		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3023
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 22, 2011
			Mr. Doyle (for
			 himself and Mr. Murphy of
			 Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to
			 the Committee on Education and the
			 Workforce

		A BILL
		To authorize the Secretary of Education to establish the
		  national program for arts and technology.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 National Program for Arts and
			 Technology Act of 2011.
		2.Finding and
			 purposes
			(a)FindingCongress
			 finds that the national program for arts and technology established under this
			 Act will be the first national replication program in the United States
			 dedicated to addressing the complex needs of the poor and undereducated by
			 improving the sustainability of neighborhoods, communities, and regions.
			(b)PurposesIt is the purpose of this Act to establish
			 the national program for arts and technology to provide grants for qualifying
			 centers and communities to implement or found a qualifying center which adopts
			 the guidelines set forth by the Secretary of Education, in consultation with
			 the Center of Origin, for the purposes of—
				(1)creating an
			 institution within an environment of poverty where individuals feel and foster
			 a sense of belonging, and are valued and treated with dignity;
				(2)creating
			 professional jobs for instructors, trainers, artists, administrators, and
			 others;
				(3)collaborating with
			 Federal agencies, private industry, nonprofit philanthropic organizations, and
			 planning and economic development organizations to leverage other investment
			 dollars on behalf of all stakeholders;
				(4)assisting business
			 and industry to achieve long-term vitality by ensuring the development of a
			 trained and knowledgeable workforce;
				(5)coordinating with
			 existing social service entities and nonprofit organizations on developing
			 diverse and equitable communities;
				(6)developing
			 industry specific job training programs for the under and unemployed that are
			 both affordable and accessible;
				(7)bridging the gap
			 between education and lifelong learning for poor performing students through
			 the discipline of craftsmanship in the visual arts; and
				(8)developing complimentary extended day or
			 year programming in partnership with the local public schools to help engage
			 at-risk students by connecting classroom instruction with applied and
			 experiential programming in the arts.
				3.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)National program
			 for arts and technologyThe
			 term national program for arts and technology means a program
			 that is based on the education and training model of Manchester Bidwell.
			(2)Center of
			 OriginThe term Center
			 of Origin means Manchester Bidwell, nonprofit corporation, the
			 education and community development model upon which the national program for
			 arts and technology is based.
			(3)Qualifying
			 center
				(A)In
			 generalThe term qualifying center means a
			 private, nonprofit educational entity that—
					(i)is a successful model, based on the
			 guidelines of the Center of Origin and under direction of the national program
			 for arts and technology; and
					(ii)meets the
			 requirements of
			 subparagraph (B).
					(B)RequirementsA
			 qualifying center—
					(i)operates under the
			 guidelines and practices established by the national program for arts and
			 technology and—
						(I)provides education
			 and training to underemployed or unemployed individuals in industry specific
			 job skills;
						(II)is accessible to
			 communities and neighborhoods that have limited access to
			 transportation;
						(III)compliments the
			 learning of targeted public middle school or high school students who are
			 at-risk of dropping out of school; and
						(IV)is housed in a
			 facility that has been reclaimed and renovated to sustainable building
			 standards or newly constructed as a highly efficient green space; and
						(ii)has a valid
			 affiliation agreement with the Center of Origin and complies with the
			 following:
						(I)Meets quarterly performance goals, which
			 may include—
							(aa)students’ school
			 attendance and behavior;
							(bb)retention in
			 programming;
							(cc)meeting and
			 exceeding recruitment and enrollment metrics;
							(dd)student outcomes
			 and performance in training; and
							(ee)job
			 placement.
							(II)Adheres to
			 essential operating conditions including environment, targeted populations, and
			 educational model.
						(III)Participates in
			 professional development opportunities for members of the board, executives and
			 staff.
						(4)Interested
			 communitiesThe term interested community means a
			 community that does the following:
				(A)Demonstrates to
			 the Secretary financial support from one or more of the following:
					(i)Sectors of
			 government.
					(ii)Education.
					(iii)Philanthropy.
					(iv)Social
			 services.
					(v)Corporations.
					(vi)Arts
			 organizations.
					(B)Convenes an advisory committee comprised of
			 diverse community stakeholders who are committed to creating a qualifying
			 center in their community.
				(C)Has identified potential funding that will
			 be used to secure the Federal matching requirements described in section
			 4(c).
				(5)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of Education.
			4.Grant
			 program
			(a)Program
			 authorizedFrom the amounts
			 appropriated to carry out this Act, the Secretary shall establish and implement
			 the national program for arts and technology to award grants, on a competitive
			 basis, to qualifying centers (such as the Center of Origin) and interested
			 communities to—
				(1)provide financial
			 support to the centers and communities to establish a new qualifying center to
			 carry out the purposes described in section 2(b); and
				(2)provide management
			 expertise to guide the centers and communities through the 3-phase replication
			 protocol developed by the Center of Origin to ensure standardization across all
			 qualifying centers as to performance goals and objectives, operating culture,
			 and teaching models.
				(b)Limitation on
			 Use of fundsFederal funds
			 received under this Act may not be used for capital expenditures or endowment
			 gifts.
			(c)Matching funds
			 requiredTo be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a
			 qualifying center or interested community shall, for each fiscal year for which
			 the grant is received, provide non-Federal contributions (which may include
			 in-kind contributions) toward the amount of the grant in an amount equal to $1
			 for each $1 of Federal funds provided under the grant.
			(d)Application and
			 annual report
				(1)Application
					(A)In
			 generalTo be eligible to receive for a grant under this Act, a
			 qualifying center or interested community shall submit an application to the
			 Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
			 Secretary may require.
					(B)ContentAn
			 application submitted under subparagraph (A) shall, at a minimum,
			 contain—
						(i)a
			 description of activities to be carried out under the grant;
						(ii)information on
			 specific measurable goals and objectives to be achieved through activities
			 carried out under the grant;
						(iii)evidence of an
			 affiliation with a local community; and
						(iv)evidence of a teaching model consistent the
			 Secretary’s criteria prescribed pursuant to regulations and that of the Center
			 of Origin.
						(2)Annual
			 report
					(A)In
			 generalEach qualifying center or interested community receiving
			 a grant under this Act shall submit to the Secretary an annual report at such
			 time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
			 require.
					(B)ContentAn
			 annual report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall, at a minimum, describe
			 the degree to which progress has been made toward meeting the specific
			 measurable goals and objectives described in the applications submitted under
			 paragraph (1).
					(e)Authorization of
			 appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000
			 to carry out this Act for fiscal year 2012 through fiscal year 2016.


