		III
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 62
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 31, 2007
			Mr. Vitter (for himself
			 and Ms. Landrieu) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools
		  Week and honoring the valuable contributions of Catholic schools in the United
		  States.

		Whereas Catholic schools in the United States have
			 received international acclaim for academic excellence while providing students
			 with lessons that extend far beyond the classroom;
		Whereas Catholic schools present a broad curriculum that
			 emphasizes the lifelong development of moral, intellectual, physical, and
			 social values in the young people of the United States;
		Whereas Catholic schools in the United States today
			 educate 2,363,220 students and maintain a student-to-teacher ratio of 15 to
			 1;
		Whereas the faculty members of Catholic schools teach a
			 highly diverse body of students;
		Whereas the graduation rate for all Catholic school
			 students is 95 percent;
		Whereas 83 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on
			 to college;
		Whereas Catholic schools produce students strongly
			 dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities by providing an
			 intellectually stimulating environment rich in spiritual character and moral
			 development; and
		Whereas in the 1972 pastoral message concerning Catholic
			 education, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, Education
			 is one of the most important ways by which the Church fulfills its commitment
			 to the dignity of the person and building of community. Community is central to
			 education ministry, both as a necessary condition and an ardently desired goal.
			 The educational efforts of the Church, therefore, must be directed to forming
			 persons-in-community; for the education of the individual Christian is
			 important not only to his solitary destiny, but also the destinies of the many
			 communities in which he lives.: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)recognizes the
			 goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic
			 Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
			 that recognizes the vital contributions of thousands of Catholic elementary and
			 secondary schools in the United States; and
			(2)commends Catholic
			 schools, students, parents, and teachers across the United States for their
			 ongoing contributions to education, and for the vital role they play in
			 promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the United
			 States.


109 HR 1165 IH: Abandoned Mine Land Area Redevelopment Act of 2005
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-03-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1165
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 8, 2005
Mr. Kanjorski (for himself, Mr. Murtha, Mr. Holden, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Gonzalez, and Mr. Ney) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against income tax to holders of bonds issued to finance land and water reclamation of abandoned mine land areas.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Abandoned Mine Land Area Redevelopment Act of 2005.
2.Credit to holders of qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bonds
(a)In generalSubpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

