116 HR 4600 IH: Domestic Violence Records Reporting Improvement Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-10-04
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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. 4600IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 4, 2019Miss Rice of New York (for herself and Mr. Turner) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo increase reporting of domestic violence records, and for other purposes.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Domestic Violence Records Reporting Improvement Act of 2019. 2.NARIP funding for domestic violence reporting (a)Implementation assistance to StatesSection 103(c) of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (34 U.S.C. 40913) is amended—
(1)by inserting (1) after (c); and (2)by adding at the end the following:

(2)WaiverThe Attorney General shall waive the requirement of a relief from disabilities program for any State to receive a grant under this section if the primary purpose of the grant is to improve the accessibility through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System of the records described in clauses (i), (v), and (vi) of section 102(b)(1)(C).. (b)Disposition records automation and transmittal improvement grantsSection 301(d) of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (34 U.S.C. 40941) is amended—
(1)by inserting (1) after (d); and (2)by adding at the end the following:

(2)WaiverThe Attorney General shall waive the requirement of a relief from disabilities program for any State to receive a grant under this section if the primary purpose of the grant is to improve the accessibility through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System of the records described in clauses (i), (v), and (vi) of section 102(b)(1)(C)..


114 HR 5272 IH: Do No Harm Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-05-18
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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. 5272
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 18, 2016
			Mr. Kennedy (for himself and Mr. Scott of Virginia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

		A BILL
		To amend the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to protect civil rights and otherwise
			 prevent meaningful harm to third parties, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Do No Harm Act. 2.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—
 (1)the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 should not be interpreted to authorize an exemption from generally applicable law that imposes the religious views, habits, or practices of one party upon another;
 (2)the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 should not be interpreted to authorize an exemption from generally applicable law that imposes meaningful harm, including dignitary harm, on a third party; and
 (3)the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 should not be interpreted to authorize an exemption that permits discrimination against other persons, including persons who do not belong to the religion or adhere to the beliefs of those to whom the exemption is given.
 3.Exception from application of Act where Federal law prevents harm to othersSection 3 of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb–3) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (d)Additional exception from application of Act where Federal law prevents harm to othersThis section does not apply— (1)to any provision of law or its implementation that provides for or requires—
 (A)protections against discrimination or the promotion of equal opportunity including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, Executive Order 11246, the Violence Against Women Act, and Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity (77 FR 5662);
 (B)employers to provide wages, other compensation, or benefits including leave, or standards protecting collective activity in the workplace;
 (C)protections against child labor, abuse, or exploitation; or (D)access to, information about, referrals for, provision of, or coverage for, any health care item or service;
 (2)to any term requiring goods, services, functions, or activities to be performed or provided to beneficiaries of a government contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other award; or
 (3)to the extent that application would result in denying a person the full and equal enjoyment of a good, service, benefit, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation, provided by the government..
		4.Clarification of preclusion of litigation between private parties
 (a)PurposeThe purpose of the amendment made by subsection (b) is to clarify the applicability of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, as enacted.
 (b)PreclusionSection 3(c) of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb–1(c)) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking judicial proceeding and all that follows and inserting judicial proceeding to which the government is a party and obtain appropriate relief against that government..
 5.DefinitionsSection 5 of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb–2) is amended— (1)in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end;
 (2)in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and (3)by adding at the end the following:

 (5)the term including means including, but not limited to, consistent with the term's standard meaning in Federal law..


 HR 5169 ENR: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1310 Highway 64 NW. in Ramsey, Indiana, as the
U.S. House of Representatives
0
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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 Ninth Congress of the United States of America At the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the third day of January, two thousand and six
H. R. 5169

AN ACT
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1310 Highway 64 NW. in Ramsey, Indiana, as the Wilfred Edward Cousin Willie Sieg, Sr. Post Office.

1.Wilfred Edward Cousin Willie Sieg, Sr. Post Office
(a)DesignationThe facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1310 Highway 64 NW. in Ramsey, Indiana, shall be known and designated as the Wilfred Edward Cousin Willie Sieg, Sr. Post Office.
(b)ReferencesAny reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Wilfred Edward Cousin Willie Sieg, Sr. Post Office.
 Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


