117 HR 2101 IH: Zeroing Excess, Reducing Organic Waste, And Sustaining Technical Expertise Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-03-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2101IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 19, 2021Ms. Omar introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to award grants for projects that are consistent with zero-waste practices, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Zeroing Excess, Reducing Organic Waste, And Sustaining Technical Expertise Act or the ZERO WASTE Act.2.DefinitionsExcept as otherwise provided, in this Act:(1)Adaptive management practiceThe term adaptive management practice means, with respect to use of a grant under this Act, the integration of project design, management, and monitoring to identify the impacts and outcomes of such use of a grant as they arise for purposes of adjusting behaviors to improve outcomes.(2)AdministratorThe term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.(3)Domestically owned and operatedThe term domestically owned and operated means, with respect to a business—(A)the headquarters of such a business is located within the United States; and(B)the primary operations of such a business are carried out in the United States.(4)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means—(A)a single unit of State, local, or Tribal government;(B)a partnership of multiple units of State, local, or Tribal government;(C)one or more units of State, local, or Tribal government in coordination with for-profit or nonprofit organizations; or(D)one or more nonprofit organizations.(5)Embodied energyThe term embodied energy means energy that was used to create a product or material.(6)Environmental justice communityThe term environmental justice community has the meaning given that term in section 601.(7)Living wageThe term living wage means the minimum income necessary to allow a person working 40 hours per week to afford the cost of housing, food, and other material necessities.(8)Organics recyclingThe term organics recycling means the biological process by which organic material—(A)is biologically converted to compost that is not harmful to humans, plants, or animals; and(B)is treated in a specialized facility designed to recycle organic material.(9)Recycle; recyclingThe terms recycle and recycling have the meanings given those terms in section 12001 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (as added by this title).(10)ReuseThe term reuse—(A)means—(i)using a product, packaging, or material more than once for the same or a new function without requiring additional processing;(ii)repairing a product, packaging, or material in such a way that extends its useful lifetime;(iii)sharing or renting a product, packaging, or material in such a way that extends its useful lifetime; or(iv)selling or donating a product, packaging, or material in such a way that extends its useful lifetime; and(B)does not include incineration.(11)Single-use productThe term single-use product—(A)means a consumer product that is designed to be disposed of, recycled, or otherwise discarded after a single use; and(B)does not include—(i)medical equipment, devices, or other products determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to necessarily be made of plastic for the protection of public health;(ii)a personal hygiene product that, due to the intended use of the product, could become unsafe or unsanitary to recycle, such as a diaper; and(iii)packaging that is—(I)for any product described in subparagraph (A); or(II)used for the shipment of hazardous materials that is prohibited from being composed of used materials under section 178.509 or 178.522 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act).(12)Source reduction(A)In generalThe term source reduction means an activity or process that reduces the generation of waste at its source, before it can enter into commerce or the environment.(B)InclusionsThe term source reduction includes—(i)the redesign of products or materials such that they can be reused, rather than disposed of;(ii)the design and manufacture of products or materials with minimal packaging intended for disposal;(iii)an activity or process that reduces the amount of waste generated during a manufacturing process;(iv)an activity or process that reduces or eliminates the use of materials that are not able to be recycled without degrading the quality of the material; and(v)any other activity or process that reduces the weight, volume, or toxicity of products or materials.(C)ExclusionThe term source reduction does not include an activity or process used after a product or material has become waste, such as incineration.(13)Source separationThe term source separation—(A)means the separation of solid waste by material or commodity type prior to collection, such as separation into recyclable and non-recyclable materials or by recyclable commodity; and(B)does not require the use of technologies that sort mixed municipal solid waste into recyclable and non-recyclable materials.(14)Waste preventionThe term waste prevention means any method to reduce the amount of materials disposed of in landfills or incinerated, including reuse and recycling.(15)Zero-emissions vehicleThe term zero-emissions vehicle means a vehicle that produces zero emissions of—(A)greenhouse gases;(B)criteria pollutants; and(C)hazardous air pollutants.(16)Zero-wasteThe term zero-waste means the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without—(A)burning or otherwise destroying embodied energy; and(B)a discharge to land, water, or air that results in adverse human health or environmental effects.(17)Zero-waste practiceThe term zero-waste practice means a practice used to help achieve zero-waste, including the use of source reduction.3.Grants for zero-waste projects(a)In generalThe Administrator shall establish and carry out a program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to carry out projects described in subsection (b).(b)Grant use(1)Organics recycling infrastructure(A)In generalAn eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use such grant to carry out a project to construct, expand, or modernize infrastructure required for organics recycling, including any facility, machinery, or equipment required for the collection and processing of organic material on a city-wide or county-wide scale.(B)RequirementsEach project carried out under this paragraph shall result in increased capacity—(i)to collect and process residential and commercial organic material, including through source separation of organic material; and(ii)to generate environmentally beneficial byproducts, such as compost with added nutritional content.(C)Mixed-waste compostingA grant received under this paragraph may not be used to support the collection or processing of mixed-waste composting.(2)Electronic waste recycling(A)In generalAn eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use such grant to carry out a project that enables the recycling or reuse of electronic devices at the end of their useful lifetime, including—(i)constructing, expanding, or modernizing infrastructure and technology;(ii)research and development; and(iii)product refurbishment.(B)RequirementsA project carried out under this paragraph—(i)may not include an electronic waste buy-back program—(I)that provides compensation for used electronics; and(II)under which such compensation may be applied as a credit toward the purchase of new electronics; and(ii)shall be carried out by an eligible entity that is certified to recycle electronics by an organization that is accredited by—(I)the National Accreditation Board of the American National Standards Institute; (II)the American Society of Quality; or(III)another accrediting body determined appropriate by the Administrator.(3)Source reduction(A)In generalAn eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use such grant to carry out a project relating to source reduction, which such project may include, in accordance with subparagraph (B), carrying out product or manufacturing redesign or redevelopment to reduce byproducts, packaging, and other outputs.(B)Redesign and redevelopmentAn eligible entity may only carry out a project described in subparagraph (A)(ii) if—(i)the applicable manufacturer—(I)is domestically owned and operated; and(II)pays a living wage; and(ii)the redesign or redevelopment does not result in—(I)higher toxicity of the product or byproducts;(II)more complicated recyclability of the product or byproducts; or(III)increased volume of byproducts compared with the original practice.(4)Market development(A)In generalAn eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use such grant to carry out a project that—(i)creates market demand for source reduction, sorted recyclable commodities, goods made of sorted recyclable commodities, or refurbished goods; and(ii)as applicable, encourages or enables investment in domestically owned and operated manufacturing capacity with respect to the list in clause (i).(B)RequirementsEach project carried out under this section—(i)shall target easily or commonly recycled materials which are disproportionately disposed of in landfills or incinerated;(ii)shall reduce the volume, weight, or toxicity of waste and waste byproducts; and(iii)may not conflict with—(I)minimum-content laws, such as post-consumer recycled content requirements;(II)beverage container deposits;(III)programs funded through retail fees for specific products or classes of products that use such fees to collect, treat, or recycle such products; or(IV)any applicable recycled product procurement laws and expanded sustainable government purchasing requirements, as identified by the Administrator.(5)Zero-emissions collection vehiclesAn eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use such grant to carry out a project to purchase, operate, and maintain zero-emissions vehicles used to collect material for recycling or organics recycling.4.Grants for landfill diversion(a)In generalThe Administrator shall establish and carry out a program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to develop and implement new requirements, as described in subsection (b), that reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills.(b)Grant use(1)Tipping feesAn eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use such grant to develop and implement zero-waste practices that are accompanied by permanent increases in tipping, gate, or disposal fees imposed on the disposal of waste at landfills.(2)Curbside composting collectionAn eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use such grant to support the implementation of State programs that mandate the availability of curbside collection of material for organics recycling for all single-family and multifamily residential households.(3)Landfill diversionAn eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use such grant to support the implementation of statewide requirements that prohibit organic waste from being sent to landfills.(c)Definition of eligible entityIn this section, the term eligible entity means a single unit of State government or a relevant State agency.5.Grant applications(a)Application(1)Criteria for all applicantsTo be eligible to receive a grant under this Act, an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time and in such form as the Administrator requires, which shall include demonstrating that the eligible entity—(A)has set specific source reduction or waste prevention targets; and(B)will carry out a project that meets the applicable project requirements under section 3(b) or 4(b).(2)Additional application criteria for nonprofit organizationIn the case of an application from an eligible entity that is a nonprofit organization, the application shall include—(A)a letter of support for the proposed project from—(i)a local unit of government; or(ii)another nonprofit organization that—(I)has a demonstrated history of undertaking work in the geographic region where the proposed project is to take place; and(II)is not involved in the project being proposed; and(B)any other information the Administrator may require.(b)Priority factorsIn awarding grants under this Act, the Administrator shall give priority to any eligible entity that—(1)with respect to an eligible entity that is a State or unit of local government, has statutorily committed to implementing one or more zero-waste practices;(2)demonstrates how use of such grant could lead to the creation of new jobs that pay a living wage and are, to the greatest extent practicable, offered to individuals who experience barriers to employment, as determined by the Administrator;(3)will use such grant to carry out source reduction or waste prevention in schools;(4)will use such grant to employ an adaptive management practice to identify, prevent, or address any negative environmental consequences of a project proposed to be carried out with a grant under this Act;(5)has a demonstrated need for additional investment in infrastructure or other resources to achieve source reduction and waste prevention targets set by the local unit of government that is responsible for waste management and recycling in the geographic area;(6)will use such grant to develop an innovative or new technology or strategy for source reduction and waste prevention;(7)demonstrates how receiving the grant will encourage further investment in source reduction and waste prevention activities; or(8)will incorporate multi-stakeholder involvement, including nonprofit, commercial, and public sector partners, in carrying out a project using such grant.(c)RequirementOf the amount made available pursuant to section 8(a), not less than 75 percent shall be allocated to projects that serve, or are located in, environmental justice communities.6.ReportingEach eligible entity that receives a grant under this Act shall submit to the Administrator a report, at such time and in such form as the Administrator may require, on the results of the project carried out with such grant, and such report shall include any relevant data requested by the Administrator for purposes of tracking the effectiveness of the programs established under section 3(a) and 4(b).7.Annual conferenceIn each of calendar years 2022 through 2030, the Administrator shall convene an annual conference to provide an opportunity for eligible entities and other relevant stakeholders to share their experience and expertise in implementing zero-waste practices.8.Authorization of appropriations(a)Grants for zero-Waste projectsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 3 $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2031, to remain available until expended.(b)Grants for landfill diversionThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 4 $250,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2031, to remain available until expended.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 648
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			February 15, 2007
			Mr. Chambliss introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services

