		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3675
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			December 12, 2012
			Ms. Collins (for herself
			 and Ms. Snowe) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Small Business and
			 Entrepreneurship

		A BILL
		To expand the HUBZone program for communities affected by
		  base realignment and closure, and for other purposes.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the HUBZone Expansion Act of
			 2012.
		2.Expanding
			 HUBZone program for communities affected by base realignment and
			 closureSection 3(p)(4)(D) of
			 the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(p)(4)(D)) is amended—
			(1)in clause (iv),
			 by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and;
			(2)by redesignating
			 clauses (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) as subclauses (I), (II), (III), and (IV),
			 respectively;
			(3)in the matter
			 preceding subclause (I), as so redesignated, by striking means lands
			 within and inserting the following: “means—

					(i)lands
				within
					;
				and
			(4)by adding at the
			 end the following:

					(ii)a geographic
				area that—
						(I)is—
							(aa)the municipality
				in which the military installation is located;
							(bb)the county in
				which the military installation is located; or
							(cc)(AA)the census tract in
				which the military installation is located; or
								(BB)the census tract in which the military
				installation is located and a census tract contiguous to that census tract;
				and
								(II)has a total
				population of not more than 50,000, as determined with reference to the most
				recent decennial
				census;
						.


117 HR 4861 IH: Counting Overlooked Base Impact Aid Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-07-29
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4861IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 29, 2021Mr. Wittman (for himself and Mr. Hudson) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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 require that commanders of military installations verify the reporting of eligible federally connected children for purposes of Federal impact aid programs.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Counting Overlooked Base Impact Aid Act or the COBIA Act. 2.Verification of reporting of eligible federally connected children for purposes of Federal impact aid programs(a)CertificationOn an annual basis, each commander of a military installation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a military department shall submit to such Secretary a written certification verifying whether the commander has confirmed the information contained in all impact aid source check forms received from local educational agencies as of the date of such certification.(b)ReportNot later June 30 of each year, each Secretary of a military department shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report, based on the information received under subsection (a), that identifies—(1)each military installation under the jurisdiction of such Secretary that has confirmed the information contained in all impact aid source check forms received from local educational agencies as of the date of the report; and(2)each military installation that has not confirmed the information contained in such forms as of such date.(c)DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Term congressional defense committees has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.(2)The term impact aid source check form means a form submitted to a military installation by a local educational agency to confirm the number and identity of children eligible to be counted for purposes of the Federal impact aid program under section 7003(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7703(a)).(3)The term local educational agency has the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).


114 HRES 706 EH: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4901) to reauthorize the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 88) disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to the definition of the term “Fiduciary”; and providing for proceedings during the period from May 2, 2016, through May 9, 2016.
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-04-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
114th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 706
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

April 28, 2016

RESOLUTION
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4901) to reauthorize the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 88) disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to the definition of the term Fiduciary; and providing for proceedings during the period from May 2, 2016, through May 9, 2016.

That upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 4901) to reauthorize the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, and for other purposes. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; and (2) one motion to recommit.  2.Upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 88) disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to the definition of the term Fiduciary. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived. The joint resolution shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the joint resolution are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the joint resolution and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce; and (2) one motion to recommit.
3.On any legislative day during the period from May 2, 2016, through May 9, 2016— (a)the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day shall be considered as approved; and
(b)the Chair may at any time declare the House adjourned to meet at a date and time, within the limits of clause 4, section 5, article I of the Constitution, to be announced by the Chair in declaring the adjournment.  4.The Speaker may appoint Members to perform the duties of the Chair for the duration of the period addressed by section 3 of this resolution as though under clause 8(a) of rule I.
5.The Committee on Armed Services may, at any time before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, file a report to accompany H.R. 4909.   Karen L. Haas,Clerk.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 371
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 9, 2009
			Mrs. Bono Mack
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study
		  and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in
		  the Rancho California Water District Southern Riverside County
		  Recycled/Non-Potable Distribution Facilities and Demineralization/Desalination
		  Recycled Water Treatment and Reclamation Facility Project.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Rancho California Water District
			 Recycled Water Reclamation Facility Act of 2009.
		2.Project
			 authorization
			(a)In
			 generalThe Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and
			 Facilities Act (Public Law 102–575, title XVI; 43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.) is
			 amended by adding after section 16__ the following:

					16__.Rancho
				California water district project, California
						(a)AuthorizationThe
				Secretary, in cooperation with the Rancho California Water District,
				California, may participate in the design, planning, and construction of
				permanent facilities for water recycling, demineralization, and desalination,
				and distribution of non-potable water supplies in Southern Riverside County,
				California.
						(b)Cost
				sharingThe Federal share of the cost of the project described in
				subsection (a) shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project or
				$20,000,000, whichever is less.
						(c)LimitationFunds
				provided by the Secretary under this section shall not be used for operation or
				maintenance of the project described in subsection
				(a).
						.
			(b)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of items in section 2 of Public Law 102–575
			 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 16__ the
			 following:

						Sec. 16__. Rancho California Water
				District Project, California.

					.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 301
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 22, 2009
			Mr. Grassley (for
			 himself, Mr. Kohl, and
			 Ms. Klobuchar) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to provide
		  for transparency in the relationship between physicians and manufacturers of
		  drugs, devices, biologicals, or medical supplies for which payment is made
		  under Medicare, Medicaid, or SCHIP.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Physician Payments Sunshine Act of
			 2009.
		2.Transparency
			 reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment
			 interestsPart A of title XI
			 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) is amended by inserting
			 after section 1128F the following new section:

				1128G.Transparency
				reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests
					(a)Transparency
				reports
						(1)Payments or
				other transfers of value
							(A)In
				generalExcept as provided in subsection (e), on March 31, 2011,
				and on the 90th day of each calendar year beginning thereafter, any applicable
				manufacturer that provides a payment or other transfer of value to a covered
				recipient (or to an entity or individual at the request of or designated on
				behalf of a covered recipient), shall submit to the Secretary, in such
				electronic form as the Secretary shall require, the following information with
				respect to the preceding calendar year:
								(i)The name of the
				covered recipient.
								(ii)The business
				address of the covered recipient and, in the case of a covered recipient who is
				a physician, the specialty and Medicare billing number of the covered
				recipient.
								(iii)The value of
				the payment or other transfer of value.
								(iv)The dates on
				which the payment or other transfer of value was provided to the covered
				recipient.
								(v)A
				description of the form of the payment or other transfer of value, indicated
				(as appropriate for all that apply) as—
									(I)cash or a cash
				equivalent;
									(II)in-kind items or
				services;
									(III)stock, a stock
				option, or any other ownership interest, dividend, profit, or other return on
				investment; or
									(IV)any other form
				of payment or other transfer of value (as defined by the Secretary).
									(vi)A description of
				the nature of the payment or other transfer of value, indicated (as appropriate
				for all that apply) as—
									(I)consulting
				fees;
									(II)compensation for
				services other than consulting;
									(III)honoraria;
									(IV)gift;
									(V)entertainment;
									(VI)food;
									(VII)travel;
									(VIII)education;
									(IX)research;
									(X)charitable
				contribution;
									(XI)royalty or
				license;
									(XII)current or
				prospective ownership or investment interest;
									(XIII)compensation
				for serving as faculty or as a speaker for a continuing medical education
				program;
									(XIV)grant;
				or
									(XV)any other nature
				of the payment or other transfer of value (as defined by the Secretary).
									(vii)If the payment
				or other transfer of value is related to marketing, education, or research
				specific to a covered drug, device, biological, or medical supply, the name of
				that covered drug, device, biological, or medical supply.
								(viii)Any other
				categories of information regarding the payment or other transfer of value the
				Secretary determines appropriate.
								(B)Aggregate
				reportingInformation submitted by an applicable manufacturer
				under subparagraph (A) shall include the aggregate amount of all payments or
				other transfers of value provided by the applicable manufacturer to covered
				recipients (and to entities or individuals at the request of or designated on
				behalf of a covered recipient) during the preceding year.
							(C)Special rule
				for certain payments or other transfers of valueIn the case
				where an applicable manufacturer provides a payment or other transfer of value
				to an entity or individual at the request of or designated on behalf of a
				covered recipient, the applicable manufacturer shall disclose that payment or
				other transfer of value under the name of the covered recipient.
							(2)Physician
				ownershipIn addition to the requirement under paragraph (1)(A),
				on March 31, 2011, and on the 90th day of each calendar year beginning
				thereafter, any applicable manufacturer or applicable group purchasing
				organization shall submit to the Secretary, in such electronic form as the
				Secretary shall require, the following information regarding any ownership or
				investment interest (other than an ownership or investment interest in a
				publicly traded security and mutual fund, as described in section 1877(c)) held
				by a physician (or an immediate family member of such physician (as defined for
				purposes of section 1877(a))) in the applicable manufacturer or applicable
				group purchasing organization during the preceding year:
							(A)The dollar amount
				invested by each physician holding such an ownership or investment
				interest.
							(B)The value and
				terms of each such ownership or investment interest.
							(C)Any payment or
				other transfer of value provided to a physician holding such an ownership or
				investment interest (or to an entity or individual at the request of or
				designated on behalf of a physician holding such an ownership or investment
				interest), including the information described in clauses (i) through (viii) of
				paragraph (1)(A), except that in applying such clauses,
				physician shall be substituted for covered
				recipient each place it appears.
							(D)Any other
				information regarding the ownership or investment interest the Secretary
				determines appropriate.
							(b)Penalties for
				noncompliance
						(1)Failure to
				report
							(A)In
				generalSubject to subparagraph (B), except as provided in
				paragraph (2), any applicable manufacturer or applicable group purchasing
				organization that fails to submit information required under subsection (a) in
				a timely manner in accordance with rules or regulations promulgated to carry
				out such subsection, shall be subject to a civil money penalty of not less than
				$1,000, but not more than $10,000, for each payment or other transfer of value
				or ownership or investment interest not reported as required under such
				subsection. Such penalty shall be imposed and collected in the same manner as
				civil money penalties under subsection (a) of section 1128A are imposed and
				collected under that section.
							(B)LimitationThe
				total amount of civil money penalties imposed under subparagraph (A) with
				respect to each annual submission of information under subsection (a) by an
				applicable manufacturer or applicable group purchasing organization shall not
				exceed $150,000.
							(2)Knowing failure
				to report
							(A)In
				generalSubject to subparagraph (B), any applicable manufacturer
				or applicable group purchasing organization that knowingly fails to submit
				information required under subsection (a) in a timely manner in accordance with
				rules or regulations promulgated to carry out such subsection, shall be subject
				to a civil money penalty of not less than $10,000, but not more than $100,000,
				for each payment or other transfer of value or ownership or investment interest
				not reported as required under such subsection. Such penalty shall be imposed
				and collected in the same manner as civil money penalties under subsection (a)
				of section 1128A are imposed and collected under that section.
							(B)LimitationThe
				total amount of civil money penalties imposed under subparagraph (A) with
				respect to each annual submission of information under subsection (a) by an
				applicable manufacturer or applicable group purchasing organization shall not
				exceed $1,000,000.
							(3)Use of
				fundsFunds collected by the Secretary as a result of the
				imposition of a civil money penalty under this subsection shall be used to
				carry out this section.
						(c)Procedures for
				submission of information and public availability
						(1)In
				general
							(A)EstablishmentNot
				later than November 1, 2009, the Secretary shall establish procedures—
								(i)for applicable
				manufacturers and applicable group purchasing organizations to submit
				information to the Secretary under subsection (a); and
								(ii)for the
				Secretary to make such information submitted available to the public.
								(B)Definition of
				termsThe procedures established under subparagraph (A) shall
				provide for the definition of terms (other than those terms defined in
				subsection (g)), as appropriate, for purposes of this section.
							(C)Public
				availabilityThe procedures established under subparagraph
				(A)(ii) shall ensure that, not later than September 30, 2011, and on June 30 of
				each calendar year beginning thereafter, the information submitted under
				subsection (a) with respect to the preceding calendar year is made available
				through an Internet website that—
								(i)is searchable and
				is in a format that is clear and understandable;
								(ii)contains
				information that is presented by the name of the applicable manufacturer or
				applicable group purchasing organization, the name of the covered recipient,
				the business address of the covered recipient, the specialty of the covered
				recipient, the value of the payment or other transfer of value, the date on
				which the payment or other transfer of value was provided to the covered
				recipient, the form of the payment or other transfer of value, indicated (as
				appropriate) under subsection (a)(1)(A)(v), the nature of the payment or other
				transfer of value, indicated (as appropriate) under subsection (a)(1)(A)(vi),
				and the name of the covered drug, device, biological, or medical supply, as
				applicable;
								(iii)contains
				information that is able to be easily aggregated and downloaded;
								(iv)contains a
				description of any enforcement actions taken to carry out this section,
				including any penalties imposed under subsection (b), during the preceding
				year;
								(v)contains
				background information on industry-physician relationships;
								(vi)in the case of
				information submitted with respect to a payment or other transfer of value
				described in subsection (e), lists such information separately from the other
				information submitted under subsection (a) and designates such separately
				listed information as funding for clinical research;
								(vii)contains any
				other information the Secretary determines would be helpful to the average
				consumer; and
								(viii)provides the
				covered recipient an opportunity to submit corrections to the information made
				available to the public with respect to the covered recipient.
								(2)ConsultationIn
				establishing the procedures under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult
				with the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services,
				affected industry, consumers, consumer advocates, and other interested parties
				in order to ensure that the information made available to the public under such
				paragraph is presented in the appropriate overall context.
						(d)Annual reports
				and relation to state laws
						(1)Annual report
				to CongressNot later than April 1 of each year beginning with
				2011, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes the
				following:
							(A)The information
				submitted under subsection (a) during the preceding year, aggregated for each
				applicable manufacturer and applicable group purchasing organization that
				submitted such information during such year.
							(B)A description of
				any enforcement actions taken to carry out this section, including any
				penalties imposed under subsection (b), during the preceding year.
							(2)Annual reports
				to statesNot later than April 1 of each year beginning with
				2011, the Secretary shall submit to States a report that includes a summary of
				the information submitted under subsection (a) during the preceding year with
				respect to covered recipients in the State.
						(3)Relation to
				state laws
							(A)In
				generalEffective on January 1, 2010, subject to subparagraph
				(B), the provisions of this section shall preempt any law or regulation of a
				State or of a political subdivision of a State that requires an applicable
				manufacturer (as defined in subsection (g)) to disclose or report information
				(as described in subsection (a)) regarding a payment or other transfer of value
				provided by the applicable manufacturer to a covered recipient (as so
				described).
							(B)No preemption
				of additional requirementsSubparagraph (A) shall not preempt any
				law or regulation of a State or of a political subdivision of a State that
				requires the disclosure or reporting of information not required to be
				disclosed or reported under this section.
							(e)Delayed
				reporting for payments made pursuant to product development agreements and
				clinical investigationsIn the case of a payment or other
				transfer of value made to a covered recipient by an applicable manufacturer
				pursuant to a product development agreement for services furnished in
				connection with the development of a new drug, device, biological, or medical
				supply, or by an applicable manufacturer in connection with a clinical
				investigation, the applicable manufacturer may report the value of such payment
				or other transfer of value in the first reporting period under subsection (a)
				after the earlier of the following:
						(1)The date of the
				approval or clearance of the covered drug, device, biological, or medical
				supply by the Food and Drug Administration.
						(2)Two calendar
				years after the date such payment or other transfer of value was made.
						(f)Implementation
						(1)ConsultationThe
				Secretary shall consult with the Inspector General of the Department of Health
				and Human Services on the implementation of this section.
						(2)Limitation on
				reviewThere shall be no judicial review of the implementation of
				this section.
						(g)DefinitionsIn
				this section:
						(1)Applicable
				group purchasing organizationThe term applicable group
				purchasing organization means a group purchasing organization (as
				defined by the Secretary) that purchases, arranges for, or negotiates the
				purchase of a covered drug, device, biological, or medical supply.
						(2)Applicable
				manufacturerThe term applicable manufacturer means
				a manufacturer of a covered drug, device, biological, or medical supply.
						(3)Clinical
				investigationThe term clinical investigation means
				any experiment involving 1 or more human subjects in which a drug or device is
				administered, dispensed, or used.
						(4)Covered
				deviceThe term covered device means any device for
				which payment is available under title XVIII or a State plan under title XIX or
				XXI (or a waiver of such a plan).
						(5)Covered drug,
				device, biological, or medical supplyThe term covered
				drug, device, biological, or medical supply means any drug, biological
				product, device, or medical supply for which payment is available under title
				XVIII or a State plan under title XIX or XXI (or a waiver of such a
				plan).
						(6)Covered
				recipientThe term covered recipient means the
				following:
							(A)A
				physician.
							(B)A physician
				medical practice.
							(C)A physician group
				practice.
							(7)EmployeeThe
				term employee has the meaning given such term in section
				1877(h)(2).
						(8)KnowinglyThe
				term knowingly has the meaning given such term in section 3729(b)
				of title 31, United States Code.
						(9)Manufacturer of
				a covered drug, device, biological, or medical supplyThe term
				manufacturer of a covered drug, device, biological, or medical
				supply means any entity which is engaged in the production, preparation,
				propagation, compounding, conversion, processing, marketing, or distribution of
				a covered drug, device, biological, or medical supply (or any subsidiary of or
				entity affiliated with such entity).
						(10)Payment or
				other transfer of value
							(A)In
				generalThe term payment or other transfer of value
				means a transfer of anything of value and includes, subject to subparagraph
				(B), without limitation, any compensation, gift, honorarium, speaking fee,
				consulting fee, travel, services, dividend, profit distribution, stock or stock
				option grant, or ownership or investment interest.
							(B)ExclusionsAn
				applicable manufacturer shall not be required to submit information under
				subsection (a) with respect to the following:
								(i)Any payment or
				other transfer of value provided by an applicable manufacturer to a covered
				recipient where the aggregate amount transferred to, requested by, or
				designated on behalf of the covered recipient does not exceed $100 during the
				calendar year. Such aggregate amount shall be determined without taking into
				account any payment or other transfer of value described in clauses (ii)
				through (ix).
								(ii)Product samples
				that are not intended to be sold and are intended for patient use.
								(iii)Educational
				materials that directly benefit patients or are intended for patient
				use.
								(iv)The loan of a
				covered device for a short-term trial period, not to exceed 90 days, to permit
				evaluation of the covered device by the covered recipient.
								(v)Items or services
				provided under a contractual warranty, including the replacement of a covered
				device, where the terms of the warranty are set forth in the purchase or lease
				agreement for the covered device.
								(vi)A transfer of
				anything of value to a covered recipient when the covered recipient is a
				patient and not acting in the professional capacity of a covered
				recipient.
								(vii)Discounts
				(including rebates).
								(viii)In-kind items
				used for the provision of charity care.
								(ix)A dividend or
				other profit distribution from, or ownership or investment interest in, a
				publicly traded security and mutual fund (as described in section
				1877(c)).
								(11)PhysicianThe term physician has the
				meaning given that term in section 1861(r). For purposes of this section, such
				term does not include a physician who is an employee of the applicable
				manufacturer that is required to submit information under subsection
				(a).
						.


117 S1957 IS: State and Local Digital Service Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-05-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II
117th CONGRESS1st Session
S. 1957
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

May 28 (legislative day, May 27), 2021
Mr. Wyden (for himself, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Padilla) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

A BILL
To establish digital services in State, county, local, and Tribal governments, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the State and Local Digital Service Act of 2021. 2.DefinitionsIn this Act—
(1)the term Administrator means the Administrator of General Services; (2)the term digital service grant means a grant under section 3(a);
(3)the term digital service planning grant means a grant under section 4(a);  (4)the term digital service team means a team of employees of an eligible applicant that—
(A)extends existing software development capacity and provides digital consultancy services, focusing on user-centered design and development practices through the use of modern product development techniques, such as—  (i)user research and design;
(ii)incremental and iterative outcome driven delivery practices; and (iii)software development procurement practices that rely on small-dollar, short-duration contracts; and
(B)enhances the delivery of services by the eligible applicant through partnerships or embedding the employees within other agencies of the eligible applicant; (5)the term eligible applicant means a State, Indian Tribe, or unit of local government;
(6)the term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term Indian tribe in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304(e)); (7)the term State has the meaning given that term in section 901 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10251);
(8)the term underserved or disadvantaged community means— (A)a low-income community;
(B)a community of color; (C)a Tribal community;
(D)a rural community; (E)aging individuals;
(F)veterans; (G)individuals with disabilities;
(H)individuals with a language barrier, including individuals who— (i)are English learners; or
(ii)have low levels of literacy; or (I)any other community that the Administrator determines is disproportionately vulnerable to, or bears a disproportionate burden of, any combination of economic, social, environmental, or climate stressors; and
(9)the term unit of local government means a city, county, township, town, borough, parish, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a State. 3.Digital service grants (a)In generalThe Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Digital Service, shall establish a Digital Service Grant Program, under which the Administrator shall make grants to eligible applicants in accordance with the requirements of this section for the purpose of establishing or supporting a digital service team.
(b)ApplicationAn eligible applicant desiring a digital service grant shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may specify. (c)Initial grant preferenceAmong eligible applicants that have not previously received a digital service grant, the Administrator shall give preference to an eligible applicant if—
(1)the chief executive officer of the eligible applicant has publicly demonstrated a commitment to modernizing government technology and service delivery; (2)the eligible applicant has officially designated an officer of the eligible applicant to have responsibility for functions relating to the digital services of the eligible applicant, such as a Chief Technology Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, or Chief Digital Services Officer, and such functions are recognized as distinct from management and operations of traditional information technology;
(3)the eligible applicant demonstrates a rigorous commitment to human-centered delivery of government services in such manner as the Administrator determines appropriate; (4)the eligible applicant articulates clearly a specific benefits program of the Federal Government with respect to which the eligible applicant, in collaboration with the relevant Federal agency, intends to modernize the digital delivery of government services by the eligible applicant; or
(5)the eligible applicant articulates clearly how the eligible applicant will use amounts received under the grant to improve the digital delivery of government services to underserved or disadvantaged communities. (d)Continuing grantsThe Administrator may make not more than 2 additional digital service grants to an eligible applicant that has previously received a digital service grant if the eligible applicant—
(1)has a demonstrated record of successful digital delivery of government services, including through the use of the most recent prior digital service grant; and (2)articulates clearly the government service delivery projects the eligible applicant would carry out with the grant.
(e)Grant periodThe Administrator shall award digital service grants for a period of not more than 3 years. (f)Continuity of fundingTo the maximum extent practicable, the Administrator shall award digital service grants described in subsection (d) in a manner that ensures that there is not a break in funding—
(1)between the initial digital service grant described in subsection (c) and the first grant described in subsection (d); or  (2)between the first grant described in subsection (d) and the second grant described in subsection (d).
(g)Grant amountThe annual amount of a digital service grant shall be equal to the lesser of— (1)in dollars, the amount equal to the sum of—
(A)the population served by the eligible applicant; and (B)200,000; or
(2)$3,000,000. (h)Use of funds (1)In generalNot less than 50 percent of the amount received under a digital service grant shall be used for salary and benefits of the members of the digital service team.
(2)AccessibilityAn eligible applicant that receives a digital service grant shall make public services improved by a digital service team of the eligible applicant available in an accessible format, compliant with the most recent Web Content Accessibility Guidelines of the Web Accessibility Initiative, or successor guidelines.  (i)Matching requirement (1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal share of an activity carried out using a digital service grant shall be not more than 90 percent.
(2)WaiverUpon application by an eligible applicant, the Administrator may waive the requirement under paragraph (1) if the Administrator determines that the eligible applicant demonstrates financial need.  (j)Procurement best practicesThe digital service team of an eligible applicant that receives a grant under this section shall work with the United States Digital Service and the 18F office within the General Services Administration to establish procurement best practices based on Federal best practices, such as the 18F office’s budgeting handbook, and the individual needs of the eligible applicant.
(k)Supplement not supplantA digital service grant to an eligible applicant shall supplement, not supplant, other Federal, State, local, or Tribal funds that are available to the eligible applicant to carry out activities described in this section. (l)Set asides (1)In generalFrom amounts made available in a fiscal year to carry out the Digital Service Grant Program under this section, the Administrator shall reserve 5 percent for the implementation and administration of the grant program, which shall include—
(A)providing technical support and assistance; (B)providing assistance to eligible applicants to prepare applications for digital service grants;
(C)assisting eligible applicants in preparing and submitting the reports required under section 5(a);  (D)collecting demographic data about grant applicants, grant recipients, and populations served; and
(E)conducting outreach to eligible applicants regarding opportunities to apply for digital service grants. (2)Indian TribesFrom amounts made available in a fiscal year to carry out the Digital Service Grant Program under this section, the Administrator shall use not less than $10,000,000 for grants to eligible applicants that are Indian Tribes.
4.Digital service planning grants
(a)In generalThe Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Digital Service, shall establish a Digital Service Planning Grant Program under which the Administrator shall make grants to eligible applicants in accordance with the requirements of this section for the purpose of creating a plan to establish a digital service team.  (b)ApplicationAn eligible applicant desiring a digital service planning grant shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may specify.
(c)Grant periodThe Administrator shall award digital service planning grants for a period of 1 year. (d)Grant amountThe amount of a digital service grant shall be not less than $50,000 and not more than $200,000.
(e)Matching requirement
(1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal share of an activity carried out using a digital service planning grant shall be not more than 90 percent. (2)WaiverUpon application by an eligible applicant, the Administrator may waive the requirement under paragraph (1) if the Administrator determines that the eligible applicant demonstrates financial need.
(f)Supplement not supplantA digital service planning grant to an eligible applicant shall supplement, not supplant, other Federal, State, local, or Tribal funds that are available to the eligible applicant to create a plan to establish a digital service team. (g)Set asidesFrom amounts made available in a fiscal year to carry out the Digital Service Planning Grant Program under this section, the Administrator shall reserve 5 percent for the implementation and administration of the grant program, which shall include—
(1)providing technical support and assistance; (2)providing assistance to eligible applicants to prepare applications for digital service planning grants;
(3)assisting eligible applicants in preparing and submitting the reports required under section 5(a); and (4)conducting outreach to eligible applicants regarding opportunities to apply for digital service planning grants.
5.Reporting and evaluation
(a)Recipients
(1)Digital service grant reportNot later than the end of the period of a digital service grant, the recipient of the digital service grant shall submit to the Administrator and make publicly available on the website of the recipient a brief report describing— (A)the skills and areas of expertise of the members of the digital service team established or supported using amounts made available under the grant;
(B)projects undertaken using amounts made available under the grant, including a discussion of the impact of those projects; (C)lessons learned from implementing the projects described in subparagraph (B);
(D)human-centered measurements of how well the projects described in subparagraph (B) help the people they serve;  (E)the information technology and delivery projects the recipient intends to implement next; and
(F)any other information determined appropriate by the Administrator. (2)Digital service planning grant reportNot later than the end of the period of a digital service planning grant, the recipient of the digital service planning grant shall submit to the Administrator and make publicly available on the website of the recipient a brief report describing—
(A)a summary of the plan developed using amounts under the digital service planning grant; (B)proposed projects for a future digital service team;
(C)proposed human-centered measurements of how well the projects described in subparagraph (B) would help the people they serve; and (D)any other information determined appropriate by the Administrator.
(3)Technical assistanceThe Administrator shall provide technical support and assistance to eligible entities receiving a digital service grant to complete the reporting and evaluation required under paragraph (1), to the extent practical, to ensure consistency in data reporting and to meet the objectives of this Act. (b)Reports to Congress and publicNot later than 1 year after the date on which the Administrator begins awarding digital service grants, and every 2 years thereafter, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Digital Service, shall submit to Congress and make publicly available on the websites of the General Services Administration and the United States Digital Service a report that summarizes—
(1)the digital service grants and digital service planning grants applied for and made; and (2)the uses and impacts of digital service grants, based on the reports received under subsection (a).
(c)Authority To contract and enter into other agreementsThe Administrator may award grants and enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other arrangements with Federal agencies, public and private organizations, and other entities with expertise that the Administrator determines appropriate in order to— (1)evaluate the impact and efficacy of activities supported by digital service grants and digital service planning grants; and
(2)develop, catalog, disseminate, and promote the exchange of best practices, both with respect to and independent of the Digital Service Grant Program and the Digital Service Planning Grant Program, in the creation and success of digital service teams. (d)Consultation and public engagementIn carrying out subsection (b), and to further the objectives described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c), the Administrator shall conduct ongoing collaboration and consult with—
(1)the Administrator of the United States Digital Service; (2)State agencies and governors of States (or equivalent officials);
(3)national, State, Tribal, and local organizations that have digital service teams; (4)researchers, academics, and philanthropic organizations; and
(5)other agencies, organizations, entities, and community stakeholders as determined appropriate by the Administrator. 6.State use of Federal resources (a)Issuance of guidanceNot later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue guidance to streamline the procurement of Federal services and technology by States, units of local government, and Indian Tribes.
(b)Consultation and commentsIn formulating the guidance issued under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—  (1)consult with the United States Digital Service, the Technology Transformation Services, and digital service teams of States, units of local government, and governments of Indian Tribes; and
(2)solicit public comments.  (c)ConsiderationsIn formulating the guidance issued under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider—
(1)removing restrictions of the Technology Transformation Services on funding sources and signatory requirements; (2)creating a process for cloud service authorizations for States, units of local government, and Indian Tribes;
(3)streamlining the ability of States, units of local government, and Indian Tribes to purchase products offered by the Federal Government; and (4)any other relevant suggestions received as part of the consultation and comments under subsection (b).
7.Authorization of appropriations
(a)Grants
(1)Digital service grantsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out section 3 $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2028. (2)Digital service planning grantsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out section 4 $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2028.
(b)Amounts for audit and oversightThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Inspector General of the General Services Administration $1,000,000 for the first fiscal year during which digital service grants are awarded, and each of the 7 fiscal years thereafter, for audits and oversight of funds made available to carry out this Act.  (c)AvailabilityAmounts made available pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) shall remain available until expended.


