		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 2330
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			November 8, 2007
			Mr. Reid (for
			 Mr. Obama (for himself and
			 Mr. Menendez)) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To authorize a pilot program within the Departments of
		  Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development with the goal of preventing
		  at-risk veterans and veteran families from falling into homelessness, and for
		  other purposes.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Veterans Homelessness Prevention
			 Act.
		2.Pilot program to
			 provide supportive housing for very low-income veteran families
			(a)PurposeThe
			 purposes of this section are—
				(1)to expand the
			 supply of permanent housing for very low-income veteran families; and
				(2)to provide
			 supportive services through such housing to support the needs of such veteran
			 families.
				(b)Establishment
			 of pilot program
				(1)In
			 generalThe Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall
			 establish a pilot program to provide assistance to private nonprofit
			 organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive
			 housing for very low-income veteran families
				(2)Authority to
			 provide assistanceThe Secretary shall, to the extent amounts are
			 made available for assistance under this section and the Secretary receives
			 approvable applications for such assistance, provide assistance to private
			 nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to carry out the pilot
			 program established under paragraph (1).
				(3)Nature of
			 assistanceThe assistance provided under this subsection—
					(A)shall be
			 available for use to plan for and finance the acquisition, construction,
			 reconstruction, or moderate or substantial rehabilitation of a structure or a
			 portion of a structure to be used as supportive housing for very low-income
			 veteran families in accordance with this section; and
					(B)may also cover
			 the cost of real property acquisition, site improvement, conversion,
			 demolition, relocation, and other expenses that the Secretary determines are
			 necessary to expand the supply of supportive housing for very low-income
			 veteran families.
					(4)ConsultationIn
			 meeting the requirement of this subsection, the Secretary shall consult
			 with—
					(A)the Secretary of
			 Veterans Affairs; and
					(B)the Special
			 Assistant for Veterans Affairs, as such Special Assistant was established under
			 section 4(g) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act.
					(c)Forms of
			 assistanceAssistance under this section shall be made available
			 in the following forms:
				(1)Assistance may be
			 provided as a grant for costs of planning a project to be used as supportive
			 housing for very low-income veteran families.
				(2)Assistance may be
			 provided as a capital advance under this paragraph for a project, such advance
			 shall—
					(A)bear no
			 interest;
					(B)not be required
			 to be repaid so long as the housing remains available for occupancy by very
			 low-income veteran families in accordance with this section; and
					(C)be in an amount
			 calculated in accordance with the development cost limitation established
			 pursuant to subsection (j).
					(3)Assistance may be
			 provided as project rental assistance, under an annual contract that—
					(A)obligates the
			 Secretary to make monthly payments to cover any part of the costs attributed to
			 units occupied (or, as approved by the Secretary, held for occupancy) by very
			 low-income veteran families that is not met from project income;
					(B)provides for the
			 project not more than the sum of the initial annual project rentals for all
			 units so occupied and any initial utility allowances for such units, as
			 approved by the Secretary;
					(C)any contract
			 amounts not used by a project in any year shall remain available to the project
			 until the expiration of the contract; and
					(D)provides that the
			 Secretary shall, to the extent appropriations for such purpose are made
			 available, adjust the annual contract amount if the sum of the project income
			 and the amount of assistance payments available under this paragraph are
			 inadequate to provide for reasonable project costs.
					(d)Tenant rent
			 contributionA very low-income veteran family shall pay as rent
			 for a dwelling unit assisted under this section the highest of the following
			 amounts, rounded to the nearest dollar:
				(1)30 percent of the
			 veteran family's adjusted monthly income.
				(2)10 percent of the
			 veteran family's monthly income.
				(3)If the veteran
			 family is receiving payments for welfare assistance from a public agency and a
			 part of such payments, adjusted in accordance with the veteran family's actual
			 housing costs, is specifically designated by such agency to meet the veteran
			 family's housing costs, the portion of such payments which is so
			 designated.
				(e)Term of
			 commitment
				(1)Use
			 limitationsAll units in housing assisted under this section
			 shall be made available for occupancy by very low-income veteran families for
			 not less than 15 years.
				(2)Contract
			 terms
					(A)Initial
			 termThe initial term of a contract entered into under subsection
			 (c)(2) shall be 60 months.
					(B)ExtensionThe
			 Secretary shall, to the extent approved in appropriation Acts, extend any
			 expiring contract for a term of not less than 12 months.
					(C)Authority of
			 Secretary to make early commitmentsIn order to facilitate the
			 orderly extension of expiring contracts, the Secretary may make commitments to
			 extend expiring contracts during the year prior to the date of
			 expiration.
					(f)Applications
				(1)In
			 generalAmounts made available under this section shall be
			 allocated by the Secretary among approvable applications submitted by private
			 nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives.
				(2)Content of
			 application
					(A)In
			 generalApplications for assistance under this section shall be
			 submitted by an applicant in such form and in accordance with such procedures
			 as the Secretary shall establish.
					(B)Required
			 contentApplications for assistance under this section shall
			 contain—
						(i)a
			 description of the proposed housing;
						(ii)a
			 description of the assistance the applicant seeks under this section;
						(iii)a
			 description of—
							(I)the supportive
			 services to be provided to the persons occupying such housing;
							(II)the manner in
			 which such services will be provided to such persons, including, in the case of
			 frail elderly persons (as such term is defined in section 202 of the Housing
			 Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q)), evidence of such residential supervision as the
			 Secretary determines is necessary to facilitate the adequate provision of such
			 services; and
							(III)the public or
			 private sources of assistance that can reasonably be expected to fund or
			 provide such services;
							(iv)a
			 certification from the public official responsible for submitting a housing
			 strategy for the jurisdiction to be served in accordance with section 105 of
			 the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12705) that
			 the proposed project is consistent with the approved housing strategy;
			 and
						(v)such other
			 information or certifications that the Secretary determines to be necessary or
			 appropriate to achieve the purposes of this section.
						(3)RejectionThe
			 Secretary shall not reject any application for assistance under this section on
			 technical grounds without giving notice of that rejection and the basis
			 therefore to the applicant.
				(g)Selection
			 criteriaThe Secretary shall establish selection criteria for
			 assistance under this section, which shall include criteria—
				(1)based
			 upon—
					(A)the ability of
			 the applicant to develop and operate the proposed housing;
					(B)the need for
			 supportive housing for very low-income veteran families in the area to be
			 served;
					(C)the extent to
			 which the proposed size and unit mix of the housing will enable the applicant
			 to manage and operate the housing efficiently and ensure that the provision of
			 supportive services will be accomplished in an economical fashion;
					(D)the extent to
			 which the proposed design of the housing will meet the physical needs of very
			 low-income veteran families;
					(E)the extent to
			 which the applicant has demonstrated that the supportive services identified
			 pursuant to subsection (f)(2)(B)(iii) will be provided on a consistent,
			 long-term basis;
					(F)the extent to
			 which the proposed design of the housing will accommodate the provision of
			 supportive services that are expected to be needed, either initially or over
			 the useful life of the housing, by the very low-income veterans the housing is
			 intended to serve; and
					(G)such other
			 factors as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to ensure that funds made
			 available under this section are used effectively; and
					(2)appropriate to
			 consider the need for supportive housing for very low-income veteran families
			 in nonmetropolitan areas and by Indian tribes.
				(h)Provision of
			 supportive services to veteran families
				(1)In
			 generalThe Secretary of
			 Veterans Affairs shall ensure that any housing assistance provided to veterans
			 or veteran families includes a range of services tailored to the needs of the
			 very low-income veteran families occupying such housing, which may include
			 services for—
					(A)outreach;
					(B)health (including counseling, mental
			 health, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain
			 injury) diagnosis and treatment;
					(C)habilitation and rehabilitation;
					(D)case management;
					(E)daily living;
					(F)personal financial planning;
					(G)transportation;
					(H)vocation;
					(I)employment and training;
					(J)education;
					(K)assistance in obtaining veterans benefits
			 and public benefits, including health and medical care provided by the
			 Department of Veterans Affairs;
					(L)assistance in obtaining income
			 support;
					(M)assistance in obtaining health
			 insurance;
					(N)fiduciary and representative payee;
					(O)legal aid;
					(P)child care;
					(Q)housing counseling;
					(R)service coordination; and
					(S)other services necessary for maintaining
			 independent living.
					(2)Local
			 coordination of services
					(A)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall
			 ensure that owners of housing assisted under this section have the managerial
			 capacity to—
						(i)assess on an ongoing basis the service
			 needs of residents;
						(ii)coordinate the provision of supportive
			 services and tailor such services to the individual needs of residents;
			 and
						(iii)seek on a continuous basis new sources of
			 assistance to ensure the long-term provision of supportive services.
						(B)Classification
			 of costsAny cost associated
			 with this subsection shall be an eligible cost under subsections (c)(3) and
			 (i).
					(i)Financial
			 assistance for services
				(1)In
			 generalThe Secretary of
			 Veterans Affairs shall, to the extent amounts are available for assistance
			 under this subsection, provide financial assistance for the provision of
			 supportive services, and for coordinating the provision of such services, to
			 very low-income veteran families occupying assisted housing. Such assistance
			 shall be made through payments to owners of such housing for each resident of
			 the housing based on the formula established under paragraph (2).
				(2)FormulaThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
			 establish a formula to determine the rate of the payments to be provided under
			 this subsection. The formula shall determine a rate for each resident of the
			 housing assisted under this section (which shall be adjusted not less than
			 annually to take into consideration changes in the cost of living).
				(3)Authorization
			 of appropriations
					(A)In
			 generalThere is authorized
			 to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out this
			 subsection amounts as follows:
						(i)For fiscal year 2008, $1,000,000.
						(ii)For each fiscal year after fiscal year
			 2008, such sums as may be necessary for such fiscal year.
						(B)AvailabilityAmounts authorized to be appropriated by
			 subparagraph (A) shall remain available until expended.
					(j)Development
			 cost limitations
				(1)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall periodically establish development
			 cost limitations by market area for various types and sizes of supportive
			 housing for very low-income veteran families by publishing a notice of the cost
			 limitations in the Federal Register.
				(2)ConsiderationsThe
			 cost limitations established under paragraph (1) shall reflect—
					(A)the cost of
			 construction, reconstruction, or moderate or substantial rehabilitation of
			 supportive housing for very low-income veteran families that meets applicable
			 State and local housing and building codes;
					(B)the cost of
			 movables necessary to the basic operation of the housing, as determined by the
			 Secretary;
					(C)the cost of
			 special design features necessary to make the housing accessible to very
			 low-income veteran families;
					(D)the cost of
			 congregate space necessary to accommodate the provision of supportive services
			 to veteran families;
					(E)if the housing is
			 newly constructed, the cost of meeting the energy efficiency standards
			 promulgated by the Secretary in accordance with section 109 of the
			 Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12709); and
					(F)the cost of land,
			 including necessary site improvement.
					(3)Use of
			 dataIn establishing development cost limitations for a given
			 market area under this subsection, the Secretary shall use data that reflect
			 currently prevailing costs of construction, reconstruction, or moderate or
			 substantial rehabilitation, and land acquisition in the area.
				(4)Congregate
			 spaceFor purposes of paragraph (1), a congregate space shall
			 include space for cafeterias or dining halls, community rooms or buildings,
			 workshops, child care, adult day health facilities or other outpatient health
			 facilities, or other essential service facilities.
				(5)Commercial
			 facilitiesNeither this section nor any other provision of law
			 may be construed as prohibiting or preventing the location and operation, in a
			 project assisted under this section, of commercial facilities for the benefit
			 of residents of the project and the community in which the project is located,
			 except that assistance made available under this section may not be used to
			 subsidize any such commercial facility.
				(6)AcquisitionIn
			 the case of existing housing and related facilities to be acquired, the cost
			 limitations shall include—
					(A)the cost of
			 acquiring such housing;
					(B)the cost of
			 rehabilitation, alteration, conversion, or improvement, including the moderate
			 or substantial rehabilitation thereof; and
					(C)the cost of the
			 land on which the housing and related facilities are located.
					(7)Annual
			 adjustmentsThe Secretary shall adjust the cost limitation not
			 less than annually to reflect changes in the general level of construction,
			 reconstruction, and moderate and substantial rehabilitation costs.
				(8)Incentives for
			 savings