		A BILL
		To amend title 10, United States Code, to
		  reduce the eligibility age for receipt of non-regular military service retired
		  pay for members of the Ready Reserve in active federal status or on active duty
		  for significant periods.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 National Guard and Reserve Retirement
			 Modernization Act.
		2.Commencement of receipt of Non-Regular
			 service retired pay by members of the Ready Reserve on active Federal status or
			 active duty for significant periods
			(a)Reduced Eligibility AgeSection 12731 of title 10, United States
			 Code, is amended—
				(1)in subsection (a), by striking paragraph
			 (1) and inserting the following:

						(1)has attained the eligibility age applicable
				under subsection (f) to that person;
						;
				and
				(2)by adding at the end the following new
			 subsection:

						(f)(1)Subject to paragraph (2), the eligibility
				age for purposes of subsection (a)(1) is 60 years of age.
							(2)(A)In the case of a person who as a member of
				the Ready Reserve serves on active duty or performs active service described in
				subparagraph (B) after September 11, 2001, the eligibility age for purposes of
				subsection (a)(1) shall be reduced below 60 years of age by three months for
				each aggregate of 90 days on which such person so performs in any fiscal year
				after such date, subject to subparagraph (C). A day of duty may be included in
				only one aggregate of 90 days for purposes of this subparagraph.
								(B)(i)Service on active duty described in this
				subparagraph is service on active duty pursuant to a call or order to active
				duty under a provision of law referred to in section 101(a)(13)(B) or under
				section 12301(d) of this title. Such service does not include service on active
				duty pursuant to a call or order to active duty under section 12310 of this
				title.
									(ii)Active service described in this
				subparagraph is also service under a call to active service authorized by the
				President or the Secretary of Defense under section 502(f) of title 32 for
				purposes of responding to a national emergency declared by the President or
				supported by Federal funds.
									(C)The eligibility age for purposes of
				subsection (a)(1) may not be reduced below 50 years of age for any person under
				subparagraph
				(A).
								.
				(b)Continuation of Age 60 as Minimum Age for
			 Eligibility of Non-Regular Service Retirees For Health CareSection 1074(b) of such title is
			 amended—
				(1)by inserting (1) after
			 (b); and
				(2)by adding at the end the following new
			 paragraph:

						(2)Paragraph (1) does not apply to a member or
				former member entitled to retired pay for non-regular service under chapter
				1223 of this title who is under 60 years of
				age.
						.
				(c)Administration of Related Provisions of Law
			 or PolicyWith respect to any
			 provision of law, or of any policy, regulation, or directive of the executive
			 branch that refers to a member or former member of the uniformed services as
			 being eligible for, or entitled to, retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10,
			 United States Code, but for the fact that the member or former member is under
			 60 years of age, such provision shall be carried out with respect to that
			 member or former member by substituting for the reference to being 60 years of
			 age a reference to having attained the eligibility age applicable under
			 subsection (f) of section 12731 of title 10, United States Code (as added by
			 subsection (a)), to such member or former member for qualification for such
			 retired pay under subsection (a) of such section.
			(d)Effective Date and
			 ApplicabilityThe amendment
			 made by subsection (a) shall take effect as of September 11, 2001, and shall
			 apply with respect to applications for retired pay that are submitted under
			 section 12731(a) of title 10, United States Code, on or after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act.