116 S1555 IS: Improving Preparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational, and Educational Transition for Servicemembers 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. 1555IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 21, 2019Mr. Crapo (for himself, Ms. Stabenow, Mrs. Shaheen, and Mr. Gardner) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed ServicesA BILLTo amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the Transition Assistance Program for members of
 the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.1.Short title; table of contents(a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Improving Preparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational, and Educational Transition for Servicemembers Act or IMPROVE Transition for Servicemembers Act.(b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.Sec. 2. Recodification, consolidation, and improvement of certain transition-related counseling and assistance authorities.Sec. 3. Connections of members retiring or separating from the Armed Forces with community-based organizations and related entities.Sec. 4. Personnel matters in connection with Transition Assistance Program.Sec. 5. Systems for tracking participation in Transition Assistance Program and related programs.Sec. 6. Surveys on member experiences with Transition Assistance Program counseling and services and in transition to civilian life.Sec. 7. Command matters in connection with transition assistance programs.Sec. 8. Comptroller General of the United States report on participation in transition assistance programs at small and remote military installations.Sec. 9. Education of members of the Armed Forces on career readiness and professional development.Sec. 10. Sense of Congress on Transition Assistance Program and other transition-related assistance for members of the Armed Forces.(c)Appropriate committees of Congress definedIn this Act, the term appropriate committees of Congress means—(1)the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and(2)the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives.2.Recodification, consolidation, and improvement of certain transition-related counseling and
 assistance authorities(a)Recodification, consolidation, and improvement of authorities(1)In generalChapter 58 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking sections 1142 and 1144 and inserting after section 1141 the following new section 1142:1142.Transition-related counseling and services: Transition Assistance Program(a)Program required(1)In generalThe Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy shall, in cooperation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, carry out a program to furnish individual counseling, information and services described in paragraph (2) to members of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as applicable, whose retirement, separation, or release from active duty is anticipated as of a specific date, and to the spouses of such members. The program shall be known as the Transition Assistance Program.(2)Counseling, information, and servicesThe counseling, information, and services furnished under the program (in this section referred to as covered counseling, information, and services) shall include the following in connection with the transition from military life to civilian life:(A)Information on the topics described in subsection (f).(B)Training, employment assistance, and other related information and services, including as described in subsection (h).(C)Such other counseling, information, and services as the Secretaries referred to in paragraph (1) consider appropriate to assist members of the armed forces, and their spouses, in the transition from military life to civilian life.(3)AgreementThe Secretaries referred to in paragraph (1) (in this section referred to as the administering Secretaries) shall enter into a detailed agreement to carry out this section.(4)Certain responsibilitiesIn carrying out the program, the administering Secretaries shall do the following:(A)Work together to develop and revise necessary training documents, resources, and curriculum for the purposes of the program.(B)In providing information in connection with preseparation counseling under subsection (f)(4), use experience obtained from implementation of the pilot program under section 408 of Public Law 101–237.(C)Work with military and veterans’ service organizations and other appropriate organizations to promote and publicize job fairs for members furnished covered counseling, information, and services under the program.(D)In the case of members furnished covered counseling, information, and services under the program who have a spouse—(i)include the spouse in such counseling, information, and services, at the election of the member and the spouse; and(ii)provide job placement counseling for the spouse in connection with the transition of the member from military life to civilian life.(b)Participation of members requiredThe Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall require the participation in the program under this section of all members eligible for assistance under the program.(c)Service required before furnishing of preseparation counseling(1)In generalSubject to paragraph (2), the Secretary concerned shall not furnish preseparation counseling under the program under this section to a member who is being discharged or released before the completion of the first 180 continuous days of active duty of the member.(2)Retirement or separation for disabilityParagraph (1) shall not apply in the case of a member who is being retired or separated for disability.(3)Determination of duration of serviceFor purposes of calculating the days of active duty of a member under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall exclude any day as follows:(A)Any day on which the member performed full-time training duty or annual training duty.(B)Any day on which the member attended, while in the active military service, a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary concerned.(d)Commencement and completion(1)Commencement(A)Retiring membersIn the case of a member who is retiring from the armed forces, the furnishing of covered counseling, information, and services to such member under the program under this section shall commence as early as possible during the 24-month period preceding the anticipated retirement date.(B)Members separated or releasedIn the case of a member who is being separated or released from the armed forces (other than by retirement), the furnishing of counseling, information, and services to such member under the program shall commence not later than 365 days before the anticipated separation or release date.(C)Deadline for commencementExcept as provided in paragraph (4), under no circumstances shall the furnishing of covered counseling, information, and services to a member under the program commence later than 365 days before the date of retirement, separation, or release of the member from the armed forces.(2)CompletionExcept as provided in paragraph (4), the furnishing of covered counseling, information, and services to a member under the program shall be completed as follows:(A)In the case of a member retiring from the armed forces, by not later than 120 days before the date of retirement.(B)In the case of a member otherwise being separated or released from the armed forces, by not later than 90 days before the date of separation or release.(3)ConstructionNothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit the furnishing of covered counseling, information, and services to a member under the program, or other counseling, assistance, and information and services similar to covered counseling, information, and services, at times other than the times provided for by paragraphs (1) and (2).(4)Unanticipated retirement, separation, or release in connection with preseparation counselingIn the event that a retirement or other separation or released from the armed forces is unanticipated until there are 90 or fewer days before the anticipated retirement or separation or release date, or in the event a member of a reserve component is being demobilized under circumstances in which (as determined by the Secretary concerned) operational requirements make the 120-day or 90-day requirement under paragraph (2) unfeasible, preseparation counseling under the program shall begin as soon as possible within the remaining period of service.(e)Furnishing on in-Person basis(1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), covered counseling, information, and services under the program under this section shall be furnished to a member on an in-person basis.(2)WaiverThe Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, as applicable, may waive the requirement in paragraph (1) with respect to a particular member if such Secretary determines, using a system established by such Secretary for purposes of this paragraph, that the furnishing of covered counseling, information, and services on an online, other electronic, or other basis, rather than on an in-person basis, is necessary to avoid extraordinarily significant impediments to immediate mission needs. In issuing any such waiver, such Secretary shall specify, in writing, the grounds for such waiver.(f)Topics covered by programThe preseparation counseling furnished a member under the program under this section shall include the following:(1)Financial planning assistance, including information on budgeting, saving, credit, loans, and taxes.(2)An explanation of the procedures for and advantages of affiliating with the Selected Reserve.(3)Information on programs and benefits related to veteran status, including—(A)a description of health care and other benefits to which the member may be entitled under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and information regarding the means by which the member can receive additional counseling regarding the member’s actual entitlement to such benefits and apply for such benefits;(B)educational assistance benefits to which the member is entitled under the Montgomery GI Bill and other educational assistance programs because of the member’s service in the armed forces;(C)a description of the compensation and vocational rehabilitation benefits to which the member may be entitled under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, if the member is being medically separated or is being retired under chapter 61 of this title;(D)information on home loan services and housing assistance benefits available under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and counseling on responsible borrowing practices;(E)a description, developed in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, of the assistance and support services for family caregivers of eligible veterans under the program conducted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 1720G of title 38, including the veterans covered by the program, the caregivers eligible for assistance and support through the program, and the assistance and support available through the program; and(F)information, including appropriate training, on eligibility for enrollment and disenrollment in the Survivor Benefit Plan under chapter 73 of this title and other survivor benefits available under the laws administered by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.(4)Information on civilian employment, occupational requirements, and related assistance, including—(A)labor market information;(B)instruction in resume preparation;(C)job analysis techniques, job search techniques, job interview techniques, and salary negotiation techniques;(D)certification and licensure requirements that are applicable to civilian occupations, including State-submitted and approved lists of military training and skills that satisfy occupational certifications and licenses;(E)civilian occupations that correspond to military occupational specialties;(F)information on the requirements under section 1143(a) of this title for the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to provide proper certification or verification of job skills and experience acquired while on active duty that may have application to employment in the civilian sector for use in seeking civilian employment and in obtaining job search skills;(G)information on government and private-sector programs for job search and job placement assistance, and information on the placement programs established under sections 1152 and 1153 of this title and the Troops-to-Teachers Program;(H)priority of service for veterans in the receipt of employment, training, and placement services provided under qualified job training programs of the Department of Labor;(I)veterans small business ownership and entrepreneurship programs of the Small Business Administration and assistance to members in their efforts to obtain loans and grants from the Small Business Administration and other Federal, State, and local agencies;(J)employment and reemployment rights and obligations under chapter 43 of title 38;(K)veterans preference in Federal employment and Federal procurement opportunities;(L)disability-related employment and education protections; and(M)career and employment opportunities available to members with transportation security cards issued under section 70105 of title 46.(5)Information related to transition and relocation, including—(A)information on the geographic areas in which such members will relocate after separation from the armed forces, including, to the degree possible, information about employment opportunities, the labor market, and the cost of living in those areas (including, to the extent practicable, the cost and availability of housing, child care, education, and medical and dental care);(B)Federal, State, and local programs, and programs of military and veterans’ service organizations, that may be of assistance to such members after separation from the armed forces;(C)counseling (for the member and dependents) on the effect of career change on individuals and their families and the availability to the member and dependents of suicide prevention resources following separation from the armed forces;(D)the availability of mental health services and the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideations, or other mental health conditions associated with service in the armed forces and information concerning the availability of treatment options and resources to address substance abuse, including alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse;(E)the availability of medical and dental coverage following separation from active duty, including the opportunity to elect into the conversion health policy provided under section 1145 of this title; and(F)information on the required deduction, pursuant to subsection (h) of section 1175a of this title, from disability compensation paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of amounts equal to any voluntary separation pay received by the member under such section.(g)Counseling pathwaysEach Secretary concerned shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, establish at least three pathways for members of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary concerned to receive individualized counseling under this section. The pathways shall address the needs of members based on the following factors:(1)Rank.(2)Term of service.(3)Gender.(4)Whether the member is a member of a regular or reserve component of an armed force.(5)Disability.(6)Anticipated characterization of retirement, separation, or release from the armed forces (including expedited discharge and discharge under conditions other than honorable).(7)Health (including mental health).(8)Military occupational specialty.(9)Whether the member intends, after retirement, separation, or release, to—(A)seek employment;(B)enroll in a program of higher education;(C)enroll in a program of vocational training; or(D)become an entrepreneur.(10)The educational history of the member.(11)The employment history of the member.(12)Whether the member has secured—(A)employment;(B)enrollment in a program of education; or(C)enrollment in a program of vocational training.(13)Whether the member has a spouse or any dependents.(14)Such other factors the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, consider appropriate.(h)Specific components of covered counseling, information, and servicesThe covered counseling, information, and services furnished to a member under the program under this section shall include the following:(1)Preliminary meetingBefore the commencement of the furnishing of such counseling, information, and services under the program to the member, the member shall meet in person or by video conference with a counselor, during which—(A)the counselor shall furnish to the member—(i)a self-assessment jointly designed by the Secretaries concerned (in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) to ensure that the Secretary concerned places the member in the appropriate counseling pathway under subsection (g);(ii)information regarding reenlistment in the armed forces;(iii)information regarding organizations, entities, and resources (including resources regarding military sexual trauma) for individuals who are retired, separated, or released from the armed forces that are located in the community in which the member will reside after retirement, separation, or release, including programs described in subsection (f)(5)(B) and resources through State veterans agencies as described in section 3(a) of the Improving Preseparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational, and Educational Transition for Servicemembers Act;(iv)a military-civilian equivalency review designed to determine what licensing, credentialing, and other requirements for occupations in the civilian sector align with or would be satisfied by the military occupational specialty (MOS) and other military skills and experience of the member;(v)an individualized, personality-based skills and career assessment designed to determine the individual and personal strengths and career interests of the member; and(vi)assistance in developing an individual transition plan for the member to attempt to achieve the educational, training, employment, and financial objectives of the member and, if the member has a spouse, the spouse of the member; and(B)the member may elect one or both of the following:(i)To have the Secretary concerned (in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) provide the contact information of the member to the organizations, entities, and resources described in subparagraph (A)(iii).