115 HR 4979 : Rural STEM Education Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-09-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IIB116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 4979IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 17, 2020 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsAN ACTTo direct the Director of the National Science Foundation to support STEM education and workforce development research focused on rural areas, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Rural STEM Education Act.2.FindingsCongress finds the following: (1)The supply of STEM workers is not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving needs of the public and private sector, resulting in a deficit often referred to as a STEM skills shortage. (2)According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States will need one million additional STEM professionals than it is on track to produce in the coming decade. (3)Many STEM occupations offer higher wages, more opportunities for advancement, and a higher degree of job security than non-STEM jobs. (4)The 60,000,000 individuals in the United States who live in rural settings are significantly under-represented in STEM. (5)According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nine million students in the United States—nearly 20 percent of the total K–12 population—attend rural schools, and for reasons ranging from teacher quality to shortages of resources, these students often have fewer opportunities for high-quality STEM learning than their peers in the Nation’s urban and suburban schools.(6)Rural areas represent one of the most promising, yet underutilized, opportunities for STEM education to impact workforce development and regional innovation, including agriculture. (7)The study of agriculture, food, and natural resources involves biology, engineering, physics, chemistry, math, geology, computer science, and other scientific fields.(8)Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. To help meet this demand, it is important rural students have the opportunity to acquire computing skills through exposure to computer science learning in grades Pre-K through 12 and in informal learning settings.(9)More than 293,000,000 individuals in the United States use high-speed broadband to work, learn, access healthcare, and operate their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals in the United States still lack access to high-speed broadband. Rural areas are hardest hit, with over 26 percent of individuals in rural areas in the United States lacking access to high-speed broadband compared to 1.7 percent of individuals in urban areas in the United States.3.National Science Foundation rural STEM activities(a)Preparing Rural STEM Educators(1)In generalThe Director shall provide grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) for research and development to advance innovative approaches to support and sustain high-quality STEM teaching in rural schools. (2)Use of funds(A)In GeneralGrants awarded under this section shall be used for the research and development activities referred to in paragraph (1), which may include—(i)engaging rural educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12 in professional learning opportunities to enhance STEM knowledge, including computer science, and develop best practices;(ii)supporting research on effective STEM teaching practices in rural settings, including the use of rubrics and mastery-based grading practices to assess student performance when employing the transdisciplinary teaching approach for STEM disciplines; (iii)designing and developing pre-service and in-service training resources to assist such rural educators in adopting transdisciplinary teaching practices across STEM courses; (iv)coordinating with local partners to adapt STEM teaching practices to leverage local natural and community assets in order to support in-place learning in rural areas; (v)providing hands-on training and research opportunities for rural educators described in clause (i) at Federal Laboratories, institutions of higher education, or in industry; (vi)developing training and best practices for educators who teach multiple grade levels within a STEM discipline; (vii)designing and implementing professional development courses and experiences, including mentoring, for rural educators described in clause (i) that combine face-to-face and online experiences; and (viii)any other activity the Director determines will accomplish the goals of this subsection. (B)Rural stem collaborativeThe Director may establish a pilot program of regional cohorts in rural areas that will provide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on research experiences for rural STEM educators of students in grades Pre-K through 12, in order to build an ecosystem of cooperation among educators, researchers, academia, and local industry. (b)Broadening participation of rural students in STEM(1)In generalThe Director shall provide grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) for—(A)research and development of programming to identify the barriers rural students face in accessing high-quality STEM education; and(B)development of innovative solutions to improve the participation and advancement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies.(2)Use of Funds(A)In GeneralGrants awarded under this section shall be used for the research and development activities referred to in paragraph (1), which may include—(i)developing partnerships with community colleges to offer advanced STEM course work, including computer science, to rural high school students;(ii)supporting research on effective STEM practices in rural settings;(iii)implementing a school-wide STEM approach;(iv)improving the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technology Education program’s coordination and engagement with rural communities; (v)collaborating with existing community partners and networks, such as the cooperative research and extension services of the Department of Agriculture and youth serving organizations like 4–H, after school STEM programs, and summer STEM programs, to leverage community resources and develop place-based programming;(vi)connecting rural school districts and institutions of higher education, to improve precollegiate STEM education and engagement; (vii)supporting partnerships that offer hands-on inquiry-based science activities, including coding, and access to lab resources for students studying STEM in grades Pre-K through 12 in a rural area; (viii)evaluating the role of broadband connectivity and its associated impact on the STEM and technology literacy of rural students; (ix)building capacity to support extracurricular STEM programs in rural schools, including mentor-led engagement programs, STEM programs held during nonschool hours, STEM networks, makerspaces, coding activities, and competitions; and (x)any other activity the Director determines will accomplish the goals of this subsection. (c)ApplicationAn applicant seeking a grant under subsection (a) or (b) shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. The application may include the following: (1)A description of the target population to be served by the research activity or activities for which such grant is sought.(2)A description of the process for recruitment and selection of students, educators, or schools from rural areas to participate in such activity or activities. (3)A description of how such activity or activities may inform efforts to promote the engagement and achievement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM studies.(4)In the case of a proposal consisting of a partnership or partnerships with one or more rural schools and one or more researchers, a plan for establishing a sustained partnership that is jointly developed and managed, draws from the capacities of each partner, and is mutually beneficial.(d)PartnershipsIn awarding grants under subsection (a) or (b), the Director shall—(1)encourage applicants which, for the purpose of the activity or activities funded through the grant, include or partner with a nonprofit organization or an institution of higher education (or a consortium thereof) that has extensive experience and expertise in increasing the participation of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM; (2)encourage applicants which, for the purpose of the activity or activities funded through the grant, include or partner with a consortium of rural schools or rural school districts; and(3)encourage applications which, for the purpose of the activity or activities funded through the grant, include commitments from school principals and administrators to making reforms and activities proposed by the applicant a priority.(e)EvaluationsAll proposals for grants under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Each recipient of a grant under this section shall include results from these evaluative activities in annual and final projects.(f)Accountability and dissemination(1)Evaluation requiredThe Director shall evaluate the portfolio of grants awarded under subsections (a) and (b). Such evaluation shall— (A)use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B)to the extent practicable, integrate the findings of research resulting from the activity or activities funded through such grants with the findings of other research on rural student’s pursuit of degrees or careers in STEM.(2)Report on evaluationsNot later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes— (A)the results of the evaluation; and (B)any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants awarded under this section.(g)Report by Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering(1)In generalAs part of the first report required by section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885c(e)) transmitted to Congress after the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering shall include—(A)a description of past and present policies and activities of the Foundation to encourage full participation of students in rural communities in science, mathematics, engineering, and computer science fields; and (B)an assessment of trends in participation of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in Foundation activities, and an assessment of the policies and activities of the Foundation, along with proposals for new strategies or the broadening of existing successful strategies towards facilitating the goals of this Act.(2)Technical correction(A)In generalSection 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114–329) is amended by striking Section 204(e) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 and inserting Section 36(e) of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act.(B)ApplicabilityThe amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 313 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114–329).(h)CoordinationIn carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. (i)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Director—(1)$8,000,000 to carry out the activities under subsection (a) for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025; and (2)$12,000,000 to carry out the activities under subsection (b) for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.4.Opportunities for online education(a)In generalThe Director shall, subject to appropriations, award competitive grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof, which may include a private sector partner) to conduct research on online STEM education courses for rural communities. (b)Research areasThe research areas eligible for funding under this subsection shall include—(1)evaluating the learning and achievement of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM subjects; (2)understanding how computer-based and online professional development courses and mentor experiences can be integrated to meet the needs of educators of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12;(3)combining computer-based and online STEM education and training with apprenticeships, mentoring, or other applied learning arrangements; (4)leveraging online programs to supplement STEM studies for rural students that need physical and academic accommodation; and (5)any other activity the Director determines will accomplish the goals of this subsection. (c)EvaluationsAll proposals for grants under this section shall include an evaluation plan that includes the use of outcome oriented measures to assess the impact and efficacy of the grant. Each recipient of a grant under this section shall include results from these evaluative activities in annual and final projects.(d)Accountability and dissemination(1)Evaluation requiredThe Director shall evaluate the portfolio of grants awarded under this section. Such evaluation shall— (A)use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such grants and identify best practices; and (B)to the extent practicable, integrate findings from activities carried out pursuant to research conducted under this section, with respect to the pursuit of careers and degrees in STEM, with those activities carried our pursuant to other research on serving rural students and communities.(2)Report on evaluationsNot later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes— (A)the results of the evaluation; and (B)any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the grants awarded under this section. (e)CoordinationIn carrying out this section, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies. 5.National Academy of Sciences evaluation(a)StudyNot later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the National Academy agrees to conduct an evaluation and assessment that— (1)evaluates the quality and quantity of current Federal programming and research directed at examining STEM education for students in grades Pre-K through 12 and workforce development in rural areas; (2)assesses the impact of the scarcity of broadband connectivity in rural communities has on STEM and technical literacy for students in grades Pre-K through 12 in rural areas; (3)assesses the core research and data needed to understand the challenges rural areas are facing in providing quality STEM education and workforce development; and(4)makes recommendations for action at the Federal, State, and local levels for improving STEM education for students in grades Pre-K through 12 and workforce development in rural areas. (b)Report to DirectorThe agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Sciences, not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, to submit to the Director a report on the study conducted under such subsection, including the National Academy’s findings and recommendations.(c)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to carry out this section $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2021.6.GAO reviewNot later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the engagement of rural populations in Federal STEM programs and submit to Congress a report that includes—(1)an assessment of how Federal STEM education programs are serving rural populations;(2)a description of initiatives carried out by Federal agencies that are targeted at supporting STEM education in rural areas;(3)an assessment of what is known about the impact and effectiveness of Federal investments in STEM education programs that are targeted to rural areas; and(4)an assessment of challenges that state and Federal STEM education programs face in reaching rural population centers.7.Capacity building through EPSCORSection 517(f)(2) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p–9(f)(2)) is amended—(1)in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; and(2)by adding at the end the following: (C)to increase the capacity of rural communities to provide quality STEM education and STEM workforce development programming to students, and teachers; and.8.NIST engagement with rural communities(a)MEP OutreachSection 25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended— (1)in subsection (c)—(A)in paragraph (6), by striking community colleges and area career and technical education schools and inserting the following: secondary schools (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,; and(B)in paragraph (7)—(i)by striking and local colleges and inserting the following: local high schools and local collseges, including those in underserved and rural communities,; and(ii)by inserting or other applied learning opportunities after apprenticeships; and(2)in subsection (d)(3) by striking , community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, and inserting the following: and local high schools, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, including those in underserved and rural communities,. (b)Rural Connectivity Prize Competition(1)Prize competitionPursuant to section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719), the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology (referred to in this subsection as the Secretary), shall, subject to appropriations, carry out a program to award prizes competitively to stimulate research and development of creative technologies in order to deploy affordable and reliable broadband connectivity to underserved rural communities.(2)Plan for deployment in rural communitiesEach proposal submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include a plan for deployment of the technology that is the subject of such proposal in an underserved rural community.(3)Prize amountIn carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary may award not more than a total of $5,000,000 to one or more winners of the prize competition. (4)ReportNot later than 60 days after the date on which a prize is awarded under the prize competition, the Secretary shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report that describes the winning proposal of the prize competition.(5)ConsultationIn carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may consult with the heads of relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government. 9.NITR-D broadband working groupTitle I of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:103.Broadband research and development working group(a)In GeneralThe Director shall establish a broadband research and development working group to address national research challenges and opportunities for improving broadband access and adoption across the United States. (b)ActivitiesThe working group shall identify and coordinate key research priorities for addressing broadband access and adoption, including—(1)promising research areas; (2)requirements for data collection and sharing; (3)opportunities for better alignment and coordination across Federal agencies and external stakeholders; and (4)input on the development of new Federal policies and programs to enhance data collection and research.(c)CoordinationThe working group shall coordinate, as appropriate, with the Rural Broadband Integration Working Group established under section 6214 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–334) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the Department of Agriculture. (d)ReportThe working group shall report to Congress on their activities as part of the annual report submitted under section 101(a)(2)(D). (e)SunsetThe authority to carry out this section shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the Rural STEM Education Act. .10.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)DirectorThe term Director means the Director of the National Science Foundation established under section 2 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).(2)Federal LaboratoryThe term Federal laboratory has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703).(3)FoundationThe term Foundation means the National Science Foundation established under section 2 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861). (4)Institution of higher educationThe term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)). (5)STEMThe term STEM has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note). (6)STEM educationThe term STEM education has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the STEM Education Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note).Passed the House of Representatives September 16, 2020.Cheryl L. Johnson,Clerk


