116 HR 3560 IH: To provide assistance for the operation of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-06-27
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.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3560IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 27, 2019Mr. Fortenberry introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo provide assistance for the operation of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor
			 Center in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and for other purposes.

 1.Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail operational assistanceSection 342(f) of Public Law 110–229 is amended— (1)by inserting , visitor center, after historic site; and
 (2)by striking per year for a period not to exceed 10 years and inserting for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2028.


114 HR 1164 IH: We Are Watching You Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-02-27
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.

I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1164
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 27, 2015
Mr. Capuano (for himself and Mr. Jones) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To provide for notification to consumers before a video service collects visual or auditory information from the viewing area and to provide consumers with choices that do not involve the collection of such information, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the We Are Watching You Act of 2015. 2.Notification and consumer choice (a)Notification (1)In generalAn operator of a video service may not collect visual or auditory information from the vicinity of the device used to display the video programming stream to the consumer unless the operator—
(A)displays, as part of the video programming stream, a message that reads, We are watching you.; and (B)provides to the consumer a description of the types of information that will be collected and how such information will be used.
(2)On-screen messageThe message required by paragraph (1)(A) shall be displayed— (A)continuously during the time information is being collected; and
(B)in a color, font, and size that are easily readable at a normal viewing distance. (3)Description of information collected (A)In generalThe description required by paragraph (1)(B) shall be provided as part of the terms and conditions to which the consumer must agree before using the video service.
(B)Device provided by operatorIn the case of a video service that is accessed through a device sold or provided to the consumer by the operator of the video service, the description required by paragraph (1)(B) shall be provided as part of the written instructions and other materials accompanying the device, in addition to being provided as required by subparagraph (A). (b)Consumer choice of alternative service (1)In generalIf an operator offers a video service involving the collection of visual or auditory information from the vicinity of the device used to display the video programming stream to the consumer, such operator shall offer a video service that does not involve the collection of such information but is otherwise identical in all respects.
(2)Device provided by operatorIn the case of a video service that is accessed through a device sold or provided to the consumer by the operator of the video service, the operator shall sell or provide in connection with the alternative service required by paragraph (1) a device that is not capable of collecting such information. (c)Requirements for information disclosureAn operator of a video service that collects visual or auditory information from the vicinity of the device used to display the video programming stream to the consumer may only disclose such information—
(1)with the express consent of the consumer; or (2)as required by a court order issued in connection with a law enforcement investigation.
(d)RegulationsThe Commission may promulgate regulations in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, to implement and enforce this section. 3.Enforcement by Federal Trade Commission (a)Unfair or deceptive acts or practicesA violation of section 2 or a regulation promulgated under such section shall be treated as a violation of a regulation under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)) regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
(b)Powers of CommissionThe Commission shall enforce section 2 and the regulations promulgated under such section in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act. Any person who violates such section or a regulation promulgated under such section shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act. 4.DefinitionsIn this Act:
(1)CommissionThe term Commission means the Federal Trade Commission. (2)OperatorThe term operator means, with respect to a video service, the person with whom the consumer directly interacts to select and initiate the transmission of the video programming stream.
(3)Video serviceThe term video service means the transmission of a video programming stream to consumers by means of the facilities of the operator of the service, the facilities of another person, or any combination thereof.


109 HCON 46 IH: Congratulating ASME on their 125th anniversary, celebrating the achievements of ASME members, and expressing the gratitude of the American people for ASME’s contributions.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-02-08
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.

IV
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 46
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 8, 2005
Mr. Boehlert (for himself, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Rohrabacher, Mr. Akin, Mr. Ehlers, Mr. Lipinski, Mr. Schwarz of Michigan, Mr. Baird, and Mr. Udall of Colorado) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Congratulating ASME on their 125th anniversary, celebrating the achievements of ASME members, and expressing the gratitude of the American people for ASME’s contributions.

Whereas in 2005, ASME, incorporated in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, celebrates its 125th anniversary as one of the premier professional organizations focused on technical, educational, and research issues of the engineering community;
Whereas ASME plays a key role in protecting the welfare and safety of the public through the development and promulgation of over 600 codes and standards, including codes governing the manufacture of boilers, pressure vessels, elevators, escalators, petroleum and hazardous liquid pipelines, cranes, forklifts, power tools, screw threads and fasteners, and many other products routinely used by industry and people in the United States and around the world;
Whereas ASME, through its 120,000 members, works diligently to ensure the provision of quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education for young people as a way to foster and encourage the advancement of technology;
Whereas industrial pioneers and ASME members such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and George Westinghouse helped to build ASME’s engineering society even as ASME was helping to build the economy of the United States;
Whereas ASME members play a key role in ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy and natural resources;
Whereas ASME members help to ensure the development and operation of quality and technologically advanced transportation systems, including automobile, rail, and air travel;
Whereas ASME members contribute to research and development that identifies emerging and future technical needs in evolving and multidisciplinary areas;
Whereas ASME continues to provide quality continuing education programs designed to keep engineers at the cutting edge of technology; and
Whereas in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the United States of September 11, 2001, ASME members have intensified efforts to develop technologies for homeland security and the protection of the critical assets of this Nation: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress—
(1)congratulates ASME on its 125th anniversary;
(2)recognizes and celebrates the achievements of all ASME members;
(3)expresses the gratitude of the people of the United States for ASME’s contributions to ensuring the health, safety, and economic well-being of the citizenry; and
(4)directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the president of ASME.


116 S3655 IS: Farmers-Feeding-Families Coronavirus Response Act
U.S. Senate
2020-05-07
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.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3655IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 7, 2020Mr. Casey introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and ForestryA BILLTo provide funding for targeted purchases of qualified agricultural products from producers that rely on local agricultural food markets affected by COVID–19, and for other purposes. 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Farmers-Feeding-Families Coronavirus Response Act. 2.Targeted purchases of agricultural products(a)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Emergency food assistance programThe term emergency food assistance program means the emergency food assistance program established under the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.).(2)Qualified agricultural productThe term qualified agricultural product means a specialty crop, dairy product, meat product, or poultry product—(A)that was packaged, marketed, intended to be harvested, or harvested for sale—(i)to commercial or food service industries; or(ii)through direct-to-consumer, direct-to-institution, direct-to-retail, direct-to-restaurant, or direct-to-store marketing channels, including local and regional food enterprises such as food hubs, agricultural cooperatives, and producer associations; and(B)for which decreased demand exists due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19), as determined by the Secretary.(3)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.(b)Targeted purchases(1)In generalThe Secretary shall use not less than $300,000,000 of the amounts appropriated under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c), to purchase qualified agricultural products to provide to food assistance programs, including the emergency food assistance program.(2)Qualified agricultural products purchasedIn carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use—(A)not less than $100,000,000 to purchase specialty crops;(B)not less than $100,000,000 to purchase dairy; and(C)not less than $100,000,000 to purchase meat and poultry products, including eggs.(3)Direct market productsIn carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, use not less than 10 percent of the amount made available under that paragraph to purchase qualified agricultural products that would otherwise be sold through direct-to-consumer, direct-to-institution, direct-to-retail, or direct-to-restaurant marketing channels.(4)ConsultationIf applicable, the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service shall consult with the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service in determining which qualified agricultural products to purchase pursuant to this subsection.(c)State purchasing funds(1)In generalIn addition to the amounts used under subsection (b), the Secretary shall use not less than $200,000,000 of the amounts appropriated under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c), to allocate to States, in accordance with paragraph (2), to use for the procurement of additional food products to support State food assistance programs.(2)Allocation of fundsThe Secretary shall allocate amounts to States under paragraph (1) according to the formula described in section 251.3(h) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), as applied for fiscal year 2020.(3)State agency fund recipientAmounts allocated to a State under this subsection shall be provided to the State agency responsible for distributing commodities pursuant to a State plan under the emergency food assistance program.(4)Use of fundsA State shall use funds allocated under this subsection only—(A)to purchase qualified agricultural products—(i)to donate to food assistance programs in the State; or (ii)to transfer directly to an eligible recipient agency (as defined in section 201A of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501));(B)to purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire vehicles, including refrigerated vehicles, or other equipment to carry out activities relating to procurement and distribution of qualified agricultural products;(C)to reimburse travel costs relating to procurement of qualified agricultural products at the per mile rate established by the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service; and(D)to reimburse costs relating to preparing, storing, and transporting qualified agricultural products, including transportation to or between eligible recipient agencies, as well as delivery to end-consumers.(5)Direct market support in-StateEach State shall, to the maximum extent practicable, use not less than 10 percent of the amount allocated to the State under this subsection to purchase crops and products that would otherwise be sold through direct-to-consumer, direct-to-institution, direct-to-retail, or direct-to-restaurant marketing channels.