					(A)Special housing
			 account
						(i)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall use the development cost limitations
			 established under paragraph (1) or (6) to calculate the amount of financing to
			 be made available to individual owners.
						(ii)Actual
			 developmental costs less than financingOwners which incur actual
			 development costs that are less than the amount of financing shall be entitled
			 to retain 50 percent of the savings in a special housing account.
						(iii)Bonus for
			 energy efficiencyThe percentage established under clause (ii)
			 shall be increased to 75 percent for owners which add energy efficiency
			 features which—
							(I)exceed the energy
			 efficiency standards promulgated by the Secretary in accordance with section
			 109 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
			 12709);
							(II)substantially
			 reduce the life-cycle cost of the housing; and
							(III)reduce gross
			 rent requirements.
							(B)UsesThe
			 special housing account established under subparagraph (A) may be used—
						(i)to
			 provide services to residents of the housing or funds set aside for replacement
			 reserves; or
						(ii)for such other
			 purposes as determined by the Secretary.
						(9)Design
			 flexibilityThe Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, give
			 owners the flexibility to design housing appropriate to their location and
			 proposed resident population within broadly defined parameters.
				(10)Use of funds
			 from other sourcesAn owner shall be permitted voluntarily to
			 provide funds from sources other than this section for amenities and other
			 features of appropriate design and construction suitable for supportive housing
			 under this section if the cost of such amenities is—
					(A)not financed with
			 the advance; and
					(B)is not taken into
			 account in determining the amount of Federal assistance or of the rent
			 contribution of tenants.
					(k)Tenant
			 selection
				(1)In
			 generalAn owner shall adopt written tenant selection procedures
			 that are—
					(A)satisfactory to
			 the Secretary and which are—
						(i)consistent with
			 the purpose of improving housing opportunities for very low-income veteran
			 families; and
						(ii)reasonably
			 related to program eligibility and an applicant's ability to perform the
			 obligations of the lease; and
						(B)compliant with
			 subtitle C of title VI of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42
			 U.S.C. 13601 et seq.) and any regulations issued under such subtitle.
					(2)Notification of
			 rejectionOwners shall promptly notify in writing any rejected
			 applicant of the grounds for any rejection.
				(3)Information
			 regarding housing
					(A)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall provide, to the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs and the Secretary of Labor, information regarding the availability of
			 the housing assisted under this section.
					(B)Sharing of
			 information with additional agenciesWithin 30 days of receipt of
			 the information, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of Labor shall
			 provide such information to agencies in the area of the housing that receive
			 assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor
			 for providing medical care, housing, supportive services or employment and
			 training services to homeless veterans.
					(l)Miscellaneous
			 provisions
				(1)Technical
			 assistanceThe Secretary shall make available appropriate
			 technical assistance to ensure that prospective applicants are able to
			 participate more fully in the program carried out under this section.
				(2)Civil rights
			 complianceEach owner shall certify, to the satisfaction of the
			 Secretary, that assistance made available under this section will be conducted
			 and administered in conformity with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
			 (42 U.S.C. 2000a et seq.), the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.), and
			 other Federal, State, and local laws prohibiting discrimination and promoting
			 equal opportunity.
				(3)Owner
			 deposit
					(A)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall require an owner of housing, assisted
			 under this section, to deposit an amount not to exceed $15,000 in a special
			 escrow account to ensure the owner's commitment to the housing.
					(B)Reduction of
			 requirement
						(i)In
			 generalThe Secretary may reduce or waive the owner deposit
			 specified under subparagraph (A) for individual applicants if the Secretary
			 finds that such waiver or reduction is necessary to achieve the purposes of
			 this section and the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the
			 Secretary that it has the capacity to manage and maintain the housing in
			 accordance with this section.
						(ii)NonprofitsThe
			 Secretary may reduce or waive the requirement of the owner deposit under
			 subparagraph (A) in the case of a nonprofit applicant that is not affiliated
			 with a national sponsor, as determined by the Secretary.
						(4)Notice of
			 appeal
					(A)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall notify an owner not less than 30 days
			 prior to canceling any reservation of assistance provided under this
			 section.
					(B)Appeal
						(i)filing
			 deadlineDuring the 30-day period following the receipt of any
			 notice required under subparagraph (A), an owner may appeal the proposed
			 cancellation.
						(ii)timing of
			 decisionAny appeal undertaken under clause (i), including review
			 by the Secretary, shall be completed not later than 45 days after the appeal is
			 filed.
						(5)Labor
					(A)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall take such action as may be necessary
			 to ensure that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and
			 subcontractors in the construction of housing with 12 or more units assisted
			 under this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than the rates
			 prevailing in the locality involved for the corresponding classes of laborers
			 and mechanics employed on construction of a similar character, as determined by
			 the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title
			 40, United States Code.
					(B)ExemptionSubparagraph
			 (A) shall not apply to any individual who—
						(i)performs services
			 for which the individual volunteered;
						(ii)does not receive
			 compensation for such services or is paid expenses, reasonable benefits, or a
			 nominal fee for such services; and
						(iii)is not
			 otherwise employed at any time in the construction work.
						(6)Access to
			 residual receipts
					(A)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall authorize the owner of a housing
			 project assisted under this section to use any residual receipts held for the
			 project in excess of $500 per unit (or in excess of such other amount
			 prescribed by the Secretary based on the needs of the project) for activities
			 to retrofit and renovate the project as described under section 802(d)(3) of
			 the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8011(d)(3)) or
			 to provide supportive services to residents of the project.
					(B)ReportAny
			 owner that uses residual receipts under this paragraph shall submit to the
			 Secretary a report, not less than annually, describing the uses of the residual
			 receipts.
					(C)Determination
			 of amountIn determining the amount of project rental assistance
			 to be provided to a project under subsection (c)(3) of this section, the
			 Secretary may take into consideration the residual receipts held for the
			 project only if, and to the extent that, excess residual receipts are not used
			 under this paragraph.
					(7)Occupancy
			 standards and obligationsEach owner shall operate housing
			 assisted under this section in compliance with subtitle C of title VI of the
			 Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13601 et seq.) and any
			 regulations issued under such subtitle.
				(8)Use of project
			 reserves
					(A)In
			 generalAmounts for project reserves for a project assisted under
			 this section may be used for costs, subject to reasonable limitations as the
			 Secretary determines appropriate, for reducing the number of dwelling units in
			 the project that are currently obsolete or unmarketable.
					(B)Approval of
			 Secretary requiredAny use described in subparagraph (A) of
			 amounts for project reserves for a project assisted under this section shall be
			 subject to the approval of the Secretary to ensure that such use is designed to
			 retrofit units that are currently obsolete or unmarketable.
					(m)DefinitionsIn
			 this section, the following definitions shall apply:
				(1)Consumer
			 cooperativeThe term consumer cooperative has the
			 same meaning given such term for purposes of the supportive housing for the
			 elderly program under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C.
			 1701q).
				(2)Very low-income
			 veteran familyThe term very low-income veteran
			 family means a veteran family whose income does not exceed 50 percent of
			 the median income for the area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments
			 for smaller and larger families, except that the Secretary may establish an
			 income ceiling higher or lower than 50 percent of the median for the area on
			 the basis of the Secretary's findings that such variations are necessary
			 because of prevailing levels of construction costs or fair market rents (as
			 determined under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
			 1437f)), or unusually high or low family incomes.
				(3)OwnerThe
			 term owner means a private nonprofit organization or consumer
			 cooperative that receives assistance under this section to develop and operate
			 supportive housing for very low-income veteran families.
				(4)Private
			 nonprofit organizationThe term private nonprofit
			 organization means—
					(A)any incorporated
			 private institution or foundation—
						(i)no
			 part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any member, founder,
			 contributor, or individual;
						(ii)which has a
			 governing board that is responsible for the operation of the housing assisted
			 under this section; and
						(iii)which is
			 approved by the Secretary as to financial responsibility;
						(B)a for-profit
			 limited partnership the sole general partner of which is an organization
			 meeting the requirements under clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph
			 (A);
					(C)a corporation
			 wholly owned and controlled by an organization meeting the requirements under
			 clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A); and
					(D)a tribally
			 designated housing entity, as such term is defined in section 4 of the Native
			 American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C.
			 4103).
					(5)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban
			 Development, except where specifically provided otherwise.
				(6)StateThe
			 term State includes the several States, the District of Columbia,
			 the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the possessions of the United
			 States.
				(7)Supportive
			 housing for very low-income veteran familiesThe term
			 supportive housing for very low-income veteran families means
			 housing that is designed to accommodate the provision of supportive services
			 that are expected to be needed, either initially or over the useful life of the
			 housing, by the veteran families that the housing is intended to serve.
				(8)VeteranThe
			 term veteran has the meaning given the term in section 101 of
			 title 38, United States Code.
				(9)Veteran
			 familyThe term veteran family includes a veteran
			 who is a single person, a family (including families with children) whose head
			 of household (or whose spouse) is a veteran, and one or more veterans living
			 together with 1 or more persons.
				(n)Allocation of
			 fundsOf any amounts made available for assistance under this
			 section:
				(1)Planning
			 grantsNot more than 2.5 percent shall be available for planning
			 grants in accordance with subsection (c)(1).
				(2)Capital
			 advancesSuch sums as may be necessary shall be available for
			 capital advances in accordance with subsection (c)(2).
				(3)Project rental
			 assistanceSuch sums as may be necessary shall be available for
			 project rental assistance in accordance with subsection (c)(3).
				(4)Technical
			 assistanceNot more than 1 percent shall be available for
			 technical assistance in accordance with subsection (l)(1).
				(o)Authorization
			 of appropriations for housing assistance
				(1)In
			 generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Department
			 of Housing and Urban Development for assistance under this section $25,000,000
			 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year
			 thereafter.
				(2)AvailabilityAmounts authorized to be appropriated by
			 paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.
				3.Assessment of
			 pilot program
			(a)In
			 generalUpon the expiration
			 of the 2-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the
			 Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing
			 and Urban Development, shall conduct an assessment of the pilot program carried
			 out under section 2 to determine the effectiveness and limitations of, and
			 potential improvements for, such program.
			(b)Submission of
			 assessment to CongressNot
			 later than 180 days after the expiration of the 2-year period described in
			 subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit a report to the
			 Congress regarding the results of the assessment required under subsection
			 (a).
			4.Technical
			 assistance grants for housing assistance for veterans
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall, to
			 the extent amounts are made available in appropriation Acts for grants under
			 this section, make grants to eligible entities under subsection (b) to provide
			 to nonprofit organizations technical assistance appropriate to assist such
			 organizations in—
				(1)sponsoring
			 housing projects for veterans assisted under programs, including any pilot
			 programs, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban
			 Development;
				(2)fulfilling the
			 planning and application processes and requirements necessary under such
			 programs administered by the Department; and
				(3)assisting
			 veterans in obtaining housing or homeless assistance under programs
			 administered by the Department.
				(b)Eligible
			 entitiesAn eligible entity under this subsection is a nonprofit
			 entity or organization having such expertise as the Secretary shall require in
			 providing technical assistance to providers of services for veterans.
			(c)Selection of
			 grant recipientsThe Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
			 shall establish criteria for selecting applicants for grants under this section
			 to receive such grants and shall select applicants based upon such
			 criteria.
			(d)FundingOf
			 any amounts made available in fiscal year 2008 or any fiscal year thereafter to
			 the Department of Housing and Urban Development for salaries and expenses,
			 $750,000 shall be available, and shall remain available until expended, for
			 grants under this section.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1355
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 4, 2011
			Mr. Neugebauer (for
			 himself, Mrs. Capito, and
			 Mr. Canseco) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Financial Services

