the semicolon at the end.
(b)Clarifying physician supervision requirements for nursing facilitiesSection 1919(b)(6)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r(b)(6)(A)) is amended by striking who is not an employee of the facility but.
(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on January 1, 2007.
105.Permitting split or shared billing by physicians and nurse practitioners in skilled nursing facilities
(a)In generalSection 1888(e) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(13)Permitting split or shared billing by physicians and nurse practitioners in skilled nursing facilitiesNotwithstanding section 1861(s)(2)(K)(ii), a physician and a nurse practitioner may each submit a claim for payment for their portion of a service provided to a resident of a skilled nursing facility, except that, in no case may the total amount paid under this title be greater than it would have been if only one person had submitted a claim for such service..
(b)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2007.
106.Permitting nurse practitioners employed by skilled nursing facilities to certify skilled care
(a)In generalSection 1814(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)(2)) is amended by striking or a nurse practitioner or and inserting a nurse practitioner, or a.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall take effect on January 1, 2007.
107.Modernization of therapy capsSection 1833(g) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(g)) is amended—
(1)in paragraph (4)—
(A)by striking This subsection and inserting Except as provided in paragraph (6), this subsection; and
(B)by inserting and with respect to services furnished on or after January 1, 2009 before the period at the end; and
(2)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(6)In the case of services described in paragraph (1), with respect to such services furnished on or after January 1, 2009, the Secretary shall establish and implement a condition-based system based on medical necessity for necessary and clinically appropriate services. Such system shall utilize a standardized patient assessment tool to evaluate the level of such services that are needed by an individual and impose a limitation on coverage of such services under this part based on such tool..
108.Establishment of a Medicare skilled nursing facility specific wage indexSection 1888(e)(4)(G)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)(4)(G)(ii)) is amended by inserting after the first sentence the following new sentence: For services furnished on or after October 1, 2008, in making the adjustment under the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall utilize an area wage index for skilled nursing facilities based on wage data from such facilities and not from hospitals.
109.Authority to exclude high cost and low probability drugs used in the treatment of cancer from the Medicare prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities
(a)In generalSection 1888(e)(2)(A)(iii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)(2)(A)(iii)) is amended—
(1)by redesignating subclauses (IV) and (V) as subclauses (V) and (VI), respectively; and
(2)by inserting after subclause (III) the following new subclause:

(IV)Any drugs (not otherwise described in subclause (II)) used in the treatment of cancer, including antineoplastic drugs, antiemetics, and supportive medications, that the Secretary determines to be appropriate..
(b)Effective dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to drugs furnished on or after October 1, 2007.
110.Exclusion of all ambulance services from the Medicare prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities
(a)In generalSection 1888(e)(2)(A)(iii)(I) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)(2)(A)(iii)(I)) is amended by striking furnished to and all that follows before the period.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to services furnished on or after October 1, 2007.
111.Authority to exclude additional items and services from the Medicare prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities
(a)AuthoritySection 1888(e)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)(2)(A)) is amended—
(1)in clause (i)(II), by striking and (iv) and inserting (iv), and (v)(I); and
(2)by adding at the end the following new clause:

(v)Exclusion of additional items and services determined appropriate by the Secretary
(I)In generalItems and services described in this clause are any items and services not otherwise described in clauses (ii), (iii), or (iv), that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(II)Annual updateThe Secretary shall annually update the items and services described in subclause (I) to take into account changes in the practice of medicine..
(b)ClarificationItems and services described in section 1888(e)(2)(A)(v)(I) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)(2)(A)(v)(I)), as added by subsection (a), may include items and services furnished in a freestanding clinic to an individual who is a resident of a skilled nursing facility.
(c)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2007.
112.Elimination of Medicare 3-day post-hospital stay requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services
(a)In generalSection 1812(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395d(a)(2)) is amended—
(1)by striking (A) post-hospital and
(2)by striking , and (B) and all that follows up to the period at the end.
(b)Conforming amendments
(1)Title XVIII of the Social Security Act are each amended by striking post-hospital before extended care services each place it appears.
(2)Section 1812(f) of such Act is repealed.
(3)Section 1861(i) of such Act is repealed.
(4)Section 1888(e)(2)(A)(i)(I) of such Act is amended by striking section 1861(i) and inserting section 1861(h).
(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to extended care services furnished in periods of stay beginning on or after January 1, 2007.
IIWorkforce Support
201.Nursing loan repayment programSection 846(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 297n(a)) is amended by striking the last sentence.
202.National nursing database
(a)In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide for the establishment of a national nursing database to be used to predict future nursing shortages.
(b)Information in databaseThe database established under subsection (a) shall be designed to include nursing workforce data across all healthcare provider settings, including nursing educators, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be appropriate for use in the analysis of trends in the supply and demand of nurses and to create an educational model to predict future nursing workforce needs.
(c)FundingThe Secretary of Health and Human Services may transfer, from amounts appropriated for the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
203.Reports on nursing levelsSection 806 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 296e), as amended by section 202, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

(j)Reports concerning nursing levels
(1)In generalThe entities described in paragraph (2) shall annually submit to the Secretary a report concerning how assistance under this title is being used by such entities to increase the number of nurses, nursing educators, and nurse education enrollment slots.
(2)Entities describedAn entity is described in this paragraph if such entity is—
(A)an entity that receives a grant or contract under this title;
(B)a school of nursing that receives student loan funds under this title;
(C)a school of nursing that receives nurse faculty student loan funds under this title; and
(D)any other entity that receives assistance under this title..
IIITax Incentives
301.10-year recovery period for qualified long-term care improvement property
(a)In generalSubparagraph (D) of section 168(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to 10-year property) is amended by striking and at the end of clause (i), by striking the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting , and, and by adding at the end the following new clause:

(iii)any qualified long-term care improvement property..
(b)Qualified long-term care improvement propertySection 168(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to classification of property) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(8)Qualified long-term care improvement propertyThe term qualified long-term care improvement property means any section 1250 property which is an improvement to a building if—
(A)such improvement is placed in service more than 3 years after the date such building was first placed in service, and
(B)such building is, or is a part of, a nursing facility, assisted living facility, residential care facility, intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded, or similar facility designed to provide housing and healthcare for the elderly and disabled..
(c)Alternative systemThe table contained in section 168(g)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to special rule for certain property assigned to classes) is amended by inserting after the item relating to subparagraph (D)(ii) the following:

(D)(iii)10.
(d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of this Act.


115 S1214 IS: Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act
U.S. Senate
2017-05-24
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.

