116 HR 2418 IH: Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-04-08
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. 2418IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 8, 2021Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York (for herself, Ms. Barragán, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Cicilline, Mr. Cohen, Mr. DeSaulnier, Ms. Eshoo, Mr. Gallego, Mr. García of Illinois, Mr. Grijalva, Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Lawson of Florida, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Lowenthal, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Norton, Mr. O'Halleran, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Sires, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and Ms. Bush) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo provide student loan forgiveness to health care workers who are on the front line in response to COVID–19.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act.2.Federal student loan forgiveness for frontline health care workers(a)Forgiveness requiredNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Education shall carry out a program in accordance with this Act to forgive the outstanding balance of interest and principal due on the applicable eligible Federal student loans of borrowers who are frontline health care workers.(b)Method of loan forgivenessIn carrying out the loan forgiveness program required under subsection (a), as soon as practicable after the Secretary of Education has confirmed that an applicant is a frontline health care worker who is a borrower of an eligible Federal student loan, the Secretary of Education shall—(1)through the holder of a loan, assume the obligation to repay the outstanding balance of interest and principal due on the applicable eligible Federal student loans of the borrower made, insured, or guaranteed under part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.); and (2)cancel the outstanding balance of interest and principal due on the applicable eligible Federal student loans of the borrower made under part D or part E of such title.(c)Repayment refunds prohibitedNothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any refunding of any eligible Federal student loan repayment made before the date a borrower’s loans are forgiven in accordance with this section.(d)Exclusion from taxable incomeThe amount of a borrower’s eligible Federal student loans forgiven under this section shall not be included in the gross income of the borrower for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.(e)Notice to borrowers in statementsWith each billing statement sent to a borrower during the two-year period beginning on the 15th day after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall include, and shall require each holder of eligible Federal student loans to include, a notice informing the borrower of the availability of the Federal student loan forgiveness and private student loan repayment programs for frontline health care workers under this Act, including where to find information about how to qualify as a frontline health care worker, how to apply to such programs, and the application deadline for such programs.3.Private student loan repayment for frontline health care workers(a)Repayment requiredNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the Treasury shall carry out a program in accordance with this Act under which the Secretary shall repay in full the outstanding balance of principal and interest due on the applicable eligible private student loans of borrowers who are frontline health care workers.(b)Method of loan repaymentIn carrying out the program required under subsection (a), as soon as practicable after the Secretary of the Treasury has confirmed that an applicant is a frontline health care worker who is a borrower of an eligible private student loan, the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to the private educational lender of each of the applicable eligible private student loans of the borrower an amount equal to the sum of the unpaid principal, accrued unpaid interest, and late charges of such applicable eligible private student loans, as calculated on the date of the repayment of such loans by the Secretary of the Treasury, in order to discharge the borrower from any remaining obligation to the private educational lender with respect to such applicable eligible private student loans.(c)Repayment refunds prohibitedNothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any refunding of any repayment of a loan made before the date a borrower’s loans are paid by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with this section.(d)Exclusion from taxable incomeThe amount of a borrower’s eligible private student loans paid by the Secretary of the Treasury under this section shall not be included in the gross income of the borrower for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.(e)Notice to borrowers in statementsSection 128(e) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1638(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(12)Notice required along with billing statementsWith each billing statement sent to the borrower during the two-year period beginning on the 15th day after the date of enactment of the Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act, the private educational lender shall include a notice informing the borrower of the availability of the Federal student loan forgiveness and private student loan repayment programs for frontline health care workers under the Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act, including where to find information about how to qualify as a frontline health care worker, how to apply to such programs, and the application deadline for such programs..4.Coordinated program requirementsThe Secretaries concerned shall jointly develop the programs required under section 2 and section 3 of this Act, and shall coordinate and consult with one another in carrying out such programs to ensure that—(1)determinations of eligibility are uniform and consistent across both programs;(2)frontline health care workers who are borrowers of both eligible Federal student loans and eligible private student loans may apply for both loan forgiveness under section 2 and loan repayment under section 3 with submission of only one application;(3)borrowers with outstanding eligible Federal student loans and borrowers with outstanding eligible private student loans are notified of the availability of both programs required under this Act; and(4)such programs are made available to frontline health care workers who were borrowers of eligible Federal student loans, eligible private student loans, or both, and who died as a result of the coronavirus, to relieve the families and estates of such deceased frontline health care workers of the burden of the student loans of the such workers.5.Notice to the publicNot later than 15 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries concerned, in consultation with institutions of higher education and lenders and holders of Federal student loans and private education loans, shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that borrowers who have outstanding eligible Federal student loans, outstanding eligible private student loans, or both, are aware of the loan forgiveness and loan repayment programs authorized by this Act. Such information shall—(1)be presented in a form that is widely available to the public, especially to borrowers with eligible Federal student loans, eligible private student loans, or both;(2)be easily understandable; and(3)clearly notify borrowers that to be considered for loan forgiveness or loan repayment (or both) under this Act, borrowers must submit an application to the Secretaries concerned, and must do so during the application period described in section 6.6.Application and determination of eligibility(a)Application periodAn individual may apply for loan forgiveness under section 2, loan repayment under section 3, or both, by submitting an application to the Secretaries concerned during the period that begins on the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act and that ends on the date that is 2 years after the end of the qualifying period.(b)Determination of eligibility(1)Development of applicationNot later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries concerned shall jointly, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Intergovernmental Working Group (in accordance with section 7), develop one application for borrowers of both eligible Federal student loans and eligible private student loans to apply for loan forgiveness or loan repayment, or both, under this Act.(2)Application requirementsThe application required under paragraph (1) may only include such information as is necessary for the Secretaries concerned to make a determination of whether the applicant—(A)is a frontline health care worker, without consideration of the period of time the applicant served as such a worker; and(B)is a borrower of an applicable eligible Federal student loan, an applicable eligible private student loan, or both.(3)DeterminationNot later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretaries concerned receive an application from an individual in accordance with this Act, the Secretaries concerned shall—(A)confirm that such individual is a frontline health care worker who is a borrower of an applicable eligible Federal student loan, an applicable eligible private student loan, or both, then notify the individual of such confirmation, and grant the individual loan forgiveness or loan repayment, or both, in accordance with sections 2 and 3 of this Act; or(B)determine that such individual is not a frontline health care worker who is a borrower of an applicable eligible Federal student loan, an eligible private student loan, or both, then deny such application, and provide a notification to the individual that includes—(i)that the application was denied; (ii)the reason for such denial; and(iii)if the application was denied because the Secretaries concerned determined that the applicant was not a frontline health care worker, an explanation that the individual may appeal the denial to the Intergovernmental Working Group within 30 days of the date of such denial, and information on how the applicant may submit such an appeal.(4)Treatment after successful appealIn the case that an individual appeals the denial of an application to the Intergovernmental Working Group in accordance with section 7, and the individual is determined by the Intergovernmental Working Group to be a frontline health care worker, the Secretaries concerned shall grant the individual loan forgiveness or loan repayment, or both, in accordance with sections 2 and 3 of this Act not later than 30 days after the Secretaries concerned are notified of the outcome of the appeal by the Intergovernmental Working Group. 7.Intergovernmental Working Group(a)EstablishmentNot later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries concerned and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall jointly establish an Intergovernmental Working Group to assist, in accordance with this section, with the administration of the programs required under this Act.(b)MembershipThe Intergovernmental Working Group shall have 9 members, of whom—(1)five members shall be selected by the Secretary of Health and Human Services from employees of the Department of Health and Human Services who are knowledgeable concerning the education, training, employment, and medical practices of health care professionals and the health care workforce;(2)two members shall be selected by the Secretary of Education from employees of the Department of Education who are knowledgeable concerning eligible Federal student loans and the administration of such loans; and(3)two members shall be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury from employees of the Department of the Treasury who are knowledgeable concerning eligible private student loans, the administration of such loans, and private educational lenders.(c)DutiesThe Intergovernmental Working Group established under this section shall—(1)develop a procedure or list of requirements to determine whether an individual has made significant contributions to the medical response to the qualifying emergency for purposes of determining whether the individual is a frontline health care worker as defined in section 9(1)(C);(2)determine what information an individual needs to provide for the Secretaries concerned to determine whether the individual has made significant contributions to the medical response to the qualifying emergency for purposes of determining whether the individual is a frontline health care worker as defined in section 9(1)(B);(3)not later than 15 days after the date on which the Council is established, report the information described in paragraphs (1) and (2) to the Secretaries concerned for inclusion in the application developed in accordance with section 6(b)(1);(4)not later than 60 days after the date on which the Council is established, develop a process by which—(A)an applicant who is denied loan forgiveness or loan repayment (or both) under this Act by the Secretaries concerned because of a determination that the applicant is not a frontline health care worker may, within 30 days of the date of such denial, submit an appeal of such denial to the Intergovernmental Working Group; and(B)the Intergovernmental Working Group will review the appeal and make a determination with respect to whether the applicant is a frontline health care worker; and(5)upon the request for an appeal by an applicant described in paragraph (4), using the appeals process developed under such paragraph, determine within 30 days after submission of the appeal by the applicant, whether the applicant is a frontline health care worker, and notify the Secretaries concerned and the applicant of the outcome of such appeal within 15 days of such determination.8.Termination of authorityThe authority of the Secretaries concerned to carry out the loan forgiveness program under section 2 and loan repayment program under section 3, and the authority of the Intergovernmental Working Group to carry out the activities authorized under section 7, shall cease on the date that is 180 days after the end date of the application period described in section 6(a).9.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Frontline health care workerThe term frontline health care worker means an individual who, in exchange for payment or as a volunteer, for any period during a qualifying emergency—(A)is a—(i)doctor, medical resident, medical intern, medical fellow, nurse, home health care worker, mental health professional, or other health care professional who is licensed, registered, or certified under Federal or State law to provide health care services and who provides COVID-related health care services; (ii)a student enrolled at an institution of higher education in a medical, nursing, or other relevant health care program of study who provides COVID-related health care services;(iii)a laboratory worker who conducts, evaluates, or analyzes coronavirus testing;(iv)a medical researcher who conducts research related to the prevention, treatment, or cure of the coronavirus; or(v)an emergency medical services worker who responds to health emergencies or transports patients to hospitals or other medical facilities; or(B)does not meet the requirements of any of the clauses under subparagraph (A), but is a health care professional who is licensed, registered, or certified under Federal or State law to provide health care and has made significant contributions to the medical response to the qualifying emergency.(2)Applicable loansFor the purposes of this Act, the term applicable, when used with respect to an eligible Federal student loan or an eligible private student loan, means—(A)in the case of a frontline health care worker who has obtained a graduate education degree or certificate—(i)any eligible Federal student loan for the graduate education of such worker (including a consolidation loan, to the extent that such consolidation loan was used to repay loans for graduate education); and(ii)any eligible private student loan for the graduate education of such worker; or(B)in the case of a frontline health care worker who has not obtained a graduate education degree or certificate—(i)any eligible Federal student loan for the undergraduate education of such worker (including a consolidation loan, to the extent that such consolidation loan was used to repay loans for undergraduate education), provided that such loan was used for undergraduate education in a relevant health care program of study that is necessary for an individual to enter or advance within the specific health care-related occupation of the worker; and(ii)any eligible private student loan for the undergraduate education of such worker, provided that such loan was used for undergraduate education in a relevant health care program of study that is necessary for an individual to enter or advance within the specific health care-related occupation of the worker.(3)CoronavirusThe term coronavirus has the meaning given the term in section 506 of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (Public Law 116–123).(4)COVID-related health care servicesThe term COVID-related health care services means any health care services that relate to—(A)the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of the coronavirus, including through telehealth services;(B)the assessment or care of the health of a human being related to an actual or suspected case of the coronavirus, including through telehealth services; or(C)patient care in a setting where there is a reasonable expectation of risk of exposure to the coronavirus.(5)Eligible Federal student loanThe term eligible Federal student loan means any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B, part D, or part E of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 before the date of enactment of this Act, including a consolidation loan under such title.(6)Eligible private student loanThe term eligible private student loan means a private education loan, as defined in section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1650(a)), that was expressly for the cost of attendance (as defined in section 472) at an institution of higher education participating in a loan program under part B, part D, or part E of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), as of the date that the loan was disbursed, and that was made before the date of enactment of this Act.(7)Graduate educationThe term graduate education means a postbaccalaureate program of study at an institution of higher education that—(A)leads to a master’s degree;(B)leads to a doctoral degree; or(C)does not lead to a graduate degree, but awards or is necessary to obtain a professional certification or licensing credential that is required for employment.(8)Institution of higher educationThe term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).(9)Private educational lenderThe term private educational lender has the meaning given the term in section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1650(a)).(10)Qualifying emergencyThe term qualifying emergency means—(A)a public health emergency related to the coronavirus declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d); (B)an event related to the coronavirus for which—(i)the President declared a major disaster or an emergency under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 and 5191); or(ii)the governor of a State or territory of the United States declared an emergency; or(C)a national emergency related to the coronavirus declared by the President under section 201 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).(11)Secretaries concernedThe term Secretaries concerned means—(A)the Secretary of Education, with respect to eligible Federal student loans and borrowers of such loans; and(B)the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to eligible private student loans and borrowers of such loans.(12)Undergraduate educationThe term undergraduate education means a postsecondary program of study at an institution of higher education that—(A)leads to an associate’s degree;(B)leads to a baccalaureate degree; or(C)does not lead to an associate’s or baccalaureate degree, but awards or is necessary to obtain a certification or licensing credential that is required for employment.