116 HR 5021 RH: Ending Debt Collection Harassment Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-03-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IBUnion Calendar No. 337116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 5021[Report No. 116–418]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 8, 2019Ms. Pressley introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial ServicesMarch 19, 2020Additional sponsors: Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Meeks, Mr. García of Illinois, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Adams, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. FosterMarch 19, 2020Reported with an amendment; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printedStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on November 8, 2019A BILLTo amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to improve consumer protections relating to debt collection practices, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Ending Debt Collection Harassment Act of 2019. 2.Consumer protections relating to debt collection practices(a)Reports on debt collection complaints and enforcement actions(1)Semi-annual reportSection 1016(c) of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5496(c)) is amended—(A)in paragraph (8), by striking and at the end;(B)in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and(C)by adding at the end the following:(10)an analysis of the consumer complaints received by the Bureau with respect to debt collection, including a State-by-State breakdown of such complaints; and(11)a list of enforcement actions taken against debt collectors during the preceding year..(2)Annual reportSection 815(a) of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 1692m(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Each such report shall also include an analysis of the impact of electronic communications by debt collectors on consumer experiences with debt collection, including a consideration of consumer complaints about the use of electronic communications in debt collection..(b)Limitation on debt collection rulesSection 1022 of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5512) is amended by adding at the end the following:(e)Limitation on debt collection rulesThe Director may not issue any rule with respect to debt collection that allows a debt collector to send unlimited email and text messages to a consumer..(c)Protection of consumers from unlimited texts and emails used in debt collectionSection 806 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 1692d) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(7)Contacting the consumer electronically, including by email or text message, without consent of the consumer, after such consent has been withdrawn, or more frequently than the consumer consents to be contacted..(d)Ensuring consumers receive notice of debt collection protectionsSection 809(a) of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 1692g(a)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking Within five days and all that follows through debt, and inserting the following: Notice of debt; contents.—Within five days after the initial communication with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt,.(e)Improved limitations on debt collection rulesSection 814(d) of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 1692l(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following: Such rules—(1)may not allow a debt collector to send unlimited electronic communications to a consumer;(2)shall require debt collectors to obtain consent directly from consumers before contacting them using a method other than by postal mail or by phone;(3)may not waive the requirements of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. 7001 et seq.); and(4)shall allow consumers to opt out of any method of communication that the debt collector uses to communicate with consumers, including a method for which such consumer had given prior consent..March 19, 2020Reported with an amendment; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed


117 HR 3778 IH: Nullifying Opportunities for Variants to Infect and Decimate Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-06-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
117th CONGRESS1st Session
H. R. 3778
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 8, 2021
Mr. Krishnamoorthi (for himself, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Payne, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Norton, Mr. Carson, and Ms. Ross) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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 concerned

A BILL
To establish a program to oversee the global COVID–19 response and prepare for future pandemics, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Nullifying Opportunities for Variants to Infect and Decimate Act or the NOVID Act. 2.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—
(1)the United States has made tremendous progress towards ending the COVID–19 pandemic within its borders, thanks to an unprecedented and highly successful vaccination campaign spearheaded by the Biden administration; (2)beyond those borders, the pandemic continues to rage unchecked across much of the world as global vaccination efforts have struggled to keep pace;
(3)if current trends continue, many middle-income countries may not achieve widespread vaccination until late 2022, and the world’s poorest nations will likely not reach widespread vaccination coverage before 2023, if at all; (4)this situation threatens progress toward ending the COVID–19 pandemic here in the United States, as unchecked transmission of COVID–19 gives rise to new variants, many of which show vaccine-resistance;
(5)the most concerning of these variants has been shown to reduce vaccine efficacy by as much as 20 to 40 percent; and (6)to protect American citizens from the emergence of new vaccine-resistant coronavirus variants and to prevent the kind of humanitarian catastrophe currently occurring in South Asia, South America, and elsewhere, the United States should take up the mantle of global leadership in the fight to end the COVID–19 pandemic.
3.Pandemic preparedness and response program
(a)EstablishmentThere is established the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Program (in this Act referred to as the Program) to be responsible for and provide oversight over the United States government-wide global health response to the COVID–19 pandemic and protect Americans from the emergence of COVID–19 variants and other pathogens with pandemic potential. (b)DirectorThe Director of the Program shall be appointed by the President. The Director shall be responsible for coordinating among the Federal departments and agencies listed in subsection (c)(1) and coordinating the role of the United States in the work of international non-governmental organizations, development banks, civil society, and foreign governments, with respect to the global health response to the COVID–19 pandemic and the prevention of the emergence of variants or of other pathogens with pandemic potential.
(c)Federal departments and agenciesThe Federal departments and agencies listed in this subsection are the following: (1)The Department of State.
(2)The United States Agency for International Development. (3)The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(4)The Food and Drug Administration. (5)The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.
(6)The Department of Defense. (7)The Peace Corps.
(8)The Department of Labor. (9)Any other department or agency the President determines appropriate.
(d)Comprehensive strategyNot later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall develop a comprehensive strategy to end the COVID–19 pandemic worldwide, as well as a long-term strategy for preventing future pandemics, that includes specific achievable goals to accomplish the following with respect to the COVID–19 pandemic: (1)With respect to supplies, addressing issues relating to the shortages of vaccines, vaccine components, and any raw materials necessary to producing these articles, as well as other supplies necessary to carrying out a global vaccination campaign, to ensure that there is an adequate supply of vaccines and other necessary articles for all countries (taking into account existing manufacturing capacity).
(2)With respect to delivery, addressing issues relating to the end-to-end delivery and administration of vaccines in low- and middle-income countries to ensure that at least 60 percent of the populations in the 92 low- and middle-income countries identified by the COVAX initiative are vaccinated as soon as possible and no later than the beginning of the second quarter of 2022. (3)With respect to preventing future pandemics, addressing issues relating to the coordination and integration of disease surveillance and early-warning systems, harmonizing early crisis response measures around the world, and limiting the potential for spillover events before they happen.
(e)Authorization of appropriations
(1)AuthorizationThere is authorized to be appropriated $34,000,000,000 to carry out the Program established under this section. (2)CoordinationAmounts made available to any Federal department or agency for providing global health assistance or other forms of foreign assistance are also authorized to be made available to the Program and shall be subject to the oversight and coordination of the Director.
(3)Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that— (A)approximately $25,000,000,000 of the amount appropriated pursuant to the authorization under paragraph (1) should be made available to scale vaccine manufacturing capacity and produce vaccines;
(B)approximately $8,500,000,000 of such funds should be made available to cover the cost of end-to-end delivery and administration of vaccines in target countries; and (C)approximately $500,000,000 should be made available to establish a global disease surveillance network to protect against future pandemics.
4.Implementation of comprehensive strategy
(a)ImplementationIn implementing the strategy developed pursuant to section 3(d)— (1)the Director of the Program shall—
(A)ensure the immediate release of the 80,000,000 doses of vaccine that the United States has already committed to send abroad; (B)reassess the United States vaccine stockpile with regard to domestic vaccination objectives and trends to determine whether further vaccines can be sent abroad;
(C)coordinate with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (BARDA) to rapidly scale manufacturing capacity around the world, both in the United States and in regional manufacturing hubs, to whatever degree necessary and wherever necessary, to produce 8,000,000,000 vaccine doses as soon as possible, in addition to existing manufacturing capacity; (D)consider the potential benefit of regional manufacturing hubs in South America, Africa and South Asia for the future of global health more generally, and especially the potential benefit for addressing future pandemics through the surveillance network implemented pursuant to paragraph (3);
(E)encourage and facilitate technology sharing and the licensing of intellectual property as much as is necessary to ensure an adequate and timely supply of necessary articles; (F)in collaboration with COVAX, ensure equitable access to vaccines, especially those produced through the efforts of BARDA and the Program as described in subparagraph (3) and paragraph (2);
(G)work with international partners to provide enough vaccines to lower- and middle-income countries to fully vaccinate at least 60 percent of their respective populations, with special attention to the 92 lower- and middle-income countries identified by the COVAX initiative as being the most in need of assistance; and (H)consider the central and necessary role that community engagement and public awareness will play in ensuring the voluntary uptake of vaccines by at least 60% of the populations in target countries;
(2)the Program shall— (A)work closely with host governments, international partners, and other non-governmental organizations to develop in-country infrastructure, personnel and other assets sufficient to deliver vaccines where they are needed, when they are needed, and to administer the vaccines to appropriate target populations;
(B)build on existing healthcare delivery infrastructure and relationships developed through the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief and other pre-existing, bilateral humanitarian aid programs between the United States and the target countries, as well as through pre-existing multilateral relationships and initiatives in target countries; (C)develop country operational plans targeted primarily at lower- and middle-income countries without the infrastructure to manufacture, acquire, or administer vaccines on their own;
(D)monitor how many people in such target countries received inoculations, the infection rate, and vaccine manufacture status, including as a result of the activities of the Program; and (E)monitor and prepare, on a daily basis, updates on the overall progress in non-targeted countries toward vaccinating their populations and ending the COVID–19 pandemic within their borders, to ensure that the Director remains aware of overall global progress toward vaccinating the global population and ending the COVID–19 pandemic worldwide; and
(3)following the end or abatement of the COVID–19 pandemic, the Program should shift to protect against future pandemics by coordinating a global disease surveillance network to identify and stop pathogens with pandemic potential before they spread uncontrollably by— (A)building on existing surveillance and prevention infrastructure and relationships developed through the National Security Council Directorate on Global Health Security and Biodefense as well as other pre-existing surveillance and prevention programs;
(B)working with international partners to establish a coordinated disease surveillance system, directly linked to decision-makers in foreign governments and non-governmental organizations, such that certain agreed early-warning metrics would trigger timely and open communication between relevant decision-makers around the world; and (C)in addition to monitoring for early-warning signs of potential future pandemics, consider how to prevent or limit the potential for new spillover events by which new pathogens with pandemic potential are first transmitted to humans.
(b)Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that— (1)the United States Government played a crucial role in the unprecedented rapid development of the COVID–19 vaccines, substantially funding several vaccine candidates and closely collaborating with Moderna on the NIH-Moderna vaccine; and
(2)in the face of a global health emergency, the United States Government has broad authority, including under the Defense Production Act (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.) and chapter 18 of title 35, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Bayh-Dole Act), to ensure adequate supply of vaccines, necessary components, and raw materials through technology sharing and direct collaboration with manufacturers around the world.


