117 S1632 IS: Community Energy Savings Program Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-05-13
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.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1632IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 13, 2021Mr. Merkley introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesA BILLTo amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish a program to provide loans to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Community Energy Savings Program Act of 2021.2.Community energy savings program(a)In generalThe Energy Policy and Conservation Act is amended by inserting after section 362 (42 U.S.C. 6322) the following:362A.Community energy savings program(a)PurposeThe purpose of this section is to help households and small businesses achieve cost savings by providing loans to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures.(b)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Community development financial institutionThe term community development financial institution means a financial institution certified by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund administered by the Secretary of the Treasury.(2)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means—(A)a public power group;(B)a community development financial institution; and(C)an eligible unit of local government.(3)Eligible unit of local governmentThe term eligible unit of local government means any agency or political subdivision of a State.(4)Energy efficiency measuresThe term energy efficiency measures means, with respect to a property served by or in the service area or jurisdiction, as applicable, of an eligible entity, structural improvements and investments in cost-effective commercial technologies to increase energy efficiency (including cost-effective on- or off-grid renewable energy, energy storage, or demand response systems).(5)Household with a high energy burden(A)In generalThe term household with a high energy burden means a low-income household the residential energy burden of which exceeds the median energy burden for all low-income households in the State in which the low-income household is located.(B)CalculationThe residential energy burden referred to in subparagraph (A) is the quotient obtained by dividing residential energy expenditures by the annual income of the low-income household.(6)Indian tribeThe term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).(7)Manufactured homeThe term manufactured home—(A)has the meaning given the term in section 603 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402); and(B)includes a home described in subparagraph (A) without regard to whether the home was built before, on, or after the date on which the construction and safety standards established under section 604 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 5403) became effective.(8)ProgramThe term program means the program established under subsection (c).(9)Public power groupThe term public power group means—(A)a public utility;(B)an electric or energy cooperative;(C)a public power district; and(D)a group of 1 or more public utilities or electric or energy cooperatives (commonly referred to as a joint action agency, generation and transmission cooperative, municipal power association, or State cooperative association).(10)Qualified consumerThe term qualified consumer means a consumer served by or in the service area or jurisdiction, as applicable, of an eligible entity that has the ability to repay a loan made under subsection (f), as determined by the eligible entity.(11)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy.(12)StateThe term State means—(A)a State;(B)the District of Columbia;(C)the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and(D)any other territory or possession of the United States.(c)EstablishmentNot later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary shall provide grants to States and Indian tribes to provide loans to eligible entities in accordance with this section.(d)Grant fund allocation(1)In generalOf the amount appropriated under subsection (k) for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate as grant funds—(A)98 percent to be provided to States in accordance with paragraph (2); and(B)2 percent to be provided to Indian tribes in accordance with paragraph (3).(2)Allocation to StatesOf the amount allocated for all States under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall—(A)allocate not less than 1 percent to each State described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of subsection (b)(12);(B)allocate not less than 0.5 percent to each State described in subparagraph (D) of that subsection; and(C)of the amount remaining after the allocations under subparagraphs (A) and (B), allocate funds to States based on the population of each State as determined in the latest available decennial census conducted under section 141(a) of title 13, United States Code.(3)Allocation to Indian tribesOf the amount allocated for Indian tribes under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall allocate funds to each Indian tribe participating in the program during that fiscal year based on a formula established by the Secretary that takes into account any factor that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.(4)Publication of allocation formulasNot later than 90 days before the beginning of each fiscal year for which grants are provided to States and Indian tribes under this section, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register the formulas for allocation established under this subsection.(5)Administrative costsOf the amount allocated to a State or Indian tribe under this subsection, not more than 15 percent shall be used by the State or Indian tribe for the administrative costs of administering loans.(e)Loans by States and Indian tribes to eligible entities(1)In generalUnder the program, a State or Indian tribe shall make loans to eligible entities to make loans to qualified consumers—(A)to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures; and(B)in accordance with subsection (f).(2)State energy officesA State shall carry out paragraph (1) through the State energy office that is responsible for developing a State energy conservation plan under section 362.(3)PriorityIn making loans under paragraph (1), a State or Indian tribe shall give priority to public power groups.(4)Requirements(A)In generalSubject to subparagraph (C), as a condition of receiving a loan under this subsection, an eligible entity shall—(i)establish a list of energy efficiency measures that are expected to decrease the energy use or costs of qualified consumers;(ii)prepare an implementation plan for use of the loan funds, including the use of any interest to be received under subsection (f)(4);(iii)establish an appropriate measurement and verification system to ensure—(I)the effectiveness of the energy efficiency loans made by the eligible entity; and(II)that there is no conflict of interest in any loan provided by the eligible entity;(iv)demonstrate expertise in the effective implementation of energy efficiency measures;(v)ensure that a portion of the loan funds, which may be determined by the State or Indian tribe, are used to provide loans to qualified consumers that are households with a high energy burden; and(vi)give priority to providing loans to qualified consumers that own homes or other real property that pose health risks to the occupants of the property that may be mitigated by energy efficiency measures, as determined by the State or Indian tribe.(B)Revision of list of energy efficiency measuresSubject to the approval of the State or Indian tribe, as applicable, an eligible entity may update the list required under subparagraph (A)(i) to account for newly available efficiency technologies.(C)Existing energy efficiency programsAn eligible entity that has established an energy efficiency program for qualified consumers before the date of enactment of this section may use an existing list of energy efficiency measures, implementation plan, and measurement and verification system for that program to satisfy the applicable requirements under subparagraph (A), if the State or Indian tribe, as applicable, determines that the list, plan, or system, as applicable, is consistent with the purposes of this section.(5)No interestA loan under this subsection shall bear no interest.(6)TermThe term of a loan provided to an eligible entity under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 20 years after the date on which the loan is issued.(7)Advance(A)In generalIn providing a loan to an eligible entity under paragraph (1), a State or Indian tribe may provide an advance of loan funds on request of the eligible entity.(B)Amount limitationAny advance provided to an eligible entity under subparagraph (A) in any single year shall not exceed 50 percent of the approved loan amount.(C)RepaymentThe repayment of an advance under subparagraph (A) shall be amortized for a period of not more than 10 years.(8)Special advance for start-up activities(A)In generalIn providing a loan to an eligible entity under paragraph (1), a State or Indian tribe may provide a special advance on request of the eligible entity for assistance in defraying the start-up costs of the eligible entity, as determined by the State or Indian tribe, as applicable, of providing loans to qualified consumers under subsection (f).(B)LimitationA special advance shall be provided to an eligible entity under subparagraph (A) only during the 10-year period beginning on the date on which the loan is issued to that eligible entity.(C)AmountThe amount of a special advance provided under subparagraph (A) shall not be greater than 5 percent of the approved loan amount.(D)RepaymentRepayment of a special advance provided under subparagraph (A)—(i)shall be required during the 10-year period beginning on the date on which the special advance is made; and(ii)may be deferred to the end of the 10-year period described in clause (i) at the election of the eligible entity.(9)Revolving loan fund(A)In generalAs a condition of participating in the program, a State or Indian tribe shall use the funds repaid to the State or Indian tribe under loans offered under this subsection to issue new loans under this subsection.(B)Administrative costsNot more than 10 percent of the repaid funds described in subparagraph (A) may be used for the administrative cost of issuing new loans from those repaid funds under this subsection.(f)Loans by eligible entities to qualified consumers(1)Use of loan(A)In generalA loan made by an eligible entity to a qualified consumer using loan funds provided by a State or Indian tribe under subsection (e)—(i)shall be used to finance energy efficiency measures for the purpose of decreasing the energy use or costs of the qualified consumer by an amount that ensures, to the maximum extent practicable, that the applicable loan term described in subparagraph (B) shall not be an undue financial burden on the qualified consumer, as determined by the eligible entity;(ii)shall not be used to fund purchases of, or modifications to, personal property unless the personal property is or becomes attached to real property as a fixture;(iii)may be used to upgrade a manufactured home, regardless of the classification of the home as real or personal property; and(iv)may be used to finance the replacement of a manufactured home—(I)if the cost of upgrading the manufactured home is excessive, as determined by the eligible entity; and(II)with priority given to a manufactured home that was constructed before June 15, 1976.(B)Loan term describedThe loan term referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) is—(i)in the case of a manufactured home replacement, not more than 20 years; and(ii)in the case of any other energy efficiency measure, not more than 15 years.(2)Repayment(A)In generalSubject to subparagraph (B), a loan described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be repaid by the qualified consumer through charges added to an existing or new electric or recurring service bill for the property of the qualified consumer for, or at which, energy efficiency measures are being implemented.(B)Alternative repaymentRepayment under subparagraph (A) shall not preclude—(i)the voluntary prepayment of the loan by the qualified consumer; or(ii)the use of any additional repayment mechanism, including a tariffed on-bill mechanism, that—(I)has appropriate risk mitigation features, as determined by the eligible entity; or(II)is required due to the qualified consumer no longer being a customer of the eligible entity.(3)Energy assessment(A)In generalPrior to the installation of energy efficiency measures at the property of a qualified consumer that receives a loan from an eligible entity under this section, and to assist in the selection of the energy efficiency measures to be installed, the eligible entity shall conduct an energy assessment or audit to determine the impact of proposed energy efficiency measures on—(i)the energy costs and consumption of the qualified consumer; and(ii)the health and safety of the occupants of the property on which the energy efficiency measures are to be installed.(B)Field or online assessmentAn energy assessment or audit under subparagraph (A) may be conducted in the field or online, as determined by the State or Indian tribe that has issued a loan to the eligible entity under subsection (e).(4)InterestA loan described in paragraph (1)(A) may bear interest, not to exceed 5 percent, which may be used—(A)to establish a loan loss reserve for the eligible entity;(B)to offset the personnel and program costs of the eligible entity in providing the loan; and(C)for any other related purpose, as determined by the eligible entity, in consultation with the State or Indian tribe that has issued a loan to the eligible entity under subsection (e).(5)Outside contractsAn eligible entity may enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified entities, as determined by the State or Indian tribe that has issued a loan to the eligible entity under subsection (e)—(A)to assist the eligible entity in administering the loans described in paragraph (1)(A); and(B)to carry out any of the requirements of the eligible entity described in subsection (e)(4)(A).(g)Direct loans from States and Indian tribesA State or Indian tribe may act as an eligible entity under subsection (f) to provide loans directly to qualified consumers—(1)in accordance with that subsection; and(2)if the State or Indian tribe satisfies the requirements under subsection (e)(4), as determined by the Secretary.(h)Program administration(1)PlanNot later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish and begin carrying out a plan—(A)to measure and verify the success of the program in implementing energy efficiency measures;(B)provide training to the employees of eligible entities relating to carrying out the requirements of eligible entities under this section; and(C)provide technical assistance to States, Indian tribes, and eligible entities relating to carrying out the requirements of this section.(2)Public awarenessNot later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish and begin carrying out a plan to make eligible entities and the general public aware of the program, including by developing a marketing program to raise awareness of the program.(3)Outside contracts(A)In generalThe Secretary may enter into 1 or more contracts with 1 or more qualified entities, as determined by the Secretary, to carry out paragraphs (1) and (2).(B)Use of subcontractors authorizedA qualified entity that enters into a contract with the Secretary under subparagraph (A) may use 1 or more subcontractors to assist the qualified entity in carrying out the contract.(4)AccountingThe Secretary, and each State and Indian tribe participating in the program, shall take appropriate steps to streamline the accounting requirements for eligible entities under the program while maintaining adequate assurances of the repayment of the loans made to those eligible entities under the program.(i)Effect on authorityNothing in this section shall impede, impair, or modify the authority of the Secretary to offer loans or grants under any other law.(j)Report(1)In generalNot later than 15 months after the date on which the program is established, and 90 days after the end of each fiscal year for each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and make publicly available a report that describes, with respect to the program—(A)the number of applications received by each State and Indian tribe from eligible entities for that fiscal year;(B)the number of loans made by each State and Indian tribe for that fiscal year—(i)to eligible entities; and(ii)directly to qualified consumers;(C)the eligible entities that are the recipients of the loans described in subparagraph (B)(i); and(D)the manner in which the program was advertised to eligible entities and the general public.(2)ConsultationThe Secretary shall consult with and obtain information from States and Indian tribes in preparing the report submitted under paragraph (1).(k)Authorization of appropriations(1)In generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2028.(2)Supplement not supplantThe funding provided to a State or Indian tribe under subsection (d) for each fiscal year shall be used to supplement, not supplant, any Federal, State, or other funds otherwise made available to that State or Indian tribe under—(A)a State energy conservation plan established under part D of title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6321 et seq.); or(B)the weatherization assistance program established under part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq.)..(b)State energy conservation plansSection 362(d)(5) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6322(d)(5)) is amended—(1)in subparagraph (A), by striking or at the end;(2)in subparagraph (B), by inserting or after the semicolon; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(C)which may include the community energy savings program under section 362A;.(c)Technical amendmentThe table of contents for the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (Public Law 94–163; 89 Stat. 872) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 362 the following:Sec. 362A. Community energy savings program..


