110 HR 1118 IH: To amend the Controlled Substances Act to enhance

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-02-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1118
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 16, 2007
			Mr. Keller of Florida
			 (for himself, Mr. Smith of Texas, and
			 Mr. Forbes) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on the Judiciary, 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 concerned

		A BILL
		To amend the Controlled Substances Act to enhance
		  criminal penalties for drug trafficking offenses relating to distribution of
		  heroin, marihuana, and methamphetamine and distribution to and use of children,
		  and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Drug
			 Trafficking Elimination Act of 2007.
		ICriminal
			 Enhancements
			101.Criminal
			 enhancements for unlawful manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or
			 possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or possess large amounts of
			 heroin, marihuana, and methamphetamineSection 401(b)(1) of the Controlled
			 Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following new subparagraph:

					(E)In the case of a violation of
				subsection (a) of this section involving—
						(i)more than 10 kilograms of a mixture or
				substance containing a detectable amount of heroin;
						(ii)more than 10,000 kilograms of a
				mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of marihuana, or more than
				10,000 marihuana plants regardless of weight; or
						(iii)more than 500 grams of
				methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers or more than 1.5
				kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of
				methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers,
						such
				person shall be subject to the same penalties as applicable under subparagraph
				(A) of this paragraph, except that such person shall be sentenced to a term of
				imprisonment which may not be less than 20
				years..
			102.Criminal
			 enhancements for unlawful importation and exportation of large amounts of
			 heroin, marihuana, and methamphetamineSection 1010(b) of the Controlled Substances
			 Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 960(b)) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following new paragraph:

					(5)In the case of a violation of
				subsection (a) of this section involving—
						(A)more than 10 kilograms of a mixture or
				substance containing a detectable amount of heroin;
						(B)more than 10,000 kilograms of a mixture or
				substance containing a detectable amount of marihuana; or
						(C)more than 500 grams of
				methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers or more than 1.5
				kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of
				methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers,
						the person
				committing such violation shall be subject to the same penalties as applicable
				under paragraph (1) of this subsection, except that such person shall be
				sentenced to a term of imprisonment which may not be less than 20
				years..
			103.Manufacturing
			 controlled substances on Federal propertySection 401(b)(5) of the Controlled
			 Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(b)(5)) is amended to read as follows:

					(5)Manufacture or cultivation on
				Federal propertyAny person who violates subsection (a) of this
				section by manufacturing or cultivating a controlled substance on Federal
				property shall be imprisoned for a term of not more than 10 years, which shall
				be imposed consecutively and in addition to the penalty imposed under paragraph
				(1).
					.
			104.Use of hazardous
			 substances on Federal landSection 401(b)(6) of the Controlled
			 Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(b)(6)) is amended to read as follows:

					(6)Use of hazardous
				substancesAny person who violates subsection (a) and knowingly
				uses a poison, chemical, or other hazardous substance on Federal land, and by
				such use—
						(A)creates a serious hazard to humans,
				wildlife, or domestic animals;
						(B)degrades or harms the environment or
				natural resources; or
						(C)pollutes an aquifer, spring, stream,
				river, or body of water,
						shall be
				imprisoned for a term of not more than 5 years, which shall be imposed
				consecutively and in addition to the penalty imposed under paragraphs (1) and
				(5)..
			105.Listed
			 chemicalsSection 401(c) of
			 the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(c)) is amended by striking
			 20 years and 10 years and inserting 30
			 years and 20 years, respectively.
			106.Murder and
			 other violent crimes related to drug trafficking, and dangerous drug
			 trafficking organizations
				(a)Murder and other
			 violent crimes committed during and in relation to a drug trafficking
			 crimePart D of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841 et
			 seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

						424.Murder and other violent crimes committed during and in
		  relation to a drug trafficking crime(a)In
				generalWhoever commits, or
				conspires, or attempts to commit, a crime of violence during and in relation to
				a drug trafficking crime, shall, unless the death penalty is otherwise imposed,
				in addition and consecutive to the punishment provided for the drug trafficking
				crime and in addition to being subject to a fine under title 18, United States
				Code—
								(1)if the crime of
				violence results in the death of any person, be sentenced to death or life in
				prison;
								(2)if the crime of
				violence is kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, or maiming, be imprisoned for
				life or any term of years not less than 30;
								(3)if the crime of violence is assault
				resulting in serious bodily injury, be imprisoned for life or any term of years
				not less than 20; and
								(4)in any other case,
				be imprisoned for life or for any term of years not less than 10.
								(b)VenueA
				prosecution for a violation of this section may be brought in—
								(1)the judicial
				district in which the murder or other crime of violence occurred; or
								(2)any judicial
				district in which the drug trafficking crime may be prosecuted.
								(c)DefinitionsAs
				used in this section—
								(1)the term
				aggravated sexual abuse means an offense that, if committed in the
				special maritime and territorial jurisdiction would be an offense under section
				2241(a) of title 18, United States Code;
								(2)the term
				crime of violence has the meaning given that term in section 16 of
				title 18, United States Code;
								(3)the term
				drug trafficking crime has the meaning given that term in section
				924(c)(2) of title 18, United States Code; and
								(4)the term
				serious bodily injury has the meaning given that term in section
				1365 of title 18, United States Code.
								.
				(b)Dangerous drug
			 trafficking organizationsPart D of such Act is further amended
			 by adding after section 424, as added by subsection (a) of this section, the
			 following new section:

						425.Dangerous drug trafficking organizations(a)In
				generalAny person who knowingly engages in a dangerous drug
				trafficking organization, as defined in subsection (b), shall be imprisoned for
				not less than 20 years nor more than life, fined in accordance with the
				provisions of title 18, United States Code, or both.
							(b)Dangerous drug
				trafficking organization definedFor purposes of this section,
				the term dangerous drug trafficking organization means a formal or
				informal group, organization, or association of 5 or more individuals—
								(1)that has as one of
				its purposes the commission of one or more drug trafficking crimes (as defined
				in section 924(c)(2) of title 18, United States Code);
								(2)one or more of the
				members of which commit or have committed, in furtherance of such
				purpose—
									(A)more than one
				violation of this part the punishment of which is a felony; and
									(B)2 or more
				violations, in 2 or more separate criminal episodes, of section 424; and
									(3)the activities of
				which involve at least 50 times the quantity of a substance described in
				section 401(b)(1)(B).
								(c)Extraterritorial
				jurisdictionThere is jurisdiction over an offense under this
				section committed outside the United States if the individual committing the
				offense is a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted to the
				United States for permanent residence (as defined in section 101(a)(20) of the
				Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
				1101(a)(20)).
							.
				(c)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of contents for the Comprehensive Drug Abuse
			 Prevention and Control Act of 1970 is amended by inserting after the item
			 relating to section 423 the following:

							Sec. 424. Murder and other violent crimes
				committed during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
							Sec. 425. Dangerous drug trafficking
				organizations.

						.
				IIProtecting
			 Children From Drug Traffickers
			201.Distribution to
			 persons under age 21 and pregnant persons
				(a)In
			 generalSection 418 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C.
			 859) is amended to read as follows:

						418.Distribution to persons under age 21 and pregnant
		  persons(a)Distribution to
				persons under 21Except as provided in subsection (b), any person
				at least 18 years of age who violates section 401(a)(1) by distributing a
				controlled substance to a person under 21 years of age shall be sentenced to a
				term of imprisonment of not less than 3 years nor more than 10 years in
				addition and consecutive to any punishment under section 401(b). The mandatory
				minimum sentencing provisions of this subsection shall not apply to offenses
				involving 5 grams or less of marihuana.
							(b)Distribution to
				pregnant personsExcept as
				authorized by this title, any person who knowingly provides or distributes any
				controlled substance to a pregnant individual in violation of any provision of
				this title shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 3
				years nor more than 10 years in addition and consecutive to any punishment
				under section 401(b).
							(c)Second or
				subsequent offensesAny
				person at least 18 years of age who violates subsections (a) or (b) after a
				prior conviction under section 401(a) has become final shall be sentenced to a
				term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years nor more than 20 years in
				addition and consecutive to any punishment under section 401(b). Penalties for
				third and subsequent convictions shall be governed by section 401(b)(1)(A).
							.
				(b)Clerical
			 amendmentThe item relating to section 418
			 in the table of contents for the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and
			 Control Act of 1970 is amended to read as follows:

							Sec. 418. Distribution to persons under
				age 21 and pregnant
				persons.

