115 HR 4506 RH: Jobs for Tribes Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-11-30
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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.

		IB
		Union Calendar No. 869
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		H. R. 4506
		[Report No. 115–1064, Part I]
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			November 30, 2017
			Mrs. Torres (for herself, Mr. Cole, Mrs. Radewagen, Mr. Kind, Mr. O'Halleran, Ms. Jackson Lee, and Mr. Grijalva) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

			December 3, 2018
			Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources with an amendment
			Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic

		December 3, 2018Referral to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Education and the Workforce extended for a period ending not later than December 28, 2018 December 28, 2018Additional sponsors: Mr. Khanna, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Soto, Mr. Gomez, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Kilmer, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Denham, Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Young of Alaska, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, and Mr. Valadao
			December 28, 2018Committees on Foreign Affairs and Education and the Workforce discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to
			 be printed For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on November 30, 2017

		A BILL
		To provide incentives to encourage tribal job creation and economic activity, and for other
			 purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Jobs for Tribes Act. 2.Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

				Sec. 1. Short title.
				Sec. 2. Table of contents.
				Title I—Indian Economic Enhancement Act of 2018
				Sec. 101. Short title.
				Sec. 102. Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000.
				Sec. 103. Buy Indian Act.
				Sec. 104. Native American Programs Act of 1974.
				Title II—Native American Business Incubators Program Act
				Sec. 201. Short title.
				Sec. 202. Definitions.
				Sec. 203. Establishment of program.
				Sec. 204. Schools to business incubator pipeline.
				Sec. 205. Agency partnerships.
				Title III—Indigenous Peoples Exchange and Economic Cooperation Act
				Sec. 301. Short title.
				Sec. 302. Statement of policy.
				Sec. 303. Definitions.
				Sec. 304. Strategy.
				Sec. 305. United States assistance to support indigenous peoples.
		IIndian Economic Enhancement Act of 2018
 101.Short titleThis title may be cited as the Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2018. 102.Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000 (a)Findings; purposesSection 2 of the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000 (25 U.S.C. 4301) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (c)Applicability to Indian-Owned businessesThe findings and purposes in subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to any Indian-owned business governed—
 (1)by tribal laws regulating trade or commerce on Indian lands; or (2)pursuant to section 5 of the Act of August 15, 1876 (19 Stat. 200, chapter 289; 25 U.S.C. 261)..
 (b)DefinitionsSection 3 of the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000 (25 U.S.C. 4302) is amended—
 (1)by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (6) and paragraphs (7) through (9), as paragraphs (2) through (7) and paragraphs (9) through (11), respectively;
 (2)by inserting before paragraph (2) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)) the following:  (1)DirectorThe term Director means the Director of Native American Business Development appointed pursuant to section 4(a)(2).; and
 (3)by inserting after paragraph (7) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)) the following:  (8)OfficeThe term Office means the Office of Native American Business Development established by section 4(a)(1)..
 (c)Office of Native American Business DevelopmentSection 4 of the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000 (25 U.S.C. 4303) is amended—
 (1)in subsection (a)— (A)in paragraph (1)—
 (i)by striking Department of Commerce and inserting Office of the Secretary; and (ii)by striking (referred to in this Act as the Office); and
 (B)in paragraph (2), in the first sentence, by striking (referred to in this Act as the Director); and (2)by adding at the end the following:

							(c)Duties of Director
 (1)In generalThe Director shall serve as— (A)the program and policy advisor to the Secretary with respect to the trust and governmental relationship between the United States and Indian tribes; and
 (B)the point of contact for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Indians regarding— (i)policies and programs of the Department of Commerce; and
 (ii)other matters relating to economic development and doing business in Indian lands. (2)Departmental coordinationThe Director shall coordinate with all offices and agencies within the Department of Commerce to ensure that each office and agency has an accountable process to ensure—
 (A)meaningful and timely coordination and assistance, as required by this Act; and (B)consultation with Indian tribes regarding the policies, programs, assistance, and activities of the offices and agencies..
 (d)Indian community development initiativesThe Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000 is amended— (1)by redesignating section 8 (25 U.S.C. 4307) as section 9; and
 (2)by inserting after section 7 (25 U.S.C. 4306) the following:  8.Indian community development initiatives (a)Interagency coordinationNot later than 1 year after the enactment of this section, the Secretary, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall coordinate—
 (1)to develop initiatives that— (A)encourage, promote, and provide education regarding investments in Indian communities through—
 (i)the loan guarantee program of Bureau of Indian Affairs under section 201 of the Indian Financing Act of 1974 (25 U.S.C. 1481);
 (ii)programs carried out using amounts in the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund established under section 104(a) of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4703(a)); and
 (iii)other capital development programs; (B)examine and develop alternatives that would qualify as collateral for financing in Indian communities; and
 (C)provide entrepreneur and other training relating to economic development through tribally controlled colleges and universities and other Indian organizations with experience in providing such training;
 (2)to consult with Indian tribes and with the Securities and Exchange Commission to study, and collaborate to establish, regulatory changes necessary to qualify an Indian tribe as an accredited investor for the purposes of sections 230.500 through 230.508 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), consistent with the goals of promoting capital formation and ensuring qualifying Indian tribes have the ability to withstand investment loss, on a basis comparable to other legal entities that qualify as accredited investors who are not natural persons;
 (3)to identify regulatory, legal, or other barriers to increasing investment, business, and economic development, including qualifying or approving collateral structures, measurements of economic strength, and contributions of Indian economies in Indian communities through the Authority established under section 4 of the Indian Tribal Regulatory Reform and Business Development Act of 2000 (25 U.S.C. 4301 note);
 (4)to ensure consultation with Indian tribes regarding increasing investment in Indian communities and the development of the report required in paragraph (5); and
 (5)to provide a report to Congress regarding improvements to Indian communities resulting from such initiatives and recommendations for promoting sustained growth of the tribal economies.
 (b)WaiverFor assistance provided pursuant to section 108 of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4707) to benefit Native Community Development Financial Institutions, as defined by the Secretary of the Treasury, section 108(e) of such Act shall not apply.
								(c)Indian economic development feasibility study
 (1)In generalThe Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study and, not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, submit to the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study and recommendations.
 (2)ContentsThe study shall include an assessment of each of the following: (A)In generalThe study shall assess current Federal capitalization and related programs and services that are available to assist Indian communities with business and economic development, including manufacturing, physical infrastructure (such as telecommunications and broadband), community development, and facilities construction for such purposes. For each of the Federal programs and services identified, the study shall assess the current use and demand by Indian tribes, individuals, businesses, and communities of the programs, the capital needs of Indian tribes, businesses, and communities related to economic development, and the extent that similar programs have been used to assist non-Indian communities compared to the extent used for Indian communities.
 (B)Financing assistanceThe study shall assess and quantify the extent of assistance provided to non-Indian borrowers and to Indian (both tribal and individual) borrowers (including information about such assistance as a percentage of need for Indian borrowers and for non-Indian borrowers, assistance to Indian borrowers and to non-Indian borrowers as a percentage of total applicants, and such assistance to Indian borrowers as individuals as compared to such assistance to Indian tribes) through the loan programs, the loan guarantee programs, or bond guarantee programs of the—
 (i)Department of the Interior; (ii)Department of Agriculture;
 (iii)Department of Housing and Urban Development; (iv)Department of Energy;
 (v)Small Business Administration; and (vi)Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the Department of the Treasury.
 (C)Tax incentivesThe study shall assess and quantify the extent of the assistance and allocations afforded for non-Indian projects and for Indian projects pursuant to each of the following tax incentive programs:
 (i)New market tax credit. (ii)Low income housing tax credit.
 (iii)Investment tax credit. (iv)Renewable energy tax incentives.
 (v)Accelerated depreciation. (D)Tribal investment incentiveThe study shall assess various alternative incentives that could be provided to enable and encourage tribal governments to invest in an Indian community development investment fund or bank..
 103.Buy Indian ActSection 23 of the Act of June 25, 1910 (commonly known as the Buy Indian Act) (36 Stat. 861, chapter 431; 25 U.S.C. 47), is amended to read as follows:  23.Employment of Indian labor and purchase of products of Indian industry; participation in Mentor-Protege Program (a)DefinitionsIn this section:
 (1)Indian economic enterpriseThe term Indian economic enterprise has the meaning given the term in section 1480.201 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
 (2)Mentor firm; protege firmThe terms mentor firm and protege firm have the meanings given those terms in section 831(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (10 U.S.C. 2302 note; Public Law 101–510).
 (3)SecretariesThe term Secretaries means— (A)the Secretary of the Interior; and
 (B)the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (b)Enterprise development (1)In generalUnless determined by one of the Secretaries to be impracticable and unreasonable—
 (A)Indian labor shall be employed; and (B)purchases of Indian industry products (including printing and facilities construction, notwithstanding any other provision of law) may be made in open market by the Secretaries.
								(2)Mentor-Protege Program
 (A)In generalParticipation in the Mentor-Protege Program established under section 831(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (10 U.S.C. 2302 note; Public Law 101–510) or receipt of assistance under a developmental assistance agreement under that program shall not render any individual or entity involved in the provision of Indian labor or an Indian industry product ineligible to receive assistance under this section.
 (B)TreatmentFor purposes of this section, no determination of affiliation or control (whether direct or indirect) may be found between a protege firm and a mentor firm on the basis that the mentor firm has provided, or agreed to provide, to the protege firm, pursuant to a mentor-protege agreement, any form of developmental assistance described in section 831(f) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (10 U.S.C. 2302 note; Public Law 101–510).
 (c)ImplementationIn carrying out this section, the Secretaries shall— (1)conduct outreach to Indian industrial entities;
 (2)provide training; (3)promulgate regulations in accordance with this section and with the regulations under part 1480 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), to harmonize the procurement procedures of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human Services, to the maximum extent practicable; and
 (4)require procurement management reviews by their respective Departments to include a review of the implementation of this section..
			104.Native American Programs Act of 1974
 (a)Financial assistance for Native American projectsSection 803 of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 2991b) is amended— (1)by redesignating subsections (b) through (d) as subsections (c) through (e), respectively; and
 (2)by inserting after subsection (a) the following:  (b)Economic development (1)In generalThe Commissioner may provide assistance under subsection (a) for projects relating to the purposes of this title to a Native community development financial institution, as defined by the Secretary of the Treasury.
 (2)PriorityWith regard to not less than 50 percent of the total amount available for assistance under this section, the Commissioner shall give priority to any application seeking assistance for—
 (A)the development of a tribal code or court system for purposes of economic development, including commercial codes, training for court personnel, regulation pursuant to section 5 of the Act of August 15, 1876 (19 Stat. 200, chapter 289; 25 U.S.C. 261), and the development of nonprofit subsidiaries or other tribal business structures;
 (B)the development of a community development financial institution, including training and administrative expenses; or
 (C)the development of a tribal master plan for community and economic development and infrastructure.. (b)Technical assistance and trainingSection 804 of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 2991c) is amended—
 (1)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking The Commissioner and inserting the following:  (a)In generalThe Commissioner; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following:  (b)PriorityIn providing assistance under subsection (a), the Commissioner shall give priority to any application described in section 803(b)(2)..
 (c)Authorization of appropriationsSection 816 of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 2992d) is amended by striking 803(d) each place it appears and inserting 803(e). IINative American Business Incubators Program Act 201.Short titleThis title may be cited as the Native American Business Incubators Program Act.
 202.DefinitionsIn this title: (1)Business incubatorThe term business incubator means an organization that—
 (A)provides physical workspace and facilities resources to startups and established businesses; and (B)is designed to accelerate the growth and success of businesses through a variety of business support resources and services, including—
 (i)access to capital, business education, and counseling; (ii)networking opportunities;
 (iii)mentorship opportunities; and (iv)other services intended to aid in developing a business.
 (2)Eligible applicantThe term eligible applicant means an applicant eligible to apply for a grant under section 203(b). (3)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).
 (4)Institution of higher educationThe term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
 (5)Native American; NativeThe terms Native American and Native have the meaning given the term Indian in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (6)Native businessThe term Native business means a business concern that is at least 51-percent owned and controlled by one or more Native Americans.
 (7)Native entrepreneurThe term Native entrepreneur means an entrepreneur who is a Native American. (8)ProgramThe term program means the program established under section 203(a).
 (9)ReservationThe term reservation has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Indian Financing Act of 1974 (25 U.S.C. 1452). (10)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
 (11)Tribal college or universityThe term tribal college or university has the meaning given the term Tribal College or University in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)). 203.Establishment of program (a)In generalThe Secretary shall establish a program in the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development’s Division of Economic Development under which the Secretary shall provide financial assistance in the form of competitive grants to eligible applicants for the establishment and operation of business incubators that serve reservation communities by providing business incubation and other business services to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs.
				(b)Eligible applicants
 (1)In generalTo be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an applicant shall— (A)be—
 (i)an Indian tribe; (ii)a tribal college or university;
 (iii)an institution of higher education; or (iv)a private nonprofit organization or tribal nonprofit organization that—
 (I)provides business and financial technical assistance; and (II)will commit to serving one or more reservation communities;
 (B)be able to provide the physical workspace, equipment, and connectivity necessary for Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs to collaborate and conduct business on a local, regional, national, and international level; and
 (C)in the case of an entity described in clauses (ii) through (iv) of subparagraph (A), have been operational for not less than 1 year before receiving a grant under the program.
						(2)Joint project
 (A)In generalTwo or more entities may submit a joint application for a project that combines the resources and expertise of those entities at a physical location dedicated to assisting Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs under the program.
 (B)ContentsA joint application submitted under subparagraph (A) shall— (i)contain a certification that each participant of the joint project is one of the eligible entities described in paragraph (1)(A); and
 (ii)demonstrate that together the participants meet the requirements of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1).
							(c)Application and selection process
 (1)Application requirementsEach eligible applicant desiring a grant under the program shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including—
 (A)a certification that the applicant— (i)is an eligible applicant;
 (ii)will designate an executive director or program manager, if such director or manager has not been designated, to manage the business incubator; and
 (iii)agrees— (I)to a site evaluation by the Secretary as part of the final selection process;
 (II)to an annual programmatic and financial examination for the duration of the grant; and (III)to the maximum extent practicable, to remedy any problems identified pursuant to the site evaluation under subclause (I) or an examination under subclause (II);
 (B)a description of the one or more reservation communities to be served by the business incubator; (C)a 3-year plan that describes—
 (i)the number of Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs to be participating in the business incubator;