		A BILL
		To amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to
		  move the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection into the Department of the
		  Treasury.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Accountability and
			 Transparency Act of 2011.
		2.Moving the Bureau
			 from the Federal Reserve to the TreasuryThe Consumer Financial Protection Act of
			 2010 is amended—
			(1)in section
			 1011—
				(A)in subsection
			 (a)—
					(i)by
			 striking independent; and
					(ii)by
			 striking Federal Reserve System and inserting Department
			 of the Treasury; and
					(B)in subsection (e),
			 by striking , including in cities in which the Federal reserve banks, or
			 branches of such banks, are located,;
				(2)in section
			 1012(c), by striking paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5);
			(3)in section
			 1013(a)—
				(A)by amending
			 paragraph (2) to read as follows:

						(2)CompensationThe rates of basic pay for all employees of
				the Bureau shall be set and adjusted by the Director in accordance with the
				General Schedule set forth in section 5332 of title 5, United States
				Code.
						;
				and
				(B)by striking
			 paragraph (3); and
				(4)in section
			 1014(b), by striking Not fewer than 6 members shall be appointed upon
			 the recommendation of the regional Federal Reserve Bank Presidents, on a
			 rotating basis..
			3.Bringing the
			 Bureau into the regular appropriations processSection 1017 of the Consumer Financial
			 Protection Act of 2010 is amended—
			(1)in subsection
			 (a)—
				(A)by amending the
			 heading of such subsection to read as follows: Budget, financial management, and
			 audit.—;
				(B)by striking
			 paragraphs (1), (2), and (3);
				(C)by redesignating
			 paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively; and
				(D)by striking
			 subparagraphs (E) and (F) of paragraph (1), as so redesignated;
				(2)by striking
			 subsections (b), (c), and (d);
			(3)by redesignating
			 subsection (e) as subsection (b); and
			(4)in subsection (b),
			 as so redesignated—
				(A)by striking
			 paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and inserting the following:

						(1)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere is
				authorized to be appropriated $200,000,000 to carry out this title for each of
				fiscal years 2011 and 2012.
						;
				and
				(B)by redesignating
			 paragraph (4) as paragraph (2).


I
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6087
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

August 10, 2010
Mr. Lucas (for himself, Mrs. Lummis, Mr. Moran of Kansas, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Roe of Tennessee, Mr. Graves of Missouri, and Mr. King of Iowa) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture

A BILL
To amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to improve the use of certain registered pesticides.

1.Use of registered pesticides Section 3(f) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(5)Use of registered pesticidesNotwithstanding any other law, no permit shall be required for—
(A)the use of a pesticide that is registered or otherwise authorized for use under this Act, if that use is in accordance with this Act; or
(B)
(i)the use of a biological control organism (as defined in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7702)) for the prevention, control, or eradication of a plant pest or noxious weed, if that use is in accordance with that Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.); or
(ii)the conduct of any other plant pest, noxious weed, or pest control activity under that Act, if that activity is conducted in accordance with that Act..


		III
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 374
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			February 14, 2012
			Mr. Wicker (for himself,
			 Mr. Leahy, Mr.
			 Schumer, and Mr. Grassley)
			 submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed
			 to

		RESOLUTION
		Supporting the mission and goals of 2012
		  National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to increase public awareness of the rights,
		  needs, and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United
		  States.