30B.Credit to holders of qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bonds
(a)Allowance of creditIn the case of a taxpayer who holds a qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bond on a credit allowance date of such bond which occurs during the taxable year, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for such taxable year an amount equal to the sum of the credits determined under subsection (b) with respect to credit allowance dates during such year on which the taxpayer holds such bond.
(b)Amount of credit
(1)In generalThe amount of the credit determined under this subsection with respect to any credit allowance date for a qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bond is 25 percent of the annual credit determined with respect to such bond.
(2)Annual creditThe annual credit determined with respect to any qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bond is the product of—
(A)the applicable credit rate, multiplied by
(B)the outstanding face amount of the bond.
(3)Applicable credit rateFor purposes of paragraph (1), the applicable credit rate with respect to an issue is the rate equal to an average market yield (as of the day before the date of issuance of the issue) on outstanding long-term corporate debt obligations (determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary).
(4)Special rule for issuance and redemptionIn the case of a bond which is issued during the 3-month period ending on a credit allowance date, the amount of the credit determined under this subsection with respect to such credit allowance date shall be a ratable portion of the credit otherwise determined based on the portion of the 3-month period during which the bond is outstanding. A similar rule shall apply when the bond is redeemed.
(c)Qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bondFor purposes of this section—
(1)In generalThe term qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bond means any bond issued as part of an issue if—
(A)the issuer is an approved special purpose entity,
(B)all of the net proceeds of the issue are deposited into either—
(i)an approved segregated program fund, or
(ii)a sinking fund for payment of principal on the bonds at maturity,
(C)the issuer designates such bond for purposes of this section, and
(D)the term of each bond which is part of such issue does not exceed 30 years.Not more than 1/6 of the net proceeds of an issue may be deposited into a sinking fund referred to in subparagraph (B)(ii).
(2)Limitation on amount of bonds designatedThe maximum aggregate face amount of bonds designated by an approved special purpose entity shall not exceed the portion of the national volume cap allocated to that entity by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(3)National volume capThe national volume cap is $20,000,000,000. The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall allocate such amount among the approved special purpose entities, except that not less than $2,000,000,000 of such amount shall be allocated to an entity whose comprehensive plan only covers abandoned mine land areas containing anthracite coal.
(4)Approved special purpose entityThe term approved special purpose entity means a State or local governmental entity, or an entity described in section 501(c) and exempt from tax under section 501(a), if—
(A)such entity is established and operated exclusively to carry out qualified purposes,
(B)such entity has a comprehensive plan to restore and redevelop abandoned mine land areas, and
(C)such entity and plan are approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(5)Approved segregated program fundThe term approved segregated program fund means any segregated fund the amounts in which may be used only for qualified purposes, but only if such fund has safeguards approved by such Administrator to assure that such amounts are only used for such purposes.
(d)Limitation based on amount of tax
(1)In generalThe credit allowed under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess of—
(A)the sum of the regular tax liability (as defined in section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by section 55, over
(B)the sum of the credits allowable under part IV of subchapter A (other than this section and subpart C thereof, relating to refundable credits).
(2)Carryover of unused creditIf the credit allowable under subsection (a) for any taxable year exceeds the limitation imposed by paragraph (1) for such taxable year, the excess shall be carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the amount allowable as a credit under subsection (a) for such succeeding taxable year.
(e)Other definitionsFor purposes of this section—
(1)Abandoned mine land areasThe term abandoned mine land areas means lands and water eligible pursuant to section 404 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1234) for expenditures from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund under title IV of such Act (30 U.S.C. 1231 et seq.).
(2)Qualified purposeThe term qualified purpose means, with respect to any qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bond—
(A)the purchase, restoration, and redevelopment of abandoned mine land areas,
(B)the cleanup of waterways and their tributaries, both surface and subsurface, on abandoned mine land areas from acid mine drainage and other pollution,
(C)the provision of financial and technical assistance for infrastructure construction and upgrading water and sewer systems on abandoned mine land areas,
(D)research and development relating to abandoned mine land areas,
(E)other environmental and economic development purposes relating to abandoned mine land areas, and
(F)such other purposes as are set forth in the comprehensive plan prepared by the issuer and approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(3)Credit allowance dateThe term credit allowance date means—
(A)March 15,
(B)June 15,
(C)September 15, and
(D)December 15.Such term includes the last day on which the bond is outstanding.
(4)BondThe term bond includes any obligation.
(f)Credit included in gross incomeGross income includes the amount of the credit allowed to the taxpayer under this section (determined without regard to subsection (d)) and the amount so included shall be treated as interest income.
(g)Bonds held by regulated investment companiesIf any qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bond is held by a regulated investment company, the credit determined under subsection (a) shall be allowed to shareholders of such company under procedures prescribed by the Secretary.
(h)Credits may be strippedUnder regulations prescribed by the Secretary—
(1)In generalThere may be a separation (including at issuance) of the ownership of a qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bond and the entitlement to the credit under this section with respect to such bond. In case of any such separation, the credit under this section shall be allowed to the person who on the credit allowance date holds the instrument evidencing the entitlement to the credit and not to the holder of the bond.
(2)Certain rules to applyIn the case of a separation described in paragraph (1), the rules of section 1286 shall apply to the qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bond as if it were a stripped bond and to the credit under this section as if it were a stripped coupon.
(i)Treatment for estimated tax purposesSolely for purposes of sections 6654 and 6655, the credit allowed by this section to a taxpayer by reason of holding a qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bond on a credit allowance date shall be treated as if it were a payment of estimated tax made by the taxpayer on such date.
(j)Credit may be transferredNothing in any law or rule of law shall be construed to limit the transferability of the credit allowed by this section through sale and repurchase agreements.
(k)ReportingThe issuer of qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bonds shall submit reports similar to the reports required under section 149(e).
(l)TerminationThis section shall not apply to any bond issued more than 10 years after the date that the first qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bond is issued..
(b)ReportingSubsection (d) of section 6049 of such Code (relating to returns regarding payments of interest) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(8)Reporting of credit on qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bonds
(A)In generalFor purposes of subsection (a), the term interest includes amounts includible in gross income under section 30B(f) and such amounts shall be treated as paid on the credit allowance date (as defined in section 30B(e)(3)).
(B)Reporting to corporations, etcExcept as otherwise provided in regulations, in the case of any interest described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, subsection (b)(4) of this section shall be applied without regard to subparagraphs (A), (H), (I), (J), (K), and (L)(i).
(C)Regulatory authorityThe Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this paragraph, including regulations which require more frequent or more detailed reporting..
(c)Conforming amendmentThe table of sections for subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Sec. 30B. Credit to holders of qualified abandoned mine land area redevelopment bonds.
(d)Deadline for regulationsThe Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe the regulations required by section 6049(d)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section) not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(e)Approval of bonds, etc., by Administrator of the Environmental Protection AgencyThe Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall act on any request for an approval required by section 30B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section) not later than 60 days after the date such request is submitted to such Administrator.
(f)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to obligations issued after December 31, 2005.


113 HR 636 IH: To prohibit Members of Congress from receiving any automatic pay adjustments through the end of the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-02-13
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
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 636
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 13, 2013
			Mr. Connolly (for
			 himself, Mr. Cummings,
			 Ms. Norton,
			 Mr. Conyers,
			 Ms. Hahn, Mr. Andrews, Mr.
			 Price of North Carolina, Mr.
			 Perlmutter, Mr. Cicilline,
			 Mr. Van Hollen,
			 Mr. Bera of California,
			 Mr. Israel,
			 Ms. Tsongas,
			 Mr. Thompson of California,
			 Ms. Gabbard,
			 Mr. DeFazio,
			 Mr. Loebsack,
			 Mr. Owens,
			 Mr. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico,
			 Mrs. Kirkpatrick,
			 Mr. Moran,
			 Mr. Lynch,
			 Ms. Edwards,
			 Ms. Schwartz,
			 Ms. Shea-Porter,
			 Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York,
			 Mrs. Capps,
			 Ms. Bonamici,
			 Mr. Kildee,
			 Ms. Pingree of Maine,
			 Mr. Rahall,
			 Mrs. Bustos,
			 Ms. Esty, Ms. Kuster, Mrs.
			 McCarthy of New York, Mr.
			 Ruppersberger, and Mr. Peters of
			 California) introduced the following bill; which was referred to
			 the Committee on House
			 Administration, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Oversight and Government
			 Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
			 Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
			 jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To prohibit Members of Congress from receiving any
		  automatic pay adjustments through the end of the One Hundred Thirteenth
		  Congress.

		1.Prohibiting cost of living
			 adjustments in pay for members of congress through one hundred thirteenth
			 congressNotwithstanding any
			 other provision of law, no adjustment shall be made under section 601(a) of the
			 Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31) (relating to cost of
			 living adjustments for Members of Congress) during any pay period occurring
			 during the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress.


		III

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. RES. 75

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 8, 2005

			Mr. Specter (for

			 himself, Mr. Sarbanes,

			 Mr. Allen, Mr.

			 Bennett, Mr. Biden,

			 Mr. Bingaman, Mrs. Boxer, Mr.

			 Carper, Mr. Chafee,

			 Mr. Chambliss, Mrs. Clinton, Mr.

			 Coburn, Mr. Cochran,

			 Mr. Corzine, Mr. Craig, Mr.

			 DeWine, Mr. Dodd,

			 Mr. Domenici, Mr. Dorgan, Mr.

			 Durbin, Mr. Feingold,

			 Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Grassley, Mr.

			 Gregg, Mr. Hagel,

			 Mr. Inhofe, Mr.

			 Johnson, Mr. Kennedy,

			 Mr. Kerry, Mr.

			 Kohl, Ms. Landrieu,

			 Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Levin, Mr.

			 Lieberman, Mr. Lott,

			 Mr. Lugar, Ms.

			 Mikulski, Ms. Murkowski,

			 Mrs. Murray, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr.

			 Obama, Mr. Reed,

			 Mr. Reid, Mr.

			 Rockefeller, Mr. Salazar,

			 Mr. Santorum, Mr. Schumer, Mr.

			 Smith, Ms. Snowe,

			 Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Stevens, Mr.

			 Sununu, Mr. Thomas,

			 Mr. Voinovich, and

			 Mr. Wyden) submitted the following

			 resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION

		Designating March 25, 2005, as Greek Independence

		  Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American

		  Democracy.

