117 S1607 IS: Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-05-13
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. 1607IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 13, 2021Mr. Schatz (for himself, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Portman, and Mr. Coons) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve how the Department of Veterans Affairs discloses to individuals entitled to educational assistance from the Department risks associated with using such assistance at particular educational institutions and to restore entitlement of students to such assistance who are pursuing programs of education at educational institutions that are subject to Federal or State civil enforcement action, and for other purposes. 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Student Veterans Transparency and Protection Act of 2021.2.Improving transparency and accountability of educational institutions for purposes of veterans educational assistance(a)Requirement relating to G.I. Bill Comparison Tool(1)Requirement to maintain toolThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall maintain the G.I. Bill Comparison Tool that was established pursuant to Executive Order 13607 (77 Fed. Reg. 25861; relating to establishing principles of excellence for educational institutions serving service members, veterans, spouses, and other family members) and in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, or successor tool, to provide relevant and timely information about programs of education approved under chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, and the educational institutions that offer such programs.(2)Data retentionThe Secretary shall ensure that historical data that is reported via the tool maintained under paragraph (1) remains easily and prominently accessible on the benefits.va.gov website, or successor website, for a period of not less than seven years from the date of initial publication.(b)Providing timely and relevant education information to veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and other individuals(1)In generalNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of Education, shall make such changes to the tool maintained under subsection (a) as the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure that such tool is an effective and efficient method for providing information pursuant to section 3698(b)(5) of title 38, United States Code.(2)Modification of scope of comprehensive policy on providing education informationSection 3698 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—(A)in subsection (a), by striking veterans and members of the Armed Forces and inserting individuals entitled to educational assistance under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and(B)in subsection (b)(5)—(i)by striking veterans and members of the Armed Forces and inserting individuals described in subsection (a); and(ii)by striking the veteran or member and inserting the individual.(3)G.I. Bill Comparison Tool required disclosuresParagraph (1) of subsection (c) of such section is amended—(A)by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:(B)for each individual described in subsection (a) seeking information provided under subsection (b)(5)—(i)the name of each Federal student aid program, and a description of each such program, from which the individual may receive educational assistance; and(ii)for each program named and described pursuant to clause (i), the amount of educational assistance that the individual may be eligible to receive under the program; and; and(B)in subparagraph (C)—(i)in clause (i), by inserting and a definition of each type of institution before the semicolon;(ii)by striking clause (v) and inserting the following:(v)the average total cost, the average tuition, the average cost of room and board, the average cost and the average fees to earn a certificate, and associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, a postdoctoral degree, and any other degree or credential the institution awards;;(iii)in clause (xii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and(iv)by adding at the end the following new clauses:(xiii)program, degree, and certificate completion rates, disaggregated by individuals who are veterans, individuals who are members of the Armed Forces, and individuals who are neither veterans nor members of the Armed Forces;(xiv)transfer-out rates, disaggregated by individuals who are veterans, individuals who are members of the Armed Forces, and individuals who are neither veterans nor members of the Armed Forces;(xv)credentials available and the average time for completion of each credential;(xvi)employment rate and median income of graduates of the institution in general, disaggregated by—(I)specific credential;(II)individuals who are veterans;(III)individuals who are members of the Armed Forces; and(IV)individuals who are neither veterans nor members of the Armed Forces;(xvii)percentage of individuals who received educational assistance under this title to pursue a program of education at the institution who did not earn a credential within six years of commencing such program of education;(xviii)the median amount of debt incurred from a Federal student loan made, insured, or guaranteed under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) by an individual who pursued a program of education at the institution with educational assistance under this title, disaggregated by—(I)individuals who received a credential and individuals who did not; and(II)individuals who are veterans, individuals who are members of the Armed Forces, and individuals who are neither veterans nor members of the Armed Forces;(xix)whether the institution participates in Federal student aid programs, and if so, which programs;(xx)the average number of individuals enrolled in the institution per year, disaggregated by—(I)individuals who are veterans;(II)individuals who are members of the Armed Forces; and(III)individuals who are neither veterans nor members of the Armed Forces; and(xxi)a list of each civil settlement or finding resulting from a Federal or State action in a court of competent jurisdiction against the institution for violation of a provision of Federal or State law that materially affects the education provided at the institution or is the result of illicit activity, including deceptive marketing or misinformation provided to prospective students or current enrollees..(4)Clarity of information providedParagraph (2) of such subsection is amended—(A)by inserting (A) before To the extent; and(B)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(B)The Secretary shall ensure that information provided under subsection (b)(5) is provided in a manner that is easy and accessible to individuals described in subsection (a), especially with respect to information described in paragraph (1)(C)(xxii)..(c)Improvements for student feedback(1)In generalSubsection (b)(2) of such section is amended—(A)by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:(A)providing institutions of higher learning up to 30-days to review and respond to any feedback and address issues regarding the feedback before the feedback is published ;(B)in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;(C)in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and(D)by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:(D)for each institution of higher learning that is approved under this chapter, retains, maintains, and publishes all of such feedback for the entire duration that the institution of higher is approved under this chapter; and(E)is easily accessible to individuals described in subsection (a) and to the general public. .(2)Accessibility from G.I. Bill Comparison ToolThe Secretary shall ensure that—(A)the feedback tracked and published under subsection (b)(2) of such section, as amended by paragraph (1), is prominently displayed in the tool maintained under subsection (a) of this section; and(B)when such tool displays information for an institution of higher learning, the applicable feedback is also displayed for such institution of higher learning.(d)Training for provision of education counseling services(1)In generalNot less than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall ensure that personnel employed or contracted by the Department of Veteran Affairs to provide education benefits counseling, vocational or transition assistance, or similar functions, including employees or contractors of the Department who provide such counseling or assistance as part of the Transition Assistance Program, are trained on how—(A)to use properly the tool maintained under subsection (a); and(B)to provide appropriate educational counseling services to veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and other individuals.(2)Transition Assistance Program definedIn this subsection, the term Transition Assistance Program means the program of counseling, information, and services under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code. 3.Restoration of entitlement to veterans educational assistance and other relief for veterans affected by civil enforcement actions against educational institutions(a)In generalSection 3699(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended—(1)in subparagraph (A), by striking ; or and inserting a semicolon;(2)in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ; and and inserting ; or; and(3)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(C)a Federal or State civil enforcement action against the education institution; or(D)an action taken by the Secretary; and.(b)MechanismThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a simple mechanism that can be used by an individual described in subsection (b)(1) of section 3699 of such title by reason of subparagraph (C) or (D) of such subsection, as added by subsection (a)(3) of this section, to obtain relief under section 3699(a) of such title.(c)Partial restoration of entitlementsSubsection (a) of such section is amended—(1)by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;(2)in the matter before subparagraph (A), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking Any payment and inserting (1) Subject to paragraph (2), any payment; and(3)by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):(2)A payment of educational assistance described in subsection (b) by reason of subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (1) of such subsection may be charged against the entitlement to educational assistance of the individual concerned—(A)if the individual requests such charge; and(B)to such percentage of charge as the individual may specify, except that such percentage may not be less than zero or more than 100..(d)Conforming amendments(1)Section headingThe heading for section 3699 of such title is amended by striking or disapproval of educational institution and inserting of, disapproval of, or civil enforcement actions against educational institutions.(2)Subsection headingThe heading for subsection (a) of such section is amended by striking or disapproval and inserting , disapproval, civil enforcement actions, and other actions by Secretary of Veterans Affairs.(3)Table of sectionsThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 36 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 3699 and inserting the following new item:3699. Effects of closure of, disapproval of, or civil enforcement actions against educational institutions..


