117 HR 4686 : Cambodia Democracy Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-09-29
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.

IIB117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4686IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 29, 2021Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign RelationsAN ACTTo promote free and fair elections, political freedoms, and human rights in Cambodia, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Cambodia Democracy Act of 2021.2.FindingsCongress finds the following:(1)Prime Minister Hun Sen has been in power in Cambodia since 1985 and is the longest-serving leader in Southeast Asia. Despite decades of international attention and assistance to promote a pluralistic, multi-party democratic system in Cambodia, the Government of Cambodia continues to be undemocratically dominated by the ruling Cambodia People’s Party (CPP), which controls every agency and security apparatus of the state.(2)The Government of Cambodia has taken several measures, particularly since 2017 and during the COVID–19 pandemic, to restrict Cambodia’s space for civil society and media environment, especially through politicized tax investigations against independent media outlets.(3)On September 3, 2017, Kem Sokha, the President of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was arrested on politically motivated charges and faces up to 30 years in prison. On November 16, 2017, Cambodia’s Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP, eliminating the primary opposition party. While Kem Sokha is no longer in prison, his movements are restricted, he is prohibited from engaging in political activity, and his charges remain pending. The CNRP’s previous leader, Sam Rainsy, remains in unofficial exile, and has been prevented from returning to the country.(4)Since the CNRP’s dissolution, the Government of Cambodia has arrested, imprisoned, or brought politically motivated charges against CNRP leaders and activists. Starting in November 2020, the Government of Cambodia has held a series of mass trials for over 100 individuals affiliated with the CNRP.(5)Since 1991, the elections that have taken place in Cambodia were conducted in circumstances that were not free, fair, and credible or were marked by fraud, intimidation, violence, and the government’s misuse of legal mechanisms to weaken opposition candidates and parties. (6)The United States is committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Cambodia. The United States continues to urge the Government of Cambodia to immediately drop charges against Kem Sokha, reinstate the political status of the CNRP and restore its elected seats in the National Assembly, and support electoral reform efforts in Cambodia with free, fair, and credible elections monitored by international observers.3.Sanctions relating to undermining democracy in Cambodia(a)Designation of persons responsible for undermining democracy in Cambodia(1)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall designate and transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a list of—(A)each senior official of the government, military, or security forces of Cambodia who the President determines has directly and substantially undermined democracy in Cambodia;(B)each senior official of the government, military, or security forces of Cambodia who the President determines has committed or directed serious human rights violations associated with undermining democracy in Cambodia; and(C)entities owned or controlled by senior officials of the government, military, or security forces of Cambodia described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).(2)Imposition of sanctionsThe President shall impose the sanctions described in subsection (b) on each foreign person designated pursuant to paragraph (1).(3)UpdatesThe President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees updated lists under paragraph (1) as new information becomes available.(b)Sanctions describedThe sanctions described in this subsection are the following:(1)Asset blockingThe President shall exercise all of the powers granted to the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests in property of a foreign person designated under subsection (a) if such property and interests in property are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a United States person.(2)Inadmissibility for visas, admission, or parole(A)Visas, admission, or paroleA foreign person designated under subsection (a) is—(i)inadmissible to the United States;(ii)ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to enter the United States; and(iii)otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled into the United States or to receive any other benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).(B)Current visas revokedA foreign person designated under subsection (a) is subject to the following:(i)In generalThe foreign person is subject to revocation of any visa or other entry documentation regardless of when the visa or other entry documentation is or was issued.(ii)Immediate effectA revocation under clause (i) shall—(I)take effect immediately; and(II)automatically cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation that is in the foreign person’s possession.(C)Exception to comply with international obligationsSanctions under this paragraph shall not apply with respect to a foreign person if admitting or paroling the person into the United States is necessary to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or other applicable international obligations.(3)PenaltiesThe penalties provided for in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a foreign person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of paragraph (1) to the same extent that such penalties apply to a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of such section 206.(c)ImplementationThe President may exercise all authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to carry out this section.(d)WaiverThe President may waive the application of sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to a person designated under subsection (a) if the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such waiver is in the national interest of the United States.(e)Exception relating to importation of goods(1)In generalThe authorities and requirements to impose sanctions authorized under this Act shall not include the authority or requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods.(2)Good definedIn this subsection, the term good means any article, natural or man-made substance, material, supply or manufactured product, including inspection and test equipment, and excluding technical data.4.Suspension of sanctions(a)SuspensionThe sanctions described in section 3 may be suspended for up to 1-year upon certification by the President to the appropriate congressional committees that Cambodia is making meaningful progress toward the following:(1)Ending government efforts to undermine democracy.(2)Ending human rights violations associated with undermining democracy.(3)Conducting free and fair elections which allow for the active participation of credible opposition candidates.(b)Renewal of suspensionThe suspension described in subsection (a) may be renewed for additional, consecutive-day periods if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Cambodia is continuing to make meaningful progress towards satisfying the conditions described in such subsection during the previous year.5.Determination of budgetary effectsThe budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.6.SunsetThis Act shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.7.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Appropriate congressional committeesThe term appropriate congressional committees means the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.(2)Person(A)In generalThe term person means—(i)a natural person; or(ii)a corporation, business association, partnership, society, trust, financial institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor, and any other business organization, any other nongovernmental entity, organization, or group, and any governmental entity operating as a business enterprise or any successor to any entity described in this clause.(B)Application to governmental entitiesThe term person does not include a government or governmental entity that is not operating as a business enterprise.(3)United states personThe term United States person means—(A)a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States; or(B)an entity organized under the laws of the United States or of any jurisdiction of the United States, including a foreign branch of such an entity.Passed the House of Representatives September 28, 2021.Cheryl L. Johnson,Clerk


115 HR 5598 IH: 340B Optimization Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-04-24
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.

I
115th CONGRESS2d Session
H. R. 5598
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 24, 2018
Mr. Carter of Georgia (for himself and Mr. Collins of New York) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to require certain disproportionate share hospital covered entities under the 340B drug discount program to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services reports on low-income utilization rates of outpatient hospital services furnished by such entities.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the 340B Optimization Act.   2.Requiring 340B drug discount program reports by DSH hospital covered entities on low-income utilization rate of outpatient hospital services (a)In generalSection 340B(d)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 256b(d)(2)) is amended—
(1)in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting before the period at the end the following: , including, with respect to such updates made on or after January 1, 2020, by requiring covered entities described in subsection (a)(4)(L) to submit (and to so regularly update) information described in subparagraph (C); and (2)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(C)Information on low-income utilization rate of outpatient hospital services
(i)In generalFor purposes of subparagraph (B)(i), the information described in this subparagraph, with respect to a covered entity described in subsection (a)(4)(L) and an update under such subparagraph (B)(i), is— (I)the low-income outpatient utilization rate of such covered entity for the most recent fiscal year; and
(II)the low-income outpatient utilization rate of off-site outpatient facilities, clinics, eligible off-site locations, and associated sites of such entity identified as child sites of such entity pursuant to the identification system under subparagraph (B)(iv) for the most recent fiscal year. (ii)Low-income outpatient utilization rate definedIn this subparagraph, the term low-income outpatient utilization rate has the meaning given the term low-income utilization rate under paragraph (3) of section 1923(b) of the Social Security Act, except that—
(I)clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) of such paragraph shall be applied as if— (aa)each reference to patient services were a reference to patient services furnished on an outpatient basis; and
(bb)for purposes of clause (i)(II) of this subparagraph, each reference to hospital were a reference to off-site outpatient facilities, clinics, eligible off-site locations, and associated sites of the hospital that are identified as child sites of the hospital pursuant to the identification system under section 340B(d)(2)(B)(iv) of the Public Health Service Act; and (II)clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B) of such paragraph shall be applied as if—
(aa)each reference to inpatient hospital services were a reference to outpatient hospital services; and (bb)for purposes of clause (i)(II) each reference to hospital’s charges were a reference to charges of the off-site outpatient facilities, clinics, eligible off-site locations, and associated sites of the hospital that are identified as child sites of the hospital pursuant to the identification system under section 340B(d)(2)(B)(iv) of the Public Health Service Act. .
(b)Annual reportsNot later than January 1, 2021, and annually thereafter, the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration shall submit to Congress a report on information submitted by covered entities for the previous year pursuant to the amendments made by subsection (a).