113 S518 IS: H2O Visa for Seafood Processing Act
U.S. Senate
2013-03-11
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.

		II
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 518
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 11, 2013
			Mr. Begich introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		A BILL
		To authorize the issuance of H2O
		  nonimmigrant visas for aliens temporarily performing labor in the seafood
		  processing industry.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 H2O Visa for
			 Seafood Processing Act.
		2.Availability of
			 H2O nonimmigrant visas for seafood processing
			 industry
			(a)Technical
			 amendments; availability of H2O nonimmigrant visas for
			 aliens working in seafood processing industrySection 101(a)(15)(H) of the Immigration
			 and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)) is amended—
				(1)in clause (i)—
					(A)by striking an alien (i) (b)
			 subject and inserting the following “an alien—

							(i)(b)subject
								;
					(B)in subclause (b),
			 by striking section 212(n)(1), or and inserting section
			 212(n)(1);;
					(C)in subclause
			 (b1), by striking section 212(t)(1), or and inserting
			 section 212(t)(1);; and
					(D)in subclause (c),
			 by striking or at the end; and
					(2)in clause (ii)—
					(A)in subclause (a), by striking
			 nature, or and inserting nature;;
					(B)in subclause (b), by striking
			 or at the end; and
					(C)by adding at the end the following:

							(o)having a residence in a foreign country,
				which the alien has no intention of abandoning, who is coming temporarily to
				the United States to perform labor in the seafood processing industry;
				or
							.
					(b)State
			 consultation requirementSection 212(a)(5)(A) of the Immigration
			 and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(A)) is amended—
				(1)in clause (i), by
			 striking Attorney General and inserting Secretary of
			 Homeland Security; and
				(2)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(v)Seafood
				processingThe Secretary of Labor may not make a certification
				under clause (i) with respect to the seafood processing industry without first
				consulting with the governor and the labor commissioner of the State in which
				the alien is to perform such
				labor.
						.


110 HRES 1193 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-05-13
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.

		IV
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 1193
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 13, 2008
			Mr. Udall of New
			 Mexico submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of the House of
		  Representatives that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness,
		  and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.

		Whereas cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), or
			 cavernous angioma, is a devastating blood vessel disease that has enormous
			 consequences for those affected and their families;
		Whereas cavernous angiomas are malformations in the brain
			 that cannot be detected easily except through very specific medical imaging
			 scans;
		Whereas those with a cavernous angioma should not take
			 blood thinners or aspirin, but are rarely aware that they have the
			 disease;
		Whereas in the general population 1 in approximately 200
			 people has a cavernous angioma and about 1/3 of these affected people become
			 symptomatic at some point in their lives;
		Whereas there is a hereditary form of the illness, caused
			 by a mutation or deletion on any one of 3 genes that is characterized by
			 multiple cavernous malformations;
		Whereas each child born to parents with the hereditary
			 form of the illness has a 50 percent chance of having cerebral cavernous
			 malformation;
		Whereas a specific genetic mutation of cerebral cavernous
			 malformation called the common Hispanic mutation has been identified, has been
			 traced to the original Spanish settlers of the 1590s, and has now spread down
			 and across at least 17 generations of families;
		Whereas the State of New Mexico has the highest population
			 density of this illness in the country, but Hispanic families and those of all
			 other ethnicities throughout the Nation are at risk;
		Whereas a person with cavernous malformations may go
			 undiagnosed until sudden death, seizure, or stroke;
		Whereas there is a shortage of physicians who are familiar
			 with the illness;
		Whereas this shortage makes it difficult for affected
			 individuals to receive timely diagnosis and appropriate care;
		Whereas the shortage of physicians who are familiar with
			 the illness has a disproportionate impact on thousands of Hispanics across the
			 Nation; and
		Whereas cerebral cavernous malformation has been
			 understudied by the National Institutes of Health and others: Now, therefore,
			 be it

		That it is the sense of the House of
			 Representatives that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness,
			 and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.


