116 S3483 IS: Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Act of 2020
U.S. Senate
2020-03-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3483IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 12, 2020Mr. Booker (for himself and Mrs. Gillibrand) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and EntrepreneurshipA BILLTo amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to establish the Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company (SUMIC) Program.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Act of 2020.2.FindingsCongress finds that—(1)the strength of the United States manufacturing sector is critical to the economy and the global competitiveness of the United States;(2)United States manufacturers support 17,600,000 jobs in the United States and account for 12 percent of the gross domestic product of the United States;(3)access to capital is essential to growth and innovation in the manufacturing sector;(4)small, emerging manufacturers face unique challenges scaling commercial production in the United States, driving many young manufacturers to other countries;(5)structural barriers exist in the United States that prevent key investments in first-commercial manufacturing facilities;(6)a healthy manufacturing sector is essential to innovation economy of the United States, providing three-quarters of all private sector research and development, employing nearly two-thirds of all research and development workers, and producing the majority of all patents issued;(7)technology-intensive manufacturing small businesses, some of which may be start-ups, with the potential to anchor the next generation of manufacturing production where they locate, face special challenges in accessing the capital to move from idea to prototype and into commercial production;(8)already more capital intensive than software or services start-ups, manufacturing start-ups and small businesses face a second and wider valley of death when it comes to raising the capital to scale up for commercial production because of their capital intensity and novel technology;(9)a number of countries, including China, South Korea, Germany, and Japan, provide publicly funded incentives to attract these firms, recognizing that despite the risks, the long-term benefits of establishing leadership in emerging technology areas are large;(10)a study of manufacturing technology-intensive start-ups licensed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that almost all that scaled up into commercial production did so overseas largely because of this far more attractive capital and investment environment for manufacturing start-ups, which is a huge loss for the future of manufacturing in the United States;(11)if the United States loses the first generation of production for a new technology or manufacturing process, history suggests that it is an uphill battle once lost to reclaim that capability here given the unique learning and know-how acquired during the building of that first factory; and(12)to ensure that manufacturing technologies invented in the United States are ultimately made in the United States will require addressing the unique capital access challenges faced by these technology-intensive manufacturing start-ups.3.Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Program(a)In generalTitle III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 681 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:DScale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Program399A.DefinitionsIn this part—(1)the term Associate Administrator means the Associate Administrator described in section 201;(2)the term Council means the Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Credit Council that may be established under section 399K;(3)the term participating investment fund means a privately managed investment fund licensed under section 399C to operate under the program;(4)the term private capital has the meaning given the term in section 103(9);(5)the term program means the scale-up manufacturing investment company program established under section 399B;(6)the term qualifying manufacturing project means an investment in a small and emerging manufacturer for the purposes of building first commercial production facilities, novel manufacturing capabilities, or the introduction into production of emerging manufacturing technologies;(7)the term small and emerging manufacturer means any advanced manufacturer that does not exceed the size standard established by the Administrator for the applicable North American Industry Classification System code under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632); and(8)the term small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals has the meaning given the term in section 8(d)(3)(C) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(3)(C)).399B.Establishment(a)In generalThe Administrator shall establish and carry out a scale-up manufacturing investment company program under which the Administrator shall provide leverage to participating investment funds to support debt and equity investments in qualifying manufacturing projects of small and emerging manufacturers in the United States.(b)Administration of programThe program shall be administered by the Administrator acting through the Associate Administrator.399C.Selection of participating investment funds(a)Application for license(1)Submission of applicationAn investment fund desiring to receive a license to operate under the program shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time and in such manner as the Administrator may require.(2)RequirementAn application submitted under paragraph (1) shall demonstrate that the investment fund—(A)has the requisite minimum private capital raised from investors; and(B)committed to operate under the program as of the date of submission of the application.(3)StatusNot later than 90 days after the date on which the Administrator receives an application submitted under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide the applicant with a written report detailing the status of the application and any requirements remaining for completion of the application.(b)Selection(1)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date on which the Administrator receives an application under subsection (a), the Administrator shall approve or deny the application for a license to operate under the program and notify the applicant of the determination.(2)CriteriaThe Administrator shall establish selection criteria to evaluate applications to operate under the program, which shall include, at a minimum—(A)the proven investment experience of the investment fund manager;(B)the proven, balanced, and positive-investment track record of a previous investment fund or the principals and fund performance analysis measured against benchmarks and peer funds;(C)the experience of the investment fund with investments relating to small manufacturers and emerging technologies related to advanced manufacturing;(D)an evaluation of the use of leverage by the investment fund managers in past deals;(E)evidence indicating a cohesive and effective team and team dynamic;(F)principals with strong reputations;(G)a record of positive realizations and exits from previous investments in the investment track record;(H)clearly articulated focus, investment thesis, investment themes, and investment instruments to be used to capitalize companies; and(I)fund structure and economics that reflect standard practices and industry norms, such as—(i)preferred returns to limited partners;(ii)general partner carried interest allocations, fees and vesting schedules;(iii)adequate fund infrastructure and supporting back office services; and(iv)evidence of fund raising traction and capability.(c)Fees(1)In generalThe Administration shall prescribe fees to be paid by each applicant for a license to operate as a participating investment fund under the program.(2)Use of amountsFees collected under this subsection—(A)shall be deposited in the account for salaries and expenses of the Administration; and(B)are authorized to be appropriated solely to cover the costs of licensing examinations.399D.Provision of leverage to participating investment funds(a)In generalNot later than 60 days after the date on which the Administrator approves and issues a license under section 399C to operate as a participating investment fund under the program, the Administrator may provide not more than $1 of leverage for every $1 of private capital raised by the participating investment fund.(b)Maximum leverageThe maximum amount of outstanding leverage made available in any given fiscal year—(1)to any participating investment fund may not exceed $500,000,000; and(2)to all participating investment funds in aggregate may not exceed $1,000,000,000.(c)Private capital requirement(1)In generalThe private capital of a participating investment fund shall be not less than $250,000,000.(2)Financial institution investmentsAny national bank, or any member bank of the Federal Reserve System or nonmember insured bank to the extent permitted under applicable State law, may invest in any one or more participating investment funds, or in any entity established to invest solely in participating investment funds, except that in no event shall the total amount of such investments of any such bank exceed 5 percent of the capital and surplus of the bank.(d)Leverage feeThe Administrator shall charge and collect a leverage fee of not more than 5.5 percent and not less than 3 percent of the face amount of the leverage issued.399E.Borrowing power(a)In generalEach participating investment fund shall have the authority to borrow money and issue debentures and preferred securities, subject to such limitations and regulations as the Administration may prescribe.(b)LimitationOf the leverage provided by the Administrator to a participating investment fund under section 399D—(1)not less than 70 percent shall be issued as debentures under subsection (a); and(2)not more than 30 percent may be issued as preferred securities under subsection (a).