		IIB
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5717
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			September 29, 2010
			Received; read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Rules and
			 Administration

		AN ACT
		To authorize the Board of Regents of the
		  Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct a facility and to enter
		  into agreements relating to education programs at the National Zoological Park
		  facility in Front Royal, Virginia, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Smithsonian Conservation Biology
			 Institute Enhancement Act.
		2.Facility for research
			 and educational programs
			(a)In
			 generalThe Board of Regents
			 of the Smithsonian Institution is authorized to plan, design, and construct a
			 facility on National Zoological Park property in Front Royal, Virginia for the
			 purpose of conducting research and educational programs.
			(b)Authorization of
			 appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
			 out subsection (a)—
				(1)$1,000,000 for
			 each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011; and
				(2)$3,000,000 in the
			 aggregate for all succeeding fiscal years.
				3.Agreements for
			 housing and other services
			(a)In
			 generalThe Board of Regents
			 of the Smithsonian Institution is authorized to enter into agreements for the
			 provision of housing and other services to the participants in the programs
			 referenced in section 2.
			(b)CostsThe housing and other services described in
			 subsection (a) shall be provided at no cost to the Smithsonian
			 Institution.
			4.Animal holding
			 facilityThe Board of Regents
			 of the Smithsonian Institution is authorized to plan, design, and construct
			 animal holding and related program facilities on National Zoological Park
			 property in Front Royal, Virginia, to be funded from nonfederal sources.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives September 28, 2010.
			Lorraine C. Miller,
			Clerk.