116 HR 6014 IH: Employment Fairness for Taiwan Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-02-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6014IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 28, 2020Mr. Tipton (for himself and Mr. David Scott of Georgia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial ServicesA BILLTo require the Secretary of the Treasury to support fairness for Taiwanese nationals regarding employment at the international financial institutions.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Employment Fairness for Taiwan Act of 2020.2.Sense of the CongressIt is the sense of the Congress that—(1)Taiwan is responsible for remarkable achievements in economic and democratic development, with its per capita gross domestic product rising in purchasing power parity terms from $3,470 in 1980 to more than $55,000 in 2018;(2)the experience of Taiwan in creating a vibrant and advanced economy under democratic governance and the rule of law can inform the work of the international financial institutions, including through the contributions and insights of Taiwanese nationals; and(3)Taiwanese nationals who seek employment at the international financial institutions should not be held at a disadvantage in hiring because the economic success of Taiwan has rendered it ineligible for financial assistance from such institutions.3.Fairness for Taiwanese nationals regarding employment at international financial institutions(a)In generalThe Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Director at each international financial institution to use the voice and vote of the United States to seek to ensure that Taiwanese nationals are not discriminated against in any employment decision by the institution, including employment through consulting or part-time opportunities, on the basis of—(1)whether they are citizens or nationals of, or holders of a passport issued by, a member country of, or a state or other jurisdiction that receives assistance from, the international financial institution; or(2)any other consideration that, in the determination of the Secretary, unfairly disadvantages Taiwanese nationals with respect to employment at the institution.(b)International financial institution definedIn this section, the term international financial institution has the meaning given the term in section 1701(c)(2) of the International Financial Institutions Act.(c)Waiver authorityThe Secretary of the Treasury may waive subsection (a) for not more than 1 year at a time after reporting to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate that providing the waiver—(1)will substantially promote the objective of equitable treatment for Taiwanese nationals at the international financial institutions; or(2)is in the national interest of the United States, with a detailed explanation of the reasons therefor. (d)Progress reportThe Chairman of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies shall submit to the committees specified in subsection (c) an annual report, in writing, that describes the progress made toward advancing the policy described in subsection (a), and a summary of employment trends with respect to Taiwanese nationals at the international financial institutions.(e)SunsetThe preceding provisions of this section shall have no force or effect beginning with the earlier of—(1)the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act; or(2)the date that the Secretary of the Treasury reports to the committees specified in subsection (c) that each international financial institution has adopted the policy described in subsection (a).


117 S1317 IS: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act
U.S. Senate
2021-04-22
text/xml
EN
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II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1317IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESApril 22, 2021Mr. Kelly (for himself and Ms. Sinema) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesA BILLTo modify the boundary of the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in the State of Arizona, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Federal landThe term Federal land means the approximately 97.71 acres of Forest Service land identified as Proposed transfer from USDA Forest Service to National Park Service on the Map. (2)MapThe term Map means the map entitled Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Draft Proposed Boundary Adjustment , numbered 039/80,053d, and dated January 2021.(3)MonumentThe term Monument means the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument established by Presidential Proclamation 1911 (54 U.S.C. 320301 note; 46 Stat. 3023) and redesignated by section 15 of the Smith River National Recreation Area Act (Public Law 101–612; 104 Stat. 3222).(4)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service. 3.Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument boundary modification(a)Transfer of administrative jurisdiction to national park serviceAdministrative jurisdiction over the Federal land is transferred from the Forest Service to the National Park Service.(b)Map availabilityThe Map shall be on file and available for inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.(c)Boundary modificationThe boundary of the Monument is modified to include the Federal land. (d)AdministrationSubject to valid existing rights, the Secretary shall administer the Federal land added to the Monument under subsection (a)—(1)as part of the Monument; and(2)in accordance with applicable laws (including regulations).


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 484
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			February 25, 2009
			Mrs. Feinstein (for
			 herself, Ms. Collins,
			 Mr. Durbin, Mr.
			 Kerry, Mr. Brown,
			 Mr. Cardin, Mrs. Boxer, Mrs.
			 Lincoln, Mr. Whitehouse,
			 Mr. Nelson of Florida, and
			 Mr. Menendez) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To amend title II of the Social Security Act to repeal
		  the Government pension offset and windfall elimination
		  provisions.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Social Security Fairness Act of
			 2009.
		2.Repeal of
			 government pension offset provision
			(a)In
			 generalSection 202(k) of the
			 Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(k)) is amended by striking paragraph
			 (5).
			(b)Conforming
			 amendments
				(1)Section 202(b)(2)
			 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(b)(2)) is amended by striking
			 subsections (k)(5) and (q) and inserting subsection
			 (q).
				(2)Section 202(c)(2)
			 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(c)(2)) is amended by striking subsections
			 (k)(5) and (q) and inserting subsection (q).
				(3)Section
			 202(e)(2)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(e)(2)(A)) is amended by striking
			 subsection (k)(5), subsection (q), and inserting
			 subsection (q).
				(4)Section
			 202(f)(2)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(f)(2)(A)) is amended by striking
			 subsection (k)(5), subsection (q) and inserting
			 subsection (q).
				3.Repeal of
			 windfall elimination provisions
			(a)In
			 generalSection 215 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415) is
			 amended—
				(1)in subsection (a),
			 by striking paragraph (7);
				(2)in subsection (d), by striking paragraph
			 (3); and
				(3)in subsection (f),
			 by striking paragraph (9).
				(b)Conforming
			 amendmentsSubsections (e)(2) and (f)(2) of section 202 of such
			 Act (42 U.S.C. 402) are each amended by striking section 215(f)(5),
			 215(f)(6), or 215(f)(9)(B) in subparagraphs (C) and (D)(i) and
			 inserting paragraph (5) or (6) of section 215(f).
			4.Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by
			 this Act shall apply with respect to monthly insurance benefits payable under
			 title II of the Social Security Act for months after December 2009.
			 Notwithstanding section 215(f) of the Social Security Act, the Commissioner of
			 Social Security shall adjust primary insurance amounts to the extent necessary
			 to take into account the amendments made by section 3.


109 HRES 267 IH: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 376) to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate fair prices for Medicare prescription drugs on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-05-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 267
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 5, 2005
Ms. Hooley submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules

RESOLUTION
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 376) to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate fair prices for Medicare prescription drugs on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.

That immediately after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker shall, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 376) to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate fair prices for Medicare prescription drugs on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against the bill and against its consideration are waived (except those arising under clause 7 of rule XVI). General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. The bill shall be considered as read. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. Any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.