(ii)To have the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs transmit information on the member from Department of Defense Form DD–2648 to State veterans agencies for transmittal to community-based organizations and related entities that provide or connect veterans to benefits and services in accordance with section 3 of the Improving Preseparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational, and Educational Transition for Servicemembers Act.(2)General instructionA course of general instruction, of at least one day, on such topics specified in subsection (f), or otherwise specific to the armed force concerned, as the administering Secretaries consider appropriate.(3)Instruction on specific post-service pathwaysA course of instruction, of not less than two consecutive days, on one of the following matters, as elected by the member:(A)Employment.(B)Education.(C)Entrepreneurship.(D)Career and technical training.(E)Such other matters as the administering Secretaries consider appropriate.(4)Instruction on professional development and employment assistanceA course of instruction, of at least one day, on general professional development and employment assistance, including resume-writing, interviewing skills, and such other matters as the administering Secretaries consider appropriate.(5)Instruction on veterans benefitsA course of instruction, of at least one day, on the benefits and services available under the law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, including the manner of application for receipt of such benefits and services and such other matters in connection with such benefits and services as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs considers appropriate.(6)Participation in apprenticeship programsFor a member otherwise eligible to participate in such a program, participation in an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), or a pre-apprenticeship program that provides credit toward a program registered under such Act, that provides education, training, and services necessary to transition to meaningful employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency.(7)Order of counseling and instructionA member shall receive the counseling and instruction required by paragraphs (2) and (3) before any other instruction required by this subsection. A member may undertake any other instruction required by this subsection at a pace and order satisfactory to the member, subject to the requirement to complete all such instruction by the deadline provided in subsection (d)(2).(8)Frequency of trainingThe Secretary concerned shall ensure, to the extent practicable and subject to urgent mission needs, that members who elect to undergo additional training or counseling under this subsection are able to do so—(A)before the time periods established under subsection (d); and(B)in addition to such training and instruction required during such time periods.(i)Record of receipt of covered counseling, information, and services in service recordsA notation on the receipt of counseling and instruction on each matter specified in subsections (f) and (h) in connection with the furnishing of covered counseling, information, and services under the program under this section, signed by the member concerned, shall be placed in the service record of each member receiving such counseling and instruction.(j)Use of personnel and organizationsIn carrying out the program under this section, the administering Secretaries may—(1)provide for the use of disabled veterans outreach program specialists, local veterans’ employment representatives, and other employment service personnel funded by the Department of Labor to the extent that the Secretary of Labor determines that such use will not significantly interfere with the provision of services or other benefits to eligible veterans and other eligible recipients of such services or benefits;(2)use military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security;(3)use personnel of the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs and other appropriate personnel of that Department;(4)use representatives of military and veterans’ service organizations;(5)enter into contracts with public entities;(6)enter into contracts with private entities, particularly with qualified private entities that have experience with instructing members of the armed forces eligible for covered counseling, information, and services under the program on—(A)private sector culture, resume writing, career networking, and training on job search technologies;(B)academic readiness and educational opportunities; and(C)such other matters in connection with the program as the administering Secretaries consider appropriate; and(7)take such other actions to develop and furnish information and services to be provided under the program as the administering Secretaries consider appropriate.(k)Reports and notice in connection with participation of members(1)Information within executive branchThe Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall each ensure that information on participation in the program under this section by members under the jurisdiction of such Secretary (including timeliness of receipt of covered counseling, information, and services, rates of participation on an in-person basis and an online or other electronic basis, and number of waivers (if any) issued pursuant to subsection (e)(2)) is made available by electronic means to the following:(A)Commanders at all levels of command at the installations concerned.(B)All counselors and managers of counseling under the program.(C)The Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the heads of any other departments and agencies of the Federal Government involved in the furnishing of counseling and other assistance under the program.(2)Annual report to congress(A)In generalThe Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall each submit to Congress each year a report on the furnishing of covered counseling, information, and services under the program to members of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary during the preceding year. Each report shall include, for the year covered by such report, the following:(i)The number of members eligible for covered counseling, information, and services under the program.(ii)The number of members furnished covered counseling, information, and services under the program.(iii)The number of members eligible for covered counseling, information, and services under the program who did not participate in the program.(iv)An assessment of the extent to which such counseling, information, and services were furnished within the times provided for by paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (d).(v)Rates of participation on an in-person basis and an online or other electronic basis, and number of waivers (if any) issued pursuant to subsection (e)(2).(vi)The number of members placed into each counseling pathway established under subsection (g).(vii)The number of members who received instruction in each of the post-service pathways described in subsection (h)(3).(viii)The number of members who participated in an apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program described in subsection (h)(6).(ix)The number of participants in the programs under subsection (e) of section 1143 of this title (commonly referred to as Job Training, Employment Skills, Apprenticeships and Internships (JTEST–AI) or Skill Bridge).(x)Such other information as is required to provide Congress with a comprehensive description of the participation of members in the program.(B)Presentation of informationInformation in each report under subparagraph (A) shall be broken out—(i)by armed force, and by component of the armed forces;(ii)by basis of separation from the armed forces (whether retirement or other separation and whether voluntary or involuntary); and(iii)by characterization of discharge from the armed forces.(l)Transmittal of medical information to Department of Veterans AffairsIn the case of a member being medically separated or being retired under chapter 61 of this title, the Secretary concerned shall ensure (subject to the consent of the member) that a copy of the member's service medical record (including any results of a Physical Evaluation Board) is transmitted to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs within 60 days of the separation or retirement.(m)Joint service transcriptThe Secretary concerned shall provide a copy of the joint service transcript of a member of the armed forces to the following:(1)The member—(A)at the preliminary meeting with a counselor under the program under this section pursuant to subsection (h)(1); and(B)on the day the member retires, separates, or is released from the armed forces.(2)The Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the day the member retirees, separates, or is released from the armed forces..(2)Clerical amendmentsThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 58 of such title is amended—(A)by striking the item relating to section 1142 and inserting the following new item:1142. Transition-related counseling and services: Transition Assistance Program.; and(B)by striking the item relating to section 1144.(b)Deadline for implementation of revised program(1)In generalThe administering Secretaries shall take appropriate actions to carry out any modifications to the Transition Assistance Program under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, that are required by reason of the amendments made by subsection (a) by not later than the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act in order to ensure that the furnishing of covered counseling, information, and services to members of the Armed Forces under the Program is fully implemented as of such date.(2)ReportNot later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the administering Secretaries shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on specific actions to be taken to implement any modifications to the Transition Assistance Program under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, that are required by reason of the amendments made by subsection (a).(3)DefinitionsIn this subsection, the terms administering Secretaries and covered counseling, information, and services have the meanings given such terms for purposes of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).3.Connections of members retiring or separating from the Armed Forces with community-based
 organizations and related entities(a)In generalThe Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly seek to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOUs) or other agreements with State veterans agencies under which information from Department of Defense Form DD–2648 on individuals undergoing retirement, discharge, or release from the Armed Forces is transmitted to one or more State veterans agencies, as elected by such individuals, to provide or connect veterans to benefits or services as follows:(1)Assistance in preparation of resumes.(2)Training for employment interviews.(3)Employment recruitment training.(4)Other services leading directly to a successful transition from military life to civilian life.(5)Healthcare, including care for mental health.(6)Transportation or transportation-related services.(7)Housing.(8)Such other benefits or services as the Secretaries jointly consider appropriate for purposes of this section.(b)Information transmittedThe information transmitted on individuals as described in subsection (a) shall be such information on Form DD–2648 as the Secretaries jointly consider appropriate to facilitate community-based organizations and related entities in providing or connecting such individuals to benefits and services as described in subsection (a).(c)Modification of Form DD–2648The Secretary of Defense shall make such modifications to Form DD–2648 as the Secretary considers appropriate to allow an individual filling out the form to indicate an email address at which the individual may be contacted to receive or be connected to benefits or services described in subsection (a).(d)Voluntary participationInformation on an individual may be transmitted to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a) only with the consent of the individual. In giving such consent, an individual shall specify the following:(1)The State veterans agency or agencies elected by the individual to transmit such information as described in subsection (a).(2)The benefits and services for which contact information shall be so transmitted.(3)Such other information on the individual as the individual considers appropriate in connection with the transmittal.(e)Database on organizations and entities(1)In generalThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and State veterans agencies, establish and maintain a database of community-based programs and related entities that State veterans agencies may provide or connect veterans to benefits and services described in subsection (a).(2)AccessAccess to the database shall be provided to the following:(A)Members of the Armed Forces who are retiring, separating, or being released from the Armed Forces.(B)Veterans.(3)Information for databaseIn developing the database required by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall use information obtained by the Secretary pursuant to section 401 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–407).4.Personnel matters in connection with Transition Assistance Program(a)Minimum number of dedicated personnel(1)In generalThe Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to ensure that the minimum number of full-time equivalent personnel of the Department of Defense dedicated to counseling and other activities under the Transition Assistance Program at each military installation each year is not less than one for every 250 members of the Armed Forces generally projected to be eligible for participation in the Transition Assistance Program and their spouses at such military installation in such year. The Secretary may not satisfy the requirement in this paragraph through the use of contractor personnel.(2)ApplicabilityThe Secretary shall comply with the requirement in paragraph (1) commencing not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.(b)Minimum civilian workplace requirement(1)In generalFor purposes of providing counseling under and otherwise administering the Transition Assistance Program, the Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, each individual employed by the Department of Defense to provide counseling under the Transition Assistance Program has both prior military experience and not less than two years of experience in civilian employment at the time of employment by the Department for such purposes.(2)Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that, in employing individuals to provide counseling under the Transition Assistance Program, the Secretary should consider affording a preference to individuals with longevity of experience in civilian employment at the time of employment by the Department for that purpose.(3)ApplicabilityThe Secretary shall comply with the requirement in paragraph (1) commencing not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.(c)Report on implementationNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the actions taken to implement this section, including—(1)the actions taken to implement subsection (b);(2)the number of individuals employed by the Department under subsection (b);(3)the percentage of individuals employed in connection with the Transition Assistance Program who meet the requirement in subsection (b)(1); and(4)such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate.(d)Transition Assistance Program definedIn this section, the term Transition Assistance Program means the program of counseling, information, and services under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 2 of this Act).5.Systems for tracking participation in Transition Assistance Program and related programs(a)Systems for tracking participation(1)In generalCommencing not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall each establish and maintain an electronic tracking system and database, applicable across the Armed Forces, in order to collect, assemble, and make available as described in paragraph (2) information on the participation and progress of members of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary in the Transition Assistance Program at the individual, installation, and total forces levels, including information on the following:(A)Compliance with the commencement and completion timeframes of the Transition Assistance Program required by subsection (d) of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 2 of this Act).(B)Participation and completion by members of the specific elements of the Transition Assistance Program described in subsection (h) of such section 1142.(C)Notes made by counselors in connection with the provision of casework and other services under the Transition Assistance Program.(D)Such other matters in connection with participation and progress of members in the Transition Assistance Program as such Secretary considers appropriate.(2)Availability of informationInformation in the tracking systems and databases required by paragraph (1), other than information described in paragraph (1)(C), shall be available as follows:(A)To members of the Armed Forces undergoing the transition from military life to civilian life, for the personal information of members.(B)To commanders of members of the Armed Forces at all levels of command for members under their command.(C)To all counselors and managers of counseling under the Transition Assistance Program for members they serve.(D)To the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the heads of any other departments and agencies of the Federal Government involved in the furnishing of counseling and services under the Transition Assistance Program.(b)Digital portal(1)In generalCommencing not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned shall establish and maintain an interactive, Internet-based platform for members of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary to act as a portal for members undergoing counseling under the Transition Assistance Program in order to permit such members to do the following:(A)View information on and track progress of the member concerned in the required instruction and counseling of the Transition Assistance Program.(B)View the individual assessments of the member concerned taken pursuant to clauses (i) and (v) of subsection (h)(1)(A) of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 2 of this Act).(C)View and make changes to the transition plan of the member concerned as described in subsection (h)(1)(A)(vi) of such section 1142.(D)Access information on the programs and resources available to members of the Armed Forces and their spouses at the military installation concerned in connection with the Transition Assistance Program.(E)Access information and resources related to the topics under subsection (f) of such section 1142.(F)Access the online version of the curriculum of instruction under the Transition Assistance Program.(G)Access and download a digital copy of the Joint Service Transcript of the member concerned.(H)Schedule, view, or change appointments with counselors in connection with the Transition Assistance Program.(I)Access the database maintained pursuant under section 3(d).(J)Take the surveys conducted pursuant to section 6(a).(K)Access such other digital information and resources in connection with the Transition Assistance Program as the Secretaries concerned and the administering Secretaries jointly consider appropriate.(2)Protection of privacyIn carrying out this subsection, the Secretaries concerned shall take all necessary and appropriate actions to protect the personal privacy of individual members of the Armed Forces as required by law.(c)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term Transition Assistance Program means the program of counseling, information, and services under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 2 of this Act).(2)The term Secretary concerned has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code.(3)The term administering Secretaries has the meaning given that term for purposes of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as so amended).6.Surveys