116 HR 632 IH: To direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessel Safari Voyager.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-16
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.

V116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 632IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 16, 2019Mr. Young introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue a
			 certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessel
			 Safari Voyager.

		1.Certificate of documentation for vessel Safari Voyager
 (a)In generalNotwithstanding sections 12112 and 12132 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessel Safari Voyager (International Maritime Organization number 8963753).
 (b)Revocation of effectiveness of certificateA certificate of documentation issued under subsection (a) is revoked on the date of the sale of the vessel by the owner of the vessel.


114 HRES 779 IH: Enforcing the Constitution’s separation of powers and the congressional prerogative of disclosure under the speech or debate clause by directing the Chairman and ranking minority member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives to publish in the Congressional Record the 28-page chapter which was redacted from the December 2002 Final Report of the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001.
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-06-13
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
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 779
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 13, 2016
			Mr. Jones (for himself, Mr. Massie, and Mr. Lynch) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules

		RESOLUTION
		Enforcing the Constitution’s separation of powers and the congressional prerogative of disclosure
			 under the speech or debate clause by directing the Chairman and ranking
			 minority member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the
			 House of Representatives to publish in the Congressional Record the
			 28-page chapter which was redacted from the December 2002 Final Report of
			 the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After
			 the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001.

 Whereas in December 2002, the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, chaired by then Representative Porter Goss (R–FL) and then Senator Bob Graham (D–FL) issued a Final Report, from which a 28-page chapter was redacted and classified allegedly to protect intelligence sources and methods;
 Whereas according to the Joint Inquiry, the redacted pages detail specific sources of foreign support for some of the September 11th hijackers while they were in the United States;
 Whereas Senator Graham has described this 28-page chapter as a smoking gun that implicates Saudi Arabia in financing Saudi nationals complicit in the 9/11 international terrorist murders while residing in San Diego;
 Whereas this 28-page chapter is a congressional document and thereby the property of Congress, a fact confirmed by the Central Intelligence Agency in responding by letter to a Mandatory Declassification Review request on September 21, 2011, stating, The U.S. Congress is the owner of this document. …;
 Whereas the Constitution’s separation of powers doctrine prohibits the President from classifying congressional documents or seeking to prevent Congress from disclosing congressional materials to the American people;
 Whereas there is substantial precedent for this resolution, such as the example of the Senate Select Committee to Study Government Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities (Church Committee), which in November 1975 published a report on Alleged Assassination Plots Involving Foreign Leaders;
 Whereas, on October 31, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford argued to the Church Committee that, It is my opinion that public disclosure now of information … concerning allegations of political assassination activities of the United States Government will result in grievous harm to the national interest … ., but Chairman Frank Church rejoined in defense of publication that the national interest is better served by letting the American people know the true and complete story. A basic tenet of our democracy is that the people must be told the mistakes of their government so that they may have the opportunity to correct them., and history proved President Ford wrong and Chairman Church right;
 Whereas the United States Supreme Court in Gravel v. United States, 408 U.S. 606 (1972), upheld the constitutional prerogative of Members of Congress or committees of Congress to disclose classified information under the speech or debate clause of article I, section 6, clause 1 in the exercise of their oversight duties;
 Whereas the Chairman and ranking minority member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives, Representative Devin Nunes (R–CA) and Representative Adam Schiff (D–CA), who have jurisdiction of the issue, support declassification and publication of this 28-page chapter to the American people;
 Whereas an ambassador and Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia have urged declassification and publication of this 28-page chapter;
 Whereas former co-chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Richard Shelby (R–Ala) has stated as regards to this 28-page chapter: I … read every one of those pages thoroughly. My judgment is that 95 percent of that information should be declassified and become uncensored so the American people would know.;
 Whereas President George Washington in his Farewell Address warned against paying habitual homage toward any foreign nation; Whereas declassification and disclosure of this 28-page chapter might prompt Congress to alter the foreign policy of the United States toward Saudi Arabia;
 Whereas the American people demand justice and deserve to know the full story regarding the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks;
 Whereas the families of the murdered victims and the survivors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks deserve full and public disclosure of the entirety of the results of the Joint Inquiry Into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, which was undertaken by Congress on behalf of and for the protection of the American people;
 Whereas sunshine is said to be the best of disinfectants; Whereas Government by the consent of the governed subordinates secrecy to transparency; and
 Whereas justice and truth must prevail over the embarrassment or protection of enemies of the American people that aided, abetted, or materially assisted the gruesome international terrorist murders of 9/11: Now, therefore, be it

 That not later than 7 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution, the Chairman and ranking minority member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives shall publish in the Congressional Record the 28-page chapter which was redacted from the December 2002 Final Report of the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6387
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 12, 2012
			Mr. Reed (for
			 himself, Mr. Critz, and
			 Mr. Ribble) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Transportation and Infrastructure

		A BILL
		To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue
		  categorical exclusions from the requirement that an environmental assessment or
		  environmental impact statement be prepared for highway safety improvement
		  projects, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Remove Unnecessary Roadblocks to Local Transportation
			 Safety Projects Act of 2012.
		2.Categorical
			 exclusions for highway safety improvement projects
			(a)IssuanceThe Secretary of Transportation shall issue
			 categorical exclusions from the requirement that an environmental assessment or
			 an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National
			 Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332) be prepared for a highway
			 safety improvement project.
			(b)Effect of
			 categorical exclusionsIn developing categorical exclusions under
			 subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure that the actions described in
			 subsection (a) receive the treatment provided for actions under section
			 771.117(c) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date
			 of enactment of this Act.
			(c)Highway safety
			 improvement project definedIn this section, the term highway
			 safety improvement project has the meaning given that term in section
			 148(a) of title 23, United States Code.