109 HR 1996 IH: To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide for debt relief to developing countries that take action to protect critical coral reef habitats.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-04-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1996
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 28, 2005
Mr. Kirk (for himself, Mr. Hastings of Florida, Mr. Saxton, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Ehlers, Mr. Meeks of New York, Mr. Weller, and Mr. Owens) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

A BILL
To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide for debt relief to developing countries that take action to protect critical coral reef habitats.

1.Debt reduction for developing countries with coral reefs and other coastal marine resourcesThe Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

VIDebt reduction for developing countries with coral reefs and other coastal marine resources
901.Short titleThis part may be cited as the Coral Reef and Coastal Marine Conservation Act of 2005.
902.Findings and purposes
(a)FindingsThe Congress finds the following:
(1)It is the established policy of the United States to support and seek the protection and restoration of natural coastal marine areas, in particular coral reefs and other critically imperiled coastal marine resources around the world, as demonstrated by the establishment of the United States Government’s Coral Reef Task Force under Executive Order 13089 (June 11, 1998) and by the emphasis given to coral reefs at the Conference on Oceans held in Monterey, California.
(2)Coral reefs and other coastal marine resources provide a wide range of benefits to mankind by—
(A)harboring a major share of the world’s marine biological diversity, and by acting as seed-grounds and nurseries for many deep-sea species; and
(B)serving as the basis for major activities of critical economic, social, and cultural importance, including fishing, pharmaceutical research, recreation, tourism, and the natural purification and recharge of waters.
(3)International organizations and assistance programs to conserve coral reefs and other coastal marine resources have proliferated in recent years, but the rapid destruction of these resources nonetheless continues in many countries.
(4)Poverty and economic pressures on many developing countries, including the burden of official debts, has promoted inefficient, unsustainable over-exploitation of coral reefs and other coastal marine resources, while also denying necessary funds to protection efforts.
(5)Reduction of official, government-to-government debts can help reduce economic pressures for over-exploitation of coral reefs and other coastal marine resources and can mobilize additional resources for their protection.
(b)PurposesThe purposes of this part are—
(1)to recognize the values received by United States citizens from protection of coral reefs and other coastal marine resources;
(2)to facilitate greater protection of remaining coral reefs and other coastal marine resources, and the recovery of damaged areas, by providing for the alleviation of debt in countries where these resources are located, thus allowing for the use of additional resources to protect and restore such coral reefs and other coastal marine resources, and to reduce economic pressures that have led to unsustainable exploitation; and
(3)to ensure that resources freed from debt in such countries are rechanneled to protection of coral reefs and other coastal marine resources.
903.DefinitionsIn this part:
(1)Administering bodyThe term administering body means the entity provided for in section 908(c).
(2)Appropriate congressional committeesThe term appropriate congressional committees means—
(A)the Committee on International Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(B)the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(3)Beneficiary countryThe term beneficiary country means an eligible country with respect to which the authority of section 906(a) or paragraph (1) or (2) of section 907(a) of this part is exercised.
(4)BoardThe term Board means the board referred to in section 910.
(5)CoralThe term coral means species of the phylum Cnidaria, including—
(A)all species of the orders Antipatharia (black corals), Scleractinia (stony corals), Alcyonacea (soft corals), Gorgonacea (horny corals), Stolonifera (organpipe corals and others), and Coenothecalia (blue coral), of the class Anthozoa; and
(B)all species of the order Hydrocorallina (fire corals and hydrocorals) of the class Hydrozoa.
(6)Coral reefThe term coral reef means any reef or shoal composed primarily of corals.
(7)Developing country with a coral reef or other coastal marine resourceThe term developing country with a coral reef or other coastal marine resource means—
(A)
(i)a country that has a per capita income of $725 or less in 1994 United States dollars (commonly referred to as low-income country), as determined and adjusted on an annual basis by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development in its World Development Report; or
(ii)a country that has a per capita income of more than $725 but less than $8,956 in 1994 United States dollars (commonly referred to as middle-income country), as determined and adjusted on an annual basis by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development in its World Development Report; and
(B)a country that contains at least one coral reef or other coastal marine resource that is of conservation concern.
(8)Eligible countryThe term eligible country means a country designated by the President in accordance with section 905.
(9)Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources AgreementThe term Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Agreement or Agreement means an Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Agreement as provided for in section 908.
(10)Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources FacilityThe term Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Facility or Facility means the Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Facility established in the Department of the Treasury by section 904.
(11)Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources FundThe term Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Fund or Fund means a Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Fund provided for in section 909.
904.Establishment of the FacilityThere is established in the Department of the Treasury an entity to be known as the Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Facility for the purpose of providing for the administration of debt reduction in accordance with this part.
905.Eligibility for benefits
(a)In generalTo be eligible for benefits from the Facility under this part, a country shall be a developing country with a coral reef or other coastal marine resource—
(1)the government of which meets the requirements applicable to Latin American or Caribbean countries under paragraphs (1) through (5) and (7) of section 703(a) of this Act; and
(2)that has established investment reforms, as evidenced by the conclusion of a bilateral investment treaty with the United States, implementation of an investment sector loan with the Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank-supported investment reforms, or other measures, as appropriate.
(b)Eligibility determinations
(1)In generalConsistent with subsection (a), the President shall determine whether a country is eligible to receive benefits under this part.
(2)Congressional notificationThe President shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of the intention of the President to designate a country as an eligible country at least 15 days in advance of any formal determination.
906.Reduction of debt owed to the United States as a result of concessional loans under this Act
(a)Authority to reduce debt
(1)AuthorityThe President may reduce the amount owed to the United States (or any agency of the United States) that is outstanding as of January 1, 2005, as a result of concessional loans made to an eligible country by the United States under this Act or predecessor foreign economic assistance legislation.
(2)Authorization of appropriationsFor the cost (as defined in section 502(5) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990) for the reduction of any debt pursuant to this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the President $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2009.
(3)Certain prohibitions inapplicable
(A)In generalA reduction of debt pursuant to this section shall not be considered assistance for purposes of any provision of law limiting assistance to a country.
(B)Additional requirementThe authority of this section may be exercised notwithstanding section 620(r) of this Act or section 321 of the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1975.
(b)Implementation of debt reduction
(1)In generalAny debt reduction pursuant to subsection (a) shall be accomplished at the direction of the Facility by the exchange of a new obligation for obligations of the type referred to in subsection (a) outstanding as of the date specified in subsection (a)(1).
(2)Exchange of obligations
(A)In generalThe Facility shall notify the United States Agency for International Development of an agreement entered into under paragraph (1) with an eligible country to exchange a new obligation for outstanding obligations.
(B)Additional requirementAt the direction of the Facility, the old obligations that are the subject of the agreement shall be canceled and a new debt obligation for the country shall be established relating to the agreement, and the United States Agency for International Development shall make an adjustment in its accounts to reflect the debt reduction.
(c)Additional terms and conditionsThe following additional terms and conditions shall apply to the reduction of debt under subsection (a)(1) in the same manner as such terms and conditions apply to the reduction of debt under section 704(a)(1) of this Act:
(1)The provisions relating to repayment of principal under section 705 of this Act.
(2)The provisions relating to interest on new obligations under section 706 of this Act.
907.Authority to engage in debt-for-nature swaps and debt buybacks
(a)Loans and credits eligible for sale, reduction, or cancellation
(1)Debt-for-nature swaps
(A)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the President may, in accordance with this section, sell to any eligible purchaser described in subparagraph (B) any concessional loans described in section 906(a)(1), or on receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser described in subparagraph (B), reduce or cancel such loans or portion thereof, only for the purpose of facilitating a debt-for-nature swap to support eligible activities described in section 908(d).
(B)Eligible purchaser describedA loan may be sold, reduced, or canceled under subparagraph (A) only to a purchaser who presents plans satisfactory to the President for using the loan for the purpose of engaging in debt-for-nature swaps to support eligible activities described in section 908(d).
