116 HR 2607 IH: Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-05-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2607IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 8, 2019Mr. Westerman (for himself, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Ms. Cheney, Mr. Cook, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, Mr. Gianforte, Mr. Gosar, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Johnson of South Dakota, Mr. LaMalfa, Mr. McClintock, Mrs. Rodgers of Washington, Mr. Newhouse, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Tipton, Mr. Walden, Mr. Young, Mr. Fulcher, and Mr. Curtis) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo expedite under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management
			 activities on National Forest System lands, on public lands under the
			 jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and on Tribal lands to
			 return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands, and for other
			 purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2019. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
					Sec. 2. Definitions.
					Sec. 3. Rule of application for National Forest System lands and public lands.
					Title I—Expedited Environmental Analysis and Availability of Categorical Exclusions to Expedite
			 Forest Management Activities
					Subtitle A—Analysis of Proposed Collaborative Forest Management Activities
					Sec. 101. Analysis of only two alternatives (action versus no action) in proposed collaborative
			 forest management activities.
					Subtitle B—Categorical Exclusions
					Sec. 111. Categorical exclusion to expedite certain critical response actions.
					Sec. 112. Categorical exclusion to expedite salvage operations in response to catastrophic events.
					Sec. 113. Categorical exclusion to meet forest plan goals for early successional forests.
					Sec. 114. Categorical exclusion for road side projects.
					Sec. 115. Categorical exclusion to improve or restore National Forest System Lands or public land
			 or reduce the risk of wildfire.
					Sec. 116. Treatment areas.
					Sec. 117. Administrative review.
					Sec. 118. Wildfire resilience projects.
					Subtitle C—General Provisions for Forest Management Activities
					Sec. 121. Compliance with forest plans.
					Sec. 122. Consultation under the National Historic Preservation Act.
					Sec. 123. Consultation under the Endangered Species Act.
					Sec. 124. Forest management activities considered non-discretionary actions.
					Title II—Salvage and Reforestation in Response to Catastrophic Events
					Sec. 201. Expedited salvage operations and reforestation activities following large-scale
			 catastrophic events.
					Sec. 202. Compliance with forest plan.
					Sec. 203. Prohibition on restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and injunctions pending
			 appeal.
					Title III—Forest Management Litigation
					Subtitle A—General Litigation Provisions
					Sec. 301. No attorney fees for forest management activity challenges.
					Sec. 302. Injunctive relief.
					Subtitle B—Forest Management Activity Arbitration Pilot Program
					Sec. 311. Use of arbitration instead of litigation to address challenges to forest management
			 activities.
					Title IV—Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act Amendments
					Sec. 401. Use of reserved funds for title II projects on Federal land and certain non-Federal land.
					Title V—Stewardship End Result Contracting
					Sec. 501. Payment of portion of stewardship project revenues to county in which stewardship project
			 occurs.
					Sec. 502. Fire liability provision.
					Sec. 503. Extension of stewardship contracting maximum term limits.
					Title VI—Tribal Forestry Participation and Protection
					Sec. 601. Protection of Tribal forest assets through use of stewardship end result contracting and
			 other authorities.
					Sec. 602. Management of Indian forest land authorized to include related National Forest System
			 lands and public lands.
					Sec. 603. Tribal forest management demonstration project.
					Sec. 604. Rule of application.
					Title VII— Expediting Interagency Consultation
					Subtitle A—Forest Plans Not Considered Major Federal Actions
					Sec. 701. Forest plans not considered major Federal actions.
					Subtitle B—Agency Consultation
					Sec. 711. Consultation under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974.
					Title VIII—Miscellaneous
					Subtitle A—Forest Management Provisions
					Sec. 801. Clarification of existing categorical exclusion authority related to insect and disease
			 infestation.
					Sec. 802. Revision of alternate consultation agreement regulations.
					Sec. 803. Revision of extraordinary circumstances regulations.
					Sec. 804. Conditions on Forest Service road decommissioning.
					Sec. 805. Prohibition on application of Eastside Screens requirements on National Forest System
			 lands.
					Sec. 806. Use of site-specific forest plan amendments for certain projects and activities.
					Sec. 807. Knutson-Vandenberg Act modifications.
					Sec. 808. Application of Northwest Forest Plan Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standard and
			 Guidelines.
					Sec. 809. Reconstruction and repair included in good neighbor agreements.
					Subtitle B—Oregon and California Railroad Grant Lands and Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant Lands
					Sec. 811. Amendments to the Act of August 28, 1937.
					Sec. 812. Oregon and California Railroad Grant Lands and Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands permanent
			 rights of access.
					Sec. 813. Management of Bureau of Land Management lands in Western Oregon.