I
108th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4832
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 14, 2004
Mr. Houghton introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit representatives of the foreign press to enter the United States under the visa waiver program.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Freedom of the Press Reinforcement Act.
2.Application of visa waiver program to representatives of foreign press
(a)Application of programSection 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1187) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(i)Special rule for foreign pressAn alien may be classified as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(B) for purposes of this section, notwithstanding that the alien is a representative of foreign press, radio, film, or other foreign information media seeking to enter the United States to engage in such vocation..
(b)Conforming amendmentSection 101(a)(15)(B) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(B)) is amended by inserting after unskilled labor or the following: , except as provided in section 217(i),.


114 HR 2689 IH: To clarify the scope of eligible water resources projects under the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 and the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-06-09
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. 2689
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 9, 2015
			Mrs. Mimi Walters of California (for herself and Mr. Huffman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

		A BILL
		To clarify the scope of eligible water resources projects under the Water Resources Development Act
			 of 1986 and the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, and
			 for other purposes.

 1.Clarification of scope of eligible water resources projectsFor purposes of sections 105, 203, and 905 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2215, 2231, 2282) and section 7001 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (33 U.S.C. 2282d), the terms water resources project and water resources development project include water supply and environmental infrastructure projects, including projects designed to reclaim or reuse municipal wastewater or impaired surface or groundwater.


114 HR 1727 IH: Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-03-26
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.

I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1727
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 26, 2015
Mr. Whitfield (for himself and Ms. DeGette) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage, as supplies associated with the injection of insulin, of containment, removal, decontamination and disposal of home-generated needles, syringes, and other sharps through a sharps container, decontamination/destruction device, or sharps-by-mail program or similar program under part D of the Medicare program.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2015. 2.Coverage of containment, removal, decontamination and disposal of home-generated needles, syringes, and other sharps through a sharps container, decontamination/destruction device, or sharps-by-mail program or similar program under Medicare part D (a)In generalSection 1860D–2(e)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–102(e)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting after regulations of the Secretary the following: and including devices approved for home use by the Food and Drug Administration for the safe and effective containment, removal, decontamination and disposal of home-generated needles, syringes, and other sharps through a sharps container, decontamination/destruction device, or sharps-by-mail program or similar program.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		II
		Calendar No. 1003
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3158
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 19, 2008
			Mr. Reid (for
			 Mr. Kennedy (for himself and
			 Mr. Kerry)) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and Natural
			 Resources

			September 16, 2008
			Reported by Mr.
			 Bingaman, with an amendment and an amendment to the
			 title
			Omit the part struck through and insert the part
			 printed in italic

		A BILL
		To extend the authority for the Cape Cod National
		  Seashore Advisory Commission.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Cape Cod National Seashore
			 Advisory Commission Reauthorization Act.
		2.Reauthorization
			 of the cape cod national seashore advisory commissionSection 8(a) of Public Law 87–126 (16 U.S.C.
			 459b–7(a)) is amended in the second sentence by striking 2008
			 and inserting 2018.
		2.Reauthorization of the
			 Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory CommissionEffective September 26, 2008, section 8(a)
			 of Public Law 87–126 (16 U.S.C. 459b–7(a)) is amended in the second sentence by
			 striking 2008 and inserting 2018.
		3.National Park System
			 Advisory BoardSection 3(f) of
			 the Act of August 21, 1935 (16. U.S.C. 463(f)), is amended in the first
			 sentence by striking 2009 and inserting
			 2010.
		4.Concessions Management
			 Advisory BoardSection 409(d)
			 of the National Park Service Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998 (16
			 U.S.C. 5958(d)) is amended in the first sentence by striking
			 2008 and inserting 2009.
		Amend the title so as to read:
	 A bill to extend the authority for the Cape Cod National Seashore
	 Advisory Commission and certain other advisory
	 boards..

		September 16, 2008
		Reported with an amendment and an amendment to the
		  title


114 S1617 IS: Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-06-18
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.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1617IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 18, 2015Mr. Rubio (for himself and Mrs. Shaheen) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsA BILLTo prevent Hizballah and associated entities from gaining access to international financial and
			 other institutions, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
					Sec. 2. Statement of policy.
					TITLE I—Prevention of access by Hizballah to international financial and other institutions
					Sec. 101. Briefing on imposition of sanctions on certain satellite providers that carry al-Manar
			 TV.
					Sec. 102. Sanctions with respect to financial institutions that engage in certain transactions.
					TITLE II—Reports on designation of Hizballah as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker and a
			 significant transnational criminal organization
					Sec. 201. Report on designation of Hizballah as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker.
					Sec. 202. Report on designation of Hizballah as a significant transnational criminal organization.
					Sec. 203. Rewards for Justice and Hizballah’s fundraising, financing, and money laundering
			 activities.
					Sec. 204. Report on activities of foreign governments to disrupt global logistics networks and
			 fundraising, financing, and money laundering activities of Hizballah.
					TITLE III—Miscellaneous provisions
					Sec. 301. Rule of construction.
					Sec. 302. Regulatory authority.
					Sec. 303. Termination.

