115 HRES 60 IH: Expressing continued support for the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom and urging commencement of negotiations for the development of a North Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (NATIP) between the United States and the United Kingdom.
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-01-24
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. RES. 60IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 24, 2017Mr. Dent (for himself, Mr. Walker, Mr. Huizenga, Mr. Thornberry, Mr. Russell, Mr. Hudson, Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Young of Iowa, Mr. Franks of Arizona, Mrs. Wagner, Mr. Flores, Mr. Blum, Mr. Griffith, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Cole, Mr. LaMalfa, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Gibbs, Mr. Emmer, and Mr. King of New York) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 concernedRESOLUTIONExpressing continued support for the special relationship between the United States and the United
			 Kingdom and urging commencement of negotiations for the development of a
			 North Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (NATIP) between the United
			 States and the United Kingdom.

 Whereas the United States and the United Kingdom share a special relationship embodied through common language, shared values, and mutual trust;
 Whereas there is an important shared history between the United States and the United Kingdom, with deep ties between the two economies;
 Whereas the United States and the United Kingdom have a shared commitment to mutual security objectives and the fight against global terrorism;
 Whereas the bilateral trade relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is the largest in the world;
 Whereas the largest cumulative direct foreign investor in the United States economy is the United Kingdom;
 Whereas every State in the United States has jobs created and sustained by British companies, supporting at least 900,000 jobs nationwide;
 Whereas British affiliate companies contribute to the United States gross domestic product, with $135,000,000,000 in value added;
 Whereas the United States and the United Kingdom are active participants in international organizations, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, G–8, the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization;
 Whereas trade between the United States and the United Kingdom remains important to both countries’ economic security, with the United Kingdom serving as one the largest markets for United States exports and one of the largest suppliers of United States imports;
 Whereas corporate assets invested by the United Kingdom into the United States total over $2,000,000,000,000;
 Whereas the United Kingdom is one of the closest allies of the United States; and Whereas the people of the United Kingdom voted, through a June 23, 2016, referendum, to leave the European Union: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)reaffirms the strength and endurance of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom;
 (2)respects the decision of the June 23, 2016, referendum and recognizes that this vote will not diminish the importance of the bond between the Governments and people of the United States and the United Kingdom;
 (3)supports immediate discussions between the Government of the United States and the Government of the United Kingdom focused on ways to maintain bilateral trade relations and a new free-trade agreement; and
 (4)calls upon the United States Trade Representative to immediately commence negotiations with the United Kingdom for the development of a new North Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (NATIP) between the United States and the United Kingdom.


117 HR 2304 IH: Save Social Security Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-04-01
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2304IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 1, 2021Mr. Crist introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo amend title II of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the portion of wages and self-employment income subject to payroll taxes, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Save Social Security Act of 2021.2.Determination of wages and self-employment income above contribution and benefit base after 2021(a)Determination of wages above contribution and benefit base after 2021(1)Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code(A)In generalSection 3121(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after such calendar year. the following: The preceding sentence shall apply only to calendar years for which the contribution and benefit base (as so determined) is less than $400,000, and, for such calendar years, only to so much of the remuneration paid to such employee by such employer with respect to employment as does not exceed $400,000..(B)Conforming amendmentSection 3121(a)(1) of such Code is amended by striking Act) to and inserting Act), or in excess of $400,000, to.(2)Amendment to the Social Security ActSection 209(a)(1)(I) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 409(a)(1)(I)) is amended by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: except that this subparagraph shall apply only to calendar years for which the contribution and benefit base (as so determined) is less than $400,000, and, for such calendar years, only to the extent remuneration paid to such employee by such employer with respect to employment does not exceed $400,000.(3)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to remuneration paid in calendar years after 2021.(b)Determination of self-Employment income above contribution and benefit base after 2021(1)Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code(A)In generalSection 1402(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:(1)in the case of the tax imposed by section 1401(a)—(A)in the case of a taxpayer with wages (as determined under section 3121(a) without regard to paragraph (1) of such section) less than $400,000 and more than the contribution and benefit base (as determined under section 230 of the Social Security Act) which is effective for the calendar year in which such taxable year begins, the lesser of—(i)the excess of $400,000 over the wages (as so determined) paid to such individual during such taxable year, or(ii)the net earnings from self-employment for the taxable year, and(B)in the case of a taxpayer with wages (as so determined) less than or equal to such contribution and benefit base and for whom the sum, for the taxable year, of net earnings from self-employment and wages (as so determined) paid to such individual is greater than such contribution and benefit base, the lesser of—(i)the excess of such sum over such contribution and benefit base, or(ii)the excess of $400,000 over such contribution and benefit base..(B)PhaseoutSection 1402(b) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following: Paragraph (1) shall apply only to taxable years beginning in calendar years for which the contribution and benefit base (as determined under section 230 of the Social Security Act) is less than $400,000..(2)Amendments to the Social Security Act(A)In generalSection 211(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 411(b)) is amended—(i)in subparagraph (I)—(I)by inserting and before 2022 after 1974; and(II)by striking or at the end; and(ii)by adding at the end the following:(J)For any taxable year beginning in any calendar year after 2021, an amount equal to—(i)in the case of an individual with wages (as determined under section 209(a) without regard to paragraph (1) of such section) less than $400,000 and more than the contribution and benefit base (as determined under section 230 of the Social Security Act) which is effective for the calendar year in which such taxable year begins, the lesser of—(I)the excess of $400,000 over the wages (as so determined) paid to such individual during such taxable year, or(II)the net earnings from self-employment for the taxable year, and(ii)in the case of a taxpayer with wages (as so determined) less than or equal to such contribution and benefit base and for whom the sum, for the taxable year, of net earnings from self-employment and wages (as so determined) paid to such individual is greater than such contribution and benefit base, the lesser of—(I)the excess of such sum over such contribution and benefit base, or(II)the excess of $400,000 over such contribution and benefit base..(B)PhaseoutSection 211(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 411(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: Paragraph (1) shall apply only to taxable years beginning in calendar years for which the contribution and benefit base (as determined under section 230) is less than $400,000..(3)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply to net earnings from self-employment derived, and remuneration paid, in calendar years after 2021.3.Inclusion of earnings over $400,000 in social security benefit formula(a)Inclusion of earnings over $400,000 in determination of primary insurance amountsSection 215(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(a)(1)(A)) is amended—(1)in clause (ii), by striking and at the end;(2)in clause (iii), by inserting and at the end; and(3)by inserting after clause (iii) the following:(iv)3 percent of the individual’s excess average indexed monthly earnings (as defined in subsection (b)(5)(A))..(b)Definition of excess average indexed monthly earningsSection 215(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(b)) is amended—(1)by striking wages and self-employment income each place such terms appear and inserting basic wages and basic self-employment income, respectively; and(2)by adding at the end the following:(5)(A)An individual's excess average indexed monthly earnings shall be equal to the amount of the individual's average indexed monthly earnings that would be determined under this subsection by substituting excess wages for basic wages and excess self-employment income for basic self-employment income each place such terms appear in this subsection (except in this paragraph).(B)For purposes of this subsection—(i)the term basic wages means that portion of the wages of an individual paid in a year that does not exceed the contribution and benefit base for the year;(ii)the term basic self-employment income means that portion of the self-employment income of an individual credited to a year that does not exceed an amount equal to the contribution and benefit base for the year minus the amount of the wages paid to the individual in the year;(iii)the term excess wages means that portion of the wages of an individual paid in a year after 2021 in excess of the higher of $400,000 or the contribution and benefit base for the year; and(iv)the term excess self-employment income means that portion of the self-employment income of an individual credited to a year after 2021 in excess of the higher of $400,000 or such contribution and benefit base..(c)Conforming amendmentSection 215(e)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415(e)(1)) is amended by inserting and before 2022 after 1974.(d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to individuals who initially become eligible (within the meaning of section 215(a)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act) for old-age or disability insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act, or who die (before becoming eligible for such benefits), in any calendar year after 2021.4.Modification of amount of social security benefits included in gross income(a)In generalSection 86 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subsections (a), (b), and (c) and inserting the following:(a)In generalGross income for the taxable year of any taxpayer described in subsection (b) (notwithstanding section 207 of the Social Security Act) includes social security benefits in an amount equal to the lesser of—(1)85 percent of the social security benefits received during the taxable year, or(2)85 percent of the excess described in subsection (b).(b)Taxpayers to whom subsection (a) appliesA taxpayer is described in this subsection if—(1)the sum of—(A)the modified adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year, plus(B)85 percent of the social security benefits received during the taxable year, exceeds(2)$100,000.(c)Modified adjusted gross incomeFor purposes of this section, the term modified adjusted gross income means adjusted gross income—(1)determined without regard to this section and sections 135, 137, 199, 221, 222, 911, 931, and 933, and(2)increased by the amount of interest received or accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year which is exempt from tax..(b)Social security trust funds held harmlessThere are hereby appropriated (out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated) for each fiscal year to each fund under the Social Security Act or the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 an amount equal to the reduction in the transfers to such fund for such fiscal year by reason of the amendments made by subsection (a).(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this Act.


