117 S530 IS: Shareholder Protection Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-03-02
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 530IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 2 (legislative day, March 1), 2021Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Booker, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Leahy, Ms. Warren, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Van Hollen, Mrs. Gillibrand, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Markey, Mrs. Shaheen, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Whitehouse, and Mrs. Feinstein) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsA BILLTo amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require shareholder authorization before a public company may make certain political expenditures, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Shareholder Protection Act of 2021.2.FindingsCongress finds that—(1)corporations make significant political contributions and expenditures that directly or indirectly influence the election of candidates and support or oppose political causes;(2)decisions to use corporate funds for political contributions and expenditures are usually made by corporate boards and executives, rather than shareholders;(3)corporations, acting through boards and executives, are obligated to conduct business for the best interests of their owners, the shareholders;(4)historically, shareholders have not had a way to know, or to influence, the political activities of the corporations they own;(5)shareholders and the public have a right to know how corporate managers are spending company funds to make political contributions and expenditures benefitting candidates, political parties, and political causes;(6)corporations should be accountable to shareholders in making political contributions or expenditures affecting Federal governance and public policy; and(7)requiring a corporation to obtain the express approval of shareholders before making political contributions or expenditures will establish necessary accountability.3.Shareholder
 approval of corporate political activity(a)In generalThe Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 14B (15 U.S.C. 78n–2) the following:14C.Shareholder
				approval of certain political expenditures and disclosure of votes
			 of
 institutional investors(a)DefinitionsIn this section—(1)the term expenditure for political activities—(A)means—(i)an independent expenditure (as defined in section 301(17) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101(17)));(ii)an electioneering communication (as defined in section 304(f)(3) of that Act (52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3))) and any other public communication (as defined in section 301(22) of that Act (52 U.S.C. 30101(22))) that would be an electioneering communication if it were a broadcast, cable, or satellite communication; or(iii)dues or other payments to trade associations or organizations described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of that Code that are, or could reasonably be anticipated to be, used or transferred to another association or organization for the purposes described in clause (i) or (ii); and(B)does not include—(i)direct lobbying efforts through registered lobbyists employed or hired by the issuer;(ii)communications by an issuer to its shareholders and executive or administrative personnel and their families; or(iii)the establishment, administration, and solicitation of contributions to a separate segregated fund to be utilized for political purposes by a corporation; and(2)the term issuer does not include an investment company that is registered under section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a–8).(b)Shareholder
 authorization for political expendituresEach solicitation of proxy, consent, or authorization by an issuer with a class of equity securities registered under section 12 shall—(1)contain—(A)a description of the specific nature of any expenditure for political activities proposed to be made by the issuer for the forthcoming fiscal year that has not been authorized by a vote of the shareholders of the issuer, to the extent the specific nature is known to the issuer; and(B)the total amount of expenditures for political activities proposed to be made by the issuer for the forthcoming fiscal year; and(2)provide for a separate vote of the shareholders of the issuer to authorize such expenditures for political activities in the total amount described in paragraph (1).(c)Vote required To
 make expendituresNo issuer may make an expenditure for political activities in any fiscal year unless that expenditure—(1)is of the nature of those proposed by the issuer in subsection (b)(1); and(2)has been authorized by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of the issuer in accordance with subsection (b)(2).(d)Fiduciary duty;
				liability(1)Fiduciary
 dutyA violation of subsection (c) by an issuer shall be considered to be a breach of a fiduciary duty of any officer or director of the issuer who authorized the expenditure for political activities described in that subsection.(2)LiabilityAn officer or director of an issuer who authorizes an expenditure for political activities in violation of subsection (c) shall be jointly and severally liable in—(A)any action brought in a court of competent jurisdiction to any person or class of persons that held shares at the time the expenditure for political activities was made; and(B)an amount that is equal to 3 times the amount of the expenditure for political activities.(e)Disclosure of
				votes(1)Disclosure
 requiredEach institutional investment manager that is subject to section 13(f) shall disclose not less frequently than annually how the institutional investment manager voted on any shareholder vote under subsection (b)(2), unless the vote is otherwise required by rule of the Commission to be reported publicly.(2)RulesNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Commission shall issue rules to carry out this subsection that require that a disclosure required under paragraph (1)—(A)be made not later than 30 days after the date on which a vote described in that paragraph is held; and(B)be made available to the public through the EDGAR system as soon as practicable.(f)Safe harbor for
 certain divestment decisionsNotwithstanding any other provision of Federal or State law, if an institutional investment manager makes the disclosures required under subsection (e), no person may bring any civil, criminal, or administrative action against the institutional investment manager, or any employee, officer, or director of the institutional investment manager, based solely upon a decision of the investment manager to divest from, or not to invest in, securities of an issuer due to an expenditure for political activities made by the issuer..(b)Technical and conforming amendmentSection 3(a)(8) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(8)) is amended by striking The term and inserting Except as otherwise expressly provided, the term.4.Required board vote on corporate expenditures for political activitiesThe Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 16 (15 U.S.C. 78p) the following:16A.Required board
 vote on corporate expenditures for political activities(a)DefinitionsIn this section—(1)the term election has the meaning given the term in section 301 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101); and(2)the terms expenditure for political activities and issuer have the meanings given the terms in section 14C(a).(b)Listing on
 exchangesNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Commission shall, by rule, direct the national securities exchanges and national securities associations to prohibit the listing of any class of equity security of an issuer that is not in compliance with the requirements of any portion of subsection (c).(c)Requirement for
				vote in corporate bylaws(1)Vote
 requiredThe bylaws of an issuer shall expressly provide for a vote of the board of directors of the issuer on any expenditure for political activities—(A)in an amount that is more than $50,000; and(B)that would result in the total amount spent by the issuer for a particular election to be more than $50,000.(2)Public
 availabilityAn issuer shall make the votes of each member of the board of directors of the issuer for a vote required under paragraph (1) publicly available not later than 48 hours after the vote, including in a clear and conspicuous location on the internet web site of the issuer.(d)No Effect on
 Determination of Coordination With Candidates or CampaignsFor purposes of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), an expenditure for political activities by an issuer shall not be treated as made in concert or cooperation with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or committee solely because a member of the board of directors of the issuer voted on the expenditure as required under this section..5.Reporting
 requirementsSection 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m) is amended by adding at the end the following:(s)Reporting
 requirements relating to certain political expenditures(1)DefinitionsIn this subsection, the terms expenditure for political activities and issuer have the meanings given the terms in section 14C(a).(2)Quarterly
				reports(A)Reports
 requiredNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Commission shall amend the reporting rules under this section to require each issuer with a class of equity securities registered under section 12 to submit to the Commission and the shareholders of the issuer a quarterly report containing—(i)a description of any expenditure for political activities made during the preceding quarter;(ii)the date of each expenditure for political activities;(iii)the amount of each expenditure for political activities;(iv)the votes of each member of the board of directors of the issuer authorizing the expenditure for political activity, as required under section 16A(c);(v)if the expenditure for political activities was made in support of or in opposition to a candidate, the name of the candidate and the office sought by, and the political party affiliation of, the candidate; and(vi)the name or identity of trade associations or organizations described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code that receive dues or other payments as described in section 14C(a)(1)(A)(iii).(B)Public availabilityThe Commission shall ensure that, to the greatest extent practicable, the quarterly reports required under this paragraph are publicly available through the internet website of the Commission and through the EDGAR system in a manner that is searchable, sortable, and downloadable, consistent with the requirements under section 24.(3)Annual
 reportsNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Commission shall, by rule, require each issuer to include in the annual report of the issuer to shareholders a summary of each expenditure for political activities made during the preceding year in excess of $10,000, and each expenditure for political activities for a particular election if the total amount of such expenditures for that election is in excess of $10,000..6.Reports(a)Securities and
 Exchange CommissionThe Securities and Exchange Commission shall—(1)conduct an annual assessment of the compliance of issuers and officers and members of the boards of directors of issuers with sections 13(s), 14C, and 16A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as added by this Act; and(2)submit to Congress an annual report of containing the results of the assessment under paragraph (1).(b)Government
 Accountability OfficeThe Comptroller General of the United States shall periodically evaluate and report to Congress on the effectiveness of the oversight by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the reporting and disclosure requirements under sections 13(s), 14C, and 16A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as added by this Act.7.SeverabilityIf any provision of this Act, an amendment made by this Act, or the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act, the amendments made by this Act, and the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.