110 HR 3281 IH: Community Broadband Act of

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-08-01
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. 3281
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			August 1, 2007
			Mr. Boucher (for
			 himself and Mr. Upton) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		A BILL
		To promote competition, to preserve the ability of local
		  governments to provide broadband capability and services, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Community Broadband Act of
			 2007.
		2.Local government
			 provision of advanced communications capability and servicesNo State or local government statute,
			 regulation, or other State or local government legal requirement may prohibit,
			 or have the effect of prohibiting, any public provider from providing advanced
			 communications capability or services to any person or to any public or private
			 entity.
		3.Safeguards
			(a)Competition
			 neutralityA public provider shall not grant any regulatory
			 preference to itself or to any provider of advanced communications capability
			 or service that it owns or with which it is affiliated. Such public provider
			 shall apply its ordinances, rules, and policies, including those relating to
			 the use of public rights-of-way, permitting, performance bonding, procurement,
			 and reporting, without discrimination in favor of any such provider as compared
			 to other providers of such services.
			(b)Application of
			 General LawsExcept as provided in section 2 and subsection (a)
			 of this section, nothing in this Act affects any obligation or benefit that a
			 public provider has under any other Federal or State law or regulation.
			4.Public
			 input
			(a)Notice and
			 Opportunity To Be HeardBefore a public provider may provide
			 advanced communications capability or services to the public, either directly
			 or through a public-private partnership, such public provider shall—
				(1)publish notice of
			 its intention to do so;
				(2)generally describe
			 the capability or services to be provided and the proposed coverage area for
			 such capability or services;
				(3)identify any
			 special capabilities or services to be provided in low-income areas or other
			 demographically or geographically defined areas; and
				(4)provide local
			 citizens and private-sector entities with an opportunity to be heard on the
			 costs and benefits of the project and potential alternatives to it.
				(b)Application to
			 Existing Projects and Pending ProposalsSubsection (a) does not
			 apply to—
				(1)any contract or
			 other arrangement under which a public provider is providing advanced
			 communications capability or services to the public as of the date of enactment
			 of this Act; and
				(2)any public
			 provider proposal to provide advanced communications capability or services to
			 the public that, as of the date of enactment—
					(A)is in the
			 request-for-proposals process;
					(B)is in the process
			 of being built; or
					(C)has been approved
			 by referendum.
					5.ExemptionsThe requirements of sections 3 and 4 do not
			 apply—
			(1)to a public
			 provider's provision of advanced communications capabilities or services to
			 itself or to another public entity; or
			(2)during an emergency
			 declared by the President, the Governor of the State in which the public
			 provider is located, or any other elected local official authorized by law to
			 declare a state or emergency in the jurisdiction in which the public provider
			 is located.
			6.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)Advanced
			 communications capability or servicesThe term advanced
			 communications capability or services means a capability that enables,
			 or services that enable, users to originate or receive high-quality voice,
			 data, graphics, video or other communications using any broadband technology.
			(2)Public
			 providerThe term public provider means a State or
			 political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, or instrumentality of a
			 State or political subdivision thereof, or any entity that is owned,
			 controlled, or otherwise affiliated with a State, political subdivision
			 thereof, or its agency, authority, or instrumentality.
			(3)StateThe
			 term State has the meaning provided in section 3(a)(40) of the
			 Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153(a)(40)).