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4297
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 11, 2009
			Mr. Hodes introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Transportation and
			 Infrastructure

		A BILL
		To direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
		  Management Agency to review, update, and revise certain regulations relating to
		  assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
		  Assistance Act, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Rural Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of
			 2009.
		2.Individual
			 assistance factors
			(a)In
			 generalIn order to provide
			 more objective criteria for evaluating the need for assistance to individuals
			 and to speed a declaration of a major disaster or emergency under the Robert T.
			 Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.),
			 not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
			 Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in cooperation with
			 representatives of State and local emergency management agencies, shall review,
			 update, and revise through rulemaking the factors considered under section
			 206.48 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, to measure the severity,
			 magnitude, and impact of a disaster.
			(b)Rural
			 areasIn carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall
			 consider any disproportionate impacts of disasters on rural areas, including
			 rural areas in which a relatively small number of residences are damaged or
			 destroyed.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2157
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 6, 2012
			Mr. Nelson of Florida
			 (for himself and Mr. Rubio) introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Small Business and
			 Entrepreneurship

		A BILL
		To ensure that all of Brevard County, Florida, is treated
		  as a HUBZone, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Shuttle Workforce Revitalization Act
			 of 2012.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)The termination
			 of the space shuttle program has resulted in significant economic hardship for
			 the region surrounding the Kennedy Space Center.
			(2)The highly
			 skilled space shuttle workforce in Brevard County, Florida, is a unique asset
			 of the United States, the retention of which will facilitate advancements in
			 science and technology.
			(3)The technical
			 capabilities, dedication, and perseverance of the space shuttle workforce will
			 enhance the technological competitiveness of the United States by cultivating
			 and developing the small business community within Brevard County,
			 Florida.
			(4)It is in the
			 national interest to remain globally competitive in the fields of science and
			 technology.
			3.Brevard County,
			 FloridaFor purposes of the
			 Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.), Brevard County, Florida, shall be a
			 HUBZone, as defined in section 3(p) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
			 632(p)), until not earlier than January 1, 2020.


116 S4344 IS: Entertainments New Credit Opportunity for Relief and Economic Sustainability Act
U.S. Senate
2020-07-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 4344IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 28, 2020Mr. Tester (for himself and Mr. Carper) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo provide a tax credit to live event venues that provided refunds on tickets for events that were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Entertainments New Credit Opportunity for Relief and Economic Sustainability Act or the ENCORES Act.2.Establishment of tax credit for ticket refunds issued by live event venues(a)In generalSubject to subsections (b) and (c), for purposes of section 38 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, in the case of an eligible entity, the live event refund credit shall be treated as a credit listed at the end of subsection (b) of such section. For purposes of this subsection, the live event refund credit shall be an amount equal to 50 percent of any qualified ticket refund made by the eligible entity during the period—(1)beginning on January 31, 2020, and(2)ending on the date of enactment of this Act.(b)Limited carryback of creditIn the case of the live event refund credit allowed under subsection (a)—(1)at the election of the eligible entity—(A)such credit shall not be applied to the taxable year in which the qualified ticket refunds were made by such taxpayer and the amount of the credit with respect to such refunds shall be reduced to zero for such taxable year, and(B)the amount of such credit shall be a live event refund credit carryback to either of the 2 taxable years preceding such taxable year, and(2)section 39 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall not apply with respect to such credit.(c)Credit made available to tax exempt entities(1)In generalIn the case of an eligible entity which is an organization described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code, there shall be treated as a credit allowable under subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code (and not allowable under subpart D of such part) the lesser of—(A)the amount of the credit determined under subsection (a) with respect to such entity, or(B)the amount of the payroll taxes (as defined in section 45R(f)(3) of such Code) of such entity during the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, as determined without regard to any credit against such taxes.(2)Limited carrybackRules similar to subsection (b)(1) shall apply for purposes of this subsection.(d)DefinitionsFor purposes of this section—(1)Eligible entity(A)In generalThe term eligible entity means a person engaged in a trade or business which—(i)includes—(I)organizing, promoting, producing, or managing live events, and(II)the sale to members of the general public (directly or through a third party) of tickets to attend such events, and(ii)for the preceding taxable year, had an average number of full-time equivalent employees (as defined in section 45R(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) which is equal to or less than 500.(B)Aggregation ruleAll persons treated as a single employer under subsection (b), (c), (m), or (o) of section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be treated as a single taxpayer for purposes of subparagraph (A).(C)ExclusionThe term eligible entity shall not include any person engaged in professional football, basketball, baseball, or other professional sport.(2)Live eventThe term live event means any live concert, comedy show, sporting event, or theatrical production for which tickets were made available to members of the general public by the eligible entity not less than 6 weeks prior to such concert, show, event, or production.(3)Qualified ticket refundThe term qualified ticket refund means any refund paid by the eligible entity to an individual who purchased a ticket which entitled such individual to attend a live event which was cancelled or postponed due to the virus SARS–CoV–2 or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19), provided that—(A)the eligible entity made a good faith effort to offer such individual the option to receive a voucher or discount for any live event at a later date in an amount which was equal to or greater than the price paid by such individual for such ticket, and(B)such individual elected to receive a refund.(4)Other termsExcept as otherwise provided under this subsection, any term used in this section which is also used in chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall have the meaning given such term under such chapter.(e)Denial of double benefitNo deduction shall be allowed under any provision of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to any amount taken in account in determining the credit allowed to a taxpayer under this section.(f)Regulations and guidanceThe Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary's delegate) may prescribe such regulations and other guidance as may be appropriate or necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.