			 on member experiences with Transition Assistance Program counseling and
			 services and in
			 transition to civilian life(a)Surveys on member experiences with Transition Assistance Program counseling, information, and
 services(1)In generalEach Secretary concerned shall conduct surveys of members of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary at the conclusion of the receipt by such members of counseling, information, and services under the Transition Assistance Program in order to assess the experiences of such members, and their spouses (if applicable), in the receipt of such counseling, information, and services.(2)ElementsThe surveys under paragraph (1) shall be designed to obtain information on the Transition Assistance Program as follows:(A)Member assessments of the quality of instruction.(B)Member satisfaction with the scope and quality of courses and services, including courses under paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (h) of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 2 of this Act).(C)Member assessments of the adequacy of courses and services to meet member transition needs.(D)Obstacles or barriers confronted by members in accessing counseling and services.(E)Whether members participated in the curriculum of the Transition Assistance Program on an in-person basis or an online, other electronic, or other basis.(F)Such other matters as the administering Secretaries shall specify for purposes of this subsection.(3)CommencementEach Secretary concerned shall commence the conduct of surveys pursuant to paragraph (1) by not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.(b)Pilot program on surveys on member experiences in transition to civilian life(1)In generalThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Labor, conduct a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of surveying veterans who have been retired, discharged, or released from the Armed Forces for at least one year, and not longer than four years, at the time of a survey in order to assess the experiences of such veterans in the transition from military life to civilian life.(2)Manner of conductThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs may conduct the survey under the pilot program through a contract with a qualified non-governmental organization selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.(3)ElementsThe survey under the pilot program shall be designed to obtain the information on the following:(A)Current employment status, and employment history since retirement or separation.(B)Receipt, whether currently or in the past, of unemployment benefits.(C)Educational attainment after military service.(D)Participation of or membership in a veterans' service organization or other support or other group oriented towards veterans.(E)Satisfaction with transition, including satisfaction with counseling and assistance received in connection with transition (whether pursuant to the Transition Assistance Program or a program under any other provision of law).(F)Whether veterans participated in the curriculum of the Transition Assistance Program on an in-person basis or an online, other electronic, or other basis.(G)Challenges faced during transition.(H)If married at the time of transition—(i)participation of spouse in the counseling and assistance described in subparagraph (E); and(ii)satisfaction of spouse with the counseling and assistance described in subparagraph (E), if any, participated in by the spouse.(I)Whether veterans felt sufficiently prepared for a career, education, or other advancement after military service as a result of participation in the Transition Assistance Program.(J)Recommendations for improvements to the counseling and assistance furnished in connection with transition, or for other mechanisms to ease and facilitate transition.(K)Such other matters as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the other Secretaries referred to in paragraph (1), considers appropriate.(4)Survey resultsThe results of the survey under the pilot program shall be broken out by number of years post-separation of the veterans covered by the survey.(5)ReportNot later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the pilot program. The report shall set forth the following:(A)The results of the survey conducted under the pilot program.(B)An assessment by the Secretary of the feasibility and advisability of continuing surveys such as the survey under the pilot program on a permanent basis, as frequently as once every two years or such other frequency as the Secretary considers appropriate.(c)Protection of privacyIn carrying out this section, the administering Secretaries, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretaries concerned shall take all necessary and appropriate actions to protect the personal privacy of individual members of the Armed Forces and veterans as required by law.(d)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term Transition Assistance Program means the program of counseling, information, and services under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 2 of this Act).(2)The term Secretary concerned has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code.(3)The term administering Secretaries has the meaning given that term for purposes of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as so amended).7.Command matters in connection with transition assistance programs(a)Inclusion of support for participation in programs in command climate assessmentsEach command climate assessment for the commander of a military installation shall include an assessment of the extent to which the commander and other command personnel at the installation encourage and support the participation in covered transition assistance programs of members of the Armed Forces at the installation who are eligible for participation in such programs.(b)Training on programsThe training provided a commander of a military installation in connection with the commencement of assignment to the installation shall include a module on the covered transition assistance programs available for members of the Armed Forces assigned to the installation.(c)Covered transition assistance programs definedIn this section, the term covered transition assistance programs means the following:(1)The program of counseling, information, and services under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 2 of this Act (commonly referred to as the Transition Assistance Program).(2)The programs under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code (commonly referred to as Job Training, Employment Skills, Apprenticeships and Internships (JTEST–AI) or Skill Bridge).(3)Any other program of apprenticeship, on-the-job training, internship, or transition assistance specified by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of this section.8.Comptroller General of the United States report on participation in transition assistance programs
			 at small and remote military
 installations(a)Report requiredNot later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on a review, conducted by the Comptroller General for purposes of the report, on the participation in covered transition assistance programs of members of the Armed Forces assigned to small military installations and remote military installations in the United States.(b)Covered transition assistance programsFor purposes of this section, covered transition assistance programs are the following:(1)The Transition Assistance Program.(2)The programs under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code (commonly referred to as Job Training, Employment Skills, Apprenticeships and Internships (JTEST–AI) or Skill Bridge).(3)Any other program of apprenticeship, on-the-job training, or internship offered at a small military installation or remote installation that the Comptroller General considers appropriate for inclusion in the review under this section.(c)Small military installations; remote military installationsFor purposes of this section:(1)A small military installation is an installation at which are assigned not more than 10,000 members of the Armed Forces.(2)A remote military installation is an installation that is located more than 50 miles from any city with a population of 50,000 people or more (as determined by the Office of Management and Budget).(d)Scope of reviewIn conducting the review, the Comptroller General shall evaluate participation in covered transition assistance programs at a number of small military installations and remote military installations that is sufficient to provide a complete understanding of the participation in such programs of members of the Armed Forces at such installations throughout the United States.(e)ElementsThe review under this section shall include the following:(1)Rates of participation of members of the Armed Forces in covered transition assistance programs at small military installations and remote military installations in the United States.(2)In the case of the Transition Assistance Program, the following:(A)Compliance with the deadlines for participation provided for in subsection (d) of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 2 of this Act).(B)A comparison between rates of participation in person and rates of participation on line.(C)The average ratio of permanent, full-time equivalent program staff to participating members at small military installations and at remote military installations.(D)The average number of program staff (including full-time equivalent staff and contractor staff) physically and permanently located on installation at small military installations and at remote military installations.(3)Such other matters with respect to participation in covered transition assistance programs of members assigned to small military installations and remote military installations as the Comptroller General considers appropriate.(f)Transition Assistance Program definedIn this section, the term Transition Assistance Program means the program of counseling, information, and services under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 2 of this Act).9.Education of members of the Armed Forces on career readiness and professional development(a)Programs of education required(1)In generalChapter 101 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2015 the following new section:2015a.Education of members on career readiness and professional development(a)Program of education requiredThe Secretary of Defense shall carry out a program to provide education on career readiness and professional development to members of the armed forces.(b)ElementsThe program under this section shall provide members with the following:(1)Information on the transition plan as described in section 1142(h)(1)(A)(vi) of this title.(2)Information on opportunities available to members during military service for professional development and preparation for a career after military service, including—(A)programs of education, certification, training, and employment assistance (including programs under sections 1143(e), 2007, and 2015 of this title); and(B)programs and resources available to members in communities in the vicinity of military installations.(3)Instruction on the use of online and other electronic mechanisms in order to access the education, training, and assistance and resources described in paragraph (2).(4)Such other information, instruction, and matters as the Secretary shall specify for purposes of this section.(c)Timing of provision of informationSubject to subsection (d), information, instruction, and other matters under the program under this section shall be provided to members at the times as follows:(1)Upon arrival at first duty station.(2)Upon arrival at any subsequent duty station.(3)Upon deployment.(4)Upon promotion.(5)Upon reenlistment.(6)At any other point in a military career specified by the Secretary for purposes of this section.(d)Single provision of information in a year with multiple eventsA member who has received information and instruction under the program under this section in connection with an event specified in subsection (c) in a year may elect not to undergo additional receipt of information and instruction under the program in connection with another such event in the year, unless such other event is arrival at a new duty station..(2)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 101 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2015 the following new item:2015a. Education of members on career readiness and professional development..(b)Report on implementationNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the program of education required by section 2015a of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), including the following:(1)A comprehensive description of the actions taken to implement the program of education.(2)A comprehensive description of the program of education.10.Sense of Congress on Transition Assistance Program and other transition-related assistance for members of the Armed ForcesIt is the sense of Congress—(1)to acknowledge that the Armed Forces face significant and often competing pressures in carrying out its essential and fundamental mission to defend the nation;(2)that ensuring the effective transition of members of the Armed Forces from military life to civilian life represents an essential component of this mission, contributing directly to the long-term success of the United States military and its missions through its effects on—(A)the long-term success and well-being of current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families;(B)the perception of the Armed Forces by the American public; and(C)the civilian-military partnership integral to the United States military;(3)that the program of counseling, information, and services under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 2 of this Act), while effective in the worthy goal of reducing the need for unemployment assistance among former members of the Armed Forces, should be designed and carried out for the holistic benefit, in both good and bad economic climates, of members of the Armed Forces participating in the program, and not simply as a metric or tool for employment;(4)to support and commend efforts by the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor, and other agencies of the Federal Government in coordinating Federal and State efforts to assist members of the Armed Forces in identifying civilian equivalences for military occupational skills, but also to urge the Department of Defense to ensure that the Transition Assistance Program also provides members the tools and assistance for reinventing themselves during the transition from military life to civilian life, even when their new personal and professional goals do not align with their military occupations;(5)to commend and further encourage efforts to incorporate metrics for compliance with Transition Assistance Program requirements into leadership assessments and criteria for promotion of commanding officers in the Armed Forces;(6)to encourage the Secretary of Defense to assign accountability and responsibility for compliance with Transition Assistance Program requirements to the lowest level of command appropriate and to establish uniform, Armed Forces-wide policy on the individuals at unit level who are responsible for monitoring compliance of members of the Armed Forces with such requirements;(7)that the Secretary of Defense should seek to enhance collaboration and access to transition-related services by members of the Armed Forces by seeking to co-locate Federal, State, and local officials and contractors who administer the Transition Assistance Program and State and local officials and partner, non-governmental entities associated with the Transition Assistance Program or who offer transition-related services in the same or proximate physical locations, when possible;(8)that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor should seek to minimize subjectivity in career readiness metrics under the Transition Assistance Program in accordance with recommendations of the Comptroller General of the United States; and(9)to encourage the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs and appropriate State agencies to work together, and with veterans service organizations, to establish in States or locales, as appropriate, local points of contact responsible for—(A)at the election of members of the Armed Forces relocating to such State or locale after military service, contacting the members before separation from the Armed Forces;(B)providing members of the Armed Force with employment, education, and other appropriate information about the State or locale to assist in relocation; and(C)coordinating services for members of the Armed Forces and the spouses who relocate to the State or locale after military service.