116 HR 1883 IH: RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Conveyance Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-03-26
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 CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1883IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 26, 2019Ms. Norton introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and 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 concernedA BILLTo convey the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus to the District of Columbia, and for other
			 purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Conveyance Act. 2.Conveyance of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus to District of Columbia (a)ConveyanceSubject to the requirements of this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus to the District of Columbia.
			(b)Consideration
 (1)Payment of considerationAs consideration for the conveyance under subsection (a), the District of Columbia shall pay to the Secretary of the Interior such amount as may be agreed to by the District and the Secretary, except that the amount may not be less than the fair market value of the right, title, and interest conveyed under such subsection, based on an appraisal meeting the requirements of paragraph (2).
 (2)Requirements for appraisalThe requirements for the appraisal described in paragraph (1) are as follows: (A)The appraisal is carried out by an appraiser who is jointly selected by representatives of both the Secretary and the District of Columbia.
 (B)The appraisal is conducted in accordance with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
 (C)The appraisal is based on an assessment of the property As Is, as if the property conveyed were vacant and unimproved as of the date of the enactment of this Act, except that the appraisal may take into account the terms and conditions required under subsection (c).
 (D)The appraisal takes into account any costs associated with environmental remediation and flood plain mitigation of the Robert F. Kennedy Stadium Campus.
 (E)The appraisal takes into account any costs associated with the demolition of any existing structures on the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus.
 (3)Timing of paymentsNot later than 30 days after the date of the conveyance under subsection (a), the District of Columbia shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to one-fourth of the amount of the consideration determined under this subsection, and shall pay the remaining balance in equal amounts on the first day of each of the next 3 fiscal years which begin after the expiration of the 1-year period which begins on the date on which the District makes the initial payment under this paragraph.
				(c)Terms and conditions
 (1)Certification regarding development of propertyAs a condition of the conveyance under subsection (a), the District of Columbia shall certify to the Secretary of the Interior prior to the conveyance that the development or use of any property conveyed under such subsection shall meet the following requirements:
 (A)The development or use shall not undermine the restoration of the wetlands south of Kingman Island. (B)The development or use shall provide for improved public access to the Anacostia River including through walking trails and kayak and canoe areas that complement the Anacostia River Trail, and shall not interrupt the design of the Anacostia River Trail.
 (2)Additional terms and conditionsThe Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
				(d)Payment of costs of conveyance
 (1)Payment requiredThe Secretary of the Interior shall require the District of Columbia to cover the costs to be incurred by the Secretary, or to reimburse the Secretary for such costs incurred by the Secretary, to carry out the conveyance under subsection (a), including survey costs, costs for environmental documentation, and any other administrative costs related to the conveyance. If amounts are collected from the District of Columbia in advance of the Secretary incurring the actual costs, and the amount collected exceeds the costs actually incurred by the Secretary to carry out the conveyance, the Secretary shall refund the excess amount to the District of Columbia.
 (2)Treatment of amounts receivedAmounts received as reimbursement under paragraph (1) shall be credited to the fund or account that was used to cover those costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out the conveyance. Amounts so credited shall be merged with amounts in such fund or account, and shall be available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in such fund or account.
 (e)Description of propertyThe exact acreage and legal description of the property to be exchanged under this section shall be determined by surveys satisfactory to the Secretary of the Interior.
 (f)Rules of constructionNothing in this section may be construed— (1)to affect any obligations of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.); or
 (2)to require the Secretary of the Interior to pay any costs and expenses, other than costs and expenses related to or associated with environmental liabilities or cleanup actions provided under law, which are incurred by the District of Columbia or any other party (other than the United States) at any time in connection with carrying out this section or the amendment made by this section.
 (g)Conforming amendmentEffective upon the date of the conveyance under subsection (a), section 7 of the District of Columbia Stadium Act of 1957 (sec. 3–326, D.C. Official Code) is repealed.
 (h)DefinitionIn this section, the term Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus means such portion of the Stadium, as defined in section 11 of the District of Columbia Stadium Act of 1957 (sec. 3–330, D.C. Official Code), in which right, title, and interest is held by the United States as of the date of the enactment of this Act, as set forth in the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium map produced by the National Park Service on March 14, 2019.


114 HR 333 IH: Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-01-13
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. 333
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 13, 2015
			Mr. Bishop of Georgia 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 amend title 10, United States Code, to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have a
			 service-connected disability rated less than 50 percent to receive
			 concurrent payment of both retired pay and veterans’ disability
			 compensation, to extend eligibility for concurrent receipt to chapter 61
			 disability retirees with less than 20 years of service, and for other
			 purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act. 2.Concurrent receipt of both retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation for military retirees with compensable service-connected disabilities (a)Inclusion of Retirees With Service-Connected Disabilities Rated Less Than 50 PercentSubsection (a) of section 1414 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
 (1)by striking Compensation in the subsection heading and all that follows through Subject and inserting Compensation.—Subject; (2)by striking qualifying service-connected disability and inserting service-connected disability; and
 (3)by striking paragraph (2). (b)Inclusion of disability retirees with less than 20 years of serviceSubsection (b) of such section is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1), by striking member retired and inserting qualified retiree who is retired; and (2)by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph:

 (2)Disability retirees with less than 20 years of serviceThe retired pay of a qualified retiree who is retired under chapter 61 of this title with fewer than 20 years of creditable service is subject to reduction under sections 5304 and 5305 of title 38, but only by the amount (if any) by which the amount of the member’s retired pay under such chapter exceeds the amount equal to 2½ percent of the member’s years of creditable service multiplied by the member’s retired pay base under section 1406(b)(1) or 1407 of this title, whichever is applicable to the member..
 (c)Conforming amendments reflecting end of Concurrent Receipt phase-In periodSuch section is further amended— (1)in subsection (a), as amended by subsection (a) of this section, by striking the final sentence;
 (2)by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and
 (3)in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking paragraphs (3) and (4). (d)Clerical Amendments (1)Section headingThe heading for such section is amended to read as follows:

						1414.Members eligible for retired pay who are also eligible for veterans’ disability compensation:
			 concurrent payment of retired pay and disability compensation.
 (2)Table of sectionsThe item relating to such section in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 71 of such title is amended to read as follows:

							1414. Members eligible for retired pay who are also eligible for veterans’ disability compensation:
			 concurrent payment of retired pay and disability compensation..
 (e)Conforming amendment reflecting subsection redesignationSection 1413a(f) of such title is amended by striking Subsection (d) and inserting Subsection (c). (f)Effective DateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to payments for months beginning on or after that date.


109 HR 5609 IH: To require automobile dealers to disclose to consumers

U.S. House of Representatives
2006-06-14
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. 5609
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 14, 2006
			Mrs. Bono (for
			 herself and Mr. Capuano) introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		A BILL
		To require automobile dealers to disclose to consumers
		  the presence of event data recorders, or black boxes, on new
		  automobiles, and to require manufacturers to provide the consumer with the
		  option to enable and disable such devices on future
		  automobiles.

