109 HR 686 IH: Clinical Laboratory Compliance Improvement Act of 2005
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-02-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 686
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 9, 2005
Mr. Cummings (for himself and Mr. Ruppersberger) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide whistleblower protection to employees of clinical laboratories who furnish services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Clinical Laboratory Compliance Improvement Act of 2005.
2.Protection of employees of providers and suppliers of clinical diagnostic laboratory tests who report violations
(a)In generalSection 1846 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–2) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(c)
(1)
(A)Each provider or clinical laboratory approved for participation under this title to provide clinical diagnostic laboratory tests shall post in a conspicuous place a notice to employees that indicates the manner in which to report instances of noncompliance with conditions of participation under this title of the provider or laboratory (as the case may be), including deficiencies with respect to testing, quality, and inadequately trained personnel.
(B)
(i)A notice under subparagraph (A) shall include—
(I)the name and contact information of the appropriate entity, accreditation organization, or State or Federal agency to report instances of noncompliance; and
(II)a description of the rights and protections under this section of individuals who report instances of noncompliance.
(ii)The Secretary shall specify the form of the notice.
(2)
(A)A provider or clinical laboratory approved for participation under this title to provide clinical diagnostic laboratory tests shall not discriminate or retaliate in any manner against any employee of the provider or laboratory (as the case may be) because that employee, or any other person, has presented a grievance or complaint, or has initiated or cooperated in any investigation or proceeding of any kind, relating to the clinical diagnostic laboratory tests performed by the provider or laboratory (as the case may be) or other requirements and prohibitions of this title.
(B)An employee of a provider or clinical laboratory approved for participation under this title to provide clinical diagnostic laboratory tests who has been discriminated or retaliated against in employment in violation of this subsection may initiate judicial action in a United States District Court and shall be entitled to reinstatement, reimbursement for lost wages and work benefits caused by the unlawful acts of the employing provider or laboratory (as the case may be). Prevailing employees are entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs associated with pursuing the judicial action.
(C)No action may be brought under subparagraph (B) more than 2 years after the discrimination or retaliation with respect to which the action is brought.
(D)For purposes of this paragraph—
(i)an adverse employment action shall be treated as retaliation or discrimination; and
(ii)an adverse employment action includes—
(I)the failure to promote an individual or provide any other employment-related benefit for which the individual would otherwise be eligible;
(II)an adverse evaluation or decision made in relation to accreditation, certification, credentialing, or licensing of the individual; and
(III)a personnel action that is adverse to the individual concerned..
(b)Clerical amendmentThe heading of such section is amended by adding at the end the following: ; whistleblower protections..
(c)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect January 1, 2006.
3.Requirement for unannounced surveys
(a)In generalSection 1846 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–2), as amended by section 2(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

(d)
(1)Upon receipt by an investigative organization of a report of an instance of noncompliance with conditions of participation by a provider or clinical laboratory approved for participation under this title to provide clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, the investigative organization shall—
(A)provide notice to the Secretary and other investigative organizations involved of receipt of the report within 3 business days of such receipt using a standard format and manner of transmission developed by the Secretary for such purpose;
(B)promptly determine whether to investigate the report; and
(C)if appropriate, promptly investigate the report.
(2)In measuring performance of an investigative organization under a contract entered into with the Secretary, the Secretary shall provide for appropriate adjustments to payments under the contract for failure to carry out the responsibilities of this subsection.
(3)In this subsection, the term investigative organization means an accreditation organization, a State agency, or other entity responsible for surveys of such providers or clinical laboratories.
(e)
(1)Each provider or clinical laboratory approved for participation under this title to provide clinical diagnostic laboratory tests shall be subject to a standard survey, to be conducted without any prior notice to the provider or laboratory (as the case may be). Each survey shall include verification of compliance with requirements under subsection (c).
(2)Any individual who notifies (or causes to be notified) in advance a provider or laboratory of the time or date on which such a survey is scheduled to be conducted is subject to a civil money penalty not to exceed $2,000.
(3)The Secretary shall review each State’s procedures for the scheduling and conduct of standard surveys to assure that the State has taken all reasonable steps to avoid giving notice of such a survey through the scheduling procedures and the conduct of the surveys themselves.
(f)The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report on the actions taken under this section. Each report shall include information on reports made under subsection (c), actions taken under subsection (d), the promptness with which such actions were taken, the findings of any investigation of such reports, and any actions taken based upon such findings..
(b)Clerical amendmentThe heading of such section, as amended by section 2(b), is further amended by adding at the end the following: ; unannounced surveys..
(c)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect January 1, 2006.


I
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3096
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 26, 2009
Mr. Hinchey introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL
To provide additional housing assistance for certain individuals and households adversely affected by a major disaster.

1.Increased housing assistanceThe amendments made by section 686 of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (120 Stat. 1448) shall apply to an individual or household adversely affected by a major disaster that occurred on or after January 1, 2006.


115 S1952 IS: Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Accountability Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-10-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 1952
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 5, 2017
			Mr. Tester (for himself, Mr. McCain, Mr. Manchin, and Mr. Kaine) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

		A BILL
		To improve oversight and accountability of the financial processes of the Department of Veterans
			 Affairs, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Accountability Act of 2017.
 2.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that— (1)the normal budget process for the Department of Veterans Affairs should be grounded in sound actuarial analysis based on accurate demand forecasting;
 (2)the regular budget process for the Department should be the norm; and (3)supplemental requests for appropriations should be used sparingly and for unforeseen demand or natural occurrences.
			3.Oversight and accountability of financial processes of Department of Veterans Affairs
			(a)Independent review of financial processes
 (1)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a contract with an independent third party—
 (A)to review and audit the financial processes, including reporting structures, and actuarial and estimation models of the Department of Veterans Affairs;
 (B)to develop recommendations for improving such structures; and (C)to complete such review and development not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary and the independent third party enter into the contract.
 (2)Implementation planNot later than 60 days after the completion of the review and development required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a plan to implement the recommendations developed under subparagraph (B) of such paragraph.
 (b)Accountability for implementation of recommendations from third partiesThe Secretary shall appoint one individual within the Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to be responsible for monitoring the status and progress of implementation of recommendations submitted to the Secretary by third parties, including recommendations developed under subsection (a)(1)(B) and all such other recommendations as may be submitted to the Secretary by the Comptroller General of the United States, the Special Counsel, and the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
 (c)Plans for use of supplemental appropriations requiredWhenever the Secretary submits to address a budgetary issue affecting the Department of Veterans Affairs to Congress a request for supplemental appropriations or any other appropriation when the request is submitted outside the standard budget process, the Secretary shall, not later than 45 days before the date on which such budgetary issue would start affecting a program or service, submit to Congress a justification for the request, including a plan that details how the Secretary intends to use the requested appropriation and how long the requested appropriation is expected to meet the needs of the Department and certification that the request was made using an updated and sound actuarial analysis.
 (d)Annual attestation regarding financial projectionsConcurrent with the President's annual budget request submitted to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives the following:
 (1)A statement of assurance that financial projections included in such budget or the supporting materials submitted along with such budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs are sufficient to provide benefits and services under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
 (2)A certification of the Chief Financial Officer's responsibility for internal financial controls of the Department.
 (3)An attestation that the Chief Financial Officer has collaborated sufficiently with the financial officers of the facilities and components of the Department to be confident in such financial projections.


116 HR 3283 IH: To amend title 4, United States Code, to permit the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of the Mayor of the District of Columbia.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-06-13
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. 3283IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 13, 2019Ms. Norton introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend title 4, United States Code, to permit the flag of the United States to be flown at
			 half-staff in the event of the death of the Mayor of the District of
			 Columbia.