114 S1235 IS: Alaska Native Energy Assistance Program Act
U.S. Senate
2015-05-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		114th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 1235
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 6, 2015
			Ms. Murkowski introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

		A BILL
		To amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to authorize Regional Corporations and Village
			 Corporations to establish energy assistance programs.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Alaska Native Energy Assistance Program Act.
		2.Shareholder energy assistance program
 (a)In generalSection 7 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1606) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (s)Shareholder energy assistance programA Regional Corporation or Village Corporation may establish an energy assistance program that provides to shareholders financial assistance for the payment of residential electric bills, the cost of home weatherization or energy efficiency improvements, or the purchase of transportation fuels..
 (b)TaxationSection 21 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1620) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (k)Energy assistanceAny assistance provided to shareholders under an energy assistance program established under section 7(s) shall not be subject to any form of Federal taxation..


115 S809 IS: Simpler Tax Filing Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-04-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 809IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESApril 4, 2017Mrs. Shaheen (for herself and Ms. Warren) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo require the Secretary of the Treasury to study the feasibility of providing certain taxpayers
			 with an optional, pre-prepared tax return, and for other purposes.

		1.Short
 titleThis Act may be cited as the Simpler Tax Filing Act of 2017.
		2.Sense of
 CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—
 (1)the Secretary of the Treasury should provide as many taxpayers as possible with the option of receiving a tax return that is pre-prepared by the Secretary of the Treasury; and
 (2)it should be the goal of the Internal Revenue Service to begin offering pre-prepared returns to filers by tax year 2022.
			3.Report to
 CongressNot later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, shall provide a report to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate on actions necessary to achieve the goal of offering pre-prepared tax returns to filers by tax year 2022, including—
 (1)changes necessary to the filing deadlines for employers and institutions for information provided through Forms W–2 and 1099;
 (2)actions necessary to expedite processing of information from Form W–2 by the Social Security Administration;
 (3)actions necessary to expedite processing of information reporting by the Internal Revenue Service;
 (4)actions to help businesses submit Form W–2 more easily, and electronically;
 (5)partnerships with employers and financial institutions to encourage early reporting;
 (6)delaying the start of the tax filing season;
 (7)ensuring that taxpayers have access to secure online accounts to access their information, while also having the option to download their information for integration into private tax preparation software; and
 (8)incorporating best practices from other countries for expediting the availability of return information.
			Such report
			 shall also include an analysis of the budgetary, administrative, and
			 legislative barriers to achieving this goal, including the amount of
			 appropriations that would be required.


 S256 ENR: Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act
U.S. Senate

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.

One Hundred Sixteenth Congress of the United States of America1st SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday, the third day of January, two thousand and
			 nineteenS. 256IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESAN ACTTo amend the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to provide flexibility and reauthorization to
 ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native American languages.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act.2.Native American Languages Grant ProgramSection 803C of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 2991b–3) is amended—(1)in subsection (b)(7)—(A)in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking 10 and inserting 5; and(B)in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking 15 and inserting 10; and(2)in subsection (e)(2)—(A)by striking or 3-year basis and inserting 3-year, 4-year, or 5-year basis; and(B)by inserting , 4-year, or 5-year after on a 3-year.3.Reauthorization of Native American Languages Program(a)In generalSection 816(e) of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 2992d(e)) is amended by striking such sums and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting $13,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024..(b)Technical correctionSection 816 of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 2992d) is amended in subsections (a) and (b) by striking subsection (e) each place it appears and inserting subsection (d).Speaker of the House of RepresentativesVice President of the United States and President of the Senate


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 508
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 8, 2011
			Mr. Bennet (for himself
			 and Mr. Udall of Colorado) introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To establish the Chimney Rock National Monument in the
		  State of Colorado.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Chimney Rock National Monument
			 Establishment Act.
		2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)National
			 monumentThe term national monument means the
			 Chimney Rock National Monument established by section 3(a).
			(2)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
			(3)StateThe
			 term State means the State of Colorado.
			3.Establishment of
			 chimney rock national monument
			(a)EstablishmentThere
			 is established in the State the Chimney Rock National Monument—
				(1)to preserve,
			 protect, and restore the archeological, cultural, historic, geologic,
			 hydrologic, natural, educational, and scenic resources of Chimney Rock and
			 adjacent land; and
				(2)to provide for
			 public interpretation and recreation consistent with the protection of the
			 resources described in paragraph (1).
				(b)Boundaries
				(1)In
			 generalThe national monument shall consist of approximately
			 4,726 acres of land and interests in land, as generally depicted on the map
			 entitled Boundary Map, Chimney Rock National Monument and dated
			 January 5, 2010.
				(2)Minor
			 adjustmentsThe Secretary may make minor adjustments to the
			 boundary of the national monument to reflect the inclusion of significant
			 archeological resources discovered after the date of enactment of this Act on
			 adjacent National Forest System land.
				(3)Availability of
			 mapThe map described in paragraph (1) shall be on file and
			 available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest
			 Service.
				4.Administration
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall—
				(1)administer the
			 national monument—
					(A)in furtherance of
			 the purposes for which the national monument was established; and
					(B)in accordance
			 with—
						(i)this Act;
			 and
						(ii)any laws
			 generally applicable to the National Forest System; and
						(2)allow only such
			 uses of the national monument that the Secretary determines would further the
			 purposes described in section 3(a).
				(b)Tribal
			 uses
				(1)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall administer the national monument in
			 accordance with—
					(A)the Native
			 American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.);
			 and
					(B)the policy
			 described in Public Law 95–341 (commonly known as the “American Indian
			 Religious Freedom Act”) (42 U.S.C. 1996).
					(2)Traditional
			 usesSubject to any terms and conditions the Secretary determines
			 to be necessary and in accordance with applicable law, the Secretary shall
			 allow for the continued use of the national monument by members of Indian
			 tribes—
					(A)for traditional
			 ceremonies; and
					(B)as a source of
			 traditional plants and other materials.
					(c)Vegetation
			 managementThe Secretary may carry out vegetation management
			 treatments within the national monument, except that the harvesting of timber
			 shall only be used if the Secretary determines that the harvesting is necessary
			 for—
				(1)ecosystem
			 restoration in furtherance of section 3(a); or
				(2)the control of
			 fire, insects, or diseases.
				(d)Motor vehicles
			 and mountain bikesThe use of motor vehicles and mountain bikes
			 in the national monument shall be limited to the roads and trails identified by
			 the Secretary as appropriate for the use of motor vehicles and mountain
			 bikes.
			(e)GrazingThe
			 Secretary shall permit grazing within the national monument, where established
			 before the date of enactment of this Act—
				(1)subject to all
			 applicable laws (including regulations); and
				(2)consistent with
			 the purposes described in section 3(a).
				(f)Utility
			 right-of-Way upgradesNothing in this Act precludes the Secretary
			 from renewing or authorizing the upgrading of a utility right-of-way in
			 existence as of the date of enactment of this Act through the national
			 monument—
				(1)in accordance
			 with—
					(A)the National
			 Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
					(B)any other
			 applicable law; and
					(2)subject to such
			 terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
				(g)Education and
			 interpretive centerThe Secretary may develop and construct an
			 education and interpretive center to interpret the scientific and cultural
			 resources of the national monument for the public.
			(h)Designation of
			 manager
				(1)In
			 generalAs soon as practicable after the management plan is
			 developed under section 5(a), the Secretary shall designate an individual as
			 manager of the national monument.
				(2)Other
			 dutiesThe manager designated under paragraph (1) shall not be
			 precluded from fulfilling other responsibilities within the San Juan National
			 Forest.
				5.Management
			 plan
			(a)In
			 generalNot later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
			 this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with Indian tribes with a cultural or
			 historic tie to Chimney Rock, shall develop a management plan for the national
			 monument.
			(b)Public
			 commentIn developing the management plan, the Secretary shall
			 provide an opportunity for public comment by—
				(1)State and local
			 governments;
				(2)tribal
			 governments; and
				(3)any other
			 interested organizations and individuals.
				6.Land
			 acquisitionThe Secretary may
			 acquire land and any interest in land within or adjacent to the boundary of the
			 national monument by—
			(1)purchase from willing sellers with donated
			 or appropriated funds;
			(2)donation; or
			(3)exchange.
			7.Withdrawal
			(a)In
			 generalSubject to valid
			 existing rights, all Federal land within the national monument (including any
			 land or interest in land acquired after the date of enactment of this Act) is
			 withdrawn from—
				(1)entry,
			 appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
				(2)location, entry,
			 and patent under the mining laws; and
				(3)subject to
			 subsection (b), operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and
			 geothermal leasing laws.
				(b)LimitationNotwithstanding
			 subsection (a)(3), the Federal land is not withdrawn for the purposes of
			 issuance of gas pipeline rights-of-way within easements in existence as of the
			 date of enactment of this Act.
			8.Effect
			(a)Water
			 rights
				(1)In
			 generalNothing in this Act affects any valid water rights,
			 including water rights held by the United States.
				(2)Reserved water
			 rightThe designation of the national monument does not create a
			 Federal reserved water right.
				(b)Tribal
			 rightsNothing in this Act affects—
				(1)the rights of any
			 Indian tribe on Indian land;
				(2)any individually
			 held trust land or Indian allotment; or
				(3)any treaty rights
			 providing for nonexclusive access to or within the national monument by members
			 of Indian tribes for traditional and cultural purposes.
				(c)Fish and
			 wildlifeNothing in this Act affects the jurisdiction of the
			 State with respect to the management of fish and wildlife on public land in the
			 State.
			(d)Adjacent
			 usesNothing in this Act—
				(1)creates a
			 protective perimeter or buffer zone around the national monument; or
				(2)affects private
			 property outside of the boundary of the national monument.
				9.Authorization of
			 appropriationsThere are
			 authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this
			 Act.