 2.DefinitionsIn titles I through IX: (1)Catastrophic eventThe term catastrophic event means any natural disaster (such as hurricane, tornado, windstorm, snow or ice storm, rain storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, drought, or insect or disease outbreak) or any fire, flood, or explosion, regardless of cause.
 (2)Collaborative processThe term collaborative process refers to a process relating to the management of National Forest System lands or public lands by which a project or forest management activity is developed and implemented by the Secretary concerned through collaboration with interested persons, as described in section 603(b)(1)(C) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591b(b)(1)(C)).
 (3)Community wildfire protection planThe term community wildfire protection plan has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511).
 (4)Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant landsThe term Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands means the lands reconveyed to the United States pursuant to the first section of the Act of February 26, 1919 (40 Stat. 1179).
 (5)Forest management activityThe term forest management activity means a project or activity carried out by the Secretary concerned on National Forest System lands or public lands consistent with the forest plan covering the lands.
 (6)Forest planThe term forest plan means— (A)a land use plan prepared by the Bureau of Land Management for public lands pursuant to section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712); or
 (B)a land and resource management plan prepared by the Forest Service for a unit of the National Forest System pursuant to section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604).
 (7)Large-scale catastrophic eventThe term large-scale catastrophic event means a catastrophic event that adversely impacts at least 5,000 acres of reasonably contiguous National Forest System lands or public lands, as determined by the Secretary concerned.
 (8)National Forest SystemThe term National Forest System has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
 (9)Oregon and California railroad grant landsThe term Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands means the following lands: (A)All lands in the State of Oregon revested in the United States under the Act of June 9, 1916 (39 Stat. 218), that are administered by the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management, pursuant to the first section of the Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 1181a).
 (B)All lands in that State obtained by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the land exchanges authorized and directed by section 2 of the Act of June 24, 1954 (43 U.S.C. 1181h).
 (C)All lands in that State acquired by the United States at any time and made subject to the provisions of title II of the Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 1181f).
 (10)Public landsThe term public lands has the meaning given that term in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702), except that the term includes Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands and Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands.
 (11)Reforestation activityThe term reforestation activity means a project or forest management activity carried out by the Secretary concerned whose primary purpose is the reforestation of impacted lands following a large-scale catastrophic event. The term includes planting, evaluating and enhancing natural regeneration, clearing competing vegetation, and other activities related to reestablishment of forest species on the impacted lands.
 (12)Resource advisory committeeThe term resource advisory committee has the meaning given that term in section 201 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7121).
 (13)Salvage operationThe term salvage operation means a forest management activity and restoration activities carried out in response to a catastrophic event where the primary purpose is—
 (A)to prevent wildfire as a result of the catastrophic event, or, if the catastrophic event was wildfire, to prevent a re-burn of the fire-impacted area;
 (B)to provide an opportunity for utilization of forest materials damaged as a result of the catastrophic event; or
 (C)to provide a funding source for reforestation and other restoration activities for the National Forest System lands or public lands impacted by the catastrophic event.
 (14)Secretary concernedThe term Secretary concerned means— (A)the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands; and
 (B)the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands. 3.Rule of application for National Forest System lands and public landsUnless specifically provided by a provision of titles I through IX, the authorities provided by such titles do not apply with respect to any National Forest System lands or public lands—
 (1)that are included in the National Wilderness Preservation System; (2)that are located within a national or State-specific inventoried roadless area established by the Secretary of Agriculture through regulation, unless—
 (A)the forest management activity to be carried out under such authority is consistent with the forest plan applicable to the area; or
 (B)the Secretary concerned determines the activity is allowed under the applicable roadless rule governing such lands; or
 (3)on which timber harvesting for any purpose is prohibited by Federal statute. IExpedited Environmental Analysis and Availability of Categorical Exclusions to Expedite Forest Management Activities AAnalysis of Proposed Collaborative Forest Management Activities 101.Analysis of only two alternatives (action versus no action) in proposed collaborative forest management activities (a)Application to certain Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact StatementsThis section shall apply whenever the Secretary concerned prepares an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement pursuant to section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332) for a forest management activity that—
 (1)is developed through a collaborative process; (2)is proposed by a resource advisory committee;
 (3)will occur on lands identified by the Secretary concerned as suitable for timber production; (4)will occur on lands designated by the Secretary (or designee thereof) pursuant to section 602(b) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a(b)), notwithstanding whether such forest management activity is initiated prior to the date of enactment of this Act; or
 (5)is covered by a community wildfire protection plan. (b)Consideration of alternativesIn an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement described in subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall study, develop, and describe only the following two alternatives:
 (1)The forest management activity. (2)The alternative of no action.
 (c)Elements of no action alternativeIn the case of the alternative of no action, the Secretary concerned shall consider whether to evaluate—
 (1)the effect of no action on— (A)forest health;
 (B)habitat diversity; (C)wildfire potential;
 (D)insect and disease potential; and (E)timber production; and
 (2)the implications of a resulting decline in forest health, loss of habitat diversity, wildfire, or insect or disease infestation, given fire and insect and disease historic cycles, on—
 (A)domestic water supply in the project area; (B)wildlife habitat loss; and
 (C)other economic and social factors. BCategorical Exclusions 111.Categorical exclusion to expedite certain critical response actions (a)Categorical exclusion establishedForest management activities described in subsection (b) are a category of actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
 (b)Forest management activities designated for categorical exclusionThe forest management activities designated under this section for a categorical exclusion are forest management activities carried out by the Secretary concerned on National Forest System lands or public lands where the primary purpose of such activity is—
 (1)to address an insect or disease infestation; (2)to reduce hazardous fuel loads;
 (3)to protect a municipal water source; (4)to maintain, enhance, or modify critical habitat to protect it from catastrophic disturbances;
 (5)to increase water yield; (6)to facilitate native species restoration; or
 (7)any combination of the purposes specified in paragraphs (1) through (6). (c)Availability of categorical exclusionOn and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
					(d)Acreage limitations
 (1)In generalExcept in the case of a forest management activity described in paragraph (2), a forest management activity covered by the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) may not contain treatment units exceeding a total of 10,000 acres.
 (2)Larger areas authorizedA forest management activity covered by the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) may contain treatment units exceeding a total of 10,000 acres but not more than a total of 30,000 acres if the forest management activity—
 (A)is developed through a collaborative process; (B)is proposed by a resource advisory committee; or
 (C)is covered by a community wildfire protection plan. 112.Categorical exclusion to expedite salvage operations in response to catastrophic events (a)Categorical exclusion establishedSalvage operations carried out by the Secretary concerned on National Forest System lands or public lands are a category of actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
 (b)Availability of categorical exclusionOn and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
 (c)Acreage limitationA salvage operation covered by the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) may not contain treatment units exceeding a total of 10,000 acres.
					(d)Additional requirements
 (1)Stream buffersA salvage operation covered by the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) shall comply with the standards and guidelines for stream buffers contained in the applicable forest plan unless waived by the Regional Forester, in the case of National Forest System lands, or the State Director of the Bureau of Land Management, in the case of public lands.
 (2)Reforestation planA reforestation plan shall be developed under section 3 of the Act of June 9, 1930 (commonly known as the Knutson-Vandenberg Act; 16 U.S.C. 576b), as part of a salvage operation covered by the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a).
						113.Categorical exclusion to meet forest plan goals for early successional forests
 (a)Categorical exclusion establishedForest management activities described in subsection (b) are a category of actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
 (b)Forest management activities designated for categorical exclusionThe forest management activities designated under this section for a categorical exclusion are forest management activities carried out by the Secretary concerned on National Forest System lands or public lands where the primary purpose of such activity is to modify, improve, enhance, or create early successional forests for wildlife habitat improvement and other purposes, consistent with the applicable forest plan.
 (c)Availability of categorical exclusionOn and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
 (d)Project goalsTo the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary concerned shall design a forest management activity under this section to meet early successional forest goals in such a manner so as to maximize production and regeneration of priority species, as identified in the forest plan and consistent with the capability of the activity site.
 (e)Acreage limitationsA forest management activity covered by the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) may not contain treatment units exceeding a total of 10,000 acres.
					114.Categorical exclusion for road side projects
 (a)Categorical exclusion establishedProjects carried out by the Secretary concerned to remove hazard trees or to salvage timber for purposes of the protection of public health or safety, water supply, or public infrastructure are a category of actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
 (b)Availability of categorical exclusionOn and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
					(c)Healthy Forests Restoration Act requirements
 (1)Administrative reviewA project that is categorically excluded under this section shall be subject to the requirements of subsections (d), (e), and (f) of section 603 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591).
 (2)Hazardous fuel reduction on Federal landA project that is categorically excluded under this section shall be subject to the requirements of sections 102, 104, 105, and 106 of title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511 et seq.).
						115.Categorical exclusion to improve or restore National Forest System Lands or public land or reduce
			 the risk of wildfire
 (a)Categorical exclusion establishedForest management activities described in subsection (b) are a category of actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
					(b)Forest management activities designated for categorical exclusion
 (1)DesignationThe forest management activities designated under this section for a categorical exclusion are forest management activities described in paragraph (2) that are carried out by the Secretary concerned on National Forest System Lands or public lands where the primary purpose of such activity is to improve or restore such lands or reduce the risk of wildfire on those lands.
 (2)Activities authorizedThe follow activities may be carried out pursuant to the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a):
 (A)Removal of juniper trees, medusahead rye, conifer trees, piñon pine trees, cheatgrass, and other noxious or invasive weeds specified on Federal or State noxious weeds lists through late-season livestock grazing, targeted livestock grazing, prescribed burns, and mechanical treatments.
 (B)Performance of hazardous fuels management. (C)Creation of fuel and fire breaks.
 (D)Modification of existing fences in order to distribute livestock and help improve wildlife habitat. (E)Installation of erosion control devices.
 (F)Construction of new and maintenance of permanent infrastructure, including stock ponds, water catchments, and water spring boxes used to benefit livestock and improve wildlife habitat.
 (G)Performance of soil treatments, native and non-native seeding, and planting of and transplanting sagebrush, grass, forb, shrub, and other species.
 (H)Use of herbicides, so long as the Secretary concerned determines that the activity is otherwise conducted consistently with agency procedures, including any forest plan applicable to the area covered by the activity.
 (c)Availability of categorical exclusionOn and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
 (d)Acreage limitationsA forest management activity covered by the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) may not exceed 10,000 acres.
 (e)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Hazardous fuels managementThe term hazardous fuels management means any vegetation management activities that reduce the risk of wildfire.
 (2)Late-season grazingThe term late-season grazing means grazing activities that occur after both the invasive species and native perennial species have completed their current-year annual growth cycle until new plant growth begins to appear in the following year.
 (3)Targeted livestock grazingThe term targeted livestock grazing means grazing used for purposes of hazardous fuel reduction. 116.Treatment areasSection 602 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a) is amended—
 (1)in the heading, by striking Designation of; (2)by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

 (a)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant landsThe term Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands means the lands reconveyed to the United States pursuant to the first section of the Act of February 26, 1919 (40 Stat. 1179).
 (2)Declining forest healthThe term declining forest health means a qualified forest that is experiencing— (A)substantially increased tree mortality due to insect or disease infestation; or
 (B)dieback due to infestation or defoliation by insects or disease. (3)Oregon and California railroad grant landsThe term Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands means the following lands:
 (A)All lands in the State of Oregon revested in the United States under the Act of June 9, 1916 (39 Stat. 218), that are administered by the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management, pursuant to the first section of the Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 1181a).
 (B)All lands in that State obtained by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the land exchanges authorized and directed by section 2 of the Act of June 24, 1954 (43 U.S.C. 1181h).
 (C)All lands in that State acquired by the United States at any time and made subject to the provisions of title II of the Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 1181f).
 (4)Public landsThe term public lands has the meaning given that term in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702), except that the term includes Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands and Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands.
 (5)Qualified forestThe term qualified forest means a forest located in— (A)National Forest System lands; or
 (B)public lands. (6)Secretary concernedThe term Secretary concerned means—
 (A)with respect to National Forest System lands, the Secretary of Agriculture; and (B)with respect to public lands, the Secretary of the Interior.;
 (3)by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:  (b)AuthorityThe Secretary concerned may carry out insect and disease treatment programs in a qualified forest that meets the requirements specified in subsection (c).;
 (4)in subsection (c), by striking To be designated a landscape-scale area under subsection (b), the area shall be and inserting The Secretary concerned may only carry out projects under subsection (b) in a qualified forest that is; and
 (5)in subsection (d)(1), by striking on Federal land in the areas designated. 117.Administrative reviewSection 603(c) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591b(c)) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1), by striking 3000 acres and inserting 10,000 acres; and (2)in paragraph (2)(B), by striking Fire Regime Groups I, II, or III, and inserting Fire Regime I, Fire Regime II, Fire Regime III, Fire Regime IV, or Fire Regime V,.
					118.Wildfire resilience projects
 Section 605(c) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591d(c)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1), by striking 3000 acres and inserting 10,000 acres; and
 (2)in paragraph (2)(B), by striking Fire Regime Groups I, II, or III and inserting Fire Regime I, Fire Regime II, Fire Regime III, Fire Regime IV, or Fire Regime V. CGeneral Provisions for Forest Management Activities 121.Compliance with forest plansA forest management activity carried out pursuant to this Act shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the forest plan applicable to the National Forest System land or public lands covered by the forest management activity.
				122.Consultation under the National Historic Preservation Act
 (a)In generalNot later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall each develop, in consultation with relevant consulting parties, a programmatic agreement or other appropriate program alternative pursuant to section 800.14 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regulation, for expediting reviews under section 306108 of title 54, United States Code, for forest management activities carried out pursuant to this Act.
 (b)RequirementA programmatic agreement or other program alternative developed under subsection (a) shall incorporate the concepts of phased identification and evaluation set forth in section 800.4(b)(2) of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regulation.
					123.Consultation under the Endangered Species Act
					(a)No consultation if action not likely To adversely affect a listed species or designated critical
 habitatWith respect to a forest management activity carried out pursuant to this Act, consultation under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) shall not be required if the Secretary concerned determines that the such forest management activity is not likely to adversely affect a listed species or designated critical habitat.
					(b)Expedited consultation
 (1)In generalWith respect to a forest management activity carried out pursuant to this Act, consultation required under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) shall be concluded within the 90-day period beginning on the date on which such consultation was requested by the Secretary concerned.
 (2)No conclusionIn the case of a consultation described in paragraph (1) that is not concluded within the 90-day period, the forest management activity for which such consultation was initiated—
 (A)shall be considered to have not violated section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)); and
 (B)may be carried out. 124.Forest management activities considered non-discretionary actionsFor purposes of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), a forest management activity carried out by the Secretary concerned pursuant to this Act shall be considered a non-discretionary action.
				IISalvage and Reforestation in Response to Catastrophic Events
			201.Expedited salvage operations and reforestation activities following large-scale catastrophic events
 (a)Expedited environmental assessmentNotwithstanding any other provision of law, an environmental assessment prepared by the Secretary concerned pursuant to section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332) for a salvage operation or reforestation activity proposed to be conducted on National Forest System lands or public lands adversely impacted by a large-scale catastrophic event shall be completed within 60 days after the conclusion of the catastrophic event.
 (b)Expedited implementation and completionIn the case of reforestation activities conducted on National Forest System lands or public lands adversely impacted by a large-scale catastrophic event, the Secretary concerned shall, to the maximum extent practicable, achieve reforestation of at least 75 percent of the impacted lands during the 5-year period following the conclusion of the catastrophic event.
 (c)Availability of Knutson-Vandenberg fundsAmounts in the special fund established pursuant to section 3 of the Act of June 9, 1930 (commonly known as the Knutson-Vandenberg Act; 16 U.S.C. 576b) shall be available to the Secretary of Agriculture for reforestation activities authorized by this title.
 (d)Timeline for public input processNotwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of a salvage operation or reforestation activity proposed to be conducted on National Forest System lands or public lands adversely impacted by a large-scale catastrophic event, the Secretary concerned shall allow 30 days for public scoping and comment, 15 days for filing an objection, and 15 days for the agency response to the filing of an objection. Upon completion of this process and expiration of the period specified in subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall implement the project immediately.
 202.Compliance with forest planA salvage operation or reforestation activity authorized by this title shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the forest plan applicable to the National Forest System lands or public lands covered by the salvage operation or reforestation activity.
 203.Prohibition on restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and injunctions pending appealNo restraining order, preliminary injunction, or injunction pending appeal shall be issued by any court of the United States with respect to any decision to prepare or conduct a salvage operation or reforestation activity in response to a large-scale catastrophic event. Section 705 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to any challenge to the salvage operation or reforestation activity.
			IIIForest Management Litigation
			AGeneral Litigation Provisions
 301.No attorney fees for forest management activity challengesNotwithstanding section 1304 of title 31, United States Code, no award may be made under section 2412 of title 28, United States Code, and no amounts may be obligated or expended from the Claims and Judgment Fund of the United States Treasury to pay any fees or other expenses under such sections to any plaintiff related to an action challenging a forest management activity carried out pursuant to this Act.
				302.Injunctive relief
					(a)Balancing short- and long-Term effects of forest management activities in considering injunctive
 reliefAs part of its weighing the equities while considering any request for an injunction that applies to any agency action as part of a forest management activity under titles I through IX, the court reviewing the agency action shall balance the impact to the ecosystem likely affected by the forest management activity of—
 (1)the short- and long-term effects of undertaking the agency action; against (2)the short- and long-term effects of not undertaking the action.
						(b)Time limitations for injunctive relief
 (1)In generalSubject to paragraph (2) the length of any preliminary injunctive relief and stays pending appeal that applies to any agency action as part of a forest management activity under titles I through IX, shall not exceed 60 days.
						(2)Renewal
 (A)In generalA court of competent jurisdiction may issue one or more renewals of any preliminary injunction, or stay pending appeal, granted under paragraph (1).
 (B)UpdatesIn each renewal of an injunction in an action, the parties to the action shall present the court with updated information on the status of the authorized forest management activity.
							BForest Management Activity Arbitration Pilot Program
				311.Use of arbitration instead of litigation to address challenges to forest management activities
					(a)Discretionary arbitration process pilot program
 (1)In generalThe Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, shall each establish a discretionary arbitration pilot program as an alternative dispute resolution process in lieu of judicial review for the activities described in paragraph (2).
 (2)Activities describedThe Secretary concerned, at the sole discretion of the Secretary, may designate objections or protests to forest management activities for arbitration under the arbitration pilot program established under paragraph (1).
 (3)Maximum amount of arbitrationsUnder the arbitration pilot program, the Secretary concerned may not arbitrate more than 10 objections or protests to forest management activities in a fiscal year in—
 (A)each Forest Service Region; and (B)each State Region of the Bureau of Land Management.
 (4)Determining amount of arbitrationsAn objection or protest to a forest management activity shall not be counted towards the limitation on number of arbitrations under paragraph (3) unless—
 (A)on the date such objection or protest is designated for arbitration, the forest management activity for which such objection or protest is filed has not been the subject of arbitration proceedings under the pilot program; and
 (B)the arbitration proceeding has commenced with respect to such objection or protest. (5)TerminationThe pilot programs established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
						(b)Intervening parties
 (1)RequirementsAny person that submitted a public comment on the forest management activity that is subject to arbitration may intervene in the arbitration—
 (A)by endorsing— (i)the forest management activity; or
 (ii)the modification proposal submitted under subparagraph (B); or (B)by submitting a proposal to further modify the forest management activity.
 (2)Deadline for submissionWith respect to an objection or protest that is designated for arbitration under this subsection (a), a request to intervene in an arbitration must be submitted not later than the date that is 30 days after the date on which such objection or protest was designated for arbitration.
 (3)Multiple partiesMultiple intervening parties may submit a joint proposal so long as each intervening party meets the eligibility requirements of paragraph (1).
						(c)Appointment of arbitrator
 (1)AppointmentThe Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior shall jointly develop and publish a list of not fewer than 20 individuals eligible to serve as arbitrators for the pilot programs under this section.
 (2)QualificationsIn order to be eligible to serve as an arbitrator under this subsection, an individual shall be, on the date of the appointment of such arbitrator—
 (A)certified by the American Arbitration Association; and (B)not a registered lobbyist.
							(3)Selection of arbitrator
 (A)In generalFor each arbitration commenced under this section, the Secretary concerned and each applicable objector or protestor shall agree, not later than 14 days after the agreement process is initiated, on a mutually acceptable arbitrator from the list published under subsection.
 (B)Appointment after 14 daysIn the case of an agreement with respect to a mutually acceptable arbitrator not being reached within the 14-day limit described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary concerned shall appoint an arbitrator from the list published under this subsection.
							(d)Selection of proposals
 (1)In generalThe arbitrator appointed under subsection (c)— (A)may not modify any of the proposals submitted with the objection, protest, or request to intervene; and
 (B)shall select to be conducted— (i)the forest management activity, as approved by the Secretary; or
 (ii)a proposal submitted by an objector or an intervening party. (2)Selection criteriaAn arbitrator shall, when selecting a proposal, consider—
 (A)whether the proposal is consistent with the applicable forest plan, laws, and regulations; (B)whether the proposal can be carried out by the Secretary concerned; and
 (C)the effect of each proposal on— (i)forest health;
 (ii)habitat diversity; (iii)wildfire potential;
 (iv)insect and disease potential; (v)timber production; and
 (vi)the implications of a resulting decline in forest health, loss of habitat diversity, wildfire, or insect or disease infestation, given fire and insect and disease historic cycles, on—
 (I)domestic water costs; (II)wildlife habitat loss; and
 (III)other economic and social factors. (e)Effect of decisionThe decision of an arbitrator with respect to the forest management activity—
 (1)shall not be considered a major Federal action; (2)shall be binding; and
 (3)shall not be subject to judicial review, except as provided in section 10(a) of title 9, United States Code.
 (f)Deadline for completionNot later than 90 days after the date on which the arbitration is filed with respect to the forest management activity, the arbitration process shall be completed.
					IVSecure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act Amendments
 401.Use of reserved funds for title II projects on Federal land and certain non-Federal landSection 204(f) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7124(f)) is amended to read as follows:

					(f)Requirements for project funds
 (1)In generalSubject to paragraph (2), the Secretary concerned shall ensure that at least 50 percent of the project funds reserved by a participating county under section 102(d) shall be available only for projects that—
 (A)include the sale of timber or other forest products, reduce fire risks, or improve water supplies; and
 (B)implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems or restore and improve land health and water quality.
 (2)ApplicabilityThe requirement in paragraph (1) shall apply only to project funds reserved by a participating county whose boundaries include Federal land that the Secretary concerned determines has been subject to a timber or other forest products program within 5 fiscal years before the fiscal year in which the funds are reserved..
			VStewardship End Result Contracting
 501.Payment of portion of stewardship project revenues to county in which stewardship project occursSection 604(e) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c(e)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting subject to paragraph (3)(A), before shall; and
 (2)in paragraph (3)(A), by striking services received by the Chief or the Director and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: services and in-kind resources received by the Chief or the Director under a stewardship contract project conducted under this section shall not be considered monies received from the National Forest System or the public lands, but any payments made by the contractor to the Chief or Director under the project shall be considered monies received from the National Forest System or the public lands..
 502.Fire liability provisionSection 604(d) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (8)ModificationUpon the request of the contractor, a contract or agreement under this section awarded before February 7, 2014, shall be modified by the Chief or Director to include the fire liability provisions described in paragraph (7)..
			503.Extension of stewardship contracting maximum term limits
 (a)Health Forests Restoration ActSection 604(d)(3)(B) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c(d)(3)(B)) is amended by striking 10 years and inserting 20 years.
 (b)National Forest Management ActSection 14(c) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a(c)) is amended by striking Fire Regime Groups I, II, or III and inserting Fire Regime Groups I, II, III, IV, and V.
				VITribal Forestry Participation and Protection
			601.Protection of Tribal forest assets through use of stewardship end result contracting and other
			 authorities
 (a)Prompt consideration of tribal requestsSection 2(b) of the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C. 3115a(b)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1), by striking Not later than 120 days after the date on which an Indian tribe submits to the Secretary and inserting In response to the submission by an Indian Tribe of ; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (4)Time periods for consideration (A)Initial responseNot later than 120 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a Tribal request under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide an initial response to the Indian Tribe regarding—
 (i)whether the request may meet the selection criteria described in subsection (c); and (ii)the likelihood of the Secretary entering into an agreement or contract with the Indian Tribe under paragraph (2) for activities described in paragraph (3).
 (B)Notice of denialNotice under subsection (d) of the denial of a Tribal request under paragraph (1) shall be provided not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary received the request.
 (C)CompletionNot later than 2 years after the date on which the Secretary receives a Tribal request under paragraph (1), other than a Tribal request denied under subsection (d), the Secretary shall—
 (i)complete all environmental reviews necessary in connection with the agreement or contract and proposed activities under the agreement or contract; and
 (ii)enter into the agreement or contract with the Indian tribe under paragraph (2).. (b)Conforming and technical amendmentsSection 2 of the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C. 3115a) is amended—
 (1)in subsections (b)(1) and (f)(1), by striking section 347 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (16 U.S.C. 2104 note; Public Law 105–277) (as amended by section 323 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 (117 Stat. 275)) and inserting section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c); and
 (2)in subsection (d), by striking subsection (b)(1), the Secretary may and inserting paragraphs (1) and (4)(B) of subsection (b), the Secretary shall. 602.Management of Indian forest land authorized to include related National Forest System lands and public landsSection 305 of the National Indian Forest Resources Management Act (25 U.S.C. 3104) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(c)Inclusion of certain national forest system land and public land
 (1)AuthorityAt the request of an Indian Tribe, the Secretary concerned may agree to treat Federal forest land as Indian forest land for purposes of planning and conducting forest land management activities under this section if the Federal forest land is located within, or mostly within, a geographic area that presents a feature or involves circumstances principally relevant to that Indian Tribe, such as Federal forest land ceded to the United States by treaty, Federal forest land within the boundaries of a current or former reservation, or Federal forest land adjudicated to be Tribal homelands.
 (2)RequirementsAs part of the agreement to treat Federal forest land as Indian forest land under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned and the Indian Tribe making the request shall—
 (A)provide for continued public access applicable to the Federal forest land prior to the agreement, except that the Secretary concerned may limit or prohibit such access as needed;
 (B)continue sharing revenue generated by the Federal forest land with State and local governments either—
 (i)on the terms applicable to the Federal forest land prior to the agreement, including, where applicable, 25-percent payments or 50-percent payments; or
 (ii)at the option of the Indian Tribe, on terms agreed upon by the Indian Tribe, the Secretary concerned, and State and county governments participating in a revenue sharing agreement for the Federal forest land;
 (C)comply with applicable prohibitions on the export of unprocessed logs harvested from the Federal forest land;
 (D)recognize all right-of-way agreements in place on Federal forest land prior to commencement of Tribal management activities;
 (E)ensure that all commercial timber removed from the Federal forest land is sold on a competitive bid basis; and
 (F)cooperate with the appropriate State fish and wildlife agency to achieve mutual agreement on the management of fish and wildlife.
 (3)LimitationTreating Federal forest land as Indian forest land for purposes of planning and conducting management activities pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not be construed to designate the Federal forest land as Indian forest lands for any other purpose.
 (4)DefinitionsIn this subsection: (A)Federal forest landThe term Federal forest land means—
 (i)National Forest System lands; and (ii)public lands (as defined in section 103(e) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702(e))), including Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands reconveyed to the United States pursuant to the first section of the Act of February 26, 1919 (40 Stat. 1179), and Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands.
 (B)Secretary concernedThe term Secretary concerned means— (i)the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the Federal forest land referred to in subparagraph (A)(i); and
 (ii)the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to the Federal forest land referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii)..
 603.Tribal forest management demonstration projectThe Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture may carry out demonstration projects by which federally recognized Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations may contract to perform administrative, management, and other functions of programs of the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C. 3115a et seq.) through contracts entered into under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304 et seq.).
 604.Rule of applicationNothing in this title, or the amendments made by this title, shall be construed as interfering with, diminishing, or conflicting with the authority, jurisdiction, or responsibility of any State to exercise primary management, control, or regulation of fish and wildlife on land or water within the State (including on public land) under State law.
			VII Expediting Interagency Consultation
			AForest Plans Not Considered Major Federal Actions
 701.Forest plans not considered major Federal actionsThe development, maintenance, amendment, and revision of a forest plan shall not be considered a major Federal action for purposes of section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
				BAgency Consultation
 711.Consultation under Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974Section 6(d) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604(d)) is amended—
 (1)by striking (d) The Secretary and inserting the following:  (d)Public participation and consultation (1)In generalThe Secretary; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following:  (2)No additional consultation required after approval of land management plans (A)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not be required to engage in consultation under this subsection or any other provision of law (including section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1536) and section 402.16 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)) with respect to—
 (i)if a land management plan approved by the Secretary— (I)the listing of a species as threatened or endangered, or a designation of critical habitat pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
 (II)whether the amount or extent of taking specified in the incidental take statement is exceeded; (III)whether new information reveals effects of the action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner or to an extent not previously considered; or
 (IV)whether the identified action is subsequently modified in a manner that causes an effect to the listed species or critical habitat that was not considered in the biological opinion; or
 (ii)any provision of a land management plan adopted as described in clause (i). (B)Effect of paragraphNothing in this paragraph affects any applicable requirement of the Secretary to consult with the head of any other Federal department or agency—
 (i)regarding any project, including a project carried out, or proposed to be carried out, in an area designated as critical habitat pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
 (ii)with respect to the development of an amendment to a land management plan that would result in a significant change in the land management plan.
 (3)Land management plan considered a non-discretionary actionFor purposes of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), a forest management activity carried out by the Secretary concerned pursuant to this Act shall be considered a non-discretionary action..
					VIIIMiscellaneous
			AForest Management Provisions
 801.Clarification of existing categorical exclusion authority related to insect and disease infestationSection 603(c)(2)(B) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591b(c)(2)(B)) is amended by striking Fire Regime Groups I, II, or III and inserting Fire Regime I, Fire Regime II, Fire Regime III, Fire Regime IV, or Fire Regime V.
 802.Revision of alternate consultation agreement regulationsNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall revise section 402.13 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, to—
 (1)authorize Federal agencies to enter into alternative consultation agreements under which the Federal agency may determine if an action such agency authorizes is likely to adversely affect listed species or critical habitat; and
 (2)if an agency determines such action will not likely adversely affect listed species or critical habitat pursuant to paragraph (1), not require such agency to complete a formal consultation, informal consultation, or written concurrence of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service with respect to such action.
					803.Revision of extraordinary circumstances regulations
 (a)Determinations of extraordinary circumstancesIn determining whether extraordinary circumstances related to a proposed action preclude use of a categorical exclusion, the Forest Service shall not be required to—
 (1)consider whether a proposed action is within a potential wilderness area; (2)consider whether a proposed action affects a Forest Service sensitive species;
 (3)conduct an analysis under section 220.4(f) of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, of the proposed action’s cumulative impact (as the term is defined in section 1508.7 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations);
 (4)consider a determination under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) that a proposed action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, threatened, endangered, or candidate species, or designated critical habitats; or
 (5)consider a determination under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) that a proposed action may affect, and is likely to adversely affect threatened, endangered, candidate species, or designated critical habitat if the agency is in compliance with the applicable provisions of the biological opinion.
 (b)Proposed rulemakingNot later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise section 220.6(b) of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations to conform such section with subsection (a).
 (c)Additional revisionAs part of the proposed rulemaking described in subsection (b), the Secretary of Agriculture shall revise section 220.5(a)(2) of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide that the Forest Service shall not be required to consider proposals that would substantially alter a potential wilderness area as a class of actions normally requiring environmental impact statements.
 (d)Additional actionsNot later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue final regulations to carry out the revisions described in subsections (b) and (c).
					804.Conditions on Forest Service road decommissioning
 (a)Consultation with affected countyWhenever any Forest Service defined maintenance level one- or two-system road within a designated high-fire prone area of a unit of the National Forest System is considered for decommissioning, the Forest Supervisor of that unit of the National Forest System shall—
 (1)consult with the government of the county containing the road regarding the merits and possible consequences of decommissioning the road; and
 (2)solicit possible alternatives to decommissioning the road. (b)Period prior to decommissionA Forest Service road described in subsection (a) may not be decommissioned without the advance approval of the Regional Forester.
					805.Prohibition on application of Eastside Screens requirements on National Forest System lands
 (a)Repeal of Eastside Screens requirementsNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall immediately withdraw the Interim Management Direction Establishing Riparian, Ecosystem, and Wildlife Standards for Timber Sales (commonly known as the Eastside Screens requirements), including all preceding or associated versions of these amendments.
 (b)Effect of repealOn and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may not apply to National Forest System lands any of the amendments repealed under subsection (a).
 806.Use of site-specific forest plan amendments for certain projects and activitiesIf the Secretary concerned determines that, in order to conduct a project or carry out an activity implementing a forest plan, an amendment to the forest plan is required, the Secretary concerned shall execute such amendment as a nonsignificant plan amendment through the record of decision or decision notice for the project or activity.
				807.Knutson-Vandenberg Act modifications
 (a)Deposits of funds from national forest timber purchasers requiredSection 3(a) of the Act of June 9, 1930 (commonly known as the Knutson-Vandenberg Act; 16 U.S.C. 576b(a)), is amended by striking The Secretary and all that follows through any purchaser and inserting the following: The Secretary of Agriculture shall require each purchaser.
 (b)Conditions on use of depositsSection 3 of the Act of June 9, 1930 (commonly known as the Knutson-Vandenberg Act; 16 U.S.C. 576b), is amended—
 (1)by striking Such deposits and inserting the following:  (b)Amounts deposited under subsection (a);
 (2)by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (3)by inserting before subsection (d), as so redesignated, the following new subsection (c):