		1.Flying flag of United States at half-staff in the event of the death of the Mayor of the District
 of ColumbiaSection 7(m) of title 4, United States Code, is amended— (1)in the fourth sentence, by striking Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, and inserting Government, the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia,; and
 (2)in the eighth sentence, by striking or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and inserting , the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia;.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3311
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 5, 2010
			Mr. Kerry introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services

		A BILL
		To improve and enhance the capabilities of the Department
		  of Defense to prevent and respond to sexual assault in the Armed Forces, and
		  for other purposes.

		1.Enhancement of procedures for
			 communications by members of the Armed Forces regarding allegations of sexual
			 assault
			(a)Judge advocates
			 To Be recipients of restricted reporting of allegations without triggering
			 official investigative processThe officials who are authorized to receive
			 a restricted reporting by a member of the Armed Forces of an allegation of
			 sexual assault without resulting in the initiation of an official investigative
			 process with respect to the allegation shall include judge advocates.
			(b)Privileged
			 nature of communications between members and Victim Advocates
				(1)In
			 generalThe Secretary of Defense shall modify the Military Rules
			 of Evidence to provide that a member of the Armed Forces who alleges sexual
			 assault shall have the privilege to refuse to disclose, and to prevent any
			 other person from disclosing, a confidential communication made between the
			 member and a Victim Advocate (VA), in a case arising under chapter 47 of title
			 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), or chapter 47A
			 of title 10, United States Code (relating to military commissions), if the
			 communication was made for the purpose of facilitating victim advocacy for the
			 member with respect to the allegation. The privilege shall be similar in scope
			 and exceptions, and the privilege shall be administered in a manner similar, to
			 the psychotherapist-patient privilege under Rule 513 of the Military Rules of
			 Evidence.
				(2)Confidential
			 definedIn this subsection, the term confidential,
			 in the case of a communication, means not intended to be disclosed to third
			 persons other than those to whom disclosure is in furtherance of victim
			 advocacy or those reasonably necessary for the transmission of the
			 communication.
				(c)Other
			 definitionsIn this section, the terms official
			 investigative process, restricted reporting, and
			 unrestricted reporting have the meaning given such terms in
			 Department of Defense Directive 6495.01, dated October 6, 2005 (as
			 amended).
			2.Requirements and
			 limitations regarding Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Victim
			 Advocates
			(a)Limitation on
			 personnel discharging SARC functions
				(1)In
			 generalEach Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) shall be
			 a member of the Armed Forces on active duty or a full-time civilian employee of
			 the Department of Defense.
				(2)Prohibition on
			 discharge by contractor personnelA contractor or employee of a
			 contractor of the Federal Government may not serve or act as, or discharge the
			 functions of, a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.
				(b)Minimum number
			 of VAsEach battalion of the Armed Forces shall be assigned not
			 less than one Victim Advocate (VA) who is a member of the Armed Forces on
			 active duty or a full-time civilian employee of the Department of
			 Defense.
			(c)Training and
			 certification
				(1)Training and
			 certification for SARCsThe Secretary of Defense shall, in
			 consultation with the National Organization of Victim Advocates (NOVA), carry
			 out a program as follows:
					(A)To provide
			 standardized training for all individuals who will serve as Sexual Assault
			 Response Coordinators on matters relating to sexual assault in the Armed
			 Forces.
					(B)To certify
			 individuals who successfully complete training provided pursuant to
			 subparagraph (A) as qualified for the discharge of the functions of Sexual
			 Assault Response Coordinator.
					(2)Participation
			 of VAsThe Secretary shall permit individuals who will serve as a
			 Victim Advocate to participate in training provided pursuant to paragraph
			 (1)(A) if such training is not otherwise provided or available to such
			 individuals through individuals certified as Sexual Assault Response
			 Coordinators under paragraph (1)(B).
				(d)DefinitionsIn
			 this section, the term Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and
			 Victim Advocate have the meaning given such terms in Department of
			 Defense Directive 6495.01, dated October 6, 2005 (as amended).
			3.Requirements for
			 the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program
			(a)SES position
			 for Director of SAPROThe position of Director of the Sexual
			 Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) of the Department of Defense
			 shall be a position in the Senior Executive Service (SES).
			(b)Standardization
			 of programThe Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate
			 actions to standardize and update programs and activities relating to sexual
			 assault prevention and response across the Armed Forces and the military
			 departments. Such actions shall include the following:
				(1)The establishment
			 of common organizational structures for organizations in the Armed Forces and
			 the military departments responsible for sexual assault prevention and response
			 activities in order to achieve commonality in the structure of such
			 organizations and their discharge of their functions.
				(2)The
			 standardization of terminology on sexual assault prevention and response to be
			 utilized by the organizations described in paragraph (1), the Armed Forces, and
			 the military departments.
				(3)The establishment
			 of position descriptions for positions in the Armed Forces and the military
			 departments charged with sexual assault prevention and response duties, and the
			 specification of the responsibilities of such positions.
				(4)The establishment
			 of minimum standards for programs and activities of the Armed Forces and the
			 military departments relating to sexual assault prevention and response.
				(5)Such other
			 actions as the Secretary considers appropriate.
				4.Sexual assault
			 prevention and response training in professional military
			 educationThe Secretary of
			 Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military
			 departments, ensure that training on sexual assault prevention and response is
			 provided to members of the Armed Forces at each level of professional military
			 education (PME) for members of the Armed Forces. Such training shall, to the
			 extent practicable, be uniform across the Armed Forces.
		5.Sexual assault
			 definedIn this Act, the term
			 sexual assault has the meaning given that term in Department of
			 Defense Directive 6495.01, dated October 6, 2005 (as amended).


		III

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. RES. 271

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 7

			 (legislative day, October 6), 2005

			Mr. Domenici (for

			 himself, Mr. Dodd,

			 Mr. Stevens, Mr. Akaka, Mr.

			 Warner, Ms. Landrieu,

			 Mr. DeWine, Mr.

			 Lieberman, Mr. Voinovich,

			 Mr. Johnson, Mr. Enzi, Mr.

			 Kerry, Mr. Cochran,

			 Mr. Levin, Mr.

			 Lott, Mr. Biden,

			 Mr. Allen, Ms.

			 Stabenow, Mr. Inhofe,

			 Mr. Durbin, Mr.

			 Ensign, Mr. Rockefeller,

			 Mr. Cornyn, Mr.

			 Burns, Ms. Murkowski,

			 Mr. Alexander, Mr. Talent, Mrs.

			 Dole, Mr. Craig, and

			 Mr. Martinez) submitted the following

			 resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION

		Designating the week beginning October 16,

		  2005, as National Character Counts Week.

		Whereas the well-being of the Nation requires that the

			 young people of the United States become an involved, caring citizenry with

			 good character;

		Whereas the character education of children has become

			 more urgent as violence by and against youth increasingly threatens the

			 physical and psychological well-being of the people of the United

			 States;

		Whereas more than ever, children need strong and

			 constructive guidance from their families and their communities, including

			 schools, youth organizations, religious institutions, and civic groups;

		Whereas the character of a nation is only as strong as the

			 character of its individual citizens;

		Whereas the public good is advanced when young people are

			 taught the importance of good character and the positive effects that good

			 character can have in personal relationships, in school, and in the

			 workplace;

		Whereas scholars and educators agree that people do not

			 automatically develop good character and that, therefore, conscientious efforts

			 must be made by institutions and individuals that influence youth, to help

			 young people develop the essential traits and characteristics that comprise

			 good character;

		Whereas, although character development is, first and

			 foremost, an obligation of families, the efforts of faith communities, schools,

			 and youth, civic, and human service organizations also play an important role

			 in fostering and promoting good character;

		Whereas Congress encourages students, teachers, parents,

			 youth, and community leaders to recognize the importance of character education

			 in preparing young people to play a role in determining the future of the

			 Nation;

		Whereas effective character education is based on core

			 ethical values, which form the foundation of democratic society;

		Whereas examples of character are trustworthiness,

			 respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty;

		Whereas elements of character transcend cultural,

			 religious, and socioeconomic differences;

		Whereas the character and conduct of our youth reflect the

			 character and conduct of society, and, therefore, every adult has the

			 responsibility to teach and model ethical values and every social institution

			 has the responsibility to promote the development of good character;

		Whereas Congress encourages individuals and organizations,

			 especially those who have an interest in the education and training of the

			 young people of the United States, to adopt the elements of character as

			 intrinsic to the well-being of individuals, communities, and society;

		Whereas many schools in the United States recognize the

			 need, and have taken steps, to integrate the values of their communities into

			 their teaching activities; and

		Whereas the establishment of National Character Counts

			 Week, during which individuals, families, schools, youth organizations,

			 religious institutions, civic groups, and other organizations would focus on

			 character education, would be of great benefit to the Nation: Now, therefore,

			 be it

		That the Senate—

			(1)designates the

			 week beginning October 16, 2005, as National Character Counts

			 Week; and

			(2)calls upon the

			 people of the United States and interested groups to—

				(A)embrace the

			 elements of character identified by local schools and communities, such as

			 trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship;

			 and

				(B)observe the week

			 with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.


117 HR 1445 IH: American Heritage Protection Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-03-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1445IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 1, 2021Mr. Carl introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from changing the names of certain memorials or move any statues related to certain wars, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the American Heritage Protection Act of 2021.2.Prohibition on changing names and moving statuesThe Secretary of the Interior shall not—(1)change the name of or alter in any way—(A)the Lincoln Memorial;(B)the Jefferson Memorial;(C)the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial;(D)the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial;(E)the Theodore Roosevelt Island; or(F)the Washington Monument; or(2)move, or alter in any way, any statue located on Federal land related to—(A)the War of 1812;(B)the Civil War; or(C)the Revolutionary War.


113 HR 4512 IH: Alternative Maximum Tax Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-04-29
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.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4512
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 29, 2014
			Mr. Jolly introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a maximum rate of Federal, State, and local
			 tax imposed on taxpayers.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Alternative Maximum Tax Act or the Max Tax Act.
		2.Maximum tax imposed
			(a)In generalPart I of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting
			 after section 3 the following new section:

					4.Maximum tax imposed
						(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, the tax imposed under this chapter on a
			 taxpayer other than a corporation for the taxable year shall not exceed
			 the amount which when, added to the tax amounts described in subsection
			 (b), bears the same ratio as 50 percent of adjusted gross income of the
			 taxpayer for the taxable year bears to the adjusted gross income of the
			 taxpayer for the taxable year.
						(b)Tax amounts describedFor purposes this section, the tax amounts described in this subsection are the amounts of tax paid
			 for any period (or allocable portion thereof) in the taxable year under
			 any of the following Federal, State, or local taxes:
							(1)Air transportation taxes.
							(2)Biodiesel fuel taxes.
							(3)Cigarette taxes.
							(4)Medicare tax.
							(5)Social Security tax.
							(6)Estate taxes.
							(7)Insurance taxes, including insurance premium taxes, excise taxes on comprehensive health insurance
			 plans, and individual health insurance mandate taxes.
							(8)Federal unemployment taxes.
							(9)Garbage taxes.
							(10)Gasoline taxes.
							(11)Gift taxes.
							(12)Hotel taxes.
							(13)Import taxes.
							(14)Income tax, including city, State, and county.
							(15)Inheritance taxes.
							(16)Interstate user diesel fuel taxes.
							(17)Inventory taxes.
							(18)Liquor taxes.
							(19)Luxury taxes.
							(20)Medicare taxes.
							(21)Taxes enacted under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including the individual
			 mandate excise tax and the Medicare tax surcharge on investment income of
			 high earning Americans.
							(22)Tangible personal property taxes.
							(23)Real estate taxes.
							(24)Sales taxes.
							(25)Self-employment taxes.
							(26)Service charge taxes.
							(27)Sewer and water taxes.
							(28)Special assessments (city and county).
							(29)State unemployment taxes (SUTA).
							(30)Tanning taxes.
							(31)Telephone-related taxes, including telephone 911 service taxes, telephone Federal excise taxes,
			 telephone Federal universal service fee taxes, telephone minimum usage
			 surcharge taxes, telephone State and local taxes, telephone universal
			 access taxes.
							(32)Tire taxes.
							(33)Use taxes (city, county, and State).
							(34)Utility taxes.
							(35)Vehicle registration taxes.
							(36)Waste management taxes.
							(37)Workers compensation taxes.
							(c)RegulationsThe Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section..
			(b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections for part I of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
			 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3 the following
			 new item:

						Sec. 4. Maximum tax imposed..
			(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act.


113 S1705 IS: National Fab Lab Network Act of 2013
U.S. Senate
2013-11-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II113th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1705IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESNovember 14, 2013Mr. Durbin (for himself, Mrs. Gillibrand, and Mr. Markey) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo provide a Federal charter for
		  the National Fab Lab Network, a national network of local digital fabrication
		  facilities providing community access to advanced manufacturing tools for
		  learning skills, developing inventions, creating businesses, and producing
		  personalized products.1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the National Fab Lab Network Act of
			 2013.2.FindingsCongress finds the following:(1)Scientific
			 discoveries and technical innovations are critical to the economic and national
			 security of the United States.(2)Maintaining the
			 leadership of the United States in science, technology, engineering, and
			 mathematics will require a diverse population with the skills, interest, and
			 access to tools required to advance these fields.(3)Just as earlier
			 digital revolutions in communications and computation provided individuals with
			 the Internet and personal computers, a digital revolution in fabrication will
			 allow anyone to make almost anything, anywhere.(4)Fab labs like the Center for Bits and Atoms at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology provide a model for a new kind of national
			 laboratory that links local facilities for advanced manufacturing to expand
			 access and empower communities.(5)A coordinated
			 national public-private partnership will be the most effective way to
			 accelerate the provision of this infrastructure for learning skills, developing
			 inventions, creating businesses, and producing personalized products.3.Establishment of
			 National Fab Lab Network(a)DefinitionsIn
			 this section—(1)the term
			 fab lab means a facility—(A)equipped with an
			 integrated suite of fabrication tools to convert digital designs into
			 functional physical things and scanning tools to convert physical things into
			 digital designs; and(B)available for a
			 range of individual and collaborative educational, commercial, creative, and
			 social purposes, based on guidelines established by the NFLN relating to
			 sustainable operation; and(2)the term
			 NFLN means the National Fab Lab Network.(b)Federal
			 charterThe National Fab Lab Network is a federally charted
			 nonprofit corporation, which shall
			 facilitate the creation of a national network of local fab labs and serve as a
			 resource to assist stakeholders with the effective operation of fab
			 labs.(c)Membership and
			 organization(1)In generalEligibility for membership in the NFLN and the
			 rights and privileges of members shall be as provided in the constitution and
			 bylaws of the NFLN. The Board of Directors, officers, and other employees of the NFLN, and
			 their powers and duties, shall be provided in the bylaws of the NFLN.(2)Board of DirectorsThe Board of Directors of the NFLN shall include—(A)the Director of the Fab Foundation;(B)members of the manufacturing sector and entrepreneurial community; and(C)leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.(3)CoordinationWhen appropriate, the NFLN should work with Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Small Business Administration, and other agencies of the Federal Government to provide additional resources to fab lab users.(d)FunctionsThe
			 NFLN shall—(1)serve as the
			 coordinating body for the creation of a national network of local fab labs in
			 the United States;(2)provide a first
			 point of contact for organizations and communities seeking to create fab labs,
			 providing information, assessing suitability, advising on the lab lifecycle,
			 and maintaining descriptions of prospective and operating sites;(3)link funders and
			 sites with operational entities that can source and install fab labs, provide
			 training, assist with operations, account for spending, and assess impact;(4)perform outreach
			 for individuals and communities on the benefits available through the NFLN;(5)facilitate use of
			 the NFLN in synergistic programs, such as workforce training, job creation,
			 research broader impacts, and the production of civic infrastructure;
			 and(6)offer
			 transparency in the management, governance, and operation of the NFLN.(e)PurposesIn
			 carrying out its functions, the NFLN's purposes and goals shall be to—(1)create a national
			 network of connected local fab labs to empower individuals and communities in
			 the United States; and(2)foster the use of
			 distributed digital fabrication tools to promote science, technology,
			 engineering and math skills, increase invention and innovation, create
			 businesses and jobs, and fulfill needs.(f)FundingThe
			 NFLN may accept gifts from private individuals, corporations, government
			 agencies, or other organizations.


115 HR 5607 IH: Handgun Licensing and Registration Act of 2018
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. 5607
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 24, 2018
Mrs. Watson Coleman (for herself, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Sires, Mr. Espaillat, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Ms. Norton, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, and Ms. Wilson of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
To provide for the mandatory licensing and registration of handguns, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Handgun Licensing and Registration Act of 2018.  2.Federal handgun licensing and registration system to apply in any State that does not have a handgun licensing and registration system that meets certain requirements (a)In generalChapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

932.Licensing and registration of handguns
(a)
(1)The Attorney General of the United States shall establish a Federal system for the licensing and registration of all handguns owned, possessed, or controlled in the United States— (A)under which—
(i)a person shall not be eligible to receive such a license if the person— (I)has not attained 21 years of age;
(II)is not a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States;  (III)has not completed training in firearms safety;
(IV)as part of the process for applying for such a license— (aa)has not submitted to a background investigation and criminal history check of the person; or
(bb)has not submitted the fingerprints of the person and a recent photograph that clearly shows the face of the person; or  (V)is prohibited by Federal law from possessing a firearm; and
(ii)such a license shall expire not more than 5 years after issuance; and  (B)which shall include a method for easily retrieving information sufficient to identify—
(i)each resident of a State to which this subsection applies who owns, possesses, or controls a handgun; and  (ii)the handgun.
(2)It shall be unlawful for a person to own, possess, or control a handgun in a State to which this subsection applies unless the person— (A)is licensed to do so by the system established pursuant to paragraph (1); and
(B)has registered the handgun with a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency.  (b)Subsection (a) shall not apply in a State if there is in effect a certification by the Attorney General of the United States that the State has in effect a system for the licensing and registration of handguns owned, possessed, or controlled in the State that—
(1)meets the requirements of subsection (a)(1)(A);  (2)includes a method for easily retrieving information sufficient to identify—
(A)each resident of the State who owns, possesses, or controls a handgun in the State; and  (B)the handgun; and
(3)at a minimum, imposes criminal penalties on any person who— (A)owns, possesses, or controls a handgun in the State, and—
(i)is not licensed by the State to possess a handgun; or  (ii)has not registered the handgun with a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency; or
(B)transfers or receives handgun ammunition, unless the recipient— (i)is a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer; or
(ii)before the receipt, has presented to the transferor— (I)a valid firearms purchaser identification card issued by the State to the recipient;
(II)a valid copy of a handgun purchase permit issued by the State to the recipient; or  (III)a valid permit to carry a handgun issued by the State to the recipient.
(c)A certification under subsection (b) with respect to a State shall have no force or effect on or after the date the Attorney General finds, after an opportunity for a hearing on the record, that the State does not have in effect the system described in subsection (b).  (d)The Attorney General shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section..
(b)PenaltiesSection 924(a) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:  (8)Whoever knowingly violates section 932(a)(2) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned, or both. The court shall not suspend a sentence of imprisonment imposed under this paragraph..
(c)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:  932. Licensing and registration of handguns..  (d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to conduct engaged in after the 2-year period that begins with the date of the enactment of this Act.
3.Grants for State implementation of programs to license and register handguns
(a)In generalThe Attorney General is authorized to award grants to States, units of local government, and Indian tribes to comply with the requirements under subsection (a) of section 932 of title 18, United States Code, or to implement a system described in subsection (b) of that section.  (b)Program authorizedFrom the amounts appropriated to carry out this section, and not later than 90 days after such amounts are appropriated, the Attorney General shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible applicants whose applications are approved under subsection (c) to assist such applicants in carrying out the activities described in subsection (a).
(c)ApplicationTo be eligible to receive a grant under this Act, a State, unit of local government, or Indian tribe shall submit to the Attorney General an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Attorney General may require, including— (1)whether the applicant will use the grant to—
(A)comply with the requirements under subsection (a) of section 932 of title 18, United States Code; or  (B)implement a system described in subsection (b) of that section, including a description of the law that the applicant has enacted to require a license for any purchase of a handgun including a description of any other exemptions to such law; and
(2)a description of the specific activities for which the applicant will use the grant.  (d)Use of fundsA grantee under this Act shall use such grant to carry out the activities described in subsection (a).
(e)AuditsThe Attorney General shall conduct an audit every 2 years of each applicant receiving a grant under this section, and may conduct such additional audits as the Attorney General determines necessary.  (f)ReportThe Attorney General shall submit an annual report to Congress on the grant program under this section, which shall include information on the progress made in establishing the Federal system described in subsection (a) of section 932 of title 18, United States Code, and the progress made by States in establishing a system described in subsection (b) of such section.
(g)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2795
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 10, 2009
			Mr. McGovern (for
			 himself, Mrs. Emerson, and
			 Mr. Moore of Kansas) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in
			 addition to the Committees on Agriculture and
			 Rules, for a period to be
			 subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
			 concerned