114 HR 6170 IH: To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act with respect to the consolidation of public water systems, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-09-26
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.

I114th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6170IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 26, 2016Mr. Garamendi introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo amend the Safe Drinking Water Act with respect to the consolidation of public water systems, and
			 for other purposes.

		1.Consolidation
 (a)Mandatory assessment and consolidationSubsection (h) of section 1414 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g–3) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(3)Authority for mandatory assessment and mandatory consolidation
 (A)Mandatory assessmentA State with primary enforcement responsibility or the Administrator (if the State does not have primary enforcement responsibility) may require the owner or operator of a public water system to assess options for consolidation, or transfer of ownership of the system, as described in paragraph (1), if—
 (i)the public water system has repeatedly failed to comply with one or more national primary drinking water regulations;
 (ii)such consolidation or transfer is feasible; and (iii)such consolidation or transfer could result in greater compliance with national primary drinking water regulations.
 (B)Mandatory consolidationA State with primary enforcement responsibility or the Administrator (if the State does not have primary enforcement responsibility) may require the owner or operator of a public water system to submit a plan for consolidation, or transfer of ownership of the system, as described in paragraph (1), and complete the actions required under such plan if—
 (i)the owner or operator of the public water system completed the assessment required under paragraph (A), but did not complete consolidation or transfer of ownership;
 (ii)since completing such assessment, the public water system has failed to comply with one or more national primary drinking water regulations; and
 (iii)such consolidation or transfer is feasible. (C)RegulationsNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall promulgate regulations to implement this paragraph.
 (4)Financial assistanceNotwithstanding section 1452(a)(3), public water systems undertaking consolidation or transfer of ownership pursuant to this section may receive assistance under section 1452 to carry out such consolidation or transfer.
					(5)Protection of non-responsible system
 (A)Identification of liabilitiesAn owner or operator of a public water system submitting a plan pursuant to this section shall identify as part of such plan—
 (i)any potential liability for damages arising from each specific violation identified in the plan of which the owner or operator is aware or should be aware; and
 (ii)any funds or other assets available to satisfy such liability that are available, as of the date of submission of such plan, to the public water system that committed such violation.
 (B)Reservation of fundsA public water system that has completed consolidation with another public water system pursuant to a plan approved or required pursuant to this section shall not be liable in a civil action for any damages arising from a specific violation identified in such plan, except to the extent to which funds or other assets are identified pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii) as available to satisfy such liability..
			(b)Retention of primary enforcement authority
 (1)In generalSection 1413(a) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g–2(a)) is amended— (A)in paragraph (5), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
 (B)by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and (C)by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new paragraph:

 (6)has adopted and is implementing procedures for requiring public water systems to assess options for, and complete, consolidation or transfer of ownership, in accordance with the regulations issued by the Administrator to implement section 1414(i)(3); and.
 (2)Conforming amendmentSection 1413(b)(1) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g–2(b)(1)) is amended by striking of paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4).


I
108th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5189
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 30, 2004
Mr. Israel (for himself, Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Bishop of New York, Mrs. McCarthy of New York, Mr. King of New York, and Mrs. Lowey) 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 extend Medicare cost-sharing for the Medicare part B premium for qualifying individuals through September 2005.

1.Extension of medicare cost-sharing for the medicare part b premium for qualifying individuals
(a)In generalSection 1902(a)(10)(E)(iv) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(E)(iv)) is amended by striking 2004 and inserting 2005.
(b)Total amount available for allocationSection 1933(g) of such Act  (42 U.S.C. 1396u–3(g)) is amended to read as follows:

(g)Special rules
(1)In generalWith respect to each period described in paragraph (2), a State shall select qualifying individuals, subject to paragraph (3), and provide such individuals with assistance, in accordance with the provisions of this section as in effect with respect to calendar year 2003, except that for such purpose—
(A)references in the preceding subsections of this section to a year, whether fiscal or calendar, shall be deemed to be references to such period; and
(B)the total allocation amount under subsection (c) for such period shall be the amount described in paragraph (2) for that period.
(2)Periods and total allocation amounts describedFor purposes of this subsection—
(A)for the period that begins on January 1, 2004, and ends on September 30, 2004, the total allocation amount is $300,000,000;
(B)for the period that begins on October 1, 2004, and ends on December 31, 2004, the total allocation amount is $100,000,000; and
(C)for the period that begins on January 1, 2005, and ends on September 30, 2005, the total allocation amount is $300,000,000.
(3)Rules for periods that begin after January 1For any specific period described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2), the following applies:
(A)The specific period shall be treated as a continuation of the immediately preceding period in that calendar year for purposes of applying subsection (b)(2) and qualifying individuals who received assistance in the last month of such immediately preceding period shall be deemed to be selected for the specific period (without the need to complete an application for assistance for such period).
(B)The limit to be applied under subsection (b)(3) for the specific period shall be the same as the limit applied under such subsection for the immediately preceding period.
(C)The ratio to be applied under subsection (c)(2) for the specific period shall be the same as the ratio applied under such subsection for the immediately preceding period..


110 HR 833 IH: Rural Communities Investment Act of

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-02-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 833
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 6, 2007
			Mr. Lewis of Kentucky
			 (for himself, Mr. Paul, and
			 Mr. Rogers of Kentucky) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude
		  from gross income interest received on loans secured by agricultural real
		  estate and rural housing.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Rural Communities Investment Act of
			 2007.
		2.Exclusion for
			 interest on loans secured by agricultural real estate and rural housing

			(a)In
			 GeneralPart III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal
			 Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to items specifically excluded from gross
			 income) is amended by inserting after section 139A the following new
			 section:

					139B.Interest on
				loans secured by agricultural real estate and rural housing
						(a)ExclusionGross
				income shall not include interest received by a qualified lender on any
				qualified real estate loan.
						(b)Definitions and
				special rulesFor purposes of this section—
							(1)Qualified
				lenderThe term qualified lender means any bank or
				savings association the deposits of which are insured under the Federal Deposit
				Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.).
							(2)Qualified real
				estate loanThe term qualified real estate loan
				means—
								(A)any indebtedness (including the refinancing
				of indebtedness) secured by agricultural real estate or by a leasehold mortgage
				(with a status as a lien) on agricultural real estate, or
								(B)any
				indebtedness—
									(i)acquired for the
				purpose of purchasing or improving rural housing, and
									(ii)secured by such rural housing or by a
				leasehold mortgage (with a status as a lien) on such rural housing.
									(3)Agricultural
				real estate
								(A)In
				generalThe term agricultural real estate means
				real property used or available for the production of 1 or more agricultural
				products.
								(B)When
				determination madeFor purposes of subparagraph (A), the
				determination of whether property securing any indebtedness is agricultural
				real estate shall be made as of the time the interest income on such
				indebtedness accrues.
								(4)Rural
				housing
								(A)In
				generalThe term rural housing means any single
				family residence which is located in a rural area and which is the principal
				residence (within the meaning of section 121) of the borrower.
								(B)When
				determination madeThe determination of whether property
				qualifies as rural housing with respect to any indebtedness shall be made as of
				the date such indebtedness originates.
								(5)Rural
				areaThe term rural
				area means an area (as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture)
				which is not within a metropolitan statistical area (as defined by the Office
				of Management and Budget) and which has a population (determined on the basis
				of the most recent decennial census for which date are available) of 2,500 or
				less.
							(c)Coordination
				with section 265For purposes of
				this section, the rules of section 265 shall apply, as follows:
							(1)In
				generalQualified real estate loans shall be treated as an
				obligation described in section 265(a)(2).
							(2)Pro rata
				allocation of interest expense of financial institutions to tax-exempt
				interestIn applying section 265(b)—
								(A)the term tax-exempt
				obligation, as defined in paragraph (4)(B) thereof, shall include a
				qualified real estate loan,
								(B)the term
				financial institution, as defined in paragraph (5) thereof,
				shall include a qualified lender, and
								(C)the term qualified tax-exempt
				obligation, as defined in paragraph (3)(B) thereof, shall include a
				qualified real estate loan made after December 31, 2006, to a qualified small
				borrower.
								For
				purposes of subparagraph (C), the term qualified small borrower
				means, with respect to qualified real estate loans received during any calendar
				year, any borrower if the reasonably anticipated amount of qualified real
				estate loans which will be received by such borrower during such calendar year
				does not exceed
				$10,000,000..
			(b)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of
			 sections for such part III is amended by inserting after the item relating to
			 section 139A the following new item:

						Sec. 139B. Interest on loans secured by agricultural real
				estate and rural
				housing.