 (ii)whether the business incubator will focus on a particular type of business or industry; (iii)a detailed breakdown of the services to be offered to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs participating in the business incubator; and
 (iv)a detailed breakdown of the services, if any, to be offered to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs not participating in the business incubator;
 (D)information demonstrating the effectiveness and experience of the eligible applicant in— (i)conducting financial, management, and marketing assistance programs designed to educate or improve the business skills of current or prospective businesses;
 (ii)working in and providing services to Native American communities; (iii)providing assistance to entities conducting business in reservation communities;
 (iv)providing technical assistance under Federal business and entrepreneurial development programs for which Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs are eligible; and
 (v)managing finances and staff effectively; and (E)a site description of the location at which the eligible applicant will provide physical workspace, including a description of the technologies, equipment, and other resources that will be available to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs participating in the business incubator.
						(2)Evaluation considerations
 (A)In generalIn evaluating each application, the Secretary shall consider— (i)the ability of the eligible applicant—
 (I)to operate a business incubator that effectively imparts entrepreneurship and business skills to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs, as demonstrated by the experience and qualifications of the eligible applicant;
 (II)to commence providing services within a minimum period of time, to be determined by the Secretary; and
 (III)to provide quality incubation services to a significant number of Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs;
 (ii)the experience of the eligible applicant in providing services in Native American communities, including in the one or more reservation communities described in the application; and
 (iii)the proposed location of the business incubator. (B)Priority (i)In generalIn evaluating the proposed location of the business incubator under subparagraph (A)(iii), the Secretary shall—
 (I)consider the program goal of achieving broad geographic distribution of business incubators; and (II)except as provided in clause (ii), give priority to eligible applicants that will provide business incubation services on or near the reservation of the one or more communities that were described in the application.
 (ii)ExceptionThe Secretary may give priority to an eligible applicant that is not located on or near the reservation of the one or more communities that were described in the application if the Secretary determines that—
 (I)the location of the business incubator will not prevent the eligible applicant from providing quality business incubation services to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs from the one or more reservation communities to be served; and
 (II)siting the business incubator in the identified location will serve the interests of the one or more reservation communities to be served.
								(3)Site evaluation
 (A)In generalBefore making a grant to an eligible applicant, the Secretary shall conduct a site visit, evaluate a video submission, or evaluate a written site proposal (if the applicant is not yet in possession of the site) of the proposed site to ensure the proposed site will permit the eligible applicant to meet the requirements of the program.
 (B)Written site proposalA written site proposal shall meet the requirements described in paragraph (1)(E) and contain— (i)sufficient detail for the Secretary to ensure in the absence of a site visit or video submission that the proposed site will permit the eligible applicant to meet the requirements of the program; and
 (ii)a timeline describing when the eligible applicant will be— (I)in possession of the proposed site; and
 (II)operating the business incubator at the proposed site. (C)FollowupNot later than 1 year after awarding a grant to an eligible applicant that submits an application with a written site proposal, the Secretary shall conduct a site visit or evaluate a video submission of the site to ensure the site is consistent with the written site proposal.
						(d)Administration
 (1)DurationEach grant awarded under the program shall be for a term of 3 years. (2)Payment (A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall disburse grant funds awarded to an eligible applicant in annual installments.
 (B)More frequent disbursementsOn request by the applicant, the Secretary may make disbursements of grant funds more frequently than annually, on the condition that disbursements shall be made not more frequently than quarterly.
						(3)Non-Federal contributions for initial assistance
 (A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (B), an eligible applicant that receives a grant under the program shall provide non-Federal contributions in an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of the grant amount disbursed each year.
 (B)WaiverThe Secretary may waive, in whole or in part, the requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect to an eligible applicant if, after considering the ability of the eligible applicant to provide non-Federal contributions, the Secretary determines that—
 (i)the proposed business incubator will provide quality business incubation services; and (ii)the one or more reservation communities to be served are unlikely to receive similar services because of remoteness or other reasons that inhibit the provision of business and entrepreneurial development services.
							(4)Renewals
 (A)In generalThe Secretary may renew a grant award under the program for a term not to exceed 3 years. (B)ConsiderationsIn determining whether to renew a grant award, the Secretary shall consider with respect to the eligible applicant—
 (i)the results of the annual evaluations of the eligible applicant under subsection (f)(1); (ii)the performance of the business incubator of the eligible applicant, as compared to the performance of other business incubators receiving assistance under the program;
 (iii)whether the eligible applicant continues to be eligible for the program; and (iv)the evaluation considerations for initial awards under subsection (c)(2).
 (C)Non-Federal contributions for renewalsAn eligible applicant that receives a grant renewal under subparagraph (A) shall provide non-Federal contributions in an amount equal to not less than 33 percent of the total amount of the grant.
 (5)No duplicative grantsAn eligible applicant shall not be awarded a grant under the program that is duplicative of existing Federal funding from another source.
					(e)Program requirements
 (1)Use of fundsAn eligible applicant receiving a grant under the program may use grant amounts— (A)to provide physical workspace and facilities for Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs participating in the business incubator;
 (B)to establish partnerships with other institutions and entities to provide comprehensive business incubation services to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs participating in the business incubator; and
 (C)for any other uses typically associated with business incubators that the Secretary determines to be appropriate and consistent with the purposes of the program.
 (2)Minimum requirementsEach eligible applicant receiving a grant under the program shall— (A)offer culturally tailored incubation services to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs;
 (B)use a competitive process for selecting Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs to participate in the business incubator;
 (C)provide physical workspace that permits Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs to conduct business and collaborate with other Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs;
 (D)provide entrepreneurship and business skills training and education to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs including—
 (i)financial education, including training and counseling in— (I)applying for and securing business credit and investment capital;
 (II)preparing and presenting financial statements; and (III)managing cash flow and other financial operations of a business;
 (ii)management education, including training and counseling in planning, organization, staffing, directing, and controlling each major activity or function of a business or startup; and
 (iii)marketing education, including training and counseling in— (I)identifying and segmenting domestic and international market opportunities;
 (II)preparing and executing marketing plans; (III)locating contract opportunities;
 (IV)negotiating contracts; and (V)using varying public relations and advertising techniques;
 (E)provide direct mentorship or assistance finding mentors in the industry in which the Native business or Native entrepreneur operates or intends to operate; and
 (F)provide access to networks of potential investors, professionals in the same or similar fields, and other business owners with similar businesses.
 (3)TechnologyEach eligible applicant shall leverage technology to the maximum extent practicable to provide Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs with access to the connectivity tools needed to compete and thrive in 21st-century markets.
					(f)Oversight
 (1)Annual evaluationsNot later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary awards a grant to an eligible applicant under the program, and annually thereafter for the duration of the grant, the Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the eligible applicant, which shall—
 (A)describe the performance of the eligible applicant; and (B)be used in determining the ongoing eligibility of the eligible applicant.
						(2)Annual report
 (A)In generalNot later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary awards a grant to an eligible applicant under the program, and annually thereafter for the duration of the grant, each eligible applicant receiving an award under the program shall submit to the Secretary a report describing the services the eligible applicant provided under the program during the preceding year.
 (B)Report contentThe report described in subparagraph (A) shall include— (i)a detailed breakdown of the Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs receiving services from the business incubator, including, for the year covered by the report—
 (I)the number of Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs participating in or receiving services from the business incubator and the types of services provided to those Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs;
 (II)the number of Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs established and jobs created or maintained; and
 (III)the performance of Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs while participating in the business incubator and after graduation or departure from the business incubator; and
 (ii)any other information the Secretary may require to evaluate the performance of a business incubator to ensure appropriate implementation of the program.
 (C)LimitationsTo the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall not require an eligible applicant to report under subparagraph (A) information provided to the Secretary by the eligible applicant under other programs.
 (D)CoordinationThe Secretary shall coordinate with the heads of other Federal agencies to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, the report content and form under subparagraphs (A) and (B) are consistent with other reporting requirements for Federal programs that provide business and entrepreneurial assistance.
 204.Schools to business incubator pipelineThe Secretary shall facilitate the establishment of relationships between eligible applicants receiving funds through the program and educational institutions serving Native American communities, including tribal colleges and universities.
 205.Agency partnershipsThe Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that business incubators receiving grant funds under the program have the information and materials needed to provide Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs with the information and assistance necessary to apply for business and entrepreneurial development programs administered by the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Treasury, and the Small Business Administration.
			IIIIndigenous Peoples Exchange and Economic Cooperation Act
 301.Short titleThis title may be cited as the Indigenous Peoples Exchange and Economic Cooperation Act. 302.Statement of policyIt shall be the policy of the United States to facilitate contacts and cooperation, including commercial relationships, between Native American tribes and indigenous peoples in the Western Hemisphere.
 303.DefinitionsIn this title: (1)Native American tribesThe term Native American tribe means any federally recognized tribe.
 (2)Indigenous peoplesThe term indigenous peoples means peoples residing in foreign countries in the Western Hemisphere who have historical ties to a particular territory and are culturally or historically distinct from the politically dominant population.
				304.Strategy
 (a)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy, in consultation with the individuals listed in subsection (b), to promote and facilitate—
 (1)cross-investments between Native American tribes and indigenous peoples in tribal businesses and commercial enterprises that involve indigenous peoples, such as sustainable natural resource management, agricultural development, or handicraft production; and
 (2)the development of supply chains for United States entities that include products produced by Native American tribes and indigenous peoples.
 (b)Consultation requiredThe individuals listed in this subsection are the following: (1)The Secretary of Commerce.
 (2)The Secretary of State. (3)The Secretary of the Interior.
 (4)The United States Trade Representative. (5)The Administrator and the Advisor for Indigenous Peoples Issues of the United States Agency for International Development.
 (6)The President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. (7)The Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
 (8)The President of the Inter-American Foundation. (9)Representatives of Native American tribes.
 (10)Representatives of civil society organizations advocating for the rights or interests of indigenous peoples.
 (c)Appropriate congressional committeesIn this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1)the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and
 (2)the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.
 305.United States assistance to support indigenous peoplesIn order to improve the capacity of indigenous peoples to engage in and benefit from increased trade and investment relationships, the Secretary of State shall—
 (1)consult with— (A)the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development; and
 (B)representatives of civil society organizations, especially organizations comprised of or representing the interests of indigenous peoples; and
 (2)provide assistance to countries in the Western Hemisphere in a manner that promotes and facilitates entrepreneurship among indigenous peoples—
 (A)by strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations and local governments; and (B)by supporting projects involving sustainable natural resource management, agricultural development, and handicraft production.

		December 28, 2018
		Committees on Foreign Affairs and Education and the Workforce discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to
			 be printed


116 SRES 778 IS: Recognizing Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Day on December 15, 2020.
U.S. Senate
2020-11-18
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EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. RES. 778IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESNovember 18, 2020Mr. Braun (for himself, Mr. Young, and Mr. Rubio) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationRESOLUTIONRecognizing Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Day on December 15, 2020.Whereas school athletic programs develop young people physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally through the life lessons learned through participation and competition;Whereas interscholastic athletic participation is an integral part of a student’s educational experience and enhances the learning process;Whereas athletic administrators are committed to developing and maintaining comprehensive education-based athletic programs which seek the highest development of all student athletes;Whereas athletic administrators fulfill professional responsibilities with honesty, integrity, commitment to equity, and fairness;Whereas athletic administrators preserve, enhance, and promote the educational values of athletics in our schools through professional growth in the areas of education, leadership, and service;Whereas athletic administrators embody high standards of ethics, sportsmanship, and personal conduct and encourage coaching staffs, student-athletes, and community members to commit to these high standards as well;Whereas during the COVID–19 pandemic, now more than ever, we need school leaders, including athletic administrators, who prepare, plan, and endeavor to secure student safety and well-being;Whereas during the COVID–19 pandemic, athletic administrators have been at the forefront of overseeing their secondary school educational programs, as re-opening requires wisdom in preparation, adaptation, change, and relearning to be shared with other school officials; andWhereas the COVID–19 pandemic has shown the importance of athletic administrators and interscholastic athletics during a critical moment in our Nation’s history: Now, therefore, be itThat the Senate—(1)supports the recognition of Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Day on December 15, 2020;(2)commends athletic administrators for their commitment and leadership provided to student-athletes at the secondary school level, especially during the COVID–19 pandemic; and(3)commends the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association as the leading organization that prepares those who lead secondary school athletics throughout the country, providing education, compassion, and preparation within the profession.


117 S2945 IS: Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants
U.S. Senate
2021-10-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2945IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESOctober 6, 2021Ms. Ernst (for herself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Tillis, Ms. Collins, Mr. Cramer, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Lankford, Mr. Lee, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Portman, Mr. Hoeven, Mrs. Capito, and Mr. Boozman) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo include sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence in the definition of aggravated felonies under the Immigration and Nationality Act in order to expedite the removal of aliens convicted of such crimes.1.Short titlesThis Act may be cited as the Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants or the BE GONE Act.2.Expanding the definition of aggravated felonies under the Immigration and Nationality ActSection 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43)) is amended—(1)in subparagraph (T), by striking and at the end;(2)in subparagraph (U), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(V)sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence..


116 HR 153 IH: Mobilizing Against Sanctuary Cities Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-03
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. 153IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 3, 2019Mr. Duncan (for himself, Mr. Gosar, Mr. Brooks of Alabama, Mr. Norman, Mr. King of Iowa, Mr. Hice of Georgia, Mr. Posey, Mr. Meadows, and Mr. Weber of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo prohibit the receipt of Federal financial assistance by sanctuary cities, and for other
			 purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Mobilizing Against Sanctuary Cities Act. 2.Sanctuary cities ineligible for Federal financial assistanceAny State or local government that violates section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1373) may not receive any Federal financial assistance (as such term is defined in section 7501(a)(5) of title 31, United States Code). The Attorney General shall determine annually which State or local jurisdictions are not in compliance with section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act and shall report such determinations to Congress on March 1 of each year. The Attorney General shall also issue a report concerning the compliance of any particular State or local jurisdiction at the request of any Member of Congress. Any jurisdiction that is found to be out of compliance shall be ineligible to receive Federal financial assistance for a minimum period of one year, and shall only become eligible again after the Attorney General certifies that the jurisdiction is in compliance.


109 HR 6244 IH: To amend the Hobby Protection Act to require that

U.S. House of Representatives
2006-09-28
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
		2d Session
		H. R. 6244
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 28, 2006
			Mr. Moran of Virginia
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		A BILL
		To amend the Hobby Protection Act to require that
		  imitation Civil War items be clearly marked as copies.

		1.Marking requirements for
			 imitation Civil War items
			(a)Marking
			 requirementsSection 2 of the Hobby Protection Act (15 U.S.C.
			 2101) is amended—
				(1)by redesignating
			 subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively, and by
			 inserting after subsection (b) the following:

						(c)Imitation Civil
				War itemsThe manufacture in the United States, or the
				importation into the United States, for introduction into or distribution in
				commerce of any imitation Civil War item which is not plainly and permanently
				marked copy or facsimile is unlawful and is an
				unfair and deceptive act or practice in commerce under the Federal Trade
				Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et
				seq.).
						;
				(2)in subsection (d)
			 (as so redesignated), by striking subsection (a) or (b) and
			 inserting subsection (a), (b) and(c); and
				(3)in subsection (e)
			 (as so redesignated)—
					(A)by striking
			 (a) and (b), and regulations under subsection (c) and inserting
			 (a), (b) and (c), and regulations under subsection (d);
			 and
					(B)by striking
			 or imitation numismatic item and inserting , imitation
			 numismatic item, or imitation Civil War item.
					(b)Imitation Civil
			 War item definedSection 7 of the Hobby Protection Act (15 U.S.C.
			 2106) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(8)The term
				imitation Civil War item means an item which purports to be, but
				in fact is not, an original Civil War item, or which is a reproduction, copy,
				facsimile, or counterfeit of an original Civil War item.
					(9)The term
				original Civil War item means any firearm, knife, sword, or
				other weapon, or any uniform or portion thereof, or any accoutrement used
				during the period of the American Civil War, or any such item in existence
				during and related to the American Civil
				War.
					.
			(c)Conforming
			 amendmentsThe Hobby Protection Act is further amended—
				(1)in section 3 (15
			 U.S.C. 2102), by striking section 2(a) or (b) or a rule under section
			 2(c) and inserting subsections (a), (b) or (c) of section 2 or a
			 rule under section 2(d); and
				(2)in section 5 (15 U.S.C. 2104), by striking
			 section 2(a) or (b) or a rule under section 2(c) and inserting
			 subsections (a), (b) or (c) of section 2 or a rule under section
			 2(d).
				2.Rules prescribed
			 by the Federal Trade CommissionIn prescribing rules required under section
			 2(d) of the Hobby Protection Act (as redesignated by section 1(a) of this Act)
			 relating to the amendments made by this Act, the Federal Trade Commission shall
			 prescribe rules relating to imitation Civil War items (as defined in the
			 amendment made by section 1(b)) that are substantially similar to the rules
			 prescribed by the Commission relating to imitation numismatic items.


114 HR 5454 IH: Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2016
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-06-10
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 2d Session
H. R. 5454
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 10, 2016
Mr. Smith of Washington (for himself and Mr. Franks of Arizona) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
To provide for automatic acquisition of United States citizenship for certain internationally adopted individuals, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2016. 2.United States citizenship for certain internationally adopted individualsSection 320(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1431(a)(3)) is amended to read as follows:

(b)Adopted children of citizen parent
(1)In generalSubsection (a) shall apply to a child adopted by a United States citizen parent if the child satisfies the requirements applicable to adopted children under subparagraph (E), (F), or (G) of section 101(b)(1), regardless of the date on which the adoption was finalized. (2)Limited application to certain adopted individuals residing in the united statesNotwithstanding section 318, an individual born outside of the United States who was adopted by a United States citizen parent shall automatically become a citizen of the United States when all of the following conditions have been fulfilled:
(A)The individual was adopted by a United States citizen before the individual reached 18 years of age. (B)The individual was physically present in the United States in the legal custody of the citizen parent pursuant to a lawful admission before the individual reached 18 years of age.
(C)The individual never acquired United States citizenship before the date of the enactment of the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2016. (D)The individual was residing in the United States on the date of the enactment of the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2016 pursuant to a lawful admission.
(3)Limited application to certain adopted individuals residing outside of the united states
(A)In generalAn individual who meets all of the criteria described in paragraph (2) except for subparagraph (D) shall automatically become a citizen of the United States on the date on which the individual is physically present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission. (B)Inapplicability of grounds of inadmissibilityThe grounds of inadmissibility set forth in section 212(a) shall not apply to an individual described in subparagraph (A) who is seeking admission to the United States.
(C)Criminal background checkNotwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (B), an individual described in subparagraph (A) may not be issued a visa unless— (i)the individual was subjected to a criminal background check; and
(ii)if the background check conducted pursuant to clause (i) reveals that the individual has committed a crime that was not properly resolved, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State coordinated with relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that appropriate action is taken to resolve such criminal activity..


