109 HR 5913 IH: To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require an

U.S. House of Representatives
2006-07-26
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
		109th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5913
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 26, 2006
			Mr. Tancredo
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on House
			 Administration, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Transportation and
			 Infrastructure, 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 Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require an
		  individual to provide proof that the individual is a citizen of the United
		  States and to present a government-issued photo identification as a condition
		  of casting a ballot in an election for Federal office, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short TitleThis Act may be cited as the Voter
			 Integrity Protection Act of 2006.
		2.Proof of
			 Citizenship Required for Casting Ballot
			(a)In
			 GeneralSection 303 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42
			 U.S.C. 15483) is amended—
				(1)by redesignating
			 subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e); and
				(2)by inserting after
			 subsection (b) the following new subsection:

						(c)Requiring Proof of
				Citizenship at Polling Place
							(1)Individuals
				voting in personNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the
				appropriate State or local election official may not provide a ballot for an
				election for Federal office (including a provisional ballot under section
				302(a)) to an individual who desires to vote in person unless the individual
				presents to the official a photographic copy of any document which provides
				proof that the individual is a citizen of the United States.
							(2)Individuals
				voting by mailNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the
				appropriate State or local election official may not accept any ballot for an
				election for Federal office provided by an individual who votes by mail unless
				the individual submits with the ballot a photographic copy of any document
				which provides proof that the individual is a citizen of the United
				States.
							(3)Exception for
				individuals with proof of citizenship on file with election
				officialParagraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply in the case of an
				individual who, at the time the individual applied to register to vote in
				Federal elections in the State involved, provided the appropriate State
				election official with a photographic copy of a document which provided proof
				that the individual is a citizen of the United States.
							(4)Treatment of
				driver’s licensesFor purposes of this subsection, a motor
				vehicle driver’s license shall not be treated as a document which provides
				proof that the individual to whom the license is issued is a citizen of the
				United States unless the State issuing the license required the individual to
				provide proof of the individual’s United States citizenship as a condition of
				receiving the
				license.
							.
				(b)Conforming
			 AmendmentSection 303 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 15483) is amended in
			 the heading by striking for voters who
			 register by mail and inserting for preventing voting fraud.
			(c)Clerical
			 AmendmentThe table of contents of such Act is amended by
			 amending the item relating to section 303 to read as follows:

						Sec. 303. Computerized statewide voter
				registration list requirements and requirements for preventing voting
				fraud.

					.
			(d)Effective
			 DateSection 303(e) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 15483(e)), as
			 redesignated by subsection (a)(1), is amended by adding at the end the
			 following new paragraph:

					(3)Proof of
				citizenshipSubsection (c) shall apply with respect to the
				regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2008
				and each succeeding election for Federal
				office.
					.
			3.Requiring Photo
			 Identification
			(a)Requirement
				(1)In
			 generalSubtitle A of title III of the Help America Vote Act of
			 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15481 et seq.) is amended—
					(A)by redesignating
			 sections 304 and 305 as sections 305 and 306; and
					(B)by inserting after
			 section 303 the following new section:

							304.Requiring
				Voters to Present Photo Identification
								(a)In
				GeneralNotwithstanding
				section 303(b), each State shall require any individual who desires to cast a
				ballot in an election for Federal office—
									(1)in the case of an
				individual voting in person, to present to the appropriate election official a
				current valid photo identification which is issued by a governmental entity;
				or
									(2)in the case of an individual voting by
				mail, to submit with the ballot a copy of a current valid photo identification
				which is issued by a governmental entity.
									(b)Making photo
				identifications available at no cost for purposes of casting ballots in
				elections
									(1)In
				generalEach State shall establish a program to provide photo
				identifications which may be used to meet the requirements of subsection (a) by
				individuals who desire to vote in elections held in the State but who do not
				otherwise possess a government-issued photo identification, at no cost to the
				individual.
									(2)Identifications
				not to be used for other purposesAny photo identification
				provided under the program established under paragraph (1) may not serve as a
				government-issued photo identification for purposes of any program or function
				of a State or local government other than the administration of
				elections.
									(c)Effective
				DateEach State shall be
				required to comply with the requirements of this section (a) with respect to
				the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November
				2008 and each succeeding election for Federal
				office.
								.
					(2)Conforming
			 amendments
					(A)Effect on
			 current requirementsSection 303(b)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
			 15483(b)(1)) is amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting
			 paragraph (3) and section 304.
					(B)EnforcementSection
			 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 15511) is amended by striking and 303
			 and inserting 303, and 304.
					(3)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of contents of such Act is amended—
					(A)by redesignating
			 the items relating to sections 304 and 305 as relating to sections 305 and 306;
			 and
					(B)by inserting after
			 the item relating to section 303 the following:

								Sec. 304. Requiring voters to present
				photo
				identification.

							.
					(b)Payments to
			 States To Cover Costs of Making Photo Identifications Available
				(1)In
			 generalSubtitle D of title II of such Act (42 U.S.C. 15321 et
			 seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new part:

						7Payments to Cover
				Costs of Providing Photo Identifications
							297.Payments to
				Cover Costs to States of Providing Photo Identifications For Voting
								(a)Payments to
				StatesThe Commission shall make payments each year to reimburse
				the States for the costs incurred in providing photo identifications under the
				program established under section 304(b)(1).
								(b)Amount of
				PaymentThe amount of the payment made to a State under this part
				for any year shall be equal to the amount expended by the State during the year
				in carrying out the program established under section 304(b)(1), as determined
				on the basis of information furnished to the Commission by the State at such
				time and in such form as the Commission may require.
								297A.Authorization
				of AppropriationsThere are
				authorized to be appropriated for payments under this part such sums as may be
				necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each succeeding fiscal
				year.
							.
				(2)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of contents of such Act is amended by adding
			 at the end of the item relating to subtitle D of title II the following:

							Part 7—Payments To Cover Costs of Providing
				Photo Identifications
							Sec. 297. Payments to cover costs to
				States of providing photo identifications for voting.
							Sec. 297A. Authorization of
				appropriations.

						.
				4.Withholding of
			 highway funds
			(a)In
			 generalChapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by
			 adding at the end the following:

					167.Requirements
				for preventing voting fraud
						(a)Withholding of
				apportionments for noncomplianceOn October 1, 2008, and October 1 of each
				fiscal year thereafter, if a State does not meet the requirement of subsection
				(b), the Secretary shall withhold from amounts apportioned to the State on that
				date under each of paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of section 104(b) the following
				percentage of such amounts:
							(1)For fiscal year
				2009, 10 percent.
							(2)For fiscal year
				2010, 20 percent.
							(3)For fiscal year
				2011, 30 percent.
							(4)For fiscal year
				2012, and each fiscal year thereafter, 40 percent.
							(b)RequirementA
				State meets the requirements of this subsection if the State has enacted and is
				enforcing, as determined by the Election Assistance Commission, a law that
				complies with the requirements of sections 303(c) and 304 of the Help America
				Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15483(c) and 42 U.S.C. 15484).
						(c)Period of
				availability; effect of compliance and noncomplianceIf, within 4
				years from the date that an apportionment for a State is withheld in accordance
				with this section, the State meets the requirements of subsection (b), the
				apportionment of the State shall be increased by an amount equal to the amount
				withheld. If, at the end of such 4-year period, the State does not meet the
				requirements of subsection (b), any amounts so withheld from the State shall
				lapse.
						.
			(b)Clerical
			 AmendmentThe analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at
			 the end the following:

						167. Requirements for preventing voting
				fraud.

					.


115 S2546 IS: Making America Safe and Secure Act of 2018
U.S. Senate
2018-03-14
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.

		II
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 2546
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 14, 2018
			Mr. Markey (for himself and Ms. Warren) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