116 HR 8869 IH: Promoting Responsible Emergency Protocols for All Students Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-12-03
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.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8869IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESDecember 3, 2020Ms. Wild (for herself and Mr. Fitzpatrick) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborA BILLTo create a Council on Emergency Response Protocols to ensure the establishment of accessible, developmentally appropriate, culturally aware, and trauma-informed emergency response protocols in public schools, early childcare and education settings, and institutions of higher education, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Promoting Responsible Emergency Protocols for All Students Act  or the PREP for All Students Act of 2020.2.FindingsCongress finds the following:(1)The lack of accessible, developmentally appropriate, culturally aware, and trauma-informed emergency response protocols for children and youth in public schools, early childcare and education settings, and institutions of higher education is not a trivial issue:(A)In 2016, there were 12,032,000 children from ages 3 to 5 enrolled in preprimary education programs, and almost one-quarter of children under the age of 5 are in some form of childcare arrangement, including nurseries, childcare centers, and preschools.(B)In the 2017–2018 school year—(i)14 percent of students in grades kindergarten through grade 12 had a disability; and(ii)11 percent of students in postbaccalaureate programs self-identified as having a disability.(2)As of the date of enactment of this Act, little has been done to integrate specific populations, such as children and youth at various developmental stages or children and youth with disabilities, into emergency preparedness planning.(3)In 2018 alone, there were 108 natural disasters in the United States, including severe thunderstorms, floods, wildfires, droughts, earthquakes, and other extreme weather.(4)During the 16 academic years from 2000 through 2015, there were 85 fatal fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and off-campus housing, resulting in 118 fatalities—an average of approximately 7 per school year.(5)The risks associated with natural and manmade disasters have a disproportionate impact on individuals with disabilities. People with disabilities are 2 to 4 times more likely to die or sustain critical injuries during a disaster than people without disabilities.(6)Technology plays an increasingly vital role in emergency communications but remains largely inaccessible for many individuals with disabilities. (7)The rise of gun violence and gun violence-related deaths has contributed to the expansion of school security technologies and devices. While such technologies and devices have the potential to save lives, they have largely been developed without consideration of the needs of students at various developmental stages or students with disabilities. Thus, there may be inherent biases within these technologies and devices that disadvantage or create bias toward specific populations.(8)As of the date of enactment of this Act, 92 percent of schools nationwide have an active shooter lockdown protocol. More than 1,000,000 elementary-age children experienced a lockdown in the 2017–2018 school year, and among that group, at least 220,000 were in kindergarten or prekindergarten.(9)While the Department of Homeland Security active shooter emergency guidelines recommend that students and personnel in school and early childcare and education settings Run, Hide, and Fight, these strategies can exacerbate danger for young children in prekindergarten and childcare centers, and can exclude and put at risk students with a wide range of disabilities.(10)At the height of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic, emergency closures of early education centers, elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education created great disruptions in learning and cast a light on educational institutions’ lack of preparedness protocols for public health emergencies.(11)During the pandemic, early care and education remains indispensable for the development of children and for millions of health care workers, first responders, educators, and essential personnel, and it is imperative that early care and education centers and schools have emergency preparedness plans to ensure the safety of students and educators. (12)Emergency preparation drills and real-life lockdowns where danger may be external can create undue stress, fear, and trauma in children, youth, employees, and other specific populations in schools, early childcare and education settings, and institutions of higher education.(13)Traumatic events have a long-lasting and profound sensory impact on young children, as birth to age 5 is a critical developmental age. Frightening visual stimuli, loud noises, violent movements, and other sensations associated with an unpredictable frightening event, such as in an emergency preparation drill or lockdown, can cause substantial stress. Unlike older children, young children cannot express in words whether they feel afraid, overwhelmed, or helpless, and may have difficulty regulating their behavior and emotions after experiencing trauma.(14)There is an increasing need to ensure the establishment of accessible, developmentally appropriate, culturally aware, and trauma-informed emergency response protocols, including gun violence response and prevention protocols, natural disaster preparedness procedures, fire drills, and other emergency preparation drills or lockdown procedures, in public schools, early childcare and education settings, and institutions of higher education. 3.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)ESEA definitionsThe terms elementary school, local educational agency, paraprofessional, school leader, secondary school, and specialized instructional support personnel have the meanings given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).(2)AccessibleThe term accessible, when used with respect to an emergency response protocol, means a protocol that—(A)is developed in full compliance with title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.); and(B)accounts for a comprehensive range of disabilities, including children and youth who use non-speech modes of communication. (3)CouncilThe term Council means the Council on Emergency Response Protocols established under section 4.(4)Culturally awareThe term culturally aware, when used with respect to an emergency response protocol, means a protocol that—(A)(i)incorporates the roles of first responder personnel, law enforcement personnel, school resource officers, and other authorities in the communities where the students live and attend school; (ii)takes into account the use and prevalence of firearms in such communities; and(iii)is cognizant of the ways in which African American students and students of other racial or ethnic minority groups are more likely to face disciplinary action in schools; (B)is designed to be sensitive to and respect cultural differences and differences in customs and worldview; and(C)considers the ways in which certain emergency events have disparate impact on African Americans, Native peoples, and other racial and ethnic minorities. (5)Developmentally appropriateThe term developmentally appropriate, when used with respect to an emergency response protocol, means a protocol that is appropriate for children’s ages and physical, social, sensory, and emotional developmental statuses.(6)DisabilityThe term disability has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102). (7)Institution of higher educationThe term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).(8)Trauma-informedThe term trauma-informed, when used with respect to an emergency response protocol, means a protocol that—(A)recognizes the prevalence of trauma and the role that trauma plays in the lives of children, youth, and survivors of trauma; (B)considers the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of individuals during and after an emergency event; and(C)takes an approach that actively combats the traumatization or retraumatization of children, youth, and survivors of trauma.4.Establishment of Council on Emergency Response Protocols(a)EstablishmentThere is established a Council on Emergency Response Protocols.(b)Composition(1)ChairpersonThe Secretary of Education, in an expeditious manner, shall appoint an individual who represents one of the categories described in paragraph (2) to serve as a member and chairperson of the Council.(2)Appointed membersBy not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the chairperson of the Council shall appoint a member to the Council for each of the following categories (except for the category represented by the chairperson):(A)An executive director or a representative from a national organization representing individuals with disabilities.(B)An executive director or a representative from a national organization representing early childcare educators.(C)The executive director or a representative from a national organization representing law enforcement officials.