 SCON 31 ENR: Providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives.
U.S. Senate
2016-02-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America2d SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the fourth day of January, two thousand and
			 sixteenS. CON. RES. 31IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATESFebruary 12, 2016Agreed toCONCURRENT RESOLUTIONProviding for a conditional adjournment or
		  recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives.
 That when the Senate recesses or adjourns on any day from Thursday, February 11, 2016, through Saturday, February 20, 2016, on a motion offered pursuant to this concurrent resolution by its Majority Leader or his designee, it stand recessed or adjourned until 12:00 noon on Monday, February 22, 2016, or such other time on that day as may be specified by its Majority Leader or his designee in the motion to recess or adjourn, or until the time of any reassembly pursuant to section 2 of this concurrent resolution, whichever occurs first; and that when the House adjourns on any legislative day from Friday, February 12, 2016, through Tuesday, February 16, 2016, on a motion offered pursuant to this concurrent resolution by its Majority Leader or his designee, it stand adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, or until the time of any reassembly pursuant to section 3 of this concurrent resolution, whichever occurs first.2. (a)The Majority Leader of the Senate or his designee, after concurrence with the Minority Leader of the Senate, shall notify the Members of the Senate to reassemble at such place and time as he may designate if, in his opinion, the public interest shall warrant it.(b)After reassembling pursuant to subsection (a), when the Senate adjourns on a motion offered pursuant to this subsection by its Majority Leader or his designee, the Senate shall again stand adjourned pursuant to the first section of this concurrent resolution.3. (a)The Speaker or his designee, after consultation with the Minority Leader of the House, shall notify the Members of the House to reassemble at such place and time as he may designate if, in his opinion, the public interest shall warrant it.(b)After reassembling pursuant to subsection (a), when the House adjourns on a motion offered pursuant to this subsection by its Majority Leader or his designee, the House shall again stand adjourned pursuant to the first section of this concurrent resolution.Secretary of the SenateClerk of the House of Representatives


110 HRES 616 IH: Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Phoenix

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-08-03
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
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 616
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			August 3, 2007
			Mrs. Maloney of New
			 York (for herself, Ms. Eddie Bernice
			 Johnson of Texas, Mr.
			 Sherman, Mr. Sessions,
			 Mrs. Napolitano,
			 Mr. Neal of Massachusetts,
			 Mr. Weiner,
			 Mrs. Gillibrand,
			 Mr. Israel,
			 Mr. Hodes,
			 Mr. Filner,
			 Mr. Hall of New York,
			 Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, and
			 Mr. Smith of Texas) submitted the
			 following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		RESOLUTION
		Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Phoenix
		  House, the success and contributions of Phoenix House with respect to the
		  treatment and prevention of substance abuse, and the significant role that
		  Phoenix House has played in raising public awareness and formulating public
		  policy.

		Whereas Phoenix House is one of the largest substance
			 abuse treatment providers in the United States, treating nearly 6,000 men,
			 women, and adolescents each day at more than 100 programs in nine States,
			 including New York, California, Texas, Florida, Rhode Island, Massachusetts,
			 New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine;
		Whereas Phoenix House pioneered a drug-free approach to
			 treat substance abuse and addiction, provided training for a generation of
			 substance abuse counselors who staff programs throughout the United States, and
			 conducted some of the earliest studies of the process and impact of substance
			 abuse treatment;
		Whereas Phoenix House established Phoenix Academies, which
			 are residential high schools for adolescents in treatment for substance
			 abuse;
		Whereas the Department of Justice named Phoenix Academies
			 a model program and the RAND Corporation found Phoenix Academies
			 to be demonstrably effective and superior to other programs for adolescents in
			 treatment for substance abuse;
		Whereas during the past 40 years, Phoenix House has
			 treated nearly 50,000 people for substance abuse at residential centers for
			 adults; at Phoenix Academies; at outpatient, after-school, and lay programs;
			 and at programs in prisons and homeless shelters;
		Whereas Phoenix House has enabled hundreds of adolescents
			 in the United States to complete their high school education, strengthened
			 innumerable families, and provided a stabilizing influence in communities
			 across much of the United States;
		Whereas Phoenix House provides drug education and
			 prevention programs through in-school and after-school programs, reaching more
			 than 30,000 adolescents every year; and
		Whereas Phoenix House is celebrating its 40th anniversary
			 on October 16, 2007, and it is appropriate to focus public awareness on the
			 efforts of Phoenix House to address the critical problem of substance abuse in
			 the United States: Now, therefore, be it

		That—
			(1)it is the sense of
			 the House of Representatives that—
				(A)all people of the
			 United States should keep victims of substance abuse in their thoughts and
			 prayers; and
				(B)all people of the
			 United States should seek to break the cycle of substance abuse, giving people
			 who struggle with substance abuse hope for a future free of addiction and an
			 emotionally and physically healthy future; and
				(2)the House of
			 Representatives—
				(A)supports the goals
			 and ideals of Phoenix House; and
				(B)commends Phoenix House for all of its
			 efforts on behalf of adults and adolescents throughout the United States who
			 are struggling with addiction and substance abuse.


110 HR 4556 IH: To extend and modify the temporary suspension of duty on

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-12-13
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.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4556
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 13, 2007
			Mr. Altmire
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To extend and modify the temporary suspension of duty on
		  Iminodisuccinate.

		1.Iminodisuccinate
			(a)In
			 generalSubchapter II of
			 chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is
			 amended—
				(1)in heading
			 9902.29.83—
					(A)by striking
			 subheading 3824.90.91 and inserting subheading
			 3824.90.92; and
					(B)in the effective period column, by striking
			 the date contained therein and inserting 12/31/2011; and
					(2)in heading
			 9902.38.10—
					(A)by striking
			 subheading 3824.90.91 and inserting subheading
			 3824.90.92; and
					(B)in the effective period column, by striking
			 the date contained therein and inserting 12/31/2011.
					(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by
			 subsection (a) apply to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for
			 consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this
			 Act.


109 HR 3185 IH: Victims’ Employment Sustainability Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-06-30
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. 3185
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 30, 2005
Ms. Roybal-Allard (for herself, Mrs. Maloney, Ms. Solis, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. George Miller of California, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Watson, Mr. Honda, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Moore of Kansas, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Ms. Woolsey, Mrs. Capps, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Mrs. Tauscher, Ms. Matsui, Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms. Lee, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Millender-McDonald, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Ms. Corrine Brown of Florida, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Ms. DeLauro, Ms. Velázquez, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. Serrano, and Ms. Berkley) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means and Financial Services, 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 promote the economic security and safety of victims of domestic and sexual violence, and for other purposes.