		1.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)Consumers have the
			 right to know that event data recorders are installed in their vehicles, that
			 they are capable of collecting data recorded in automobile accidents, and how
			 such data may be used.
			(2)From the standpoint
			 of consumer privacy rights, most consumers are not aware that their vehicles
			 are recording data that not only may be used to aid traffic safety analyses,
			 but has the potential of being used against them in a civil or criminal
			 proceeding, or by their insurer to increase rates.
			(3)There exists no
			 Federal law clarifying the rights of a vehicle owner to ownership of the
			 recorded data and, in the absence of Federal direction, States have begun to
			 create different standards of ownership and rights for recorded data.
			2.Disclosure of
			 event data recorders on automobiles
			(a)Required
			 DisclosureIn accordance with
			 regulations prescribed by the Federal Trade Commission under section 5(c), a
			 dealer shall disclose, to each consumer who purchases a new automobile, in a
			 clear and conspicuous written format at the time of purchase, the following
			 information regarding any event data recorder installed on such new
			 automobile—
				(1)the presence and location of an event data
			 recorder;
				(2)the type of information recorded by the
			 event data recorder and how such information is recorded; and
				(3)that the information recorded by the event
			 data recorder also may be used in a law enforcement proceeding.
				(b)Required
			 Disclosures in Owner’s ManualThe manufacturer shall include, in clear
			 and conspicuous language in the owner’s manual of any new automobile containing
			 an event data recorder, the disclosures required by subsection (a).
			3.Ownership and
			 retrieval of event data recorder dataAny event data recorder in the vehicle and
			 any data recorded on any event data recorder in the vehicle shall be considered
			 the property of the owner of the vehicle. Data that is recorded on any event
			 data recorder may not be downloaded or otherwise retrieved by a person other
			 than the owner of the motor vehicle, except under one of the following
			 circumstances:
			(1)The owner of the
			 motor vehicle or the owner’s agent or legal representative consents to the
			 retrieval of the information.
			(2)In response to an
			 order of a court having jurisdiction to issue the order.
			(3)The data is
			 retrieved by a motor vehicle dealer, or by an automotive technician for the
			 purpose of diagnosing, servicing, or repairing the motor vehicle.
			(4)For the purpose of
			 improving motor vehicle safety, including medical research on the human body’s
			 reaction to motor vehicle accidents, provided that the identity of the
			 registered owner or driver is not disclosed in connection with that retrieved
			 data.
			4.Requirement for
			 event data recorders on new automobilesNo person may manufacture for sale, sell,
			 offer for sale, introduce or deliver into interstate commerce, or import into
			 the United States, an automobile manufactured after 2008 (and bearing a model
			 year of 2009 or later) that is equipped with an event data recorder, unless
			 such event data recorder includes a function whereby the consumer has the
			 option to enable or disable the recording function of the event data recorder.
			 Once disabled, the recording function shall not resume functioning until the
			 consumer elects to enable such functioning.
		5.Enforcement
			(a)Treatment of
			 Violations as Unfair or Deceptive Acts or PracticesA violation
			 of section 2, 3 or 4 shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an
			 unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the
			 Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).
			(b)Federal Trade
			 Commission AuthorityThe Federal Trade Commission shall enforce
			 this Act in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction,
			 powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal
			 Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a
			 part of this Act.
			(c)RulemakingWithin
			 180 days following the enactment of this Act, the Federal Trade Commission
			 shall prescribe regulations to carry out this Act, including guidelines setting
			 forth a uniform method by which a dealer may provide the disclosures and
			 options required by section 2.
			6.DefinitionsAs used in this Act:
			(1)The term
			 consumer has the meaning given the term ultimate
			 purchaser in section 2 of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15
			 U.S.C. 1231).
			(2)The term
			 dealer has the meaning given that term in section 30102(a) of
			 title 49, United States Code.
			(3)The term
			 event data recorder means any device or means of technology
			 installed in an automobile that records information such as vehicle speed,
			 seatbelt use, application of brakes or other information pertinent to the
			 operation of the automobile.
			(4)The terms
			 manufacturer and new automobile have the meanings
			 given those terms in section 2 of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15
			 U.S.C. 1231).
			7.Effective
			 dateThis Act shall take
			 effect 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3144
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 10, 2012
			Mrs. Hagan introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on preparations intended
		  to assist smokers to stop smoking.

		1.Preparations intended to
			 assist smokers to stop smoking
			(a)In
			 generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff
			 Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting in numerical sequence the
			 following new heading:

								9902.01.00Preparations, such as tablets, chewing gum or patches
						(transdermal systems), intended to assist smokers to stop smoking (provided for
						in subheading 2106.90.99)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

					.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods
			 entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day
			 after the date of the enactment of this Act.


116 S2164 IS: Water Resources Research Amendments Act
U.S. Senate
2019-07-18
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.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2164IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 18, 2019Mr. Cardin (for himself and Mr. Boozman) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksA BILLTo amend the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to reauthorize grants for and require applied
			 water supply research regarding the water resources research and
			 technology institutes established under that Act.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Water Resources Research Amendments Act. 2.Water Resources Research Act amendments (a)Clarification of research activitiesSection 104(b)(1) of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10303(b)(1)) is amended—
 (1)in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking water-related phenomena and inserting water resources; and (2)in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and.
 (b)Compliance reportSection 104 of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10303) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:

					(c)Grants
 (1)In generalFrom the sums appropriated pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, the Secretary shall make grants to each institute to be matched on a basis of no less than 1 non-Federal dollar for every 1 Federal dollar.
 (2)ReportNot later than December 31 of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, the Committee on the Budget of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives a report regarding the compliance of each funding recipient with this subsection for the immediately preceding fiscal year..
 (c)Evaluation of water resources research programSection 104 of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10303) is amended by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:

					(e)Evaluation of water resources research program
 (1)In generalThe Secretary shall conduct a careful and detailed evaluation of each institute at least once every 5 years to determine—
 (A)the quality and relevance of the water resources research of the institute; (B)the effectiveness of the institute at producing measured results and applied water supply research; and
 (C)whether the effectiveness of the institute as an institution for planning, conducting, and arranging for research warrants continued support under this section.
 (2)Prohibition on further supportIf, as a result of an evaluation under paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that an institute does not qualify for further support under this section, no further grants to the institute may be provided until the qualifications of the institute are reestablished to the satisfaction of the Secretary..
 (d)Authorization of appropriationsSection 104(f)(1) of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10303(f)(1)) is amended by striking $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011 and inserting $8,250,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2023.
 (e)Additional appropriations where research focused on water problems of interstate natureSection 104(g)(1) of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10303(g)(1)) is amended in the first sentence by striking $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011 and inserting $1,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2023.