						.
				202.Distribution in
			 or near schoolsSection 419 of
			 the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 860) is amended to read as
			 follows:

					419.Distribution in or near schools(a)In
				generalExcept as provided by
				subsection (b), whoever violates section 401(a)(1) or section 416 by
				distributing, possessing with intent to distribute, or manufacturing a
				controlled substance in or on, or within one thousand feet of, the real
				property comprising a public or private elementary, vocational, or secondary
				school or a public or private college, junior college, or university, or a
				playground, or housing facility owned by a public housing authority, or within
				100 feet of a public or private youth center, public swimming pool, or video
				arcade facility, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than
				3 years nor more than 10 years in addition and consecutive to any punishment
				under section 401(b). The mandatory minimum sentencing provisions of this
				subsection shall not apply to offenses involving 5 grams or less of
				marihuana.
						(b)Second or
				subsequent offensesWhoever
				violates subsection (a) after a prior conviction under section 401(a) has
				become final shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 5
				years nor more than 20 years in addition and consecutive to any punishment
				under section 401(b). Penalties for third and subsequent convictions shall be
				governed by section 401(b)(1)(A).
						(c)DefinitionsAs
				used in this section—
							(1)the term
				playground means any outdoor facility (including any parking lot
				appurtenant thereto) intended for recreation, open to the public, and with any
				portion thereof containing three or more separate apparatus intended for the
				recreation of children including, but not limited to, sliding boards,
				swingsets, and teeterboards;
							(2)the term
				youth center means any recreational facility and/or gymnasium
				(including any parking lot appurtenant thereto), intended primarily for use by
				persons under 18 years of age, which regularly provides athletic, civic, or
				cultural activities.
							(3)the term
				video arcade facility means any facility, legally accessible to
				children, intended primarily for the use of pinball and video machines for
				amusement containing a minimum of ten machines that are either pinball or video
				machines; and
							(4)the term
				swimming pool includes any parking lot appurtenant
				thereto.
							.
			203.Employment or
			 use of persons under 18 years of age in drug operationsSection 420 of the Controlled Substances Act
			 (21 U.S.C. 861) is amended to read as follows:

					420.Employment or use of persons under 18 years of age in drug
		  operations(a)Any person at least 18
				years of age who knowingly—
							(1)employs, hires,
				uses, persuades, induces, entices, or coerces, a person under 18 years of age
				to violate any provision of this title or title III;
							(2)employs, hires,
				uses, persuades, induces, entices, or coerces a person under 18 years of age to
				assist in avoiding detection or apprehension, for any such violation, by any
				Federal, State, or local law enforcement official; or
							(3)receives a
				controlled substance from a person under 18 years of age, other than an
				immediate family member, in violation of this title or title III
							shall be
				sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 3 years nor more than 10
				years in addition and consecutive to any punishment under section
				401(b).(b)Whoever violates subsection (a) after a
				prior conviction under section 401(a) has become final shall be sentenced to a
				term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years nor more than 20 years in
				addition and consecutive to any punishment under section 401(b). Penalties for
				third and subsequent convictions shall be governed by section
				401(b)(1)(A).
						.
			204.Maintaining
			 drug-involved premises in relation to involvement of childrenSection 416(b) of the Controlled Substances
			 Act (21 U.S.C. 856(b)) is amended by inserting (1) before Any
			 person and by adding the following new paragraph:

					(2)Any person who
				violates subsection (a) knowing that the manufacture, distribution, storage, or
				use of any controlled substance involves a person under the age of 18 shall be
				sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years nor more than 20
				years.
					.
			205.Modification of
			 safety valve provisionSection
			 3553(f) of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
				(1)in paragraph (4),
			 by inserting and was not engaged in a dangerous drug trafficking
			 organization (as defined in section 425 of the Controlled Substances
			 Act) after section 408 of the Controlled Substances
			 Act;
				(2)by
			 striking and at the end of paragraph (4);
				(3)by redesignating
			 paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
				(4)by inserting after
			 paragraph (4) the following:

						(5)no part of the offense or relevant conduct
				involved manufacturing, possessing with intent to distribute, or distributing
				any controlled substance in or near the presence of a child or conduct
				constituting an offense under section 418, 419, or 420 of the Controlled
				Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 859, 860, or 861);
				and
						.
				IIINational Drug
			 Trafficking Enforcement Strategy
			301.National
			 enforcement strategy
				(a)Development of
			 strategyThe Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary
			 of Homeland Security, shall develop a National Drug Trafficking Enforcement
			 Strategy.
				(b)ReportNot
			 later than February 1 of each year, the Attorney General shall submit to the
			 Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Representatives a
			 report containing the following:
					(1)A
			 description of the drug enforcement activities of the Federal Bureau of
			 Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Department of Homeland
			 Security, and other Federal law enforcement agencies, including international
			 and domestic enforcement strategies and coordination efforts among all law
			 enforcement agencies.
					(2)A
			 description of the allocation of the resources of the entities listed in
			 paragraph (1) for the investigation and prosecution of alleged violations of
			 the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), including violations
			 involving significant drug trafficking organizations.
					(3)A
			 description of measures being taken to give priority in the allocation of such
			 resources described in paragraph (2) to alleged violations involving—
						(A)persons who have
			 imported into the United States substantial quantities of controlled
			 substances; and
						(B)persons involved
			 in violations that have endangered children.


116 HR 6304 IH: Small Business Repayment Relief Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-03-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6304IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 19, 2020Mr. Delgado introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Small BusinessA BILLTo authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to subsidize payments on loans guaranteed under the 7(a) and 504 loan programs or made using funds under the microloan program, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Small Business Repayment Relief Act of 2020.2.Subsidy for certain loan payments(a)DefinitionsIn this section—(1)the terms Administration and Administrator mean the Small Business Administration and the Administrator thereof; and(2)the term covered loan means a loan that is—(A)guaranteed by the Administration under—(i)section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)), including a loan made under the Community Advantage Pilot Program of the Administration; or(ii)title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.); or(B)made by an intermediary to a small business concern (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) using loans or grants received under section 7(m) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(m)).(b)Sense of congressIt is the sense of Congress that—(1)all borrowers are adversely affected by COVID–19;(2)relief payments by the Administration are appropriate for all borrowers; and(3)in addition to the relief provided under this Act, the Administration should encourage lenders to provide payment deferments, when appropriate, and to extend the maturity of covered loans, so as to avoid balloon payments or any requirement for increases in debt payments resulting from deferments provided by lenders during the period of the national emergency declared by the President under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19).(c)Principal and interest payments(1)In generalThe Administrator shall pay the principal, interest, and any associated fees that are owed on a covered loan in a regular servicing status—(A)with respect to a covered loan made before the date of enactment of this Act and not on deferment, for the 6-month period beginning with the next payment due on the covered loan;(B)with respect to a covered loan made before the date of enactment of this Act and on deferment, for the 6-month period beginning with the next payment due on the covered loan after the deferment period; and(C)with respect to a covered loan made during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date that is 6 months after such date of enactment, for the 6-month period beginning with the first payment due on the covered loan.(2)Timing of paymentThe Administrator shall begin making payments under paragraph (1) on a covered loan not later than 30 days after the date on which the first such payment is due.(3)Application of paymentAny payment made by the Administrator under paragraph (1) shall be applied to the covered loan such that the borrower is relieved of the obligation to pay that amount.(d)Other requirementsThe Administrator shall—(1)communicate and coordinate with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and State bank regulators to encourage those entities to not require lenders to increase their reserves on account of receiving payments made by the Administrator under subsection (c);(2)waive statutory limits on maximum loan maturities for any covered loan durations where the lender provides a deferral and extends the maturity of covered loans during the 1-year period following the date of enactment of this Act; and(3)when necessary to provide more time because of the potential of higher volumes, travel restrictions, and the inability to access some properties during the COVID–19 pandemic, extend lender site visit requirements to—(A)not more than 60 days (which may be extended at the discretion of the Administration) after the occurrence of an adverse event, other than a payment default, causing a loan to be classified as in liquidation; and(B)not more than 90 days after a payment default.(e)Rule of constructionNothing in this section may be construed to limit the authority of the Administrator to make payments pursuant to subsection (c) with respect to a covered loan solely because the covered loan has been sold in the secondary market.(f)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $16,800,000,000 to carry out this section.