II115th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1214IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 24, 2017Mr. Thune (for himself and Ms. Klobuchar) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksA BILLTo amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to clarify the jurisdiction of the Environmental
			 Protection Agency with respect to certain sporting good articles, and to
			 exempt those articles from a definition under that Act.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act.
		2.Modification of
 definitionSection 3(2)(B) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2602(2)(B)) is amended—
 (1)in clause (v), by striking , and and inserting , or any component of any such article including, without limitation, shot, bullets and other projectiles, propellants, and primers,;
 (2)in clause (vi) by striking the period at the end and inserting , and; and
 (3)by inserting after clause (vi) the following:

 (vii)any sport fishing equipment (as such term is defined in section 4162(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) the sale of which is subject to the tax imposed by section 4161(a) of such Code (determined without regard to any exemptions from such tax provided by section 4162 or 4221 or any other provision of such Code), and sport fishing equipment components..


113 HR 4746 IH: Robin Danielson Act of 2014
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-05-28
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
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4746
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 28, 2014
			Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York (for herself, Mr. Farr, and Ms. Moore) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

		A BILL
		To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a program of research regarding the risks posed
			 by the presence of dioxin, synthetic fibers, chemical fragrances, and
			 other components of feminine hygiene products.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Robin Danielson Act of 2014.2.FindingsThe Congress finds as follows:
			(1)Feminine hygiene products are widely used by women in the United States today, but there is not
			 enough research on the components of these products.
			(2)Women may be exposed to substances in tampons and other menstrual products for as long as 60 years
			 over the course of their reproductive lives. The average woman may use as
			 many as 16,800 tampons in her lifetime. A woman on menopausal hormone
			 therapy may use as many as 24,360 tampons in her lifetime.
			(3)Trace amounts of dioxins can be found in tampons or other feminine hygiene products. The
			 Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency for Research
			 on Cancer, an arm of the World Health Organization, have concluded that
			 dioxins are a probable human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent).
			(4)The Food and Drug Administration (referred to in this section as the FDA) has historically relied on data provided by manufacturers of feminine hygiene products in
			 determining product safety.
			(5)Although the FDA currently requires tampon manufacturers to routinely monitor dioxin levels in raw
			 materials and finished tampons, this information is not readily available
			 to the public. The FDA should consider whether to expand regulation to
			 include other types of feminine hygiene products and a broader list of
			 contaminants.
			3.Research on dioxin and other potentially harmful components of feminine hygiene productsPart F of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 287d et seq.) is amended by adding
			 at the end the following section:

				486C.Research on dioxin and other potentially harmful components of feminine hygiene products
					(a)Research
						(1)In generalThe Director of NIH, in collaboration with the Director of the Office, shall provide for the
			 conduct or support of research to determine the extent to which the
			 presence of dioxins, synthetic fibers, chlorine, and other components,
			 including contaminants and substances used as fragrances, in tampons and
			 other feminine hygiene products—
							(A)poses any risks to the health of women who use the products, including risks relating to cervical
			 cancer, endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, immune
			 system deficiencies, pelvic inflammatory disease, toxic shock syndrome,
			 and bacterial and yeast infections; and
							(B)poses any risks to the health of children of women who used such products during or before the
			 pregnancies involved, including risks relating to fetal and childhood
			 development.
							(2)Requirement regarding data from manufacturersResearch under paragraph (1) shall include research to confirm the data on tampons and other
			 feminine hygiene products submitted to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs
			 by manufacturers of such products.
						(3)DefinitionFor purposes of paragraph (1), the term feminine hygiene products means tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, and similar products used by women with respect to
			 menstruation or other genital-tract secretions.
						(b)ReportsReports on the results of research under subsection (a) shall be periodically submitted to the
			 Congress, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, the Administrator of the
			 Environmental Protection Agency, and the Chairman of the Consumer Product
			 Safety Commission. Such reports shall be made available to the public
			 through the data system and clearinghouse program established under
			 section 486A, or through other appropriate means.
					(c)Authorization of appropriationsFor the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as
			 may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2019..


I
108th CONGRESS 2d Session
H. R. 4826
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 13, 2004
Mr. Shaw (for himself, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, and Mr. Tanner) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Resources