		A BILL
		To address global hunger and improve food security
		  through the development and implementation of a comprehensive governmentwide
		  global hunger reduction strategy, the establishment of the White House Office
		  on Global Hunger and Food Security, and the creation of the Permanent Joint
		  Select Committee on Hunger, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Roadmap to End Global Hunger and
			 Promote Food Security Act of 2009 or the
			 Roadmap Act of
			 2009.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)The international community has made
			 progress decreasing global hunger over the past four decades, reducing the
			 percentage of the world’s population that is hungry from 37 percent to 17
			 percent. The United States provided critical global leadership in achieving
			 this success and is the world’s largest donor of emergency food assistance to
			 vulnerable populations affected by war, conflict, and natural and
			 weather-related disasters.
			(2)Although the percentage of individuals
			 experiencing hunger has fallen steadily over several decades, the total number
			 of such individuals has grown. The United Nations Food and Agricultural
			 Organization estimated in December 2008 that the number of individuals
			 suffering from hunger is 963,000,000, an increase of 115,000,000 over the last
			 2 years.
			(3)Poverty in developing countries remains
			 largely a rural issue, with 75 percent of individuals in extreme poverty living
			 in rural areas. Strategies to address hunger, food security, and agricultural
			 development must respond to the needs and reality of small-scale producers,
			 especially women, who represent between 60 to 80 percent of agricultural
			 producers in the developing world, in remote and rural areas.
			(4)According to the United Nations World Food
			 Program (WFP), more than 400,000,000 children suffer from chronic hunger, and
			 an estimated 75,000,000 of these children, two-thirds of whom are female, do
			 not attend school. The United Nations Children’s Fund estimates that 9,200,000
			 children under the age of 5 die every year, mostly from preventable and
			 treatable causes, and that child and maternal malnutrition contributes to
			 approximately 6,000,000 deaths of children under the age of 5 annually.
			(5)Children who are malnourished in the first
			 two years of life suffer irreparable harm, have lower productivity and lower
			 wages as adults, and are more likely to have children who are
			 malnourished.
			(6)Over the last 25 years, United States
			 assistance for agricultural development has declined by 85 percent, and with
			 few exceptions, much of the international community has also neglected
			 agricultural development in the world’s poorest areas. At the end of 2008, the
			 United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had only 16
			 agricultural specialists and 6 technical agricultural experts on staff,
			 representing a substantial lack of expertise and specialists at USAID
			 headquarters in Washington, DC, and at United States field missions across the
			 globe. Further, there has been a decline in United States and international
			 donor support for agricultural education, research and development, and
			 extension services at all levels in developing countries and among donor
			 nations.
			(7)During the period from 2002 to 2008, the
			 world experienced rising food prices, including rapid acceleration occurring
			 from 2007 to 2008, with a devastating effect on the food security and welfare
			 of the 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide who live on less than one dollar a
			 day and who spend 50 percent to 80 percent of their income on food. Sharply
			 increased prices for food and petroleum-based products, including fuel and
			 fertilizers, were particularly devastating for poor, small, and rural
			 agricultural producers.
			(8)The Economic Research Service of the
			 Department of Agriculture reported in May 2009 that factors contributing to
			 rising food and fuel costs included decreased international stocks of staple
			 grains and cereals, increased commodity prices brought about by drought,
			 floods, and global climate change, increased food and fuel consumption by
			 middle-income countries, such as China and India, and increased pressure on
			 land use and production of basic cereals from greater cultivation of biofuels.
			 Regarding rice, which is critical to the diet of about half the world’s
			 population, factors behind the rise in global prices in 2008 were trade
			 restrictions by major suppliers, panic buying of large importers, a weak
			 dollar, and record oil prices.
			(9)From January 2007 through June 2008, food
			 protests, including strikes, demonstrations, and riots over food, occurred in
			 more than 50 countries, with some countries experiencing multiple occurrences
			 and a high degree of violence, leading United States intelligence analysts and
			 the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify the political
			 consequences of severe hunger and food insecurity among the main threats to
			 national security, particularly in weak and fragile states.
			(10)Reducing hunger and increasing food
			 security require sustained multilateral cooperation. At the 1996 World Food
			 Summit in Rome, Italy, the United States and more than 180 world leaders
			 pledged to halve the total number of undernourished people worldwide from the
			 1990 level—a commitment reaffirmed in September 2000 when they adopted the
			 United Nations Millennium Declaration and established eight Millennium
			 Development Goals, the first of which is cutting global hunger and extreme
			 poverty in half by 2015. On July 15, 2008, the United Nations High Level Task
			 Force on Global Food Security presented the Comprehensive Framework for Action
			 to address the global food crisis, providing governments and intergovernmental
			 and nongovernmental organizations with concrete immediate and longer term
			 responses to achieving food security, and which served as an impetus for dozens
			 of countries to increase aid commitments. Further, in his March 2009 report to
			 the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on
			 the Right to Food recognized that for international assistance to be effective,
			 it is necessary to overcome structural impediments to the availability of and
			 access to the global food supply for the one billion people who are
			 undernourished.
			(11)Established in 1983, the House Select
			 Committee on Hunger examined domestic and global hunger issues comprehensively
			 and made recommendations to the committees of jurisdiction on a broad range of
			 programmatic and policy matters. These efforts led to increased resources for a
			 variety of crucial emergency, safety net, health, education, income generation,
			 agricultural development, child survival, and other programs. Congressional
			 authorization for the House Select Committee on Hunger ended in January
			 1993.
			(12)In May 2008, the GAO released the report,
			 International Food Security: Insufficient Efforts by Host Governments
			 and Donors Threaten Progress to Halve Hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa by
			 2015, indicating that current efforts by the United States and
			 international donors would not achieve the goal of cutting hunger in half by
			 2015 in sub-Sahara Africa. The GAO called for a governmentwide comprehensive
			 plan to design, implement, oversee, and evaluate United States programs and
			 funding with respect to achieving the goal.
			(13)President Barack Obama has committed the
			 United States to new leadership in the effort to reduce by half global hunger
			 and poverty by 2015, a commitment that was reiterated on January 26, 2009, by
			 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the High Level Meeting on Food Security
			 for All Conference held in Madrid, Spain. On April 2, 2009, the President
			 announced at the conclusion of the G–20 Meeting in London the need to provide
			 “immediate assistance to vulnerable populations” as a result of the global
			 financial crisis and to “double support for agricultural development” so that
			 people might “lift themselves out of poverty”.
			(14)On February 24,
			 2009, a broad-based coalition of United States nongovernmental organizations
			 released the “Roadmap to End Global Hunger”, outlining a comprehensive policy
			 framework and specific funding levels for United States food assistance and
			 development programs through fiscal year 2014, including the creation of a
			 White House office on global hunger, appointment of a global hunger
			 coordinator, restoration of a select committee on hunger, and the development
			 and implementation of a comprehensive governmentwide plan to alleviate global
			 hunger.
			3.Statement of
			 policy
			(a)In
			 generalIt shall be the policy of the United States to reduce
			 global hunger, advance nutrition, increase food security, and ensure that
			 relevant Federal policies and programs—
				(1)provide emergency
			 response and direct support to vulnerable populations in times of need, whether
			 provoked by natural disaster, conflict, or acute economic difficulties;
				(2)increase
			 resilience to and reduce, limit, or mitigate the impact of shocks on vulnerable
			 populations, reducing the need for emergency interventions;
				(3)increase and build
			 the capacity of people and governments to sustainably feed themselves;
				(4)ensure adequate
			 access for all individuals, especially mothers and children, to the required
			 calories and nutrients needed to live healthy lives;
				(5)strengthen the
			 ability of small-scale farmers, especially women, to sustain and increase their
			 production and livelihoods; and
				(6)incorporate
			 sustainable and environmentally sound agricultural methods and
			 practices.
				(b)InitiativesIt
			 shall be further the policy of the United States that initiatives developed to
			 carry out subsection (a)—
				(1)be guided by a
			 comprehensive governmentwide strategy under Presidential leadership that
			 integrates the policies and programs of all Federal agencies;
				(2)be balanced and
			 flexible to allow for programs that meet emergency needs and increased
			 investments in longer-term programs;
				(3)develop mechanisms
			 that allow cash and commodity-based resources to be effectively
			 combined;
				(4)define clear
			 targets, benchmarks and indicators of success, including gender analysis, in
			 order to monitor implementation, guarantee accountability and determine whether
			 beneficiaries achieve increased and sustainable food security;
				(5)employ the full
			 range of diplomatic resources and provide incentives to other countries to meet
			 their obligations to reduce hunger and promote food security; and
				(6)work within a
			 framework of multilateral commitments.
				4.Establishment of
			 the White House Office on Global Hunger and Food Security
			(a)FindingsCongress finds the following:
				(1)Hunger, malnutrition, under-nutrition, and
			 food insecurity affect nearly every aspect of international security,
			 development, and humanitarian response within the Federal Government.
				(2)While the United States cannot be expected
			 to shoulder the majority of global investments in ending hunger and providing
			 food security, the United States can and should lead the international
			 community by taking immediate steps to make existing Federal programs more
			 effective by increasing funding and requiring greater accountability in the
			 implementation and effectiveness of United States global hunger, nutrition,
			 safety net, emergency response, and agricultural development policies and
			 programs.
				(3)Despite the broad range of United States
			 policies and programs related to ending global hunger and promoting food
			 security, there is no single office, official, or comprehensive governmentwide
			 plan that effectively integrates these activities and allows for comprehensive
			 budgeting, evaluation, oversight, and accountability.
				(b)EstablishmentThere is established in the Executive
			 Office of the President the White House Office on Global Hunger and Food
			 Security (hereinafter referred to in this section as the
			 Office).
			(c)FunctionsThe functions of the Office shall include
			 the following:
				(1)Providing advice to the President on global
			 hunger and food security issues.
				(2)Providing leadership and taking actions,
			 consistent with applicable law, to ensure that efforts to reduce global hunger
			 and increase food security are priorities of the Federal Government.
				(3)Working with Federal departments and
			 agencies to ensure that addressing global hunger and food security is
			 prioritized within such departments and agencies and that appropriate
			 consideration is given by such departments and agencies to the potential impact
			 of their actions on global hunger and food security, including in United States
			 diplomatic, trade, energy, and labor relations.
				(4)Coordinating the development and
			 implementation of a comprehensive governmentwide strategy to address global
			 hunger and food security within an overall strategy for global development as
			 described in subsection (e).
				(5)Maintaining an
			 inventory of global hunger and food security programs and activities of the
			 Federal Government.
				(6)Assessing existing authorities and
			 mechanisms within the Federal Government to address global hunger and food
			 security and identifying the shortfalls of such authorities and
			 mechanisms.
				(7)Preparing and submitting to the President
			 and Congress an annual report on the expenditures of the Federal Government for
			 global hunger and food security programs and a suggested budget for such
			 programs.
				(8)Working with Federal departments and
			 agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget, to take actions,
			 consistent with applicable law, to ensure that Federal programs addressing
			 global hunger and food security receive adequate, sustained, and reliable
			 funding and that such funding is effectively spent.
				(9)Establishing indicators to measure progress
			 with respect to specific global hunger and food security targets, including
			 gender-sensitive goals, in consultation with and with input solicited from
			 stakeholders, potential beneficiaries, and implementing agencies and entities
			 and ensuring adequate monitoring and evaluation of such indicators, including
			 reporting to the President quarterly on the progress of Federal departments and
			 agencies in meeting such targets and the contribution to such progress by the
			 high-level, governmentwide global hunger and food security meeting, described
			 in subsection (f)(3).
				(10)Taking actions, consistent with applicable
			 law, to ensure Federal Government coordination with other donor governments and
			 international institutions.