 2.Statement of policyIt shall be the policy of the United States to— (1)prevent Hizballah’s global logistics and financial network from operating in order to curtail funding of its domestic and international activities; and
 (2)utilize all available diplomatic, legislative, and executive avenues to combat the global criminal activities of Hizballah as a means to block that organization’s ability to fund its global terrorist activities.
			IPrevention of access by Hizballah to international financial and other institutions
			101.Briefing on imposition of sanctions on certain satellite providers that carry al-Manar TV
 (a)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the President shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the following:
 (1)The activities of all satellite, broadcast, Internet, or other providers that have knowingly entered into a contractual relationship with al-Manar TV, and any affiliates or successors thereof.
 (2)With respect to all providers described in paragraph (1)— (A)an identification of those providers that have been sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order 13224 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking property and prohibiting transactions with persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism); and
 (B)an identification of those providers that have not been sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order 13224 and, with respect to each such provider, the reason why sanctions have not been imposed.
 (b)Appropriate congressional committees definedIn this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1)the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives; and
 (2)the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.
					102.Sanctions with respect to financial institutions that engage in certain transactions
				(a)Prohibitions and conditions with respect to certain accounts held by foreign financial institutions
 (1)In generalNot later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall prohibit, or impose strict conditions on, the opening or maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account by a foreign financial institution that the President determines, on or after such date of enactment, engages in an activity described in paragraph (2).
 (2)Activities describedA foreign financial institution engages in an activity described in this paragraph if the foreign financial institution—
 (A)knowingly facilitates a significant transaction or transactions for Hizballah; (B)knowingly facilitates a significant transaction or transactions of a person identified on the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury and the property and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) for acting on behalf of or at the direction of, or owned or controlled by, Hizballah;
 (C)knowingly engages in money laundering to carry out an activity described in subparagraph (A) or (B); or
 (D)knowingly facilitates a significant transaction or transactions or provides significant financial services to carry out an activity described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).
 (3)PenaltiesThe penalties provided for in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of regulations prescribed under this subsection to the same extent that such penalties apply to a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of such section 206.
					(4)Procedures for judicial review of classified information
 (A)In generalIf a finding under this subsection, or a prohibition, condition, or penalty imposed as a result of any such finding, is based on classified information (as defined in section 1(a) of the Classified Information Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.)) and a court reviews the finding or the imposition of the prohibition, condition, or penalty, the President may submit such information to the court ex parte and in camera.
 (B)Rule of constructionNothing in this paragraph shall be construed to confer or imply any right to judicial review of any finding under this subsection or any prohibition, condition, or penalty imposed as a result of any such finding.
 (5)RegulationsThe President shall prescribe and implement regulations to carry out this subsection.
					(b)Waiver
 (1)In generalThe President may waive, on a case-by-case basis, the application of a prohibition or condition imposed with respect to a foreign financial institution pursuant to subsection (a) for a period of not more than 180 days, and may renew the waiver for additional periods of not more than 180 days, on and after the date on which the President—
 (A)determines that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States; and (B)submits to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the reasons for such determination.
 (2)FormThe report required by paragraph (1)(B) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
 (c)Special rule To allow for termination of sanctionable activityThe President shall not be required to apply sanctions to a foreign financial institution described in subsection (a) if the President certifies in writing to the appropriate congressional committees that—
 (1)the foreign financial institution— (A)is no longer engaging in the activity described in subsection (a)(2); or
 (B)has taken and is continuing to take significant verifiable steps toward terminating the activity described in that subsection; and
 (2)the President has received reliable assurances from the government with primary jurisdiction over the foreign financial institution that the foreign financial institution will not engage in any activity described in subsection (a)(2) in the future.
					(d)Report on foreign central banks
 (1)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that—
 (A)identifies each foreign central bank that the Secretary determines engages in one or more activities described in subsection (a)(2)(D); and
 (B)provides a detailed description of each such activity. (2)Form of reportEach report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
					(e)Definitions
 (1)In generalIn this section: (A)Account; correspondent account; payable-through accountThe terms account, correspondent account, and payable-through account have the meanings given those terms in section 5318A of title 31, United States Code.
 (B)Appropriate congressional committeesThe term appropriate congressional committees means— (i)the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives; and
 (ii)the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.
 (C)Financial institutionThe term financial institution means a financial institution specified in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), (K), (M), (N), (P), (R), (T), (Y), or (Z) of section 5312(a)(2) of title 31, United States Code.
						(D)Foreign financial institution; domestic financial institution
 (i)Foreign financial institutionThe term foreign financial institution has the meaning given that term in section 1010.605 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, and excludes the Central Bank of Lebanon.
 (ii)Domestic financial institutionThe term domestic financial institution has the meaning of that term as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. (E)HizballahThe term Hizballah means—
 (i)the entity known as Hizballah and designated by the Secretary of State as a foreign terrorist organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189); or
 (ii)any person— (I)the property or interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
 (II)who is identified on the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury as an agent, instrumentality, or affiliate of Hizballah.
 (F)Money launderingThe term money laundering means the movement of illicit cash or cash equivalent proceeds into, out of, or through a country, or into, out of, or through a financial institution.
 (2)Other definitionsThe President may further define the terms used in this section in the regulations prescribed under this section.
					IIReports on designation of Hizballah as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker and a significant
			 trans-national criminal organization
			201.Report on designation of Hizballah as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker
 (a)Report requiredNot later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a detailed report on whether Hizballah meets the criteria for designation under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (21 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker, and if the President determines that Hizballah does not meet such criteria, a detailed justification as to which criteria have not been met.
 (b)FormThe report required by subsection (a) shall be transmitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
 (c)Appropriate congressional committees definedIn this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1)the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Financial Services, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives; and
 (2)the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Finance, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate.
					202.Report on designation of Hizballah as a significant transnational criminal organization
 (a)Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that— (1)Hizballah appears to meet the criteria for designation as a significant transnational criminal organization under Executive Order 13581 (76 Fed. Reg. 44,757; relating to blocking property of transnational criminal organizations); and
 (2)the President should designate Hizballah as a significant transnational criminal organization. (b)Report (1)In generalNot later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a detailed report on whether Hizballah meets the criteria for designation as a significant transnational criminal organization under Executive Order 13581, and if the President determines that Hizballah does not meet such criteria, a detailed justification as to which criteria have not been met.
 (2)FormThe report required by paragraph (1) shall be transmitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
 (c)Appropriate congressional committees definedIn this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1)the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Financial Services, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives; and
 (2)the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Finance, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate.
					203.Rewards for Justice and Hizballah’s fundraising, financing, and money laundering activities
 (a)ReportNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that details actions taken by the Department of State through the Department of State rewards program under section 36 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act (22 U.S.C. 2708) to obtain information on fundraising, financing, and money laundering activities of Hizballah and its agents and affiliates.
 (b)BriefingNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall provide a briefing to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of the actions described in subsection (a).
 (c)Appropriate congressional committees definedIn this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1)the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives; and
 (2)the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.
					204.Report on activities of foreign governments to disrupt global logistics networks and fundraising,
			 financing, and money laundering activities of Hizballah
				(a)Report
 (1)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes—
 (A)a list of countries that support Hizballah or in which Hizballah maintains important portions of its global logistics networks;
 (B)with respect to each country on the list required by subparagraph (A)— (i)an assessment of whether the government of the country is taking adequate measures to disrupt the global logistics networks of Hizballah within the territory of the country; and
 (ii)in the case of a country the government of which is not taking adequate measures to disrupt such networks—
 (I)an assessment of the reasons that government is not taking such adequate measures; and (II)a description of measures being taken by the United States to encourage that government to improve measures to disrupt such networks;
 (C)a list of countries in which Hizballah, or any of its agents or affiliates, conducts significant fundraising, financing, or money laundering activities;
 (D)with respect to each country on the list required by subparagraph (C)— (i)an assessment of whether the government of the country is taking adequate measures to disrupt the fundraising, financing, or money laundering activities of Hizballah and its agents and affiliates within the territory of the country; and
 (ii)in the case of a country the government of which is not taking adequate measures to disrupt such activities—
 (I)an assessment of the reasons that government is not taking such adequate measures; and (II)a description of measures being taken by the United States to encourage that government to improve measures to disrupt such activities; and
 (E)a list of methods that Hizballah, or any of its agents or affiliates, utilizes to raise or transfer funds, including trade-based money laundering, the use of foreign exchange houses, and free-trade zones.
 (2)FormThe report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form to the greatest extent possible, and may contain a classified annex.
 (3)Global logistics networks of HizballahIn this subsection, the term global logistics networks of Hizballah , global logistics networks, or networks means financial, material, or technological support for, or financial or other services in support of, Hizballah.
					(b)Briefing on Hizballah’s assets and activities related to fundraising, financing, and money
 laundering worldwideNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the heads of other applicable Federal departments and agencies shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the disposition of Hizballah’s assets and activities related to fundraising, financing, and money laundering worldwide.
 (c)Appropriate congressional committees definedIn this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1)the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Financial Services, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and
 (2)the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
					IIIMiscellaneous provisions
 301.Rule of constructionNothing in this Act or any amendment made by this Act shall apply to the authorized intelligence activities of the United States.
			302.Regulatory authority
 (a)In generalThe President shall, not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, promulgate regulations as necessary for the implementation of this Act and the amendments made by this Act.
 (b)Notification to CongressNot less than 10 days before the promulgation of regulations under subsection (a), the President shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of the proposed regulations and the provisions of this Act and the amendments made by this Act that the regulations are implementing.
 (c)Appropriate congressional committees definedIn this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1)the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives; and
 (2)the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.
 303.TerminationThis Act shall terminate on the date that is 30 days after the date on which the President certifies to Congress that Hizballah—
 (1)is no longer designated as a foreign terrorist organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189); and
 (2)is no longer listed in the Annex to Executive Order 13224 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to blocking property and prohibiting transactions with persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism).


113 HR 4222 IH: To correct the boundaries of John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System units in Florida, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-03-12
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. 4222
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 12, 2014
			Mr. Southerland introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

		A BILL
		To correct the boundaries of John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System units in Florida, and
			 for other purposes.

		1.Replacement of John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Map
			(a)In generalThe map included in the set of maps entitled Coastal Barrier Resources System referred to in section 4(a) of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3503(a)) and relating
			 to Indian Peninsula Unit FL–92 and Cape San Blas Unit P–30 in Florida is
			 hereby replaced by another map relating to the same unit entitled John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Corrected Indian Peninsula Unit FL–92 and Cape San
			 Blas Unit P–30 and dated ______.
			(b)AvailabilityThe Secretary of the Interior shall keep the replacement map referred to in subsection (a) on file
			 and available for inspection in accordance with section 4(b) of the
			 Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3503(b)).