114 S789 IS: Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr., Social Work Reinvestment Act
U.S. Senate
2015-03-18
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 789IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 18, 2015Ms. Mikulski introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress and
			 the Secretary of Health and Human Services on policy issues related to
			 recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession of
			 social work, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr., Social Work Reinvestment Act. (b)Table of contentsSec. 1. Short title; table of contents.Sec. 2. Findings.Sec. 3. Definitions.Title I—Social Work Reinvestment CommissionSec. 101. Establishment.Sec. 102. Members.Sec. 103. Duties.Sec. 104. Powers.Sec. 105. Compensation.Sec. 106. Termination.Title II—Reinvestment Grant Programs to Support Social Work ProfessionSec. 201. Workplace improvement grants.Sec. 202. Research grants.Sec. 203. Education and training grants.Sec. 204. Community-based programs of excellence grants.Sec. 205. National coordinating center.Sec. 206. Multimedia outreach campaign. 2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
 (1)Although the poverty rate in the United States has slightly declined for the first time since 2006, to 14.5 percent in 2013, poverty remains a social issue for our Nation, especially for communities of color and women and children, who continue to experience higher than average poverty rates. Homeowners and those seeking to become homeowners continue to face challenges with high mortgage delinquency, mortgage loan interest rates, and threats of foreclosure. Joblessness and economic insecurity contribute to the incidence of mental illness, family violence, suicide, substance abuse, crime, and diminished capacity for health, family, and community functioning.
 (2)Social workers form society’s social safety net. Social workers provide assistance, guidance, and resources to individuals, families, and communities in poverty. Additionally, social workers understand the devastating costs and consequences of poverty and unemployment on our society and provide direct services in order to prevent and abate economic inequality.
 (3)The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the social work profession will grow at an above-average rate through the year 2020, with a 19-percent growth rate overall and a 27-percent projected growth rate for health care social workers. This increase is faster than the average for all occupations, demonstrating a substantial need for social workers in our Nation.
 (4)Social work salaries, on average, are among the lowest for all occupations in the United States and for those with a master's degree in particular. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for social workers in 2012 was $44,200.
 (5)The report titled 2013 Statistics on Social Work Education in the United States by the Council on Social Work Education stated that 80.5 percent of students graduating from Master of Social Work programs incurred debt to earn their graduate degree. The average debt for a Master of Social Work degree was approximately $41,754.
 (6)Social workers often deal with the most vulnerable clients in emotional or traumatic situations, and face possible danger as a result. The National Association of Social Workers Center for Workforce Studies found that 44 percent of survey respondents faced personal safety issues on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that 48 percent of assaults occur in the health care and social services industry.
 (7)The Alzheimer’s Association of America states that 5,000,000 Americans, or 1 in every 9 individuals over the age of 65, have Alzheimer’s disease. Social workers in gerontology settings work with older adults, including those with dementia, to support their physiological, psychological, and social needs through mental health therapy, caregiver and family counseling, health education, program coordination, and case management.
 (8)The Children’s Defense Fund states that every 47 seconds a child is confirmed as abused or neglected and every 5 and a half hours a child is killed from abuse or neglect. The Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services states that 402,378 children were in the United States foster care system in 2013. Most children placed in foster care are placed due to parental abuse or neglect. Research shows that professional social workers employed in child welfare agencies are more likely to find permanent homes for children who have been in foster care for 2 or more years. Unfortunately, less than 40 percent of child welfare workers are professional social workers.
 (9)The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 43,800,000 individuals (nearly 1 in 5) in the United States who are age 18 or older experienced a diagnosable mental illness in 2013. Additionally, at least 2,600,000 (1 in 10) youth between the ages of 12 and 17 experienced major depressive episodes. Social workers provide the majority of mental health counseling services in the United States, and are often the only providers of such services in rural areas.
 (10)Social workers working with veterans and their families provide services that include case management, crisis interventions, mental health interventions, housing and financial counseling, high-risk screening, and advocacy. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which is the largest employer of social workers in the Nation, employs 11,000 social workers who serve an estimated 21,999,000 veterans in the United States. A once-declining veteran population is now surging and is in dire need of mental health treatment to address issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, drug and alcohol addiction, and suicidal tendencies.
 (11)The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 1,658,370 new cases of cancer and 589,430 deaths from cancer, or 1,614 deaths a day, in 2015 alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there are over 1,200,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, with approximately 47,500 new cases diagnosed each year. In 2013, 1,500,000 to 1,600,000 people received care from the Nation’s hospice providers. Health care and medical social workers practice in areas related to all of these circumstances and provide outreach for prevention and health promotion, help individuals and their families adapt to their health conditions, connect patients and family caregivers with community services and supports, provide grief counseling, and act as a liaison between individuals and their medical team, helping patients make informed decisions about their care.
 (12)The Children’s Defense Fund notes that every 2 seconds a public school student is suspended and that every 9 seconds a high school student drops out. The National Center for Education Statistics states that in 2012 the national dropout rate for high school students was 7 percent. Some vulnerable communities have dropout rates of 50 percent or higher. Social workers in school settings help students avoid dropping out through early identification, prevention, intervention, counseling, and support services.
 (13)According to the Department of Justice, every year more than 688,000 ex-offenders are released from Federal and State prisons. Social workers employed in the correctional system address disproportionate minority incarceration rates, provide treatment for mental health problems and drug and alcohol addiction, and work within, as well as outside of, prisons to reduce recidivism and increase positive community reentry.
 3.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)Clinical social workerThe term clinical social worker has the meaning given the term in section 1861(hh)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(hh)(1)).
 (2)Community-based programThe term community-based program means an agency, organization, or other entity carrying out a program that provides direct social work services or community development services at a neighborhood, local, or regional level, to address human service, health care, or psychosocial needs.
			(3)High need and high demand population
 (A)In GeneralThe term high need and high demand population means a group of individuals that lacks sufficient resources and, as a result, has a greater probability of being harmed by specific social, environmental, or health problems than the population as a whole.
 (B)GroupFor purposes of this paragraph, the term group includes a population residing in a health professional shortage area, as defined in section 332 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254E), that has a shortage of primary medical care, dental, or mental health providers.
 (4)Historically black college or universityThe term historically Black college or university has the meaning given the term part B institution in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)). (5)Minority-serving institutionThe term minority-serving institution means an institution of higher education that serves a large percentage of minority students, as determined by the Secretary of Education, including the following:
 (A)Alaska Native-serving institutions, as defined in section 317(b)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)(2)).
 (B)Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, as defined in section 317(b)(4) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)(4)).
 (C)Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, as defined in section 320(b)(2) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059g(b)(2)).
 (D)Hispanic-serving institutions, as defined in section 502(a)(5) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)(5)). (E)Tribal colleges or universities, as defined in section 316(b)(3) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3)).
 (F)Native American-serving, nontribal institutions, as defined in section 319(b)(2) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059f(b)(2)).
 (G)Predominantly Black Institutions, as defined in section 318(b)(6) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(6)).
 (H)Historically Black colleges or universities. (6)Program of excellenceThe term program of excellence means a program of distinction in a field related to human service, hosted by a public or private agency, that has received State or national recognition or another clearly defined indicator appropriate to the mission of the program, has clearly defined and measurable goals and objectives, regularly assesses outcomes, and can provide evidence of a strong assessment plan that utilizes assessment data to improve the program.
			(7)Related professional researcher
 (A)In GeneralThe term related professional researcher means a doctoral level researcher or any other individual who is professionally engaged in research in a social, political, economic, health, or mental health field other than social work.
 (B)ResearchIn this paragraph, the term research means study of a type that is primarily conducted under the auspices of an institution of higher education, government entity, research institute, community agency, or a similar entity.
 (8)School of social workThe term school of social work means a school that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (the sole accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for social work education in the United States) within an institution of higher education, that offers baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees in social work.
 (9)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (10)Social workThe term social work means—
 (A)the professional activity of helping individuals, families, groups, or communities enhance or restore capacity for social and psychosocial functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to such enhancement or restoration;
 (B)the professional application of values, principles, and techniques related to the activity described in subparagraph (A), including—
 (i)diagnosing mental and emotional disorders and treating individuals, families, or groups for such disorders;
 (ii)helping communities or groups provide or improve social and health services and participating in relevant legislative processes to achieve such goals; and
 (iii)helping individuals, families, groups, or communities obtain tangible services, including personal, protective, informational, advisory, community, or maintenance services in order to improve the overall well-being of individuals; and
 (C)a professional activity that requires knowledge of human development, the behavior of social, economic, and cultural institutions, and the interaction between such development and behavior.
				(11)Social work researcher
 (A)In GeneralThe term social work researcher means an individual who researches social work at an individual, family, group, community, organizational, or policy level, focusing across the human life span on prevention, treatment, and aftercare of, intervention in, and rehabilitation from, acute and chronic social and psychosocial conditions, including the study of the effect of policies on social work practice.
 (B)ResearchIn this paragraph, the term research means study of a type that is primarily conducted by faculty members of an institution of higher education, doctoral level researchers, or any other individuals who are professionally engaged in the study of social work under the auspices of an institution of higher education, government entity, research institute, community agency, or a similar entity.
 (12)Social workerThe term social worker means an individual who— (A)has a baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degree in social work from an institution of higher education; and
 (B)uses knowledge and skills to provide social work services for individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, or society in general.
				ISocial Work Reinvestment Commission
 101.EstablishmentNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission (referred to in this title as the Commission) to provide independent counsel to Congress and the Secretary on policy issues related to recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work.
			102.Members
 (a)Appointment by SecretaryNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall appoint members to the Commission. The members shall include—
 (1)2 deans of schools of social work; (2)1 social work researcher;
 (3)1 related professional researcher; (4)1 Governor of a State;
 (5)2 leaders of national social work organizations; (6)1 senior State government employee who is not an elected official who has a baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degree in social work;
 (7)2 directors of community-based organizations or nonprofit organizations that provide human services;
 (8)1 labor economist; (9)1 social work consumer; and
 (10)1 licensed clinical social worker. (b)Appointment by other officersFour additional members shall be appointed to the Commission, with 1 member appointed by each of the following officers:
 (1)The Speaker of the House of Representatives. (2)The minority leader of the House of Representatives.
 (3)The majority leader of the Senate. (4)The minority leader of the Senate.
 (c)Organizational representationTo the extent practicable, members of the Commission shall be appointed— (1)in a manner that ensures participation of individuals of different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds and of different genders and sexual orientations; and