(C)Consultation requirementBefore the sale under subparagraph (A) to any eligible purchaser described in subparagraph (B), or any reduction or cancellation under such subparagraph (A), of any loan made to an eligible country, the President shall consult with the country concerning the amount of loans to be sold, reduced, or canceled and their uses for debt-for-nature swaps to support eligible activities described in section 908(d).
(D)Authorization of appropriationsFor the cost (as defined in section 502(5) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990) for the reduction of any debt pursuant to subparagraph (A), amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 906(a)(2) shall be made available for such reduction of debt pursuant to subparagraph (A).
(2)Debt buybacksNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the President may, in accordance with this section, sell to any eligible country any concessional loans described in section 906(a)(1), or on receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser described in paragraph (1)(B), reduce or cancel such loans or portion thereof, only for the purpose of facilitating a debt buyback by an eligible country of its own qualified debt, only if the eligible country uses an additional amount of the local currency of the eligible country, equal to not less than the lessor of 40 percent of the price paid for such debt by such eligible country, or the difference between the price paid for such debt and the face value of such debt, to support eligible activities described in section 908(d).
(3)LimitationThe authority provided by paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be available only to the extent that appropriations for the cost (as defined in section 502(5) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990) of the modification of any debt pursuant to such paragraphs are made in advance.
(4)Terms and conditionsNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the President shall, in accordance with this section, establish the terms and conditions under which loans may be sold, reduced, or canceled pursuant to this section.
(5)Administration
(A)In generalThe Facility shall notify the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development of eligible purchasers described in paragraph (1)(B) that the President has determined to be eligible under paragraph (1), and shall direct such agency to carry out the sale, reduction, or cancellation of a loan pursuant to such paragraph.
(B)Additional requirementSuch agency shall make an adjustment in its accounts to reflect the sale, reduction, or cancellation of such a loan.
(b)Deposit of proceedsThe proceeds from the sale, reduction, or cancellation of any loan sold, reduced or canceled pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the United States Government account or accounts established for the repayment of such loan.
908.Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Agreement
(a)Authority
(1)In generalThe Secretary of State is authorized, in consultation with other appropriate officials of the Federal Government, to enter into a Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Agreement with any eligible country concerning the operation and use of the Fund for that country.
(2)ConsultationIn the negotiation of such an Agreement, the Secretary shall consult with the Board in accordance with section 910.
(b)Contents of AgreementThe requirements contained in section 708(b) of this Act (relating to contents of an agreement) shall apply to an Agreement in the same manner as such requirements apply to an Americas Framework Agreement.
(c)Administering body
(1)In generalAmounts disbursed from the Fund in each beneficiary country shall be administered by a body constituted under the laws of that country.
(2)Composition
(A)In generalThe administering body shall consist of—
(i)one or more individuals appointed by the United States Government;
(ii)one or more individuals appointed by the government of the beneficiary country; and
(iii)individuals who represent a broad range of—
(I)environmental non-governmental organizations of, or active in, the beneficiary country;
(II)local community development non-governmental organizations of the beneficiary country; and
(III)scientific, academic, or forestry organizations of the beneficiary country.
(B)Additional requirementA majority of the members of the administering body shall be individuals described in subparagraph (A)(iii).
(3)ResponsibilitiesThe requirements contained in section 708(c)(3) of this Act (relating to responsibilities of the administering body) shall apply to an administering body described in paragraph (1) in the same manner as such requirements apply to an administering body described in section 708(c)(1) of this Act.
(d)Eligible activitiesAmounts deposited in a Fund shall be used only to provide grants to conserve, maintain, and restore the coral reefs and other coastal marine resources in the beneficiary country, through one or more of the following activities:
(1)Establishment, restoration, protection, and maintenance of parks, protected areas, and reserves.
(2)Development and implementation of scientifically sound systems of natural resource management, including ridgeline to reef and ecosystem management practices.
(3)Training programs to increase the scientific, technical, and managerial capacities of individuals and organizations involved in conservation efforts.
(4)Restoration, protection, or sustainable use of diverse marine animal and plant species.
(5)Development and support of the livelihoods of individuals living near a coral reef or other coastal marine resource, in a manner consistent with protecting those resources.
(e)Grant recipients
(1)In generalGrants made from a Fund shall be made to—
(A)nongovernmental environmental, forestry, conservation, and indigenous peoples organizations of, or active in, the beneficiary country;
(B)other appropriate local or regional entities of, or active in, the beneficiary country; or
(C)in exceptional circumstances, the government of the beneficiary country.
(2)PriorityIn providing grants under paragraph (1), priority shall be given to projects that are run by nongovernmental organizations and other private entities and that involve local communities in their planning and execution.
(f)Review of larger grantsAny grant of more than $100,000 from a Fund shall be subject to veto by the Government of the United States or the government of the beneficiary country.
(g)Eligibility criteriaIn the event that a country ceases to meet the eligibility requirements set forth in section 905(a), as determined by the President pursuant to section 905(b), then grants from the Fund for that country may only be made to nongovernmental organizations until such time as the President determines that such country meets the eligibility requirements set forth in section 905(a).
909.Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Fund
(a)EstablishmentEach beneficiary country that enters into a Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Agreement under section 908 shall be required to establish a Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Fund to receive payments of interest on new obligations undertaken by the beneficiary country under this part.
(b)Requirements relating to operation of FundThe following terms and conditions shall apply to the Fund in the same manner as such terms as conditions apply to an Enterprise for the Americas Fund under section 707 of this Act:
(1)The provision relating to deposits under subsection (b) of such section.
(2)The provision relating to investments under subsection (c) of such section.
(3)The provision relating to disbursements under subsection (d) of such section.
910.Board
(a)Enterprise for the Americas BoardThe Enterprise for the Americas Board established under section 610(a) of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (7 U.S.C. 1738i(a)) shall, in addition to carrying out the responsibilities of the Board under section 610(c) of such Act, carry out the duties described in subsection (c) of this section for the purposes of this part.
(b)Membership
(1)Initial membershipOf the six members of the Enterprise for the Americas Board appointed by the President under section 610(b)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (7 U.S.C. 1738i(b)(1)(A)), at least one shall be a representative of the Department of State, at least one shall be a representative of the Department of the Treasury, and at least one shall be a representative of the Inter-American Foundation.
(2)Additional membershipThe Enterprise for the Americas Board shall be composed of an additional four members appointed by the President as follows:
(A)Two representatives from the United States Government, including a representative of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and a representative of the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
(B)Two representatives from private nongovernmental environmental, scientific, forestry, or academic organizations with experience and expertise in preservation, maintenance, sustainable uses, and restoration of coral reefs and other coastal marine resources.
(c)DutiesThe duties described in this subsection are as follows:
(1)Advise the Secretary of State on the negotiations of Coral Reef and Other Coastal Marine Resources Agreements.
(2)Ensure, in consultation with—
(A)the government of the beneficiary country;
(B)nongovernmental organizations of the beneficiary country;
(C)nongovernmental organizations of the region (if appropriate);
(D)environmental, scientific, oceanographic, and academic leaders of the beneficiary country; and
(E)environmental, scientific, oceanographic, and academic leaders of the region (as appropriate),that a suitable administering body is identified for each Fund.
(3)Review the programs, operations, and fiscal audits of each administering body.
911.Consultations with the CongressThe President shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees on a periodic basis to review the operation of the Facility under this part and the eligibility of countries for benefits from the Facility under this part.
912.Annual reports to the Congress
(a)In generalNot later than December 31 of each year, the President shall prepare and transmit to the Congress an annual report concerning the operation of the Facility for the prior fiscal year. Such report shall include—
(1)a description of the activities undertaken by the Facility during the previous fiscal year;
(2)a description of any Agreement entered into under this part;
(3)a report on any Funds that have been established under this part and on the operations of such Funds; and
(4)a description of any grants that have been provided by administering bodies pursuant to Agreements under this part.
(b)Supplemental views in annual reportNot later than December 15 of each year, each member of the Board shall be entitled to receive a copy of the report required under subsection (a). Each member of the Board may prepare and submit supplemental views to the President on the implementation of this part by December 31 for inclusion in the annual report when it is transmitted to Congress pursuant to this section..