				(11)Consulting with relevant public, private,
			 and nongovernmental groups in the development, implementation, and monitoring
			 of the comprehensive governmentwide strategy to address global hunger and food
			 security.
				(12)Promoting public awareness of the
			 importance of addressing global hunger and food security and Federal efforts to
			 achieve the goal of cutting global hunger in half by 2015.
				(13)Submitting to the President and Congress,
			 not later than March 31 of each year, an annual report on the implementation of
			 the comprehensive governmentwide strategy to address global hunger and food
			 security, including an assessment of agency innovations, achievements, and
			 failures to perform, and policy and budget recommendations for changes to
			 agency operations, priorities, and funding.
				(d)Coordinator of
			 the OfficeThe President shall appoint a Coordinator on Global
			 Hunger and Food Security (hereinafter referred to in this section as the
			 Coordinator). The Coordinator shall be the head of the Office
			 and shall report to the President.
			(e)Comprehensive
			 governmentwide strategy
				(1)In
			 generalThe Coordinator shall develop and take actions,
			 consistent with applicable law, to implement a comprehensive governmentwide
			 strategy to address global hunger and food security across the Federal
			 Government, which shall include content with respect to programs and policies
			 for—
					(A)emergency response and management;
					(B)safety nets,
			 social protection, and disaster risk reduction;
					(C)nutrition;
					(D)market-based agriculture, the
			 rehabilitation and expansion of rural agricultural infrastructure, and rural
			 development;
					(E)agricultural
			 education, research and development, and extension services;
					(F)government to
			 government technical assistance programs;
					(G)natural resource management,
			 environmentally sound agriculture, and responses to the impact of climate
			 change on agriculture and food production;
					(H)monitoring and
			 evaluation mechanisms; and
					(I)provision of adequate and sustained
			 resources, including multiyear funding, to ensure the scale and duration of
			 programs required to carry out the United States commitment to alleviate global
			 hunger and promote food security.
					(2)Coordination
			 with international goalsIn
			 accordance with applicable law, the Coordinator shall ensure that the
			 comprehensive governmentwide strategy described in paragraph (1) contributes to
			 achieving the Millennium Development Goal of reducing global hunger by half not
			 later than 2015 and to advancing the United Nations Comprehensive Framework for
			 Action with respect to global hunger and food security, including supporting
			 the United Nations, international agencies, governments and other relevant
			 organizations and entities in carrying out the Comprehensive Framework for
			 Action.
				(3)Integration with
			 national strategy for global developmentThe Coordinator shall
			 take actions to ensure that the comprehensive governmentwide strategy described
			 in paragraph (1) is integrated into any review or development of a Federal
			 strategy for global development that sets forth or establishes the United
			 States mission for global development, guidelines for assistance programs, and
			 how development policy will be coordinated with policies governing trade,
			 immigration, and other relevant international issues.
				(f)Coordination
			 with Federal departments and agencies
				(1)In
			 generalIn performing its
			 functions, the Office shall work with all relevant Federal departments and
			 agencies, including the following:
					(A)The Central
			 Intelligence Agency.
					(B)The Department of Agriculture.
					(C)The Department of
			 Commerce.
					(D)The Department of
			 Defense.
					(E)The Department of
			 Energy.
					(F)The Department of
			 Health and Human Services.
					(G)The Department of Labor.
					(H)The Department of
			 State.
					(I)The Department of
			 Treasury.
					(J)The Environmental Protection Agency.
					(K)The Millennium Challenge
			 Corporation.
					(L)The Office of Management and Budget.
					(M)The Office of the
			 United States Trade Representative.
					(N)The Peace Corps.
					(O)The United States Agency for International
			 Development.
					(P)The United States Trade and Development
			 Agency.
					(Q)The Office of
			 Global Women’s Issues of the Department of State.
					(2)Cooperation
			 requiredTo the extent permitted by law, all Federal departments
			 and agencies shall cooperate with the Office and provide such information,
			 support, and assistance to the Office as the Coordinator may request.
				(3)High-Level,
			 governmentwide global hunger and food security meeting
					(A)EstablishmentThe Coordinator shall establish, schedule,
			 and administer a high-level, governmentwide global hunger and food security
			 meeting (hereinafter referred to in this paragraph as the
			 meeting) once each week in accordance with this
			 paragraph.
					(B)AttendeesThe
			 Coordinator and the head of each entity listed in paragraph (1), or the
			 designees of such individuals, shall attend each meeting. The Coordinator may
			 select additional individuals to attend the meeting as the Coordinator
			 determines appropriate.
					(C)ChairmanThe
			 meeting shall be chaired by the Coordinator.
					(D)FunctionThe purpose of the meeting shall be to
			 ensure that attendees of the meeting coordinate and take actions, consistent
			 with applicable law, to implement the comprehensive governmentwide plan to
			 address global hunger and food security described in subsection (e).
					(E)Other
			 organizationsThe Coordinator shall ensure that the meeting
			 includes consultation with and participation of non-Federal organizations with
			 experience and expertise in combating global hunger and promoting food
			 security.
					(g)Staff and
			 resourcesThe Coordinator shall take actions, consistent with
			 applicable law, to ensure that the Office has the staff and other resources
			 necessary to carry out this section.
			(h)Report on
			 comprehensive governmentwide strategyNot later than two years
			 after the date of the enactment of this Act and biennially thereafter, the
			 Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report
			 evaluating the design, implementation, and Federal Government coordination of
			 the comprehensive governmentwide strategy to address global hunger and food
			 security required under subsection (e).
			(i)Rule of
			 constructionNothing in this section shall be construed to impair
			 or otherwise affect the authority granted to a Federal department or agency, or
			 the head thereof, by any other provision of law.
			(j)Authorization of
			 appropriationsTo carry out
			 this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of
			 fiscal years 2010 through 2014 and such sums as may be necessary for subsequent
			 fiscal years.
			5.Establishment of
			 Permanent Joint Select Committee On Hunger
			(a)FindingsCongress finds the following:
				(1)Funding, programs, and jurisdiction for
			 addressing global hunger and food security are divided among many congressional
			 committees and, as a result, inadequate emphasis is often given to addressing
			 global hunger and food security in a comprehensive way.
				(2)As the White House Office on Global Hunger
			 and Food Security, established under section 3, coordinates the programs,
			 activities, and policies of the numerous Federal departments and agencies
			 charged with carrying out hunger alleviation and food security programs, the
			 establishment of a Permanent Joint Select Committee on Hunger will promote
			 coordination across the multiple committees with jurisdiction and legislative
			 authority over global hunger and food security issues.
				(b)EstablishmentThere is established a Permanent Joint
			 Select Committee on Hunger (hereinafter referred to in this section as the
			 Committee).
			(c)CompositionThe
			 Committee shall be composed of 16 members in accordance with the
			 following:
				(1)Eight Members of
			 the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of
			 Representatives, of whom 3 shall be appointed in consultation with the minority
			 leader of the House of Representatives.
				(2)Eight Members of
			 the Senate, of whom 5 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate
			 and 3 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.
				(d)VacanciesA
			 vacancy in the membership of the Committee shall be filled in the same manner
			 as the original appointment.
			(e)ChairmanshipThe
			 Committee shall select a chairman from among its members at the beginning of
			 each Congress. The chairmanship shall alternate between the House of
			 Representatives and the Senate with each Congress and the chairman shall be
			 selected by the Members from that House entitled to the chairmanship.
			(f)DutiesThe Committee shall—
				(1)hold hearings, conduct investigations,
			 issue independent reports and analyses, and make policy and program
			 recommendations to relevant congressional committees of jurisdiction on issues
			 related to global hunger, nutrition, food security, rural and agricultural
			 development, emergency and humanitarian responses, safety nets and social
			 protection, and other global hunger or food security programs, including the
			 effectiveness of such programs in addressing global hunger and food security;
			 and
				(2)examine issues
			 relevant to the development, implementation, and monitoring of the
			 comprehensive governmentwide plan to address global hunger and food security
			 provided by the White House Office on Global Hunger and Food Security through
			 the holding of hearings, review of reports, and other relevant
			 activities.
				(g)PowersIn
			 carrying out its duties under this section, the Committee is authorized
			 to—
				(1)hold hearings and
			 sit and act at places and times within the United States and outside the United
			 States during the sessions, recesses, and adjourned periods of Congress;
				(2)require the
			 attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents,
			 administer oaths, take testimony, and procure printing and binding;
				(3)record hearings,
			 prepare and provide transcripts of hearings, use transcribers, recorders and
			 stenographers, and establish a Web site;
				(4)make rules
			 respecting its organization and procedures; and
				(5)exercise any other
			 authority of a committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate and
			 utilize the resources of the House of Representatives and the Senate, except as
			 provided otherwise in this section.
				(h)StaffingThe
			 Committee may appoint and fix the compensation of staff as it deems
			 necessary.
			(i)Limitation on
			 authorityThe Committee may
			 not exercise legislative jurisdiction and may not take legislative action on
			 any bill or resolution.
			(j)RulemakingThe
			 provisions of this section are enacted by Congress—
				(1)as an exercise of
			 the rulemaking power of the House of Representatives and the Senate,
			 respectively, and as such they shall be considered as part of the rules of each
			 House, respectively, or of that House to which they specifically apply, and
			 such rules shall supersede other rules only to the extent that they are
			 inconsistent therewith; and
				(2)with full
			 recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change such rules
			 (so far as relating to such House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the
			 same extent as in the case of any other rule of such House.
				(k)Funding
				(1)VouchersPayments for expenses of the Committee
			 shall be made using vouchers authorized by the Committee, signed by the
			 chairman of the Committee, and approved in a manner directed by the Committee
			 on House Administration of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
			 Rules and Administration of the Senate.
				(2)Source of
			 funds
					(A)House of
			 RepresentativesThere shall
			 be paid out of the applicable accounts of the House of Representatives
			 $3,000,000 to carry out this section during the 111th Congress.
					(B)SenateThere shall be paid out of the contingent
			 fund of the Senate $3,000,000 to carry out this section during the 111th
			 Congress.
					6.Funding and
			 definition
			(a)FundingTo carry out the comprehensive
			 governmentwide strategy described in section 4(1), it is the sense of Congress
			 that no less than $50,360,000,000 should be made available for fiscal years
			 2010 through 2014 for Federal programs addressing global hunger and food
			 security. During such five-year period, funding should increase investments in
			 intermediate and long-term programs, including safety nets, nutrition and
			 agricultural development, and maintain sufficient resources for emergency
			 management and response. It is further the sense of Congress that funding for
			 Federal programs addressing global hunger and food security should, to the
			 maximum extent possible, use as guidance and not be less than those amounts
			 described for fiscal years 2010 through 2014 in the Roadmap to End Global
			 Hunger.
			(b)DefinitionIn
			 this section, the term Roadmap to End Global Hunger means the
			 report entitled Roadmap To End Global Hunger, released on
			 February 24, 2009, and endorsed by the following organizations:
				(1)ACDI/VOCA.
				(2)Action Against
			 Hunger.
				(3)Africare.
				(4)Alliance for
			 Global Food Security.
				(5)Alliance to End
			 Hunger.
				(6)American Jewish
			 World Service.
				(7)Better World
			 Campaign.
				(8)Bread for the
			 World.
				(9)Care.
				(10)Catholic Relief
			 Services.
				(11)Christian
			 Children’s Fund.
				(12)Christian
			 Reformed World Relief Committee.
				(13)Church World
			 Service.
				(14)Concern
			 Worldwide.
				(15)Congressional
			 Hunger Center.
				(16)Counterpart
			 International.
				(17)Covenant World
			 Relief.
				(18)Episcopal Relief
			 and Development.
				(19)Feed the
			 Children.
				(20)Food for the
			 Hungry.
				(21)Friends of the
			 World Food Program.
				(22)Global Child
			 Nutrition Foundation.
				(23)Heifer
			 International.
				(24)The Humpty Dumpty
			 Institute.
				(25)The International
			 Center for Research on Women.
				(26)International
			 Relief and Development.
				(27)Islamic
			 Relief.
				(28)LIFE for Relief
			 and Development.
				7.Definition of
			 undernourishmentIn this Act,
			 the term undernourishment, as defined by the United Nations Food
			 and Agriculture Organization, means the condition of people whose food
			 consumption is continuously below a minimum dietary energy requirement for
			 maintaining an acceptable minimum body size, living a healthy life, and
			 carrying out light physical activity. In this Act, the terms chronic
			 undernourishment, food insecurity, and hunger
			 have the same meaning as undernourishment.


115 HR 5449 IH: To amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to support a smart agriculture industry technology roadmap, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-04-10
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 5449IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 10, 2018Mr. Soto introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on AgricultureA BILLTo amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to support a smart agriculture industry
			 technology roadmap, and for other purposes.

		1.Smart agriculture industry technology roadmap
 (a)In generalSection 6402(g)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(g)(1)) is amended—
 (1)by striking each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use $300,000 and inserting the following:  each fiscal year, the Secretary shall—(A)use $300,000;  (2)in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:  (B)use $500,000 to support a public-private partnership that would produce, and update, a smart agriculture industry technology roadmap..
 (b)DefinitionSection 6402(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(g)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (3)Smart agriculture industry technology roadmap definedIn this section, the term smart agriculture industry technology roadmap means a set of policies designed to— (A)guide the future development of technology in the agriculture industry; and
 (B)help align the efforts of the United States agriculture industry, including agricultural producers, the research community (including the public-private partnership referred to in paragraph (1) and colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 1303)), and other members of the agriculture community to increase efforts of the United States to become the global leader in smart farming and agriculture..
 (c)ReportSection 6402(h)(2)(A) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(h)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting including the smart agriculture technology roadmap after Program.
 (d)Authorization of appropriationsSection 6402(i) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(i)) is amended by striking $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 and inserting $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
 (e)Technical correctionSection 6402(g)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(g)(2)) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1).


