116 S2706 IS: Heat Efficiency through Applied Technology Act
U.S. Senate
2019-10-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2706IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESOctober 24, 2019Mrs. Shaheen introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesA BILLTo amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to assist States in adopting updated
			 interconnection procedures and tariff schedules and standards for
			 supplemental, backup, and standby power fees for projects for combined
			 heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology, and for
			 other purposes.

		1.Short
 titleThis Act may be cited as the Heat Efficiency through Applied Technology Act or the HEAT Act.
 2.FindingsCongress finds that— (1)combined heat and power technology, also known as cogeneration, is a technology that efficiently produces electricity and thermal energy at the point of use of the technology;
 (2)by combining the provision of both electricity and thermal energy in a single step, combined heat and power technology makes significantly more efficient use of fuel compared to separate generation of heat and power, which has significant economic and environmental advantages;
 (3)waste heat to power is a technology that captures heat discarded by an existing industrial process and uses that heat to generate power with no additional fuel and no incremental emissions, reducing the need for electricity from other sources and the grid, and any associated emissions;
 (4)waste heat or waste heat to power is considered renewable energy in 17 States; (5)(A)a 2012 joint report by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that by achieving the national goal outlined in Executive Order 13624 (77 Fed. Reg. 54779) (September 5, 2012) of deploying 40 gigawatts of new combined heat and power technology by 2020, the United States would increase the total combined heat and power capacity of the United States by 50 percent in less than a decade; and
 (B)additional efficiency would— (i)save 1,000,000,000,000,000 BTUs of energy; and
 (ii)reduce emissions by 150,000,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, a quantity equivalent to the emissions from more than 25,000,000 cars;
 (6)a 2012 report by the Environmental Protection Agency estimated the amount of waste heat available at a temperature high enough for power generation from industrial and nonindustrial applications represents an additional 10 gigawatts of electric generating capacity on a national basis;
 (7)distributed energy generation, including through combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology, has ancillary benefits, such as—
 (A)removing load from the electricity distribution grid; and
 (B)improving the overall reliability of the electricity distribution system; and
 (8)(A)a number of regulatory barriers impede broad deployment of combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology; and
 (B)a 2008 study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory identified interconnection issues, regulated fees and tariffs, and environmental permitting as areas that could be streamlined with respect to the provision of combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology.
				3.Definitions
 (a)In generalIn this Act: (1)Combined heat and power technologyThe term combined heat and power technology means the generation of electric energy and heat in a single, integrated system that meets the efficiency criteria in clauses (ii) and (iii) of section 48(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, under which heat that is conventionally rejected is recovered and used to meet thermal energy requirements.
 (2)Output-based emission standardThe term output-based emission standard means a standard that relates emissions to the electrical, thermal, or mechanical productive output of a device or process rather than the heat input of fuel burned or pollutant concentration in the exhaust.
				(3)Qualified waste heat resource
 (A)In generalThe term qualified waste heat resource means— (i)exhaust heat or flared gas from any industrial or commercial process;
 (ii)waste gas or industrial tail gas that would otherwise be flared, incinerated, or vented; (iii)a pressure drop in any gas for an industrial or commercial process; or
 (iv)any other form of waste heat resource as the Secretary may determine. (B)ExclusionThe term qualified waste heat resource does not include a heat resource from a process the primary purpose of which is the generation of electricity using a fossil fuel.
 (4)Waste heat to power technologyThe term waste heat to power technology means a system that generates electricity through the recovery of a qualified waste heat resource.
 (b)PURPA definitionsSection 3 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2602) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (22)Combined heat and power technologyThe term combined heat and power technology means the generation of electric energy and heat in a single, integrated system that meets the efficiency criteria in clauses (ii) and (iii) of section 48(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, under which heat that is conventionally rejected is recovered and used to meet thermal energy requirements.
					(23)Qualified waste heat resource
 (A)In generalThe term qualified waste heat resource means— (i)exhaust heat or flared gas from any industrial process;
 (ii)waste gas or industrial tail gas that would otherwise be flared, incinerated, or vented; (iii)a pressure drop in any gas for an industrial or commercial process; or
 (iv)any other form of waste heat resource as the Secretary may determine. (B)ExclusionThe term qualified waste heat resource does not include a heat resource from a process the primary purpose of which is the generation of electricity using a fossil fuel.
 (24)Waste heat to power technologyThe term waste heat to power technology means a system that generates electricity through the recovery of a qualified waste heat resource..
			4.Updated
			 interconnection procedures and tariff schedule
			(a)Adoption of
 standardsSection 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(20)Updated
				interconnection procedures and tariff schedule
						(A)In
 generalNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commission and other appropriate agencies, shall establish, for generation with nameplate capacity up to 20 megawatts using all fuels—
 (i)guidance for technical interconnection standards that ensure interoperability with existing Federal interconnection rules;
 (ii)model interconnection procedures, including appropriate fast track procedures; and
 (iii)model rules for determining and assigning interconnection costs.
 (B)StandardsThe standards established under subparagraph (A) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, reflect current best practices (as demonstrated in model codes and rules adopted by States) to encourage the use of distributed generation (such as combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology) while ensuring the safety and reliability of the interconnected units and the distribution and transmission networks to which the units connect.
 (C)VariationsIn establishing the model standards under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the appropriateness of using standards or procedures that vary based on unit size, fuel type, or other relevant characteristics..
			(b)Compliance
				(1)Time
 limitationsSection 112(b) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2622(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (7)(A)Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary completes the standards required under section 111(d)(20), each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the authority has ratemaking authority) shall commence the consideration referred to in that section, or set a hearing date for such consideration, with respect to each standard.
 (B)Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Secretary completes the standards required under section 111(d)(20), each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the authority has ratemaking authority) shall—
 (i)complete the consideration under subparagraph (A);
 (ii)make the determination referred to in section 111 with respect to each standard established under section 111(d)(20); and
 (iii)submit to the Secretary and the Commission a report detailing the updated plans of the State regulatory authority for interconnection procedures and tariff schedules that reflect best practices to encourage the use of distributed generation..
				(2)Failure to
 complySection 112(c) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2622(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following: In the case of each standard established under paragraph (20) of section 111(d), the reference contained in this subsection to the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date of enactment of that paragraph..
				(3)Prior State
			 actions
					(A)In
 generalSection 112 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2622) is amended by adding at the end the following:

							(g)Prior State
 actionsSubsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to a standard established under paragraph (20) of section 111(d) in the case of any electric utility in a State if, before the date of enactment of this subsection—
 (1)the State has implemented for the electric utility the standard (or a comparable standard);
 (2)the State regulatory authority for the State has conducted a proceeding after December 31, 2016, to consider implementation of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility; or
 (3)the State legislature has voted on the implementation of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility..
 (B)Cross-referenceSection 124 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2634) is amended by adding at the end the following: In the case of each standard established under paragraph (20) of section 111(d), the reference contained in this subsection to the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date of enactment of that paragraph..
					5.Supplemental,
			 backup, and standby power fees or rates
			(a)Adoption of
 standardsSection 111(d) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2621(d)) (as amended by section 4(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(21)Supplemental,
				backup, and standby power fees or rates
						(A)In
 generalNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commission and other appropriate agencies, shall establish model rules and procedures for determining fees or rates for supplementary power, backup or standby power, maintenance power, and interruptible power supplied to facilities that operate combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology that appropriately allow for adequate cost recovery by an electric utility but are not excessive.
 (B)FactorsIn establishing model rules and procedures for determining fees or rates described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider—
 (i)the best practices that are used to model outage assumptions and contingencies to determine the fees or rates;
 (ii)the appropriate duration, magnitude, or usage of demand charge ratchets;
 (iii)the benefits to the utility and ratepayers, such as increased reliability, fuel diversification, enhanced power quality, and reduced electric losses from the use of combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology by a qualifying facility; and
 (iv)alternative arrangements to the purchase of supplementary, backup, or standby power by the owner of combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology generating units if the alternative arrangements—
 (I)do not compromise system reliability; and
 (II)are nondiscretionary and nonpreferential.. (b)Compliance (1)Time limitationsSection 112(b) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2622(b)) (as amended by section 4(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (8)(A)Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary completes the standards required under section 111(d)(21), each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the authority has ratemaking authority) shall commence the consideration referred to in that section, or set a hearing date for such consideration, with respect to each standard.
 (B)Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Secretary completes the standards required under section 111(d)(21), each State regulatory authority (with respect to each electric utility for which the authority has ratemaking authority) shall—
 (i)complete the consideration under subparagraph (A);
 (ii)make the determination referred to in section 111 with respect to each standard established under section 111(d)(21); and
 (iii)submit to the Secretary and the Commission a report detailing the updated plans of the State regulatory authority for supplemental, backup, and standby power fees that reflect best practices to encourage the use of distributed generation..
				(2)Failure to
 complySection 112(c) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2622(c)) (as amended by section 4(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: In the case of each standard established under paragraph (21) of section 111(d), the reference contained in this subsection to the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date of enactment of that paragraph..
				(3)Prior State
			 actions
					(A)In
 generalSection 112 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2622) (as amended by section 4(b)(3)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

							(h)Prior State
 actionsSubsections (b) and (c) shall not apply to a standard established under paragraph (21) of section 111(d) in the case of any electric utility in a State if, before the date of enactment of this subsection—
 (1)the State has implemented for the electric utility the standard (or a comparable standard);
 (2)the State regulatory authority for the State has conducted a proceeding after December 31, 2016, to consider implementation of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility; or
 (3)the State legislature has voted on the implementation of the standard (or a comparable standard) for the electric utility..
 (B)Cross-referenceSection 124 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2634) (as amended by section 4(b)(3)(B)) is amended by adding at the end the following: In the case of each standard established under paragraph (21) of section 111(d), the reference contained in this subsection to the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the date of enactment of that paragraph..
					6.Updating
			 output-based emissions standards
 (a)EstablishmentThe Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the Administrator) shall establish a program under which the Administrator shall provide to each State (as defined in section 302 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7602)) that elects to participate and that submits an application under subsection (b) a grant for use by the State in accordance with subsection (c).
 (b)ApplicationTo be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.
			(c)Use of
			 funds
				(1)In
 generalA State shall use a grant provided under this section—
 (A)to update any applicable State or local air permitting regulations under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) to incorporate environmental regulations relating to output-based emissions standards in accordance with relevant guidelines developed by the Administrator under paragraph (2); or
 (B)if the State has already updated all applicable State and local permitting regulations to incorporate those output-based emissions standards, to expedite the processing of relevant power generation permit applications under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.).
 (2)GuidelinesAs soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish guidelines for updating State and local permitting regulations under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) that—
 (A)provide credit, in the calculation of the emission rate of the facility, for any thermal energy produced by combined heat and power technology or waste heat to power technology; and
 (B)apply only to generation units that produce 5 megawatts of electrical energy or less.
					(d)Maximum
 amountThe amount of a grant provided under this section shall not exceed $100,000.
			(e)Authorization
 of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $5,000,000.


113 HR 3882 IH: National Security Agency Accountability Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-01-15
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.

I113th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 3882IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 15, 2014Mr. Carney introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Select Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), 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 require the Comptroller General to produce annual reports on programs under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the National Security Agency Accountability Act.2.Annual report by the Comptroller General on programs under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978(a)ReportTitle VI of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1871 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:602.Annual report by the Comptroller General(a)ReportThe Comptroller General of the United States shall annually submit to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate a report on the effectiveness of the programs and activities carried out under this Act.(b)ContentsEach report under subsection (a) shall include—(1)an analysis of the restrictions placed on access to information obtained under this Act;(2)the number of incidents of non-compliance with this Act or any rule, regulation, policy, or procedure to carry out this Act;(3)a description of actions taken in response to incidents of non-compliance described in paragraph (2);(4)a description of the minimization procedures used to carry out each provision of this Act;(5)a description of how such minimization procedures are verified to be in use and effective;(6)the number of applications made under each appropriate provision of this Act, the number of such applications approved by a court, and the number of times such applications resulted in an oral argument before the court;(7)the number of times employees of or contractors to the National Security Agency search information acquired under this Act; and(8)any other information the Comptroller General considers appropriate.(c)Public disclosureAt the time of submission of each report required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall make publicly available an unclassified summary of such report..(b)Table of contents amendmentThe table of contents in the first section of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 601 the following new item:Sec. 602. Annual report by the Comptroller General..


115 S1384 IS: Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act
U.S. Senate
2017-06-20
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1384IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 20, 2017Mr. Warner (for himself, Mr. Hatch, Ms. Warren, and Mr. Rubio) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize borrowers to separate joint consolidation
			 loans.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act. 2.Separating joint consolidation loans (a)In generalSection 455(g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(g)) is amended—
 (1)by striking A borrower and inserting the following:  (1)In generalA borrower; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following:  (2)Separating joint consolidation loans (A)In generalA married couple, or 2 individuals who were previously a married couple, and who received a joint consolidation loan as such married couple under subparagraph (C) of section 428C(a)(3) (as such subparagraph was in effect on or before June 30, 2006), may apply to the Secretary for each individual borrower in the married couple (or previously married couple) to receive a separate Federal Direct Consolidation Loan under this part—
 (i)that shall be equal to the sum of— (I)the unpaid principal and accrued unpaid interest of the percentage of the joint consolidation loan that, as of the day before such joint consolidation loan was made, was attributable to the loans of the individual borrower for whom such separate consolidation loan is being made; and
 (II)any other loans described in section 428C(a)(4) that such individual borrower selects for consolidation under this part;
 (ii)the proceeds of which shall be paid by the Secretary to the holder or holders— (I)of the joint consolidation loan for the purpose of discharging the liability on the percentage of such joint consolidation loan described in clause (i)(I); and
 (II)of the loans selected for consolidation under clause (i)(II) for the purpose of discharging the liability on such loans;
 (iii)except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, that has the same terms and conditions, and rate of interest as the joint consolidation loan;
 (iv)for which any payment made under section 455(m)(1)(A) on the joint consolidation loan during a period in which the individual borrower for whom such separate consolidation loan is being made was employed in a public service job described in section 455(m)(1)(B) shall be treated as if such payment were made on such separate consolidation loan; and
 (v)for which any payment made under an income contingent repayment plan or an income-based repayment plan described in subparagraph (D) or (E) of section 455(d)(1), respectively, on the joint consolidation loan shall be treated as if such payment were made on such separate consolidation loan.
								(B)Application for separate direct consolidation loan
 (i)Joint applicationExcept as provided in clause (ii), to receive separate consolidation loans under subparagraph (A), both individual borrowers in a married couple (or previously married couple) shall jointly apply under subparagraph (A).
 (ii)Separate applicationAn individual borrower in a married couple (or previously married couple) may apply for a separate consolidation loan under subparagraph (A) separately and without regard to whether or when the other individual borrower in the married couple (or previously married couple) applies under subparagraph (A), in a case in which—
 (I)the individual borrower has experienced from the other individual borrower— (aa)domestic violence (as defined in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925(a))); or
 (bb)economic abuse (including behaviors that control such borrower’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain access to money, credit, or the joint financial obligations of both borrowers);
 (II)the individual borrower certifies, on a form approved by the Secretary, that such borrower is unable to reasonably reach or access the loan information of the other individual borrower; or
 (III)the Secretary determines that authorizing each individual borrower to apply separately under subparagraph (A) would be in the best fiscal interests of the Federal Government.
 (C)Borrower eligibilityNotwithstanding section 428C(a)(3)(A), the Secretary shall award a consolidation loan under this part to each borrower who—
 (i)applies for such loan under subparagraph (A); and (ii)meets the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B)..
 (b)Conforming amendmentSection 428C(a)(3)(B)(i)(V) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078–3(3)(B)(i)(V)) is amended—
 (1)in item (bb), by striking or after the semicolon; (2)in item (cc), by striking the period and inserting ; or; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following:  (dd)for the purpose of separating a joint consolidation loan into 2 separate Federal Direct Consolidation Loans under section 455(g)(2)..


116 HR 797 IH: End Government Shutdowns Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 797IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 25, 2019Mr. Grothman (for himself and Mr. Loebsack) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on AppropriationsA BILLTo amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for automatic continuing resolutions.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the End Government Shutdowns Act. 2.Automatic continuing appropriations (a)In GeneralChapter 13 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1310 the following new section:

					1311.Continuing appropriations
						(a)
 (1)If any appropriation measure for a fiscal year is not enacted before the beginning of such fiscal year or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations is not in effect, there are appropriated such sums as may be necessary to continue any program, project, or activity for which funds were provided in the preceding fiscal year—
 (A)in the corresponding appropriation Act for such preceding fiscal year; or (B)if the corresponding appropriation bill for such preceding fiscal year did not become law, then in a joint resolution making continuing appropriations for such preceding fiscal year.
								(2)
 (A)Appropriations and funds made available, and authority granted, for a program, project, or activity for any fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be at a rate of operations not in excess of the lower of—
 (i)the rate of operations provided for in the regular appropriation Act providing for such program, project, or activity for the preceding fiscal year;
 (ii)in the absence of such an Act, the rate of operations provided for such program, project, or activity pursuant to a joint resolution making continuing appropriations for such preceding fiscal year; or
 (iii)the annualized rate of operations provided for in the most recently enacted joint resolution making continuing appropriations for part of that fiscal year or any funding levels established under the provisions of this Act.
 (B)If this section is in effect at the end of a fiscal year, funding levels shall continue as provided in this section for the next fiscal year.
 (3)Appropriations and funds made available, and authority granted, for any fiscal year pursuant to this section for a program, project, or activity shall be available for the period beginning with the first day of a lapse in appropriations and ending with the date on which the applicable regular appropriation bill for such fiscal year becomes law (whether or not such law provides for such program, project, or activity) or a continuing resolution making appropriations becomes law, as the case may be.
 (b)An appropriation or funds made available, or authority granted, for a program, project, or activity for any fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be subject to the terms and conditions imposed with respect to the appropriation made or funds made available for the preceding fiscal year, or authority granted for such program, project, or activity under current law.
 (c)Expenditures made for a program, project, or activity for any fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be charged to the applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization whenever a regular appropriation bill or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations until the end of a fiscal year providing for such program, project, or activity for such period becomes law.
 (d)This section shall not apply to a program, project, or activity during a fiscal year if any other provision of law (other than an authorization of appropriations)—
 (1)makes an appropriation, makes funds available, or grants authority for such program, project, or activity to continue for such period; or
 (2)specifically provides that no appropriation shall be made, no funds shall be made available, or no authority shall be granted for such program, project, or activity to continue for such period..
 (b)Clerical AmendmentThe table of sections of chapter 13 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1310 the following new item:

						1311. Continuing appropriations..
 (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 2019, and shall apply beginning with fiscal year 2020.


115 S1688 IS: Empowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-08-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 1688
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			August 1, 2017
			Ms. Klobuchar (for herself, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Booker, Mr. Brown, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Cardin, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Franken, Ms. Harris, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Heinrich, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Kaine, Mr. King, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Manchin, Mrs. McCaskill, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Murphy, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Shaheen, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Udall, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Warner, Ms. Warren, Mr. Wyden, Mrs. Gillibrand, and Mr. Whitehouse) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

		A BILL
		To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services
			 to negotiate fair prescription drug prices under part D of the Medicare
			 program.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Empowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Act of 2017.
		2.Authority to negotiate fair
			 prices for Medicare prescription drugs
 (a)In generalSection 1860D–11 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–111) is amended by striking subsection (i).
			(b)Effective
 dateThe amendment made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.


116 HRES 1218 IH: Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on November 9, 2020, as “National School Psychology Week”.
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-11-12
text/xml
EN
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IV116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. RES. 1218IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 12, 2020Mr. Loebsack (for himself and Mrs. Dingell) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborRESOLUTIONExpressing support for the designation of the week beginning on November 9, 2020, as National School Psychology Week.Whereas all children and youth learn best when they are healthy, supported, and receive an education that meets their individual needs;Whereas schools can more effectively ensure that all students are ready and able to learn if schools meet all the needs of each student;Whereas learning and development are directly linked to the mental health of children, and a supportive learning environment is an optimal place to promote mental health;Whereas sound psychological principles are critical to proper instruction and learning, social and emotional development, prevention and early intervention, and support for a culturally diverse student population;Whereas school psychologists are specially trained to deliver mental health services and academic support that lower barriers to learning and allow teachers to teach more effectively;Whereas school psychologists facilitate collaboration that helps parents and educators to identify and reduce risk factors, promote protective factors, create safe schools, and access community resources;Whereas school psychologists are trained to assess barriers to learning, utilize data-based decisionmaking, implement research-driven prevention and intervention strategies, evaluate outcomes, and improve accountability;Whereas State educational agencies and other State entities credential more than 35,000 school psychologists who practice in schools in the United States as key professionals that promote the learning and mental health of all children;Whereas the National Association of School Psychologists establishes and maintains high standards for training, practice, and school psychologist credentialing, in collaboration with organizations such as the American Psychological Association, that promote effective and ethical services by school psychologists to children, families, and schools;Whereas the National Association of School Psychologists has a Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services that promotes standards for the consistent delivery of school psychological services to all students in need;Whereas the people of the United States should recognize the vital role school psychologists play in the personal and academic development of the Nation's children; andWhereas the week beginning on November 9, 2020, would be an appropriate week to designate as National School Psychology Week: Now, therefore, be itThat the House of Representatives—(1)supports the designation of National School Psychology Week;(2)honors and recognizes the contributions of school psychologists to the success of students in schools across the United States; and(3)encourages the people of the United States to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the vital role school psychologists play in schools, in the community, and in helping students develop into successful and productive members of society.


115 S552 IS: Justice for Victims of Fraud Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-03-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 552IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 7, 2017Mr. Brown (for himself, Mr. Leahy, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Reed, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Casey, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Warner, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Franken, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Schatz, Ms. Hirono, Ms. Warren, Ms. Heitkamp, and Mr. Van Hollen) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsA BILLTo amend the Truth in Lending Act and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to provide justice to
			 victims of fraud.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Justice for Victims of Fraud Act of 2017.
 2.FindingsCongress finds that— (1)the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection found that Wells Fargo management implemented sales incentives, including an incentive compensation program, in part to increase the number of banking products and services that its employees sold to its customers;
 (2)the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection found that Wells Fargo employees engaged in improper sales practices to satisfy sales goals under an incentive compensation program of Wells Fargo, including opening as many as 1,534,280 checking accounts and 565,443 credit card accounts using information of consumers without their knowledge or consent between May 2011 and July 2015;
 (3)Wells Fargo successfully claimed in Jabbari v. Wells Fargo & Co., No. 15-cv-02159-VC (N.D. Cal. Sept. 23, 2015) that customers had signed away their rights to hold Wells Fargo accountable in court for claims of fraud because those customers were bound to a forced arbitration clause for their legitimate accounts;
 (4)after Wells Fargo publicly entered a settlement with Federal regulators for the opening of thousands of unauthorized customer accounts, Wells Fargo claimed in Mitchell v. Wells Fargo Bank N.A., No. 16-00966 (D. Utah complaint filed Sept. 16, 2016) that the fraud claims of customers must continue to be forced into arbitration;
 (5)several courts have determined that despite claims of fraud over unauthorized accounts opened without customer knowledge or consent, those customers are still bound by contracts forcing those claims into arbitration based on the interpretation of courts of title 9, United States Code;
 (6)the United States Arbitration Act (43 Stat. 883, ch. 213) (codified at title 9, United States Code) was intended to apply to disputes between commercial entities of generally similar sophistication and bargaining power, but a series of decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States has interpreted title 9, United States Code, to apply to claims of fraud; and
 (7)consumers have no meaningful choice whether to submit their claims to arbitration and are typically unaware that they have given up their rights to file claims in court.
 3.Arbitration of consumer disputes related to credit card accountsChapter 2 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1631 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

				140B.Validity and enforceability
 (a)DefinitionsIn this section— (1)the term covered dispute means a dispute that is not subject to a final judgment by a court; and
 (2)the term predispute arbitration agreement means any agreement between a person and a consumer providing for arbitration of any future dispute between the parties.
 (b)Validity and enforceabilityNo predispute arbitration agreement shall be valid or enforceable in a covered dispute that is related to a credit card that was not issued in response to a request or application for that credit card account.
 (c)ApplicabilityThe applicability of this section to a predispute arbitration agreement shall be determined by a State or Federal court of competent jurisdiction..
 4.Arbitration of consumer disputes related to covered accountsThe Electronic Fund Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 1693 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 920 (15 U.S.C. 1693o–2) the following:

				920A.Validity and enforceability
 (a)DefinitionsIn this section— (1)the term covered account—
 (A)means a demand deposit, savings deposit, or other asset account (other than an occasional or incidental credit balance in an open end credit plan as defined in section 103(i)), as described in regulations of the Bureau, established primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, including demand accounts, time accounts, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, and share draft accounts; and
 (B)does not include an account held by a financial institution pursuant to a bona fide trust agreement;
 (2)the term covered dispute means a dispute that is not subject to a final judgment by a court; and (3)the term predispute arbitration agreement means any agreement between a financial institution and a consumer providing for arbitration of any future dispute between the parties.
 (b)Validity and enforceabilityNo predispute arbitration agreement shall be valid or enforceable in a covered dispute that is related to a covered account that was not issued in response to a request or application for that covered account.
 (c)ApplicabilityThe applicability of this section to a predispute arbitration agreement shall be determined by a State or Federal court of competent jurisdiction..
 5.Rule of constructionNothing in the amendments made by this Act shall be construed— (1)to authorize the imposition of a requirement to submit a dispute to arbitration; or
 (2)to restrict any court from ruling that a requirement to submit a dispute to arbitration is invalid or unenforceable.


I
108th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5058
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 9, 2004
Mr. Shaw introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit alien children receiving medical treatment in the United States to be classified as immediate relatives to avoid extreme hardship to themselves or their immediate relative alien parents.

1.Classification of alien children receiving medical treatment in United States as immediate relatives to avoid extreme hardship to themselves or their immediate relative alien parents
(a)In generalSection 201(b)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:

(iii)A child (as defined in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of section 101(b)(1)) of an alien parent who is classified as an immediate relative under paragraph (2)(A)(i) may be classified as an immediate relative for purposes of this subsection, if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines, on the basis of a petition that is filed on behalf of the child under section 204(a)(1)(A)(vii), that—
(I) the child is in the United States and is accompanied by the alien parent;
(II)in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the child is receiving medical treatment which is unavailable outside the United States; and
(III)such classification is necessary to avoid extreme hardship to the child or parent. .
(b)Petitioning procedureSection 204(a)(1)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:

(vii)An alien may file a petition with the Secretary of Homeland Security for classification of a child of such alien as an immediate relative under clause (iii) of section 201(b)(2)(A), if the alien is a parent of the child and a petition for classification of the alien as an immediate relative parent under clause (i) of such section has been filed under clause (i) of this subparagraph..
(c)Conforming amendmentSection 201(f)(1) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1151(f)(1)) is amended by striking (b)(2)(A)(i) and inserting (b)(2)(A) each place it appears.


		III
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 593
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 22, 2010
			Mrs. Murray (for
			 herself, Mr. Isakson,
			 Mr. Begich, Mr.
			 Casey, and Mr. Brown of
			 Massachusetts) submitted the following resolution; which was
			 referred to the Committee on Health,
			 Education, Labor, and Pensions

			September 21, 2010
			Committee discharged; considered and agreed
			 to

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing support for designation of
		  October 7, 2010, as Jumpstart’s Read for the Record
		  Day.

		Whereas Jumpstart, a national early education
			 organization, is working to ensure that all children in the United States enter
			 school prepared to succeed;
		Whereas Jumpstart recruits and trains college students and
			 community volunteers year-round to work with preschool children in low-income
			 communities, helping the children to develop the key language and literacy
			 skills they need to succeed in school and in life;
		Whereas, since 1993, Jumpstart has engaged more than
			 20,000 adults in service to more than 70,000 young children in communities
			 across the United States;
		Whereas Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, presented in
			 partnership with Pearson, is a world record-breaking campaign, now in its fifth
			 year, that harnesses the power of reading by bringing adults and children
			 together to read the same book on the same day;
		Whereas the goals of the campaign are to raise national
			 awareness of the early literacy crisis, provide books to children in low-income
			 households through donations and sponsorship, celebrate the commencement of
			 Jumpstart’s program year, and raise money to support Jumpstart’s year-long work
			 with preschool children;
		Whereas October 7, 2010, would be an appropriate date to
			 designate as Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Day because
			 Jumpstart aims to set the world record for the largest shared reading
			 experience on that date; and
		Whereas Jumpstart hopes to engage 2,500,000 children to
			 read Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day during this record-breaking
			 celebration of reading, service, and fun, all in support of the preschool
			 children of the United States: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)supports the
			 designation of October 7, 2010, as Jumpstart’s Read for the Record
			 Day;
			(2)recognizes the
			 fifth year of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record; and
			(3)encourages
			 adults, including grandparents, parents, teachers, and college students, to
			 join children in creating the largest shared reading experience in the world
			 and to show their support for early literacy and Jumpstart’s early education
			 programming for young children in low-income communities.


114 HR 6526 IH: To eliminate the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security regarding the definition of the term “official purpose” as it applies to drivers’ licenses and personal identification cards, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-12-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I114th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6526IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESDecember 12, 2016Mr. Emmer of Minnesota introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government ReformA BILLTo eliminate the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security regarding the definition of the
			 term official purpose as it applies to drivers’ licenses and personal identification cards, and for other purposes.

		1.Definition of official purpose for drivers’ licenses and personal identification cards
 (a)In generalSection 201(3) of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005 (Public Law 109–13; 119 Stat. 312; 49 U.S.C. 30301 note) is amended—
 (1)by striking includes but is not limited to and inserting means; (2)by striking aircraft, entering and inserting aircraft, and entering; and
 (3)by striking , and any other purposes that the Secretary shall determine. (b)Report to CongressNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation of the amendments made by this Act.


