116 S2656 IS: To disclose access to election infrastructure by foreign nationals.
U.S. Senate
2019-10-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		116th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 2656
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 22, 2019
			Mr. Kennedy introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration

		A BILL
		To disclose access to election infrastructure by foreign nationals.

		1.Disclosure of access to election infrastructure by foreign nationals
 (a)In generalTitle III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21081 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 303 the following new section:

					303A.Disclosure of access to election infrastructure by foreign nationals
 (a)In generalEach chief State election official shall disclose to the Commission the identity of any foreign national known by the chief State election official—
 (1)to have physically handled— (A)ballots used in an election for Federal office; or
 (B)voting machines; or (2)to have had unmonitored access to—
 (A)a storage facility or centralized vote tabulation location used to support the administration of an election for public office; or
 (B)election-related information or communications technology, including voter registration databases, voting machines, electronic mail and other communications systems (including electronic mail and other systems of vendors who have entered into contracts with election agencies to support the administration of elections, manage the election process, and report and display election results), and other systems used to manage the election process and to report and display election results on behalf of an election agency.
 (b)TimingThe chief State election official shall make the disclosure under subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the date on which such official becomes aware of an activity described in such subsection.
 (c)Foreign national definedThe term foreign national has the meaning given that term in section 319 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30121)..
 (b)Conforming amendment relating to enforcementSection 401 of such Act (52 U.S.C. 21111) is amended by striking sections 301, 302, and 303 and inserting subtitle A of title III. (c)Clerical amendmentThe table of contents of such Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 303 the following new item:

						Sec. 303A. Disclosure of access to election infrastructure by foreign nationals..


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 263
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 12, 2011
			Mr. Ackerman
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		A BILL
		To amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to
		  restrict the ability of a person whose Federal license to import, manufacture,
		  or deal in firearms has been revoked, whose application to renew such a license
		  has been denied, or who has received a license revocation or renewal denial
		  notice, to transfer business inventory firearms, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Fire Sale Loophole Closing
			 Act.
		2.Restrictions on
			 the ability of a person whose Federal license to import, manufacture, or deal
			 in firearms has been revoked, whose application to renew such a license has
			 been denied, or who has received a license revocation or renewal denial notice,
			 to transfer business inventory firearms
			(a)RestrictionsSection 922 of title 18, United States
			 Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(aa)(1)(A)It shall be unlawful for
				a person who has been notified by the Attorney General that the Attorney
				General has made a determination to revoke a license issued to the person under
				this chapter to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms, or to deny an
				application of the person to renew such a license, to—
								(i)transfer a business inventory
				firearm of the person—
									(I)into
				a personal collection of the person; or
									(II)to an employee of the person, or to an
				individual described in section 923(d)(1)(B) with respect to the person;
				or
									(ii)receive a firearm that was a business
				inventory firearm of the person as of the date the person received the
				notice.
								(B)Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with
				respect to a license revocation or denial determination that is
				rescinded.
							(2)(A)It shall be unlawful for
				a person, on or after the effective date of the revocation of a license issued
				to the person under this chapter to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms,
				or (in the case that the application of the person to renew such a license is
				denied) on or after the date the license expires, to—
								(i)engage in conduct prohibited by
				paragraph (1); or
								(ii)transfer to any other person (except
				a person licensed under this chapter or a Federal, State, or local law
				enforcement agency) a firearm that was a business inventory firearm of the
				person as of the effective date or expiration date, as the case may be.
								(B)Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with
				respect to a license revocation or denial determination that is
				reversed.
							.
			(b)Business
			 inventory definedSection 921(a) of such title is amended by
			 adding at the end the following:

					(36)Business inventory
				firearmThe term
				business inventory firearm means, with respect to a person, a
				firearm required by law to be recorded in the acquisition and disposition logs
				of any firearms business of the
				person.
					.
			(c)Conforming
			 amendmentSection 923(c) of such title is amended in the 2nd
			 sentence by inserting section 922(aa) and to after
			 subject only to.
			(d)PenaltiesSection
			 924(a) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:.

					(8)Whoever knowingly violates section 922(aa)
				shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year (or, if the
				violation was willful, 5 years), or
				both.
					.
			(e)Requirement that
			 license revocation or application denial notice include text of law prohibiting
			 dealing in firearms without a Federal firearms license and restricting transfer
			 of firearms after receipt of official license revocation or renewal application
			 denial noticeSection 923(f)(1) of such title is amended in the
			 last sentence by inserting , and shall set forth the provisions of
			 Federal law and regulation which prohibit a person not licensed under this
			 chapter from engaging in the business of dealing in firearms or are relevant in
			 determining whether a person is doing so, and the provisions of section
			 922(aa) before the period.


115 HJ 36 : Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to “Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation”.
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-01-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IIB
		115th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. J. RES. 36
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
		February 3, 2017ReceivedJanuary 4, 2018Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesJOINT RESOLUTION
		Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the
			 final rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation.

 That Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation (published at 81 Fed. Reg. 83008 (November 18, 2016)), and such rule shall have no force or effect.

	Passed the House of Representatives February 3, 2017.Karen L. Haas,Clerk.


117 HR 3521 IH: Postal Service Electric Fleet Authorization Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-05-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3521IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 25, 2021Mr. Lynch (for himself, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, Mr. Connolly, and Mrs. Lawrence) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and ReformA BILLTo modernize the fleet of delivery vehicles used by the Postal Service with electric or zero-emission vehicles, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Postal Service Electric Fleet Authorization Act of 2021.2.Authorization of appropriation for United States Postal Service for modernization of postal infrastructureThere is authorized to be appropriated to the United States Postal Service $8,000,000,000, to remain available until expended, for the acquisition of vehicles and the infrastructure required to operate a fleet of electric vehicles. Any amounts appropriated under this subsection shall be deposited into the Postal Service Fund established under section 2003 of title 39, United States Code.3.Electric or zero-emission vehicles for United States Postal Service fleet(a)In generalAny next generation delivery vehicle purchased by the United States Postal Service using the funds appropriated under section 2 shall, to the greatest extent practicable, be an electric or zero-emission vehicle, and the Postal Service shall ensure that at least 75 percent of the total number of vehicles purchased using such funds shall be electric or zero-emission vehicles. In this subsection, the term next generation delivery vehicle means a vehicle purchased to replace a right-hand drive, long-life vehicle in use by the Postal Service.(b)Medium and heavy-Duty vehicles(1)Date of enactment and 2025Between the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2024, not less than 75 percent of the total number of new medium or heavy-duty vehicles purchased by the Postal Service during such period shall be electric or zero-emission vehicles.(2)After 2029Beginning on January 1, 2030, the Postal Service may not purchase any new medium or heavy-duty vehicle that is not an electric or zero-emission vehicle.(c)ComplianceThe Postal Service shall comply with chapter 83 of title 41, United States Code, (popularly known as the Buy American Act) and any applicable Federal labor or civil rights laws—(1)in carrying out subsections (a) and (b); and(2)with respect to any vehicle purchased using funds appropriated under section 2.(d)Charging stations(1)In generalNot later than January 1, 2026, the Postal Service shall provide, at each postal facility accessible to the public, not less than one electric vehicle charging station for use by the public or officers and employees of the Postal Service.(2)Fleet operationThe Postal Service shall ensure that adequate charging stations are available at Postal Service facilities to keep the Postal Service fleet operational.(e)Plan and updateNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Postmaster General shall submit to the Committee on Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a plan to carry out this section. The Postmaster General shall submit an update and progress report on implementing such plan to such committees not less than once every two years beginning on the date the plan is submitted under the previous sentence and ending on the day that is six years after such date.(f)Contingent on appropriationThe requirements of subsections (a) through (e) of this section shall not apply unless the funds authorized under section 2 are appropriated.


IV
108th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 844
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 8, 2004
Ms. Harris (for herself, Mr. Ballenger, and Mr. Conyers) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

RESOLUTION
Commending the people and the Government of the Republic of Guatemala for progress toward peace, democratization, and political and economic liberalization, and expressing the hope and support of the House of Representatives for the continuation of this progress.

Whereas the Republic of Guatemala enacted a new democratic constitution, which became effective on January 14, 1986, and the most recent successful presidential election was held on December 28, 2003;
Whereas 36 years of civil war ended in 1996 with the signing of peace accords, and in recent months the implementation of the accords has received renewed impetus;
Whereas the Government of Guatemala has taken the historic step of reducing military spending to 0.33 percent of the gross domestic product, which is half of the maximum spending that was authorized by the peace accords;
Whereas the size of the military of Guatemala has been reduced dramatically from 46,900 to 15,500 troops, and the military is shifting its focus from defending against domestic threats to defending against external threats, including terrorism and narcotrafficking;
Whereas the United States determined that Guatemala had failed to adhere to its international counternarcotics commitments during 2002, but in September 2003 and again in September 2004, Guatemala earned certification from the United States that Guatemala had taken adequate steps to comply with such commitments;
Whereas in July 2004, the Financial Action Task Force of the Group of Seven welcomed progress made by Guatemala in enacting and implementing anti-money laundering legislation;
Whereas President George W. Bush has stated that the recent change in government in Guatemala “affords an important opportunity to reverse negative trends in the country,” but that donor support will remain essential to keep Guatemala on the positive democratic path and to avoid a failing state so close to United States borders;
Whereas the Government of Guatemala has committed itself to implementing in a constitutionally consistent manner an effective form of the Commission of Investigation of Illegal Groups and Clandestine Security Forces;
Whereas the Government of Guatemala has launched an unprecedented plan known as the Economic and Social Reactivation Plan, the initial phase of which will last 18 months and will be self-funded with $1.5 billion;
Whereas the Government of Guatemala has initiated an unprecedented campaign to eradicate chronic child malnutrition and has given new impetus to the recently-created Department of the Environment;
Whereas the Government of Guatemala has demonstrated remarkable resolve in anti-corruption efforts by indicting and incarcerating several former high-level officials, and is undertaking a far-reaching effort to improve the quality of the country’s judicial system;
Whereas the people and the Government of Guatemala have demonstrated important political, social, and economic commitment in carrying out the significant changes that preceded becoming a signatory to the United States-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement;
Whereas in recent months Guatemalan society has shown cohesion and consensus around a broadly beneficial vision for the future of Guatemala;
Whereas the encouraging developments in Guatemala, the largest nation in Central America, reflect heartening trends enjoyed by the entire region; and
Whereas Guatemala continues to face many challenges of reform, including in the areas of judicial independence, police corruption, the curbing of organized criminal gang activity, and tax collection: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)commends the people and the Government of the Republic of Guatemala for progress toward peace, democratization, and political and economic liberalization;
(2)expresses its hope that this progress will continue to thrive and will become self-reinforcing;
(3)reaffirms the friendship that exists between the people of the United States and the people of Guatemala;
(4)asserts its hope that the Government of Guatemala will further strengthen its fight against financial crime and will focus on the proper collection of taxes in order to benefit the whole of the Guatemalan people;
(5)encourages the Government of the United States to offer to assist Guatemala in its future challenges of reform, including initiatives against money laundering, to encourage democracy and economic prosperity; and
(6)supports enhancing mutually beneficial bilateral economic ties between the United States and Guatemala.


110 HR 5824 IH: Veterans Mortgage Education Act of

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-04-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5824
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 16, 2008
			Mr. Kagen introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services

		A BILL
		To require the Secretary of Defense to establish a
		  mortgage foreclosure counseling program for members of the Armed Forces
		  returning from service abroad.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Veterans Mortgage Education Act of
			 2008.
		2.Counseling on mortgage
			 foreclosures for members of the Armed Forces returning from service
			 abroad
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a
			 program to advise members of the Armed Forces (including members of the
			 National Guard and Reserve) who are returning from service on active duty
			 abroad (including service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring
			 Freedom) on actions to be taken by such members to prevent or forestall
			 mortgage foreclosures.
			(b)ElementsThe
			 program required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
				(1)Credit
			 counseling.
				(2)Home mortgage
			 counseling.
				(3)Such other
			 counseling and information as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes
			 of the program.
				(c)Timing of
			 provision of counselingCounseling and other information under
			 the program required by subsection (a) shall be provided to a member of the
			 Armed Forces covered by the program as soon as practicable after the return of
			 the member from service as described in subsection (a).


110 HR 4058 IH: Maximizing the Use of Federal Funds for Job Creation Act of 2007
U.S. House of Representatives
2007-11-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4058
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

November 1, 2007
Mr. Hoekstra introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL
To grant to a State with an unemployment rate that is equal to or greater than 125 percent of the national unemployment rate authority to transfer funds among programs made available to such State by title 23, United States Code, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Maximizing the Use of Federal Funds for Job Creation Act of 2007.
2.Transfer authority
(a)In generalExcept as provided in subsection (c), a State with an unemployment rate that is equal to or greater than 125 percent of the national unemployment rate is authorized to transfer, without limitation, any funds apportioned and any funds allocated to such State from amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to any of the apportionments for the programs designated in subsection (b).
(b)Designated programsThe following programs, authorized by title 23, United States Code, are the programs the apportionments of which funds may be transferred to under subsection (a):
(1)The interstate maintenance program under section 119.
(2)The National Highway System under section 103(b).
(3)The surface transportation program under section 133.
(4)The highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program under section 144.
(c)Exempt programsThe funds made available for the highway safety improvement programs authorized by section 148 and chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, shall not be subject to transfer under subsection (a).
(d)DurationThe transfer authority provided by subsection (a) shall remain in effect for a period of two years for a State or until the date on the State’s unemployment rate is less than 125 percent of the national unemployment rate, whichever occurs later.
(e)National employment rate definedIn this section, the term national employment rate means the most recent rate of unemployment announced each month by Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor based upon data from the current populations survey of households conducted for the Bureau by the Bureau of the Census of the Department of Commerce.


116 S4832 IS: Opposing Foreign Fundraising at United States Embassies Act of 2020
U.S. Senate
2020-10-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 4832IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESOctober 21 (legislative day, October 19), 2020Mr. Markey introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign RelationsA BILLTo prohibit the use of United States embassies or consulates in raising funds for foreign political parties or candidates.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Opposing Foreign Fundraising at United States Embassies Act of 2020 or the OFF U.S. Embassies Act of 2020.2.FindingsCongress makes the following findings:(1)The promotion of democratic institutions and free and fair elections is a key foreign policy initiative of the United States, carried out by the Department of State through its embassies, diplomats, programs, and policies around the world.(2)Meeting with and building relationships with a range of political parties in foreign countries are appropriate and important functions consistent with the duties of any United States Ambassador or representative of the United States Government abroad.(3)It is the longstanding and bipartisan practice of the United States to encourage democratic norms, free and fair elections, rule of law, and free speech abroad, without regard for political party or affiliation.(4)The use of United States embassy or consulate grounds, or the grounds of any other United States diplomatic post, to raise funds for any foreign political party or candidate in a foreign democratic electoral process is inappropriate and distinct from longstanding Department of State efforts to engage with foreign persons, including democracy activists and representatives of political parties, to advance democratic institutions and universal values around the world.(5)On September 10, 2020, United States Ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra held a private event for a Dutch political party and its donors at the United States Embassy in The Hague.(6)The invitations to the event asked guests to join the United States Embassy at the invitation of the Forum for Democracy and Pete Hoekstra, and included contact details for the Head of Fundraising of that foreign political party.(7)Prior donors to the political party were invited and attended the event at the United States Embassy.(8)The leader of the foreign political party used the event at the United States Embassy to speak about campaign strategy and to display a video made ahead of the 2021 electoral campaign in the Netherlands.(9)Following news reports highlighting the similarities between the September 10, 2020, event held at the United States Embassy and a political fundraiser, Dutch lawmakers raised concerns, with one member of parliament calling on the Dutch Foreign Ministry to investigate whether Ambassador Hoekstra had facilitated a fund raising event for a political party.(10)Such behavior is part of a pattern in which Department of State officials under President Donald J. Trump have publicly engaged in political activities that break with the longstanding practice of not using one’s official position to lend support to particular parties or candidates, domestic or foreign, with whom one shares a partisan affinity.(11)In 2018, United States Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell said, from his official residence in Berlin, I absolutely want to empower other conservatives throughout Europe and praised the leader of an Austrian political party, leading multiple German political figures to publicly rebuke the United States Ambassador for political interference.3.Prohibition on hosting of foreign party political events at United States embassies(a)In generalNo Federal funds may be obligated or expended to host a fundraising event for, or on behalf of, a foreign political party or candidate at a United States embassy or consulate or any other United States diplomatic post. (b)Fundraising event definedIn this section, the term fundraising event means an event intended to raise funds for, or on behalf of, a political party or candidate, including by knowingly facilitating contact between potential donors and political parties or candidates for fundraising purposes.(c)Restriction on entertainment and representation expensesSection 905 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4085) is amended by adding at the end the following: The Secretary may not provide for official receptions or pay expenses related to activities by the Department or the Service, hosted by a United States embassy or consulate or other United States diplomatic post, intended to raise funds for or on behalf of a foreign political party or candidate..(d)Additional restriction on expendituresSection 4(b)(2)(H) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2671(b)(2)(H)) is amended by inserting , other than functions at a United States embassy or consulate or any other United States diplomatic post intended to raise funds for or on behalf of a foreign political party or candidate after allowances.(e)Revision of DSSR and FAM(1)In generalThe Secretary of State shall revise the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) and the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) to prohibit the use of a United States embassy or consulate or any other United States diplomatic post in a manner intended to raise funds for or on behalf of a foreign political party or candidate, reflect the prohibitions on expenditures under this section, and discourage any activity hosted by a United States embassy or consulate or other United States diplomatic post that could be construed as promoting the financial interest of any foreign political party or candidate relative to others engaged in a democratic electoral process. (2)CertificationNot less than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall certify to the appropriate congressional committees that the revisions required under paragraph (1) have been made.(3)Appropriate congressional committees definedIn this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.


114 HCON 153 IH: Expressing the sense of Congress that a day should be designated as “National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day”.
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-09-15
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.

IV114th CONGRESS2d SessionH. CON. RES. 153IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 15, 2016Ms. Fudge (for herself, Ms. Adams, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Butterfield, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Mr. Hastings, Mr. Hinojosa, Mr. Honda, Ms. Jackson Lee, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Moore, Ms. Norton, Mr. Payne, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Richmond, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Serrano, Ms. Sewell of Alabama, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Veasey, and Mrs. Watson Coleman) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government ReformCONCURRENT RESOLUTIONExpressing the sense of Congress that a day should be designated as National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day.

 Whereas the affirmation of the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal too often has been disregarded throughout our Nation’s history;
 Whereas voting is the fundamental political right because it is preservative of all rights; Whereas the fourteenth and fifteenth amendments to the Constitution prohibit racial discrimination in voting by the States;
 Whereas when Congress enacted the Voting Rights Act of 1965, certain States employed tests and devices that were race-neutral on their face but were used to prevent racial minorities from registering and voting;
 Whereas when Congress enacted the Voting Rights Act of 1965, certain States and their political subdivisions had resorted to substituting new discriminatory practices for ones that were enjoined by the Federal courts, requiring aggrieved plaintiffs to assume the burden of repeated litigation to vindicate their fourteenth and fifteenth amendment rights;
 Whereas Congress enacted section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to require certain States and political subdivisions to submit new or modified voting practices for Federal review before they can be used;
 Whereas Congress reauthorized section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in 1970, 1975, and 1982 after finding a continuing pattern of racial discrimination in voting by the covered jurisdictions;
 Whereas the Supreme Court repeatedly has upheld section 5 against constitutional challenges, and pointed to section 5 as a model for the appropriate exercise of Congress’s enforcement authority under the Reconstruction Amendments;
 Whereas section 5 has proven to be one of the most effective provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in blocking and deterring many thousands of discriminatory voting practices that would have denied or abridged the ability of minority citizens to register, vote, and elect candidates of their choice;
 Whereas Congress in 2006 reauthorized section 5 by overwhelming margins based upon an extensive record of continued racial voting discrimination within the covered jurisdictions;
 Whereas section 5 continues to require Federal review for changes in all or part of 16 States with histories of official discrimination, where the legislative record showed that the bulk of racial voting discrimination has remained concentrated;
 Whereas States and political subdivisions that show a clean recent record of voting rights compliance can bail out from section 5 coverage;
 Whereas there are ongoing election problems in both the covered and the non-covered States which urgently require the attention of Congress, including voting delays, badly designed and executed voter purges, unduly restrictive voter identification laws, and deceptive and intimidating phone calls, flyers, and billboards, but these problems do not necessarily require the non-covered States to comply with the section 5 preclearance remedy;
 Whereas section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 remains necessary to protect the hard-won gains in minority electoral participation in the covered States since 1965 against the imposition of new racially discriminatory voting practices;
 Whereas the Supreme Court’s holding in Shelby County v. Holder severely undermined the effectiveness of section 5;
 Whereas in the wake of this decision voting rights have come under increased attack in States across the country; and
 Whereas the first Monday in October would be an appropriate day for the Nation to focus upon the historic and continuing importance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in ensuring equality at the ballot box: Now, therefore, be it

 That it is the sense of Congress that a day should be designated as National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day, to remind all Americans of the critical role that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 continues to play in protecting the right to vote, and for them to voice their support for this landmark civil rights law.


114 HR 2438 IH: To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to broader application of Bayesian statistics and adaptive trial designs.
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-05-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2438
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 19, 2015
Mr. Collins of New York introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to broader application of Bayesian statistics and adaptive trial designs.

1.Broader application of Bayesian statistics and adaptive trial designs
(a)Proposals for use of innovative statistical methods in clinical protocols for drugs and biological productsFor purposes of assisting sponsors in incorporating adaptive trial design and Bayesian methods into proposed clinical protocols and applications for new drugs under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355) and biological products under section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262), the Secretary shall conduct a public meeting and issue guidance in accordance with subsection (b). (b)Guidance addressing use of adaptive trial designs and Bayesian methods (1)In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (in this subsection referred to as the Secretary), shall—
(A)update and finalize the draft guidance addressing the use of adaptive trial design for drugs and biological products; and (B)issue draft guidance on the use of Bayesian methods in the development and regulatory review and approval or licensure of drugs and biological products.
(2)ContentsThe guidances under paragraph (1) shall address— (A)the use of adaptive trial designs and Bayesian methods in clinical trials, including clinical trials proposed or submitted to help satisfy the substantial evidence standard under section 505(d) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(d));
(B)how sponsors may obtain feedback from the Secretary on technical issues related to modeling and simulations prior to— (i)completion of such modeling or simulations; or
(ii)the submission of resulting information to the Secretary; (C)the types of quantitative and qualitative information that should be submitted for review; and
(D)recommended analysis methodologies. (3)Public meetingPrior to updating or developing the guidances required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with stakeholders, including representatives of regulated industry, academia, patient advocacy organizations, and disease research foundations, through a public meeting to be held not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
(4)ScheduleThe Secretary shall publish— (A)the final guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) not later than 18 months after the date of the public meeting required by paragraph (3); and
(B)the guidance required by paragraph (1)(B) not later than 48 months after the date of the public meeting required by paragraph (3).


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6391
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 13, 2012
			Mr. Poe of Texas
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To terminate the designation of the Islamic Republic of
		  Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally, and for other purposes.

		1.Termination of designation of
			 the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO allyEffective beginning on the date of the
			 enactment of this Act—
			(1)the designation of the Islamic Republic of
			 Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally pursuant to section 517(a)(1) of the Foreign
			 Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321k(a)(1)) or any other provision of law is
			 hereby terminated; and
			(2)the President may not issue a separate
			 designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally
			 pursuant to section 517(a)(1) of such Act or any other provision of law.
			2.Report on
			 countries designated as a major non-NATO alliesNot later than 1 year after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the President shall submit to
			 Congress a report that contains the following:
			(1)A
			 complete and updated list of each country that is designated as a major
			 non-NATO ally pursuant to section 517(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of
			 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321k(a)(1)).
			(2)A justification as to why each such country
			 should continue to be designated as a major non-NATO ally pursuant to section
			 517(a)(1) of such Act.


116 HR 4935 IH: Teleabortion Prevention Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-10-30
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4935IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 30, 2019Mr. Wright (for himself, Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania, Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Fortenberry, Mr. Rutherford, Mr. Aderholt, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Meadows, Mr. Hice of Georgia, Mr. Banks, Mr. Harris, and Mr. Gibbs) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo prohibit chemical abortions performed without the presence of a healthcare provider, and for
			 other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Teleabortion Prevention Act of 2019. 2.Chemical abortions prohibited without a healthcare provider present (a)Chemical abortions prohibited without a physician presentChapter 74 of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
 (1)in the chapter heading by striking Partial-Birth; and (2)by inserting after section 1531 the following:

						1532.Chemical abortions prohibited without a healthcare provider physically present
 (a)OffenseAny healthcare provider who, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, who knowingly provides or attempts to provide a chemical abortion—
 (1)without physically examining the patient; (2)without being physically present at the location of the chemical abortion; or
 (3)without scheduling a follow-up visit for the patient to occur not more than 14 days after the administration or use of the drug to assess the patient’s physical condition,
								shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both. This subsection
			 does not apply to a chemical abortion that is necessary to save the life
			 of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical
			 illness, or physical injury, including a life-endangering physical
 condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.(b)No liability of the patientA patient upon whom an abortion is performed may not be prosecuted under this section or for a conspiracy to violate this section.
 (c)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Abortion drugThe term abortion drug means any medicine, drug or any other substance, or any combination of drugs, medicines or substances, when it is used—
 (A)to intentionally kill the unborn child of a woman known to be pregnant; or (B)to intentionally terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to be pregnant, with an intention other than—
 (i)to produce a live birth; or (ii)to remove a dead unborn child.
 (2)Attempts to provideIn this section, the term attempts to provide, means conduct that, under the circumstances as the actor believes them to be, constitutes a substantial step in a course of conduct planned to culminate in a chemical abortion.
 (3)Healthcare providerThe term healthcare provider means any person licensed to prescribe prescription drugs under applicable Federal and State laws. (4)ProvideIn this section, the term provide, means to dispense or prescribe an abortion drug, or to otherwise make an abortion drug available to a patient.
 (5)Chemical abortionThe term chemical abortion refers to the use of an abortion drug to— (A)intentionally kill the unborn child of a woman known to be pregnant; or
 (B)intentionally terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to be pregnant, with an intention other than—
 (i)to produce a live birth; or (ii)to remove a dead unborn child.
 (6)Unborn childThe term unborn child means an individual organism of the species homo sapiens, beginning at fertilization, until the point of being born alive as defined in section 8(b).
 (d)Rule of construction regarding ectopic pregnancyNothing in this section shall be construed to have any impact on the treatment of a verified ectopic pregnancy.
 (e)SeverabilityIf any provision of this section or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, the remainder of this section and the application of the provisions of the remainder to any person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.
							.
				(b)Clerical amendments
 (1)Chapter 74The table of sections for such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1531 the following:

							1532. Chemical abortions prohibited without a healthcare provider physically present..
 (2)Part IThe table of chapters for part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to chapter 74, and inserting the following:

							74.Abortions1531.


114 HR 2627 IH: Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-06-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2627
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 3, 2015
			Mr. Ryan of Ohio (for himself, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Ms. DeLauro, and Mr. Farr) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

		A BILL
		To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to expand the use of salad bars in
			 schools.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act. 2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
 (1)In the United States, one-third of all school-aged children are overweight or obese and very few eat the daily amount of fruits and vegetables recommended by national health authorities.
 (2)On average, more than 30 million children participate in the National School Lunch Program daily, with more than 70 percent qualifying for free or reduced-price meals based on family household income.
 (3)Improving the healthfulness of school meals, including serving more fruits and vegetables, will improve children’s eating habits and their health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that children make half their plate fruits and vegetables at each meal.
 (4)Research indicates that school salad bars are an effective strategy to increase children’s consumption of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
 (5)Salad bars are one of the easiest ways for school food authorities to meet the new school lunch nutrition standards that require serving a fruit and a vegetable every day, a colorful variety of vegetables every week, and that students select at least one-half cup of a fruit or a vegetable at lunch.
 (6)Salad bars are effective in elementary, middle, and high school, they empower students to try new fruits and vegetables and are a tangible example of a school’s commitment to wellness and healthier school meals.
 3.Expansion of salad barsSection 18 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769) is amended by adding at the end the following:

				(l)Expansion of salad bars
 (1)Marketing and communications planNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act, the Secretary shall establish and implement a plan to promote the use of salad bars in schools participating in the school lunch program established under this Act.
 (2)Training and technical assistanceIn carrying out the plan described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide training and technical assistance to eligible entities to assist the entities in establishing salad bars in schools. Such training and technical assistance may include:
 (A)webinars; (B)training workshops;
 (C)implementation resources; (D)nutrition education; and
 (E)strategies for parent engagement and encourage collaboration with allied organizations and partners.
						(3)Grant program
 (A)In generalIn carrying out the plan described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall establish a grant program under which the Secretary shall provide grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities selected under subparagraph (C).
 (B)Use of fundsEach eligible entity receiving a grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds to award schools a one-time payment equal to the anticipated cost of installing a salad bar, including the purchase of any durable equipment required for a salad bar.
						(C)Application
 (i)In generalTo receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
 (ii)PriorityIn selecting grant recipients, the Secretary may give priority to eligible entities that— (I)serve schools in which not less than 50 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced price lunches;
 (II)serve schools in food deserts; or (III)provide nutrition education to students.
 (D)TerminationThe grant program shall terminate 5 years after the date of the enactment of the Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act. (E)EvaluationEach grantee shall submit to the Secretary an evaluation of the grant program at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
 (4)ReportNot later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, which includes—
 (A)recommendations, if any, for promoting and establishing more salad bars in schools; (B)the number of schools nationwide that have a salad bar program in their school;
 (C)the number of schools that have new salad bars as a result of the plan described in paragraph (1); and
 (D)the evaluations submitted by grantees under paragraph (4)(E). (5)Revision of guidance on salad bars in the National School Lunch ProgramNot later than 90 days after submitting the report under paragraph (4), the Secretary shall revise the March 27, 2013, policy memorandum SP 31–2013, Salad Bars in the National School Lunch Program, in light of any recommendations contained in the report.
 (6)DefinitionsIn this subsection: (A)Durable equipmentThe term durable equipment means durable food preparation, handling, cooking, serving, and storage equipment greater than $500 in value.
 (B)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means— (i)a school; or
 (ii)a school food authority. (C)Food desertThe term food desert means a census tract with a substantial share of residents who live in low-income areas that have low levels of access to a grocery store or a healthy, affordable food retail outlet.
						.
 4.Prohibition on new appropriationsNo additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act, and this Act and such amendments shall be carried out using amounts otherwise made available for such purposes.