113 HR 4828 IH: Innovative STEM Networks Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-06-10
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4828
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 10, 2014
			Mr. Garcia introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

		A BILL
		To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to award grants to establish STEM
			 Innovation Networks.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Innovative STEM Networks Act or the I-STEM Act.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)According to the Council on Foreign Relations, 60 percent of U.S. employers are having difficulties
			 finding qualified workers to fill vacancies at their companies.
			(2)Office of Science and Technology and Policy states that STEM occupations will grow 1.7 times faster than non-STEM occupations over the period from 2008
			 through 2018.
			(3)According to the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, at all levels of
			 educational attainment, STEM job holders earn 11 percent higher wages
			 compared with their same-degree counterparts in other jobs.
			(4)The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices also states that The top 10 bachelor-degree majors with the highest median earnings are all in STEM fields.
			(5)According to the Harris STEM Survey, although most parents of K–12 students (93 percent) believe
			 that STEM education should be a priority in the U.S., only half (49
			 percent) agreed that it actually is a top priority for this country.
			(6)The Harris STEM Survey also states that Only one in five STEM college students felt that their K–12 education prepared them extremely well
			 for their college courses in STEM..
			3.STEM Innovation NetworksTitle II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) is amended
			 by adding at the end the following new part:

				ESTEM Innovation Networks
					2501.PurposeIt is the purpose of this part to authorize a program to provide competitive grants to State
			 educational agencies or local educational agencies to establish STEM
			 innovation networks in partnership with institutions of higher education,
			 nonprofit organizations, other public agencies, or businesses to increase
			 the number of students who are effectively prepared for postsecondary
			 education and careers in STEM fields by—
						(1)working with States and local educational agencies to develop comprehensive plans for identifying,
			 developing, testing, and implementing evidence-based practices to provide
			 rich STEM learning opportunities for students; and
						(2)supporting the implementation of such plans by employing of wide range of strategies, depending on
			 local needs, including the recruitment, preparation, and professional
			 development of effective STEM educators, the development and testing of
			 teaching and learning models that enable students to successfully meet
			 STEM-focused State academic standards developed under section 1111, and
			 student engagement in STEM subjects.
						2502.Grant program
						(a)In generalFrom the amounts appropriated under subsection (i), the Secretary shall award grants, on a
			 competitive basis, to eligible entities to establish STEM Innovation
			 networks to increase student achievement in STEM subjects and increase the
			 number of students who are effectively prepared for postsecondary
			 education and careers in STEM fields.
						(b)Number of grantsThe Secretary shall award not less than 5 and not more than 10 grants under this section for each
			 fiscal year.
						(c)PriorityIn awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that
			 include a high-need local educational agency or a State educational agency
			 that serves a high-need local educational agency.
						(d)Application
							(1)In generalAn eligible entity that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary
			 an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
			 information as the Secretary may require.
							(2)ContentsAn application submitted by an eligible entity under paragraph (1) shall include a description of
			 the activities that will be carried out with the grant received under this
			 section, and how such activities will address the needs identified by the
			 eligible entity, with respect to preparing students for postsecondary
			 education and careers in STEM fields, including—
								(A)a description of the data for elementary schools and secondary schools in the State or States
			 served by the eligible entity on—
									(i)student achievement in the STEM subjects;
									(ii)teacher evaluation results or ratings in STEM subjects; and
									(iii)student access to STEM subjects, especially for students enrolled in high-need schools or residing
			 in high-need communities;
									(B)a review of the workforce needs in the State or States served by the eligible entity in occupations
			 and sectors that require knowledge or training in STEM subjects;
								(C)based on a review of the data described in subparagraph (A) and the workforce needs under
			 subparagraph (B)—
									(i)an identification of the STEM subjects that the eligible entity will address with the grant funds;
			 and
									(ii)a description of the activities the eligible entity will carry out to improve instruction in such
			 STEM subjects using evidence-based programs of instruction that are
			 aligned with State academic standards and assessments developed under
			 section 1111;
									(D)a description of how the activities carried out with the grant funds will integrate with informal
			 STEM programs;
								(E)results from an analysis carried out before the submission of such application by the eligible
			 entity or a member of the eligible entity of STEM subject education
			 quality and outcomes in the State or States served by the eligible entity,
			 if available;
								(F)whether the eligible entity will provide matching funds from private sources (which are not
			 Federal, State, or local sources) to carry out the activities under
			 subsection (e); and
								(G)a description of how the activities carried out with the grant funds will be coordinated with other
			 Federal, State, and local programs and activities relating to STEM, and
			 how the activities carried out with the grant funds may improve or benefit
			 such other programs and activities.
								(e)Uses of funds
							(1)Required activitiesAn eligible entity shall use a grant received under this section to establish and maintain STEM
			 innovation networks to effectively prepare students for postsecondary
			 education and careers in STEM fields by carrying out the following:
								(A)Increasing student awareness about STEM career pathways that reflect the STEM workforce needs
			 identified under subsection (d)(2)(B).
								(B)Developing statewide plans that integrate and align workforce needs with education and training
			 programs that prepare students for college degree pathways and careers in
			 STEM fields, which result in 2-year degrees, trade certifications, or
			 other measures of STEM-specific workforce skills.
								(C)Identifying points of weakness and strength of State STEM education efforts, prioritizing
			 strategies for addressing problem areas with respect to such efforts, and
			 communicating the needs of the State or States served by the eligible
			 entity.
								(2)Authorized activitiesAn eligible entity may use a grant received under this section to carry out the following:
								(A)Promoting and developing in school and out-of-school curricular tools and professional development
			 for STEM educators at the elementary school and secondary school levels.
								(B)Providing induction and mentoring services to new teachers in STEM subjects that the eligible
			 entity identifies under subsection (d)(2)(C).
								(C)Promoting and developing rigorous undergraduate preservice teacher programs at institutions of
			 higher education that emphasize STEM content.
								(D)Supporting the participation of elementary school and secondary school students (especially
			 students enrolled in high-need schools or residing in high-need
			 communities) in competitions, out-of-school activities, and field
			 experiences related to STEM subjects.
								(E)Assisting in the implementation and assessment of rigorous career and college ready standards in
			 STEM education for students in prekindergarten through grade 12.
								(F)Developing STEM-related education and workforce training programs in secondary schools and
			 community colleges to reflect the needs of the local community.
								(f)Supplement, not supplantFunds received under this part shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, funds that would
			 otherwise be used for activities authorized under this part.
						(g)Maintenance of EffortA State that receives funds under this part for a fiscal year shall maintain the fiscal effort
			 provided by the State for the STEM subjects supported by the funds under
			 this part at a level equal to or greater than the level of such fiscal
			 effort for the preceding fiscal year.
						(h)Definitions
							(1)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means 1 or more State educational agencies or local educational agencies in partnership with 1 or
			 more of the following entities that have a demonstrated record of success
			 in improving student achievement in STEM subjects:
								(A)A nonprofit organization.
								(B)A business.
								(C)A STEM faculty or teacher training department of an institution of higher education.
								(D)An educational service agency.
								(E)Another entity.
								(2)Community collegeThe term community college has the meaning given the term in section 3301.
							(3)High-need communityThe term high-need community has the meaning given the term in section 2151(e)(9).
							(4)High-need local educational agencyThe term high-need local educational agency has the meaning given the term in section 2102.
							(5)High-need schoolThe term high-need school has the meaning given the term in section 2312.
							(6)Informal STEM programThe term informal STEM program means a STEM program that takes place outside of a standard school setting, and may include an
			 afterschool, out-of-school, summer, or other STEM education program that
			 takes place outside of the regular school day in a school setting or other
			 learning environment.
							(7)STEMThe term STEM means science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, including other academic subjects or
			 fields—
								(A)that build on those disciplines, such as computer science; or
								(B)that a State identifies as important to the workforce of the State.
								(i)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 and each succeeding
			 fiscal year..
		4.Conforming amendmentThe table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
			 6301 et seq.) is amended by inserting after the item relating to part D of
			 title II the following:

					Part E—STEM Innovation Networks
					Sec. 2501. Purpose.
					Sec. 2502. Grant program..


109 HR 5581 IH: Government Credit Card Abuse

U.S. House of Representatives
2006-06-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		109th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5581
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 9, 2006
			Mr. Wilson of South
			 Carolina introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Government
			 Reform, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Armed Services, 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 prevent abuse of Government credit
		  cards.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Government Credit Card Abuse
			 Prevention Act of 2006.
		2.Management of
			 purchase cards
			(a)Required
			 safeguards and internal controlsThe head of each executive
			 agency that issues and uses purchase cards and convenience checks shall
			 establish and maintain safeguards and internal controls to ensure the
			 following:
				(1)That there is a
			 record in each executive agency of each holder of a purchase card issued by the
			 agency for official use, annotated with the limitations on single transaction
			 and total credit amounts that are applicable to the use of each such card by
			 that purchase cardholder.
				(2)That each purchase
			 card holder is assigned an approving official other than the card holder with
			 the authority to approve or disapprove expenditures.
				(3)That the holder of
			 a purchase card and each official with authority to authorize expenditures
			 charged to the purchase card are responsible for—
					(A)reconciling the
			 charges appearing on each statement of account for that purchase card with
			 receipts and other supporting documentation; and
					(B)forwarding such
			 reconciliation to the designated official who certifies the bill for payment in
			 a timely manner.
					(4)That any disputed
			 purchase card charge, and any discrepancy between a receipt and other
			 supporting documentation and the purchase card statement of account, is
			 resolved in the manner prescribed in the applicable Governmentwide purchase
			 card contract entered into by the Administrator of General Services.
				(5)That payments on
			 purchase card accounts are made promptly within prescribed deadlines to avoid
			 interest penalties.
				(6)That rebates and
			 refunds based on prompt payment on purchase card accounts are monitored for
			 accuracy and properly recorded as a receipt to the agency that pays the monthly
			 bill.
				(7)That records of
			 each purchase card transaction (including records on associated contracts,
			 reports, accounts, and invoices) are retained in accordance with standard
			 Government policies on the disposition of records.
				(8)That periodic
			 reviews are performed to determine whether each purchase cardholder has a need
			 for the purchase card.
				(9)That appropriate
			 training is provided to each purchase cardholder and each official with
			 responsibility for overseeing the use of purchase cards issued by an executive
			 agency.
				(10)That the
			 executive agency has specific policies regarding the number of purchase cards
			 issued by various organizations and categories of organizations, the credit
			 limits authorized for various categories of cardholders, and categories of
			 employees eligible to be issued purchase cards, and that those policies are
			 designed to minimize the financial risk to the Federal Government of the
			 issuance of the purchase cards and to ensure the integrity of purchase
			 cardholders.
				(11)That the executive
			 agency utilizes technologies to prevent or identify fraudulent purchases,
			 including controlling merchant codes and utilizing statistical machine learning
			 and pattern recognition technologies that review the risk of every
			 transaction.
				(12)That the
			 executive agency invalidates the purchase card of each employee who—
					(A)ceases to be
			 employed by the agency immediately upon termination of the employment of the
			 employee; or
					(B)transfers to
			 another unit of the agency immediately upon the transfer of the
			 employee.
					(13)That the executive
			 agency takes steps to recover the cost of any improper or fraudulent purchase
			 made by an employee, including, as necessary, through salary offsets.
				(b)Management of
			 purchase cardsThe head of each executive agency shall prescribe
			 regulations implementing the safeguards and internal controls in subsection
			 (a). The regulations shall be consistent with regulations that apply
			 Governmentwide regarding the use of purchase cards by Government personnel for
			 official purposes.
			(c)Penalties for
			 violationsThe regulations prescribed under subsection (b) shall
			 provide for appropriate adverse personnel actions or other punishment to be
			 imposed in cases in which employees of an executive agency violate such
			 regulations or are negligent or engage in misuse, abuse, or fraud with respect
			 to a purchase card, including imposition of the following penalties:
				(1)In the case of an
			 employee who is suspected by the executive agency to have engaged in fraud,
			 referral of the case to the United States Attorney with jurisdiction over the
			 matter.
				(2)In the case of an
			 employee who is found guilty of fraud or found by the executive agency to have
			 egregiously abused a purchase card, dismissal of the employee.
				(d)Risk assessments
			 and auditsThe Inspector General of each executive agency
			 shall—
				(1)periodically
			 conduct risk assessments of the agency purchase card program and associated
			 internal controls and analyze identified weaknesses and the frequency of
			 improper activity in order to develop a plan for using such risk assessments to
			 determine the scope, frequency, and number of periodic audits of purchase
			 cardholders;
				(2)perform periodic
			 audits of purchase cardholders designed to identify—
					(A)potentially
			 fraudulent, improper, and abusive uses of purchase cards;
					(B)any patterns of
			 improper cardholder transactions, such as purchases of prohibited items;
			 and
					(C)categories of
			 purchases that should be made by means other than purchase cards in order to
			 better aggregate purchases and obtain lower prices;
					(3)report to the head
			 of the executive agency concerned on the results of such audits; and
				(4)report to the
			 Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General on
			 the implementation of recommendations made to the head of the executive agency
			 to address findings during audits of purchase cardholders.
				(e)Definition of
			 executive agencyIn this section, the term executive
			 agency has the meaning given such term in section 4(1) of the Office of
			 Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403(1)).
			(f)Relationship to
			 Department of Defense purchase card regulations
				(1)Except as provided
			 under paragraph (2), the requirements under this section shall not apply to the
			 Department of Defense.
				(2)Section 2784(b) of
			 title 10, United States Code, is amended—
					(A)in paragraph (8),
			 by striking periodic audits and all that follows through the
			 period at the end and inserting risk assessments of the agency purchase
			 card program and associated internal controls and analyze identified weaknesses
			 and the frequency of improper activity in order to develop a plan for using
			 such risk assessments to determine the scope, frequency, and number of periodic
			 audits of purchase cardholders.; and
					(B)by adding at the
			 end the following new paragraphs:

							(11)That the
				Department of Defense utilizes technologies to prevent or identify fraudulent
				purchases, including controlling merchant codes and utilizing statistical
				machine learning and pattern recognition technologies that review the risk of
				every transaction.
							(12)That the
				Secretary of Defense—
								(A)invalidates the
				purchase card of each employee who ceases to be employed by the Department of
				Defense immediately upon termination of the employment of the employee;
				and
								(B)invalidates the
				purchase card of each employee who transfers to another agency or subunit
				within the Department of Defense immediately upon such
				transfer.
								.
					3.Management of
			 travel cardsSection 2 of the
			 Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–264; 5 U.S.C. 5701
			 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

