		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1000
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 10, 2011
			Mr. Pierluisi (for
			 himself, Mr. Young of Alaska,
			 Mr. Burton of Indiana,
			 Mr. Towns,
			 Mr. Faleomavaega,
			 Mr. Serrano,
			 Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas,
			 Mrs. Christensen,
			 Mr. Crowley,
			 Mr. Baca, Ms. Bordallo, Mr.
			 Diaz-Balart, Mr. Grijalva,
			 Ms. Wasserman Schultz,
			 Mr. Sablan,
			 Mr. Grimm, and
			 Mr. Rivera) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Armed Services

		A BILL
		To amend title 10, United States Code, to increase the
		  number of persons appointed to the military service academies from Puerto Rico
		  from nominations made by the Resident Commissioner from Puerto
		  Rico.

		1.Appointments to military
			 service academies from nominations made by the Resident Commissioner from
			 Puerto Rico
			(a)United States
			 Military AcademyParagraph
			 (7) of section 4342(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
				(1)by striking
			 Six and inserting Sixteen; and
				(2)by striking
			 five and inserting fifteen.
				(b)United States
			 Naval AcademyParagraph (7) of section 6954(a) of title 10,
			 United States Code, is amended—
				(1)by striking
			 Six and inserting Sixteen; and
				(2)by striking
			 five and inserting fifteen.
				(c)United States
			 Air Force AcademyParagraph (7) of section 9342(a) of title 10,
			 United States Code, is amended—
				(1)by striking
			 Six and inserting Sixteen; and
				(2)by striking
			 five and inserting fifteen.
				(d)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by
			 this section shall apply with respect to the nomination of candidates for
			 appointment to the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval
			 Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy for classes entering these
			 military service academies after the date of the enactment of this Act.


110 HJ 33 IH: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-02-13
text/xml
EN
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		IA
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. J. RES. 33
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 13, 2007
			Mr. Jackson of
			 Illinois introduced the following joint resolution; which was
			 referred to the Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		JOINT RESOLUTION
		Proposing an amendment to the Constitution
		  of the United States respecting the right to a clean, safe, and sustainable
		  environment.

		That the following article is
			 proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall
			 be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified
			 by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States:

			 —
					1.All persons shall have a right to a clean,
				safe, and sustainable environment, which right shall not be denied or abridged
				by the United States or any State.
					2.The Congress shall have power to enforce
				and implement this article by appropriate
				legislation.
					.


115 HR 332 IH: Peace Corps Stamp Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-01-05
text/xml
EN
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I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 332IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 5, 2017Ms. Lee (for herself, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Rush, and Ms. Moore) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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 provide for the issuance of the Peace Corps Semipostal Stamp.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Peace Corps Stamp Act. 2.Peace Corps Semipostal Stamp (a)In generalIn order to afford a convenient way for members of the public to contribute to funding the Peace Corps’ Global Fund, the United States Postal Service shall issue a semipostal (in this Act referred to as the Peace Corps Semipostal Stamp) in accordance with this section.
			(b)Terms and conditions
 (1)In generalThe issuance and sale of the Peace Corps Semipostal Stamp shall be governed by the provisions of section 416 of title 39, United States Code, and regulations issued under such section, subject to the requirements of this subsection.
 (2)DurationThe Peace Corps Semipostal Stamp shall be made available to the public for a period of 10 years, beginning no later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (3)CostThe Peace Corps Semipostal Stamp shall be offered at a cost equal to the cost of mailing a letter weighing 1 ounce or less at the nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter rate, in effect at the time of purchase, plus a differential of not less than 25 percent.
 (4)Disposition of proceedsAll amounts becoming available from the sale of the Peace Corps Semipostal Stamp (as determined under section 416(d) of such title) shall be transferred to the Peace Corps’ Global Fund through payments which shall be made at least twice a year.
 (5)Proceeds not to be offsetIn accordance with section 416(d)(4) of such title, amounts becoming available from the sale of the Peace Corps Semipostal Stamp shall not be taken into account in any decision relating to the level of appropriations or other Federal funding to be furnished in any year to the Peace Corps.
 (c)DefinitionFor purposes of this Act, the term semipostal refers to a postage stamp described in section 416(a)(1) of title 39, United States Code.


110 HR 5523 IH: Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-03-04
text/xml
EN
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		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5523
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 4, 2008
			Mr. McDermott
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to regulate
		  and tax Internet gambling.

		1.Short title; amendment of
			 1986 Code
			(a)Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as the Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of
			 2008.
			(b)Amendment of
			 1986 CodeExcept as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in
			 this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment a section or other
			 provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other
			 provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
			2.License fee on
			 Internet gambling operators; licensee information reporting
			(a)In
			 generalChapter 36 (relating to certain other excise taxes) is
			 amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter:

					EInternet Gambling
				Operators

							Sec. 4491. Imposition of Internet gambling license
				  fee.

						4491.Imposition of
				Internet gambling license fee
							(a)In
				generalEach Internet
				gambling operator licensed by the Director in accordance with subchapter V of
				chapter 53 of title 31, United States Code, shall be required to pay to the
				Director by the end of each month an Internet gambling license fee.
							(b)Internet
				gambling license feeFor
				purposes of this section, the Internet gambling license fee is an amount equal
				to 2 percent of all funds deposited during the preceding month with or on
				behalf of such Internet gambling operator into an account that can be used for
				the purpose of placing a bet or wager. Deposits made by or on behalf of any
				such operator of Internet gambling winnings shall not be treated as a deposit
				for purposes of this section.
							(c)DispositionAmounts
				paid to the Director as Internet gambling license fees under this section shall
				be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury and treated as revenue.
							(d)Direct and
				exclusive obligation of licenseeThe Internet gambling license fee shall be
				the direct and exclusive obligation of the Internet gambling operator and may
				not be deducted from the amounts available as deposits to the person placing a
				bet.
							(e)DirectorFor
				purposes of this subchapter, the term Director shall have the
				meaning given such term by section 5382 of chapter 53 of title 31, United
				States Code.
							(f)Administrative
				provisionsTo the extent the Secretary shall by regulations
				prescribe, the Internet gambling license fee shall be treated as an excise tax
				for purposes of the administrative provisions of this title applicable to
				excise taxes imposed by chapter
				35.
							.
			(b)Information
			 returnsSubpart A of part III
			 of subchapter A of chapter 61 (relating to information concerning persons
			 subject to special provisions) is amended by adding at the end the following
			 new section:

					6039J.Returns of
				Internet gambling operators
						(a)RequirementEvery
				person who is an Internet gambling operator subject to section 4491 during a
				taxable year shall furnish, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary
				shall by regulations prescribe, the information described in subsection (b),
				and such person shall maintain (in the location, in the manner, and to the
				extent prescribed in regulations) such records as may be appropriate to the
				information described in subsection (b).
						(b)Required
				informationFor purposes of subsection (a), the information
				described in this subsection is such information as the Secretary may prescribe
				by regulations relating to—
							(1)the Internet
				gambling operator’s name, address, and tax information number,
							(2)the name, address,
				and tax information number of each person placing a wager with the Internet
				gambling operator during the calendar year,
							(3)the gross
				winnings, gross wagers, and gross losses of each such person during the
				year,
							(4)the amount of tax
				withheld with respect to each such person,
							(5)beginning and
				end-of-year account balances for each such person, and
							(6)amounts deposited
				and withdrawn by each such person during the calendar year.
							(c)Statement To be
				furnished to persons with respect to whom information is
				requiredEvery person required to make a return under subsection
				(a) shall furnish to each person whose name is required to be set forth in such
				return a written statement showing—
							(1)the name, address,
				and phone number of the information contact of the person required to make such
				return, and
							(2)the information
				required to be shown on such return with respect to such person.
							The
				written statement required under the preceding sentence shall be furnished to
				the person on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar year for
				which the return under subsection (a) was required to be
				made..
			(c)Clerical
			 amendments
				(1)The table of subchapters for chapter 36 is
			 amended by adding at the end the following new item:

							Subchapter E. Internet Gambling
				Operators.

						.
				(2)The table of
			 sections for subpart A of part III of subchapter A of chapter 61 is amended by
			 inserting after the item relating to section 6039I the following new
			 item:

							Sec. 6039J. Returns of Internet gambling
				operators.

						.
				(d)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by
			 this section shall apply to wagers made after December 31, 2008.
			3.Withholding from
			 certain gambling winnings
			(a)Net internet
			 gambling winningsParagraph (3) of section 3402(q) (relating to
			 extension of withholding to certain gambling winnings) is amended by adding at
			 the end thereof the following new subparagraph:

					(D)Net internet
				gambling winningsProceeds of net Internet gambling winnings of
				more than $5,000 in any one calendar
				year.
					.
			(b)No exemption for
			 certain winningsParagraph (5) of section 3402(q) is amended by
			 inserting (other than winnings described in paragraph (3)(D)
			 after winnings .
			(c)DefinitionsSubsection
			 (q) of section 3402 is amended by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8)
			 and by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:

					(7)Proceeds of net
				Internet gambling winningsFor purposes of this subsection—
						(A)In
				generalThe term proceeds of net Internet gambling
				winnings means amounts of net Internet gambling winnings withdrawn from
				an account established for the purpose of Internet gambling.
						(B)Net Internet
				gambling winningsThe term net Internet gambling
				winnings means gross winnings from a wager placed over the Internet with
				a person required to be licensed under section 5382 of chapter 53 of title 31,
				United States Code, less the amount wagered.
						(C)Internet;
				wagerThe terms Internet and wager
				shall have the respective meanings given such terms by section 5382 of chapter
				53 of title 31, United States Code.
						.
			(d)Backup
			 withholdingSection 3406 (relating to backup withholding) is
			 amended by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j) and by adding the
			 following new subsection:

					(i)For purposes of
				this section, net Internet gambling winnings shall be treated as other
				reportable payments, an Internet gambling operator shall be treated as payor,
				and the person placing a wager with an Internet gambling operator shall be
				treated as payee. For purposes of the preceding sentence, terms used in such
				sentence which are also used in section 3402(q)(7) shall have the meanings
				given such terms by such section.
					.
			(e)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to wagers
			 placed with a licensee after December 31, 2008.
			4.Withholding of
			 tax on nonresident aliens
			(a)Tax on
			 nonresident alien individualsSubparagraph (A) of section
			 871(a)(1) (relating to income not connected with United States business—30
			 percent tax) is amended—
				(1)by striking
			 and other fixed and inserting , other fixed,
			 and
				(2)by adding
			 and net Internet gambling income, at the end.
				(b)Exemption for
			 certain gambling winningsSection 871(j) (relating to exemption
			 for certain gambling winnings) is amended by inserting before the period at the
			 end the following: or to any wagers placed over the Internet (as such
			 terms are defined in section 3402(q)(7)).
			(c)Withholding of
			 tax on nonresident alien individualsThe first sentence of
			 subsection (b) of section 1441 (relating to withholding of tax on nonresident
			 aliens) is amended—
				(1)by striking
			 and gains on transfers and inserting gains on
			 transfers, and
				(2)by inserting
			 before the period at the end the following: , and proceeds of net
			 Internet gambling winnings (as defined in section 3402(q)(7)) of more than
			 $5,000 in any one calendar year .
				(d)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to wagers
			 placed with a licensee after December 31, 2008.
			5.Tax on
			 wagers
			(a)Persons liable
			 for taxSubsection (c) of section 4401 (relating to persons
			 liable for tax on wagers) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following
			 sentence: Any person placing a wager with a person who is required to
			 obtain a license within the meaning of section 4491 but who has failed to
			 obtain such license shall be liable for and pay the tax under this subchapter
			 on all such wagers..
			(b)Territorial
			 extentParagraph (2) of section 4404 is amended to read as
			 follows:

					(2)placed within the United States or any
				Commonwealth, territory, or possession thereof by a United States citizen or
				resident.
					.
			(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to wagers
			 made after December 31, 2008.


110 HRES 731 IH: Honoring Kelly Pavlik, the undisputed

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-10-10
text/xml
EN
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		IV
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 731
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			October 10, 2007
			Mr. Ryan of Ohio
			 submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Oversight and Government
			 Reform

		RESOLUTION
		Honoring Kelly Pavlik, the undisputed
		  middleweight boxing champion, his trainer Jack Loew, Team Pavlik and Pavlik’s
		  fans in Northeast Ohio.

		Whereas Kelly Pavlik became the undisputed World
			 Middleweight Champion and the pride of his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio when he
			 defeated Jermain Taylor on September 29, 2007, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, by
			 way of knockout in the seventh round to earn the WBC and WBO Middleweight
			 titles;
		Whereas Kelly Pavlik’s victory on September 29th was the
			 culmination of his determined ascent through the ranks of the Middleweight
			 boxing division, generating much needed excitement in the world of boxing and
			 instilling immense pride in the people of Northeast Ohio’s Mahoning
			 Valley;
		Whereas Jack Loew, longtime boxing trainer at the South
			 Side Boxing Club in Youngstown, is Kelly Pavlik’s first and only trainer,
			 starting when Pavlik was just nine years old and resulting in an unwavering
			 loyalty between Pavlik and Loew;
		Whereas Jack Loew and Team Pavlik have always believed in
			 Kelly Pavlik’s ability to become champion, and have done a tremendous job
			 preparing him for every fight;
		Whereas most boxing analysts favored Taylor to win the
			 fight;
		Whereas Kelly Pavlik’s upset performance was nothing short
			 of spectacular, having overcome a devastating barrage of punches from Jermain
			 Taylor during the second round of the fight which knocked Pavlik to the
			 canvas;
		Whereas the Youngstown area, which is in the midst of a
			 dramatic comeback itself, is exceptionally proud of its hometown hero and sent
			 an estimated 5,000 supporters to Atlantic City to watch Pavlik’s title
			 fight;
		Whereas Pavlik’s victory takes his professional record to
			 32 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws, with 29 of his 32 victories coming by way of
			 knockout;
		Whereas Kelly Pavlik is an outstanding citizen of the
			 Youngstown area and his hard work and determination have set an example in
			 which all people should live by; and
		Whereas Kelly Pavlik represents the Mahoning Valley with
			 humility and grace, has never forgotten where he came from and is a symbol for
			 the fighting spirit of the Mahoning Valley: Now, therefore, be it

		That the House of
			 Representatives—
			(1)congratulates Kelly Pavlik on his victory
			 September 29th, 2007 which earned him the World Middleweight Boxing
			 Championship; and
			(2)honors Kelly Pavlik for his commitment and
			 continuing loyalty to his community.


 HR 5395 ENR: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 116 Main Street in Dansville, New York, as the “Staff Sergeant Alexandria Gleason-Morrow Post Office Building”.
U.S. House of Representatives

text/xml
EN
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I
One Hundred Fifteenth Congress of the United States of AmericaAt the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday, the third day of January, two thousand and eighteen
H. R. 5395

AN ACT
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 116 Main Street in Dansville, New York, as the Staff Sergeant Alexandria Gleason-Morrow Post Office Building.

1.Staff Sergeant Alexandria Gleason-Morrow Post Office Building
(a)DesignationThe facility of the United States Postal Service located at 116 Main Street in Dansville, New York, shall be known and designated as the Staff Sergeant Alexandria Gleason-Morrow Post Office Building. (b)ReferencesAny reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Staff Sergeant Alexandria Gleason-Morrow Post Office Building.
 Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