		Whereas the ancient Greeks developed the concept of

			 democracy, in which the supreme power to govern was vested in the

			 people;

		Whereas the Founding Fathers of the United States drew

			 heavily on the political experience and philosophy of ancient Greece in forming

			 our representative democracy;

		Whereas Greek Commander in Chief Petros Mavromichalis, a

			 founder of the modern Greek state, said to the citizens of the United States in

			 1821, it is in your land that liberty has fixed her abode and . . . in

			 imitating you, we shall imitate our ancestors and be thought worthy of them if

			 we succeed in resembling you;

		Whereas Greece played a major role in the World War II

			 struggle to protect freedom and democracy through such bravery as was shown in

			 the historic Battle of Crete that presented the Axis land war with its first

			 major setback, setting off a chain of events that significantly affected the

			 outcome of World War II;

		Whereas the price for Greece in holding our common values

			 in their region was high, as hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed in

			 Greece during the World War II period;

		Whereas, throughout the 20th century, Greece was 1 of only

			 3 nations in the world, beyond the former British Empire, that was allied with

			 the United States in every major international conflict;

		Whereas President George W. Bush, in recognizing Greek

			 Independence Day, said, Greece and America have been firm allies in the

			 great struggles for liberty. Americans will always remember Greek heroism and

			 Greek sacrifice for the sake of freedom . . . [and] as the 21st Century dawns,

			 Greece and America once again stand united; this time in the fight against

			 terrorism. The United States deeply appreciates the role Greece is playing in

			 the war against terror. . . . America and Greece are strong allies, and we’re

			 strategic partners.;

		Whereas Greece is a stabilizing force by virtue of its

			 political and economic power in the volatile Balkan region and is one of the

			 fastest growing economies in Europe;

		Whereas Greece, through excellent work and cooperation

			 with United States and international law enforcement agencies, arrested and

			 convicted key members of the November 17 terrorist organization;

		Whereas President Bush stated that Greece’s successful

			 law enforcement operations against a terrorist organization [November

			 17] responsible for three decades of terrorist attacks underscore the important

			 contributions Greece is making to the global war on terrorism;

		Whereas Greece was extraordinarily responsive to United

			 States requests during the war with Iraq, as Greece immediately granted

			 unlimited access to its airspace and the base in Souda Bay, and many United

			 States ships delivering troops, cargo, and supplies to Iraq were refueled in

			 Greece;

		Whereas the Olympic Games came home in August 2004 to

			 Athens, Greece, the land of their ancient birthplace 2,500 years ago and the

			 city of their modern revival in 1896;

		Whereas Greece received world-wide praise for its

			 extraordinary handling of over 14,000 athletes from 202 countries and over

			 2,000,000 spectators and journalists and did so efficiently, securely, and with

			 its famous Greek hospitality;

		Whereas the unprecedented Olympic security effort in

			 Greece for the first post-9/11 Olympics included a record-setting expenditure

			 of over $1,390,000,000 and assignment of over 70,000 security personnel, as

			 well as the utilization of an 8-country Olympic Security Advisory Group which

			 included the United States;

		Whereas Greece, geographically located in a region where

			 Christianity meets Islam and Judaism, maintains excellent relations with Muslim

			 nations and Israel;

		Whereas Greece has had extraordinary success in recent

			 years in furthering cross-cultural understanding and reducing tensions between

			 Greece and Turkey;

		Whereas Greece and the United States are at the forefront

			 of the effort for freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and human

			 rights;

		Whereas those and other ideals have forged a close bond

			 between our 2 nations and their peoples;

		Whereas March 25, 2005, marks the 184th anniversary of the

			 beginning of the revolution that freed the Greek people from the Ottoman

			 Empire; and

		Whereas it is proper and desirable to celebrate with the

			 Greek people and to reaffirm the democratic principles from which our 2 great

			 nations were born: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—

			(1)designates March

			 25, 2005, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of

			 Greek and American Democracy; and

			(2)encourages the

			 people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and

			 activities.


I
112th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4991
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 27, 2012
Mr. Blumenauer introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To suspend temporarily the duty on bicycle wheel rims.

1.Bicycle wheel rims
(a)In generalHeading 9902.24.69 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to bicycle wheel rims) is amended—
(1)by striking 1.8% and inserting Free; and
(2)by striking the date in the effective period column and inserting 12/31/2015.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.


I
111th CONGRESS 2d Session
H. R. 4625
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 9, 2010
Mr. Thornberry introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
To establish a commission to conduct a study and make recommendations concerning ways to improve the civil service and organization of the Federal Government.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Civil Service Reform and Government Reorganization Commission Act of 2009.
2.Commission
(a)EstablishmentThere is established a commission to be known as the Civil Service Reform and Government Reorganization Commission (in this Act referred to as the Commission).
(b)Duties of Commission
(1)StudyThe Commission shall study the following aspects of the civil service system and the organization of the Government:
(A)The Federal compensation system, including pay and benefit structures, with an emphasis on performance-based pay and benefits.
(B)Recruiting individuals for the Federal workforce, with an emphasis on identifying and filling critical skill gaps in the Federal workforce, including experience in scientific fields, engineering, foreign language fluency, cultural understanding, and information technology.
(C)Expediting and improving hiring processes.
(D)Retaining a high-quality Federal workforce and providing continuing professional education to maintain the quality of such workforce and to ensure the efficient conduct of the Government.
(E)Policies and barriers related to the termination of under-performing workers.
(F)The role and oversight of Federal contractors and issues related to contractor assumption of Federal duties to ensure delineation between functions that are inherently Governmental functions and those that are not.
(G)The extent to which greater efficiencies can be achieved by the process of attrition.
(2)Report and proposed legislationNot later than 2 years after the initial meeting of the Commission under subsection (c)(8)(A), the Commission shall submit to the President and each House of Congress (on the same day and while each House is in session)—
(A)a report containing a detailed statement of the findings and conclusion of the Commission with respect to the civil service system and the organization of the Government, together with the recommendations of the Commission for improvements based on such findings; and
(B)proposed legislative language to carry out the recommendations described in subparagraph (A).
(3)LimitationIn no event may the Commission’s recommendations include any provisions which would have the effect of creating any new tax or providing for any increase in a rate of tax.
(c)Membership
(1)Number; appointmentThe Commission shall be composed of 11 members who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2)Eligibility
(A)No serving Members of Congress or Federal employeesA member appointed under paragraph (1) may not be an officer or employee of the Federal Government or a Member of Congress serving at the time of such appointment.
(B)Background of members
(i)Former Federal employeesFour members appointed under paragraph (1) shall be former officers or employees of the Federal Government under the Federal civil service system. Any former officer or employee appointed as a member under this clause may not be appointed as a member under clause (ii).
(ii)Private sector expertsSeven members appointed under paragraph (1) shall be individuals in the private sector who are recognized experts in matters relating to personnel management or Government organization. Any individual appointed as a member under this clause may not be appointed as a member under clause (i).
(3)Political affiliationNot more than 6 members appointed under paragraph (1) may be of the same political party.
(4)VacanciesAny member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the predecessor of such member was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be subject to the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (3).
(5)Basic Pay
(A)Rates of payTo the extent or in the amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts, each member shall be paid at a rate equal to level I of the Executive Schedule under section 5312 of title 5, United States Code.
(B)Travel expensesEach member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions of subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
(6)ChairpersonNot later than 30 days after all members have been appointed under paragraph (1), the President shall designate a Chairperson of the Commission.
(7)QuorumSix members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(8)Meetings
(A)Initial meetingNot later than 30 days after all members have been appointed under paragraph (1), the Commission shall hold its initial meeting.
(B)Frequency of meetingsThe Commission shall meet at least monthly at the call of the Chairperson.
(d)Staff of commission; experts and consultants
(1)DirectorThe Commission shall appoint a Director. To the extent or in the amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Director shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the minimum rate of basic pay for GS–15 of the General Schedule.
(2)StaffSubject to rules prescribed by the Commission, the Director may appoint and fix the pay of staff members as the Director determines appropriate, except that not more than 14 staff members may be appointed under this paragraph.
(3)Experts and consultantsSubject to the approval of the Commission, the Director may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.
(e)Powers of commission
(1)Hearings and sessionsThe Commission may hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission determines appropriate.
(2)Powers of members and agentsAny member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this subsection.
(3)Obtaining official dataThe Commission may obtain, from any department or agency of the United States, information necessary to enable it to carry out its duties. At the request of the Chairperson, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission.
(4)VisitsThe Commission may visit the facilities and installations of any department or agency of the United States.
(5)MailsThe Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as any department or agency of the United States.
(6)Subpoena power
(A)IssuanceThe Commission may issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses, the production of any evidence, or both, relating to any matter which the Commission is directed to study under subsection (b). The attendance of witnesses, production of evidence, or both, may be required from any place in the United States at any designated place of hearing in the United States.
(B)Failure to obeyIf a person fails to obey a subpoena issued under subparagraph (A), the Commission may apply to a United States district court for an order requiring that person to appear before the Commission to give testimony, produce evidence, or both, relating to the matter under examination. The application may be made in the judicial district where the hearing is conducted or where that person is found, resides, or transacts business. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as civil contempt.
(C)Service of subpoenasA subpoena of the Commission shall be served in the manner provided for subpoenas issued by a United States district court under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for United States district courts.
(D)Service of processAll process of any court to which application is made under subparagraph (B) may be served in the judicial district in which the person required to be served resides or may be found.
(7)ImmunityThe Commission is an agency of the United States for the purpose of part V of title 18, United States Code (relating to immunity of witnesses).
(8)Contract authorityTo the extent or in the amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Commission may contract with and compensate private agencies or persons for services.
(f)TerminationThe Commission shall terminate 10 days after submitting the report and proposed legislation required by subsection (b)(2).
3.Legislation to implement recommendations of the Commission
(a)DefinitionFor purposes of this section, the term implementing bill means a bill the text of which consists of the legislative language submitted by the Commission to Congress in accordance with section 2(b)(2) and the title of which is A bill to implement the recommendations of the Civil Service Reform and Government Reorganization Commission..
(b)IntroductionNot later than 60 days after the date on which the Commission submits its report and proposed legislation to Congress in accordance with section 2(b)(2), an implementing bill—
(1)shall be introduced (by request) in the House of Representatives by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, for himself or herself and the minority leader of the House of Representatives, or by Members of the House of Representatives designated by the majority leader and minority leader of the House; and