				(h)Management of
				travel charge cards
					(1)Required
				safeguards and internal controlsThe head of each executive
				agency that has employees that use travel charge cards shall establish and
				maintain safeguards and internal controls over travel charge cards to ensure
				the following:
						(A)That there is a
				record in each executive agency of each holder of a travel charge card issued
				by the agency for official use, annotated with the limitations on amounts that
				are applicable to the use of each such card by that travel charge
				cardholder.
						(B)That rebates and
				refunds based on prompt payment on travel charge card accounts are properly
				recorded as a receipt of the agency that employs the cardholder.
						(C)That periodic
				reviews are performed to determine whether each travel charge cardholder has a
				need for the travel charge card.
						(D)That appropriate
				training is provided to each travel charge cardholder and each official with
				responsibility for overseeing the use of travel charge cards issued by an
				executive agency.
						(E)That each
				executive agency has specific policies regarding the number of travel charge
				cards issued by various organizations and categories of organizations, the
				credit limits authorized for various categories of cardholders, and categories
				of employees eligible to be issued travel charge cards, and that those policies
				are designed to minimize the financial risk to the Federal Government of the
				issuance of the travel charge cards and to ensure the integrity of travel
				charge cardholders.
						(F)That the head of
				each executive agency negotiates with the holder of the applicable travel card
				contract, or a third party provider of credit evaluations if such provider
				offers more favorable terms, to evaluate the creditworthiness of an individual
				before issuing the individual a travel charge card, and that no individual be
				issued a travel charge card if the individual is found not creditworthy as a
				result of the evaluation (except that this paragraph shall not preclude
				issuance of a restricted use travel charge card when the individual lacks a
				credit history or the issuance of a pre-paid card when the individual has a
				credit score below the minimum credit score established by the agency). Each
				executive agency shall establish a minimum credit score for determining the
				creditworthiness of an individual based on rigorous statistical analysis of the
				population of cardholders and historical behaviors. Notwithstanding any other
				provision of law, such evaluation shall include an assessment of an
				individual’s consumer report from a consumer reporting agency as those terms
				are defined in section 603 of the Fair Credit
				Reporting Act. The obtaining of a consumer report under this
				subsection is deemed to be a circumstance or purpose authorized or listed under
				section 604 of the Fair Credit Reporting
				Act.
						(G)That each
				executive agency utilizes technologies to prevent or identify fraudulent
				purchases, including controlling merchant codes and utilizing statistical
				machine learning and pattern recognition technologies that review the risk of
				every transaction.
						(H)That each
				executive agency ensures that the travel charge card of each employee who
				ceases to be employed by the agency is invalidated immediately upon termination
				of the employment of the employee.
						(I)That each
				executive agency utilizes mandatory split disbursements for travel card
				purchases.
						(2)RegulationsThe
				Administrator of General Services shall prescribe regulations governing the
				implementation of the safeguards and internal controls in paragraph (1) by
				executive agencies.
					(3)Penalties for
				violationsThe regulations prescribed under paragraph (2) shall
				provide for appropriate adverse personnel actions or other punishment to be
				imposed in cases in which employees of an executive agency violate such
				regulations or are negligent or engage in misuse, abuse, or fraud with respect
				to a travel charge card, including removal in appropriate cases.
					(4)Inspector
				general requirementsThe Inspector General of each executive
				agency shall—
						(A)periodically
				conduct risk assessments of the agency travel card program and associated
				internal controls and analyze identified weaknesses and the frequency of
				improper activity in order to develop a plan for using such risk assessments to
				determine the scope, frequency, and number of periodic audits of purchase
				cardholders;
						(B)perform periodic
				audits of travel cardholders designed to identify potentially fraudulent,
				improper, and abusive uses of travel cards;
						(C)report to the head
				of the executive agency concerned on the results of such audits; and
						(D)report to the
				Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General on
				the implementation of recommendations made to the head of the executive agency
				to address findings during audits of travel cardholders.
						(5)DefinitionsIn
				this subsection:
						(A)The term
				executive agency means an agency as that term is defined in
				section 5701 of title 5, United States Code, except that it is in the executive
				branch.
						(B)The term
				travel charge card means the Federal contractor-issued travel
				charge card that is individually billed to each
				cardholder.
						.
		4.Management of
			 centrally billed accountsThe
			 head of an executive agency that has employees who use a centrally billed
			 account shall establish and maintain safeguards and internal controls to ensure
			 the following:
			(1)That items submitted on an employee's
			 travel voucher are compared with items paid for using a centrally billed
			 account to ensure that an employee is not reimbursed for an item already paid
			 for through a centrally billed account.
			(2)That the executive
			 agency submits requests for refunds for unauthorized purchases to the holder of
			 the applicable contract for a centrally billed account.
			(3)That the executive
			 agency submits requests for refunds for fully or partially unused tickets to
			 the holder of the applicable contract for a centrally billed account.
			5.Regulations
			(a)In
			 generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
			 of this Act—
				(1)the head of each
			 executive agency shall promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of
			 sections 2 and 4; and
				(2)the Administrator
			 of General Services shall promulgate regulations required pursuant to the
			 amendments made by section 3.
				(b)Best
			 practicesRegulations promulgated under this section shall
			 reflect best practices for conducting purchase card and travel card
			 programs.


116 HRES 118 IH: Supporting the designation of March 2019 as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-02-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 118IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 8, 2019Mr. David Scott of Georgia (for himself, Mrs. Dingell, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Cisneros, Mr. Hagedorn, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Norton, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Watkins, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Velázquez, Ms. Meng, and Mr. Hastings) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceRESOLUTIONSupporting the designation of March 2019 as Endometriosis Awareness Month.

 Whereas endometriosis is a disease in which the type of tissue that normally grows in the uterus (the endometrium) also grows outside of the uterus;
 Whereas endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases in women, and occurs in 1 in 10 women of reproductive age;
 Whereas endometriosis has no known cure; Whereas the cause of endometriosis is not known, but risk factors include having a mother, sister, or daughter with endometriosis, periods that started at an early age, monthly cycles that are short, and menstrual cycles that are heavy and last more than seven days;
 Whereas the only way currently available to be certain of an endometriosis diagnosis is to have a surgical procedure known as a laparoscopy;
 Whereas endometriosis primarily affects women in their 30s and 40s, but can affect any woman who menstruates;
 Whereas women experience a delay from three to eleven years between the first symptoms of pain and the final endometriosis diagnosis, which can lead to lower quality of life and high medical costs;
 Whereas for many girls and women, endometriosis is a lifelong chronic disease that can affect relationships, school and work, fertility, and daily life;
 Whereas the primary symptoms of endometriosis include pain and infertility, and many with endometriosis live with debilitating, chronic pain;
 Whereas endometriosis is one of the three main causes of female infertility, and between 30 and 50 percent of women with endometriosis experience infertility;
 Whereas health care providers must focus on managing the symptoms of endometriosis, which may include IVF, low-dose oral contraceptives, IUDs, pain killers (NSAIDs), and GnRH therapy; and
 Whereas there is a need for further research and increased research funding for endometriosis, which could lead to earlier detection and the discovery of the cause of the disease, a reliable, less invasive way to diagnose the disease, more effective ways to manage symptoms, and a cure: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)strongly supports the goals and ideas of Endometriosis Awareness Month;
 (2)recognizes the need for early detection and treatment of endometriosis, increased education for health care providers, and more culturally competent care;
 (3)remains committed to supporting and funding endometriosis research for more effective treatments, increasing fertility, and, ultimately, a cure; and
 (4)encourages the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate awareness and educational activities.


115 HR 4389 IH: To amend section 428 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to set aside funds for case management services for residents of permanent supportive housing for homeless persons, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-11-14
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. 4389IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 14, 2017Mr. Duffy introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial ServicesA BILLTo amend section 428 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to set aside funds for case
			 management services for residents of permanent supportive housing for
			 homeless persons, and for other purposes.