								(c)
 (1)Amounts in the special fund established pursuant to this section— (A)shall be used exclusively to implement activities authorized by subsection (a); and
 (B)may be used anywhere within the Forest Service Region from which the original deposits were collected.
 (2)The Secretary of Agriculture may not deduct overhead costs from the funds collected under subsection (a), except as needed to fund personnel of the responsible Ranger District for the planning and implementation of the activities authorized by subsection (a)..
 808.Application of Northwest Forest Plan Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standard and GuidelinesThe Northwest Forest Plan Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standard and Guidelines shall not apply to any National Forest System lands or public lands.
 809.Reconstruction and repair included in good neighbor agreementsSection 8206(a)(3) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)(3)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (A)—
 (A)in clause (ii), by striking and; (B)by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); and
 (C)by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause:  (iii)construction, reconstruction, repair or restoration of roads as necessary to achieve project objectives; and; and
 (2)by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:  (B)ExclusionsThe term forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services does not include construction, alteration, repair or replacement of public buildings or works..
					BOregon and California Railroad Grant Lands and Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant Lands
 811.Amendments to the Act of August 28, 1937The first section of the Act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 874; 43 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.), is amended— (1)by striking principal of sustained yield and inserting principle of sustained yield;
 (2)by striking facilties and inserting facilities; and (3)by striking That timber from said lands in an amount and inserting That timber from said lands in the amount that is the greater of: .
					812.Oregon and California Railroad Grant Lands and Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands permanent rights of
			 access
 (a)Creation of permanent rights of access requiredNotwithstanding any other provision of law, on the date of the enactment of this section, reciprocal road right-of-way permits, grants, and agreements issued to a private landowner by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to subpart 2812 of part 2810 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations, or its predecessor regulation shall become permanent rights of access that are recordable and that shall run with the land.
 (b)Records updatedNot later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the reciprocal road right-of-way permits, grants, and agreements described in subsection (a) shall be amended to reflect the permanent rights of access required under subsection (a) and recorded by the Secretary of the Interior in each county where the lands are located. No other amendments shall be made to such right-of-way permits, grants, and agreements.
					813.Management of Bureau of Land Management lands in Western Oregon
 (a)In generalAll of the public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in the Northwest District, Roseburg District, Coos Bay District, Medford District, and the Klamath Resource Area of the Lakeview District in the State of Oregon shall hereafter be managed pursuant to title I of the Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 1181a through 1181e). Except as provided in subsection (b), all of the revenue produced from such land shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States in the Oregon and California land-grant fund and be subject to the provisions of title II of the Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 1181f).
					(b)Certain exclusions
 (1)Certain lands excludedSubsection (a) does not apply to— (A)the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area established under section 119 of Public Law 96–199 (43 U.S.C. 1783);
 (B)lands managed under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.); (C)lands managed under the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
 (D)lands managed under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.). (2)Certain revenue excludedSubsection (a) does not apply to any revenue that is required to be deposited in the Coos Bay Wagon Road grant fund pursuant to sections 1 through 4 of the Act of May 24, 1939 (43 U.S.C. 2621–2624).