					.
			(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by
			 this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act.


		IV
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. CON. RES. 128
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 18, 2009
			Mr. Rush (for
			 himself, Mr. Payne,
			 Mr. McDermott,
			 Mr. Rangel,
			 Ms. Kilpatrick of Michigan,
			 Ms. Clarke,
			 Mr. Clay, Mr. Fattah, Mr.
			 Cummings, Mr. Meeks of New
			 York, Mr. Cao, and
			 Mr. Royce) submitted the following
			 concurrent resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of Congress that
		  Africa is of significant strategic, political, economic, and humanitarian
		  importance to the United States.

		Whereas contemporary United States ties with Sub-Saharan
			 Africa today far transcend the humanitarian interests that have frequently
			 underpinned United States engagement with the continent;
		Whereas Africa now plays an increasingly significant role
			 in meeting the world’s energy needs, supplying new and old technologies with
			 vital mineral resources, and countering the transnational threats of terrorism,
			 piracy, global health crises, and trafficking in illegal narcotics and
			 persons;
		Whereas there is a growing understanding in foreign policy
			 circles that economic development, natural resource management, human security,
			 and global stability are inextricably linked;
		Whereas Freedom House concluded this year that 19 African
			 countries are electoral democracies and asserted that these include “some of
			 the most promising examples of new democracies in the world—places where
			 leaders who came to power through fair and competitive elections provide real
			 opportunities for their citizens to live in freedom”;
		Whereas the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation
			 (MCC) has entered into 11 compacts with African countries, worth nearly $4.5
			 billion, reflecting these countries’ commitment to policies that promote
			 political and economic freedom, investments in education and health, the
			 sustainable use of natural resources, control of corruption, and respect for
			 civil liberties and the rule of law;
		Whereas African economies are among the fastest growing
			 globally and registered nearly 6 percent overall economic growth in 2007, the
			 highest in 20 years;
		Whereas there are now 40 sub-Saharan African countries
			 eligible for trade benefits under the United States African Growth and
			 Opportunity Act (AGOA), the highest number ever;
		Whereas United States exports to Sub-Saharan Africa
			 totaled $14.4 billion in 2007, an amount more than double that of 2001, while
			 United States total imports from sub-Saharan Africa more than tripled during
			 this period, to $67.4 billion;
		Whereas United States firms are a leading provider of
			 foreign direct investment to Sub-Saharan Africa, investing $13.8 billion by
			 year-end 2006;
		Whereas the United States Government and private sector
			 jointly promote Africa’s economic development, United States trade with the
			 region, and United States-Africa business partnerships;
		Whereas African states have collectively adopted the
			 African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), a
			 self-imposed framework for socio-economic development that aims to improve
			 governance and promote friendlier ties among states;
		Whereas oil from North and Sub-Saharan Africa accounted
			 for over 19.5 percent of United States oil imports in 2008, a greater share
			 than oil from Persian Gulf countries;
		Whereas the proportion of United States oil imports from
			 Africa is expected to grow to 25 percent over the next decade;
		Whereas Africa’s natural resources, if carefully managed,
			 will contribute to global prosperity and expand economic growth in
			 Africa;
		Whereas the creation of a United States military Africa
			 Command in 2007 reflects Africa’s long-term strategic value and strives for a
			 more coherent, coordinated, and effective United States Africa policy;
		Whereas the territorial waters of the Horn of Africa are a
			 zone of international strategic importance because a large proportion of global
			 energy supplies and commercial shipping pass through them, necessitating
			 increased United States cooperation with African countries to improve border
			 and coastal security;
		Whereas United States military cooperation with Africa is
			 growing, with United States and African forces routinely conducting joint
			 exercises;
		Whereas African governments are steadily taking a larger
			 role in the provision of security and peacekeeping on the continent, due in
			 part to United States security assistance and training;
		Whereas over 300 million Muslims live in Africa, where
			 they enjoy a long history of tolerance and inter-faith cooperation, making
			 Africa an ideal place for the United States to foster and expand its
			 relationship with the Islamic world;
		Whereas Africa’s growing importance is reflected in the
			 intensifying efforts of China, Russia, India, Iran, and other countries to gain
			 access to African resources and advance their ties to the region; and
		Whereas a more comprehensive, multi-faceted regional
			 policy is essential for the United States to operate effectively in this
			 increasingly competitive environment: Now, therefore, be it

		That it is the sense of Congress
			 that—
			(1)Africa is of significant strategic,
			 political, economic, and humanitarian importance to the United States; and
			(2)the United States
			 should vigorously pursue the formation and implementation of an integrated
			 policy framework to advance economic development and trade relations with
			 African nations and to foster strategic, political, economic, humanitarian, and
			 cultural ties of mutual benefit to the United States and Africa.


115 HR 225 IH: Restoration of the U.S.-Russia Polar Bear Conservation Fund Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-01-03
text/xml
EN
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I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 225IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 3, 2017Mr. Young of Alaska introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow the importation of polar bear trophies
			 taken in sport hunts in Canada.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Restoration of the U.S.-Russia Polar Bear Conservation Fund Act. 2.FindingsThe Congress finds the following:
 (1)The United States Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that the polar bear population is currently at 20,000 to 25,000 bears, up from as low as 5,000 to 10,000 bears in the 1950s and 1960s.
 (2)A 2002 United States Geological Survey of wildlife in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain noted that the polar bear populations may now be near historic highs.
 (3)A permit fee for importing polar bears will invigorate the public-private funding partnership for the United States-Russian Polar Bear Conservation Fund.
 (4)TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, has stated both that the global population of Polar Bears is not small and the species’ area of distribution is not restricted, and [t]rade does not appear to be a significant threat to the species.. TRAFFIC also recommended that the polar bear not be uplisted to appendix 1 at the 16th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES).
 (5)The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)/Species Survival Commission (SSC) Polar Bear Specialist Group (PBSG), has stated that further trade restrictions on the polar bear are unlikely to confer a conservation benefit, and could have a negative impact on socioeconomic systems as well as domestic and international partnerships.
 (6)The International Union for Conservation of Nature has found that hunting is a form of wildlife use that, when well-managed, may assist in furthering conservation objectives by creating the revenue and economic incentives for the management and conservation of the target species and its habitat, as well as supporting local livelihoods.
 3.Permits for importation of polar bear trophiesThe Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 is amended— (1)in section 101(a)(3)(B) (16 U.S.C. 1371(a)(3)(B)), by inserting or under section 104(c)(5) of this title after paragraph (5) of this subsection; and
 (2)in section 102(b)(3) (16 U.S.C. 1372(b)(3)), by inserting before the semicolon the following: , except that this paragraph does not prohibit the importation of polar bear parts under a permit issued under section 104(c)(5) of this title.


117 HR 2165 IH: Exit Tax Prevention Act of 2021
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. 2165IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 23, 2021Mr. Schweikert (for himself, Mr. Perry, Mr. Mann, Mr. C. Scott Franklin of Florida, and Mr. Hice of Georgia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo limit the authority of a State or other related taxing jurisdiction to impose a tax on a resident who has relocated permanent residence to another State or its related taxing jurisdiction.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Exit Tax Prevention Act of 2021. 2.Prohibition on certain State and local taxationA State, or taxing jurisdiction in a State, may not impose an obligation for the collection of an income tax, wealth tax, or any similar tax on a resident who has relocated permanent residence to another State or a taxing jurisdiction of another State.
3.DefinitionsFor purposes of this Act: (1)Income taxThe term income tax has the same meaning given to it by the taxing jurisdiction in which the resident lives.
(2)ResidentThe term resident has the same meaning given to it by the taxing jurisdiction in which the resident lives. (3)Similar taxThe term similar tax means any imposed tax on an individual relating to the net wealth, value of held assets, or annual income of such individual.
(4)Taxation jurisdictionThe term taxing jurisdiction means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, any territory or possession of the United States, or any municipality, city, county, township, parish, transportation district, assessment jurisdiction, or other political subdivision within the territorial limits of the United States with the authority to impose a tax, charge, or fee. (5)Wealth taxThe term wealth tax means any imposed tax on an individual’s net wealth or value of held assets.
4.Effective date; application
(a)Effective dateThis Act shall apply to calendar years beginning after December 31, 2021. (b)ApplicationThis Act shall not apply to any tax obligation that accrues before January 1, 2022.