 1.Funding for case management services for residents of supportive housing for homeless personsSection 428 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11386b) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

 (f)Set-Aside for supportive servicesFrom the amounts made available to carry out this subtitle for each fiscal year, an amount equal to not less than 15 percent shall be used for grants to recipients of permanent supportive housing grants for use only to provide supportive services, including case management services, to residents of permanent supportive housing..


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4455
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 19, 2012
			Mr. Higgins
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To extend the temporary suspension of duty on certain
		  bags for toys.

		1.Certain bags for
			 toys
			(a)In
			 generalHeading 9902.01.78 of
			 the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to certain bags
			 for toys) is amended—
				(1)by striking
			 8.9% in the column 1 general rate of duty column and inserting
			 Free; and
				(2)by striking the date in the effective
			 period column and inserting 12/31/2015.
				(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) apply to goods
			 entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day
			 after the date of the enactment of this Act.


 HR 291 ENR: Black Hills Cemetery Act
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.

IB
One Hundred Thirteenth Congress of the United States of America At the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Friday, the third day of January, two thousand and fourteen
H. R. 291

AN ACT
To provide for the conveyance of certain cemeteries that are located on National Forest System land in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Black Hills Cemetery Act.
2.Land conveyances, certain cemeteries located in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
(a)Cemetery conveyances requiredThe Secretary of Agriculture shall convey, without consideration, to the local communities in South Dakota that are currently managing and maintaining certain community cemeteries (as specified in subsection (b)) all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to—
(1)the parcels of National Forest System land containing such cemeteries; and
(2)up to an additional two acres adjoining each cemetery in order to ensure the conveyances include unmarked gravesites and allow for expansion of the cemeteries.
(b)Property and recipientsThe properties to be conveyed under subsection (a), and the recipients of each property, are as follows:
(1)The Silver City Cemetery to the Silver City Volunteer Fire Department.
(2)The Hayward Cemetery to the Hayward Volunteer Fire Department.
(3)The encumbered land adjacent to the Englewood Cemetery (encompassing the cemetery entrance portal, access road, fences, 2,500 gallon reservoir and building housing such reservoir, and piping to provide sprinkling system to the cemetery) to the City of Lead.
(4)The land adjacent to the Mountain Meadow Cemetery to the Mountain Meadow Cemetery Association.
(5)The Roubaix Cemetery to the Roubaix Cemetery Association.
(6)The Nemo Cemetery to the Nemo Cemetery Association.
(7)The Galena Cemetery to the Galena Historical Society.
(8)The Rockerville Cemetery to the Rockerville Community Club.
(9)The Cold Springs Cemetery (including adjacent school yard and log building) to the Cold Springs Historical Society.
(c)Condition of conveyanceEach conveyance under subsection (a) shall be subject to the condition that the recipient accept the conveyed real property in its condition at the time of the conveyance.
(d)Use of land conveyedThe lands conveyed under subsection (a) shall continue to be used in the same manner and for the same purposes as they were immediately prior to their conveyance under this Act.
(e)Description of propertyThe exact acreage and legal description of each parcel of real property to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by surveys satisfactory to the Secretary. The cost of the survey for a particular parcel shall be borne by the recipient of such parcel.
(f)Additional terms and conditionsThe Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyances under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
 Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


109 HRES 1070 EH: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Members of the House should actively engage with employers and the American public at large to encourage the hiring of members and former members of the Armed Forces who were wounded in service and are facing a transition to civilian life.
U.S. House of Representatives
2006-12-05
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
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1070
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

December 5, 2006

RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Members of the House should actively engage with employers and the American public at large to encourage the hiring of members and former members of the Armed Forces who were wounded in service and are facing a transition to civilian life.

Whereas United States soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines continue to make significant personal sacrifices to protect and defend the Nation;
Whereas since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in late 2001 over 1,406,000 members of the Armed Forces have served overseas in combat theaters of operations;
Whereas over 22,900 members of the Armed Forces have been wounded in theater and as a result of their injuries many have been separated from their respective service;
Whereas as a result of required separation from military service due to their injuries incurred while in service, these members of the Armed Forces are transitioning to civilian careers;
Whereas recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the transition from military service to a civilian career can be difficult, with veterans who are age 20 through 24 experiencing a jobless rate 3 times the national average; and
Whereas Members of Congress could provide assistance in making businesses and employers aware of the unique skills of wounded veterans and thereby help reduce the jobless rate for wounded veterans: Now, therefore, be it

That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that—
(1)Members of the House should actively engage with employers and the American public at large to encourage the hiring of members and former members of the Armed Forces who were wounded in service and are facing a transition to civilian life;
(2)a strong relationship should be forged between Congress, local businesses, and members and former members of the Armed Forces referred to in paragraph (1) towards the goal of finding employment for those who have sacrificed so much; and
(3)Members should carry out the types of activities described in this resolution in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the Committee on House Administration.

Karen L. HaasClerk.


116 HR 8742 IH: To extend the availability of amounts under the Coronavirus Relief Fund.
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-11-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8742IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 12, 2020Mr. Keating introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and ReformA BILLTo extend the availability of amounts under the Coronavirus Relief Fund.1.ExtensionSection 601(d)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 801(d)(3)) is amended by striking December 30, 2020 and inserting December 30, 2021.


117 HR 5493 IH: Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-10-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 5493IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 5, 2021Ms. Leger Fernandez (for herself, Ms. Stansbury, Ms. Lee of California, and Mr. Grijalva) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo provide for greater consultation between the Federal Government and the governing bodies and community users of land grant-mercedes in New Mexico, to provide for a process for recognition of the historic-traditional uses of land grant-mercedes, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Community userThe term community user means an heir (as defined under the laws of the State) of a qualified land grant-merced.(2)Governing bodyThe term governing body means the board of trustees authorized under State law with the control, care, and management of a qualified land grant-merced.(3)Historical-traditional useThe term historical-traditional use means, for a qualified land grant-merced, for noncommercial benefit—(A)the use of water;(B)religious or cultural use and protection;(C)gathering herbs;(D)gathering wood products;(E)gathering flora or botanical products;(F)grazing, to the extent that grazing has traditionally been carried out on the land, as determined by the Secretary concerned in consultation with the governing body of the affected land grant-merced;(G)hunting or fishing;(H)soil or rock gathering; and(I)any other traditional activity for noncommercial benefit that—(i)has a sustainable beneficial community use, as determined by the Secretary concerned in consultation with the governing body of the affected land grant-merced;(ii)supports the long-term cultural and socioeconomic integrity of the community, as determined by the Secretary concerned in consultation with the governing body of the affected land grant-merced; and(iii)is agreed to in writing by the Secretary concerned and the governing body of the qualified land grant-merced.(4)Indian TribeThe term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).(5)Qualified land grant-mercedThe term qualified land grant-merced means a community land grant issued under the laws or customs of the Government of Spain or Mexico that—(A)is recognized under New Mexico Statutes Chapter 49 (or a successor statute); and(B)has a historic or cultural record of use of lands under the jurisdiction of a Secretary concerned or their original or patented exterior boundaries are located adjacent to land under the jurisdiction of a Secretary concerned.(6)Secretary concernedThe term Secretary concerned means the relevant Secretary of the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior, with respect to land under the jurisdiction of that Secretary.(7)StateThe term State means the State of New Mexico.3.Guidance on permit requirements for qualified land grant-mercedes(a)In generalIn accordance with all relevant laws, including subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Administrative Procedure Act) and all applicable environmental laws, and not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, acting through the appropriate officials of the Department of Agriculture and Department of the Interior in the State, in consultation with the New Mexico Land Grant Council, the governing bodies of qualified land grant-mercedes, and Indian Tribes, shall issue the written guidance described in subsection (b).(b)Contents of guidance(1)In generalWritten guidance issued under subsection (a) shall include—(A)a description of the historical-traditional uses that—(i)a community user or a governing body of a qualified land grant-merced may conduct for noncommercial use on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned; and(ii)require a permit from the Secretary concerned;(B)administrative procedures for obtaining a permit under subparagraph (A);(C)subject to subsection (c), the fees required to obtain that permit; (D)the permissible use of motorized and nonmotorized vehicles and equipment by a community user or the governing body of a qualified land grant-merced for noncommercial historical-traditional use on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned;(E)the permissible use of mechanized vehicles or equipment by a community user or governing body of a qualified land grant-merced for historical-traditional use on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned; and(F)the permissible use of non-native material by a community user or the governing body of a qualified land grant-merced for any of the uses covered in paragraphs (2) and (3) on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned.(2)Routine maintenance and minor improvementsWritten guidance issued under subsection (a) shall address routine maintenance and minor improvements of infrastructure owned or used by a qualified land grant-merced on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned, including—(A)cleaning, repair, or replacement-in-kind of infrastructure;(B)maintenance and upkeep of a trail, road, cattle guard, culvert, or fence;(C)maintenance and upkeep of a monument or shrine;(D)maintenance and upkeep of a community cemetery;(E)maintenance and upkeep of a livestock well, water lines, water storage container, or water tank; and(F)any other routine maintenance or minor improvement associated with historical-traditional uses identified by any of the entities described in subsection (a) in the process of developing the guidance.(3)Major improvementsWritten guidance issued under subsection (a) may describe the process for managing major improvements of infrastructure owned or used by a qualified land grant-merced on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned, including—(A)construction or expansion of a community water or wastewater system;(B)construction or major repair of a livestock well, water lines, water storage container, or water tank;(C)construction or major repair of a monument or shrine;(D)installation of a cattle guard;(E)construction of a trail, road, or fence;(F)construction or expansion of a cemetery; and(G)any other major improvement associated with historical-traditional uses, as determined by the Secretaries concerned.(4)Notice and commentWritten guidance issued under subsection (a) shall set forth the policies and procedures for notice and comment on planning decisions, routine engagement, and major Federal actions that could impact historical-traditional uses of a qualified land grant merced, and methods of providing notice under subsection (a), including—(A)online public notice;(B)printed public notice;(C)mail, including certified mail, and email notifications to governing bodies through a listserv; and(D)mail, including certified mail, and email notifications to the Land Grant Council.(c)Fees for qualified land grant-MercedesWhere the Secretary concerned is authorized to consider the fiscal capacity of the applicant in determining whether to reduce or waive a fee for a permit for historical-traditional uses, the Secretary shall consider—(1)the socioeconomic conditions of community users; and(2)the annual operating budgets of governing bodies of qualified land grant-mercedes.4.Consideration of historical-traditional use in land management planningIn developing, maintaining, and revising land management plans pursuant to section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712) and section 6 of the National Forest Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1604), as applicable, the Secretary concerned shall, in accordance with applicable law, consider and, as appropriate, provide for and evaluate impacts to historical-traditional uses by qualified land grants-mercedes.5.SavingsNothing in this Act shall be construed—(1)to impact the State’s authority to regulate water rights, in conformance with all State and Federal laws and regulations;(2)to impact the State’s authority to regulate the management of game and fish, in conformance with all State and Federal laws and regulations;(3)to impact any valid existing rights or valid permitted uses, including grazing permits;(4)to create any implicit or explicit right to grazing on Federal lands; or(5)to alter or diminish any rights reserved for an Indian Tribe or members of an Indian Tribe by treaty or Federal law.


115 HR 6862 IH: Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act of 2018
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-09-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6862IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 24, 2018Mr. Brat (for himself and Mr. DeSaulnier) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the WorkforceA BILLTo reauthorize the Congressional Award Act.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act of 2018. 2.ReauthorizationSection 108 of the Congressional Award Act (2 U.S.C. 808) is amended by striking October 1, 2018 and inserting October 1, 2023.
3.Effective DateThis Act shall take effect as of October 1, 2018.


110 HR 1860 IH: Identity Theft Relief Act of

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-04-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1860
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 16, 2007
			Mrs. McCarthy of New
			 York introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a
		  100 percent deduction for expenses related to identity theft.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Identity Theft Relief Act of
			 2007.
		2.Deduction for
			 expenses related to identity theft
			(a)In
			 generalPart VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal
			 Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized deductions) is amended by
			 redesignating section 224 as section 225 and by inserting after section 223 the
			 following new section:

					224.Expenses
				related to identity theft
						(a)In
				generalIn the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a
				deduction all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the
				taxable year, not compensated for by insurance or otherwise, in connection with
				a qualified identity theft.
						(b)Qualified
				identity theftFor purposes of this section—
							(1)Qualified
				identity theftIn the case of an individual, the term
				qualified identity theft means a fraud committed or attempted
				using the identifying information of such individual without authority.
							(2)Identifying
				informationThe term
				identifying information means any name or number that may be used,
				alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify such
				individual, including—
								(A)a name, social
				security number, date of birth, official State or government issued driver’s
				license or identification number, alien registration number, government
				passport number, or employer or taxpayer identification number,
								(B)unique biometric
				data, such as fingerprint, voice print, retina or iris image, or other unique
				physical representation,
								(C)unique electronic
				identification number, address, or routing code,
								(D)telecommunication
				identifying information or access device (as defined in section 1029(e) of
				title 18, United States Code),
								(E)a bank, savings
				association, credit union, or investment account number,
								(F)a credit card or
				debit card account number,
								(G)a password, access
				code, or security code relating to—
									(i)a
				bank, savings association, credit union, or investment account number,
				or
									(ii)a
				credit card or debit card account number, or
									(H)any other unique
				identifying
				information.
								.
			(b)Deduction allowed
			 in computing adjusted gross incomeSubsection (a) of section 62
			 of such Code is amended by inserting before the last sentence the following new
			 paragraph:

					(22)Expenses
				related to identity theftThe deduction allowed by section
				224.
					.
			(c)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of
			 chapter 1 of such Code is amended by redesignating the item relating to section
			 224 as an item relating to section 225 and inserting before such item the
			 following new item:

						Sec. 224. Expenses related to identity
				theft.

					.
			(d)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable
			 years beginning after December 31, 2006.


115 HR 1877 IH: To establish a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle and simple cycle power generation systems.
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-04-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1877IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 4, 2017Mr. Tonko (for himself and Mr. McKinley) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and TechnologyA BILLTo establish a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the
			 efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle and simple cycle power
			 generation systems.

		1.High efficiency gas turbines
 (a)In generalThe Secretary of Energy, through the Office of Fossil Energy, shall carry out a multiyear, multiphase program of research, development, and technology demonstration to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in power generation systems and to identify the technologies that ultimately will lead to gas turbine combined cycle efficiency of 67 percent or simple cycle efficiency of 50 percent.
 (b)Program elementsThe program under this section shall— (1)support first-of-a-kind engineering and detailed gas turbine design for megawatt-scale and utility-scale electric power generation, including—
 (A)high temperature materials, including superalloys, coatings, and ceramics; (B)improved heat transfer capability;
 (C)manufacturing technology required to construct complex three-dimensional geometry parts with improved aerodynamic capability;
 (D)combustion technology to produce higher firing temperature while lowering nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions per unit of output;
 (E)advanced controls and systems integration; (F)advanced high performance compressor technology; and
 (G)validation facilities for the testing of components and subsystems; (2)include technology demonstration through component testing, subscale testing, and full-scale testing in existing fleets;
 (3)include field demonstrations of the developed technology elements so as to demonstrate technical and economic feasibility; and
 (4)assess overall combined cycle and simple cycle system performance. (c)Program goalsThe goals of the multiphase program established under subsection (a) shall be—
 (1)in phase I— (A)to develop the conceptual design of advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 65-percent combined cycle efficiency or 47-percent simple cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis; and
 (B)to develop and demonstrate the technology required for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 65-percent combined cycle efficiency or 47-percent simple cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis; and
 (2)in phase II, to develop the conceptual design for advanced high efficiency gas turbines that can achieve at least 67-percent combined cycle efficiency or 50-percent simple cycle efficiency on a lower heating value basis.
 (d)ProposalsWithin 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall solicit grant and contract proposals from industry, small businesses, universities, and other appropriate parties for conducting activities under this Act. In selecting proposals, the Secretary shall emphasize—
 (1)the extent to which the proposal will stimulate the creation or increased retention of jobs in the United States; and
 (2)the extent to which the proposal will promote and enhance United States technology leadership. (e)Competitive AwardsThe provision of funding under this section shall be on a competitive basis with an emphasis on technical merit.
 (f)Cost sharingSection 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352) shall apply to an award of financial assistance made under this section.
 (g)Limits on participationThe limits on participation applicable under section 999E of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16375) shall apply to financial assistance awarded under this section.