A BILL
To assist in the conservation of rare felids and rare canids by supporting and providing financial resources for the conservation programs of nations within the range of rare felid and rare canid populations and projects of persons with demonstrated expertise in the conservation of rare felid and rare canid populations.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2004.
2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
(1)Many wild populations of felids and canids, once considered common, are in decline, and many have declined to the point that their long-term survival in the wild is in serious jeopardy.
(2)Of the 37 wild felid species worldwide, all are currently recognized as species in need of protection under the IUCN Red List, the lists of species in CITES appendices I, II, and III, or the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Of the 35 wild canid species worldwide, nearly 50 percent are recognized as in need of such protection.
(3)In addition to their intrinsic value, felids and canids are important aesthetic, economic, and ecological global resources that need to be conserved.
(4)Large felids and canids are considered both umbrella and indicator species. Healthy populations of these species act as an important indicator of the integrity of entire ecosystems and, because they require large wild spaces to persist, benefit entire ecosystems and a large number of other species. Measures taken to benefit these keystone species will ultimately benefit a great number of other species.
(5)Rare felids and rare canids face an array of threats, including loss of habitat and natural prey, intentional and unintentional takings by humans, disease transmission, and a vast number of other threats. These threats need to be addressed in a coordinated fashion.
(6)Conservation of rare felid and rare canid populations requires global commitment. Adequate funding for conservation is sorely lacking, and many range countries for those species do not have adequate infrastructure to protect species of concern. Those countries that do provide assistance to threatened populations need further assistance in implementing effective conservation strategies.
(7)In particular, in developing nations with limited resources, poverty, population growth, and habitat loss all present significant challenges to conservation of rare felids and rare canids.
(8)Although some protections and initiatives exist to conserve rare felid and rare canid populations and their habitat, those efforts can be significantly strengthened and enhanced by increased coordination and the infusion of targeted funding to benefit species of concern.
3.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are to provide financial resources and to foster international cooperation—
(1)to restore and perpetuate healthy populations of rare felids and rare canids in the wild; and
(2)to assist in the conservation of rare felid and rare canid populations worldwide.
4.DefinitionsIn this Act:
(1)CITESThe term CITES means the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, done at Washington March 3, 1973 (27 UST 1087; TIAS 8249), including its appendices.
(2)ConservationThe term conservation—
(A)means the methods and procedures necessary to bring a species of rare felid or rare canid to the point at which there are sufficient populations in the wild to ensure the long-term viability of the species;
(B)includes all activities associated with protection and management of a rare felid or rare canid population, including—
(i)maintenance, management, protection, and restoration of rare felid or rare canid habitat;
(ii)research and monitoring;
(iii)law enforcement;
(iv)community outreach and education;
(v)conflict resolution initiatives; and
(vi)strengthening the capacity of local communities, governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations and other institutions to implement conservation programs.
(3)FundThe term Fund means the Great Cats and Rare Canids Conservation Fund established by section 6.
(4)IUCN Red ListThe term IUCN Red List means the Red List of Threatened Species Maintained by the World Conservation Union.
(5)Rare canidThe term rare canid—
(A)means any canid species, subspecies, or population that—
(i)is not native to the area comprised of the United States and Canada; and
(ii)is included in the IUCN Red List, Appendix I, II, or III of CITES, or any list published under section 4(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1532(c)); and
(B)includes such a subspecies or population of dhole (Cuon alpinus), gray wolf (Canis lupus), ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), african wild dog (Lycaon pictus), or maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus).
(6)Rare felidThe term rare felid—
(A)subject to subparagraph (C), means any felid species, subspecies, or population that—
(i)is not native to the area comprised of the United States and Canada; and
(ii)is included in the IUCN Red List, Appendix I, II, or III of CITES, or any list published under section 4(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1532(c));
(B)includes such a subspecies or population of lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus), jaguar (Panthera onca), snow leopard (Uncia uncia), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), or iberian lynx (Lynx pardina); and
(C)does not include any tiger (Panthera tigris).
(7)SecretaryThe term Secretary refers to the Secretary of the Interior.
5.Financial assistance
(a)In generalSubject to the availability of funds and in consultation with other appropriate Federal officials, the Secretary shall use amounts in the Fund to provide financial assistance for projects for the conservation of rare felid and rare canids for which project proposals are approved by the Secretary in accordance with this section.
(b)Project proposals
(1)Eligible ApplicantsA proposal for a project for the conservation of rare felid and canids may be submitted to the Secretary by—
(A)any wildlife management authority of a country that has within its boundaries any part of the range of a rare felid or rare canid species, respectively; and
(B)any person or group with the demonstrated expertise required for the conservation in the wild of rare felids or rare canids, respectively.
(2)Project proposalsTo be considered for financial assistance for a project under this Act, an applicant shall submit a project proposal that includes—
(A)a concise statement of the purposes of the project;
(B)the name of the individual responsible for conducting the project;
(C)a description of the qualifications of the individuals who will conduct the project;
(D)a concise description of—
(i)methods for project implementation and outcome assessment;
(ii)staffing for the project;
(iii)the logistics of the project; and
(iv)community involvement in the project;
(E)an estimate of funds and time required to complete the project;
(F)evidence of support for the project by appropriate governmental entities of the countries in which the project will be conducted, if the Secretary determines that such support is required for the success of the project;
(G)information regarding the source and amount of matching funding available for the project; and
(H)any other information that the Secretary considers to be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the project for funding under this Act.
(c)Project review and approval
(1)In generalThe Secretary shall—
(A)not later than 30 days after receiving a project proposal, provide a copy of the proposal to the appropriate Federal officials; and
(B)review each project proposal in a timely manner to determine if the proposal meets the criteria specified in subsection (d).
(2)Consultation; Approval or disapprovalNot later than 180 days after receiving a project proposal, and subject to the availability of funds, the Secretary, after consulting with other appropriate Federal officials, shall—
(A)ensure the proposal contains assurances that the project will be implemented in consultation with relevant wildlife management authorities and other appropriate government officials with jurisdiction over the resources addressed by the project;
(B)approve or disapprove the proposal; and
(C)provide written notification of the approval or disapproval to the person who submitted the proposal, other appropriate Federal officials, and each country within whose borders the project will take place.
(d)Criteria for approvalThe Secretary may approve a project proposal under this section if the project will contribute to conservation of rare felids or rare canids in the wild by assisting efforts to—
(1)implement conservation programs;
(2)address the conflicts between humans and rare felids or rare canids, respectively, that arise from competition for the same habitat or resources;
(3)enhance compliance with CITES, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and other applicable laws that prohibit or regulate the taking or trade of rare felids and rare canids or regulate the use and management of rare felid and rare canid habitat;
(4)develop sound scientific information on, or methods for monitoring—
(A)the condition and health of rare felid or rare canid habitat;
(B)rare felid or rare canid population numbers and trends; and
(C)the ecological characteristics and requirements of populations of rare felids or rare canids for which there are little or no data;
(5)promote cooperative projects among government entities, affected local communities, nongovernmental organizations, and other persons in the private sector; or
(6)funds will not be appropriated for the purchase or lease of lands to be used as suitable habitat for felids or canids.
(e)Project sustainabilityIn approving project proposals under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to conservation projects that are designed to ensure effective, long-term conservation of rare felids and rare canids and their habitats.
(f)Matching fundsIn determining whether to approve project proposals under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to projects for which there exists some measure of matching funds.
(g)Project reporting
(1)In generalEach person that receives assistance under this section for a project shall submit to the Secretary periodic reports (at such intervals as the Secretary considers necessary) that include all information that the Secretary, after consultation with other appropriate government officials, determines is necessary to evaluate the progress and success of the project for the purposes of ensuring positive results, assessing problems, and fostering improvements.
(2)Availability to the publicReports under paragraph (1), and any other documents relating to projects for which financial assistance is provided under this Act, shall be made available to the public.
(h)Limitations on use for captive breeding or displayAmounts provided as a grant under this Act—
(1)may not be used for captive breeding or display of rare felids and rare canids other than captive breeding for release into the wild; and
(2)may be used for captive breeding of a species for release into the wild only if no other conservation method for the species is biologically feasible.
(i)Limitation on assistance for certain speciesOf amounts available for a fiscal year for providing financial assistance under this section, the Secretary may not use more than 25 percent to provide assistance for projects that target rare canid and rare felid species that are not listed in paragraph (5)(B) or (6)(B), respectively, of section 4.
(j)Advisory group
(1)In generalTo assist in carrying out this Act, the Secretary may convene an advisory group consisting of individuals representing public and private organizations actively involved in the conservation of felids and canids.
(2)Public participation
(A)MeetingsThe advisory group shall—
(i)ensure that each meeting of the advisory group is open to the public; and
(ii)provide, at each meeting, an opportunity for interested persons to present oral or written statements concerning items on the agenda.
(B)NoticeThe Secretary shall provide to the public timely notice of each meeting of the advisory group, including the meeting agenda.
(C)MinutesMinutes of each meeting of the advisory group shall be kept by the Secretary and shall be made available to the public.
(3)Exemption from Federal Advisory Committee ActThe Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the advisory group.
6.Great Cats and Rare Canids Conservation Fund
(a)EstablishmentThere is established, in the Multinational Species Conservation Fund established in title I of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 under the heading MULTINATIONAL SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND, a separate account to be known as the Great Cats and Rare Canids Conservation Fund, consisting of—
(1)amounts transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury for deposit into such account under subsection (e);
(2)amounts appropriated to such account under section 7; and
(3)any interest earned on investment of amounts in the account under subsection (c).
(b)Expenditures from fund
(1)In generalSubject to paragraph (2), upon request by the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer from the Fund to the Secretary, without further appropriation, such amounts as the Secretary determines are necessary to provide assistance under section 4.
(2)Administrative expensesOf the amounts in the Fund available for each fiscal year, the Secretary may expend not more than three percent, or up to $80,000, whichever is greater, to pay the administrative expenses necessary to carry out this Act.
(c)Investment of amounts
(1)In generalThe Secretary of the Treasury shall invest such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the Secretary of the Treasury, required to meet current withdrawals. Investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States.
(2)Acquisition of obligationsFor the purpose of investments under paragraph (1), obligations may be acquired—
(A)on original issue at the issue price; or
(B)by purchase of outstanding obligations at the market price.
(3)Sale of obligationsAny obligation acquired by the Fund may be sold by the Secretary of the Treasury at the market price.
(4)Credits to fundThe interest on, and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of any obligations held in the Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Fund.
(d)Transfers of amounts
(1)In generalThe amounts required to be transferred to the Fund under this section shall be transferred at least monthly from the general fund of the Treasury to the Fund on the basis of estimates made by the Secretary of the Treasury.
(2)AdjustmentsProper adjustment shall be made in amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the amounts required to be transferred.
(e)Acceptance and use of donationsThe Secretary may accept and use donations to provide assistance under section 4. Amounts received by the Secretary in the form of donations shall be transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury for deposit into the Fund.
7.Authorization or AppropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Fund $5,000,000 for each fiscal years 2005 through 2009 to carry out this Act.