115 HR 5176 : Preventing Overdoses While in Emergency Rooms Act of 2018
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-06-13
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.

		IIB
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		H. R. 5176
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
		June 13, 2018Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsAN ACT
		To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide coordinated care to patients who
			 have experienced a non-fatal overdose after emergency room discharge, and
			 for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Preventing Overdoses While in Emergency Rooms Act of 2018. 2.Program to support emergency room discharge and care coordination for drug overdose patients (a)In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish a program (in this Act referred to as the Program) to develop protocols for discharging patients who have presented with a drug overdose and enhance the integration and coordination of care and treatment options for individuals with substance use disorder after discharge.
			(b)Grant establishment and participation
 (1)In generalIn carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis to not more than 20 eligible entities described in paragraph (2).
				(2)Eligibility
 (A)In generalTo be eligible for a grant under this subsection, an entity shall be— (i)a health care site described in subparagraph (B); or
 (ii)a health care site coordinator described in subparagraph (C). (B)Health care sitesTo be eligible for a grant under this section, a health care site shall—
 (i)submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as specified by the Secretary;
 (ii)have an emergency department; (iii) (I)have a licensed health care professional onsite who has a waiver under section 303(g) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 823(g)) to dispense or prescribe covered drugs; or
 (II)have a demonstrable plan to hire a sufficient number of full-time licensed health care professionals who have waivers described in subclause (I) to administer such treatment onsite;
 (iv)have in place an agreement with a sufficient number and range of entities certified under applicable State and Federal law, such as pursuant to registration or a waiver under section 303(g) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 823(g)) or certification as described in section 8.2 of title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, to provide treatment for substance use disorder such that the entity or the resulting network of entities with an agreement with the hospital cumulatively are capable of providing all evidence-based services for the treatment of substance use disorder, as medically appropriate for the individual involved, including—
 (I)medication-assisted treatment; (II)withdrawal and detoxification services that include patient evaluation, stabilization, and readiness for and entry into treatment; and
 (III)counseling; (v)deploy onsite peer recovery specialists to help connect patients with treatment and recovery support services; and
 (vi)include the provision of overdose reversal medication in discharge protocols for opioid overdose patients.
 (C)Health care site coordinatorsTo be eligible for a grant under this section, a health care site coordinator shall— (i)be an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code) or a State, local, or Tribal government;
 (ii)submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as specified by the Secretary; and
 (iii)have an agreement with multiple eligible health care sites described in subparagraph (B). (3)PreferenceIn awarding grants under this section, the Secretary may give preference to eligible entities described in paragraph (2) that meet either or both of the following criteria:
 (A)The eligible health care site is, or the eligible health care site coordinator has an agreement described in paragraph (2)(C)(iii) with a site that is, a critical access hospital (as defined in section 1861(mm)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(mm)(1))), a low-volume hospital (as defined in section 1886(d)(12)(C)(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(12)(C)(i))), or a sole community hospital (as defined in section 1886(d)(5)(D)(iii) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(D)(iii))).
 (B)The eligible health care site or the eligible health care site coordinator is located in a geographic area with a drug overdose rate that is higher than the national rate, or in a geographic area with a rate of emergency department visits for overdoses that is higher than the national rate, as determined by the Secretary based on the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 (4)Medication-assisted treatment definedFor purposes of this section, the term medication-assisted treatment means the use of a drug approved under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355) or a biological product licensed under section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262), in combination with behavioral health services, to provide an individualized approach to the treatment of substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders.
 (c)Period of grantA grant awarded to an eligible entity under this section shall be for a period of at least 2 years. (d)Grant uses (1)Required usesA grant awarded under this section to an eligible entity shall be used for both of the following purposes:
 (A)To establish policies and procedures that address the provision of overdose reversal medication, prescription and dispensing of medication-assisted treatment to an emergency department patient who has had a non-fatal overdose or who is at risk of a drug overdose, and the subsequent referral to evidence-based treatment upon discharge for patients who have experienced a non-fatal drug overdose or who are at risk of a drug overdose.
 (B)To develop best practices for treating non-fatal drug overdoses, including with respect to care coordination and integrated care models for long term treatment and recovery options for individuals who have experienced a non-fatal drug overdose.
 (2)Additional permissible usesA grant awarded under this section to an eligible entity may be used for any of the following purposes:
 (A)To hire emergency department peer recovery specialists; counselors; therapists; social workers; or other licensed medical professionals specializing in the treatment of substance use disorder.
 (B)To establish integrated models of care for individuals who have experienced a non-fatal drug overdose which may include patient assessment, follow up, and transportation to treatment facilities.
 (C)To provide for options for increasing the availability and access of medication-assisted treatment and other evidence-based treatment for individuals with substance use disorders.
 (D)To offer consultation with and referral to other supportive services that help in treatment and recovery.
					(e)Reporting requirements
 (1)Reports by granteesEach eligible entity awarded a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an annual report for each year for which the entity has received such grant that includes information on—
 (A)the number of individuals treated at the site (or, in the case of an eligible health care site coordinator, at sites covered by the agreement referred to in subsection (b)(2)(C)(iii)) for non-fatal overdoses in the emergency department;
 (B)the number of individuals administered each medication-assisted treatment at such site or sites in the emergency department;
 (C)the number of individuals referred by such site or sites to other treatment facilities after a non-fatal overdose, the types of such other facilities, and the number of such individuals admitted to such other facilities pursuant to such referrals;
 (D)the frequency and number of patient readmissions for non-fatal overdoses and substance use disorder;
 (E)for what the grant funding was used; and (F)the effectiveness of, and any other relevant additional data regarding, having an onsite health care professional to administer and begin medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders.
 (2)Report by SecretaryNot less than 1 year after the conclusion of the Program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes—
 (A)findings of the Program; (B)overall patient outcomes under the Program, such as with respect to hospital readmission;
 (C)what percentage of patients treated by a site funded through a grant under this section were readmitted to a hospital for non-fatal or fatal overdose;
 (D)an evaluation determining the effectiveness of having a practitioner onsite to administer and begin medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder; and
 (E)a compilation of voluntary guidelines and best practices from the reports submitted under paragraph (1).
 (f)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

	Passed the House of Representatives June 12, 2018.Karen L. Haas,Clerk


115 HR 2410 : Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-02-27
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.

		IIB
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		H. R. 2410
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
		February 27, 2018Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsAN ACT
		To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a sickle cell disease prevention and
			 treatment demonstration program and to provide for sickle cell disease
			 research, surveillance, prevention, and treatment.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2017. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
					Sec. 2. Sickle cell disease research.
					Sec. 3. Sickle cell disease surveillance.
					Sec. 4. Sickle cell disease prevention and treatment.
					Sec. 5. Collaboration with community-based entities.