(c)Federal Financing BankThe Federal Financing Bank may acquire a debenture issued by a participating investment fund company under subsection (a).(d)Purchase and guarantee by SBA(1)In generalThe Administration may purchase or guarantee the timely payment of all principal and interest as scheduled on debentures or preferred securities issued by participating investment funds under subsection (a), subject to such limitations and regulations as the Administration may prescribe.(2)Full faith and creditThe full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the payment of all amounts which may be required to be paid under any guarantee under this subsection.(e)Third-Party debtThe Administrator—(1)shall not permit a participating investment fund having outstanding leverage to incur third-party debt that would create or contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or loss to the Federal Government; and(2)shall permit such participating investment funds to incur third-party debt only on such terms and subject to such conditions as may be established by the Administrator, by regulation or otherwise.(f)Calculation of subsidy rateAll fees, interest, and profits received and retained by the Administration under this section and section 399D shall be included in the calculations made by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to offset the cost (as that term is defined in section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a)) to the Administration of purchasing and guaranteeing debentures and preferred securities under this Act.399F.Investments in small business concerns(a)In generalA participating investment fund shall use leverage received under section 399D to make debt and equity investments in small and emerging manufacturers to carry out qualifying manufacturing projects.(b)LimitationNot more than 50 percent of the amount provided by a participating investment fund to a small and emerging manufacturer under subsection (a) for a qualifying manufacturing project shall consist of leverage provided to the participating investment fund under the program.(c)Portfolio managementA single investment made by a participating investment fund under subsection (a) may not exceed 10 percent of the total capital of the participating investment fund, which includes private capital and any leverage projected to be provided to the participating investment fund, if applicable.(d)Increased outreachThe Administration shall issue policy directives to provide for enhanced outreach efforts to increase investments by participating investment funds in—(1)a small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and(2)small business concerns owned and controlled by—(A)women;(B)veterans; or(C)individuals with disabilities.399G.Examinations and valuations(a)Examinations(1)In generalEach participating investment fund shall be subject to examinations made at the direction of the Investment Division of the Administration in accordance with this subsection.(2)Assistance of private sector entitiesExaminations under this subsection may be conducted with the assistance of a private sector entity that has the qualifications and the expertise necessary to conduct such examinations.(3)Costs(A)Assessment(i)In generalThe Administrator may assess the cost of examinations under this subsection, including compensation of the examiners, against the participating investment fund examined.(ii)PaymentAny participating investment fund against which the Administrator assesses costs under subparagraph (A) shall pay such costs.(B)Deposit of fundsFunds collected under this subsection—(i)shall be deposited in the account for salaries and expenses of the Administration; and(ii)are authorized to be appropriated solely to cover the costs of examinations and other program oversight activities.(b)Valuations(1)Frequency of valuations(A)In generalEach participating investment fund shall submit to the Administrator a written valuation of the loans and investments of the participating investment fund not less often than semiannually or otherwise upon the request of the Administrator, except that any participating investment fund with no leverage outstanding shall submit such valuations annually, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.(B)Material adverse changesNot later than 30 days after the end of a fiscal quarter of a participating investment fund during which a material adverse change in the aggregate valuation of the loans and investments or operations of the participating investment fund occurs, the participating investment fund shall notify the Administrator in writing of the nature and extent of that change.(C)Independent certification(i)In generalNot less than once during each fiscal year, each participating investment fund shall submit to the Administrator the financial statements of the participating investment fund, audited by an independent certified public accountant approved by the Administrator.(ii)Audit requirementsEach audit conducted under clause (i) shall include—(I)a review of the procedures and documentation used by the participating investment fund in preparing the valuations required by this subsection; and(II)a statement by the independent certified public accountant that such valuations were prepared in conformity with the valuation criteria applicable to the participating investment fund established in accordance with paragraph (2).(2)Valuation criteriaEach valuation submitted under this subsection shall be prepared by the participating investment fund in accordance with valuation criteria, which shall—(A)be established or approved by the Administrator; and(B)include appropriate safeguards to ensure that the noncash assets of a participating investment fund are not overvalued.399H.MiscellaneousThe Administrator may take such action as set forth in sections 309, 311, 312, 314, 315, and 316 and an owner (including a member, partner, or shareholder), officer, director, employee, agent, or other participant in the management or conduct of the affairs of a participating investment fund shall be subject to the requirements of such sections.399I.Violations; removal or suspension of management officials(a)ViolationsIf any participating investment fund violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this part or of regulations prescribed hereunder, all of its rights, privileges, and franchises derived therefrom may thereby be forfeited. Before any such participating investment fund shall be declared dissolved, or its rights, privileges, and franchises forfeited, any noncompliance with or violation of this Act shall be determined and adjudged by a court of the United States of competent jurisdiction in a suit brought for that purpose in the district, territory, or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, in which the principal office of such participating investment fund is located. Any such suit shall be brought by the United States at the instance of the Administration or the Attorney General.(b)Suspension of management officialsUsing the procedures for removing or suspending a director or an officer of a licensee set forth in section 313, the Administrator may remove or suspend any management official of a participating investment fund.399J.ReportsEach participating investment fund shall, on a semi-annual basis, provide to the Administrator such information as the Administrator may require, including—(1)information related to the measurement criteria that the participating investment fund proposed in the application for the program;(2)information on the use of leverage by the participating investment fund; and(3)in each case in which the participating investment fund makes an investment in a small business concern that is not a small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, a report on the number and percentage of employees of the small business concern who are socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.399K.Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Credit Council(a)EstablishmentThe Administrator may establish a Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Credit Council, which, if established, shall consist of 5 members from the private sector with aggregate and collective experience in technology development, manufacturing financing, and capital investment.(b)DutiesThe Council, if established, shall advise the Administrator on carrying out the program, which shall include—(1)providing advice from time to time on advanced scale-up manufacturing industries; and(2)establishing and conducting an annual briefing beginning not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section.399L.RegulationsThe Administrator may issue such regulations as the Administrator determines necessary to carry out the provisions of this part in accordance with its purposes..(b)Bank Holding Company Act of 1956Section 13(d)(1)(E) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1851(d)(1)(E)) is amended by inserting investments in one or more participating investment funds, as defined in section 399A of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, before or investments.(c)Ineligibility for bankruptcySection 109(b)(2) of title 11, United States Code, is amended by inserting a participating investment fund as defined in section 399A of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, before credit union.(d)Eligibility for CRA creditSection 804 of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (12 U.S.C. 2903) is amended by adding at the end the following:(e)Investments in participating investment fundsIn assessing and taking into account, under subsection (a), the record of a financial institution, the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency shall consider, as a factor, investments made in one or more participating investment funds under part D of title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958..