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5845
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 18, 2012
			Mr. Poe of Texas (for
			 himself, Mr. Carnahan, and
			 Ms. Buerkle) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Ways and Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the
		  work opportunity tax credit for veterans and to allow an exemption from an
		  employer’s employment taxes in an amount equivalent to the value of such
		  credit.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Veterans Back to Work Act of
			 2012.
		2.Extension and
			 improvement of work opportunity tax credit for veterans
			(a)Extension of
			 credit for veteransClause
			 (i) of section 51(c)(4)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by
			 striking December 31, 2012 and inserting December 31,
			 2013.
			(b)Election To
			 claim credit as exemption from employment taxes
				(1)In
			 generalSection 3111 of the Internal
			 Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
			 subsection:

						(e)Special
				exemption for certain veterans
							(1)In
				generalSubsection (a) shall not apply to wages paid by a
				qualified employer with respect to employment during the period beginning on
				the day after the date of the enactment of this subsection and ending on
				December 31, 2013, of any specified veteran for services performed—
								(A)in a trade or
				business of such qualified employer, or
								(B)in the case of a
				qualified employer exempt from tax under section 501(a), in furtherance of the
				activities related to the purpose or function constituting the basis of the
				employer’s exemption under section 501.
								(2)LimitationWith
				respect to any specified veteran employed by a qualified employer, the amount
				of wages to which paragraph (1) applies shall not exceed—
								(A)$125,490 in the
				case of an individual who is a qualified veteran by reason of section
				51(d)(3)(A)(ii)(II),
								(B)$73,203 in the
				case of an individual who is a qualified veteran by reason of section
				51(d)(3)(A)(iv),
								(C)$62,745 in the
				case of an individual who is a qualified veteran by reason of section
				51(d)(3)(A)(ii)(I), and
								(D)$31,373 in the
				case of any other qualified veteran.
								(3)Qualified
				employerFor purposes of this subsection—
								(A)In
				generalThe term qualified employer means any
				employer other than the United States, any State, or any political subdivision
				thereof, or any instrumentality of the foregoing.
								(B)Treatment of
				employees of post-secondary educational
				institutionsNotwithstanding subparagraph (A), the term
				qualified employer includes any employer which is a public
				institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(b) of the Higher
				Education Act of 1965).
								(4)Specified
				veteranFor purposes of this subsection—
								(A)In
				generalThe term specified veteran means any
				individual who—
									(i)begins employment
				with a qualified employer after the date of the enactment of this subsection,
				and before January 1, 2014,
									(ii)certifies by
				signed affidavit, under penalties of perjury, that such individual is a
				qualified veteran and whether such individual is a qualified veteran described
				in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2),
									(iii)is not employed
				by the qualified employer to replace another employee of such employer unless
				such other employee separated from employment voluntarily or for cause,
				and
									(iv)is not an
				individual described in section 51(i)(1) (applied by substituting
				qualified employer for taxpayer each place it
				appears).
									(B)Qualified
				veteranThe term qualified veteran has the meaning
				given such term by section 51(d)(3), but applied without regard to whether such
				individual has been certified by the designated local agency.
								(5)ElectionA
				qualified employer may elect to have this subsection not apply. Such election
				shall be made in such manner as the Secretary may
				require.
							.
				(2)Coordination
			 with work opportunity creditSection 51(c) of such Code is amended
			 by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

						(6)Coordination
				with payroll tax exemption for qualified veteransThe credit
				determined under this section with respect to any qualified veteran for any
				taxable year shall be reduced by an amount equal to 7.65 percent of the
				qualified first-year wages paid or incurred by the taxpayer to such veteran
				during such taxable year to which section 3111(e)
				applied.
						.
				(3)Transfers to
			 Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust FundThere are
			 hereby appropriated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Trust Fund and the
			 Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund established under section 201 of the
			 Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401) amounts equal to the
			 reduction in revenues to the Treasury by reason of the amendments made by
			 paragraph (1). Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence shall be
			 transferred from the general fund at such times and in such manner as to
			 replicate to the extent possible the transfers which would have occurred to
			 such Trust Fund had such amendments not been enacted.
				(4)Application to
			 Railroad Retirement Taxes
					(A)In
			 generalSection 3221 of the
			 Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating subsection (d) as
			 subsection (e) and by inserting after subsection (c) the following new
			 subsection:

							(d)Special
				exemption for certain veterans
								(1)In
				generalIn the case of
				compensation paid by a qualified employer during the period beginning on the
				day after the date of the enactment of this subsection and ending on December
				31, 2013, with respect to having a specified veteran in the employer’s employ
				for services rendered to such qualified employer, the applicable percentage
				under subsection (a) shall be equal to the rate of tax in effect under section
				3111(b) for the calendar year.
								(2)LimitationWith
				respect to any specified veteran employed by a qualified employer, the amount
				of compensation to which paragraph (1) applies shall not exceed—
									(A)$125,490 in the
				case of an individual who is a qualified veteran by reason of section
				51(d)(3)(A)(ii)(II),
									(B)$73,203 in the
				case of an individual who is a qualified veteran by reason of section
				51(d)(3)(A)(iv),
									(C)$62,745 in the
				case of an individual who is a qualified veteran by reason of section
				51(d)(3)(A)(ii)(I), and
									(D)$31,373 in the
				case of any other qualified veteran.
									(3)Qualified
				employerThe term ‘qualified
				employer’ means any employer other than the United States, any State, or any
				political subdivision thereof, or any instrumentality of the foregoing.
								(4)Specified
				veteranFor purposes of this subsection—
									(A)In
				generalThe term specified veteran means any
				individual who—
										(i)begins employment
				with a qualified employer after the date of the enactment of this subsection,
				and before January 1, 2014,
										(ii)certifies by
				signed affidavit, under penalties of perjury, that such individual is a
				qualified veteran and whether such individual is a qualified veteran described
				in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2),
										(iii)is not employed
				by the qualified employer to replace another employee of such employer unless
				such other employee separated from employment voluntarily or for cause,
				and
										(iv)is not an
				individual described in section 51(i)(1) (applied by substituting
				qualified employer for taxpayer each place it
				appears).
										(B)Qualified
				veteranThe term qualified veteran has the meaning
				given such term by section 51(d)(3), but applied without regard to whether such
				individual has been certified by the designated local agency.
									(5)ElectionA qualified employer may elect to have this
				subsection not apply. Such election shall be made in such manner as the
				Secretary may
				require.
								.
					(B)Transfers to
			 social security equivalent benefit accountThere are hereby appropriated to the Social
			 Security Equivalent Benefit Account established under section 15A(a) of the
			 Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231n–1(a)) amounts
			 equal to the reduction in revenues to the Treasury by reason of the amendments
			 made by subparagraph (A). Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence shall
			 be transferred from the general fund at such times and in such manner as to
			 replicate to the extent possible the transfers which would have occurred to
			 such Account had such amendments not been enacted.
					(c)Effective
			 DateThe amendments made by
			 this section shall apply to amounts paid after the date of the enactment of
			 this Act.


		III

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. RES. 164

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED

		  STATES

			June 8, 2005

			Mr. Cochran (for himself and

			 Mr. Byrd) submitted the following

			 resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION

		Authorizing the printing with illustrations

		  of a document entitled Committee on Appropriations, United States

		  Senate, 138th Anniversary, 1867–2005.

		That there be printed with illustrations as

			 a Senate document a compilation of materials entitled Committee on

			 Appropriations, United States Senate, 138th Anniversary, 1867–2005, and

			 that there be printed two thousand additional copies of such document for the

			 use of the Committee on Appropriations.