(D)The executive director or a representative from an organization focused on emergency preparedness training in early childcare. (E)A member of an organization representing teachers, school leaders, specialized instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals.(F)A member of an organization representing school-based child welfare and mental health professionals.(G)An individual with a physical, sensory, intellectual, or developmental disability who has demonstrated disability advocacy experience in kindergarten through grade 12 education.(H)An individual with a mental health disability who has been enrolled in an institution of higher education for at least a year during the 5 years prior to the date of the individual's appointment to the Council.(I)An individual with a physical, sensory, intellectual, or developmental disability who has been enrolled in an institution of higher education for a year prior to the date of the individual's appointment to the Council.(J)A parent or guardian of a child in an early childcare and education program.(K)A parent or guardian of a child with a physical, sensory, intellectual, or developmental disability in—(i)an early childcare and education program; or(ii)a public elementary school or secondary school.(3)Federal members(A)Department of Education membersThe following officers of the Department of Education shall serve as members of the Council:(i)The Assistant Secretary of the Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development.(ii)The Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.(iii)The Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.(iv)The Director for the Office of Early Learning.(v)The Director of the Office of Special Education Programs.(B)Health and Human Services membersThe following officers of the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services shall serve as members of the Council:(i)The Director of the Office of Child Care.(ii)The Director of the Office of Head Start.(C)FEMA memberThe Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall serve as a member of the Council.(4)Additional requirementsThe chairperson shall ensure that not less than 1 of the members appointed under paragraph (2) has directly experienced, as a student, gun violence or another emergency event in which a lockdown protocol was enforced in an educational setting that was the primary target of the emergency event.(c)Meetings(1)Initial meetingThe Council shall hold its first meeting not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.(2)FrequencyThe Council shall meet at the call of the chairperson.(3)QuorumA majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.5.Duties(a)HearingThe Council shall hold a hearing with relevant stakeholders, including students and educators, principals and other school leaders, childcare experts, disability advocates, civil rights advocates, law enforcement, security experts, and others, not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act.(b)Study and reviewThe Council shall—(1)study emergency response protocols, including gun violence response and prevention protocols, natural disaster preparedness procedures, fire drills, and other emergency preparation drills or lockdown procedures, for educational settings including early childcare and education settings, elementary schools and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education; and(2)conduct a complete and thorough review of the relevant literature and research surrounding emergency response protocols in such educational settings and the impact that emergency response protocols can have on specific populations of children, youth, and employees, including the effects on children living in poverty and children of color. (c)Recommendations and guidelinesAfter completing the study and review described in subsection (b), the Council shall provide— (1)recommendations that ensure that States, early childcare and education settings, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education are provided with accurate information about the needs of specific populations of children, youth, and employees during emergencies;(2)guidelines for States, early childcare and education settings, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education to use in developing and implementing emergency response protocols, including gun violence response and prevention protocols, natural disaster preparedness procedures, fire drills, and other emergency preparation drills or lockdown procedures, that are inclusive and accessible; and(3)guidelines—(A)for the development and implementation of accessible, developmentally appropriate, culturally aware, and trauma-informed emergency response protocols, including gun violence response and prevention protocols, natural disaster preparedness procedures, fire drills, and other emergency preparation drills or lockdown procedures, that include information about—(i)preparedness drills, including discussions and seminars on emergency preparedness, workshops, and full-scale emergency simulations;(ii)emergency communications;(iii)training for educators, early childcare and education staff, administrators, and support personnel, including—(I)training addressing implicit biases on the basis of race, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, disability, and sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity); and (II)other training to ensure the nondiscriminatory application of protocols and treatment of students;(iv)the use of technology; and(v)other issues determined appropriate by the Council;(B)for the use of Federal funds by States, early childcare and education programs, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education to develop and implement emergency response protocols, including gun violence response and prevention protocols, natural disaster preparedness procedures, fire drills, and other emergency preparation drills or lockdown procedures, that are inclusive and accessible; and(C)for States to create and develop recommendations for oversight for public elementary schools and secondary schools, early childcare and education settings, and institutions of higher education to ensure any emergency response protocols—(i)are inclusive and accessible;(ii)protect student privacy; and (iii)avoid exacerbating risk for children and youth with disabilities, young children, employees, and other specific populations.(d)ReportBy not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall prepare and submit to Congress a detailed report that contains—(1)findings from stakeholders related to the challenges faced by children and youth with disabilities, young children, and other specific populations with regard to emergency response protocols, including gun violence response and prevention protocols, natural disaster preparedness procedures, fire drills, and other emergency preparation drills or lockdown procedures; and(2)the recommendations and guidelines described in subsection (c).6.Powers of Council(a)HearingsThe Council may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Council considers advisable to carry out this Act.(b)Information from Federal agencies(1)In generalThe Council may secure directly from a Federal department or agency such information as the Council considers necessary to carry out this Act.(2)Furnishing informationOn request of the chairperson of the Council, the head of the department or agency shall furnish the information to the Council.(c)Postal servicesThe Council may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.7.Council personnel matters(a)Compensation of membersOnly members of the Council representing categories described in subparagraphs (G) through (K) of section 4(b)(2) shall be compensated for their work for the Council. Such members may receive compensation at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the members are engaged in the performance of the duties of the Council.(b)Travel expensesA member of the Council shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Council.(c)Staff(1)In generalThe chairperson of the Council may, without regard to the civil service laws (including regulations), appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Council to perform its duties, except that the employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Council.(2)CompensationThe chairperson of the Council may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of that title.(d)Detail of government employeesA Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Council without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.(e)Procurement of temporary and intermittent servicesThe chairperson of the Council may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of that title.8.Termination of CouncilThe Council shall terminate 60 days after the date on which the Council submits the report required under section 5(d).9.Authorization of appropriations(a)In generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Council to carry out this Act a total of $500,000 for fiscal years 2021 and 2022.(b)AvailabilityAny sums appropriated under subsection (a) shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until expended.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3231
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 8, 2008
			Mr. Kerry introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Commerce, Science, and
			 Transportation