(2)shall be introduced (by request) in the Senate by the majority leader of the Senate, for himself or herself and the minority leader of the Senate, or by Members of the Senate designated by the majority leader and minority leader of the Senate.If an implementing bill is not introduced in accordance with the preceding sentence in either House of Congress, any Member of that House may introduce an implementing bill on any day thereafter.
(c)ReferralAn implementing bill shall be referred to the committees of the House of Representatives and of the Senate with jurisdiction. Each committee shall make its recommendations to the House of Representatives or the Senate, as the case may be, within 10 calendar days after the date of introduction in that House. If a committee to which an implementing bill has been referred has not reported by the close of the 10th calendar day after its introduction, such committee shall be automatically discharged from further consideration of the bill, and the bill shall be placed on the appropriate calendar.
(d)Expedited procedures
(1)In the House of Representatives
(A)In generalNot later than 5 days of session after the date on which an implementing bill is reported or discharged from all committees to which it was referred, the majority leader of the House of Representatives or the majority leader’s designee shall move to proceed to the consideration of the implementing bill. It shall also be in order for any Member of the House of Representatives to move to proceed to the consideration of the implementing bill at any time after the conclusion of such 5-day period.
(B)Motion to proceedA motion to proceed to the consideration of the implementing bill is highly privileged in the House of Representatives and is not debatable. The motion is not subject to amendment or to a motion to postpone consideration of the implementing bill. A motion to proceed to the consideration of other business shall not be in order. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion to proceed is agreed to or not agreed to shall not be in order. If the motion to proceed is agreed to, the House of Representatives shall immediately proceed to consideration of the implementing bill without intervening motion, order, or other business, and the implementing bill shall remain the unfinished business of the House of Representatives until disposed of.
(C)Limits on debateDebate in the House of Representatives on an implementing bill under this paragraph shall not exceed a total of 100 hours, which shall be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the bill. A motion further to limit debate is in order and shall not be debatable. It shall not be in order to move to recommit an implementing bill under this paragraph or to move to reconsider the vote by which the bill is agreed to or disagreed to.
(D)AppealsAppeals from decisions of the chair relating to the application of the Rules of the House of Representatives to the procedures relating to an implementing bill shall be decided without debate.
(E)Application of House rulesExcept to the extent specifically provided in this paragraph, consideration of an implementing bill shall be governed by the Rules of the House of Representatives. It shall not be in order in the House of Representatives to consider any implementing bill introduced pursuant to the provisions of this section under a suspension of the rules or under a special rule.
(F)No amendmentsNo amendment to the implementing bill shall be in order in the House of Representatives.
(G)Vote on final passageIn the House of Representatives, immediately following the conclusion of consideration of the implementing bill, the vote on final passage of the implementing bill shall occur without any intervening action or motion, requiring an affirmative vote of 3/5 of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. If the implementing bill is passed, the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall cause the bill to be transmitted to the Senate before the close of the next day of session of the House.
(2)In the Senate
(A)In generalNot later than 5 days of session after the date on which an implementing bill is reported or discharged from all committees to which it was referred, the majority leader of the Senate or the majority leader’s designee shall move to proceed to the consideration of the implementing bill. It shall also be in order for any Member of the Senate to move to proceed to the consideration of the implementing bill at any time after the conclusion of such 5-day period.
(B)Motion to proceedA motion to proceed to the consideration of the implementing bill is privileged in the Senate and is not debatable. The motion is not subject to amendment or to a motion to postpone consideration of the implementing bill. A motion to proceed to consideration of the implementing bill may be made even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to. A motion to proceed to the consideration of other business shall not be in order. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion to proceed is agreed to or not agreed to shall not be in order. If the motion to proceed is agreed to, the Senate shall immediately proceed to consideration of the implementing bill without intervening motion, order, or other business, and the implementing bill shall remain the unfinished business of the Senate until disposed of.
(C)Limits on debateIn the Senate, consideration of the implementing bill and on all debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith shall not exceed a total of 100 hours, which shall be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the implementing bill. A motion further to limit debate on the implementing bill is in order and is not debatable. Any debatable motion or appeal is debatable for not to exceed 1 hour, to be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the motion or appeal. All time used for consideration of the implementing bill, including time used for quorum calls and voting, shall be counted against the total 100 hours of consideration.
(D)No amendmentsNo amendment to the implementing bill shall be in order in the Senate.
(E)Motion to recommitA motion to recommit an implementing bill shall not be in order under this paragraph.
(F)Vote on final passageIn the Senate, immediately following the conclusion of consideration of the implementing bill and a request to establish the presence of a quorum, the vote on final passage of the implementing bill shall occur and shall require an affirmative vote of 3/5 of the Members, duly chosen and sworn.
(G)Other motions not in orderA motion to postpone or a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business is not in order in the Senate. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the implementing bill is agreed to or not agreed to is not in order in the Senate.
(H)Consideration of the House bill
(i)In generalIf the Senate has received the House companion bill to the implementing bill introduced in the Senate prior to the vote required under subparagraph (F) and the House companion bill is identical to the implementing bill introduced in the Senate, then the Senate shall consider, and the vote under subparagraph (F) shall occur on, the House companion bill.
(ii)Procedure after vote on senate billIf the Senate votes, pursuant to subparagraph (F), on the bill introduced in the Senate, the Senate bill shall be held pending receipt of the House message on the bill. Upon receipt of the House companion bill, if the House bill is identical to the Senate bill, the House bill shall be deemed to be considered, read for the third time, and the vote on passage of the Senate bill shall be considered to be the vote on the bill received from the House.
(3)No suspensionNo motion to suspend the application of this subsection shall be in order in the Senate or in the House of Representatives.
(e)Rules of House of Representatives and SenateThis section is enacted by the Congress—
(1)as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively, and as such is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedures to be followed in that House in the case of an implementing bill; and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent with such other rules; and
(2)with the full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedures of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as any other rule of that House.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1278
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			May 3, 2007
			Mr. Hagel (for himself
			 and Mr. Reed) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans'
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To amend title 38, United States Code, to
		  expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of
		  educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Veterans and Survivors Employment and
			 Training Act of 2007.
		2.Expansion of education programs eligible
			 for accelerated payment of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI
			 bill
			(a)In generalSubsection (b) of section 3014A of title
			 38, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
			 following new paragraph (1):

					(1)enrolled in either—
						(A)an approved program of education that leads
				to employment in a high technology occupation in a high technology industry (as
				determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary); or
						(B)an approved program of education lasting
				less than two years that leads to employment in a sector of the economy, as
				identified by the Department of Labor, that—
							(i)is projected to—
								(I)experience a substantial increase in the
				number of jobs; or
								(II)positively affect the growth of another
				sector of the economy; or
								(ii)consists of existing or emerging businesses
				that are being transformed by technology and innovation and require new skills
				for workers;
				and
							.
			(b)Conforming expansion of program of
			 educationSuch section is
			 further amended—
				(1)by redesignating subsection (g) as
			 subsection (h); and
				(2)by inserting after subsection (f) the
			 following new subsection (g):

						(g)For purposes of this section, a program of
				education includes a program of education (as defined in section 3002(3) of
				this title) pursued at a tribally controlled college or university (as such
				term is defined in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University
				Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C.
				1801)).
						.
				(c)Conforming amendments
				(1)Heading amendmentThe heading of such section is amended to
			 read as follows:

						3014A.Accelerated payment of basic educational
				assistance
						.
				(2)Clerical amendmentThe item relating to such section in the
			 table of sections at the beginning of chapter 30 of such title is amended to
			 read as follows:

							3014A. Accelerated payment of
				basic educational
				assistance.