117 HR 4386 IH: Assuring Regular Consultation to Have Indigenous Voices Effectively Solicited Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-07-09
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
117th CONGRESS1st Session
H. R. 4386
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 9, 2021
Ms. Jayapal (for herself, Mr. Young, Ms. Bonamici, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. DelBene, Mr. Kilmer, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Ms. Schrier, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Smith of Washington, and Ms. Strickland) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL
To amend the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 to ensure that federally recognized Indian Tribes are consulted before the sale or transfer of certain Federal civilian real properties, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Assuring Regular Consultation to Have Indigenous Voices Effectively Solicited Act. 2.Impact on federally recognized Indian Tribes (a)In generalThe Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by adding at the end the following:

26.Requirements before sale or transfer
(a)ConsultationBefore the sale or transfer of a Federal civilian real property under this Act (other than section 24 or 25), if the proposed sale or transfer would affect access to Federal agency services by a federally recognized Indian Tribe, the relevant Federal agency shall consult with all Tribal governments that may be so affected. (b)Finding of reduction or elimination of accessA Federal civilian real property may not be sold or transferred under this Act (other than section 24 or 25) if the proposed sale or transfer would substantially reduce or eliminate access to Federal agency services by a federally recognized Indian Tribe..
(b)Clerical amendmentThe table of contents in section 1(b) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–287; 130 Stat. 1463) is amended by adding at the end the following:   Sec. 26. Requirements before sale or transfer..


114 HR 2999 IH: Fair VA Accountability Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-07-09
text/xml
EN
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I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2999
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 9, 2015
Mr. Takano introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to suspend and remove employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs for performance or misconduct that is a threat to public health or safety.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Fair VA Accountability Act. 2.Suspension and removal of Department of Veterans Affairs employees for performance or misconduct that is a threat to public health or safety (a)In generalChapter 7 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 713 the following new section:

715.Employees: suspension and removal for performance or misconduct that is a threat to public health or safety
(a)Suspension and removalSubject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary may— (1)suspend without pay an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs if the Secretary determines the performance or misconduct of the employee is a clear and direct threat to public health or safety; and
(2)remove an employee suspended under paragraph (1) when, after such investigation and review as the Secretary considers necessary, the Secretary determines that removal is necessary in the interests of public health or safety. (b)ProcedureAn employee suspended under subsection (a)(1) is entitled, after suspension and before removal, to—
(1)within 30 days after suspension, a written statement of the specific charges against the employee, which may be amended within 30 days thereafter; (2)an opportunity within 30 days thereafter, plus an additional 30 days if the charges are amended, to answer the charges and submit affidavits;
(3)a hearing, at the request of the employee, by a Department authority duly constituted for this purpose; (4)a review of the case by the Secretary, before a decision adverse to the employee is made final; and
(5)written statement of the decision of the Secretary. (c)Relation to other disciplinary rulesThe authority provided under this section shall be in addition to the authority provided under section 713 and title 5 with respect to disciplinary actions for performance or misconduct.
(d)Back pay for whistleblowersIf any employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs is subject to a suspension or removal under this section and such suspension or removal is determined by an appropriate authority under applicable law, rule, regulation, or collective bargaining agreement to be a prohibited personnel practice described under section 2302(b)(8) or (9) of title 5, such employee shall receive back pay equal to the total amount of basic pay that such employee would have received during the period that the suspension and removal (as the case may be) was in effect, less any amounts earned by the employee through other employment during that period. (e)DefinitionsIn this section, the term employee means any individual occupying a position within the Department of Veterans Affairs under a permanent or indefinite appointment and who is not serving a probationary or trial period..
(b)Clerical and conforming amendments
(1)ClericalThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section 713 the following new item:   715. Employees: suspension and removal for performance or misconduct that is a threat to public health or safety.. (2)ConformingSection 4303(f) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—
(A)by striking or at the end of paragraph (2); (B)by striking the period at the end of paragraph (3) and inserting , or; and
(C)by adding at the end the following:  (4)any suspension or removal under section 715 of title 38..
(c)Report on suspensions and removalsNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on suspensions and removals of employees of the Department made under section 715 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). Such report shall include, with respect to the period covered by the report, the following: (1)The number of employees who were suspended under such section.
(2)The number of employees who were removed under such section. (3)A description of the threats to public health or safety that caused such suspensions and removals.
(4)The number of such suspensions or removals, or proposed suspensions or removals, that were of employees who filed a complaint regarding— (A)an alleged prohibited personnel practice committed by an officer or employee of the Department and described in section 2302(b)(8) or 2302(b)(9)(A)(i), (B), (C), or (D) of title 5, United States Code; or
(B)the safety of a patient at a medical facility of the Department. (5)Of the number of suspensions and removals listed under paragraph (4), the number that the Inspector General considers to be retaliation for whistleblowing.
(6)The number of such suspensions or removals that were of an employee who was the subject of a complaint made to the Department regarding the health or safety of a patient at a medical facility of the Department. (7)Any recommendations by the Inspector General, based on the information described in paragraphs (1) through (6), to improve the authority to make such suspensions and removals.
3.Prohibition on certain former employee's acceptance of compensation from contractor
(a)In generalChapter 7 of title 38, United States Code, is further amended by adding after section 715, as added by section 2, the following new section:  717.Prohibition on certain former employee’s acceptance of compensation from contractors of the Department (a) In generalAn individual who was formerly employed in a senior executive position at the Department may not accept compensation from a covered contractor as an employee, officer, director, or consultant of the covered contractor during the one-year period beginning on the date on which the individual was last employed in a senior executive position at the Department.
(b)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)The term covered contractor means a contractor carrying out a contract entered into with the Department, including pursuant to a subcontract.
(2)The term senior executive position has the meaning given such term in section 713(g) of this title.. (b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is further amended by adding at the end the following new item:

717. Prohibition on certain former employee’s acceptance of compensation from contractors of the Department..
4.Limitation on contracting with entities employing certain recently separated Department employees
(a)In generalSubchapter II of chapter 81 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:  8129.Limitation on contracting with entities employing certain recently separated Department employees (a)In generalThe Secretary may not enter into a contract with any entity if the entity employs an individual who is prohibited from accepting compensation from a contractor under section 717 of this title.
(b)CertificationBefore entering into a contract with any entity, the Secretary shall require the entity to submit to the Secretary certification that the entity does not employ, and will not employ during the period covered by the contract, any individual who is prohibited from accepting compensation from a contractor under section 717 of this title. (c)DefinitionsIn this section, the term senior executive position has the meaning given such term in section 713(g)(3) of this title..
(b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section 8128 the following new item:   8129. Limitation of contracting with entities employing certain recently separated Department employees.. 5.Limitation on administrative leave for employees within the Department of Veterans Affairs (a)In generalChapter 7 of title 38, United States Code, is further amended by adding after section 717, as added by section 3, the following new section:

719.Administrative leave limitation and report
(a)Limitation applicable to employees within the Department of Veterans Affairs
(1)The Secretary may not place any covered individual on administrative leave, or any other type of paid non-duty status without charge to leave, for more than a total of 14 days during any 365-day period. (2)The Secretary may waive the limitation under paragraph (1) and extend the administrative leave or other paid non-duty status without charge to leave of a covered individual placed on such leave or status under paragraph (1) if the Secretary submits to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a detailed explanation of the reasons the individual was placed on administrative leave or other paid non-duty status without charge to leave and the reasons for the extension of such leave or status. Such explanation shall include the name of the covered individual, the location where the individual is employed, and the individual’s job title.
(3)In this subsection, the term covered individual means an employee of the Department— (A)who is subject to an investigation for purposes of determining whether such individual should be subject to any disciplinary action under this title or title 5; or
(B)against whom any disciplinary action is proposed or initiated under this title or title 5. (b)Report on administrative leave (1)Not later than 30 days after the end of each quarter of any calendar year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report listing the name of any employee of the Department (if any) who has been placed on administrative leave, or any other type of paid non-duty status, for a period longer than 7 days during such quarter.
(2)Any report submitted under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to any employee listed in such report, the position occupied by the employee, the number of days of such leave, and the reason that such employee was placed on such leave.. (b)Application (1)Administrative leave limitationSection 719(a) of title 38, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), shall apply to any action of removal or transfer under section 713 of such title or title 5, United States Code, commencing on or after the date of enactment of this section.
(2)ReportThe report under section 719(b) of such title (as added by subsection (a)) shall begin to apply in the quarter that ends after the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of this section. (c)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter 7 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

719. Administrative leave limitation and report..


 HR 1151 ENR: To direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan at the triennial International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives

text/xml
EN
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I
One Hundred Thirteenth Congress of the United States of America At the First SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday, the third day of January, two thousand and thirteen
H. R. 1151

AN ACT
To direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan at the triennial International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly, and for other purposes.