116 S711 RS: Care and Readiness Enhancement for Reservists Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-03-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IICalendar No. 538116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 711IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 7, 2019Mr. Tester (for himself, Mr. Moran, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Sullivan, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Tillis, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Gardner) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsSeptember 15, 2020Reported by Mr. Moran, without amendmentA BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for mental health services from the Department of Veterans Affairs to include members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.1.Short
 titleThis Act may be cited as the Care and Readiness Enhancement for Reservists Act of 2019 or the CARE for Reservists Act of 2019.2.Expansion of  eligibility for readjustment counseling and related outpatient services from the
			 Department of Veterans Affairs to
 include members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces(a)Readjustment counselingSubsection (a)(1) of section 1712A of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(D)(i)The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, may furnish to any member of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who has a behavioral health condition or psychological trauma, counseling under subparagraph (A)(i), which may include a comprehensive individual assessment under subparagraph (B)(i).(ii)A member of the reserve components of the Armed Forces described in clause (i) shall not be required to obtain a referral before being furnished counseling or an assessment under this subparagraph..(b)Outpatient servicesSubsection (b) of such section is amended—(1)in paragraph (1)—(A)by inserting to an individual after If, on the basis of the assessment furnished; and(B)by striking veteran each place it appears and inserting individual; and(2)in paragraph (2), by striking veteran and inserting individual.(c)Effective DateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.3.Provision of mental health services from the Department of Veterans Affairs to members of the
			 reserve
 components of the Armed Forces(a)In generalSubchapter VIII of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:1789.Mental health services for members of the reserve components of the Armed ForcesThe Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, may furnish mental health services to members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces..(b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1788 the following new item:1789. Mental health services for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces..4.Inclusion of members of reserve components in mental health programs of the Department of Veterans
 Affairs(a)Suicide prevention program(1)In generalSection 1720F of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:(l)(1)Covered individual definedIn this section, the term covered individual means a veteran or a member of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.(2)In determining coverage of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces under the comprehensive program, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Defense..(2)Conforming amendmentsSuch section is further amended—(A)in subsection (a), by striking veterans and inserting covered individuals;(B)in subsection (b), by striking veterans each place it appears and inserting covered individuals;(C)in subsection (c)—(i)in the subsection heading, by striking of veterans;(ii)by striking veterans each place it appears and inserting covered individuals; and(iii)by striking veteran and inserting individual;(D)in subsection (d), by striking to veterans each place it appears and inserting to covered individuals;(E)in subsection (e), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking veterans and inserting covered individuals;(F)in subsection (f)—(i)in the first sentence, by striking veterans and inserting covered individuals; and(ii)in the second sentence, by inserting or members after veterans;(G)in subsection (g), by striking veterans and inserting covered individuals;(H)in subsection (h), by striking veterans and inserting covered individuals;(I)in subsection (i)—(i)in the subsection heading, by striking for veterans and families;(ii)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking veterans and the families of veterans and inserting covered individuals and the families of covered individuals;(iii)in paragraph (2), by striking veterans and inserting covered individuals; and(iv)in paragraph (4), by striking veterans each place it appears and inserting covered individuals;(J)in subsection (j)—(i)in paragraph (1), by striking veterans each place it appears and inserting covered individuals; and(ii)in paragraph (4)—(I)in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking women veterans and inserting covered individuals who are women;(II)in subparagraph (B), by striking women veterans who and inserting covered individuals who are women and; and(III)in subparagraph (C), by striking women veterans and inserting covered individuals who are women; and(K)in subsection (k), by striking veterans and inserting covered individuals.(3)Clerical amendments(A)In generalSuch section is further amended, in the section heading, by inserting and members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces after veterans.(B)Table of sectionsThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 1720F and inserting the following new item:1720F. Comprehensive program for suicide prevention among veterans and members of the reserve
 components of the Armed Forces..(b)Mental health treatment for individuals who served in classified missions(1)In generalSection 1720H of such title is amended—(A)in subsection (a)—(i)in paragraph (1)—(I)by striking eligible veteran and inserting eligible individual; and(II)by striking the veteran and inserting the individual; and(ii)in paragraph (3), by striking eligible veterans and inserting eligible individuals;(B)in subsection (b)—(i)by striking a veteran and inserting an individual; and(ii)by striking eligible veteran and inserting eligible individual; and(C)in subsection (c)—(i)in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking The term eligible veteran means a veteran and inserting The term eligible individual means a veteran or a member of the reserve components of the Armed Forces; and(ii)in paragraph (3), by striking eligible veteran and inserting eligible individual.(2)Clerical amendments(A)In generalSuch section is further amended, in the section heading, by inserting and members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces after veterans.(B)Table of sectionsThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 1720H and inserting the following new item:1720H. Mental health treatment for veterans and members of the reserve components of the Armed
			 Forces who served in classified missions..5.Report on mental health and related services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to
 members of the Armed Forces(a)In generalNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that includes an assessment of the following:(1)The increase, as compared to the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, of the number of members of the Armed Forces that use readjustment counseling or outpatient mental health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, disaggregated by State, Vet Center location, and clinical care site of the Department, as appropriate.(2)The number of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces receiving telemental health care from the Department.(3)The increase, as compared to the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, of the annual cost associated with readjustment counseling and outpatient mental health care provided by the Department to members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.(4)The changes, as compared to the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, in staffing, training, organization, and resources required for the Department to offer readjustment counseling and outpatient mental health care to members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.(5)Any challenges the Department has encountered in providing readjustment counseling and outpatient mental health care to members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.(b)Vet Center definedIn this section, the term Vet Center has the meaning given that term in section 1712A(h) of title 38, United States Code.September 15, 2020Reported without amendment


117 S160 IS: Small Business Innovation Voucher Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-02-02
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II
117th CONGRESS1st Session
S. 160
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

February 2, 2021
Ms. Cortez Masto (for herself, Mr. Young, and Mr. Coons) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