 2.Sickle cell disease researchPart P of title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 399V–6 (42 U.S.C. 280g–17) the following:

				399V–7.National Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Program
 (a)ResearchThe Secretary may conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the cause of, and to find a cure for, sickle cell disease..
 3.Sickle cell disease surveillanceSection 399V–7 of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section 2, is amended by adding at the end the following:

				(b)Surveillance
 (1)GrantsThe Secretary may, for each fiscal year for which appropriations are available to carry out this subsection, make grants to not more than 20 States—
 (A)to conduct surveillance and maintain data on the prevalence and distribution of sickle cell disease and its associated health outcomes, complications, and treatments;
 (B)to conduct public health initiatives with respect to sickle cell disease, including— (i)increasing efforts to improve access to, and receipt of, high-quality sickle cell disease-related health care, including the use of treatments approved under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or licensed under section 351 of this Act;
 (ii)working with partners to improve health outcomes of people with sickle cell disease over the lifespan by promoting guidelines for sickle cell disease screening, prevention, and treatment, including management of sickle cell disease complications;
 (iii)providing support to community-based organizations and State and local health departments in conducting sickle cell disease education and training activities for patients, communities, and health care providers; and
 (iv)supporting and training State health departments and regional laboratories in comprehensive testing to identify specific forms of sickle cell disease in people of all ages; and
 (C)to identify and evaluate promising strategies for prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease complications, including through—
 (i)improving estimates of the national incidence and prevalence of sickle cell disease, including estimates about the specific types of sickle cell disease;
 (ii)identifying health disparities related to sickle cell disease; (iii)assessing the utilization of therapies and strategies to prevent complications related to sickle cell disease; and
 (iv)evaluating the impact of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and other risk factors that may affect sickle cell disease health outcomes.
 (2)Population includedThe Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, award grants under this subsection to States across the United States so as to include data on the majority of the United States population with sickle cell disease.
 (3)ApplicationTo seek a grant under this subsection, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
 (4)DefinitionsIn this subsection: (A)The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
 (B)The term State includes the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau..
		4.Sickle cell disease prevention and treatment
 (a)ReauthorizationSection 712(c) of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–357; 42 U.S.C. 300b–1 note) is amended—
 (1)by striking Sickle Cell Disease each place it appears and inserting sickle cell disease; (2)in paragraph (1)(A), by striking grants to up to 40 eligible entities for each fiscal year in which the program is conducted under this section for the purpose of developing and establishing systemic mechanisms to improve the prevention and treatment of Sickle Cell Disease and inserting grants to up to 25 eligible entities for each fiscal year in which the program is conducted under this section for the purpose of developing and establishing systemic mechanisms to improve the prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease in populations with a high density of sickle cell disease patients;
 (3)in paragraph (1)(B)— (A)by striking clause (ii) (relating to priority); and
 (B)by striking Grant award requirements and all that follows through The Administrator shall and inserting Geographic diversity.—The Administrator shall; (4)in paragraph (2), by adding the following new subparagraph at the end:

 (E)To expand, coordinate, and implement transition services for adolescents with sickle cell disease making the transition to adult health care.; and
 (5)in paragraph (6), by striking $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009 and inserting $4,455,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022. (b)Technical changesSubsection (c) of section 712 of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–357; 42 U.S.C. 300b–1 note), as amended by subsection (a), is—
 (1)transferred to the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.); and (2)inserted at the end of section 399V–7 of such Act, as added and amended by sections 2 and 3 of this Act.
 5.Collaboration with community-based entitiesSection 399V–7 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by section 4, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

 (d)Collaboration with community-Based entitiesTo be eligible to receive a grant or other assistance under subsection (b) or (c), an entity must have in effect a collaborative agreement with a community-based organization with 5 or more years of experience in providing services to sickle cell disease patients..

	Passed the House of Representatives February 26, 2018.Karen L. Haas,Clerk.


116 HR 8652 IH: Dialysis-Related Amyloidosis Treatment Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-10-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8652IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 23, 2020Mr. Babin introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 coverage and payment under such title for certain treatments for dialysis-related amyloidosis, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Dialysis-Related Amyloidosis Treatment Act of 2020.2.Coverage and payment for treatments for dialysis-related amyloidosis under the Medicare program(a)CoverageSection 1861(s)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2)), is amended—(1)in subparagraph (GG), by striking and at the end;(2)in subparagraph (HH), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and(3)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(II)treatments for dialysis-related amyloidosis (as defined in subsection (kkk))..(b)Treatments for dialysis-Related amyloidosis defined(1)In generalSection 1861 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x), is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:(kkk)Treatments for dialysis-Related amyloidosisThe term treatments for dialysis-related amyloidosis means any item or service that is furnished in a dialysis facility (freestanding or hospital-based) that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of dialysis-related amyloidosis, and any supplies or services that are provided adjunct to and are necessary for such treatment..(2)Exclusion from renal dialysis servicesSection 1881(b)(14)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395rr(b)(14)(B)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: or treatments for dialysis-related amyloidosis (as defined in section 1861(kkk)).(c)PaymentSection 1833(a)(1)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)(E)) is amended by inserting at the end the following: except for treatments for dialysis-related amyloidosis, which may not be included as a renal dialysis service for purposes of payment under any prospective payment amount or comprehensive fee established under section 1881, and for which payment shall be made separately in the amount of 100 percent of the reasonable charges for such items and services,.(d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.


109 HR 275 IH: To amend the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to allow States and localities to provide primary and preventive care to all individuals.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-01-06
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
1st Session
H. R. 275
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 6, 2005
Mr. Gene Green of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To amend the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to allow States and localities to provide primary and preventive care to all individuals.

1.Permitting States and localities to provide primary and preventive care to all individuals
(a)In generalSection 411(b)(1) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1621(b)(1)) is amended by inserting or for primary and preventive care after Act).
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to primary and preventive care furnished before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2001
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 26, 2011
			Mr. Bilirakis
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prevent the
		  payment of unemployment compensation to individuals discharged for drug or
		  alcohol use.

		1.Denial of unemployment
			 compensation to individuals discharged for drug or alcohol use
			(a)In
			 generalSubsection (a) of
			 section 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
				(1)by inserting
			 except as provided in paragraph (15), before compensation
			 shall not,
				(2)by redesignating
			 paragraphs (15) through (19) as paragraphs (16) through (20), respectively,
			 and
				(3)by inserting after
			 paragraph (14) the following new paragraph:

						(15)compensation shall not be payable to any
				individual on the basis of any services performed in connection with employment
				from which the individual was discharged for an employment-related drug or
				alcohol offense (as defined in subsection
				(g)),
						.
				(b)Employment-Related
			 drug or alcohol offenseSection 3304 of such Code is amended by
			 adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(g)Employment-Related
				drug or alcohol offense
						(1)In
				generalFor purposes of
				subsection (a)(15), the term employment-related drug or alcohol
				offense includes but is not limited to the following:
							(A)Being under the
				influence of, or consuming or otherwise using, alcohol or any controlled
				substance while performing services for the employer.
							(B)Possessing any
				controlled substance on the premises of the employer.
							(C)Failure to comply
				with a request by the employer to take a drug test.
							(D)Testing positive
				for illegal use of a controlled substance pursuant to a drug test requested by
				the employer.
							(2)Controlled
				substanceFor purposes of this subsection, the term
				controlled substance has the meaning given such term under
				applicable State law.
						(3)Drug
				testFor purposes of this
				subsection, the term drug test means a test designed to detect
				the illegal use of a controlled
				substance.
						.
			(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to
			 compensation paid for weeks beginning after the end of the first session of the
			 State legislature which begins after the date of the enactment of this
			 Act.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4484
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 21, 2010
			Mr. Chaffetz
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Oversight and Government
			 Reform

		A BILL
		To preclude individuals who have a pending charge or have
		  been convicted of a crime from serving as enumerators for the collection of
		  census data.

		1.Preclusion of certain
			 individuals from serving as enumeratorsSection 25 of title 13, United States Code,
			 is amended by adding at the end the following:

				(c)An individual who
				has a pending charge for a crime, or has been convicted of a crime in any court
				may not serve as an enumerator under this section.
				(d)For the purposes
				of this section, the term crime means any criminal offense other than a minor
				traffic
				offense.
				.
		2.Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by
			 this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act, but shall not
			 apply in the case of any individual who, as of such date of enactment, holds an
			 enumerator position (whether by appointment, assignment, promotion, detail, or
			 other personnel action).


115 SRES 529 ATS: Designating February 29, 2020, as “Rare Disease Day”.
U.S. Senate

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.