114 HR 2155 IH: Community STEM Learning Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-04-30
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. 2155
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 30, 2015
			Ms. Fudge introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

		A BILL
		To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to
			 award grants for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
			 education programs.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Community STEM Learning Act of 2015. 2.Findings and Purpose (a)FindingsThe Congress finds the following:
 (1)Employment projections forecast a 17-percent growth in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields over the next decade.
 (2)Ninety-two percent of STEM occupations will require at least some post-secondary education. (3)While the number of degrees awarded in STEM fields has increased steadily since the 1960s, the overall share of STEM degrees awarded has actually shrunk in comparison to all degrees conferred.
 (4)Internationally, a larger proportion of all degrees awarded are in the STEM fields. While 16 percent of degrees awarded in the United States are in STEM fields, nearly 50 percent of degrees awarded in China, 38 percent in South Korea, and 28 percent in Germany are in STEM fields.
 (5)Minorities are seriously underrepresented in the science and engineering workforce in the United States, with just under 6 percent of Blacks and over 5 percent of Hispanics participating in the STEM workforce.
 (6)Twenty-one percent of Black college students enter college with STEM majors, but only 16 percent actually receive a bachelor’s degree in a STEM major.
 (7)Over ½ of Black students that enroll in a 4-year university are interested in STEM, but are not proficient in math.
 (8)Since 1990, mathematic scores on the assessments conducted by the National Assessment of Education Progress have increased for all students, but White students have average scores 27 points higher than Black and Hispanic students.
 (9)After school programs play an important role in addressing the achievement gap in underserved communities. Studies demonstrate that STEM learning during the school day is necessary but not sufficient for life-long STEM literacy.
 (10)As many as 8,400,000 students are enrolled in after school programs. Ethnic minority children are more likely than non-minority children to participate in after school programs. While 15 percent of all students are enrolled in after school programs, 24 percent of Black students and 21 percent of Hispanic students are enrolled in such programs.
 (b)PurposeThe purpose of this Act is to prepare middle school and secondary school students to be ready for opportunities in the STEM fields in college and in careers through strong after school, summer, and weekend programs that focus on STEM education.
 3.Amendment to ESEA for STEM grantsPart B of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1964 (20 U.S.C. 6661 et seq.) is amended—
 (1)in the part heading, by inserting and Stem Grants after Partnerships; (2)by inserting after the part heading the following:

					1Math and Science Partnerships;
 and(3)by inserting after section 2203 the following:  2STEM Grants 2211.Informal STEM learning program (a)AuthorizationThe Secretary is authorized to award grants, to be known as informal STEM learning program grants, to national and regional intermediaries to establish informal STEM learning in-school, after school, summer, and weekend programs that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (referred to in this section as STEM) education.
 (b)ApplicationA national or regional intermediary seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, including the following:
 (1)The amount requested and the proposed use of the funds. (2)A description of how the national or regional intermediary will require a community-based affiliate operating an informal STEM learning program to provide the following:
 (A)A program description, including a description of— (i)the project-based learning that the program will use and the applicability of such projects to students’ lives after graduation from secondary school;
 (ii)the academic instruction, research model, or curriculum that the program will use; and (iii)any service-learning opportunities that will be available to students.
 (B)Evidence that the informal STEM learning program will primarily serve students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM field careers.
 (C)A description of the student recruitment plan, student retention plan, and parental engagement plan.
 (D)A description of the professional development and training that the community-based affiliate will provide to its informal STEM learning program staff.
 (E)A description of the community-based affiliate’s collaboration with an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 10001)).
 (F)A description of how the community-based affiliate will enable students who participate in the program to achieve the goals in subsection (c).
 (c)GoalsThe goals of the Informal STEM learning program grants are the following: (1)To increase awareness of and exposure to current science content, scientific processes, and tools for students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM field careers.
 (2)To provide STEM learning that is connected to workforce skills that are essential in the 21st century.
 (3)To increase on time grade promotion, the number of students who graduate high school, and the number of students who pursue opportunities in STEM fields.
 (4)To increase enrollment in and completion of more STEM related coursework in school for students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM field careers.
 (5)To increase awareness of students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM field careers of the opportunities after graduation from secondary school in STEM fields, including college majors in STEM and careers in STEM.
 (6)For students to have the experience of interacting with staff who demonstrate a positive attitude toward STEM fields.
 (7)To facilitate project-based learning and service-learning. (d)AllocationA national or regional intermediary that receives a grant under this section shall reserve—
 (1)not more than 25 percent to provide technical and administrative assistance to and collect data from its community-based affiliates to which it makes subgrants;
 (2)not less than 50 percent for subgrants to community-based affiliates that have demonstrated effectiveness in operating STEM programs in order for such affiliates to expand such STEM programs to reach more students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM field careers; and
 (3)not less than 25 percent for subgrants to community-based affiliates that do not operate STEM programs in order for such affiliates that seek to develop new STEM programs that are consistent with the goals of this section to develop and establish such new STEM programs.
								(e)Subgrants to community-Based affiliates
 (1)ApplicationA community-based affiliate seeking a subgrant shall submit an application to its national or regional intermediary at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the national or regional intermediary may reasonably require.
 (2)Uses of fundsA community-based affiliate that receives a subgrant under this section to operate an informal STEM learning program shall operate an in-school, after school, summer, or weekend program that focuses on STEM education and primarily serves students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM field careers. Such program shall include the following:
 (A)Educational services that include— (i)an initial assessment of students’ progress in math, science, and reading;
 (ii)remediation and educational enrichment services; and (iii)helping students to improve their study skills.
 (B)Project-based learning opportunities. (C)Individualized instruction and tracking of student progress that is aligned with in-school performance.
 (3)CollaborationA community-based affiliate that receives a subgrant under this section shall collaborate with an institution of higher education to provide the services described in paragraph (2).
								(f)Reports
 (1)Secretary report to CongressThe Secretary shall submit a report annually to the Committee on Education and the Workforce in the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the Senate on the progress that national and regional intermediaries and their community-based affiliates operating informal STEM learning programs have made toward achieving the goals in subsection (c).
 (2)National or regional intermediary report to the SecretaryA national or regional intermediary receiving a grant under this section shall submit a report annually to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including the progress that its community-based affiliates operating informal STEM learning programs have made toward achieving the goals in subsection (c).
 (3)Community-based affiliate report to its national or regional intermediaryA community-based affiliate that receives a subgrant under this section shall submit a report annually to the national or regional intermediary that awarded such subgrant at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the intermediary may require, including the progress its informal STEM learning program has made toward achieving the goals in subsection (c).
 (g)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Community-based affiliateThe term community-based affiliate means a community-based organization (as defined in section 9101) that is an affiliate of a national or regional intermediary.
 (2)Informal STEM learning educationThe term informal STEM learning education is education related to science that occurs in informal, out-of-school contexts, such as participating in structured afterschool programs and visiting science centers and engaging with the exhibits and programs offered at such centers.
 (3)National intermediaryThe term national intermediary means a national private nonprofit organization that— (A)has a network comprised of community-based affiliates in not less than 50 regional communities;
 (B)has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in overseeing programs to help middle school and secondary school students succeed, including programs to help such students become college-ready and career-ready; and
 (C)has operated in not less than 25 States continuously for not less than 20 years. (4)Project-based learningThe term project-based learning means learning through a broad project that includes instruction, substantive content, and reflection, with the goal that students who participate in the project will achieve a concrete goal or complete a project.
 (5)Regional intermediaryThe term regional intermediary means a private nonprofit community-based organization that— (A)has a network comprised of community-based affiliates in a prescribed region; and
 (B)has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in conducting outreach and providing education activities to middle school and secondary school students.
 (h)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section— (1)$20,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
 (2)$30,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; (3)$40,000,000 for fiscal year 2018; and
 (4)$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2019..