A BILL
To require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish an Innovation Voucher Grant Program.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Small Business Innovation Voucher Act of 2021. 2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
(1)AdministratorThe term Administrator means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. (2)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means—
(A)an institution of higher education, as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001); or (B)a nonprofit research lab, institution, or other similar organization in the United States associated with educational or research activities, including a federally funded research and development center.
(3)HUBZoneThe term HUBZone has the meaning given the term in section 31(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657a(b)). (4)ProgramThe term Program means the Innovation Voucher Grant Program established under section 3.
(5)ReservistThe term Reservist means a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces named in section 10101 of title 10, United States Code. (6)Rural areaThe term rural area means any county that the Bureau of the Census has defined as mostly rural or completely rural in the most recent decennial census.
(7)Service-connectedThe term service-connected has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code. (8)Small business concern; small business concern owned and controlled by veterans; small business concern owned and controlled by womenThe terms small business concern, small business concern owned and controlled by veterans, and small business concern owned and controlled by women have the meanings given those terms in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).
(9)Small business concern in an underserved marketThe term small business concern in an underserved market means a small business concern— (A)that is located in—
(i)a low- to moderate-income community; (ii)a HUBZone;
(iii)a community that has been designated as an empowerment zone or an enterprise community under section 1391 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (iv)a community that has been designated as a Promise Zone by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;
(v)a community that has been designated as a qualified opportunity zone under section 1400Z–1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or (vi)a rural area;
(B)for which more than 50 percent of the employees reside in a low- to moderate-income community; (C)that has been in existence for not more than 2 years;
(D)owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including minorities; (E)owned and controlled by women;
(F)owned and controlled by veterans; (G)owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans; or
(H)not less than 51 percent owned and controlled by 1 or more— (i)members of the Armed Forces participating in the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense;
(ii)Reservists; (iii)spouses of veterans, members of the Armed Forces, or Reservists; or
(iv)surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability.  (10)Small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individualsThe term small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals has the meaning given the term in section 8(d)(3)(C) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(3)(C)).
3.Innovation Voucher Grant Program
(a)EstablishmentNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a program to be known as the Innovation Voucher Grant Program under which the Administrator shall, on a competitive basis and in accordance with subsection (g), award to small business concerns grants for the Federal share of the cost of purchasing from eligible entities technical assistance and services necessary to carry out projects to advance research, development, or commercialization of new or innovative products and services. (b)Purposes of programThe purposes of the Program are—
(1)to foster collaboration between small business concerns and research institutions or other similar organizations; (2)to facilitate access by small business concerns to capital-intensive infrastructure and advanced research capabilities;
(3)to enable small business concerns to access technical expertise and capabilities that will lead to the development of innovative products; (4)to promote business dynamism and competition;
(5)to stimulate United States leadership in advanced research, innovation, and technology; (6)to accelerate the development of an advanced workforce; and
(7)to preserve and create new jobs.  (c)Application (1)In generalA small business concern desiring a grant under the Program shall submit to the Administrator an application with the eligible entity from which the small business concern will purchase technical assistance and services using funds awarded under the grant.
(2)SelectionNot later than 180 days after the deadline established by the Administrator to submit applications under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall select the recipients of the grants under the Program. (d)EvaluationIn evaluating an application for a grant under the Program, the Administrator shall take into consideration—
(1)the likelihood that funds awarded under the grant will be used to create or advance a novel product or service; (2)the feasibility of creating or advancing a novel product or service proposed to be created or advanced using funds awarded under the grant; and
(3)whether creating or advancing a product or service proposed to be created or advanced using funds awarded under the grant could be accomplished without a grant awarded under the Program. (e)AmountA grant made under the Program shall be made in an amount of not less than $15,000 and not more than $75,000, which shall remain available to the grantee until expended.
(f)Amounts for small business concerns
(1)In generalExcept to the extent that the Administrator determines otherwise, not less than 40 percent of the amounts made available for the Program in a fiscal year shall be set aside and expended through— (A)a small business concern in an underserved market; or
(B)a small business concern in a region or State that has historically been underserved by Federal research and development funds.  (2)Remaining amountAny amount that is set aside under paragraph (1) in a fiscal year that is not expended by the end of the fiscal year shall be—
(A)except as provided in subparagraph (B), available in the following fiscal year to make grants to small business concerns described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1); and (B)on and after October 1, 2024, available to make grants to all small business concerns under the Program.
(g)Federal shareThe Federal share of the cost of purchasing technical assistance and services described in subsection (a) using funds awarded under a grant made under the Program shall be— (1)not more than 75 percent, if the amount of the grant is less than $50,000; and
(2)not more than 50 percent, if the amount of the grant is not less than $50,000. (h)Reports (1)Reports from grant recipientsNot later than 180 days after the date on which a project carried out under a grant awarded under the Program is completed, the recipient of the grant shall submit to the Administrator a report on the project, including—
(A)whether and how the project met the original expectations for the project; (B)how the results of the project were incorporated in the business of the grant recipient; and
(C)whether and how the project improved innovation practices of the grant recipient. (2)Report of the AdministratorNot later than 2 years after the date on which the Administrator establishes the Program, and every 2 years thereafter until the date on which the amounts appropriated for the Program are expended, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives a report on grants awarded under the Program, including—
(A)a description of the grants awarded; (B)the estimated number of products or services created or advanced under grants awarded under the Program that could have been created or advanced without grants awarded under the Program; and
(C)a description of the impact of the Program on knowledge transfer and commercialization. (3)Final report of the AdministratorNot later than 180 days after the date on which amounts appropriated for the Program are expended, the Administrator shall submit to the committees described in paragraph (2) a final report containing the information described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of that paragraph.
4.Authorization of appropriations
(a)In generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out the Program $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, to remain available until expended. (b)Administrative costsNot more than 5 percent of amounts appropriated under subsection (a) may be used for administrative costs.


113 HR 3887 IH: Congressional Pay for Performance Act of 2014
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-01-15
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.

I113th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 3887IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 15, 2014Mr. Rothfus (for himself, Mr. Salmon, and Mr. DeSantis) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House AdministrationA BILLTo hold the salaries of Members of a House of Congress in escrow if the House of Congress does not agree to a budget resolution or pass regular appropriation bills on a timely basis during a Congress, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Congressional Pay for Performance Act of 2014.2.Holding salaries of members of congress in escrow upon failure to agree to budget resolution(a)Holding Salaries in EscrowIf by April 15 of any calendar year (beginning with 2015), a House of Congress has not agreed to a concurrent resolution on the budget pursuant to section 301 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 for the fiscal year which begins on October 1 of that calendar year, during the period described in subsection (b) the payroll administrator of that House of Congress shall deposit in an escrow account all payments otherwise required to be made during such period for the compensation of Members of Congress who serve in that House of Congress, and shall release such payments to such Members only upon the expiration of such period.(b)Period describedWith respect to a House of Congress and a calendar year, the period described in this paragraph is the period which begins on April 16 of the calendar year and ends on the earlier of—(1)the day on which the House of Congress agrees to a concurrent resolution on the budget for the fiscal year which begins on October 1 of that calendar year; or(2)the last day of the Congress during which that calendar year occurs.3.Holding salaries of Members of Congress in escrow upon failure to pass regular appropriation bills(a)Holding Salaries in EscrowIf by July 31 of any calendar year (beginning with 2014), a House of Congress has not passed each of the regular appropriation bills for the fiscal year which begins on October 1 of that calendar year, during the period described in subsection (b) the payroll administrator of that House of Congress shall deposit in an escrow account all payments otherwise required to be made during such period for the compensation of Members of Congress who serve in that House of Congress, and shall release such payments to such Members only upon the expiration of such period.(b)Period DescribedWith respect to a House of Congress and a calendar year, the period described in this paragraph is the period which begins on August 1 of the calendar year and ends on the earlier of—(1)the first day by which the House of Congress has passed each of the regular appropriation bills for the fiscal year which begins on October 1 of that calendar year; or(2)the last day of the Congress during which that calendar year occurs.(c)Regular Appropriation Bill DefinedThe term regular appropriation bill means any annual appropriation bill which, with respect to the Congress involved, is under the jurisdiction of a single subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives (pursuant to the Rules of the House of Representatives for that Congress) and a single subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate (pursuant to the Standing Rules of the Senate).4.Administration of escrow(a)Withholding and Remittance of Amounts From Payments Held in EscrowThe payroll administrator shall provide for the same withholding and remittance with respect to a payment deposited in an escrow account under section 2 or section 3 that would apply to the payment if the payment were not subject to such section.(b)Role of Secretary of the TreasuryThe Secretary of the Treasury shall provide the payroll administrators of the Houses of Congress with such assistance as may be necessary to enable the payroll administrators to carry out this Act.5.Release of amounts at end of a CongressIn order to ensure that this Act is carried out in a manner consistent with the twenty-seventh article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the payroll administrator of a House of Congress shall release for payments to Members of that House of Congress any amounts remaining in any escrow account under this Act on the last day of the Congress during which the amounts were deposited in such account.6.DefinitionsIn this Act—(1)the term Member includes a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to the Congress; and(2)the payroll administrator of a House of Congress means—(A)in the case of the House of Representatives, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, or an employee of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer who is designated by the Chief Administrative Officer to carry out this Act; and(B)in the case of the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate, or an employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate who is designated by the Secretary to carry out this Act.


116 S1101 IS: Better Examiner Standards and Transparency for Veterans Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-04-10
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. 1101IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESApril 10, 2019Mr. Rubio (for himself and Ms. Sinema) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo ensure that only licensed health care providers furnish disability examinations under a certain
			 Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program for use of contract
			 physicians
			 for disability examinations, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Better Examiner Standards and Transparency for Veterans Act of 2019 or the BEST for Vets Act of 2019. 2.Ensuring only licensed health care providers furnish medical disability examinations under certain Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program for use contract physicians for disability examinations (a)Prohibition on use of certain health care providersSection 504(a) of the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended—
 (1)by striking The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and inserting the following:  (1)In generalThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (2)ProhibitionNo examination described in paragraph (1) may be carried out under this section by any health care provider other than one described in subsection (c)(2)..
 (b)RemediesThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take such actions as the Secretary considers appropriate to ensure that only health care providers described in subsection (c)(2) of section 504 of the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) are conducting examinations pursuant to contracts entered into under such section.
 (c)Annual reportNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on—
 (1)the conduct of the pilot program established under section 504 of the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note); and
 (2)the actions of the Secretary under subsection (b). (d)Technical correctionsSection 504 of the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–275; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended—
 (1)in the section heading, by striking physicians and inserting health care providers; and (2)in subsection (c)—
 (A)in the subsection heading, by striking physicians and inserting health care providers; (B)in paragraph (2), in the paragraph heading, by striking Physician and inserting Health care provider;
 (C)in paragraph (1), by striking physicians and inserting health care providers; and (D)by striking physician each place it appears and inserting health care provider.