I
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4244
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 8, 2009
Mr. Schock (for himself and Mr. Nye) 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 simplified research tax credit for small businesses.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Small Business Research and Experimentation Simplification Act of 2009.
2.Research tax credit
(a)In generalSubpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

30E.Simplified small business research credit
(a)In generalIn the case of an eligible small business, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to 20 percent of the qualified research expenses of the taxpayer for the taxable year.
(b)Qualified research expendituresFor purposes of this section, the term qualified research expenses has the meaning given such term by section 41(b), except that in lieu of applying paragraph (2)(C) thereof (defining supplies) the term supplies means any tangible property other than land.
(c)Eligible small businessFor purposes of this section—
(1)In generalThe term eligible small business means with respect to any taxable year beginning in a calendar year, any employer if such employer employed an average of 500 or fewer employees on business days during the preceding calendar year. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a preceding calendar year may be taken into account only if the employer was in existence throughout such year.
(2)Employers not in existence in preceding yearIn the case of an employer which was not in existence throughout the preceding calendar year, the determination under paragraph (1) shall be based on the average number of employees that it is reasonably expected such employer will employ on business days in the current calendar year.
(d)Limitation based on amount of taxIn the case of a taxable year to which section 26(a)(2) does not apply, the credit allowed under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess of—
(1)the sum of the regular tax liability (as defined in section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by section 55, over
(2)the sum of the credits allowable under this subpart (other than this section and sections 23, 25D, 30, 30B, and 30D) and section 27 for the taxable year.
(e)Portion of credit refundable
(1)In generalThe aggregate credits allowed to a taxpayer under subpart C shall be increased by an amount equal to 25 percent of the excess (if any) of—
(A)the sum of the regular tax liability (as defined in section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by section 55, over
(B)the amount of the credit allowable under subsection (a) (determined without regard to this subsection and section 26(a) or subsection (d), as the case may be).The amount of the credit allowed under this subsection shall not be treated as a credit allowed under this subpart and shall reduce the amount of credit otherwise allowable under subsection (a) without regard to section 26(a)(2) or subsection (d), as the case may be.
(2)Application of subsectionThis subsection shall apply only with respect to the first 5 taxable years of an eligible small business (including the taxable years of any predecessor in interest).
(f)Special rulesFor purposes of this section—
(1)Controlled groupsAll persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 or subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as a single person.
(2)Denial of double benefit
(A)Coordination with other provisionsAny amount taken into account under subsection (a) shall not be taken into account in determining any deduction or other credit allowed under this chapter.
(B)Reduction in basisFor purposes of this subtitle, the basis of any property for which a credit is allowable under subsection (a) shall be reduced by the amount of such credit so allowed and attributable to such property.
(3)Special rule for pass-thru of creditIn the case of an individual who—
(A)owns an interest in an unincorporated trade or business,
(B)is a partner in a partnership,
(C)is a beneficiary of an estate or trust, or
(D)is a shareholder in an S corporation, the amount determined under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed an amount (separately computed with respect to such person’s interest in such trade or business or entity) equal to the amount of tax attributable to that portion of a person’s taxable income which is allocable or apportionable to the person’s interest in such trade or business or entity.
(g)TerminationSubsection (a) shall not apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015..
(b)Conforming amendments
(1)Section 24(b)(3)(B) of such Code is amended by striking and 30D and inserting 30D, and 30E.
(2)Section 25(e)(1)(C)(ii) of such Code is amended by inserting 30E, after 30D,.
(3)Section 25A(i)(5)(B) of such Code is amended by striking and 30D and inserting 30D, and 30E.
(4)Section 25B(g)(2) of such Code is amended by striking and 30D and inserting 30D, and 30E.
(5)Section 26(a)(1) of such Code is amended by striking and 30D and inserting 30D, and 30E.
(6)Section 904(i) of such Code is amended by striking and 30D and inserting 30D, and 30E.
(7)Section 1400C(d)(2) of such Code is amended by inserting , and 30E after 30D.
(c)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections for subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Sec. 30E. Simplified small business research credit..
(d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009.
3.GAO study on simplified small business research creditNot later than June 30, 2015, the Comptroller General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report detailing the Comptroller General’s analysis of the usefulness and effectiveness of, and any recommended changes with respect to, the simplified small business research credit determined under section 30E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.


116 S2490 IS: Child Tax Credit Extension Act
U.S. Senate
2019-09-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2490IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 17, 2019Ms. McSally (for herself, Ms. Ernst, Mr. Braun, and Mr. Scott of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent certain changes made by Public Law
			 115–97 to the child tax credit.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Child Tax Credit Extension Act. 2.Permanent increase and modification of child tax credit (a)Increase in credit amountSection 24(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking $1,000 and inserting $2,000.
 (b)LimitationParagraph (2) of section 24(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:  (2)Threshold amountFor purposes of paragraph (1), the term threshold amount means—
 (A)$400,000 in the case of a joint return, and (B)$200,000 in any other case..
 (c)Partial credit allowed for certain other dependentsSubsection (h) of section 24 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:  (h)Partial credit allowed for certain other dependents (1)In generalThe credit determined under subsection (a) shall be increased by $500 for each dependent of the taxpayer (as defined in section 7706) other than a qualifying child described in subsection (c).
 (2)Exception for certain noncitizensParagraph (1) shall not apply with respect to any individual who would not be a dependent if subparagraph (A) of section 7706(b)(3) were applied without regard to all that follows resident of the United States.
 (3)Certain qualifying childrenIn the case of any qualifying child with respect to whom a credit is not allowed under this section by reason of subsection (e)(1), such child shall be treated as a dependent to whom subparagraph (A) applies..
 (d)Maximum amount of refundable creditSubsection (d) of section 24 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:

					(4)Limitation
 (A)In generalThe amount determined under paragraph (1)(A) with respect to any qualifying child shall not exceed $1,400, and such paragraph shall be applied without regard to subsection (h).
 (B)Adjustment for inflationIn the case of a taxable year beginning after 2018, the $1,400 amount in subparagraph (A) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
 (i)such dollar amount, multiplied by (ii)the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting 2017 for 2016 in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.
							If any increase under this clause is not a multiple of $100, such increase shall be rounded to the
			 next lowest multiple of $100..
 (e)Earned income threshold for refundable creditSection 24(d)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking $3,000 and inserting $2,500. (f)Social Security number requiredParagraph (1) of section 24(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:

 (1)Qualifying child Social security number requirementNo credit shall be allowed under this section to a taxpayer with respect to any qualifying child unless the taxpayer includes the name and social security number of such child on the return of tax for the taxable year. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term social security number means a social security number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration, but only if the social security number is issued—
 (A)to a citizen of the United States or pursuant to subclause (I) (or that portion of subclause (III) that relates to subclause (I)) of section 205(c)(2)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act, and
 (B)before the due date for such return.. (g)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 11022 of Public Law 115–97.


114 SRES 268 IS: Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the Syrian refugee crisis.
U.S. Senate
2015-09-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		III
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 268
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			September 24, 2015
			Mrs. Shaheen (for herself, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Markey, Mrs. Boxer, Ms. Stabenow, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Udall, and Mr. Murphy) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the Syrian refugee crisis.

 Whereas the Syrian conflict has driven more than 7,500,000 Syrians to relocate within Syria, more than 4,000,000 Syrians to flee as refugees to neighboring countries, and hundreds of thousands of Syrians to seek asylum in Europe;
 Whereas Syria’s neighbors are on the front line of the crisis, and Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon in particular are currently hosting millions of refugees, resulting in tremendous social and economic impacts;
 Whereas Europe is facing its worst refugee crisis since World War II; Whereas members of the international community have a moral responsibility to provide assistance to Syrian refugees, as well as a national security interest in addressing both the insecurity that is driving Syrians from their homes and the spillover effects from that conflict;
 Whereas all members of the international community, including regional powers, should contribute substantially to the humanitarian effort so as to avoid shortfalls like those experienced by the World Food Programme, which has been forced to reduce its assistance to refugees;
 Whereas the European Union has agreed to resettle 120,000 of the refugees who have reached frontline European nations—an important first step in implementing a comprehensive European refugee policy;
 Whereas the Governments of Germany and Sweden, among others, have shown great generosity towards Syrian refugees;
 Whereas the United States Government remains the largest contributor to the humanitarian effort in Syria;
 Whereas the United States Government will accept at least 10,000 Syrian refugees next year, marking a significant increase from the approximately 1,500 admitted since the conflict began; and
 Whereas the United States Government should continue to rigorously employ its existing robust and thorough screening process for refugees to effectively mitigate any potential security threats: Now, therefore, be it

 That the Senate— (1)recognizes the scale and complexity of the Syrian refugee crisis and the need for the international community to work together to provide resources and capacity to aid refugees;
 (2)recognizes the generosity and humanitarian commitment of Syria’s neighbors who have worked to absorb the vast majority of refugees, as well as the European nations who have made commitments to share in the refugee resettlement effort;
 (3)welcomes the President’s decision to admit at least 10,000 Syrian refugees in 2016, and to increase the overall number of refugees received by the United States to 85,000 in 2016 and 100,000 in 2017, as an important continuation of United States humanitarian efforts; and
 (4)recognizes that the refugee crisis is a symptom of the broader conflict in Syria, the persecution of persons based on identity groups, including Christians, Yezidis, Turkmen, and Kurds, and instability in the Middle East and North Africa, and that efforts to resolve those challenges are a necessary component of any plan to address the refugee crisis.