114 HR 180 IH: Termination of Lifelong Pensions for Members of Congress Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-01-06
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
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 180
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 6, 2015
			Mr. Yoder introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the termination of further retirement benefits
			 for Members of Congress, except the right to continue participating in the
			 Thrift Savings Plan.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Termination of Lifelong Pensions for Members of Congress Act.
		2.Termination of further retirement benefits for members of congress
			(a)Amendments relating to the Civil Service Retirement System
				(1)In generalSubchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section
			 8335 the following:

						8335a.Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of Congress
							(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter and subject to subsection (f), effective on
			 the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this section—
								(1)a Member shall not be subject to this subchapter for any further period of time; and
								(2)no further Government contributions or deductions from basic pay may be made with respect to such
			 Member for deposit in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of
			 the Fund.
								(b)Prior rights not affectedNothing in subsection (a) shall be considered to nullify, modify, or otherwise affect any right,
			 entitlement, or benefit under this subchapter with respect to any Member
			 covering any period prior to the date of enactment of this section.
							(c)Right To participate in thrift savings plan not affectedNothing in subsection (a) shall affect the eligibility of a Member to participate in the Thrift
			 Savings Plan in accordance with otherwise applicable provisions of law.
							(d)RegulationsAny regulations necessary to carry out this section may—
								(1)except with respect to matters relating to the Thrift Savings Plan, be prescribed by the Director
			 of the Office of Personnel Management; and
								(2)with respect to matters relating to the Thrift Savings Plan, be prescribed by the Executive
			 Director (as defined by section 8401(13)).
								(e)ExclusionFor purposes of this section, the term Member does not include the Vice President.
							(f)Opt-InNot later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, a Member covered by this
			 subchapter as of such date of enactment may elect, by giving notice in
			 writing to the official by whom such Member is paid, to remain subject to
			 this subchapter..
				(2)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
			 inserting after the item relating to section 8335 the following:

							8335a. Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of Congress..
				(b)Amendments relating to the Federal Employees Retirement System
				(1)In generalSubchapter II of chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section
			 8425 the following:

						8425a.Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of Congress
							(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, effective on the date that is 90 days after
			 the date of enactment of this section—
								(1)subject to subsection (f), in the case of an individual who first becomes a Member before such date
			 of enactment—
									(A)such Member shall not be subject to this chapter for any further period of time after such date of
			 enactment; and
									(B)no further Government contributions or deductions from basic pay may be made with respect to such
			 Member for deposit in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of
			 the Fund; and
									(2)in the case of an individual who first becomes a Member on or after such date of enactment—
									(A)such Member shall not be subject to this chapter; and
									(B)no Government contributions or deductions from basic pay may be made with respect to such Member
			 for deposit in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of the
			 Fund.
									(b)Prior rights not affectedNothing in subsection (a) shall be considered to nullify, modify, or otherwise affect any right,
			 entitlement, or benefit under this chapter with respect to any Member
			 covering any period prior to the date of enactment of this section.
							(c)Right To participate in thrift savings plan not affectedNothing in subsection (a) shall affect the eligibility of a Member to participate in the Thrift
			 Savings Plan in accordance with otherwise applicable provisions of law.
							(d)Regulations
								(1)In generalAny regulations necessary to carry out this section may—
									(A)except with respect to matters relating to the Thrift Savings Plan, be prescribed by the Director
			 of the Office of Personnel Management; and
									(B)with respect to matters relating to the Thrift Savings Plan, be prescribed by the Executive
			 Director (as defined by section 8401(13)).
									(2)RefundsNotwithstanding subsection (b), the regulations under paragraph (1)(A) shall, in the case of a
			 Member who has not completed at least 5 years of civilian service as of
			 the date of enactment of this section, provide that the lump-sum credit
			 shall be payable to such Member to the same extent and in the same manner
			 as if such Member satisfied paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 8424(a)
			 as of such date of enactment.
								(e)ExclusionsFor purposes of this section, the term Member does not include the Vice President.
							(f)Opt-InNot later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, a Member covered by this
			 chapter as of such date may elect, by giving notice in writing to the
			 official by whom such Member is paid, to remain subject to this chapter..
				(2)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
			 inserting after the item relating to section 8425 the following:

							8425a. Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of Congress..


