		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 430
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			February 12, 2009
			Mr. Inhofe introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Environment and Public
			 Works

		A BILL
		To amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of
		  1965 to reauthorize that Act, and for other purposes.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Economic Development
			 Administration Reauthorization Act of 2009.
		2.Economic development
			 partnershipsSection 101 of
			 the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3131) is
			 amended by adding at the end the following:

				(e)Excellence in
				economic development awards
					(1)Establishment
				of programTo recognize innovative economic development
				strategies of national significance, the Secretary may establish and carry out
				a program, to be known as the Excellence in Economic Development Award
				Program (referred to in this subsection as the
				program).
					(2)Eligible
				entitiesTo be eligible for recognition under the program, an
				entity shall be an eligible recipient that is not a for-profit organization or
				institution.
					(3)NominationsBefore
				making an award under the program, the Secretary shall solicit nominations
				publicly, in accordance with such selection and evaluation procedures as the
				Secretary may establish in the solicitation.
					(4)CategoriesThe
				categories of awards under the program shall include awards for—
						(A)urban or suburban
				economic development;
						(B)rural economic
				development;
						(C)environmental or
				energy economic development;
						(D)economic
				diversification strategies that respond to economic dislocations, including
				economic dislocations caused by natural disasters and military base realignment
				and closure actions;
						(E)university-led
				strategies to enhance economic development;
						(F)community- and
				faith-based social entrepreneurship;
						(G)historic
				preservation-led strategies to enhance economic development; and
						(H)such other
				categories as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
						(5)Provision of
				awardsThe Secretary may provide to each entity selected to
				receive an award under this subsection a plaque, bowl, or similar article to
				commemorate the accomplishments of the entity.
					(6)FundingOf
				amounts made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary may use not more
				than $2,000 for each fiscal year to carry out this
				subsection.
					.
		3.Enhancement of
			 recipient flexibility to deal with project assets
			(a)Revolving loan
			 fund program flexibilitySection 209(d) of the Public Works and
			 Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3149(d)) is amended by adding at
			 the end the following:

					(5)Conversion of
				project assets
						(A)RequestIf
				a recipient determines that a revolving loan fund established using assistance
				provided under this section is no longer needed, or that the recipient could
				make better use of the assistance in light of the current economic development
				needs of the recipient if the assistance was made available to carry out any
				other project that meets the requirements of this Act, the recipient may submit
				to the Secretary a request to approve the conversion of the assistance.
						(B)Methods of
				conversionA recipient the request to convert assistance of which
				is approved under subparagraph (A) may accomplish the conversion by—
							(i)selling to a
				third party any assets of the applicable revolving loan fund; or
							(ii)retaining
				repayments of principal and interest amounts on loans provided through the
				applicable revolving loan fund.
							(C)Requirements
							(i)Sale
								(I)In
				generalSubject to subclause (II), a recipient shall use the net
				proceeds from a sale of assets under subparagraph (B)(i) to pay any portion of
				the costs of 1 or more projects that meet the requirements of this Act.
								(II)TreatmentFor
				purposes of subclause (I), a project described in that subclause shall be
				considered to be eligible under section 301.
								(ii)Retention of
				repaymentsRetention by a recipient of any repayment under
				subparagraph (B)(ii) shall be carried out in accordance with a strategic reuse
				plan approved by the Secretary that provides for the increase of capital over
				time until sufficient amounts (including interest earned on the amounts) are
				accumulated to fund other projects that meet the requirements of this
				Act.
							(D)Terms and
				conditionsThe Secretary may require such terms and conditions
				regarding a proposed conversion of the use of assistance under this paragraph
				as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
						(E)Expediency
				requirementThe Secretary shall ensure that any assistance
				intended to be converted for use pursuant to this paragraph is used in an
				expeditious manner.
						(6)Program
				administrationThe Secretary may allocate not more than 2 percent
				of the amounts made available for grants under this section for the development
				and maintenance of an automated tracking and monitoring system to ensure the
				proper operation and financial integrity of the revolving loan program
				established under this
				section.
					.
			(b)Maintenance of
			 effortTitle VI of the Public Works and Economic Development Act
			 of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3211 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following:

					613.Maintenance of
				effort
						(a)Expected period
				of best efforts
							(1)EstablishmentTo
				carry out the purposes of this Act, before providing investment assistance for
				a construction project under this Act, the Secretary shall establish the
				expected period during which the recipient of the assistance shall make best
				efforts to achieve the economic development objectives of the
				assistance.
							(2)Treatment of
				propertyTo obtain the best efforts of a recipient during the
				period established under paragraph (1), during that period—
								(A)any property that
				is acquired or improved, in whole or in part, using investment assistance under
				this Act shall be held in trust by the recipient for the benefit of the
				project; and
								(B)the Secretary
				shall retain an undivided equitable reversionary interest in the
				property.
								(3)Termination of
				Federal interest
								(A)In
				generalBeginning on the date on which the Secretary determines
				that a recipient has fulfilled the obligations of the recipient for the
				applicable period under paragraph (1), taking into consideration the economic
				conditions existing during that period, the Secretary may terminate the
				reversionary interest of the Secretary in any applicable property under
				paragraph (2)(B).
								(B)Alternative
				method of termination
									(i)In
				generalOn a determination by a recipient that the economic
				development needs of the recipient have changed during the period beginning on
				the date on which investment assistance for a construction project is provided
				under this Act and ending on the expiration of the expected period established
				for the project under paragraph (1), the recipient may submit to the Secretary
				a request to terminate the reversionary interest of the Secretary in property
				of the project under paragraph (2)(B) before the date described in subparagraph
				(A).
									(ii)ApprovalThe
				Secretary may approve a request of a recipient under clause (i) if—
										(I)in any case in
				which the request is submitted during the 10-year period beginning on the date
				on which assistance is initially provided under this Act for the applicable
				project, the recipient repays to the Secretary an amount equal to 100 percent
				of the fair market value of the pro rata Federal share of the project;
				or
										(II)in any case in
				which the request is submitted after the expiration of the 10-year period
				described in subclause (I), the recipient repays to the Secretary an amount
				equal to the fair market value of the pro rata Federal share of the project as
				if that value had been amortized over the period established under paragraph
				(1), based on a straight-line depreciation of the project throughout the
				estimated useful life of the project.
										(b)Terms and
				conditionsThe Secretary may establish such terms and conditions
				under this section as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, including by
				extending the period of a reversionary interest of the Secretary under
				subsection (a)(2)(B) in any case in which the Secretary determines that the
				performance of a recipient is unsatisfactory.
						(c)Previously
				extended assistance
							(1)In
				generalWith respect to any recipient to which the term of
				provision of assistance was extended under this Act before the date of
				enactment of this section, the Secretary may approve a request of the recipient
				under subsection (a) in accordance with the requirements of this section to
				ensure uniform administration of this Act, notwithstanding any estimated useful
				life period that otherwise relates to the assistance.
							(2)Conversion of
				useIf a recipient described in paragraph (1) demonstrates to the
				Secretary that the intended use of the project for which assistance was
				provided under this Act no longer represents the best use of the property used
				for the project, the Secretary may approve a request by the recipient to
				convert the property to a different use for the remainder of the term of the
				Federal interest in the property, subject to the condition that the new use
				shall be consistent with the purposes of this Act.
							(d)Status of
				authorityThe authority of the Secretary under this section is in
				addition to any authority of the Secretary pursuant to any law or grant
				agreement in effect on the date of enactment of this
				section.
						.
			4.Extension of
			 authorization of appropriationsSection 701(a) of the Public Works and
			 Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3231(a)) is amended—
			(1)in paragraph (1),
			 by striking 2004 and inserting 2009;
			(2)in paragraph (2),
			 by striking 2005 and inserting 2010;
			(3)in paragraph (3),
			 by striking 2006 and inserting 2011;
			(4)in paragraph (4),
			 by striking 2007 and inserting 2012; and
			(5)in paragraph (5),
			 by striking 2008 and inserting 2013.
			5.Funding for
			 grants for planning and grants for administrative expensesSection 704 of the Public Works and Economic
			 Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3234) is amended to read as follows:

				704.Funding for
				grants for planning and grants for administrative expenses
					(a)In
				generalSubject to subsection (b), of the amounts made available
				under section 701 for each fiscal year, not less than $27,000,000 shall be made
				available to provide grants under section 203.
					(b)Subject to
				total appropriationsFor any fiscal year, the amount made
				available pursuant to subsection (a) shall be increased to—
						(1)$28,000,000, if
				the total amount made available under subsection 701(a) for the fiscal year is
				equal to or greater than $300,000,000;
						(2)$29,500,000, if
				the total amount made available under subsection 701(a) for the fiscal year is
				equal to or greater than $340,000,000;
						(3)$31,000,000, if
				the total amount made available under subsection 701(a) for the fiscal year is
				equal to or greater than $380,000,000;
						(4)$32,500,000, if
				the total amount made available under subsection 701(a) for the fiscal year is
				equal to or greater than $420,000,000; and
						(5)$34,500,000, if
				the total amount made available under subsection 701(a) for the fiscal year is
				equal to or greater than
				$460,000,000.
						.


116 HR 667 IH: Regulatory Certainty for Navigable Waters Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
116th CONGRESS1st Session
H. R. 667
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 17, 2019
Ms. Herrera Beutler (for herself and Mr. Gibbs) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL
To repeal the Waters of the United States rule and amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act definition of navigable waters, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Regulatory Certainty for Navigable Waters Act. 2.Waters of the United States and navigable waters (a)WOTUS repealThe final rule issued by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of the Army entitled Clean Water Rule: Definition of Waters of the United States (80 Fed. Reg. 37053 (June 29, 2015)) is repealed.
(b)Navigable waters definitionSection 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362) is amended by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:   (7)Navigable waters (A)In generalThe term navigable waters means—
(i)the territorial seas;  (ii)interstate waters which are presently used, or are susceptible to use in their natural and ordinary condition, as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce;
(iii)relatively permanent, standing, or continuously flowing bodies of water that form geographical features commonly known as streams, rivers, or lakes, that flow directly into waters described in clause (ii); or  (iv)wetlands that have a continuous surface water connection to waters described in clause (ii) or (iii).
(B)ExclusionsThe term navigable waters shall be limited to the waters described in subparagraph (A) and does not include—  (i)intermittent or ephemeral waters;
(ii)subsurface waters, including ground water or underground streams;  (iii)any water that by itself does not meet the definition in subparagraph (A);
(iv)an intrastate water, unless meeting the requirements of subparagraph (A);  (v)a man-made channel or ditch, including irrigation, distribution, and drainage systems;
(vi)a water that does not meet the definition in subparagraph (A), including a water that in the past could have been a water that meets the definition in subparagraph (A) or a water that in the future could be a water that meets the definition in subparagraph (A); (vii)a water that requires the use of means beyond visual inspection by the naked eye, including aerial photographs, satellite imaging, or hydrological testing, to determine if it meets the definition in subparagraph (A);
(viii)prior converted cropland; or (ix)waste management systems, including systems created in or with impounded waters described in subparagraph (A) and all features and components of any system used to actively or passively retain, reduce, concentrate, settle, or remove pollutants from wastewater or stormwater, including those that convey the pollutants into and out of the system.
(C)Continuous surface water connectionFor purposes of this paragraph, a continuous surface water connection is a connection with respect to which an ordinary person would not be able to visually determine by the naked eye, by looking at the water surface, where one body of water ends and the other begins.  (D)Relatively permanent, standing, or continuously flowingFor purposes of this paragraph, a water is relatively permanent, standing, or continuously flowing if it has continuous flow for at least 290 days of the year, except in cases of extreme events, such as a drought.
(E)WetlandsFor purposes of this paragraph, wetlands— (i)are areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions; and
(ii)include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. (F)Prior converted croplandFor purposes of this paragraph, the term prior converted cropland—
(i)means areas that, prior to December 23, 1985, were drained or otherwise manipulated for the purpose, or having the effect, of making an agricultural product possible, and that are inundated for no more than 14 consecutive days during the growing season; and (ii)includes agricultural drainage features, including ditches and conveyances, that are the means by which the original conversion from wetlands to cropland took place and that are integral to the continued production of agricultural products by providing drainage or irrigation to maintain productive growing conditions.
(G)Jurisdictional determinationThe Secretary of the Army, at his cost, shall provide a binding determination upon the request of a permit applicant, landowner, or other affected person with an identifiable and substantial legal interest in a property, to determine whether a water is a navigable water under clause (iv) of subparagraph (A). The review process shall not exceed 60 days, beginning on the date of receipt of a written request from the affected person. If no determination has been made within the 60-day review period, the water shall not be considered a navigable water. A determination that a water is not a navigable water, or a failure to provide a determination, shall be binding on both the Secretary and the Administrator for as long as the person has an identifiable and substantial legal interest in the property. If a determination is made that a water is a navigable water, the determination shall be binding for a period of no longer than 5 years. The affected person may obtain expedited judicial review not later than 30 days after the date on which the determination is made in a district court of the United States, of appropriate jurisdiction and venue, which is located within the State of the affected person seeking the review..


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1249
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 11, 2009
			Ms. Klobuchar (for
			 herself, Ms. Cantwell, and
			 Mr. Gregg) introduced the following bill;
			 which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

		A BILL
		To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create
		  a value indexing mechanism for the physician work component of the Medicare
		  physician fee schedule.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Medicare Payment Improvement Act
			 of 2009.
		2.Value index
			 under the Medicare physician fee schedule
			(a)In
			 generalSection 1848(e)(5) of
			 the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(e)) is amended by adding at the end
			 the following new paragraph:

					(6)Value
				index
						(A)In
				generalThe Secretary shall determine a value index for each
				hospital referral area (as defined by the Secretary). The value index shall be
				the ratio of the quality component under subparagraph (B) to the cost component
				under subparagraph (C) for that hospital referral area.
						(B)Quality
				component
							(i)In
				generalThe quality component shall be based on a composite score
				that reflects quality measures available on a State or hospital referral area
				(as so defined) basis. The measures shall reflect health outcomes and health
				status for the Medicare population, patient safety, and patient satisfaction.
				The Secretary shall use the best data available, after consultation with the
				Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and with private entities that
				compile quality data.
							(ii)Advisory
				group
								(I)In
				generalNot later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the
				Medicare Payment Improvement Act of
				2009, the Secretary shall establish a group of experts and
				stakeholders to make consensus recommendations to the Secretary regarding
				development of the quality component. The membership of the advisory group
				shall at least reflect providers, purchasers, health plans, researchers,
				relevant Federal agencies, and individuals with technical expertise on health
				care quality.
								(II)DutiesIn
				the development of recommendations with respect to the quality component, the
				group established under subclause (I) shall consider at least the following
				areas:
									(aa)High variation
				and high cost per capita utilization of resources, including rates of
				hospitalizations, number of visits and subspecialty referrals, and number of
				procedures (as determined by data under this title).
									(bb)Health outcomes
				and functional status of patients.
									(cc)The continuity,
				management, and coordination of health care and care transitions, including
				episodes of care, for patients across the continuum of providers, health care
				settings, and health plans.
									(dd)Patient,
				caregiver, and authorized representative experience, quality and relevance of
				information provided to patients, caregivers, and authorized representatives,
				and use of information by patients, caregivers, and authorized representatives
				to inform decision making.
									(ee)The safety,
				effectiveness, and timeliness of care.
									(ff)The appropriate
				use of health care resources and services.
									(gg)Other items
				determined appropriate by the Secretary.
									(iii)RequirementIn
				establishing the quality component under this subparagraph, the Secretary
				shall—
								(I)take into account
				the recommendations of the group established under clause (ii)(I); and
								(II)provide for an
				open and transparent process for the activities conducted pursuant to the
				convening of such group with respect to the development of the quality
				component.
								(iv)EstablishmentThe
				quality component for each hospital referral area (as so defined) shall be the
				ratio of the quality score for such area to the national average quality
				score.
							(v)Quality
				baselineIf the quality component for a hospital referral area
				(as so defined) does not rank in the top 25th percentile as compared to the
				national average (as determined by the Secretary) and the amount of
				reimbursement for services under this section is greater than the amount of
				reimbursement for such services that would have applied under this section if
				the amendments made by section 2 of the Medicare Payment Improvement Act of 2009 had
				not been enacted, this section shall be applied as if such amendments had not
				been enacted.
							(vi)ApplicationIn
				the case of a hospital referral area (as so defined) that is less than an
				entire State, if available quality data is not sufficient to measure quality at
				the sub-State level, the quality component for a sub-State hospital referral
				area shall be the quality component for the entire State.
							(C)Cost
				component
							(i)In
				generalThe cost component shall be total annual per beneficiary
				Medicare expenditures under part A and this part for the hospital referral area
				(as so defined). The Secretary may use total per beneficiary expenditures under
				such parts in the last two years of life as an alternative measure if the
				Secretary determines that such measure better takes into account severity
				differences among hospital referral areas.
							(ii)EstablishmentThe
				cost component for a hospital referral area (as so defined) shall be the ratio
				of the cost per beneficiary for such area to the national average cost per
				beneficiary.
							.
			(b)Conforming
			 amendmentsSection 1848 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1395w–4) is amended—
				(1)in subsection
			 (b)(1)(C), by striking geographic and inserting
			 geographic and value; and
				(2)in subsection
			 (e)—
					(A)in paragraph
			 (1)—
						(i)in
			 the heading, by inserting and value after geographic;
						(ii)in
			 subparagraph (A), by striking clause (iii) and inserting the following new
			 clause:

								(iii)a value index
				(as defined in paragraph (6)) applicable to physician
				work.
								;
						(iii)in subparagraph
			 (C), by inserting and value after geographic in
			 the first sentence;
						(iv)in
			 subparagraph (D), by striking physician work effort and
			 inserting value;
						(v)by
			 striking subparagraph (E); and
						(vi)by
			 striking subparagraph (G);
						(B)by striking
			 paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph:

							(2)Computation of
				geographic and value adjustment factorFor purposes of subsection
				(b)(1)(C), for all physicians’ services for each hospital referral area (as
				defined by the Secretary) the Secretary shall establish a geographic and value
				adjustment factor equal to the sum of the geographic cost-of-practice
				adjustment factor (specified in paragraph (3)), the geographic malpractice
				adjustment factor (specified in paragraph (4)), and the value adjustment factor
				(specified in paragraph (5)) for the service and the
				area.
							;
				and
					(C)by striking
			 paragraph (5) and inserting the following new paragraph:

							(5)Physician work
				value adjustment factorFor purposes of paragraph (2), the
				physician work value adjustment factor for a service for a
				hospital referral area (as defined by the Secretary), is the product of—
								(A)the proportion of
				the total relative value for the service that reflects the relative value units
				for the work component; and
								(B)the value index
				score for the area, based on the value index established under paragraph
				(6).
								.
					(c)Availability of
			 quality component prior to implementationThe Secretary of Health
			 and Human Services shall make the quality component described in section
			 1848(c)(6)(B) of the Social Security Act, as added by subsection (a), for each
			 hospital referral area (as defined by the Secretary) available to the public by
			 not later than July 1, 2011.
			(d)Effective
			 dateSubject to subsection
			 (e), the amendments made by this section shall apply to the Medicare physician
			 fee schedule for 2012 and each subsequent year.
			(e)TransitionNotwithstanding
			 the amendments made by the preceding provisions of this section, the Secretary
			 of Health and Human Services shall provide for an appropriate transition to the
			 amendments made by this section. Under such transition, in the case of payments
			 under such fee schedule for services furnished during—
				(1)2012, 25 percent
			 of such payments shall be based on the amount of payment that would have
			 applied to the services if such amendments had not been enacted and 75 percent
			 of such payment shall be based on the amount of payment that would have applied
			 to the services if such amendments had been fully implemented;
				(2)2013, 50 percent
			 of such payment shall be based on the amount of payment that would have applied
			 to the services if such amendments had not been enacted and 50 percent of such
			 payment shall be based on the amount of payment that would have applied to the
			 services if such amendments had been fully implemented; and
				(3)2014 and
			 subsequent years, 100 percent of such payment shall be based on the amount of
			 payment that is applicable under such amendments.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 2590
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			October 30, 2009
			Mrs. Hutchison
			 introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on certain
		  women’s knit-to-shape cashmere sweaters.

		1.Certain women’s knit-to-shape cashmere
			 sweaters
			(a)In GeneralSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the
			 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting in
			 numerical sequence the following new heading:

								9902.01.00Knit-to-shape sweaters for women, of cashmere, as described in
						U.S. note 21(b) to this subchapter (provided for in subheading
						6110.12.20)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2011

					.
			(b)Amendments to U.S. notes
				(1)In generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the
			 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by adding at the end
			 the following new U.S. Note:

						21. (a)
				Headings
				9902.01.00 through 9902.XX.XX
				cover only garments that were knit to shape on flat knitting machines with a
				stitch count exceeding 9 stitches per 2 centimeters but less than or equal to
				18 stitches per 2 centimeters, measured on the outer surface of the fabric
				forming the exterior surface of the garment in the direction on which the
				stitches are formed. Whenever such fabric is formed using both knit and purl
				stitches, the purl stitches will be disregarded and only the knit stitches on
				the outer surface of the fabric will be counted. In order to be eligible for
				entry under these headings—
							(1)all of the garment’s component parts,
				including any collars, plackets, cuffs, waistbands and pockets, must have been
				knit to shape; and
							(2)all of the garment’s components must have
				been assembled by looping and linking, including the side seams.
							(b)Headings 9902.01.00 through 9902.XX.XX cover only
				garments that were knit to shape on flat knitting machines with a stitch count
				not exceeding 9 stitches per 2 centimeters, measured on the outer surfaces of
				the fabric forming the exterior surface of the garment in the direction on
				which the stitches are formed. Whenever such fabric is formed using both knit
				and purl stitches, the purl stitches will be disregarded and only the knit
				stitches on the outer surface of the fabric will be counted. In order to be
				eligible for entry under these headings—
							(1)all of the garment’s component parts,
				including any collars, plackets, cuffs, waistbands and pockets, must have been
				knit to shape; and
							(2)all of the garment’s components must have
				been assembled by looping and linking, including the side
				seams.
							.
				(2)Technical correctionSuch subchapter is further amended by
			 striking the first U.S. note 18 to such subchapter (relating to headings
			 9902.14.01 through 9902.14.05) and inserting after U.S. note 19, the following
			 new U.S. Note:

						20.For the purposes of subheadings 9902.14.01,
				9902.14.02, 9902.14.03, 9902.14.04, and 9902.14.05, the term mechanics'
				work gloves means gloves having the following characteristics: synthetic
				leather palms and fingers; fourchettes of synthetic leather or of fabric in
				part of nylon or elastomeric yarn; backs comprising either one layer of knitted
				fabric in part of elastomeric yarn or three layers with the outer layer of
				knitted fabric in part of elastomeric yarn, the center layer of foam and the
				inner layer of tricot fabric, the foregoing whether or not including a
				thermoplastic rubber logo or pad on the back; and elastic wrist straps with
				molded thermoplastic rubber hook-and-loop
				enclosures.
						.
				(c)Effective
			 DateThe amendments made by
			 this section apply to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for
			 consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this
			 Act.


116 HR 7189 IH: Operation Overlord Study Abroad Program Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-06-11
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7189IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 11, 2020Mr. Tipton (for himself and Ms. Sherrill) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign AffairsA BILLTo establish a youth study abroad program in the Department of State for United States secondary school students to study in Normandy, France, to learn about the relationship between the United States and France, the World War II military operation known as Operation Overlord, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Operation Overlord Study Abroad Program Act of 2020. 2.FindingsCongress finds the following:(1)The United States and France have shared close cultural, economic, social, and diplomatic relations since 1776 when French forces supported the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War to gain freedom from Great Britain.(2)World War II cemented this positive relationship between the United States and France. (3)On June 6, 1944, the United States, as a member of the Allied Forces, led the military operation known as Operation Overlord.(4)Operation Overlord consisted of a series of prolonged parachute and glider landings, large naval bombardments, massive air attacks, and amphibious landings on the beaches of Normandy known as Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.(5)Over 2,000,000 military service members of the Allied Forces landed in France during Operation Overlord, which resulted in approximately 226,000 casualties. Of those casualties, approximately 153,000 were injured, and 72,000 were either killed or declared missing in action.(6)Operation Overlord resulted in a victory for the Allied Forces as they forced Nazi Germany to withdraw from Normandy and move eastward toward Paris.(7)June 6, 2020, is the 76th anniversary of the start of Operation Overlord.3.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—(1)the United States owes to the generation of Americans known as the Greatest Generation an immense level of respect and gratitude for risking their lives by serving in the Allied Forces to defeat Nazi Germany;(2)it is vital that the stories of the men and women who fought in Operation Overlord are not forgotten, allowing our youth to remember some of the greatest acts of heroism recorded in human history; and(3)the United States hopes to maintain strong ties with the Government of France and ensure the lessons learned from Operation Overlord are not forgotten.4.Operation Overlord academic study abroad program(a)In generalThe Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Government of France, may establish in the Department of State a 2-week academic study abroad program (referred to in this section as the study abroad program), during either the month of July or August, in Normandy, France, for eligible individuals to learn about the historical relationship between the United States and France by— (1)attending a secondary school or post-secondary school in France for the duration of the study abroad program with academic course work emphasizing—(A)the history, constitution, and political development of France; and(B)the relationship between the United States and France during World War II, focusing on the military operation known as Operation Overlord; and(2)visiting historical sites.(b)Eligibility(1)In generalTo be eligible to participate in this study abroad program, an individual shall—(A)be a citizen of the United States between 16 to 18 years of age;(B)be a freshman, sophomore, or junior at the time such individual submits an application for participation in the study abroad program;(C)have an overall grade point average of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale at the time of the submission of the application; (D)provide at least 1 letter of recommendation from a secondary school teacher who knows the individual;(E)agree to participate in the presentation under subsection (f);(F)either be enrolled in, or have completed, at least one college preparatory history course; and(G)satisfy any other qualifications the Secretary of State determines appropriate.(2)PreferencePreference for participation in the study abroad program shall be given to individuals who speak the French language conversationally.(c)Selection(1)Number of eligible individualsThe Secretary shall select not more than 100 eligible individuals for participation in the study abroad program from a compiled list of eligible individuals nominated by United States Senators pursuant to paragraph (2).(2)Nomination by SenatorsEach United States Senator shall nominate and submit to the Secretary the name of one eligible individual from their State to participate in the study abroad program. (d)Use of fundsFunds donated pursuant to subsection (h) and appropriated under subsection (i) to carry out the study abroad program shall be used for the following purposes:(1)Room and board.(2)Round trip international airfare, including airport transfers. (3)Entrance fees to all sites, museums, and historic attractions.(4)Transportation while outside of the United States.(5)Any tuition and academic materials required by the host secondary school or post-secondary school in France.(6)Gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, and servers.(7)Backpack, luggage tags, and customized name badge.(8)Pre-tour required readings and books.(e)ApplicationTo be eligible to participate in the study abroad program, an eligible individual shall submit to the Secretary of State an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary of State may require.(f)Presentation(1)In generalAs a condition on participation in the study abroad program, not later than 2 months after the study abroad program has concluded, each individual participating in the study abroad program under this section shall present to one history teacher from their school a 30-minute presentation on their study abroad experience.(2)Verification requiredNot later than 30 days after the completion of the presentation required under paragraph (1), each individual participating in the study abroad program under this section shall submit to the Secretary—(A)a digital copy of all presentation materials used by the individual for purposes of the presentation; and(B)a letter signed by a history teacher who witnessed the presentation.(g)Annual report(1)In generalNot later than 90 days after the conclusion of the scholarship program each year, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report on the study abroad program.(2)Matters includedEach report required under paragraph (1) shall include information relating to the following:(A)The implementation of the study abroad program.(B)A financial report, including—(i)the number and amount of charitable contributions to the study abroad program; and(ii)a comparison of such contributions from the preceding year of the study abroad program. (C)The number of participants.(D)The names and locations of the secondary schools and post-secondary schools in France attended by the participants.(E)A description of the academic curricula.(F)A description of any other activities the participants carried out during their participation.(h)Acceptance and use of donationsThe Secretary of State may accept and use donations to carry out the study abroad program. Amounts received by the Secretary of State in the form of donations shall be expended prior to the use of funds appropriated under subsection (i). The Secretary of State may reject a gift under this section when the rejection is in the interest of the Government.(i)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the study abroad program for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.


		IV
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. CON. RES. 143
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 3, 2009
			Mr. Holt (for
			 himself, Mr. Brown of South Carolina,
			 and Mr. Hall of New York) submitted
			 the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans’
			 Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Armed Services, for a
			 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
			 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
			 committee concerned

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Expressing support for the designation and
		  goals of Hire a Veteran Week and encouraging the President to
		  issue a proclamation supporting those goals.

		Whereas the people of the United States have a sincere
			 appreciation and respect for the military personnel who serve in the Armed
			 Forces of the United States;
		Whereas veterans possess special qualities and skills that
			 make them ideal candidates for employment, but many veterans encounter
			 difficulties in securing employment;
		Whereas it would be inconsistent, inconsiderate, and
			 contrary to the economic competitiveness of the United States to neglect the
			 post-military needs of the military personnel who have served in the Armed
			 Forces of the United States;
		Whereas many of the brave men and women who have served
			 the United States so gallantly and selflessly in the war on terrorism and the
			 war in Iraq since September 11, 2001, are beginning to return home to be
			 reunited with their loved ones and will be re-entering the workforce or
			 searching for their first jobs outside of military service; and
		Whereas the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department
			 of Labor, the Office of Personnel Management, and many State and local
			 governments administer veterans programs and have veterans employment
			 representatives both to ensure that veterans receive the services to which they
			 are entitled and to promote employer interest in hiring veterans: Now,
			 therefore, be it

		That Congress—
			(1)recognizes the
			 importance of the men and women who have served or who currently serve in the
			 Armed Forces of the United States;
			(2)supports the
			 designation of an appropriate week as Hire a Veteran Week;
			 and
			(3)encourages the
			 President to issue a proclamation calling upon employers, labor organizations,
			 veterans service organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental
			 agencies (including such agencies in the several States, the District of
			 Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or
			 possession of the United States) to lend their support to increase employment
			 of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United
			 States.


114 HR 6088 IH: Hospital Quality Rating Transparency Act of 2016
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-09-20
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.

I114th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6088IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 20, 2016Mr. Renacci (for himself, Miss Rice of New York, Mr. Collins of New York, Mr. Heck of Nevada, Mr. Engel, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Katko, and Mr. Ryan of Ohio) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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 delay for one year the release of the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, and for other
			 purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Hospital Quality Rating Transparency Act of 2016. 2.One-year delay for release of Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings (a)In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, with respect to any Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for hospitals developed or implemented pursuant to section 1886(b)(3)(B)(viii)(VII) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(b)(3)(B)(viii)(VII)) or section 1833(t)(17)(E) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(t)(17)(E)) (such as ratings generated by the rating system described in the Fact Sheet issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services through the QualityNet Internet website entitled Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings Fact Sheet, July 2016 Preview Period)—
 (1)shall make publicly available detailed information on the methodology used to calculate such Ratings;
 (2)shall have the validity and accuracy of such methodology confirmed by an independent statistician not otherwise engaged by the Secretary in star ratings measure development activities;
 (3)shall provide, with respect to the ratings system that is to use such methodology and data to calculate such Ratings, a public comment period that—
 (A)begins on a date that is after the date on which the Secretary, under paragraph (1), makes publicly available the detailed information described in such paragraph; and
 (B)is at least 60 days in duration; and (4)may not make such Ratings publicly available (such as by publishing on the Internet website commonly known as the Hospital Compare website) on a date that is before the latest of—
 (A)the date on which the independent statistician described in paragraph (2) provides the confirmation described in such paragraph;
 (B)the date on which the public comment period described in paragraph (3) concludes; and (C)July 31, 2017.
 (b)Application in case of publication before enactmentIn the case that the Secretary publishes such Ratings on the Internet website commonly known as the Hospital Compare website on a date that is before the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall apply subsection (a) by—
 (1)removing such Ratings from such Internet website as soon as is practicable; and (2)in accordance with subsection (a)(4), not republishing after the date of the enactment of this Act any such Ratings on such Internet website or otherwise so making any such Ratings publicly available on a date that is before the latest of the dates described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of such subsection.


IV
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 420
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

June 8, 2009

RESOLUTION
Celebrating the symbol of the United States flag and supporting the goals and ideals of Flag Day.

Whereas Flag Day is celebrated annually on June 14, the anniversary of the official adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in 1777;
Whereas on June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new Nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act, which stated, Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation;
Whereas the second Flag Act, signed January 13, 1794, provided for 15 stripes and 15 stars after May 1795;
Whereas the Act of April 4, 1818, which provided for 13 stripes and one star for each State, to be added to the flag on July 4 following the admission of each new State, was signed by President James Monroe;
Whereas in an Executive order dated June 24, 1912, President William Howard Taft established the proportions of the flag and provided for arrangement of the stars in 6 horizontal rows of 8 each, a single point of each star to be upward;
Whereas in an Executive order dated January 3, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower provided for the arrangement of the stars in 9 rows staggered horizontally and 11 rows of stars staggered vertically;
Whereas the first celebration of the American flag is believed to have been introduced by Bernard Cigrand, a Wisconsin school teacher, who arranged for his pupils at Stony Hill School in Waubeka to celebrate June 14 as Flag Birthday in 1885;
Whereas on June 14, 1894, the Governor of New York ordered that the American flag be displayed at all public buildings in the State, prompting many State and local governments to begin observing Flag Day;
Whereas President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first nationwide Flag Day in 1916;
Whereas in 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed legislation requesting National Flag Day be observed annually;
Whereas the United States flag is a symbol of our great Nation and its ideals;
Whereas in times of national crisis, Americans look to the United States flag as a symbol of hope, courage, and freedom;
Whereas the United States flag is universally honored;
Whereas the United States flag honors the men and women of the Armed Forces who have given their life in the defense of the United States;
Whereas the United States flag serves as a treasured symbol of the loss of loved ones to the countless families of those who died in defense of our Nation; and
Whereas June 14, 2009, is recognized as Flag Day: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives celebrates the United States flag and supports the goals and ideals of Flag Day.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


117 HR 3572 IH: Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-05-28
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3572IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 28, 2021Ms. Chu (for herself, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Deutch, Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Lowenthal, Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Panetta, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms. Strickland, Mr. García of Illinois, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Porter, Ms. Newman, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Kuster, and Ms. Schakowsky) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborA BILLTo increase the recruitment and retention of school-based mental health services providers by low-income local educational agencies.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Best practicesThe term best practices means a technique or methodology that, through experience and research related to professional practice in a school-based mental health field, has proven to reliably lead to a desired result.(2)Eligible graduate institutionThe term eligible graduate institution means an institution of higher education that offers a program of study that leads to a masters or other graduate degree—(A)in school psychology that is accredited or approved by the National Association of School Psychologists' Program Approval Board (or its successor) or the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association and that prepares students in such program for the State licensing or certification examination in school psychology;(B)in school counseling that prepares students in such program for the State licensing or certification examination in school counseling;(C)in school social work that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and that prepares students in such program for the State licensing or certification examination in school social work;(D)in another school-based mental health field that prepares students in such program for the State licensing or certification examination in such field, if applicable; or(E)in any combination of study described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).(3)Eligible partnershipThe term eligible partnership means—(A)a partnership between 1 or more low-income local educational agencies and 1 or more eligible graduate institutions; or(B)in any region in which local educational agencies may not have a sufficient elementary school and secondary school student population to support the placement of all participating graduate students, a partnership between a State educational agency, on behalf of 1 or more low-income local educational agencies, and 1 or more eligible graduate institutions.(4)Institution of higher educationThe term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002), but excludes any institution of higher education described in section 102(a)(1)(C) of such Act.(5)Local educational agencyThe term local educational agency has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).(6)Low-income local educational agencyThe term low-income local educational agency means a local educational agency—(A)for which not less than 20 percent of the students served by such agency are from families with incomes below the poverty line as determined by the Bureau of the Census on the basis of the most recent satisfactory data available; and(B)that, as of the date of application for a grant under this Act, has ratios of school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists to students served by the agency that are not more than 1 school counselor per 275 students, not more than 1 school psychologist per 500 students, and not more than 1 school social worker per 250 students.(7)Participating eligible graduate institutionThe term participating eligible graduate institution means an eligible graduate institution that is part of an eligible partnership awarded a grant under section 3.(8)Participating graduateThe term participating graduate means an individual who—(A)has received a masters or other graduate degree in a school-based mental health field from a participating eligible graduate institution and has obtained a State license or credential in the school-based mental health field; and(B)as a graduate student of a school-based mental health field, was placed in a school served by a participating low-income local educational agency to complete required field work, credit hours, internships, or related training as applicable.(9)Participating low-income local educational agencyThe term participating low-income local educational agency means a low-income local educational agency that is part of an eligible partnership awarded a grant under section 3.(10)School-based mental health fieldThe term school-based mental health field means each of the following fields:(A)School counseling.(B)School social work.(C)School psychology.(D)Any other field of study that leads to employment as a school-based mental health services provider.(11)School-based mental health services providerThe term school-based mental health services provider has the meaning given the term in section 4102 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7112).(12)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Education.(13)State educational agencyThe term State educational agency has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).(14)Student support personnel target ratiosThe term student support personnel target ratios means the ratios of school-based mental health services providers to students recommended to enable such personnel to effectively address the needs of students, including—(A)at least 1 school counselor for every 250 students (as recommended by the American School Counselor Association and American Counseling Association);(B)at least 1 school psychologist for every 500–700 students (as recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists); and(C)at least 1 school social worker for every 250 students (as recommended by the School Social Work Association of America).(15)Unaccompanied youthThe term unaccompanied youth has the meaning given such term in section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a).3.Grant program to increase the number of school-based mental health services providers employed by low-income local educational agencies(a)Grant Program authorizedFrom amounts made available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis and after input from the peer review panel under subsection (d), to eligible partnerships, to enable the eligible partnerships to carry out pipeline programs to increase the number of school-based mental health services providers employed by low-income local educational agencies by carrying out any of the activities described by subsection (f).(b)Grant PeriodA grant awarded under this section shall be for a 5-year period and may be renewed for additional 5-year periods upon a showing of adequate progress, as determined by the Secretary.(c)ApplicationTo be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible graduate institution, on behalf of an eligible partnership, shall submit to the Secretary a grant application. The application shall contain such information as the Secretary may require, including—(1)an assessment of the existing (as of the date of application) ratios of school-based mental health services providers (in the aggregate and disaggregated by profession) to students enrolled in schools in each low-income local educational agency that is part of the eligible partnership; and(2)a detailed description of—(A)a plan to carry out a pipeline program to train, place, and retain school-based mental health services providers in low-income local educational agencies; and(B)the proposed allocation and use of grant funds to carry out activities described in subsection (f).(d)Peer review panel(1)Establishment of panelThe Secretary shall establish a peer review panel to evaluate applications submitted under subsection (c) and make recommendations to the Secretary regarding such applications.(2)Evaluation of ApplicationsIn making its recommendations, the peer review panel shall take into account the purpose of this Act and the application requirements under subsection (c), including the quality of the proposed pipeline program described in subsection (c)(2)(A).(3)Consideration of panel's recommendation(A)In generalThe Secretary may award grants under this section to eligible partnerships only after taking into consideration the recommendations of the peer review panel provided under this subsection.(B)ExplanationIn any case where the Secretary decides to not follow the recommendations of the peer review panel, the Secretary shall provide a written explanation of the decision to the panel and to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives.(4)Membership of panel(A)In generalThe peer review panel shall include at a minimum the following members:(i)One clinical, tenured, or tenure track faculty member at an institution of higher education with a current appointment, as of the time of service on the panel, to teach courses in the subject area of school counselor education.(ii)One clinical, tenured, or tenure track faculty member at an institution of higher education with a current appointment, as of the time of service on the panel, to teach courses in the subject area of school social worker education.(iii)One clinical, tenured, or tenure track faculty member at an institution of higher education with a current appointment, as of the time of service on the panel, to teach courses in the subject area of school psychology education.(iv)One clinical, tenured, or tenure track faculty member at an institution of higher education with a current appointment to teach courses in the subject area of teacher education.(v)One individual with expertise in school counseling who works or has worked in public schools.(vi)One individual with expertise in school social work who works or has worked in public schools.(vii)One individual with expertise in school psychology who works or has worked in public schools.(viii)One administrator who works or has worked for a low-income local educational agency.(ix)One qualified and effective teacher who has substantial experience working for a low-income local educational agency.(x)One community mental health provider.(B)Clinical faculty memberAt least 1 of the members described in subparagraph (A) shall be a clinical faculty member.(e)Award basisIn awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall—(1)award the first 5 grants to eligible partnerships from 5 different States; and(2)give priority to eligible partnerships that—(A)propose to use the grant funds to carry out the activities described under paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (f) in schools that have higher numbers or percentages of low-income students and students not achieving a proficient level of academic achievement, as determined by the State, on the annual assessments required under section 1111(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)) in comparison to other schools that are served by the low-income local educational agency that is part of the eligible partnership;(B)include 1 or more low-income local educational agencies that have fewer school-based mental health services providers, in the aggregate or for a particular school-based mental health field, per student than other eligible partnerships;(C)include 1 or more eligible graduate institutions that offer the greatest number of graduate programs in the greatest number of different school-based mental health fields; and(D)propose to collaborate with other institutions of higher education with similar programs, including sharing facilities, faculty members, and administrative costs.(f)Use of grant fundsGrant funds awarded under this section may be used—(1)to pay the administrative costs (including supplies, office and classroom space, supervision, mentoring, and transportation stipends as necessary and appropriate) related to—(A)having graduate students of programs in school-based mental health fields placed in schools served by participating low-income local educational agencies to complete required field work, credit hours, internships, or related training as applicable for the degree, license, or credential program of each such student; and(B)offering required graduate coursework for students of a graduate program in a school-based mental health services field on the site of a participating low-income local educational agency;(2)for not more than the first 3 years after a participating graduate receives a masters or other graduate degree from a program in a school-based mental health field, or obtains a State license or credential in a school-based mental health field, to hire and pay all or part of the salary of the participating graduates working as a school-based mental health services provider in a school served by a participating low-income local educational agency;(3)to increase the number of school-based mental health services providers per student in schools served by participating low-income local educational agencies, in order to work toward the student support personnel target ratios;(4)to recruit, hire, and retain culturally or linguistically under-represented graduate students of programs in school-based mental health fields for placement in schools served by participating low-income educational agencies;(5)to recruit, hire, and pay faculty as necessary to increase the capacity of a participating eligible graduate institution to train graduate students in school-based mental health fields;(6)to develop coursework that will—(A)encourage a commitment by graduate students in school-based mental health fields to work for low-income local educational agencies;(B)give participating graduates the knowledge and skill sets necessary to meet the needs of—(i)students and families served by low-income local educational agencies; and(ii)teachers, administrators, and other staff who work for low-income local educational agencies;(C)enable participating graduates to meet the unique needs of students at risk of negative educational outcomes, including students who—(i)are English language learners;(ii)have a parent or caregiver who is a migrant worker;(iii)have a parent or caregiver who is a member of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard, who has been deployed or returned from deployment;(iv)are homeless, including unaccompanied youth;(v)have come into contact with the juvenile justice system or adult criminal justice system, including students currently or previously held in juvenile detention facilities or adult jails and students currently or previously held in juvenile correctional facilities or adult prisons;(vi)have been identified as eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.);(vii)have been a victim to or witnessed domestic violence or violence in their community;(viii)have been exposed to substance misuse at home or in the community; or(ix)are foster care youth, youth aging out of foster care, or former foster youth; and(D)utilize best practices determined by the American School Counselor Association, National Association of Social Workers, School Social Work Association of America, and National Association of School Psychologists and other relevant organizations;(7)to provide tuition credits to graduate students participating in the pipeline program;(8)for student loan forgiveness for participating graduates who are employed as school-based mental health services providers by participating low-income local educational agencies for a minimum of 5 consecutive years; and(9)for similar activities to fulfill the purpose of this Act, as the Secretary determines appropriate.(g)Supplement not supplantFunds made available under this section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other Federal, State, or local funds available for the activities described in subsection (f).(h)Reporting requirements(1)In generalEach eligible partnership that receives a grant under this section shall prepare and submit to the Secretary an annual report on the progress of the eligible partnership in carrying out the grant. Such report shall include a description of—(A)actual service delivery provided through the grant funds, including—(i)characteristics of the participating eligible graduate institution, including descriptive information on the educational model used and the actual academic program performance;(ii)characteristics of graduate students participating in the pipeline program supported under the grant, including—(I)performance on any examinations required by the State for credentialing or licensing;(II)demographic characteristics; and(III)graduate student retention rates;(iii)characteristics of students of the participating low-income local educational agency, including performance on any tests required by the State educational agency, demographic characteristics, and promotion, persistence, and graduation rates, as appropriate;(iv)an estimate of the annual implementation costs of the pipeline program; and(v)the numbers of students, schools, and graduate students participating in the pipeline program;(B)outcomes that are consistent with the purpose of the grant program under this Act, including—(i)internship and post-graduation placement of the participating graduate students;(ii)graduation and professional career readiness indicators; and(iii)characteristics of the participating low-income local educational agency, including changes in the hiring and retention of qualified and effective teachers and school-based mental health services providers;(C)the instruction, materials, and activities being funded under the grant; and(D)the effectiveness of any training and ongoing professional development provided—(i)to students and faculty in the appropriate departments or schools of the participating eligible graduate institution;(ii)to the faculty, administration, and staff of the participating low-income local educational agency; and(iii)to the broader community of providers of social, emotional, behavioral, and related support to students and to those individuals who train such providers.(2)PublicationThe Secretary shall publish the annual reports submitted under paragraph (1) on the website of the Department of Education.(i)Evaluations(1)Interim evaluationsThe Secretary may conduct interim evaluations to determine whether each eligible partnership receiving a grant under this section is making adequate progress as the Secretary considers appropriate. The contents of the annual report submitted to the Secretary under subsection (h) may be used by the Secretary to determine whether an eligible partnership receiving a grant is demonstrating adequate progress.(2)Final evaluationThe Secretary shall conduct a final evaluation to—(A)determine the effectiveness of the grant program in carrying out the purpose of this Act; and(B)compare the relative effectiveness of each of the various activities described by subsection (f) for which grant funds may be used.(j)ReportNot earlier than 5 years nor later than 6 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing—(1)the findings of the evaluation conducted under subsection (i)(2); and(2)such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate.(k)Authorization of appropriations(1)In generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program under this section, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and for each succeeding fiscal year.(2)Reservation for evaluationFrom the total amount appropriated to carry out this section each fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve not more than 3 percent for evaluations under subsection (i).4.Student loan forgiveness for individuals who are employed for 5 or more consecutive school years as school-based mental health services providers(a)Establishment of programThe Secretary shall establish a program to provide student loan forgiveness for loans issued under parts B, D, and E of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq., 1087a et seq., and 1087aa et seq.) to individuals who—(1)are not, and have never been, participants in the grant program established under section 3; and(2)have been employed for 5 or more consecutive school years as school-based mental health services providers by low-income local educational agencies.(b)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out the program under this section.5.Future designation study(a)In generalThe Secretary shall conduct a study to identify a formula for future designation of regions with a shortage of school-based mental health services providers to use in implementing grant programs and other programs such as the programs established under this Act or for other purposes related to any such designation.(b)Basis of formulaThe formula described in subsection (a) shall be based on the latest available data regarding an area served by a low-income local educational agency on—(1)the number of residents under the age of 18 in such area;(2)the percentage of the population of such area with incomes below the poverty line;(3)the percentage of residents age 18 or older in such area who have earned secondary school diplomas;(4)the percentage of students in such area who are identified as eligible for special education services;(5)the youth crime rate in such area;(6)the current number of full-time-equivalent and active school-based mental health services providers employed by the low-income local educational agency in such area, in the aggregate and disaggregated by profession;(7)the number of students in such area in military families with parents in the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) who have been alerted for deployment, are currently deployed, or have returned from a deployment in the previous school year; and(8)such other criteria as the Secretary considers appropriate.(c)ReportNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4365
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 16, 2009
			Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart of
			 Florida introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Oversight and Government
			 Reform

		A BILL
		To limit the distribution of funds for campaign-related
		  work under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to reduce the
		  deficit, and for other purposes.

		1.Restrictions on ARRA funds
			 and campaign-related work
			(a)Limitation on
			 use of ARRA fundsAny person
			 or entity that received compensation for campaign-related work during the 2008
			 election cycle shall not be eligible to receive, either directly or indirectly,
			 any funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law
			 111–5).
			(b)Return of ARRA
			 funds To reduce the deficit
				(1)Return of
			 fundsAny person or entity
			 that has received compensation for campaign-related work during the 2008
			 election cycle and who has received funds, either directly or indirectly, from
			 such Act shall return such funds to the Secretary of the Treasury, with
			 interest.
				(2)Deficit
			 reductionThe Secretary of
			 the Treasury shall deposit in the General Fund of the Treasury any funds
			 received under paragraph (1) and ensure that such funds so deposited are
			 dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 556
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 8, 2011
			Mr. McCotter
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on
			 Appropriations,
			 Ways and Means,
			 Science, Space, and
			 Technology, and the
			 Budget, 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 repeal certain provisions in the Patient Protection
		  and Affordable Care Act related to patient centered outcomes research and
		  rescind unobligated appropriations related to such provisions and to repeal
		  certain health care-related provisions in the American Recovery and
		  Reinvestment Act of 2009 and rescind unobligated appropriations related to such
		  provisions for purposes of reducing the national debt.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Preserving Patients' Choices Act.
		2.Repeal of
			 patient-centered outcomes research and rescission of unobligated funds related
			 to such research
			(a)RepealSection 6301 of the Patient Protection and
			 Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111–148), as amended by section 10602 of such
			 Act, is repealed and the provisions of law amended or repealed by such section
			 6301 are restored or revived as if such section had not been enacted.
			(b)RescissionOf
			 the funds made available by section 9511 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
			 as added by section 6301(e) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,
			 or by section 1181(b)(3) of the Social Security Act, as added by section
			 6301(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the unobligated
			 balance is rescinded.
			3.Repeal of certain
			 ARRA provisions and rescission of unobligated funds related to such
			 provisions
			(a)RepealEach
			 of subtitles A through C of title XIII of division A of the American Recovery
			 and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–5) are repealed and the provisions
			 of law amended or repealed by such subtitles are restored or revived as if such
			 subtitles had not been enacted.
			(b)RescissionsThere are hereby rescinded all unobligated
			 balances remaining available as of the date of the enactment of this Act of
			 funds made available by division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment
			 Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–5) under the headings Agency for Healthcare
			 Research and Quality under title XVIII of such division and
			 Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information
			 Technology under such title.
			4.Use of funds to
			 reduce national debtThe total
			 amount rescinded by this Act shall be deposited in the Federal Treasury to pay
			 down the national debt.
		5.Budgetary
			 effectsThe budgetary effects
			 of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act
			 of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled
			 Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for this Act, submitted
			 for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget
			 Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on
			 passage.


IV
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 26
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

January 7, 2011

RESOLUTION
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2) to repeal the job-killing health care law and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 9) instructing certain committees to report legislation replacing the job-killing health care law; and for other purposes.

That upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 2) to repeal the job-killing health care law and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as amended, to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) seven hours of debate, with 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and Minority Leader or their respective designees, 90 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 90 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 90 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means, 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget, 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary, and 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Small Business; and (2) one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
2.Upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in order without intervention of any point of order to consider in the House the resolution (H. Res. 9) instructing certain committees to report legislation replacing the job-killing health care law. The resolution shall be considered as read. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the resolution and any amendment thereto to final adoption without intervening motion or demand for division of the question except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules or their respective designees; (2) the amendment printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules, if offered by Representative Matheson of Utah or his designee, which shall be in order without intervention of any point of order, shall be considered as read, and shall be separately debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent; and (3) one motion to recommit which may not contain instructions.
3.Upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in order without intervention of any point of order to consider in the House a resolution, if offered by the Majority Leader or his designee, relating to the status of certain actions taken by Members-elect. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the resolution to final adoption without intervening motion or demand for division of the question except four minutes of debate equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and Minority Leader or their respective designees.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


114 HR 1791 IH: Grace Period Restoration 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. 1791
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 14, 2015
			Mr. Sensenbrenner (for himself and Mr. Conyers) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

		A BILL
		To amend the patent law to promote basic research, to stimulate publication of scientific
			 documents, to encourage collaboration in scientific endeavors, to improve
			 the transfer of technology to the private sector, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Grace Period Restoration Act of 2015. 2.Findings; purposes (a)FindingsCongress finds the following:
 (1)Language in the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (Public Law 112–29; 125 Stat. 284) and regulations and examination guidelines issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office implementing provisions of that Act have created uncertainty regarding the scope of the 1-year grace period during which an inventor who discloses an invention to the public may decide whether to file a patent application for the invention (referred to in this Act as the grace period).
 (2)The regulatory reading of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act does not comport with the intent of the sponsors of that Act.
 (3)In performing more than 50 percent of all basic research in the United States and pursuing the transfer of research results to the private sector for the benefit of the public under the auspices of chapter 18 of title 35, United States Code (commonly known as the Bayh-Dole Act), institutions of higher education and government laboratories face a difficult and expensive challenge in gaining and utilizing the full scope of patent rights.
 (4)The uncertainty relating to the grace period created by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act adds to the challenge faced by institutions of higher education and government laboratories in gaining and utilizing the full scope of patent rights.
 (5)Job growth and the creation of start-up companies and small businesses are thwarted by uncertainty as to the scope of the grace period and by the difficulty and expense of gaining and utilizing patent rights, which hinders the economy of the United States and the technological leadership of the United States in a competitive global economy.
 (6)Ambiguity and uncertainty in statutory text and government regulations breed abusive and expensive patent litigation.
 (7)Discouragement of scientific research publication— (A)delays the disclosure of scientific advances to the public;
 (B)thwarts scientific advances; (C)chills collaborative research activities; and
 (D)delays, if not denies, the opportunity for the public to realize the benefits of research results. (8)Misappropriation by third parties of disclosed inventions is likely to increase, especially in countries that take advantage of the technological prowess of the United States without appropriately compensating inventors.
 (9)Secrecy is anathema to— (A)the maintenance of a viable United States patent system;
 (B)the constitutional purpose of the United States patent system; and (C)the goal of the United States patent system of promoting scientific progress.
 (10)In the words of David J. Kappos, who served as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office during the enactment of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, the grace period before the enactment of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act was the gold standard of best practices.
 (b)PurposesThe purposes of this Act are— (1)to correct the drafting problem in the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act relating to the grace period; and
 (2)to maintain the position of leadership of the United States in educational, technological, and scientific progress.
 3.Disclosures following a public disclosure of a claimed invention by an inventorSection 102(b) of title 35, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:  (3)Disclosures by any person after public disclosure of a claimed invention by an inventor (A)DefinitionsIn this paragraph—
 (i)the term covered person, with respect to a claimed invention, means— (I)the inventor;
 (II)a joint inventor; or (III)another who obtained the claimed invention directly or indirectly from the inventor or a joint inventor; and
 (ii)the term relevant section 112(a) requirements means the requirements for a specification under section 112(a) other than the requirement to set forth the best mode of carrying out the invention.
 (B)Public disclosureA disclosure by any person shall not be prior art to a claimed invention under subsection (a) or section 103 if—
 (i)the disclosure is made under subsection (a)(1) or effectively filed under subsection (a)(2) 1 year or less before the effective filing date of the claimed invention; and
 (ii)before the disclosure described in clause (i) is made or filed, and 1 year or less before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, the claimed invention is publicly disclosed in a printed publication by a covered person in a manner that satisfies the relevant section 112(a) requirements.
 (C)Determination that public disclosure would have satisfied specification requirementsIn determining under subparagraph (B) whether a claimed invention was publicly disclosed in a printed publication by a covered person in a manner that satisfied the relevant section 112(a) requirements—
 (i)only the state of the art known on and before the date of the disclosure may be considered; and (ii)satisfaction of the relevant section 112(a) requirements may be—
 (I)established by 1 or more public disclosures in printed publications made by a covered person during the period of 1 year or less between—
 (aa)the disclosure by the covered person described in subparagraph (B)(ii); and (bb)the effective filing date of the claimed invention; and
 (II)supported by statements under declaration or oath relating to the existence and content of the public disclosure or disclosures in printed publications described in subclause (I).
 (D)Presumption of validityAn applicant for a patent shall present to the Patent and Trademark Office, before the Patent and Trademark Office issues a notice of allowance of the application for the patent, each disclosure under subparagraph (C)(ii)(I) and any statement under subparagraph (C)(ii)(II) in order for the section 112(a) support provided by each such disclosure or statement under subparagraph (C)(ii) to be taken into account under the section 282(a) presumption of validity of an issued patent.
 (E)Certain disclosures not prior artA disclosure described in paragraph (1)(A), (2)(A), or (2)(C) shall not be prior art to a claimed invention under this paragraph.
 (F)ProceduresThe Patent and Trademark Office may establish procedures to carry out this paragraph.. 4.Effective dateThe amendments made by this Act shall take effect as if enacted as part of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (Public Law 112–29; 125 Stat. 284).


110 HR 2181 IH:  For the relief of Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed.
U.S. House of Representatives
2007-05-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

V
110th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 2181
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 3, 2007
Mr. McDermott introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
 For the relief of Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed.

1.FindingsCongress makes the following findings:
(1)Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed is an innocent Bangladeshi citizen living in exile the United States. In 1996, a Bangladeshi court erroneously convicted Mr. Ahmed of murder and sentenced him to death in connection with a 1975 coup. Having exhausted all available legal avenues, Ahmed now sits in U.S. custody awaiting his deportation and subsequent execution.
(2)The circumstances surrounding the trial in absentia and subsequent conviction of Mohiuddin Din Ahmed, are sufficiently suspect as to warrant the immediate intervention on the part of the United States Government to prevent his planned deportation, which as of now is imminent.
(3)If the United States Congress, the United States State Department, or the United States Department of Homeland Security fail to intervene on his behalf, or favorably exercise their discretion in this matter, Ahmed will face certain execution by hanging upon his arrival in Bangladesh.
(4)Following its split from Pakistan in 1971, the newly sovereign nation of Bangladesh experienced a period of violent civil unrest, culminating in the violent coup to overthrow the nation’s first Prime Minister, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Mujib) on August 15, 1975. Ahmed had been commissioned as an officer in the East Pakistani military before Bangladesh declared its independence, and he continued to serve during the Pakistani civil war and after independence. On the night of August 15, 1975, Ahmed was ordered to station his men at a roadblock roughly one mile from the home of then Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. That night, a violent coup erupted, and individuals stormed the home of the Prime Minister, killing him and the rest of his family.
(5)Ahmed, like most Bangladeshis and many international observers at the time, was concerned with Mujib’s policies of political suppression and his repeated violations of the civil rights of the Bangladeshi people. However, he had no knowledge of, nor did he support, the violent coup that erupted that night.
(6)Following the coup, Ahmed went on to serve as a diplomat in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere, until 1996, when Sheikh Hasina Wajed, daughter of the assassinated Prime Minister, came to power, and then broke her promise to respect the Bangladeshi constitutional amendment which provided immunity to officer involved in the 1975 coup. Rather, Sheikh Hasina Wajed orchestrated the repeal of the constitutional amendment, and the arrest of the men she believed were responsible for the death of her father. Under these orders, Ahmed, who had been living in Los Angeles, was tried in absentia, convicted, and sentenced to death by hanging. He will not be allowed to reopen the in absentia conviction. As such, he will not be provided the opportunity to question the fairness of the trial, confront witnesses against him, nor present exculpatory evidence on his behalf which has recently been uncovered, i.e., eyewitness testimony affirming Ahmed’s innocence.
(7)Soon after Din arrived in the United States he applied for asylum but was denied by both the Immigration Court and the Board of Immigration appeals. By the time his trial began in Bangladesh he had already filed a request for political asylum under the provisions of the United Nations Convention Against Torture. But after the September 11, 200 terrorist attacks, immigration law had changed and Ahmed, accused of taking part in killing a head of state, was no longer entitled to relief from deportation. Last February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit affirmed the immigration judge’s denial of asylum and related relief.
(8)It is incumbent upon us to find a country where Ahmed might be granted safe-haven, that does not condone death penalty, and that respects human rights.
2.Deferral of action on deportation
(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed shall have his final order of deportation indefinitely stayed.
(b)Deferral of actionMohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed shall be accorded deferred action status for an indefinite period, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement shall release him from ICE custody with an order of supervision. As such, Mr. Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed will not be deported to Bangladesh, or any country, which maintains an extradition treaty with Bangladesh or which condones the death penalty.
(c)Preferential immigration treatment for certain relativesThe spouse and children of Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed shall, by virtue of such relationship, be accorded the same rights, privileges, or status under the Immigration and Nationality Act as Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed.
3.Permanent residence
(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed shall be eligible for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence upon filing an application for issuance of an immigrant visa under section 204 of such Act or for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident.
(b)Adjustment of statusIf Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed applies for lawful permanent residency, he shall be considered to have entered and remained lawfully in the United States, and shall be eligible for adjustment of status under section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c)Reduction of immigrant visa numberUpon the granting of permanent residence to Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed, the Secretary of State shall instruct the proper officer to reduce by 1, during the current or next following fiscal year, the total number of immigrant visas that are made available to natives of the country of the alien’s birth under section 203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act or, if applicable, the total number of immigrant visas that are made available to natives of the country of the alien’s birth under section 202(e) of such Act.
(d)Preferential immigration treatment for certain relativesThe spouse of Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed shall, by virtue of such relationship, be accorded the same rights, privileges, or status under the Immigration and Nationality Act as Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed.
4.Asylum abroad
(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act Mohuiddin A.K.M. Ahmed shall be permitted to seek asylum in a foreign nation.