117 HR 4238 IH: Making America Safe and Secure Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-06-29
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4238IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 29, 2021Ms. Pressley introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo provide grants to States to encourage the implementation and maintenance of firearms licensing requirements, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Making America Safe and Secure Act of 2021 or the MASS Act.2.Firearms licensing(a)In generalTitle I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:PPFirearms licensing3061.Definitions(a)In generalIn this part—(1)the term covered license means a—(A)firearms license; or(B)firearms dealer license;(2)the term domestic violence protection order means a protection order, as defined in section 2266 of title 18, United States Code;(3)the term extreme risk protection order—(A)means a written order, issued by a State court or signed by a magistrate that, for a period not to exceed a time frame established by the State—(i)prohibits the individual named in the order from having under the custody or control of the individual, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition; and(ii)requires that any firearm or ammunition under the custody or control of the individual be removed; and(B)does not include a domestic violence protection order;(4)the term prohibited individual means an individual who is categorically ineligible to receive a covered license;(5)the term suitable means that an individual does not create a risk to public safety; and(6)the term thorough background check means a Federal and State background check, which may include a fingerprint-based background check.(b)Prohibited individualsFor purposes of this part, a State—(1)shall establish standards for categorizing an individual as a prohibited individual for purposes of receiving a covered license; and(2)in establishing standards with respect to a covered license under paragraph (1), shall take into consideration whether limitations may be warranted based on—(A)criminal history;(B)whether an individual has been—(i)deemed a danger to himself or herself or other individuals by a court or authorized administrative body; or(ii)committed to a hospital or institution as a danger to himself or herself or other individuals;(C)age;(D)legal residency;(E)military dishonorable discharges;(F)whether an individual—(i)is subject to a permanent or temporary protection order; or(ii)has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (as defined in section 921 of title 18, United States Code);(G)outstanding arrest warrants;(H)status as a fugitive;(I)renunciation of United States citizenship; and(J)other factors relevant to the suitability of a license holder.3062.Grants and conditions(a)Grants authorizedThe Assistant Attorney General may make grants to States to implement or maintain firearms and firearms dealer licensing requirements.(b)Duration of grantsA grant under subsection (a) shall be for a period of 3 fiscal years.(c)Use of funds for firearms and firearms dealer licensing(1)ActivitiesAmounts received under a grant under subsection (a) shall be used for the implementation or maintenance of firearms and firearms dealer licensing requirements, which shall incorporate and implement the elements described in paragraph (2) of this subsection.(2)ElementsThe elements described in this paragraph are those providing that—(A)an individual shall have a firearms license—(i)at the time of the purchase, rental, or lease of a firearm or purchase of ammunition; and(ii)during the entire period of ownership or possession of a firearm or ammunition;(B)(i)an individual who (including the owner or operator of a business that) sells, rents, or leases a minimum number of firearms, or sells ammunition, during a calendar year shall obtain a firearms dealer license; and(ii)the State shall establish the minimum number of firearms for purposes of clause (i), which may not be higher than 10 per calendar year;(C)the chief of police or the board or officer having control of the police department of a local government, or a designee within the same department, shall function as the licensing authority;(D)for an application for issuance or renewal of a firearms license, the licensing authority shall—(i)conduct a thorough background check, which may include—(I)conducting an interview with the applicant;(II)requiring the submission of letters of reference stating that the applicant is of sound mind and character; and(III)any other requirements the State determines relevant; and(ii)make a determination of suitability;(E)a first-time firearms license applicant shall complete safety training;(F)for an application for issuance or renewal of a firearms dealer license, the licensing authority shall conduct an investigation into the criminal history of the applicant, which may include—(i)an interview with the applicant;(ii)a thorough background check; and(iii)any other requirements the State determines relevant;(G)the State shall establish appropriate application processes for covered licenses consistent with Federal, State, and local law;(H)the State shall establish standards and processes by which licensing authorities can revoke, suspend, or deny the issuance or renewal of a covered license;(I)the State shall ensure that a revocation, suspension, or denial cannot be based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity;(J)the State shall establish judicial review processes by which any applicant for or holder of a covered license may, within a reasonable time period, petition to obtain judicial review of a revocation, suspension, or denial of the issuance or renewal of a covered license;(K)the State shall establish—(i)standards and a process under which a family member of an individual who the family member fears is a danger to himself, herself, or others may petition for an extreme risk protection order; and(ii)standards for the termination or extension of an order described in clause (i);(L)the State shall establish processes under which—(i)an individual whose covered license is revoked or suspended, or whose application for issuance or renewal of a covered license is denied, shall surrender or transfer all firearms and ammunition that are or would have been covered by the license; and(ii)an individual who is subject to an extreme risk protection order or domestic violence protection order shall surrender or transfer all firearms and ammunition in the possession of the individual;(M)the State shall establish requirements with which a firearms dealer licensee must comply, which—(i)shall include requirements relating to—(I)the location at which the licensee conducts firearm or ammunition transactions;(II)the manner in which the licensee records firearm or ammunition transactions;(III)background checks for employees of the licensee; and(IV)any other matter that the State determines appropriate; and(ii)may include requirements that a licensee—(I)maintain a permanent place of business—(aa)that is not a residence; and(bb)at which the licensee conducts all firearms or ammunition transactions;(II)submit to mandatory record and inventory inspections by a licensing authority;(III)maintain a sales record book at the permanent place of business described in subclause (I) in accordance with standards established by the State;(IV)conduct a pre-employment background check on each potential employee to determine the suitability of any potential employee who may have direct and unmonitored contact with a firearm or ammunition; and(V)take any other action that the State determines appropriate;(N)the State shall promulgate rules and regulations to ensure the prompt collection, exchange, dissemination, and distribution of information pertaining to the issuance, renewal, expiration, suspension, or revocation of a covered license;(O)the State shall establish standards that are consistent with Federal and State law—(i)governing the transfer of a firearm or ammunition; and(ii)for identifying a prohibited individual, in accordance with section 3061(b);(P)the State shall promulgate rules and regulations that require a dealer or private seller of firearms or ammunition to verify the validity of a firearms license before the sale, rental, or lease of any firearm or the sale of any ammunition;(Q)a dealer or private seller of firearms or ammunition shall report all sales, rentals, and leases of firearms, and sales of ammunition, to State authorities;(R)a dealers of firearms or ammunition shall notify the licensing authority when presented with an invalid or expired firearms license;(S)any firearms licensee whose firearm or ammunition is lost or stolen shall report the loss or theft to the licensing authority and State authorities within a reasonable time frame and in a manner established by the State;(T)an individual holding a firearms license or firearms dealer license shall renew the license on a time frame established by the State;(U)an individual may not use the firearms license of the individual to purchase a firearm or ammunition for—(i)the unlawful use of the firearm or ammunition by another individual; or(ii)the resale or other transfer of the firearm or ammunition to an unlicensed individual; and(V)(i)it shall be unlawful to store or keep a firearm in any place unless the firearm is secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device, properly engaged so as to render the firearm inoperable by any individual other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user; and(ii)for purposes of clause (i), a firearm shall not be considered to be stored or kept if carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user.(3)Separate ammunition dealer license permittedA State that requires a license for dealing ammunition that is separate from a license for dealing firearms shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under paragraph (2) relating to a firearms dealer license, as that license relates to the dealing of ammunition, if the State imposes the same requirements for an ammunition dealer license as are mandated under paragraph (2) for a firearms dealer license, as that license relates to the dealing of ammunition.(d)ApplicationTo be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), a State shall submit to the Assistant Attorney General an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Assistant Attorney General may require, including a description of how the State will use the grant to implement or maintain firearms and firearms dealer licensing requirements that include the elements described in subsection (c)(2).(e)Annual reportEach State receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall submit to the Assistant Attorney General, for each fiscal year during which the State expends amounts received under the grant, a report, at such time and in such manner as the Assistant Attorney General may reasonably require, that contains—(1)a summary of the activities carried out using amounts made available under the grant;(2)an assessment of whether the activities are achieving the elements described in subsection (c)(2); and(3)such other information as the Assistant Attorney General may require.(f)Limitations on the allocation of fundsNot more than 2 percent of the amount made available to carry out this section in any fiscal year may be used by the Assistant Attorney General for salaries and administrative expenses.(g)Reallocation of appropriationsA recipient of a grant under subsection (a) shall return to the Assistant Attorney General any amounts received under the grant that are not expended for a purpose described in this section..(b)Authorization of appropriationsSection 1001(a) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10261(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:(29)There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out part PP..


115 HR 3727 RH: Increasing Telehealth Access in Medicare Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-12-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IB
		Union Calendar No. 355
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		H. R. 3727
		[Report No. 115–480, Part I]
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 11, 2017
			Mrs. Black (for herself, Mr. Thompson of California, Mrs. Brooks of Indiana, and Ms. Matsui) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

			December 21, 2017
			Additional sponsors: Mr. Curbelo of Florida, Mr. Costello of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Khanna

			December 21, 2017
			Reported from the Committee on Ways and Means with an amendment
			Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic

			December 21, 2017
			The Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to
			 be printed
			For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on September 11, 2017

		A BILL
		To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include additional telehealth services for
			 purposes of MA organization bids, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Increasing Telehealth Access in Medicare Act or the ITAM Act. 2.Inclusion of additional telehealth services in Medicare Advantage organization bids (a)In generalSection 1852 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–22) is amended—
 (1)in subsection (a)(1)(B)(i), by adding at the end the following new sentence: For plan year 2020 and each subsequent plan year, for purposes of subsection (m) and section 1854, in the case that an MA plan makes an election described in subsection (m)(1) with respect to such plan year, additional telehealth services shall be treated as a benefit under the original medicare fee-for-service program option with respect to such plan and plan year.; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following new subsection:  (m)Provision of additional telehealth services (1)MA plan optionFor purposes of subsection (a)(1)(B)(i), an election described in this paragraph, with respect to an MA plan and plan year, is an election by the sponsor of such plan to provide under the plan for such plan year, in accordance with the subsequent provisions of this subsection, additional telehealth services (as defined in paragraph (2)) as a benefit under the original medicare fee-for-service program option. Such additional telehealth services, with respect to a plan year, shall be in addition to benefits included under the original medicare fee-for-service program option for such year.
							(2)Additional telehealth services defined
 (A)In generalFor purposes of this subsection and section 1854, the term additional telehealth services means, subject to subparagraph (C), services, with respect to a year— (i)for which payment may be made under part B (without regard to application of section 1834(m));
 (ii)that, if furnished via a telecommunications system, would not be payable under section 1834(m); (iii)furnished using electronic information and telecommunications technology;
 (iv)furnished in accordance with such requirements as the Secretary specifies pursuant to paragraph (3); and
 (v)which are identified for such year by the Secretary as appropriate to furnish using electronic information and telecommunications technology where a physician (as defined in section 1861(r)) or practitioner (described in section 1842(b)(18)(C)) furnishing the service is not at the same location as the plan enrollee.
 (B)Flexibility for phasing in identificationsIn making identifications under subparagraph (A)(v), the Secretary shall make such identifications annually and may make such identifications in a manner that results in additional telehealth services being phased in, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
 (C)Exclusion of capital and infrastructure costs and investmentsFor purposes of this subsection and section 1854, the term additional telehealth services does not include capital and infrastructure costs and investments relating to such benefits provided pursuant to this subsection.
 (3)Requirements for additional telehealth servicesThe Secretary shall specify requirements for the provision of additional telehealth services with respect to—
 (A)qualifications (other than licensure) of physicians and practitioners who furnish such services; (B)the technology used in furnishing such services;
 (C)factors necessary for coordination of additional telehealth services with other services; and (D)such other criteria (such as clinical criteria) as determined by the Secretary.
 (4)Enrollee choiceAn MA plan that provides a service as an additional telehealth service may not, when furnished without use of electronic information and telecommunications technology, deny access to the equivalent in-person service.
							(5)Construction
 (A)In generalIn determining if an MA organization or MA plan, as applicable, is in compliance with each requirement specified in subparagraph (B), such determination shall be made without regard to any additional telehealth services covered by the plan offered by such organization or plan pursuant to this subsection.
 (B)Requirements specifiedThe requirements specified in this subparagraph are the following: (i)The requirements under subsection (d).
 (ii)The requirement under subsection (a)(1) with respect to covering benefits under the original medicare fee-for-service program option, as defined in the first sentence of paragraph (B)(i) of such subsection..
 (b)Inclusion of additional telehealth services in MA organization bid amountSection 1854(a)(6)(A)(ii)(I) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–24(a)(6)(A)(ii)(I)) is amended by inserting , including, for plan year 2020 and subsequent plan years, the provision of such benefits through the use of additional telehealth services under section 1852(m) before the semicolon at the end.
 3.Use of telecommunications systems in furnishing chronic care management servicesSection 1848(b)(8) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395(b)(8)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (C)ClarificationIn carrying out this paragraph, with respect to chronic care management services, the Secretary may, subject to subparagraph (B), make payment for such services furnished through the use of secure messaging, Internet, store and forward technologies, or other non-face-to-face communication methods determined appropriate by the Secretary..
 4.Sense of Congress regarding parity of telehealth servicesIt is the sense of Congress that there should be— (1)parity, with respect to access to telehealth, between the original medicare fee-for-service program under parts A and B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act and the Medicare Advantage program under part C of such title; and
 (2)access to medically appropriate, quality telehealth for all Medicare beneficiaries. 5.Deposit of savings into Medicare Improvement FundSection 1898(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395iii(b)(1)) is amended by striking during and after fiscal year 2021, $270,000,000 and inserting during and after fiscal year 2021, $325,000,000.

		December 21, 2017
		Reported from the Committee on Ways and Means with an amendmentDecember 21, 2017The Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to
			 be printed


IV
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 83
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

February 24, 2009

RESOLUTION
Recognizing the significance of Black History Month.

Whereas the first Africans were brought involuntarily to the shores of America as early as the 17th century;
Whereas these Africans in America and their descendants are now known as African-Americans;
Whereas African-Americans suffered involuntary servitude and subsequently faced the injustices of lynch mobs, segregation, and denial of basic, fundamental rights;
Whereas despite involuntary servitude, African-Americans have made significant contributions to the economic, educational, political, artistic, literary, religious, scientific, and technological advancement of the Americas;
Whereas in the face of injustices, United States citizens of good will and of all races distinguished themselves with their commitment to the noble ideals upon which the United States was founded and courageously fought for the rights and freedom of African-Americans;
Whereas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived and died to make real these noble ideals;
Whereas the greatness of the United States is reflected in the historic election of Barack Obama, an American of African ancestry, to the Office of the President of the United States of America;
Whereas the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass inspired the creation of Negro History Week, the precursor to Black History Month;
Whereas Negro History Week represented the culmination of Dr. Carter G. Woodson's efforts to enhance knowledge of black history started through the Journal of Negro History, published by Woodson's Association for the Study of African-American Life and History; and
Whereas the month of February is officially celebrated as Black History Month, which dates back to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period of time in February to recognize the heritage and achievement of Black Americans: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)recognizes the significance of Black History Month as an important time to recognize the contributions of African-Americans in the Nation's history, and encourages the continued celebration of this month to provide an opportunity for all peoples of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation; and
(2)recognizes that the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the Nation.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 2327
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 29, 2009
			Mr. Kerry (for himself
			 and Mr. Kirk) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on Antarctic krill
		  oil.

		1.Antarctic krill oil
			(a)In
			 generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff
			 Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting in numerical sequence the
			 following new heading:

								9902.01.00Antarctic krill oil, in bulk, not chemically modified, not
						containing lipids from any other sources (provided for in subheading
						3824.90.40)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2011

					.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods
			 entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day
			 after the date of the enactment of this Act.