 (2)from among individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concerns of the groups described in paragraph (1).
 (d)Selection of Chairperson and Vice ChairpersonThe Secretary shall appoint a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the Commission from among the members of the Commission.
 (e)Period of Appointment; vacanciesMembers shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment not later than 60 days after the date of vacancy.
 (f)Schedule of meetingsThe Commission shall hold its first meeting not later than 6 weeks after the date on which the final member of the Commission is appointed, and subsequent meetings shall be held at the call of the Chairperson.
				103.Duties
 (a)StudyThe Commission shall conduct a comprehensive study to examine and assess— (1)the professional capacity of the social work workforce to successfully serve and respond to the increasing biopsychosocial needs of individuals, groups, and communities in areas related to—
 (A)aging; (B)child welfare;
 (C)military and veterans affairs; (D)mental and behavioral health and disability;
 (E)criminal justice and correctional systems; (F)health and other issues affecting women and families; and
 (G)other topics identified by the Commission; (2)workforce challenges facing the profession of social work, including high educational debt, lack of fair market compensation, the need to translate social work research to practice, the need to improve social worker safety, the need to develop State-level social work licensure policies and reciprocity agreements for social workers providing services across State lines, the lack of diversity in the social work profession, and any other issue determined by the Secretary to be appropriate;
 (3)the effect of such challenges on the recruitment and retention of social workers; (4)the effect of such challenges and of social worker shortages on the needs of clients served by social workers; and
 (5)the advisability of establishing grants to provide direct assistance to local governments to encourage the engagement of social workers in social service programs.
 (b)ReportNot later than 18 months after the date of the Commission's first meeting, the Commission shall submit a report to the Secretary and to Congress containing specific findings and conclusions regarding the need to recruit and retain social workers, to conduct research on the social work profession, and to reinvest in the profession. The report shall include recommendations and strategies for corrective actions to ensure a robust social work workforce capable of keeping up with the demand for services. The Commission may provide to the Secretary and to Congress any additional findings or recommendations considered by the Commission to be important.
				104.Powers
 (a)PowersIn carrying out the duties of the Commission, the Commission shall have the power to— (1)hold hearings, take testimony, receive evidence, administer oaths, and sit and act at such times and places as the Commission considers advisable;
 (2)enter into contracts; and (3)consult, to the extent that the Commission determines that such consultation is necessary or useful, with Federal agencies that include—
 (A)agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration on Aging, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Indian Health Service, the National Institutes of Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration;
 (B)the Social Security Administration; and (C)the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, Homeland Security, Labor, Justice, State, and Veterans Affairs.
 (b)Cooperation with the commissionThe agencies described in subsection (a)(3) shall cooperate with, and provide counsel to, the Commission to the greatest extent practicable.
				105.Compensation
 (a)Travel expensesThe members of the Commission shall not receive compensation for the performance of services for the Commission, but shall be provided travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of Federal agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission.
 (b)Voluntary and uncompensated servicesNotwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary may accept the voluntary and uncompensated services of members of the Commission.
 (c)Detail of government employeesAny Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.
 106.TerminationThe Commission shall terminate 30 days after the date on which the Commission submits the report under section 103(b).
			IIReinvestment Grant Programs to Support Social Work Profession
			201.Workplace improvement grants
 (a)Grants authorizedThe Secretary shall award grants to 4 eligible entities described in subsection (d) to assist the entities in carrying out a workplace improvement program to address concerns for the social work profession, including caseloads, compensation, social worker safety, supervision, and working conditions.
 (b)Equal amountsThe Secretary shall award to each of the 4 grant recipients under this section $1,000,000 per fiscal year for 4 consecutive fiscal years, beginning with the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (c)Grants to State or local governmentsAt least 2 of the grant recipients under this section shall be agencies of State or local governments.
 (d)Eligibility requirementsAn entity eligible for a grant under this section shall— (1)work in a social work capacity;
 (2)demonstrate that the entity needs to improve in 1 or more of the workplace concern areas described in subsection (a);
 (3)provide services to individuals of different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds, and different genders and sexual orientations;
 (4)demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concerns of the groups described in paragraph (3); and
 (5)employ individuals who represent themselves as competent to provide social work services only within the boundaries of such individuals' education, training, licenses, certification, professional case consultation, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience.
 (e)PriorityIn selecting grant recipients under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that—
 (1)have proven to be fiscally responsible, administratively capable, and otherwise equipped to oversee and monitor a workplace improvement program under this section;
 (2)are knowledgeable about relevant social work workforce trends; and (3)have not less than 2 years of experience carrying out workplace improvement activities.
 (f)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $16,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2019 to carry out this section.
				202.Research grants
 (a)Grants authorizedThe Secretary shall award grants to 25 social workers who hold a doctoral degree in social work for postdoctoral research in social work—
 (1)to further the knowledge base about effective social work interventions; and (2)to promote usable strategies to translate research into practice across diverse community settings and service systems.
 (b)Equal amountsThe Secretary shall award to each of the 25 grant recipients under this section $50,000 per fiscal year for 4 consecutive fiscal years, beginning with the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (c)Eligibility requirementsTo be eligible for a grant under this section, a social worker shall— (1)demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concerns of individuals from different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds, and different genders and sexual orientations;
 (2)represent themselves as competent to provide social work services only within the boundaries of their education, training, licenses, certification, professional case consultation, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience; and
 (3)hold a doctoral degree in social work. (d)Minority representationNot less than 10 of the grant recipients under this section shall be employed by a historically Black college or university or minority-serving institution.
 (e)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2019 to the Secretary to carry out this section.
				203.Education and training grants
 (a)Grants authorizedThe Secretary shall award grants to 20 eligible institutions of higher education to support the recruitment and education of social work students in baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs and the professional development of social work faculty.
 (b)Equal amountsThe Secretary shall award to each of the 20 grant recipients under this section $200,000 per fiscal year for 4 consecutive fiscal years, beginning with the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (c)Eligibility requirementsTo be eligible for a grant under this section, an institution shall demonstrate that— (1)the institution enrolls social work students from different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds, and different genders and sexual orientations; and
 (2)the institution has knowledge and understanding of the concerns of the groups described in paragraph (1).
 (d)Institutional requirementNot less than 4 of the grant recipients under this section shall be historically Black colleges or universities or other minority-serving institutions.
 (e)PriorityIn selecting grant recipients under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to institutions of higher education that—
 (1)are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; (2)have a graduation rate of not less than 80 percent for social work students; and
 (3)exhibit an ability to recruit social workers from, and place social workers in, areas with a high need and high demand population.
 (f)Authorization of AppropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $16,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2019 to carry out this section.
				204.Community-based programs of excellence grants
 (a)Grants authorizedThe Secretary shall award grants to 6 eligible covered entities to test and replicate effective social work interventions.
 (b)Covered entityFor purposes of this section, the term covered entity means— (1)a State or local government or a department, agency, special-purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or local government, that is carrying out a community-based program of excellence; or
 (2)a nonprofit organization that is carrying out a program of excellence. (c)Equal amountsThe Secretary shall award to each of the 6 grant recipients under this section $500,000 per fiscal year for 3 consecutive fiscal years, beginning with the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (d)Eligibility requirementsTo be eligible for a grant under this section, a covered entity shall— (1)carry out programs in the areas of aging, child welfare, military and veterans issues, mental and behavioral health and disability, criminal justice and correction systems, or health and other issues affecting women and families;
 (2)provide services to individuals of different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds, and different genders and sexual orientations;
 (3)demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concerns of the groups described in paragraph (2); (4)demonstrate a record of active participation of social workers in the programs of the entity; and
 (5)employ individuals who represent themselves as competent to provide social work services only within the boundaries of their education, training, licenses, certification, professional case consultation, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience.
 (e)PriorityIn selecting the grant recipients under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible covered entities that—
 (1)have demonstrated successful and measurable outcomes that the Secretary considers worthy of replication;
 (2)have been in operation for at least 2 years; and (3)work with high need and high demand populations.
 (f)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2019 to carry out this section.
				205.National coordinating center
 (a)EstablishmentThe Secretary shall enter into a contract with a national social work entity such as the National Association of Social Workers or the Council on Social Work Education. Such national social work entity shall—
 (1)have experience in coordinating the transfer of information and ideas among entities engaged in social work research, practice, education, and policymaking; and
 (2)maintain relationships with Federal entities, social work degree-granting institutions of higher education, departments of social work within such institutions, and organizations and agencies that employ social workers.
 (b)General dutiesThe entity with which the Secretary enters into a contract under subsection (a) (referred to in this section as the coordinating center) shall—
 (1)organize, collect, and report to the Secretary and to Congress data and information related to the social work profession;
 (2)serve as a clearinghouse; and (3)coordinate activities with the entities, institutions, departments, organizations, and agencies described in subsection (a)(2).
 (c)CollaborationThe coordinating center shall work with institutions of higher education, research entities, and organizations with social work practice settings, including government entities, military departments, elementary and secondary schools, social services agencies, private practices, inpatient and outpatient mental health service providers, child welfare agencies, correctional facilities, and nursing homes, to identify key research areas, establish research fellowships, and organize appropriate mentorship and professional development efforts.
 (d)Specific activities of the coordinating centerThe coordinating center shall— (1)engage in activities to build on the efforts of the National Association of Social Workers National Center for Workforce Studies;
 (2)collect, coordinate, monitor, and distribute data and information on best practices and findings regarding the activities funded by grants awarded under sections 201 through 204;
 (3)prepare and submit to the Secretary a report that includes recommendations regarding the need to recruit new social workers, retain current social workers, conduct social work research, and reinvest in the profession of social work;
 (4)demonstrate cultural competency and promote the participation of diverse groups; and (5)in collaboration with the Secretary, select research topics to further the goals of this section, establish new research fellowships to conduct such research, and identify and appoint qualified individuals to such fellowship positions from among individuals who hold master’s or doctoral degrees in social work or are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs at schools of social work.
 (e)Powers of SecretaryThe Secretary may conduct and authorize such other activities as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this section.
 (f)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020.
				206.Multimedia outreach campaign
 (a)Development and issuance of public service announcementsThe Secretary shall develop and issue public service announcements that advertise and promote the social work profession, highlight the advantages and rewards of social work, and encourage individuals to enter the social work profession.
 (b)MethodThe public service announcements described in subsection (a) shall be broadcast through appropriate media outlets, including television or radio, in a manner intended to reach as wide and diverse of an audience as possible.
 (c)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2019.