		A BILL
		To amend the High Seas Driftnet Fishing
		  Moratorium Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
		  Management Act to improve the conservation of sharks.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Shark Conservation Act of
			 2008.
		2.Improved
			 conservation of sharks
			(a)Amendment of
			 High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection ActSection 610(a) of the High Seas Driftnet
			 Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826k(a)) is amended—
				(1)in paragraph (1),
			 by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii),
			 respectively;
				(2)by redesignating
			 paragraphs (1) through (3) as subparagraphs (A) through (C),
			 respectively;
				(3)by striking the
			 matter preceding subparagraph (A), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this
			 section, and inserting the following:

						(a)IdentificationThe
				Secretary shall identify, and list in the report under section 607—
							(1)a nation
				if—
							;
				(4)in paragraph
			 (1)(C), as so redesignated by paragraph (2) of this section, by striking the
			 period at the end and inserting ; or; and
				(5)by
			 adding at the end the following:

						(2)a nation
				if—
							(A)fishing vessels of
				that nation are engaged, or have been engaged during the preceding calendar
				year, in fishing activities or practices that target or incidentally catch
				sharks; and
							(B)the nation has not
				adopted a regulatory program to provide for the conservation of sharks,
				including measures to prohibit any removal of the fins of a shark (including
				the tail) and discarding the carcass of the shark at sea, that is comparable to
				that of the United States, taking into account different
				conditions.
							.
				(b)Amendment of
			 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management ActSection 307(1) of Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
			 Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1857(1)) is amended—
				(1)by amending subparagraph (P) to read as
			 follows:

						(P)(i)to remove any of the fins of a shark
				(including the tail) at sea;
							(ii)to have custody, control, or
				possession of any shark fin aboard a fishing vessel unless it is naturally
				attached to the corresponding carcass;
							(iii)to transfer any shark fin from
				one vessel to another vessel at sea, or to receive any shark fin in such
				transfer, without the fin naturally attached to the corresponding carcass;
				or
							(iv)to land any shark fin that is not
				naturally attached to the corresponding carcass, or to land any shark carcass
				without the fins (including the tail) naturally
				attached;
							;
				and
				(2)by striking the
			 matter following subparagraph (R).


117 HR 691 IH: Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-02-02
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
117th CONGRESS1st Session
H. R. 691
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 2, 2021
Mr. Cárdenas (for himself and Mr. Doggett) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor

A BILL
To expand opportunities for pre-apprenticeship programs.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act.  2.Pre-apprenticeship program standards (a)In generalIn this Act, a pre-apprenticeship program means a program—
(1)designed to— (A)assist individuals who do not meet minimum qualifications for an apprenticeship program; and
(B) prepare such individuals to enter and succeed in such an apprenticeship program, including by providing the skills and competency attainment needed to enter the apprenticeship program; and (2)that meets the requirements described in subsections (b) and (c).
(b)RequirementsThe program— (1)is carried out in partnership with at least one sponsor of an apprenticeship program;
(2)demonstrates the existence of an active advisory partnership with an industry or sector partnership to inform the training and education services necessary for a pre-apprenticeship program;  (3)demonstrates evidence of sufficient openings in an apprenticeship program at the completion of a pre-apprenticeship program to support a transition from a pre-apprenticeship to an apprenticeship;
(4)has strategies in place with apprenticeship programs that will increase employment opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment and create a diverse talent pipeline, such that, upon completion of a pre-apprenticeship program, they will meet the entry requirements for success in such programs; (5)has plans in place, either directly or through partnerships, to provide supportive services to pre-apprentices, to support the recruitment, retention, and completion of the program;
(6)provides hands-on training to participants, when possible, that does not supplant the work of a full-time, paid employee but accurately simulates the occupational conditions of a partnering apprenticeship program, with proper supervision and safety protocols; and (7)provides a certificate of completion by the State apprenticeship agency, awarded to each individual who completes the program requirements set forth by the plan sponsor.
(c)Written plan requirementsThe program includes a written plan developed by the sponsor that— (1)provides for work-based learning in which an industry or sector partnership and a related instruction provider collaborate to provide training that will introduce participants to the skills, competencies, and materials used in one or more apprenticeable occupations;
(2)is based on and aligned with national, State, regional, or local industry standards for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations and the requirements of the related apprenticeship program; (3)ensures all individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in the program, as required by section 30 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), and that the program will provide adequate and safe equipment, environments, and facilities for training and supervision, free from discrimination (including harassment and retaliation);
(4)ensures the program has remote instruction contingency plans, if feasible, including providing educational technology that aids in regular and substantive interactions between pre-apprentice and classroom instructor;  (5)provides training and professional development for instructors and staff to use technology and services, including for remote instruction;
(6)to the extent appropriate and practicable includes enabling an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at least 1 recognized postsecondary credential; and (7)includes activities designed for career exposure, career planning, and career awareness.
3.Evaluation
(a)Performance data collectionNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Labor shall collect data on— (1)the performance of each pre-apprenticeship program using the disaggregated indicators of performance in section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A)(i)), including participants who are people of color, women, veterans, those who have been impacted by the youth or adult criminal justice system, and individuals with barriers to employment between the ages of 16 and 24;
(2)how each such program spends resources; and (3)the diversity and equal opportunity in apprenticeships programs.
(b)Research and plan for expansion of participation of certain populationsNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship, shall use the collected data to conduct research in State labor markets, in partnership with State apprenticeship agencies, to create a plan, on the basis of such research, to expand participation in registered pre-apprenticeship programs by nontraditional populations or individuals with barriers to employment such as youth, women, people of color, long-term unemployed, individuals with disabilities, individuals with substance abuse issues, individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, and veterans. 4.Grants (a)In generalFrom the amounts appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary of Labor shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities.
(b)PriorityIn awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that serve a high number or high percentage of individuals who are from nontraditional apprenticeship populations (with priority given to women, people of color, veterans, those who have been impacted by the juvenile or adult criminal justice system, and individuals with barriers to employment between the ages of 16 and 24). (c)ApplicationTo receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary determines may be necessary.
(d)Limitation on use of fundsNo less than 5 percent of the funds awarded under this section shall be used to provide direct financial assistance to pre-apprentices to support financial needs to enter, remain enrolled in, and complete the apprenticeship program including, related costs of training, supplies, food and nutrition, housing, transportation, child care, mental health and substance abuse services, or other targeted costs deemed allowable by the Secretary. (e)Eligible entities definedIn this section, an eligible entity includes—
(1)a community-based organization; (2)a pre-apprenticeship sponsor;
(3)an employer for an in-demand industry sector or occupation; (4)a joint labor-management training program; or
(5)a partnership among community-based organizations, public education entities, and apprenticeships. (f)Uses of fundsA grant awarded under this section to an eligible entity may be used to carry out one or more of the following:
(1)To provide technical assistance to pre-apprentices to help navigate supportive services and other Federal assistance programs (such as the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.)) to enter and remain enrolled in apprenticeship programs. (2)To conduct and improve outreach to nontraditional apprenticeship population.
(3)To participate in pre-apprenticeship programs. (4)To facilitate a successful transition between pre-apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs.
5.Additional definitionsIn this Act: (1)Apprenticeship programThe term apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), including any requirement, standard, or rule promulgated under such Act, as such requirement, standard, or rule was in effect on December 30, 2019.
(2)Nontraditional Apprenticeship PopulationThe term nontraditional apprenticeship population means a group of individuals (such as a group of individuals from the same gender or race) the members of which comprise fewer than 25 percent of the individuals participating in a program under the national apprenticeship system. (3)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Labor.
(4)WIOA termsThe terms community-based organization, in-demand industry sectors or occupations, individual with a barrier to employment, recognized postsecondary credential, and supportive services have the meanings given the terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).