		Whereas each year, approximately 19,000,000 individuals in
			 the United States are victims of crime, including more than 4,000,000 victims
			 of violent crime;
		Whereas a just society acknowledges the impact of crime on
			 individuals, families, and communities by ensuring that rights, resources, and
			 services are available to help rebuild lives;
		Whereas although the United States has steadily expanded
			 rights, protections, and services for victims of crime, too many victims are
			 still not able to realize the hope and promise of these gains;
		Whereas despite impressive accomplishments during the past
			 40 years in the rights of and services available to crime victims, there remain
			 many challenges to ensure that all victims—
			(1)are treated with
			 fairness, dignity, and respect;
			(2)are offered
			 support and services regardless of whether the victims report crimes committed
			 against them; and
			(3)are recognized as
			 key participants within systems of justice in the United States when the
			 victims do report crimes;
			Whereas observing the rights of victims and treating
			 victims with fairness, dignity, and respect serve the public interest
			 by—
			(1)engaging victims
			 in the justice system;
			(2)inspiring respect
			 for public authorities; and
			(3)promoting
			 confidence in public safety;
			Whereas the people of the United States recognize that we
			 make our homes, neighborhoods, and communities safer and stronger by serving
			 victims of crime and ensuring justice for all;
		Whereas in each of the last 30 years, communities
			 throughout the United States have joined Congress and the Department of Justice
			 in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to celebrate a vision of a
			 comprehensive and just response to all victims of crime;
		Whereas, the theme of 2012 National Crime Victims’ Rights
			 Week, celebrated on April 22, 2012, through April 28, 2012, is Extending
			 the Vision: Reaching Every Victim, which highlights the importance of
			 ensuring that services are available for all victims of crime; and
		Whereas the people of the United States appreciate the
			 continued importance of promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims
			 and those who advocate on their behalf: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)supports the
			 mission and goals of 2012 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to increase
			 public awareness of—
				(A)the impact on
			 victims and survivors of crime; and
				(B)the
			 constitutional and statutory rights and needs of those victims and survivors;
			 and
				(2)recognizes that
			 fairness, dignity, and respect comprise the very foundation of how victims and
			 survivors of crime should be treated.


109 HR 4879 IH: To reliquidate certain entries of salmon.
U.S. House of Representatives
2006-03-02
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

V
109th CONGRESS 2d Session
H. R. 4879
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 2, 2006
Mr. Michaud introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To reliquidate certain entries of salmon.

1.Certain entries of salmon
(a)Liquidation or Reliquidation of EntriesNotwithstanding sections 514 and 520 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1514 and 1520) or any other provision of law, the Secretary of the Treasury shall, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, liquidate or reliquidate the entries listed in subsection (b) without assessment of antidumping duties or interest and shall refund any antidumping duties or interest which were previously paid on such entries.
(b)Affected EntriesThe entries referred to in subsection (a) are the following:

 Entry numberDate of entryPort
 121462–607/30/98Miami
 121624–108/01/98Miami
 121641–508/02/98Miami
 121897–308/06/98Miami
 122072–208/08/98Miami
 122088–808/09/98Miami
 122407–008/14/98Miami
 122409–608/14/98Miami
 122495–508/15/98Miami
 122868–308/21/98Miami
 123222–208/27/98Miami
 123382–408/29/98Miami
 123643–909/03/98Miami
 123717–109/04/98Miami
 123798–109/05/98Miami
 123799–909/05/98Miami
 123833–609/06/98Miami
 124061–309/10/98Miami
 124149–609/11/98Miami
 124152–009/11/98Miami
 124236–109/12/98Miami
 124522–409/18/98Miami
 124523–209/17/98Miami
 124601–609/18/98Miami
 124932–509/26/98Miami
 124934–109/26/98Miami
 124938–209/27/98Miami
 124977–009/27/98Miami
 124982–009/27/98Miami
 125021–609/28/98Miami
 125306–110/03/98Miami
 125310–310/03/98Miami
 125707–010/08/98Miami
 125715–310/08/98Miami
 125772–410/09/98Miami
 125773–210/09/98Miami
 125775–710/09/98Miami
 125848–210/10/98Miami
 125966–210/14/98Miami
 126227–810/16/98Miami
 126300–310/17/98Miami
 126360–710/18/98Miami
 126386–210/19/98Miami
 126626–110/22/98Miami
 126627–910/22/98Miami
 126687–310/23/98Miami
 126688–110/23/98Miami
 126710–310/23/98Miami
 126732–710/23/98Miami
 126781–410/24/98Miami
 126807–710/26/98Miami
 127041–210/29/98Miami
 127105–510/30/98Miami
 127200–410/31/98Miami
 127264–011/02/98Miami
 127459–611/13/98Miami
 127543–711/06/98Miami
 127595–711/07/98Miami
 127827–411/12/98Miami
 127936–311/20/98Miami
 127938–912/03/98Miami
 128015–511/14/98Miami
 128058–511/15/98Miami
 128103–911/16/98Miami
 128359–711/19/98Miami
 128473–611/20/98Miami
 128482–711/20/98Miami
 128528–711/21/98Miami
 128553–511/21/98Miami
 128580–811/22/98Miami
 128817–411/26/98Miami
 128853–911/27/98Miami
 128858–811/27/98Miami
 128944–611/28/98Miami
 128999–011/29/98Miami
 129388–512/04/98Miami
 129412–312/04/98Miami
 129512–012/05/98Miami
 129527–812/06/98Miami
 129786–012/10/98Miami
 129980–912/13/98Miami
 130054–012/13/98Miami
 130089–612/14/98Miami
 130094–612/14/98Miami
 130375–912/18/98Miami
 130548–112/21/98Miami
 130564–812/20/98Miami
 130567–112/20/98Miami
 130574–712/20/98Miami
 130633–112/21/98Miami
 130880–812/24/98Miami
 131259–412/31/98Miami
 131464–001/06/99Miami
 131548–001/07/99Miami
 131602–501/08/99Miami
 131709–801/10/99Miami
 131745–201/15/99Miami
 131746–001/11/99Miami
 131900–301/13/99Miami
 131970–601/14/99Miami
 132097–701/15/99Miami
 132197–501/17/99Miami
 132226–201/18/99Miami
 132374–001/20/99Miami
 132461–501/21/99Miami
 132551–301/22/99Miami
 132716–201/25/99Miami
 132762–601/25/99Miami
 132897–001/27/99Miami
 132947–301/28/99Miami
 132951–501/28/99Miami
 133038–001/29/99Miami
 133178–401/31/99Miami
 133251–902/01/99Miami
 133779–902/09/99Miami
 133877–102/10/99Miami
 133938–102/11/99Miami
 134025–602/13/99Miami
 134116–302/13/99Miami
 134166–802/15/99Miami
 134177–502/15/99Miami
 134391–202/18/99Miami
 134472–002/19/99Miami
 134591–702/21/99Miami
 134617–002/22/99Miami
 135057–802/28/99Miami
 135079–203/01/99Miami
 135518–903/07/99Miami
 135570–003/08/99Miami
 135776–303/11/99Miami
 135779–703/11/99Miami
 135855–503/12/99Miami
 136183–103/18/99Miami
 136256–503/19/99Miami
 136366–203/21/99Miami
 136556–803/24/99Miami
 136606–103/26/99Miami
 137025–303/31/99Miami
 137104–604/02/99Miami
 137376–004/07/99Miami
 137429–704/08/99Miami
 137545–004/10/99Miami
 137650–804/12/99Miami
 137834–804/02/99Miami
 137875–104/15/99Miami
 137908–004/17/99Miami
 138233–204/21/99Miami
 138341–304/22/99Miami
 138789–304/29/99Miami
 138880–004/30/99Miami
 139184–605/05/99Miami
 139239–805/06/99Miami
 139425–305/08/99Miami
 139456–805/09/99Miami
 139541–705/11/99Miami
 139872–605/15/99Miami
 139905–405/17/99Miami
 139996–305/18/99Miami
 140203–105/21/99Miami
 140319–505/22/99Miami
 140752–705/29/99Miami
 140785–705/31/99Miami
 140925–906/02/99Miami
 141010–906/03/99Miami
 141178–406/06/99Miami
 141193–306/07/99Miami
 141565–206/12/99Miami
 141609–806/13/99Miami
 141783–106/16/99Miami
 141847–406/17/99Miami
 141968–806/18/99Miami
 142047–006/19/99Miami
 142574–306/26/99Miami
 142619–606/27/99Miami
 142814–306/30/99Miami