113 HR 3035 IH: Surveillance Order Reporting Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-08-02
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
113th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 3035
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

August 2, 2013
Ms. Lofgren (for herself, Mr. Chaffetz, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Farenthold, Ms. DelBene, Mr. Poe of Texas, Mr. Polis, Mr. Amash, and Mr. Massie) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Select Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select) and Financial Services, 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 permit periodic public reporting by electronic communications providers and remote computer service providers of certain estimates pertaining to requests or demands by Federal agencies under the provisions of certain surveillance laws where disclosure of such estimates is, or may be, otherwise prohibited by law.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Surveillance Order Reporting Act of 2013.
2.Reporting FISA orders and national security letters
(a)In generalEach electronic service provider may report information to the public in accordance with this section about requests and demands for information made by any Government entity under a surveillance law, and is exempt in accordance with subsection (d) from liability with respect to that report, even if such provider would otherwise be prohibited by a surveillance law from reporting that information.
(b)Periodic aggregate reportsAn electronic service provider may report such information not more often than quarterly and only to the following extent:
(1)Estimate of numbers of demands and requests madeThe report may reveal an estimate of the number of such demands and requests made during the period to which the report pertains.
(2)Estimate of numbers of demands and requests complied withThe report may reveal an estimate of the numbers of such demands and requests the service provider complied with during the period to which the report pertains, regardless of when the demands or requests were made.
(3)Estimate of number of users or accountsThe report may reveal an estimate of the numbers of users or accounts, or both, of the service provider, for which information was demanded, requested, or provided during the period to which the report pertains.
(c)Special rules for reports
(1) Level of detail by authorizing surveillance lawAny estimate disclosed under this section may be an overall estimate or broken down by categories of authorizing surveillance laws or by provisions of authorizing surveillance laws.
(2)Level of detail by numerical rangeEach estimate disclosed under this section must be expressed in no greater detail than in a range of 100, rounded to the nearest 100s.
(3)Report may be broken down by periods not less than calendar quartersFor any reporting period, the provider may break down the report by calendar quarters or any other time periods greater than a calendar quarter.
(d)Limitation on liabilityA electronic service provider making a report that provider reasonably believes in good faith is authorized by this section is not criminally or civilly liable in any court for making that report.
(e)Rule of constructionNothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit disclosures other than those authorized by this section.
(f)DefinitionsIn this section:
(1)The term electronic service provider means an electronic communications service provider (as that term is defined in section 2510 of title 18, United States Code) or a remote computing service provider (as that term is defined in section 2711 of title 18, United States Code).
(2)The term surveillance law means any provision of any of the following:
(A)The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).
(B)Section 802(a) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 436(a)).
(C)Section 2709 of title 18, United States Code.
(D)Section 1114(a)(5)(A) of the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3414(a)(5)(A)).
(E)Subsections (a) or (b) of section 626 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681u(a), 1681u(b)).
(F)Section 627(a) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681v(a)).


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5581
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 23, 2010
			Mr. Kind (for himself
			 and Mr. Higgins) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in
			 addition to the Committee on Science and
			 Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
			 Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
			 jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make
		  qualified biogas property eligible for the energy credit and to permit new
		  clean renewable energy bonds to finance qualified biogas
		  property.

		1.Incentives for qualified
			 biogas property
			(a)Incentives for
			 qualified biogas property made eligible for the energy credit
				(1)In
			 generalSubparagraph (A) of
			 section 48(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
			 or at the end clause (vi), by inserting or at the
			 end of clause (vii), and by adding at the end the following new clause:

						(viii)qualified biogas
				property,
						.
				(2)Qualified biogas
			 propertySubsection (c) of section 48 of such Code is amended by
			 adding at the end the following new paragraph:

						(5)Qualified biogas
				property
							(A)In
				generalThe term qualified biogas property means
				property comprising a system which—
								(i)uses anaerobic
				digesters (alone or in combination with other biological, chemical, thermal, or
				mechanical processes) to convert biomass (as defined in section 45K(c)(3)) into
				a gas which consists of not less than 52 percent methane, and
								(ii)captures such gas
				for use as a fuel.
								(B)Inclusion of
				certain cleaning and conditioning equipmentSuch term shall
				include any property which cleans and conditions the gas referred to in
				subparagraph (A) for use as a fuel.
							(C)TerminationNo
				credit shall be determined under this section with respect to any qualified
				biogas property for any period after December 31,
				2016.
							.
				(3)Qualified biogas
			 property made eligible for 30 percent creditClause (i) of
			 section 48(a)(2)(A) of such Code is amended by striking and at
			 the end of subclause (III) and by adding at the end the following new
			 subclause:

						(V)qualified biogas property,
				and
						.
				(4)Denial of double
			 benefitSubsection (e) of section 45 of such Code is amended by
			 adding at the end the following new paragraph:

						(12)Coordination
				with energy credit for qualified biogas propertyThe term qualified facility
				shall not include any facility which produces electricity from gas produced by
				qualified biogas property (as defined in section 48(c)(5)) if a credit is
				determined under section 48 with respect to such property for the taxable year
				or any prior taxable
				year.
						.
				(5)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply to
			 periods after December 31, 2010, in taxable years ending after such date, under
			 rules similar to the rules of section 48(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of
			 1986 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue
			 Reconciliation Act of 1990).
				(b)Qualified biogas
			 property made eligible for financing with new clean renewable energy
			 bonds
				(1)In
			 generalParagraph (1) of
			 section 54C(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting
			 , or a qualified biogas property (as defined in section
			 48(c)(5)), before owned by.
				(2)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by this subsection shall apply to
			 obligations issued after the date of the enactment of this Act.
				(c)Study of
			 biogasThe Secretary of the Treasury shall enter into an
			 agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to undertake a study of
			 biogas. Such agreement shall provide for a written report to be submitted to
			 Congress not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
			 Such report shall address the following issues:
				(1)The quality of
			 biogas, including a comparison of biogas to natural gas and the identification
			 of any components of biogas which make it unsuitable for injection into
			 existing natural gas pipelines.
				(2)Methods for
			 obtaining the highest energy content in biogas, including the use of
			 co-digestion and identifying the optimal feed mixture.
				(3)Recommendations
			 for the expansion of biogas production, including an analysis of the extent to
			 which increasing the methane content of biogas would result in its greater use
			 and an analysis of how the expanded use of biogas could help meet the growing
			 energy needs of the United States.