114 HR 3382 RH: Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-07-29
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.

		IB
		Union Calendar No. 307
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 3382
		[Report No. 114–404, Part I]
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 29, 2015
			Mr. McClintock (for himself and Mr. Amodei) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

			February 1, 2016
			Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources with an amendment
			Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic

		February 1, 2016The Committees on Agriculture and Transportation and Infrastructure discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to
			 be printedFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on July 29, 2015

		A BILL
		To amend the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act to enhance recreational opportunities, environmental
			 restoration activities, and forest management activities in the Lake Tahoe
			 Basin, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title.
					Sec. 2. Findings and purposes.
					Sec. 3. Definitions.
					Sec. 4. Improved administration of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
					Sec. 5. Authorized programs.
					Sec. 6. Program performance and accountability.
					Sec. 7. Technical corrections and conforming amendments.
					Sec. 8. Authorization of appropriations.
					Sec. 9. Land conveyances to improve management efficiencies of State and Federal lands.
					Sec. 10. Modification of land acquisition authority under Santini-Burton Act and Southern Nevada
			 Public Land Management Act of 1998.
					Sec. 11. Availability of categorical exclusion for Lake Tahoe herbicide applications to control
			 certain aquatic weeds.
 2.Findings and purposesSection 2 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (Public Law 106–506; 114 Stat. 2351) is amended to read as follows:

				2.Findings and purposes
 (a)FindingsCongress makes the following findings: (1)Lake Tahoe—
 (A)is one of the largest, deepest, and clearest fresh-water lakes in the world; (B)has a distinctive cobalt blue color, a biologically diverse alpine setting, and remarkable water clarity; and
 (C)is recognized as a natural resource of special significance, so that even world-traveler Mark Twain called Lake Tahoe the fairest picture the whole earth affords.
 (2)In addition to being a scenic and ecological treasure, the Lake Tahoe Basin is one of the outstanding recreational resources of the United States, which—
 (A)offers skiing, water sports, biking, camping, and hiking to millions of visitors each year; and (B)contributes significantly to the economies of California, Nevada, and the United States.
 (3)The economy in the Lake Tahoe Basin is dependent on the natural beauty and recreation opportunities of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area.
 (4)Forests in the Lake Tahoe Basin suffer from over a century of fire damage, periodic drought, and mismanagement, which have resulted in—
 (A)high tree density and mortality; (B)the loss of biological diversity; and
 (C)a large quantity of combustible forest fuels, which significantly increases the threat of catastrophic fire and insect infestation.
 (5)The establishment of several aquatic and terrestrial invasive species (including perennial pepperweed, milfoil, and Asian clam) threatens the ecosystem of the Lake Tahoe Basin, and the likelihood exists for the introduction and establishment of other invasive species (such as yellow starthistle, New Zealand mud snail, Zebra mussel, and quagga mussel).
 (6)75 percent of the land in the Lake Tahoe Basin is administered by the Federal Government, which makes it a Federal responsibility to significantly contribute to the restoration of the ecological health of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
 (b)PurposesThe purposes of this Act are as follows: (1)To identify ways and pursue options to expand the environmental threshold carrying capacity of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
 (2)To enable the Chief of the Forest Service, the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Administrator, in cooperation with the Planning Agency and the States of California and Nevada, to fund, plan, and implement significant forest management and invasive species control activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
 (3)To ensure that Federal, State, local, regional, tribal, and private entities continue to work together to manage lands and forests in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
 (4)To support local governments in the Lake Tahoe Basin in efforts related fire risk reduction and forest management activities.
 (5)To prioritize public recreational access to public lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin. (6)To ensure that management of Federal land and forests in the Lake Tahoe Basin is conducted with the understanding that—
 (A)public forests are renewable assets that should be managed, rather than neglected, and that excess timber should be harvested to generate continuing revenue for care of the public’s land, in accordance with a good neighbor policy; and
 (B)the Federal Government will defer to local communities whenever possible with regard to land acquisition and land regulations or restrictions..
 3.DefinitionsSection 3 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (Public Law 106–506; 114 Stat. 2353) is amended to read as follows:

 3.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)AdministratorThe term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
 (2)Assistant secretaryThe term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. (3)ChairThe term Chair means the Chair of the Federal Partnership.
 (4)CompactThe term Compact means the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact included in the first section of Public Law 96–551 (94 Stat. 3233).
 (5)DirectorsThe term Directors means— (A)the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and
 (B)the Director of the United States Geological Survey. (6)Environmental threshold carrying capacityThe term environmental threshold carrying capacity has the meaning given the term in article II of the Compact.
 (7)Federal partnershipThe term Federal Partnership means the Lake Tahoe Federal Interagency Partnership established by Executive Order 13957 (62 Fed. Reg. 41249) (or a successor Executive order).
 (8)Forest management activityThe term forest management activity includes— (A)prescribed burning for ecosystem health and hazardous fuels reduction;
 (B)mechanical treatments, including forest thinning, sale of commercial timber and firewood, and brush mastication;
 (C)management of non-native, invasive species; (D)erosion control and water runoff mitigation on land adversely impacted by wildland fire; and
 (E)other activities consistent with Forest Service practices, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
 (9)MapsThe term Maps means the maps dated April 12, 2013, and entitled LTRA USFS-CA Land Exchange/North Shore, USFS-CA Land Exchange/West Shore, and USFS-CA Land Exchange/South Shore, which shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest Service, the California Tahoe Conservancy, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
 (10)National wildland fire codeThe term national wildland fire code means— (A)the most recent publication of the National Fire Protection Association codes numbered 1141, 1142, 1143, and 1144;
 (B)the most recent publication of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the International Code Council; or
 (C)any other code that the Secretary determines provides the same, or better, standards for protection against wildland fire as a code described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
 (11)Planning agencyThe term Planning Agency means the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency established under Public Law 91–148 (83 Stat. 360) and Public Law 96–551 (94 Stat. 3233).
 (12)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. (13)WatercraftThe term watercraft means motorized and non-motorized watercraft that are capable of harboring an invasive species..
 4.Improved administration of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management UnitSection 4 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (Public Law 106–506; 114 Stat. 2353) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

				(c)Forest management activities
 (1)CoordinationFor the purpose of increasing efficiencies and maximizing the compatibility of management practices across public property boundaries, in conducting forest management activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, the Secretary shall coordinate, as appropriate, with—
 (A)the Administrator; (B)State and local agencies; and
 (C)county governments, local governments, and local fire departments. (2)Multiple benefitsIn conducting forest management activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, the Secretary shall conduct the activities in a manner that—
 (A)except as provided in paragraph (3), promotes multiple management benefits, including— (i)reducing forest fuels;
 (ii)enhancing and seeking ways to increase recreational opportunities; (iii)preserving existing and traditional uses;
 (iv)producing a sustainable yield of natural resource production; and (v)allowing for economic development; and
 (B)helps achieve, maintain, and identify ways to expand the environmental threshold carrying capacities established by the Planning Agency.
 (3)Cost-Benefit determinationNotwithstanding paragraph (2)(A), the promotion of multiple management benefits shall not be required if the Secretary determines that management for multiple benefits would excessively increase the cost of a program in relation to the additional benefits gained from the management activity. The Secretary shall make each cost-benefit determination made under this paragraph publicly available.
 (4)Availability of categorical exclusion for certain forest management projectsA forest management activity conducted in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit for the purpose of reducing forest fuels is categorically excluded from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4331 et seq.) if the forest management activity—
 (A)notwithstanding section 423 of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 (division E of Public Law 111–8; 123 Stat. 748), does not exceed 10,000 acres, including no more than 3,000 acres of mechanical thinning;
 (B)is developed— (i)in coordination with impacted parties, specifically including representatives of local governments, such as county supervisors or county commissioners; and
 (ii)in consultation with other interested parties; and (C)is consistent with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit land and resource management plan.
						(d)Arbitration process
 (1)In generalAny challenge to a forest management activity in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit shall be addressed using arbitration consistent with this subsection.
 (2)Who may seekAny person who sought administrative review for the forest management activity and who is not satisfied with the decision made under the administrative review process may file a demand for arbitration regarding the covered active management project in accordance with chapter 1 of title 9, United States Code. The demand for arbitration under paragraph (1) shall—
 (A)be filed not more than 15 days after the date on which the administrative review decision was issued; and
 (B)include a proposal describing the modifications sought to the forest management activity. (3)Intervening partiesNot later than 15 days after the date on which the demand for arbitration was filed, any person that submitted a public comment on the forest management activity subject to arbitration may intervene in the arbitration—
 (A)by endorsing the activity or the modification proposal; or (B)by submitting a proposal to further modify the activity.
 (4)Appointment of arbitratorThe United States District Court in the district in which the forest management activity is located shall appoint the arbitrator to conduct the arbitration proceedings in accordance with this subsection and chapter 1 of title 9, United States Code.
					(5)Selection of proposals
 (A)In generalWithin 30 days after appointment under paragraph (1), the arbitrator shall determine whether the proposal submitted by an objector or an intervening party or the forest management activity as approved by the Secretary best meets the purpose and needs described in the environmental analysis conducted, in accordance with this Act, for the forest management activity.
 (B)Modification prohibitedThe arbitrator appointed under paragraph (4) may not modify any of the proposals submitted with the demand for arbitration or a request to intervene.
 (6)Effect of decisionThe decision of an arbitrator with respect to the forest management activity— (A)shall not be considered a major Federal action; and
 (B)shall be binding. (7)Prohibition on restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and injunctions pending appealNo restraining order, preliminary injunction, or injunction pending appeal shall be issued by an appellate court of the United States with respect to the decision of an arbitrator with respect to the forest management activity.
 (e)Environmental threshold carrying capacityThe Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit shall support the attainment of the environmental threshold carrying capacities and identify and pursue the means to expand those capacities.
				(f)Cooperative authorities
 (1)In generalDuring fiscal years 2016 through 2020, the Secretary, in conjunction with land adjustment programs, may enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with States, units of local government, and other public and private entities to provide for fuel reduction, erosion control, reforestation, and similar management activities on Federal land and non-Federal land within the programs.
 (2)Extended duration of stewardship contractsNotwithstanding subsection (d)(3) of section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c), an agreement or contract under such section for stewardship contracting projects to be carried out within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit may be for a term in excess of 10 years, but not to exceed 20 years.
					(g)Commercial product receipts
 (1)RetentionThe Secretary shall retain any commercial product receipts generated as part of forest management activities or cooperative activities conducted in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit under subsection (c) or (g), other than stewardship contracts described in subsection (g)(2).
 (2)Availability and useReceipts retained under paragraph (1) shall be available to the Secretary for the purpose of funding additional forest management activities and cooperative activities, developed through a collaborative process with representatives from local governments with jurisdiction over lands within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
 (3)Obligation limitThe obligation and expenditure of receipts retained under this subsection shall be subject to such fiscal-year limitation as may be specified in an Act making appropriations for the Forest Service for a fiscal year..
 5.Authorized programsSection 5 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (Public Law 106–506; 114 Stat. 2353) is amended to read as follows:

				5.Authorized programs
 (a)In generalThe Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, the Directors, and the Administrator, in coordination with the Planning Agency and the States of California and Nevada, may carry out or provide financial assistance to any program described in subsection (b) or (c).
					(b)Fire risk reduction and forest management
 (1)In generalOf the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of section 12, as amended by section 8 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015, not less than $4,400,000 shall be made available to the Secretary to carry out, including by making grants, the following programs:
 (A)The Lake Tahoe Basin Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy 10-Year Plan.
 (B)Competitive grants for fuels work to be awarded by the Secretary to communities that have adopted national wildland fire codes to implement the applicable portion of the plan referred to in subparagraph (A).
 (C)Restoration activities related to any residual or future wildfire damage. (D)Washoe Tribe fire risk reduction and forest management programs on tribal lands within the Lake Tahoe Basin.
 (E)Development of an updated Lake Tahoe Basin multijurisdictional fuel reduction and wildfire prevention strategy, consistent with the requirement that forest management activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin promote multiple management benefits as described in section 4(c) of this Act (as added by section 4 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015).
 (F)Development of updated community wildfire protection plans by local fire districts. (2)PriorityUnits of local government in the Lake Tahoe Basin that have dedicated funding for inspections and enforcement of defensible space regulations shall be given priority for amounts provided under this subsection.
						(3)Cost-sharing requirements
 (A)In generalAs a condition on the receipt of funds, communities or local fire districts that receive funds under this subsection shall provide a 25-percent match.
							(B)Form of non-Federal share
 (i)In generalThe non-Federal share required under subparagraph (A) may be in the form of cash contributions or in-kind contributions, including providing labor, equipment, supplies, space, and other operational needs.
 (ii)Credit for certain dedicated fundingThere shall be credited toward the non-Federal share required under subparagraph (A) any dedicated funding of the communities or local fire districts for a fuels reduction management program, defensible space inspections, or dooryard chipping.
 (C)DocumentationCommunities and local fire districts shall— (i)maintain a record of in-kind contributions that describes—
 (I)the monetary value of the in-kind contributions; and (II)the manner in which the in-kind contributions assist in accomplishing project goals and objectives; and
 (ii)document in all requests for Federal funding, and include in the total project budget, evidence of the commitment to provide the non-Federal share through in-kind contributions.
								(c)Invasive species management
 (1)In generalOf the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of section 12, as amended by section 8 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015, not less than $800,000 shall be transferred to the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for the Aquatic Invasive Species Program and for the watercraft inspections and decontaminations described in paragraph (2).
 (2)Description of activitiesThe Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in coordination with the Planning Agency, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife, shall deploy strategies consistent with the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species into the Lake Tahoe Basin.
 (3)Required elements of strategiesThe strategies referred to in paragraph (2) shall provide for the following: (A)Combined inspection and decontamination stations shall be established in the Lake Tahoe Basin. As provided in paragraph (4), these stations may be operated by the States of California and Nevada, local governments, or private entities.
 (B)Watercraft shall not be allowed to launch in waters of the Lake Tahoe Basin unless the watercraft has been inspected in accordance with the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan.
 (4)CertificationThe Planning Agency shall certify the State of California, the State of Nevada, local agencies, or private entities to perform inspection and decontamination activities described in paragraph (3)(A) at locations inside or outside the Lake Tahoe Basin if such activities are conducted in a manner consistent with the standards established by this subsection.
 (5)ApplicabilityThe strategies developed under this subsection shall apply to all watercraft to be launched on water within the Lake Tahoe Basin.
 (6)FeesAn entity performing inspection and decontamination activities described in paragraph (3)(A) may collect fees for such activities, but not higher than the level sufficient to cover the costs of operation of inspection and decontamination stations under this subsection.
						(7)Violations
 (A)In generalAny person that launches or attempts to launch a watercraft not in compliance with strategies deployed under this subsection shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be subject to a fine in the amount provided in title 18, United States Code.
 (B)Other authoritiesAny fine imposed under this paragraph shall be separate from penalties assessed under any other authority.
 (8)LimitationThe strategies deployed under paragraph (2), including the specific elements required by paragraph (3), may be modified if the Secretary of the Interior, in a nondelegable capacity and in consultation with the Planning Agency, the States of California and Nevada, and State and local governments, issues a determination that alternative measures will be no less effective at preventing introduction of aquatic invasive species into Lake Tahoe.
 (9)Supplemental authorityThe authority under this subsection is supplemental to all actions taken by non-Federal regulatory authorities.
 (10)Savings clauseNothing in this title restricts, affects, or amends any other law or the authority of any department, instrumentality, or agency of the United States, or any State or political subdivision thereof, respecting the control of invasive species..
 6.Program performance and accountabilitySection 6 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (Public Law 106–506; 114 Stat. 2354) is amended to read as follows:

				6.Program performance and accountability
					(a)Program performance and accountability
 (1)In generalOf the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of section 12, as amended by section 8 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015, not less than $150,000 shall be made available to the Secretary to carry out this section.
 (2)Planning agencyOf the amounts made available to the Secretary under paragraph (1), not less than 50 percent shall be made available to the Planning Agency to carry out the program oversight, coordination, and outreach activities under subsections (d) and (e).
 (b)ConsultationIn carrying out this Act, the Secretary, the Administrator, and the Directors shall, as appropriate and in a timely manner, consult with the heads of the Washoe Tribe, applicable Federal, State, regional, county, and local governmental agencies, and the Lake Tahoe Federal Advisory Committee.
					(c)Corps of Engineers; interagency agreements
 (1)In generalThe Assistant Secretary may enter into interagency agreements with non-Federal interests in the Lake Tahoe Basin to use Lake Tahoe Partnership-Miscellaneous General Investigations funds to provide programmatic technical assistance for forest management or invasive species control activities.
						(2)Local cooperation agreements
 (A)In generalBefore providing technical assistance under this section, the Assistant Secretary shall enter into a local cooperation agreement with a non-Federal interest to provide for the technical assistance.
 (B)ComponentsThe agreement entered into under subparagraph (A) shall— (i)describe the nature of the technical assistance;
 (ii)describe any legal and institutional structures necessary to ensure the effective long-term viability of the end products by the non-Federal interest; and
 (iii)include cost-sharing provisions in accordance with subparagraph (C). (C)Federal share (i)In generalThe Federal share of program costs under each local cooperation agreement under this paragraph shall be 75 percent.
 (ii)FormThe Federal share may be in the form of reimbursements of program costs. (iii)CreditThe non-Federal interest may receive credit toward the non-Federal share for the reasonable costs of related technical activities completed by the non-Federal interest before entering into a local cooperation agreement with the Assistant Secretary under this paragraph.
								(d)Public outreach and education
 (1)In generalThe Secretary, the Administrator, and the Directors will coordinate with the Planning Agency to conduct public education and outreach programs, including encouraging—
 (A)owners of land and residences in the Lake Tahoe Basin to implement defensible space; and (B)owners of land and residences in the Lake Tahoe Basin and visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin to help prevent the introduction and proliferation of invasive species.
 (2)Scientific and technical guidanceThe Director of the United States Geological Survey shall provide scientific and technical guidance to public outreach and education programs conducted under this subsection.
 (3)Required coordinationPublic outreach and education programs for aquatic invasive species under this subsection shall— (A)be coordinated with county governments in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Lake Tahoe Basin tourism and business organizations; and
 (B)include provisions for the programs to extend outside of the Lake Tahoe Basin. (e)Effectiveness evaluating and monitoringIn carrying out this Act, the Secretary, the Administrator, and the Directors, in coordination with the Planning Agency and States of California and Nevada, shall—
 (1)develop and implement a plan for integrated monitoring, assessment, and applied research to evaluate the effectiveness programs funded under this Act; and
 (2)include in each program funded under this section funds for monitoring and assessment of results at the program level..
		7.Technical corrections and conforming amendments
 (a)Technical correctionSection 4(b)(3) of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (Public Law 106–506; 114 Stat. 2353) is amended by striking basin and inserting Basin.
 (b)Relationship to other lawsSection 11 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (Public Law 106–506; 114 Stat. 2358) is amended by inserting , Director, or Administrator after Secretary.
 (c)Tahoe Regional Planning Compact UpdateParagraph (c) of Article V of the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact included in the first section of Public Law 96–551 (94 Stat. 3233) is amended by inserting after maintain the regional plan the following: and, in so doing, shall ensure that the regional plan reflects changing economic conditions and the economic effect of regulation on commerce.
 8.Authorization of appropriationsSection 12 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (Public Law 106–506; 114 Stat. 2358) is amended to read as follows:

				12.Authorization of appropriations
 (a)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2025.
 (b)Source of fundsAmounts made available to carry out this Act shall be derived from— (1)amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) and the amendment made by section 7 of this Act; and
 (2)special use fees collected within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and made available under subsection (c).
						(c)Additional Funding from Special Use Fees
						(1)Retention of certain fees
 (A)DepositFees collected for recreation and non-recreation special uses within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit shall be deposited in a special fund in the Treasury, which shall be available to the Secretary as provided in subparagraph (B).
 (B)Availability and useFees deposited under subparagraph (A) shall be available to the Secretary, in such amounts as may be provided in an Act making appropriations for the Forest Service for a fiscal year, for the purpose of providing additional funds to carry out this Act in excess of amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a).
 (C)Obligation limitThe obligation and expenditure of fees deposited under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to appropriation and such fiscal-year limitation as may be specified in an Act making appropriations for the Forest Service for a fiscal year.
							(2)Use of retained fees
 (A)Fees collected for recreation special usesIn the case of fees collected for recreation special uses within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit that are deposited under paragraph (1) and appropriated for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall use the funds to establish, maintain, and expand recreation improvements, specifically existing and traditional uses, within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, including trails, facilities, activities, interpretation, and on-the-ground presence of Forest Service personnel.
 (B)Fees collected for non-recreation special usesIn the case of fees collected for non-recreation special uses within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit that are deposited under paragraph (1) and appropriated for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall use the funds to support other activities authorized by this Act.
 (3)Collaborative processThe Secretary shall make decisions under paragraph (2) regarding the use of fees appropriated for a fiscal year through a collaborative process with representatives from local governments, such as county supervisors and county commissioners, with jurisdiction over lands within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
 (d)Effect on other fundsAmounts made available to carry out this Act— (1)shall be in addition to any other amounts made available to the Secretary, the Administrator, or the Directors for expenditure in the Lake Tahoe Basin; and
 (2)shall not reduce allocations for other Regions of the Forest Service. (e)Cost-Sharing requirementExcept as provided in subsection (b)(3) of section 5 of this Act, as amended by section 5 of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015, funds for activities under section 5 of this Act shall be available for obligation on a dollar-for-dollar basis with funding of restoration activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin by the States of California and Nevada..
		9.Land conveyances to improve management efficiencies of State and Federal lands
 (a)California conveyanceSection 3(b) of Public Law 96–586 (94 Stat. 3384; commonly known as the Santini-Burton Act) is amended—
 (1)by striking (b) Lands and inserting the following:  (b)Administration of acquired land (1)In generalLand; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (2)Conveyance to california (A)In generalIf the State of California (acting through the California Tahoe Conservancy and the California Department of Parks and Recreation) offers to donate to the United States acceptable title to the non-Federal land described in subparagraph (B)(i), the Secretary of Agriculture—
 (i)may accept the offer; and (ii)not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary receives acceptable title to the non-Federal land described in subparagraph (B)(i), convey to the State of California, subject to valid existing rights and for no consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land that is acceptable to the State of California.
								(B)Description of land
 (i)Non-federal landThe non-Federal land referred to in subparagraph (A) includes— (I)the approximately 1,981 acres of land administered by the California Tahoe Conservancy and identified on the Maps as Conservancy to the United States Forest Service; and
 (II)the approximately 187 acres of land administered by California State Parks and identified on the Maps as State Parks to the U.S. Forest Service.
 (ii)Federal landThe Federal land referred to in subparagraph (A) includes the approximately 1,995 acres of Forest Service land identified on the Maps as U.S. Forest Service to Conservancy and State Parks.
 (C)Use of landThe land conveyance authorized under this paragraph shall— (i)be for the purpose of consolidating Federal and State ownerships and improving management efficiencies; and
 (ii)not result in any substantial reduction in public access or reduction in availability of existing and traditional public recreation uses.
 (D)Continuation of special use permitsThe land conveyance authorized under this paragraph shall be subject to the condition that the State of California accept all special use permits applicable, as of the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, to the National Forest System land described in subparagraph (B)(ii) for the duration of such permits, and subject to the terms and conditions of such permits..
 (b)Nevada conveyanceSection 3(b) of Public Law 96–586 (94 Stat. 3384; commonly known as the Santini-Burton Act) is further amended by inserting after paragraph (2), as added by subsection (a)(2), the following new paragraph:

					(3)Conveyance to Nevada
 (A)In generalAt the request of the State of Nevada, the Secretary of Agriculture may convey, without consideration, the land or interests in land described in subparagraph (B) to the State, subject to appropriate deed restrictions to protect public access and existing or traditional public recreational uses of the conveyed land.
 (B)Description of landThe land referred to in subparagraph (A) includes the approximately 39 acres of National Forest System land identified on the map entitled State of Nevada Conveyances as Van Sickle Unit USFS Inholding.
 (C)Use of landThe land conveyance authorized under this paragraph shall— (i)be for the purpose of consolidating Federal and State ownerships and improving management efficiencies; and
 (ii)not result in any substantial reduction in public access or reduction in availability of existing and traditional public recreation uses.
 (D)Continuation of special use permitsThe land conveyance authorized under this paragraph shall be subject to the condition that the State of Nevada accept all special use permits applicable, as of the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, to the National Forest System land described in subparagraph (B) for the duration of such permits, and subject to the terms and conditions of such permits..
			(c)Authorization for conveyance of Forest Service urban lots
 (1)Conveyance authorityThe Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to convey all urban lots within the Lake Tahoe Basin under the administrative jurisdiction of the Forest Service.
 (2)ConsiderationA conveyance under the authority of paragraph (1) shall require consideration in an amount equal to the fair-market value of the conveyed lot.
 (3)Availability and useThe proceeds from conveyances under paragraph (1) shall be retained by the Secretary of Agriculture and used for the purpose of—
 (A)purchasing inholdings throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin; or (B)providing additional funds to carry out the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (Public Law 106–506) in excess of amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 12 of such Act, as amended by section 8 of this Act.
 (4)Obligation limitThe obligation and expenditure of proceeds retained under this subsection shall be subject to such fiscal-year limitation as may be specified in an Act making appropriations for the Forest Service for a fiscal year.
 (5)Inholding definedIn paragraph (3)(A), the term inholding means a parcel of land that is surrounded on all sides by Federal land. 10.Modification of land acquisition authority under Santini-Burton Act and Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (a)Additional land acquisition criteriaSection 3(a)(1) of Public Law 96–586 (94 Stat. 3383; commonly known as the Santini-Burton Act) is amended by adding before the period at the end of the first sentence the following: and, with respect to any land acquisition under this section within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit that is proposed after the date of the enactment of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015, which will provide critical access for recreational use and resolve significant inholding issues in that a parcel of land to be acquired is wholly surrounded by Federal land.
 (b)Consent of local government requiredSection 3(a) of Public Law 96–586 (94 Stat. 3383; commonly known as the Santini-Burton Act) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (6)Consent of local government requiredWith respect to any land acquisition under this section within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit that is proposed after the date of the enactment of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015, the Secretary of Agriculture shall obtain the consent of the government of the county within the boundaries of which the land is located before executing the land acquisition..
 (c)Administrative expensesSection 3 of Public Law 96–586 (94 Stat. 3383; commonly known as the Santini-Burton Act) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

 (h)Administrative expenses related to land adjustmentsAmounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (g) shall be available to the Secretary of Agriculture to cover staffing costs and related expenses incurred to accomplish land adjustments in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit to create more efficient land management patterns..
 (d)Conforming amendments to Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998Section 5(a) of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–263; 112 Stat. 2347) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (4)Additional requirements related to acquisitions in Lake Tahoe Basin Management UnitWith respect to any land acquisition under this subsection within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit that is proposed after the date of the enactment of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, before executing the land acquisition—
 (A)obtain the consent of each county within whose boundaries the parcel of land is located; and (B)certify that, in addition to being environmentally sensitive land, the parcel of land will provide critical access for recreational use and resolve significant inholding issues in that the parcel is wholly surrounded by National Forest System land..
			11.Availability of categorical exclusion for Lake Tahoe herbicide applications to control certain
			 aquatic weeds
 (a)FindingCongress finds that ongoing efforts to eradicate Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed in Lake Tahoe, using mechanical methods has had only limited success, threatening the rest of Lake Tahoe with the spread of these non-native aquatic invasive plants.
 (b)Availability of categorical exclusionAny project to be conducted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency that will use a registered herbicide to eradicate Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed from the south end of Lake Tahoe, known as the Lake Tahoe Keys, is categorically excluded from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4331 et seq.).
 (c)Registered herbicide definedIn this section, the term registered herbicide means a herbicide that is approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Environmental Protection Agency for aquatic use.