						.
				3.Accelerated payment of survivors' and
			 dependents' educational assistance for certain programs of education
			(a)In generalSubchapter IV of chapter 35 of title 38,
			 United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3532 the following
			 new section:

					3532A.Accelerated payment of educational
				assistance allowance
						(a)The educational assistance allowance
				payable under section 3531 of this title with respect to an eligible person
				described in subsection (b) may, upon the election of such eligible person, be
				paid on accelerated basis in accordance with this section.
						(b)An eligible person described in this
				subsection is an individual who is—
							(1)enrolled in either—
								(A)an approved program of education that leads
				to employment in a high technology occupation in a high technology industry (as
				determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary); or
								(B)an approved program of education lasting
				less than two years that leads to employment in a sector of the economy, as
				identified by the Department of Labor, that—
									(i)is projected to—
										(I)experience a substantial increase in the
				number of jobs; or
										(II)positively affect the growth of another
				sector of the economy; or
										(ii)consists of existing or emerging businesses
				that are being transformed by technology and innovation and require new skills
				for workers; and
									(2)charged tuition and fees for the program of
				education that, when divided by the number of months (and fractions thereof) in
				the enrollment period, exceeds the amount equal to 200 percent of the monthly
				rate of educational assistance allowance otherwise payable with respect to the
				individual under section 3531 of this title.
							(c)(1)The amount of the accelerated payment of
				educational assistance payable with respect to an eligible person making an
				election under subsection (a) for a program of education shall be the lesser
				of—
								(A)the amount equal to 60 percent of the
				established charges for the program of education; or
								(B)the aggregate amount of educational
				assistance allowance to which the individual remains entitled under this
				chapter at the time of the payment.
								(2)In this subsection, the term
				established charges, in the case of a program of education,
				means the actual charges (as determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by
				the Secretary) for tuition and fees which similarly circumstanced nonveterans
				enrolled in the program of education would be required to pay. Established
				charges shall be determined on the following basis:
								(A)In
				the case of an individual enrolled in a program of education offered on a term,
				quarter, or semester basis, the tuition and fees charged the individual for the
				term, quarter, or semester.
								(B)In
				the case of an individual enrolled in a program of education not offered on a
				term, quarter, or semester basis, the tuition and fees charged the individual
				for the entire program of education.
								(3)The educational institution providing the
				program of education for which an accelerated payment of educational assistance
				allowance is elected by an eligible person under subsection (a) shall certify
				to the Secretary the amount of the established charges for the program of
				education.
							(d)An accelerated payment of educational
				assistance allowance made with respect to an eligible person under this section
				for a program of education shall be made not later than the last day of the
				month immediately following the month in which the Secretary receives a
				certification from the educational institution regarding—
							(1)the person’s enrollment in and pursuit of
				the program of education; and
							(2)the amount of the established charges for
				the program of education.
							(e)(1)Except as provided in paragraph (2), for
				each accelerated payment of educational assistance allowance made with respect
				to an eligible person under this section, the person's entitlement to basic
				educational assistance under this chapter shall be charged the number of months
				(and any fraction thereof) determined by dividing the amount of the accelerated
				payment by the full-time monthly rate of educational assistance allowance
				otherwise payable with respect to the person under section 3531 of this title
				as of the beginning date of the enrollment period for the program of education
				for which the accelerated payment is made.
							(2)If the monthly rate of educational
				assistance allowance otherwise payable with respect to an eligible person under
				section 3531 of this title increases during the enrollment period of a program
				of education for which an accelerated payment of educational assistance
				allowance is made under this section, the charge to the person's entitlement to
				educational assistance under this chapter shall be determined by prorating the
				entitlement chargeable, in the manner provided for under paragraph (1), for the
				periods covered by the initial rate and increased rate, respectively, in
				accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
							(f)The Secretary may not make an accelerated
				payment of educational assistance allowance under this section for a program of
				education with respect to an eligible person who has received an advance
				payment under section 3680(d) of this title for the same enrollment
				period.
						(g)For purposes of this section, a program of
				education includes a program of education (as defined in section 3002(3) of
				this title) pursued at a tribally controlled college or university (as such
				term is defined in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University
				Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801)).
						(h)The Secretary shall prescribe regulations
				to carry out this section. The regulations shall include requirements,
				conditions, and methods for the request, issuance, delivery, certification of
				receipt and use, and recovery of overpayment of an accelerated payment of
				educational assistance allowance under this section. The regulations may
				include such elements of the regulations prescribed under section 3014A of this
				title as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of this
				section
						.
			(b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of
			 chapter 35 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to
			 section 3532 the following new item:

						3532A. Accelerated payment of educational assistance
				allowance.

					.