117 HR 1582 IH: Nonpartisan Postmaster General Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-03-03
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.

I
117th CONGRESS1st Session
H. R. 1582
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 3, 2021
Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform

A BILL
To clarify and increase the restrictions on political activities that are applicable to the members of the Postal Service Board of Governors, including the Postmaster General and the Deputy Postmaster General, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Nonpartisan Postmaster General Act of 2021. 2.Postal Service officers’ political activities limited (a)Hatch act officer applicability (1)In generalSection 410 of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(e)For the purposes of applying subchapter III of chapter 73 of title 5, and any regulations thereunder, to the Postal Service pursuant to subsection (b)(1), the following are deemed to be employees of the Postal Service: (1)The Postmaster General.
(2)The Deputy Postmaster General. (3)Any individual holding a position in the Postal Service to which such individual was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, including a Governor appointed under section 202..
(2)Further restricted employeesSection 7323(b)(2)(B) of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (A)in clause (i)(XIV), by striking or at the end;
(B)in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (C)by adding at the end the following new clause:

(iii)a person holding a position described in section 410(e) of title 39.. (b)Political activities of board membersSection 202 of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

(f)While serving as a member of the Board, an individual may not— (1)hold a political position; or
(2)solicit funds for— (A)the campaign of a candidate for election for a Federal, State, or local elected office; or
(B)a Federal, State, or local political party (as defined in the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.)). (g)For purposes of this section, an individual holds a political position if such individual—
(1)holds Federal, State, or local elected office; (2)files paperwork to be a candidate for election for a Federal, State, or local elected office; or
(3)is an officer, director, or employee of a Federal, State, or local political party (as defined in subsection (f)(2)(B)).. (c)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 the provisions of such to any person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.
3.Financial disclosures required prior to assuming duties of Postmaster General or Deputy Postmaster GeneralThe Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App) is amended— (1)in section 101(a)—
(A)by striking (a) Within and inserting (a)(1) Within; and (B)by adding at the end the following:

(2)
(A)An individual proposed pursuant to section 202 of title 39, United States Code, to assume the position of Postmaster General or Deputy Postmaster General shall file the report required by paragraph (1) before assuming such position. (B)An individual proposed for such a position may not carry out any duty of the position until the report submitted by the individual pursuant to subparagraph (A) is reviewed and signed by the Director of the Office of Government Ethics under section 106(b)(1), and any action taken by that individual in the performance of any function or duty of the applicable position before the date on which such signature occurs shall have no force or effect.; and
(2)in section 103(b)— (A)by striking (b) The President and inserting (b)(1) The President; and
(B)by adding at the end the following:  (2)Notwithstanding subsection (a), an individual proposed pursuant to section 202 of title 39, United States Code, to assume the position of Postmaster General or Deputy Postmaster General shall file the report required under section 101(a) with the Director of the Office of Government Ethics..


114 HR 5342 IH: Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2016
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-05-26
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.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5342
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 26, 2016
			Mr. Nolan introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide a midyear cost-of-living increase to
			 account for the lack of an automatic increase for 2016, to apply the
			 Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI–E) to future Social Security
			 COLAs, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2016. 2.One-time cost-of-living (COLA) increase for calendar year 2016 (a)3.9% COLA provided To match recent growth in CEO payEffective with the month of June 2016, the Commissioner of Social Security shall increase each of the amounts described in subclauses (I) through (III) of section 215(i)(2)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act by 3.9 percent.
 (b)No effect on annual cost-of-Living increasesFor purposes of applying subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 215(i)(1) of the Social Security Act in calendar years 2016 and 2017, the increase under subsection (a) shall not be considered a general benefit increase under title II of the Social Security Act.
			3.Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers
 (a)In generalSection 215(i)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (H)the term Consumer Price Index means the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI–E, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor)..
			(b)Application to pre-1979 law
 (1)In generalSection 215(i)(1) of the Social Security Act as in effect in December 1978, and as applied in certain cases under the provisions of such Act as in effect after December 1978, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (D)the term Consumer Price Index means the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI–E, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor)..
 (2)Conforming amendmentSection 215(i)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)(4)), as amended by section 2(a)(3) of this Act, is further amended by striking section 2 and inserting sections 2 and 3.
 (c)No effect on adjustments under other lawsSection 215(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (6)Any provision of law (other than in this title, title VIII, or title XVI) which provides for adjustment of an amount based on a change in benefit amounts resulting from a determination made under this subsection shall be applied and administered without regard to the amendments made by section 3 of the Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2016..
 (d)Publication of Consumer Price Index for Elderly ConsumersThe Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall prepare and publish the index authorized by section 191 of the Older Americans Amendments Act of 1987 (29 U.S.C. 2 note) for each calendar month, beginning with July of the calendar year following the calendar year in which this Act is enacted, and such index shall be known as the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers.
 (e)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to determinations made under section 215(i)(2)(A)(i) of the Social Security Act with respect to base quarters occurring in 2016 or later.


115 S3181 IS: Burn Pits Accountability Act
U.S. Senate
2018-06-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 3181
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 28, 2018
			Ms. Klobuchar (for herself, Mr. Sullivan, and Mr. Blumenthal) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services

		A BILL
		To direct the Secretary of Defense to include in periodic health assessments, separation history
			 and physical examinations, and other assessments an evaluation of whether
			 a member of the Armed Forces has been exposed to open burn pits or toxic
			 airborne chemicals, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Burn Pits Accountability Act.
		2.Exposure to open burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals as part of periodic health assessments and
			 other physical examinations
 (a)Periodic health assessmentThe Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any periodic health assessment provided to members of the Armed Forces includes an evaluation of whether the member has been—
 (1)based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used; or (2)exposed to toxic airborne chemicals, including any information recorded as part of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.
 (b)Separation history and physical examinationsSection 1145(a)(5) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (C)The Secretary concerned shall ensure that each physical examination of a member under subparagraph (A) includes an assessment of whether the member was—
 (i)based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit, as defined in subsection (c) of section 201 of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note), was used; or
 (ii)exposed to toxic airborne chemicals, including any information recorded as part of the registry established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under such section 201..
 (c)Deployment assessmentsSection 1074f(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (D)An assessment of whether the member was— (i)based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit, as defined in subsection (c) of section 201 of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note), was used; or
 (ii)exposed to toxic airborne chemicals, including any information recorded as part of the registry established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under such section 201..
			(d)Sharing of information
 (1)DOD–VAThe Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly enter into a memorandum of understanding providing for the sharing by the Department of Defense with the Department of Veterans Affairs of the results of covered evaluations regarding the exposure by a member of the Armed Forces to toxic airborne chemicals.
 (2)RegistryIf a covered evaluation of a member of the Armed Forces establishes that the member was based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used, or the member was exposed to toxic airborne chemicals, the member shall be enrolled in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, unless the member elects to not so enroll.
 (e)Rule of constructionNothing in this section may be construed to preclude eligibility for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by reason of the open burn pit exposure history of a veteran not being recorded in a covered evaluation.
 (f)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)The term Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry means the registry established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 201 of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note).
 (2)The term covered evaluation means— (A)a periodic health assessment conducted in accordance with subsection (a);
 (B)a separation history and physical examination conducted under section 1145(a)(5) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this section; and
 (C)a deployment assessment conducted under section 1074f(b)(2) of such title, as amended by this section.
 (3)The term open burn pit has the meaning given that term in section 201(c) of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note).


 HR 527 ENR: Helium Stewardship Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives

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
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. 527

AN ACT
To amend the Helium Act to complete the privatization of the Federal helium reserve in a competitive market fashion that ensures stability in the helium markets while protecting the interests of American taxpayers, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013.
2.DefinitionsSection 2 of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167) is amended to read as follows:

2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
(1)Cliffside FieldThe term Cliffside Field means the helium storage reservoir in which the Federal Helium Reserve is stored.
(2)Federal Helium PipelineThe term Federal Helium Pipeline means the federally owned pipeline system through which helium for the Federal Helium Reserve may be transported.
(3)Federal Helium ReserveThe term Federal Helium Reserve means helium reserves owned by the United States.
(4)Federal Helium SystemThe term Federal Helium System means—
(A)the Federal Helium Reserve;
(B)the Cliffside Field;
(C)the Federal Helium Pipeline; and
(D)all other infrastructure owned, leased, or managed under contract by the Secretary for the storage, transportation, withdrawal, enrichment, purification, or management of helium.
(5)Federal userThe term Federal user means a Federal agency or extramural holder of one or more Federal research grants using helium.
(6)Low-Btu gasThe term low-Btu gas means a fuel gas with a heating value of less than 250 Btu per standard cubic foot measured as the higher heating value resulting from the inclusion of noncombustible gases, including nitrogen, helium, argon, and carbon dioxide.
(7)PersonThe term person means any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, association, trust, estate, public or private institution, or State or political subdivision.
(8)Priority pipeline accessThe term priority pipeline access means the first priority of delivery of crude helium under which the Secretary schedules and ensures the delivery of crude helium to a helium refinery through the Federal Helium System.
(9)Qualified bidder
(A)In generalThe term qualified bidder means a person the Secretary determines is seeking to purchase helium for their own use, refining, or redelivery to users.
(B)ExclusionThe term qualified bidder does not include a person who was previously determined to be a qualified bidder if the Secretary determines that the person did not meet the requirements of a qualified bidder under this Act.
(10)Qualifying domestic helium transactionThe term qualifying domestic helium transaction means any agreement entered into or renegotiated agreement during the preceding 1-year period in the United States for the purchase or sale of at least 15,000,000 standard cubic feet of crude or pure helium to which any holder of a contract with the Secretary for the acceptance, storage, delivery, or redelivery of crude helium from the Federal Helium System is a party.
(11)RefinerThe term refiner means a person with the ability to take delivery of crude helium from the Federal Helium Pipeline and refine the crude helium into pure helium.
(12)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior..
3.Authority of SecretarySection 3 of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167a) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(c)Extraction of helium from deposits on Federal landAll amounts received by the Secretary from the sale or disposition of helium on Federal land shall be credited to the Helium Production Fund established under section 6(e)..
4.Storage, withdrawal and transportationSection 5 of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167c) is amended to read as follows:

5.Storage, withdrawal and transportation
(a)In generalIf the Secretary provides helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services to any person, the Secretary shall impose a fee on the person that accurately reflects the economic value of those services.
(b)Minimum feesThe fees charged under subsection (a) shall be not less than the amount required to reimburse the Secretary for the full costs of providing storage, withdrawal, or transportation services, including capital investments in upgrades and maintenance at the Federal Helium System.
(c)Schedule of feesPrior to sale or auction under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of section 6, the Secretary shall annually publish a standardized schedule of fees that the Secretary will charge under this section.
(d)TreatmentAll fees received by the Secretary under this section shall be credited to the Helium Production Fund established under section 6(e).
(e)Storage and deliveryIn accordance with this section, the Secretary shall—
(1)allow any person or qualified bidder to which crude helium is sold or auctioned under section 6 to store helium in the Federal Helium Reserve; and
(2)establish a schedule for the transportation and delivery of helium using the Federal Helium System that—
(A)ensures timely delivery of helium auctioned pursuant to section 6(b)(2);
(B)ensures timely delivery of helium acquired from the Secretary from the Federal Helium Reserve by means other than an auction under section 6(b)(2), including nonallocated sales; and
(C)provides priority access to the Federal Helium Pipeline for in-kind sales for Federal users.
(f)New pipeline accessThe Secretary shall consider any applications for access to the Federal Helium Pipeline in a manner consistent with the schedule for phasing out commercial sales and disposition of assets pursuant to section 6..
5.Sale of crude heliumSection 6 of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167d) is amended to read as follows:

6.Sale of crude helium
(a)Phase A: Allocation transition
(1)In generalThe Secretary shall offer crude helium for sale in such quantities, at such times, at not less than the minimum price established under subsection (b)(7), and under such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection with minimum market disruption.
(2)Federal purchasesFederal users may purchase refined helium with priority pipeline access under this subsection from persons who have entered into enforceable contracts to purchase an equivalent quantity of crude helium at the in-kind price from the Secretary.
(3)DurationThis subsection applies during—
(A)the period beginning on the date of enactment of the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013 and ending on September 30, 2014; and
(B)any period during which the sale of helium under subsection (b) is delayed or suspended.
(b)Phase B: Auction implementation
(1)In generalThe Secretary shall offer crude helium for sale in quantities not subject to auction under paragraph (2), after completion of each auction, at not less than the minimum price established under paragraph (7), and under such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines necessary—
(A)to maximize total recovery of helium from the Federal Helium Reserve over the long term;
(B)to maximize the total financial return to the taxpayer;
(C)to manage crude helium sales according to the ability of the Secretary to extract and produce helium from the Federal Helium Reserve;
(D)to give priority to meeting the helium demand of Federal users in the event of any disruption to the Federal Helium Reserve; and
(E)to carry out this subsection with minimum market disruption.
(2)Auction quantitiesFor the period described in paragraph (4) and consistent with the conditions described in paragraph (8), the Secretary shall annually auction to any qualified bidder a quantity of crude helium in the Federal Helium Reserve equal to—
(A)for fiscal year 2015, 10 percent of the total volume of crude helium made available for that fiscal year;
(B)for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2019, a percentage of the total volume of crude helium that is 15 percentage points greater than the percentage made available for the previous fiscal year; and
(C)for fiscal year 2020 and each fiscal year thereafter, 100 percent of the total volume of crude helium made available for that fiscal year.
(3)Federal purchasesFederal users may purchase refined helium with priority pipeline access under this subsection from persons who have entered into enforceable contracts to purchase an equivalent quantity of crude helium at the in-kind price from the Secretary.
(4)DurationThis subsection applies during the period—
(A)beginning on October 1, 2014; and
(B)ending on the date on which the volume of recoverable crude helium at the Federal Helium Reserve (other than privately owned quantities of crude helium stored temporarily at the Federal Helium Reserve under section 5 and this section) is 3,000,000,000 standard cubic feet.
(5)Safety valveThe Secretary may adjust the quantities specified in paragraph (2)—
(A)downward, if the Secretary determines the adjustment necessary—
(i)to minimize market disruptions that pose a threat to the economic well-being of the United States; and
(ii)only after submitting a written justification of the adjustment to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; or
(B)upward, if the Secretary determines the adjustment necessary to increase participation in crude helium auctions or returns to the taxpayer.
(6)Auction formatThe Secretary shall conduct each auction using a method that maximizes revenue to the Federal Government.
(7)PricesThe Secretary shall annually establish, as applicable, separate sale and minimum auction prices under subsection (a)(1) and paragraphs (1) and (2) using, if applicable and in the following order of priority:
(A)The sale price of crude helium in auctions held by the Secretary under paragraph (2).
(B)Price recommendations and disaggregated data from a qualified, independent third party who has no conflict of interest, who shall conduct a confidential survey of qualifying domestic helium transactions.
(C)The volume-weighted average price of all crude helium and pure helium purchased, sold, or processed by persons in all qualifying domestic helium transactions.
(D)The volume-weighted average cost of converting gaseous crude helium into pure helium.
(8)Terms and conditions
(A)In generalThe Secretary shall require all persons that are parties to a contract with the Secretary for the withdrawal, acceptance, storage, transportation, delivery, or redelivery of crude helium to disclose, on a strictly confidential basis—
(i)the volumes and associated prices in dollars per thousand cubic feet of all crude and pure helium purchased, sold, or processed by persons in qualifying domestic helium transactions;
(ii)the volumes and associated costs in dollars per thousand cubic feet of converting crude helium into pure helium; and
(iii)refinery capacity and future capacity estimates.
(B)ConditionAs a condition of sale or auction to a refiner under subsection (a)(1) and paragraphs (1) and (2), effective beginning 90 days after the date of enactment of the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013, the refiner shall make excess refining capacity of helium available at commercially reasonable rates to—
(i)any person prevailing in auctions under paragraph (2); and
(ii)any person that has acquired crude helium from the Secretary from the Federal Helium Reserve by means other than an auction under paragraph (2) after the date of enactment of the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013, including nonallocated sales.
(9)Use of informationThe Secretary may use the information collected under this Act—
(A)to approximate crude helium prices; and
(B)to ensure the recovery of fair value for the taxpayers of the United States from sales of crude helium.
(10)Protection of confidentialityThe Secretary shall adopt such administrative policies and procedures as the Secretary considers necessary and reasonable to ensure the confidentiality of information submitted pursuant to this Act.
(11)Forward auctionsEffective beginning in fiscal year 2016, the Secretary may conduct a forward auction once each fiscal year of a quantity of helium that is equal to up to 10 percent of the volume of crude helium to be made available at auction during the following fiscal year if the Secretary determines that the forward auction will—
(A)not cause a disruption in the supply of helium from the Reserve;
(B)represent a cost-effective action;
(C)generate greater returns for taxpayers; and
(D)increase the effectiveness of price discovery.
(12)Sale schedule and frequencyFor fiscal year 2015 the Secretary shall conduct only one auction, which shall precede, and one sale, which shall take place no later than August 1, 2014, with full and final payment for the sale being made no later than September 26, 2014. Consistent with the annual volumes established under paragraph (2), effective beginning in fiscal year 2016, the Secretary may conduct auctions twice during each fiscal year if the Secretary determines that the auction frequency will—
(A)not cause a disruption in the supply of helium from the Reserve;
(B)represent a cost-effective action;
(C)generate greater returns for taxpayers; and
(D)increase the effectiveness of price discovery.
(13)one-time sale
(A)In generalNotwithstanding paragraph (4)(A), the Secretary shall hold a one-time sale of helium, no later than August 1, 2014 from amounts available in fiscal year 2016 pursuant to this section. Full and final payment for the sale must be made no later than 45 days after the date the sale takes place.
(B)Volume soldThe volume of helium sold under this paragraph—
(i)shall be at least 250 million cubic feet; and
(ii)shall be made available for sale consistent with paragraph (2)(B).
(c)Phase C: Continued access for Federal users
(1)In generalThe Secretary shall offer crude helium for sale to Federal users in such quantities, at such times, at such prices required to reimburse the Secretary for the full costs of the sales, and under such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection.
(2)Federal purchasesFederal users may purchase refined helium with priority pipeline access under this subsection from persons who have entered into enforceable contracts to purchase an equivalent quantity of crude helium at the in-kind price from the Secretary.
(3)Effective dateThis subsection applies beginning on the day after the date described in subsection (b)(4)(B).
(d)Phase D: Disposal of assets
(1)In generalNot earlier than 2 years after the date of commencement of Phase C described in subsection (c) and not later than September 30, 2021, the Secretary shall designate as excess property and dispose of all facilities, equipment, and other real and personal property, and all interests in the same, held by the United States in the Federal Helium System.
(2)Applicable lawThe disposal of the property described in paragraph (1) shall be in accordance with subtitle I of title 40, United States Code.
(3)ProceedsAll proceeds accruing to the United States by reason of the sale or other disposal of the property described in paragraph (1) shall be treated as funds received under this Act for purposes of subsection (e).
(4)CostsAll costs associated with the sale and disposal (including costs associated with termination of personnel) and with the cessation of activities under this subsection shall be paid from amounts available in the Helium Production Fund established under subsection (e).
(e)Helium Production Fund
(1)In generalAll amounts received under this Act, including amounts from the sale or auction of crude helium, shall be credited to the Helium Production Fund, which shall be available without fiscal year limitation for purposes determined to be necessary and cost effective by the Secretary to carry out this Act (other than sections 16, 17, and 18), including capital investments in upgrades and maintenance at the Federal Helium System, including—
(A)well head maintenance at the Cliffside Field;
(B)capital investments in maintenance and upgrades of facilities that pressurize the Cliffside Field;
(C)capital investments in maintenance and upgrades of equipment related to the storage, withdrawal, enrichment, transportation, purification, and sale of crude helium from the Federal Helium Reserve;
(D)entering into purchase, lease, or other agreements to drill new or uncap existing wells to maximize the recovery of crude helium from the Federal Helium System; and
(E)any other scheduled or unscheduled maintenance of the Federal Helium System.
(2)Excess fundsAmounts in the Helium Production Fund in excess of amounts the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out paragraph (1) shall be paid to the general fund of the Treasury and used to reduce the annual Federal budget deficit.
(3)Retirement of public debtOut of amounts paid to the general fund of the Treasury under paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Treasury shall use $51,000,000 to retire public debt.
(4)ReportNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013 and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing all expenditures by the Bureau of Land Management to carry out this Act.
(f)Minimum quantityThe Secretary shall offer for sale or auction during each fiscal year under subsections (a), (b), and (c) a quantity of crude helium that is the lesser of—
(1)the quantity of crude helium offered for sale by the Secretary during fiscal year 2012; or
(2)the maximum total production capacity of the Federal Helium System..
6.Information, assessment, research, and strategyThe Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167 et seq.) is amended—
(1)by repealing section 15 (50 U.S.C. 167m);
(2)by redesignating section 17 (50 U.S.C. 167 note) as section 20; and
(3)by inserting after section 14 (50 U.S.C. 167l) the following:

15.Information
(a)TransparencyThe Secretary, acting through the Bureau of Land Management, shall make available on the Internet information relating to the Federal Helium System that includes—
(1)continued publication of an open market and in-kind price;
(2)aggregated projections of excess refining capacity;
(3)ownership of helium held in the Federal Helium Reserve;
(4)the volume of helium delivered to persons through the Federal Helium Pipeline;
(5)pressure constraints of the Federal Helium Pipeline;
(6)an estimate of the projected date when 3,000,000,000 standard cubic feet of crude helium will remain in the Federal Helium Reserve and the final phase described in section 6(c) will begin;
(7)the amount of the fees charged under section 5;
(8)the scheduling of crude helium deliveries through the Federal Helium Pipeline; and
(9)other factors that will increase transparency.
(b)ReportingNot later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013, to provide the market with appropriate and timely information affecting the helium resource, the Director of the Bureau of Land Management shall establish a timely and public reporting process to provide data that affects the helium industry, including—
(1)annual maintenance schedules and quarterly updates, that shall include—
(A)the date and duration of planned shutdowns of the Federal Helium Pipeline;
(B)the nature of work to be undertaken on the Federal Helium System, whether routine, extended, or extraordinary;
(C)the anticipated impact of the work on the helium supply;
(D)the efforts being made to minimize any impact on the supply chain; and
(E)any concerns regarding maintenance of the Federal Helium Pipeline, including the pressure of the pipeline or deviation from normal operation of the pipeline;
(2)for each unplanned outage, a description of—
(A)the beginning of the outage;
(B)the expected duration of the outage;
(C)the nature of the problem;
(D)the estimated impact on helium supply;
(E)a plan to correct problems, including an estimate of the potential timeframe for correction and the likelihood of plan success within the timeframe;
(F)efforts to minimize negative impacts on the helium supply chain; and
(G)updates on repair status and the anticipated online date;
(3)monthly summaries of meetings and communications between the Bureau of Land Management and the Cliffside Refiners Limited Partnership, including a list of participants and an indication of any actions taken as a result of the meetings or communications; and
(4)current predictions of the lifespan of the Federal Helium System, including how much longer the crude helium supply will be available based on current and forecasted demand and the projected maximum production capacity of the Federal Helium System for the following fiscal year.
16.Helium gas resource assessment
(a)In generalNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013, the Secretary, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey, shall—
(1)in coordination with appropriate heads of State geological surveys—
(A)complete a national helium gas assessment that identifies and quantifies the quantity of helium, including the isotope helium-3, in each reservoir, including assessments of the constituent gases found in each helium resource, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and natural gas; and
(B)make available the modern seismic and geophysical log data for characterization of the Bush Dome Reservoir;
(2)in coordination with appropriate international agencies and the global geology community, complete a global helium gas assessment that identifies and quantifies the quantity of the helium, including the isotope helium-3, in each reservoir;
(3)in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, complete—
(A)an assessment of trends in global demand for helium, including the isotope helium-3;
(B)a 10-year forecast of domestic demand for helium across all sectors, including scientific and medical research, commercial, manufacturing, space technologies, cryogenics, and national defense; and
(C)an inventory of medical, scientific, industrial, commercial, and other uses of helium in the United States, including Federal uses, that identifies the nature of the helium use, the amounts required, the technical and commercial viability of helium recapture and recycling in that use, and the availability of material substitutes wherever possible; and
(4)submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing the results of the assessments required under this paragraph.
(b)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000.
17.Low-Btu gas separation and helium conservation
(a)AuthorizationThe Secretary of Energy shall support programs of research, development, commercial application, and conservation (including the programs described in subsection (b))—
(1)to expand the domestic production of low-Btu gas and helium resources;
(2)to separate and capture helium from natural gas streams; and
(3)to reduce the venting of helium and helium-bearing low-Btu gas during natural gas exploration and production.
(b)Programs
(1)Membrane technology researchThe Secretary of Energy, in consultation with other appropriate agencies, shall support a civilian research program to develop advanced membrane technology that is used in the separation of low-Btu gases, including technologies that remove helium and other constituent gases that lower the Btu content of natural gas.
(2)Helium separation technologyThe Secretary of Energy shall support a research program to develop technologies for separating, gathering, and processing helium in low concentrations that occur naturally in geological reservoirs or formations, including—
(A)low-Btu gas production streams; and
(B)technologies that minimize the atmospheric venting of helium gas during natural gas production.
(3)Industrial helium programThe Secretary of Energy, working through the Advanced Manufacturing Office of the Department of Energy, shall carry out a research program—
(A)to develop low-cost technologies and technology systems for recycling, reprocessing, and reusing helium for all medical, scientific, industrial, commercial, aerospace, and other uses of helium in the United States, including Federal uses; and
(B)to develop industrial gathering technologies to capture helium from other chemical processing, including ammonia processing.
(c)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000.
18.Helium-3 separation
(a)Interagency cooperationThe Secretary shall cooperate with the Secretary of Energy, or a designee, on any assessment or research relating to the extraction and refining of the isotope helium-3 from crude helium and other potential sources, including—
(1)gas analysis; and
(2)infrastructure studies.
(b)Feasibility studyThe Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, or a designee, may carry out a study to assess the feasibility of—
(1)establishing a facility to separate the isotope helium-3 from crude helium; and
(2)exploring other potential sources of the isotope helium-3.
(c)ReportNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that contains a description of the results of the assessments conducted under this section.
(d)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000.
19.Federal agency helium acquisition strategyIn anticipation of the implementation of Phase D described in section 6(d), and not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013, the Secretary (in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of the National Science Foundation, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, and other agencies as appropriate) shall submit to Congress a report that provides for Federal users—
(1)an assessment of the consumption of, and projected demand for, crude and refined helium;
(2)a description of a 20-year Federal strategy for securing access to helium;
(3)a determination of a date prior to September 30, 2021, for the implementation of Phase D as described in section 6(d) that minimizes any potential supply disruptions for Federal users;
(4)an assessment of the effects of increases in the price of refined helium and methods and policies for mitigating any determined effects; and
(5)a description of a process for prioritization of uses that accounts for diminished availability of helium supplies that may occur over time..
7.Conforming amendments
(a)Section 4 of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167b) is amended by striking section 6(f) each place it appears in subsections (c)(3), (c)(4), and (d)(2) and inserting section 6(e).
(b)Section 8 of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167f) is repealed.
8.Existing agreements
(a)In generalThis Act and the amendments made by this Act shall not affect or diminish the rights and obligations of the Secretary of the Interior and private parties under agreements in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, except to the extent that the agreements are renewed or extended after that date.
(b)DeliveryNo agreement described in subsection (a) shall affect or diminish the right of any party that purchases helium after the date of enactment of this Act in accordance with section 6 of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167d) (as amended by section 5) to receive delivery of the helium in accordance with section 5(e)(2) of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167c(e)(2)) (as amended by section 4).
9.RegulationsThe Secretary of the Interior shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act, including regulations necessary to prevent unfair acts and practices.
10.Amendments to other laws
(a)Secure rural schools and community self determination program
(1)Secure payments for States and counties containing Federal land
(A)Availability of paymentsSection 101 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7111) is amended by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2013.
(B)ElectionsSection 102(b) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7112(b)) is amended—
(i)in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013; and
(ii)in paragraph (2)(B), by striking 2012 each place it appears and inserting 2013.
(C)Distribution of payments to eligible countiesSection 103(d)(2) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7113(d)(2)) is amended by striking and 2012 and inserting through 2013.
(2)Continuation of authority to conduct special projects on federal landTitle II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 is amended—
(A)in section 203(a)(1) (16 U.S.C. 7123(a)(1)), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013;
(B)in section 204(e)(3)(B)(iii) (16 U.S.C. 7124(e)(3)(B)(iii)), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013;
(C)in section 205(a)(4) (16 U.S.C. 7125(a)(4)), by striking 2011 each place it appears and inserting 2012;
(D)in section 207(a) (16 U.S.C. 7127(a)), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013; and
(E)in section 208 (16 U.S.C. 7128)—
(i)in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013; and
(ii)in subsection (b), by striking 2013 and inserting 2014.
(3)Continuation of authority to reserve and use county fundsSection 304 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7144) is amended—
(A)in subsection (a), by striking 2012 and inserting 2013; and
(B)in subsection (b), by striking 2013 and inserting 2014.
(4)Authorization of appropriationsSection 402 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7152) is amended by striking 2012 and inserting 2013.
(b)Abandoned well remediationSection 349 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15907) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(i)Federally drilled wellsOut of any amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, $36,000,000 for fiscal year 2015, and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 shall be made available to the Secretary, without further appropriation and to remain available until expended, to remediate, reclaim, and close abandoned oil and gas wells on current or former National Petroleum Reserve land..
(c)National parks maintenance backlogSection 814(g) of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 1f) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(4)Available fundsOut of any amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $20,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior for fiscal year 2018, and $30,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior for fiscal year 2019, without further appropriation and to remain available until expended, to pay the Federal funding share of challenge cost-share agreements for deferred maintenance projects and to correct deficiencies in National Park Service infrastructure.
(5)Cost-share requirementNot less than 50 percent of the total cost of project for funds made available under paragraph (4) to pay the Federal funding share shall be derived from non-Federal sources, including in-kind contribution of goods and services fairly valued..
(d)Abandoned mine reclamation fundSection 411(h) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1240a(h)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(6)Supplemental funding
(A)Waiver of limitationNotwithstanding paragraph (5), the limitation on the total annual payments to a certified State or Indian tribe under this subsection shall not apply for fiscal years 2014 and 2015.
(B)Limitation on waiverNotwithstanding subparagraph (A), the total annual payment to a certified State or Indian tribe under this subsection for fiscal year 2014 shall not be more than $28,000,000 and for fiscal year 2015 shall not be more than $75,000,000.
(C)Insufficient amountsIf the total annual payment to a certified State or Indian tribe under paragraphs (1) and (2) is limited by subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall—
(i)give priority to making payments under paragraph (2); and
(ii)use any remaining funds to make payments under paragraph (1)..
(e)Soda ash royaltiesNotwithstanding section 24 of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 262) and the terms of any lease under that Act, the royalty rate on the quantity of gross value of the output of sodium compounds and related products at the point of shipment to market from Federal land in the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act shall be 4 percent.
(f)Authorization offsetSection 207(c) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17022(c)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: , except that the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section not appropriated as of the date of enactment of the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013 shall be reduced by $6,000,000.
 Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


114 HRES 476 IH: Supporting the establishment of a national Children’s Bill of Rights.
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-10-09
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.

		IV
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 476
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			October 9, 2015
			Mr. Gutiérrez (for himself, Ms. Bass, and Ms. Judy Chu of California) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

		RESOLUTION
		Supporting the establishment of a national Children’s Bill of Rights.

 Whereas all children and youth have the inalienable right to live in a just, safe, and supportive society; and
 Whereas this right belongs to all children, regardless of gender, class, race, ethnicity, national origin, culture, religion, immigration status, sexual orientation, or ability: Now, therefore, be it

 it is the sense of the House of Representatives that every child is entitled to— (1)physical well-being, including—
 (A)the right to be free from all forms of physical, psychological, or sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation;
 (B)the right to have the child’s essential needs met, including nutritious food, safe and accessible shelter, clothing, health care, and accessible transportation;
 (C)the right to a safe and healthy environment, including homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities;
 (D)the right to the care and protection of the State in which the child resides if there is no parent, legal guardian, or other caregiver willing and able to assume responsibility for the care and well-being of the child; and
 (E)the right to receive appropriate medical treatment, and the right to access affordable health insurance coverage, including effective therapeutic interventions for behavioral health;
 (2)social and emotional well-being, including— (A)the right to develop a healthy attachment to a parent, legal guardian, or caregiver, and the right to an ongoing relationship with a caring and supportive adult;
 (B)the right to remain with a parent, legal guardian, or caregiver, except when authorities determine separation is in the best interest of the child;
 (C)the right to be reunited with a parent, legal guardian, or caregiver should separation occur, with priority given to keeping children with their family or with kin in a home setting, whenever it remains in the child’s best interest to do so;
 (D)the right to maintain direct contact with parents on a regular basis when a child is separated from a parent, including cases in which a parent is incarcerated or detained, whenever it remains in the child’s best interest to do so;
 (E)the right to access sports and other extracurricular activities that support the child’s healthy social, emotional, and physical development;
 (F)the right to a voice in matters that affect the child, and the right to participation in age-appropriate forums, including representation on youth councils and other decisionmaking bodies;
 (G)the right to have the child’s best interest taken into consideration with regards to decisions that affect the child;
 (H)the right to have appropriate legal representation and a child advocate in legal proceedings to represent the interest of the child;
 (I)the right to rehabilitative services and periodic review if detained or incarcerated as a juvenile; and
 (J)the right to have parents, elected officials, and other adults consider the effect that their decisions will have on a child’s care and community; and
 (3)educational and life skills, including— (A)the right to a well-rounded, high-quality, and culturally competent education that promotes success in life and in future careers;
 (B)the right to access educational services and supports necessary to accommodate the child’s needs; (C)the right to a safe learning environment, and the right to be free from bullying;
 (D)the right to an education that is sufficiently funded to provide the child with the tools and technology necessary for a successful learning experience;
 (E)the right to be heard in age-appropriate ways on issues regarding the education of the child and to be represented on school boards and other decisionmaking bodies;
 (F)the right of access to training in life skills that will prepare the child to live independently and contribute to the child’s community; and
 (G)the right to protections from unfair and unsafe labor practices in the workforce.


115 HR 1246 IH: Territory Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-02-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1246IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 28, 2017Mr. Curbelo of Florida (for himself and Ms. Velázquez) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo exempt health insurance of residents of United States territories from the annual fee on health insurance providers.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Territory Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2017. 2.Health insurance of residents of United States territories exempt from annual fee on health insurance providers (a)In generalSection 9010(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (26 U.S.C. subtitle D front matter note) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(4)Exception for health insurance of residents of United States territories
(A)In generalSolely for purposes of paragraph (1)(A), the term United States health risk shall not include the health risk of any individual who is a bona fide resident of Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands (as determined under section 937(a)). (B)Exception not to increase fee allocationThe amount determined under paragraph (1)(B) shall be determined without regard to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph..
(b)ReportingSection 9010(g)(1) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (26 U.S.C. subtitle D front matter note) is amended by inserting (and the amount of such net premiums to which subsection (b)(4)(A) applies) before the period at the end. (c)Effective date (1)In generalThe amendments made by this section shall apply to calendar years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2)Transitional rule for reportingFor purposes of applying the amendment made by subsection (a) with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s designee) shall provide a method for covered entities to report the information described in the amendment made by subsection (b) for the calendar year which precedes such first calendar year.


110 HRES 570 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-07-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 570
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 25, 2007
			Mr. Davis of Illinois
			 submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Oversight and Government
			 Reform

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of the House of
		  Representatives that there should be established a National School-Based Health
		  Centers Month to raise awareness of health services provided by school health
		  centers.

		Whereas physical and mental health care is of vital
			 importance to ensuring the well-being of the youth in the United States;
		Whereas all youth deserve access to comprehensive health
			 care, yet youth are less likely than other age groups to have medical insurance
			 and have the lowest rate of utilization of health care;
		Whereas health centers are found in more than 1500 schools
			 across the United States;
		Whereas enrollment rates at school health centers of 65 to
			 85 percent are important evidence of overwhelming parental support for these
			 centers;
		Whereas school-based health centers improve the lives of
			 the Nation’s youth and their families by offering affordable and accessible
			 high-quality health care and health education;
		Whereas high-quality physical and mental health care is
			 necessary for the Nation’s students to attain high levels of academic
			 achievement;
		Whereas school-based health centers offer this necessary
			 combination by providing medical care in addition to preventive and mental
			 services;
		Whereas school-based health centers are supported by a
			 diverse range of members of the community, including parents, teachers, school
			 administrators, and other concerned citizens; and
		Whereas school-based health centers serve as a vital link
			 in the Nation’s health care network: Now, therefore, be it

		That it is the sense of the House of
			 Representatives that—
			(1)there should be
			 established a School-Based Health Center Awareness Month to
			 raise awareness of the health services provided by schools and the extent to
			 which these services improve the health and well-being of the Nation’s youth;
			 and
			(2)the President
			 should issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States and
			 interested organizations to observe such a month with appropriate programs and
			 activities.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4273
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 10, 2009
			Ms. Kilpatrick of
			 Michigan (for herself, Mr.
			 Grijalva, and Mr. Wilson of
			 Ohio) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		A BILL
		To establish and carry out a pediatric specialty loan
		  repayment program.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Pediatric Workforce Investment
			 Act.
		2.Investment in
			 tomorrow’s pediatric specialty workforce
			(a)EstablishmentThe
			 Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the
			 Secretary), acting through the Administrator of the Health
			 Resources and Services Administration, shall establish and carry out a
			 pediatric specialty loan repayment program under which the eligible individual
			 agrees to be employed full-time for a specified period (which shall not be less
			 than 2 years) in providing pediatric medical subspecialty, surgical specialty,
			 or psychiatric subspecialty care.
			(b)Program
			 AdministrationThrough the program established under this
			 section, the Secretary shall enter into contracts with qualified health
			 professionals under which—
				(1)such qualified
			 health professionals will agree to provide pediatric medical subspecialty,
			 surgical specialty, or psychiatric subspecialty care in an area with a shortage
			 of the specified pediatric subspecialty that has a sufficient pediatric
			 population to support such pediatric subspecialty, as determined by the
			 Secretary; and
				(2)the Secretary
			 agrees to make payments on the principal and interest of undergraduate or
			 graduate medical education loans of professionals described in paragraph (1) of
			 not more than $35,000 a year for each year of agreed upon service under such
			 paragraph for a period of not more than 3 years during the qualified health
			 professional’s—
					(A)participation in
			 an accredited pediatric medical subspecialty, surgical specialty, or psychiatry
			 subspecialty residency or fellowship; or
					(B)employment as a
			 pediatric medical subspecialist, surgical specialist, or psychiatric
			 subspecialist serving an area or population described in such paragraph.
					(c)Qualified Health
			 ProfessionalFor purposes of this section, the term
			 qualified health professional means a licensed physician
			 who—
				(1)is entering or
			 receiving training in an accredited pediatric medical subspecialty or pediatric
			 surgical specialty residency or fellowship; or
				(2)has completed (but
			 not prior to the end of the calendar year in which this Act is enacted) the
			 training described in paragraph (1).
				(d)Additional
			 Eligibility RequirementThe Secretary may not enter into a
			 contract under this section with a qualified health professional unless the
			 individual is a United States citizen or a permanent legal United States
			 resident.
			(e)Determination of
			 Shortage AreasFor purposes of this section, an area shall be
			 determined to be an area with a shortage of a specified pediatric subspecialty
			 based on—
				(1)waiting times for
			 patient care;
				(2)recruitment for
			 unfilled positions; or
				(3)the ratio of the
			 number of children who reside in the area who are in need of such pediatric
			 subspecialty care to the number of pediatric subspecialists furnishing such
			 services within 100 miles of the area.
				(f)Authorization of
			 AppropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
			 out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1742
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 1, 2009
			Mr. Whitehouse (for
			 himself, Mr. Casey, and
			 Mr. Specter) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide
		  assistance for graduate medical education funding for women's
		  hospitals.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Women's Hospitals Education Equity
			 Act.
		2.Support of
			 graduate medical education programs in women's hospitalsSubpart IX of part D of title III of the
			 Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 256e et seq.) is amended—
			(1)in the subpart
			 heading, by adding and
			 women's hospitals at the end; and
			(2)by adding at the
			 end the following:

					340E-1.Support of
				graduate medical education programs in women's hospitals
						(a)PaymentsThe
				Secretary shall make two payments under this section to each women's hospital
				for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014, one for the direct expenses and the
				other for indirect expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical
				residency training programs. The Secretary shall promulgate regulations
				pursuant to the rulemaking requirements of title 5, United States Code, which
				shall govern payments made under this subpart.
						(b)Amount of
				payments
							(1)In
				generalSubject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the amounts payable
				under this section to a women's hospital for an approved graduate medical
				residency training program for a fiscal year shall be each of the
				following:
								(A)Direct expense
				amountThe amount determined in accordance with subsection (c)
				for direct expenses associated with operating approved graduate medical
				residency training programs for a fiscal year.
								(B)Indirect
				expense amountThe amount determined in accordance with
				subsection (c) for indirect expenses associated with the treatment of more
				severely ill patients and the additional costs relating to teaching residents
				in such programs for a fiscal year.
								(2)Capped
				amount
								(A)In
				generalThe total of the payments made to women's hospitals under
				paragraph (1)(A) or paragraph (1)(B) in a fiscal year shall not exceed the
				funds appropriated under subsection (f) for such payments for that fiscal
				year.
								(B)Pro rata
				reductions of payments for direct expensesIf the Secretary
				determines that the amount of funds appropriated under subsection (e) for a
				fiscal year is insufficient to provide the total amount of payments otherwise
				due for such periods under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall reduce the
				amounts so payable on a pro rata basis to reflect such shortfall.
								(3)Annual
				reporting requiredThe provisions of subsection (b)(3) of section
				340E shall apply to women's hospitals under this section in the same manner as
				such provisions apply to children's hospitals under such section 340E. In
				applying such provisions, the Secretary may make such modifications as may be
				necessary to apply such provisions to women's hospitals.
							(c)Application of
				certain provisionsThe provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of
				section 340E shall apply to women's hospitals under this section in the same
				manner as such provisions apply to children's hospitals under such section
				340E. In applying such provisions, the Secretary may make such modifications as
				may be necessary to apply such provisions to women's hospitals.
						(d)Making of payments
							(1)Interim
				paymentsThe Secretary shall determine, before the beginning of
				each fiscal year involved for which payments may be made for a hospital under
				this section, the amounts of the payments for direct graduate medical education
				and indirect medical education for such fiscal year and shall (subject to
				paragraph (2)) make the payments of such amounts in 12 equal interim
				installments during such period. Such interim payments to each individual
				hospital shall be based on the number of residents reported in the hospital's
				most recently filed Medicare cost report prior to the application date for the
				Federal fiscal year for which the interim payment amounts are established. In
				the case of a hospital that does not report residents on a Medicare cost
				report, such interim payments shall be based on the number of residents trained
				during the hospital's most recently completed Medicare cost report filing
				period.
							(2)WithholdingThe
				Secretary shall withhold up to 25 percent from each interim installment for
				direct and indirect graduate medical education paid under paragraph (1) as
				necessary to ensure a hospital will not be overpaid on an interim basis.
							(3)ReconciliationPrior
				to the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall determine any changes to
				the number of residents reported by a hospital in the application of the
				hospital for the current fiscal year to determine the final amount payable to
				the hospital for the current fiscal year for both direct expense and indirect
				expense amounts. Based on such determination, the Secretary shall recoup any
				overpayments made and pay any balance due to the extent possible. The final
				amount so determined shall be considered a final intermediary determination for
				the purposes of section 1878 of the Social Security Act and shall be subject to
				administrative and judicial review under that section in the same manner as the
				amount of payment under section 1886(d) of such Act is subject to review under
				such section.
							(e)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry
				out this section, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, and such sums as may be
				necessary for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2014.
						(f)DefinitionsIn
				this section:
							(1)Approved
				graduate medical residency training programThe term
				approved graduate medical residency training program has the
				meaning given the term approved medical residency training program
				in section 1886(h)(5)(A) of the Social Security Act.
							(2)Direct graduate medical education
				costsThe term direct
				graduate medical education costs has the meaning given such term in
				section 1886(h)(5)(C) of the Social Security Act.
							(3)Women's
				hospitalThe term women's hospital means a
				hospital—
								(A)that has a
				Medicare provider agreement under title XVIII of the Social Security
				Act;
								(B)that has an
				approved graduate medical residency training program;
								(C)that has not been
				excluded from the Medicare prospective payment system;
								(D)that had at least
				3,000 births during 2007, as determined by the Centers for Medicare &
				Medicaid Services; and
								(E)with respect to
				which and as determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services,
				less than 4 percent of the total discharges from the hospital during 2007 were
				Medicare discharges of individuals who, as of the time of the discharge—
									(i)were enrolled in
				the original Medicare fee-for-service program under part A of title XVIII of
				the Social Security Act; and
									(ii)were not
				enrolled in—
										(I)a Medicare
				Advantage plan under part C of title XVIII of that Act;
										(II)an eligible
				organization under section 1876 of that Act; or
										(III)a PACE program
				under section 1894 of that
				Act.
										.