117 S2536 IS: Restore Public Health Institution Trust Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-07-29
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. 2536IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 29, 2021Mr. Rubio (for himself, Mr. Daines, Mr. Tillis, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Braun, Mr. Lankford, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Young, Mr. Thune, and Mr. Inhofe) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo require the Government Accountability Office to submit a report on the public health mitigation messaging and guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Restore Public Health Institution Trust Act of 2021.2.Report on CDC public health mitigation messaging and guidance(a)In generalNot later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Government Accountability Office shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the public health mitigation messaging, decision making, and guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (referred to in this section as the CDC). Such report shall—(1)consider—(A)the data being used by the CDC to make recommendations;(B)the impact that inconsistent messaging has had on—(i)the level of trust Americans have in the CDC; and(ii)the willingness of Americans to follow CDC guidance, including with respect to COVID-19 vaccine uptake; and(C)the degree to which outside entities (such as teachers unions) were in a position to impact recommendations made by the CDC; and(2)contain recommendations to improve the approach of the CDC relating to messaging, decision making, and the issuance of guidance in the future. (b)DefinitionIn this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means—(1)the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate;(2)the Committee on Small Business of the Senate;(3)the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;(4)the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;(5)the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives;(6)the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives;(7)the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (8)the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.


114 HR 4262 IH: Transparency and Accountability of Failed Exchanges Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-12-16
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
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4262
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 16, 2015
			Mr. Allen introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

		A BILL
		To amend title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require that a State awarded
			 a Federal grant to establish an Exchange and that terminates the State
			 operation of such an Exchange provide for an audit of the use of grant
			 funds and return funds to the Federal Government, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Transparency and Accountability of Failed Exchanges Act. 2.States awarded Exchange establishment grants that terminate State operation of such an Exchange required to provide audits of the use of grant funds and return funds to the Federal Government (a)In generalSection 1311(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

					(6)Treatment in case of Exchange termination
 (A)In generalIn the case of a State that is awarded a grant under this section to establish an Exchange and that terminates the operation of such Exchange or otherwise transfers the operation of such Exchange to an entity other than such State—
 (i)not later than 30 days after the date of such termination or transfer, the State shall submit to Congress and the Secretary a report containing the results of an audit of how amounts awarded to such State pursuant to such grant were used; and
 (ii)not later than 30 days after the date of such termination or transfer— (I)in accordance with subparagraph (B), there are rescinded any unobligated amounts awarded to such State pursuant to such grant; and
 (II)in accordance with subparagraph (C), the State shall provide to the Administrator of General Services any property acquired by such State with amounts awarded to such State pursuant to such grant and shall submit to Congress and the Secretary a record of the provision of such property to the Administrator.
 (B)Retention of funds for deficit reductionFunds rescinded under subparagraph (A)(ii)(I) shall be retained in the general fund of the Treasury for Federal budget deficit reduction.
 (C)Treatment of propertyThe Administrator of General Services may— (i)dispose of any property obtained pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) through a public auction for cash and for not less than the fair market value of the property, as determined by the Administrator;
 (ii)provide to any Federal agency such property for official use by such agency; or (iii)lease or hire such property, and may insure such property.
 (D)Exemption from certain property disposal requirementsAny disposal of property conducted under subparagraph (C)(i) shall not be subject to— (i)subchapter IV of chapter 5 of subtitle I of title 40, United States Code;
 (ii)sections 550 and 553 of title 40, United States Code; (iii)section 501 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11411);
 (iv)any other provision of law authorizing the no-cost conveyance of property owned by the Federal Government; or
 (v)any congressional notification requirement other than that in section 545 of title 40, United States Code.
 (E)Income from propertyThe Administrator shall deposit any income from the disposition, lease, or hire of the property obtained pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) in the general fund of the Treasury for Federal budget deficit reduction..
 (b)Application of the False Claims ActSection 1313(a)(6)(A) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18033(a)(6)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following: Further, except as otherwise provided for expressly under this Act, the False Claims Act preempts any State enforcement action of alleged fraud, waste, and abuse of funds issued pursuant to this Act. States that terminate or transfer their exchange will refer all current and future matters involving fraud, waste, and abuse of funds issued pursuant to this Act to the United States Department of Justice. Any current or future enforcement action shall be removed to or brought in Federal court. All fines, penalties, damages, or awards, monetary or otherwise, arising out of any current or future enforcement action, represent Federal funds that shall be returned to the United States..
 (c)Enforcement actionThe Attorney General may bring an action before the appropriate district court of the United States to enforce section 1311(a)(6) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(a)(6)).
 (d)Effective dateThe provisions of this section, including the amendment made by this section, shall apply with respect to grants made before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 408
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			February 17, 2011
			Mr. Rockefeller
			 introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To provide for the temporary retention of sole community
		  hospital status for a hospital under the Medicare program.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Community Hospital Jobs Act of
			 2011.
		2.Temporary
			 retention of Medicare sole community hospital statusNotwithstanding any other provision of law,
			 effective for discharges occurring during the 3-year period beginning on
			 October 1, 2010, in the case of a hospital with Medicare provider number
			 51–0047, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall deem such hospital to
			 meet the criteria for classification as a sole community hospital under section
			 1886(d)(5)(D)(iii)(II) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1395ww(d)(5)(D)(iii)(II)).