1.Short title; table of contents
(a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Security and Financial Empowerment Act.
(b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents
Sec. 2. Findings
Sec. 3. Definitions
Title I—Entitlement to emergency leave for addressing domestic or sexual violence
Sec. 101. Purposes
Sec. 102. Entitlement to emergency leave for addressing domestic or sexual violence
Sec. 103. Existing leave usable for addressing domestic or sexual violence
Sec. 104. Emergency benefits
Sec. 105. Effect on other laws and employment benefits
Sec. 106. Conforming amendment
Sec. 107. Effective date
Title II—Entitlement to unemployment compensation for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
Sec. 201. Purposes
Sec. 202. Unemployment compensation and training provisions
Title III—Victims’ employment sustainability
Sec. 301. Short title
Sec. 302. Purposes
Sec. 303. Prohibited discriminatory acts
Sec. 304. Enforcement
Sec. 305. Attorney’s fees
Title IV—Victims of abuse insurance protection
Sec. 401. Short title
Sec. 402. Definitions
Sec. 403. Discriminatory acts prohibited
Sec. 404. Insurance protocols for subjects of abuse
Sec. 405. Reasons for adverse actions
Sec. 406. Life insurance
Sec. 407. Subrogation without consent prohibited
Sec. 408. Enforcement
Sec. 409. Effective date
Title V—National clearinghouse on domestic and sexual violence in the workplace grant
Sec. 501. National clearinghouse on domestic and sexual violence in the workplace grant
Title VI—Severability
Sec. 601. Severability
2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
(1)Violence against women has been reported to be the leading cause of physical injury to women. Such violence has a devastating impact on women’s physical and emotional health, financial security, and ability to maintain their jobs, and thus impacts interstate commerce.
(2)Studies indicate that one of the best predictors of whether a victim will be able to stay away from her abuser is her degree of economic independence. However, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking often negatively impacts victims’ ability to maintain employment.
(3)The Bureau of National Affairs has estimated that domestic violence costs United States employers between $3,000,000,000 and $5,000,000,000 annually in lost time and productivity, while other reports have estimated the cost at between $5,800,000,000 and $13,000,000,000 annually.
(4)United States medical costs for domestic violence have been estimated to be $31,000,000,000 per year.
(5)Abusers frequently seek to exert financial control over their partners by actively interfering with their ability to work, including preventing their partners from going to work, harassing their partners at work, limiting the access of their partners to cash or transportation, and sabotaging the child care arrangements of their partners.
(6)Domestic violence also affects perpetrators’ ability to work. A recent study found that 48 percent of abusers reported having difficulty concentrating at work and 42 percent reported being late to work. Seventy-eight percent reported using their own company’s resources in connection with the abusive relationship.
(7)Studies indicate that between 35 and 56 percent of employed battered women surveyed were harassed at work by their abusive partners.
(8)Victims of domestic violence also frequently miss work due to injuries, court dates, and safety concerns requiring legal protections. Victims of domestic violence lose 8,000,000 days of paid work each year—the equivalent of over 32,000 full-time jobs and 5,600,000 days of household productivity.
(9)According to a 1998 report of the General Accounting Office, between 1/4 and 1/2 of domestic violence victims surveyed in 3 studies reported that they lost a job due, at least in part, to domestic violence.
(10)Women who have experienced domestic violence or dating violence are more likely than other women to be unemployed, to suffer from health problems that can affect employability and job performance, to report lower personal income, and to rely on welfare.
(11)The prevalence of sexual assault and other violence against women at work is also dramatic. About 36,500 individuals, 80 percent of whom are women, were raped or sexually assaulted in the workplace each year from 1993 through 1999. Half of all female victims of violent workplace crimes know their attackers. Nearly 1 out of 10 violent workplace incidents are committed by partners or spouses. Women who work for State and local governments suffer a higher incidence of workplace assaults, including rapes, than women who work in the private sector.
(12)Sexual assault, whether occurring in or out of the workplace, can impair an employee’s work performance, require time away from work, and undermine the employee’s ability to maintain a job. Almost 50 percent of sexual assault survivors lose their jobs or are forced to quit in the aftermath of the assaults.
(13)More than 35 percent of stalking victims report losing time from work due to the stalking and 7 percent never return to work.
(14)Ninety-four percent of corporate security and safety directors at companies nationwide rank domestic violence as a high security concern.
(15)Already, 27 States and the District of Columbia have laws that explicitly provide unemployment insurance to domestic violence victims in certain circumstances. However, these laws vary in the extent to which they effectively address the special circumstances of victims of domestic violence and very few of the laws explicitly cover victims of sexual assault or stalking. Moreover—
(A)victims who do not receive unemployment insurance benefits often lack the economic independence they need to escape violent relationships;
(B)victims who lose their jobs because of domestic or sexual violence have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, and thus are the intended beneficiaries of unemployment compensation benefits;
(C)under many State unemployment compensation laws, victims of domestic or sexual violence who separate from their jobs because of the violence may not be eligible to receive benefits because of the circumstances of their separation;
(D)victims who must leave a job to relocate to a safe location or to take other steps to secure their safety may be barred from unemployment benefits on the grounds that they left a job voluntarily and without good cause; and
(E)victims who have qualified for benefits may not be able to satisfy requirements concerning availability for work or the suitability of potential work because of their ongoing safety needs.
(16)Five States provide victims of domestic or sexual violence with leave from work to go to court, to the doctor, or to take other steps to address the violence in their lives, and several other States provide time off to victims of crimes, which can include victims of domestic and sexual violence, to attend court proceedings. However, many States have no employment-protected leave provisions that allow victims of domestic or sexual violence to take the time off they need to address the violence.
(17)Domestic and sexual violence victims have been subjected to discrimination by private and State employers, including discrimination motivated by sex and stereotypic notions about women.
(18)Domestic violence victims and third parties who help them have been subjected to discriminatory practices by health, life, disability, and property and casualty insurers, and employers who self-insure employee benefits who have denied or canceled coverage, rejected claims, and raised rates based on domestic violence. Although some State legislatures have tried to address these problems, the scope of protection afforded by the laws adopted varies from State to State, with many failing to address the problem comprehensively. Moreover, Federal law prevents States from protecting the almost 40 percent of employees whose employers self-insure employee benefits.
(19)Existing Federal law does not explicitly—
(A)authorize victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to take leave from work to seek legal assistance and redress, counseling, or assistance with safety planning activities;
(B)address the eligibility of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking for unemployment compensation;
(C)prohibit employment discrimination against actual or perceived victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; or
(D)prohibit insurers and employers who self-insure employee benefits from discriminating against domestic violence victims and those who help them in determining eligibility, rates charged, and standards for payment of claims; nor does it prohibit insurers from disclosure of information about abuse and the victim’s location through insurance databases and other means.
3.DefinitionsIn this Act, except as otherwise expressly provided:
(1)CommerceThe terms commerce and industry or activity affecting commerce have the meanings given the terms in section 101 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2611).
(2)Course of conductThe term course of conduct means a course of repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person or conveying verbal or written threats, including threats conveyed through electronic communications, or threats implied by conduct.
(3)Dating violenceThe term dating violence has the meaning given the term in section 826 of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (20 U.S.C. 1152).
(4)Domestic or sexual violenceThe term domestic or sexual violence means domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
(5)Domestic violenceThe term domestic violence has the meaning given the term in section 826 of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (20 U.S.C. 1152).
(6)Domestic violence coalitionThe term domestic violence coalition means a nonprofit, nongovernmental membership organization that—
(A)consists of the entities carrying out a majority of the domestic violence programs carried out within a State;
(B)collaborates and coordinates activities with Federal, State, and local entities to further the purposes of domestic violence intervention and prevention; and
(C)among other activities, provides training and technical assistance to entities carrying out domestic violence programs within a State, territory, political subdivision, or area under Federal authority.
(7)Electronic communicationsThe term electronic communications includes communications via telephone, mobile phone, computer, email, video recorder, fax machine, telex, or pager.
(8)Employ; StateThe terms employ and State have the meanings given the terms in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203).
(9)Employee
(A)In generalThe term employee means any person employed by an employer. In the case of an individual employed by a public agency, such term means an individual employed as described in section 3(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(e)).
(B)BasisThe term includes a person employed as described in subparagraph (A) on a full- or part-time basis, for a fixed time period, on a temporary basis, pursuant to a detail, as an independent contractor, or as a participant in a work assignment as a condition of receipt of Federal or State income-based public assistance.
(10)EmployerThe term employer—
(A)means any person engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce who employs 15 or more individuals; and
(B)includes any person acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee, and includes a public agency, but does not include any labor organization (other than when acting as an employer) or anyone acting in the capacity of officer or agent of such labor organization.
(11)Employment benefitsThe term employment benefits means all benefits provided or made available to employees by an employer, including group life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, sick leave, annual leave, educational benefits, and pensions, regardless of whether such benefits are provided by a practice or written policy of an employer or through an employee benefit plan, as defined in section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002(3)).
(12)Family or household memberThe term family or household member means a non-abusive spouse, former spouse, parent, son or daughter, or person residing or formerly residing in the same dwelling unit.
(13)Parent; son or daughterThe terms parent and son or daughter have the meanings given the terms in section 101 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2611).
(14)PersonThe term person has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203).