115 HR 6169 IH: Disaster Housing Assistance Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-06-20
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.

I115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6169IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 20, 2018Mr. Soto introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo establish a pilot program for long-term rental assistance for families affected by major
			 disasters in 2017.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Disaster Housing Assistance Act. 2.DefinitionsIn this Act—
 (1)the term Administrator means Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; (2)the term covered disaster means a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) during 2017, including with respect to Hurricane Maria;
 (3)the term eligible families means families that the Administrator determines are eligible for housing assistance under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174);
 (4)the terms families has the meaning given the term in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)); and
 (5)the term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. 3.Establishment of disaster housing assistance program for major disasters in 2017 (a)In generalNotwithstanding section 408(a)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(a)(1)), not later than 10 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an agreement or agreements with the Secretary to establish a temporary program that provides long-term rental housing assistance under such section 408 to eligible families affected by a covered disaster.
 (b)ResponsibilitiesThe design and administration of the program established under subsection (a) shall be determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, to ensure optimal program effectiveness.
 (c)GAO report to CongressNot later than January 20, 2020, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that examines the results of the program established under subsection (a), including the cost-effectiveness of the program and the ability of families participating in the program to stabilize their living situation.


115 HCON 147 IH: Calling for an update to certain Occupational Safety and Health Regulations and certain Environmental Protection Agency programs relating to highly hazardous chemicals.
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-12-20
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.

IV115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. CON. RES. 147IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESDecember 20, 2018Mr. DeSaulnier submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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 concernedCONCURRENT RESOLUTIONCalling for an update to certain Occupational Safety and Health Regulations and certain
			 Environmental Protection Agency programs relating to highly hazardous
			 chemicals.

 Whereas the process safety management regulation is a regulation promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) relating to the use, storage, manufacturing, handling, or the on-site movement of highly hazardous chemicals as defined by OSHA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and it hasn’t been updated since 1992;
 Whereas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are an average of 150 major industrial fires, explosions, or chemical releases reported each year to EPA;
 Whereas, in January 1997, one man died and 46 others were injured in a refinery explosion in Martinez, California;
 Whereas, in April 2010, seven people died in a refinery fire in Anacortes, Washington; Whereas, in August 2012, 19 workers were endangered and 15,000 residents had to seek care after a refinery fire in Richmond, California;
 Whereas, in April 2018, an explosion at a Husky Energy refinery left at least 20 injured in Superior, Wisconsin;
 Whereas, in response to the 1997 refinery explosion in Martinez, California, Contra Costa County enacted a groundbreaking industrial safety ordinance to promote safety at refineries that has been successful in reducing the number of safety incidents;
 Whereas, in response to the 2012 refinery fire in Richmond, California, the State of California responded by implementing comprehensive, modern regulations in 2017, known as Process Safety Management for Petroleum Refineries under the Division of Occupational Safety and Health and Program 4 of the Accidental Release Prevention Program under the California Environmental Protection Agency, that are the strongest in the Nation;
 Whereas Contra Costa County, the State of Washington, and others are updating their safety regulations based on those enacted in California; and
 Whereas the Federal standards are in need of similar updating: Now, therefore, be it   That it is the sense of Congress that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration should update regulations concerning refinery and chemical plant safety, including the Process Safety Management regulations (29 C.F.R. 1910.199), and the EPA should update its Risk Management Plan rule pursuant to section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act Amendments. These updated regulations should be no less comprehensive than those in place in California, and similarly should be based on the industry’s own best practices.


110 HR 1992 : Israel QME Enhancement Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-12-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IIB113th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1992IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESDecember 12 (legislative day, December 11), 2013Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign RelationsAN ACTTo amend the requirements relating to assessment of Israel’s qualitative military edge over military threats, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Israel QME Enhancement Act.2.Amendments to requirements relating to assessment of Israel’s qualitative military edge over military threats(a)Assessment required; reportsSection 201 of Public Law 110–429 (122 Stat. 4843; 22 U.S.C. 2776 note) is amended—(1)in subsection (a), by striking an ongoing basis and inserting a biennial basis; and(2)in subsection (c)(2)—(A)in the heading, by striking Quadrennial and inserting Biennial; and(B)in the text, by striking Not later than four years after the date on which the President transmits the initial report under paragraph (1), and every four years thereafter, and inserting Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the Israel QME Enhancement Act, and biennially thereafter,.(b)Report(1)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on—(A)the range of cyber and asymmetric threats posed to Israel by state and non-state actors; and(B)the joint efforts of the United States and Israel to address the threats identified in subparagraph (A).(2)FormThe report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.(3)Appropriate congressional committees definedIn this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.Passed the House of Representatives December 11, 2013.Karen L. Haas,Clerk


V
108th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4878
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 20, 2004
Mr. Van Hollen introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
For the relief of Malik Jarno.

1.Permanent resident status for Malik Jarno
(a)In generalNotwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Malik Jarno shall be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or 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 Malik Jarno enters the United States before the filing deadline specified in subsection (c), he shall be considered to have entered and remained lawfully and shall, if otherwise eligible, 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)Deadline for application and payment of feesSubsections (a) and (b) shall apply only if the application for issuance of an immigrant visa or the application for adjustment of status is filed with appropriate fees within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d)Reduction of immigrant visa numberUpon the granting of an immigrant visa or permanent residence to Malik Jarno, 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.
(e)Denial of preferential immigration treatment for certain relativesThe natural parents, brothers, and sisters of Malik Jarno shall not, by virtue of such relationship, be accorded any right, privilege, or status under the Immigration and Nationality Act.