113 HR 2506 IH: The Duplication Elimination Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-06-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2506
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 26, 2013
			Mr. Dent (for
			 himself, Mr. Murphy of Florida,
			 Mr. Coffman, and
			 Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania)
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Oversight and Government
			 Reform, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Rules, for a period to be
			 subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
			 concerned

		A BILL
		To amend the Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010 to create an
		  expedited procedure to enact recommendations of the Government Accountability
		  Office for consolidation and elimination to reduce
		  duplication.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 The Duplication Elimination Act of
			 2013.
		2.Expedited
			 Consideration of GAO RecommendationsTitle II of the joint resolution entitled
			 A joint resolution increasing the statutory limit on the public
			 debt (Public Law 111–139; 21 U.S.C. 712 note) is amended by adding at
			 the end the following:

				22.Expedited
				Consideration of GAO Recommendations
					(a)DefinitionsIn
				this section—
						(1)the term
				GAO report means the annual report on duplication,
				consolidation, and elimination of duplicative government programs required
				under section 21; and
						(2)the term
				joint resolution means only a joint resolution that—
							(A)makes legislative
				changes needed to carry out the recommendations contained in the GAO report for
				a year that the President did not exclude; and
							(B)requires that any
				savings attributable to the legislative changes described in subparagraph (A)
				be transferred to the General Fund of the Treasury and be used to reduce the
				deficit.
							(b)Submission of
				proposed bill
						(1)In
				generalNot later than 90 days after the date of the publication
				of the GAO report for a year, the President shall transmit to Congress a
				special message accompanied by a proposed joint resolution.
						(2)Contents of
				Special MessageA special message shall specify—
							(A)recommendations
				outlined in the GAO report that are excluded from the proposed joint
				resolution;
							(B)in detail why the
				recommendations outlined in the GAO report were excluded from the proposed
				joint resolution; and
							(C)recommendations
				outlined in the GAO report that are included in the proposed joint
				resolution.
							(3)TransmittalThe
				President shall submit the special message to the Secretary of the Senate if
				the Senate is not in session and to the Clerk of the House of Representatives
				if the House is not in session.
						(4)Public
				AvailabilityThe President shall make a copy of the special
				message and the proposed joint resolution publicly available, and shall publish
				in the Federal Register a notice of the message and information on how it can
				be obtained.
						(c)Procedures for
				Expedited Consideration
						(1)IntroductionA
				proposed joint resolution transmitted by the President under subsection (b)
				shall be introduced in the Senate (by request) on the next day on which the
				Senate is in session by the majority leader of the Senate or by a Member of the
				Senate designated by the majority leader of the Senate and shall be introduced
				in the House of Representatives (by request) on the next legislative day by the
				majority leader of the House or by a Member of the House designated by the
				majority leader of the House.
						(2)No
				referralA joint resolution shall not be referred to a committee
				in either House of Congress and shall immediately be placed on the
				calendar.
						(3)Motion to
				proceedA motion to proceed to a joint resolution is highly
				privileged in the House of Representatives and is privileged in the Senate and
				is not debatable. The motion is not subject to a motion to postpone, and all
				points of order against the motion are waived. A motion to reconsider the vote
				by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a
				motion to proceed to the consideration of a joint resolution is agreed to, the
				joint resolution shall remain the unfinished business of the respective House
				until disposed of.
						(4)Expedited
				Consideration in the House of RepresentativesIn the House of
				Representatives, a joint resolution shall be considered as read. All points of
				order against the joint resolution and against its consideration are waived.
				The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the joint resolution to
				its passage without intervening motion except 2 hours of debate shall be
				divided equally between the majority and minority leaders or their designees. A
				motion to reconsider the vote on passage of the joint resolution shall not be
				in order. A vote on final passage of the joint resolution shall be taken in the
				House of Representatives on or before the close of the tenth calendar day after
				the date of the introduction of the joint resolution in the House of
				Representatives.
						(5)Expedited
				Procedure in the Senate
							(A)ConsiderationIn
				the Senate, consideration of a joint resolution, and on all debatable motions
				and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 10
				hours, which shall be divided equally between the majority and minority leaders
				or their designees. A motion to further limit debate is in order and not
				debatable. An amendment to, a motion to postpone, a motion to proceed to the
				consideration of other business, or a motion to commit the joint resolution is
				not in order.
							(B)PassageIf
				the Senate has proceeded to a joint resolution, the vote on passage of the
				joint resolution shall occur immediately following the conclusion of
				consideration of the joint resolution, and a single quorum call at the
				conclusion of the debate if requested in accordance with the rules of the
				Senate. A vote on the final passage of the joint resolution shall be taken in
				the Senate on or before the close of the tenth calendar day after the date of
				the introduction of the joint resolution in the Senate.
							(C)Rulings of the
				Chair on ProcedureAppeals from the decisions of the Chair
				relating to the application of the rules of the Senate, as the case may be, to
				the procedure relating to a joint resolution shall be decided without
				debate.
							(6)Points of
				OrderIn the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Member of
				the Senate or House of Representatives, respectively, may raise a point of
				order that a joint resolution does not meet the definition of a joint
				resolution under subsection (b).
						(7)AmendmentA
				joint resolution shall not be subject to amendment in either the House of
				Representatives or the Senate.
						(8)Consideration by
				the other House
							(A)In
				GeneralIf, before passing a joint resolution, one House receives
				from the other a joint resolution—
								(i)the joint
				resolution from the other House shall not be referred to a committee;
				and
								(ii)with respect to a
				joint resolution of the House receiving the joint resolution—
									(I)the procedure in
				that House shall be the same as if no joint resolution had been received from
				the other House until the vote on passage; but
									(II)the vote on final
				passage shall be on the joint resolution of the other House.
									(B)Revenue Measure
				ExceptionThis paragraph shall not apply to the House of
				Representatives if the joint resolution received from the Senate is a revenue
				measure.
							(9)Rules of House
				of Representatives and SenateThis subsection is enacted by
				Congress—
							(A)as an exercise of
				the rulemaking power in the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively,
				and as such it is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, but
				applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in that House in
				the case of a joint resolution, and it supersedes other rules only to the
				extent that it is inconsistent with such rules; and
							(B)with full
				recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so
				far as relating to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner
				and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that
				House.
							.


115 HR 1357 IH: Stamp Out Invasive Species Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-03-02
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1357IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 2, 2017Ms. Stefanik (for herself and Mr. Thompson of California) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and 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 provide for the issuance of a semipostal to benefit programs that combat invasive species.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Stamp Out Invasive Species Act. 2.Combating invasive species semipostal (a)FindingCongress finds that invasive species pose a serious threat to our natural ecosystems, significantly harm native plant and animal populations, and cause detrimental economic damage to local communities.
(b)SemipostalIn order to afford a convenient way for members of the public to contribute to programs that combat invasive species, the United States Postal Service shall issue a semipostal stamp in accordance with the provisions of this section. Such semipostal stamp shall be known as the Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp. (c)Terms and Conditions (1)In GeneralThe issuance and sale of the Combating Invasive Species 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)Differential rateThe differential included in the rate of postage established for the Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp under section 416(c) of such title may not exceed 25 percent. (3)DurationThe Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp shall be made available to the public for a period of 2 years, beginning not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(4)Disposition of ProceedsAll amounts becoming available from the sale of the Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp (as determined under section 416(d) of such title) shall be transferred in equal proportion to the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, for the purpose described in subsection (a), through payments which shall be made at least twice a year. (d)DefinitionFor purposes of this Act, the term semipostal stamp means a stamp described in section 416(a)(1) of such title.