114 S1839 IS: Servicemembers Self-Defense Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-07-22
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.

		II
		114th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 1839
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 22, 2015
			Mr. Paul introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services

		A BILL
		To amend titles 10 and 18, to permit members of the Armed Forces to possess firearms on military
			 installations in accordance with applicable State law, and for other
			 purposes.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Servicemembers Self-Defense Act of 2015.
 2.Firearms permitted on Department of Defense propertySection 930(g)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1)by striking The term Federal facility means and inserting the following: “The term ‘Federal facility’—

 (A)means;  (2)by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following:  (B)with respect to a qualified member of the Armed Forces, as defined in section 926D(a), does not include any land, a building, or any part thereof owned or leased by the Department of Defense..
			3.Lawful possession of firearms on military installations by members of the Armed Forces
 (a)Modification of general articleSection 934 of title 10, United States Code (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended—
 (1)by inserting (a) In general.— before Though not specifically mentioned; and (2)by adding at the end the following new subsection:

 (b)Possession of a firearmThe possession of a concealed or open carry firearm by a member of the Armed Forces subject to this chapter on a military installation, if lawful under the laws of the State in which the installation is located, is not an offense under this section..
 (b)Modification of regulationsNot later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall amend Department of Defense Directive number 5210.56 to provide that members of the Armed Forces may possess firearms for defensive purposes on facilities and installations of the Department of Defense in a manner consistent with the laws of the State in which the facility or installation concerned is located.
			4.Carrying of concealed firearms by qualified members of the Armed Forces
 (a)In generalChapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 926C the following:

					926D.Carrying of concealed firearms by qualified members of the Armed Forces
 (a)DefinitionsAs used in this section— (1)the term firearm—
 (A)except as provided in this paragraph, has the same meaning as in section 921; (B)includes ammunition not expressly prohibited by Federal law or subject to the provisions of the National Firearms Act; and
 (C)does not include— (i)any machinegun (as defined in section 5845 of the National Firearms Act);
 (ii)any firearm silencer; or (iii)any destructive device; and
 (2)the term qualified member of the Armed Forces means an individual who— (A)is a member of the Armed Forces on active duty status, as defined in section 101(d)(1) of title 10;
 (B)is not the subject of disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice; (C)is not under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating or hallucinatory drug or substance; and
 (D)is not prohibited by Federal law from receiving a firearm. (b)AuthorizationNotwithstanding any provision of the law of any State or any political subdivision thereof, an individual who is a qualified member of the Armed Forces and who is carry identification required by subsection (d) may carry a concealed firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, subject to subsection (c).
 (c)LimitationsThis section shall not be construed to superseded or limit the laws of any State that— (1)permit private persons or entities to prohibit or restrict the possession of concealed firearms on their property; or
 (2)prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on any State or local government property, installation, building, base, or park.
 (d)IdentificationThe identification required by this subsection is the photographic identification issued by the Department of Defense for the qualified member of the Armed Forces..
 (b)Technical and conforming amendmentThe table of sections for chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 926C the following:
				926D. Carrying of concealed firearms by qualified members of the Armed Forces..


116 HRES 1114 IH: Expressing support for the designation of the month of September as “National Voting Rights Month”.
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-09-15
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.