114 HR 2866 IH: Healthy MOM Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-06-23
text/xml
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		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2866
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 23, 2015
			Mrs. Watson Coleman (for herself, Ms. Adams, Ms. Bass, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Becerra, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. Brown of Florida, Mr. Butterfield, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Cárdenas, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Ms. Castor of Florida, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Ms. Clark of Massachusetts, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Delaney, Ms. DeLauro, Mr. DeSaulnier, Mrs. Dingell, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Ellison, Mr. Farr, Mr. Foster, Ms. Fudge, Mr. Garamendi, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Gutiérrez, Mr. Hastings, Mr. Honda, Mr. Israel, Ms. Jackson Lee, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Ms. Kaptur, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Ms. Kuster, Mr. Langevin, Mrs. Lawrence, Ms. Lee, Mr. Levin, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Ted Lieu of California, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, Ms. McCollum, Mr. McDermott, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Moore, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Nadler, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Norcross, Ms. Norton, Mr. O’Rourke, Mr. Pascrell, Mr. Payne, Mr. Richmond, Mr. Rush, Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Mr. Sires, Ms. Speier, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Tonko, Mrs. Torres, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Vela, Ms. Maxine Waters of California, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Bonamici, Mr. Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Peters, and Ms. Clarke of New York) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to provide for a special enrollment period
			 for pregnant women, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine Act or the Healthy MOM Act. 2.Findings and purpose (a)FindingsCongress finds the following:
 (1)Pregnancy is a significant life event for millions of women in the United States each year. (2)For more than 30 years, our Nation, through the Medicaid program, has recognized that pregnant women need immediate access to affordable care, and has allowed women who meet income-eligibility requirements to enroll in Medicaid coverage when they become pregnant.
 (3)Congress recognized the central importance of maternity coverage by classifying maternity and newborn care as one of the ten essential health benefits that must now be covered on most individual and small group health insurance plans under section 1302(b)(1) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18022(b)(1)).
 (4)Access to comprehensive maternity coverage allows women to access important pregnancy-related care, which is demonstrated to improve health outcomes for women and newborns and reduce financial costs for both consumers and insurers.
 (5)Uninsured women, women with grandfathered and transitional health plans, self-funded student health plans, and catastrophic and high-deductible health plans may lack access to comprehensive and affordable maternity coverage.
 (6)A special enrollment period is especially important for young adults, who are at high risk for unintended pregnancies, yet young adults are frequently enrolled in catastrophic coverage, which often has fewer benefits, more restrictions, and higher deductibles.
 (7)Timely maternity care improves the health of pregnant women, as well as birth outcomes and the health of babies throughout their lifetimes. Pregnancy-related maternal mortality is three to four times higher among women who receive no maternity care compared to women who do. Regular maternity care can detect or mitigate serious pregnancy-related health complications, including preeclampsia, placental abruption, complications from diabetes, complications from heart disease, and Graves’ disease, all of which can result in morbidity or mortality for the mother or newborn.
 (8)Regular maternity care can reduce preterm births and the health complications associated with preterm births.
 (9)Timely maternity care can reduce short- and long-term health care costs. If a woman does not have access to affordable maternity care during her pregnancy, and she or her newborn experiences pregnancy complications that result in health problems after birth, their insurer may end up paying much higher costs than if the insurer had covered the woman’s maternity care during her pregnancy. Intensive maternity care can reduce hospital and neonatal intensive care unit admissions among infants, resulting in cost savings of $1,768 to $5,560 per birth. For women with high-risk pregnancies, intensive maternity care saves $1.37 for every $1 invested in maternity care.
 (b)PurposeThe purpose of this Act is to protect the health of women and newborns by ensuring that all women eligible for coverage through the Exchanges established under title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111–148) can access affordable health coverage during their pregnancy.
			3.Providing for a special enrollment period for pregnant women
 (a)Public Health Service ActSection 2702(b)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–1(b)(2)) is amended by inserting including a special enrollment period for pregnant women, beginning on the date on which the pregnancy is reported to the health insurance issuer before the period at the end.
 (b)Patient protection and affordable care actSection 1311(c)(6) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(c)(6)) is amended—
 (1)in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (2)by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and
 (3)by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph:  (D)a special enrollment period for pregnant women, beginning on the date on which the pregnancy is reported to the Exchange; and.
 (c)Special enrollment periodsSection 9801(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9801(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

					(4)For pregnant women
 (A)A group health plan shall permit an employee who is eligible, but not enrolled, for coverage under the terms of the plan (or a dependent of such an employee if the dependent is eligible, but not enrolled, for coverage under such terms) to enroll for coverage under the terms of the plan upon pregnancy, with the special enrollment period beginning on the date on which the pregnancy is reported to the group health plan.
 (B)The Secretary shall promulgate regulations with respect to the special enrollment period under subparagraph (A), including establishing a time period for pregnant women to enroll in coverage and effective date of such coverage..
 (d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after the 2016 plan year.
			4.Federal employee health benefit plans
 (a)In generalThe Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall issue such regulations as are necessary to ensure that pregnancy is considered a change in family status and a qualifying life event for an individual who is eligible to enroll, but is not enrolled, in a health benefit plan under chapter 89 title 5, United States Code.
 (b)Effective dateThe requirement in subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any contract entered into under section 8902 of such title beginning 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act.


115 SRES 720 ATS: Expressing the condolences of the Senate and honoring the memory of the victims of the shooting at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, on November 19, 2018.
U.S. Senate

text/xml
EN
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		III
		115th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 720
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			December 11, 2018
			Mr. Durbin (for himself and Ms. Duckworth) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the condolences of the Senate and honoring the memory of the victims of the shooting at
			 Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, on November 19,
			 2018.

 Whereas on November 19, 2018, a gunman opened fire in the parking lot and lobby of Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois;
 Whereas the gunman took the lives of 3 individuals who had dedicated themselves to serving others as members of the law enforcement and medical communities;
 Whereas Chicago Police Officer Samuel Jimenez, age 28, of the Second Police District, responded to the emergency call with bravery and made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to protect the lives of others;
 Whereas Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said that— (1)Officer Jimenez and the other officers who responded to the shooting did what heroic officers always do—they ran toward the gunfire; and
 (2)the actions of Officer Jimenez and the other officers who responded to the shooting saved a lot of lives; Whereas Officer Jimenez was—
 (1)a dedicated law enforcement officer; (2)a loving husband; and
 (3)a loving father of 3 young children; Whereas Officer Jimenez was the second police officer of the Chicago Police Department to be fatally shot in the line of duty in 2018, after Commander Paul R. Bauer, the commander of the 18th Police District, was fatally shot while attempting to apprehend an armed suspect on February 13;
 Whereas Dr. Tamara O’Neal, age 38, a physician at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, was fatally shot by the gunman in the hospital parking lot;
 Whereas Dr. O’Neal, a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, had worked in the emergency department at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center treating others and was devoted to her church and to charitable causes;
 Whereas Dr. O’Neal was described by the director of the emergency department at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center as a wonderful individual who was dedicated to caring for her community;
 Whereas Dayna Less, age 24, a pharmacist at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, was fatally shot by the gunman;
 Whereas Ms. Less, a graduate of Purdue University, had overcome health challenges as a youth and had decided to become a pharmacist to help serve the health needs of others;
 Whereas Ms. Less, who was engaged to be married to her childhood sweetheart, was described by her father as the strongest person I know;
 Whereas the city of Chicago suffers from our nation’s epidemic of gun violence, with nearly 2,700 people killed or injured by gunfire in Chicago in 2018;
 Whereas the medical community in the United States works tirelessly every day to provide professional and dedicated care to individuals affected by gun violence across the nation;
 Whereas the law enforcement community in the United States works tirelessly every day to respond to incidents of gun violence and protect others from harm at the risk of their own safety; and
 Whereas the nation owes a debt of gratitude to members of the law enforcement and medical communities in Chicago and across the United States for the service they provide in helping others, including in the response to the shooting at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center on November 19, 2018: Now, therefore, be it

 That the Senate— (1)expresses sincere condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of Officer Samuel Jimenez, Dr. Tamara O’Neal, and Dayna Less, the victims of the tragic shooting on November 19, 2018, at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois;
 (2)honors the lives and memory of the victims, with gratitude for the service the victims provided as members of the law enforcement and medical communities;
 (3)extends support to the individuals subjected to the trauma of the shooting; (4)thanks the law enforcement officers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and Mercy Hospital and Medical Center workers who responded to the shooting with professionalism, dedication, and bravery; and
 (5)stands in solidarity with the victims of senseless gun violence in Chicago and in communities across the United States.