115 HR 2652 IH: Veteran Overmedication Prevention Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-05-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2652IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 25, 2017Mr. Coffman (for himself, Mr. Moulton, Mr. O'Rourke, Mr. Polis, Mr. Bergman, and Mr. Bost) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct an independent review of the deaths of
			 certain veterans by suicide, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Veteran Overmedication Prevention Act of 2017. 2.Department of Veterans Affairs independent review of certain deaths of veterans by suicide (a)Review required (1)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the National Academies shall conduct a review of the deaths of all covered veterans who died by suicide during the five-year period ending on the date of the enactment of this Act, regardless of whether information relating to such deaths has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 (2)ElementsThe review required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A)The total number of covered veterans who died by suicide during the five-year period ending on the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (B)The total number of covered veterans who died by a violent death during such five-year period. (C)The total number of covered veterans who died by an accidental death during such five-year period.
 (D)A description of each covered veteran described in subparagraphs (A) through (C), including age, gender, race, and ethnicity.
 (E)A comprehensive list of prescribed medications and legal or illegal substances as annotated on toxicology reports of covered veterans described in subparagraphs (A) through (C), specifically listing any medications that carried a black box warning, were prescribed for off-label use, were psychotropic, or carried warnings that included suicidal ideation.
 (F)A summary of medical diagnoses by physicians of the Department of Veterans Affairs or physicians providing services to covered veterans through programs of the Department that led to the prescribing of medications referred to in subparagraph (E) in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and other anxiety and depressive disorders.
 (G)The number of instances in which a covered veteran described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) was concurrently on multiple medications prescribed by physicians of the Department or physicians providing services to veterans through programs of the Department to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, other anxiety and depressive disorders, or instances of comorbidity.
 (H)The number of covered veterans described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) who were not taking any medication prescribed by a physician of the Department or a physician providing services to veterans through a program of the Department.
 (I)With respect to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, or other anxiety and depressive disorders, the percentage of covered veterans described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) who received a non-medication first-line treatment compared to the percentage of such veterans who received medication only.
 (J)With respect to the treatment of covered veterans described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, or other anxiety and depressive disorders, the number of instances in which a non-medication first-line treatment (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) was attempted and determined to be ineffective for such a veteran, which subsequently led to the prescribing of a medication referred to in subparagraph (E).
 (K)A description and example of how the Department determines and continually updates the clinical practice guidelines governing the prescribing of medications.
 (L)An analysis of the use by the Department, including protocols or practices at medical facilities of the Department, of systematically measuring pain scores during clinical encounters under the Pain as the 5th Vital Sign Toolkit of the Department and an evaluation of the relationship between the use of such measurements and the number of veterans concurrently on multiple medications prescribed by physicians of the Department.
 (M)A description of the efforts of the Department to maintain appropriate staffing levels for mental health professionals, such as mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and other appropriate counselors, including—
 (i)a description of any impediments to carry out the education, training, and hiring of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists under section 7302(a) of title 38, United States Code, and strategies for addressing those impediments;
 (ii)a description of the objectives, goals, and timing of the Department with respect to increasing the representation of such counselors and therapists in the behavioral health workforce of the Department, including—
 (I)a review of eligibility criteria for such counselors and therapists and a comparison of such criteria to that of other behavioral health professions in the Department; and
 (II)an assessment of the participation of such counselors and therapists in the mental health professionals trainee program of the Department and any impediments to such participation;
 (iii)an assessment of the development by the Department of hiring guidelines for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and other appropriate counselors;
 (iv)a description of how the Department— (I)identifies gaps in the supply of mental health professionals; and
 (II)determines successful staffing ratios for mental health professionals of the Department; (v)a description of actions taken by the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, to create an occupational series for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists of the Department and a timeline for the creation of such an occupational series; and
 (vi)a description of actions taken by the Secretary to ensure that the national, regional, and local professional standards boards for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists are comprised of only mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists and that the liaison from the Department to such boards is a mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist.
 (N)The percentage of covered veterans described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) with combat experience or trauma related to combat experience (including military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress).
 (O)An identification of the medical facilities of the Department with markedly high prescription rates and suicide rates for veterans receiving treatment at those facilities.
 (P)An analysis, by State, of programs of the Department that collaborate with State Medicaid agencies and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, including the following:
 (i)An analysis of the sharing of prescription and behavioral health data for veterans. (ii)An analysis of whether Department staff check with State prescription drug monitoring programs before prescribing medications to veterans.
 (iii)A description of the procedures of the Department for coordinating with prescribers outside of the Department to ensure that veterans are not overprescribed.
 (iv)A description of actions that the Department takes when a veteran is determined to be overprescribed.
 (Q)An analysis of the collaboration of medical centers of the Department with medical examiners’ offices or local jurisdictions to determine veteran mortality and cause of death.
 (R)An identification and determination of a best practice model to collect and share veteran death certificate data between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, States, and tribal entities.
 (S)A description of how data relating to death certificates of veterans is collected, determined, and reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
 (T)An assessment of any patterns apparent to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine based on the review conducted under paragraph (1).
 (U)Such recommendations for further action that would improve the safety and well-being of veterans as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determine appropriate.
					(3)Compilation of data
 (A)Form of compilationThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that data compiled under paragraph (2) is compiled in a manner that allows it to be analyzed across all data fields for purposes of informing and updating clinical practice guidelines of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
 (B)Compilation of data regarding covered veteransIn compiling data under paragraph (2) regarding covered veterans described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of such paragraph, data regarding veterans described in each such subparagraph shall be compiled separately and disaggregated by year.
 (4)Completion of review and reportThe agreement entered into under paragraph (1) shall require that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine complete the review under such paragraph and submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a report containing the results of the review not later than 180 days after entering into the agreement.
 (b)ReportNot later than 30 days after the completion by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine of the review required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—
 (1)submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the review; and
 (2)make such report publicly available. (c)DefinitionsIn this section:
 (1)The term black box warning means a warning displayed on the label of a prescription drug that is designed to call attention to the serious or life-threatening risk of the prescription drug.
 (2)The term covered veteran means a veteran who received hospital care or medical services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs during the five-year period preceding the death of the veteran.
 (3)The term first-line treatment means a potential intervention that has been evaluated and assigned a high score within clinical practice guidelines.
 (4)The term State means each of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.


114 HR 5268 IH: Medicare Beneficiary Enrollment Improvement Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-05-17
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
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5268
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 17, 2016
			Mr. McDermott 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 concerned

		A BILL
		To provide for improvements to the Welcome to Medicare package, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Medicare Beneficiary Enrollment Improvement Act. 2.Updating the Welcome to Medicare package (a)In generalNot later than 12 months after the last day of the period for the request of information described in subsection (b) the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, taking into consideration information collected pursuant to subsection (b), update the information included in the Welcome to Medicare package to include information, presented in a clear and simple manner, about options for receiving benefits under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.), including through the original medicare fee-for-service program under parts A and B of such title (42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq., 42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.), Medicare Advantage plans under part C of such title (42 U.S.C. 1395w–21 et seq.), and prescription drug plans under part D of such title (42 U.S.C. 1395w–101 et seq.). The Secretary shall make subsequent updates to the information included in the Welcome to Medicare package as appropriate.
 (b)Request for informationNot later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall request information, including recommendations, from stakeholders (including patient advocates, issuers, and employers) on information included in the Welcome to Medicare package, including pertinent data and information regarding enrollment and coverage for Medicare eligible individuals.


110 HR 187 : To designate the Federal building and

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-02-08
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.

		IIB
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 187
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			February 8, 2007
			Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on
			 Environment and Public Works

		AN ACT
		To designate the Federal building and
		  United States courthouse and customhouse located at 515 West First Street in
		  Duluth, Minnesota, as the Gerald W. Heaney Federal Building and United
		  States Courthouse and Customhouse.

		1.DesignationThe Federal building and United States
			 courthouse and customhouse located at 515 West First Street in Duluth,
			 Minnesota, shall be known and designated as the Gerald W. Heaney Federal
			 Building and United States Courthouse and Customhouse.
		2.ReferencesAny reference in a law, map, regulation,
			 document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building
			 and United States courthouse and customhouse referred to in section 1 shall be
			 deemed to be a reference to the Gerald W. Heaney Federal Building and
			 United States Courthouse and Customhouse.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives February 7, 2007.
			Karen L. Haas,
			Clerk.


I
108th CONGRESS 2d Session
H. R. 3964
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 11, 2004
Mr. Stark (for himself, Mr. Waxman, Mr. George Miller of California, Mr. Matsui, Mr. Lantos, Mr. Berman, Ms. Pelosi, Ms. Waters, Mr. Becerra, Ms. Eshoo, Mr. Filner, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Ms. Woolsey, Mr. Farr, Ms. Lofgren, Ms. Millender-McDonald, Mr. Sherman, Mrs. Capps, Ms. Lee, Mr. Baca, Mrs. Davis of California, Mr. Honda, Mr. Schiff, Ms. Solis, Ms. Watson, and Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
To amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit the operation of the Medicare comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in California.

1.Prohibition on operation of medicare comparative cost adjustment (CCA) program in CaliforniaSection 1860C–1(b)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–29(b)(2)), as added by section 241(a) of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108–173), is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(C)No part in CaliforniaNo part of the MSA is in California..


115 S3590 IS: To prohibit military aid to Saudi Arabia until the Secretary of State determines that Jamal Khashoggi is alive and free.
U.S. Senate
2018-10-11
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.

		II
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 3590
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 11, 2018
			Mr. Paul introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

		A BILL
		To prohibit military aid to Saudi Arabia until the Secretary of State determines that Jamal
			 Khashoggi is alive and free.

		1.Restriction on military aid to Saudi Arabia
 The United States Government shall not provide any military aid or assistance to the Government of Saudi Arabia until the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that journalist Jamal Khashoggi is alive and free and subsequent legislation is enacted authorizing the resumption of such aid and assistance.


116 S1571 IS: Missouri River Flood Control Prioritization Act
U.S. Senate
2019-05-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1571IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 21, 2019Mr. Hawley (for himself, Mr. Blunt, and Mr. Grassley) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksA BILLTo remove fish and wildlife as an authorized purpose of the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir
			 System and to make flood control the highest priority of authorized
 purposes of the System, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Missouri River Flood Control Prioritization Act.2.Authorized purposes of the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System—(1)fish and wildlife shall not be an authorized purpose; and(2)of the authorized purposes, flood control shall be the highest priority.(b)Revision of control manualNot later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chief of Engineers shall revise the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System Master Water Control Manual and any related regulations in accordance with subsection (a).


 S863 ENR: To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the grade and pay of podiatrists of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
U.S. Senate

text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

One Hundred Sixteenth Congress of the United States of America1st SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday, the third day of January, two thousand and
			 nineteenS. 863IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESAN ACTTo amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the grade and pay of podiatrists of the
 Department of Veterans Affairs.1.Clarification of grade and pay of podiatrists of the Department of Veterans Affairs(a)GradeThe list in section 7404(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended—(1)by striking PODIATRIC SURGEON (DPM) and inserting PODIATRIST; and(2)by inserting after the item relating to Physician and surgeon grade. the following new item:Podiatrist grade..(b)Pay(1)In generalSection 7431 of such title is amended—(A)by striking physician and dentist each place it appears and inserting physician, podiatrist, and dentist;(B)by striking physicians and dentists each place it appears and inserting physicians, podiatrists, and dentists;(C)by striking physician or dentist each place it appears and inserting physician, podiatrist, or dentist;(D)by striking physicians or dentists each place it appears and inserting physicians, podiatrists, or dentists;(E)by striking Physician and Dentist each place it appears and inserting Physician, Podiatrist, and Dentist; and(F)in subsection (e)(1)(A), by inserting podiatrists and before dentists..(2)Administrative mattersSection 7433 of such title is amended by striking physicians and dentists each place it appears and inserting physicians, podiatrists, and dentists.(3)Conforming amendmentThe heading of subchapter III of chapter 74 of such title is amended by inserting , Podiatrists, after Physicians.(4)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 74 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to subchapter III and inserting the following new item:Subchapter III—Pay for Physicians, Podiatrists, and Dentists.(5)Technical amendmentSection 7433 of such title is further amended—(A)by striking subsection (b);(B)in subsection (a)—(i)by striking (1) The Secretary and inserting The Secretary; and(ii)by redesignating paragraph (2) as subsection (b); and(C)in subsection (b), as so redesignated—(i)by striking In prescribing and inserting Recommendations and views.—In prescribing; and(ii)by striking this paragraph and inserting this subsection.Speaker of the House of RepresentativesVice President of the United States and President of the Senate


 HR 5099 ENR: Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016
U.S. House of Representatives

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
One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America At the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the fourth day of January, two thousand and sixteen
H. R. 5099

AN ACT
To establish a pilot program on partnership agreements to construct new facilities for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016 or the CHIP IN for Vets Act of 2016. 2.Pilot program on acceptance by the Department of Veterans Affairs of donated facilities and related improvements (a)Pilot program authorized (1)In generalNotwithstanding sections 8103 and 8104 of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary may accept donations of the following property from entities described in paragraph (2):
(A)Real property (including structures and equipment associated therewith)— (i)that includes a constructed facility; or
(ii)to be used as the site of a facility constructed by the entity. (B)A facility to be constructed by the entity on real property of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2)Entities describedEntities described in this paragraph are the following: (A)A State or local authority.
(B)An organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code. (C)A limited liability corporation.
(D)A private entity. (E)A donor or donor group.
(F)Any other non-Federal Government entity. (3)LimitationThe Secretary may accept not more than five donations of real property and facility improvements under the pilot program and as described in this section.
(b)Conditions for acceptance of propertyThe Secretary may accept the donation of a property described in subsection (a)(1) under the pilot program only if— (1)the property is—
(A)a property with respect to which funds have been appropriated for a Department facility project; or (B)a property identified as—
(i)meeting a need of the Department as part of the long-range capital planning process of the Department; and (ii)the location for a Department facility project that is included on the Strategic Capital Investment Planning process priority list in the most recent budget submitted to Congress by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code; and
(2)an entity described in subsection (a)(2) has entered into or is willing to enter into a formal agreement with the Secretary in accordance with subsection (c) under which the entity agrees to independently donate the real property, improvements, goods, or services, for the Department facility project in an amount acceptable to the Secretary and at no additional cost to the Federal Government. (c)Requirement To enter into an agreement (1)In generalThe Secretary may accept real property and improvements donated under the pilot program by an entity described in subsection (a)(2) only if the entity enters into a formal agreement with the Secretary that provides for—
(A)the donation of real property and improvements (including structures and equipment associated therewith) that includes a constructed facility; or (B)the construction by the entity of a facility on—
(i)real property and improvements of the Department of Veterans Affairs; or (ii)real property and improvements donated to the Department by the entity.
(2)Content of formal agreementsWith respect to an entity described in subsection (a)(2) that seeks to enter into a formal agreement under paragraph (1) of this subsection that includes the construction by the entity of a facility, the formal agreement shall provide for the following: (A)The entity shall conduct all necessary environmental and historic preservation due diligence, shall comply with all local zoning requirements (except for studies and consultations required of the Department under Federal law), and shall obtain all permits required in connection with the construction of the facility.
(B)The entity shall use construction standards required of the Department when designing, repairing, altering, or building the facility, except to the extent the Secretary determines otherwise, as permitted by applicable law. (C)The entity shall provide the real property, improvements, goods, or services in a manner described in subsection (b)(2) sufficient to complete the construction of the facility, at no additional cost to the Federal Government.
(d)No payment of rent or usage feesThe Secretary may not pay rent, usage fees, or any other amounts to an entity described in subsection (a)(2) or any other entity for the use or occupancy of real property or improvements donated under this section. (e)Funding (1)From Department (A)In generalThe Secretary may not provide funds to help the entity finance, design, or construct a facility in connection with real property and improvements donated under the pilot program by an entity described in subsection (a)(2) that are in addition to the funds appropriated for the facility as of the date on which the Secretary and the entity enter into a formal agreement under subsection (c) for the donation of the real property and improvements.
(B)Terms and conditionsThe Secretary shall provide funds pursuant to subparagraph (A) under such terms, conditions, and schedule as the Secretary determines appropriate. (2)From entityAn entity described in subsection (a)(2) that is donating a facility constructed by the entity under the pilot program shall be required, pursuant to a formal agreement entered into under subsection (c), to provide other funds in addition to the amounts provided by the Department under paragraph (1) that are needed to complete construction of the facility.
(f)ApplicationAn entity described in subsection (a)(2) that seeks to donate real property and improvements under the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary an application to address needs relating to facilities of the Department, including health care needs, identified in the Construction and Long-Range Capital Plan of the Department, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (g)Information on donations and related projects (1)In generalThe Secretary shall include in the budget submitted to Congress by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, information regarding real property and improvements donated under the pilot program during the year preceding the submittal of the budget and the status of facility projects relating to that property.
(2)ElementsInformation submitted under paragraph (1) shall provide a detailed status of donations of real property and improvements conducted under the pilot program and facility projects relating to that property, including the percentage completion of the donations and projects. (h)Biennial report of Comptroller General of the United StatesNot less frequently than once every 2 years until the termination date set forth in subsection (i), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on the donation agreements entered into under the pilot program.
(i)TerminationThe authority for the Secretary to accept donations under the pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (j)Rule of constructionNothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation on the authority of the Secretary to enter into other arrangements or agreements that are authorized by law and not inconsistent with this section.
 Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


117 S2721 IS: To require the Internal Revenue Service to issue a report on the tax gap, to establish a fellowship program within the Internal Revenue Service to recruit mid-career tax professionals to create and participate in an audit task force, and for other purposes.
U.S. Senate
2021-09-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2721IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 13, 2021Mr. Crapo (for himself, Mr. Tillis, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Braun, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Lankford, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Young, and Mr. Boozman) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo require the Internal Revenue Service to issue a report on the tax gap, to establish a fellowship program within the Internal Revenue Service to recruit mid-career tax professionals to create and participate in an audit task force, and for other purposes.1.Tax gap projection(a)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and no later than July 31 annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall submit to Congress a projection detailing the tax gap estimate for the most recent taxable year as is practicable using the most recently available data, and including identification and detailed descriptions of the data used for such projection and clear identification of the amount of the projected tax gap associated with nonfiling, underreporting, and underpayment (including identifying the amount subject to collection actions).(b)Use of artificial intelligenceTo the extent practicable, for purposes of reducing the burden on taxpayers subject to National Research Program audits, the Commissioner shall use artificial intelligence, including neural machine learning, and other available data analysis tools, including commercial analytic data providers, to calculate a projection described in subsection (a).(c)National research program auditsIn calculating a projection described in subsection (a), the Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall not undertake more National Research Program audits in any one fiscal year than are undertaken in fiscal year 2021.(d)Tax gapFor purposes of this section, the term tax gap means the difference between tax liabilities owed to the United States under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and those liabilities actually collected by the Internal Revenue Service.2.JCT Report(a)In generalNot later than 180 days after the submission of the first tax gap projection to Congress under section 1, and not later than 90 days after the submission of each successive submission, the Chief of Staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation shall submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report analyzing such projection, including—(1)identification of methodologies used, (2)any statistical or methodological uncertainties, (3)the effect of outdated data, if any, on the accuracy of such projection, and(4)such additional information as the Joint Committee on Taxation determines is useful for Congress to use to assess and analyze the tax gap projections provided by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. (b)Release of informationFor purposes of facilitating the report described in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury shall, in a timely manner, provide to the Joint Committee on Taxation such information as such committee requests.3.Restriction on increased enforcement funds(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds appropriated to the Department of the Treasury for audit and enforcement purposes in excess of the levels appropriated for such purposes in fiscal year 2021 may be expended for such purposes, including for salaries, expenses, and enforcement activities, until 180 days after the Internal Revenue Service publishes an updated tax gap projection pursuant to, and compliant with, section 1. (b)SunsetThe provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply after the date which is one year after the date of the enactment of this section.4.Restriction on increased funding for other specified purposes(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds appropriated to the Department of the Treasury in excess of the levels appropriated for specified purposes in fiscal year 2021 may be expended for specified purposes.(b)Specified purposesFor purposes of subsection (a), the term specified purposes means—(1)the implementation of new information reporting requirements on flows of deposits and withdrawals in individual and small–business banking accounts and other financial accounts,(2)the targeting of United States citizens in response to the exercise by such citizens of any legally protected or recognized right guaranteed under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, (3)the targeting of a group for regulatory scrutiny based on the ideological beliefs of such group, (4)the auditing of individual taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $400,000, and(5)the hiring under an agreement pursuant to the Intragovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (sections 3371 et seq. of title 5, United States Code) or any other authority of an authorized researcher who is not a full time Federal employee to access data subject to privacy protections afforded by section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 5.Efficient use of existing IRS resourcesFor purposes of increasing enforcement actions in areas of high noncompliance and reducing the corporate audit no-change rate of the Internal Revenue Service to below 20 percent by 2023—(1)the Secretary (or the Secretary’s delegate) shall, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section—(A)update the methodology that is used for the selection of corporate returns for audit, and(B)reassign resources of the Internal Revenue Service such that the majority of high-income nonfilers are subject to enforcement actions, and(2)the Comptroller General of the United States shall, within one year after the date of the enactment of this section, issue a comprehensive report to Congress on information returns and data collected by the Internal Revenue Service that could be deployed for compliance activities but that are not currently used for such activities. 6.IRS Fellowship Program(a)EstablishmentNot later than September 30, 2022, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (hereinafter known as the Commissioner) after consultation with the Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service (hereinafter known as the Chief Counsel), shall establish within the Internal Revenue Service a fellowship program (hereinafter known as the program) to recruit private sector tax experts to join the Internal Revenue Service to create and participate in the audit task force established under subsection (e). (b)ObjectiveThe Commissioner, after consultation with the Chief Counsel, shall design the program in a manner such that the program—(1)addresses such tax cases handled by the Internal Revenue Service as the Commissioner determines—(A)are the most complex, or(B)include new and emerging issues, and(2)recruits and retains outstanding and qualified tax experts. (c)Advertisement of programThe Commissioner shall advertise the program in such a way as to attract mid-career tax professionals, including certified public accountants, tax attorneys, and such other tax professionals as the Commissioner determines are appropriately qualified to handle the most complex tax cases. (d)Structure(1)In generalThe program shall be staffed by not fewer than 30 fellows at the discretion of the Commissioner based on needs of the Internal Revenue Service and the availability of qualified candidates. (2)Term of service(A)In generalEach fellow shall be hired for a 2-, 3-, or 4-year term of service.(B)Extensions(i)In generalA fellow may apply for, and the Commissioner may grant, a 1-year extension of the fellowship. (ii)No limit on number of extensionsThere shall be no limit on the number of extensions under clause (i).(3)Fellowship vacanciesThe Commissioner, after consultation with the Chief Counsel, shall fill vacant fellowships—(A)in such a manner as to ensure that the program is staffed with no fewer than 15 fellows, and (B)as soon as practicable after the vacancy arises.(4)Hiring authorityThe Commissioner shall have authority to permanently hire a fellow at the end of the term of service for such fellow. (e)Task forceNot later than the date on which the first fellowship is awarded under this section, the Commissioner shall establish a task force within the Internal Revenue Service and the office of the Chief Counsel in both national and regional office placements that includes the fellows hired pursuant to subsection (d), the purpose of which is to—(1)perform audit case selection,(2)educate Internal Revenue Service employees on emerging issues, (3)audit selected taxpayers,(4)address offshore tax evasion and issues implicating the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, and (5)identify, mentor, and train junior employees from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to audits. (f)CompositionThe task force established under subsection (e) may be composed of both—(1)fellows, and(2)permanent employees of the Internal Revenue Service.(g)Pay of fellows(1)In generalThe Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) shall determine, subject to the provisions of this subsection, the pay of fellows recruited under subsection (a).(2)Pay scaleFor purposes of paragraph (1), the pay of a fellow shall not be less than the minimum rate payable for GS–15 of the General Schedule and shall not exceed the amount of annual compensation (excluding expenses) specified in section 102 of title 3, United States Code.(h)Administration of programThe Secretary may appoint a lead program officer to administer and advertise the program.(i)Annual review and reportNot later than 1 year after the date on which the first fellowship is awarded under this section, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner shall submit to Congress a report containing—(1)an analysis of the effects of the program,(2)an analysis of the return on investment of the program, including calculations of all costs incurred and all tax revenue and penalties collected due to the work of the task force, (3)a description of the total number of fellows who apply each year, and (4)recommendations for changes to the program, if any. (j)Rules and regulationsThe Commissioner, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate, other than the Commissioner), shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the efficient administration of the program.