(15)Public agencyThe term public agency has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203).
(16)Public assistanceThe term public assistance includes cash, food stamps, medical assistance, housing assistance, and other benefits provided on the basis of income by a public agency.
(17)Reduced leave scheduleThe term reduced leave schedule means a leave schedule that reduces the usual number of hours per workweek, or hours per workday, of an employee.
(18)RepeatedlyThe term repeatedly means on 2 or more occasions.
(19)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Labor.
(20)Sexual assaultThe term sexual assault has the meaning given the term in section 826 of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (20 U.S.C. 1152).
(21)Sexual assault coalitionThe term sexual assault coalition means a nonprofit, nongovernmental membership organization that—
(A)consists of the entities carrying out a majority of the sexual assault programs carried out within a State;
(B)collaborates and coordinates activities with Federal, State, and local entities to further the purposes of sexual assault intervention and prevention; and
(C)among other activities, provides training and technical assistance to entities carrying out sexual assault programs within a State, territory, political subdivision, or area under Federal authority.
(22)StalkingThe term stalking means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress or to fear bodily injury, sexual assault, or death to the person, or the person’s spouse, parent, or son or daughter, or any other person who regularly resides in the person’s household, if the conduct causes the specific person to have such distress or fear.
(23)Victim services organizationThe term victim services organization means a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that provides assistance to victims of domestic or sexual violence or to advocates for such victims, including a rape crisis center, an organization carrying out a domestic violence program, an organization operating a shelter or providing counseling services, or an organization providing assistance through the legal process.
IEntitlement to emergency leave for addressing domestic or sexual violence
101.PurposesThe purposes of this title are, pursuant to the affirmative power of Congress to enact legislation under the portions of section 8 of article I of the Constitution relating to providing for the general welfare and to regulation of commerce among the several States, and under section 5 of the 14th amendment to the Constitution—
(1)to promote the national interest in reducing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by enabling victims of domestic or sexual violence to maintain the financial independence necessary to leave abusive situations, achieve safety, and minimize the physical and emotional injuries from domestic or sexual violence, and to reduce the devastating economic consequences of domestic or sexual violence to employers and employees;
(2)to promote the national interest in ensuring that victims of domestic or sexual violence can recover from and cope with the effects of such violence, and participate in criminal and civil justice processes, without fear of adverse economic consequences from their employers;
(3)to ensure that victims of domestic or sexual violence can recover from and cope with the effects of such violence, and participate in criminal and civil justice processes, without fear of adverse economic consequences with respect to public benefits;
(4)to promote the purposes of the 14th amendment by preventing sex-based discrimination and discrimination against victims of domestic and sexual violence in employment leave, addressing the failure of existing laws to protect the employment rights of victims of domestic or sexual violence, by protecting their civil and economic rights, and by furthering the equal opportunity of women for economic self-sufficiency and employment free from discrimination;
(5)to minimize the negative impact on interstate commerce from dislocations of employees and harmful effects on productivity, employment, health care costs, and employer costs, caused by domestic or sexual violence, including intentional efforts to frustrate women’s ability to participate in employment and interstate commerce;
(6)to further the goals of human rights and dignity reflected in instruments such as the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and
(7)to accomplish the purposes described in paragraphs (1) through (6) by—
(A)entitling employed victims of domestic or sexual violence to take leave to seek medical help, legal assistance, counseling, safety planning, and other assistance without penalty from their employers; and
(B)prohibiting employers from discriminating against actual or perceived victims of domestic or sexual violence, in a manner that accommodates the legitimate interests of employers and protects the safety of all persons in the workplace.
102.Entitlement to emergency leave for addressing domestic or sexual violence
(a)Leave requirement
(1)BasisAn employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence may take leave from work to address domestic or sexual violence, by—
(A)seeking medical attention for, or recovering from, physical or psychological injuries caused by domestic or sexual violence to the employee or the employee’s family or household member;
(B)obtaining services from a victim services organization for the employee or the employee’s family or household member;
(C)obtaining psychological or other counseling for the employee or the employee’s family or household member;
(D)participating in safety planning, temporarily or permanently relocating, or taking other actions to increase the safety of the employee or the employee’s family or household member from future domestic or sexual violence or ensure economic security; or
(E)seeking legal assistance or remedies to ensure the health and safety of the employee or the employee’s family or household member, including preparing for or participating in any civil or criminal legal proceeding related to or derived from domestic or sexual violence.
(2)PeriodAn employee may take not more than 30 days of leave, as described in paragraph (1), in any 12-month period.
(3)ScheduleLeave described in paragraph (1) may be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule.
(b)NoticeThe employee shall provide the employer with reasonable notice of the employee’s intention to take the leave, unless providing such notice is not practicable.
(c)Certification
(1)In generalThe employer may require the employee to provide certification to the employer that—
(A)the employee or the employee’s family or household member is a victim of domestic or sexual violence; and
(B)the leave is for 1 of the purposes enumerated in subsection (a)(1).The employee shall provide a copy of such certification to the employer within a reasonable period after the employer requests certification.
(2)ContentsAn employee may satisfy the certification requirement of paragraph (1) by providing to the employer—
(A)a sworn statement of the employee;
(B)documentation from an employee, agent, or volunteer of a victim services organization, an attorney, a member of the clergy, or a medical or other professional, from whom the employee or the employee’s family or household member has sought assistance in addressing domestic or sexual violence and the effects of the violence;
(C)a police or court record; or
(D)other corroborating evidence.
(d)ConfidentialityAll information provided to the employer pursuant to subsection (b) or (c), including a statement of the employee or any other documentation, record, or corroborating evidence, and the fact that the employee has requested or obtained leave pursuant to this section, shall be retained in the strictest confidence by the employer, except to the extent that disclosure is—
(1)requested or consented to by the employee in writing; or
(2)otherwise required by applicable Federal or State law.
(e)Employment and benefits
(1)Restoration to position
(A)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), any employee who takes leave under this section for the intended purpose of the leave shall be entitled, on return from such leave—
(i)to be restored by the employer to the position of employment held by the employee when the leave commenced; or
(ii)to be restored to an equivalent position with equivalent employment benefits, pay, and other terms and conditions of employment.
(B)Loss of benefitsThe taking of leave under this section shall not result in the loss of any employment benefit accrued prior to the date on which the leave commenced.
(C)LimitationsNothing in this subsection shall be construed to entitle any restored employee to—
(i)the accrual of any seniority or employment benefits during any period of leave; or
(ii)any right, benefit, or position of employment other than any right, benefit, or position to which the employee would have been entitled had the employee not taken the leave.
(D)ConstructionNothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit an employer from requiring an employee on leave under this section to report periodically to the employer on the status and intention of the employee to return to work.
(2)Exemption concerning certain highly compensated employees
(A)Denial of restorationAn employer may deny restoration under paragraph (1) to any employee described in subparagraph (B) if—
(i)such denial is necessary to prevent substantial and grievous economic injury to the operations of the employer;
(ii)the employer notifies the employee of the intent of the employer to deny restoration on such basis at the time the employer determines that such injury would occur; and
(iii)in any case in which the leave has commenced, the employee elects not to return to employment after receiving such notice.
(B)Affected employeesAn employee referred to in subparagraph (A) is a salaried employee who is among the highest paid 10 percent of the employees employed by the employer within 75 miles of the facility at which the employee is employed.
(3)Maintenance of health benefits
(A)CoverageExcept as provided in subparagraph (B), during any period that an employee takes leave under this section, the employer shall maintain coverage under any group health plan (as defined in section 5000(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) for the duration of such leave at the level and under the conditions coverage would have been provided if the employee had continued in employment continuously for the duration of such leave.
(B)Failure to return from leaveThe employer may recover the premium that the employer paid for maintaining coverage for the employee under such group health plan during any period of leave under this section if—
(i)the employee fails to return from leave under this section after the period of leave to which the employee is entitled has expired; and
(ii)the employee fails to return to work for a reason other than—
(I)the continuation, recurrence, or onset of domestic or sexual violence, that entitles the employee to leave pursuant to this section; or
(II)other circumstances beyond the control of the employee.
(C)Certification
(i)IssuanceAn employer may require an employee who claims that the employee is unable to return to work because of a reason described in subclause (I) or (II) of subparagraph (B)(ii) to provide, within a reasonable period after making the claim, certification to the employer that the employee is unable to return to work because of that reason.
(ii)ContentsAn employee may satisfy the certification requirement of clause (i) by providing to the employer—
(I)a sworn statement of the employee;
(II)documentation from an employee, agent, or volunteer of a victim services organization, an attorney, a member of the clergy, or a medical or other professional, from whom the employee has sought assistance in addressing domestic or sexual violence and the effects of that violence;
(III)a police or court record; or
(IV)other corroborating evidence.
(D)ConfidentialityAll information provided to the employer pursuant to subparagraph (C), including a statement of the employee or any other documentation, record, or corroborating evidence, and the fact that the employee is not returning to work because of a reason described in subclause (I) or (II) of subparagraph (B)(ii) shall be retained in the strictest confidence by the employer, except to the extent that disclosure is—
(i)requested or consented to by the employee; or
(ii)otherwise required by applicable Federal or State law.
(f)Prohibited acts
(1)Interference with rights