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3525
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 31, 2009
			Mr. Thompson of
			 California (for himself and Mr.
			 Heller) 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 for
		  the treatment of bonds issued to finance renewable energy resource facilities,
		  conservation and efficiency facilities, and other specified greenhouse gas
		  emission technologies.

		1.Treatment of bonds issued to
			 finance renewable energy resource facilities and conservation and efficiency
			 facilities and other specified greenhouse gas emission technologies
			(a)In
			 generalSection 142(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
			 amended by striking or at the end of paragraph (14), by striking
			 the period at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting a comma, and by inserting
			 after paragraph (15) the following new paragraphs:

					(16)renewable energy
				resource facilities,
					(17)conservation and
				efficiency facilities and projects, or
					(18)zero emission
				vehicles and related facilities or
				projects.
					.
			(b)Renewable energy
			 resource facilitySection 142 of such Code is further amended by
			 adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(n)Renewable energy
				resource facilitiesFor
				purposes of subsection (a)(16)—
						(1)In
				generalThe term renewable energy resource facility
				means—
							(A)any facility used
				to produce electric or thermal energy (including a distributed generation
				facility) from—
								(i)solar, wind, or
				geothermal energy,
								(ii)marine and
				hydrokinetic renewable energy,
								(iii)incremental
				hydropower,
								(iv)biomass (as
				defined in section 203(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
				15852(b))), or
								(v)landfill gas,
				or
								(B)any facility or
				project used for the manufacture of facilities referred to in subparagraph
				(A).
							(2)DefinitionsFor
				purposes of paragraph (1)—
							(A)Geothermal
				energyThe term geothermal energy means energy
				derived from a geothermal deposit (within the meaning of section 613(e)(2)) or
				from geothermal heat pumps.
							(B)Marine and
				hydrokinetic renewable energyThe term marine and
				hydrokinetic renewable energy has the meaning given such term in section
				45(c)(10).
							(C)Incremental
				hydropowerThe term incremental hydropower means
				additional energy generated as a result of efficiency improvements or capacity
				additions to existing hydropower facilities made on or after the date of
				enactment of this subsection. The term incremental hydropower does
				not include additional energy generated as a result of operational changes not
				directly associated with efficiency improvements or capacity
				additions.
							.
			(c)Conservation and
			 efficiencySection 142 of such Code is amended by adding at the
			 end the following new subsection:

					(o)Conservation and
				efficiency facilities and projectsFor purposes of subsection (a)(17), the
				term conservation and efficiency facility and project
				means—
						(1)any facility used
				for the conservation or the efficient use of energy, including energy efficient
				retrofitting of existing buildings, or for the efficient storage, transmission,
				or distribution of energy, including any facility or project designed to
				implement smart grid technologies (as described in title XIII of the Energy
				Independence and Security Act of 2007, or individual components of such
				technologies as listed in section 1301 of such Act),
						(2)any facility used
				for the conservation of or the efficient use of water, including—
							(A)any facility or
				project designed to—
								(i)reduce the demand
				for water,
								(ii)improve
				efficiency in use and reduce losses and waste of water, and
								(iii)improve land
				management practices to conserve water, or
								(B)any individual
				component of a facility or project referred to in subparagraph (A), or
							(3)any facility or
				project used for the manufacture of facilities referred to in paragraphs (1)
				and (2).
						For
				purposes of paragraph (2)(A), facilities and projects does not include
				facilities or projects that store
				water..
			(d)Zero emission
			 vehicles and related facilities or projectsSection 142 of such
			 Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(p)Zero emission
				vehicles and related facilities or projects
						(1)Zero emission
				vehiclesThe term zero emission vehicles means
				vehicles that have no tailpipe emissions, evaporative emissions, or onboard
				emission-control systems that can deteriorate over time.
						(2)Facilities
				related to zero emission vehiclesA facility or project is related to a zero
				emission vehicle if the facility is any real or personal property to be used in
				the design, technology transfer, manufacture, production, assembly,
				distribution, or service of zero emission
				vehicles.
						.
			(e)Coordination
			 with section 45Paragraph (3) of section 45(b) of such Code is
			 amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Clause (ii) of
			 subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to (I) any qualified facility
			 that is a renewable energy resource facility described in section 142(a)(16),
			 (II) any qualified facility that is a conservation and efficiency facility
			 described in section 142(a)(17), or (III) any qualified facility that is a zero
			 emission vehicle and related facility or project described in section
			 142(a)(18)..
			(f)Coordination
			 with section 45KSubparagraph (A) of section 45K(b)(3) of
			 such Code is amended by adding at the end the following flush sentence:
			 Clause (i)(II) shall not apply with respect to (aa) any qualified
			 facility that is a renewable energy resource facility described in section
			 142(a)(16), (bb) any qualified facility that is a conservation and efficiency
			 facility described section 142(a)(17), or (cc) any qualified facility that is a
			 zero emission vehicle and related facility or project described in section
			 142(a)(18)..
			(g)Coordination
			 with section 146(g)(3)Section 146(g)(3) is amended by striking
			 or (15) and all that follows through the end of the paragraph
			 and inserting (15), (16), (17), or (18).
			(h)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by
			 this section shall apply to obligations issued after the date of the enactment
			 of this Act.