116 HR 5029 IH: VA Suicide Prevention Services Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-11-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 5029IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 8, 2019Mr. Watkins introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to staff each medical center of the Department of
			 Veterans Affairs with at least one suicide prevention coordinator, and for
			 other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the VA Suicide Prevention Services Act. 2.Suicide prevention coordinators at medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a)In generalThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs is staffed with not fewer than one full-time employee whose primary job responsibility is serving as a suicide prevention coordinator.
 (b)DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)Mental health clinicianThe term mental health clinician means a psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, or licensed professional mental health counselor hired under section 7401(3) of title 38, United States Code, or a nurse hired under section 7401(1) of such title.
 (2)Suicide prevention coordinatorThe term suicide prevention coordinator means a mental health clinician who is responsible for— (A)coordinating local suicide prevention strategies and activities, including those supporting the identification of veterans at a high risk of suicide;
 (B)coordination of enhanced care for veterans identified as being at a high risk of suicide; and (C)suicide prevention education and outreach to stakeholders, including health care providers, veterans, caregivers, families, and members of the community.


113 HR 1027 IH: Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-03-07
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.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1027
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 7, 2013
			Mr. Peters of
			 Michigan introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Science, Space, and
			 Technology

		A BILL
		To provide for a program of research, development,
		  demonstration, and commercial application in vehicle technologies at the
		  Department of Energy.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of
			 2013.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)According to the
			 Energy Information Administration, the transportation sector accounts for
			 approximately 28 percent of the United States primary energy demand and
			 greenhouse gas emissions, and 24 percent of global oil demand.
			(2)The United States transportation sector is
			 over 95 percent dependent on petroleum, and over 60 percent of petroleum demand
			 is met by imported supplies.
			(3)United States
			 heavy truck fuel consumption will increase 21 percent by 2030, while overall
			 transportation energy use will decline by 2 percent.
			(4)The domestic
			 automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturing sectors have increasingly
			 limited resources for research, development, and engineering of advanced
			 technologies.
			(5)Vehicle, engine, and component
			 manufacturers are playing a more important role in vehicle technology
			 development, and should be better integrated into Federal research
			 efforts.
			(6)Priorities for the
			 Department of Energy’s vehicle technologies research have shifted drastically
			 in recent years among diesel hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and plug-in
			 electric hybrids, with little continuity among them.
			(7)The integration of vehicle, communication,
			 and infrastructure technologies has great potential for efficiency gains
			 through better management of the total transportation system.
			(8)The Federal
			 Government should balance its role in researching longer-term exploratory
			 concepts and developing nearer-term transformational technologies for
			 vehicles.
			3.ObjectivesThe objectives of this Act are to—
			(1)develop United
			 States technologies and practices that—
				(A)improve the fuel
			 efficiency and emissions of all vehicles produced in the United States;
			 and
				(B)reduce vehicle
			 reliance on petroleum-based fuels;
				(2)support domestic research, development,
			 engineering, demonstration, and commercial application and manufacturing of
			 advanced vehicles, engines, and components;
			(3)enable vehicles to
			 move larger volumes of goods and more passengers with less energy and
			 emissions;
			(4)develop cost-effective advanced
			 technologies for wide-scale utilization throughout the passenger, commercial,
			 government, and transit vehicle sectors;
			(5)allow for greater
			 consumer choice of vehicle technologies and fuels;
			(6)shorten technology
			 development and integration cycles in the vehicle industry;
			(7)ensure a proper
			 balance and diversity of Federal investment in vehicle technologies; and
			(8)strengthen partnerships between Federal and
			 State governmental agencies and the private and academic sectors.
			4.DefinitionsFor the purposes of this Act:
			(1)DepartmentThe
			 term Department means the Department of Energy.
			(2)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy.
			5.Authorization of
			 appropriationsThere are
			 authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for United States research,
			 development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application of vehicles
			 and related technologies, including activities authorized under this Act, such
			 sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
		IVehicle Research
			 and Development
			101.Program
				(a)ActivitiesThe Secretary shall conduct a program of
			 basic and applied research, development, engineering, demonstration, and
			 commercial application activities on materials, technologies, and processes
			 with the potential to substantially reduce or eliminate petroleum use and the
			 emissions of the Nation’s passenger and commercial vehicles, including
			 activities in the areas of—
					(1)hybridization or
			 full electrification of vehicle systems;
					(2)batteries and
			 other energy storage devices;
					(3)power
			 electronics;
					(4)vehicle,
			 component, and subsystem manufacturing technologies and processes;
					(5)engine efficiency
			 and combustion optimization;
					(6)waste heat
			 recovery;
					(7)transmission and
			 drivetrains;
					(8)hydrogen vehicle technologies, including
			 fuel cells and internal combustion engines, and hydrogen infrastructure;
					(9)compressed natural gas vehicle
			 technologies;
					(10)aerodynamics,
			 rolling resistance, and accessory power loads of vehicles and associated
			 equipment;
					(11)vehicle weight reduction, including
			 lightweighting materials;
					(12)friction and wear
			 reduction;
					(13)engine and
			 component durability;
					(14)innovative
			 propulsion systems;
					(15)advanced boosting
			 systems;
					(16)hydraulic hybrid
			 technologies;
					(17)engine compatibility with and optimization
			 for a variety of transportation fuels including natural gas and other liquid
			 and gaseous fuels;
					(18)predictive
			 engineering, modeling, and simulation of vehicle and transportation
			 systems;
					(19)refueling and charging infrastructure for
			 alternative fueled and electric or plug-in electric hybrid vehicles, including
			 the unique challenges facing rural areas;
					(20)gaseous fuels storage systems and system
			 integration and optimization;
					(21)sensing,
			 communications, and actuation technologies for vehicle, electrical grid, and
			 infrastructure;
					(22)efficient use, substitution, and recycling
			 of potentially critical materials in vehicles, including rare earth elements
			 and precious metals, at risk of supply disruption;
					(23)aftertreatment technologies;
					(24)thermal management of battery
			 systems;
					(25)retrofitting advanced vehicle technologies
			 to existing vehicles;
					(26)development of
			 common standards, specifications, and architectures for both transportation and
			 stationary battery applications;
					(27)advanced internal combustion
			 engines;
					(28)mild
			 hybrid;
					(29)engine down
			 speeding; and
					(30)other research
			 areas as determined by the Secretary.
					(b)Transformational
			 technologyThe Secretary
			 shall ensure that the Department continues to support research, development,
			 engineering, demonstration, and commercial application activities and maintains
			 competency in mid- to long-term transformational vehicle technologies with
			 potential to achieve deep reductions in petroleum use and emissions, including
			 activities in the areas of—
					(1)hydrogen vehicle technologies, including
			 fuel cells, internal combustion engines, hydrogen storage, infrastructure, and
			 activities in hydrogen technology validation and safety codes and
			 standards;
					(2)multiple battery chemistries and novel
			 energy storage devices, including nonchemical batteries and electromechanical
			 storage technologies such as hydraulics, flywheels, and compressed air
			 storage;
					(3)communication and connectivity among
			 vehicles, infrastructure, and the electrical grid; and
					(4)other innovative
			 technologies research and development, as determined by the Secretary.
					(c)Industry
			 participationTo the maximum
			 extent practicable, activities under this Act shall be carried out in
			 partnership or collaboration with automotive manufacturers, heavy commercial,
			 vocational, and transit vehicle manufacturers, qualified plug-in electric
			 vehicle manufacturers, compressed natural gas vehicle manufacturers, vehicle
			 and engine equipment and component manufacturers, manufacturing equipment
			 manufacturers, advanced vehicle service providers, fuel producers and energy
			 suppliers, electric utilities, universities, national laboratories, and
			 independent research laboratories. In carrying out this Act the Secretary
			 shall—
					(1)determine whether a wide range of companies
			 that manufacture or assemble vehicles or components in the United States are
			 represented in ongoing public private partnership activities, including firms
			 that have not traditionally participated in federally sponsored research and
			 development activities, and where possible, partner with such firms that
			 conduct significant and relevant research and development activities in the
			 United States;
					(2)leverage the capabilities and resources of,
			 and formalize partnerships with, industry-led stakeholder organizations,
			 nonprofit organizations, industry consortia, and trade associations with
			 expertise in the research and development of, and education and outreach
			 activities in, advanced automotive and commercial vehicle technologies;
					(3)develop more efficient processes for
			 transferring research findings and technologies to industry;
					(4)give consideration to conversion of
			 existing or former vehicle technology development or manufacturing facilities
			 for the purposes of this Act;
					(5)establish and support public-private
			 partnerships, dedicated to overcoming barriers in commercial application of
			 transformational vehicle technologies, that utilize such industry-led
			 technology development facilities of entities with demonstrated expertise in
			 successfully designing and engineering pre-commercial generations of such
			 transformational technology; and
					(6)promote efforts to ensure that technology
			 research, development, engineering, and commercial application activities
			 funded under this Act are carried out in the United States.
					(d)Interagency and
			 intraagency coordinationTo the maximum extent practicable, the
			 Secretary shall coordinate research, development, demonstration, and commercial