(A)Exercise of rightsIt shall be unlawful for any employer to interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of or the attempt to exercise, any right provided under this section.
(B)Employer discriminationIt shall be unlawful for any employer to discharge or harass any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment of the individual (including retaliation in any form or manner) because the individual—
(i)exercised any right provided under this section; or
(ii)opposed any practice made unlawful by this section.
(C)Public agency sanctionsIt shall be unlawful for any public agency to deny, reduce, or terminate the benefits of, otherwise sanction, or harass any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the amount, terms, or conditions of public assistance of the individual (including retaliation in any form or manner) because the individual—
(i)exercised any right provided under this section; or
(ii)opposed any practice made unlawful by this section.
(2)Interference with proceedings or inquiriesIt shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or in any other manner discriminate (as described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1)) against any individual because such individual—
(A)has filed any charge, or has instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding, under or related to this section;
(B)has given, or is about to give, any information in connection with any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under this section; or
(C)has testified, or is about to testify, in any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under this section.
(g)Enforcement
(1)Civil action by affected individuals
(A)LiabilityAny employer or public agency that violates subsection (f) shall be liable to any individual affected—
(i)for damages equal to—
(I)the amount of—
(aa)any wages, salary, employment benefits, public assistance, or other compensation denied or lost to such individual by reason of the violation; or
(bb)in a case in which wages, salary, employment benefits, public assistance, or other compensation has not been denied or lost to the individual, any actual monetary losses sustained by the individual as a direct result of the violation;
(II)the interest on the amount described in subclause (I) calculated at the prevailing rate; and
(III)an additional amount as liquidated damages equal to the sum of the amount described in subclause (I) and the interest described in subclause (II), except that if an employer or public agency that has violated subsection (f) proves to the satisfaction of the court that the act or omission that violated subsection (f) was in good faith and that the employer or public agency had reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was not a violation of subsection (f), such court may, in the discretion of the court, reduce the amount of the liability to the amount and interest determined under subclauses (I) and (II), respectively; and
(ii)for such equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion.
(B)Right of actionAn action to recover the damages or equitable relief prescribed in subparagraph (A) may be maintained against any employer or public agency in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction by any 1 or more affected individuals for and on behalf of—
(i)the individuals; or
(ii)the individuals and other individuals similarly situated.
(C)Fees and costsThe court in such an action shall, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff, allow a reasonable attorney’s fee, reasonable expert witness fees, and other costs of the action to be paid by the defendant.
(D)LimitationsThe right provided by subparagraph (B) to bring an action by or on behalf of any affected individual shall terminate—
(i)on the filing of a complaint by the Secretary in an action under paragraph (4) in which restraint is sought of any further delay in the payment of the amount described in subparagraph (A)(i) to such individual by an employer or public agency responsible under subparagraph (A) for the payment; or
(ii)on the filing of a complaint by the Secretary in an action under paragraph (2) in which a recovery is sought of the damages described in subparagraph (A)(i) owing to an affected individual by an employer or public agency liable under subparagraph (A), unless the action described in clause (i) or (ii) is dismissed without prejudice on motion of the Secretary.
(2)Action by the Secretary
(A)Administrative actionThe Secretary shall receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints of violations of subsection (f) in the same manner as the Secretary receives, investigates, and attempts to resolve complaints of violations of sections 6 and 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206 and 207).
(B)Civil actionThe Secretary may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the damages described in paragraph (1)(A)(i).
(C)Sums recoveredAny sums recovered by the Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be held in a special deposit account and shall be paid, on order of the Secretary, directly to each individual affected. Any such sums not paid to such an individual because of inability to do so within a period of 3 years shall be deposited into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts.
(3)Limitation
(A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (B), an action may be brought under this subsection not later than 2 years after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which the action is brought.
(B)Willful violationIn the case of such action brought for a willful violation of subsection (f), such action may be brought within 3 years after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which such action is brought.
(C)CommencementIn determining when an action is commenced by the Secretary under this subsection for the purposes of this paragraph, it shall be considered to be commenced on the date when the complaint is filed.
(4)Action for injunction by SecretaryThe district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, in an action brought by the Secretary—
(A)to restrain violations of subsection (f), including the restraint of any withholding of payment of wages, salary, employment benefits, public assistance, or other compensation, plus interest, found by the court to be due to affected individuals; or
(B)to award such other equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion.
(5)Solicitor of LaborThe Solicitor of Labor may appear for and represent the Secretary on any litigation brought under this subsection.
(6)Employer liability under other lawsNothing in this section shall be construed to limit the liability of an employer or public agency to an individual, for harm suffered relating to the individual’s experience of domestic or sexual violence, pursuant to any other Federal or State law, including a law providing for a legal remedy.
103.Existing leave usable for addressing domestic or sexual violenceAn employee who is entitled to take paid or unpaid leave (including family, medical, sick, annual, personal, or similar leave) from employment, pursuant to State or local law, a collective bargaining agreement, or an employment benefits program or plan, may elect to substitute any period of such leave for an equivalent period of leave provided under section 102.
104.Emergency benefits
(a)In generalA State may use funds provided to the State under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) to provide nonrecurrent short-term emergency benefits to an individual for any period of leave the individual takes pursuant to section 102.
(b)EligibilityIn calculating the eligibility of an individual for such emergency benefits, the State shall count only the cash available or accessible to the individual.
(c)Timing
(1)ApplicationsAn individual seeking emergency benefits under subsection (a) from a State shall submit an application to the State.
(2)BenefitsThe State shall provide benefits to an eligible applicant under paragraph (1) on an expedited basis, and not later than 7 days after the applicant submits an application under paragraph (1).
(d)Conforming amendmentSection 404 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 604) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(l)Authority to provide emergency benefitsA State that receives a grant under section 403 may use the grant to provide nonrecurrent short-term emergency benefits, in accordance with section 104 of the Security and Financial Empowerment Act, to individuals who take leave pursuant to section 102 of that Act, without regard to whether the individuals receive assistance under the State program funded under this part..
105.Effect on other laws and employment benefits
(a)More protective laws, agreements, programs, and plansNothing in this title shall be construed to supersede any provision of any Federal, State, or local law, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefits program or plan that provides—
(1)greater leave benefits for victims of domestic or sexual violence than the rights established under this title; or
(2)leave benefits for a larger population of victims of domestic or sexual violence (as defined in such law, agreement, program, or plan) than the victims of domestic or sexual violence covered under this title.
(b)Less protective laws, agreements, programs, and plansThe rights established for victims of domestic or sexual violence under this title shall not be diminished by any State or local law, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefits program or plan.
106.Conforming amendmentSection 1003(a)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 2000d–7(a)(1)) is amended by inserting title I or III of the Security and Financial Empowerment Act, before or the provisions.
107.Effective dateThis title and the amendment made by this title take effect 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
IIEntitlement to unemployment compensation for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
201.PurposesThe purposes of this title are, pursuant to the affirmative power of Congress to enact legislation under the portions of section 8 of article I of the Constitution relating to laying and collecting taxes, providing for the general welfare, and regulation of commerce among the several States, and under section 5 of the 14th amendment to the Constitution—
(1)to promote the national interest in reducing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by enabling victims of domestic or sexual violence to maintain the financial independence necessary to leave abusive situations, achieve safety, and minimize the physical and emotional injuries from domestic or sexual violence, and to reduce the devastating economic consequences of domestic or sexual violence to employers and employees;
(2)to promote the national interest in ensuring that victims of domestic or sexual violence can recover from and cope with the effects of such victimization and participate in the criminal and civil justice processes without fear of adverse economic consequences;
(3)to minimize the negative impact on interstate commerce from dislocations of employees and harmful effects on productivity, loss of employment, health care costs, and employer costs, caused by domestic or sexual violence including intentional efforts to frustrate the ability of women to participate in employment and interstate commerce;
(4)to promote the purposes of the 14th amendment to the Constitution by preventing sex-based discrimination and discrimination against victims of domestic and sexual violence in unemployment insurance, by addressing the failure of existing laws to protect the employment rights of victims of domestic or sexual violence, by protecting their civil and economic rights, and by furthering the equal opportunity of women for economic self-sufficiency and employment free from discrimination; and
(5)to accomplish the purposes described in paragraphs (1) through (4) by providing unemployment insurance to those who are separated from their employment as a result of domestic or sexual violence, in a manner that accommodates the legitimate interests of employers and protects the safety of all persons in the workplace.
202.Unemployment compensation and training provisions
(a)Unemployment compensationSection 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to approval of State unemployment compensation laws) is amended—
(1)in subsection (a)—
(A)in paragraph (18), by striking and at the end;
(B)by redesignating paragraph (19) as paragraph (20); and
(C)by inserting after paragraph (18) the following new paragraph:

(19)compensation shall not be denied where an individual is separated from employment due to circumstances resulting from the individual’s experience of domestic or sexual violence, nor shall States impose additional conditions that restrict the individual’s eligibility for or receipt of benefits beyond those required of other individuals who are forced to leave their jobs or are deemed to have good cause for voluntarily separating from a job in the State; and; and
(2)by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(g)ConstructionFor purposes of subsection (a)(19)—
(1)DocumentationIn determining eligibility for compensation due to circumstances resulting from an individual’s experience of domestic or sexual violence—
(A)States shall adopt, or have adopted, by statute, regulation, or policy a list of forms of documentation that may be presented to demonstrate eligibility, and
(B)presentation of any one of such forms of documentation shall be sufficient to demonstrate eligibility, except that a State may require the presentation of a form of identification in addition to the written statement of claimant described in paragraph (2)(G).
(2)List of forms of documentationThe list referred to in paragraph (1)(A) shall include not less than 3 of the following forms of documentation:
(A)An order of protection or other documentation issued by a court.
(B)A police report or criminal charges documenting the domestic or sexual violence.
(C)Documentation that the perpetrator has been convicted of the offense of domestic or sexual violence.
(D)Medical documentation of the domestic or sexual violence.
(E)Evidence of domestic or sexual violence from a counselor, social worker, health worker, or domestic violence shelter worker.
(F)A written statement that the applicant or the applicant's minor child is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, provided by a social worker, member of the clergy, shelter worker, attorney at law, or other professional who has assisted the applicant in dealing with the domestic or sexual violence.
(G)A written statement of the claimant.
(3)Domestic or sexual violence definedThe term domestic or sexual violence has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Security and Financial Empowerment Act. .
(b)Unemployment compensation personnel trainingSection 303(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(a)) is amended—
(1)by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (10) as paragraphs (5) through (11), respectively; and
(2)by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:

(4)Such methods of administration as will ensure that—
(A)applicants for unemployment compensation and individuals inquiring about such compensation are adequately notified of the provisions of subsections (a)(19) and (g) of section 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to the availability of unemployment compensation for victims of domestic or sexual violence); and
(B)claims reviewers and hearing personnel are adequately trained in—
(i)the nature and dynamics of domestic or sexual violence (as defined in section 3 of the Security and Financial Empowerment Act); and
(ii)methods of ascertaining and keeping confidential information about possible experiences of domestic or sexual violence (as so defined) to ensure that—
(I)requests for unemployment compensation based on separations stemming from such violence are reliably screened, identified, and adjudicated; and
(II)full confidentiality is provided for the individual’s claim and submitted evidence; and.
(c)Effective date
(1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall apply in the case of compensation paid for weeks beginning on or after the expiration of 180 days from the date of enactment of this Act.
(2)Extension of effective date for State law amendment
(A)In generalIf the Secretary of Labor identifies a State as requiring a change to its statutes, regulations, or policies in order to comply with the amendments made by this section, such amendments shall apply in the case of compensation paid for weeks beginning after the earlier of—
(i)the date the State changes its statutes, regulations, or policies in order to comply with such amendments; or
(ii)the end of the first session of the State legislature which begins after the date of enactment of this Act or which began prior to such date and remained in session for at least 25 calendar days after such date;except that in no case shall such amendments apply before the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(B)Session definedIn this paragraph, the term session means a regular, special, budget, or other session of a State legislature.
(d)Effect on existing laws, etc
(1)More protective laws, agreements, programs, and plansNothing in this title shall be construed to supersede any provision of any Federal, State, or local law, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefits program or plan that provides greater unemployment insurance benefits for victims of domestic or sexual violence than the rights established under this title.
(2)Less protective laws, agreements, programs, and plansThe rights established for victims of domestic or sexual violence under this title shall not be diminished by any more restrictive State or local law, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefits program or plan.
IIIVictims’ employment sustainability
301.Short titleThis title may be cited as the Victims’ Employment Sustainability Act.
302.PurposesThe purposes of this title are, pursuant to the affirmative power of Congress to enact legislation under the portions of section 8 of article I of the Constitution relating to providing for the general welfare and to regulation of commerce among the several States, and under section 5 of the 14th amendment to the Constitution—
(1)to promote the national interest in reducing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by enabling victims of domestic or sexual violence to maintain the financial independence necessary to leave abusive situations, achieve safety, and minimize the physical and emotional injuries from domestic or sexual violence, and to reduce the devastating economic consequences of domestic or sexual violence to employers and employees;
(2)to promote the national interest in ensuring that victims of domestic or sexual violence can recover from and cope with the effects of such violence, and participate in criminal and civil justice processes, without fear of adverse economic consequences from their employers;
(3)to ensure that victims of domestic or sexual violence can recover from and cope with the effects of such violence, and participate in criminal and civil justice processes, without fear of adverse economic consequences with respect to public benefits;
(4)to promote the purposes of the 14th amendment to the Constitution by preventing sex-based discrimination and discrimination against victims of domestic and sexual violence in employment, by addressing the failure of existing laws to protect the employment rights of victims of domestic or sexual violence, by protecting the civil and economic rights of victims of domestic or sexual violence, and by furthering the equal opportunity of women for economic self-sufficiency and employment free from discrimination;
(5)to minimize the negative impact on interstate commerce from dislocations of employees and harmful effects on productivity, employment, health care costs, and employer costs, caused by domestic or sexual violence, including intentional efforts to frustrate women’s ability to participate in employment and interstate commerce; and
(6)to accomplish the purposes described in paragraphs (1) through (5) by prohibiting employers from discriminating against actual or perceived victims of domestic or sexual violence, in a manner that accommodates the legitimate interests of employers and protects the safety of all persons in the workplace.
303.Prohibited discriminatory acts
(a)In generalAn employer shall not fail to hire, refuse to hire, discharge, or harass any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment of the individual (including retaliation in any form or manner), and a public agency shall not deny, reduce, or terminate the benefits of, otherwise sanction, or harass any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the amount, terms, or conditions of public assistance of the individual (including retaliation in any form or manner), because—
(1)the individual involved—
(A)is or is perceived to be a victim of domestic or sexual violence;
(B)attended, participated in, prepared for, or requested leave to attend, participate in, or prepare for, a criminal or civil court proceeding relating to an incident of domestic or sexual violence of which the individual, or the family or household member of the individual, was a victim; or
(C)requested an adjustment to a job structure, workplace facility, or work requirement, including a transfer, reassignment, or modified schedule, leave, a changed telephone number or seating assignment, installation of a lock, or implementation of a safety procedure, in response to actual or threatened domestic or sexual violence, regardless of whether the request was granted; or
(2)the workplace is disrupted or threatened by the action of a person whom the individual states has committed or threatened to commit domestic or sexual violence against the individual, or the individual’s family or household member.
(b)DefinitionsIn this section:
(1)DiscriminateThe term discriminate, used with respect to the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment or with respect to the terms or conditions of public assistance, includes not making a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified individual—
(A)who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence;
(B)who is—
(i)an applicant or employee of the employer (including a public agency); or
(ii)an applicant for or recipient of public assistance from the public agency; and
(C)whose limitations resulted from circumstances relating to being a victim of domestic or sexual violence;unless the employer or public agency can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer or public agency.
(2)Qualified individualThe term qualified individual means—
(A)in the case of an applicant or employee described in paragraph (1)(B)(i), an individual who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that such individual holds or desires; or
(B)in the case of an applicant or recipient described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), an individual who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can satisfy the essential requirements of the program providing the public assistance that the individual receives or desires.
(3)Reasonable accommodationThe term reasonable accommodation may include an adjustment to a job structure, workplace facility, or work requirement, including a transfer, reassignment, or modified schedule, leave, a changed telephone number or seating assignment, installation of a lock, or implementation of a safety procedure, in response to actual or threatened domestic or sexual violence.
(4)Undue hardship
(A)In generalThe term undue hardship means an action requiring significant difficulty or expense, when considered in light of the factors set forth in subparagraph (B).
(B)Factors to be consideredIn determining whether a reasonable accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of an employer or public agency, factors to be considered include—
(i)the nature and cost of the reasonable accommodation needed under this section;
(ii)the overall financial resources of the facility involved in the provision of the reasonable accommodation, the number of persons employed at such facility, the effect on expenses and resources, or the impact otherwise of such accommodation on the operation of the facility;
(iii)the overall financial resources of the employer or public agency, the overall size of the business of an employer or public agency with respect to the number of employees of the employer or public agency, and the number, type, and location of the facilities of an employer or public agency; and
(iv)the type of operation of the employer or public agency, including the composition, structure, and functions of the workforce of the employer or public agency, the geographic separateness of the facility from the employer or public agency, and the administrative or fiscal relationship of the facility to the employer or public agency.
304.Enforcement
(a)Civil action by individuals
(1)LiabilityAny employer or public agency that violates section 303 shall be liable to any individual affected for—
(A)damages equal to the amount of wages, salary, employment benefits, public assistance, or other compensation denied or lost to such individual by reason of the violation, and the interest on that amount calculated at the prevailing rate;
(B)compensatory damages, including damages for future pecuniary losses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment or life, and other nonpecuniary losses;
(C)such punitive damages, up to 3 times the amount of actual damages sustained, as the court described in paragraph (2) shall determine to be appropriate; and
(D)such equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion.
(2)Right of actionAn action to recover the damages or equitable relief prescribed in paragraph (1) may be maintained against any employer or public agency in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction by any 1 or more individuals described in section 303.
(b)Action by department of justiceThe Attorney General may bring a civil action in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction to recover the damages or equitable relief described in subsection (a)(1).
305.Attorney’s feesSection 722(b) of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1988(b)) is amended by inserting the Victims’ Employment Sustainability Act, after title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,.
IVVictims of abuse insurance protection
401.Short titleThis title may be cited as the Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act.
402.DefinitionsIn this title:
(1)AbuseThe term abuse means the occurrence of 1 or more of the following acts by a current or former household or family member, intimate partner, or caretaker:
(A)Attempting to cause or causing another person bodily injury, physical harm, substantial emotional distress, psychological trauma, rape, sexual assault, or involuntary sexual intercourse.
(B)Engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including following the person without proper authority and under circumstances that place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or physical harm.
(C)Subjecting another person to false imprisonment or kidnapping.
(D)Attempting to cause or causing damage to property so as to intimidate or attempt to control the behavior of another person.
(2)Health carrierThe term health carrier means a person that contracts or offers to contract on a risk-assuming basis to provide, deliver, arrange for, pay for, or reimburse any of the cost of health care services, including a sickness and accident insurance company, a health maintenance organization, a nonprofit hospital and health service corporation or any other entity providing a plan of health insurance, health benefits, or health services.
(3)InsuredThe term insured means a party named on a policy, certificate, or health benefit plan, including an individual, corporation, partnership, association, unincorporated organization, or any similar entity, as the person with legal rights to the benefits provided by the policy, certificate, or health benefit plan. For group insurance, such term includes a person who is a beneficiary covered by a group policy, certificate, or health benefit plan. For life insurance, the term refers to the person whose life is covered under an insurance policy.
(4)InsurerThe term insurer means any person, reciprocal exchange, inter insurer, Lloyds insurer, fraternal benefit society, or other legal entity engaged in the business of insurance, including agents, brokers, adjusters, and third-party administrators; and employers who provide or make available employment benefits through an employee benefit plan, as defined in section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 102(3)). The term also includes health carriers, health benefit plans, and life, disability, and property and casualty insurers.
(5)PolicyThe term policy means a contract of insurance, certificate, indemnity, suretyship, or annuity issued, proposed for issuance or intended for issuance by an insurer, including endorsements or riders to an insurance policy or contract.
(6)Subject of abuseThe term subject of abuse means—
(A)a person against whom an act of abuse has been directed;
(B)a person who has prior or current injuries, illnesses, or disorders that resulted from abuse; or
(C)a person who seeks, may have sought, or had reason to seek medical or psychological treatment for abuse, protection, court-ordered protection, or shelter from abuse.
403.Discriminatory acts prohibited
(a)In generalNo insurer may, directly or indirectly, engage in any of the following acts or practices on the basis that an applicant for insurance or insured is, has been, or may be the subject of abuse:
(1)Denying, refusing to issue, renew or reissue, or canceling or otherwise terminating an insurance policy or health benefit plan.
(2)Restricting, excluding, or limiting insurance coverage for losses or denying a claim, except as otherwise permitted or required by State laws relating to life insurance beneficiaries.
(3)Adding a premium differential to any insurance policy or health benefit plan.
(b)Prohibition on limitation of claimsNo insurer may, directly or indirectly, deny or limit payment of a claim arising out of abuse to an innocent insured under a property and casualty policy or insurance contract if the loss is caused by the intentional act of an insured.
(c)Use of information
(1)Limitation
(A)In generalIn order to protect the safety and privacy of subjects of abuse, no person employed by or contracting with an insurer may—
(i)use, disclose, or transfer information relating to abuse status or acts of abuse for any purpose unrelated to the direct provision of health care services unless such use, disclosure, or transfer is required by an order of an entity with authority to regulate insurance or an order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(ii)disclose or transfer information relating to an address or telephone number of an applicant for insurance or an insured or to the address and telephone number of a shelter for subjects of abuse, unless such disclosure or transfer—
(I)is required in order to provide insurance coverage; and
(II)does not have the potential to endanger the safety of a subject of abuse.
(B)Rule of constructionNothing in this paragraph may be construed to limit or preclude a subject of abuse from obtaining the subject’s own insurance records from an insurer.
(2)Authority of subject of abuseA subject of abuse, at the absolute discretion of the subject of abuse, may provide evidence of abuse to an insurer for the limited purpose of facilitating treatment of an abuse-related condition or demonstrating that a condition is abuse-related. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as authorizing an insurer or health carrier to disregard such provided evidence.
404.Insurance protocols for subjects of abuseInsurers shall develop and comply with written policies specifying procedures to be followed by employees, contractors, producers, agents, and brokers for the purpose of protecting the safety and privacy of a subject of abuse and otherwise implementing this title when taking an application, investigating a claim, or taking any other action relating to a policy or claim involving a subject of abuse.
405.Reasons for adverse actionsAn insurer that takes an action that adversely affects a subject of abuse, shall advise the subject of abuse applicant or insured of the specific reasons for the action in writing. For purposes of this section, reference to general underwriting practices or guidelines shall not constitute a specific reason.
406.Life insuranceNothing in this title shall be construed to prohibit a life insurer from declining to issue a life insurance policy if the applicant or prospective owner of the policy is or would be designated as a beneficiary of the policy, and if—
(1)the applicant or prospective owner of the policy lacks an insurable interest in the insured; or
(2)the applicant or prospective owner of the policy is known, on the basis of police or court records, to have committed an act of abuse against the proposed insured.
407.Subrogation without consent prohibitedSubrogation of claims resulting from abuse is prohibited without the informed consent of the subject of abuse.
408.Enforcement
(a)Federal trade commission
(1)In generalThe Federal Trade Commission shall have the power to examine and investigate any insurer to determine whether such insurer has been or is engaged in any act or practice prohibited by this title.
(2)Cease and desist ordersIf the Federal Trade Commission determines an insurer has been or is engaged in any act or practice prohibited by this title, the Commission may take action against such insurer by the issuance of a cease and desist order as if the insurer was in violation of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Such cease and desist order may include any individual relief warranted under the circumstances, including temporary, preliminary, and permanent injunctive and compensatory relief.
(b)Private cause of action
(1)In generalAn applicant or insured who believes that the applicant or insured has been adversely affected by an act or practice of an insurer in violation of this title may maintain an action against the insurer in a Federal or State court of original jurisdiction.
(2)ReliefUpon proof of such conduct by a preponderance of the evidence in an action described in paragraph (1), the court may award appropriate relief, including temporary, preliminary, and permanent injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, as well as the costs of suit and reasonable fees for the aggrieved individual’s attorneys and expert witnesses.
(3)Statutory damagesWith respect to compensatory damages in an action described in paragraph (1), the aggrieved individual may elect, at any time prior to the rendering of final judgment, to recover in lieu of actual damages, an award of statutory damages in the amount of $5,000 for each violation.
409.Effective dateThis title shall apply with respect to any action taken on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
VNational clearinghouse on domestic and sexual violence in the workplace grant
501.National clearinghouse on domestic and sexual violence in the workplace grant
(a)AuthorityThe Attorney General may award a grant in accordance with this section to a private, nonprofit entity or tribal organization that meets the requirements of subsection (b), in order to provide for the establishment and operation of a national clearinghouse and resource center to provide information and assistance to employers, labor organizations, and advocates on behalf of victims of domestic or sexual violence, in their efforts to develop and implement appropriate responses to assist those victims.
(b)GranteesEach applicant for a grant under this section shall submit to the Attorney General an application, which shall—
(1)demonstrate that the applicant—
(A)has a nationally recognized expertise in the area of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and a record of commitment and quality responses to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and
(B)will provide matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to not less than 10 percent of the total amount of the grant awarded under this section; and
(2)include a plan to maximize, to the extent practicable, outreach to employers (including private companies, as well as public entities such as universities, and State and local governments) in developing and implementing appropriate responses to assist employees who are victims of domestic or sexual violence.
(c)Use of grant amountA grant under this section may be used for staff salaries, travel expenses, equipment, printing, and other reasonable expenses necessary to assemble, maintain, and disseminate to employers, labor organizations, and advocates described in subsection (a), information on and appropriate responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including—
(1)training to promote a better understanding of appropriate assistance to employee victims;
(2)conferences and other educational opportunities;
(3)development of protocols and model workplace policies;
(4)employer- and union-sponsored victim services and outreach counseling; and
(5)assessments of the workplace costs of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
(d)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2008.
VISeverability
601.SeverabilityIf any provision of this Act, any amendment made by this Act, or the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of the provisions of this Act, the amendments made by this Act, and the application of such provisions or amendments to any person or circumstance shall not be affected.