III116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. RES. 529IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 4, 2020Mr. Brown (for himself, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Markey, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Booker, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Wicker, and Mr. Coons) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed toRESOLUTIONDesignating February 29, 2020, as Rare Disease Day. Whereas a rare disease or disorder is a disease or disorder that affects a small number of patients;Whereas, in the United States, a rare disease or disorder typically affects fewer than 200,000 individuals;Whereas, as of the date of the adoption of this resolution, more than 7,000 rare diseases or disorders affect approximately 30,000,000 individuals in the United States and their families;Whereas children with rare diseases or disorders account for a significant portion of the population affected by rare diseases or disorders in the United States;Whereas many rare diseases and disorders are serious and life-threatening and lack effective treatments;Whereas, as a result of the enactment of the Orphan Drug Act (Public Law 97–414; 96 Stat. 2049), important advances have been made in the research and treatment of rare diseases and disorders;Whereas the Food and Drug Administration has made strides in gathering patient perspectives to inform the drug review process as part of the Patient-Focused Drug Development program, an initiative that was reaffirmed under the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115–52; 131 Stat. 1005);Whereas, although the Food and Drug Administration has approved more than 840 orphan indications for drugs and biological products for the treatment of rare diseases and disorders, millions of individuals in the United States have a rare disease or disorder for which there is no approved treatment;Whereas limited treatment options and difficulty obtaining reimbursement for life-altering and lifesaving treatments can be challenging for individuals with rare diseases or disorders and their families;Whereas rare diseases and disorders include acrodermatitis enteropathica, medulloblastoma, Hartnup disease, mast cell activation syndrome, Usher syndrome, osteosarcoma, Kabuki syndrome, Fanconi anemia, Neurofibromatosis, NGLY1 deficiency, Chandler’s syndrome, tularemia, and Joubert syndrome;Whereas individuals with rare diseases or disorders can experience difficulty in obtaining accurate diagnoses and finding physicians or treatment centers with expertise in their rare disease or disorder;Whereas the 115th Congress passed a 10-year extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program under title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.), ensuring health insurance coverage for many children with rare diseases or disorders;Whereas the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health support research on the treatment of rare diseases and disorders;Whereas 2020 marks the 37th anniversary of the enactment of the Orphan Drug Act (Public Law 97–414; 96 Stat. 2049);Whereas Rare Disease Day is observed each year on the last day of February;Whereas, in 2020, Rare Disease Day falls on the rarest of days, February 29;Whereas Rare Disease Day is a global event that was first observed in the United States on February 28, 2009, and was observed in more than 100 countries in 2019; andWhereas Rare Disease Day is expected to be observed globally for years to come, providing hope and information for rare disease and disorder patients around the world: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate—(1)designates February 29, 2020, as Rare Disease Day; and(2)recognizes the importance of, with respect to rare diseases and disorders—(A)improving awareness;(B)encouraging accurate and early diagnosis; and(C)supporting national and global efforts to develop effective treatments, diagnostics, and cures.


110 HCON 94 : Encouraging the elimination of harmful

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-06-07
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
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. CON. RES. 94
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			June 7, 2007
			Received and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
			 Science, and Transportation

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Encouraging the elimination of harmful
		  fishing subsidies that contribute to overcapacity in commercial fishing fleets
		  worldwide and that lead to the overfishing of global fish
		  stocks.

		Whereas nearly 1,000,000,000 people around the world
			 depend on fish as their primary source of dietary protein;
		Whereas the United Nations Food and Agriculture
			 Organization has found that 75 percent of the world’s fish populations are
			 currently fully exploited, over exploited, significantly depleted, or
			 recovering from overexploitation;
		Whereas scientists have estimated that a significant
			 percentage of big predator fish such as tuna, marlin, and swordfish are gone
			 from the world’s oceans as a result of overfishing by foreign fishing
			 fleets;
		Whereas the global fishing fleet capacity is estimated to
			 be up to 250 percent greater than is needed to catch what the ocean can
			 sustainably produce;
		Whereas the Congress recognized the threat of overfishing
			 to our oceans and economy and therefore included the requirement to end
			 overfishing in the United States by 2011 in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
			 Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public Law
			 109–479);
		Whereas the United States Commission on Ocean Policy and
			 the Pew Oceans Commission identified overcapitalization of the global fishing
			 fleets as a major contributor to the decline of economically important fish
			 populations;
		Whereas harmful fishing subsidies encourage
			 overcapitalization and overfishing; support destructive fishing practices such
			 as high seas trawling that would not otherwise be economically viable; and
			 amount to billions of dollars annually;
		Whereas such subsidies have also been documented to
			 support illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, which impacts commercial
			 fisheries in the United States and around the world both economically and
			 ecologically;
		Whereas harmful fishing subsidies are concentrated in
			 relatively few countries, putting other fishing countries, including the United
			 States, at an economic disadvantage;
		Whereas the United States is a world leader in advancing
			 policies to eliminate harmful fishing subsidies that support overcapacity and
			 promote overfishing; and
		Whereas a wide range of countries are currently engaged in
			 historic negotiations to end harmful fishing subsidies that contribute to
			 overcapacity and overfishing: Now, therefore, be it

		That the United States should
			 continue to promote the elimination of harmful fishing subsidies that lead
			 to—
			(1)overcapitalization;
			(2)overfishing;
			 and
			(3)illegal,
			 unregulated, and unreported fishing.

			Passed the House of Representatives June 5,
			 2007.
			Lorraine C. Miller,
			Clerk.Deborah M. Spriggs,
			Deputy Clerk.


116 HR 787 IH: SOAR Reauthorization Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-24
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.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 787IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 24, 2019Mr. Walker (for himself, Ms. Foxx of North Carolina, Mr. Harris, Mr. Allen, Mr. Banks, Mr. Posey, Mr. Norman, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Mooney of West Virginia, Mr. Ratcliffe, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Graves of Louisiana, Mrs. Lesko, Mr. Grothman, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, Mr. Mitchell, and Mr. Hunter) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and ReformA BILLTo amend the SOAR Act.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the SOAR Reauthorization Act of 2019. 2.Amendments to the SOAR Act (a)Amendments to SOARThe Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act (division C of Public Law 112–10) is amended—
 (1)in section 3007 (sec. 38–1853.07 D.C. Official Code)— (A)by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c);
 (B)in subsection (a)(5)(A)(i)— (i)by striking subclause (I) and inserting the following:

 (I)is fully accredited by— (aa)an accrediting body with jurisdiction in the District of Columbia and that is recognized by the Student and Visitor Exchange English Language Program administered by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; or
 (bb)any international accrediting body that the Secretary may designate, after consultation with the grantee or grantees under section 3004(a); or; and
 (ii)in subclause (II), by striking the date of enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114–113), and inserting the date of enactment of the SOAR Reauthorization Act of 2019,; (C)in subsection (b)—
 (i)in the subsection heading, by striking and Parental Assistance and inserting , Parental Assistance, and Student Academic Assistance; (ii)in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking $2,000,000 and inserting $2,200,000; and
 (iii)by adding at the end the following:  (3)The expenses of providing tutoring service to participating eligible students that need additional academic assistance. If there are insufficient funds to provide tutoring services to all such students in a year, the eligible entity shall give priority in such year to students who previously attended an elementary school or secondary school identified as one of the lowest-performing schools under the District of Columbia’s accountability system.; and
 (D)in subsection (c), as redesignated by subparagraph (A)— (i)in paragraph (2)(B), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsection (b); and
 (ii)in paragraph (3), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsection (b); (2)in section 3008(h) (sec. 38–1853.08 D.C. Official Code)—
 (A)in paragraph (1), by striking section 3009(a)(2)(A)(i) and inserting section 3009(a); (B)by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