115 HR 4343 IH: Unlawful Gun Buyer Alert Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-11-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4343IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 9, 2017Mr. Cicilline (for himself, Ms. Norton, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Blumenauer, and Mr. McGovern) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 to provide notification to relevant law
			 enforcement agencies in the event that a background check conducted by the
			 National Instant Criminal Background Check System determines that a person
			 may not receive a firearm, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Unlawful Gun Buyer Alert Act. 2.Notification to law enforcement agencies of prohibited purchase or attempted purchase of a firearm (a)In generalTitle I of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (18 U.S.C. 922 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					107.Notification to law enforcement agencies of prohibited purchase of a firearm
 (a)In generalIn the case of a background check conducted by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System pursuant to the request of a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer of firearms (as such terms are defined in section 921 of title 18, United States Code), which background check determines that the receipt of a firearm by a person would violate subsection (g) or (n) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code, and such determination is made after 3 business days have elapsed since the licensee contacted the System and a firearm has been transferred to that person, the System shall notify the law enforcement agencies described in subsection (b).
 (b)Law enforcement agencies describedThe law enforcement agencies described in this subsection are the law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over the location from which the licensee contacted the system and the law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over the location of the residence of the person for which the background check was conducted, as follows:
 (1)The field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2)The local law enforcement agency.
 (3)The State law enforcement agency.. (b)Clerical amendmentThe table of contents of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (18 U.S.C. 922 note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 106 the following:

						107. Notification to law enforcement agencies of prohibited purchase of a firearm..


113 HR 4144 IH: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-03-04
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.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4144
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 4, 2014
			Mr. Grimm (for himself, Mr. Bishop of New York, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Nunnelee, and Mrs. McCarthy of New York) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

		A BILL
		To amend the provisions of title 46, United States Code, related to the Board of Visitors to the
			 United States Merchant Marine Academy, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act.
		2.United States Merchant Marine Academy Board of VisitorsSection 51312 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

				51312.Board of Visitors
					(a)In generalA Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (referred to in this section as
			 the Board and the Academy, respectively) shall be established to provide independent advice and recommendations on matters
			 relating to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
					(b)Appointment and membership
						(1)In generalNot later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act, the Board shall be composed of—
							(A)2 Senators appointed by the chairman, in consultation with the ranking member, of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;
							(B)3 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the chairman, in consultation with the
			 ranking member, of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives;
							(C)1 Senator appointed by the Vice President, who shall be a member of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
							(D)2 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
			 in consultation with the Minority Leader, at least 1 of whom shall be a
			 member of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives;
							(E)the Commander of the United States Transportation Command;
							(F)the Commander of the Military Sealift Command;
							(G)the Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy of the United States Coast Guard;
							(H)4 individuals appointed by the President; and
							(I)as ex officio members—
								(i)the chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;
								(ii)the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives;
								(iii)the chairman of the Advisory Board to the Academy established under section 51313; and
								(iv)the member of the House of Representatives in whose congressional district the Academy is located,
			 as a non-voting member, unless such member of the House of Representatives
			 is appointed as a voting member of the Board under subparagraph (B) or
			 (D).
								(2)Presidential appointeesOf the individuals appointed by the President under paragraph (1)(H)—
							(A)at least 2 shall be graduates of the Academy;
							(B)at least 1 shall be a senior corporate officer from a United States maritime shipping company that
			 participates in the Maritime Security Program, or in any Maritime
			 Administration program providing incentives for companies to register
			 their vessels in the United States, and this appointment shall rotate
			 biennially among such companies; and
							(C)1 or more may be a Senate-confirmed Presidential appointee, a member of the Senior Executive
			 Service, or an officer of flag-rank who from the United States Coast
			 Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or any of the
			 military services that commission graduates of the Academy, exclusive of
			 the Board members described in subparagraph (E), (F), or (G) of paragraph
			 (1).
							(3)Term of serviceEach member of the Board shall serve for a term of 2 years commencing at the beginning of each
			 Congress, except that any member whose term on the Board has expired shall
			 continue to serve until a successor is designated.
						(4)VacanciesIf a member of the Board is no longer able to serve on the Board or resigns, the Designated Federal
			 Officer selected under subsection (g)(2) shall immediately notify the
			 official who appointed such member. Not later than 60 days after that
			 notification, such official shall designate a replacement to serve the
			 remainder of such member's term.
						(5)Current membersEach member of the Board serving as a member of the Board on the date of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act shall continue to serve on the Board for the remainder of such member’s term.
						(6)Designation and responsibility of substitute Board members
							(A)Authority to designateA member of the Board described in subparagraph (E), (F), or (G) of paragraph (1) or subparagraph
			 (B) or (C) of paragraph (2) may, if unable to attend or participate in an
			 activity described in subsection (d), (e), or (f), designate another
			 individual to serve as a substitute member of the Board, on a temporary
			 basis, to attend or participate in such activity.
							(B)RequirementsA substitute member of the Board designated under subparagraph (A) shall be—
								(i)an individual who has been appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate;
								(ii)a member of the Senior Executive Service; or
								(iii)an officer of flag-rank who is employed by—
									(I)the United States Coast Guard;
									(II)the United States Transportation Command; or
									(III)the Military Sealift Command.
									(C)ParticipationA substitute member of the Board designated under subparagraph (A)—
								(i)shall be permitted to fully participate in the proceedings and activities of the Board;
								(ii)shall report back to the member on the Board’s activities not later than 15 days following the
			 substitute member’s participation in such activities; and
								(iii)shall be permitted to participate in the preparation of reports described in paragraph (j) related
			 to any proceedings or activities of the Board in which such substitute
			 member participates.
								(c)Chairperson
						(1)In generalOn a biennial basis, the Board shall select from among its members, a member of the House of
			 Representatives or a Senator to serve as the Chairperson.
						(2)RotationA member of the House of Representatives and a member of the Senate shall alternately serve as the
			 Chair of the Board on a biennial basis.
						(3)TermAn individual may not serve as Chairperson for more than 1 consecutive term.
						(d)Meetings
						(1)In generalThe Board shall meet several times each year as provided for in the Charter described in paragraph
			 (2)(B), including at least 1 meeting held at the Academy.
						(2)Selection and considerationNot later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act, the Designated Federal Officer selected under subsection (g)(2) shall organize a meeting of the
			 Board for the purposes of—
							(A)selecting a Chairperson; and
							(B)considering an official Charter for the Board, which shall provide for the meeting of the Board
			 several times each year.
							(e)Visiting the Academy
						(1)Annual visitThe Board shall visit the Academy annually on a date selected by the Board, in consultation with
			 the Secretary of Transportation and the Superintendent of the Academy.
						(2)Other visitsIn cooperation with the Superintendent, the Board or its members may make other visits to the
			 Academy in connection with the duties of the Board.
						(3)AccessWhile visiting the Academy under this subsection, members of the Board shall have reasonable access
			 to the grounds, facilities, midshipmen, faculty, staff, and other
			 personnel of the Academy for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the
			 Board.
						(f)ResponsibilityThe Board shall inquire into the state of morale and discipline, the curriculum, instruction,
			 physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters
			 relating to the Academy that the Board decides to consider.
					(g)Department of Transportation supportThe Secretary of Transportation shall—
						(1)provide support as deemed necessary by the Board for the performance of the Board’s functions;
						(2)not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act, select a Designated Federal Officer to support the performance of the Board’s functions; and
						(3)in cooperation with the Maritime Administrator and the Superintendent of the Academy, advise the
			 Board of any institutional issues, consistent with applicable laws
			 concerning the disclosure of information.
						(h)StaffStaff members may be designated to serve without reimbursement as staff for the Board by—
						(1)the Chairperson of the Board;
						(2)the chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
						(3)the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
						(i)Travel expensesWhile serving away from home or regular place of business, a member of the Board or a staff member
			 designated under subsection (h) shall be allowed travel expenses,
			 including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized under section
			 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
					(j)Reports
						(1)Annual reportNot later than 60 days after each annual visit required under subsection (e)(1), the Board shall
			 submit to the President a written report of its actions, views, and
			 recommendations pertaining to the Academy.
						(2)Other reportsIf the members of the Board visit the Academy under subsection (e)(2), the Board may—
							(A)prepare a report on such visit; and
							(B)if approved by a majority of the members of the Board, submit such report to the President not
			 later than 60 days after the date of the approval.
							(3)AdvisorsThe Board may call in advisers—
							(A)for consultation regarding the execution of the Board’s responsibility under subsection (f); or
							(B)to assist in the preparation of a report described in paragraph (1) or (2).
							(4)SubmissionA report submitted to the President under paragraph (1) or (2) shall be concurrently submitted to—
							(A)the Secretary of Transportation;
							(B)the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
							(C)the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives..