		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 888
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 2, 2011
			Ms. Bordallo (for
			 herself, Mr. Faleomavaega,
			 Mr. Sablan,
			 Mr. Pierluisi,
			 Mr. Honda, and
			 Ms. Hanabusa) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Education and the Workforce

		A BILL
		To amend title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary
		  Education Act of 1965 to provide financial assistance to local educational
		  agencies that educate alien children admitted to the United States as citizens
		  of one of the Freely Associated States.

		1.Payments relating to
			 elementary and secondary education of citizens of Freely Associated
			 States
			(a)PurposeSection 8001 of the Elementary and
			 Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7701) is amended—
				(1)in paragraph (4),
			 by striking or;
				(2)in paragraph (5),
			 by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or; and
				(3)by adding at the end the following:

						(6)educate alien children admitted to the
				United States as citizens of one of the Freely Associated
				States.
						.
				(b)Payments for
			 eligible federally connected childrenSection 8003(a) of such Act
			 (20 U.S.C. 7703(a)) is amended—
				(1)in paragraph
			 (1)—
					(A)in subparagraph
			 (F), by striking or at the end;
					(B)in subparagraph
			 (G), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or;
			 and
					(C)by adding at the
			 end the following:

							(H)resided in the United States pursuant to an
				admission into the United States as a citizen of the Republic of the Marshall
				Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of
				Palau.
							;
				and
					(2)in paragraph (2),
			 by adding at the end the following:

						(G)Multiply the number of children described
				in paragraph (1)(H) by a factor of
				1.25.
						.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3064
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			March 3, 2010
			Ms. Snowe (for herself,
			 Mr. Carper, and Ms. Collins) introduced the following bill; which
			 was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
		  to provide a credit for the production of energy from deep water offshore
		  wind.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Deepwater Offshore Wind Incentive Act
			 .
		2.Credit for production of energy from deep
			 water offshore wind
			(a)Production credit
				(1)In generalSubpart D 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:

						45R.Credit for production for deep water
				offshore wind
							(a)General ruleFor purposes of section 38, the deep water
				offshore wind production credit of any taxpayer for any taxable year is equal
				to the product of—
								(1)3.04 cents, multiplied by
								(2)the kilowatt hours of electricity—
									(A)produced by the taxpayer at a deep water
				offshore wind facility during the 10-year period beginning on the date the
				facility was originally placed in service, and
									(B)sold by the taxpayer to an unrelated person
				during the taxable year.
									(b)National limitation
								(1)In generalThe amount of credit which would (but for
				this subsection) be allowed with respect to any facility for any taxable year
				shall not exceed the amount which bears the same ratio to such amount of credit
				as—
									(A)the national megawatt capacity limitation
				allocated to the facility, bears to
									(B)the total megawatt nameplate capacity of
				such facility.
									(2)Amount of national limitationThe aggregate amount of national megawatt
				capacity limitation allocated by the Secretary under paragraph (3) shall not
				exceed 6,000 megawatts.
								(3)Allocation of limitationThe Secretary shall allocate the national
				megawatt capacity limitation in the following manner:
									(A)The Secretary shall allocate the first
				5,000 megawatts of the national megawatt capacity limitation to facilities by
				giving priority to facilities which will be placed in service at the earliest
				date.
									(B)The Secretary shall allocate the remaining
				megawatts of the national megawatt capacity limitation by taking into account
				the technology of the facility.
									(4)RegulationsNot later than 6 months after the date of
				the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall prescribe such regulations
				as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this
				subsection. Such regulations shall provide a certification process under which
				the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall approve
				and allocate the national megawatt capacity limitation.
								(c)Deep water offshore wind
				facilityFor purposes of this
				section—
								(1)In generalThe term deep water offshore wind
				facility means any facility which—
									(A)is owned by the taxpayer,
									(B)uses wind to produce electricity,
									(C)operates in 60 meters or more of
				water,
									(D)is located within the internal or
				territorial waters of the United States, and
									(E)is placed in service after the date of the
				enactment of this section and before January 1, 2030.
									(2)ExceptionsSuch term shall not include any facility
				if—
									(A)a credit has been allowed to such facility
				under section 45 for such taxable year or any prior taxable year,
									(B)a credit has been allowed with respect to
				such facility under section 46 by reason of section 48(a) for such taxable or
				any preceding taxable year, or
									(C)a grant has been made with respect to such
				facility under section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
				2009.
									(d)Other rules to applyRules similar to the rules of paragraphs
				(1), (3), (4), and (5) of section 45(e) shall apply for purposes of this
				section.
							(e)Inflation adjustment
								(1)In generalIn the case of any calendar year after
				2010, the 3.04 cent amount in subsection (a)(1) shall be adjusted by
				multiplying such amount by the inflation adjustment factor for the calendar
				year in which the sale occurs. If any amount as increased under the preceding
				sentence is not a multiple of 0.01 cent, such amount shall be rounded to the
				nearest multiple of 0.01 cent.
								(2)Inflation adjustment factorFor purposes of paragraph (1), the term
				inflation adjustment factor has the meaning given such term under
				section 45(e)(2)(B), except that calendar year 2010 shall be
				substituted for calendar year
				1992.
								.
				(2)Credit made part of general business
			 creditSection 38(b) of the
			 Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
					(A)by striking plus at the end
			 of paragraph (34),
					(B)by striking the period at the end of
			 paragraph (35) and inserting , plus, and
					(C)by adding at the end the following new
			 paragraph:

							(36)the deep water offshore wind production
				credit determined under section
				45R(a).
							.
					(3)Coordination with other benefits
					(A)Section 45 production creditSection 45(e) of the Internal Revenue Code
			 of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

							(12)Coordination with deep water offshore wind
				creditNo credit shall be
				allowed under subsection (a) with respect to any qualified facility described
				in subsection (d)(1) if a credit has been allowed to such facility under
				section 45J for such taxable year or any prior taxable
				year.
							.
					(B)Investment creditSubsections (B) and (C) of section
			 48(d)(5)(B) of such Code are each amended by inserting or section
			 45R after section 45.
					(C)GrantsSection 48(d)(1) of such Code is amended by
			 striking or section 45 and inserting , section 45, or
			 section 45R.
					(4)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections for subpart D 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:

							Sec. 45R. Credit for production for deep water offshore
				wind.

						.
				(b)Option To elect investment credit in lieu
			 of production creditSection
			 48(a)(5)(C)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting
			 , or any deep water offshore wind facility (within the meaning of
			 section 45R) if such facility is placed in service before 2030 before
			 the period at the end.
			(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by
			 this section shall apply to facilities placed in service after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act.


113 SJ 12 RS: To consent to certain amendments enacted by the legislature of the State of Hawaii to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920.
U.S. Senate
2013-03-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IIA
		Calendar No. 133
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. J. RES. 12
		[Report No. 113–76]
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 21, 2013
			Mr. Schatz (for himself
			 and Ms. Hirono) introduced the following
			 joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and Natural
			 Resources

			July 15, 2013
			Reported by Mr. Wyden,
			 without amendment

		JOINT RESOLUTION
		To consent to certain amendments enacted by
		  the legislature of the State of Hawaii to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act,
		  1920.

		1.Consent and approval of
			 amendmentsIn accordance with
			 section 4 of Public Law 86–3 (73 Stat. 4) (commonly known as the Hawaii
			 Statehood Admissions Act, 1959) and section 204 of the Hawaiian Home
			 Lands Recovery Act (48 U.S.C. note prec. 491; Public Law 104–42), the United
			 States amends sections 208, 209, and 215 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act,
			 1920 (42 Stat. 108, chapter 42) by giving its consent to the following
			 amendments by the State of Hawaii adopted in the manner required for State
			 legislation:
			(1)Act 107, Section
			 1, of the Session Laws of Hawaii, 2000.
			(2)Act 12, Section
			 1, of the Session Laws of Hawaii, 2002.
			(3)Act 16, Section
			 1, of the Session Laws of Hawaii, 2005.

		July 15, 2013
		Reported without amendment


115 HR 1891 IH: Safe Agriculture Production Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-04-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1891IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 4, 2017Mr. LaMalfa (for himself, Mr. Costa, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Bost, Mr. Rouzer, Mr. Yoho, Mr. Thomas J. Rooney of Florida, Mr. Moolenaar, Mr. Lucas, and Mr. Gosar) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on AgricultureA BILLTo amend the Plant Protection Act with respect to authorized uses of methyl bromide, and for other
			 purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Safe Agriculture Production Act of 2017. 2.Methyl bromideSection 419 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7719) is amended to read as follows:

				419.Methyl bromide
					(a)Authorization
 (1)In generalSubject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a State, local, or tribal authority may authorize the use of methyl bromide for a qualified use if the authority determines the use is required to respond to an emergency event. The Secretary may authorize such a use if the Secretary determines such a use is required to respond to an emergency event.
 (2)NotificationNot later than 5 days after the date on which a State, local, or tribal authority makes the determination described in paragraph (1), the State, local, or tribal authority intending to authorize the use of methyl bromide for a qualified use shall submit to the Secretary a notification that contains the information described in subsection (b).
 (3)ObjectionA State, local, or tribal authority may not authorize the use of methyl bromide under paragraph (1) if the Secretary objects to such use under subsection (c) within the 5-day period specified in such subsection.
 (b)Notification contentsA notification submitted under subsection (a)(2) by a State, local, or tribal authority shall contain—
 (1)a certification that the State, local, or tribal authority requires the use of methyl bromide to respond to an emergency event;
 (2)a description of the emergency event and the economic loss that would result from such emergency event;
 (3)the identity and contact information for the responsible individual of the authority; and (4)with respect to the qualified use of methyl bromide that is the subject of the notification—
 (A)the specific location in which the methyl bromide is to be used and the total acreage of such location;
 (B)the identity of the pest or pests to be controlled by such use; (C)the total volume of methyl bromide to be used; and
 (D)the anticipated date of such use. (c)Objection (1)In generalThe Secretary, not later than 5 days after the receipt of a notification submitted under paragraph (2) of subsection (a), may object to the authorization of the use of methyl bromide under such subsection by a State, local, or tribal authority by sending the State, local, or tribal authority a notification in writing of such objection that—
 (A)states the reasons for such objection; and (B)specifies any additional information that the Secretary would require to withdraw the objection.
 (2)Reasons for objectionThe Secretary may object to an authorization described in paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that—
 (A)the notification submitted under subsection (a)(2) does not— (i)contain all of the information specified in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (b); or
 (ii)demonstrate the existence of an emergency event; or (B)the qualified use specified in the notification does not comply with the limitations specified in subsection (e).
 (3)Withdrawal of objectionThe Secretary shall withdraw an objection under this subsection if— (A)not later than 14 days after the date on which the Secretary sends the notification under paragraph (1) to the State, local, or tribal authority involved, the State, local, or tribal authority submits to the Secretary the additional information specified in such notification; and
 (B)such additional information is submitted to the satisfaction of the Secretary. (4)Effect of withdrawalUpon the issuance of a withdrawal under paragraph (3), the State, local, or tribal authority involved may authorize the use of methyl bromide for the qualified use specified in the notification submitted under subsection (a)(2).
 (d)Use for emergency events consistent with FIFRAThe production, distribution, sale, shipment, application, or use of a pesticide product containing methyl bromide in accordance with an authorization for a use under subsection (a) shall be deemed an authorized production, distribution, sale, shipment, application, or use of such product under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, regardless of whether the intended use is registered and included in the label approved for the product by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under such Act.
					(e)Limitations on use
 (1)Limitations on use per emergency eventThe amount of methyl bromide that may be used per emergency event at a specific location shall not exceed 20 metric tons.
 (2)Limits on aggregate amountThe aggregate amount of methyl bromide allowed pursuant to this section for use in the United States in a calendar year shall not exceed the total amount authorized by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol pursuant to the Montreal Protocol process for critical uses in the United States in calendar year 2011.
 (f)Ensuring adequate supply of methyl bromideNotwithstanding any other provision of law, it shall not be unlawful for any person or entity to produce or import methyl bromide, or otherwise supply methyl bromide from inventories (produced or imported pursuant to the Clean Air Act for other purposes) in response to an emergency event in accordance with subsection (a).
 (g)Exclusive authority of the SecretaryThe Secretary shall have the exclusive Federal authority with respect to determining which species are considered quarantine pests (as defined in section 319.37–1 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Safe Agriculture Production Act of 2017).
					(h)Definitions
 (1)Emergency eventThe term emergency event means a situation— (A)that occurs at a location on which a plant or commodity is grown or produced or a facility providing for the storage of, or other services with respect to, a plant or commodity;
 (B)for which the lack of availability of methyl bromide for a particular use would result in significant economic loss to the owner, lessee, or operator of such a location or facility or the owner, grower, or purchaser of such a plant or commodity; and
 (C)that, in light of the specific agricultural, meteorological, or other conditions presented, requires the use of methyl bromide to control a pest or disease in such location or facility because there are no technically or economically feasible alternatives to methyl bromide easily accessible by an entity referred to in subparagraph (B) at the time and location of the event that—
 (i)are registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.) for the intended use or pest to be so controlled; and
 (ii)would adequately control the pest or disease presented at such location or facility. (2)PestThe term pest has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136).
 (3)Qualified useThe term qualified use means, with respect to methyl bromide, a methyl bromide treatment or application in an amount not to exceed the limitations specified in subsection (e) in response to an emergency event..


117 SRES 352 IS: Designating the week of September 6 through September 10, 2021, as “National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week”.
U.S. Senate
2021-08-10
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. RES. 352IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESAugust 10, 2021Mr. Tuberville (for himself and Mr. Scott of South Carolina) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryRESOLUTIONDesignating the week of September 6 through September 10, 2021, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. Whereas historically Black colleges and universities are degree-granting institutions established prior to 1964 with the principal mission of educating Black individuals in the United States;Whereas there are over 100 accredited historically Black colleges and universities located throughout 19 States, the District of Columbia, and the United States Virgin Islands;Whereas historically Black colleges and universities have a rich heritage and have played a prominent role in the history of the United States;Whereas historically Black colleges and universities have provided, and continue to provide, a high-quality education that allows students at those colleges and universities to attain their full potential through higher education;Whereas historically Black colleges and universities serve as important engines of economic growth and public service; andWhereas the achievements and goals of historically Black colleges and universities are deserving of national recognition: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate—(1)designates the week of September 6 through September 10, 2021, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week;(2)declares that steps should be taken to raise awareness of the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities; and(3)calls on the people of the United States to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support for historically Black colleges and universities in the United States.


117 HR 2754 IH: COVID–19 Long Haulers Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-04-22
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. 2754IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 22, 2021Mr. Beyer (for himself and Mr. Bergman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo authorize the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund to fund research of the symptoms of COVID–19, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the COVID–19 Long Haulers Act.2.Authorization To Fund Research Of The Long-Term Symptoms Of COVID–19 By The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund(a)In generalThe Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund under section 1181 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320e(b)) shall fund research described in subsection (b).(b)Research describedFor purposes of subsection (a), research described in this subsection shall include—(1)prior to creating a patient registry described in paragraph (2), survey existing patient registries that include individuals experiencing post-acute sequelae of COVID–19 (in this section, referred to as PASC);(2)creating a patient registry for those with COVID–19 with information that—(A)contains the—(i)symptoms that arise while an individual is initially infected with COVID–19 and that resolve over time;(ii)symptoms that arise while an individual is initially infected with COVID–19 and that extend beyond the resolution of initial symptoms;(iii)symptoms that arise after an individual is initially infected with COVID–19 and that endure and that the clinician of such individual has reason to suspect were related to the COVID–19 diagnosis;(iv)symptoms that arise in an individual that may be related to COVID–19 but a diagnosis of COVID–19 was not obtained and cannot be identified due to a lack of antibodies, false negative test results, or lack of access to timely testing; (v)treatments of individuals after primary diagnosis to COVID–19 and the effectiveness of such treatments disaggregated by age, gender, race or ethnicity, and co-morbidities and related post-viral illnesses overlapping with PASC; and(vi)any other relevant questions or issues related to individuals who experience a diagnosis of, treatment for, and management of care with COVID–19, PASC, or related post-viral illnesses overlapping with PASC; and(B)synthesizes information relating to individuals experiencing post-acute sequelae of COVID–19 identified from the survey described in paragraph (1) and information under the patient registry described in paragraph (2); and(3)outreach and inclusion (as appropriate) individuals from communities with PASC, traditional health 3 disparities and inequities and related post-viral illnesses overlapping with PASC.(c)ReportNot later than 1 year after the establishment of the synthesized patient registry described in subsection (a)(2), and annually thereafter, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute shall submit data, findings, and information with respect to the status of the patient registry (including progress, barriers, and issues) to Congress and the President.(d)Authorization of appropriationsThere is hereby authorized $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 to carry out this section, which shall remain available until expended.3.Research On United States Health Care System’s Response To Long-Term Symptoms Of Covid–19(a)In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, shall conduct or support research related to the United States health care system’s response to long-term symptoms of COVID–19, including with respect to—(1)the expansion and efficacy of post-infectious disease treatment, including—(A)identifying obstacles to access for veterans, the elderly, disabled, and low-income communities;(B)evaluating and identifying potential gaps or other weaknesses that bear on gender, geographic, racial and ethnic disparities on COVID–19 infection rates, severity and length of symptoms, and outcomes;(C)identifying gaps in compliance with health care privacy and security rules; and(D)evaluating whether diagnosis, access to, or treatment associated with medical providers and care delivered in different settings varied by gender, disability, geographic, racial and ethnic group; and(2)conducting and support rapid turnaround research to—(A)identify health care strategies that help mitigate gender, geographic, disability, racial and ethnic disparities in COVID–19 infection rates, severity and length of symptoms, secondary illnesses, and outcomes;(B)identify health care-related factors contributing to such disparities in COVID–19 infection rates, hospitalizations, severity and length of disease, secondary illnesses, and outcomes; and(C)provide recommendations on ensuring equity in diagnosis and access to quality post-infectious treatments that may be advanced to mitigate such disparities, going forward.(b)Protocols on PASC patientsThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, shall coordinate cross-agency engagement with leaders from communities with PASC, traditional health disparities and inequities and related post-viral illnesses overlapping with PASC—(1)to develop protocols that ensure PASC patients have access to medical professionals educated about post-infectious disease and treatments; and(2)to provide guidance on PASC diagnostics, treatments, and care that takes into account gender, geographic, racial and ethnic disparities.(c)Authorization of AppropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 to carry out this section, which shall remain available until expended.4.Education and dissemination of information with respect to long-term symptoms of covid–19(a)Post-Acute sequelae of COVID–19 (PASC) public education programThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall develop and disseminate to the public information regarding PASC, including information on—(1)the awareness, incidence, and common symptoms of PASC among COVID–19 patients;(2)illnesses related and often comorbid with PASC, including but not limited to,(A)myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM);(B)postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and other forms of dysautonomia;(C)autoimmune diseases associated with viral triggers;(D)connective tissue diseases exacerbated or triggered by infections; and(E)mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS); and(3)the availability, as medically appropriate, of treatment options for PASC and related post-viral illnesses overlapping with PASC, as identified in section (2) above.(b)Post-Acute sequelae of COVID–19 (PASC) provider education programThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall in consultation with communities with PASC, traditional health disparities and inequities and related post-viral illnesses overlapping with PASC, develop and disseminate to health care providers information on PASC for the purpose of ensuring that health care providers remain informed about current information on this emerging illness and related post-infectious illnesses, which have been shown to be closely related to PASC including information on—(1)myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM);(2)postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and other forms of dysautonomia;(3)autoimmune diseases associated with viral triggers;(4)connective tissue diseases exacerbated or triggered by infections; and(5)mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).(c)Dissemination of informationThe Secretary may disseminate information under subsection (a) and subsection (b) directly or through arrangements with intra-agency initiatives, nonprofit organizations, consumer groups, institutions of higher learning (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), or Federal, State, or local public private partnerships.(d)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 to carry out this section, which shall remain available until expended.5.Research with respect to medicaid coverage of long-term symptoms of covid–19(a)ResearchThe Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (referred to in this section as the Administrator) shall expand the Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse research database of such Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to collect data on items and services furnished to individuals experiencing post-acute sequelae of COVID–19 under a State plan (or a waiver of such a plan) under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) or under a State child Health plan (or a waiver of such a plan) under the Children’s Health Insurance Program under title XXI of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.) for the treatment of post-acute sequelae of COVID–19 for purposes of assessing the frequency at which COVID–19 survivors are furnished such items and services.(b)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 to carry out this section, which shall remain available until expended.


117 S2092 IS: Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-06-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II
117th CONGRESS1st Session
S. 2092
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 16, 2021
Ms. Smith (for herself, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Thune, Mr. Tester, Mr. Cramer, and Mr. Schatz) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

A BILL
To permanently authorize the Native Community Development Financial Institutions lending program of the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act of 2021. 2.Native CDFI relending programSection 502 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(j)Set aside for native community development financial institutions
(1)DefinitionsIn this subsection— (A)the term Alaska Native has the meaning given the term Native in section 3(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602(b));
(B) the term appropriate congressional committees means— (i)the Committee on Agriculture of the Senate;
(ii)the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate; (iii)the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate;
(iv)the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives;  (v)the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and
(vi)the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives; (C)the term community development financial institution has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4702);
(D)the term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term Indian tribe in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103);  (E)the term Native community development financial institution means an entity—
(i)that has been certified as a community development financial institution by the Secretary of the Treasury;  (ii)that is not less than 50 percent owned or controlled by members of Indian Tribes, Alaska Native communities, or Native Hawaiian communities; and
(iii)for which not less than 50 percent of the activities of the entity serve Indian Tribes, Alaska Native communities, or Native Hawaiian communities;  (F)the term Native Hawaiian has the meaning given the term in section 801 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4221); and
(G)the term priority Tribal land means— (i)any land located within the boundaries of—
(I)an Indian reservation, pueblo, or rancheria; or (II)a former reservation within Oklahoma;
(ii)any land not located within the boundaries of an Indian reservation, pueblo, or rancheria, the title to which is held— (I)in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian Tribe or an individual Indian;
(II)by an Indian Tribe or an individual Indian, subject to restriction against alienation under laws of the United States; or (III)by a dependent Indian community;
(iii)any land located within a region established pursuant to section 7(a) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1606(a)); (iv)Hawaiian Home Lands, as defined in section 801 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4221); or
(v)those areas or communities designated by the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior that are near, adjacent, or contiguous to reservations where financial assistance and social service programs are provided to Indians because of their status as Indians. (2)PurposeThe purpose of this subsection is to—
(A)increase homeownership opportunities for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Communities, and Native Hawaiian communities in rural areas; and (B)provide capital to Native community development financial institutions to increase the number of mortgage transactions carried out by those institutions.
(3)Set aside for Native CDFIsOf amounts appropriated to make direct loans under this section for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use $50,000,000 to make direct loans to Native community development financial institutions in accordance with this subsection. (4)Application requirementsA Native community development financial institution desiring a loan under this subsection shall demonstrate that the institution—
(A)can provide the non-Federal cost share required under paragraph (6); and (B)is able to originate and service loans for single family homes.
(5)Lending requirementsA Native community development financial institution that receives a loan pursuant to this subsection shall— (A)use those amounts to make loans to borrowers—
(i)who otherwise meet the requirements for a loan under this section; and (ii)who—
(I)are members of an Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native community, or a Native Hawaiian community; or  (II)maintain a household in which not less 1 member is a member of an Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native community, or a Native Hawaiian community; and
(B)in making loans under subparagraph (A), give priority to borrowers described in that subparagraph who are residing on priority Tribal land. (6)Non-Federal cost share (A)In generalA Native community development financial institution that receives a loan under this section shall be required to match not less than 20 percent of the amount received.
(B)WaiverIn the case of a loan for which amounts are used to make loans to borrowers described in paragraph (5)(B), the Secretary shall waive the non-Federal cost share requirement described in subparagraph (A) with respect to those loan amounts. (7)Reporting (A)Annual report by Native CDFIsEach Native community development financial institution that receives a loan pursuant to this subsection shall submit an annual report to the Secretary on the lending activities of the institution using the loan amounts, which shall include—
(i)a description of the outreach efforts of the institution in local communities to identify eligible borrowers; (ii)a description of how the institution leveraged additional capital to reach prospective borrowers;
(iii)the number of loan applications received, approved, and deployed; (iv)the average loan amount;
(v)the number of finalized loans that were made on Tribal trust lands and not on Tribal trust lands; and (vi)the number of finalized loans that were made on priority Tribal land and not priority Tribal land.
(B)Annual report to CongressNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, and every year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional communities a report that includes— (i)a list of loans made to Native community development financial institutions pursuant to this subsection, including the name of the institution and the loan amount;
(ii)the percentage of loans made under this section to members of Indian Tribes, Alaska Native communities, and Native Hawaiian communities, respectively, including a breakdown of loans made to households residing on and not on Tribal trust lands; and (iii)the average loan amount made by Native community development financial institutions pursuant to this subsection.
(C)Evaluation of programNot later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury shall conduct an evaluation of and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the program under this subsection, which shall— (i)evaluate the effectiveness of the program, including an evaluation of the demand for loans under the program; and
(ii)include recommendations relating to the program, including whether— (I)the program should be expanded to such that all community development financial institutions may make loans under the program to the borrowers described in paragraph (5); and
(II)the set aside amount paragraph (3) should be modified in order to match demand under the program. (8)Grants for operational support (A)In generalThe Secretary shall make grants to Native community development financial institutions that receive a loan under this section to provide operational support and other related services to those institutions, subject to—
(i)to the satisfactory performance, as determined by the Secretary, of a Native community development financial institution in carrying out this section; and (ii)the availability of funding.
(B)AmountA Native community development financial institution that receives a loan under this section shall be eligible to receive an annual grant described in subparagraph (A) in an amount equal to not less than 20 percent and not more than 25 percent of the total outstanding balance of loans made by the Native community development financial institution under the program under this section as of the date on which the grant is awarded. (9)Outreach and technical assistanceThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024—
(A)to provide technical assistance to Native community development financial institutions— (i)relating to homeownership and other housing-related assistance provided by the Secretary; and
(ii)to assist those institutions to perform outreach to eligible homebuyers relating to the loan program under this section; or (B)to provide funding to a national organization representing Native American housing interests to perform outreach and provide technical assistance as described in clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, of subparagraph (A)..


116 HR 7994 IH: To authorize the President to award the Purple Heart to Anselm “Jerry” Cramer for injuries incurred during the Korean War while a member of the Marine Corps.
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-08-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

V116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7994IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESAugust 7, 2020Mr. Suozzi introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed ServicesA BILLTo authorize the President to award the Purple Heart to Anselm Jerry Cramer for injuries incurred during the Korean War while a member of the Marine Corps.1.Authorization to award the Purple Heart to Anselm Jerry Cramer for injuries incurred during the Korean War while a member of the Marine CorpsNotwithstanding the criteria in section 1 of in Executive Order 11016, the President is authorized to award the Purple Heart to Anselm Jerry Cramer for injuries incurred during the Korean War while a member of the Marine Corps.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1404
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 15, 2007
			Mr. Inhofe introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To provide for Congressional authority with respect to
		  certain acquisitions, mergers, and takeovers under the Defense Production Act
		  of 1950.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Foreign Investment Security Act of
			 2007.
		2.Congressional
			 Authority Under Defense Production ActSection 721 of the Defense Production Act of
			 1950 (50 U.S.C. App. 2170) is amended—
			(1)in subsection
			 (a)—
				(A)by striking
			 30 and inserting 60; and
				(B)by adding at the
			 end the following: The findings and recommendations of any such
			 investigation shall be sent immediately to the President and to the Committee
			 on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
			 Financial Services of the House of Representatives for review.;
				(2)in subsection
			 (b)—
				(A)by inserting
			 before the first period , or in such instance at the request of the
			 chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
			 Affairs of the Senate or the Committee on Financial Services of the House of
			 Representatives;
				(B)in paragraph (2),
			 by inserting before the period , and the findings and recommendations of
			 such investigation shall be sent immediately to the President and to the
			 Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the
			 Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives for
			 review; and
				(C)by striking
			 30 and inserting 60;
				(3)in subsection
			 (f)—
				(A)by striking
			 designee may and inserting designee shall;
				(B)in paragraph (4),
			 by striking and at the end;
				(C)in paragraph (5),
			 by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and;
			 and
				(D)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(6)the long-term
				projections of United States requirements for sources of energy and other
				critical resources and materials and for economic
				security.
						;
				(4)in subsection
			 (g)—
				(A)by striking
			 The President and inserting the following:

						(1)In
				generalThe President
						;
				and
				(B)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(2)Quarterly
				submissionsThe Secretary of the Treasury shall transmit to the
				Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the
				Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, on a quarterly
				basis, a detailed summary and analysis of each merger, acquisition, or takeover
				that is being reviewed, was reviewed during the preceding 90-day period, or is
				likely to be reviewed in the coming quarter by the President or the President's
				designee under subsection (a) or (b). Each such summary and analysis shall be
				submitted in unclassified form, with classified annexes as the Secretary
				determines are required to protect company proprietary information and other
				sensitive information. Each such summary and analysis shall include an appendix
				detailing dissenting views.
						;
				and
				(5)by adding at the
			 end the following new subsections:

					(l)Congressional
				authority
						(1)In
				generalIf the President does not suspend or prohibit an
				acquisition, merger, or takeover under subsection (d), the acquisition, merger,
				or takeover may not be consummated until 10 legislative days after the
				President notifies the Congress of the decision not to suspend or prohibit. If
				a joint resolution objecting to the proposed transaction is introduced in
				either House of Congress by the chairman of one of the appropriate
				congressional committees during such 10-legislative-day period, the transaction
				may not be consummated until 30 legislative days after the date on which such
				resolution is introduced.
						(2)Disapproval
				upon passage of resolutionIf a joint resolution introduced under
				paragraph (1) is enacted into law, the transaction may not be
				consummated.
						(3)ConsiderationsThe
				Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the
				Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives shall review
				any findings and recommendations submitted under subsection (a) or (b), and any
				joint resolution under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be based on the
				factors outlined in subsection (f).
						(4)Senate
				procedureAny joint resolution under paragraph (1) shall be
				considered in the Senate in accordance with the provisions of section 601(b) of
				the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976
				(Public Law 94–329, 90 Stat. 765).
						(5)House
				considerationFor the purpose of expediting the consideration and
				enactment of a joint resolution under paragraph (1), a motion to proceed to the
				consideration of any such joint resolution shall be treated as highly
				privileged in the House of Representatives.
						(m)Thorough
				reviewThe President, or the President's designee, shall ensure
				that an acquisition, merger, or takeover that is completed prior to a review or
				investigation under this section shall be fully reviewed for national security
				considerations, even in the event that a request for such review is
				withdrawn.
					.


114 HR 2054 IH: To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for increased access to Department of Veterans Affairs medical care for women veterans.
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-04-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2054
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 28, 2015
Ms. Brown of Florida introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for increased access to Department of Veterans Affairs medical care for women veterans.

1.Improved access to Department of Veterans Affairs medical care for women veterans
(a)In generalSubchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:  1720H.Medical services for women veterans (a)Access to careThe Secretary shall ensure that gender specific services are continuously available at every medical center and community based outpatient clinic of the Department.
(b)Availability of personnelThe Secretary may employ such personnel and enter into such contracts as may be necessary to provide the services required under subsection (a) based on the standards of the Department and the demand, and the projected growth of the demand, for such services, as determined by the Secretary. (b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1720G the following new item:

1720H. Medical services for women veterans..


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3519
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			November 29, 2011
			Mr. Towns (for
			 himself, Mrs. Christensen,
			 Ms. Lee of California,
			 Mr. Clay, Mr. Carson of Indiana,
			 Ms. Hanabusa, and
			 Mr. Hastings of Florida) introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Budget

		A BILL
		To amend to exempt the Medicare program from fallback
		  sequestration under the Budget Control Act of 2011.

		1.Exempting Medicare from
			 fallback sequestration under Budget Control Act of 2011Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and
			 Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (42 U.S.C. 901a), as added by section
			 302(a) of the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Public Law 112–25), is
			 amended—
			(1)in paragraph (8),
			 by striking except that the percentage reduction for the Medicare
			 programs specified in section 256(d) shall not be more than 2 percent for a
			 fiscal year and inserting except that there shall be no
			 reduction for the Medicare programs specified in section 256(d);
			 and
			(2)in paragraph (9),
			 by striking the percentage reduction for the Medicare programs would
			 exceed 2 percent for a fiscal year in the absence of paragraph (8) and
			 inserting there would be a percentage reduction for the Medicare
			 programs for a fiscal year in the absence of paragraph (8).


114 HR 1782 IH: Cuba Human Rights Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-04-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1782
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 14, 2015
			Mr. Smith of New Jersey (for himself, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Mr. Sires, Mr. Curbelo of Florida, Mr. Lance, Mr. MacArthur, Mr. Meadows, Mr. Frelinghuysen, and Mr. LoBiondo) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

		A BILL
		To promote human rights in Cuba, urge the Cuban Government to meet certain human rights milestones,
			 and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; Table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Cuba Human Rights Act of 2015. (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. Sense of Congress.
					Sec. 4. Statement of policy.
					Sec. 5. United States public diplomacy.
					Sec. 6. Religious freedom.
					Sec. 7. Trafficking in persons.
					Sec. 8. Support for the Cuban people.
					Sec. 9. Annual report.

 2.FindingsCongress finds the following: (1)United States foreign policy towards the Government of Cuba is governed by a variety of Federal laws, including the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917, the International Claims Act of 1949, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Cuban Assets Control Regulations of 1963, the International Economic Powers Act of 1977, the Food Security Act of 1985, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992, the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996, the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1999, and the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000.
 (2)Since 1961, it has been the stated policy of the United States to institute a commercial and economic embargo against the Government of Cuba, supported and buttressed by the Federal laws referred to in paragraph (1), with the Cuban Assets Control Regulations of 1963 being the principal means through which the United States enforces its embargo against Cuba. These Federal laws and related regulations regulate commerce, trade, travel, and telecommunications with Cuba.
 (3)The Cuban regime, which is effectively synonymous with the Communist Party of Cuba, forbids public challenge to the legitimacy of its single-party rule, and restricts freedom of assembly, association, expression, press, religion, and speech, as well as tightly limits access to the Internet and telecommunications. This includes attempts to jam access to the Internet and the signals of some foreign radio and television stations, including the United States sponsored Radio y Televisión Martí.
 (4)The Government of Cuba continues to harbor fugitives wanted in the United States, such as Joanne Chesimard, who is on the top of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted Terrorist List. Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, was convicted of murdering New Jersey State trooper Werner Foerster. After escaping prison, Chesimard fled to Cuba, where Fidel Castro granted her political asylum. This deplorable failure to extradite has caused ongoing suffering and stress to Mr. Foerster’s surviving family and friends.
 (5)The Government of Cuba continues to detain, imprison, place under house arrest, convict, or otherwise restrict its citizens for peacefully expressing any dissenting political views, deny workers the right of free association and the related right to organize and collectively bargain outside the state monopoly on power, and limit freedom of religion, restrict the operations of independent religious organizations, and persecute believers whose religious activities or views the Government of Cuba regards as a potential threat to its monopoly on power.
 (6)The Government of Cuba, through its Office of Religious Affairs of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and the Ministry of Justice, controls all religious activity on the island and often represses religious freedom, including the harassment, beating, detainment, and jailing of individuals involved in religious activities, typically on a weekly basis. The Government of Cuba also unjustly uses treason laws to repress religious freedom by accusing religious peoples of being counter-revolutionaries and then illegally harassing, beating, detaining, and jailing them.
 (7)Individuals arrested by the Government of Cuba because of their political or religious affiliations and activities are not accorded due legal process as they lack full access to lawyers of their choice, may experience closed trials, have often been detained for years without trial, and have been subjected to the use of torture to admit to crimes that they did not commit or to falsely denounce others.
 (8)Cuba continues to be a destination country for the commercial sexual exploitation of women and young girls in the form of sex tourism, as well as a source country for the forced labor of individuals who subsequently face conditions of debt bondage or forced labor.
 (9)The United Nations Commission on Human Rights and several Latin American countries have passed resolutions condemning the human rights abuses of the Government of Cuba.
 (10)In anticipation of the Summit of the Americas in Panama, on April 8, 2015, persons affiliated with the Castro regime attacked Cuban pro-democracy activists Jorge Luis Garcia Perez Antunez, Yris Perez Aguilera, Juan Carlos González Leyva, Leticia Ramos Herrería, and Rolando Rodríguez Lobaina and United States citizens Orlando Gutierrez, Silvia Iriondo, and Gus Monge during a peaceful gathering.
 (11)According to media reports, Colonel Alexis Frutos Weeden, who is the head of Cuban intelligence in Venezuela, was identified as one of the assailants in Panama who attacked the Cuban pro-democracy activists and United States citizens.
 (12)Despite the continued presence of these aggravating circumstances, President Obama recently announced his intention to comprehensively modify and normalize relations between the United State and Cuba, all without the advice and consent of Congress or with any attempt to amend or modify the myriad of Federal laws and regulations that govern the United States-Cuba relationship or the related embargo.
 3.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that the United States-Cuba relationship should not be changed, nor should any Federal law or regulation be amended, until the Government of Cuba ceases violating the human rights of the people of Cuba.
 4.Statement of policyIt should be the policy of the United States to— (1)continue to vigorously oppose and denounce the human rights violations of the Government of Cuba;
 (2)maintain the status quo of Federal law with respect to the Government of Cuba, including sanctions and embargo, on the Government of Cuba so long as it continues to violate the human rights of the people of Cuba, and to deny the Government of Cuba any embassy or consulates in the United States due to security concerns stemming from past illicit espionage activities;
 (3)seek the cooperation of other democratic countries in this policy; (4)make clear to other countries that, in determining its relations with them, the United States will take into account their willingness to cooperate in such a policy; and
 (5)not amend the Federal laws and regulations referred to in section 2(1) and not reduce the sanctions against the Government of Cuba until the Government of Cuba ceases violating and, in fact, protects, the human rights of the people of Cuba, including—
 (A)releasing all political and religious prisoners; (B)respecting the right to freedom of religion, including the right to participate in religious activities and institutions without interference, harassment, or involvement of the Government of Cuba for all of Cuba’s religious communities;
 (C)returning estates and properties confiscated from churches and religious communities; (D)respecting the right to freedom of assembly, association, expression, press, and speech, including releasing all independent journalists, bloggers, and democracy and labor activists;
 (E)repealing or revising laws that criminalize peaceful dissent, independent media, unsanctioned religious activity, and nonviolent demonstrations and rallies, in accordance with international standards and treaties to which Cuba is a party;
 (F)allowing Cuban nationals free and open access to United States refugee programs; (G)respecting the human rights of members of all racial and ethnic minorities, including Afro-Cubans, who face discrimination;
 (H)taking all appropriate steps to end any complicity of officials of the Government of Cuba or companies wholly or partly owned or controlled by the Government of Cuba in human rights violations, including severe forms of trafficking in persons, and vigorously investigating, prosecuting, convicting, and sentencing such officials and the complicit individuals in such companies for such conduct;
 (I)satisfying, to the satisfaction of the individual claims holders, all claims outstanding under the International Claims Act of 1949 and the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996, which now total roughly $7 billion;
 (J)returning all fugitives from justice convicted in the United States of crimes, including Joanne Chesimard, Guillermo Morales, Victor Manuel Gerena, and Charles Hill; and
 (K)ceasing the sponsorship of terrorist organizations abroad or otherwise giving support and refuge to such terrorist organizations, including the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias (FARC) of Colombia, the Basque separatist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA), and the Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación Nacional (FALN) of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
				5.United States public diplomacy
 (a)Radio y Televisión Martí transmissions to CubaIt is the sense of Congress that the United States should take all necessary measures to overcome the jamming of all radio and television signals of the Radio y Televisión Martí by the Government of Cuba and that the Broadcasting Board of Governors should not cut staffing, funding, or broadcast hours for Radio y Televisión Martí.
 (b)United Nations Human Rights CouncilIt is the sense of Congress that if the conditions described in section 4 are not met, the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations should strongly oppose, and encourage other Member States of the United Nations to strongly oppose, Cuba’s continued membership on the United Nations Human Rights Council which acts as an affront to the legitimacy of such Council.
 6.Religious freedomIt is the sense of Congress that if the conditions described in subparagraph (B) of section 4(5) are not met, Cuba should be designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom pursuant to subsection (b) of section 402 of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6442).
 7.Trafficking in personsIt is the sense of Congress that the annual report to Congress required under paragraph (1) of section 110(b) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7101(b); Public Law 106–386) should include an in-depth analysis of the facilitation of or involvement in severe forms of human trafficking by any type of official of the Government of Cuba or of companies wholly or partially owned by the Government of Cuba, including whether such officials or companies were involved in providing minors for commercial sex in the tourism industry.
 8.Support for the Cuban peopleNothing in this Act may be construed as— (1)prohibiting the donation of food to nongovernmental organizations or individuals in Cuba;
 (2)restricting the export of medicine or medical supplies, instruments, or equipment to Cuba as specified in the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 or any other applicable Federal law;
 (3)abrogating any requirement that the exports described in paragraph (2) be verified in conformity with the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 or any other applicable federal law; or
 (4)prohibiting or restricting any other form of assistance specified in the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992, including telecommunications, mail, and support for democracy.
			9.Annual report
 (a)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report on the following:
 (1)Whether the conditions described in subparagraphs (A) through (K) of section 4(5) have been met, as applicable.
 (2)Efforts by the United States to promote access by the Cuban people to Radio y Televisión Martí transmissions.
 (3)Lists of persons believed to be imprisoned, detained, or placed under house arrest, tortured, or otherwise persecuted by the Government of Cuba due to their pursuit of internationally recognized human rights. In compiling such lists, the Secretary shall exercise appropriate discretion, including concerns regarding the safety and security of, and benefit to, the persons who may be included on such lists and their families, but if such persons are not identified by name then they shall disclosed in camera to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives or the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate if requested. In addition, the Secretary shall include a list of such persons and their families who may qualify for protections under United States refugee programs.
 (4)A description of the development of the rule of law in Cuba, including information on the following:
 (A)Progress toward the development of institutions of democratic governance. (B)Processes by which statutes, regulations, rules, and other legal acts of the Government of Cuba are developed and become binding within Cuba.
 (C)The extent to which statutes, regulations, rules, administrative and judicial decisions, and other legal acts of the Government of Cuba are published and are made accessible to the public.
 (D)The extent to which administrative and judicial decisions are supported by statements of reasons that are based upon written statutes, regulations, rules, and other legal acts of the Government of Cuba.
 (E)The extent to which individuals are treated equally under the laws of Cuba without regard to citizenship, race, religion, political opinion, or current or former associations.
 (F)The extent to which administrative and judicial decisions are independent of political pressure or governmental interference and are reviewed by entities of appellate jurisdiction.
 (G)The extent to which laws in Cuba are written and administered in ways that are consistent with international human rights standards, including the rights enumerated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
 (b)Contacts with other organizationsIn preparing the reports required under subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall seek out and maintain contacts with nongovernmental organizations and human rights advocates (including Cuban-Americans and human rights advocates in Cuba), in order to receive and evaluate reports and updates from such advocates and organizations. The Secretary shall also consult with the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom when preparing such reports and make all efforts to accommodate the Commission’s input in the final version of such reports.