115 HR 1945 IH: Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-04-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1945IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 5, 2017Mr. Latta (for himself, Mr. Farenthold, Mr. Duncan of South Carolina, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. LaMalfa, Mr. Cole, and Mr. Walz) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, 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 establish the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee to advise
			 the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture on wildlife and habitat
			 conservation, hunting, recreational shooting, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee Act . 2.Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee (a)In GeneralThe Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					10.Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee
 (a)EstablishmentThere is hereby established the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the Advisory Committee) to advise the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture on wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting, and recreational shooting.
 (b)Duties of the advisory committeeThe Advisory Committee shall advise the Secretaries with regard to— (1)implementation of Executive Order No. 13443: Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation, which directs Federal agencies to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat;
 (2)policies or programs to conserve and restore wetlands, agricultural lands, grasslands, forest, and rangeland habitats;
 (3)policies or programs to promote opportunities and access to hunting and shooting sports on Federal lands;
 (4)policies or programs to recruit and retain new hunters and shooters; (5)policies or programs that increase public awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and the social and economic benefits of recreational hunting and shooting; and
 (6)policies or programs that encourage coordination among the public, the hunting and shooting sports community, wildlife conservation groups, and States, tribes, and the Federal Government.
							(c)Membership
							(1)Appointment
 (A)In generalThe Advisory Committee shall consist of no more than 16 discretionary members and 7 ex officio members.
 (B)Ex officio membersThe ex officio members are— (i)the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or a designated representative of the Director;
 (ii)the Director of the Bureau of Land Management or a designated representative of the Director; (iii)the Director of the National Park Service or a designated representative of the Director;
 (iv)the Chief of the Forest Service or a designated representative of the Chief; (v)the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or a designated representative of the Chief;
 (vi)the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency or a designated representative of the Administrator; and
 (vii)the Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. (C)Discretionary membersThe discretionary members shall be appointed jointly by the Secretaries from at least one of each of the following:
 (i)State fish and wildlife agencies. (ii)Game bird hunting organizations.
 (iii)Wildlife conservation organizations. (iv)Big game hunting organizations.
 (v)The tourism, outfitter, or guiding industry. (vi)The firearms or ammunition manufacturing industry.
 (vii)The hunting or shooting equipment retail industry. (viii)Tribal resource management organizations.
 (ix)The agriculture industry. (x)The ranching industry.
 (xi)Waterfowl hunting organizations. (D)EligibilityPrior to the appointment of the discretionary members, the Secretaries shall determine that all individuals nominated for appointment to the Advisory Committee, and the organization each individual represents, actively support and promote sustainable-use hunting, wildlife conservation, and recreational shooting.
								(2)Terms
 (A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (B), members of the Advisory Committee shall be appointed for a term of 4 years. Members shall not be appointed for more than 3 consecutive or nonconsecutive terms.
 (B)Terms of initial appointeesAs designated by the Secretary at the time of appointment, of the members first appointed— (i)6 members shall be appointed for a term of 4 years;
 (ii)5 members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years; and (iii)5 members shall be appointed for a term of 2 years.
 (3)Preservation of public advisory statusNo individual may be appointed as a discretionary member of the Advisory Committee while serving as an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
							(4)Vacancy and removal
 (A)In generalAny vacancy on the Advisory Committee shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
 (B)RemovalAdvisory Committee members shall serve at the discretion of the Secretaries and may be removed at any time for good cause.
 (5)Continuation of serviceEach appointed member may continue to serve after the expiration of the term of office to which such member was appointed until a successor has been appointed.
 (6)ChairpersonThe Chairperson of the Advisory Committee shall be appointed for a 3-year term by the Secretaries, jointly, from among the members of the Advisory Committee. An individual may not be appointed as Chairperson for more than 2 consecutive or nonconsecutive terms.
 (7)Pay and expensesMembers of the Advisory Committee shall serve without pay for such service, but each member of the Advisory Committee may be reimbursed for travel and lodging incurred through attending meetings of the Advisory Committee approved subgroup meetings in the same amounts and under the same conditions as Federal employees (in accordance with section 5703 of title 5, United States Code).
							(8)Meetings
 (A)In generalThe Advisory Committee shall meet at the call of the Secretaries, the chairperson, or a majority of the members, but not less frequently than twice annually.
 (B)Open meetingsEach meeting of the Advisory Committee shall be open to the public. (C)Prior notice of meetingsTimely notice of each meeting of the Advisory Committee shall be published in the Federal Register and be submitted to trade publications and publications of general circulation.
 (D)SubgroupsThe Advisory Committee may establish such workgroups or subgroups as it deems necessary for the purpose of compiling information or conducting research. However, such workgroups may not conduct business without the direction of the Advisory Committee and must report in full to the Advisory Committee.
 (9)QuorumNine members of the Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum. (d)ExpensesThe expenses of the Advisory Committee that the Secretaries determine to be reasonable and appropriate shall be paid by the Secretaries.
 (e)Administrative support, technical services, and adviceA designated Federal Officer shall be jointly appointed by the Secretaries to provide to the Advisory Committee the administrative support, technical services, and advice that the Secretaries determine to be reasonable and appropriate.
						(f)Annual report
 (1)RequiredNot later than September 30 of each year, the Advisory Committee shall submit a report to the Secretaries, the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate. If circumstances arise in which the Advisory Committee cannot meet the September 30 deadline in any year, the Secretaries shall advise the Chairpersons of each such Committee of the reasons for such delay and the date on which the submission of the report is anticipated.
 (2)ContentsThe report required by paragraph (1) shall describe— (A)the activities of the Advisory Committee during the preceding year;
 (B)the reports and recommendations made by the Advisory Committee to the Secretaries during the preceding year; and
 (C)an accounting of actions taken by the Secretaries as a result of the recommendations. (g)Federal Advisory Committee ActThe Advisory Committee shall be exempt from the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)..
 (b)Continuance and abolishment of existing Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation CouncilThe Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council established pursuant to section 441 of the Revised Statutes (43 U.S.C. 1457), section 2 of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a), and other Acts applicable to specific bureaus of the Department of the Interior—
 (1)shall continue until the date of the first meeting of the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council established by the amendment made by subsection (a); and
 (2)is hereby abolished effective on that date.


113 HR 3863 IH: Sound Regulation Act of 2014
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-01-14
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.