117 HR 4455 IH: To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to extend certain certification periods for the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-07-16
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4455IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 16, 2021Mrs. Hayes (for herself and Miss González-Colón) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborA BILLTo amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to extend certain certification periods for the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, and for other purposes.1.Extension of certain WIC certification periods(a)Expansion of adjunctive eligibilitySection 17(d)(2)(A) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(d)(2)(A)) is amended—(1)in clause (ii)—(A)in subclause (I), by inserting resides in a household (as such term is defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012)) that before receives; and(B)in subclause (II), by striking ; or and inserting a semicolon; (2)by amending clause (iii) to read as follows: (iii)(I)is enrolled in medical assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) or child health assistance under title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.); or(II)is a member of a family in which a pregnant woman, postpartum woman, infant, or child receives such assistance;; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(iv)is enrolled as a participant in a program authorized under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.) or resides in a household in which one or more children is enrolled as a participant in such a Head Start program;(v)resides in a household that receives assistance under the food distribution program on Indian reservations established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)); or(vi)resides in a household that receives assistance from a nutrition assistance program funded by the consolidated block grants for Puerto Rico and the American Samoa established under section 19 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2028)..(b)Certification within one household family; certification of infantsSection 17(d)(3)(A) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786)(d)(3)(A)) is amended—(1)in clause (i), by striking clause (ii) and inserting clauses (ii) and (v); and (2)by adding at the end the following:(iv)Certification within one household familyIn the case of an individual who is a member of a household participating in the program pursuant to clauses (i), (ii), or (iii) of paragraph (2)(A) and is certified for purposes of such clauses under subparagraph (D) or (E), a local agency may extend or establish, if such an extension or establishment would promote alignment between such family members, a certification period for family members of such individual who—(I)reside in the same household; and(II)are—(aa)participants in the program; or(bb)eligible to participate in the program.(v)Certification of infantsA State shall certify for participation, without further application, an infant born to a pregnant individual who is participating in the program pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (2)(A).(vi)RecertificationBefore requesting new income documentation for purposes of recertifying an individual under the program, a State shall—(I)determine whether such individual is eligible for recertification under subparagraph (E); and(II)if such individual is so eligible—(aa)recertify such individual; and(bb)notify such individual of such recertification..(c)Extension of child certification periodsSection 17(d)(3)(A)(iii) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(d)(3)(A)(iii)) is amended by striking 1 year and inserting 2 years.(d)Automatic eligibility for children in kinship familiesSection 17(f)(1)(C)(ix) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(f)(1)(C)(ix)) is amended by inserting a kinship family, after under the care of.