			 application activities among—
					(1)relevant programs
			 within the Department, including—
						(A)the Office of
			 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy;
						(B)the Office of
			 Science;
						(C)the Office of
			 Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability;
						(D)the Office of Fossil Energy;
						(E)the Advanced Research Projects
			 Agency—Energy; and
						(F)other offices as
			 determined by the Secretary; and
						(2)relevant technology research and
			 development programs within other Federal agencies, as determined by the
			 Secretary.
					(e)Coordination and
			 nonduplicationIn coordinating activities the Secretary shall
			 ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that activities do not duplicate
			 those of other programs within the Department or other relevant research
			 agencies.
				(f)Federal
			 demonstration of technologiesThe Secretary shall make
			 information available to procurement programs of Federal agencies regarding the
			 potential to demonstrate technologies resulting from activities funded through
			 programs under this Act.
				(g)Intergovernmental
			 coordinationThe Secretary shall seek opportunities to leverage
			 resources and support initiatives of State and local governments in developing
			 and promoting advanced vehicle technologies, manufacturing, and
			 infrastructure.
				(h)CriteriaWhen
			 awarding grants under this program, the Secretary shall give priority to those
			 technologies (either individually or as part of a system) that—
					(1)provide the
			 greatest aggregate fuel savings based on the reasonable projected sales volumes
			 of the technology; and
					(2)provide the
			 greatest increase in United States employment.
					102.Sensing and
			 communications technologiesThe Secretary, in coordination with the
			 relevant research programs of other Federal agencies, shall conduct research,
			 development, engineering, and demonstration activities on connectivity of
			 vehicle and transportation systems, including on sensing, computation,
			 communication, and actuation technologies that allow for reduced fuel use,
			 optimized traffic flow, and vehicle electrification, including technologies
			 for—
				(1)onboard vehicle, engine, and component
			 sensing and actuation;
				(2)vehicle-to-vehicle
			 sensing and communication;
				(3)vehicle-to-infrastructure
			 sensing and communication; and
				(4)vehicle
			 integration with the electrical grid.
				103.ManufacturingThe Secretary shall carry out a research,
			 development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application program of
			 advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies and practices, including innovative
			 processes to—
				(1)increase the
			 production rate and decrease the cost of advanced battery manufacturing;
				(2)vary the capability of individual
			 manufacturing facilities to accommodate different battery chemistries and
			 configurations;
				(3)reduce waste streams, emissions, and energy
			 intensity of vehicle, engine, advanced battery and component manufacturing
			 processes;
				(4)recycle and remanufacture used batteries
			 and other vehicle components for reuse in vehicles or stationary
			 applications;
				(5)produce
			 cost-effective lightweight materials such as advanced metal alloys, polymeric
			 composites, and carbon fiber;
				(6)produce lightweight high pressure storage
			 systems for gaseous fuels;
				(7)design and manufacture purpose-built
			 hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles and components;
				(8)improve the calendar life and cycle life of
			 advanced batteries; and
				(9)produce permanent
			 magnets for advanced vehicles.
				104.User testing
			 facilitiesActivities under
			 this Act may include construction, expansion, or modification of new and
			 existing vehicle, engine, and component research and testing facilities
			 for—
				(1)testing or
			 simulating interoperability of a variety of vehicle components and
			 systems;
				(2)subjecting whole
			 or partial vehicle platforms to fully representative duty cycles and operating
			 conditions;
				(3)developing and
			 demonstrating a range of chemistries and configurations for advanced vehicle
			 battery manufacturing; and
				(4)developing and demonstrating test cycles
			 for new and alternative fuels, and other advanced vehicle technologies.
				105.Reporting
				(a)Technologies
			 developedNot later than 18
			 months after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter through
			 2019, the Secretary of Energy shall transmit to Congress a report regarding the
			 technologies developed as a result of the activities authorized by this title,
			 with a particular emphasis on whether the technologies were successfully
			 adopted for commercial applications, and if so, whether products relying on
			 those technologies are manufactured in the United States.
				(b)Additional
			 mattersAt the end of each
			 fiscal year through 2019 the Secretary shall submit to the relevant
			 congressional committees of jurisdiction an annual report describing activities
			 undertaken in the previous year under this title, active industry participants,
			 efforts to recruit new participants committed to design, engineering, and
			 manufacturing of advanced vehicle technologies in the United States, progress
			 of the program in meeting goals and timelines, and a strategic plan for funding
			 of activities across agencies.
				IIMedium- and
			 Heavy-Duty Commercial and Transit Vehicles
			201.Program
				(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary, in
			 partnership with relevant research and development programs in other Federal
			 agencies, and a range of appropriate industry stakeholders, shall carry out a
			 program of cooperative research, development, demonstration, and commercial
			 application activities on advanced technologies for medium- to heavy-duty
			 commercial, vocational, recreational, and transit vehicles, including
			 activities in the areas of—
					(1)engine efficiency
			 and combustion research;
					(2)onboard storage technologies for compressed
			 and liquefied natural gas;
					(3)development and
			 integration of engine technologies designed for natural gas operation of a
			 variety of vehicle platforms;
					(4)waste heat
			 recovery and conversion;
					(5)improved
			 aerodynamics and tire rolling resistance;
					(6)energy and
			 space-efficient emissions control systems;
					(7)mild hybrid, heavy hybrid, hybrid
			 hydraulic, plug-in hybrid, and electric platforms, and energy storage
			 technologies;
					(8)drivetrain
			 optimization;
					(9)friction and wear
			 reduction;
					(10)engine idle and
			 parasitic energy loss reduction;
					(11)electrification
			 of accessory loads;
					(12)onboard sensing
			 and communications technologies;
					(13)advanced lightweighting materials and
			 vehicle designs;
					(14)increasing load
			 capacity per vehicle;
					(15)thermal
			 management of battery systems;
					(16)recharging
			 infrastructure;
					(17)compressed natural gas
			 infrastructure;
					(18)advanced internal
			 combustion engines;
					(19)complete vehicle
			 and power pack modeling, simulation, and testing;
					(20)hydrogen vehicle technologies, including
			 fuel cells and internal combustion engines, and hydrogen infrastructure;
					(21)retrofitting
			 advanced technologies onto existing truck fleets;
					(22)advanced boosting
			 systems;
					(23)engine down
			 speeding; and
					(24)integration of
			 these and other advanced systems onto a single truck and trailer
			 platform.
					(b)LeadershipThe Secretary shall appoint a full-time
			 Director to coordinate research, development, demonstration, and commercial
			 application activities in medium- to heavy-duty commercial, recreational, and
			 transit vehicle technologies. Responsibilities of the Director shall be
			 to—
					(1)improve
			 coordination and develop consensus between government agency and industry
			 partners, and propose new processes for program management and priority setting
			 to better align activities and budgets among partners;
					(2)regularly convene
			 workshops, site visits, demonstrations, conferences, investor forums, and other
			 events in which information and research findings are shared among program
			 participants and interested stakeholders;
					(3)develop a budget
			 for the Department’s activities with regard to the interagency program, and
			 provide consultation and guidance on vehicle technology funding priorities
			 across agencies;
					(4)determine a process for reviewing program
			 technical goals, targets, and timetables and, where applicable, aided by
			 life-cycle impact and cost analysis, propose revisions or elimination based on
			 program progress, available funding, and rate of technology adoption;
					(5)evaluate ongoing
			 activities of the program and recommend project modifications, including the
			 termination of projects, where applicable;
					(6)recruit new
			 industry participants to the interagency program, including truck, trailer, and
			 component manufacturers who have not traditionally participated in federally
			 sponsored research and technology development activities; and
					(7)other
			 responsibilities as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with
			 interagency and industry partners.
					(c)ReportingAt the end of each fiscal year, the
			 Secretary shall submit to the Congress an annual report describing activities
			 undertaken in the previous year, active industry participants, efforts to
			 recruit new participants, progress of the program in meeting goals and
			 timelines, and a strategic plan for funding of activities across
			 agencies.
				202.Class 8 truck
			 and trailer systems demonstrationThe Secretary shall conduct a competitive
			 grant program to demonstrate the integration of multiple advanced technologies
			 on Class 8 truck and trailer platforms with a goal of improving overall freight
			 efficiency, as measured in tons and volume of freight hauled or other work
			 performance-based metrics, by 50 percent, including a combination of
			 technologies listed in section 201(a). Applicant teams may be comprised of
			 truck and trailer manufacturers, engine and component manufacturers, fleet
			 customers, university researchers, and other applicants as appropriate for the
			 development and demonstration of integrated Class 8 truck and trailer
			 systems.
			203.Technology
			 testing and metricsThe
			 Secretary, in coordination with the partners of the interagency research
			 program described in section 201(a)—
				(1)shall develop
			 standard testing procedures and technologies for evaluating the performance of
			 advanced heavy vehicle technologies under a range of representative duty cycles
			 and operating conditions, including for heavy hybrid propulsion systems;
				(2)shall evaluate heavy vehicle performance
			 using work performance-based metrics other than those based on miles per
			 gallon, including those based on units of volume and weight transported for
			 freight applications, and appropriate metrics based on the work performed by
			 nonroad systems; and
				(3)may construct heavy duty truck and bus
			 testing facilities.
				204.Nonroad systems
			 pilot programThe Secretary
			 shall undertake a pilot program of research, development, demonstration, and
			 commercial applications of technologies to improve total machine or system
			 efficiency for nonroad mobile equipment including agricultural and construction
			 equipment, and shall seek opportunities to transfer relevant research findings
			 and technologies between the nonroad and on-highway equipment and vehicle
			 sectors.