115 S1058 IS: National Flood Insurance Program Consultant Accountability Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-05-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 1058
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 4, 2017
			Mr. Kennedy introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

		A BILL
		To authorize the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to terminate certain
			 contracts on the basis of detrimental conduct to the National Flood
			 Insurance Program, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the National Flood Insurance Program Consultant Accountability Act of 2017.
		2.Termination of certain contracts under the National Flood Insurance Program
 (a)In generalPart C of chapter II National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4081 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					1349.Termination of contracts
 (a)DefinitionIn this section— (1)the term covered entity means any attorney, law firm, consultant, or third-party company that provides services to a Write Your Own company; and
 (2)the term Write Your Own company means a company participating in the cooperative undertaking between the insurance industry and the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration that allows participating property and casualty insurance companies to write and service standard flood insurance policies.
							(b)Termination
 (1)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may terminate a contract or other agreement between a covered entity and a Write Your Own company if the Administrator—
 (A)determines that the covered entity has engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the flood insurance program authorized under chapter I; and
 (B)not later than 14 days before terminating the contract or other agreement, provided notice to the covered entity of the termination.
 (2)AppealThe Administrator shall establish a process for a covered entity to appeal a termination of a contract or other agreement under paragraph (1).
 (3)Early termination payoutsThe Administrator or a Write Your Own company is not required to make any early termination payout to a covered entity with respect to a contract or agreement with the Write Your Own company that the Administrator terminates under paragraph (1)..
 (b)Effective date; applicabilityThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall— (1)take effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and
 (2)apply to any contract or other agreement between a covered entity and a Write Your Own company (as those terms are defined in section 1349(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as added by subsection (a)) entered into on or after the date of enactment of this Act.


116 HR 7808 IH: Stop the Censorship Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-07-29
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7808IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 29, 2020Mr. Gosar (for himself, Mr. Collins of Georgia, Mr. Norman, Mr. Gooden, Mr. King of Iowa, Mr. Banks, Mr. Gaetz, Mr. Yoho, Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Wright, Mr. Grothman, and Mr. Crawford) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo amend section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 (commonly referred to as the Communications Decency Act) to stop censorship, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Stop the Censorship Act of 2020.2.Revocation of immunitiesSection 230(c) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 230(c)) is amended—(1)in the heading, by striking and Screening of Offensive Material and inserting of unlawful or objectionable material; and(2)in paragraph (2)—(A)in subparagraph (A)—(i)by striking or otherwise objectionable and inserting , unlawful, or that promotes violence or terrorism; and(ii)by striking ; or and inserting a semicolon;(B)in subparagraph (B), by striking paragraph (1). and inserting subparagraph (A); or; and(C)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(C)any action taken to provide users with the option to restrict access to any other material, whether or not such material is constitutionally protected..


117 S1584 IS: Census Federal Advisory Committee on Transparency and Standards Act
U.S. Senate
2021-05-12
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.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1584IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 12, 2021Mr. Schatz introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsA BILLTo create a 2020 Census Federal Advisory Committee on Transparency and Standards. 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Census Federal Advisory Committee on Transparency and Standards Act or the Census FACTS Act.2.Findings and purposes(a)FindingsCongress finds the following:(1)The decennial census is a nonpartisan activity, written into the Constitution of the United States and conducted since 1790, the purpose of which is to allocate political representation based on population.(2)Article I, section 2 of the Constitution of the United States vests Congress with the authority to conduct a decennial enumeration and thereafter determine the apportionment of the Members of the House of Representatives among the States.(3)The placement of that constitutional language reflects a recognition that apportionment is core to the nature and the exercise of legislative power.(4)Members of the House of Representatives are allocated in proportion to the respective population of the States, whereas the Members of the Senate are fixed at 2 Senators per State.(5)The apportionment of Members of the House of Representatives among the States fundamentally shapes the composition of Congress and, particularly, the composition of the House of Representatives.(6)The House of Representatives therefore has a significant interest in apportionment and, with the Senate, the constitutional prerogative to oversee and command the method of apportionment.(7)Census data also inform decisions about allocating seats in State legislatures, city councils, and other civic governing bodies.(8)In addition, census data guide the distribution of Federal funds for Medicare and Medicaid, low-income family assistance, highway infrastructure, and many other programs.(9)The Supreme Court of the United States recognized in Wisconsin v. City of New York, 517 U.S. 1 (1996), that the Constitution vests Congress with wide discretion over apportionment decisions and the conduct of the census.(10)The Supreme Court also recognized in Department of Commerce v. Montana, 503 U.S. 442 (1992), that, in the context of enumeration and apportionment, Article I, § 8, cl. 18, expressly authorizes Congress to enact legislation that shall be necessary and proper to carry out its delegated responsibilities.. The Supreme Court observed that Congress may change its apportionment rules at any time.(11)In March 2020, shortly after the beginning of census data collection, the COVID–19 pandemic disrupted the 2020 Census operational plan, leading to delays and requiring more time to conduct and complete census operations. Accordingly, on April 13, 2020, the Census Bureau adopted a plan that sought to extend the schedule for data collection and processing and the Secretary of Commerce’s reports of population tabulations to the President and the States under subsections (b) and (c) of section 141 of title 13, United States Code. The timeline of the Census Bureau dictated that data processing and quality improvement activities would take 6 months.(12)On August 3, 2020, the Director of the Census Bureau changed course and announced a replan that significantly reduced the COVID–19 timeframes for in-person data collection and cut data processing timeframes by half. The Census Bureau conducted its field operations on a shortened timeline while battling a global pandemic, social unrest, and severe natural disasters in California, Louisiana, and Texas.(b)PurposeThe purpose of this Act is to appoint an expert, nonpartisan Federal advisory committee to evaluate and advise Congress on—(1)the independence and scientific integrity of the Census Bureau and the 2020 Census;(2)the plan of the Census Bureau to deliver the most accurate State-level population figures and data necessary for apportionment, redistricting, and census-guided Federal assistance; and(3)recommendations to ensure that future decennial censuses are nonpartisan, full, fair, and accurate.3.2020 Census Federal Advisory Committee on Transparency and Standards(a)DefinitionIn this section, the term Advisory Committee means the 2020 Census Federal Advisory Committee on Transparency and Standards established under subsection (b).(b)EstablishmentThere is established the 2020 Census Federal Advisory Committee on Transparency and Standards to—(1)review 2020 Census operations and decision making in order to make policy and legislative recommendations, with a focus on—(A)the independence and scientific integrity of the Census Bureau and the data products of the Census Bureau;(B)deviations from the Census Bureau’s independent and apolitical mission of enumeration;(C)disruptions of standard practices and timelines in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events; and(D)the level of transparency, public participation, and responsiveness on the part of the Census Bureau in making its determinations, including tradeoffs between protecting privacy and confidentiality and assuring the high quality and usability of the data;(2)assess how decisions concerning the 2020 Census affected the quality and accuracy of the enumeration of the people of the United States; and(3)consider factors related to the 2020 Census that may have dampened participation in self-response.(c)Member qualificationsThe Census Bureau shall enter into an agreement with the Committee on National Statistics of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to identify 20 distinguished scientists, experts, and stakeholders who—(1)have—(A)knowledge about or direct experience with the decennial census, including direct experience with historically undercounted and hard-to-reach communities; or(B)knowledge about or direct experience in the data sciences; and(2)could potentially serve on the Advisory Committee.(d)CompositionThe Advisory Committee shall be composed of 6 members selected from the individuals identified under subsection (c), of whom—(1)1 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate;(2)1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate;(3)1 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;(4)1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; and(5)2 shall be appointed by the President.(e)ChairThe President shall designate a member of the Advisory Committee to be the Chair.(f)Period of appointmentMembers of the Advisory Committee shall be appointed for the life of the Advisory Committee.(g)VacancyA vacancy in the Advisory Committee shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.(h)Appointment deadlineEach member of the Advisory Committee shall be appointed not later than 14 days after the date of enactment of this Act.(i)Powers of Advisory Committee(1)Meetings(A)Initial meetingNot later than 20 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Advisory Committee shall hold its first meeting.(B)QuorumFour members of the Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum.(C)Meetings(i)In generalThe Advisory Committee shall regularly meet at the call of the Chair.(ii)Remote meetingsMeetings of the Advisory Committee may be carried out through the use of telephonic, internet, or other appropriate telecommunication technology if the Advisory Committee determines that the technology will allow the members to communicate simultaneously.(D)Public access(i)In generalSubject to clause (ii), the Advisory Committee shall conduct any deliberations concerning the matters described in subsection (b) in a public meeting.(ii)Closed portionsThe Advisory Committee may close a portion of a meeting only if the Chair determines that the closing is permitted under section 552b(c) of title 5, United States Code, and is necessary.(iii)Remote accessPublic access to the meetings of the Advisory Committee may be granted through the use of telephonic, internet, or other appropriate telecommunication technology if—(I)the meetings are conducted through such technology; or(II)the Advisory Committee determines that such technology is sufficient to provide the public with access to meetings.(E)NoticeBefore each meeting, the Advisory Committee shall provide timely public notice of the time, place or communication technology, and subject of the meeting.(2)HearingsThe Advisory Committee may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive evidence as the Advisory Committee considers advisable to carry out the responsibilities of the Advisory Committee.(3)Information from Federal agenciesThe Advisory Committee may secure directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government such information as the Advisory Committee considers necessary to carry out the duties of the Advisory Committee.(4)Advisory Committee records(A)In generalThe Advisory Committee shall keep an accurate and complete record of the actions and meetings of the Advisory Committee.(B)AvailabilityThe Advisory Committee shall make each record described in subparagraph (A) available for public inspection, and the Comptroller General of the United States may audit and examine each such record.(5)Personnel records(A)In generalThe Advisory Committee shall keep an accurate and complete record of actions taken with respect to personnel of the Advisory Committee.(B)AvailabilityThe Advisory Committee shall make each record described in subparagraph (A) available for public inspection upon request, without disclosing personally identifiable information, and the Comptroller General of the United States may audit and examine each such record.(6)PrivacyThe Advisory Committee shall be bound by the same requirements for protection of confidential information as set forth in sections 9 and 214 of title 13, United States Code.(7)Compensation of members and travel expensesA member of the Advisory Committee shall serve without pay but shall receive travel expenses to perform the duties of the Advisory Committee, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.(8)ContractingThe Advisory Committee may, to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to enable the Advisory Committee to discharge the duties of the Advisory Committee under this section, including contracts to provide administrative support and other support as needed.(9)Expert and consultant servicesThe Advisory Committee may procure the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid to a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.(10)Postal servicesThe Advisory Committee may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments and agencies of the United States.(j)Reports(1)DefinitionIn this subsection, the term appropriate recipients means—(A)the President;(B)the Secretary of Commerce. (C)the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;(D)the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;(E)the Committee on Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives; and(F)the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.(2)Initial report(A)In generalNot later than 45 days after the date on which the Advisory Committee holds its first meeting, the Advisory Committee shall submit an initial report on the findings of the Advisory Committee to the appropriate recipients.(B)ContentsThe report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:(i)An analysis of the changes in Census Bureau operations due to the COVID–19 pandemic and other natural disasters, and the impact of those changes on the quality and accuracy of the 2020 Census data.(ii)An analysis of the deviations from the Census Bureau’s independent and apolitical mission of accurate enumeration during the 2020 Census and the impact of those deviations on the reliability of the data collected by the 2020 Census, particularly with respect to historically hard-to-count communities.(iii)An analysis of the policies and practices of the Census Bureau’s 2020 Census operations, and the impact of those policies and practices on achieving a full and accurate count, particularly of historically hard-to-count communities. (3)Final report(A)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date on which the Advisory Committee holds its first meeting, the Advisory Committee shall submit a final report on the findings of the Advisory Committee to the appropriate recipients.(B)ContentsThe report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include recommendations for Census Bureau policy and practice based on the analysis in the initial report submitted under paragraph (2).(k)FACA not applicableThe Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Advisory Committee. (l)Termination of Advisory CommitteeThe Advisory Committee shall terminate 30 days after the date on which the Advisory Committee submits the final report under subsection (j)(3).(m)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Advisory Committee $750,000 for fiscal year 2021, to remain available until expended.4.Population countsSection 22a of the Act entitled An Act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and to provide for apportionment of Representatives in Congress, approved June 18, 1929 (2 U.S.C. 2a(a)), is amended by adding at the end the following:(d)State population countsFor the purposes of adopting congressional district boundaries, the legislature of a State or any entity that is charged by a State with recommending or adopting such boundaries shall make its recommendations or determinations using total population data counting the whole number of persons in the State..