		February 1, 2016
		Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources with an amendmentFebruary 1, 2016The Committees on Agriculture and Transportation and Infrastructure discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to
			 be printed


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6619
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			November 29, 2012
			Mr. Young of Alaska
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To provide for the unencumbering of title to non-Federal
		  land owned by the city of Anchorage, Alaska, for purposes of economic
		  development by conveyance of the Federal reversion interest to the
		  City.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Anchorage Land Conveyance Act of
			 2012.
		2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)CityThe
			 term City means the city of Anchorage, Alaska.
			(2)Non-federal
			 landThe term non-Federal land means certain parcels
			 of land located in the City and owned by the City, which are more particularly
			 described as follows:
				(A)Block 42, Original
			 Townsite of Anchorage, Anchorage Recording District, Third Judicial District,
			 State of Alaska, consisting of approximately 1.93 acres, commonly known as the
			 Egan Center, Petrovich Park, and Old City Hall.
				(B)Lots 9, 10, and
			 11, Block 66, Original Townsite of Anchorage, Anchorage Recording District,
			 Third Judicial District, State of Alaska, consisting of approximately 0.48
			 acres, commonly known as the parking lot at 7th Avenue and I Street.
				(C)Lot 13, Block 15,
			 Original Townsite of Anchorage, Anchorage Recording District, Third Judicial
			 District, State of Alaska, consisting of approximately 0.24 acres, an
			 unimproved vacant lot located at H Street and Christensen Drive.
				(3)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
			3.Conveyance of
			 reversionary interests, Anchorage, Alaska
			(a)In
			 generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary
			 shall convey to the City, without consideration, the reversionary interests of
			 the United States in and to the non-Federal land for the purpose of
			 unencumbering the title to the non-Federal land to enable economic development
			 of the non-Federal land.
			(b)Legal
			 descriptionsAs soon as practicable after the date of enactment
			 of this Act, the exact legal descriptions of the non-Federal land shall be
			 determined in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary.
			(c)Additional terms
			 and conditionsThe Secretary may require such additional terms
			 and conditions to the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary
			 considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
			(d)CostsThe
			 City shall pay all costs associated with the conveyance under subsection (a),
			 including the costs of any surveys, recording costs, and other reasonable
			 costs.


115 S2994 IS: Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace Harassment through Education and Reporting Act-Part I
U.S. Senate
2018-06-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 2994
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 5, 2018
			Ms. Harris (for herself and Ms. Murkowski) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