116 HRES 1115 EH: Calling for the immediate release of Trevor Reed, a United States citizen who was unjustly sentenced to 9 years in a Russian prison.
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-12-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1115
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

December 3, 2020

RESOLUTION
Calling for the immediate release of Trevor Reed, a United States citizen who was unjustly sentenced to 9 years in a Russian prison.

Whereas United States citizen Trevor Reed is a resident of Granbury, Texas, and a United States Marine Corps veteran; Whereas Trevor Reed traveled to Moscow to visit his girlfriend on May 16, 2019;
Whereas Moscow’s Police Service detained Trevor Reed on August 16, 2019; Whereas Trevor Reed was accused of grabbing the arm of the police officer driving the vehicle and elbowing another officer while en route to the police station, causing the vehicle to swerve and therefore endangering the lives of the police officers;
Whereas the United States Embassy in Moscow has filed numerous diplomatic complaints with the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding Trevor Reed being denied consular access, communications, medical treatment, family visitations, and other violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations; Whereas Trevor Reed’s defense team presented video evidence from traffic camera footage to the courts that disproves the police officers’ statements of supposed endangerment and wrongdoing;
Whereas Trevor Reed’s defense team was denied access to additional video evidence from the police vehicle and police station that had the potential to prove his innocence; Whereas the police officers claimed emotional and physical damages, but did not sustain any visible injury, or claim any time missed from work;
Whereas the Constitutional Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and the Second Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction concurred that Russian procedural law was violated in the way that Trevor Reed’s bail was revoked; Whereas the United States Embassy in Moscow has filed complaints with the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding denial of communications with Trevor Reed;
Whereas during the trial, the defense counsel presented 59 minutes of traffic camera video that showed the police car— (1)did not change direction or leave its lane;
(2)did not swerve; and (3)did not stop or slow down;
Whereas, on July 30, 2020, Golovinsky District Court Judge Arnout read a verdict that dismissed all defense evidence, witnesses, and government experts and included information from the investigator’s case files that were not discussed or read into the court files; Whereas the judge sentenced Trevor Reed to 9 years in prison camp and was ordered to pay 100,000 rubles to each police officer for moral and physical injuries;
Whereas Trevor Reed had already been detained in Russia for 1 year at the time of the judge’s verdict; and Whereas, the United States Ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan, upon Trevor’s sentencing, stated that the prosecution’s case and the evidence presented against Mr. Reed were so preposterous that they provoked laughter in the courtroom, the conviction and sentence were ridiculous, and justice was not even considered: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)expresses support for Trevor Reed, Paul Whelan, and all prisoners unjustly imprisoned in the Russian Federation;
(2)condemns the practice of politically motivated imprisonment in the Russian Federation, which violates the commitments of the Russian Federation to international obligations with respect to human rights and the rule of law; (3)urges the United States Government, in all its interactions with the Government of the Russian Federation, to raise the case of Trevor Reed and to press for his release;
(4)calls on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately release Trevor Reed and all other prisoners arrested for political motivations; (5)urges the Government of the Russian Federation to provide unrestricted consular access to Trevor Reed while he remains in detention as required under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations;
(6)calls on the Government of the Russian Federation— (A)to provide Trevor Reed any necessary medical treatment and personal protective equipment;
(B)to notify the United States Embassy in Moscow of any medical problems or complaints that arise during his detention; and (C)to provide the United States Embassy in Moscow with full access to all of Trevor Reed’s medical records;
(7)urges the Government of the Russian Federation to respect Trevor Reed’s universally recognized human rights; and (8)expresses support to the family of Trevor Reed and commitment to bringing Trevor Reed home.