116 HR 6494 IH: Business Interruption Insurance Coverage Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-04-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6494IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 14, 2020Mr. Thompson of California (for himself, Mr. Larson of Connecticut, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mr. McNerney, Mr. Cisneros, Mr. Cox of California, Mr. Garamendi, and Mr. Soto) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial ServicesA BILLTo make available insurance coverage for business interruption losses due to viral pandemics, forced closures of businesses, mandatory evacuations, and public safety power shut-offs, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Business Interruption Insurance Coverage Act of 2020.2.Business interruption coverage requirementsEffective upon the date of the enactment of this Act, each insurer that offers or makes available business interruption insurance coverage—(1)shall make available, in all of its policies providing business interruption insurance, coverage for losses resulting from—(A)any viral pandemic;(B)any forced closure of businesses, or mandatory evacuation, by law or order of any government or governmental officer or agency, including the Federal Government and State and local governments; or(C)any power shut-off conducted for public safety purposes; and(2)shall make available business interruption insurance coverage for losses specified in paragraph (1) that does not differ materially from the terms, amounts, and other coverage limitations applicable to losses arising from events other than those specified in paragraph (1).3.Preemption and nullification of pre-existing exclusions(a)General nullificationAny exclusion in a contract for business interruption insurance that is in force on the date of the enactment of this Act shall be void to the extent that it excludes losses specified in section 2(1).(b)General preemptionAny State approval of any exclusion of losses from a contract for business interruption insurance that is in force on the date of the enactment of this Act shall be void to the extent that it excludes losses specified in section 2(1).(c)Reinstatement of exclusionsNotwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) or any provision of State law, an insurer may reinstate a preexisting provision in a contract for business interruption insurance that is in force on the date of the enactment of this Act and that excludes coverage for losses specified in section 2(1) only—(1)if the insurer has received a written statement from the insured that affirmatively authorizes such reinstatement; or(2)if—(A)the insured fails to pay any increased premium charged by the insurer for providing such business interruption coverage; and(B)the insurer provided notice, at least 30 days before any such reinstatement, of—(i)the increased premium for such business interruption coverage; and(ii)the rights of the insured with respect to such coverage, including any date upon which the exclusion would be reinstated if no payment is received.4.DefinitionsFor purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply:(1)Business interruption insurance coverageThe term business interruption insurance coverage means property and casualty insurance coverage provided or made available for losses resulting from periods of suspended business operations, whether provided under broader coverage or separately.(2)InsurerThe term insurer has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 6701 note).