114 S2286 IS: Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-11-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2286IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESNovember 17, 2015Mr. Lee (for himself, Mr. Barrasso, and Mr. Flake) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesA BILLTo address the forest health, public safety, and wildlife habitat threat presented by the risk of
			 wildfire, including catastrophic wildfire, on National Forest System land
			 and public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management by requiring the
			 Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to expedite
			 forest management projects relating to hazardous fuels reduction, forest
			 health, and economic development, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of
			 contents
			(a)Short
 titleThis Act may be cited as the Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act of 2015.
			(b)Table of
 contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.Sec. 2. Purposes.Sec. 3. Definitions.Sec. 4. Authorized wildfire prevention projects.Sec. 5. Public review and environmental analysis.Sec. 6. Administrative and judicial review.Sec. 7. Threatened and endangered species designations.Sec. 8. Savings clause. 2.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are—
 (1)to expedite wildfire prevention projects to reduce the chances of wildfire (including catastrophic wildfire) on certain Federal land;
 (2)to reduce threats to endangered species from wildfires; and
 (3)to provide to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior tools to streamline projects to reduce the potential for wildfires.
 3.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)At-risk communityThe term at-risk community has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511).
			(2)At-risk
 forestThe term at-risk forest means—
 (A)Federal land on which there is a high risk of losing an at-risk community, key ecosystem, wildlife, or wildlife habitat to wildfire (including catastrophic wildfire and post-fire disturbances), as documented by the Secretary concerned; or
 (B)Federal land in condition class II or III, as those classes were developed by the Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station in the general technical report entitled Development of Coarse-Scale Spatial Data for Wildland Fire and Fuel Management (RMRS–87) and dated April 2000 (including any subsequent revision to the report).
				(3)Authorized
			 wildfire prevention project
				(A)In
 generalThe term authorized wildfire prevention project means the measures and methods developed for a project to be carried out in an at-risk forest or on threatened and endangered species habitat by the Secretary concerned for the purpose of hazardous fuels reduction, forest health, forest restoration, watershed restoration, or threatened and endangered species habitat protection.
 (B)InclusionsThe term authorized wildfire prevention project includes livestock grazing and timber harvest projects carried out for one or more of the purposes described in subparagraph (A).
				(4)Federal
			 land
				(A)In
 generalThe term Federal land means—
 (i)land of the National Forest System (as defined in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a))); or
 (ii)public land. (B)ExclusionThe term Federal land does not include land in which the removal of vegetation is specifically prohibited by Federal law unless the land is in an inventoried roadless area or wilderness study area.
				(5)Public
 landThe term public land has the meaning given the term public lands in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702).
			(6)Secretary
 concernedThe term Secretary concerned means— (A)the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to land of the National Forest System described in paragraph (4)(A)(i); and
 (B)the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public land.
				(7)Threatened and
 endangered species habitatThe term threatened and endangered species habitat means Federal land on which natural fire regimes are identified as being important for, or wildfire is identified as a threat to, an endangered species, a threatened species, or habitat of an endangered species or threatened species in—
 (A)a species recovery plan prepared under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); or
 (B)a notice published in the Federal Register that—
 (i)determines a species to be an endangered species or a threatened species; or
 (ii)designates critical habitat for an endangered species or a threatened species.
					4.Authorized
			 wildfire prevention projects
			(a)Projects
 authorizedAs soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall implement authorized wildfire prevention projects in at-risk forests and on threatened and endangered species habitat in a manner that focuses on surface, ladder, and canopy fuels reduction activities.
			(b)Project
			 elements
				(1)Threatened and
 endangered species habitatIn the case of an authorized wildfire prevention project carried out on threatened and endangered species habitat, the project shall be carried out—
 (A)to provide enhanced protection from wildfire (including catastrophic wildfire) for the endangered species, threatened species, or habitat of the endangered species or threatened species; and
 (B)in compliance with any applicable guidelines specified in the species recovery plan prepared under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533).
					(2)At-risk
 forestsIn the case of an authorized wildfire prevention project carried out in an at-risk forest, the project shall be carried out so as to move Federal land in condition class II or III toward condition class I, as those classes were developed by the Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station in the general technical report entitled Development of Coarse-Scale Spatial Data for Wildland Fire and Fuel Management (RMRS–87) and dated April 2000 (including any subsequent revision to the report).
				(c)Grazing
				(1)In
 generalDomestic livestock grazing may be used in an authorized wildfire prevention project—
 (A)to reduce surface fuel loads; and (B)to recover burned areas.
					(2)Utilization
 standardsUtilization standards shall not apply in cases in which domestic livestock grazing is used in an authorized wildfire prevention project.
				(d)Timber
 harvesting and thinningTimber harvesting and thinning may be used in an authorized wildfire prevention project to reduce ladder and canopy fuel loads to prevent wildfire (including catastrophic wildfire).
			(e)Relation to land
 and resource management plans and land use planNothing in this section requires the Secretary concerned, as a condition of conducting an authorized wildfire prevention project, to revise or amend—
 (1)the land and resource management plan applicable to the National Forest System land on which the authorized wildfire prevention project is to be conducted; or
 (2)the land use plan applicable to the public land on which the authorized wildfire prevention project is to be conducted.
				(f)Consideration of
 public petitionsNot later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a public petition for the designation of Federal land as an at-risk forest or as a threatened and endangered species habitat, the Secretary concerned shall—
 (1)review the petition; and
 (2)make a determination regarding the designation.
				5.Public review and
			 environmental analysis
			(a)Public notice
			 and comment
				(1)Initial
 noticeThe Secretary concerned shall publish in the Federal Register notice of a proposed authorized wildfire prevention project.
				(2)Written
 commentsNot later than 30 days after the date of publication of the notice under paragraph (1), any person may submit to the Secretary specific written comments that relate to the proposed authorized wildfire prevention project.
				(3)Final designated
			 project
					(A)In
 generalNot later than 60 days after the date on which the notice is published under paragraph (1), after taking into account any comments received under paragraph (2), the Secretary concerned shall—
 (i)designate the final authorized wildfire prevention project; and
 (ii)publish in the Federal Register notice of the final authorized wildfire prevention project.
						(B)Written
 commentsNot later than 30 days after the date on which the notice is published under subparagraph (A)(ii), any person who submitted comments regarding the proposed authorized wildfire prevention project under paragraph (2) may submit to the Secretary specific written comments that relate to the final designated authorized wildfire prevention project.
					(b)Environmental
 analysis generallyExcept as otherwise provided in this Act, the Secretary concerned shall comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and other applicable laws in planning and conducting an authorized wildfire prevention project.
			(c)Interagency
 cooperationThe informal consultation requirements in section 402.05 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), shall apply to an authorized wildfire prevention project.
			(d)Special rules
			 for certain projects
				(1)Covered
 projects; deadlineIf an authorized wildfire prevention project includes timber harvesting or grazing, the Secretary concerned shall prepare an environmental assessment not later than 30 days after the date on which the notice is published under subsection (a)(1) for the proposed agency action under section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)).
				(2)Effect of
 failure to meet deadlineThe authorized wildfire prevention project shall be considered to be compliant with all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if the Secretary concerned fails to meet the deadline specified in paragraph (1).
				(3)Project
			 lengths
					(A)Livestock
 grazing projectsIn the case of a livestock grazing project, an environmental assessment conducted under paragraph (1) shall be considered to be sufficient for a minimum of 10 years.
					(B)Timber harvest
 projectsIn the case of a timber harvest project, an environmental assessment conducted under paragraph (1) shall be considered to be sufficient for a minimum of 20 years.
 (4)AlternativesNothing in this section requires the Secretary concerned to study, develop, or describe any alternative to the proposed agency action in the environmental assessment conducted under paragraph (1).
				(e)Effect of
 complianceCompliance with this section shall be considered to satisfy the requirements of—
 (1)the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
 (2)section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a);
 (3)the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); and
 (4)the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. 528 et seq.).
				6.Administrative
			 and judicial review
			(a)Administrative
 reviewThe special administrative review process established under section 105 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6515) shall apply to any administrative review of an authorized wildfire prevention project.
			(b)Judicial
 reviewAny judicial proceeding relating to an authorized wildfire prevention project shall be conducted in accordance with section 106 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6516).
			7.Threatened and
			 endangered species designations
			(a)In
 generalBefore a species may be listed as an endangered species or a threatened species under section 4(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)), the Secretary concerned shall conduct research to determine the impact that the listing would have on forest fuel loads, including forage and timber.
			(b)Wildfire risk
 assessment analysisRecovery plans for threatened species and endangered species under section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(f)) and critical habitat determinations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) shall include wildfire risk assessment analysis.
			8.Savings
 clauseNothing in this Act precludes a categorical exclusion (as defined in section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)).


116 SRES 158 ATS: Authorizing the use of the atrium in the Philip A. Hart Senate Office Building for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a semiannual event of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
U.S. Senate

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Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		III
		116th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 158
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 10, 2019
			Ms. Klobuchar (for herself and Mr. Blunt) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Authorizing the use of the atrium in the Philip A. Hart Senate Office Building for	the
			 National
			 Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a semiannual event of the Drug
			 Enforcement Administration.

		1.Use of the atrium in the Hart Senate Office Building for Take Back Day
 (a)AuthorizationThe atrium in the Philip A. Hart Senate Office Building is authorized to be used on April 24, 2019, for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a semiannual event of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
 (b)PreparationsPhysical preparations for the conduct of the event described in subsection (a) shall be carried out in accordance with such conditions as may be prescribed by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate.