115 S1191 IS: Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-05-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1191IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 22, 2017Mr. Grassley introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to refine how Medicare pays for orthotics and
			 prosthetics and to improve beneficiary experience and outcomes with
			 orthotic and prosthetic care, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2017. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.Sec. 2. Modification of requirements applicable under Medicare to the designation of accreditation
			 organizations for suppliers of orthotics and prosthetics.Sec. 3. Application of existing accreditation and licensure requirements to certain prosthetics and
			 custom-fabricated or custom-fitted orthotics.Sec. 4. Eligibility for Medicare payment for orthotics and prosthetics based on supplier
			 qualifications and complexity of care.Sec. 5. Orthotist’s and prosthetist’s clinical notes as part of the patient’s medical record.Sec. 6. Distinguishing orthotists and prosthetists from suppliers of durable medical equipment and
			 supplies.Sec. 7. Clarification about minimal self-adjustment for off-the-shelf orthotics.Sec. 8. Regulations.
			2.Modification of requirements applicable under Medicare to the designation of accreditation
			 organizations for suppliers of orthotics and prosthetics
 (a)In generalSection 1834(a)(20)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(a)(20)(B)) is amended— (1)by striking organizations.—Not later than and inserting: “organizations.—

 (i)In generalSubject to clause (ii), not later than; and (2)by adding after clause (i), as added by paragraph (1), the following new clauses:

 (ii)Special requirements for accreditation of suppliers of orthotics and prostheticsFor purposes of applying quality standards under subparagraph (A) for suppliers (other than suppliers described in clause (iii)) of items and services described in subparagraph (D)(ii), the Secretary shall designate and approve independent accreditation organizations under clause (i) only if such organizations are Boards or programs described in subsection (h)(1)(F)(iv). Not later than January 1, 2018, the Secretary shall ensure that at least one, and ideally multiple, independent accreditation organizations are designated and approved in accordance with this clause.
 (iii)ExceptionSuppliers described in this clause are physicians, occupational therapists, or physical therapists who are licensed or otherwise regulated by the State in which they are practicing and who receive payment under this title, including regulations promulgated pursuant to this subsection..
 (b)Effective dateEach organization must satisfy the requirement of section 1834(a)(20)(B)(ii), as added by subsection (a)(2), not later than January 1, 2018, regardless of whether the organization is designated or approved as an independent accreditation organization before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
			3.Application of existing accreditation and licensure requirements to certain prosthetics and
			 custom-fabricated or custom-fitted orthotics
 (a)In generalSection 1834(h)(1)(F) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(h)(1)(F)) is amended— (1)in the heading, by inserting or custom-fitted after custom-fabricated;
 (2)in clause (i), in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking an item of custom-fabricated orthotics described in clause (ii) or for an item of prosthetics unless such item is and inserting an item of orthotics or prosthetics, including an item of custom-fabricated orthotics described in clause (ii), unless such item is;
 (3)in clause (ii)(II), in the first sentence, by striking a list of items to which this subparagraph applies and inserting a list of items for purposes of clause (i); (4)in clause (iii)(III), by striking to provide or manage the provision of prosthetics and custom-designed or -fabricated orthotics and inserting to provide or manage the provision of orthotics and prosthetics (and custom-designed or -fabricated orthotics, in the case of an item described in clause (ii)); and
 (5)by adding at the end the following new clause:  (v)Exemption of off-the-shelf orthotics included in a competitive acquisition programThis subparagraph shall not apply to an item of orthotics described in paragraph (2)(C) of section 1847(a) furnished on or after January 1, 2018, that is included in a competitive acquisition area under such section..
 (b)Effective dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to orthotics and prosthetics furnished on or after January 1, 2018.
			4.Eligibility for Medicare payment for orthotics and prosthetics based on supplier qualifications and
 complexity of careSection 1834(h) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(h)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1)(F)(iii), in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking other individual who and inserting other individual who, with respect to the provision of orthotics and prosthetics furnished on or after January 1, 2018, and subject to paragraph (5)(A), satisfies all applicable criteria of the provider qualification designation for such orthotic or prosthetic, and who;
 (2)in paragraph (1)(F)(iv), by inserting before the period the following: and, with respect to the provision of orthotics and prosthetics furnished on or after January 1, 2018, and subject to paragraph (5)(A), satisfies all applicable criteria of the provider qualification designation for such orthotic or prosthetic; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (5)Eligibility for payment based on supplier qualifications and complexity of care (A)Considerations for eligibility for payments (i)In generalIn applying clauses (iii) and (iv) of paragraph (1)(F) for purposes of determining whether payment may be made under this subsection for orthotics and prosthetics furnished on or after January 1, 2018, the Secretary shall take into account the complexity of the respective item and, subject to clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv), the qualifications of the individual or entity furnishing and fabricating such respective item in accordance with this paragraph.
 (ii)Individuals and entities exempted from supplier qualification criteriaWith respect to the provision of orthotics or prosthetics, any criteria for supplier qualifications shall not apply to physicians, occupational therapists, or physical therapists who are licensed or otherwise regulated by the State in which they are practicing and who receive payment under this title, including regulations promulgated pursuant to this subsection, for the provision of orthotics and prosthetics.
 (iii)Suppliers Medicare-eligible prior to January 1, 2018, exemptedIn the case of a qualified supplier who is eligible to receive payment under this title before January 1, 2018, with respect to the provision of orthotics and prosthetics, any new criteria for provider qualifications established after such date shall not apply to such supplier, for the furnishing or fabrication of such an item.
 (iv)ModificationsThe Secretary shall, in consultation with the Boards and programs described in paragraph (1)(F)(iv), periodically review the criteria for supplier qualifications and may implement by regulation any modifications to such criteria, as determined appropriate in accordance with such consultation. Any such modifications shall take effect no earlier than January 1, 2018.
 (B)Assignment of billing codesFor purposes of subparagraph (A), the Secretary, in consultation with representatives of the fields of occupational therapy, physical therapy, orthotics, and prosthetics, shall utilize and incorporate the set of L-codes listed, as of the date of enactment of this paragraph, in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services document entitled Transmittal 656 (CMS Pub. 100–04, Change Request 3959, August 19, 2005). Transmittal 656 shall be the controlling source of category, product, and code assignments for the orthotics and prosthetics care, using the supplier qualification designation for each HCPCS code as stated in such document. In the case that Transmittal 656 is updated, reissued, or replaced by a subsequent document, the preceding sentence shall be applied with respect to the most recent update, reissuance, or replacement of such document..
 5.Orthotist’s and prosthetist’s clinical notes as part of the patient’s medical recordSection 1834(h) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(h)), as amended by section 4, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (6)Documentation created by orthotists and prosthetistsWith respect to claims filed after the date of the enactment of the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2017, for purposes of determining the reasonableness, medical necessity, and functional level (applicable to prosthetics) of orthotics and prosthetics, documentation created by an orthotist or prosthetist shall be considered part of the patient’s medical record and, consistent with the treatment of orthotic and prosthetic patient care delivery stated in the health care professional exception provided in clause (ii) of subsection (a)(20)(F), shall be considered along with documentation created by other health professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapists..
		6.Distinguishing orthotists and prosthetists from suppliers of durable medical equipment and supplies
 (a)Requirements for suppliers of medical equipment and suppliesSection 1834(j)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(j)(5)) is amended by striking subparagraph (C).
			(b)Requirements for orthotists and prosthetists
 (1)In generalSection 1834 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

						(v)Requirements for orthotists and prosthetists
							(1)Issuance and renewal of supplier number
								(A)Payment
 (i)In generalNo payment may be made under this part to an orthotic or prosthetic supplier unless such orthotic or prosthetic supplier obtains (and renews at such intervals as the Secretary may require) a supplier number.
 (ii)Clarification regarding providers under part ANothing in clause (i) shall prohibit a provider otherwise permitted to receive payment for orthotics and prosthetics under part A from continuing to receive payment under such part without interruption.
 (B)Standards for possessing a supplier numberAn orthotic or prosthetic supplier may only obtain a supplier number if the supplier meets standards prescribed by the Secretary that include requirements that the orthotic or prosthetic supplier (and, where applicable, the orthotist or prosthetist)—
 (i)licensure or accreditation— (I)complies with all applicable State and Federal licensure and regulatory requirements; or
 (II)acquires accreditation from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) or the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC), or other accreditation entity that the Secretary determines has standards that are essentially equivalent to the standards of such Boards;
 (ii)maintains a physical facility on an appropriate site; (iii)has proof of appropriate liability insurance; and
 (iv)meets such other requirements as the Secretary shall specify. (C)Prohibition against multiple supplier numbersThe Secretary may not issue more than one supplier number to any orthotic or prosthetic supplier unless the Secretary finds that the issuance of more than one number is appropriate to identify other entities under the ownership or control of the orthotic or prosthetic supplier.
								(2)Order for orthotics or prosthetics
								(A)Information provided by orthotists and prosthetists on detailed written orders for orthotics and
 prostheticsAn orthotist or prosthetist may distribute to physicians, or to an individual enrolled under this part, a detailed written order for orthotics or prosthetics (as defined in paragraph (5)) for commercial purposes that contains the following information:
 (i)The identification of— (I)the orthotic or prosthetic supplier; and
 (II)the individual to whom the orthotics or prosthetics are furnished. (ii)The identification of the treating physician, including the name, address, and telephone number of the physician.
 (iii)A description of the orthotics or prosthetics ordered. (iv)Any billing code identifying the orthotics or prosthetics.
 (v)Diagnosis codes, a description of the individual's medical and functional condition, and information about the need for the orthotics or prosthetics.
 (B)Information on coding and descriptors of components providedIf an orthotist or prosthetist distributes a detailed written order for orthotics or prosthetics described in subparagraph (A), the orthotist or prosthetist shall also list on the order the HCPCS codes and summary descriptors of the items and services being recommended prior to submission of the order to the treating physician for approval.
 (C)Signature by treating physicianA detailed written order for orthotics or prosthetics described in subparagraph (A) shall be signed by the treating physician.
 (3)Limitation on individual liabilityExcept as provided in paragraph (4), if an orthotist or prosthetist— (A)furnishes an orthosis or prosthesis to an individual for which no payment may be made under this part; or
 (B)subject to section 1879, furnishes an orthosis or prosthesis to an individual for which payment is denied under section 1862(a)(1),
								any expenses incurred for the orthosis or prosthesis furnished to an individual by the orthotist or
			 prosthetist not on an assigned basis shall be the responsibility of such
			 orthotist or prosthetist. The individual shall have no financial
			 responsibility for such expenses and the orthotist or prosthetist shall
			 refund on a timely basis to the individual (and shall be liable to the
			 individual for) any amounts collected from the individual for such items
			 and services. The provisions of subsection (a)(18) shall apply to refunds
			 required under the previous sentence in the same manner as such provisions
 apply to refunds under such subsection.(4)Individual liabilityIf an orthotist or prosthetist furnishes an orthosis or prosthesis to an individual for which payment is denied in advance under subsection (a)(15), expenses incurred for such orthosis or prosthesis furnished to the individual by the orthotist or prosthetist shall be the responsibility of the individual.
 (5)DefinitionsIn this subsection: (A)Detailed written order for orthotics or prosthetics (i)In generalThe term detailed written order for orthotics or prosthetics means a form or other document prepared by an orthotist or prosthetist and signed by the physician (as defined by section 1861(r)) that contains information required by the Secretary to be submitted to show that an orthosis or prosthesis is reasonable and necessary for the treatment of an illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.
 (ii)ClarificationThe detailed written work order for orthotics or prosthetic shall not be considered alone for purposes of determining the reasonableness, medical necessity, and functional level (applicable to prosthetics) of prosthetic devices and orthotics.
 (B)Orthotics and prostheticsThe term orthotics and prosthetics has the meaning given that term in section 1834(h)(4)(C). (C)Orthotist or prosthetistThe term orthotist or prosthetist means an individual who is specifically trained and educated in the provision of, and patient care management related to, prosthetics and custom-fabricated or custom-fit orthotics, and—
 (i)in the case of a State that provides for the licensing of orthotists and prosthetists, is licensed by the State in which the orthotics or prosthetics were supplied; or
 (ii)in the case of a State that does not provide for the licensing of orthotists and prosthetists, is certified by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. or by the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International, or is certified and approved by an entity that the Secretary determines has certification and approval standards that are essentially equivalent to the certification and approval standards of such Boards..
 (2)Impact on DMEPOS benefitThe amendment made by paragraph (1)— (A)shall not be construed to create a separate benefit category under title XVIII of the Social Security Act for orthotic and prosthetic devices; but
 (B)shall be construed as differentiating the manner in which orthotic and prosthetic devices and services are provided in contrast to other durable medical equipment and supplies services covered under such title.
 (c)Definition of orthotics and prosthetics synonymous with orthoses and prosthesesSection 1834(h)(4)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(h)(4)(C)) is amended by inserting (which may also be referred to without distinction as orthoses and prostheses) after the term orthotics and prosthetics. (d)Limitation of competitive acquisition for off-the-Shelf orthoticsSection 1847(a)(7)(A)(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–3(a)(7)(A)(i)) is amended—
 (1)by inserting , orthotist or prosthetist (as defined in section 1834(v)(5)(C)), after by a physician; (2)by inserting , orthotist’s or prosthetist’s, after to the physician’s; and
 (3)by inserting , orthotist’s or prosthetist’s, after of the physician’s. (e)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act, and apply to items and services furnished on or after such date.
			7.Clarification about minimal self-adjustment for off-the-shelf orthotics
 (a)In generalSection 1847(a)(2)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–3(a)(2)(C)) is amended— (1)by inserting furnished to a patient after section 1861(s)(9);
 (2)by inserting by that patient (and not by any other person) after minimal self-adjustment; and (3)by striking to fit to the individual and inserting to fit to that patient.
 (b)Inclusion in medical and other health servicesSection 1861(s)(9) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(9)) is amended— (1)by striking leg, arm and inserting (A) leg, arm;
 (2)in subparagraph (A), as added by paragraph (1), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting ; and; and (3)by adding the following new subparagraph:

 (B)off-the-shelf orthotics (as defined in section 1847(a)(2)(C)).. (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on April 1, 2007, and apply to items and services furnished on or after such date.
 8.RegulationsThe Secretary shall promulgate— (1)not later than 1 year after the enactment of this Act, final regulations to implement the provisions of, and amendments made by, this Act; and
 (2)not later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act, final regulations to implement the provisions of, and amendments made by, section 427 of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protections Act of 2000, as enacted into law by section 1(a)(6) of Public Law 106–554.


116 HR 4357 IH: Special Forest Products Program Reauthorization Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
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.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4357IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 17, 2019Ms. Herrera Beutler (for herself and Mr. Schrader) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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 require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a program to charge and collect not less than
			 the fair market value for forest botanical products harvested on National
			 Forest System lands, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Special Forest Products Program Reauthorization Act of 2019. 2.Charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products (a)Recovery of fair market value for products (1)In generalThe Secretary shall establish and carry out a program to charge and collect fees under subsection (b) for forest botanical products harvested on National Forest System lands.
 (2)Appraisal methods; bidding proceduresThe Secretary shall establish appraisal methods and bidding procedures to ensure that the amounts collected for forest botanical products are not less than fair market value.
				(b)Fees
 (1)Imposition and collectionThe Secretary shall charge and collect fees from persons who harvest forest botanical products on National Forest System lands.
 (2)Amount of feeThe fees collected under paragraph (1) shall be in an amount established by the Secretary to recover at least a portion of the fair market value of the harvested forest botanical products and a portion of all the costs incurred by the Department of Agriculture associated with the granting, modifying, or monitoring the authorization for harvest of the forest botanical products, including the costs of any environmental or other analysis.
 (3)SecurityThe Secretary may require a person assessed a fee under this subsection to provide security to ensure that the Secretary receives the fees imposed under this subsection from the person.
				(c)Sustainable harvest levels for forest botanical products
 (1)In generalThe Secretary shall— (A)conduct appropriate analyses to determine whether and how the harvest of forest botanical products on National Forest System lands can be conducted on a sustainable basis; and
 (B)establish procedures and timeframes to monitor and revise the harvest levels established for forest botanical products.
 (2)Prohibition on harvest in excess of sustainable levelsThe Secretary may not permit under the program under this section the harvest of forest botanical products at levels in excess of sustainable harvest levels, as defined under section 4 of the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. 531).
				(d)Waiver authority
 (1)Personal useThe Secretary shall establish a personal use harvest level for each forest botanical product, and the harvest of a forest botanical product below that level by a person for personal use shall not be subject to charges and fees under subsections (a) and (b).
 (2)Other exceptionsThe Secretary may also waive the application of subsection (a) or (b) pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.
				(e)Deposit and use of funds
 (1)DepositFunds collected under the program in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) shall be deposited into a special account in the Treasury of the United States.
 (2)Funds availableFunds deposited into the special account in accordance with paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended without further appropriation.
 (3)Authorized usesThe funds made available under paragraph (2) shall be expended at units of the National Forest System in proportion to the charges and fees collected at that unit under the program under this section to pay for—
 (A)the costs of conducting inventories of forest botanical products, determining sustainable levels of harvest, monitoring and assessing the impacts of harvest levels and methods, and for restoration activities, including any necessary vegetation; and
 (B)the costs described in subsection (b)(2). (4)Treatment of feesFunds collected under the program in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) shall not be taken into account for the purposes of the following laws:
 (A)The sixth paragraph under the heading forest service in the Act of May 23, 1908 (16 U.S.C. 500), and section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the Weeks Act; 16 U.S.C. 500).
 (B)The fourteenth paragraph under the heading forest service in the Act of March 4, 1913 (16 U.S.C. 501). (C)Section 33 of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1012).
 (D)The Act of August 8, 1937, and the Act of May 24, 1939 (43 U.S.C. 1181a et seq.). (E)Section 6 of the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and Public Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869–4).
 (F)Chapter 69 of title 31, United States Code. (G) Section 401 of the Act of June 15, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 715s).
 (G)Section 4 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l–6a). (H)Any other provision of law relating to revenue allocation.
 (f)Reporting requirementsAs soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year in which the Secretary collects charges and fees under the program in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) or expends funds from the special account under subsection (e), the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report summarizing the activities of the Secretary under the program under this section, including the funds collected under the program in accordance with subsections (a) and (b), the expenses incurred to carry out the program under this section, and the expenditures made from the special account during that fiscal year.
 (g)DefinitionsFor purposes of this section: (1)Forest botanical productThe term forest botanical product—
 (A)means any naturally occurring mushroom, fungus, flower, seed, root, bark, leaf, or other vegetation (or portion thereof) that grows on National Forest System lands; and
 (B)does not include trees, or portions of trees, except as provided in regulations issued under this section by the Secretary.
 (2)National Forest SystemThe term National Forest System has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
 (3)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.


113 SRES 493 ATS: Designating July 11, 2014, as Collector Car Appreciation Day and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.
U.S. Senate
2014-06-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		III
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 493
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 26, 2014
			Mr. Tester (for himself, Mr. Burr, and Mr. Begich) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Designating July 11, 2014, as
		  Collector Car Appreciation Day and recognizing that the collection
		  and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving
		  the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United
		  States.

		Whereas many people in the United States maintain classic
			 automobiles as a pastime and do so with great passion and as a means of
			 individual expression;
		Whereas the Senate recognizes the effect that the more
			 than 100-year history of the automobile has had on the economic progress
			 of the
			 United States and supports wholeheartedly all activities involved in the
			 restoration and exhibition of classic automobiles;
		Whereas the collection, restoration, and preservation of
			 automobiles is an activity shared across generations and across all
			 segments of
			 society;
		Whereas thousands of local car clubs and related
			 businesses have been instrumental in preserving a historic part of the
			 heritage
			 of the United States by encouraging the restoration and exhibition of such
			 vintage works of art;
		Whereas automotive restoration provides well-paying,
			 high-skilled jobs for people in all 50 States; and
		Whereas automobiles have provided the inspiration for
			 music, photography, cinema, fashion, and other artistic pursuits that have
			 become part of the popular culture of the United States: Now, therefore,
			 be
			 it

		That the Senate—(1)designates July
			 11, 2014, as Collector Car Appreciation Day;
			(2)recognizes that
			 the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an
			 important
			 part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of
			 the
			 United States; and
			(3)encourages the
			 people of the United States to engage in events and commemorations of
			 Collector
			 Car Appreciation Day that create opportunities for collector car owners to
			 educate young people about the importance of preserving the cultural
			 heritage
			 of the United States, including through the collection and restoration of
			 collector cars.


113 HR 1326 IH: Health Care Price Transparency Promotion Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-03-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1326
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 21, 2013
			Mr. Burgess (for
			 himself, Mr. Gene Green of Texas, and
			 Mr. Carter) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Energy and Commerce

		A BILL
		To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide
		  for increased price transparency of hospital information and to provide for
		  additional research on consumer information on charges and out-of-pocket
		  costs.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Health Care Price Transparency
			 Promotion Act of 2013.
		2.Increasing the
			 transparency of information on hospital charges and making available
			 information on estimated out-of-pocket costs for health care services
			(a)In
			 generalTitle XIX of the Social Security Act is amended—
				(1)in section 1902(a)
			 (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)), by inserting after paragraph (77) the following new
			 paragraph:

						(78)provide that the
				State will establish and maintain laws, in accordance with the requirements of
				section 1921A, to require disclosure of information on hospital charges, to
				make such information available to the public, and to provide individuals with
				information about estimated out-of-pocket costs for health care
				services;
						;
				and
				(2)by inserting after
			 section 1921 (42 U.S.C. 1396r–2) the following new section:

						1921A.Increasing the transparency of information on hospital
		  charges and providing consumers with estimates of out-of-pocket costs for
		  health care services(a)In
				generalThe requirements referred to in section 1902(a)(78) are
				that the laws of a State must—
								(1)in accordance with
				subsection (b)—
									(A)require the
				disclosure of information on hospital charges; and
									(B)provide for access
				to such information; and
									(2)in accordance with
				subsection (c), require the provision of a statement of the estimated
				out-of-pocket costs of an individual for anticipated future health care
				services.
								(b)Information on
				hospital chargesThe laws of a State must—
								(1)require
				disclosure, by each hospital located in the State, of information on the
				charges for certain inpatient and outpatient hospital services (as determined
				by the State) provided at the hospital; and
								(2)provide for timely
				access to such information by individuals seeking or requiring such
				services.
								(c)Estimated
				out-of-Pocket costsThe laws of a State must require that, upon
				the request of any individual with health insurance coverage sponsored by a
				health insurance issuer, the issuer must provide a statement of the estimated
				out-of-pocket costs that are likely to be incurred by the individual if the
				individual receives particular health care items and services within a
				specified period of time.
							(d)Rules of
				constructionNothing in this section shall be construed
				as—
								(1)authorizing or
				requiring the Secretary to establish uniform standards for the State laws
				required by subsections (b) and (c);
								(2)requiring any
				State with a law enacted on or before the date of the enactment of this section
				that—
									(A)meets the
				requirements of subsection (b) or subsection (c) to modify or amend such law;
				or
									(B)meets some but not
				all of the requirements of subsection (b) or subsection (c) to modify or amend
				such law except to the extent necessary to address the unmet
				requirements;
									(3)precluding any
				State in which a program of voluntary disclosure of information on hospital
				charges is in effect from adopting a law codifying such program (other than its
				voluntary nature) to satisfy the requirement of subsection (b)(1); or
								(4)guaranteeing that
				the out-of-pocket costs of an individual will not exceed the estimate of such
				costs provided pursuant to subsection (c).
								(e)DefinitionsFor
				purposes of this section:
								(1)The term
				health insurance coverage has the meaning given such term in
				section 2791(b)(1) of the Public Health Service Act.
								(2)The term
				health insurance issuer has the meaning given such term in section
				2791(b)(2) of the Public Health Service Act, except that such term also
				includes—
									(A)a Medicaid managed
				care organization (as defined in section 1903(m)); and
									(B)a Medicare
				Advantage organization (as defined in 1859(a)(1), taking into account the
				operation of section 201(b) of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and
				Modernization Act of 2003).
									Section
				1856(b)(3) shall not preclude the application to a Medicare Advantage
				organization or a Medicare Advantage plan offered by such an organization of
				any State law adopted to carry out the requirements of subsection (b) or
				(c).(3)The term
				hospital means an institution that meets the requirements of
				paragraphs (1) and (7) of section 1861(e) and includes those to which section
				1820(c)
				applies.
								.
				(b)Effective
			 date
				(1)In
			 generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made
			 by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2014.
				(2)ExceptionIn
			 the case of a State plan for medical assistance under title XIX of the Social
			 Security Act which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines
			 requires State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) in
			 order for the plan to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendment
			 made by subsection (a), the State plan shall not be regarded as failing to
			 comply with the requirements of such title solely on the basis of its failure
			 to meet these additional requirements before the first day of the first
			 calendar quarter beginning after the close of the first regular session of the
			 State legislature that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act. For
			 purposes of the previous sentence, in the case of a State that has a 2-year
			 legislative session, each year of such session shall be deemed to be a separate
			 regular session of the State legislature.
				3.Research on
			 information valued by consumers on charges and out-of-pocket costs for health
			 care services
			(a)Research on
			 information valued and used by consumersThe Director of the
			 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (in this section referred to as
			 AHRQ) shall conduct or support research, pursuant to section
			 901(b)(1)(D) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 299(b)(1)(D)),
			 on—
				(1)the types of
			 information on the charges, and out-of-pocket costs, for health care services
			 that individuals find useful in making decisions about where, when, and from
			 whom to receive care;
				(2)how the types of
			 information valued by individuals for making such decisions vary by whether
			 they have health benefits coverage and, if they do, the type of such coverage
			 they have, such as traditional insurance, health maintenance organizations,
			 preferred provider organizations, and high deductible plans coupled with health
			 savings accounts; and
				(3)ways in which such
			 information may be made available on a timely basis and in easy-to-understand
			 form to individuals facing such decisions.
				(b)ReportThe
			 Director of AHRQ shall report to the Congress on the results of such research
			 not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, together
			 with recommendations for ways in which the Federal Government can assist the
			 States in achieving the objective specified in subsection (a)(3).
			(c)Authorization of
			 appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums
			 as may be necessary to carry out this section.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4754
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 4, 2010
			Mr. Rehberg
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To prohibit the further extension or establishment of
		  national monuments in Montana except by express authorization of
		  Congress.

		1.Limitation on further
			 extension or establishment of national monuments in MontanaThis proviso of the last sentence of the
			 first section of the Act of September 14, 1950 (64 Stat. 849, chapter 950; 16
			 U.S.C. 431a), is amended by inserting or Montana after
			 Wyoming.


109 HR 5944 IH: Stop Child Pornographers and Predators

U.S. House of Representatives
2006-07-27
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		109th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5944
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 27, 2006
			Mr. Nadler introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		A BILL
		To amend title 18, United States Code, to protect our
		  children from child pornographers.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Stop Child Pornographers and Predators
			 Act.
		2.Prohibition of
			 obscenity depicting young childrenChapter 71 of title 18, United States Code,
			 is amended—
			(1)by inserting after
			 section 1466 the following:

					1466A.Obscene visual
				depictions of young children
						(a)Whoever, in a
				circumstance described in subsection (d), knowingly produces, distributes,
				receives, or possesses with intent to distribute a visual depiction that is
				that of a pre-pubescent child engaging in sexually explicit conduct, or
				attempts or conspires to do so, shall be subject to the penalties set forth in
				section 2252A(b)(1), including the penalties provided for cases involving a
				prior conviction.
						(b)Whoever, in a
				circumstance described in subsection (d), knowingly possesses a visual
				depiction that is that of a pre-pubescent child engaging in sexually explicit
				conduct, or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be subject to the penalties
				set forth in section 2252A(b)(2), including the penalties provided for cases
				involving a prior conviction.
						(c)For purposes of
				this section—
							(1)the term
				visual depiction includes undeveloped film and videotape, and
				data stored on computer disk or by electronic means which is capable of
				conversion into a visual image, and also includes any photograph, film, video,
				or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other
				means;
							(2)the term
				pre-pubescent child means that (A) the child, as depicted, is
				one whose physical development indicates the child is 12 years of age or
				younger; or (B) the child, as depicted, does not exhibit significant pubescent
				physical or sexual maturation; and
							(3)the term
				sexually explicit conduct has the meaning set forth in section
				2256(2).
							(d)The circumstance
				referred to in subsections (a) and (b) is that—
							(1)any communication
				involved in or made in furtherance of the offense is communicated or
				transported by the mail, or in interstate or foreign commerce by any means,
				including by computer, or any means or instrumentality of interstate or foreign
				commerce is otherwise used in committing or in furtherance of the commission of
				the offense;
							(2)any person travels
				or is transported in interstate or foreign commerce in the course of the
				commission or in furtherance of the commission of the offense;
							(3)any visual
				depiction involved in the offense has been mailed, or has been shipped or
				transported in interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by
				computer, or was produced using materials that have been mailed, or that have
				been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce by any means,
				including by computer; or
							(4)the offense is
				committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United
				States or in any territory or possession of the United States.
							(e)In a case under
				subsection (b), it is an affirmative defense that the defendant—
							(1)possessed less
				than three such images; and
							(2)promptly and in
				good faith, and without retaining or allowing any person, other than a law
				enforcement agency, to access any image or copy thereof—
								(A)took reasonable
				steps to destroy each such image; or
								(B)reported the
				matter to a law enforcement agency and afforded that agency access to each such
				image.
								.
			3.Prohibition on
			 use of materials to facilitate offenses against minorsChapter 71 of title 18, United States Code,
			 is amended—
			(1)by inserting at
			 the end the following:

					1471.Use of obscene
				material or child pornography to facilitate offenses against minors
						(a)Whoever, in any
				circumstance described in subsection (c), knowingly and with the intention to
				facilitate a sexual offense against a minor—
							(1)provides or shows
				to a person below the age of 16 years any visual depiction that is of a
				pre-pubescent child engaging in sexually explicit conduct, any obscene matter,
				or any child pornography; or
							(2)provides or shows
				any obscene matter or child pornography, or any visual depiction that is that
				of a pre-pubescent child engaging in sexually explicit conduct, or any other
				material assistance to any person in connection with any conduct, or any
				attempt, incitement, solicitation, or conspiracy to engage in any conduct, that
				involves a minor and that violates chapter 109A, 110, or 117, or that would
				violate chapter 109A if the conduct occurred in the special maritime and
				territorial jurisdiction of the United States,
							shall be
				subject to the penalties set forth in section 2252A(b)(1), including the
				penalties provided for cases involving a prior conviction.(b)For purposes of
				this section—
							(1)the term
				child pornography has the meaning set forth in section
				2256(8);
							(2)the terms
				visual depiction and pre-pubescent child have the
				meanings respectively set forth for those terms in section 1466A(c); and
							(3)the term
				sexually explicit conduct has the meaning set forth in section
				2256(2).
							(c)The circumstance
				referred to in subsection (a) is that—
							(1)any communication
				involved in or made in furtherance of the offense is communicated or
				transported by the mail, or in interstate or foreign commerce by any means,
				including by computer, or any means or instrumentality of interstate or foreign
				commerce is otherwise used in committing or in furtherance of the commission of
				the offense;
							(2)any person travels
				or is transported in interstate or foreign commerce in the course of the
				commission or in furtherance of the commission of the offense;
							(3)any visual
				depiction or obscene matter involved in the offense has been mailed, or has
				been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce by any means,
				including by computer, or was produced using materials that have been mailed,
				or that have been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce by
				any means, including by computer; or
							(4)the offense is
				committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United
				States or in any territory or possession of the United
				States.
							;
				and
			(2)in the table of
			 chapters at the beginning of the chapter, by inserting at the end the
			 following:

						1471. Use of obscene material or child
				pornography to facilitate offenses against
				minors.

					.
			4.Extraterritorial
			 production of child pornography for distribution in the United
			 StatesSection 2251 is
			 amended—
			(1)by
			 striking subsection (d) each place it appears in subsections
			 (a), (b), and (c) and inserting subsection (e);
			(2)by redesignating
			 subsections (c) and (d), respectively, as subsections (d) and (e); and
			(3)by inserting after
			 subsection (b) a new subsection (c) as follows:

					(c)(1)Any person who, in a
				circumstance described in paragraph (2), employs, uses, persuades, induces,
				entices, or coerces any minor to engage in, or who has a minor assist any other
				person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct outside of the United
				States, its possessions and Territories, for the purpose of producing any
				visual depiction of such conduct, shall be punished as provided under
				subsection (e).
						(2)The circumstance
				referred to in paragraph (1) is that the person transports such visual
				depiction to, or otherwise makes it available within, the United States, its
				possessions, or territories, by any means including by computer or
				mail.
						.
			5.Imprisonment for
			 repeat sex offenders against childrenSection 3559 of title 18, United States
			 Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

				(e)Up to life
				imprisonment for repeated sex offenses against children
					(1)In
				generalA person who is convicted of a Federal sex offense in
				which a minor is the victim shall be sentenced to up to life imprisonment if
				the person has a prior sex conviction in which a minor was the victim.
					(2)DefinitionsFor
				the purposes of this subsection—
						(A)the term
				Federal sex offense means—
							(i)an offense under section 1466A (obscene
				visual depictions of young children), 1471 (use of obscene material or child
				pornography to facilitate offense against a child), 2241 (relating to
				aggravated sexual abuse), 2242 (relating to sexual abuse), 2243(a) (relating to
				sexual abuse of a minor), 2244(a)(1) or (2) (relating to abusive sexual
				contact), 2245 (relating to sexual abuse resulting in death), 2251
				(extraterrestrial production of child pornography), or 2251A (relating to
				selling or buying of children); or
							(ii)an offense under
				section 2423(a) (relating to transportation of minors) involving prostitution
				or sexual activity constituting a State sex offense;
							(B)the term
				State sex offense means an offense under State law that consists
				of conduct that would be a Federal sex offense if, to the extent or in the
				manner specified in the applicable provision of this title—
							(i)the
				offense involved interstate or foreign commerce, or the use of the mails;
				or
							(ii)the conduct
				occurred in any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States,
				within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States,
				in a Federal prison, on any land or building owned by, leased to, or otherwise
				used by or under the control of the Government of the United States, or in the
				Indian country (as defined in section 1151);
							(C)the term
				prior sex conviction means a conviction for which the sentence
				was imposed before the conduct occurred constituting the subsequent Federal sex
				offense, and which was for a Federal sex offense or a State sex offense;
						(D)the term
				minor means an individual who has not attained the age of 17
				years; and
						(E)the term
				State has the meaning given that term in subsection
				(c)(2).
						.


113 HRES 269 IH: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-06-18
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 269
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 18, 2013
Mr. Braley of Iowa submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules

RESOLUTION
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.

That immediately upon the adoption of this resolution, the Speaker shall declare, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not apply to the consideration of the bill. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed three hours, to be equally divided and controlled by Mr. Braley of Iowa and a Member opposed thereto. After general debate, the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the chair of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII. Amendments so printed shall be considered as read. At the conclusion of the consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion, except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. If the Committee of the Whole rises and reports that it has come to no resolution on the bill, then, on the next legislative day, the House shall, immediately after the third daily order of business under clause 1 of rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration of the bill.


		IV
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 1515
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 14, 2010
			Ms. Loretta Sanchez of
			 California (for herself and Ms. Zoe
			 Lofgren of California) submitted the following resolution; which
			 was referred to the Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs

		RESOLUTION
		Calling on the Socialist Republic of
		  Vietnam to uphold and respect basic human rights by releasing three women
		  democracy activists, writer Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, attorney Le Thi Cong Nhan,
		  and cyber-activist Pham Thanh Nghien.

		Whereas the Government of the Socialist Republic of
			 Vietnam criminalizes freedom of expression and denies citizens their right to
			 assemble, associate, and worship freely;
		Whereas the Government of the Socialist Republic of
			 Vietnam is designated an enemy of the Internet by human rights groups and
			 routinely persecutes bloggers and cyber activists;
		Whereas the human rights violations are an impediment to
			 Vietnam’s socioeconomic development and deepening of United States-Vietnam
			 relations;
		Whereas democracy activist and blogger Tran Khai Thanh
			 Thuy was detained for nine months in 2007 for supporting peaceful
			 demonstrations against corruption;
		Whereas according to the United States Embassy in Hanoi,
			 Ms. Thuy was beaten and arrested again in October 2009 after publicly
			 expressing support for democracy activists on trial;
		Whereas Ms. Thuy was sentenced to three and a half years
			 imprisonment for physical assault in February 2010;
		Whereas Ms. Thuy is suffering from diabetes and advanced
			 tuberculosis and was not granted appropriate medical care;
		Whereas attorney Le Thi Cong Nhan was arrested in March
			 2007 after calling for freedom of association and multi-party democracy;
		Whereas Ms. Nhan was denied the chance to represent
			 herself in court and went on hunger strikes in order to protest poor conditions
			 in prison;
		Whereas, after three years imprisonment, Ms. Nhan is now
			 under house arrest for an additional three years and denied her civil
			 rights;
		Whereas Pham Thanh Nghien, a cyber activist who advocated
			 on behalf of landless farmers and Vietnamese fishermen attacked by the Chinese
			 navy, was detained in spring 2008 while protesting the Beijing Olympic Torch
			 Relay;
		Whereas Ms. Nghien was detained for days without charge
			 and was harassed by the security police when she wrote an official request to
			 organize a protest;
		Whereas Ms. Nghien was arrested again in September 2008
			 and sentenced to four years in prison, followed by three years of house
			 arrest;
		Whereas the Adopt a Voice of Conscience
			 Campaign was launched in the House of Representatives urging Members of
			 Congress to be a voice for the voiceless by standing up for women democracy
			 activists in Vietnam; and
		Whereas it is in the interest of the United States to
			 support Vietnamese aspirations for democracy and freedom: Now, therefore, be
			 it

		That the House of
			 Representatives—
			(1)calls on the President and the Department
			 of State to use diplomatic pressure to urge the Government of the Socialist
			 Republic of Vietnam to uphold and respect basic human rights;
			(2)calls on the
			 United States Ambassador to Vietnam to visit Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, Le Thi Cong
			 Nhan, and Pham Thanh Nghien, ensure their personal safety, and help provide for
			 necessary medical attention; and
			(3)calls on the
			 President and Secretary of State to directly request the freedom of Tran Khai
			 Thanh Thuy, Le Thi Cong Nhan, and Pham Thanh Nghien.


108 S378 IS: Pennsylvania National Heritage Areas Reauthorization Act
U.S. Senate
2021-02-23
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.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 378IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 23, 2021Mr. Casey introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesA BILLTo reauthorize the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, the Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area, and the Oil Region National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Pennsylvania National Heritage Areas Reauthorization Act.2.Reauthorization of, and repeal of funding limitations for, national heritage areas and corridor(a)Rivers of steel national heritage area(1)ReauthorizationSection 408 of the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4256; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.(2)Repeal of funding limitationSection 409(a) of the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 104–333; 110 Stat. 4256; 129 Stat. 2551; 133 Stat. 778) is amended by striking the second sentence.(b)Lackawanna valley national heritage area(1)ReauthorizationSection 108 of the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–278; 114 Stat. 818; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3802) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.(2)Repeal of funding limitationSection 109 of the Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area Act of 2000 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–278; 114 Stat. 818) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:(a)In generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $1,000,000 for each fiscal year..(c)Reauthorization of Delaware and lehigh national heritage corridorSection 12 of the Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1988 (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 100–692; 102 Stat. 4558; 112 Stat. 3260; 123 Stat. 1293; 127 Stat. 420; 128 Stat. 314; 128 Stat. 3801) is amended—(1)in subsection (c)(1), by striking 2021 and inserting 2036; and(2)in subsection (d), by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.(d)Schuylkill river valley national heritage area(1)ReauthorizationSection 209 of the Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–278; 114 Stat. 824; 128 Stat. 3802) is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2036.(2)Repeal of funding limitationSection 210 of the Schuylkill River Valley National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 106–278; 114 Stat. 824) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:(a)In generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $1,000,000 for each fiscal year..(e) Oil region national heritage area(1)ReauthorizationSection 608 of the Oil Region National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 108–447; 118 Stat. 3372; 133 Stat. 2713) is amended by striking September 30, 2022 and inserting September 30, 2036.(2)Repeal of funding limitationSection 612 of the Oil Region National Heritage Area Act (54 U.S.C. 320101 note; Public Law 108–447; 118 Stat. 3373) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:(a)In generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $1,000,000 for each fiscal year. .


114 S2084 IS: Protecting American Jobs Act
U.S. Senate
2015-09-28
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.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2084IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 28, 2015Mr. Lee (for himself, Mr. Cruz, and Mr. Cotton) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo amend the National Labor Relations Act to modify the authority of the National Labor Relations
			 Board with respect to rulemaking, issuance of complaints, and authority
			 over unfair labor practices.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Protecting American Jobs Act. 2.Amendments to the National Labor Relations Act (a)Duties of the General Counsel and Administrative Law JudgesThe National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) is amended—
 (1)in section 3(d), by striking and issuance of complaints under section 10, and in respect of the prosecution of such complaints before the Board; and
 (2)in section 4(a), by striking the fourth sentence. (b)Clarification of the Board’s rulemaking authoritySection 6 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 156) is amended by adding at the end the following: Such rulemaking authority shall be limited to rules concerning the internal functions of the Board. The Board shall not promulgate rules or regulations that affect the substantive or procedural rights of any person, employer, employee, or labor organization, including rules and regulations concerning unfair labor practices and representation elections..
 (c)Investigatory power and Adjudicatory Authority Over Unfair Labor Practice AllegationsSection 10 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 160) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)—
 (A)by striking prevent any person from engaging in and inserting investigate; and (B)by striking This power shall and all that follows through the end of the subsection;
 (2)in subsection (b)— (A)by striking Whenever it is charged and inserting Whenever it is alleged;
 (B)by striking or is engaging in and inserting , is engaging in, or is about to engage in; (C)by striking the Board, or any agent and all that follows through Provided, That no complaint shall issue and inserting the aggrieved person may bring a civil action for such relief (including an injunction) as may be appropriate. Any such civil action may be brought in the district court of the United States where the violation occurred, or, at the option of the parties, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. No civil action may be brought;
 (D)by striking charge with the Board and all that follows through prevented from filing such charge and inserting civil action, unless the person aggrieved thereby was prevented from filing such civil action; and (E)by striking Any such complaint may be amended and all that follows through Any such proceeding shall, so far as practicable, and inserting Any proceeding under this subsection shall;
 (3)by striking subsections (c) through (k); (4)by redesignating subsections (l) and (m) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively;
 (5)in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)— (A)by striking Whenever it is charged and inserting Whenever it is alleged;
 (B)in the first sentence, by striking charge and inserting allegation; and (C)by striking such charge is true and that a complaint should issue, he shall and all that follows through the end of the subsection and inserting such allegation is true, the officer or regional attorney shall, on behalf of the Board, submit a written summary of the findings to all parties involved in the alleged unfair labor practice.; and
 (6)in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)— (A)by striking Whenever it is charged and inserting Whenever it is alleged;
 (B)by striking such charge and inserting such allegation; and (C)by striking and cases given priority under subsection (i).
 (d)Conforming amendmentsThe National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) is amended— (1)in section 9 (29 U.S.C. 159)—
 (A)in subsection (c)(2), by striking and in no case shall the Board and all that follows through the end of such subsection and inserting a period; (B)by striking subsection (d); and
 (C)by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d); (2)in section 3(b) (29 U.S.C. 153(b)), by striking or (e) of section 9 and inserting or (d) of section 9;
 (3)in section 8 (29 U.S.C. 158), by striking 9(e) each place it appears and inserting 9(d); and (4)in section 18 (29 U.S.C. 168), by striking section 10 (e) or (f) and inserting subsection (e) or (f) of section 10, as such subsections were in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Protecting American Jobs Act,.
 3.RegulationsNot later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the National Labor Relations Board shall review and revise all regulations promulgated before such date to implement the amendments made by this Act.


		III
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 301
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 20, 2011
			Mr. Casey submitted the
			 following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		RESOLUTION
		Urging the people of the United States to
		  observe October 2011 as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month.

		Whereas Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month is an
			 appropriate time to recognize the enormous contributions that Italian and
			 Italian-American people have made to the United States and the world throughout
			 history, including generals, admirals, philosophers, statesmen, musicians,
			 athletes, and Nobel Prize-winning scientists;
		Whereas Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month
			 salutes the Italian and Italian-American community and expresses appreciation
			 for the culture and heritage of Italians and Italian Americans that has
			 immeasurably enriched the lives of the people of the United States and the
			 world;
		Whereas the strength and success of the United States, the
			 vitality of communities, and the effectiveness of society depend, in great
			 measure, upon the distinctive and sterling qualities demonstrated by various
			 ethnic groups and exemplified by members of the Italian and Italian-American
			 community, who share their rich and unique heritage with all people of the
			 United States; and
		Whereas it is fitting and proper that October 2011 be
			 observed as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month throughout the United
			 States: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)recognizes the
			 enormous contributions that Italian and Italian-American people have made to
			 the United States and the world throughout history; and
			(2)urges the people
			 of the United States—
				(A)to acknowledge
			 October 2011 as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month; and
				(B)to observe the
			 month with appropriate events and activities.


114 S2285 IS: Lumbee Recognition Act
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. 2285IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESNovember 17, 2015Mr. Burr introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian AffairsA BILLTo provide for the recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Lumbee Recognition Act.
 2.Federal recognitionThe Act of June 7, 1956 (70 Stat. 254, chapter 375), is amended—
 (1)by striking section 2; (2)in the first sentence of the first section, by striking That the Indians and inserting the following:

 3.Designation of Lumbee IndiansThe Indians; (3)in the preamble—
 (A)by inserting before the first undesignated clause the following:  1.FindingsCongress finds that—;
 (B)by designating the undesignated clauses as paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
 (C)by striking Whereas each place it appears;
 (D)by striking and after the semicolon at the end of each of paragraphs (1) through (3) (as so designated); and (E)in paragraph (4) (as so designated), by striking : Now, therefore, and inserting a period;
 (4)by moving the enacting clause so as to appear before section 1 (as so designated); (5)by striking the last sentence of section 3 (as designated by paragraph (2));
 (6)by inserting before section 3 (as designated by paragraph (2)) the following:  2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
 (1)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. (2)TribeThe term Tribe means the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina or the Lumbee Indians of North Carolina.; and
 (7)by adding at the end the following:  4.Federal recognition (a)In generalFederal recognition is extended to the Tribe (as designated as petitioner number 65 by the Office of Federal Acknowledgment).
 (b)Applicability of lawsAll laws and regulations of the United States of general application to Indians and Indian tribes shall apply to the Tribe and its members.
 (c)Petition for acknowledgmentNotwithstanding section 3, any group of Indians in Robeson and adjoining counties, North Carolina, whose members are not enrolled in the Tribe (as determined under section 5(d)) may petition under part 83 of title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations for acknowledgment of tribal existence.
						5.Eligibility for Federal services
 (a)In generalThe Tribe and its members shall be eligible for all services and benefits provided by the Federal Government to federally recognized Indian tribes.
 (b)Service areaFor the purpose of the delivery of Federal services and benefits described in subsection (a), those members of the Tribe residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland counties in North Carolina shall be deemed to be residing on or near an Indian reservation.
 (c)Determination of needsOn verification by the Secretary of a tribal roll under subsection (d), the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall—
 (1)develop, in consultation with the Tribe, a determination of needs to provide the services to which members of the Tribe are eligible; and
 (2)after the tribal roll is verified, each submit to Congress a written statement of those needs.
							(d)Tribal roll
 (1)In generalFor the purpose of the delivery of Federal services and benefits described in subsection (a), the tribal roll in effect on the date of enactment of this section shall, subject to verification by the Secretary, define the service population of the Tribe.
 (2)Verification limitation and deadlineThe verification by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall—
 (A)be limited to confirming compliance with the membership criteria set out in the constitution of the Tribe adopted on November 16, 2001; and
 (B)be completed not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section.
								6.Authorization to take land into trust
 (a)In generalThe Secretary may take into trust for the benefit of the Tribe land of the Tribe. (b)Treatment of certain landAn application to take into trust land located within Robeson County, North Carolina, under this section shall be treated by the Secretary as an on reservation trust acquisition under part 151 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
 (c)Gaming activitiesLand taken into trust under this section shall be eligible, or considered to have been taken into trust, for class II gaming or class III gaming (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2703)).
						7.Jurisdiction of State of North Carolina
 (a)In generalWith respect to land located within the State of North Carolina that is owned by, or held in trust by the United States for the benefit of, the Tribe, or any dependent Indian community of the Tribe, the State of North Carolina shall exercise jurisdiction over—
 (1)all criminal offenses that are committed; and
 (2)all civil actions that arise.
							(b)Transfer of jurisdiction
 (1)In generalSubject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may accept on behalf of the United States, after consulting with the Attorney General of the United States, any transfer by the State of North Carolina to the United States of any portion of the jurisdiction of the State of North Carolina described in subsection (a) pursuant to an agreement between the Tribe and the State of North Carolina.
 (2)RestrictionA transfer of jurisdiction described in paragraph (1) may not take effect until 2 years after the effective date of the agreement described in that paragraph.
 (c)EffectNothing in this section affects the application of section 109 of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1919).
 8.Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act..


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5363
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 7, 2012
			Mr. Dold (for himself
			 and Mr. Young of Indiana) introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on 4-(1-Ethoxyethoxy)
		  styrene-4- (t-butylcarbonyloxy) styrene-4-hydroxystyrene
		  copolymer.

		1.4-(1-Ethoxyethoxy) styrene-4-
			 (t-butylcarbonyloxy) styrene-4-hydroxystyrene copolymer
			(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:

								9902.01.004-(1-Ethoxyethoxy) styrene-4- (t-butylcarbonyloxy)
						styrene-4-hydroxystyrene copolymer (CAS No. 177034–75–2) (provided for in
						subheading 3903.90.5000)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

					.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods
			 entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day
			 after the date of the enactment of this Act.


IV
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 178
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 17, 2011
Mr. Heck submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules

RESOLUTION
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a committee report on a bill or joint resolution to include a statement of whether the legislation creates any duplicative programs.

That clause 3 of rule XIII is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(i)The report of a committee on a bill or joint resolution authorizing an appropriation for a new program shall include a statement of whether the program has similar or overlapping objectives to any other program within the same Federal agency..


116 S3223 IS: Resources to Prevent Youth Vaping Act
U.S. Senate
2020-01-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3223IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJanuary 21, 2020Mrs. Shaheen (for herself, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Romney, Ms. Baldwin, and Ms. Collins) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo apply user fees with respect to tobacco products deemed subject to the requirements of chapter
			 IX of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Resources to Prevent Youth Vaping Act.
		2.User fees
 (a)Increase in total amountSection 919(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387s(b)(1)) is amended by striking subparagraph (K) and inserting the following subparagraphs:

 (K)For fiscal year 2019, $712,000,000. (L)For fiscal year 2020, $812,000,000.
 (M)For each subsequent fiscal year, the amount that was applicable for the previous fiscal year, adjusted by the total percentage change that occurred in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (all items; United States city average) for the 12-month period ending June 30 preceding the fiscal year..
			(b)Application of user fees to all classes of tobacco products
 (1)In generalSubparagraph (A) of section 919(b)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387s(b)(2)) is amended to read as follows:

						(A)In general
 (i)Fiscal years 2020 and 2021For fiscal years 2020 and 2021, user fees shall be assessed and collected under subsection (a) only with respect to the classes of tobacco products listed in subparagraph (B)(i), and the total such user fees with respect to each such class shall be an amount that is equal to the applicable percentage of each such class for the fiscal year multiplied by the amount specified in paragraph (1) for the fiscal year.
 (ii)Subsequent fiscal yearsFor fiscal year 2022 and each subsequent fiscal year, user fees shall be assessed and collected under subsection (a) with respect to each class of tobacco products to which this chapter applies (including tobacco products that the Secretary by regulation deems to be subject to this chapter), and the total user fees with respect to each such class shall be—
 (I)with respect to each class of tobacco products listed in subparagraph (B)(i), an amount that is calculated in the same way as the amounts calculated for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 under clause (i), except that for purposes of fiscal years 2022 and subsequent fiscal years, instead of multiplying the applicable percentage of each such class by the amount specified in paragraph (1) for the fiscal year, the applicable percentage shall be multiplied by—
 (aa)the amount specified in paragraph (1) for the fiscal year, reduced by (bb)the total user fees assessed and collected pursuant to subclause (II) for the fiscal year; and
 (II)with respect to each class of tobacco products to which this chapter applies but which is not listed in subparagraph (B)(i), an amount determined pursuant to a formula under subparagraph (C)..
 (2)Other tobacco productsSection 919(b)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387s(b)(2)), as amended by paragraph (1), is further amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

						(C)Allocation for other tobacco products
 (i)In generalBeginning with fiscal year 2022, the total user fees assessed and collected under subsection (a) each fiscal year with respect to each class of tobacco products not listed in subparagraph (B)(i) shall be an amount that is determined pursuant to a formula developed by the Secretary by regulation using information required to be submitted under subparagraph (D).
 (ii)Allocation for other tobacco productsFor each class of tobacco products not listed in subparagraph (B)(i), the percentage of fees under the formula under clause (i) for the respective fiscal year shall be equal to the percentage of the gross domestic sales in the previous calendar year that is attributable to such class of tobacco products in such calendar year, as determined by the Secretary.
 (iii)Allocation of assessment within each class of other tobacco productsThe percentage of the total user fee to be paid by each manufacturer or importer of tobacco products in a class not listed in subparagraph (B)(i) shall be determined by the Secretary, based on the percentage of the gross domestics sales of all such classes of tobacco products by all manufacturers and importers in the previous calendar year that is attributable to such manufacturer or importer.
 (iv)Effect of failure to finalize formula on timeIf the Secretary for any reason fails to finalize by fiscal year 2022 the formula required by this subparagraph for the assessment and collection of user fees for classes of tobacco products not listed in subparagraph (B)(i)—
 (I)the Secretary shall continue to assess and collect fees under subsection (a) with respect to each class of tobacco products listed in subparagraph (B)(i); and
 (II)until the first fiscal year commencing after the finalization of such formula, the exception described in subparagraph (A)(ii)(I) shall not apply.
 (v)Revisions by regulationAny revisions to the formula promulgated pursuant to this subparagraph shall be by regulation. (vi)DefinitionIn this subparagraph, the term gross domestic sales means the total value in dollars of the sale or distribution by manufacturers and importers of tobacco products in the United States in classes not listed in subparagraph (B)(i), as determined based on the aggregation of sales data from every manufacturer and importer of tobacco products that submits sales data to the Secretary.
 (D)Information required to be submittedEach manufacturer or importer of any tobacco product shall submit to the Secretary the information required under this subparagraph by March 1, 2021, for calendar year 2020, by April 1, 2021, for the period of January 1, 2021, through March 30, 2021, and monthly thereafter. Such information shall include—
 (i)the identification of the manufacturer or importer; (ii)the class or classes of tobacco products sold by the manufacturer or importer;
 (iii)the full listing of the finished tobacco products in a class not listed in subparagraph (B)(i) sold or distributed by the manufacturer or importer in the United States; and
 (iv)the gross domestic sales data for each class of finished tobacco products sold or distributed by the manufacturer or importer in the United States..
 (3)Prohibited actSection 301(q)(1)(B) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 331(q)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting 919(b)(2)(D), before or 920.
 (c)Allocation of assessment within each class of tobacco productSection 919(b)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387s(b)(4)) is amended by striking shall be the percentage determined for purposes of allocations under subsections (e) through (h) of section 625 of Public Law 108–357 and inserting shall be the percentage determined by the Secretary.
 (d)Conforming amendmentsSection 919(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387s(b)) is amended— (1)by striking paragraph (5);
 (2)by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; and (3)by amending paragraph (6), as redesignated, to read as follows:

 (6)Memorandum of understandingThe Secretary shall request the appropriate Federal agency to enter into a memorandum of understanding that provides for the regular and timely transfer from the head of such agency to the Secretary of all necessary information regarding all tobacco product manufacturers and importers required to pay user fees. The Secretary shall maintain all disclosure restrictions established by the head of such agency regarding the information provided under the memorandum of understanding..
 (e)ApplicabilityThe amendments made by subsections (b), (c), and (d) apply beginning with fiscal year 2022. Subject to the amendment made by subsection (a), section 919 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387s), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect to fiscal years preceding fiscal year 2022.
			3.Annual report
 (a)In generalFor fiscal year 2020 and each subsequent fiscal year for which fees are collected under section 919 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387s), the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall, not later than 180 days after the end of the respective fiscal year for which the report is being prepared, submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce and Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, an annual report with respect to such fees that contains the information required under subsection (b).
 (b)Required informationEach report submitted under subsection (a) shall contain the following information with respect to the fiscal year for which the report is being submitted:
 (1)A breakdown of the amount expended by the Food and Drug Administration on each of the following activities:
 (A)Compliance and enforcement. (B)Public education campaigns.
 (C)Scientific research and research infrastructure. (D)Communications.
 (E)Leadership, management, oversight, and administrative functions. (F)Related overhead activities.
 (G)Other activities. (2)Details on the amount expended, and the purpose of such expenditures, on each of the five largest expenditure amounts within each of the categories described in paragraph (1).
 (3)A breakdown of the amount expended on activities related to deemed tobacco products versus how much was expended on activities related to combustible tobacco products outlined in the pre-existing categories of tobacco products under section 919 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387s).
 (4)An explanation for how the Food and Drug Administration ensures that the amount of user fees allocated to public education campaigns on youth e-cigarette use and prevention is sufficient to meet the need for education of teens and minors on the dangers of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).
 (5)A list of the status of submitted, pending, and approved tobacco product applications for each regulatory pathway and class of tobacco product as defined by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Public Law 111–31), including subsequent regulations, for the 3-fiscal year period preceding the fiscal year for which the report is being prepared.
 (6)When applicable, a breakdown of the amount or user fees collected under the amendments made by this Act from manufacturers of deemed tobacco products and the amount collected from manufacturers of each of the original pre-existing categories of tobacco products under section 919 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387s).


117 HR 2160 IH: Student Loan Refinancing Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-03-23
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2160IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 23, 2021Mr. Pocan introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborA BILLTo authorize borrowers of loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program to modify the interest rate of such loans to be equal to the interest rate for such loans at the time of modification.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Student Loan Refinancing Act. 2.Borrower modification of interest rates under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan ProgramSection 455(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(11)Borrower modification of interest rate(A)ModificationNotwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this subsection, the borrower of a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, or a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan may elect to modify the interest rate of the loan to be equal to the interest rate that would be applicable to such loan if such loan were first disbursed (or in the case of a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan, first applied for) on the date on which such borrower elects to modify the interest rate of such loan.(B)Fixed rateExcept as provided in subparagraph (C), an interest rate elected under subparagraph (A) for a loan shall be fixed for the life of the loan.(C)Continuing authority to modifyA borrower may elect to modify the interest rate of a loan in accordance with subparagraph (A)—(i)at any time during the life of the loan; and(ii)any number of times during the life of the loan, except that a borrower may not modify the interest rate of the loan more than once in a six-month period..


113 HRES 223 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the ongoing conflict in Syria and the urgent need for the Syrian Opposition Coalition and local coordinating committees in Syria to assume the responsibilities of governance including the establishment of institutions of transitional justice, and to guarantee the rights of all Syria’s people, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-05-17
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.

		IV
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 223
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 17, 2013
			Mr. Moran submitted
			 the following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of the House of
		  Representatives concerning the ongoing conflict in Syria and the urgent need
		  for the Syrian Opposition Coalition and local coordinating committees in Syria
		  to assume the responsibilities of governance including the establishment of
		  institutions of transitional justice, and to guarantee the rights of all
		  Syria’s people, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation.

		Whereas the civil war in Syria, which exploded when the
			 dictatorial regime of Bashar al Assad violently suppressed peaceful
			 demonstrations by Syria’s citizens, has killed more than 70,000 Syrians,
			 created as many as 4,000,000 internally displaced, and driven some 1,200,000 to
			 seek refuge in neighboring countries, mobilizing an international response
			 encompassing pledges of assistance totaling over $1,000,000,000;
		Whereas the 40-year history of undemocratic, repressive
			 leadership under the regime of Bashar al Assad and his father Hafez al Assad
			 has eroded civil society, debilitated the capacity for self government, and
			 undermined confidence in the rule of law in Syria;
		Whereas the Syrian opposition, though lacking
			 comprehensive and coordinated assistance from the international community, and
			 suffering constant attacks by the Assad regime, has succeeded in establishing
			 effective self-government in significant sections of the country and is
			 developing a capacity to exercise responsible authority and deliver essential
			 services;
		Whereas the United States Government recognizes the Syrian
			 Opposition Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people and
			 is assisting the Council and its affiliated local coordinating bodies to
			 establish structures of governance, including mechanisms for the provision of
			 security and justice;
		Whereas the Syrian population is about 70 percent Sunni
			 and also includes large minorities of Alawites and Christians (including Greek
			 Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Eastern Rite Catholics), as
			 well as smaller numbers of Shia (including Ismailis), Druze, Ezidi, Mandaean,
			 and Jewish communities with longstanding ancient and indigenous ties to the
			 area;
		Whereas according to the February 5, 2013, Report of the
			 Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic,
			 the conflict is becoming increasingly sectarian;
		Whereas the Syrian Government has sought to exacerbate
			 ethnic and religious tensions by employing paramilitary forces, known as
			 shabiha, to terrorize communities suspected of sympathizing with the
			 opposition, and has thus sown the seeds of unbridled sectarian conflict;
		Whereas elements of the opposition have reportedly engaged
			 in isolated instances of attacks on religious shrines in areas of mixed
			 ethnicity, which if they become more widespread jeopardize a transition to a
			 post-conflict, democratic, and pluralistic Syria; and
		Whereas members of the international community, notably
			 Iran, Russia, and China, have undermined international consensus for a peaceful
			 resolution of the conflict, stymied efforts to halt the Syrian Government’s
			 atrocities, maintained military support for Bashar al Assad’s onslaught against
			 civilians, or blocked action at the United Nations Security Council: Now,
			 therefore, be it

		That the House of
			 Representatives—
			(1)calls on the Syrian Opposition Coalition to
			 publicly outline a detailed vision of inclusion for all of Syria’s people,
			 including a guarantee of full citizenship and equality under the law;
			(2)calls on the Obama Administration, in close
			 cooperation with international and regional partners, to continue to support
			 the Syrian Opposition Coalition as it develops mechanisms of transitional
			 justice guaranteeing the rights of all citizens under the law, and to support
			 the Syrian Opposition Coalition as it forms an inclusive and democratic
			 provisional government; and
			(3)urges all parties
			 in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, protect minorities,
			 preserve minority cultural and religious sites, and hold accountable those who
			 violate these norms.