I113th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 3863IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 14, 2014Mr. Brady of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend title 5, United States Code, to establish uniform requirements for thorough economic analysis of regulations by Federal agencies based on sound principles, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Sound Regulation Act of 2014.2.FindingsCongress finds the following:(1)Growing Federal regulation that is highly prescriptive in nature burdens American industry and impairs its international competitiveness.(2)Prescriptive regulation takes away flexibility, is adversarial in nature, leads to unintended consequences, and, especially as it proliferates, slows economic growth and job creation.(3)Despite evidence of increasing regulatory costs, Federal agencies hold fast to the presumption that their rules are in the public interest.(4)Some statutes prohibit consideration of costs and benefits in rulemaking, although none prohibit agency analysis of costs and benefits for informative purposes.(5)For independent regulatory agencies cost-benefit analysis is not institutionalized. Executive agencies perform cost-benefit analysis pursuant to Executive order and under the purview of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), which takes direction from the President. No peer review is required of analyses by either set of agencies.(6)There are no statutory standards for cost-benefit analysis in Federal rulemaking and there are no consistent, material consequences when rules are based on faulty or inadequate analysis.(7)Agencies conduct their own regulatory impact analyses largely by methods of their own choosing and only on a small fraction of the rules they issue. Agencies use regulatory cost-benefit analysis mainly in support of favored, preconceived rules rather than as a decision tool. Common deficiencies include—(A)lack of a coherent theory by which to define a problem, determine why it occurs, and guide the agency to the most efficient response;(B)lack of objective evidence that an actionable problem actually exists, what its dimensions are, and how they differ from acceptable norms;(C)lack of comprehensive analysis to determine whether a market malfunction exists and orient rulemaking to its causes, not its symptoms;(D)failure to set clear and realistic objectives whose benefits justify the cost of achieving them;(E)objectives that are set disconnected from costs and may be expansive and vague so that any regulation can be made to appear beneficial;(F)agencies increasingly claiming incidental benefits (so-called co-benefits) that are not in furtherance of the stated objective and even private (as opposed to public) benefits for their rules;(G)failure to develop regulatory options in light of market analysis and rank them by how efficiently they will improve the market process;(H)inconsistent assumptions and methodologies across agencies;(I)invalid baselines for gauging regulatory effects;(J)omissions of important impacts, such as on employment and international competitiveness of U.S. firms;(K)failure to reevaluate regulations after implementation; and(L)failure to consider the cumulative costs of regulation by the various Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies.(8)Despite continually changing market conditions, agencies do not regularly review their existing regulations and regulatory regimes. They also do not review the division of functions among different Federal agencies or among Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies. Regulations lose their purpose, yet linger and accumulate, imposing unnecessary costs and slowing economic growth to the detriment of material living standards and, to some extent, the very social conditions that are the objects of regulation.(9)Agencies typically do not conduct regulatory cost studies proactively and report to Congress unnecessary costs that are not under the agencies’ control because of the way laws are written. Agency recommendations on how to improve the efficiency of regulation by modifying an existing statute could be helpful to Congress.3.Uniform use of cost-benefit analysisSection 553 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:(f)(1)Prior to any rulemaking under this section, an agency shall comply with the following:(A)The agency shall identify, in the context of a coherent conceptual framework and supported with objective data—(i)the nature and significance of the market failure, regulatory failure, or other problem that necessitates regulatory action;(ii)the reasons why national economic and income growth, advancing technology, and other market developments will not obviate the need for the rulemaking;(iii)the reasons why regulation at the State, local, or tribal level could not address the problem better than at the Federal level;(iv)the reasons why reducing rather than increasing the extent or stringency of existing Federal regulation would not address the problem better; and(v)the particular authority by which the agency may take action.(B)Before the agency increases the extent or stringency of regulation based on its determinations pursuant to subparagraph (A), it shall—(i)set an achievable objective for its regulatory action and identify the metrics by which the agency will measure progress toward the objective;(ii)issue a notice of inquiry seeking public comment on the identification of a new objective under clause (i); and(iii)give notice to the committees of Congress with jurisdiction over the subject matter of the rule.(C)The agency, if the agency is not seeking to repeal a rule, shall develop at least 3 distinct regulatory options, in addition to not regulating, that the agency estimates will provide the greatest benefits for the least cost in meeting the regulatory objective set under subparagraph (B) and, in developing such regulatory options, shall apply the following principles:(i)The agency shall assume that individuals are rational and not qualify that assumption unless the agency—(I)has conclusive evidence of a detrimental systematic behavioral bias; and(II)can devise behavioral regulatory options that do not preclude any choices of market participants.(ii)The agency shall, to the extent practicable, attempt to engage private incentives to solve a problem and not supplant private incentives any more than necessary.(iii)The agency shall consider the adverse effects that mandates and prohibitions may have on innovation, economic growth, and employment.(iv)An agency’s risk assessment shall be confined to its jurisdiction, subject to specific regulatory authority. Agency assessments of the risks of adverse health and environmental effects shall follow standardized parameters, assumptions, and methodologies. An agency also shall provide analyses of increases in risks, whatever their nature, produced by the regulatory options under consideration.(v)The agency shall avoid incongruities and duplication in regulation at the Federal, State, local, and tribal levels.(vi)The agency shall compare and contrast the regulatory options developed and explain how each would meet the regulatory objective set pursuant to subparagraph (B).(D)The agency shall estimate the costs and benefits of each regulatory option developed, notwithstanding any provision of law that prohibits the agency from using costs in rulemaking, at least to the extent that the agency is able to—(i)exclude options whose costs exceed their benefits;(ii)rank the options by cost from lowest to highest;(iii)estimate the monetary cost of any adverse effects on private property rights, identify the categories of persons who experience a net loss from a regulatory option, and explain why the negative effects cannot be lessened or avoided;(iv)establish whether the cost of an option exceeds $50,000,000 for any 12-month period, except that the dollar amount shall be adjusted annually for inflation based on the GDP deflator, and the President may order that a lower dollar amount be used for a particular period; and(v)identify the key uncertainties and assumptions that drive the results and provide an analysis of how the ranking of the options and the threshold determination under clause (iv) may change if key assumptions are changed.(E)The estimates pursuant to subparagraph (D) shall—(i)follow the methodology established pursuant to paragraph (2)(A);(ii)to the maximum extent practicable, comply with any guidelines issued by the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs pertaining to cost-benefit analysis; and(iii)include, at a minimum—(I)agency administrative costs;(II)United States private sector compliance costs;(III)Federal, State, local, and tribal compliance costs;(IV)Federal, State, local, and tribal revenue impacts;(V)impacts from the regulatory options developed on United States industries in the role of suppliers and consumers to each industry substantially affected, especially in terms of employment, costs, volume and quality of output, and prices;(VI)nationwide impacts on overall economic output, productivity, consumer and producer prices;(VII)international competitiveness of United States companies; and(VIII)distortions in incentives and markets, including an estimate of the resulting loss to the United States economy.(F)The agency shall publish for public comment all analyses, documentation, and data under subparagraphs (A) through (D) for a public comment period of at least 30 days (subject to applicable limitations under law, including laws protecting privacy, trade secrets, and intellectual property) and correct deficiencies or omissions that the agency becomes aware of before choosing a rule to propose.(2)(A)Beginning not later than the date that is 180 days after the effective date of this section—(i)each agency shall, by rule, establish and maintain the specific cost-benefit analysis methodology appropriate to the functions and responsibilities of that agency and establish an appropriate period for review of new rules to assess the cost effectiveness of each such new rule at achieving the objective identified under paragraph (1)(B)(i) the new rule was intended to address;(ii)the methodology so established shall—(I)include the standardized parameters, assumptions, and methodologies for agency assessments of risk under paragraph (1)(C)(iv);(II)comply, to the maximum extent practicable, with technical standards for methodologies and assumptions issued by the Administrator for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs;(III)include the scope of benefits and costs consistent with the framework used and the metrics identified in the establishment of the regulatory objective under paragraph (1);(IV)not include consideration of incidental benefits but only those benefits that were considered in the establishment of the regulatory objective;(V)limit consideration of costs and benefits to costs and benefits that accrue to the population of the United States;(VI)constrain the agency from presuming that continued augmentation or tightening of mandates and additional prohibitions cause benefits and costs to change linearly but determine at what point benefits will rise less than, and costs will rise more than, proportionally;(VII)include comparison of incremental benefits to incremental costs from any action the agency considers taking and refrain from actions whose incremental benefits do not exceed their incremental costs; and(VIII)include analysis of effects on private incentives and possible unintended consequences; and(iii)the agency shall adhere to the methodology so established in all rulemakings.(B)If the agency does not select the least-cost regulatory option as its proposed rule, the agency shall justify its selection, explaining—(i)how that selection furthers other goals or requirements relevant to regulating matters within the agency’s jurisdiction and why these should override cost savings; and(ii)why each of the other regulatory options not chosen would not sufficiently further such other goals or requirements.(C)If the agency makes a determination under paragraph (1)(D) that the monetized cost of a rule exceeds the applicable monetary limit under clause (iv) of such paragraph for any 12-month period, the agency head shall—(i)first issue an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking;(ii)provide notice to the appropriate Congressional committees and keep such committees informed of the status of the rulemaking; and(iii)ensure that—(I)the agency shall notify the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and affected parties, and provide each such person with information on the potential effects of the proposed rule on affected parties and the type of affected parties that might be affected;(II)not later than 15 days after the date of receipt of the materials described in subclause (I), the Director, in consultation with the Administrator, shall identify representatives of affected parties, 25 percent of which shall represent small business concerns (as such term is defined in section 3(a) of the Small Business Act), when possible, and all the major stakeholders shall have the opportunity to obtain advice and recommendations about the potential effects of the proposed rule;(III)the agency shall convene a review panel consisting wholly of full-time Federal officers, employees, and contractors in the agency responsible for the proposed rule, the Director, the Administrator, and the representatives of affected parties identified pursuant to subclause (II);(IV)the agency shall conduct a detailed analysis of the costs and benefits of the regulatory option it is advancing, and, in doing so—(aa)the agency shall consider the cumulative and interactive costs of regulatory requirements of Federal, State, local, tribal, and (where applicable) international regulations; and(bb)the agency shall identify the key uncertainties and assumptions that drive the results and provide an analysis of how the ranking of the regulatory options changes if the key assumptions are changed;(V)the panel shall review agency material prepared in connection with this subsection, including any draft proposed rule, and review the advice and recommendations of each affected party representative identified;(VI)not later than 60 days after the date the agency convenes a review panel pursuant to subclause (III), the review panel shall report on the comments of the affected party representatives and its findings as to issues related to the provisions of this subsection, and such report shall be made public as part of the rulemaking record;(VII)where appropriate, the agency shall modify the proposed rule or the cost-benefit analysis under subclause (IV) based on the report under subclause (VI);(VIII)subject to applicable limitations under law, including laws protecting privacy, trade secrets, and intellectual property, the agency shall publish for comment all analyses, documentation, and data under this paragraph for a public comment period of at least 30 days and correct deficiencies or omissions that the agency becomes aware of before adopting a proposed rule; and(IX)affected parties, including State, local, or tribal governments, and other stakeholders may participate in the rulemaking by means such as—(aa)the publication of advanced and general notices of proposed rulemaking in publications likely to be obtained by affected parties;(bb)the direct notification of interested affected parties;(cc)the conduct of open conferences or public hearings including soliciting and receiving comments over computer networks; and(dd)reducing the cost or complexity of procedural rules to ease participation in the rulemaking.(D)Every 4 years the agency shall conduct a review of all rules of the agency in effect and determine based on objective data whether its rules are working as intended, furthering their objectives, imposing unanticipated costs, and generating a net benefit or not, and shall amend such rules if appropriate. The agency shall report to Congress the findings of each such review.(E)Any person may petition an agency to amend an existing rule made prior to the establishment of methodology under this paragraph, and, if the agency denies such a petition, that denial shall be subject to review under chapter 7 of this title.(F)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including any provision of law that explicitly prohibits the use of cost-benefit analysis in rulemaking, an agency shall conduct cost-benefit analyses and report to Congress the findings with specific recommendations for how to lower regulatory costs by amending the statutes prohibiting the use thereof.(3)For purposes of this subsection—(A)the term regulatory options means any action an agency may take to address an objective identified under paragraph (1)(B)(i), including the option not to act;(B)the term private incentives means financial gains or losses that motivate actions by private individuals and businesses, and does not include any law or regulation that prescribes private actions or outcomes; and(C)the term incidental benefit means a claimed benefit outside the specific regulatory objective or objectives identified under paragraph (1)(B)(i) a rule is intended to address as identified in paragraph (1)(A).(4)All determinations made under this subsection shall be subject to review under chapter 7..4.Congressional reviewSection 801(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:(C)The Comptroller General shall examine the cost-benefit analysis for compliance with the requirements of section 553(f), including the agency methodology established under section 553(f)(2)(A).(D)The Comptroller General shall examine any risk analysis under section 553(f)(1)(C)(iv) pertaining to the cost-benefit analysis for compliance with the requirements of section 553(f).(E)The Comptroller General also shall examine the agencies’ quadrennial regulatory reviews for consistency with the requirements of section 553(f) and report to Congress on the results..


		III
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 252
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 22, 2007
			Mr. Bond (for himself
			 and Mr. Inouye) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign
			 Relations

		RESOLUTION
		Recognizing the increasingly mutually
		  beneficial relationship between the United States of America and the Republic
		  of Indonesia.

		Whereas the historical ties between the United States and
			 the Indonesia go back to the period of Indonesian struggle for independence and
			 the early years of its independence in 1945;
		Whereas the constitutionally required free and
			 active foreign policy of Indonesia has largely resulted in a close
			 relationship with the United States, and this relationship reflects the growing
			 connections between the developed and the developing world;
		Whereas, following the effects of the Asian financial
			 crisis in 1998, Indonesia has instituted numerous democratic reforms,
			 including—
			(1)amending the
			 country’s constitution in order to be more democratic and transparent;
			(2)holding the
			 country’s first ever direct presidential election in 2004 and direct,
			 nationwide local elections starting in 2006; and
			(3)giving the
			 judicial branch independent administrative and financial responsibility for all
			 courts in 2004;
			Whereas the government of President Susilo Bambang
			 Yudhoyono, the first directly elected President of Indonesia, is strongly
			 committed to strengthening the country’s democracy and remains focused on
			 developing good governance and promoting and protecting human rights, civil
			 liberties, a free press, and a vibrant civil society;
		Whereas the Government of Indonesia continues to reform
			 its military in accordance with internationally accepted democratic
			 principles;
		Whereas Indonesia signed a peace agreement in August 2005
			 ending the conflict in Aceh, met its obligations under the agreement, oversaw
			 the return of normalcy to Aceh, and held free, transparent, and peaceful
			 elections for local government leaders in December 2006;
		Whereas the Government of Indonesia has worked and
			 continues to work toward peaceful solutions to other internal conflicts,
			 including Papua, with concern for the welfare and security of the entire
			 population;
		Whereas, in parallel with the recovery of Indonesia’s
			 economic and political stability following the 1998 Asian financial crisis, the
			 country has regained its pivotal role in the Association of Southeast Asian
			 Nations (ASEAN) and continues to work toward a secure, peaceful, and vibrant
			 Southeast Asia, particularly by proposing successfully the ASEAN Security
			 Community, the ASEAN Economic Community, and the ASEAN Socio-cultural
			 Community;
		Whereas the Government and people of Indonesia have
			 endured several terrorist bombings, have shown resilience in the fight against
			 international terrorism by apprehending and bringing to justice numerous
			 perpetrators, and remain open to international cooperation in this area;
		Whereas the Government of Indonesia, together with the
			 Governments of Malaysia and Singapore as fellow littoral states and
			 user-countries, has maintained and is further strengthening efforts to secure
			 the important international shipping lane in the Malacca Strait;
		Whereas, as shown in international fora, the Government of
			 Indonesia remains committed to addressing the problems related to the control
			 of the spread of weapons of mass destruction;
		Whereas the Government of Indonesia has deployed a
			 military battalion to support the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon
			 (UNIFIL) peacekeeping operations, and as the world’s largest Muslim democracy,
			 has made important contributions to the facilitation of various dialogues among
			 Islamic factions in the Middle East; and
		Whereas, though the Government of Indonesia has shown
			 significant progress in the areas of democracy, good governance, human rights,
			 and counter terrorism, there remains much to be done and many reforms yet to be
			 implemented: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)recognizes the
			 progress made by the Government of Indonesia in its efforts to promote
			 democracy;
			(2)expresses ongoing
			 support for further democratic reform in Indonesia and the efforts of the
			 Government and the people of Indonesia toward developing good
			 governance;
			(3)encourages the
			 Government and the People of Indonesia to continue working to ensure the
			 promotion and protection of human rights, civil liberties, a free press, and a
			 strong civil society in Indonesia; and
			(4)encourages the
			 President, the Secretary of State, and other officials of the United States
			 Government to continue assisting the Government of Indonesia in its efforts to
			 promote democracy and ensure the liberty and welfare of the people of
			 Indonesia.


114 HR 1811 IH: Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-04-15
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1811
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 15, 2015
			Mr. Deutch (for himself, Mr. Hastings, Mr. Cicilline, Mr. Vargas, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Langevin, Mr. McDermott, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Conyers, and Mr. Farr) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend title II of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make
			 improvements in the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program,
			 to provide for cash relief for years for which annual COLAs do not take
			 effect under certain cash benefit programs, and to provide for Social
			 Security benefit protection.

		1.Short title and table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may cited as the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.
					TITLE I—Cost-of-Living Increases
					Sec. 101. Consumer price index for elderly consumers.
					Sec. 102. Computation of cost-of-living increases.
					TITLE II—Contribution and benefit fairness
					Sec. 201. Determination of wages and self-employment income above contribution and benefit base
			 after 2013.
					Sec. 202. Inclusion of surplus earnings in Social Security benefit formula.
			ICost-of-Living Increases
			101.Consumer price index for elderly consumers
 (a)In GeneralThe Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall prepare and publish an index for each calendar month to be known as the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers that indicates changes over time in expenditures for consumption which are typical for individuals in the United States who are 62 years of age or older.
 (b)Effective DateSubsection (a) shall apply with respect to calendar months ending on or after July 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which this Act is enacted.
 (c)Authorization of AppropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
				102.Computation of cost-of-living increases
 (a)In generalSection 215(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1)(G), by inserting before the period the following: , and, solely with respect to any monthly insurance benefit payable under this title to an individual who has attained age 62, effective for adjustments under this subsection to the primary insurance amount on which such benefit is based (or to any such benefit under section 227 or 228) occurring after such individual attains such age, the applicable Consumer Price Index shall be deemed to be the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers and such primary insurance amount shall be deemed adjusted under this subsection using such Index; and
 (2)in paragraph (4), by striking and by section 9001 and inserting , by section 9001, and by inserting after 1986, the following: and by section 102 of the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act,. (b)Conforming amendments in applicable former lawSection 215(i)(1)(C) of such Act, as in effect in December 1978 and applied in certain cases under the provisions of such Act in effect after December 1978, is amended by inserting before the period the following: , and, solely with respect to any monthly insurance benefit payable under this title to an individual who has attained age 62, effective for adjustments under this subsection to the primary insurance amount on which such benefit is based (or to any such benefit under section 227 or 228) occurring after such individual attains such age, the applicable Consumer Price Index shall be deemed to be the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers and such primary insurance amount shall be deemed adjusted under this subsection using such Index.
 (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to determinations made with respect to cost-of-living computation quarters (as defined in section 215(i)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)(1)(B))) ending on or after September 30 of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which this Act is enacted.
				IIContribution and benefit fairness
			201.Determination of wages and self-employment income above contribution and benefit base after 2015
				(a)Determination of wages above contribution and benefit base after 2015
 (1)Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986Section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— (A)in subsection (a)(1), by inserting the applicable percentage (determined under subsection (c)(1)) of before that part of the remuneration; and
 (B)in subsection (c), by striking (c) Included and excluded service.—For purposes of this chapter, if and inserting the following:  (c)Special rules for wages and employment (1)Applicable percentage of remuneration in determining wagesFor purposes of paragraph (1) of subsection (a), the applicable percentage for a calendar year, in connection with any calendar year referred to in such subparagraph, shall be the percentage determined in accordance with the following table:

													The applicable
													In the case of:percentage is:

													Calendar year 201686%
													Calendar year 201771%
													Calendar year 201857%
													Calendar year 201943%
													Calendar year 202029%
													Calendar year 202114%
													Calendar years after 20210%.
 (2)Included and excluded serviceFor purposes of this chapter, if. (2)Amendments to the Social Security ActSection 209 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 409) is amended—
 (A)in subsection (a)(1)(I)— (i)by inserting and before 2016 after 1974; and
 (ii)by inserting and after the semicolon; (B)in subsection (a)(1), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (J)The applicable percentage (determined under subsection (l)) of that part of remuneration which, after remuneration (other than remuneration referred to in the succeeding subsections of this section) equal to the contribution and benefit base (determined under section 230) with respect to employment has been paid to an individual during any calendar year after 2015 with respect to which such contribution and benefit base is effective, is paid to such individual during such calendar year;; and
 (C)by adding at the end the following new subsection:  (l)For purposes of subparagraph (J) of subsection (a)(1), the applicable percentage for a calendar year, in connection with any calendar year referred to in such subparagraph, shall be the percentage determined in accordance with the following table:

												The applicable
												In the case of:percentage is:

												Calendar year 201686%
												Calendar year 201771%
												Calendar year 201857%
												Calendar year 201943%
												Calendar year 202029%
												Calendar year 202114%
												Calendar years after 20210%..
 (3)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to remuneration paid in calendar years after 2015.
					(b)Determination of self-Employment income above contribution and benefit base after 2015
 (1)Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986Section 1402 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— (A)in subsection (b)(1), by inserting an amount equal to the applicable percentage (as determined under subsection (d)(2)) of before that part of the net earnings from self-employment; and
 (B)in subsection (d)— (i)by striking (d) Employee and wages.—The term and inserting the following:

									(d)Rules and definitions
 (1)Employee and wagesThe term; and (ii)by adding at the end the following:

 (2)Applicable percentage of net earnings from self-employment in determining self-employment incomeFor purposes of paragraph (1) of subsection (b), the applicable percentage for a taxable year beginning in any calendar year referred to in such paragraph shall be the percentage determined in accordance with the following table:

													The applicable
													In the case of:percentage is:

													Calendar year 201686%
													Calendar year 201771%
													Calendar year 201857%
													Calendar year 201943%
													Calendar year 202029%
													Calendar year 202114%
													Calendar years after 20210%..
 (2)Amendments to the Social Security ActSection 211 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 411) is amended— (A)in subsection (b)(1)(I)—
 (i)by striking or after the semicolon; and (ii)by inserting and before 2016 after 1974;
 (B)in subsection (b)— (i)by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
 (ii)by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:  (2)For any taxable year beginning in any calendar year after 2015, an amount equal to the applicable percentage (as determined under subsection (l)) of that part of net earnings from self-employment which is in excess of (A) an amount equal to the contribution and benefit base (determined under section 230) that is effective for such calendar year, minus (B) the amount of the wages paid to such individual during such taxable year; or; and
 (C)by adding at the end the following:  (l)For purposes of paragraph (2) of subsection (b), the applicable percentage for a taxable year beginning in any calendar year referred to in such paragraph, shall be the percentage determined in accordance with the following table:

												The applicable
												In the case of:percentage is:

												Calendar year 201686%
												Calendar year 201771%
												Calendar year 201857%
												Calendar year 201943%
												Calendar year 202029%
												Calendar year 202114%
												Calendar years after 20210%..
 (3)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning during or after calendar year 2016.
					202.Inclusion of surplus earnings in social security benefit formula
				(a)Inclusion of surplus average indexed monthly earnings in determination of primary insurance amounts
 (1)In generalSection 215(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(a)(1)(A)) is amended— (A)in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), by inserting basic before average indexed monthly earnings each place it appears;
 (B)in clause (ii), by striking and at the end; and (C)by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clauses:

 (iv)3 percent of the individual’s surplus average indexed monthly earnings to the extent such surplus average indexed monthly earnings do not exceed the excess of the amount established for purposes of this clause by subparagraph (B) over 1/12 of the contribution and benefit base for the last of such individual’s computation base years, and
 (v)0.25 percent of the sum of the individual’s surplus average indexed monthly earnings plus 1/12 of the contribution and benefit base for the last of such individual’s computation base years, to the extent such sum exceeds the amount established for purposes of clause (iv) by subparagraph (B)..
 (2)Bend point for surplus earningsSection 215(a)(1)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(a)(1)(B)) is amended— (A)in clause (ii), by striking the amounts so established and inserting the amounts established for purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A);
 (B)by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (v); (C)in clause (v) (as redesignated), by inserting or (iv)  after clause (ii); and
 (D)by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clauses:  (iii)For individuals who initially become eligible for old-age or disability insurance benefits, or who die (before becoming eligible for such benefits), in the calendar year 2016, the amount established for purposes of clause (iv) of subparagraph (A) shall be $11,358.
 (iv)For individuals who initially become eligible for old-age or disability insurance benefits, or who die (before becoming eligible for such benefits), in any calendar year after 2016, the amount established for purposes of clause (iv) of subparagraph (A) shall equal the product of the amount established with respect to the calendar year 2016 under clause (iii) of this subparagraph and the quotient obtained by dividing—
 (I)the national average wage index (as defined in section 209(k)(1)) for the second calendar year preceding the calendar year for which the determination is made, by
 (II)the national average wage index (as so defined) for 2014.. (b)Basic AIME and surplus AIME (1)Basic AIMESection 215(b)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(b)(1)) is amended—
 (A)by inserting basic before average; and (B)in subparagraph (A), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting paragraph (3)(A) and by inserting before the comma the following: to the extent such total does not exceed the contribution and benefit base for the applicable year.
						(2)Surplus AIME
 (A)In generalSection 215(b)(1) of such Act (as amended by paragraph (1)) is amended— (i)by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;
 (ii)by inserting (A) after (b)(1); and (iii)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

									(B)
 (i)An individual’s surplus average indexed monthly earnings shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing—
 (I)the total (after adjustment under paragraph (3)(B)) of such individual’s surplus earnings (determined under clause (ii)) for such individual’s benefit computation years (determined under paragraph (2)), by
 (II)the number of months in those years. (ii)For purposes of clause (i) and paragraph (3)(B), an individual’s surplus earnings for a benefit computation year are the total of such individual’s wages paid in and self-employment income credited to such benefit computation year, to the extent such total (before adjustment under paragraph (3)(B)) exceeds the contribution and benefit base for such year..
 (B)Conforming amendmentThe heading for section 215(b) of such Act is amended by striking Average Indexed Monthly Earnings and inserting Basic Average Indexed Monthly Earnings; Surplus Average Indexed Monthly Earnings. (3)Adjustment of surplus earnings for purposes of determining surplus AIMESection 215(b)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(b)(3)) is amended—
 (A)in subparagraph (A), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting subparagraph (C) and by inserting and determination of basic average indexed monthly income after paragraph (2); (B)by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
 (C)by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph:  (B)For purposes of determining under paragraph (1)(B) an individual’s surplus average indexed monthly earnings, the individual’s surplus earnings (described in paragraph (2)(B)(ii)) for a benefit computation year shall be deemed to be equal to the product of—
 (i)the individual’s surplus earnings for such year (as determined without regard to this subparagraph), and
 (ii)the quotient described in subparagraph (A)(ii).. (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to individuals who initially become eligible (within the meaning of section 215(a)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act) for old-age or disability insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act, or who die (before becoming eligible for such benefits), in any calendar year after 2015.


114 S1922 IS: Improving the Quality of Disability Decisions Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-08-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1922IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESAugust 4, 2015Mr. Hatch (for himself, Mr. Coats, Mr. Lankford, and Mr. Blunt) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act to provide for quality reviews of benefit
			 decisions, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Improving the Quality of Disability Decisions Act of 2015. 2.Pre-effectuation and post-effectuation quality reviews of hearing dispositions (a)Amendment to title IISection 205(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (4)(A)The Commissioner of Social Security shall conduct pre-effectuation and post-effectuation quality reviews of hearing dispositions with respect to decisions in connection with applications for benefits under this title, in a sufficient number to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and other guidance issued by the Commissioner of Social Security.
 (B)The Commissioner of Social Security shall annually submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report that includes—
 (i)the total number of cases selected for a quality review as described in subparagraph (A); (ii)the number of such cases in which a decision is remanded; and
 (iii)the number of such cases in which a decision is modified or reversed.. (b)Amendment to title XVISection 1633 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1383b) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (f)(1)The Commissioner of Social Security shall conduct pre-effectuation and post-effectuation quality reviews of hearing dispositions with respect to decisions in connection with applications for benefits under this title, in a sufficient number to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and other guidance issued by the Commissioner of Social Security.
 (2)The Commissioner of Social Security shall annually submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report that includes—
 (A)the total number of cases selected for a quality review as described in paragraph (1); (B)the number of such cases in which a decision is remanded; and
 (C)the number of such cases in which a decision is modified or reversed..