115 HR 4013 IH: 2020 American Census Investment Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-10-11
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.

I
115th CONGRESS1st Session
H. R. 4013
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 11, 2017
Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York (for herself, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Mr. Takano, Mr. Gallego, Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, and Mr. Cummings) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations

A BILL
Making appropriations for the Bureau of the Census for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the 2020 American Census Investment Act.  2.Appropriations for the Bureau of the CensusThe following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018:Bureau of the CensusCurrent Surveys and ProgramsFor necessary expenses for collecting, compiling, analyzing, preparing and publishing statistics, provided for by law, $300,000,000: Provided, That, from amounts provided herein, funds may be used for promotion, outreach, and marketing activities: Provided further, That the Bureau of the Census shall collect and analyze data for the Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey using the same health insurance questions included in previous years, in addition to the revised questions implemented in the Current Population Survey beginning in February 2014.Period censuses and programs(Including transfer of funds)For necessary expenses for collecting, compiling, analyzing, preparing and publishing statistics for periodic censuses and programs provided for by law, $1,635,000,000: Provided, That, from amounts provided herein, funds shall be used for promotion, outreach, and marketing activities: Provided further, That within the amounts appropriated, $2,580,000 shall be transferred to the Department of Commerce—Office of Inspector General account for activities associated with carrying out investigations and audits related to the Bureau of the Census: Provided further, That not more than 50 percent of the amounts made available under this heading for information technology related to 2020 census delivery, including the Census Enterprise Data Collection and Processing (CEDCaP) program, may be obligated until the Secretary submits to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a plan for expenditure that: (1) identifies for each CEDCaP project/investment over $25,000: (A) the functional and performance capabilities to be delivered and the mission benefits to be realized; (B) the estimated lifecycle cost, including estimates for development as well as maintenance and operations; and (C) key milestones to be met; (2) details for each project/investment: (A) reasons for any cost and schedule variances; and (B) top risks and mitigation strategies; and (3) has been submitted to the Government Accountability Office.