110 HR 2522 IH: Congressional Commission on the

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-05-24
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
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2522
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 24, 2007
			Mr. Lewis of Georgia
			 (for himself, Mr. Smith of New Jersey,
			 Mrs. Maloney of New York,
			 Mrs. Drake,
			 Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas,
			 Mr. Engel,
			 Ms. Norton,
			 Mr. Pitts,
			 Mr. Grijalva,
			 Mr. McNulty,
			 Mr. Scott of Virginia,
			 Mr. Honda,
			 Ms. Clarke,
			 Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas,
			 Mr. Cummings,
			 Mr. Cohen,
			 Mrs. Tauscher,
			 Mr. Johnson of Georgia,
			 Mr. Conyers, and
			 Ms. Schakowsky) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in
			 addition to the Committees on the Judiciary,
			 Ways and Means, and
			 Oversight and Government
			 Reform, 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 establish a congressional Commission on the Abolition
		  of Modern-Day Slavery.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Congressional Commission on the
			 Abolition of Modern-Day Slavery Act.
		2.Modern-day
			 slaveryIn this Act, the term
			 modern-day slavery means the status or condition of a person who
			 is under the control of another person, where that control is enforced by
			 violence, or psychological coercion, and who is exploited through involuntary
			 servitude, forced labor, debt bondage or bonded labor, serfdom, peonage,
			 trafficking in persons for forced labor or for sexual exploitation (including
			 child sex tourism), forced marriage, or other similar means.
		3.FindingsCongress makes the following
			 findings:
			(1)Modern-day slavery
			 takes many forms, including chattel slavery or slavery by descent, and the
			 exploitation occurs in a myriad of situations, including in the agricultural,
			 commercial sex, construction, manufacturing, and service industries, as well as
			 in domestic servitude.
			(2)The perpetrators of
			 modern-day slavery violate the dignity of men, women, and children, using
			 violence that at times results in death, sexual abuse, rape, torture, dangerous
			 and degrading working conditions, poor nutrition, drug and alcohol addiction,
			 and psychological trauma.
			(3)According to the
			 Universal Declaration of Human Rights No one shall be held in slavery or
			 servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their
			 forms..
			(4)The United States
			 and the international community have acknowledged that modern-day slavery must
			 be abolished in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and
			 Political Rights; the Slavery, Servitude, Forced Labour and Similar
			 Institutions and Practices Convention of 1926; the Supplementary Convention on
			 the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices
			 Similar to Slavery; the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of
			 the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography;
			 the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the
			 Involvement of Children in Armed Conflicts; the Convention concerning the
			 Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of
			 Child Labour; the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention; and the Protocol to
			 Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and
			 Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational
			 Organized Crime.
			(5)The Declaration of
			 Independence recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all people and states
			 that all people are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain
			 unalienable rights.
			(6)The 13th amendment
			 to the Constitution of the United States recognizes that Neither slavery
			 nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party
			 shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any
			 place subject to their jurisdiction..
			(7)The United States has given particular
			 priority to combating trafficking in persons, a form of modern-day slavery,
			 through the enactment of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000
			 (division A of Public Law 106–386) and the Trafficking Victims Protection
			 Reauthorization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108–193) and the Trafficking Victims
			 Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–164).
			(8)The importation
			 into the United States of goods mined, produced, or manufactured by forced or
			 indentured labor, including forced or indentured child labor, is prohibited
			 under the Tariff Act of 1930.
			4.Establishment of
			 commission
			(a)EstablishmentThere
			 is established a congressional Commission on the Abolition of Modern-Day
			 Slavery (in this Act referred to as the Commission).
			(b)Membership
				(1)CompositionThe
			 Commission shall be composed of 12 members, of whom—
					(A)3 shall be
			 appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
					(B)3 shall be
			 appointed by the majority leader of the Senate;
					(C)3 shall be
			 appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; and
					(D)3 shall be
			 appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.
					(2)QualificationsMembers
			 of the Commission shall be individuals with demonstrated expertise or
			 experience in combating modern-day slavery.
				(3)DateThe
			 appointments of the members of the Commission shall be made not later than 30
			 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
				(c)Period of
			 Appointment; VacanciesMembers shall be appointed for the life of
			 the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but
			 shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
			(d)Co-chairpersonsThe
			 Speaker of the House of Representatives shall designate 1 of the members
			 appointed under subsection (b)(1)(A) as a co-chairperson of the Commission. The
			 majority leader of the Senate shall designate 1 of the members appointed under
			 subsection (b)(1)(B) as a co-chairperson of the Commission.
			(e)Initial
			 MeetingNot later than 60 days after the date of enactment of
			 this Act, the Commission shall hold its first meeting.
			(f)MeetingsThe
			 Commission shall meet at the call of either Co-chairperson.
			(g)QuorumA
			 majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a
			 lesser number of members may meet or hold hearings.
			5.Duties of the
			 commission
			(a)Study
				(1)In
			 generalThe Commission shall—
					(A)conduct a thorough
			 study of modern-day slavery in all its forms and why it still exists, including
			 the failure by authorities to enforce laws prohibiting slavery and prosecuting
			 the perpetrators of slavery, corruption among officials, and the vulnerability
			 of certain populations, such as those who are discriminated against because of
			 gender, ethnicity or caste, and those in areas of conflict and post conflict,
			 transitioning states, or states undergoing sudden political upheaval, economic
			 collapse, civil unrest, internal armed conflict, chronic unemployment,
			 widespread poverty, or manmade or natural disasters;
					(B)review programs of
			 relevant governmental agencies with respect to modern-day-slavery, including
			 the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Department of
			 Commerce, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human
			 Services, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, the
			 Department of the Treasury, the United States Agency for International
			 Development, the Department of State, the President’s Interagency Task Force to
			 Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, and the Human Smuggling and
			 Trafficking Center;
					(C)examine efforts
			 undertaken by foreign countries and multilateral organizations to prevent or
			 combat modern-day slavery in all its forms, prosecute the perpetrators or
			 protect its victims, and identify those countries with the most significant
			 number of victims of modern-day slavery; and
					(D)convene additional
			 experts from relevant nongovernmental organizations as part of the Commission’s
			 review.
					(2)GoalsBased
			 on its findings under paragraph (1), the Commission shall—
					(A)advise the
			 Congress on how the United States could lend support to the efforts to
			 eradicate modern-day slavery in all its forms;
					(B)provide a comprehensive evaluation of
			 comparative models and strategies to prevent modern-day slavery, rescue and
			 rehabilitate victims of modern-day slavery, prosecute offenders, increase
			 accountability within countries that tolerate modern-day slavery, develop
			 international cooperation to combat modern slavery, and increase education
			 about modern-day slavery in all its forms, particularly among vulnerable
			 populations;
					(C)provide a comprehensive evaluation of
			 current United States trade policy’s effect on modern slavery, including a list
			 of the top ten countries with the highest number of slaves within their
			 borders, along with the precise nature of the United States trade relationship
			 with each country;
					(D)provide a comprehensive evaluation of the
			 effectiveness of United States laws prohibiting the importation of goods
			 manufactured or produced in whole or in part through forced labor or child
			 labor, including a list of the five categories of slave-made goods that most
			 regularly are imported into the United States, and any related law enforcement
			 action taken to prevent their importation;
					(E)provide a comprehensive evaluation of
			 United States Government procurement policies and practices regarding the
			 procurement of slave-made goods or services through grantees, contractors, or
			 subcontractors; and
					(F)examine the
			 economic impact on communities and countries that demonstrate measured success
			 in fighting modern-day slavery in all its forms.
					(b)RecommendationsThe Commission shall recommend legislative
			 and administrative actions necessary for the most effective ways to combat and
			 eliminate modern-day slavery in all its forms, including incorporating best
			 practices into all United States Government anti-slavery programs for
			 prevention, rescue and rehabilitation, prosecution, increasing accountability
			 within governments that tolerate slavery, developing international cooperation
			 to combat modern-day slavery, and increasing education about modern-day
			 slavery, particularly among vulnerable populations. The Commission shall also
			 determine the nature of what constitutes appropriate relations with countries
			 that tolerate modern-day slavery in any form and make specific recommendations
			 to eliminate the importation of slave-made goods and the United States
			 Government’s procurement of slave-made goods and services.
			(c)ReportNot
			 later than 11 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission
			 shall submit to the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives
			 and the majority leader and minority leader of the Senate, a report containing
			 the results of the study and other activities conducted under subsection (a)
			 and the recommendations developed under subsection (b).
			6.Powers of the
			 commission
			(a)HearingsThe
			 Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take
			 such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers necessary
			 to carry out this Act.
			(b)Information From
			 Governmental AgenciesThe Commission may secure directly from any
			 department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to
			 carry out this Act. Upon request of either co-chairperson of the Commission,
			 the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the
			 Commission.
			7.Commission
			 personnel matters
			(a)Compensation of
			 MembersEach member of the Commission who is not an officer or
			 employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the
			 daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the
			 Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States Code, for each
			 day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the
			 performance of the duties of the Commission. All members of the Commission who
			 are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without compensation
			 in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the
			 United States.
			(b)Travel
			 ExpensesThe members of the Commission shall be allowed travel
			 expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for
			 employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United
			 States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the
			 performance of services for the Commission.
			(c)Staff
				(1)In
			 generalThe co-chairpersons of the Commission, acting jointly,
			 may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and
			 terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be
			 necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties. The employment of an
			 executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission.
				(2)CompensationThe
			 co-chairpersons of the Commission, acting jointly, may fix the compensation of
			 the executive director and other personnel without regard to chapter 51 and
			 subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United Sates Code, relating to
			 classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the
			 rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the
			 rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such
			 title.
				(d)Detail of
			 Government EmployeesFederal Government employees may be detailed
			 to the Commission without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without
			 interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.
			(e)Procurement of
			 Temporary and Intermittent ServicesThe co-chairpersons of the
			 Commission, acting jointly, may procure temporary and intermittent services
			 under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals
			 which do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay
			 prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such
			 title.
			8.Termination of
			 the CommissionThe Commission
			 shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the Commission submits its
			 report under section 5(c).
		9.Authorization of
			 appropriations
			(a)In
			 GeneralThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission
			 for fiscal year 2008 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this
			 Act.
			(b)AvailabilityAny
			 sums appropriated under the authorization contained in this section shall
			 remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until expended.


		IV
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 91
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 14, 2011
			Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of
			 Texas (for herself, Ms.
			 Bordallo, Ms. Brown of
			 Florida, Ms. Edwards,
			 Ms. Eshoo,
			 Ms. Fudge,
			 Mr. Grijalva,
			 Mr. Honda,
			 Ms. Matsui,
			 Mr. Reyes,
			 Ms. Wasserman Schultz, and
			 Mr. Wu) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and
			 Technology

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the support of the House of
		  Representatives for efforts to increase diversity in science, technology,
		  engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and recognizing the Association for Women
		  in Science (AWIS) for its 40 years of service to broadening the participation
		  of underrepresented groups in STEM.

		Whereas the global competitiveness of the United States in
			 science and technology depends on the capacity of our domestic human
			 capital;
		Whereas the majority of jobs in the future will require an
			 academic foundation in science and math;
		Whereas the current and projected domestic human capital
			 is insufficient to meet the demands of a growing workforce in science,
			 technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM);
		Whereas the current underrepresentation of certain
			 demographic groups including women, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native
			 Americans in STEM fields indicates a lack of capitalization on the available
			 talent in America;
		Whereas increased diversity in STEM fields has been shown
			 to maximize innovation and effectiveness; and
		Whereas the Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
			 founded in 1971 has been dedicated to broadening the participation of
			 underrepresented groups in STEM for 40 years: Now, therefore, be it

		That the House of Representatives—
			(1)supports efforts to increase diversity in
			 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); and
			(2)recognizes the
			 Association for Women in Science (AWIS) for its 40 years of dedication to
			 broadening the participation of underrepresented groups in STEM.


117 HR 4640 IH: Close the Medigap Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-07-22
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4640IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 22, 2021Mr. Doggett (for himself, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Cartwright, Ms. Chu, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Cohen, Mr. DeFazio, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Evans, Mr. Grijalva, Mrs. Hayes, Ms. Johnson of Texas, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Khanna, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Levin of Michigan, Mr. Lowenthal, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, Mr. Mfume, Mr. Nadler, Ms. Norton, Mr. Perlmutter, Ms. Porter, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Sewell, Ms. Speier, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Takano, Ms. Titus, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr. Tonko, Ms. DeLauro, and Mrs. Watson Coleman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for certain reforms with respect to medicare supplemental health insurance policies.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Close the Medigap Act of 2021.2.Guaranteed issue(a)In generalSection 1882(s) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ss(s)) is amended to read as follows:(s)(1)Subject to paragraph (2), the issuer of a medicare supplemental policy may not, in the case of an individual entitled to benefits under part A and enrolled under part B—(A)deny or condition the issuance or effectiveness of a medicare supplemental policy, or discriminate in the pricing of the policy, because of health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or medical condition;(B)exclude benefits based on a preexisting condition;(C)provide any time period applicable to preexisting conditions, waiting periods, elimination periods, and probationary periods for any benefit;(D)deny or condition the issuance or effectiveness of the policy (including the imposition of any exclusion of benefits under the policy based on a preexisting condition) or discriminate in the pricing of the policy (including the adjustment of premium rates) of an individual on the basis of the genetic information with respect to such individual; (E)deny or condition the issuance or effectiveness of a medicare supplemental policy that is offered and is available for issuance to new enrollees by such issuer; or(F)establish any period limiting enrollment under a medicare supplemental policy to such period for any individual. (2)Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an individual entitled to benefits under part A solely by reason of section 226A.(3)Nothing in this subsection or in subparagraphs (A) or (B) of subsection (x)(2) shall be construed to limit the ability of an issuer of a medicare supplemental policy from, to the extent otherwise permitted under this title—(A)denying or conditioning the issuance or effectiveness of the policy or increasing the premium for an employer based on the manifestation of a disease or disorder of an individual who is covered under the policy; or(B)increasing the premium for any policy issued to an individual based on the manifestation of a disease or disorder of an individual who is covered under the policy (in such case, the manifestation of a disease or disorder in one individual cannot also be used as genetic information about other group members..(b)Outreach plan(1)In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services shall develop an outreach plan to notify individuals entitled to benefits under part A or enrolled under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) of the effects of the amendment made by subsection (a).(2)ConsultationIn implementing the outreach plan developed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with consumer advocates, brokers, insurers, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and State Health Insurance Assistance Programs.(c)Effective date; phase-In authority(1)Effective dateSubject to paragraph (2), the amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to medicare supplemental policies effective on or after January 1, 2022.(2)Phase-in authority(A)In generalSubject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Health and Human Services may phase in the implementation of the amendment made under subsection (a) (with such phase-in beginning on or after January 1, 2022) in such manner as the Secretary determines appropriate in order to minimize any adverse impact on individuals enrolled under a medicare supplemental policy.(B)Phase-in period may not exceed 5 yearsThe Secretary of Health and Human Services shall ensure that the amendment made by subsection (a) is fully implemented by not later than January 1, 2027.3.Medical loss ratioSection 1882(r)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ss(r)(1)(A)) is amended—(1)by inserting and periodically reviewed after developed; and(2)by striking policy, at least 75 percent of the aggregate amount of premiums collected in the case of group policies and at least 65 percent in the case of individual policies; and and inserting the following:policy—(i)with respect to periods beginning before January 1, 2022, at least 75 percent of the aggregate amount of premiums collected in the case of group policies and at least 65 percent in the case of individual policies; and(ii)with respect to periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022, a percent of the aggregate amount of premiums collected that, in the case of group policies or individual policies, as applicable, is equal to or greater than both—(I)the applicable percent specified in clause (i) with respect to such policies; and(II)such percent as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners may recommend to the Secretary with respect to such policies for purposes of this paragraph; and.4.Limitations on pricing discrimination(a)In generalSection 1882 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ss), as amended by section 6, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:(aa)Development of new standards relating to pricing discrimination(1)In generalThe Secretary shall request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to review and revise the standards for all benefit packages under subsection (p)(1), including the core benefit package, in order to provide coverage consistent with paragraph (2). Such revisions shall be made consistent with the rules applicable under subsection (p)(1)(E) (with the reference to the 1991 NAIC Model Regulation deemed a reference to the NAIC Model Regulation as most recently updated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to reflect previous changes in law and the reference to date of enactment of this subsection deemed a reference to the date of enactment of this subsection).(2)Changes in cost-sharing describedUnder the revised standards, coverage shall not be available under a Medicare supplemental insurance policy unless the issuer of the policy, in addition to conforming to the other applicable requirements of this section—(A)does not discriminate in the pricing of the policy because of the age of the individual to whom the policy is issued;(B)does not, to an extent that jeopardizes the access to such policy for individuals who are eligible to participate in the program under this title because the individuals are individuals described in paragraph (2) or (3) of section 1811, discriminate in the pricing of the policy because the individual to whom the policy is issued is so eligible to participate in such program because the individual is an individual so described in such a paragraph; and(C)does not establish premiums applicable under such policy on a basis that would apply to a portion of, but not the entirety of, a county or equivalent area specified by the Secretary.(3)Application dateThe revised standards shall apply to benefit packages sold, issued, or renewed under this section to individuals who first become entitled to benefits under part A or first enrolls in part B on or after January 1, 2022..(b)Conforming amendmentSection 1882(o)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ss(o)(1)) is amended by striking , and (y) and inserting (y), and (aa).5.Clarifying beneficiary options on the Medicare plan finder websiteSection 1804 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395b–2) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:(d)In the case that the Secretary provides for a Medicare plan finder internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (or a successor website), the Secretary shall, with respect to such website and in accordance with subsection (f)—(1)make available on such website—(A)access to provider networks in order to provide to individuals entitled to benefits under part A or enrolled under part B information to assist such individuals in understanding the restrictions on providers and potential costs entailed by their decisions regarding enrollment under parts A and B, under part C, and in medicare supplemental policies under section 1882;(B)a review of out-of-pocket expenditures, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, monthly premiums, and estimated annual out-of-pocket costs, displayed overall and by components, based on the best available information as determined by the Secretary; and(C)during the period prior to January 1, 2025, information regarding the rules that, in each State, pertain to guaranteed issue of medicare supplemental health insurance policies prior to implementation of the provisions of the Close the Medigap Act of 2021 and, in the case that a State has no such rules pertaining to guaranteed issue of such policies, clear language explaining the implications of such lack of rules for individuals with pre-existing conditions;(2)not later than January 1, 2020, and periodically thereafter, perform a review of such website in order to ensure that such website makes available to individuals entitled to benefits under part A or enrolled under part B the information that the Secretary determines is necessary for such individuals to make informed choices regarding their options under the program under this title; and(3)not later than 12 months after the last day of each period for the request for information under subsection (e), update such website, taking into consideration the information collected pursuant to such subsection, to clarify the presentation of consumer options for medicare supplemental health insurance policy options, including by presenting such information in a manner calculated to be understood by the average consumer and in a manner that—(A)improves consumer access to information regarding the applicable premiums under such policy options as of the date on which such website is so updated;(B)facilitates consumers’ ability to compare and sort policy options and premium information across plan offerings in a given location;(C)clarifies and explains differences in policy value;(D)rates and explains the financial stability of issuers of such policies;(E)provides data on the inflation rate of different policies;(F)provides information regarding the guaranteed issue requirements that apply to medicare supplemental health insurance policies under section 1882(s)(3); and(G)includes such general information as is determined by the Secretary to be necessary for individuals entitled to benefits under part A or enrolled under part B to understand costs under MA plans available pursuant to part C and prescription drug plans available pursuant to part D.(e)Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this subsection and beginning on December 7 of each year thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide an opportunity for public comment during which the Secretary requests information, including recommendations, from stakeholders regarding potential improvements to the presentation of medicare supplemental health insurance policy options under section 1882 on the Medicare plan finder internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (or a successor website).(f)With respect to any information that the Secretary makes available on the Medicare plan finder internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (or a successor website) pursuant to subsection (d), the Secretary shall, prior to making such information available—(1)provide, in consultation with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an opportunity for consumer testing of such information;(2)share the results of such consumer testing of such information with interested stakeholders; and(3)provide a 60-day public comment period with respect to such information..6.Restoring access to first-dollar Medigap coverageSection 1882 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ss) is amended by striking subsection (z).7.Broker transparencySection 1128G of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7h) is amended—(1)in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking 2011, and inserting 2011 (or, with respect to information required to be submitted under subsection (f)(1), not later than six months after the date of the enactment of such subsection),; and(2)by adding at the end the following new subsection:(f)Application to Medigap insurance brokers(1)In generalBeginning not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, each issuer of a medicare supplemental health insurance policy shall annually submit to the Secretary a report regarding payments or other transfers of value made during the previous year to agents, brokers, and other third parties representing such policy. Each such report shall include the following information, with respect to such a payment or other transfer of value:(A)The name of the recipient of the payment or other transfer of value.(B)The business address of the recipient.(C)The amount of the payment or other transfer of value.(D)The dates on which the payment or transfer of value was provided.(E)A description of the form of the payment or transfer of value.(F)Any other categories of information the Secretary determines appropriate.(2)Application of transparency systemThe provisions of subsections (b) through (d) shall apply to an issuer described in paragraph (1), information required to be reported under such paragraph, and agents, brokers, and other third parties described in such paragraph in the same manner and to the same extent as such provisions apply to an applicable manufacturer, information required to be reported under subsection (a), and a covered recipient..