115 HR 4086 IH: Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-10-19
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. 4086IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 19, 2017Mr. Schiff (for himself, Ms. Brownley of California, Mr. Cárdenas, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Mr. Gomez, Mr. Ted Lieu of California, Mrs. Napolitano, and Mr. Sherman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo adjust the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the Rim of
			 the Valley Corridor, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act. 2.FindingsCongress finds as follows:
 (1)The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area was authorized as a unit of the National Park System on November 10, 1978.
 (2)The Santa Monica Mountains and the Rim of the Valley Corridor include— (A)nationally significant resources—
 (i)outstanding examples of geologic history, including the evolution of the Transverse Ranges Province;
 (ii)a diversity of well-preserved marine and terrestrial paleontological resources; and (iii)high biodiversity, including outstanding examples of native grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, dry coniferous forests, and alluvial fan sage scrub; and
 (B)nationally significant cultural resources that represent a wide range of themes related to human use and settlement in the region—
 (i)high concentrations of archeological resources that provide insight into more than 10,000 years of Native American history; and
 (ii)landmarks that represent topics such as architecture, recreation, and space exploration. (3)Expanding the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area would provide new opportunities for the National Park Service to serve a broad range of urban communities, including many that are underrepresented in national parks and underserved by State and local parks.
			3.Boundary adjustment; land acquisition; administration
 (a)Boundary adjustmentSection 507(c)(1) of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 460kk(c)(1)) is amended by striking Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Santa Monica Mountains Zone, California, Boundary Map, numbered 80,047–C and dated August 2001 and inserting Rim of the Valley Unit—Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and dated October 2017.
 (b)Rim of the Valley UnitSection 507 of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 460kk) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(u)Rim of the Valley Unit
 (1)Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall update the general management plan for the recreation area to reflect the boundaries designated on the map referred to in subsection (c)(1) as the Rim of the Valley Unit (hereafter in the subsection referred to as the Rim of the Valley Unit). Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary shall administer the Rim of the Valley Unit and any land or interest in land acquired by the United States and located within the boundaries of the Rim of the Valley Unit, as part of the recreation area in accordance with the provisions of this section and applicable laws and regulations.
 (2)The Secretary may acquire non-Federal land within the boundaries of the Rim of the Valley Unit only through exchange, donation, or purchase from a willing seller. Nothing in this subsection authorizes the use of eminent domain to acquire land or interests in land.
 (3)Nothing in this subsection or the application of the management plan for the Rim of the Valley Unit shall be construed to—
 (A)modify any provision of Federal, State, or local law with respect to public access to or use of non-Federal land;
 (B)create any liability, or affect any liability under any other law, of any private property owner or other owner of non-Federal land with respect to any person injured on private property or other non-Federal land;
 (C)affect the ownership, management, or other rights relating to any non-Federal land (including any interest in any non-Federal land);
 (D)require any local government to participate in any program administered by the Secretary; (E)alter, modify, or diminish any right, responsibility, power, authority, jurisdiction, or entitlement of the State, any political subdivision of the State, or any State or local agency under existing Federal, State, and local law (including regulations);
 (F)require the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones and the fact that certain activities or land can be seen or heard from within the Rim of the Valley Unit shall not, of itself, preclude the activities or land uses up to the boundary of the Rim of the Valley Unit;
 (G)require or promote use of, or encourage trespass on, lands, facilities, and rights-of-way owned by non-Federal entities, including water resource facilities and public utilities, without the written consent of the owner;
 (H)affect the operation, maintenance, modification, construction, or expansion of any water resource facility or utility facility located within or adjacent to the Rim of the Valley Unit;
 (I)terminate the fee title to lands or customary operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement activities on or under such lands granted to public agencies that are authorized pursuant to Federal or State statute;
 (J)interfere with, obstruct, hinder, or delay the exercise of any right to, or access to any water resource facility or other facility or property necessary or useful to access any water right to operate any public water or utility system; or
 (K)require initiation or reinitiation of consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under, or the application of provisions of, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), or division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code, concerning any action or activity affecting water, water rights or water management or water resource facilities within the Rim of the Valley Unit.
 (4)The activities of a utility facility or water resource facility shall be conducted in a manner to reasonably avoid or reduce the impact on the resources of the Rim of the Valley Unit.
 (5)For the purposes of paragraphs (4) and (5)— (A)the term utility facility means electric substations, communication facilities, towers, poles, and lines, ground wires, communications circuits, and other structures, and related infrastructure; and
 (B)the term water resource facility means irrigation and pumping facilities; dams and reservoirs; flood control facilities; water conservation works, including debris protection facilities, sediment placement sites, rain gauges, and stream gauges; water quality, recycled water, and pumping facilities; conveyance distribution systems; water treatment facilities; aqueducts; canals; ditches; pipelines; wells; hydropower projects; transmission facilities; and other ancillary facilities, groundwater recharge facilities, water conservation, water filtration plants, and other water diversion, conservation, groundwater recharge, storage, and carriage structures..


113 S1544 IS: Timber Revitalization and Economic Enhancement Act of 2013
U.S. Senate
2013-09-24
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.

II113th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1544IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 24, 2013Mr. Pryor (for himself and Mr. Boozman) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent certain provisions of the Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2008 relating to timber, and for other purposes.1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Timber Revitalization and Economic Enhancement Act of 2013.2.Treatment of
			 timber gains(a)Special rate
			 made permanentParagraph (1) of section 1201(b) of the Internal
			 Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ending after the
			 date and all that follows through after such date and
			 inserting beginning after the date of the enactment of the
			 Timber Revitalization and Economic Enhancement Act of 2013.(b)Adjustment of
			 special rate(1)In
			 generalClause (i) of section 1201(b)(1)(B) of such Code is
			 amended by striking 15 percent and inserting 20
			 percent.(2)Conforming
			 amendmentSection 55(b) of such Code is amended by striking
			 paragraph (4).(c)Computation for
			 taxable years in which rate first appliesParagraph (3) of
			 section 1201(b) of such Code is amended to read as follows:(3)Computation for
				taxable years in which rate first appliesIn the case of any
				taxable year which includes the date of the enactment of the
				Timber Revitalization and Economic Enhancement Act of 2013, the qualified timber gain for such
				year shall not exceed the qualified timber gain properly taken into account for
				the portion of the year after such
				date..(d)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable
			 years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.