 HR 995 ENR: To amend Public Law 106–348 to extend the

U.S. House of Representatives
0
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 Tenth Congress of the United States of
		  America
		At the First SessionBegun and held
		at the City of Washington on Thursday, the fourth day of January, two thousand
		and seven
		H. R. 995

		AN ACT
		To amend Public Law 106–348 to extend the
		  authorization for establishing a memorial in the District of Columbia or its
		  environs to honor veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed
		  Forces of the United States.

		1.Extension of authority for
			 establishing disabled veterans memorialPublic Law 106–348 is amended—
			(1)in subsection
			 (b)—
				(A)by striking
			 The establishment and inserting Except as provided in
			 subsection (e), the establishment; and
				(B)by striking
			 the Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) and
			 inserting chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code;
				(2)in
			 subsection (d)—
				(A)by striking
			 section 8(b) of the Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. 1008(b))
			 and inserting section 8906 of title 40, United States
			 Code;
				(B)by striking
			 or upon expiration of the authority for the memorial under section 10(b)
			 of such Act (40 U.S.C. 1010(b)),; and
				(C)by striking
			 section 8(b)(1) of such Act (40 U.S.C. 1008(b)(1) and inserting
			 8906(b)(2) or (3) of such title; and
				(3)by adding at the
			 end the following new subsection:

					(e)Termination of
				authorityNotwithstanding
				section 8903(e) of title 40, United States Code, the authority to establish a
				memorial under this section shall expire on October 24,
				2015.
					.

			Speaker of the House of Representatives.

			Vice President of the United States and President of the
			 Senate.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 2505
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			December 18, 2007
			Ms. Cantwell introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To allow employees of a commercial passenger airline
		  carrier who receive payments in a bankruptcy proceeding to roll over such
		  payments into an individual retirement plan, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Rollover of amounts received
			 in airline carrier bankruptcy to eligible retirement plans
			(a)General
			 ruleIf—
				(1)a qualified
			 airline employee receives any eligible rollover amount, and
				(2)the qualified
			 airline employee transfers any portion of such amount to an individual
			 retirement plan (as defined in section 7701(a)(37) of the Internal Revenue Code
			 of 1986) within 180 days of receipt of such amount (or, if later, within 180
			 days of the date of the enactment of this Act),
				then,
			 except as provided in subsection (b), such amount (to the extent so
			 transferred) shall not be includible in gross income for the taxable year in
			 which paid.(b)Transfers to
			 Roth IRAs
				(1)In
			 generalIf a transfer described in subsection (a) is made to a
			 Roth IRA (as defined in section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986),
			 then—
					(A)50 percent of the
			 portion of any eligible rollover amount so transferred shall be includible in
			 gross income in the first taxable year following the taxable year in which the
			 eligible rollover amount was paid, and
					(B)50 percent of
			 such portion shall be includible in gross income in the second taxable year
			 following the taxable year in which the eligible rollover amount was
			 paid.
					(2)Election to
			 include in income in year of paymentNotwithstanding paragraph
			 (1), a qualified airline employee may elect to include any portion so
			 transferred in gross income in the taxable year in which the eligible rollover
			 amount was paid.
				(3)Income
			 limitations not to applyThe limitations described in section
			 408A(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall not apply to a transfer
			 to which paragraph (1) or (2) applies.
				(c)Treatment of
			 eligible rollover amounts and transfers
				(1)Treatment of
			 eligible rollover amounts for employment taxesFor purposes of
			 chapter 21 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and section 209 of the Social
			 Security Act, an eligible rollover amount shall not fail to be treated as a
			 payment of wages by the commercial passenger airline carrier to the qualified
			 airline employee in the taxable year of payment because such amount is not
			 includible in gross income by reason of subsection (a) or is includible in
			 income in a subsequent taxable year by reason of subsection (b).
				(2)Treatment of
			 rolloversA transfer under subsection (a) shall be treated as a
			 rollover contribution described in section 408(d)(3) of the Internal Revenue
			 Code of 1986, except that in the case of a transfer to which subsection (b)
			 applies, the transfer shall be treated as a qualified rollover contribution
			 described in section 408A(e) of such Code.
				(d)Definitions and
			 special rulesFor purposes of this section—
				(1)Eligible
			 rollover amount
					(A)In
			 generalThe term eligible rollover amount means any
			 payment of any money or other property which is payable by a commercial
			 passenger airline carrier to a qualified airline employee—
						(i)under the
			 approval of an order of a Federal bankruptcy court in a case filed after
			 September 11, 2001, and before January 1, 2007, and
						(ii)in
			 respect of the qualified airline employee's interest in—
							(I)a bankruptcy
			 claim against the carrier,
							(II)any note of the
			 carrier (or any amount paid in lieu of a note being issued), or
							(III)any other fixed
			 obligation of the carrier to pay a lump sum amount.
							(B)ExceptionAn
			 eligible rollover amount shall not include any amount payable on the basis of
			 the carrier's future earnings or profits.
					(2)Qualified
			 airline employeeThe term qualified airline employee
			 means an employee or former employee of a commercial passenger airline carrier
			 who was a participant in a defined benefit plan maintained by the carrier
			 which—
					(A)is a plan
			 described in section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which includes
			 a trust exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code, and
					(B)was terminated or
			 became subject to the restrictions contained in paragraphs (2) and (3) of
			 section 402(b) of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
					(3)Reporting
			 requirementsIf a commercial passenger airline carrier pays 1 or
			 more eligible rollover amounts, the carrier shall, within 90 days of such
			 payment (or, if later, within 90 days of the date of the enactment of this
			 Act), report—
					(A)to the Secretary,
			 the names of the qualified airline employees to whom such amounts were paid,
			 and
					(B)to the Secretary
			 and to such employees, the years and the amounts of the payments.
					Such reports
			 shall be in such form, and contain such additional information, as the
			 Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.(e)Effective
			 dateThis section shall apply to transfers made after the date of
			 the enactment of this Act with respect to eligible rollover amounts paid
			 before, on, or after such date.


116 S1698 IS: Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act
U.S. Senate
2019-06-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1698IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 3, 2019Mr. Casey introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend title XIX of the Social Security Act and the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act to
			 ensure health insurance coverage continuity for
 former foster youth. 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act.2.Coverage continuity for former foster care children up to age 26(a)In generalSection 1002(a)(1)(B) of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (Public Law 115–271) is amended by striking all that follows after item (cc), and inserting the following: by striking responsibility of the State and all that follows through 475(8)(B)(iii); and and inserting responsibility of a State on the date of attaining 18 years of age (or such higher age as such State has elected under section 475(8)(B)(iii)), or who were in such care at any age but subsequently left such care to enter into a legal guardianship with a kinship caregiver (without regard to whether kinship guardianship payments are being made on behalf of the child under this part) or were emancipated from such care prior to attaining age 18;.(b)Amendments to Social Security Act(1)In generalSection 1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(IX) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)(IX)), as amended by section 1002(a) of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (Public Law 115–271), is amended—(A)in item (bb), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting ; and; and(B)by striking item (dd).(2)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on January 1, 2023.3.Outreach efforts for enrollment of former foster childrenSection 1902(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)) is amended—(1)in paragraph (85), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;(2)in paragraph (86), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and(3)by inserting after paragraph (86) the following new paragraph:(87)not later than January 1, 2020, establish an outreach and enrollment program, in coordination with the State agency responsible for administering the State plan under part E of title IV and any other appropriate or interested agencies, designed to increase the enrollment of individuals who are eligible for medical assistance under the State plan under paragraph (10)(A)(i)(IX) in accordance with best practices established by the Secretary..


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5078
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 27, 2012
			Mr. Gerlach
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on Acephate
		  formulation.