		III

		108th CONGRESS

		2d Session

		S. RES. 455

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 10, 2004

			Ms. Murkowski (for

			 herself, Mr. Stevens,

			 Mr. Grassley, Mr. Cornyn, Mr.

			 Chambliss, Mr. Allen,

			 Mr. Campbell, and

			 Mr. Warner) submitted the following

			 resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION

		Supporting the goals of Red Ribbon

		  Week.

		Whereas the Governors and Attorneys General of the States,

			 the National Family Partnership, Parent Teacher Associations, Boys and Girls

			 Clubs of America, and more than 100 other organizations throughout the United

			 States annually cosponsor Red Ribbon Week during the week of October 23 through

			 October 31;

		Whereas a purpose of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to

			 commemorate the service of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement

			 Administration special agent who died in the line of duty while engaged in the

			 battle against illicit drugs;

		Whereas Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and

			 celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena’s memory and further the

			 cause for which he gave his life;

		Whereas the objective of Red Ribbon Week is to promote

			 drug-free communities through drug prevention efforts, education, parental

			 involvement, and communitywide support;

		Whereas drug and alcohol abuse contributes to domestic

			 violence and sexual assaults, and places the lives of children at risk;

		Whereas drug abuse is one of the major challenges our

			 Nation faces in securing a safe and healthy future for our families and

			 children; and

		Whereas parents, youth, schools, businesses, law

			 enforcement agencies, religious institutions, service organizations, senior

			 citizens, medical and military personnel, sports teams, and individuals

			 throughout the United States demonstrate their commitment to drug-free, healthy

			 lifestyles by wearing and displaying red ribbons during this weeklong

			 celebration: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—

			(1)supports the

			 goals of Red Ribbon Week;

			(2)encourages

			 children and teens to choose to live a drug-free life; and

			(3)encourages all people of

			 the United States to promote drug-free communities and to participate in drug

			 prevention activities to show support for healthy, productive, drug-free

			 lifestyles.


 HCON 73 ENR: Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 2nd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony.
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-09-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America
At the First SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the sixth day of January, two thousand and fifteen
H. CON. RES. 73

September 16, 2015
Agreed to

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 2nd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony.

  1.Use of Capitol Grounds for Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony (a)In generalThe Congressional Fire Services Institute and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (in this resolution referred to jointly as the sponsor) shall be permitted to sponsor a public event, the 2nd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony (in this resolution referred to as the event), on the Capitol Grounds in order to honor the firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2014.
(b)Date of eventThe event shall be held on September 30, 2015, or on such other date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate jointly designate. 2.Terms and conditions (a)In generalUnder conditions to be prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board, the event shall be—
(1)free of admission charge and open to the public; and (2)arranged not to interfere with the needs of Congress.
(b)Expenses and liabilitiesThe sponsor shall assume full responsibility for all expenses and liabilities incident to all activities associated with the event. 3.Event preparationsSubject to the approval of the Architect of the Capitol, the sponsor is authorized to erect upon the Capitol Grounds such stage, sound amplification devices, and other related structures and equipment as may be required for the event.
4.Additional arrangementsThe Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board are authorized to make such additional arrangements as may be required to carry out the event. 5.Enforcement of restrictions (a)In generalSubject to subsection (b), the Capitol Police Board shall provide for enforcement of the restrictions contained in section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, concerning sales, advertisements, displays, and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as well as other restrictions applicable to the Capitol Grounds, with respect to the event.
(b)Use of fire equipmentNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Capitol Police Board may allow the sponsor, as part of the event, to use traditional, hand-held fire equipment, such as axes and Pulaski tools, and any other fire equipment that the Board determines can be used in a safe manner and will not cause damage to the Capitol Grounds or harm to any individual.  Clerk of the House of Representatives.Secretary of the Senate.


I
One Hundred Eleventh Congress of the United States of America At the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the fifth day of January, two thousand and ten
H. R. 2480

AN ACT
To improve the accuracy of fur product labeling, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010.
2.Elimination of exemption to fur product labeling requirements for products containing relatively small quantities or values of fur
(a)In GeneralSection 2(d) of the Fur Products Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. 69(d)) is amended by striking ; except that and all that follows through contained therein.
(b)Effective DateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
3. Exemption for discrete sales by non-retailersSection 3 of the Fur Products Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. 69a) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(g)No provision of this Act shall apply to a fur product—
(1)the fur of which was obtained from an animal through trapping or hunting; and
(2)when sold in a face to face transaction at a place such as a residence, craft fair, or other location used on a temporary or short term basis, by the person who trapped or hunted the animal, where the revenue from the sale of apparel or fur products is not the primary source of income of such person..
4.Federal trade commission review of fur products name guideNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Trade Commission shall publish in the Federal Register notice of, and an opportunity to comment on, a review of the Fur Products Name Guide (16 CFR 301.0).
5.PAYGO ComplianceThe 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.
 Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


110 HR 3844 IH: Eradication of Slavery in Sudan Act of

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-10-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3844
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			October 16, 2007
			Mr. Smith of New
			 Jersey (for himself, Ms.
			 Watson, Mr. Fortenberry,
			 Mr. Wolf, Mr. Tancredo, Mr.
			 Frank of Massachusetts, Mr. Franks of
			 Arizona, and Mr. Souder)
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To establish the United States Commission to Monitor
		  Slavery and its Eradication in Sudan.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Eradication of Slavery in Sudan Act of
			 2007.
		2.Establishment and
			 Composition
			(a)In
			 generalThere is established
			 the United States Commission to Monitor Slavery and its Eradication in Sudan
			 (in this Act referred to as the Commission).
			(b)Membership
				(1)AppointmentThe Commission shall be composed of five
			 members, who are not employees of the Federal Government and who shall be
			 appointed as follows:
					(A)One member of the
			 Commission shall be appointed by the President.
					(B)One member of the
			 Commission shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of
			 Representatives.
					(C)One member of the
			 Commission shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate.
					(D)One member shall be appointed by the
			 minority leader of the House of Representatives.
					(E)One member shall be appointed by the
			 minority leader of the Senate.
					(2)Selection
					(A)In
			 generalMembers of the
			 Commission shall be selected from among distinguished individuals noted for
			 their knowledge about Sudan and who have experience in fields relevant to the
			 issues of abduction and enslavement of persons, human rights, and international
			 law.
					(B)Security
			 clearancesEach member of the Commission shall be required to
			 obtain an appropriate security clearance necessary to carry out the purposes of
			 this Act.
					(3)Time of
			 appointmentThe appointments
			 required under paragraph (1) shall be made not later than 90 days after the
			 date of the enactment of this Act.
				(c)Term of
			 officeThe term of office of
			 each member of the Commission shall be three years. Members of the Commission
			 shall be eligible for reappointment to a second term.
			(d)Time for
			 meetings and elections of Chair
				(1)Initial
			 meetingNot later than 60 days after all the appointments have
			 been made under subsection (b), the Commission shall hold its initial
			 meeting.
				(2)Election of
			 ChairA majority of the members of the Commission present and
			 voting at the initial meeting shall elect the Chair of the Commission.
				(3)Subsequent
			 meetingsThe Commission shall
			 meet at the call of the Chair or, if no Chair has been elected for that
			 calendar year, at the call of three voting members of the Commission.
				(4)Subsequent
			 elections of ChairAt the
			 first meeting of the Commission in each calendar year, a majority of the
			 members of the Commission present and voting shall elect the Chair of the
			 Commission.
				(e)Executive
			 DirectorNot later than 60 days after the initial meeting under
			 subsection (d)(1), the Chair, in consultation with the members of the
			 Commission, shall hire an Executive Director.
			(f)Duties of
			 Executive DirectorThe Executive Director hired under subsection
			 (e) shall—
				(1)prepare a workplan for the Commission’s
			 duties under section 3;
				(2)devise a budget for
			 the annual operations of the Commission;
				(3)hire staff and
			 consultants for the Commission;
				(4)develop working
			 relationships with like-minded civil society organizations; and
				(5)work with the
			 General Services Administration to identify offices for the Commission and take
			 all necessary actions for the Commission to occupy its space, acquire
			 equipment, and secure all necessary services.
				(g)QuorumThree voting members of the Commission
			 shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting the affairs of the
			 Commission.
			(h)VacanciesAny vacancy of the Commission shall not
			 affect its powers, but shall be filled in the manner in which the original
			 appointment was made.
			(i)Administrative
			 supportThe President shall
			 provide working space for the Commission at no cost through the General
			 Services Administration.
			(j)FundingMembers of the Commission 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 Commission.
			3.Responsibilities
			 of the Commission
			(a)In
			 generalThe Commission shall
			 have as its primary responsibilities—
				(1)reporting on progress made by the
			 Government of Sudan and nongovernmental organizations in identifying the
			 location of slaves in Sudan and ensuring their freedom;
				(2)working with the
			 Government of Sudan to ensure safe passage of freed slaves and family
			 reunification;
				(3)documenting
			 existing cases of slavery and working to prevent new cases from
			 occurring;
				(4)assessing and reporting on the needs of
			 former slaves for access to basic education and skills training, as well as
			 medical, social, and psychological support for their effective rehabilitation
			 and reintegration into society;
				(5)identifying those individuals and groups
			 responsible for slavery and reporting on whether such individuals and groups
			 are brought to justice;
				(6)reviewing programs of relevant United
			 States Government agencies with respect to slavery in Sudan, including the
			 United States Agency for International Development, the Department of State,
			 the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in
			 Persons, and the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center; and
				(7)recommending actions to be taken by the
			 United States Government with respect to the Government of Sudan in response to
			 the Sudanese Government’s inaction to eradicate slavery, in accordance with
			 subsection (c).
				(b)Hearings and
			 sessionsThe Commission may,
			 for the purpose of carrying out its duties under this Act, hold such hearings,
			 sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such
			 evidence as the Commission determines necessary.
			(c)Policy review and
			 recommendations
				(1)In
			 generalThe Commission, in
			 evaluating United States Government policies, shall consider policy options and
			 recommend actions to be taken by the United States Government in accordance
			 with paragraph (2) with respect to the Government of Sudan.
				(2)Failure to act
			 to eradicate slaveryTo the
			 extent that the Government of Sudan fails to act to eradicate slavery, such
			 options and actions referred to in paragraph (1) may include diplomatic
			 inquiries, diplomatic protests, official public protest, demarche of protest,
			 condemnation within multilateral fora, delay or cancellation of cultural or
			 scientific exchanges, delay or cancellation of working, official, or state
			 visits, reduction or termination of certain assistance funds, imposition of
			 targeted or broad trade sanctions, and withdrawal of the chief of
			 mission.
				4.Report of the
			 Commission
			(a)In
			 generalNot later than
			 October 1st of each year, the Commission shall submit to the Secretary of State
			 a report on the efforts of the Commission with respect to its responsibilities
			 under subsection (a) of section 3.
			(b)Classified form
			 of reportThe report may be
			 submitted in classified form, together with a public summary of policy
			 recommendations made pursuant to section 3(c), if the classification of
			 information would further the purposes of this Act.
			(c)Individual or
			 dissenting viewsEach member of the Commission may include the
			 individual or dissenting views of the member.
			5.Applicability of
			 other lawsThe Federal
			 Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the
			 Commission.
		6.Authorization of
			 appropriations
			(a)In
			 generalThere are authorized
			 to be appropriated to the Commission $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2008 and
			 $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
			(b)Availability of
			 fundsAmounts authorized to be appropriated under subparagraph
			 (a) are authorized to remain available until expended, but not later than the
			 date of the termination of the Commission.
			7.TerminationThe Commission shall terminate six years
			 after the initial appointment of all of the members of the Commission.


114 HR 5906 IH: WiFi Capable Mobile Devices Act of 2016
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-07-14
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.

I114th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 5906IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 14, 2016Mr. Welch (for himself, Mr. Yarmuth, and Ms. Matsui) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo direct the Federal Communications Commission to adopt rules and conduct outreach to offer
			 recipients of assistance under the Lifeline Assistance Program mobile
			 devices that are capable of receiving a WiFi signal and are capable of
			 tethering with other WiFi compatible hardware or devices, and for other
			 purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the WiFi Capable Mobile Devices Act of 2016. 2.WiFi for Lifeline Assistance Program recipients (a)Rulemaking and outreach programNot later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall—
 (1)issue rules to ensure that providers of mobile broadband Internet access service that is supported through the Lifeline Assistance Program offer to subscribers of such service, mobile devices that are capable of receiving a WiFi or other wireless broadband signal using unlicensed spectrum and are capable of tethering with other compatible hardware or devices; and
 (2)provide incentives to such providers to work with schools and libraries to conduct outreach to those eligible for assistance under such program.
 (b)DefinitionsAs used in this Act— (1)the term mobile broadband Internet access service has the meaning given such term in section 8.2 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations;
 (2)the term tethering used with respect to mobile devices means connecting such mobile devices to another device whereby one device connects to the Internet by sharing the mobile broadband Internet access service connection of the other device; and
 (3)the term WiFi means wireless communications using the standard designated as 802.11 or any variant thereof.