 (2)The Institute of Education Sciences may administer assessments to students participating in the evaluation under section 3009(a) for the purpose of conducting the evaluation under such section.; and
 (C)in paragraph (3), by striking the nationally norm-referenced standardized test described in paragraph (2) and inserting a nationally norm-referenced standardized test; (3)in section 3009(a) (sec. 38–1853.09 D.C. Official Code)—
 (A)in paragraph (1)(A), by striking annually; (B)in paragraph (2)—
 (i)in subparagraph (A), by striking clause (i) and inserting the following:  (i)is rigorous; and; and
 (ii)in subparagraph (B), by striking impact of the program and all that follows through the end of the subparagraph and inserting impact of the program on academic achievement and educational attainment.; (C)in paragraph (3)—
 (i)in the paragraph heading, by striking on Education and inserting of Education; (ii)in subparagraph (A)—
 (I)by inserting the academic progress of after assess; and (II)by striking in each of grades 3 and all that follows through the end of the subparagraph and inserting ; and;
 (iii)by striking subparagraph (B); and (iv)by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B); and
 (D)in paragraph (4)— (i)in subparagraph (A), by striking A comparison of the academic achievement of participating eligible students who use an opportunity scholarship on the measurements described in paragraph (3)(B) to the academic achievement and inserting The academic progress of participating eligible students who use an opportunity scholarship compared to the academic progress;
 (ii)in subparagraph (B), by striking increasing the satisfaction of such parents and students with their choice and inserting those parents' and students' satisfaction with the program; and (iii)by striking subparagraph (D) through (F) and inserting the following:

 (D)The high school graduation rates, college enrollment rates, college persistence rates, and college graduation rates of participating eligible students who use an opportunity scholarship compared with the rates of public school students described in subparagraph (A), to the extent practicable.
 (E)The college enrollment rates, college persistence rates, and college graduation rates of students who participated in the program as the result of winning the Opportunity Scholarship Program lottery compared to the enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates for students who entered but did not win such lottery and who, as a result, served as the control group for previous evaluations of the program under this division. Nothing in this subparagraph may be construed to waive section 3004(a)(3)(A)(iii) with respect to any such student.
 (F)The safety of the schools attended by participating eligible students who use an opportunity scholarship compared with the schools in the District of Columbia attended by public school students described in subparagraph (A), to the extent practicable.; and
 (4)in section 3014(a) (sec. 38–1853.14, D.C. Official Code), by striking “fiscal year 2019” and inserting fiscal year 2024.
 (b)Effective dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on September 30, 2019.


115 HR 3754 IH: VHA REcruitment, HIring, and REtention Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-09-13
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.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3754IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 13, 2017Mrs. Hartzler introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the recruitment, hiring, and retention of health
			 professionals by the Veterans Health Administration, and for other
			 purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the VHA REcruitment, HIring, and REtention Act of 2017 or VHA REHIRE Act of 2017. 2.Enhancing the recruiting, hiring, and retention of health professionals by the VHA (a)Establishing the Department of Veterans Affairs Student Loan Repayment Program (1)In generalChapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after subchapter VII the following new subchapter:

						VIIIStudent Loan Repayment Program
 7691.EstablishmentAs part of the Educational Assistance Program, the Secretary may carry out a student loan repayment program under section 5379 of title 5. The program shall be known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Student Loan Repayment Program (in this chapter referred to as the Student Loan Repayment Program).
 7692.PurposeThe purpose of the Student Loan Repayment Program is to assist, through the establishment of an incentive program for certain individuals employed in the Veterans Health Administration, in meeting the staffing needs of the Veterans Health Administration for health professional occupations for which recruitment or retention of qualified personnel is difficult.
 7693.EligibilityIndividuals eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program shall include any health professional hired under section 7401 of this title who is in an occupation described in section 7692 of this title.
 7694.Term of obligated serviceIn addition to any requirements under section 5379(c) of title 5, a participant in the Student Loan Repayment Program must agree, in writing and before the Secretary may make any payment to or for the participant, to serve as a full-time employee of the Veterans Health Administration for one calendar year for every $10,000 in such benefits that the employee receives, but in no case for less than three calendar years.
 7695.Relationship to Educational Assistance ProgramAssistance under the Student Loan Repayment Program may be in addition to other assistance available to individuals under the Educational Assistance Program..
				(2)Conforming and technical amendments
					(A)Conforming amendments
 (i)Section 7601(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (I)in paragraph (4) by striking and;
 (II)in paragraph (5) by striking the period and inserting ; and; and (III)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (6)the student loan repayment program provided for in subchapter VIII of this chapter.. (ii)Section 7603(a)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking or VI and inserting VI, or VIII.
 (iii)Section 7604 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking or VI each place it appears and inserting VI, or VIII. (B)Table of sectionsThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 76 of such title is amended by inserting after the items relating to subchapter VII the following:

								Subchapter VIII—Student Loan Repayment Program
								Sec.
								7691. Establishment.
								7692. Purpose.
								7693. Eligibility.
								7694. Term of obligated service.
								7695. Relationship to Educational Assistance Program..
					(b)Periods of obligated service for certain employees of the Veterans Health Administration
				(1)Employees of the Veterans Health Administration who participate in certain educational assistance
			 programs
 (A)Employee Incentive Scholarship ProgramSection 7672(e)(1)(B) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking for not less than 3 years and inserting in no case for less than the longer of three calendar years or one calendar year for every $10,000 in such benefits that the employee receives under this subchapter.
 (B)Education Debt Reduction ProgramSection 7683 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

 (e)AgreementBefore the Secretary may make any education debt reduction payment to or for a participant in the Education Debt Reduction Program, the participant must agree in writing to serve as a full-time employee of the Veterans Health Administration for a period of obligated service, but in no case for less than three calendar years.
 (f)PenaltyA participant in the Education Debt Reduction Program who does not complete a period of obligated service under subsection (f) shall owe the Federal Government a penalty calculated using the formula in section 7675(c) of this title..
 (2)Employees of the Veterans Health Administration who receive certain bonuses or allowancesSection 7410 of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (A)in subsection (a), by striking The and inserting Subject to subsection (c), the; and
 (B)by adding at the end the following new subsection:  (c)Period of obligated service (1)Before the Secretary may pay any bonus or allowance under this section to an employee, the employee must agree in writing to serve as a full-time employee of the Veterans Health Administration for a period of obligated service determined under paragraph (2), but in no case for less than two calendar years.
 (2)A period of obligated service determined under this paragraph shall equal one calendar year for every 10 percent of the base pay of the employee (or a proportionate ratio thereof) that the bonus or allowance equals.
								(3)
 (A)An employee who does not complete a period of obligated service under this subsection shall owe the Federal Government an amount determined in accordance with the following formula: A=2B(T−(S÷T)).
 (B)In such formula: (i)A is the amount the employee owes the Federal Government.
 (ii)B is the sum of all bonuses or allowances paid to the employee under this section. (iii)T is the number of months in the period of obligated service of the employee.
 (iv)S is the number of whole months of such period of obligated service served by the employee. . (c)Hiring timelines (1)75 days to hireThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall offer employment to a qualified applicant for a vacant position in the Veterans Health Administration in a health professional occupation no later than 75 days after the last day the Secretary accepts applications for such position.
 (2)Early applicationThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall accept an application for a vacant position in the Veterans Health Administration in a health professional occupation from an applicant who, at the time of application, has not yet completed the education or training that qualifies an individual for such position if the applicant expects to complete such education or training no later than 75 days after the last day the Secretary accepts applications for such position.
 (3)Flexibility for VHA facility directorsThe Secretary shall ensure that the director of each facility of the Veterans Health Administration has the maximum discretion possible in meeting staffing needs for health professional occupations in each such facility for which recruitment or retention of qualified personnel is difficult.