		1.Acephate formulation
			(a)In
			 generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff
			 Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting in numerical sequence the
			 following new heading:

								9902.01.00N-[methoxy (methylthio) phosphinoyl]acetamide (CAS No.
						30560–19–1) formulation (provided for in subheading 3808.91.50)FreeNo
						changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

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


116 S341 IS: Department of Veterans Affairs Procurement Efficiency and Transparency Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-02-05
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. 341IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 5, 2019Mr. Gardner (for himself and Ms. Sinema) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the procurement practices of the Department of
			 Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Department of Veterans Affairs Procurement Efficiency and Transparency Act of 2019. 2.Information on cost or price savings from competition (a)In generalChapter 81 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8128 the following new section:

					8129.Information on cost or price savings from competition
 (a)Recording of informationWith respect to any contract awarded by the Secretary that is reported in the Federal Procurement Data System described in section 1122(a)(4)(A) of title 41, or any successor system, the Secretary shall record information on the amount of any cost or price savings realized by using competitive procedures in awarding such contract.
 (b)Placement of recordsThe Secretary shall place recorded information under subsection (a) as follows: (1)With respect to contracts recorded in the Electronic Contract Management System, or any successor system, in such system.
 (2)With respect to contracts not covered by paragraph (1), in a location determined appropriate by the Secretary.
 (c)Calculation of cost savings(1)In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall calculate the amount of cost or price savings realized by using competitive procedures in awarding a contract by—
 (A)subtracting the total value of the selected offer or quote from the average of the total values of all offers or quotes evaluated; or
 (B)subtracting the total value of the selected offer or quote from the total value of the median offer or quote evaluated.
 (2)If the difference calculated pursuant to paragraph (1) is negative, the Secretary shall record such difference as zero.
 (3)The Secretary shall make calculations under paragraph (1) with respect to a contract— (A)at the time at which the Secretary obligates amounts under such contract; or
 (B)if such contract contains options, at the time at which the option is exercised.. (b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 8128 the following new item:
				8129. Information on cost or price savings from competition..
 3.Use of standardized procurement templatesTo the extent practicable, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make available and use on a Department-wide basis the standardized procurement templates used by the Central Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. In carrying out this section, the Secretary may customize such templates to address particular procurement situations.


113 HR 1582 : Energy Consumers Relief Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-09-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IIB
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1582
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			September 9, 2013
			Received; read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Environment and Public
			 Works

		AN ACT
		To protect consumers by prohibiting the
		  Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating as final
		  certain energy-related rules that are estimated to cost more than $1 billion
		  and will cause significant adverse effects to the economy.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Energy Consumers Relief Act of
			 2013.
		2.Prohibition
			 against finalizing certain energy-related rules that will cause significant
			 adverse effects to the economyNotwithstanding any other provision of law,
			 the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may not promulgate as
			 final an energy-related rule that is estimated to cost more than $1 billion if
			 the Secretary of Energy determines under section 3(3) that the rule will cause
			 significant adverse effects to the economy.
		3.Reports and
			 determinations prior to promulgating as final certain energy-related
			 rulesBefore promulgating as
			 final any energy-related rule that is estimated to cost more than $1
			 billion:
			(1)Report to
			 CongressThe Administrator of
			 the Environmental Protection Agency shall submit to Congress a report (and
			 transmit a copy to the Secretary of Energy) containing—
				(A)a copy of the
			 rule;
				(B)a concise general
			 statement relating to the rule;
				(C)an estimate of the
			 total costs of the rule, including the direct costs and indirect costs of the
			 rule;
				(D)(i)an estimate of the total
			 benefits of the rule and when such benefits are expected to be realized;
					(ii)a description of the modeling, the
			 calculations, the assumptions, and the limitations due to uncertainty,
			 speculation, or lack of information associated with the estimates under this
			 subparagraph; and
					(iii)a certification that all data and documents
			 relied upon by the Agency in developing such estimates—
						(I)have been preserved; and
						(II)are available for review by the public
			 on the Agency’s Web site, except to the extent to which publication of such
			 data and documents would constitute disclosure of confidential information in
			 violation of applicable Federal law;
						(E)an estimate of the
			 increases in energy prices, including potential increases in gasoline or
			 electricity prices for consumers, that may result from implementation or
			 enforcement of the rule; and
				(F)a detailed
			 description of the employment effects, including potential job losses and
			 shifts in employment, that may result from implementation or enforcement of the
			 rule.
				(2)Initial
			 determination on increases and impactsThe Secretary of Energy,
			 in consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the
			 Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, shall prepare an
			 independent analysis to determine whether the rule will cause—
				(A)any increase in
			 energy prices for consumers, including low-income households, small businesses,
			 and manufacturers;
				(B)any impact on fuel
			 diversity of the Nation’s electricity generation portfolio or on national,
			 regional, or local electric reliability;
				(C)any adverse effect on energy supply,
			 distribution, or use due to the economic or technical infeasibility of
			 implementing the rule; or
				(D)any other adverse effect on energy supply,
			 distribution, or use (including a shortfall in supply and increased use of
			 foreign supplies).
				(3)Subsequent
			 determination on adverse effects to the economyIf the Secretary of Energy determines,
			 under paragraph (2), that the rule will cause an increase, impact, or effect
			 described in such paragraph, then the Secretary, in consultation with the
			 Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of
			 Commerce, the Secretary of Labor, and the Administrator of the Small Business
			 Administration, shall—
				(A)determine whether the rule will cause
			 significant adverse effects to the economy, taking into consideration—
					(i)the costs and benefits of the rule and
			 limitations in calculating such costs and benefits due to uncertainty,
			 speculation, or lack of information; and
					(ii)the
			 positive and negative impacts of the rule on economic indicators, including
			 those related to gross domestic product, unemployment, wages, consumer prices,
			 and business and manufacturing activity; and
					(B)publish the
			 results of such determination in the Federal Register.
				4.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)The terms
			 direct costs and indirect costs have the meanings
			 given such terms in chapter 8 of the Environmental Protection Agency’s
			 Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analyses dated December 17,
			 2010.
			(2)The term energy-related rule that is
			 estimated to cost more than $1 billion means a rule of the Environmental
			 Protection Agency that—
				(A)regulates any aspect of the production,
			 supply, distribution, or use of energy or provides for such regulation by
			 States or other governmental entities; and
				(B)is estimated by the Administrator of the
			 Environmental Protection Agency or the Director of the Office of Management and
			 Budget to impose direct costs and indirect costs, in the aggregate, of more
			 than $1,000,000,000.
				(3)The term rule has the meaning
			 given to such term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code.
			5.Prohibition on
			 use of social cost of carbon in analysis
			(a)In
			 generalNotwithstanding any
			 other provision of law or any executive order, the Administrator of the
			 Environmental Protection Agency may not use the social cost of carbon in order
			 to incorporate social benefits of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, or for any
			 other reason, in any cost-benefit analysis relating to an energy-related rule
			 that is estimated to cost more than $1 billion unless and until a Federal law
			 is enacted authorizing such use.
			(b)DefinitionIn
			 this section, the term social cost of carbon means the social
			 cost of carbon as described in the technical support document entitled
			 Technical Support Document: Technical Update of the Social Cost of
			 Carbon for Regulatory Impact Analysis Under Executive Order 12866,
			 published by the Interagency Working Group on Social Cost of Carbon, United
			 States Government, in May 2013, or any successor or substantially related
			 document, or any other estimate of the monetized damages associated
			 with an incremental increase in carbon dioxide emissions in a given
			 year.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives August 1, 2013.
			Karen L. Haas,
			Clerk