116 HRES 359 IH: Supporting the goals and ideals of National Healthy Schools Day.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-05-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 359IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 7, 2019Mr. Evans (for himself and Mr. Grijalva) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborRESOLUTIONSupporting the goals and ideals of National Healthy Schools Day.

 Whereas children spend up to half of their day in schools and their environs; Whereas schools have the potential to expose children to a broad array of hazards, including air and drinking water contaminants, toxic substances in the soil, synthetic turf and other media, lead-based paints, pesticides, and other toxins within and outside of schools, asthma-causing pollutants, molds, radon, and asbestos;
 Whereas, despite the need to address unsafe levels of lead in school drinking water across the country, in 2019, the Healthy Schools Network reported that as of November 2018 only 9 States required public schools to test at the tap for lead; and further, the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University and the Nutrition Policy Institute at the University of California also reported that only 25 States had school drinking water initiatives between January 1, 2016, and February 28, 2018;
 Whereas a 1995 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on Condition of America’s Schools—the only GAO study on this issue—determined that poor school facility conditions were concentrated in high-poverty schools serving students of color, placing millions of children at risk;
 Whereas, according to a 2014 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey, only 46.5 percent of schools had a program in place to address indoor air quality issues; and further, that fewer States and districts in 2014 than in 2010 were addressing indoor air;
 Whereas children may also be exposed to toxic contaminants when schools are sited near environmental hazards such as hazardous waste disposal sites, or when schools are renovated or expanded while school is in session;
 Whereas the T.H. Chan School of Public Health Schools for Health study reported that the environmental conditions of schools affect children’s health, thinking, and learning; Whereas environmental contaminants can affect children quite differently than adults, both because children may be more highly exposed to contaminants and they may be more vulnerable to the toxic effects of contaminants; and further, environmental contaminants can affect children disproportionately since their immune defenses are not fully developed and their growing organs are more easily harmed;
 Whereas these environmental problems contribute to absenteeism, child medication use, learning difficulties, sick building syndrome, staff turnover, and greater liability for school districts;
 Whereas there has been a significant rise in the incidence of childhood asthma, learning disabilities, and cancer;
 Whereas a 2018 study, Heat and Learning, by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that in schools without air conditioning, for every 1 Fahrenheit degree increase in school year temperature, the amount learned by students that year goes down by 1 percent;
 Whereas a 2016 report by the 21st Century School Fund found that, between 2012 and 2013, the average age of the main building of a public school was 44 years old;
 Whereas, in 2017, the American Society of Civil Engineers infrastructure report card stated 53 percent of schools needed to make investments for repairs, renovations, and modernizations to be considered to be in good condition;
 Whereas environmental, public health, and education laws must reflect a heightened sensitivity to the more susceptible nature of children and the mechanisms by which exposures and impacts affect children;
 Whereas providing for the rights of children, parents, teachers and other educators, and the public to access information about known hazards in schools will allow these persons to make informed choices about environmental exposures for their children and themselves;
 Whereas healthy and high-performance schools are designed to reduce energy and maintenance costs, while providing cleaner indoor air and environmental quality, improved lighting, reduced exposures to toxic substances, materials and supplies, thereby providing a healthier and safer learning environment for children and work environment for personnel, fostering attendance, achievement, and productivity;
 Whereas the House of Representatives has been a consistent and powerful advocate for the protection of our children and a strong supporter of public education;
 Whereas the House of Representatives seeks to promote healthy learning places for all children and workplaces for school personnel;
 Whereas Federal, State, local, and private sector entities should work together to ensure that resources are used effectively and efficiently to address environmental health and safety conditions of schools; and
 Whereas May 1, 2019, is recognized as National Healthy Schools Day: Now, therefore, be it  That the House of Representatives—
 (1)supports the goals and ideals of National Healthy Schools Day; (2)recognizes the importance of improving our children’s aging school buildings;
 (3)encourages State and local governments, including their public health, education, environment, energy, and labor agencies, to coordinate their efforts to assist local schools, and to publicize the importance of healthful learning environments in their communities; and
 (4)supports a national commitment to preventing the deterioration of our schools and to fixing our crumbling school facilities.