IV116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. RES. 1114IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 15, 2020Mr. Veasey (for himself, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Payne, and Mr. Grijalva) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on House Administration, Intelligence (Permanent Select), Oversight and Reform, Science, Space, and Technology, Education and Labor, Ways and Means, Financial Services, Ethics, and Homeland Security, 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 concernedRESOLUTIONExpressing support for the designation of the month of September as National Voting Rights Month.Whereas voting is one of the single most important rights that can be exercised in our democracy;Whereas over the course of history, various voter suppression laws in the United States have hindered, and even prohibited, certain individuals and groups from exercising this right;Whereas during the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Native Americans and Americans who were born abroad, many individuals who did not speak or write English, and many who were formerly subjected to slavery, were denied full citizenship and prevented from voting by English literacy tests;Whereas since the 1870s, minority groups such as African Americans in the South suffered from the oppressive effects of Jim Crow laws designed to prevent political, economic, and social mobility;Whereas African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and other underrepresented groups were subject to violence, poll taxes, literacy tests, all-White primaries, property ownership tests, and grandfather clauses that sought to suppress their right to vote;Whereas members of the aforementioned groups and others are currently, in some cases, subject to intimidation, voter roll purges, bans on former prisoners from voting, and financial barriers that act effectively as modern day poll taxes;Whereas in 1965, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to protect the rights of African Americans and other traditionally disenfranchised groups to vote, among other reasons;Whereas in 2013, in the landmark Shelby County v. Holder case, the Supreme Court invalidated section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, dismantling the preclearance provision in the law that protected voters in States and units of local governments that historically have suppressed the rights of minorities to vote;Whereas since the preclearance provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 have been vacated, among other effects, many States’ gerrymandered districts have gone unchallenged or have become less likely to be invalidated by the courts;Whereas these gerrymandered districts have been found to have a discriminatory impact on traditionally disenfranchised minorities through tactics that include cracking, diluting their voting power across many districts, and packing, concentrating minority voters’ power in one district to reduce their voting power in other districts;Whereas the courts have found the congressional and, in some cases, State legislative district maps in Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Wisconsin, and other States to be gerrymandered districts that were created to favor some groups over others;Whereas the Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court decision calls on Congress to update the formula in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to better match current data;Whereas in at least 23 States, some form of restrictive voting law has been instituted since 2013;Whereas these restrictive voting laws encompass cutbacks in early voting, voter roll purges, placement of faulty equipment in minority communities, requirement of photo identification, and elimination of same-day registration;Whereas these policies could outright disenfranchise or make voting much more difficult for more than 80 million minority, elderly, poor, and disabled voters, among other groups;Whereas in 2016 alone, discriminatory laws in North Carolina, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Texas were ruled to violate voters’ rights and were overturned by the courts;Whereas the COVID–19 public health emergency has only exacerbated the state of elections and voters’ access to the ballot;Whereas the lack of fair and safe election policies threaten minority communities, which have been disproportionately impacted and disenfranchised due to the COVID–19 pandemic, and their access to the ballot;Whereas tackling the challenges of administrating upcoming elections requires increasing the accessibility of vote-by-mail and other limited contact options to ensure the protection of voters’ health and safety amid a global pandemic;Whereas as voting by mail becomes a safer and a more accessible option for voters to exercise their Constitutional right to vote during these unprecedented times, a fully functional and reliable United States Postal Service is of paramount importance in successfully conducting elections;Whereas Congress must work to combat any attempts to dismantle or underfund the United States Postal Service and thereby obstruct the passage of the mail as blatant tactics of voter suppression and election interference;Whereas there is much more work to be done to ensure all Americans have the right to vote through free, fair, and accessible elections;Whereas National Voter Registration Day is September 22; andWhereas the month of September would be an appropriate month to designate as National Voting Rights Month and ensure our democracy includes all of us through the registration of voters and awareness of elections: Now, therefore, be itThat the House of Representatives—(1)supports the designation of National Voting Rights Month;(2)encourages all people in the United States to uphold the right of every American to exercise his or her sacred and fundamental right to vote;(3)commemorates the 100th anniversary of the House passage of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote, and the legacy of generations of suffragists that fought to protect women’s rights at the ballot;(4)encourages Congress to pass—(A)H.R. 1 (S. 949), the For the People Act of 2019, to increase voters’ access to the ballot, end gerrymandering, create automatic voter registration, limit the power of restrictive voter ID laws, make critical investments in election infrastructure and technology, and address corruption in campaign finance and ethics;(B)H.R. 4 (S. 4263), the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2020, to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that prohibit discriminatory voting practices, remove barriers to voting, and provide protections for minority voters in States with a history of voting discrimination;(C)H.R. 7427, the ACCESS Act, to ensure every eligible American voter is able to exercise their right to vote safely and securely during a declared state of emergency by guaranteeing no-excuse absentee voting, expanding early voting, requiring state emergency planning for voting during a state of emergency, mandating emergency vote-by-mail and same-day voter registration, and accommodations for voters on Indian lands;(D)H.R. 8015 (S. 4527), the Delivering for America Act, to prohibit the United States Postal Services from making changes to operations or levels of service from those that were in effect on January 1, 2020, establish requirements for the processing of election mail, and provide additional funding for the Postal Service Fund;(E)H.R. 2722, the Securing America’s Federal Elections (SAFE) Act, to provide funding for States to improve the administration of elections, including enhancement of technology, election security, replacing antiquated voting systems, and meeting new standards for administering elections; and(F)other voting rights legislation that seeks to advance voting rights and protect United States elections;(5)recommends that our Nation’s public schools and universities develop an academic curriculum under which students would learn about the importance of voting, how to register to vote, where to vote, and the different forms of voting; in addition to teaching the history of voter suppression in America before and after the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and current measures that have been passed to restrict the vote;(6)encourages the Postal Service to issue a special John Lewis stamp during the month of September to honor his life and legacy and commitment to voting rights, and to remind Americans about how ordinary citizens risked their lives, marched, and participated in our great democracy so all Americans would have the fundamental right to vote; and(7)invites Congress to allocate the requisite funds needed for public service announcements on television, radio, newspapers, magazines, social media, billboards, buses, and other forms of media to remind Americans when elections are being held, share important registration deadlines, and to urge people to get out and vote.