116 HRES 751 IH: Reaffirming the partnership between the United States and the African Union and recognizing the importance of diplomatic, security, and trade relations.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-12-09
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.

IV116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 751IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESDecember 9, 2019Ms. Bass (for herself, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, and Mr. Grijalva) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign AffairsRESOLUTIONReaffirming the partnership between the United States and the African Union and recognizing the
			 importance of diplomatic, security, and trade relations.

 Whereas President George W. Bush formally recognized the African Union as an international organization in 2005, and initiated the United States Mission to the African Union in 2006, making the United States the first non-African country to establish a diplomatic mission to the African Union;
 Whereas President Barack Obama was the first sitting President of the United States to visit the African Union headquarters and deliver an address to the assembly in July 2015;
 Whereas the pillars for the partnership between the United States and the African Union Commission are peace and security; economic growth, trade, and investment; democracy and governance; and promoting investment opportunities and development, which are aligned with the African Union’s strategic development framework, referred to as Agenda 2063;
 Whereas the United States supports the African Union through assessed contributions to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the United Nations Office to the African Union, and other United Nations organs and agencies that provide technical support and capacity enhancement to the African Union;
 Whereas the African Union participates in the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which boosts economic cooperation and trade with 40 sub-Saharan African countries and whose benefits have been extended to 2025;
 Whereas during the sixth annual High-Level Dialogue between the United States and the African Union Commission in November 2018, the United States affirmed its support to the African Continental Free Trade Area, acknowledged the progress attained on its establishment, and pledged to enhance discussion on how to complement and support the agreement;
 Whereas the United States has provided technical assistance to support the launch of the Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit, which coordinates the African Union’s participation in election observation and implements the African Union Commission’s program for the promotion of democracy on the continent;
 Whereas the United States has provided logistical and financial assistance to past and current African Union peace support operations in Somalia, the Central African Republic, Mali, Sudan, and in the Lake Chad Basin;
 Whereas the United States provides multiyear technical support to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which emerged from the United States decision to provide $10 million to the African Union to deploy African health workers and deliver medical equipment to address the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa; and
 Whereas with the assistance of the United States, the African Union has positively influenced its member states by advancing rule of law, accountable governance, and respect for human rights: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)recognizes the importance of the partnership between the United States and the African Union and remains committed to advancing this strategic partnership in the future;
 (2)reaffirms the mutually beneficial ties between the United States and the African Union, based on a strong desire for regional security, inclusive development, and stronger trade relations;
 (3)acknowledges that the African Union recognizes the African diaspora as the sixth region of the continent, and celebrates the contributions of 47 million Americans of African descent to the culture and society of the United States; and
 (4)encourages greater collaboration with the African Union to achieve the goals of socioeconomic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years, as articulated in Agenda 2063.


113 HR 1080 IH: To amend the Sikes Act to promote the use of cooperative agreements under such Act for land management related to Department of Defense readiness activities and to amend title 10, United States Code, to facilitate interagency cooperation in conservation programs to avoid or reduce adverse impacts on military readiness activities.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-03-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1080
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 12, 2013
			Ms. Bordallo
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Natural Resources, for a
			 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
			 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
			 committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend the Sikes Act to promote the use of cooperative
		  agreements under such Act for land management related to Department of Defense
		  readiness activities and to amend title 10, United States Code, to facilitate
		  interagency cooperation in conservation programs to avoid or reduce adverse
		  impacts on military readiness activities.

		1.Cooperative agreements under
			 Sikes Act for land management related to Department of Defense readiness
			 activities
			(a)Multiyear
			 agreements To fund long-Term managementSubsection (b) of section 103A of the Sikes
			 Act (16 U.S.C. 670c–1) is amended—
				(1)by inserting (1) before
			 Funds; and
				(2)by adding at the
			 end the following new paragraph:

						(2)In the case of a cooperative agreement
				under subsection (a)(2), funds referred to in paragraph (1)—
							(A)may be paid in a lump sum and include
				an amount intended to cover the future costs of the natural resource
				maintenance and improvement activities provided for under the agreement;
				and
							(B)may be invested by the recipient in
				accordance with the recipient’s own guidelines for the management and
				investment of financial assets, and any interest or income derived from such
				investment may be applied for the same purposes as the
				principal.
							.
				(b)Availability of
			 funds and relation to other lawsSubsection (c) of such section
			 is amended to read as follows:

					(c)Availability of
				funds and relation to other laws(1)Cooperative agreements and interagency
				agreements entered into under this section shall be subject to the availability
				of funds.
						(2)Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title
				31, United States Code, a cooperative agreement under this section may be used
				to acquire property or services for the direct benefit or use of the United
				States
				Government.
						.
			2.Facilitation of
			 interagency cooperation in conservation programs of the Departments of Defense,
			 Agriculture, and Interior to avoid or reduce adverse impacts on military
			 readiness activitiesSection
			 2684a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
			(1)by redesignating
			 subsections (h) and (i) as subsections (i) and (j); and
			(2)by inserting after
			 subsection (g) the following new subsection (h):

					(h)Interagency
				cooperation in conservation programs To avoid or reduce adverse impacts on
				military readiness activitiesIn order to facilitate interagency
				cooperation and enhance the effectiveness of actions that will protect both the
				environment and military readiness, the recipient of funds provided pursuant an
				agreement under this section or under the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. et seq.) may,
				with regard to the lands and waters within the scope of the agreement, use such
				funds to satisfy any matching funds or cost-sharing requirement of any
				conservation program of the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the
				Interior notwithstanding any limitation of such program on the source of
				matching or cost-sharing
				funds.
					.


117 HR 1403 IH: Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-02-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1403IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 26, 2021Ms. Cheney (for herself and Mr. Simpson) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo direct the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a final rule relating to removing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population of grizzly bears from the Federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2021.2.Reissuance of final rule relating to Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population of grizzly bearsNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall reissue the final rule relating to removing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population of grizzly bears from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, published on June 30, 2017 (82 Fed. Reg. 30502), without regard to any other provision of statute or regulation that applies to issuance of such rule. Such reissuance (including this section) shall not be subject to judicial review.


113 S357 RS: National Blue Alert Act of 2013
U.S. Senate
2013-09-19
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.

IICalendar No. 194113th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 357IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 14, 2013Mr. Cardin (for himself, Mr. Graham, Mr. Leahy, Ms. Klobuchar, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Heitkamp, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Brown, Ms. Warren, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Coons, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Portman, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Franken, and Mr. Schumer) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciarySeptember 19, 2013Reported by Mr. Leahy, without amendmentA BILLTo encourage, enhance, and integrate Blue Alert plans
		  throughout the United States in order to disseminate information when a law
		  enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed in the line of
		  duty.1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the National Blue Alert Act of
			 2013.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)CoordinatorThe
			 term Coordinator means the Blue Alert Coordinator of the
			 Department of Justice designated under section 4(a).(2)Blue
			 alertThe term Blue Alert means information relating
			 to the serious injury or death of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty
			 sent through the network.(3)Blue alert
			 planThe term Blue Alert plan means the plan of a
			 State, unit of local government, or Federal agency participating in the network
			 for the dissemination of information received as a Blue Alert.(4)Law enforcement
			 officerThe term law enforcement officer shall have
			 the same meaning as in section 1204 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe
			 Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b(6)).(5)NetworkThe
			 term network means the Blue Alert communications network
			 established by the Attorney General under section 3.(6)StateThe
			 term State means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia,
			 the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam,
			 American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.3.Blue alert
			 communications networkThe
			 Attorney General shall establish a national Blue Alert communications network
			 within the Department of Justice to issue Blue Alerts through the initiation,
			 facilitation, and promotion of Blue Alert plans, in coordination with States,
			 units of local government, law enforcement agencies, and other appropriate
			 entities.4.Blue alert
			 coordinator; guidelines(a)Coordination
			 within department of justiceThe Attorney General shall assign an
			 existing officer of the Department of Justice to act as the national
			 coordinator of the Blue Alert communications network.(b)Duties of the
			 coordinatorThe Coordinator shall—(1)provide
			 assistance to States and units of local government that are using Blue Alert
			 plans;(2)establish
			 voluntary guidelines for States and units of local government to use in
			 developing Blue Alert plans that will promote compatible and integrated Blue
			 Alert plans throughout the United States, including—(A)a list of the
			 resources necessary to establish a Blue Alert plan;(B)criteria for
			 evaluating whether a situation warrants issuing a Blue Alert;(C)guidelines to
			 protect the privacy, dignity, independence, and autonomy of any law enforcement
			 officer who may be the subject of a Blue Alert and the family of the law
			 enforcement officer;(D)guidelines that a
			 Blue Alert should only be issued with respect to a law enforcement officer
			 if—(i)the
			 law enforcement agency involved—(I)confirms—(aa)the
			 death or serious injury of the law enforcement officer; or(bb)the
			 attack on the law enforcement officer and that there is an indication of the
			 death or serious injury of the officer; or(II)concludes that
			 the law enforcement officer is missing in the line of duty;(ii)there is an
			 indication of serious injury to or death of the law enforcement officer;(iii)the suspect
			 involved has not been apprehended; and(iv)there is
			 sufficient descriptive information of the suspect involved and any relevant
			 vehicle and tag numbers;(E)guidelines—(i)that information
			 relating to a law enforcement officer who is seriously injured or killed in the
			 line of duty should be provided to the National Crime Information Center
			 database operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under section 534 of
			 title 28, United States Code, and any relevant crime information repository of
			 the State involved;(ii)that a Blue
			 Alert should, to the maximum extent practicable (as determined by the
			 Coordinator in consultation with law enforcement agencies of States and units
			 of local governments), be limited to the geographic areas most likely to
			 facilitate the apprehension of the suspect involved or which the suspect could
			 reasonably reach, which should not be limited to State lines;(iii)for law
			 enforcement agencies of States or units of local government to develop plans to
			 communicate information to neighboring States to provide for seamless
			 communication of a Blue Alert; and(iv)providing that a
			 Blue Alert should be suspended when the suspect involved is apprehended or when
			 the law enforcement agency involved determines that the Blue Alert is no longer
			 effective; and(F)guidelines
			 for—(i)the
			 issuance of Blue Alerts through the network; and(ii)the extent of
			 the dissemination of alerts issued through the network;(3)develop protocols
			 for efforts to apprehend suspects that address activities during the period
			 beginning at the time of the initial notification of a law enforcement agency
			 that a suspect has not been apprehended and ending at the time of apprehension
			 of a suspect or when the law enforcement agency involved determines that the
			 Blue Alert is no longer effective, including protocols regulating—(A)the use of public
			 safety communications;(B)command center
			 operations; and(C)incident review,
			 evaluation, debriefing, and public information procedures;(4)work with States
			 to ensure appropriate regional coordination of various elements of the
			 network;(5)establish an
			 advisory group to assist States, units of local government, law enforcement
			 agencies, and other entities involved in the network with initiating,
			 facilitating, and promoting Blue Alert plans, which shall include—(A)to the maximum
			 extent practicable, representation from the various geographic regions of the
			 United States; and(B)members who
			 are—(i)representatives
			 of a law enforcement organization representing rank-and-file officers;(ii)representatives
			 of other law enforcement agencies and public safety communications;(iii)broadcasters,
			 first responders, dispatchers, and radio station personnel; and(iv)representatives
			 of any other individuals or organizations that the Coordinator determines are
			 necessary to the success of the network;(6)act as the
			 nationwide point of contact for—(A)the development
			 of the network; and(B)regional
			 coordination of Blue Alerts through the network; and(7)determine—(A)what procedures
			 and practices are in use for notifying law enforcement and the public when a
			 law enforcement officer is killed or seriously injured in the line of duty;
			 and(B)which of the
			 procedures and practices are effective and that do not require the expenditure
			 of additional resources to implement.(c)Limitations(1)Voluntary
			 participationThe guidelines established under subsection (b)(2),
			 protocols developed under subsection (b)(3), and other programs established
			 under subsection (b), shall not be mandatory.(2)Dissemination
			 of informationThe guidelines established under subsection (b)(2)
			 shall, to the maximum extent practicable (as determined by the Coordinator in
			 consultation with law enforcement agencies of States and units of local
			 government), provide that appropriate information relating to a Blue Alert is
			 disseminated to the appropriate officials of law enforcement agencies, public
			 health agencies, and other agencies.(3)Privacy and
			 civil liberties protectionsThe guidelines established under
			 subsection (b) shall—(A)provide
			 mechanisms that ensure that Blue Alerts comply with all applicable Federal,
			 State, and local privacy laws and regulations; and(B)include standards
			 that specifically provide for the protection of the civil liberties, including
			 the privacy, of law enforcement officers who are seriously injured or killed in
			 the line of duty and the families of the officers.(d)Cooperation
			 with other agenciesThe Coordinator shall cooperate with the
			 Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Transportation, the Chairman
			 of the Federal Communications Commission, and appropriate offices of the
			 Department of Justice in carrying out activities under this Act.(e)Restrictions on
			 coordinatorThe Coordinator may not—(1)perform any
			 official travel for the sole purpose of carrying out the duties of the
			 Coordinator;(2)lobby any officer
			 of a State regarding the funding or implementation of a Blue Alert plan;
			 or(3)host a conference
			 focused solely on the Blue Alert program that requires the expenditure of
			 Federal funds.(f)ReportsNot
			 later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually
			 thereafter, the Coordinator shall submit to Congress a report on the activities
			 of the Coordinator and the effectiveness and status of the Blue Alert plans
			 that are in effect or being developed.September 19, 2013Reported without amendment


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1345
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 4, 2011
			Mr. Chabot introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Appropriations

		A BILL
		To rescind any unobligated discretionary appropriations
		  returned to the Federal Government by a State or locality and require that such
		  funds be retained in the general fund of the Treasury for deficit
		  reduction.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Stop Wasting American Tax Dollars Act
			 or the SWAT Act.
		2.Rescission of
			 funds returned by a State or locality to the Federal Government and use for
			 deficit reduction
			(a)Rescission of
			 returned Federal funds
				(1)In
			 generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), there are rescinded
			 any unobligated discretionary appropriations awarded to a State or locality by
			 the Federal Government that are voluntarily returned by the State or locality
			 to the Federal Government.
				(2)ExceptionsParagraph
			 (1) shall not apply to funds made available for an account, program, project,
			 or activity of—
					(A)the Department of
			 Defense; or
					(B)the Department of
			 Homeland Security.
					(b)Retention of
			 funds for deficit reductionFunds rescinded under subsection (a)
			 shall be retained in the general fund of the Treasury for Federal budget
			 deficit reduction.
			(c)No
			 redistribution of returned fundsThis section shall apply in lieu
			 of any provision of law that provides for the redistribution of funds awarded
			 to a State or locality that remain unobligated by such State or
			 locality.
			(d)DefinitionsIn
			 this section:
				(1)The term
			 State or locality means a State, unit of local government, or
			 Indian tribe.
				(2)The term State means each of
			 the several States, the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory,
			 or possession of the United States.
				(e)ApplicationThis
			 section shall apply to funds returned on or after the date of the enactment of
			 this Act.


		III

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. RES. 297

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			November 2, 2005

			Mr. Feingold (for

			 himself and Mr. Kohl) submitted the

			 following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION

		Marking the dedication of the Gaylord

		  Nelson Wilderness within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

		Whereas the Honorable Gaylord Nelson, a State Senator,

			 Governor, and United States Senator from Wisconsin, devoted his life to

			 protecting the environment by championing issues of land protection, wildlife

			 habitat, environmental health, and increased environmental awareness, including

			 founding Earth Day;

		Whereas the Honorable Gaylord Nelson authored the Apostle

			 Islands National Lakeshore Act, which led to the protection of one of the most

			 beautiful areas in Wisconsin and recognized the rich assemblage of natural

			 resources, cultural heritage, and scenic features on Wisconsin’s north coast

			 and 21 islands of the 22-island archipelago;

		Whereas the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore was

			 designated a National Park on September 26, 1970;

		Whereas, on December 8, 2004, approximately 80 percent of

			 the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore was designated the Gaylord Nelson

			 Wilderness;

		Whereas the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness within the Apostle

			 Islands National Lakeshore provides a refuge for many species of birds,

			 including threatened bald eagles and endangered piping plovers, herring-billed

			 gulls, double-crested cormorants, and great blue herons, and is a safe haven

			 for a variety of amphibians, such as blue-spotted salamanders, red-backed

			 salamanders, gray treefrogs, and mink frogs, and is a sanctuary for several

			 mammals, including river otters, black bears, snowshoe hares, and

			 fishers;

		Whereas the official dedication of the Gaylord Nelson

			 Wilderness occurred on August 8, 2005, 36 days after the Honorable Gaylord

			 Nelson’s passing; and

		Whereas the Honorable Gaylord Nelson changed the

			 consciousness of our Nation and embodied the principle that 1 person can change

			 the world, and the creation of the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness is a small, but

			 fitting, recognition of his efforts: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—

			(1)recognizes the

			 Honorable Gaylord Nelson’s environmental legacy;

			(2)celebrates the

			 dedication of the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness within the Apostle Islands National

			 Lakeshore; and

			(3)requests that the

			 Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the

			 family of the Senator.