1.Concerning the participation of Taiwan in the International Civil Aviation Organization
(a)FindingsCongress makes the following findings:
(1)Safe, secure, and economical international air navigation and transport is important to every citizen of the world, and safe skies are ensured through uniform aviation standards, harmonization of security protocols, and expeditious dissemination of information regarding new regulations and other relevant matters.
(2)Direct and unobstructed participation in international civil aviation forums and programs is beneficial for all nations and their civil aviation authorities. Civil aviation is vital to all due to the international transit and commerce it makes possible, but must also be closely regulated due to the possible use of aircraft as weapons of mass destruction or to transport biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons or other dangerous materials.
(3)The Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed in Chicago, Illinois, on December 7, 1944, and entered into force April 4, 1947, established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), stating The aims and objectives of the Organization are to develop the principles and techniques of international air navigation and to foster the planning and development of international air transport so as to . . . meet the needs of the peoples of the world for safe, regular, efficient and economical air transport..
(4)The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, demonstrated that the global civil aviation network is subject to vulnerabilities that can be exploited in one country to harm another. The ability of civil aviation authorities to coordinate, preempt and act swiftly and in unison is an essential element of crisis prevention and response.
(5)Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the ICAO convened a high-level Ministerial Conference on Aviation Security that endorsed a global strategy for strengthening aviation security worldwide and issued a public declaration that a uniform approach in a global system is essential to ensure aviation security throughout the world and that deficiencies in any part of the system constitute a threat to the entire global system, and that there should be a commitment to foster international cooperation in the field of aviation security and harmonize the implementation of security measures.
(6)The Taipei Flight Information Region, under the jurisdiction of Taiwan, covers 180,000 square nautical miles of airspace and provides air traffic control services to over 1.2 million flights annually, with the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport recognized as the 10th and 19th largest airport by international cargo volume and number of international passengers, respectively in 2011.
(7)Despite the established international consensus regarding a uniform approach to aviation security that fosters international cooperation, exclusion from the ICAO since 1971 has impeded the efforts of the Government of Taiwan to maintain civil aviation practices that comport with evolving international standards, due to its inability to contact the ICAO for up-to-date information on aviation standards and norms, secure amendments to the organization’s regulations in a timely manner, obtain sufficient and timely information needed to prepare for the implementation of new systems and procedures set forth by the ICAO, receive technical assistance in implementing new regulations, and participate in technical and academic seminars hosted by the ICAO.
(8)On October 8, 2010, the Department of State praised the 37th ICAO Assembly on its adoption of a Declaration on Aviation Security, but noted that because every airport offers a potential entry point into this global system, every nation faces the threat from gaps in aviation security throughout the world—and all nations must share the responsibility for securing that system.
(9)On October 2, 2012, Taiwan became the 37th participant to join the United States Visa Waiver program, which is expected to stimulate tourism and commerce that will rely increasingly on international commercial aviation.
(10)The Government of Taiwan’s exclusion from the ICAO constitutes a serious gap in global standards that should be addressed at the earliest opportunity in advance of the 38th ICAO Assembly in September 2013.
(11)The Federal Aviation Administration and its counterpart agencies in Taiwan have enjoyed close collaboration on a wide range of issues related to innovation and technology, civil engineering, safety and security, and navigation.
(12)The ICAO has allowed a wide range of observers to participate in the activities of the organization.
(13)The United States, in the 1994 Taiwan Policy Review, declared its intention to support Taiwan’s participation in appropriate international organizations and has consistently reiterated that support.
(14)Senate Concurrent Resolution 17, agreed to on September 11, 2012, affirmed the sense of Congress that—
(A)meaningful participation by the Government of Taiwan as an observer in the meetings and activities of the ICAO will contribute both to the fulfillment of the ICAO’s overarching mission and to the success of a global strategy to address aviation security threats based on effective international cooperation; and
(B)the United States Government should take a leading role in garnering international support for the granting of observer status to Taiwan in the ICAO.
(15)Following the enactment of Public Law 108–235, a law authorizing the Secretary of State to initiate and implement a plan to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at the annual summit of the World Health Assembly and subsequent advocacy by the United States, Taiwan was granted observer status to the World Health Assembly for four consecutive years since 2009. Both prior to and in its capacity as an observer, Taiwan has contributed significantly to the international community’s collective efforts in pandemic control, monitoring, early warning, and other related matters.
(16)ICAO rules and existing practices allow for the meaningful participation of non-contracting countries as well as other bodies in its meetings and activities through granting of observer status.
(b)Taiwan’s Participation at ICAOThe Secretary of State shall—
(1)develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan at the triennial ICAO Assembly—next held in September 2013 in Montreal, Canada—and other related meetings, activities, and mechanisms thereafter; and
(2)instruct the United States Mission to the ICAO to officially request observer status for Taiwan at the triennial ICAO Assembly and other related meetings, activities, and mechanisms thereafter and to actively urge ICAO member states to support such observer status and participation for Taiwan.
(c)Report concerning observer status for Taiwan at the ICAO assemblyNot later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report, in unclassified form, describing the United States strategy to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at the triennial ICAO Assembly and at subsequent ICAO Assemblies and at other related meetings, activities, and mechanisms thereafter. The report shall include the following:
(1)A description of the efforts the Secretary of State has made to encourage ICAO member states to promote Taiwan’s bid to obtain observer status.
(2)The steps the Secretary of State will take to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan in ICAO and at other related meetings, activities, and mechanisms thereafter.
 Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


113 HR 5714 : Pest Management Records Modernization Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-12-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IIB
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5714
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESDecember 3, 2014Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and ForestryAN ACT
		To permit commercial applicators of pesticides to create, retain, submit, and convey pesticide
			 application-related records, reports, data, and other information in
			 electronic form.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Pest Management Records Modernization Act.
		2.Use of electronic records by commercial applicators of pesticides to comply with recordkeeping and
			 reporting requirementsSection 1491 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 136i–1) is
			 amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

				(h)Electronic Recordkeeping and ReportingNotwithstanding any contrary provision of Federal, State, or local law, commercial applicators of
			 pesticides, including commercial applicators of restricted use pesticides,
			 may create, retain, submit, and convey a pesticide application-related
			 record, report, data, or other information in electronic form in order to
			 satisfy any requirement for such creation, retention, submission, or
			 conveyance, respectively, under any Federal, State, or local law..

	Passed the House of Representatives December 2, 2014.Karen L. Haas,Clerk


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1081
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 26, 2011
			Ms. Murkowski introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Environment and Public
			 Works

		A BILL
		To amend titles 23 and 49, United States Code, to
		  streamline the environmental review process for highway projects, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Project Delivery Improvement Act
			 of 2011.
		2.FindingsCongress finds that—
			(1)in addition to
			 amounts available as of the date of enactment of this Act, the United States
			 needs to expend $20,000,000,000 to maintain the transportation infrastructure
			 of the United States;
			(2)up to
			 $80,000,000,000 per year in additional spending could be used for projects that
			 would provide positive economic returns;
			(3)the United States
			 needs at least $255,000,000,000 per year in transportation spending during the
			 50-year period after the date of enactment of this Act—
				(A)to maintain the
			 transportation system of the United States in a state of good repair;
			 and
				(B)to complete
			 necessary upgrades of that system;
				(4)transportation
			 spending as of the date of enactment of this Act falls 60 percent short of the
			 amount required; and
			(5)because revenues
			 deposited in the Highway Trust Fund are declining—
				(A)transportation
			 project costs need to be reduced; and
				(B)regulatory
			 requirements for those projects should be streamlined.
				3.Environmental
			 review process
			(a)Use of
			 proprietary and experimental productsSection 112 of title 23,
			 United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(h)Use of
				proprietary and experimental productsNotwithstanding any other
				provision of this section—
						(1)a State may use
				for any highway project 1 or more proprietary, patented, or experimental
				products selected by the State without competitive bidding or approval by the
				Secretary; and
						(2)the use by the
				State of a product described in paragraph (1) for a highway project shall not
				affect the eligibility of the State or the highway project to receive Federal
				funds.
						.
			(b)Preservation of
			 ParklandsSection 138 of title 23, United States Code, is
			 repealed.
			(c)Participating
			 agenciesSection 139 of title 23, United States Code, is
			 amended—
				(1)in subsection
			 (c)(5), by striking may be and inserting shall
			 be;
				(2)in subsection
			 (d), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