117 HR 1143 IH: Lenders Offer Assistance Now Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-02-18
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. 1143IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 18, 2021Mr. Kildee (for himself, Mr. Carson, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Dean, Ms. Norton, Mr. Perlmutter, and Mr. Vargas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo amend the Truth in Lending Act to modify obligations relating to private education loans due to the disability of a cosigner or borrower of the loan, to amend title 11 of the United States Code to make student loans dischargeable, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Lenders Offer Assistance Now Act or the LOAN Act.2.Disability of a cosigner or a borrower of a private education loan(a)In generalSection 140(g) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1650(g)) is amended—(1)in paragraph (1), by striking bankruptcy or death and inserting bankruptcy, death, or disability; and(2)by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:(3)Discharge in case of disabilityA lender that extends a private education loan shall discharge the student obligor’s liability on the loan if a student obligor experiences a disability. (4)Disability definedIn this subsection, the term disability means a permanent and total disability, as determined in accordance with the regulations of the Secretary of Education under section 437(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087(a)), or a determination by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that the individual is unemployable due to a service-connected condition..(b)Tax treatment of dischargeSection 108(f)(5)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is further amended by striking or in clause (ii), by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv), and by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause:(iii)pursuant to paragraph (3) of section 140(g) of the Truth in Lending Act, or.(c)Impact on certain programsDischarge of a private education loan due to disability of a borrower under paragraph (3) of section 140(g) of the Truth in Lending Act, as added by subsection (a), shall not be regarded as income and shall not be regarded as a resource for purposes of determining the eligibility of the borrower of such loan (or the borrower’s spouse or family) for benefits or assistance, or the amount or extent of benefits or assistance, under any Federal program or under any State or local program financed in whole or in part with Federal funds.(d)ApplicabilityThe amendments made by this section shall apply to private education loan agreements entered into on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.(e)Private education loan definedIn this section, the term private education loan has the meaning given in section 140(a) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1650(a)).3.Exception to discharge(a)In generalSection 523(a) of title 11, United States Code, is amended—(1)by striking paragraph (8); and(2)by redesignating paragraphs (9) through (14B) as paragraphs (8) through (14A), respectively.(b)Conforming amendmentsTitle 11, United States Code, is amended—(1)in section 704(c)(1)(C)(iv)(I) by striking (14A) and inserting (14);(2)in section 1106(c)(1)(C)(iv)(I) by striking (14A) and inserting (14);(3)in section 1202(c)(1)(C)(iv)(I) by striking (14A) and inserting (14); and(4)in section 1328(a)(2) by striking (8), or (9) and inserting or (8).(c)Effective date; application of amendments(1)Effective dateExcept as provided in paragraph (2), this section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.(2)Application of amendmentsThe amendments made by this section shall apply only with respect to cases commenced under title 11 of the United States Code on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2296
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 18, 2012
			Mrs. Hagan (for herself
			 and Mr. Harkin) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To amend the Higher Education Opportunity Act to restrict
		  institutions of higher education from using revenues derived from Federal
		  educational assistance funds for advertising, marketing, or recruiting
		  purposes.

		1.Short
			 title; findings
			(a)Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as the Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers
			 Act.
			(b)FindingsCongress
			 finds the following:
				(1)From 1998 to
			 2008, enrollment in for-profit institutions of higher education increased by
			 225 percent, from 553,000 students to 1,800,000 students.
				(2)On average, 86
			 percent of revenues at 15 large, publicly traded companies that operate
			 for-profit institutions of higher education came from the Federal Government
			 through student financial assistance programs.
				(3)In 2009, students
			 who enrolled at for-profit institutions of higher education received
			 $30,000,000,000 in Federal Pell Grants and student loans.
				(4)Eight out of the
			 10 top recipients of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance funds are for-profit
			 institutions of higher education. For-profit colleges received 37 percent
			 ($4,400,000,000) of all Post-9/11 Educational Assistance funds during the
			 2-year period of August 1, 2009 through June 15, 2011.
				(5)Six of the top 10
			 military tuition assistance recipients are for-profit institutions of higher
			 education. For-profit colleges received half of all tuition assistance
			 dollars—$280,000,000 out of $563,000,000 spent last year.
				(6)The 15 companies
			 that received 86 percent of their revenues from Federal student aid programs
			 spent $3,700,000,000 (23 percent of revenues) on advertising, marketing, and
			 recruitment in fiscal year 2009.
				(7)According to
			 documents obtained by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions of
			 the Senate (referred to in this Act as the HELP Committee), 30
			 companies operating for-profit institutions of higher education spent
			 $4,100,000,000 on advertising, marketing, and recruitment in fiscal year
			 2009.
				(8)An analysis of 15
			 publicly traded companies that operate institutions of higher education shows
			 that, on average, they spend 28 percent of expenditures on advertising,
			 marketing, and recruiting.
				(9)Documents
			 obtained by the HELP Committee reveal that for-profit institutions of higher
			 education have created sophisticated marketing plans and employed many third
			 parties as well as large sales forces specifically tasked with enrolling as
			 many students as possible, including veterans, servicemembers, and their
			 families.
				(10)In 2010, an
			 undercover investigation by the Government Accountability Office documented
			 misleading and deceptive recruitment practices at each of 15 for-profit
			 institutions of higher education campuses visited. Misleading statements
			 included information regarding the cost of attendance, transferability of
			 credits, loan repayment by future employers, job placement, and likelihood of
			 graduation.
				(11)Documents
			 produced to the HELP Committee demonstrate that revenue from Federal funds is
			 used to pay recruiters, who, at some for-profit institutions of higher
			 education, are trained to exploit emotional vulnerabilities of prospective
			 students to meet enrollment thresholds.
				(12)Documents
			 produced to the HELP Committee demonstrate that revenues from Federal funds are
			 used to pay very large sales staff titled enrollment advisors,
			 including 8,137, 5,669 and 3,069 of such individuals at 3 large for-profit
			 companies.
				(13)The number of
			 enrollment advisors at several for-profit institutions of higher education
			 examined by the HELP Committee are very disproportionate with the number of
			 staff engaged in all student support services, including job placement, which
			 were 3,737, 2,582 and 2,472 at the same 3 for-profit companies.
				2.Restrictions on
			 sources of funds for recruiting and marketing activitiesSection 119 of the Higher Education
			 Opportunity Act (20 U.S.C. 1011m) is amended—
			(1)in the section
			 heading, by inserting and
			 Restrictions on Sources of Funds for Recruiting and Marketing
			 Activities after Funds;
			(2)in subsection
			 (d), by striking subsections (a) through (c) and inserting
			 subsections (a), (b), (c), and (e);
			(3)by redesignating
			 subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
			(4)by inserting
			 after subsection (d) the following:

					(e)Restrictions on
				sources of funds for recruiting and marketing activities
						(1)In
				generalAn institution of higher education, or other
				postsecondary educational institution, may not use revenues derived from
				Federal educational assistance funds for recruiting or marketing activities
				described in paragraph (2).
						(2)Covered
				activitiesExcept as provided in paragraph (3), the recruiting
				and marketing activities subject to paragraph (1) shall include the
				following:
							(A)Advertising and
				promotion activities, including paid announcements in newspapers, magazines,
				radio, television, billboards, electronic media, naming rights, or any other
				public medium of communication, including paying for displays or promotions at
				job fairs, military installations, or college recruiting events.
							(B)Efforts to
				identify and attract prospective students, either directly or through a
				contractor or other third party, including contact concerning a prospective
				student’s potential enrollment or application for grant, loan, or work
				assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070
				et seq.) or participation in preadmission or advising activities,
				including—
								(i)paying employees
				responsible for overseeing enrollment and for contacting potential students
				in-person, by phone, by email, or by other internet communications regarding
				enrollment; and
								(ii)soliciting an
				individual to provide contact information to an institution of higher
				education, including websites established for such purpose and funds paid to
				third parties for such purpose.
								(C)Such other
				activities as the Secretary of Education may prescribe, including paying for
				promotion or sponsorship of education or military-related associations.
							(3)ExceptionsAny
				activity that is required as a condition of receipt of funds by an institution
				under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), is
				specifically authorized under such title, or is otherwise specified by the
				Secretary of Education, shall not be considered to be a covered activity under
				paragraph (2).
						(4)Federal
				educational assistance fundsIn this subsection, the term
				Federal educational assistance funds means funds provided
				directly to an institution or to a student attending such institution under any
				of the following provisions of law:
							(A)Title IV of the
				Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).
							(B)Chapter 30, 31,
				32, 33, 34, or 35 of title 38, United States Code.
							(C)Chapter 101, 105,
				106A, 1606, 1607, or 1608 of title 10, United States Code.
							(D)Section 1784a,
				2005, or 2007 of title 10, United States Code.
							(E)Title I of the
				Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.).
							(F)The Adult
				Education and Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9201 et seq.).
							(5)Rule of
				constructionNothing in this section shall be construed as a
				limitation on the use by an institution of revenues derived from sources other
				than Federal educational assistance funds.
						(6)ReportingEach
				institution of higher education, or other postsecondary educational
				institution, that receives revenues derived from Federal educational assistance
				funds shall report annually to the Secretary and to Congress the institution's
				expenditures on advertising, marketing, and
				recruiting.
						.


116 HR 242 IH: To repeal the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 242IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 4, 2019Ms. Jayapal (for herself, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Khanna, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Nadler, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Velázquez, Ms. Pingree, Mrs. Lawrence, Mr. Raskin, Mr. Espaillat, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Serrano, and Mr. Gomez) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo repeal the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

 1.RepealerThe Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 931 et seq.) is repealed.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2411
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 26, 2012
			Mr. Schumer introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on
		  lightweight digital camera lenses measuring approximately 55 mm or
		  more.

		1.Lightweight digital camera lenses measuring
			 approximately 55 mm or more
			(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:

								9902.01.00Lenses designed for digital cameras, the foregoing with a focal
						length measuring approximately 55 mm or more but not over 200 mm and weighing
						between 329 and 339 g (provided for in subheading 9002.11.90)FreeNo
						changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

					.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by
			 subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for
			 consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this
			 Act.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 791
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 17, 2011
			Ms. Loretta Sanchez of
			 California (for herself, Ms.
			 Foxx, and Mrs. McMorris
			 Rodgers) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services

		A BILL
		To amend title 37, United States Code, to provide
		  flexible spending arrangements for members of the uniformed services, and for
		  other purposes.

		1.Flexible spending
			 arrangements for the uniformed services
			(a)Flexible
			 spending arrangements
				(1)In
			 generalChapter 3 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by
			 adding at the end the following new section:

						213.Flexible
				spending arrangements
							(a)Flexible
				spending arrangements for the uniformed services(1)Each Secretary concerned
				shall establish procedures to implement flexible spending arrangements with
				respect to basic pay under section 204 of this title and compensation payable
				under section 206 of this title for health care and dependent care on a pre-tax
				basis in accordance with regulations prescribed under sections 106(c) and 125
				of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
								(2)In establishing the procedures
				required by paragraph (1), each Secretary concerned shall consider life events
				of members of the uniformed services that are unique to them as members of the
				uniformed services, including changes relating to permanent changes of duty
				station and deployments to overseas contingency operations.
								(b)Deductions not
				prohibited for enlisted membersSection 701(c) of this title, relating to
				assignment of the pay of an enlisted member, may not be construed to prohibit
				or invalidate the flexible spending arrangements authorized by this section
				with respect to the pay or compensation of an enlisted
				member.
							.
				(2)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 3 of
			 such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 204 the
			 following new item:

							213. Flexible spending
				arrangements.

						.
				(b)Implementation
			 and source of funds
				(1)ImplementationEach Secretary concerned shall establish
			 the procedures required by section 213(a) of title 37, United States Code, as
			 added by subsection (a)(1) not later than 180 days after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act.
				(2)Source of
			 fundsTo cover the cost of
			 establishing the procedures described in paragraph (1), each Secretary
			 concerned shall use funds otherwise available for the operation of the Office
			 of that Secretary.
				(3)Secretary
			 concerned definedIn this subsection, the term Secretary
			 concerned has the meaning given such term in section 101(5) of title 37,
			 United States Code.
				(c)Review of applicability to Selected
			 Reserve
				(1)In
			 generalNot later than
			 November 1, 2011, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional
			 defense committees recommendations on the advisability of authorizing flexible
			 spending arrangements as described in section 212 of title 37, United States
			 Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), for members of the Selected
			 Reserve.
				(2)Congressional
			 defense committees definedIn this subsection, the term
			 congressional defense committees has the meaning given such term
			 in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.