114 HR 3541 IH: The Full Employment Federal Reserve Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-09-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3541
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 17, 2015
			Mr. Conyers (for himself, Ms. Kaptur, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Jackson Lee, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, and Mr. Payne) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services

		A BILL
		To amend the Federal Reserve Act to modify the goals of the Board of Governors of the Federal
			 Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the The Full Employment Federal Reserve Act of 2015. 2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
 (1)In recent decades, the economy has stopped working for working families in the United States. (2)Despite significant gains in workers’ productivity and gross domestic product over the past 30 years, workers have seen their wages stagnate and sometimes fall.
 (3)The benefits of the powerful economy of the United States have gone almost entirely to the richest people in society, which has created a growing gap between the wealthy and the rest of our country.
 (4)Such widening disparities are unhealthy for our democracy and unhealthy for the broad swath of working families who are unable to afford to pay their rent or buy a home, save for their children’s higher education, or afford the basic necessities to live a dignified and full life.
 (5)One major factor contributing to this growing economic crisis has been the lack of full employment in the economy of the United States.
 (6)Too many workers struggle to find jobs, and the jobs that are available often do not pay a good wage.
 (7)In the absence of a tight labor market and genuine full employment, workers are at the mercy of their employers and cannot ask for raises or leave for better job opportunities.
 (8)As a result of workers’ decreased bargaining power, corporate profits and executive compensation have accounted for an increasingly large share of gross domestic product, leaving the large majority of workers in the United States behind.
 (9)Since 1980, the economy of the United States has had an excessively high level of unemployment 70 percent of the time, according to the Congressional Budget Office’s official estimate of full employment (that is, the nonaccelerating inflation rate of unemployment, or NAIRU).
 (10)This contrasts with the 1949–1979 era, when the economy of the United States was functioning below full employment only 31 percent of the time.
 (11)This persistently weak labor market has had tremendous consequences not only for the unemployed and underemployed, but also for employed workers who have been unable to negotiate for higher wages and better working conditions, including the following examples:
 (A)Since 1979, although economy-wide productivity has grown by 64.3 percent, women’s median wages have risen by only 20.6 percent and men’s median wages have actually fallen by 8.9 percent, and the statistics for Black and Hispanic workers are even worse than for White workers.
 (B)Workers’ share of corporate income has shrunk significantly, from 82.3 percent during the full employment economy of 2000 to 75.5 percent today, a decline that means that workers will earn $535 billion less this year than they would have had the share remained stable, or approximately $3,770 per worker this year.
 (C)Between 2002 and 2014, inflation-adjusted hourly wages for the bottom seven deciles (that is, 70 percent of the workforce of the United States) fell, showing that wage stagnation is not limited to low-income families.
 (D)Even highly educated workers are not thriving in this economy; wages for college-educated and advanced-degree workers fell in 2013 and 2014, a time of economic growth for the economy at large.
 (12)Congress has mandated that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System pursue a dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices, which the Board of Governors has interpreted to mean full employment that is consistent with an inflation rate of 2 percent.
 (13)Since the Great Recession, the economy of the United States has consistently had an unemployment rate higher than the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System’s NAIRU and an inflation rate below the 2-percent target; consistently missing both targets has caused untold harm to hundreds of millions of people.
 (14)Today’s headline unemployment rate understates the continued weakness of the economy of the United States, including the following examples:
 (A)Long-term unemployment is elevated. (B)Involuntary part-time employment remains very high, indicating a large pool of workers who would prefer to be given more hours.
 (C)The portion of prime-age adults who are in the labor force remains depressed, because so many millions of people have given up looking for work.
 (15)Although there is no empirical evidence that an inflation rate of 3 or 4 percent would be harmful, or would be difficult to maintain at a stable rate, many observers believe that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System actually treats its 2-percent inflation target as a ceiling.
 (16)Over recent decades and even today, refusal by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to tolerate any inflation means that it has consistently raised interest rates prematurely during recoveries, preventing the economy from reaching full employment.
 (17)Inflation remains below the already conservative 2-percent target of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and shows no signs of accelerating uncontrollably.
 (18)During the late 1990s, the economy of the United States began to reach genuine full employment, with an unemployment rate of below 4 percent, which had tremendous benefits for the vast majority of people, including—
 (A)higher wages for everyone, including those at the bottom of the income ladder; (B)robust wage gains for African-Americans and Hispanics, which shrank the tremendous racial disparities in pay and wealth; and
 (C)a large Federal budget surplus (and State budget surpluses), which meant money was available for key services like education, health care, and infrastructure investment.
 (19)One key reason that the economy approached full employment was that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System resisted pressures to raise interest rates and let the unemployment rate continue to fall.
 (20)Achieving genuine full employment should be the foremost economic priority of the United States, and all branches of the Federal Government should use their full power to accomplish this goal.
			3.Modification to the goals of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal
 Open Market CommitteeSection 2A of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 225a) is amended— (1)by inserting (defined as an economy with an unemployment rate of not more than 4 percent and that generally includes a labor market in which median wages are rising with worker productivity, job seekers can find work, and involuntary part-time work is at a minimum) after maximum employment; and
 (2)by striking stable prices and inserting a stable rate of inflation.