117 HR 2860 IH: Supplying Help to Infrastructure in Ports, Yards, and America’s Repair Docks Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-04-26
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. 2860
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 26, 2021
Mr. Wittman (for himself and Mr. Gallagher) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
To appropriate an additional amount to improve the Navy shipyard infrastructure of the United States.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Supplying Help to Infrastructure in Ports, Yards, and America’s Repair Docks Act of 2021 or the SHIPYARD Act. 2.FindingsCongress makes the following findings:
(1)Since the beginning of our Nation, the four public shipyards that support the United States Navy have continued to be foundational cornerstones of the strategic infrastructure of the United States, and those shipyards will continue to be so in the future.  (2)Although originally built in the age of sailing ships, the shipyards have been incrementally updated overtime, but in 2021, are in need of a generational investment to modernize and upgrade the outdated facilities to ensure they can continue to repair the United States Navy for another 200 years. This Act would provide the necessary authorities and appropriations to make those strategic assets ready to meet the future demands of the United States, while securing and expanding domestic capabilities across many sectors of the economy critical to ensuring the independence of the United States from, and preventing over-reliance, on foreign commerce.
(3)On November 1, 1767, Andrew Sprowle, a merchant and ship owner, established Gosport Shipyard on the western shore of the Elizabeth River, in the Colony of Virginia, under the British flag. The shipyard developed and prospered as both a naval and merchant shipyard, supporting the maritime industry that was critical to the survival of the early colonies and then to the fledgling United States. When the American Revolution began, the infrastructure resident at this former colonial shipyard became a nucleus in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area for the United States Navy. For more than 230 years, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard has assisted the United States in winning nine major wars, putting an end to piracy, sending the Great White Fleet around the world, supporting scientific exploration of the Pacific, and opening Asia to United States trade. Today, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard conducts critical maintenance to the Nation’s Nuclear Navy to include aircraft carriers, ballistic missile submarines, and fast attack submarines. (4)On June 12, 1800, under the administration of President John Adams, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was established. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is the United States Navy’s oldest continuously operating shipyard. In 1776, during the Revolutionary War, the USS Raleigh was built in Kittery, Maine, and became the first vessel to fly an American flag into battle. For more than 221 years, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has contributed to the Nation’s security and has been instrumental in United States diplomacy, when, in 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt selected the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as the location to host the Treaty of Portsmouth, which ended the Russo-Japanese War. Today, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard overhauls, refuels, and modernizes the Nation's fast attack submarine fleet.
(5)In 1889, Congress approved a budget to purchase land around Sinclair Inlet in Kitsap County, Washington. In 1892, additional land was added and the United States Navy broke ground for the construction of the first of six dry-docks that would form what is now the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Since that time, the shipyard was front and center in supporting the Nation’s efforts in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War by constructing submarines, surface ships, and support vessels required to win those wars. In late 1965, the USS Sculpin (SSN 590) became the first nuclear-powered submarine worked on at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The Shipyard site at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton provides longer-term, full-service maintenance and inactivation and recycling work on aircraft carriers, surface ships, and submarines, utilizing six drydocks and adjacent piers. (6)On May 13, 1908, Navy Yard Pearl Harbor was officially established on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, and the Navy Yard has proven to be vital to the defense of the United States and its interests in the Asia-Pacific region. The shipyard has been instrumental in enabling the United States to secure sea-lanes of communication and commerce that has strengthened the Nation’s ability to project power across the expansive Pacific and Indian Oceans. For generations, the shipyard has supported the global interests of the United States in a critical geographic region. On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor and the Navy Yard at Pearl Harbor were the scene of a devastating attack on the United States by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Despite the devastating attack, the shipyard and its workers were able to return ships damaged in the attack back into service and enabled the United States to win the Pacific War. For more than 113 years, the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard’s strategic location in the Pacific has assured the safety and prosperity of the United States through the maintenance of Navy ships. Today the shipyard supports the maintenance of the Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet as well as surface ships.
(7)In April 2013, the Navy provided Congress a public shipyard investment plan, which identified investments needed to optimize, improve, and rebuild shipyard facilities, electrical infrastructure, environmental systems, and equipment, and needed to improve the timely return of ships and submarines back to the fleet following maintenance and modernization, to support the combat readiness of the United States. To this end, the Navy developed the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, which is a comprehensive, 20-year, $21,000,000,000 effort to modernize infrastructure at the four naval shipyards through— (A)performing critical dry dock repairs;
(B)restoring and optimally placing shipyard facilities; and (C)replacing aging and deteriorating capital equipment.
(8)In addition to the Nation’s public shipyards, the United States continues to rely on the capacity and capabilities of private new construction and repair shipyards to meet the strategic maritime needs of the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, and the Nation’s maritime industry. Such shipyards, located on every coast of the United States, also require substantial recapitalization and reconfiguration in order to meet the construction and sustainment requirements of our maritime Nation. This Act recognizes the vital role such private shipyards play in the United States and accordingly authorizes and appropriates funds to ensure they are able to continue to provide those strategic capabilities in the future.  3.Navy shipyard infrastructure improvement (a)Appropriation (1)In generalOut of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there is appropriated, as an additional amount for Defense Production Act Purchases, $25,000,000,000, to remain available until expended, to improve, in accordance with subsection (b) and using the authority provided by section 303(e) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4533(e)), the Navy shipyard infrastructure of the United States.
(2)Supplement not supplantAmounts appropriated under paragraph (1) shall supplement and not supplant other amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the purpose described in paragraph (1).  (3)Waiver of certain limitationsDuring the 10-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the following requirements of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.) shall not apply to amounts appropriated under paragraph (1):
(A)The requirement for a determination of the President under section 303(e)(1) of that Act (50 U.S.C. 4533(e)(1)).  (B)The requirement under section 304(e) of that Act (50 U.S.C. 4534(e)) that amounts in the Defense Production Act Fund in excess of the amount specified in that subsection be paid into the general fund of the Treasury at the end of a fiscal year.
(4)Emergency designationThe amount appropriated under paragraph (1) is designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901(b)(2)(A)(i)). (b)Use of funds (1)In generalAs soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall make the amounts appropriated under subsection (a) directly available to the Secretary of the Navy for obligation and expenditure.
(2)Allocation of fundsThe Secretary of the Navy shall allocate the amounts appropriated under subsection (a) as follows:  (A)$21,000,000,000 for Navy public shipyard facilities, dock, dry dock, capital equipment improvements, and dredging efforts needed by such shipyards.
(B)$2,000,000,000 for Navy private new construction shipyard facilities, dock, dry dock, capital equipment improvements, and dredging efforts needed by such shipyards. (C)$2,000,000,000 for Navy private repair shipyard facilities, dock, dry dock, capital equipment improvements, and dredging efforts needed by such shipyards.
(3)Use of funds for procurement of certain servicesNotwithstanding any provision of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.), amounts appropriated under subsection (a) may be used for the procurement of architect-engineer and construction services at Navy public shipyards. (4)Projects in addition to other construction projectsConstruction projects undertaken using amounts appropriated under subsection (a) shall be in addition to and separate from any military construction program authorized by any Act to authorize appropriations for a fiscal year for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction.
(c)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Navy public shipyardThe term Navy public shipyard means the following:
(A)The Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia. (B)The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Hawaii.
(C)The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Maine. (D)The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Washington.
(2)Navy private new construction shipyardThe term Navy private new construction shipyard— (A)means any shipyard in which one or more combatant or support vessels included in the most recent plan submitted under section 231 of title 10, United States Code, are being built or are planned to be built; and
(B)includes vendors and suppliers of the shipyard building or planning to build a combatant or support vessel. (3)Navy private repair shipyardThe term Navy private repair shipyard—
(A)means any shipyard that performs or is planned to perform maintenance or modernization work on a combatant or support vessel included in the most recent plan submitted under section 231 of title 10, United States Code; and (B)includes vendors and suppliers of the shipyard performing or planning to perform maintenance or modernization work on a combatant or support vessel.


110 HR 5994 IH: Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
U.S. House of Representatives
2008-05-08
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
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5994
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 8, 2008
Mr. Conyers (for himself and Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
To amend the Clayton Act with respect to competitive and nondiscriminatory access to the Internet.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.
2.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are to promote competition, to facilitate trade, and to ensure competitive and nondiscriminatory access to the Internet.
3.Amendments to the Clayton ActThe Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12 et seq.) is amended—
(1)by redesignating section 28 as section 29,
(2)by inserting after section 27 the following:

28.discrimination by broadband network providers
(a)It shall be unlawful for any broadband network provider—
(1)to fail to provide its broadband network services on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms and conditions such that any person can offer or provide content, applications, or services to or over the network in a manner that is at least equal to the manner in which the provider or its affiliates offer content, applications, and services, free of any surcharge on the basis of the content, application, or service;
(2)to refuse to interconnect its facilities with the facilities of another provider of broadband network services on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms or conditions;
(3)(A) to block, to impair, to discriminate against, or to interfere with the ability of any person to use a broadband network service to access, to use, to send, to receive, or to offer lawful content, applications or services over the Internet; or
(B)to impose an additional charge to avoid any conduct that is prohibited by this subsection;
(4)to prohibit a user from attaching or using a device on the provider’s network that does not physically damage or materially degrade other users’ utilization of the network; or
(5)to fail to clearly and conspicuously disclose to users, in plain language, accurate information concerning any terms, conditions, or limitations on the broadband network service.
(b)If a broadband network provider prioritizes or offers enhanced quality of service to data of a particular type, it must prioritize or offer enhanced quality of service to all data of that type (regardless of the origin or ownership of such data) without imposing a surcharge or other consideration for such prioritization or enhanced quality of service.
(c)Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a broadband network provider from taking reasonable and nondiscriminatory measures—
(1)to manage the functioning of its network, on a systemwide basis, provided that any such management function does not result in discrimination between content, applications, or services offered by the provider and unaffiliated provider;
(2)to give priority to emergency communications;
(3)to prevent a violation of a Federal or State law, or to comply with an order of a court to enforce such law;
(4)to offer consumer protection services (such as parental controls), provided that a user may refuse or disable such services;
(5)to offer special promotional pricing or other marketing initiatives; or
(6) to prioritize or offer enhanced quality of service to all data of a particular type (regardless of the origin or ownership of such data) without imposing a surcharge or other consideration for such prioritization or quality of service.
(d)For purposes of this section—
(1)the term affiliate means—
(A)a person that directly or indirectly owns, controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under the common ownership or control with another person; or
(B)a person that has a contract or other arrangement with a content or service provider concerning access to, or distribution of, such content or such service;
(2)the term broadband network provider means a person engaged in commerce that owns, controls, operates, or resells any facility used to provide broadband network service to the public, by whatever technology and without regard to whether provided for a fee, in exchange for an explicit benefit, or for free;
(3)the term broadband network service means a 2-way transmission service that connects to the Internet and transmits information at an average rate of at least 200 kilobits per second in at least one direction, irrespective of whether such transmission is provided separately or as a component of another service; and
(4)the term user means a person who takes and uses broadband network service, whether provided for a fee, in exchange for an explicit benefit, or for free., and
(3)by amending subsection (a) and the 1st sentence of subsection (b) of section 11 by striking and 8 and inserting 8, and 28.


I
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 641
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 22, 2009
Mr. Flake introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL
To limit the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land located in a State in which 25 percent or more of all land in the State is already owned by the United States, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the No Net Loss of Private Land Act.
2.Limitation on Federal acquisition of land in certain States
(a)Acquisition limitationNotwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of a State described in subsection (c), the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior may acquire an interest in a parcel of land consisting of 100 or more acres in the State on behalf of the United States only if, before the acquisition of such interest, all right, title, and interest of the United States in the surface estate of another parcel of land in the State is conveyed in accordance with subsection (b). The Secretary concerned may not divide a parcel of land consisting of 100 or more acres into smaller parcels to avoid the requirements of this subsection.
(b)Conditions on conveyance of surface estateTo qualify as a conveyance of the surface estate of a parcel of Federal land for purposes of subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall certify to Congress that—
(1)the conveyance was made for the purpose of complying with the requirements of subsection (a); and
(2)the value of the surface estate of the conveyed Federal land is approximately equal to the value of the interest in land to be acquired by the Secretary concerned, as determined by the Secretary concerned.
(c)Covered statesSubsection (a) applies with respect each of the several States in which 25 percent or more of all land in the State is owned by the United States.
(d)ExceptionsThis section does not apply to the acquisition of the following land:
(1)Land to be held in trust for the benefit of an Indian tribe or individual or to be held by an Indian tribe or individual subject to a restriction by the United States against alienation.
(2)Land acquired pursuant to a land exchange specifically authorized or required by an Act of Congress.
(3)Land acquired pursuant to a foreclosure under title 18, United States Code.
(4)Land acquired by the United States in its capacity as a receiver, conserver, or liquidating agent and held by the United States in its capacity as a receiver, conserver, or liquidating agent pending disposal.
(5)Land that is subject to seizure, levy, or lien under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(6)Land that is securing a debt owed to the United States.
(e)DefinitionsIn this section:
(1)The term acquire includes acquisition by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, exchange, devise, and condemnation.
(2)The term Secretary concerned means the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior.
(f)Waiver authorityThe Secretary concerned may waive the requirements of subsection (a) with respect to the acquisition of a particular parcel of land by the Secretary concerned during any period in which there is in effect a declaration of war or a national emergency declared by the President and the Secretary concerned certifies to Congress that the land acquisition is necessary as part of the United States response to the war or national emergency.


116 S2014 IS: Making America Safe and Secure Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-06-27
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
		116th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 2014
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 27, 2019
			Mr. Markey introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

		A BILL
		To provide grants to States to encourage the implementation and maintenance of firearms licensing
			 requirements, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Making America Safe and Secure Act of 2019 or the MASS Act.
		2.Firearms licensing
 (a)In generalTitle I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					OOFirearms licensing
						3051.Definitions
 (a)In generalIn this part— (1)the term covered license means a—
 (A)firearms license; or (B)firearms dealer license;
 (2)the term extreme risk protection order means a written order, issued by a State court or signed by a magistrate that, for a period not to exceed a time frame established by the State—
 (A)prohibits the individual named in the order from having under the custody or control of the individual, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition; and
 (B)requires that any firearm or ammunition under the custody or control of the individual be removed; (3)the term prohibited individual means an individual who is categorically ineligible to receive a covered license;
 (4)the term suitable means that an individual does not create a risk to public safety; and (5)the term thorough background check means a Federal and State background check, which may include a fingerprint-based background check.
 (b)Prohibited individualsFor purposes of this part, a State— (1)shall establish standards for categorizing an individual as a prohibited individual for purposes of receiving a covered license; and
 (2)in establishing standards with respect to a covered license under paragraph (1), shall take into consideration whether limitations may be warranted based on—
 (A)criminal history; (B)whether an individual has been—
 (i)deemed a danger to himself or herself or other individuals by a court or authorized administrative body; or
 (ii)committed to a hospital or institution as a danger to himself or herself or other individuals; (C)age;
 (D)legal residency; (E)military dishonorable discharges;
 (F)whether an individual is subject to a permanent or temporary protection order; (G)outstanding arrest warrants;
 (H)status as a fugitive; (I)renunciation of United States citizenship; and
 (J)other factors relevant to the suitability of a license holder. 3052.Grants and conditions (a)Grants authorizedThe Assistant Attorney General may make grants to States to implement or maintain firearms and firearms dealer licensing requirements.
 (b)Duration of grantsA grant under subsection (a) shall be for a period of 3 fiscal years. (c)Use of funds for firearms and firearms dealer licensing (1)ActivitiesAmounts received under a grant under subsection (a) shall be used for the implementation or maintenance of firearms and firearms dealer licensing requirements, which shall incorporate and implement the elements described in paragraph (2).
 (2)ElementsThe elements described in this paragraph are those providing that— (A)an individual shall have a firearms license—
 (i)at the time of the purchase, rental, or lease of a firearm or purchase of ammunition; and (ii)during the entire period of ownership or possession of a firearm or ammunition;
 (B)(i)an individual who (including the owner or operator of a business that) sells, rents, or leases a minimum number of firearms, or sells ammunition, during a calendar year shall obtain a firearms dealer license; and
 (ii)the State shall establish the minimum number of firearms for purposes of clause (i), which may not be higher than 10 per calendar year;
 (C)the chief of police or the board or officer having control of the police department of a local government, or a designee within the same department, shall function as the licensing authority;
 (D)for an application for issuance or renewal of a firearms license, the licensing authority shall— (i)conduct a thorough background check, which may include—
 (I)conducting an interview with the applicant; (II)requiring the submission of letters of reference stating that the applicant is of sound mind and character; and
 (III)any other requirements the State determines relevant; and (ii)make a determination of suitability;
 (E)a first-time firearms license applicant shall complete safety training; (F)for an application for issuance or renewal of a firearms dealer license, the licensing authority shall conduct an investigation into the criminal history of the applicant, which may include—
 (i)an interview with the applicant; (ii)a thorough background check; and
 (iii)any other requirements the State determines relevant; (G)the State shall establish appropriate application processes for covered licenses consistent with Federal, State, and local law;
 (H)the State shall establish standards and processes by which licensing authorities can revoke, suspend, or deny the issuance or renewal of a covered license;
 (I)the State shall ensure that a revocation, suspension, or denial cannot be based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity;
 (J)the State shall establish judicial review processes by which any applicant for or holder of a covered license may, within a reasonable time period, petition to obtain judicial review of a revocation, suspension, or denial of the issuance or renewal of a covered license;
 (K)the State shall establish— (i)standards and a process under which a family member of an individual who the family member fears is a danger to himself, herself, or others may petition for an extreme risk protection order; and
 (ii)standards for the termination or extension of an order described in clause (i);
 (L)the State shall establish processes under which— (i)an individual whose covered license is revoked or suspended, or whose application for issuance or renewal of a covered license is denied, shall surrender or transfer all firearms and ammunition that are or would have been covered by the license; and
 (ii)an individual who is subject to an extreme risk protection order shall surrender or transfer all firearms and ammunition in the possession of the individual;
 (M)the State shall establish requirements with which a firearms dealer licensee must comply, which— (i)shall include requirements relating to—
 (I)the location at which the licensee conducts firearm or ammunition transactions; (II)the manner in which the licensee records firearm or ammunition transactions;
 (III)background checks for employees of the licensee; and (IV)any other matter that the State determines appropriate; and
 (ii)may include requirements that a licensee— (I)maintain a permanent place of business—
 (aa)that is not a residence; and (bb)at which the licensee conducts all firearms or ammunition transactions;
 (II)submit to mandatory record and inventory inspections by a licensing authority; (III)maintain a sales record book at the permanent place of business described in subclause (I) in accordance with standards established by the State;
 (IV)conduct a pre-employment background check on each potential employee to determine the suitability of any potential employee who may have direct and unmonitored contact with a firearm or ammunition; and
 (V)take any other action that the State determines appropriate; (N)the State shall promulgate rules and regulations to ensure the prompt collection, exchange, dissemination, and distribution of information pertaining to the issuance, renewal, expiration, suspension, or revocation of a covered license;
 (O)the State shall establish standards that are consistent with Federal and State law—
 (i)governing the transfer of a firearm or ammunition; and (ii)for identifying a prohibited individual, in accordance with section 3051(b);
 (P)the State shall promulgate rules and regulations that require a dealer or private seller of firearms or ammunition to verify the validity of a firearms license before the sale, rental, or lease of any firearm or the sale of any ammunition;
 (Q)a dealer or private seller of firearms or ammunition shall report all sales, rentals, and leases of firearms, and sales of ammunition, to State authorities;
 (R)a dealer of firearms or ammunition shall notify the licensing authority when presented with an invalid or expired firearms license;
 (S)any firearms licensee whose firearm or ammunition is lost or stolen shall report the loss or theft to the licensing authority and State authorities within a reasonable time frame and in a manner established by the State;
 (T)an individual holding a firearms license or firearms dealer license shall renew the license on a time frame established by the State;
 (U)an individual may not use the firearms license of the individual to purchase a firearm or ammunition for—
 (i)the unlawful use of the firearm or ammunition by another individual; or (ii)the resale or other transfer of the firearm or ammunition to an unlicensed individual; and
 (V)(i)it shall be unlawful to store or keep a firearm in any place unless the firearm is secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device, properly engaged so as to render the firearm inoperable by any individual other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user; and
 (ii)for purposes of clause (i), a firearm shall not be considered to be stored or kept if carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user.
 (3)Separate ammunition dealer license permittedA State that requires a license for dealing ammunition that is separate from a license for dealing firearms shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements under paragraph (2) relating to a firearms dealer license, as that license relates to the dealing of ammunition, if the State imposes the same requirements for an ammunition dealer license as are mandated under paragraph (2) for a firearms dealer license, as that license relates to the dealing of ammunition.
 (d)ApplicationTo be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), a State shall submit to the Assistant Attorney General an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Assistant Attorney General may require, including a description of how the State will use the grant to implement or maintain firearms and firearms dealer licensing requirements that include the elements described in subsection (c)(2).
 (e)Annual reportEach State receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the Assistant Attorney General, for each fiscal year during which the State expends amounts received under the grant, a report, at such time and in such manner as the Assistant Attorney General may reasonably require, that contains—
 (1)a summary of the activities carried out using amounts made available under the grant; (2)an assessment of whether the activities are achieving the elements described in subsection (c)(2); and
 (3)such other information as the Assistant Attorney General may require. (f)Limitations on the allocation of fundsNot more than 2 percent of the amount made available to carry out this section in any fiscal year may be used by the Assistant Attorney General for salaries and administrative expenses.
 (g)Reallocation of appropriationsA recipient of a grant under subsection (a) shall return to the Assistant Attorney General any amounts received under the grant that are not expended for a purpose described in this section..
 (b)Authorization of appropriationsSection 1001(a) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10261(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (29)There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out part OO.
					.


116 HR 914 IH: Responsible Withdrawal from Syria Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-30
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. 914IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 30, 2019Mr. Malinowski (for himself, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Panetta, Mr. Gallagher, Mr. Kim, Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Rose of New York, and Mr. Hurd of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed ServicesA BILLTo limit the use of funds to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces serving on
			 active duty who are deployed to Syria, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Responsible Withdrawal from Syria Act. 2.Limitation on use of funds to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who are deployed to Syria (a)LimitationNone of the funds made available to the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2019 may be used to reduce the total number of members of the United States Armed Forces serving on active duty who are deployed to Syria below 1,500, unless and until the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence submit to the relevant congressional committees a report that addresses the following:
 (1)The current strength and regenerative capacity of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), including an assessment of how many fighters ISIS fields in Syria and Iraq, the threat it continues to pose to the United States and its allies, its likely reaction to the withdrawal of United States and coalition forces, and of the operational risks involved with conducting counter-ISIS operations following a withdrawal.
 (2)The Administration’s military and political strategy for meeting any remaining threat from ISIS. (3)The viability of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to remain a viable fighting force in the absence of a United States military presence in Syria.
 (4)Whether the Euphrates will remain the aerial and land deconfliction line between United States-backed forces and Assad regime forces and their allies, and if so, how will the Administration ensure it will be respected.
 (5)Actions the Administration plans to take to ensure the safety of Syrian nationals who took part in or provided support to the coalition to defeat ISIS, including members of the SDF, and the form and amount of assistance the Administration plans to provide to the SDF following a withdrawal of United States and coalition forces.
 (6)The likelihood that the Assad regime and its allies, including Hezbollah and Iranian forces, will retake areas where United States personnel and Syrian allies have operated or created demilitarized zones, and the actions the Administration plans to take to ensure the safety, and prevent the exodus, of civilians living in those areas.
 (7)The actions the Administration plans to take to ensure the safety of civilians living in refugee camps that may fall under the control of the Assad regime following withdrawal of United States forces, including Rubkan Camp, and to ensure access by humanitarian organizations to areas being vacated by United States forces and Syrian allies.
 (8)The expected windfall in oil revenue the Assad regime is likely to gain if the regime or its allies retake areas currently held by United States-allied groups.
 (9)The impact a withdrawal from Syria would have on Iranian power and influence in the Middle East, including an assessment of the current status of Iranian backed forces in Syria, whether withdrawal is likely to make easier Iranian advanced weapon transfers to Syria and Lebanon, the impact on the security of Israel, the prospect of large scale conflict between Israel and Iran in Syria and Lebanon, and a strategy to counter any such threats.
 (10)The impact any United States withdrawal from Syria would have on Russian power and influence in the Middle East.
 (11)The impact any United States withdrawal from Syria would have on diplomatic efforts to end the Syrian conflict, and on United States influence on those efforts, including a statement of the Administration’s current diplomatic objectives in that process.
 (12)The commitments, if any, Turkey has extended with respect to fighting ISIS and refraining from military action against the Kurds following a withdrawal of United States forces.
 (13)The commitments, if any, Saudi Arabia or any coalition partners have made to assist in Syria’s reconstruction, including any plans to ensure that funding of these efforts are transparent and accountable.
 (14)Any efforts the Administration plans to undertake to support legitimate, effective and democratic local governance in areas from which United States and coalition forces are withdrawing, to diminish the likelihood that extremist forces will return.
 (15)Any consultations that have taken place with coalition allies in Operation Inherent Resolve about withdrawal of forces from Syria, including how the governments of Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Russia, Iran, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government are likely to respond to any withdrawal.
 (16)The assurances, if any, that religious and ethnic minority communities will be secure from ISIS threats.
 (b)FormThe report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
 (c)WaiverThe Secretary of Defense may waive the limitation under subsection (a) if, upon advice of the relevant military commanders, the Secretary determines that the waiver is necessary due to an imminent and extraordinary threat to members of the United States Armed Forces in Syria.
 (d)Rule of constructionNothing in this Act may be construed to obstruct or prevent the normal rotation of United States Armed Forces into and out of Syria.
 (e)Relevant congressional committees definedIn this section, the term relevant congressional committees means— (1)the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and
 (2)the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.