115 SRES 192 ATS: Congratulating the Golden State Warriors for their historic championship victory in the 2017 National Basketball Association Finals.
U.S. Senate
2017-06-15
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.

		III
		115th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 192
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 15, 2017
			Mrs. Feinstein (for herself and Ms. Harris) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Congratulating the Golden State Warriors for their historic championship victory in the 2017
			 National Basketball Association Finals.

 Whereas, on June 12, 2017, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers by a score of 129–120 in an extraordinary game 5 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, to win the 2017 National Basketball Association (referred to in the preamble as the NBA) Finals;
 Whereas the Golden State Warriors captured their second championship in 3 years, and their fifth championship in franchise history;
 Whereas the 2017 championship victory marks the first time a Bay Area professional sports team has clinched a championship title at home in 43 years;
 Whereas in 2017 the Golden State Warriors had the NBA’s best regular-season record with 67 wins, capping an extraordinary 3-year run, during which the Warriors won a record-setting 207 regular season games;
 Whereas the Golden State Warriors finished the post-season 16–1, which constitutes the best post-season record in the 71-year history of the NBA;
 Whereas every single member of the 2016–2017 Golden State Warriors team contributed to this championship, including Matt Barnes, Ian Clark, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Damian Jones, Shaun Livingston, Kevon Looney, James Michael McAdoo, Patrick McCaw, JaVale McGee, ZaZa Pachulia, Klay Thompson, and David West;
 Whereas Kevin Durant became just the sixth player to score 30 or more points in each game of a championship round, and was named Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals;
 Whereas Steve Kerr, Mike Brown, and the entire team of coaches and staff have been instrumental in developing the Golden State Warriors’ dynamic and record-setting style of play, and have fostered a positive, selfless team spirit;
 Whereas Joe Lacob and Peter Guber have built one of the most exciting and high-performing franchises in NBA history;
 Whereas the dedicated fan base of Golden State Warriors has offered unrelenting, passionate support to the team; and
 Whereas, both on and off the court, the Golden State Warriors are an immense source of pride for the Bay Area and the entire Golden State Warrior fan base: Now, therefore, be it

 That the Senate— (1)congratulates the Golden State Warriors for winning the 2017 National Basketball Association Finals;
 (2)recognizes the historic achievements of all the players, coaches, and staff who contributed to the 2016–2017 season; and
 (3)celebrates the selfless teamwork and extraordinary character, pride, determination, and hard-work of the Golden State Warriors.