116 S4140 IS: Local Food Assistance and Resilient Markets Act of 2020
U.S. Senate
2020-07-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 4140IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 1, 2020Mr. Booker introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and ForestryA BILLTo provide additional emergency funding for certain nutrition programs.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Local Food Assistance and Resilient Markets Act of 2020 or the Local FARM Act of 2020.2.Definition of SecretaryIn this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.3.Specialty crop block grants(a)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means—(A)an emergency feeding organization (as defined in section 201A of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501)); and(B)a local or regional food enterprise, including a farmers market, a food hub, an agricultural cooperative, a producer association, a nonprofit organization, and a for-profit entity focused primarily on marketing locally grown food.(2)ProgramThe term program means the specialty crop block grant program established under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108–465). (b)Grants(1)In generalThe Secretary shall provide grants to States under the program to award as subgrants to eligible entities to procure and distribute specialty crops to needy persons at zero cost to those persons.(2)Distribution requirementOf the grant amount provided to a State under paragraph (1), a State shall use 50 percent to award subgrants to eligible entities that purchase specialty crops—(A)from small, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e))); and (B)that would otherwise be sold through direct-to-consumer, direct-to-institution, direct-to-retail, or direct-to-restaurant marketing channels, including local and regional food enterprises such as food hubs, agricultural cooperatives, and producer associations.(c)Use of fundsAn eligible entity receiving a subgrant under subsection (b)(1)—(1)shall use not less than 50 percent of the subgrant funds for specialty crop purchases; and(2)may use the remaining subgrant funds for transportation, storage, overhead, and investment in cold storage infrastructure. (d)Funding(1)In generalThere is appropriated to the Secretary, out of funds of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $1,000,000,000 to carry out this section, to remain available until expended.(2)Emergency designation(A)In generalThe amounts provided by this subsection are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(g)).(B)Designation in SenateIn the Senate, this subsection is designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4112(a) of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. 4.Online supplemental nutrition assistance program(a)Definition of programIn this section, the term program means the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.). (b)Grants(1)In generalNot later than August 15, 2020, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service, shall distribute grants to State agencies that administer the program in the State to develop tools and provide technical assistance—(A)to increase the quantity of retailers that accept and redeem program benefits online; and(B)to expand the capacity of retailers to accept and redeem program benefits online. (2)Priority for use of fundsIn using a grant received under paragraph (1), a State agency shall give priority, and use not less than 25 percent of the grant funds, to assist—(A)farmers markets, food hubs, agricultural and consumer cooperatives, producer associations, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities focused primarily on marketing locally grown food; and(B)retailers in food deserts that sold less than $500,000 in food products in the preceding year. (3)Maximum amountThe amount of a grant distributed under paragraph (1) shall not exceed $2,500,000.(c)Funding(1)In generalThere is appropriated to the Secretary, out of amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $100,000,000 to carry out subsection (b), to remain available until expended.(2)Emergency designation(A)In generalThe amounts provided by this subsection are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(g)).(B)Designation in SenateIn the Senate, this subsection is designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4112(a) of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.5.Temporary modifications to matching requirements under certain nutrition programs(a)Access to local foods: Farm to School programSection 18(g)(4) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769(g)(4)) is amended—(1)in subparagraph (A), by striking The Federal and inserting Subject to subparagraph (C), the Federal;(2)in subparagraph (B), by striking As a condition and inserting Subject to subparagraph (C), as a condition; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(C)Temporary waiver(i)Definition of covered periodIn this subparagraph, the term covered period means the period beginning on the date of enactment of the Local FARM Act of 2020 and ending on the last day of the second fiscal year beginning after that date of enactment. (ii)Temporary waiverDuring the covered period, the Federal share of costs for a project funded through a grant awarded under this subsection shall equal 100 percent of the total cost of the project..(b)Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive ProgramSection 4405(b)(1)(C) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7517(b)(1)(C)) is amended—(1)by striking Except as provided in subparagraph (D)(iii) and inserting the following:(i)In generalExcept as provided in clause (ii) and subparagraph (D)(iii); and(2)by adding at the end the following:(ii)Temporary reduction(I)Definition of covered periodIn this clause, the term covered period means the period beginning on the date of enactment of the Local FARM Act of 2020 and ending on the last day of the second fiscal year beginning after that date of enactment. (II)Temporary reductionDuring the covered period, the Federal share of the cost of carrying out an activity under this subsection shall not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the activity..(c)Community food projectsSection 25(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034(e)) is amended—(1)in paragraph (1), by striking The Federal and inserting Subject to paragraph (4), the Federal; and(2)by adding at the end the following:(4)Temporary waiver(A)Definition of covered periodIn this paragraph, the term covered period means the period beginning on the date of enactment of the Local FARM Act of 2020 and ending on the last day of the second fiscal year beginning after that date of enactment. (B)Temporary reductionDuring the covered period, the Federal share of the cost of establishing or carrying out a community food project under subsection (b) shall equal 100 percent of the total cost of the project..6.Local Agriculture Market Program; Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant Program(a)Local Agriculture Market Program(1)In generalThere is appropriated for the Department of Agriculture, out of amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, to remain available until expended, to carry out the Local Agriculture Market Program established under section 210A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c).(2)Reservations of amountsOf the amount made available under paragraph (1)—(A)$100,000,000 shall be used to provide grants under the program described in that paragraph to recipients of grants under that program that were awarded before the date of enactment of this Act for projects to respond to the COVID–19 pandemic;(B)$100,000,000 shall be used to provide grants under the program described in that paragraph to organizations that serve socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e))); (C)$25,000,000 shall be used for grants under paragraph (5) of section 210A(d) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c(d)) to carry out market rebuilding projects authorized under paragraph (2)(K) of that section; and(D)$25,000,000 shall be used for grants under paragraph (6) of that section to carry out those market rebuilding projects.(3)Market rebuilding projectsSection 210A(d)(2) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c(d)(2)) is amended—(A)in subparagraph (I), by striking or at the end;(B)in subparagraph (J)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or; and(C)by adding at the end the following:(K)to rebuild a market for a value-added agricultural product that has been impacted by COVID–19 during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this subparagraph and ending on the last day of the second fiscal year beginning after that date of enactment..(4)Payments for COVID–19 lossesSection 210A(d) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (7)Payments for COVID–19 losses(A)In generalThe Secretary may make payments to entities eligible to receive a grant under paragraph (5) or (6) that submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing—(i)a description of how the business of the applicant has been impacted by COVID–19;(ii)a narrative explaining how the applicant proposes to use those payments to expand the capacity of the sales of the applicant to properly package and sell agricultural products to consumers; and(iii)such other information as the Secretary may require.(B)Applicability of limitationsA payment under this paragraph shall not be subject to the limitations specified in subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (5) or (6), as applicable..(b)Waiver of matching funds requirements(1)Definition of covered periodIn this subsection, the term covered period means the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the last day of the second fiscal year beginning after that date of enactment.(2)Value-added producer grantsSubparagraph (E) of section 210A(d)(5) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c(d)(5)) shall not apply to a grant awarded under that section during the covered period.(3)Farmers' markets and local food promotion programSubparagraph (E) of section 210A(d)(6) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c(d)(6)) shall not apply to a grant awarded under that section during the covered period.(4)Regional partnershipsParagraph (4) of section 210A(e) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627c(e)) shall not apply to a grant awarded under that section during the covered period.(5)Beginning farmer and rancher development grant programParagraph (5) of section 2501(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(d)) shall not apply to a grant awarded under that section during the covered period.7.Farm microloansSection 313(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)) is amended—(1)in paragraph (2), by striking $50,000 and inserting $100,000; and(2)by adding at the end the following:(5)COVID–19 response(A)DefinitionsIn this paragraph:(i)Covered microloanThe term covered microloan means a direct or guaranteed microloan under this subsection—(I)that is outstanding as of the date of enactment of this paragraph; or(II)that is made or guaranteed by the Secretary during the covered period.(ii)Covered periodThe term covered period means the period beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph and ending on the last day of the second fiscal year beginning after the date on which the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) on January 31, 2020, with respect to COVID–19 is lifted.(B)Exemptions(i)Prohibition of loans for borrowers that have received debt forgivenessNotwithstanding section 373(b)(1), a borrower shall not be ineligible to receive a covered microloan because the borrower has received debt forgiveness described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of that section.(ii)Prohibition on delinquent borrowers obtaining loansNotwithstanding section 373(a) or any other provision of law, a borrower shall not be ineligible to receive a covered microloan because the borrower is delinquent on any loan made or guaranteed under this title or any other Federal law.(iii)Requirement to be unable to obtain credit elsewhereNotwithstanding sections 302(a)(1)(D), 311(a)(1)(D), and 333(1)(A), a borrower shall not be required to demonstrate an inability to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to be eligible to receive a covered microloan.(iv)Citizenship requirementNotwithstanding sections 302(a)(1)(A) and 311(a)(1)(A), a borrower shall not be required to be a citizen of the United States to receive a covered microloan.(v)Acceptable credit history requirementNotwithstanding any other provision of this title, a borrower shall not be ineligible to receive a covered microloan because the borrower has a lack of an acceptable credit history.(C)Extension of terms; interest assistance(i)Extension of termsThe Secretary shall extend the term of a covered microloan for a period of 10 years at an interest rate of—(I)1 percent or less; or(II)in the case of guaranteed covered microloan under clause (ii), zero percent.(ii)Interest assistance for guaranteed microloans(I)In generalThe Secretary shall enter into contracts under section 351 to reduce the interest rate paid by a borrower on a guaranteed covered microloan to zero percent for the remaining term of the guaranteed covered microloan. (II)Exemption of requirement to be unable to obtain credit elsewhereNotwithstanding section 351(b)(1)(A), a borrower shall not be required to demonstrate an inability to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to be eligible for an interest rate reduction described in subclause (I).(D)Direct appropriationThere is appropriated for the Department of Agriculture, out of amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $350,000,000 for each fiscal year during the covered period to make and guarantee microloans under this subsection. (6)PriorityIn making and guaranteeing microloans under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to—(A)beginning farmers or ranchers;(B)socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 355(e)); and (C)owners or operators of niche or nontraditional farm operations, as defined by the Secretary..


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3286
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 29, 2010
			Mr. Specter introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans'
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out
		  a pilot program on the award of grants to State and local government agencies
		  and nonprofit organizations to provide assistance to veterans with their
		  submittal of claims to the Veterans Benefits Administration, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Pilot program on grants to
			 State and local agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide assistance to
			 veterans with submittal of claims for veterans benefits
			(a)Grant
			 program
				(1)In
			 generalNot later than 120 days after the date of the enactment
			 of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall commence a pilot program
			 to assess the feasibility and advisability of awarding grants to eligible
			 entities to provide assistance to veterans with their submittal of claims to
			 the Veterans Benefits Administration for purposes of facilitating reduction in
			 the amount of time required by the Veterans Benefits Administration to process
			 such claims.
				(2)Duration of
			 programThe pilot program shall be carried out during the
			 two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot
			 program.
				(3)Amount of grant
			 awardsThe amount of a grant awarded to an eligible entity under
			 the pilot program shall be such amount as the Secretary considers appropriate
			 after considering the number of veterans expected to receive assistance from
			 the eligible entity under the pilot program.
				(b)Eligible
			 entitiesFor purposes of this section, an eligible entity is any
			 State or local government agency or nonprofit organization that the Secretary
			 considers appropriate to provide assistance under the pilot program.
			(c)ApplicationAn
			 eligible entity seeking a grant under the pilot program shall submit to the
			 Secretary an application therefor in such form and in such manner as the
			 Secretary considers appropriate.
			(d)AssistanceThe
			 assistance provided to a veteran by an eligible entity under the pilot program
			 shall include assistance with the following:
				(1)Collecting
			 evidence in support of the claim of a veteran.
				(2)Submitting a
			 claim to the Veterans Benefits Administration.
				(3)Such other
			 matters as the Secretary considers
				(e)ModelTo
			 the degree practicable, the Secretary shall model the pilot program on the
			 comprehensive service programs under subchapter II of chapter 20 of title 38,
			 United States Code.


109 HR 2552 IH: To suspend temporarily the duty on Pigment Yellow 213.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-05-23
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.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2552
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 23, 2005
Mr. Langevin introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To suspend temporarily the duty on Pigment Yellow 213.

1.Pigment Yellow 213
(a)In generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting in numerical sequence the following new heading:

9902.09.84Pigment Yellow 213 (CAS No. 220198-21-0) (provided for in subheading 3204.17.60)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2008
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of enactment of this Act.


115 HR 7138 IH: Transparency for Confucius Institutes
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-06-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7138IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 8, 2020Mr. Roy (for himself, Mr. Yoho, Mr. Gaetz, Mr. Gohmert, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Brooks of Alabama, Mr. Posey, Mr. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Mr. Fulcher, and Mr. Gosar) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborA BILLTo amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require program participation agreements between institutions of higher education and Hanban if a Confucius Institute operates on the campus of the institution.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Transparency for Confucius Institutes.2.Program participation agreements between institutions and HanbanSection 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1094(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:(30)If a Confucius Institute (as defined in section 1091 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (132 Stat. 1997; Public Law 115–232)) operates on the campus of the institution, the institution shall enter into a program participation agreement with the Office of Chinese Language Council International (commonly known as Hanban) that—(A)clearly delineates between the Confucius Institute's programs and the institution’s own Chinese language programs;(B)locates the Confucius Institute physically apart from the Chinese language programs, Chinese history programs, and Chinese cultural programs within the institution’s organizational structure and separates promotions for the Confucius Institute from promotions for the institution’s Chinese language programs, Chinese history programs, and Chinese cultural programs; (C)removes the Chinese assistant director position from the Confucius Institute;(D)subjects the staff and professors of the Confucius Institute to appropriate background checks; (E)is publicly available in its entirety online; (F)does not have a confidentiality section; and(G)provides that the institution has final decision-making authority, including with regard to conference themes, guest speakers, and topics for events on campus at the institution..