114 S1797 IS: Connect with Veterans Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-07-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1797IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 16, 2015Ms. Heitkamp (for herself, Mr. Moran, Mr. King, and Mr. Boozman) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a voluntary national directory of
			 veterans to support outreach to veterans, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Connect with Veterans Act of 2015.
		2.Voluntary national directory of veterans
			(a)Program required
 (1)In generalThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall establish a program to facilitate outreach to veterans by covered entities.
 (2)Covered entitiesFor purposes of this section, a covered entity is any of the following: (A)The Department of Veterans Affairs.
 (B)The agency or department of a State that is the primary agency or department of the State for the administration of benefits and services for veterans in the State.
 (C)A political subdivision of a State. (D)An Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)).
 (3)National directoryTo carry out the program required by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall— (A)establish a national directory of veterans as described in subsection (b); and
 (B)share information in the directory in accordance with subsection (c). (b)National directory (1)In generalThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish the national directory required by subsection (a)(3) using information received from the Secretary of Defense under subsection (d)(4).
 (2)UpdatesThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the national directory includes a mechanism by which a participating individual can update the information in the national directory that pertains to the participating individual.
 (3)DisenrollmentThe Secretary shall establish a mechanism by which a participating individual can indicate to the Secretary that the individual would no longer like to receive information from participating entities under the program.
 (4)ReenrollmentThe Secretary shall establish a mechanism for the inclusion of information in the national directory of individuals who were previously participating individuals but who had made an indication under paragraph (3) and subsequently indicate that they would like to receive information from participating entities under the program.
 (5)Privacy and securityThe Secretary shall take such actions as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect—
 (A)the privacy of individuals participating in the program; and
 (B)the security of the information stored in the national directory. (6)eBenefitsThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs may use the system and architecture of the eBenefits Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs to support and operate the national directory as the Secretary considers appropriate.
				(c)Outreach
				(1)Sharing of directory information
 (A)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), in order to connect participating individuals with information about the programs they could be eligible for or services, support, and information they may be interested in receiving, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may share, under the program established under subsection (a)(1), information in the national directory concerning such individuals with entities applicable to participating individuals.
 (B)Entities applicable to participating individualsFor purposes of this subsection, an entity that is applicable to a participating individual is a covered entity from whom a participating individual has expressed interest in receiving information under the program.
 (C)Updated informationIn a case in which a participating individual updates the information pertaining to the participating individual under subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall transmit such information to each entity applicable to the participating individual.
 (D)Notification of disenrollmentIn a case in which a participating individual indicates to the Secretary under subsection (b)(3) that the individual would no longer like to receive information from participating entities under the program, the Secretary shall inform each entity applicable to the participating individual that the individual would no longer like to receive information from the entity under the program.
					(2)Limitations
					(A)Limitations on the Secretary
 (i)Information sharedUnder the program, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may only share from the national directory the following:
 (I)The name of a participating individual. (II)The e-mail address of a participating individual.
 (III)The postal address of a participating individual. (IV)The phone number of a participating individual.
 (V)Information on the types of benefits and services for which a participating individual would like to receive communication and outreach, as collected under subsection (d)(2)(B)(iii).
 (ii)Prohibition on sale of informationThe Secretary may not sell any information collected under this section. (iii)EntitiesThe Secretary may not share any information collected under the program with any entity that is not a participating entity.
						(B)Limitations on participating entities
 (i)Sharing with third-party and for-profit entitiesAs a condition of participation in the program, a participating entity shall agree not to share any information the participating entity receives under the program with any third-party or for-profit entity.
 (ii)Purchases of products or servicesAs a condition of participation in the program, a participating entity shall agree not to include in any information sent by the participating entity to a participating individual a requirement that the participating individual or the family of the participating individual purchase a product or service.
 (iii)Political communicationAs a condition of participation in the program, a participating entity shall agree not to use any information received under the program for any political communication.
 (3)Disenrollment by participating entitiesThe Secretary shall establish a mechanism by which a participating entity may indicate to the Secretary that the participating entity would no longer like to receive information about participating individuals from the national directory.
				(4)Sense of Congress
 (A)Consolidation of requestsIt is the sense of Congress that covered entities described in subsection (a)(2)(C) who are located in the same region should work together in a manner such that only one of them requests receipt of information under the program.
 (B)CollaborationIt is the sense of Congress that covered entities described in subsection (a)(2)(C) should work with third parties, such as veterans service organizations, military community groups, and other entities with an interest in assisting veterans, to develop the information the covered entities send to participating individuals under the program.
 (5)PublicityThe Secretary shall develop a plan to publicize the program and inform covered entities of the benefits of participating in the program.
				(d)Collection of contact information
 (1)In generalTo each member of the Armed Forces separating from service in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a form for the collection of information to be included in the national directory established under subsection (a).
				(2)Form
 (A)DevelopmentThe Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, develop the form provided under paragraph (1).
 (B)ElementsThe form developed under subparagraph (A) shall allow a member of the Armed Forces who is in the process of separating from service in the Armed Forces to indicate the following:
 (i)Where the member intends to reside after separation. (ii)How the individual can best be contacted, such as a telephone number, an e-mail address, or a postal address.
 (iii)For which types of benefits and services the member would like to receive communication and outreach, such as health care, education, employment, and housing.
 (iv)From which of the following the member would like to receive the communication and outreach specified under clause (iii):
 (I)The Department of Veterans Affairs. (II)The agency or department of the State in which the member intends to reside after separation that is the primary agency or department of the State for the administration of benefits and services for veterans in the State.
 (III)A political subdivision of a State. (C)NoticeThe form developed under subparagraph (A) shall include notice of the following:
 (i)Information provided to agencies and departments described in subparagraph (B)(iv)(II) will only be provided as authorized and upon request by such agencies and departments.
 (ii)Political subdivisions of States that receive information under the program established under subsection (a) may—
 (I)share such information with such nonprofit organizations as the political subdivisions consider appropriate; and
 (II)work with such organizations to provide the veterans with relevant information about benefits and services offered by such organizations.
 (iii)Information provided on the form developed under subparagraph (A) will never be sold, provided to a for-profit entity, or used to send any sort of political communication.
 (D)MannerThe Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the form provided under paragraph (1) is not primarily electronic in nature.
 (3)Voluntary participationThe Secretary of Defense shall ensure that completion of the form provided under paragraph (1) is voluntary and submittal of such form to the Secretary by a member of the Armed Forces shall be considered an indication to the Secretary that the member would like to receive information from participating entities under the program.
 (4)Transmittal of information to Secretary of Veterans AffairsNot later than 30 days after the date on which a member of the Armed Forces who submitted information to the Secretary of Defense under this subsection separates from service in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of Defense shall transmit such information to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
 (5)Privacy and securityThe Secretary of Defense shall take such actions as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect— (A)the privacy of individuals who submit information under this subsection; and
 (B)the security of such information— (i)while it is in the possession of the Secretary; and
 (ii)while it is in transit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. (6)Integration with Transition Assistance ProgramThe Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor shall jointly take such actions as the secretaries consider appropriate to integrate the collection of information under this subsection into the Transition Assistance Program.
				(e)Report
 (1)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the program established under subsection (a)(1).
 (2)ContentsThe report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include an examination and assessment of the following:
 (A)The signup process and the effectiveness of the forms developed and provided under subsection (d). (B)The ways in which contact information is transferred from the Secretary of Defense to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under the program and the plans of the secretaries to overcome challenges encountered by the secretaries in transferring such information.
 (C)The number of covered entities described in subsection (a)(2)(C) participating in the program and any challenges they report in receiving the contact information from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under the program.
 (D)The effectiveness of efforts of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to protect the personal information of participating individuals.
 (E)The effectiveness of efforts of covered entities described in subsection (a)(2)(C) to protect the personal information of participating individuals.
 (F)Whether additional limitations on the use of information collected under the program are necessary to protect participating individuals from unwanted contact, or contact that is inconsistent with the program.
 (G)Whether participating individuals are benefitting by participating in the program and whether changing the program would improve such benefits.
 (H)The overall participation in the program, utilization of the program, and how such participation and utilization could be improved.
 (I)Such other matters as the secretaries consider appropriate. (3)Appropriate committees of Congress definedIn this subsection, the term appropriate committees of Congress means the following:
 (A)The Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
 (B)The Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
 (f)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Participating entityThe term participating entity means a covered entity that has indicated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that the covered entity would like to receive information about participating individuals from the national directory and has made no subsequent indication that the covered entity would like to stop receiving such information.
 (2)Participating individualThe term participating individual means an individual with respect to whom information is stored in the national directory and who has indicated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the Secretary of Defense that the individual would like to receive information from participating entities under the program and has made no subsequent indication that the individual would like to stop receiving such information.