115 HRES 987 IH: Condemning the Attorney General’s decision in “Matter of A-B-” seeking to declare domestic violence and gang violence as invalid grounds for seeking asylum.
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-07-11
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.

IV115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. RES. 987IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 11, 2018Ms. Schakowsky (for herself, Mr. Beyer, Ms. Lee, Ms. DeLauro, Mrs. Dingell, Ms. Frankel of Florida, Mr. Gutiérrez, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Welch, Mr. Engel, Ms. Moore, Mr. Cicilline, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. Meng, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Nadler, Ms. Norton, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Hastings, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Velázquez, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Panetta, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Ms. Matsui, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, Mrs. Lawrence, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Peters, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Gene Green of Texas, Mr. Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Takano, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Foster, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Raskin, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms. Shea-Porter, Ms. Clark of Massachusetts, Mr. Schiff, Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Rush, Ms. DeGette, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Barragán, Ms. Esty of Connecticut, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Veasey, Mr. Yarmuth, Mr. Soto, Mr. DeSaulnier, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Doggett, Mr. Higgins of New York, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Ms. McCollum, Mr. McEachin, Mr. Kilmer, Mr. Nolan, Mrs. Torres, Mr. Capuano, Ms. Bonamici, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Serrano, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Deutch, Mr. Larsen of Washington, and Ms. Kelly of Illinois) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryRESOLUTIONCondemning the Attorney General’s decision in Matter of A-B- seeking to declare domestic violence and gang violence as invalid grounds for seeking asylum.

 Whereas violence against women, and particularly domestic violence, around the world is a violation of human rights and an issue of public health;
 Whereas the World Health Organization has estimated that about 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence;
 Whereas the World Health Organization has estimated that almost one-third, 30 percent, of women who have been in a relationship report that they have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their intimate partner in their lifetime;
 Whereas according to the World Health Organization, as many as 38 percent of murders of women globally are committed by a male intimate partner;
 Whereas according to a United Nations Global Study on Homicide, of all female victims of homicide around the world in 2012, half were estimated to have been killed by intimate partners or family members;
 Whereas the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) issued a report in July of 2014 titled, “Children on the Run,” detailing the violence faced in home countries by children who flee to the United States;
 Whereas the UNHCR report includes many testimonials of those impacted by gang violence in Central America, including Kevin, a 17-year-old boy from Honduras, who recounted My grandmother … told me: If you don’t join, the gang will shoot you. If you do join, the rival gang will shoot you—or the cops will shoot you. But if you leave, no one will shoot you.;
 Whereas Attorney General Sessions, on June 11, 2018, issued a decision in Matter of A-B- overturning the Board of Immigration Appeals decision in Matter of A-R-C-G-; Whereas Attorney General Sessions’ decision seeks to declare domestic violence and gang violence as invalid grounds for seeking asylum;
 Whereas Attorney General Sessions’ decision will condemn thousands of domestic violence victims to removal to dangerous situations where they are at significant risk of losing their lives;
 Whereas Attorney General Sessions’ decision goes against the decisions of previous Attorneys Generals serving Administrations of both parties;
 Whereas Attorney General Sessions’ decision is one part of a larger, intentional, and cruel scheme by the Trump Administration to dismantle the United States asylum system;
 Whereas Attorney General Sessions’ decision does not reflect the values or spirit of the United States; and
 Whereas Attorney General Sessions’ decision must be reversed at the earliest possible opportunity: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)condemns Attorney General Sessions’ decision in Matter of A-B- seeking to declare domestic violence and gang violence as invalid grounds for seeking asylum;
 (2)identifies Attorney General Sessions’ decision as the next cruel step in the Trump Administration’s intentional and cruel scheme to dismantle the United States asylum system;
 (3)recognizes Attorney General Sessions’ decision will condemn thousands of domestic violence victims to removal to dangerous situations where they are at significant risk of losing their lives; and
 (4)remains actively committed to reconstituting, preserving, and defending asylum laws that allows victims of domestic violence to seek life-saving refuge and protection in the United States.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1809
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			November 3, 2011
			Mr. Kerry introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To amend the Public Health Service Act to revise and
		  extend the program for viral hepatitis surveillance, education, and testing in
		  order to prevent deaths from liver cancer, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of
			 2011.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)Approximately
			 5,300,000 Americans are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus
			 (referred to in this section as HBV), the hepatitis C virus
			 (referred to in this section as HCV), or both.
			(2)In the United States, chronic HBV and HCV
			 are the most common cause of liver cancer, one of the most lethal and fastest
			 growing cancers in the United States. Chronic HBV and HCV are the most common
			 cause of chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and the most common indication
			 for liver transplantation. Chronic HCV is also a leading cause of death in
			 Americans living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom are coinfected with chronic HBV,
			 HCV, or both. At least 15,000 deaths per year in the United States can be
			 attributed to chronic HBV and HCV.
			(3)According to the
			 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (referred to in this section as the
			 CDC), approximately 2 percent of the population of the United
			 States is living with chronic HBV, HCV, or both. The CDC has recognized HCV as
			 the Nation’s most common chronic bloodborne virus infection and HBV as the
			 deadliest vaccine-preventable disease.
			(4)HBV is easily
			 transmitted and is 100 times more infectious than HIV. According to the CDC,
			 HBV is transmitted through percutaneous (i.e., puncture through the skin) or
			 mucosal contact with infectious blood or body fluids. HCV is transmitted by
			 percutaneous exposures to infectious blood.
			(5)The CDC
			 conservatively estimates that in 2008 approximately 18,000 Americans were newly
			 infected with HCV and more than 38,000 Americans were newly infected with
			 HBV.
			(6)There were 15
			 outbreaks reported to CDC for investigation during 2009 and 2010 related to
			 healthcare acquired infection of HBV and HCV, potentially exposing 30,000
			 people to the viruses.
			(7)Chronic HBV and
			 chronic HCV usually do not cause symptoms early in the course of the disease,
			 but after many years of a clinically silent phase, more than 33
			 percent of infected individuals will develop cirrhosis, end-stage liver
			 disease, or liver cancer. Since most individuals with chronic HBV, HCV, or both
			 are unaware of their infection, they do not know to take precautions to prevent
			 the spread of their infection and can unknowingly exacerbate their own disease
			 progression.
			(8)HBV and HCV
			 disproportionately affect certain populations in the United States. Although
			 representing only 5 percent of the population, Asian and Pacific Islanders
			 account for over half of the 1,400,000 domestic chronic HBV cases. Baby boomers
			 (those born between 1945 and 1965) account for more than 75 percent of domestic
			 chronic HCV cases. In addition, African-Americans, Latinos (Latinas), and
			 American Indian/Native Alaskans are among the groups which have
			 disproportionately high rates of HBV infections, HCV infections, or both in the
			 United States.
			(9)For both chronic
			 HBV and chronic HCV, behavioral changes can slow disease progression if
			 diagnosis is made early. Early diagnosis, which is determined through simple
			 diagnostic tests, can reduce the risk of transmission and disease progression
			 through education and vaccination of household members and other susceptible
			 persons at risk.
			(10)Advancements
			 have led to the development of improved diagnostic tests for viral hepatitis.
			 These tests, including rapid, point of care testing and others in development
			 can facilitate testing, notification of results and post-test counseling, and
			 referral to care at the time of the testing visit. In particular, these tests
			 are also advantageous because they can be used simultaneously with HIV rapid
			 testing for persons at risk for both HCV and HIV infections.
			(11)For those
			 chronically infected with HBV or HCV, regular monitoring can lead to the early
			 detection of liver cancer at a stage where a cure is still possible. Liver
			 cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States; however, liver
			 cancer has received little funding for research, prevention, or
			 treatment.
			(12)Treatment for
			 chronic HCV can eradicate the disease in approximately 75 percent of those
			 currently treated. The treatment of chronic HBV can effectively suppress viral
			 replication in the overwhelming majority (over 80 percent) of those treated
			 thereby reducing the risk of transmission and progression to liver scarring or
			 liver cancer even though a complete cure is much less common than for
			 HCV.
			(13)To combat the
			 viral hepatitis epidemic in the United States, in May 2011, the Department of
			 Health and Human Services released, Combating the Silent Epidemic of Viral
			 Hepatitis: Action Plan for the Prevention, Care & Treatment of Viral
			 Hepatitis. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies produced a 2010
			 report on the Federal response to HBV and HCV titled: Hepatitis and Liver
			 Cancer: A National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis B and C.
			 The recommendations and guidelines provide a framework for HBV and HCV
			 prevention, education, control, research, and medical management
			 programs.
			(14)The annual health
			 care costs attributable to viral hepatitis in the United States are
			 significant. For HBV, it is estimated to be approximately $2,500,000,000
			 ($2,000 per infected person). In 2000, the lifetime cost of HBV—before the
			 availability of most of the current therapies—was approximately $80,000 per
			 chronically infected person, or more than $100,000,000,000. For HCV, medical
			 costs for patients are expected to increase from $30,000,000,000 in 2009 to
			 over $85,000,000,000 in 2024. Avoiding these costs by screening and diagnosing
			 individuals earlier—and connecting them to appropriate treatment and care will
			 save lives and critical health care dollars. Currently, without a comprehensive
			 screening, testing and diagnosis program, most patients are diagnosed too late
			 when they need a liver transplant costing at least $314,000 for uncomplicated
			 cases or when they have liver cancer or end stage liver disease which costs
			 between $30,980 to $110,576 per hospital admission. As health care costs
			 continue to grow, it is critical that the Federal Government invests in
			 effective mechanisms to avoid documented cost drivers.
			(15)According to the
			 Institute of Medicine report in 2010 (described in paragraph (12)), chronic HBV
			 and HCV infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality despite being
			 preventable and treatable. Deficiencies in the implementation of established
			 guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and medical management of chronic HBV
			 and HCV infections perpetuate personal and economic burdens. Existing grants
			 are not sufficient for the scale of the health burden presented by HBV and
			 HCV.
			(16)Screening and
			 testing for chronic HBV and HCV are aligned with the Healthy People 2020 goal
			 to increase immunization rates and reduce preventable infectious diseases.
			 Awareness of disease and access to prevention and treatment remain essential
			 components for reducing infectious disease transmission.
			(17)Federal support
			 is necessary to increase knowledge and awareness of HBV and HCV and to assist
			 State and local prevention and control efforts in reducing the morbidity and
			 mortality of these epidemics.
			(18)The Secretary of Health and Human Services
			 has the discretion to carry out this Act directly and through whichever of the
			 agencies of the Public Health Service the Secretary determines to be
			 appropriate, which may (in the Secretary’s discretion) include the Centers for
			 Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services
			 Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
			 the National Institutes of Health (including the National Institute on Minority
			 Health and Health Disparities), and other agencies of such Service.
			3.Revision and
			 extension of hepatitis surveillance, education, and testing program
			(a)In
			 generalSection 317N of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
			 247b–15) is amended—
				(1)by amending the
			 heading to read as follows: Surveillance, Education, and Testing Regarding Hepatitis
			 Virus;
				(2)by redesignating
			 subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and
				(3)by striking
			 subsection (a) and inserting the following:

						(a)In
				generalThe Secretary shall, in accordance with this section,
				carry out surveillance, education, and testing programs with respect to
				hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections (referred to in this section as
				HBV and HCV, respectively). The Secretary may carry
				out such programs directly and through grants to public and nonprofit private
				entities, including States, political subdivisions of States, territories,
				Indian tribes, and public-private partnerships.
						(b)National
				SystemIn carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall
				cooperate with States and other public or nonprofit private entities to seek to
				establish a national system with respect to HBV and HCV with the following
				goals:
							(1)To determine the
				incidence and prevalence of such infections, including providing for the
				reporting of chronic cases.
							(2)With respect to
				the population of individuals who have such an infection, to carry out testing
				programs to increase the number of individuals who are aware of their infection
				to 50 percent by 2014 and to 75 percent by 2016.
							(3)To develop and
				disseminate public information and education programs for the detection and
				control of such infections, with priority given to changing behaviors that
				place individuals at risk of infection.
							(4)To provide
				appropriate referrals for counseling and medical treatment of infected
				individuals and to ensure, to the extent practicable, the provision of
				appropriate follow-up services.
							(5)To improve the
				education, training, and skills of health professionals in the detection,
				control, and treatment of such infections, with priority given to pediatricians
				and other primary care physicians, and obstetricians and gynecologists.
							(c)High-Risk
				populations; chronic cases
							(1)In
				generalThe Secretary shall determine the populations that, for
				purposes of this section, are considered at high-risk for HBV or HCV. The
				Secretary shall include the following among those considered at
				high-risk:
								(A)For HBV,
				individuals born in countries in which 2 percent or more of the population has
				HBV.
								(B)For HCV,
				individuals born between 1945 and 1965.
								(C)Those who have
				been exposed to the blood of infected individuals or of high-risk individuals,
				are family members of such individuals, or are sexual partners of such
				individuals.
								(2)Priority in
				programsIn providing for programs under subsection (b), the
				Secretary shall give priority—
								(A)to early diagnosis
				of chronic cases of HBV or HCV in high-risk populations under paragraph (1);
				and
								(B)to education, and
				referrals for counseling and medical treatment, for individuals diagnosed under
				subparagraph (A) in order to—
									(i)reduce their risk
				of dying from end-stage liver disease and liver cancer, and of transmitting the
				infection to others;
									(ii)determine the
				appropriateness for treatment to reduce the risk of progression to cirrhosis
				and liver cancer;
									(iii)receive ongoing
				medical management, including regular monitoring of liver function and
				screenings for liver cancer;
									(iv)receive, as
				appropriate, drug, alcohol abuse, and mental health treatment;
									(v)in
				the case of women of childbearing age, receive education on how to prevent HBV
				perinatal infection, and to alleviate fears associated with pregnancy or
				raising a family; and
									(vi)receive such
				other services as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
									(3)Cultural
				contextIn providing for services pursuant to paragraph (2) for
				individuals who are diagnosed under subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, the
				Secretary shall seek to ensure that the services are provided in a culturally
				and linguistically appropriate
				manner.
							.
				(b)Coordination of
			 development of Federal screening guidelines
				(1)ReferencesFor purposes of this subsection, the term
			 CDC Director means the Director of the Centers for Disease Control
			 and Prevention, and the term AHRQ Director means the Director of
			 the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
				(2)HCV guidelines;
			 centers for disease control and prevention
					(A)In
			 generalNot later than March
			 1, 2012, the CDC Director shall complete the revision of the guidelines of the
			 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for screening individuals for the
			 hepatitis C virus infection (in this section referred to as HCV),
			 and shall transmit a copy of the guidelines to the AHRQ Director. The scope of
			 the revised guidelines shall include testing for HCV that is carried out under
			 section 317N of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b–15), as amended
			 by subsection (a).
					(B)Certain
			 factorsIn revising guidelines pursuant to subparagraph (A), the
			 CDC Director shall take into account—
						(i)the
			 effectiveness issues that have been raised with respect to the current
			 guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for screenings for
			 HCV;
						(ii)the
			 importance of responding to the perception that receiving such screenings may
			 be stigmatizing; and
						(iii)whether
			 age-based screenings would be effective, considering the use of that approach
			 in breast and colon cancer screenings.
						(3)Agency for
			 healthcare research and quality
					(A)HCV
			 guidelinesThe AHRQ Director shall, in developing the
			 recommendations for screenings for HCV that the AHRQ Director will provide to
			 the Preventive Services Task Force under section 915(a) of the Public Health
			 Service Act (42 U.S.C. 299b–4(a)), take into account—
						(i)the
			 guidelines established pursuant to paragraph (2) by the CDC Director;
			 and
						(ii)new
			 and improved treatments for HCV.
						(B)HBV
			 guidelinesThe AHRQ Director
			 shall, in developing the recommendations for screenings for the hepatitis B
			 virus infection (in this section referred to as HBV) that the AHRQ
			 Director will provide to the Preventive Services Task Force referred to in
			 subparagraph (A), take into account the guidelines for screenings for HBV that
			 the CDC Director recommended in 2008.
					(c)Authorization of
			 appropriationsSubsection (e) of section 317N of the Public
			 Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b–15), as redesignated by subsection (a)(2) of
			 this section, is amended to read as follows:

					(e)Authorization of
				appropriations
						(1)In
				generalFor the purpose of
				testing, education, and referrals under this section, there are authorized to
				be appropriated $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, $35,000,000 for fiscal year
				2013, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, and $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal
				years 2015 and 2016.
						(2)GrantsOf
				the amounts appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary
				shall reserve not less than 80 percent for making grants under subsection
				(a).
						.
			(d)Savings
			 provisionThe amendments made by this section shall not be
			 construed to require termination of any program or activity carried out by the
			 Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 317N of the Public Health
			 Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b–15) as in effect on the day before the date of the
			 enactment of this Act.


115 S3784 IS: Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act of 2018
U.S. Senate
2018-12-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3784IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESDecember 19, 2018Mr. Durbin introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo address the needs of workers in industries likely to be impacted by rapidly evolving
			 technologies.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act of 2018.
 2.FindingsCongress makes the following findings: (1)In 2014, the United States spent just 0.1 percent of the Nation's Gross Domestic Product on labor market policies, less than half of what the United States spent on labor market policies 30 years ago.
 (2)The number of workers receiving federally supported training has declined in the past 3 decades as advances in technology have simultaneously shifted labor market demand over time.
 (3)As much as 47 percent of all jobs in the United States are at risk of being replaced by automation technology, and job losses from automation are more likely to impact workers making less than $40,000 annually.
 (4)Strong Federal investment in expanding training services for workers whose jobs may be lost due to automation could prepare the United States workforce to better adapt to changes in the labor market and enter into skilled positions in technologically oriented occupations and industries.
 (5)A focus on preparing the workforce of the United States for jobs that utilize advanced technologies could grow wages, increase economic productivity, and boost the competitiveness of the United States.
 3.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)AutomationThe term automation means a device, process, or system that functions without continuous input from an operator, including—
 (A)advanced technologies, such as— (i)data collection, classification processing, and analytics; and
 (ii)3-D printing, digital design and simulation, and digital manufacturing;
 (B)robotics, including collaborative robotics, and worker augmentation technology; (C)autonomous vehicle technology; or
 (D)autonomous machinery technology. (2)Dislocated workerThe term dislocated worker has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
 (3)In-demand industry sector or occupationThe term in-demand industry sector or occupation has the meaning given the term in section 3 of that Act. (4)Integrated education and trainingThe term integrated education and training has the meaning given the term in section 3 of that Act.
 (5)Eligible partnershipThe term eligible partnership means an industry or sector partnership, as defined in section 3 of that Act, except that— (A)for purposes of applying paragraph (26)(A)(iii) of that section, the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001); and
 (B)the partnership shall include representatives of— (i)a State workforce development board or a local workforce development board; and
 (ii)an economic development organization. (6)Local and state workforce development boardsThe terms local workforce development board and State workforce development board have the meanings given the terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
 (7)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Labor. (8)Training servicesThe term training services means training services described in section 134(c)(3)(D) of that Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3)(D)).
			4.GAO study on barriers to and opportunities for retraining workers
			(a)Study
 (1)In generalThe Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of the barriers to providing, and opportunities for improving, training for workers in industries that have, or are likely to have, high rates of job loss due to automation.
 (2)ContentsIn conducting the study, the Comptroller General shall study— (A)considerations impacting, and strategies to improve data collection with respect to, the workforce in industries with high rates of job loss or a high likelihood of automation in the United States, including considerations and data collection strategies concerning—
 (i)industries and occupations most likely to be impacted by automation, including— (I)the geographical location of those industries and occupations;
 (II)the annual average wages of those occupations; and (III)demographic data on the race, gender, and age of workers in those industries and occupations;
 (ii)employer-based training practices in those industries and occupations; (iii)the frequency with which employers provide worker training to address skills needs and react to changes in the labor market; and
 (iv)projected job losses; (B)considerations impacting, and strategies to improve data collection with respect to, the workforce in in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the United States, such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, and health care, including considerations and data collection strategies concerning—
 (i)industry sectors and occupations that may emerge or become in-demand industry sectors or occupations as a result of automation, including—
 (I)the geographical location of those industry sectors and occupations; (II)the average annual wages of those occupations; and
 (III)demographic data on the race, gender, and age of workers in those occupations; (ii)the skills and education needed to fill the positions in those industries;
 (iii)employer-based training practices in those industry sectors; and (iv)projected job gains;
 (C)barriers to, and opportunities for, retraining workers in industries that have a high likelihood of being impacted by automation;
 (D)the impact of the geographical location of workers and their access to transportation on the ability of the workers to access job training and related higher-skilled positions;
 (E)the impact of workers’ access to other benefits and services, including child care, paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, or a retirement plan, on the ability of the workers to access job training and related higher-skilled positions; and
 (F)how reduced Federal funding for job training programs has impacted the ability of State and local governments, employers, and communities to respond to changes in the labor market, including rapidly evolving technologies.
 (b)ReportOn completion of the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report concerning the results of the study.
			5.Grants to improve training for workers impacted by automation
			(a)Grants authorized
 (1)In generalFrom the amounts appropriated under subsection (g), the Secretary of Labor shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible partnerships to support demonstration and pilot projects relating to the training needs of workers who are, or are likely to become, dislocated workers as a result of automation.
 (2)DurationA grant awarded under this section shall be for a period not to exceed 3 years. (b)Applications (1)In generalTo be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible partnership shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary shall reasonably require.
 (2)ContentsEach application submitted under paragraph (1) shall include a description of the demonstration or pilot project to be completed with the grant funds, which description shall include—
 (A)a description of the members of the eligible partnership who will be involved in the demonstration or pilot program and the services each member will provide;
 (B)a description of the training services that will be available to individuals participating in the demonstration or pilot project, which may include—
 (i)a plan to train dislocated workers from industries likely to be impacted by automation and transition the workers into regionally in-demand industry sectors or occupations; and
 (ii)a plan to partner with local businesses to retrain, upskill, and re-deploy workers within an industry as an alternative to layoffs;
 (C)a plan to provide workers with technology-based skills training, which may include training to provide skills related to coding, systems engineering, or information technology security, in addition to other skills; and
 (D)a description of the goals that the eligible partnership intends to achieve to upskill workers and prepare them for in-demand industry sectors or occupations.
 (c)PrioritiesIn awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to— (1)eligible partnerships that are located in an area with a high concentration of—
 (A)industries with a higher likelihood of being impacted by automation; or (B)industries included in in-demand industry sectors, as determined under subparagraphs (A)(i) and (B) of section 3(23) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(23));
 (2)eligible partnerships— (A)with a plan to provide incumbent worker training—
 (i)to assist workers in obtaining the skills necessary to retain employment or avert layoffs; or
 (ii)that allows a worker working for an employer to acquire new skills that allow the worker to obtain a higher-skilled or higher-paid position with such employer; and
 (B)that partner with local employers that intend to backfill the pre-training positions of the incumbent workers by hiring new workers to fill those positions;
 (3)eligible partnerships that will provide workers with a transportation stipend, paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, access to child care services, or other employment benefits; or
 (4)eligible partnerships with a plan to develop a shared training curriculum that can be used across local and regional networks of employers and training providers.
 (d)Use of fundsAn eligible partnership that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds for 1 or more of the following:
 (1)Providing training services under the demonstration or pilot project, which may include training services that prepare workers for in-demand industry sectors or occupations.
 (2)Providing assistance for employers in developing a staff position for an individual who will be responsible for supporting training services provided under the grant.
 (3)Purchasing equipment or technology necessary for training services provided under paragraph (1). (4)Providing job search and other transitional assistance to workers in industries with high rates of job loss.
 (5)Providing a training stipend to workers for training services. (6)Providing integrated education and training.
 (e)ReportNot later than 1 year after an eligible partnership’s completion of a demonstration or pilot project supported under this section, the eligible partnership shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a report regarding—
 (1)the number of workers who received training services through the demonstration or pilot project, disaggregated by type of training service and the age, gender, and race of the workers;
 (2)the number of such workers who successfully transitioned into a new position following completion of the training services;
 (3)the number of individuals who successfully transitioned into an in-demand industry sector or occupation following completion of the training services;
 (4)annual earnings data for individuals who have completed training services through the demonstration or pilot project;
 (5)the percentage of individuals described in paragraph (4) who are in education or training activities, or in employment, during the second quarter after exit from the training services;
 (6)the percentage of individuals described in paragraph (4) who are in education or training activities, or in employment, during the fourth quarter after exit from the training services; and
 (7)any practices used by the partnership that should be considered best practices with respect to training workers in industries that have, or are expected to have, high rates of job loss as a result of automation.
 (f)General requirementsAn eligible partnership that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds in a manner that is consistent with the labor standards and protections described in section 181 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3241) and nondiscrimination provisions described in section 188 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 3248).
 (g)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for the first 5 full fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act.
			6.Expansion of worker training services
 (a)Adult and dislocated worker employment and trainingSection 134(d)(1)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(d)(1)(A)) is amended—
 (1)in clause (xi), by striking and at the end; (2)in clause (xii), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following:

 (xiii)training programs for individuals who are, or are likely to become, dislocated workers as a result of automation, including activities that prepare the individuals for occupations in the technology sector..
 (b)National dislocated worker grantsSection 170 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3225) is amended—
 (1)in subsection (b)(1)(A), by inserting advances in automation technology, before plant closures,; and (2)by adding at the end the following:

 (e)Authorization of appropriationsIn addition to any funds reserved under section 132(a)(2)(A) to carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2020..


117 HR 707 : Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-05-19
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.

IIB117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 707IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 19, 2021 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsAN ACTTo award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company, in recognition of their unique and highly distinguished service as a Ghost Army that conducted deception operations in Europe during World War II.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act.2.FindingsThe Congress finds the following:(1)The 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, comprised of the 23d Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops, the 603d Engineer Camouflage Battalion, the 406th Combat Engineer Company, the 3132d Signal Service Company and the Signal Company, Special, 23d Headquarters, Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company were top-secret units of the United States Army that served in Europe during World War II.(2)The 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, was actively engaged in battlefield operations from June of 1944 through March of 1945. The 3133d Signal Service Company was engaged in operations in Italy in 1945.(3)The deceptive activities of these units were integral to several Allied victories across Europe and reduced American casualties.(4)In evaluating the performance of these units after the War, a U.S. Army analysis found that Rarely, if ever, has there been a group of such a few men which had so great an influence on the outcome of a major military campaign..(5)Many Ghost Army soldiers were citizen-soldiers recruited from art schools, advertising agencies, communications companies, and other creative and technical professions.(6)The first four members of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, landed on D-Day and two became casualties while creating false beach landing sites.(7)The 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, secret deception operations commenced in France on June 14, 1944, when Task Force Mason, a 17-man detachment of the 23d led by First Lieutenant Bernard Mason, landed at Omaha Beach. Task Force Mason conducted Operation ELEPHANT between 1 and 4 July, 1944, to draw enemy fire and protect the 980th Field Artillery Battalion (VIII Corps) as part of the Normandy Campaign.(8)Operation ELEPHANT was a prelude to 21 full-scale tactical deceptions completed by the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops.(9)Often operating on or near the front lines, the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, used inflatable tanks, artillery, airplanes and other vehicles, advanced engineered soundtracks, and skillfully crafted radio trickery to create the illusion of sizable American forces where there were none and to draw the enemy away from Allied troops.(10)The 3132d and the 3133d Signal Service Companies, activated in Pine Camp (now Fort Drum), New York, at the Army Experimental Station in March 1944, were the only two active duty sonic deception ground combat units in World War II.(11)Soldiers of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, impersonated other, larger Army units by sewing counterfeit patches onto their uniforms, painting false markings on their vehicles, and creating phony headquarters staffed by fake generals, all in an effort to feed false information to Axis spies.(12)During the Battle of the Bulge, the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, created counterfeit radio traffic to mask the efforts of General George Patton’s Third Army as it mobilized to break through to the 101st Airborne and elements of 10th Armored Division in the besieged Belgian town of Bastogne.(13)In its final mission, Operation VIERSEN, in March 1945, the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, conducted a tactical deception that drew German units down the Rhine River and away from the Ninth Army, allowing the Ninth Army to cross the Rhine into Germany. On this mission, the 1,100 men of the Ghost Army, with the assistance of other units, impersonated forty thousand men, or two complete divisions of American forces, by using fabricated radio networks, soundtracks of construction work and artillery fire, and more than 600 inflatable vehicles. According to a military intelligence officer of the 79th Infantry, There is no doubt that Operation VIERSEN materially assisted in deceiving the enemy with regard to the real dispositions and intentions of this Army..(14)Three soldiers of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, gave their lives and dozens were injured in carrying out their mission.(15)In April 1945, the 3133d Signal Service Company conducted Operation CRAFTSMAN in support of Operation SECOND WIND, the successful allied effort to break through the German defensive position to the north of Florence, Italy, known as the Gothic Line. Along with an attached platoon of British engineers, who were inflatable decoy specialists, the 3133d Signal Service Company used sonic deception to misrepresent troop locations along this defensive line.(16)The activities of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company remained highly classified for more than forty years after the war and were never formally recognized. The extraordinary accomplishments of this unit are deserving of belated official recognition.(17)The United States is eternally grateful to the soldiers of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company for their proficient use of innovative tactics throughout World War II, which saved lives and made significant contributions to the defeat of the Axis powers.3.Congressional gold medal(a)Award authorizedThe Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the award, on behalf of the Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design to the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, and the 3133d Signal Service Company, known as the Ghost Army, collectively, in recognition of its unique and incredible service during World War II.(b)Design and strikingFor the purposes of the award referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (in this Act referred to as the Secretary) shall strike the gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.(c)Smithsonian institution(1)In generalFollowing the award of the gold medal in honor of the Ghost Army, the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be available for display as appropriate and available for research.(2)Sense of congressIt is the sense of the Congress that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal awarded pursuant to this Act available for display elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations associated with the Ghost Army, and that preference should be given to locations affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.4.Duplicate medalsThe Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal struck under section 3, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medal, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses.5.National medalThe gold medal struck pursuant to this Act is a national medal for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.6.Determination of budgetary effectsThe budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2021.Cheryl L. Johnson,Clerk


110 HR 6744 IH: To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to require that certain

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-07-31
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6744
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 31, 2008
			Mr. Kagen (for
			 himself and Mr. Petri) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to require that certain
		  laminated woven bags be marked with the country of origin.

		1.Marking of certain laminated
			 woven bags
			(a)Marking of
			 bagsSection 304 of the
			 Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1304) is amended—
				(1)by redesignating
			 subsection (l) as subsection (m); and
				(2)by inserting after
			 subsection (k) the following new subsection:

						(l)Marking of
				certain laminated bagsNo
				exception may be made under subsection (a)(3) with respect to laminated woven
				bags that—
							(1)consist of one or
				more plies of fabric consisting of woven polypropylene strip, or woven
				polyethylene strip, or both,
							(2)have an extrusion coating of
				polypropylene, or polyethylene, or both, on one or both sides of the
				fabric,
							(3)are laminated by any method either to an exterior ply of plastic film, such as
				biaxially-oriented polypropylene, or to an exterior ply of paper that is
				suitable for high quality print graphics,
							(4)are printed with
				three or more colors in register, and
							(5)weigh less than 1
				kilogram each,
							whether
				or not the bags have lining, are closed on one end, are in roll form, have
				handles, or have special closing features. Each such bag shall be marked as to
				the country of origin of the bag itself, in close proximity to, and type size
				comparable to, any other designation of origin or United States location placed
				on the bag before importation or added to the bag after
				importation..
				(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by
			 subsection (a) shall apply to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for
			 consumption, on or after the 30th day after the date of the enactment of this
			 Act.


114 S3473 IS: Death Gratuity Equity Act of 2016
U.S. Senate
2016-11-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		114th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 3473
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			November 17, 2016
			Ms. Mikulski (for herself, Mr. Cardin, and Mr. Warner) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

		A BILL
		To increase outdated death gratuities and funeral allowances for Federal civilian employees killed
			 in the line of duty, to expand the scope of eligible beneficiaries, to
			 codify tax treatment, to change offset requirements, to harmonize death
			 gratuities across Federal agencies, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Death Gratuity Equity Act of 2016. 2.Increasing the death gratuity for a Federal civilian employee killed in the line of duty (a)Amendment to title 5Subchapter VII of chapter 55 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

					5571.Certain employee death gratuities payable by reason of death of a Federal civilian employee
			 resulting from an injury sustained in the line of duty
 (a)DefinitionsIn this section— (1)the term child—
 (A)includes— (i)a natural child; and
 (ii)an adopted child; and (B)does not include a stepchild who has not been adopted by the applicable civilian employee; and
 (2)the term civilian employee means an individual who the Secretary of Labor has determined is an employee, as defined in section 8101(1).
							(b)Death gratuity authorized
 (1)In generalNotwithstanding section 8116, and in addition to any payment made under subchapter I of chapter 81, the head of an agency shall pay from appropriations made available for salaries and expenses of that agency a death gratuity for the death of a civilian employee of that agency occurring on or after the date of enactment of this section if the death of the civilian employee—
 (A)resulted from an injury sustained in the line of duty; and (B)did not result from—
 (i)natural causes; or (ii)serious and willful misconduct by the civilian employee.
 (2)PaymentA death gratuity paid under paragraph (1) shall be— (A)in the amount described in subsection (c); and
 (B)paid to a person described in subsection (d).
								(c)Amounts available
 (1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the amount of a death gratuity paid under this section shall be—
 (A)$100,000 per civilian employee; and (B)adjusted annually on March 1 of each year by the amount determined by the Secretary of Labor to represent the percentage difference between the Consumer Price Index (all items; United States city average) published for December of the preceding year and that price index published for the December of the year before the preceding year, adjusted to the nearest 1/10 of 1 percent.
 (2)Local compensation planThe amount of a death gratuity paid in relation to the death of a civilian employee compensated under a local compensation plan established under section 408 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3968) shall be determined by regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State.
							(d)Execution of payment
 (1)Establishment of claimUpon the establishment of a valid claim for a death gratuity under this section, payment shall be made—
 (A)to a person who— (i)survives a civilian employee on the date of the death of the civilian employee; and
 (ii)is alive on the date that title to the payment arises; and (B)in the order of precedence established under paragraph (2).
 (2)Order of paymentThe order of precedence established under this paragraph is as follows: (A)(i)To a beneficiary designated by the civilian employee in a signed and witnessed writing that—
 (I)is received by the agency employing the civilian employee before the date of the death of the civilian employee; and
 (II)specifies that the beneficiary shall receive an amount payable under this section.
 (ii)A will or other document that is not executed and filed as described in clause (i) shall not constitute a writing under clause (i) and such a will or other document shall have no force or effect.
 (B)If there is no beneficiary designated under subparagraph (A), to the surviving spouse of the civilian employee.
 (C)If subparagraphs (A) and (B) do not apply, to— (i)the child or children of the civilian employee; and
 (ii)any descendants of a deceased child or children of the civilian employee by representation.
 (D)If subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) do not apply, to the surviving parent or parents of the civilian employee.
 (E)If subparagraphs (A) through (D) do not apply, to the duly appointed executor or administrator of the estate of the civilian employee.
 (F)If subparagraphs (A) through (E) do not apply, to the person entitled to the payment under the laws of the domicile of the civilian employee on the date of the death of the civilian employee.
 (e)Payment not gross incomeA payment under this section shall not be considered gross income of a person described in subsection (d)(2) under section 61 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
						.
 (b)Amendments to title 49Section 40122(g)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1)by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (J) as subparagraphs (D) through (K), respectively; and
 (2)by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:

 (C)section 5571, relating to a death gratuity resulting from an injury sustained in the line of duty;. (c)Technical and conforming amendmentsChapter 55 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—
 (1)in the heading for subchapter VII, by striking employees and inserting persons and payments for disability or death; and (2)in the table of sections—
 (A)by striking the item relating to subchapter VII and inserting the following: SUBCHAPTER VII—Payments to missing persons and payments for disability or death; and(B)by inserting after the item relating to section 5570 the following:
						5571. Certain employee death gratuities payable by reason of death of a Federal civilian employee
			 resulting from an injury sustained in the line of duty..
 3.Repeal of 1996 death gratuity payment authoritySection 651 of the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1997 (5 U.S.C. 8133 note; Public Law 104–208) is repealed.
		4.Funeral and burial expenses
 (a)In generalSection 8134 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

 (a)(1)For deaths occurring on or after the date of enactment of the Death Gratuity Equity Act of 2016, if death results from an injury sustained in the performance of duty, the United States shall pay, to the personal representative of the deceased or otherwise, funeral and burial expenses not to exceed $8,800, in the discretion of the Secretary of Labor.
 (2)The maximum payment permitted under paragraph (1) shall be adjusted annually on March 1 of each year in accordance with the adjustment described in section 8146a.
						.
 (b)ApplicabilitySection 8134(a) of title 5, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall apply to a death occurring before the date of enactment of this Act without regard to whether payment is made before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act.
			5.Federal Employees’ Compensation Act death gratuity
 (a)In generalSection 8102a of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1)by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

						(a)Death gratuity authorized
							(1)In general
 (A)PaymentExcept as provided in paragraph (2), for deaths occurring on or after the date of enactment of the Death Gratuity Equity Act of 2016, the United States shall pay a death gratuity of $100,000 to or for the eligible survivor under subsection (d) immediately upon receiving official notification of the death of an employee who dies of injuries incurred in connection with the service of that employee with an Armed Force in a contingency operation.
 (B)AdjustmentThe amount under subparagraph (A) shall be adjusted annually on March 1 of each year by the amount determined by the Secretary of Labor to represent the percentage difference between the Consumer Price Index (all items; United States city average) published for December of the preceding year and that price index published for the December of the year before the preceding year, adjusted to the nearest 1/10 of 1 percent.
 (C)No reductionThe death gratuity payable under subparagraph (A) shall not be reduced by the amount of any other death gratuity provided under any other law of the United States that is based on the same death.
 (2)Compensation for noncitizens and nonresidentsFor claims arising under section 8137, the amount of the death gratuity shall be subject to that section and the regulations promulgated under that section.
							;
 (2)by striking subsection (c); (3)by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and
 (4)in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by adding at the end the following:  (7)If there are no eligible survivors, as described in paragraphs (1) through (6), and the employee has not designated another person to receive an amount payable under this section, that amount shall be paid to the personal representative of the estate of the employee..
 (b)ApplicabilitySection 8102a of title 5, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall apply to a death occurring before the date of enactment of this Act without regard to whether payment is made before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act.
 6.Agency gratuity for deaths sustained in the performance of duty abroadSection 413 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3973) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)—
 (A)in the first sentence, by striking dependents and inserting beneficiary; and (B)in the second sentence, by inserting , except as provided in subsection (e) after payable from any source;
 (2)by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:  (b)Executive agenciesThe head of an executive agency shall, pursuant to guidance issued under subsection (c), make a death gratuity payment authorized by this section to the surviving beneficiary of—
 (1)any employee of that agency who dies as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad while subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 207; or
 (2)an individual in a special category serving in an uncompensated capacity for that agency abroad in support of a diplomatic mission, as identified in guidance issued under subsection (c), who dies as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad.;
 (3)by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:  (d)Eligibility under chapter 81 of title 5, United States CodeA death gratuity payment may be made under this section only if the death is determined by the Secretary of Labor to have resulted from an injury (excluding a disease proximately caused by the employment) sustained in the performance of duty under section 8102 of title 5, United States Code.;
 (4)by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g); (5)by inserting after subsection (d) the following:

 (e)OffsetFor deaths occurring on or after the date of enactment of this subsection, the death gratuity payable under this section shall be reduced by the amount of any death gratuity provided under section 5571 of title 5, United States Code, based on the same death.
 (f)Tax treatmentA payment under this section shall not be considered gross income of a surviving beneficiary under section 61 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.; and
 (6)in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:  (2)the term surviving beneficiary means the person identified under the order of precedence established under section 5571(d)(2) of title 5, United States Code..
			7.Emergency supplemental authorization in the event of the inability of an agency to meet the
			 requirements
			 of this Act
 (a)In generalIf the head of an agency (as defined in section 5561 of title 5, United States Code) determines, with the concurrence of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, that a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other incident results in the inability of the agency to meet the requirements of this Act and the amendments made by this Act, additional amounts are authorized to be appropriated to make additional payments—
 (1)under— (A)section 5571(b) of title 5, United States Code, as added by section 2(a);
 (B)section 8102a of title 5, United States Code, as amended by section 5; and (C)section 413 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3973), as amended by section 6; and
 (2)that would exceed the amount available to the agency without the additional appropriations. (b)Additional paymentsA payment authorized under subsection (a) may be made only if additional appropriations are provided for a purpose described in that subsection.
 (c)Congressional voteIt is the sense of Congress that Congress should vote on a request for additional appropriations under this section not later than 30 days after the date of submission of such a request to Congress.


114 HR 2309 IH: Freedom from Discrimination in Credit Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-05-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2309
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 13, 2015
Mr. Israel (for himself, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Ms. Hahn, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Swalwell of California, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Tsongas, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Peters, Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mrs. Davis of California, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, Mr. Delaney, Mr. Polis, Mr. Fattah, Mr. Cicilline, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Connolly, Ms. Speier, Ms. Norton, Mr. Cárdenas, Mr. Rangel, Ms. DelBene, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr. Ted Lieu of California, Ms. Lee, Mr. Farr, Mr. Langevin, Ms. Pingree, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Himes, Mr. McDermott, Ms. Adams, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Lowenthal, Mr. Crowley, and Ms. Roybal-Allard) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services

A BILL
To amend the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit discrimination on account of sexual orientation or gender identity when extending credit.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Freedom from Discrimination in Credit Act of 2015. 2.Prohibition against discrimination on account of sexual orientation or gender identitySubsection (a)(1) of section 701 of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. 1691) is amended, by striking on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex or marital status, and inserting on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status,.
3.DefinitionsSection 702 of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. 1691a) is amended— (1)by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (g) and (i), respectively;
(2)by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsections:  (f)The term gender identity means the gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, with or without regard to the individual’s designated sex at birth. ; and
(3)by inserting after subsection (g), as so redesignated, the following:  (h)The term sexual orientation means homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality..


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2540
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			May 7, 2012
			Mr. Brown of Ohio
			 introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To renew the temporary suspension of duty
		  on Basic Violet 11:1.

		1.Basic Violet 11:1
			(a)In generalHeading 9902.22.25 of the Harmonized Tariff
			 Schedule of the United States (relating to Basic Violet 11:1) is amended by
			 striking the date in the effective period column and inserting
			 12/31/2015.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by
			 subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for
			 consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this
			 Act.