						(1)In
				generalThe lead agency shall be responsible for—
							(A)determining the
				purpose of and need for a project; and
							(B)inviting and
				designating participating agencies in accordance with this
				subsection.
							;
				and
				(3)in subsection
			 (f)—
					(A)in paragraph (1),
			 by striking provide an opportunity for involvement by participating
			 agencies and the public in defining and inserting provide for an
			 opportunity for public comment on the definition of;
					(B)in paragraph
			 (2)—
						(i)by
			 striking Following participation under paragraph (1) and
			 inserting the following:

								(A)In
				generalAfter the period of public comment under paragraph
				(1)
								;
				and
						(ii)by
			 adding at the end the following:

								(B)Long-range
				transportation planFor a project included in an adopted
				long-range transportation plan under section 134 or 135, the lead agency may
				use the purpose and need presented in the plan without further agency
				collaboration.
								;
				and
						(C)in paragraph (4),
			 by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:

							(B)Range of
				alternatives
								(i)In
				generalFollowing participation under paragraph (1), the lead
				agency shall determine the range of alternatives for consideration in any
				document which the lead agency is responsible for preparing for the
				project.
								(ii)Exclusion of
				alternativesThe lead agency may exclude from consideration under
				clause (i) any alternative that, as determined by the lead agency, would not
				meet the purpose of and need for the project determined under paragraph (1)(A),
				regardless of whether the alternative would impact the environment to a greater
				degree than the preferred
				alternative.
								.
					(d)Limitations on
			 ClaimsSection 139(l) of title 23, United States Code, is
			 amended—
				(1)in each of
			 paragraphs (1) and (2), by striking 180 days each place it
			 appears and inserting 90 days; and
				(2)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(3)Burden of
				proofIn any claim described in the first sentence of paragraph
				(1), the individual or entity bringing the claim shall bear the burden of
				proving the
				claim.
						.
				(e)Exclusions;
			 Document CombinationSection 139 of title 23, United States Code,
			 is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(m)Categorical
				Exclusions; Document Combination
						(1)Categorical
				exclusions
							(A)In
				generalA highway project carried out within the right-of-way of
				a Federal-aid highway or a highway funded under section 118(e) shall be
				considered to be a categorical exclusion under section 771.117(a) of title 23,
				Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
							(B)State
				authorityA State may designate or classify a highway project
				carried out by the State as a categorical exclusion under section 771.117(a) of
				title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
							(2)Document
				combinationTo further expedite the environmental review process
				for a project under this section, the Secretary may combine the final
				environmental impact statement and the record of decision for the project if a
				preferred alternative is identified in the environmental impact
				statement.
						.
			(f)Policy on
			 lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites; de minimis
			 impactsSection 303 of title 49, United States Code, is
			 amended—
				(1)by striking the
			 section heading and inserting the following:

						303.Policy on
				lands and wildlife and waterfowl
				refuges
						;
				(2)in subsection
			 (a), by striking , wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic
			 sites and inserting and wildlife and waterfowl
			 refuges;
				(3)in subsection
			 (c)—
					(A)in the matter
			 preceding paragraph (1)—
						(i)by
			 striking Subject to subsection (d), the Secretary and inserting
			 The Secretary; and
						(ii)by
			 striking , or land of an historic site of national, State, or local
			 significance (as determined by the Federal, or local officials having
			 jurisdiction over the park, area, refuge, or site); and
						(B)by striking
			 paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following:

							(1)(A)there is no prudent and
				feasible alternative to using that land; and
								(B)the program or project includes all
				practicable planning to minimize harm to the park, recreation area, or wildlife
				and waterfowl refuge resulting from the use; or
								(2)the Governor of
				the State, and, if applicable, the mayor or chief executive officer of the
				city, county, or borough having management responsibility for or ownership of
				areas or sites described in paragraph (1)(B) agree that the transportation
				project is the preferred alternative.
							;
				and
					(4)by striking
			 subsection (d).


116 S2210 IS: Great Lakes Water Protection Act
U.S. Senate
2019-07-23
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.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2210IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 23, 2019Ms. Duckworth (for herself and Mr. Durbin) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksA BILLTo amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit sewage dumping into the Great Lakes,
			 and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Great Lakes Water Protection Act. 2.Restriction on wastewater releases into the Great Lakes System (a)In general (1)RestrictionSection 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) is amended by adding at the end the following:

						(t)Restriction on wastewater releases into the Great Lakes System
 (1)DefinitionsIn this subsection: (A)BypassThe term bypass means, with respect to a treatment facility that discharges into the Great Lakes System, an intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of the treatment facility.
 (B)Great lakes systemThe term Great Lakes System has the meaning given the term in section 118(a)(3). (C)Treatment facilityThe term treatment facility includes all wastewater treatment units used by a publicly owned treatment works to meet secondary treatment standards or higher, as required to attain water quality standards, under any operating conditions.
 (D)Treatment worksThe term treatment works has the meaning given the term in section 212. (2)RestrictionA publicly owned treatment works that discharges into the Great Lakes System is prohibited from performing a bypass unless—
 (A)(i)the bypass is unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage; (ii)there is not a feasible alternative to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of untreated wastes, or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime; and
 (iii)the treatment works provides notice of the bypass in accordance with paragraph (4); or (B)the bypass—
 (i)does not cause effluent limitations to be exceeded; and (ii)is for essential maintenance to ensure efficient operation of the treatment facility.
 (3)LimitationThe requirement of paragraph (2)(A)(ii) is not satisfied if— (A)adequate back-up equipment should have been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to prevent the bypass; and
 (B)the bypass occurred during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventive maintenance. (4)Immediate notice requirements (A)In generalThe Administrator shall work with States having publicly owned treatment works subject to paragraph (2) to create immediate notice requirements in the event of a bypass or a combined sewer overflow that provide for the method, contents, and requirements for public availability of the notice.
 (B)Minimum initial notice requirementsAt a minimum, the contents of the immediate notice under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i)the exact dates and times of the bypass or combined sewer overflow;
 (ii)the volume of the bypass or combined sewer overflow; and (iii)a description of any public access areas impacted.
 (C)Additional requirementsThe Administrator and States described in subparagraph (A) shall— (i)ensure that the minimum requirements under subparagraph (B) are consistent for all those States;
 (ii)establish follow-up notice requirements that provide a full description of each event (including water quality data), the cause, and plans to prevent reoccurrence; and
 (iii)establish requirements for making publicly available, including on the website of the Administrator, a list of each treatment works from which the Administrator or the State received a follow-up notice, along with the information required under clause (ii) for each event that required a follow-up notice.
 (5)ImplementationNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall establish procedures to implement this subsection..
 (2)Conforming amendmentSection 425 of division G of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114–113; 33 U.S.C. 1268 note) is repealed.
				(b)Great Lakes Green Infrastructure Development Grant Program
 Title V of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) is amended— (1)by redesignating section 520 (33 U.S.C. 1251 note) as section 521; and
 (2)by inserting after section 519 (33 U.S.C. 1377a) the following:  520.Establishment of Great Lakes Green Infrastructure Development Grant Program (a)DefinitionsIn this section:
 (1)Great Lakes States; Great Lakes SystemThe terms Great Lakes States and Great Lakes System have the meanings given the terms in section 118(a)(3). (2)Green infrastructureThe term green infrastructure has the meaning given the term in section 502.
 (3)Low-income communityThe term low-income community has the meaning given the term in section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (4)ProgramThe term Program means the Great Lakes Green Infrastructure Development Grant Program established under subsection (b).
 (5)Small businessThe term small business means a small business concern (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)).
 (b)Establishment of ProgramNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Great Lakes Water Protection Act, the Administrator shall establish a grant program, to be known as the Great Lakes Green Infrastructure Grant Program, under which the Administrator shall make grants to Great Lakes States to fund programs and activities to develop green infrastructure projects.
							(c)Application
 (1)In generalEach Great Lakes State desiring a grant under the Program shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.
 (2)Assessment of need and urgencyEach application under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of the relative need and urgency of the applicable program or activity for which the Great Lakes State desires a grant under the Program, as compared to other programs and activities for which the Great Lakes State desires a grant under the Program during the same fiscal year, including an explanation of the reasons for any determination of relative need and urgency.
								(d)Allocation of grant awards
								(1)Allocation among Great Lakes States
 (A)In generalFor each fiscal year, in awarding grants under the Program, the Administrator shall determine the maximum amount that may be awarded to each Great Lakes State based on the relative needs of each Great Lakes State, as determined by the most recent Clean Watersheds Needs Survey carried out by the Administrator pursuant to section 516(b).
 (B)Unawarded amountsIf the Secretary does not award to a Great Lakes State the maximum amount available to the Great Lakes State under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall make the remaining amounts for that fiscal year available to the Great Lakes State in subsequent fiscal years.
									(2)Priority for certain projects
 (A)In generalIn awarding grants to a Great Lakes State under the Program, the Administrator shall give priority to applications to fund programs and activities that present the greatest need and urgency, as determined by the Administrator.
 (B)Consideration of State assessment of need and urgencyIn making a determination of need and urgency under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall take into consideration each applicable assessment of relative need and urgency prepared by the Great Lakes State under subsection (c)(2).
 (e)SubgrantsA Great Lakes State receiving a grant under the Program may make subgrants to any entity or individual in the Great Lakes State for programs and activities to develop green infrastructure projects.
							(f)Allocation of grant funds received by Great Lakes States
 (1)In generalOf any amounts awarded to a Great Lakes State under the Program, the Great Lakes State shall ensure that—
 (A)not less than 50 percent of those amounts are used for— (i)capital expenditures relating to green infrastructure projects, including any expenses for cost estimates or project planning and design; and
 (ii)materials associated with capital expenditures relating to green infrastructure projects, such as rain garden soils;
 (B)not less than 25 percent of those amounts are used for operations and maintenance of green infrastructure, including any expenses for developing operations and maintenance cost estimates; and
 (C)not more than 25 percent of those amounts are used for green infrastructure workforce training, except that, in the case of a workforce training program that provides dedicated maintenance labor for green infrastructure, amounts expended for green infrastructure workforce training may be considered to be amounts expended for operations and maintenance under subparagraph (B).
 (2)Limitation on funding for operations and maintenanceEach entity or individual that receives amounts awarded to a Great Lakes State under the Program may use the amounts received by that entity or individual for operations and maintenance of green infrastructure under paragraph (1)(B) for a total period of not more than 3 years.
								(3)Small businesses
 (A)In generalA Great Lakes State shall ensure that not less than 23 percent of the total amount awarded to the Great Lakes State under the Program is received by small businesses or nonprofit organizations in the Great Lakes State—
 (i)to construct green infrastructure projects; or (ii)to operate and maintain green infrastructure projects.
										(B)Permissible activities
 (i)In generalThe requirements under subparagraph (A) may be satisfied— (I)by subgrants made to small businesses or nonprofit organizations by the Great Lakes State;
 (II)by contracts entered into by small businesses or nonprofit organizations (or labor unions representing the employees of small businesses or nonprofit organizations) with the Great Lakes State; and
 (III)by subcontracts entered into by small businesses or nonprofit organizations (or labor unions representing the employees of small businesses or nonprofit organizations) with the recipients of subgrants made by the Great Lakes State.
 (4)Priority for certain programs and activitiesIn selecting programs and activities to be funded using amounts made available under this section, a Great Lakes State shall give priority to programs and activities that reduce or eliminate bypasses (as defined in section 402(t)(1)) or combined sewer overflows.
 (5)Low-income communitiesA Great Lakes State is encouraged to use any amounts awarded to the Great Lakes State under the Program to fund green infrastructure projects located in low-income communities.
								(g)Cost share
 (1)In generalIn awarding a grant to a Great Lakes State under the Program for programs and activities, the Administrator may require the Great Lakes State to pay up to 50 percent of the costs of the programs and activities funded by the grant.
 (2)In-kind supportIn-kind support for a program or activity, including staff time, provided by a Great Lakes State shall count toward the share of costs required to be paid by the Great Lakes State under paragraph (1).
 (h)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, to remain available until expended.
							.


115 S161 IS: Hurricane Forecast Improvement Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-01-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 161
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 17, 2017
			Mr. Rubio (for himself and Mr. Nelson) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

		A BILL
		To improve hurricane forecasting and for other purposes.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Act of 2017.
		2.Hurricane forecast improvement program
 (a)In generalThe Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, in collaboration with the United States weather industry and such academic entities as the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration considers appropriate, shall maintain a project to improve hurricane forecasting.
 (b)GoalThe goal of the project maintained under subsection (a) shall be to develop and extend accurate hurricane forecasts and warnings in order to reduce loss of life, injury, and damage to the economy, with a focus on—
 (1)improving the prediction of rapid intensification and track of hurricanes; (2)improving the forecast and communication of storm surges from hurricanes; and
 (3)incorporating risk communication research to create more effective watch and warning products. (c)Project planNot later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, acting through the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and in consultation with the Director of the National Weather Service, shall develop a plan for the project maintained under subsection (a) that details the specific research, development, and technology transfer activities, as well as corresponding resources and timelines, necessary to achieve the goal set forth in subsection (b).


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3125
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			March 16, 2010
			Mr. Nelson of Florida
			 introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
		  to extend the financing of the Superfund.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Superfund Polluter Pays
			 Act.
		2.Extension of Superfund excise tax
			(a)In general
				(1)ExtensionSection 4611(e) of the Internal Revenue
			 Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:

						(e)Application of hazardous substance
				superfund financing rateThe
				Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate under this section shall apply
				after December 31, 1986, and before January 1, 1996, and after the date of the
				enactment of this subsection and before January 1,
				2019.
						.
				(2)Modification of Hazardous Substance
			 Superfund financing rateSection 4611(c)(2)(A) of such Code is
			 amended by striking 9.7 cents and inserting 17.0
			 cents.
				(3)Inflation adjustmentSection 4611(c) of such Code is amended by
			 adding at the end the following new paragraph:

						(3)Adjustment for inflation
							(A)In generalIn the case of any taxable year beginning
				after December 31, 2010, the amount under paragraph (2)(A) shall be increased
				by an amount equal to—
								(i)such amount, multiplied by
								(ii)the cost-of-living adjustment determined
				under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which such taxable year begins
				by substituting calendar year 2009 for calendar year
				1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof.
								(B)RoundingIf any increase determined under this
				paragraph is not a multiple of 0.1 cents, such increase shall be rounded to the
				next lowest multiple of 0.1
				cents.
							.
				(b)Modification of rate of tax on certain
			 chemicalsSection 4661(b) of
			 the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:

					(b)Amount of tax
						(1)In generalThe amount of tax imposed by subsection (a)
				shall be determined in accordance with the following table:

										In the case of:The tax is the following amount per ton

										Acetylene$12.81

										Benzene12.81

										Butane12.81

										Butylene12.81

										Butadiene12.81

										Ethylene12.81

										Methane9.05

										Napthalene12.81

										Propylene12.81

										Toluene12.81

										Xylene12.81

										Ammonia6.94

										Antimony11.70

										Antimony trioxide9.86

										Arsenic11.70

										Arsenic trioxide8.97

										Barium sulfide6.05

										Bromine11.70

										Cadmium11.70

										Chlorine7.10

										Chromium11.70

										Chromite4.00

										Potassium dichromate4.44

										Sodium dichromate4.92

										Cobalt11.70

										Cupric sulfate4.92

										Cupric oxide9.44

										Cuprous oxide10.44

										Hydrochloric acid0.76

										Hydrogen fluoride11.12

										Lead oxide10.89

										Mercury11.70

										Nickel11.70

										Phosphorus11.70

										Stannous chloride7.50

										Stannic chloride5.58

										Zinc chloride5.84

										Zinc sulfate5.00

										Potassium hydroxide0.58

										Sodium hydroxide0.74

										Sulfuric acid0.68

										Nitric acid0.63.

						(2)Adjustment for inflation
							(A)In generalIn the case of any taxable year beginning
				after December 31, 2010, each of the dollar amounts in the table in paragraph
				(1) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
								(i)such amount, multiplied by
								(ii)the cost-of-living adjustment determined
				under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which such taxable year begins
				by substituting calendar year 2009 for calendar year
				1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof.
								(B)RoundingIf any increase determined under this
				paragraph is not a multiple of $0.01, such increase shall be rounded to the
				next lowest multiple of
				$0.01.
							.
			(c)Technical amendments
				(1)Section 4611(b) of the Internal Revenue
			 Code of 1986 is amended—
					(A)by striking or exported from
			 in paragraph (1)(A),
					(B)by striking or exportation
			 in paragraph (1)(B), and
					(C)by striking and exportation in the
			 heading.
					(2)Section 4611(d)(3) of such Code is
			 amended—
					(A)by striking or exporting the crude
			 oil, as the case may be in the text and inserting the crude
			 oil, and
					(B)by striking or exports in the
			 heading.
					(d)Effective datesThe amendments made by this section shall
			 take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.