113 S1825 IS: Securing Job Corps Centers Act
U.S. Senate
2013-12-13
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.

II113th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1825IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESDecember 13 (legislative day, December 11), 2013Ms. Collins (for herself, Mrs. McCaskill, and Mr. Manchin) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo improve the management of the Job Corps program, and for other purposes.1.Short
			 titleThis Act
			 may be cited as the Securing Job Corps Centers Act.2.Findings and
			 purpose(a)FindingsCongress finds the following:(1)The Department of Labor’s management of the Job Corps program has recently suffered from poor budgeting and financial management. The Office of Inspector General of the Department of Labor found that the Department had projected costs erroneously and managerial factors exacerbated the resulting budget shortfalls.(2)For nearly 50 years, the Job Corps program was overseen by a single  individual appointed to a position in the Senior Executive Service. The management structure for the program has expanded to include 3 positions in the Senior Executive Service. This expansion has not contributed to better management of the program but has created uncertainty about roles and responsibilities, according to the May 31, 2013, report by the Office of Inspector General.(3)The Department of Labor has not been sufficiently transparent with Congress regarding policies that significantly affect constituents, particularly decisions to suspend enrollments or reduce the number of enrollees the Job Corps program serves.(4)An advisory board of Job Corps operational experts can assist the new leadership of the Department of Labor as the Department—(A)addresses the structural challenges the Job Corps program faces in its administration; and(B)returns the program to the administrative and operational efficiency that characterized the program's  first 50 years.(b)Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—(1)local Job Corps center operational experts should play an important role in ensuring the effective management by the Secretary  of the Job Corps program, by informing the Office of Job Corps on the impact Federal decisions may have on Job Corps campuses;(2)the Job Corps program continues to produce results as the economy of the United States recovers and unemployment remains high, as more than 85 percent of Job Corps graduates obtain a job, enroll in higher education, or enlist in the military upon completion; and(3)the 125 Job Corps center campuses, which includes locations in nearly every State, have compiled an impressive record of preparing at-risk youth for the workforce or higher education,  and in nearly 50 years, more than 3,000,000 youth have obtained, through the Job Corps program, the job and social skills needed to start a career or obtain further educational credentials.3.Job Corps Program Advisory
			 Board(a)Establishment(1)In
			 generalThere is established in the Department of Labor  the Job Corps Program Advisory Board (referred to in this section as the Advisory Board).(2)RecommendationsThe Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, shall solicit and
			 receive recommendations relating to the administration and management structure
			 of the Job Corps program from the Advisory
			 Board.(b)MembershipThe
			 Advisory Board shall be composed of 5 members appointed by the Secretary, of whom—(1)1 shall be selected from recommendations submitted by the Board of Directors of
			 the National Job Corps Association; and(2)4 shall be
			 selected from recommendations submitted by the chairpersons, in consultation with the ranking members, of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives.(c)QualificationsA majority of the individuals appointed to the Board under subsection (b) shall have—(1)backgrounds containing significant involvement in Job Corps managing operations; or(2)relevant management experience, in  areas such as financial management, procurement and contract administration, and performance management, at a Job Corps center or at the regional or national level of the Job Corps program.(d)Period of
			 appointment; vacanciesMembers of the Advisory Board shall serve for the life of the Advisory Board. Any vacancy in the Advisory Board shall not affect its
			 powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original
			 appointment.(e)ChairpersonThe
			 Advisory Board shall select a Chairperson from among its members.(f)Duties of the
			 Advisory Board(1)Administration and management structure study and
			 report(A)StudyThe
			 Advisory Board shall conduct a thorough study of all matters relating to the
			 administration of and management structure for the Job Corps program.(B)RecommendationsThe
			 Advisory Board shall develop recommendations on ways of improving the
			 administration and management structure of the Job Corps program, including reducing to 1 the number of
			 positions in the Senior Executive Service within the program.(C)ReportNot
			 later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Advisory Board shall prepare and submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress—(i)a report that contains a detailed statement of
			 the findings and conclusions of the Advisory Board; and(ii)recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as the Advisory Board considers
			 appropriate.(2)RecommendationsThe
			 Advisory Board shall receive each report submitted under section 5(a)(2) and make
			 recommendations to the Assistant Secretary relating to the administration and
			 management structure for the Job Corps program  in response to the report or to
			 requests by the Secretary.(g)No additional compensation(1)Voluntary serviceEach member of the Advisory Board shall serve without compensation in addition to any such compensation received for the member's service as an officer or employee of the United States, if applicable.(2)No travel expensesA member of the Advisory Board shall not be allowed travel expenses while away from the member's home or regular place of business in the performance of services for the Advisory Board.(h)TerminationThe Advisory Board shall terminate at the end of the 2-year period during which the Secretary is not required to submit any notification reports under section 5, unless the Secretary elects to extend the life of the Advisory Board for any  additional period of time.4.Improved
			 administration and management structure(a)In
			 generalNot later than
			 60 days after receiving a report under section
			 3(f)(1), the Secretary shall take action to improve the administration
			 and management structure of the Job Corps program, which actions shall include reducing to 1 the
			 number of positions in the Senior Executive Service funded through the annual appropriations provided for the Job Corps program. The individual appointed to the position in the Senior Executive Service for the Job Corps program shall be responsible for the fiscal, program, and procurement oversight of the Job Corps program.(b)Budget
			 planNot later than 90 days
			 after receiving the report submitted under
			 section 6, the Secretary shall prepare and submit a
			 plan detailing how the Secretary will address and prevent any current or
			 anticipated budget problem concerning the Job Corps program. The Secretary shall submit the plan to the appropriate committees of Congress.5.Notification
			 reports(a)Report(1)In generalNot later than 120 days prior to implementation of a policy described in subsection (b), the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, shall prepare, and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, a report that contains a notification regarding the policy.(2)Submission to the Advisory BoardThe Secretary shall submit any report prepared under paragraph (1) to the Job Corps Program Advisory Board established under section 3 at the same time as such report is submitted to Congress, until the date on which the  Advisory Board is terminated in accordance with section 3(h).(b)Policies coveredSubsection (a) applies to   any policy implemented by the Department of Labor that would—(1)suspend the enrollment of applicants to participate in the Job Corps program;(2)reduce the number of positions available for enrollees in the program; or(3)affect the closure of a Job Corps center.6.Government
			 Accountability Office reportThe Comptroller General of the United States
			 shall conduct a financial audit of the Job Corps program for fiscal years 2012
			 and 2013, and prepare and submit a report describing the results of the audit. Such audit shall contain a full review of the financial shortfalls relating
			 to the program. The Comptroller General shall submit the report to the
			 Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress.7.Funding(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the  Secretary shall reserve funds appropriated for fiscal year 2013 for the Employment and Training Administration that have not been obligated as of the date of enactment of this Act, and shall use such funds to carry out the requirements of this Act.(b)AvailabilityThe funds reserved under this section shall remain available until expended.8.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Job CorpsThe term Job Corps means the Job Corps described in section 143 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2882).(2)Job Corps centerThe term Job Corps center means a center described in section 147 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2887).(3)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Labor.


116 HR 719 IH: Make Identifiable Criminal Rounds Obvious Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-23
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 CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 719IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 23, 2019Mr. Brown of Maryland (for himself, Ms. Adams, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Mr. Cisneros, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Clay, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Evans, Ms. Fudge, Mr. Green of Texas, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Hayes, Ms. Jackson Lee, Ms. Johnson of Texas, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mr. Lawson of Florida, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Levin of Michigan, Mrs. McBath, Mr. McEachin, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Moore, Mr. Neguse, Ms. Norton, Ms. Omar, Ms. Pressley, Mr. Richmond, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Underwood, Mr. Veasey, and Mrs. Watson Coleman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo require certain semiautomatic pistols manufactured, imported, or sold by Federal firearms licensees to be capable of microstamping ammunition, and to prohibit the removal, obliteration, or alteration of the microstamped code or microstamping capability of a firearm.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Make Identifiable Criminal Rounds Obvious Act or the MICRO Act. 2.Requirement that certain semiautomatic pistols manufactured, imported, or sold by Federal firearms licensees be capable of microstamping ammunitionSection 923 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(m)
(1)
(A)A person licensed under this chapter shall not manufacture, import, or transfer a semiautomatic pistol to which this subparagraph applies that is not capable of microstamping ammunition. (B)For purposes of subparagraph (A), a pistol is capable of microstamping ammunition if—
(i)a microscopic array of characters that identify the make, model, and serial number of the pistol is etched into the breech face and firing pin of the pistol; and (ii)when ammunition is fired from the pistol, the characters are copied from the breech face and firing pin onto the cartridge case of the ammunition.
(C)Subparagraph (A) shall apply only to semiautomatic pistols which— (i)are manufactured, or imported into the United States, on or after the effective date of this subsection; and
(ii)have not been transferred to a person not licensed under this chapter. (2)Whoever violates paragraph (1) shall be fined an amount equal to—
(A)in the case of a first such violation by the violator, $1,000 multiplied by the number of semiautomatic pistols involved in the violation; (B)in the case of a second such violation by the violator, $2,000 multiplied by the number of semiautomatic pistols involved in the violation; or
(C)in the case of a third such violation by the violator, $3,000 multiplied by the number of semiautomatic pistols involved in the violation.. 3.Prohibition on the removal, obliteration, or alteration of the microstamped code or microstamping capability of a firearm (a)In generalSection 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after subsection (u) the following:

(v)
(1)It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, obliterate, or alter the microstamped code or microstamping capability of a firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. (2)Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the replacement of a firing pin that is damaged or worn, and is in need of replacement..
(b)PenaltiesSection 924 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:  (q) (1) (A)In the case of a knowing violation of section 922(v), the Attorney General may, after notice and opportunity for hearing—
(i)subject the violator to a civil penalty in an amount equal to not more than $5,000; and (ii)if the violator is a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer, suspend for not more than 6 months, or revoke, any license issued to the licensee under this chapter.
(B)An action under subparagraph (A) may be reviewed only as provided under section 923(f). (2)The suspension or revocation of a license or the imposition of a civil penalty under paragraph (1) shall not preclude any administrative remedy that is otherwise available to the Attorney General..
4.Effective dateThe amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4254
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 9, 2009
			Ms. Kaptur introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Financial
			 Services

		A BILL
		To direct amounts derived from the repayment of TARP
		  assistance to the Deposit Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance
		  Corporation to reduce the amount of any increase in premiums that would
		  otherwise be required of smaller insured depository institutions and community
		  banks whose prudent activities did not contribute to the financial crisis, and
		  for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Community Bank Preservation
			 Act.
		2.Redirection of
			 repayment of TARP assistance to the Deposit Insurance FundSubsection (d) of section 106 of the
			 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (12 U.S.C. 5216(d)) is amended by
			 striking shall be paid and all that follows through the end of
			 the sentence and inserting shall be transferred to the Federal Deposit
			 Insurance Corporation and deposited in the Deposit Insurance Fund to be used to
			 reduce the amount of any increase in premiums that would otherwise be required
			 of smaller insured depository institutions and community banks whose prudent
			 activities did not contribute to the financial crisis.


109 HRES 418 : Requesting the President to transmit to the House of Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution documents in the possession of the President relating to the disclosure of the identity and employment of Ms. Valerie Plame.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-09-21
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
House Calendar No. 91
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 418
[Report No. 109–228]
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 29, 2005
Mr. Holt (for himself, Mr. Inslee, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Kucinich, Mr. Tierney, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Ackerman, Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. Delahunt, Mr. Doyle, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mr. Visclosky, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Pallone, Ms. Lee, and Ms. Matsui) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select)

September 21, 2005
Additional sponsors: Mr. Crowley, Mr. Smith of Washington, and Ms. Berkley

September 21, 2005
Reported adversely from the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, referred to the House Calendar, and ordered to be printed

RESOLUTION
Requesting the President to transmit to the House of Representatives not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution documents in the possession of the President relating to the disclosure of the identity and employment of Ms. Valerie Plame.

That the President is requested to transmit to the House of Representatives not later than the date that is 14 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution, all documents, including telephone and electronic mail records, logs and calendars, personnel records, and records of internal discussions in the possession of the President relating to the disclosure of the identity of Ms. Valerie Plame as an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency during the period beginning on May 6, 2003, and ending on July 31, 2003.

September 21, 2005
Reported adversely, referred to the House Calendar, and ordered to be printed


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 2114
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			October 29, 2009
			Mr. Bond introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To extend the temporary suspension of duty
		  on 3,6,9-Trioxaundecanedioic acid.

		1.3,6,9-Trioxaundecanedioic acid
			(a)In generalHeading 9902.04.09 of the Harmonized Tariff
			 Schedule of the United States (relating to 3,6,9-Trioxaundecanedioic acid) is
			 amended by striking 12/31/2009 and inserting
			 12/31/2011.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by
			 subsection (a) applies with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from
			 warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act.


117 HRES 53 IH: Maintaining North Korea’s seizure of the vessel USS Pueblo and its detention of the crew were in violation of international law and seeking the return of the USS Pueblo to the United States.
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-01-19
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.

IV
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 53
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 19, 2021
Mr. Steube submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION
Maintaining North Korea’s seizure of the vessel USS Pueblo and its detention of the crew were in violation of international law and seeking the return of the USS Pueblo to the United States.

Whereas the USS Pueblo is a commissioned ship of the United States Navy captured by North Korea on January 23, 1968; Whereas the USS Pueblo carried three 50-caliber machine guns and were not fired when the USS Pueblo was being seized by North Korean patrol boats and engaged in no hostilities against anyone, including North Korea;
Whereas the United States has made clear that the USS Pueblo was on an intelligence collection mission in the Sea of Japan at the time of its seizure by North Korea; Whereas intelligence collection by vessels of this type is a standard and accepted practice in the world today;
Whereas the USS Pueblo was engaged in a mission that is accepted by the navies and governments of the world; Whereas the USS Pueblo had strict orders to remain at all times at a distance more than 13 nautical miles from the nearest point in North Korean territory, in order to avoid any possible incident. The United States has no reason to believe the orders were not obeyed;
Whereas even in the case of a warship that has entered territorial waters, the coastal state is not entitled to assert any jurisdiction over it other than to require the warship to leave the territorial sea if the warship does not comply with regulations of the coastal state concerning passage through the territorial sea and disregards a request for compliance; Whereas the United States contends international law gives no such right to seize a foreign war vessel within the territorial waters of North Korea; and
Whereas all evidence shows that the USS Pueblo was on the high seas: Now, therefore, be it  That the House of Representatives—
(1)maintains North Korea’s seizure of the vessel USS Pueblo and its detention of the crew were in violation of international law; and (2)declares that USS Pueblo is the property of the United States Government and it should be returned to the United States.


114 HR 3856 IH: Information Reporting Simplification Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-10-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3856
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			October 28, 2015
			Mr. Renacci (for himself and Mr. Carney) 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 provide a safe harbor for de minimis errors on
			 information returns and payee statements.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Information Reporting Simplification Act of 2015. 2.Safe harbor for de minimis errors on information returns and payee statements (a)In generalSection 6721(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

					(3)Safe harbor for certain de minimis errors
 (A)In generalIf, with respect to an information return filed with the Secretary— (i)there are 1 or more failures described in subsection (a)(2)(B) relating to an incorrect dollar amount,
 (ii)no single amount in error differs from the correct amount by more than $100, and (iii)no single amount reported for tax withheld on any information return differs from the correct amount by more than $25,
							then no correction shall be required and, for purposes of this section, such return shall be
 treated as having been filed with all of the correct required information.(B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to any incorrect dollar amount to the extent that such error relates to an amount with respect to which an election is made under section 6722(c)(3)(B).
 (C)Regulatory authorityThe Secretary may issue regulations to prevent the abuse of the safe harbor under this paragraph, including regulations providing that this paragraph shall not apply to the extent necessary to prevent any such abuse..
 (b)Failure To furnish correct payee statementSection 6722(c) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (3)Safe harbor for certain de minimis errors (A)In generalIf, with respect to any payee statement—
 (i)there are 1 or more failures described in subsection (a)(2)(B) relating to an incorrect dollar amount,
 (ii)no single amount in error differs from the correct amount by more than $100, and (iii)no single amount reported for tax withheld on any information return differs from the correct amount by more than $25,
							then no correction shall be required and, for purposes of this section, such statement shall be
 treated as having been filed with all of the correct required information.(B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply to any payee statement if the person to whom such statement is required to be furnished makes an election (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe) that subparagraph (A) not apply with respect to such statement.
 (C)Regulatory authorityThe Secretary may issue regulations to prevent the abuse of the safe harbor under this paragraph, including regulations providing that this paragraph shall not apply to the extent necessary to prevent any such abuse..
 (c)Application to broker reporting of basisSection 6045(g)(2)(B) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:  (iii)Treatment of uncorrected de minimis errorsExcept as otherwise provided by the Secretary, the customer’s adjusted basis shall be determined by treating any incorrect dollar amount which is not required to be corrected by reason of section 6721(c)(3) as the correct amount..
			(d)Conforming amendments
 (1)Section 6721(c) of such Code is amended by striking Exception for de minimis failures to include all required information in the heading and inserting Exceptions for certain de minimis failures. (2)Section 6721(c)(1) of such Code is amended by striking In general in the heading and inserting Exception for de minimis failure to include all required information.
 (e)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to returns required to be filed, and payee statements required to be provided, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.


115 HR 4131 IH: No Abortion Bonds Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-10-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4131IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 25, 2017Mr. Pittenger (for himself, Mr. Loudermilk, Mr. Kinzinger, Mr. Fortenberry, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Rohrabacher, Mr. Gohmert, Mrs. Noem, Mrs. Hartzler, Mr. Norman, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Lipinski, Mrs. Black, Mr. Biggs, Mr. Jenkins of West Virginia, Mr. Webster of Florida, Mr. Rothfus, Mr. Duncan of Tennessee, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Walker, Mr. Franks of Arizona, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Mr. Duncan of South Carolina, Mr. Luetkemeyer, Mr. Palazzo, Mr. Mooney of West Virginia, Mr. Rokita, Mr. Gibbs, Mr. Jones, Mr. Hudson, Mrs. Wagner, Mr. Francis Rooney of Florida, Mr. Dunn, Mr. Jody B. Hice of Georgia, Mr. Banks of Indiana, Mr. Yoho, Mr. Johnson of Louisiana, Mr. Gaetz, Mr. Messer, Mr. Brat, Mr. Williams, Mr. Moolenaar, Mr. Babin, Mr. Harris, Mr. Davidson, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Hultgren, Mr. Roe of Tennessee, Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia, Mr. Wittman, Mr. LaMalfa, Mr. Flores, Mr. Rouzer, and Mr. Bost) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose federal taxes on bonds used to provide
			 facilities owned by abortion providers.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the No Abortion Bonds Act. 2.Tax on bonds used for facilities owned by abortion providers (a)Interest on State and local bondsSection 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
 (1)in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (4)Bonds for facilities owned by abortion providersAny bond issued as part of an issue any of the net proceeds of which are to be used to provide a facility owned by an abortion provider or used (for any purpose) by an abortion provider for more than 30 days during any calendar year during which interest is paid on such bond.; and
 (2)in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (3)Abortion provider (A)In generalFor purposes of this section, the term abortion provider means, with respect to an issue of bonds—
 (i)an entity that, as of the date of such issue, performs abortions, and (ii)an entity if any affiliate of such entity is an entity described in clause (i).
 (B)ExemptionFor purposes of this paragraph, an entity shall not be considered an abortion provider solely as a result of performing abortions—
 (i)if the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest, or (ii)in the case where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.
 (C)Exemption for hospitalsThe Secretary may deem that the term abortion provider does not include a subsection (d) hospital (as such term is defined in section 1886(d) of the Social Security Act) by making the name of such hospital available on the public internet website of the Treasury.
							.
 (b)Qualified tax credit bondsSection 54A(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (7)Exception for facilities owned by abortion providersThe term qualified tax credit bond shall not include any bond issued as part of an issue any of the net proceeds of which are to be used to provide a facility owned by an abortion provider (as such term is defined in section 103(c)(3)) or used (for any purpose) by an abortion provider for more than 30 days during any calendar year during which interest is paid on such bond..
 (c)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply with respect to bonds issued after the date of enactment of this Act.