113 S1955 IS: Knife Owners’ Protection Act of 2014
U.S. Senate
2014-01-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II113th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 1955IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJanuary 16, 2014Mr. Enzi (for himself and Mr. Lee) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationA BILLTo protect the right of law-abiding citizens to transport knives interstate, notwithstanding a patchwork of local and State prohibitions.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Knife Owners’ Protection Act of 2014.2.Interstate transport of knives(a)DefinitionIn this section, the term transport—(1)includes staying in temporary lodging overnight, common carrier misrouting or delays, stops for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, emergencies, medical treatment, and any other activity related to the journey of an individual; and(2)does not include transport of a knife with the intent to commit an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year involving the use or threatened use of force against another person, or with knowledge, or reasonable cause to believe, that such an offense is to be committed in the course of, or arising from, the journey.(b)Transport of knives(1)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, rule, or regulation of the United States, or of a State or political subdivision of a State, an individual who is not otherwise prohibited by Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a knife may transport a knife from any State or place where the individual may lawfully possess, carry, or transport the knife to any other State or place where the individual may lawfully possess, carry, or transport the knife if—(A)in the case of transport by motor vehicle, the knife is not directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, or, in the case of a motor vehicle without a compartment separate from the passenger compartment, the knife is contained in a locked container, glove compartment, or console; or(B)in the case of transport by means other than a motor vehicle, including any transport over land, on or through water, or through the air, the knife is contained in a locked container.(2)Temporary lodgingAn individual transporting a knife in accordance with paragraph (1) may have a knife accessible while staying in any form of  temporary lodging.(c)Emergency knives(1)In generalAn individual—(A)may carry in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle a knife or tool designed for enabling escape in an emergency that incorporates a blunt tipped safety blade or a guarded blade or both for cutting safety belts; and(B)shall not be required to secure a knife or tool described in subparagraph (A) in a locked container, glove compartment, or console.(2)LimitationThis subsection shall not apply to the transport of a  knife or tool in the passenger cabin of an aircraft whose passengers are subject to airport screening procedures of the Transportation Security Administration.(d)No arrest or detentionAn individual who is transporting a knife in compliance with this section may not be arrested or otherwise detained for violation of any law, rule, or regulation of a State or political subdivision of a State related to the possession, transport, or carrying of a knife, unless there is probable cause to believe that the individual is not in compliance with subsection (b).(e)Claim or defenseAn individual may assert this section as a claim or defense in any civil or criminal action or proceeding. When an individual asserts this section as a claim or defense in a criminal proceeding, the State or political subdivision has the burden of proving, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the individual was not in compliance with subsection (b).(f)Right of action(1)In generalAny individual  who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or political subdivision of a State, subjects, or causes to be subjected, any individual to the deprivation of the rights, privileges, or immunities provided for in this section, shall be liable to the individual so deprived in an action at law or equity, or other proper proceeding for redress.(2)Attorney's Fees(A)In generalIf an individual asserts this section as a claim or defense, the court shall award to the prevailing party, as described in subparagraph (B), reasonable attorney's fees.(B)Prevailing partyA prevailing party described in this subparagraph—(i)includes a party who receives a favorable resolution through a decision by a court, settlement of a claim, withdrawal of criminal charges, or change of a statute or regulation; and(ii)does not include a State or political subdivision of a State, or an employee or representative of a State or political subdivision of a State.(g)Rule of constructionNothing in this section shall be construed to limit any right to possess, carry, or transport a knife under applicable State law.


113 HR 1444 IH: H–2A Improvement Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-04-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1444
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 9, 2013
			Mr. Owens (for
			 himself, Mr. Hanna, and
			 Mr. Welch) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on the Judiciary

		A BILL
		To improve the H–2A agricultural worker program for use
		  by dairy workers, sheepherders, and goat herders, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 H–2A Improvement
			 Act.
		2.Nonimmigrant
			 status for dairy workers, sheepherders, and goat herdersSection 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of the
			 Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a)) is amended by
			 inserting who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform
			 agricultural labor or services as a dairy worker, sheepherder, or goat herder,
			 or after abandoning.
		3.Special rules for
			 aliens employed as dairy workers, sheepherders, or goat herdersSection 218 of the Immigration and
			 Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1188) is amended—
			(1)by redesignating
			 subsections (h) and (i) as subsections (i) and (j), respectively; and
			(2)by inserting after
			 subsection (g) the following:

					(h)Special rules
				for aliens employed as dairy workers, sheepherders, or goat herders
						(1)In
				generalNotwithstanding any other provision of this Act, an alien
				admitted as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) for employment as
				a dairy worker, sheepherder, or goat herder—
							(A)may be admitted
				for an initial period of 3 years; and
							(B)subject to
				paragraph (3)(E), may have such initial period of admission extended for an
				additional period of up to 3 years.
							(2)Exemption from
				temporary or seasonal requirementNotwithstanding section
				101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), an employer filing a petition to employ H–2A workers in
				positions as dairy workers, sheepherders, or goat herders shall not be required
				to show that such positions are of a seasonal or temporary
				nature.
						.