Cheryl L. Johnson,Clerk.


114 HR 2359 IH: Disability Fraud Reduction and Unethical Deception (FRAUD) Prevention Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-05-15
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2359
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 15, 2015
			Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas (for himself, Mr. Boustany, Mrs. Black, Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Reed) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Social Security Act to prevent disability fraud, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Disability Fraud Reduction and Unethical Deception (FRAUD) Prevention Act. 2.Immediate suspension of claimant representatives upon felony convictions or disbarmentSection 206(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 406(a)(1)) is amended—
 (1)in the third sentence, by striking disbarred or each place it appears; and (2)by inserting after the third sentence the following: Upon conviction of an individual for a felony in a Federal or State Court or, in the case of an attorney, upon disbarment from any court or bar to which he or she was previously admitted to practice, the Commissioner may, after due notice, immediately disqualify or suspend the individual from appearing as a claimant representative before the Social Security Administration, pending an expedited hearing..
			3.New and stronger penalties
			(a)Conspiracy To commit Social Security fraud
 (1)Amendment to title IISection 208(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 408(a)) is amended— (A)in paragraph (7)(C), by striking or at the end;
 (B)in paragraph (8), by adding or at the end; and (C)by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:

 (9)conspires to commit any offense described in any of paragraphs (1) through (8),. (2)Amendment to title VIIISection 811(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1011(a)) is amended—
 (A)in paragraph (3), by striking or at the end; (B)in paragraph (4), by striking the comma and adding ; or at the end; and
 (C)by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:  (5)conspires to commit any offense described in any of paragraphs (1) through (4),.
 (3)Amendment to title XVISection 1632(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1383a(a)) is amended— (A)in paragraph (3), by striking or at the end;
 (B)in paragraph (4), by adding or at the end; and (C)by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:

 (5)conspires to commit any offense described in any of paragraphs (1) through (4),. (b)Increased criminal penalties for certain individuals violating positions of trust (1)Amendment to title IISection 208(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 408(a)), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by striking the period at the end and inserting , except that in the case of a person who receives a fee or other income for services performed in connection with any determination with respect to benefits under this title (including a claimant representative, translator, or current or former employee of the Social Security Administration), or who is a physician or other health care provider who submits, or causes the submission of, medical or other evidence in connection with any such determination, such person shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than ten years, or both..
 (2)Amendment to title VIIISection 811(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1011(a)), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by striking the period at the end and inserting , except that in the case of a person who receives a fee or other income for services performed in connection with any determination with respect to benefits under this title (including a claimant representative, translator, or current or former employee of the Social Security Administration), or who is a physician or other health care provider who submits, or causes the submission of, medical or other evidence in connection with any such determination, such person shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than ten years, or both..
 (3)Amendment to title XVISection 1632(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1383a(a)), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by striking the period at the end and inserting , except that in the case of a person who receives a fee or other income for services performed in connection with any determination with respect to benefits under this title (including a claimant representative, translator, or current or former employee of the Social Security Administration), or who is a physician or other health care provider who submits, or causes the submission of, medical or other evidence in connection with any such determination, such person shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than ten years, or both..
 (c)Increased civil monetary penalties for certain individuals violating positions of trustSection 1129(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–8(a)(1)) is amended, in the matter following subparagraph (C), by inserting after withholding disclosure of such fact the following: , except that in the case of such a person who receives a fee or other income for services performed in connection with any such determination (including a claimant representative, translator, or current or former employee of the Social Security Administration) or who is a physician or other health care provider who submits, or causes the submission of, medical or other evidence in connection with any such determination, the amount of such penalty shall be not more than $7,500.
 (d)Establishment of sanctions for violations by claimant representativesSection 206(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 406(a)(1)) is amended by inserting after or who violates any provision of this section for which a penalty is prescribed. the following: The Commissioner of Social Security shall establish rules under which fines and other sanctions the Commissioner determines to be appropriate may be imposed and collected for failure to comply with the Commissioner's rules and regulations..
 (e)Civil monetary penalty on claimant representativesSection 1129(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–8(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (4)Any person (including an organization, agency, or other entity) who, while acting as a claimant representative pursuant to section 206, knowingly charges, demands, receives, or collects for services rendered in excess of the maximum fee prescribed by the Commissioner of Social Security or allowed by a court in connection with proceedings before the court to which section 206(b)(1) is applicable, shall be subject to, in addition to any other penalties that may be prescribed by law, a civil monetary penalty of not more than $7,500 for each violation. Such person shall also be subject to an assessment, in lieu of damages sustained by the United States resulting from the improper payment, of not more than twice the amount of any payments so received..
 (f)Inflation adjustment of certain civil monetary penaltiesTitle XI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1129B the following:

					1129C.Civil monetary penalty inflation adjustment
 (a)Adjustment by regulationThe Commissioner of Social Security shall, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Disability Fraud Reduction and Unethical Deception (FRAUD) Prevention Act, and at least once every 4 years thereafter—
 (1)by regulation adjust the maximum amount of each civil monetary penalty by the inflation adjustment described under subsection (b); and
 (2)publish each such regulation in the Federal Register. (b)Amount of adjustmentThe inflation adjustment under subsection (a) shall be determined by increasing the maximum amount of each civil monetary penalty by the cost-of-living adjustment. Any increase determined under this subsection shall be rounded to the nearest—
 (1)multiple of $1,000 in the case of penalties greater than $1,000 but less than or equal to $10,000; and
 (2)multiple of $5,000 in the case of penalties greater than $10,000 but less than or equal to $100,000.
 (c)DefinitionsFor purposes of this section— (1)the term civil monetary penalty means—
 (A)a penalty imposed by paragraph (1), (3), or (4) of section 1129(a); and (B)a penalty imposed by paragraph (1) or (2) of section 1140(b); and
 (2)the term cost-of-living adjustment means the percentage (if any) for each civil monetary penalty by which— (A)the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI–U) for the month of June of the calendar year preceding the adjustment, exceeds
 (B)the CPI–U for the month of June of the calendar year in which the amount of such civil monetary penalty was last set or adjusted pursuant to law.
 (d)Application of increaseAny increase under this Act in a civil monetary penalty shall apply only to violations which occur after the date the increase takes effect..
			(g)Mandatory restitution in Social Security fraud cases
 (1)Amendments to title IISection 208(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 408(c)) is amended— (A)in paragraph (1), by striking may order and inserting shall order;
 (B)in paragraph (2), by striking 3663 and inserting 3663A; (C)by striking paragraph (3); and
 (D)by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively. (2)Amendments to title VIIISection 811(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1011(b)) is amended—
 (A)in paragraph (1), by striking may order and inserting shall order; (B)in paragraph (2), by striking 3663 and inserting 3663A;
 (C)by striking paragraph (3); and (D)by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).
 (3)Amendments to title XVISection 1632(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1383a(b)) is amended— (A)in paragraph (1), by striking may order and inserting shall order;
 (B)in paragraph (2), by striking 3663 and inserting 3663A; (C)by striking paragraph (3); and
 (D)by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3). (4)Effective dateThe amendments made by paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) shall apply with respect to violations occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
				(h)No benefits payable to individuals for whom a civil monetary penalty is imposed for fraudulently
 concealing work activitySection 222(c)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 422(c)(5)) is amended by inserting after conviction by a Federal court the following: , or the imposition of a civil monetary penalty under section 1129,. (i)Improved collection of civil money penalties and assessmentsSection 1129(e) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–8) is amended—
 (1)by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; (2)by inserting before paragraph (2) the following:

 (1)Civil money penalties and assessments imposed under this section may be compromised by the Commissioner of Social Security.; and
 (3)in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section), by striking Civil money penalties and assessments imposed under this section may be compromised by the Commissioner of Social Security and may be recovered— and inserting To the extent that the Commissioner of Social Security determines to seek recovery of a civil money penalty or assessment imposed under this section, the Commissioner shall promptly seek such recovery—.
 4.Review of highest-earning claimant representativesNot later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act and biennially thereafter, the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration shall conduct biennial reviews of the practices of a sample of the highest earning claimant representatives to ensure compliance with the policies of the Social Security Administration.