115 HR 1599 IH: No Bonuses for Tax Delinquent IRS Employees Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-03-17
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.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1599IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 17, 2017Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo prohibit the provision of performance awards to employees of the Internal Revenue Service who
			 owe back taxes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the No Bonuses for Tax Delinquent IRS Employees Act of 2017. 2.Prohibition on performance awards to IRS employees who owe back taxes (a)In generalThe Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service shall not provide any performance award (including, but not limited to, bonuses, step increases, and time off) to an employee of the Internal Revenue Service who owes an outstanding Federal tax debt.
 (b)Outstanding Federal tax debtFor purposes of this section, the term outstanding Federal tax debt means any outstanding debt under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which has not been paid after an assessment of a tax, penalty, or interest and which is not subject to further appeal or a petition for redetermination under such Code. A debt shall not fail to be treated as an outstanding Federal tax debt merely because it is the subject of an installment agreement under section 6159 of such Code or an offer-in-compromise under section 7121 of such Code.


117 HR 4660 IH: To designate the Federal Building and United States Courthouse located at 1125 Chapline Street in Wheeling, West Virginia, as the “Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse”.
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-07-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4660IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 22, 2021Mr. McKinley introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo designate the Federal Building and United States Courthouse located at 1125 Chapline Street in Wheeling, West Virginia, as the Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
1.DesignationThe Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1125 Chapline Street in Wheeling, West Virginia, shall be known and designated as the Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. Federal building and United States Courthouse. 2.ReferencesAny reference in law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal Building and United States Courthouse referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1167
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 3, 2009
			Mr. Thune (for himself,
			 Mr. Vitter, Mr.
			 Brownback, Mr. Roberts, and
			 Mr. Inhofe) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Homeland Security and
			 Governmental Affairs

		A BILL
		To require that the Federal Government procure from the
		  private sector the goods and services necessary for the operations and
		  management of certain Government agencies, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Freedom from Government Competition
			 Act of 2009.
		2.FindingsCongress makes the following
			 findings:
			(1)Private sector
			 business concerns, which are free to respond to the private or public demands
			 of the marketplace, constitute the strength of the United States economic
			 system.
			(2)Competitive private
			 enterprises are the most productive, efficient, and effective sources of goods
			 and services.
			(3)Unfair Government
			 competition with the private sector of the economy is detrimental to the United
			 States economic system.
			(4)Unfair Government
			 competition with the private sector of the economy is at an unacceptably high
			 level, both in scope and in dollar volume.
			(5)Current law and
			 policy have failed to address adequately the problem of unfair Government
			 competition with the private sector of the economy.
			(6)It is in the
			 public interest that the Federal Government establish a consistent policy to
			 rely on the private sector of the economy to provide goods and services
			 necessary for or beneficial to the operation and management of Federal agencies
			 and to avoid unfair Government competition with the private sector of the
			 economy.
			3.DefinitionsIn this Act, the term agency
			 means—
			(1)an executive
			 department as defined by section 101 of title 5, United States Code;
			(2)a
			 military department as defined by section 102 of such title; and
			(3)an independent
			 establishment as defined by section 104(l) of such title.
			4.Procurement from
			 private sources
			(a)PolicyIn the process of governing, the Federal
			 Government should not compete with its citizens. The competitive enterprise
			 system, characterized by individual freedom and initiative, is the primary
			 source of national economic strength. In recognition of this principle, it has
			 been and continues to be the general policy of the Federal Government—
				(1)to rely on
			 commercial sources to supply the products and services the Government
			 needs;
				(2)to refrain from
			 providing a product or service if the product or service can be procured more
			 economically from a commercial source; and
				(3)to utilize
			 Federal employees to perform inherently governmental functions (as that term is
			 defined in section 5 of the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act of 1998
			 (Public Law 105–270; 112 Stat. 2384)).
				(b)General
			 ruleExcept as provided in subsection (c) and notwithstanding any
			 other provision of law, each agency shall obtain all goods and services
			 necessary for or beneficial to the accomplishment of its authorized functions
			 by procurement from private sources.
			(c)ExemptionsSubsection
			 (b) shall not apply to an agency with respect to goods or services if—
				(1)the goods or
			 services are required by law to be produced or performed, respectively, by the
			 agency; or
				(2)the head of the
			 agency determines and certifies to Congress in accordance with regulations
			 promulgated by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget that—
					(A)Federal Government
			 production, manufacture, or provision of a good or service is necessary for the
			 national defense or homeland security;
					(B)a good or service
			 is so inherently governmental in nature that it is in the public interest to
			 require production or performance, respectively, by Government employees;
			 or
					(C)there is no
			 private source capable of providing the good or service.
					(d)Method of
			 procurementThe provision of goods and services not exempt by
			 subsection (c)(1) or (c)(2) shall be performed by an entity in the private
			 sector through—
				(1)the divestiture of
			 Federal involvement in the provision of a good or service;
				(2)the award of a
			 contract to an entity in the private sector, using competitive procedures, as
			 defined in section 309 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act
			 of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 259) and section 2302 of title 10, United States
			 Code;
				(3)converting an
			 activity to performance by a qualified firm under at least 51 percent ownership
			 by an Indian tribe, as defined in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination
			 and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)), or a Native Hawaiian
			 Organization, as defined in section 8(a)(15) of the Small Business Act (15
			 U.S.C. 637(a)(15)); or
				(4)conducting a
			 public-private competitive sourcing analysis in accordance with the procedures
			 established by the Office of Management and Budget and determining that using
			 the assets, facilities, and performance of the private sector is in the best
			 interest of the United States and that production or performance, respectively,
			 by the private sector provides the best value to the taxpayer.
				(e)Contracted
			 activitiesThe head of an agency may utilize Federal employees to
			 provide goods or services previously provided by an entity in the private
			 sector upon completion of a public-private competitive sourcing analysis
			 described in subsection (d)(4), and after making a determination that the
			 provision of such goods or services by Federal employees provides the best
			 value to the taxpayer.
			(f)RegulationsThe
			 Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall promulgate such
			 regulations as the Director considers necessary to carry out this section. In
			 promulgating such regulations, the Director shall assure that any State or
			 territory, or political subdivision of a State or territory, complies with the
			 policy and implements the requirements of this section when expending Federal
			 funds.
			5.Study and
			 reportThe Director of the
			 Office of Management and Budget, in conjunction with the Comptroller General of
			 the United States, shall carry out a study to evaluate the activities carried
			 out in each agency, including those identified as commercial and inherently
			 governmental in nature in the inventory prepared pursuant to the Federal
			 Activities Inventory Reform Act (Public Law 105–270; 31 U.S.C. 501 note) and
			 shall transmit a report to the Congress prior to June 30 of each year. The
			 report shall include—
			(1)an evaluation of
			 the justification for exempting activities pursuant to section 4(c); and
			(2)a
			 schedule for the transfer of commercial activities to the private sector,
			 pursuant to section 4(d), to be completed within 5 years after the date on
			 which such report is transmitted to the Congress.