		A BILL
		To provide grants to States to encourage the implementation and maintenance of firearms licensing
			 requirements, and
			 for other purposes.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Making America Safe and Secure Act of 2018 or the MASS Act.
		2.Purpose and findings
 (a)PurposeThe purpose of this Act is to provide grants to States to encourage the implementation and maintenance of firearms licensing requirements.
 (b)FindingsCongress finds the following: (1)There is an epidemic of gun violence in the United States. In 2016, more than 38,000 lives were lost to gun violence in the United States. Gun homicide rates in the United States are 25.2 times higher than those in other high-income countries.
 (2)Firearms account for over 50 percent of suicides and 66 percent of homicides. (3)Since 1994, Massachusetts has lowered its gun death rate by 40 percent by enacting strong gun safety measures, including firearms licensing requirements.
 (4)Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that States with more gun laws have fewer gun-related deaths. Massachusetts has the lowest gun death rate in the country.
				3.Firearms licensing
 (a)In generalTitle I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					NNFirearms licensing
						3041.Definitions
 (a)In generalIn this part— (1)the term prohibited individual means an individual who is categorically ineligible to receive a firearms license or firearms dealer license;
 (2)the term suitable means that an individual does not create a risk to public safety; and (3)the term thorough background check means conducting a Federal and State background check, which may include a fingerprint-based background check.
 (b)Prohibited individualsFor purposes of this part, a State— (1)shall establish standards for categorizing an individual as a prohibited individual for purposes of receiving a—
 (A)firearms license; or (B)firearms dealer license;
 (2)in establishing standards with respect to a firearms license under paragraph (1)(A), shall take into consideration—
 (A)criminal history, including youthful offender adjudications; (B)whether an individual has been—
 (i)deemed a danger to himself or herself or other individuals by a court or authorized administrative body; or
 (ii)committed to a hospital or institution as a danger to himself or herself or other individuals;
 (C)current or chronic alcohol or substance abuse; (D)mental capacity that necessitates a guardian or conservator;
 (E)age; (F)legal residency;
 (G)military dishonorable discharges; (H)permanent or temporary protection orders;
 (I)outstanding arrest warrants; (J)status as a fugitive; and
 (K)renunciation of United States citizenship; and (3)in establishing standards with respect to a firearms dealer license under paragraph (1)(B), shall take into consideration—
 (A)criminal history, including youthful offender adjudications; (B)age; and
 (C)legal residency. 3042.Grants and conditions (a)Grants authorizedThe Assistant Attorney General may make grants to States to implement or maintain firearms licensing requirements.
							(b)Terms and conditions
 (1)Duration of grantsA grant under subsection (a) shall be for a period of 3 fiscal years. (2)MaximumsThe Assistant Attorney General may not award more than $20,000,000 in grants (determined based on the amount provided over the period of such grants) under subsection (a) during each fiscal year.
								(c)Use of funds for firearms licensing
 (1)ActivitiesAmounts received under a grant under subsection (a) shall be used for the development or maintenance of firearms licensing requirements, which shall incorporate and implement the elements described in paragraph (2).
 (2)ElementsThe elements described in this paragraph are those requiring that— (A)all firearms owners have a firearms license—
 (i)at the time of the purchase, rental, or lease of firearms or ammunitions; and
 (ii)during the entire period of firearm ownership; (B)any person who sells ammunition or sells, rents, or leases a minimum number of firearms in a calendar year, as determined by the State, shall obtain a firearms dealer license;
 (C)the chief of police or the board or officer having control of the police department of a local government, or a designee, functions as the licensing authority;
 (D)for a firearms license, the licensing authority shall— (i)conduct a thorough background check, which may include—
 (I)conducting an interview with the applicant; and
 (II)requiring the submission of letters of reference stating that the applicant is of sound mind and character; and
 (ii)make a determination of suitability;
 (E)a first-time firearms license applicant shall complete safety training; (F)the licensing authority, not later than 40 days after the date on which the application is submitted, shall—
 (i)deny the application and notify the applicant of the reason for such denial in writing; or (ii)approve the application and issue the license if the possession of a firearm by the applicant would not be in violation of Federal, State, or local law;
 (G)the licensing authority may revoke, suspend, or deny the issuance or renewal of a firearms license if—
 (i)in a reasonable exercise of discretion, the licensing authority determines that the applicant or licensee is unsuitable to be issued or to continue to hold a license; and
 (ii)the determination of suitability described in clause (i) is based on evidence that there exists— (I)reliable and credible information that the applicant has exhibited or engaged in behavior to suggest that the individual could potentially create a risk to public safety; or
 (II)factors that suggest that, if issued a license, the individual could potentially create a risk to public safety;
 (H)upon denial of an application or renewal of a firearms license, or upon revoking or suspending a firearms license, based on a determination of unsuitability described in subparagraph (G), the applicant or licensee shall be notified in writing, setting forth the specific reasons for the determination;
 (I)any applicant or holder of a firearms license aggrieved by a denial, suspension, or revocation of a license may, within a reasonable time period, file a petition to obtain judicial review in the relevant court having jurisdiction in the unit of local government in which—
 (i)the applicant filed the application; or (ii)the license was issued;
 (J)in the case of judicial review of a denial, revocation, or suspension under subparagraph (I), the court may order a license to be issued or reinstated to the petitioner if the court finds—
 (i)no reasonable ground for denying, revoking, or suspending the license; and (ii)that the petitioner is not prohibited by law from possessing a license;
 (K)upon revocation, suspension, or denial of a firearms license, the individual whose license was so revoked, suspended, or denied shall surrender all firearms and ammunition in the possession of the individual to the licensing authority, unless an appeal of the revocation or suspension is pending;
 (L)for a firearms dealer license, the licensing authority shall conduct an investigation into the criminal history of the applicant, which may include—
 (i)an interview with the applicant; and
 (ii)a fingerprint-based background check; (M)a firearms dealers licensee shall—
 (i)maintain a permanent place of business and ensure that the permanent place of business is— (I)not a residence or dwelling;
 (II)the same location identified on the licensee's license; (III)the only location wherein all transactions are conducted; and
 (IV)the location wherein all records required to be kept shall be so kept; (ii)submit to 1 mandatory record and inventory inspection by a licensing authority per year;
 (iii)maintain a sales record book that shall remain open to inspection by the appropriate law enforcement agency at all times, and shall include, with respect to each transfer of a firearm—
 (I)a complete description of the firearm, including the make, serial number, and type; (II)the transferor’s license information;
 (III)the transferees’s license information; (IV)the date of transfer;
 (V)the sex, address of residence, and occupation of the transferee; and (VI)the signature of the transferee;
 (iv)conduct a pre-employment background check on each potential employee to determine the suitability of any potential employee who may have direct and unmonitored contact with firearms; and
 (v)comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws; (N)any individual denied a firearms dealer license may, within a reasonable time period, apply to State officials who may direct a licensing authority to grant a license if, after a hearing, State officials are satisfied that—
 (i)there were no reasonable grounds for the refusal to grant such a license; and (ii)the applicant was not barred by the provisions of law from holding such a license;
 (O)(i)the licensing authority may suspend or revoke a firearms dealer license if— (I)licensing authority officials provide due notice to the licensee and reasonable opportunity for the licensee to be heard; and
 (II)there exists satisfactory proof that the licensee has violated a condition of holding a firearms dealers license, permitted a violation of holding a firearms license, or has been convicted of a felony; and
 (ii)the pendency of proceedings before a court shall not suspend or interfere with the authority described in clause (i);
 (P)a firearms dealer licensee that has a license revoked under subparagraph (O) may not receive a firearms dealer license during the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the revoked license would have expired;
 (Q)the State shall promulgate rules and regulations to ensure the prompt collection, exchange, dissemination, and distribution of information pertaining to the issuance, renewal, expiration, suspension, and revocation of licenses;
 (R)the State shall establish standards that are consistent with Federal and State law— (i)governing firearm transfers; and
 (ii)for identifying prohibited individuals, in accordance with section 3041(b); (S)firearms dealers and private sellers shall verify the validity of a license before the sale, rental, or lease of any firearm or ammunition;
 (T)firearms dealers and private sellers shall report all firearm sales, rentals, and leases to State authorities;
 (U)firearms dealers shall notify the licensing authority when presented with an invalid or expired license;
 (V)any licensee from whom a firearm is lost or stolen shall report such loss or theft to the licensing authority and State authority;
 (W)all firearms licensees and firearms dealer licensees shall renew their licenses on a timeframe established by the State;
 (X)an individual may not use the firearms license of the individual to purchase a firearm for— (i)the unlawful use of the firearm by another; or
 (ii)the resale or other transfer of the firearm to an unlicensed individual; and (Y)(i)it shall be unlawful to store or keep any firearm in any place unless such weapon is secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device, properly engaged so as to render such weapon inoperable by any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user; and
 (ii)for purposes of clause (i), a firearm shall not be considered to be stored or kept if carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user.
										(d)Grant preferences
 (1)PrioritiesIn awarding grants under this section, the Attorney General shall give priority to any State that has incorporated and implemented the elements described in paragraph (2).
 (2)ElementsThe elements described in this paragraph are those requiring that— (A)all firearms dealers licensees shall—
 (i)provide training for employees upon hiring, and not less frequently than once a year thereafter, according to standards established by the State;
 (ii)develop a security plan for the place of business that includes— (I)adequate locking and storage of firearms and firearm purchase records;
 (II)exterior lighting; (III)surveillance cameras;
 (IV)an alarm system; and (V)other appropriate anti-theft measures and practices for during and after business hours;
 (iii)submit to the licensing authority an annual report of the safety and compliance record of the place of business, which shall include—
 (I)the total number of guns traced to the place of business during the 12-month period preceding the report, broken down by month;
 (II)the number of known straw purchases either attempted or completed during the 12-month period preceding the report, broken down by month; and
 (III)the number of violations cited by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives during the 12-month period preceding the report;
 (iv)videotape (including audio) or electronically record (including audio) the point-of-sale of all firearms transactions and maintain the videos or electronic recordings for not less than 5 years;
 (v)annually review and update compliance policies, procedures, and training materials; and (vi)perform background checks for private sellers for a reasonable fee;
 (B)the State established standards for how to properly respond to straw purchasers and firearms traffickers; and
 (C)the State established standards for storing ammunition in a locked container separate from any firearms.
 (e)Annual reportEach State receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the Assistant Attorney General, for each fiscal year during which the State expends amounts received under the grant, a report, at such time and in such manner as the Assistant Attorney General may reasonably require, that contains—
 (1)a summary of the activities carried out using amounts made available under the grant; (2)an assessment of whether the activities are achieving the elements described in subsection (c)(2); and
 (3)such other information as the Assistant Attorney General may require. (f)Limitations on the allocation of fundsOf the amount made available to carry out this section in any fiscal year—
 (1)not more than 2 percent may be used by the Assistant Attorney General for salaries and administrative expenses; and
 (2)not more than 25 percent may be used for technical assistance, training, and evaluation. (g)GAO reportNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this part, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report evaluating whether States have been able to effectively adopt firearm licensing requirements.
 (h)Reallocation of appropriationsA recipient of a grant under subsection (a) shall return to the Assistant Attorney General any amounts received under a grant under subsection (a) that are not expended for a purpose described in this section..
 (b)Authorization of appropriationsSection 1001(a) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10261(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (28)There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part NN $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023..


110 HR 322 IH: To derive human pluripotent stem cell lines using

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-01-09
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
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 322
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 9, 2007
			Mr. Bartlett of
			 Maryland (for himself, Mr.
			 Gingrey, Mr. Weller,
			 Mr. Chabot,
			 Mr. Lipinski,
			 Mr. Davis of Kentucky,
			 Mr. Lincoln Davis of Tennessee,
			 Mr. Franks of Arizona,
			 Mr. Hunter,
			 Mrs. Musgrave,
			 Mr. Jones of North Carolina,
			 Mr. Inglis of South Carolina, and
			 Mr. Gilchrest) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		A BILL
		To derive human pluripotent stem cell lines using
		  techniques that do not harm human embryos.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act of
			 2007.
		2.PurposesIt is the purpose of this Act to—
			(1)intensify research
			 that may result in improved understanding of or treatments for diseases and
			 other adverse health conditions; and
			(2)promote the
			 derivation of pluripotent stem cell lines, including from postnatal sources,
			 without creating human embryos for research purposes or discarding, destroying,
			 or harming a human embryo or fetus.
			3.Alternative human
			 pluripotent stem cell researchPart B of title IV of the
			 Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
			 284 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 409I the following:

				409J.Alternative
				human pluripotent stem cell research
					(a)In
				GeneralIn accordance with section 492, the Secretary shall
				conduct and support basic and applied research to develop techniques for the
				isolation, derivation, production, or testing of stem cells that, like
				embryonic stem cells, are capable of producing all or almost all of the cell
				types of the developing body and may result in improved understanding of or
				treatments for diseases and other adverse health conditions, but are not
				derived from a human embryo.
					(b)GuidelinesNot
				later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the
				Secretary, after consultation with the Director of the National Institutes of
				Health, shall issue final guidelines to implement subsection (a), that—
						(1)provide guidance
				concerning the next steps required for additional research, which shall include
				a determination of the extent to which specific techniques may require
				additional basic or animal research to ensure that any research involving human
				cells using these techniques would clearly be consistent with the standards
				established under this section;
						(2)prioritize
				research with the greatest potential for near-term clinical benefit; and
						(3)consistent with
				subsection (a), take into account techniques outlined by the President’s
				Council on Bioethics and any other appropriate techniques and research.
						(c)Reporting
				RequirementsNot later than January 1 of each year, the Secretary
				shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of the Congress a report
				describing the activities carried out under this section during the fiscal
				year, including a description of the research conducted under this
				section.
					(d)Rule of
				ConstructionNothing in this section shall be construed to affect
				any policy, guideline, or regulation regarding embryonic stem cell research,
				human cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer, or any other research not
				specifically authorized by this section.
					(e)DefinitionIn this section, the term human
				embryo includes any organism, not protected as a human subject under
				part 46 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, as of the date of the
				enactment of the Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act of
				2007, that is derived by fertilization, parthenogenesis, cloning, or any other
				means from one or more human gametes or human diploid cells
					(f)Authorization of
				AppropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums
				as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010, to carry out
				this
				section.
					.


116 S710 IS: Social Security Fairness for Firefighters and Police Officers Act
U.S. Senate
2019-03-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 710IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 7, 2019Mr. Toomey introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo exempt firefighters and police officers from the Government Pension Offset and Windfall
			 Elimination Provisions under the Social Security Act.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Social Security Fairness for Firefighters and Police Officers Act.
 2.Exception from Government Pension Offset provision for firefighters and police officersClause (i) of section 202(k)(5)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(k)(5)(B)) is amended by striking monthly periodic benefits and all that follows through the period and inserting the following:

 monthly periodic benefits—(I)based wholly on service as a member of a uniformed service (as defined in section 210(m)), or (II)with respect to which the period of service taken into account in determining the amount of the benefit includes at least 5 years of service of the individual as a firefighter (as defined in paragraph (4) of section 1204 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10284)) or a law enforcement officer (as defined in paragraph (6) of such section)..
 3.Exception from Windfall Elimination Provisions for firefighters and police officersSubsections (a)(7)(A) and (d)(3) of section 215 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415) are amended by striking section 233, and (III) each place it appears and inserting section 233, (III) a payment based on service described in section 202(k)(5)(B)(i)(II), and (IV).
 4.Effective dateThe amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to monthly insurance benefits payable under title II of the Social Security Act for months after December 2019. Notwithstanding section 215(f) of the Social Security Act, the Commissioner of Social Security shall adjust primary insurance amounts to the extent necessary to take into account the amendments made by section 3.


115 HR 1266 IH: Vision Zero Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-03-01
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. 1266IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 1, 2017Mr. Blumenauer (for himself and Mr. Buchanan) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to assist units of local government in developing and implementing plans, known as Vision Zero plans, to eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries, and for other purposes.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Vision Zero Act of 2017. 2.Vision zero planning grants (a)In generalThe Secretary of Transportation is authorized to award grants to eligible entities to develop a plan, known as a Vision Zero plan, to eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries in the jurisdiction of such entity within a specified timeframe, not to exceed 20 years.
(b)ApplicationTo be eligible for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require. (c)Plan contentsThe Vision Zero plan described in subsection (a) shall include—
(1)a description of projects or policies intended to eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries within a specified timeframe, not to exceed 20 years, using existing transportation and health data and consideration of risk factors, which may include— (A)an examination of how development and implementation of safety-focused automotive technologies, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication can help eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries; and
(B)roadway design guidance that prioritizes the safety of all users, with a focus on reducing speeds to the extent practicable within State law and separating modes of transportation; (2)plans for implementation of, education of the public about, and enforcement of such projects or policies;
(3)a description of how such policies, projects, and enforcement will— (A)equitably address the safety needs of low-income and minority communities;
(B)ensure that such communities are not disproportionately targeted by law enforcement; and (C)protect the rights of members of such communities with respect to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.);
(4)a description of the required involvement of various subdivisions of a unit of local government in the implementation of the plan, including subdivisions in charge of law enforcement, public health, and public works; and (5)a description of a mechanism to evaluate progress of the implementation of the plan, including the gathering and use of transportation safety and demographic data.
3.Vision Zero Implementation Grant Program
(a)In generalNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation may award grants to not more than 5 eligible entities to support the implementation of a Vision Zero plan to eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries in the jurisdiction of such entity within a specified timeframe, not to exceed 20 years. (b)ApplicationTo be eligible for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require.
(c)Vision Zero plan requiredTo be eligible for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall have in effect a Vision Zero plan that meets the requirements of section 2(c) and has been approved by local resolution, ordinance, or law. (d)Selection criteriaIn selecting from among eligible entities to receive grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum, the extent to which an entity—
(1)provided an opportunity for public input in the development of the plan, including documented engagement with low-income and minority communities; (2)considered existing plans and planning processes in the drafting of the vision zero plan;
(3)structured the plan to meet performance measures as described in section 150(c) of title 23, United States Code; (4)demonstrates broad community support for the plan, including the commitment of community leaders to successful implementation of the plan; and
(5)demonstrates the availability of State, local, or Federal funds, in addition to Federal funds made available under this section, for implementation of the plan.  (e)Funding limitations (1)Population limitationNot less than 25 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section shall be used to make grants to eligible entities that serve a jurisdiction with a population of fewer than 200,000 individuals.
(2)Federal share
(A)In generalExcept as provided by subparagraph (B), the Federal share of the cost of a project or activity carried out using grant funds made available under this section may not exceed 80 percent. (B)Funds from other Federal sourcesAmounts made available to an eligible entity under another Federal program may be credited toward the non-Federal share of the cost of a project or activity described in subparagraph (A), at the option of the eligible entity.
4.Eligible entity definedIn this Act, the term eligible entity means a unit of local government including a city, town, township, borough, county, parish, district, village, or other political subdivision of a State. 5.Report Not later than 2 years after the final grant is awarded under this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make available to the public, a report on the progress of the projects and activities carried out using the grants including—
(1)a breakdown of infrastructure and noninfrastructure projects; (2)demographic data, in the aggregate, with respect to individuals charged with a violation of law referenced in the vision zero plan of an eligible entity that received a grant under this Act; and
(3)best practices from the eligible entities that received a grant under section 3. 6.Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated, for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022, $5,000,000 to carry out section 2 and $25,000,000 to carry out section 3.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 673
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 29, 2011
			Mr. Begich (for himself
			 and Ms. Murkowski) introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Commerce, Science, and
			 Transportation

		A BILL
		To require the conveyance of the decommissioned Coast
		  Guard Cutter STORIS.

		1.Conveyance of decommissioned
			 Coast Guard Cutter STORIS
			(a)In
			 generalThe Commandant of the Coast Guard shall convey, without
			 consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to
			 the decommissioned Coast Guard Cutter STORIS to the Storis Museum, a nonprofit
			 entity of Juneau, Alaska, if the Storis Museum agrees—
				(1)to use the vessel
			 as a historic memorial and to make the Coast Guard Cutter STORIS available to
			 the public as a museum and to work cooperatively with other museums to provide
			 education and memorialize the maritime heritage of the vessel and other
			 maritime activities in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the Arctic Ocean, and
			 adjacent oceans and seas;
				(2)not to use the
			 vessel for commercial transportation purposes;
				(3)to make the
			 vessel available to the United States Government if needed for use by the
			 Commandant in time of war or a national emergency or based on the critical
			 needs of the Coast Guard;
				(4)to hold the
			 Government harmless for any claims arising from exposure to hazardous
			 materials, including asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), except for
			 claims arising from the use of the vessel by the Government;
				(5)to bear all costs
			 of transportation and delivery of the vessel;
				(6)to bear all costs
			 of vessel disposal in accordance with Federal law when the vessel is no longer
			 used as a museum; and
				(7)to any other
			 conditions the Commandant considers appropriate.
				(b)Maintenance and
			 delivery of vessel
				(1)MaintenanceBefore
			 conveyance of the Coast Guard Cutter STORIS under this section, the Commandant
			 shall make, to the extent practical and subject to other Coast Guard mission
			 requirements, every effort to maintain the integrity of the vessel and its
			 equipment until the time of delivery.
				(2)Treatment of
			 conveyanceThe conveyance of the Coast Guard Cutter STORIS under
			 this section shall not be considered a distribution in commerce for purposes of
			 section 6(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2605(e)).
				(c)Other excess
			 equipmentThe Commandant may convey to the recipient of the Coast
			 Guard Cutter STORIS under this section any excess equipment or parts from other
			 decommissioned Coast Guard vessels for use to enhance the vessel's operability
			 and function for purposes of a public museum and historical display.


116 S2206 IS: To express the sense of Congress regarding restoration and maintenance of the Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne, Belgium.
U.S. Senate
2019-07-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2206IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 23, 2019Mr. Tillis (for himself and Mr. Durbin) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesA BILLTo express the sense of Congress regarding restoration and maintenance of the Mardasson Memorial in
			 Bastogne, Belgium.

		1.Sense of Congress regarding agreement between the American Battle Monuments Commission and the
			 Government of Belgium by which the Commission would acquire, restore,
			 operate, and maintain the Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne, Belgium
 (a)FindingsCongress make the following findings: (1)The Battle of the Bulge was one of the largest land battles fought by the United States during World War II, yielded more than 75,000 American casualties over the winter of 1944–1945, and stopped the last major German offensive on the Western Front.
 (2)The Battle of the Bulge is a legendary battle in the history of the United States Army.
 (3)Following the war, Belgian groups raised funds to construct the Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne, Belgium, to honor Americans killed, wounded, and missing in action during the Battle of the Bulge.
 (4)The Mardasson Memorial, inaugurated in 1950, is a five-pointed American star with the history of the battle, the names of the units that fought, and the names of the States engraved in gold letters throughout.
 (5)The Mardasson Memorial, owned and maintained by the Government of Belgium, is in need of extensive repair to restore it to a condition commensurate to the service and sacrifice it honors.
 (b)Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress to support an agreement between the American Battle Monument Commission (hereinafter referred to as ABMC) and the Government of Belgium—
 (1)under the monument maintenance program of the ABMC, and subject to the requirements of such program, by which the ABMC would use its expertise and presence in Europe to oversee restoration of the Mardasson Memorial in preparation for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge; and
 (2)under the monument trust fund program of the ABMC, and subject to the requirements of such program, by which the ABMC assumes ownership and responsibility for the Mardasson Memorial, ensuring that the Memorial stands for decades to come, honoring American service and sacrifice, and inspiring future generations.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1460
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			August 1, 2011
			Mr. Baucus (for himself,
			 Mr. Tester, and Mr. Burr) introduced the following bill; which was
			 read twice and referred to the Committee
			 on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

		A BILL
		To grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to
		  the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during
		  World War II.

		1.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)The First Special
			 Service Force (in this Act referred to as the Force) was
			 organized as a joint American-Canadian unit activated in July 1942 at Fort
			 Harrison near Helena, Montana.
			(2)The Force was
			 initially intended to target military and industrial installations that were
			 supporting the German war effort, including important hydroelectric plants,
			 which would severely limit the production of strategic materials used by the
			 Axis powers.
			(3)From July 1942
			 through June 1943, volunteers of the Force trained in hazardous, arctic
			 conditions, in the mountains of western Montana, and the waterways of Camp
			 Bradford, Virginia.
			(4)The combat
			 echelon of the Force totaled 1,800 soldiers—half American, half Canadian. There
			 were also 800 American members of the Service Battalion, which provided
			 important support for the combat troops.
			(5)A special bond
			 developed between the Canadian and American soldiers. They were not segregated
			 by geography, although it was commanded by an American colonel.
			(6)The Force was
			 unique, as it was the only unit formed during World War II consisting of troops
			 from 2 different countries.
			(7)In October 1943,
			 the Force went to Italy, where it fought in battles south of Cassino, including
			 Monte La Difensa and Monte Majo.
			(8)These mountain
			 peaks were a critical anchor of the German defense line, and on December 3,
			 1943, the Force’s units ascended to the top of La Difensa’s precipitous face.
			 Climbing through the night, the battalion suffered heavy casualties and
			 overcame fierce resistance to overtake the German line.
			(9)After La Difensa,
			 the Force continued to fight tough battles at high altitudes, in rugged
			 terrain, and in severe weather. After battles on the strongly defended Italian
			 peaks of Sammucro, Vischiataro, and Remetanea, the Force’s combat units had
			 been reduced from 1,800 to fewer than 500.
			(10)In 1944, the
			 Force went to the Anzio Beachhead for 4 months, engaging in raids and
			 aggressive patrols. On June 4, 1944, members of the Force were the first Allied
			 troops to liberate Rome.
			(11)After Rome, the
			 Force moved to southern Italy, where it prepared to assist in the liberation of
			 France.
			(12)During the early
			 morning of August 15, 1944, the Force made silent landings on Les Iles
			 D’Hyeres, small islands in the Mediterranean Sea along the southern coast of
			 France. They faced a sustained and withering assault from the German garrisons,
			 as the Force progressed from the islands to the Franco-Italian border.
			(13)After securing
			 the Franco-Italian border, the United States Army ordered the disbandment of
			 the First Special Service Force on December 5, 1944 in Nice, France.
			(14)In 251 days of
			 combat, the Force suffered 2,314 casualties, or 134 percent of its combat
			 strength. It captured more than 30,000 prisoners, won 5 United States campaign
			 stars, and 8 Canadian battle honors. It never failed a mission.
			(15)The United
			 States is forever indebted to the acts of bravery and selflessness of these
			 troops, risking their lives in covert missions for the cause of freedom.
			(16)The unparalleled
			 work of the Force along the seas and skies of Europe were critical in repelling
			 the Nazi advance and liberating numerous French and Italian communities.
			(17)The bond between
			 the American and Canadian service members has endured over the decades, as they
			 continue to meet every year for reunions, alternating between Canada and the
			 United States.
			(18)The traditions
			 and honors exhibited by the First Special Service Force are carried forward
			 with its lineage embracing outstanding active units of 2 great democracies in
			 the Special Forces of the United States, the Canadian Airborne Regiment, and
			 the Canadian Special Operations Regiment.
			2.Congressional
			 gold medal
			(a)Award
			 authorizedThe Speaker of the House of Representatives and the
			 President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the
			 award, on behalf of the Congress, of 2 gold medals of appropriate design to the
			 First Special Service Force, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated
			 service during World War II.
			(b)Design and
			 strikingFor the purposes of the award referred to in subsection
			 (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (in this Act referred to as the
			 Secretary) shall strike the gold medals with suitable emblems,
			 devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.
			(c)Award to
			 Smithsonian and First Special Service Force Association
				(1)In
			 generalFollowing the award of the gold medals in honor of the
			 First Special Service Force, under subsection (a)—
					(A)one gold medal
			 shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be displayed as
			 appropriate and made available for research; and
					(B)one gold medal
			 shall be given to the First Special Service Force Association in Helena,
			 Montana.
					(2)Sense of
			 CongressIt is the sense of the Congress that the Smithsonian
			 Institution and the First Special Service Force Association should make the
			 gold medals received under paragraph (1) available for display elsewhere,
			 particularly at other appropriate locations associated with the First Special
			 Service Force, including Fort William Henry Harrison in Helena, Montana.
				3.Duplicate
			 medalsThe Secretary may
			 strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medals struck under section 2,
			 at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals, including labor,
			 materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses.
		4.National
			 medalsMedals struck pursuant
			 to this Act are national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United
			 States Code.
		5.Authority to use
			 funds; proceeds of sale
			(a)Authority To
			 use fundsThere is authorized to be charged against the United
			 States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, an amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for
			 the cost of the medals authorized under section 2.
			(b)Proceeds of
			 saleAmounts received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals
			 under section 3 shall be deposited in the United States Mint Public Enterprise
			 Fund.


116 HR 8690 IH: Armed Forces Deferred Tax Relief Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-10-27
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8690IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 27, 2020Mr. Hastings introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 direct the Secretary of Defense to compensate members of the Armed Forces for certain taxes deferred pursuant to Internal Revenue Service Notice 2020–65.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Armed Forces Deferred Tax Relief Act.2.Compensation of members of the Armed Forces for certain taxes deferred pursuant to Internal Revenue Service Notice 2020–65In the case of a member of the Armed Forces whose taxes were deferred pursuant to Internal Revenue Service Notice 2020–65, if such deferred taxes are withheld by the Secretary of Defense during the period beginning on January 1, 2021, and ending on April 30, 2021, the Secretary shall (contemporaneous with such withholding) make a payment to such member in an amount equal to the deferred tax so withheld. Any payment under this section shall be excluded from gross income of the member and exempt from taxation under any provision of Federal law.


113 HRES 244 IH: Expressing support for Lunchtime Music on the Mall in Washington, DC, to benefit the District of Columbia, regional residents, and visitors and recognizing the public service of the performers and sponsors.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-06-03
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.

		IV
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 244
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 3, 2013
			Ms. Norton submitted
			 the following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Natural
			 Resources

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing support for Lunchtime Music on
		  the Mall in Washington, DC, to benefit the District of Columbia, regional
		  residents, and visitors and recognizing the public service of the performers
		  and sponsors.

		Whereas the National Mall Revitalization and
			 Designation Act seeks to enliven the National Mall for residents and
			 visitors;
		Whereas the National Park Service has begun implementation
			 of the National Mall Revitalization and Designation Act
			 administratively;
		Whereas the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
			 has sponsored performing artists at Metro stations and has now agreed to be a
			 sponsor and producer of Lunchtime Music on the Mall;
		Whereas the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities is
			 a patron of many performing artists in the District of Columbia and has agreed
			 to be a sponsor and producer of Lunchtime Music on the Mall;
		Whereas in addition to out-of-town visitors, many Federal
			 and other employees work downtown and in the vicinity of the National
			 Mall;
		Whereas the National Mall is a national treasure,
			 supported by United States taxpayers to provide a unique park space with
			 potential for a variety of outdoor enjoyment;
		Whereas many amateur and professional musicians reside in
			 the District of Columbia and the national capital region;
		Whereas the National Mall provides a natural stage for the
			 display of District of Columbia and regional talent;
		Whereas the National Park Service has made available a
			 central location frequented by visitors and commuters alike for Lunchtime Music
			 on the Mall;
		Whereas the National Park Service, the Washington
			 Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and the D.C. Commission on the Arts and
			 Humanities are sponsoring Lunchtime Music on the Mall every Tuesday and
			 Thursday from noon to 1:00 p.m. during the good weather months;
		Whereas Lunchtime Music on the Mall offers benefits to
			 office workers and many of the 20,000,000 visitors annually to Washington, DC;
			 and
		Whereas 2013 is the second season for Lunchtime Music on
			 the Mall: Now, therefore, be it

		That the House of
			 Representatives—
			(1)recognizes Lunchtime Music on the Mall as
			 an enhancement to urban life and musical culture in Washington, DC, and to
			 appreciation of the National Mall;
			(2)recognizes the
			 performers participating in Lunchtime Music on the Mall; and
			(3)commends the
			 National Park Service, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and
			 the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities for their public service in
			 providing live music performances at no charge to the public.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 211
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 12, 2009
			Mrs. Clinton (for
			 herself, Mr. Burr,
			 Mr. Akaka, Mr.
			 Brown, Ms. Cantwell,
			 Mr. Casey, Ms.
			 Collins, Mr. Durbin,
			 Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Inouye, Mr.
			 Kerry, Ms. Landrieu,
			 Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Levin, Mr.
			 Lugar, Mr. Menendez,
			 Ms. Mikulski, Mrs. Murray, Mr.
			 Roberts, Mr. Schumer,
			 Ms. Snowe, Mr.
			 Specter, Ms. Stabenow, and
			 Mr. Whitehouse) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To facilitate nationwide availability of 2–1–1 telephone
		  service for information and referral on human services and volunteer services,
		  and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Calling for 2–1–1 Act of
			 2009.
		2.FindingsCongress makes the following
			 findings:
			(1)The Federal
			 Communications Commission has assigned 2–1–1 as the national telephone number
			 for telephone service for information and referral on human services, declaring
			 that 2–1–1 best satisfies the public interest in allotting the limited resource
			 of this abbreviated number. The Commission will assess the widespread
			 utilization of the 2–1–1 telephone number and evaluate whether to continue the
			 assignment of that telephone number for that service.
			(2)The number
			 2–1–1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that facilitates
			 critical connections between individuals and families seeking services,
			 volunteer opportunities, or both and appropriate human services agencies,
			 including community-based and faith-based organizations and government
			 agencies.
			(3)There are
			 approximately 1,500,000 nonprofit organizations in the United States.
			 Individuals and families often find it difficult to navigate through a complex
			 and ever-growing maze of human services agencies and programs, spending
			 inordinate amounts of time trying to identify an agency or program that
			 provides a service that may be immediately or urgently required and often
			 abandoning the search from frustration or a lack of quality information.
			(4)At the Federal,
			 State, and local levels, government funding supports well-intentioned programs
			 that are not fully utilized because of a lack of access to and information on
			 such programs by the public. Program administrators have indicated that there
			 is a need for a simple way to connect those eligible for programs with
			 available program resources. 2–1–1 telephone service will reduce the number of
			 inappropriate calls to government offices by directing consumers to the
			 appropriate human services agency, resulting in a more effective use of
			 government services.
			(5)A national cost
			 benefit analysis conducted by the University of Texas estimates a net value to
			 society of a national 2–1–1 system approaching $130,000,000 in the first year
			 alone and a conservative estimate of nearly $1,100,000,000 over 10
			 years.
			(6)Many families
			 need information on government and not-for-profit services that provide high
			 quality child care and early childhood education, such as the Federal Head
			 Start program, after school and summer activities for children, job training
			 and assistance, housing and hunger assistance, elder care, help for victims of
			 domestic violence, disaster recovery, and volunteer opportunities.
			(7)Individuals often
			 need support, services, or both when suffering emotional distress, having
			 suicidal thoughts or behavior, contemplating violence, or using drugs or
			 alcohol.
			(8)Americans desire
			 to volunteer and become involved in their communities. This desire, together
			 with a desire to donate to organizations which provide human services, are
			 among the reasons to contact a center which provides information and referral
			 on volunteer opportunities and human services. A simple call to 2–1–1 will help
			 a citizen find the volunteer opportunity they seek.
			(9)Following the
			 September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, an estimated 400 telephone hotlines were
			 established in New York, New York, for various funds and services, creating a
			 confusing network for victims and volunteers to navigate. A Comptroller General
			 report on charitable aid following the terrorist attacks found that
			 families of victims generally believed they had to navigate a maze of
			 service providers in the early months and that good information
			 about and easy access to available assistance could help survivors in the
			 recovery process.
			(10)The 107th
			 Congress recognized the importance of 2–1–1 telephone service in community
			 preparedness and response by including use of that telephone number for public
			 information as an allowable use of funds under grants for preparedness and
			 response to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies under section
			 319C–1 of the Public Health Service
			 Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–3a).
			(11)While 69 percent
			 of the population has access to 2–1–1 telephone service from a land line in 41
			 States, inadequate funding prevents access to that telephone service throughout
			 each of the States. 2–1–1 telephone service is currently available statewide
			 only in 18 States.
			(12)Rapid deployment
			 nationwide of 2–1–1 telephone service as a means of access to information about
			 and referral on human services requires collaboration among State governments,
			 comprehensive and specialized information and referral centers, including Child
			 Care Resource and Referral Agencies, human services organizations and service
			 providers, emergency management and homeland security officials, telephone
			 companies, and other relevant entities.
			(13)2–1–1 telephone
			 service facilitates the availability of a single repository where comprehensive
			 data on all community services is collected, maintained, and updated regularly,
			 reducing costs and duplication of efforts. The reliable data provided through
			 2–1–1 telephone service helps to better assess the needs of our communities and
			 to immediately mobilize resources toward those needs.
			3.Grants to
			 facilitate nationwide availability of 2–1–1 service for information and
			 referral on human services
			(a)Grants
			 RequiredThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting
			 through the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families (referred to in this
			 Act as the Secretary), shall award a grant to each State to
			 carry out a program for the purpose of making 2–1–1 telephone service available
			 to all residents of the State with phone service for information and referral
			 on human services. The grant, and the service provided through the grant, shall
			 not supplant existing funding streams or services.
			(b)Grant To Be
			 Available for Each StateIn awarding grants under this section,
			 the Secretary shall develop a formula for allocating grant amounts among the
			 States so that a grant may be awarded to each State seeking a grant.
			(c)Requirement on
			 Share of Activities
				(1)RequirementA
			 State may not be awarded a grant under this section unless the State ensures
			 that at least 50 percent of the resources of the program funded by the grant
			 will be derived from other sources.
				(2)In-kind
			 contributionsThe requirement in paragraph (1) may be satisfied
			 by in-kind contributions of goods or services.
				(d)Lead
			 Entity
				(1)In
			 generalA State seeking a grant under this section shall carry
			 out this section through a lead entity (also known as a 2–1–1
			 Collaborative) meeting the requirements of this subsection.
				(2)2–1–1
			 collaborativeAn entity shall be treated as the 2–1–1
			 Collaborative for a State under this subsection if the entity—
					(A)exists for such
			 purpose under State law;
					(B)exists for such
			 purpose by order of the State public utility commission; or
					(C)is a
			 collaborative entity established by the State for such purpose from among
			 representatives of—
						(i)an
			 informal existing 2–1–1 statewide collaborative, if any, in the State;
						(ii)State
			 agencies;
						(iii)community-based
			 organizations;
						(iv)faith-based
			 organizations;
						(v)not-for-profit
			 organizations;
						(vi)comprehensive
			 and specialized information and referral providers, including current 2–1–1
			 call centers;
						(vii)foundations;
			 and
						(viii)businesses.
						(3)Requirements
			 for preexisting lead entitiesAn entity described by subparagraph
			 (A) or (B) of paragraph (2) may be treated as a lead entity under this
			 subsection only if such entity collaborates, to the extent practicable, with
			 the organizations and entities listed in subparagraph (C) of that
			 paragraph.
				(e)Application
				(1)In
			 generalThe lead entity on behalf of each State seeking a grant
			 under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form as
			 the Secretary shall require.
				(2)InformationAn
			 application on behalf of a State under this subsection shall contain
			 information as follows:
					(A)Information, on
			 the program to be carried out by the lead entity of the State so that every
			 resident of the State with phone service may dial the 2–1–1 telephone service
			 at no charge to the caller, describing how the lead entity plans to make
			 available throughout the State 2–1–1 telephone service for information and
			 referral on human services, including information on the manner in which the
			 lead entity will develop, sustain, and evaluate the program.
					(B)Information on
			 the sources of resources for the program for purposes of meeting the
			 requirement in subsection (c).
					(C)Information
			 describing how the entity shall provide, to the extent practicable, a statewide
			 database available to all residents of the State as well as all human services
			 programs, through the Internet, that will allow them to search for programs or
			 services that are available according to the data gathered by the human
			 services programs in the State.
					(D)Any additional
			 information that the Secretary may require for purposes of this section.
					(f)Subgrants
				(1)AuthorityIn
			 carrying out a program to make 2–1–1 telephone service available throughout a
			 State at no charge to the caller, the lead entity of the State may make
			 subgrants to such persons or entities as the lead entity considers appropriate
			 for purposes of the program, including subgrants to provide funds—
					(A)for the provision
			 of 2–1–1 telephone service;
					(B)for the operation
			 and maintenance of 2–1–1 call centers; and
					(C)for the
			 collection and display of information for the statewide database.
					(2)ConsiderationsIn
			 awarding a subgrant under this subsection, a lead entity shall consider—
					(A)the ability of
			 the person or entity seeking the subgrant to carry out activities or provide
			 services consistent with the program;
					(B)the extent to
			 which the award of the subgrant will facilitate equitable geographic
			 distribution of subgrants under this section to ensure that rural communities
			 have access to 2–1–1 telephone service; and
					(C)the extent to
			 which the recipient of the subgrant will establish and maintain cooperative
			 relationships with specialized information and referral centers, including
			 Child Care Resource Referral Agencies, crisis centers, 9–1–1 call centers, and
			 3–1–1 call centers, if applicable.
					(g)Use of Grant
			 and Subgrant Amounts
				(1)In
			 generalAmounts awarded as grants or subgrants under this section
			 shall be used solely to make available 2–1–1 telephone service to all residents
			 of a State with phone access, for community information and referral on human
			 services, including telephone connections between families and individuals
			 seeking such services and the providers of such services.
				(2)Particular
			 mattersIn making 2–1–1 telephone service available, the
			 recipient of a grant or subgrant shall, to the maximum extent
			 practicable—
					(A)abide by the Key
			 Standards for 2–1–1 Centers as specified in the Standards for Professional
			 Information and Referral Requirements for Alliance of Information Referral
			 Systems (AIRS) Accreditation and Operating 2–1–1 Systems; and
					(B)collaborate with
			 human services organizations, whether public or private, to provide an
			 exhaustive database of services with which to provide information or referral
			 to individuals utilizing 2–1–1 telephone service.
					(3)Use of
			 fundsAmounts of a subgrant under subsection (f) may be used by
			 subgrant recipients for statewide and regional planning, start-up costs
			 (including costs of software and hardware upgrades and telecommunications
			 costs), training, accreditation, public awareness, evaluation of activities,
			 Internet hosting and site development and maintenance for a statewide database,
			 database integration projects that incorporate data from different 2–1–1
			 programs into a single statewide database, and the provision of 2–1–1 telephone
			 service.
				(h)Requirement on
			 Allocation of Grant AmountsOf the amounts awarded under this
			 section, an aggregate of not more than 15 percent shall be allocated for
			 evaluation, training, and technical assistance, and for management and
			 administration of subgrants awarded under this section.
			(i)ReportsThe
			 lead entity of each State awarded a grant under this section for a fiscal year
			 shall submit to the Secretary, not later than 60 days after the end of such
			 fiscal year, a report on the program funded by the grant. Each report
			 shall—
				(1)describe the
			 program funded by the grant;
				(2)assess the
			 effectiveness of the program in making available, to all residents of the State
			 with phone service, 2–1–1 telephone service for information and referral on
			 human services in accordance with the provisions of this section; and
				(3)assess the
			 effectiveness of collaboration with human services resource and referral
			 entitles and service providers.
				(j)DefinitionsIn
			 this section:
				(1)Human
			 servicesThe term human services means services as
			 follows:
					(A)Services that
			 assist individuals in becoming more self-sufficient, in preventing dependency,
			 and in strengthening family relationships.
					(B)Services that
			 support personal and social development.
					(C)Services that
			 help ensure the health and well-being of individuals, families, and
			 communities.
					(2)Information and
			 referral centerThe term information and referral
			 center means a center that—
					(A)maintains a
			 database of providers of human services in a State or locality;
					(B)assists
			 individuals, families, and communities in identifying, understanding, and
			 accessing the providers of human services and the human services offered by the
			 providers of such services; and
					(C)tracks types of
			 calls referred and received to document the demands for services.
					(3)StateThe
			 term State means the several States, the District of Columbia, the
			 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American
			 Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
				4.Authorization of
			 appropriations
			(a)In
			 GeneralThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
			 Act, for fiscal years 2010 and 2011, $150,000,000, and for each of fiscal years
			 2012 through 2015, $100,000,000.
			(b)AvailabilityAmounts
			 appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a)
			 shall remain available until expended.


116 HRES 73 EH: Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-24
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.

IV
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 73
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

January 24, 2019

RESOLUTION
Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

That the following named Members be, and are hereby, elected to the following standing committees of the House of Representatives: Committee on the Budget:Mr. Moulton, Mr. Jeffries, Mr. Khanna, Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Doggett, Mr. Price of North Carolina, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Higgins of New York, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Panetta, Mr. Morelle, Mr. Horsford, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Ms. Jackson Lee, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Jayapal, and Ms. Omar.

Committee on Education and Labor:Mrs. Trahan and Mr. Castro of Texas. Committee on Natural Resources:Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Costa, Mr. Sablan, Mr. Huffman, Mr. Lowenthal, Mr. Gallego, Mr. Cox of California, Mr. Neguse, Mr. Levin of California, Ms. Haaland, Mr. Van Drew, Mr. Cunningham, Ms. Velázquez, Ms. DeGette, Mr. Clay, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Brown of Maryland, Mr. McEachin, Mr. Soto, Mr. Case, Mr. Horsford, and Mr. San Nicolas.

Committee on Science, Space, and Technology:Mr. Cohen (to rank immediately after Mr. Sherman). Committee on Small Business:Ms. Finkenauer, Mr. Golden, Mr. Kim, Mr. Crow, Ms. Davids of Kansas, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Mr. Veasey, Mr. Evans, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Delgado, and Ms. Houlahan.

Karen L. Haas,Clerk.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1809
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 10, 2011
			Mr. Andrews (for
			 himself, Mr. Young of Alaska, and
			 Mr. Gosar) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Education and the Workforce

		A BILL
		To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
		  1974 to ensure health care coverage value and transparency for dental benefits
		  under group health plans.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Dental Coverage Value and Transparency
			 Act of 2011.
		2.Value and
			 transparency requirements for dental benefits
			(a)In
			 generalSubpart B of part 7
			 of subtitle A of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
			 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

					716.Value and
				transparency requirements for dental benefits
						(a)In
				generalThe requirements of
				this section shall apply to group health plans insofar as they provide dental
				benefits (including, notwithstanding section 732(c)(1), limited scope dental
				benefits (described in section 733(c)(2))), directly, through health insurance
				coverage, or otherwise.
						(b)ValueIn
				order to ensure that participants and beneficiaries in a group health plan
				receive full value from dental benefits, the plan shall meet the following
				requirements:
							(1)Uniform
				coordination of benefitsThe plan shall provide for coordination
				of benefits in a manner so that the plan pays the same amount regardless of
				other coverage for such benefits so long as the total amount paid does not
				exceed 100 percent of the amount of the applicable claim. Such coordination
				shall be effected consistent with such rules as the Secretary establishes,
				based upon similar model regulations developed by the National Association of
				Insurance commissioners.
							(2)Equity for
				out-of-network providers through assignment of benefits and comparable
				paymentsIn the case of a plan that provides dental benefits
				through a network of providers, the plan shall—
								(A)permit a
				participant or beneficiary to designate payment of dental benefits to a
				provider who is not participating in the network;
								(B)provide the same
				dollar amount of coverage for a given procedure regardless of whether the
				provider of the procedure is participating in the network; and
								(C)not permit the
				application of the plan’s or network’s fee schedule to services for which no
				benefits or reimbursement are provided.
								(c)TransparencyIn order to ensure transparency in the
				provision of dental benefits to participants and beneficiaries in a group
				health plan, the plan shall meet the following requirements:
							(1)Prohibition of
				bundling and down codingThe plan shall not—
								(A)systematically
				combine distinct dental procedures codes in a manner that results in a reduced
				benefit under the plan; or
								(B)provide for a
				change in the benefit code to a less complex (or lower cost) procedure than was
				reported if such actions are inconsistent with the current dental terminology
				(CDT) or, for a provider participating in a network, inconsistent with the
				terms of the network participation agreement.
								(2)Fair payment
				termsThe plan shall—
								(A)provide for
				payment of interest (at a rate specified by the Secretary) or other penalty for
				clean claims paid more than 30 days after the date of their submission;
								(B)not seek
				collection of overpayments more than 90 days after the date of the overpayment;
				and
								(C)not recover
				overpayments for a dental procedure by withholding payments for unrelated
				procedures.
								(3)Transparency in
				use of lease networksA plan may use a network that is leased by
				a health insurance issuer or other entity to another such issuer or entity
				(where such leasing is permitted by the contract between a provider and the
				issuer or other entity) only if the contract language describes in a manner
				understandable to the average dental provider the terms of such
				leasing,
							.
			(b)Conforming
			 amendmentThe table of contents of such Act is amended by
			 inserting after the item relating to section 715 the following new item:

						Sec. 716. Value and transparency
				requirements for dental
				benefits.

					.
			(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to plan
			 years beginning more than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		V
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1773
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 26, 2009
			Mr. Inslee introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence (Permanent
			 Select)

		A BILL
		For the relief of Valerie Plame Wilson.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Valerie Plame Wilson Compensation
			 Act.
		2.Voluntary
			 retirement from the central intelligence agencyFor purposes of any determination of rights
			 under title III of the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act (50 U.S.C.
			 2001 et seq.), Valerie Plame Wilson of Washington, District of Columbia, shall
			 be considered to have met the age and consent requirements that apply under
			 section 233(a) of such Act (50 U.S.C. 2053(a)) by virtue of section 302(b) of
			 such Act (50 U.S.C. 2152(b)).


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3324
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 24 (legislative
			 day, July 23), 2008
			Mr. Lieberman (for
			 himself and Mr. Coleman) introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To provide leadership regarding science, technology,
		  engineering, and mathematics education programs, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Science, Technology, Engineering,
			 and Mathematics Education for the 21st Century Act of
			 2008.
		2.National Council
			 for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education
			(a)EstablishmentThere
			 is established a federally chartered corporation to be known as the National
			 Council for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education
			 (referred to in this section as the STEM Council) which shall be
			 incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia and which shall have
			 the powers granted in this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
			 the STEM Council is a private entity and is not an agency, instrumentality,
			 authority, entity, or establishment of the United States Government.
			(b)MissionThe
			 mission of the STEM Council is to—
				(1)provide guidance
			 and coordinate and facilitate the flow of information about science,
			 technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this section as
			 STEM) education among State, local, and private entities, as
			 well as the general public;
				(2)provide
			 leadership by identifying critical deficiencies in the Nation’s STEM education
			 systems and proposing strategies for members of the STEM Council to collaborate
			 to address such deficiencies;
				(3)serve as a
			 primary focal point for Federal agencies to improve their coordination with,
			 and service to, State and local school systems; and
				(4)promote STEM
			 fields and educate the general public about the value of a STEM
			 education.
				(c)Board of
			 Directors
				(1)In
			 generalThe management of the STEM Council shall be vested in a
			 Board of Directors composed of 23 voting members and 10 nonvoting members, who
			 shall meet not less frequently than quarterly.
				(2)Initial
			 appointmentsThe Director of the National Science Foundation, in
			 consultation with the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Committee on Health,
			 Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on Commerce,
			 Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Education and Labor
			 of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Science and Technology of
			 the House of Representatives, shall appoint, in accordance with this
			 subsection, the initial voting members of the Board of Directors of the STEM
			 Council.
				(3)AppointmentsThe
			 Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the STEM
			 Council, shall appoint, in accordance with this subsection, a new voting member
			 of the Board of Directors of the STEM Council after a voting member has
			 completed service on the STEM Council.
				(4)Representatives
			 on the STEM Council
					(A)Voting
			 seatsThe Board of Directors of the STEM Council shall consist of
			 the following voting members:
						(i)Two
			 State Governors or former Governors.
						(ii)Two chief State
			 school officers.
						(iii)One local
			 school board representative.
						(iv)One
			 representative from the National Science Board.
						(v)One
			 active classroom teacher in science or mathematics.
						(vi)One active
			 classroom teacher in engineering.
						(vii)One school
			 administrator.
						(viii)One
			 representative from organizations representing community colleges.
						(ix)One
			 representative from organizations representing research universities.
						(x)One
			 representative from technological institutes or organizations representing
			 technological institutes.
						(xi)One
			 representative from informal STEM education organizations.
						(xii)Three
			 representatives from local school boards, State legislatures, and other State
			 and local officials.
						(xiii)Two
			 representatives from various teacher, parent-teacher, and STEM education
			 organizations.
						(xiv)Three
			 representatives from various organizations representing industry and business
			 associations with an interest in hiring a STEM-educated workforce.
						(xv)Two
			 representatives from various organizations that support educational
			 initiatives, the Nation's global competitiveness, or STEM education
			 specifically.
						(B)Nonvoting
			 seatsThe Board of Directors of the STEM Council shall consist of
			 nonvoting members for the following seats:
						(i)The
			 two co-chairs of the STEM Committee established under section 3.
						(ii)One
			 representative from the majority party and 1 representative from the minority
			 party from each of the following committees:
							(I)The Committee on
			 Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
							(II)The Committee on
			 Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
							(III)The Committee
			 on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives.
							(IV)The Committee on
			 Science and Technology of the House of Representatives.
							(C)Co-chairsThe
			 Board of Directors of the STEM Council shall have 2 co-chairs who shall be a
			 Governor, or former Governor, and a chief State school officer appointed by the
			 Director of the National Science Foundation in consultation with the Chairmen
			 and Ranking Members of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
			 of the Senate, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
			 Senate, the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives,
			 and the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of
			 Representatives.
					(5)National
			 Academy of Sciences supportThe Director of the National Science
			 Foundation shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of
			 Sciences—
					(A)to provide staff
			 support to the Board of Directors of the STEM Council; and
					(B)to carry out any
			 projects proposed by the Board of Directors or required under this Act.
					(d)Activities
				(1)Mandatory
			 activities
					(A)In
			 generalThe STEM Council shall carry out the following
			 activities:
						(i)Provide
			 leadership by identifying critical deficiencies in the Nation’s STEM education
			 systems and proposing strategies for members of the STEM Council to collaborate
			 to address such deficiencies.
						(ii)Not later than
			 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the
			 STEM Council shall submit a report that highlights the status of STEM education
			 in the Nation and the States to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
			 Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
			 of the Senate, the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
			 Representatives, the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of
			 Representatives, the Governor of each of the 50 States, and the STEM Committee
			 established in section 3. Each report submitted under this clause shall be
			 widely available to the public and posted on the website of the STEM
			 Council.
						(iii)Evaluate
			 progress toward the goals described in the National Action Plan of the National
			 Science Board on a regular and sustained basis, including the effectiveness of
			 the STEM Committee, established under section 3, in coordinating kindergarten
			 through graduate-level Federal STEM education programs.
						(iv)Serve as a
			 national resource by disseminating through the Department of Education to State
			 and local educational agencies information on research on teaching and
			 learning, including best educational practices, and encouraging the adoption of
			 such practices.
						(v)Help States
			 establish or strengthen existing P–16 or P–20 STEM councils and serve as a
			 technical resource center for P–16 or P–20 STEM councils.
						(vi)Utilize
			 scientifically valid studies to determine programs that raise student
			 achievement or interest in STEM fields.
						(vii)Direct the
			 Department of Education to promote the programs described in clause (vi) to
			 State educational agencies and local educational agencies.
						(viii)Work with all
			 stakeholders to address—
							(I)the removal of
			 barriers that exist throughout the Nation in recruiting and retaining effective
			 STEM educators; and
							(II)the removal of
			 barriers imposed by local educational agencies on the movement of STEM
			 educators between local educational agencies both within and across
			 States.
							(ix)Propose models
			 for effective teacher professional development.
						(x)Launch a public
			 education initiative to—
							(I)promote STEM
			 fields to the general public, especially to stakeholders that represent
			 individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal
			 Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b); and
							(II)raise awareness
			 that STEM education is essential for the Nation’s success.
							(B)Database on
			 Federal and non-Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
			 Educational Initiatives
						(i)Establishment
			 and Maintenance of Database
							(I)DatabaseThe
			 STEM Council shall establish and maintain, on a public website of the STEM
			 Council, a database consisting of information on Federal scholarships,
			 fellowships, and other Federal STEM and relevant non-STEM education programs
			 recommended by the STEM Committee established under section 3, as well as
			 non-Federal STEM and relevant non-STEM programs that have been recommended by
			 the Board of Directors of the STEM Council. The database may include
			 information on grants, fellowships, internships, and summer programs at the
			 primary through graduate levels.
							(II)Specific
			 informationThe database established under subclause (I) shall
			 include specific information on any programs of financial assistance that are
			 targeted to individuals of a particular gender, ethnicity, or other demographic
			 group, especially individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and
			 Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).
							(ii)Dissemination
			 of Information on DatabaseThe STEM Council shall take such actions as
			 may be necessary on an ongoing basis, including sending notices to educational
			 institutions, to disseminate information on the database established and
			 maintained under this subparagraph.
						(iii)Listing
			 direct contact informationThe database established under clause
			 (i) shall provide contact information for awards, including the sponsor's
			 website.
						(iv)ApprovalThe
			 STEM Council shall review submissions for inclusion on the database established
			 under clause (i) from prospective sponsors to exclude fraudulent scholarship
			 offers and scholarship programs that require the payment of an application fee
			 or other charge. The STEM Council may—
							(I)remove
			 information from the database if the STEM Council determines the information is
			 not in accordance with the purpose of the database; or
							(II)promote those
			 programs most effective at improving student achievement or interest in STEM
			 fields.
							(v)AccuracyInformation
			 on scholarships included in the database established under clause (i) shall be
			 updated not less often than quarterly in order to provide current and accurate
			 information regarding available scholarships.
						(vi)LinksThe
			 database established under clause (i) may have links to other privately
			 operated online tools designed to help students find scholarships and
			 educational opportunities that are approved by the STEM Council.
						(2)Permissive
			 activitiesThe STEM Council may carry out any of the following
			 activities:
					(A)Coordinate the
			 development and maintenance of integrated data management systems to
			 consolidate and share information among States on STEM educational practices,
			 research, and outcomes, including student assessment results, teacher quality
			 measures, and high school graduation requirements.
					(B)Assemble a
			 database of opportunities for teachers interested in summer research in a STEM
			 field in a Government research laboratory, institution of higher education, or
			 STEM-related business or industry.
					(C)Assemble a
			 database of grants and other funding opportunities for STEM classroom resources
			 to be used by teachers and local educational agencies.
					(e)Corporate
			 powersNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
			 Act, the STEM Council shall become a body corporate and as such shall have the
			 authority to do the following:
				(1)To adopt and use
			 a corporate seal.
				(2)To have
			 succession until dissolved by an Act of Congress.
				(3)To appoint,
			 through the actions of its Board of Directors, officers and employees of the
			 STEM Council, to define their duties and responsibilities, fix their
			 compensations, and to dismiss at will such officers or employees.
				(4)To prescribe,
			 through the actions of its Board of Directors, bylaws not inconsistent with
			 Federal law and the laws of the District of Columbia, regulating the manner in
			 which its general business may be conducted and the manner in which the
			 privileges granted to it by law may be exercised.
				(5)To exercise,
			 through the actions of its Board of Directors, all powers specifically granted
			 by the provisions of this section, and such incidental powers as shall be
			 necessary.
				(6)To develop a
			 source of revenue that is in addition to Federal funds provided under this
			 section and that extends later than fiscal year 2013.
				(7)To pay for a
			 small personnel staff, office space, equipment, and travel, including employing
			 not less than 1 executive staff member and 2 professional staff members.
				(f)Corporate
			 funds
				(1)Deposit of
			 fundsThe Board of Directors shall deposit all funds of the STEM
			 Council in federally chartered and insured depository institutions until such
			 funds are disbursed under paragraph (2).
				(2)Disbursement of
			 fundsFunds of the STEM Council may be disbursed only for
			 purposes that are—
					(A)approved by the
			 chief executive of the STEM Council; and
					(B)in accordance
			 with the mission of the STEM Council as specified in subsection (b).
					(g)Use of
			 mailsThe STEM Council may use the United States mails in the
			 same manner and under the same conditions as the departments and agencies of
			 the United States.
			(h)Federal
			 advisory committee actSection 14 of the Federal Advisory
			 Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App) shall not apply to the STEM Council.
			(i)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the
			 STEM Council to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009
			 through 2013.
			3.Committee on
			 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education
			(a)EstablishmentThere
			 is established within the National Science and Technology Council a standing
			 committee on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education
			 (referred to in this section as the STEM Committee).
			(b)Members
				(1)In
			 generalThe STEM Committee shall be composed of representatives
			 from all Federal departments and agencies involved in STEM education, including
			 the National Laboratories.
				(2)Co-chairsThe
			 STEM Committee shall have 2 co-chairs—
					(A)one of whom shall
			 be a representative from the National Science Foundation; and
					(B)one of whom shall
			 be the Secretary of Education or a designee of the Secretary.
					(c)Duties and
			 responsibilitiesThe STEM Committee shall—
				(1)coordinate all
			 programs related to education in science, technology, engineering, and
			 mathematics (referred to in this section as STEM) fields funded
			 or administered by the Federal Government;
				(2)conduct an
			 ongoing inventory and assessment of the effectiveness of all Federal education
			 initiatives related to STEM fields, especially with regard to how the
			 initiatives are serving those individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the
			 Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a,
			 1885b);
				(3)disseminate the
			 annual report received from the STEM Council under section 2(d)(1)(A)(ii) to
			 each Federal Agency engaged in STEM education efforts;
				(4)coordinate among
			 all Federal departments and agencies involved in STEM education research and
			 programs to inventory and assess the effectiveness and coherence of Federally
			 funded STEM education programs; and
				(5)represent all
			 Federal agencies on the National Council for STEM Education and coordinate the
			 STEM education efforts of the Federal government with State and local
			 governments through the National Council for STEM Education.
				(d)MeetingsThe
			 STEM Committee shall meet not less frequently than quarterly.
			4.Evaluation of
			 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs of the Department of
			 Education
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of Education shall conduct, directly or
			 though contract, a comprehensive evaluation of all science, technology,
			 engineering, and mathematics education (referred to in this section as
			 STEM education) programs of the Department of Education.
			(b)Programs To
			 evaluateThe STEM education programs that shall be evaluated
			 under subsection (a) shall include the following:
				(1)The Mathematics
			 and Science Partnerships program.
				(2)The Math Now for
			 Elementary School and Middle School Students program.
				(3)The Math Skills
			 for Secondary School Students program.
				(4)The Minority
			 Science and Engineering Improvement program.
				(5)The Teachers for
			 a Competitive Tomorrow program.
				(6)The National
			 Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent grant program (the National
			 SMART grant program).
				(7)The Teacher
			 Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants program (the TEACH
			 Grants program).
				(8)The Academic
			 Competitiveness Grant program.
				(9)Grant programs
			 authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of
			 2006.
				(c)Content of
			 evaluationThe evaluation conducted under subsection (a)
			 shall—
				(1)examine the
			 coherence of the Department of Education in administering STEM education
			 programs, including identifying unnecessary or harmful overlap;
				(2)identify the
			 unmet State and local education needs that could be filled with reorganization
			 or expansion of STEM education programs existing on the date of the
			 evaluation;
				(3)evaluate the ease
			 of access to information on STEM education programs by students, educators, and
			 others target populations;
				(4)evaluate the
			 ability of the Department of Education to disseminate information from the STEM
			 Council established under section 2; and
				(5)propose how the
			 Department of Education can address any needs or problems identified in
			 paragraphs (2), (3), and (4).
				(d)ReportNot
			 later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
			 Education, or the entity with whom the Secretary contracts to conduct the
			 evaluation under subsection (a), shall submit to Congress a report of such
			 evaluation.