110 HR 5737 IH: Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-04-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5737
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 9, 2008
			Mr. Heller of Nevada
			 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 provide for
		  a deduction for travel expenses to medical centers of the Department of
		  Veterans Affairs in connection with examinations or treatments relating to
		  service-connected disabilities.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Veterans Travel Tax Relief Act of
			 2008.
		2.Deduction for
			 travel expenses of veterans for health care from medical centers of the
			 Department of Veterans Affairs
			(a)In
			 generalPart VII of subchapter B of chapter I of the Internal
			 Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized deductions for
			 individuals) is amended by redesignating section 224 as section 225, and by
			 inserting after section 223 the following new section:

					224.Travel expenses
				of veterans for health care at medical centers of the Department of Veterans
				Affairs
						(a)Allowance of
				DeductionIn the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as
				a deduction the qualified travel expenses for the taxable year.
						(b)Limitations
							(1)Dollar
				limitationThe amount allowed as a deduction under subsection (a)
				for a taxable year shall not exceed $400.
							(2)Limitation based
				on adjusted gross incomeThe
				amount allowable as a deduction under subsection (a) shall be reduced (but not
				below zero) by an amount which bears the same ratio to the amount so allowable
				(determined without regard to this paragraph but with regard to paragraph (1))
				as—
								(A)the amount (if
				any) by which the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 in
				the case of a joint return), bears to
								(B)$10,000 ($20,000 in
				the case of a joint return).
								(3)Adjustments for
				inflationIn the case of a
				taxable year beginning after 2008, each of the dollar amounts in paragraph (2)
				shall be increased by an amount equal to—
								(A)such dollar
				amount, multiplied by
								(B)the cost-of-living
				adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the
				taxable year begins, determined by substituting calendar year
				2007 for calendar year 1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof.
								If any
				amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $100,
				such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.(c)Qualified travel
				expensesFor purposes of this
				section—
							(1)In
				generalThe term qualified travel expenses means
				amounts paid for travel expenses of a veteran to a medical center of the
				Department of Veterans Affairs for—
								(A)treatment relating
				to a service-connected disability, or
								(B)examination
				conducted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to a claim for
				disability compensation or pension under the laws administered by the Secretary
				of Veterans Affairs.
								(2)LimitationTravel
				expenses incurred by a veteran shall not be taken into account under paragraph
				(1) unless—
								(A)the principal place of abode of the veteran
				is more than 25 miles from the medical center in which the treatment is
				provided or examination conducted, and
								(B)such medical center
				is the nearest medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs to such
				place of abode.
								(3)Travel
				expensesThe term travel expenses includes
				transportation, food, and lodging.
							(d)Other
				definitionsFor purposes of this section—
							(1)VeteranThe term veteran has the
				meaning given such term by section 101(2) of title 38, United States
				Code.
							(2)Service-connected
				disabilityThe term
				service-connected disability has the meaning given such term under
				section 101(13) of such
				Code.
							.
			(b)Deduction
			 allowed whether or not taxpayer itemizes other deductionsSubsection (a) of section 62 of such Code
			 (defining adjusted gross income) is amended by inserting before the last
			 sentence the following new paragraph:

					(22)Travel expenses
				of veterans for health care at medical centers of the Department of Veterans
				AffairsThe deduction allowed
				by section
				224.
					.
			(c)Clerical
			 AmendmentsThe table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of
			 chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the item relating to section 224
			 and inserting the following:

						Sec. 224. Travel expenses of veterans for
				health care at medical centers of the Department of Veterans
				Affairs.
						Sec. 225. Cross
				reference.

					.
			(d)Effective
			 DateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable
			 years beginning after December 31, 2007.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2589
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			February 4, 2008
			Mr. Schumer introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To amend the Energy Employees Occupational
		  Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include certain former nuclear
		  weapons program workers in the Special Exposure Cohort under the energy
		  employees occupational illness compensation program.

		1.Short title;
			 findings
			(a)Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited
			 as the Ed Walker Memorial Act for
			 Improvements to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation
			 Program.
			(b)FindingsCongress
			 finds that—
				(1)employees working on Cold War era nuclear
			 weapons were employed in hundreds of facilities owned by the Federal Government
			 and private sector producing and processing radioactive materials for use in
			 the nuclear weapons program of the United States beginning in the
			 mid-1940’s;
				(2)those atomic workers helped to build the
			 nuclear arsenal that served as a deterrent to the Soviet Union during the Cold
			 War, but many paid a high price in terms of their health;
				(3)during the Cold War, many atomic workers
			 were exposed to radiation and placed in harm’s way by the Department of Energy
			 and contractors, subcontractors, and vendors of the Department—
					(A)without the knowledge and consent of the
			 workers;
					(B)without adequate radiation monitoring;
			 and
					(C)without necessary protections from internal
			 or external occupational radiation exposures;
					(4)due to the inequities posed by the factors
			 described in paragraph (3) and the resulting potential harm, Congress
			 legislatively designated classes of Cold War era workers at the Paducah,
			 Kentucky, Portsmouth, Ohio, Oak Ridge K–25, and the Amchitka Island test sites
			 as members of the Special Exposure Cohort under the Energy Employees
			 Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 7384 et
			 seq.);
				(5)(A)the contribution of the State of New York
			 to the security of the United States throughout the Cold War was very
			 significant; and
					(B)New York is home to 36 former atomic
			 weapons employer facilities and sites of the Department of Energy that produced
			 and processed radioactive materials, carried out classified research, operated
			 nuclear reactors, and processed high level nuclear waste, 14 of which are
			 located in the western region of New York;
					(6)research by the Department of Energy, the
			 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Advisory Board on
			 Radiation and Worker Health, and congressional committees indicates
			 that—
					(A)workers at certain facilities were not
			 adequately monitored for internal or external exposures to ionizing radiation
			 to which the workers were exposed during the 1940's to 1960's; and
					(B)at other facilities, records were not
			 maintained, are not reliable, or fail to measure the radioactive isotopes to
			 which workers were exposed;
					(7)at Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna, New York,
			 an atomic weapons employer facility (as defined in section 3621 of the Energy
			 Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C.
			 7384l)), no personal radiation dosimetry monitoring records
			 are available;
				(8)if it is determined that it is not feasible
			 to estimate radiation dose with sufficient accuracy and there is a reasonable
			 likelihood that a class of workers may have been endangered, the Secretary of
			 Health and Human Services is authorized, after receiving advice from the
			 Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health, to designate additional classes
			 of workers as members of the Special Exposure Cohort under section 3626 of the
			 Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42
			 U.S.C. 7384q);
				(9)the Secretary of Health and Human Services
			 promulgated regulations on May 28, 2004, to establish procedures for classes of
			 individuals to petition for membership in the Special Exposure Cohort;
				(10)section 3626(b) of the Energy Employees
			 Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 7384q(b))
			 provides for the designation of an additional class of employees in the Special
			 Exposure Cohort if it is not feasible to estimate with sufficient accuracy the
			 radiation dose that the class received and there is a reasonable likelihood
			 that the radiation dose may have endangered the health of members of the class;
			 and
				(11)legislation is needed to provide additional
			 parameters to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Advisory Board
			 on Radiation and Worker Health for evaluating petitions for the Special
			 Exposure Cohort in cases in which there is limited or nonexistent individual
			 radiation exposure monitoring or an absence of records.
				2.Addition of classes of
			 former nuclear weapons program workers in the Special Exposure Cohort under
			 energy employees occupational illness compensation programSection 3626(b) of the Energy Employees
			 Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 7384q(b)) is
			 amended—
			(1)by inserting (A) after
			 (1);
			(2)by redesignating paragraph (2) as
			 subparagraph (B);
			(3)by striking the period at the end and
			 inserting ; or; and
			(4)by adding at the end the following:

					(2)(A)subject to subparagraph (B), in the case of
				a class of employees employed at an atomic weapons employer facility or a
				Department of Energy facility during a period (in the aggregate) of at least
				250 days (or a shorter duration connected to discrete events, as determined by
				the Secretary) during which—
							(i)the employees in the class had the
				potential for exposure to occupational ionizing radiation from production or
				processing materials related to atomic weapons, or engaged in research,
				development, testing, assembly, disassembly, decontamination, decommissioning,
				or waste management, or work related to such activities; and
							(ii)(I)fewer than 50 percent of the employees in
				the class were individually monitored on a regular basis (using reliable
				methods and procedures) under a formal health physics program for exposure to
				internal and external ionizing radiation for the types of radiation and
				specific radioactive isotopes to which the employees had the potential for
				exposure during the period when the employees were exposed;
								(II)individual internal and external exposure
				records for the types of radiation and specific radioactive isotopes to which
				the employees in the class were potentially exposed at the facility during the
				period when the employees were exposed are nonexistent or are not available;
				or
								(III)to the extent that a portion of individual
				internal or external records are available for the period from the facility,
				individual radiation doses cannot be reliably determined for greater than
				2/3 of the employees in the class using the individual
				internal and external monitoring records from the facility; and
								(B)in
				the case of a class of employees employed at a facility for which the National
				Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has updated the report and made
				the determination described in section 3169(b)(4) of the Ronald W. Reagan
				National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108–375; 42
				U.S.C. 7384 note) during a period determined under the report, during which (as
				determined by the Secretary) the employees at the facility met the criteria
				described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph
				(A).
						.
			3.Regulations
			(a)In
			 generalNot later than 90
			 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human
			 Services shall modify the regulations and procedures of the Secretary relating
			 to the Special Exposure Cohort under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness
			 Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 7384 et seq.) to conform the
			 regulations and procedures to section 3626(b)(2) of the Energy Employees
			 Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (as amended by section
			 2).
			(b)Bethlehem Steel
			 site
				(1)Initiation of
			 petitionNot later than 90
			 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human
			 Services shall initiate a petition to include workers employed at the Bethlehem
			 Steel site in Lackawanna, New York as a class to be included in the Special
			 Exposure Cohort in accordance with section 3626(b)(2) of the Energy Employees
			 Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (as amended by section
			 2).
				(2)EvaluationThe evaluation of the petition shall be
			 conducted in accordance with section 3626 of the Energy Employees Occupational
			 Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 7384q).
				(c)ReportNot later than 90 days after the date of
			 enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit
			 to Congress a report that identifies the facilities, classes, and the number of
			 claimants in each class who meet the criteria established under section
			 3626(b)(2) of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program
			 Act of 2000 (as amended by section 2) for membership in the Special Exposure
			 Cohort.


		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. CON. RES. 78
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES
		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Honoring the work and mission of the Delta
		  Regional Authority on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Federal-State
		  partnership created to uplift the 8-State Delta region.

		Whereas
			 President Clinton, with the approval of Congress and the bipartisan support of
			 congressional sponsors, representing the States of the Delta in both the House
			 of Representatives and the Senate, launched the Delta Regional Authority on
			 December 21, 2000, in an effort to alleviate the economic hardship facing the
			 Delta region and to create a more level playing field for the counties and
			 parishes of such States to compete for jobs and investment;
		Whereas
			 the Delta Regional Authority is a Federal-State partnership that serves 252
			 counties and parishes in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky,
			 Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee;
		Whereas
			 the Delta region holds great promise for access and trade, as the region
			 borders the world’s greatest transportation arterial in the Mississippi
			 River;
		Whereas
			 the Delta boasts a strong cultural heritage as the birthplace of the blues and
			 jazz music and as home to world famous cuisine, which people throughout the
			 United States and the world identify with the region;
		Whereas
			 the counties and parishes served by the Delta Regional Authority constitute an
			 economically-distressed area facing challenges such as undeveloped
			 infrastructure systems, insufficient transportation options, struggling
			 education systems, migration out of the region, substandard health care, and
			 the needs to develop, recruit, and retain a qualified workforce and to build
			 strong communities that attract new industries and employment
			 opportunities;
		Whereas
			 the Delta Regional Authority has made significant progress toward addressing
			 such challenges during its first 10 years of work;
		Whereas
			 the Delta Regional Authority operates a highly successful grant program in each
			 of the 8 States it serves, allowing cities, counties, and parishes to leverage
			 money from other Federal agencies and private investors;
		Whereas
			 the Delta Regional Authority has invested nearly $86,200,000 into more than 600
			 projects during the first decade of existence, leveraging $1,400,000,000 in
			 private sector investment and producing an overall 22 to 1 return on taxpayer
			 dollars;
		Whereas
			 the Delta Regional Authority is working with partners to create or retain
			 approximately 19,000 jobs and is bringing the critical infrastructure to
			 sustain new water and sewer services for more than 43,000 families;
		Whereas
			 an independent report from the Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research
			 Service found that per capita income grew more rapidly in counties and parishes
			 where the Delta Regional Authority had the greatest investment, showing that
			 each additional dollar of Delta Regional Authority's per capita spending
			 results in a $15 increase in personal income;
		Whereas
			 the Delta Regional Authority has developed a culture of transparency, passing 9
			 independent audits showing tangible results;
		Whereas
			 during its first 10 years, the Delta Regional Authority has laid a strong
			 foundation for working with State Governors, Federal partners, community
			 leaders, and private sector investors to capitalize on the region’s strong
			 points and serve as an economic multiplier for the 8-State region, helping
			 communities tackle challenges and cultivating a climate conducive to job
			 creation;
		Whereas
			 the Delta Regional Authority has expanded its regional initiatives in the areas
			 of health care, transportation, leadership training, and information
			 technology, and is also increasing efforts in the areas of small business
			 development, entrepreneurship, and alternative energy jobs; and
		Whereas
			 the Delta Regional Authority stands prepared to use the groundwork established
			 during its first decade as a springboard to create new opportunities for Delta
			 communities in the future: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Congress—
			(1)recognizes the 10th anniversary of the
			 founding of the Delta Regional Authority; and
			(2)honors and celebrates the Delta Regional
			 Authority's first decade of work to improve the economy and well-being of the
			 8-State Delta region, and the promise of the Delta Regional Authority's
			 continued work in the future.

			Passed the Senate
			 December 22, 2010.

			Secretary


116 HR 37 IH: Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Study Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-03
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.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 37IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 3, 2019Mr. Soto introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Kissimmee River and its
			 tributaries in the State of Florida for study for potential addition to
			 the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Study Act. 2.Designation for studySection 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

				(__)Kissimmee River, Florida
 (A)The segment from the southern shore of Lake Kissimmee to its confluence with Lake Okeechobee.. 3.Study and reportSection 5(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (__)Study and reportNot later than 3 years after the date of completion of the Kissimmee River restoration project by the Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District, the Secretary of the Interior shall complete the study of the Kissimmee River, as described in subsection (a)(_), and submit a report describing the results of that study to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate..


115 HCON 63 IH: Supporting efforts to enact a bold jobs and infrastructure package that benefits all Americans, not just billionaires.
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-05-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. CON. RES. 63IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 25, 2017Mr. Ted Lieu of California (for himself, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Jayapal, Ms. Lee, Mr. Polis, Mr. Clay, Mr. Nolan, Ms. Shea-Porter, Mr. Khanna, Ms. Frankel of Florida, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Norton, Mr. Raskin, Ms. Clarke of New York, Ms. Hanabusa, Mr. Takano, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Conyers, Ms. Kuster of New Hampshire, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Welch, Mr. Serrano, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Velázquez, Mr. Nadler, Ms. Pingree, and Ms. Clark of Massachusetts) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureCONCURRENT RESOLUTIONSupporting efforts to enact a bold jobs and infrastructure package that benefits all Americans, not just billionaires.
Whereas the Nation’s crumbling roads, bridges, and schools, unsafe drinking water facilities, and outdated energy systems are in need of major transformation, and a plan is needed to rebuild the Nation and create millions of good jobs; Whereas the Nation’s taxpayers should not subsidize billionaires and Wall Street banks that will profit from privatizing roads, bridges, drinking water and sanitation systems, and utilities;
Whereas any investment in the Nation’s roads and bridges must support the repair and rehabilitation of existing assets, improve resilience to more extreme weather, and support targeted expansions to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enable job growth; Whereas the Nation must ensure that every child who attends a public school has safe facilities that contribute to a high-quality education, and therefore the Nation must invest to construct, renovate, repair, and modernize its schools;
Whereas direct public investment in the United States public transportation network can meet the Nation’s infrastructure needs without selling off roads and bridges to private investors and foreign entities; Whereas any clean water initiative must prioritize investment in communities most in need, ensure safe drinking water for millions of Americans, and protect the Nation’s rivers, lakes, and oceans;
Whereas any infrastructure package should include building high-speed internet facilities to ensure that this increasingly essential resource is available to all Americans through direct funding, tax credits for low-income workers, and investments in broadband to promote economic development, public safety, and a vibrant quality of life; Whereas any investments made to update Federal Aviation Administration facilities and United States ports, waterways, dams, and levees should ensure that these entities remain public, improve security, and facilitate commerce;
Whereas any public investment plan should include repairs and upgrades to the more than 1,800 Veterans Affairs facilities to ensure that every veteran has access to quality institutions and state-of-the-art treatment; Whereas any investment plan should prioritize creating millions of living-wage jobs for struggling communities and especially for people of color, women, and individuals in high-poverty areas;
Whereas any public investment in Federal funding to public lands should be directed through Federal land management agencies that would strengthen the Nation’s outdoor industry and ensure that public lands are widely enjoyed by Americans for generations to come and are not sold off to private entities or foreign governments; Whereas true public investment also includes investment in Tribal transportation, Indian Health Service facilities, and Bureau of Indian Education schools to promote job creation in Indian country where community members have had to make do with substandard services for generations;
Whereas public investment should aim to build resilient communities and infrastructure protection to ensure that the Nation’s infrastructure can withstand cyber attacks, physical attacks, and the extreme weather events caused by climate change; Whereas a genuine infrastructure agenda should not sell or lease roads, water systems, or other essential infrastructure facilities, resulting in new tolls and user fees on working families;
Whereas we cannot leave essential rural infrastructure in disrepair simply because it would not generate profits for private investors; Whereas any public investment plan should include repairs and upgrades to the Nation’s public housing and assisted housing stock to address the Nation’s dire affordable rental housing crisis;
Whereas government spending on infrastructure as a share of the economy has fallen to a 2-decade low, and yet for every $1 in government investment the Nation’s economy would gain $1.70 back through greater employment and efficiency; and Whereas in its 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates approximately $4.6 trillion in infrastructure needs over 10 years, of which $2.06 trillion does not have funding: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of Congress that any infrastructure plan passed by Congress must— (1)invest in creating millions of new jobs through investments in roads, bridges, and 21st century projects;
(2)prioritize public investment over corporate giveaways and selling off public goods; (3)ensure that direct public investment, without reliance on private investors, provides the overwhelming majority of the funding for infrastructure improvement, so that public investments advance the public good;
(4)prioritize racial and gender equity and environmental justice; (5)embrace 21st-century clean-energy jobs, including expanding solar and wind power, promoting energy efficiency, and modernizing the energy grid, while avoiding support for projects that promote fossil fuel use and hasten the disastrous effects of climate change;
(6)include expanded Buy America provisions, protect and encourage the use of project labor agreements, require the use of Davis-Bacon prevailing wage standards, include strong local-hiring and veteran-hiring requirements, ensure racial and gender equity in hiring, and guarantee that disadvantaged communities most in need, including both urban and rural communities, receive priority; (7)ensure the wealthiest Americans and profitable corporations who reap the greatest economic benefit from public goods pay what they owe and pay their fair share for key investments moving forward;
(8)ensure that investments are not paid for at the expense of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or any other vital program; (9)not weaken or repeal existing laws or rules protecting the air, water, or environment, transportation safety, civil rights, worker safety, prevailing wage standards, or minority contractor provisions; and
(10)prioritize resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, as well as physical- and cyber-attacks.