		A BILL
		To deter, prevent, reduce, and respond to harassment in the workplace, including sexual harassment,
			 sexual assault, and harassment based on protected categories.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace Harassment through Education and Reporting Act-Part I or the EMPOWER Act-Part I.
 2.Purpose and authorityIt is the purpose of this Act, through the exercise by Congress of its power to regulate commerce among the several States, to deter, prevent, reduce, and respond to harassment in the workplace, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and harassment based on other protected categories.
 3.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)ApplicantThe term applicant means an applicant for employment as an employee, independent contractor, or outside worker.
			(2)Charge of
 DiscriminationThe term Charge of Discrimination means a charge of discrimination filed pursuant to section 706 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5).
 (3)CommissionThe term Commission means the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (4)EmployeeThe term employee means—
 (A)an individual employed by an employer described in paragraph (5), including an outside worker in such individual's office or place of employment;
 (B)an employee to which section 703, 704 or 717(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–2; 2000e–3; 2000e–16(a)) applies, including an outside worker in such an employee's office or place of employment;
 (C)a State employee to which section 302(a)(1) of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16b(a)(1)) applies, including an outside worker in such a State employee's office or place of employment; or
 (D)a covered employee, as defined in section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301) or section 411(c) of title 3, United States Code, including an outside worker in such a covered employee's office or place of employment.
 (5)EmployerThe term employer means— (A)a person engaged in an industry affecting commerce, and any agent of such a person;
 (B)an entity to which section 703, 704, or 717(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies; (C)an employing authority to which section 302(a)(1) of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 applies; or
 (D)an employing office, as defined in section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 or section 411(c) of title 3, United States Code.
 (6)Fair employment practices agenciesThe term fair employment practices agencies  means State and local agencies with the authority to enforce laws or regulations to prohibit discrimination in employment.
 (7)Independent contractorThe term independent contractor means an individual who, with respect to an employer, is a contractor based on the common law of agency.
 (8)Law enforcement agencyThe term law enforcement agency means a government agency with criminal or civil law enforcement powers, which may include a government agency with regulatory or licensing authority.
 (9)Nondisclosure clauseThe term nondisclosure clause means a provision in a contract or agreement establishing that the parties to the contract or agreement agree not to disclose information covered by the terms and conditions of the contract or agreement.
 (10)Nondisparagement clauseThe term nondisparagement clause means a provision in a contract or agreement requiring one or more parties to the contract or agreement not to make negative statements about the other.
 (11)Outside workerThe term outside worker means— (A)a temporary worker hired through an employment agency (as defined in section 701 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e)) to provide services to an employer pursuant to an agreement between the employment agency and the employer;
 (B)an independent contractor for an employer or a subcontractor thereof; or (C)an intern or volunteer, whether paid or unpaid, for an employer.
 (12)Sexual assaultThe term sexual assault means any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including such an act that occurs when the victim lacks capacity to consent.
 (13)SubcontractorThe term subcontractor means any employer having a contract with a prime contractor or another subcontractor calling for supplies or services required for the performance of a contract or a government contract.
 (14)Workplace harassmentThe term workplace harassment means unwelcome or offensive conduct based on sex (including such conduct based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), race, color, national origin, disability, age, or religion, whether that conduct occurs in-person or through an electronic medium (which may include social media), in a work or work-related context, which affects any term, condition, or privilege of employment.
			4.Prohibiting nondisparagement and nondisclosure clauses that cover workplace harassment, including
			 sexual
			 harassment
			(a)Unlawful practices
 (1)Prohibition on workplace harassment nondisclosure clauseSubject to subsection (b)(1), it shall be an unlawful practice for an employer to enter into a contract or agreement with an employee or applicant, as a condition of employment, promotion, compensation, benefits, or change in employment status or contractual relationship, or as a term, condition, or privilege of employment, if that contract or agreement contains a nondisparagement or nondisclosure clause that covers workplace harassment, including sexual harassment or retaliation for reporting, resisting, opposing, or assisting in the investigation of workplace harassment.
 (2)Prohibition on enforcementNotwithstanding any other provision of law, it shall be an unlawful practice and otherwise unlawful for an employer to enforce or attempt to enforce a nondisparagement clause or nondisclosure clause described in paragraph (1).
				(b)Settlement or separation agreements
 (1)In GeneralThe provisions of subsection (a) do not apply to a nondisclosure clause or nondisparagement clause contained in a settlement agreement or separation agreement that resolves legal claims or disputes when—
 (A)such legal claims accrued or such disputes arose before the settlement agreement or separation agreement was executed; and
 (B)such clauses are mutually agreed upon and mutually benefit both the employer and employee. (2)Unlawful practiceIt shall be an unlawful practice for an employer to unilaterally include a nondisclosure clause or a nondisparagement clause that solely benefits the employer in a separation or settlement agreement.
 (c)Right To report reservedNotwithstanding signing (before or after the effective date of this Act) any nondisparagement or nondisclosure clause including a clause referred to in subsection (a)(1), an employee or applicant retains any right that person would otherwise have had to report a concern about workplace harassment, including sexual harassment or another violation of the law to the Commission, another Federal agency (including an office of the legislative or judicial branch), a State or local fair employment practices agency or any State or local agency, or a law enforcement agency, and any right that person would otherwise have had to bring an action in a court of the United States.
			(d)Enforcement
				(1)Enforcement
 powersWith respect to the administration and enforcement of this section in the case of a claim alleged by an employee for a violation of this section—
 (A)the Commission shall have the same powers as the Commission has to administer and enforce—
 (i)title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.); or
 (ii)sections 302 and 304 of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16b and 2000e–16c),
						in the case
			 of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of such title, or of
			 section 302(a)(1) of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C.
 2000e–16b(a)(1)), respectively;(B)the Librarian of Congress shall have the same powers as the Librarian of Congress has to administer and enforce title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of such title;
 (C)the Board (as defined in section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301)) shall have the same powers as the Board has to administer and enforce the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of section 201(a)(1) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 1311(a)(1));
 (D)the Attorney General shall have the same powers as the Attorney General has to administer and enforce—
 (i)title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.); or
 (ii)sections 302 and 304 of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16b and 2000e–16c);
						in the case
			 of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of such title, or of
			 section 302(a)(1) of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C.
 2000e–16b(a)(1)), respectively;(E)the President, the Commission, and the Merit Systems Protection Board shall have the same powers as the President, the Commission, and the Board, respectively, have to administer and enforce chapter 5 of title 3, United States Code, in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of section 411 of such title;
 (F)the Commission shall have the same powers as described in subparagraph (A) to administer and enforce a claim by any employee who is not otherwise able to seek remedy for a claim through an enforcement entity described in subparagraph (A) through (E); and
 (G)a court of the United States shall have the same jurisdiction and powers as the court has to enforce—
 (i)title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of such title or in the case of a claim described in subparagraph (F);
 (ii)sections 302 and 304 of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16b and 2000e–16c) in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of section 302(a)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16b(a)(1));
 (iii)the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of section 201(a)(1) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 1311(a)(1)); and
 (iv)chapter 5 of title 3, United States Code, in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of section 411 of such title.
						(2)Procedures and
 remediesThe procedures and remedies applicable to a claim alleged by an employee for a violation of this section are—
 (A)the procedures and remedies applicable for a violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of such title or in the case of a claim described in paragraph (1)(F);
 (B)the procedures and remedies applicable for a violation of section 302(a)(1) of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16b(a)(1)) in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of such section;
 (C)the procedures and remedies applicable for a violation of section 201(a)(1) of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1311(a)(1)) in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of such section; and
 (D)the procedures and remedies applicable for a violation of section 411 of title 3, United States Code, in the case of a claim alleged by such employee for a violation of such section.
					(3)Other applicable
 provisionsWith respect to a claim alleged by a covered employee (as defined in section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301)) for a violation of this section, title III of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.) shall apply in the same manner as such title applies with respect to a claim alleged by such a covered employee for a violation of section 201(a)(1) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 1311(a)(1)).
				(e)Regulations
				(1)In
 generalExcept as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), the Commission shall have authority to issue regulations to carry out this section.
				(2)Librarian of
 CongressThe Librarian of Congress shall have authority to issue regulations to carry out this section with respect to employees and applicants for employment of the Library of Congress.
 (3)BoardThe Board referred to in subsection (d)(1)(C) shall have authority to issue regulations to carry out this section, in accordance with section 304 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1384), with respect to covered employees, as defined in section 101 of such Act (2 U.S.C. 1301).
 (4)PresidentThe President shall have authority to issue regulations to carry out this section with respect to covered employees, as defined in section 411(c) of title 3, United States Code, and applicants for employment as such employees.
				(f)State and Federal immunity
 (1)Abrogation of State immunityA State shall not be immune under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution from a suit brought in a Federal court of competent jurisdiction for a violation of this section.
				(2)Waiver of State immunity
					(A)In general
 (i)WaiverA State’s receipt or use of Federal financial assistance for any program or activity of a State shall constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity, under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution or otherwise, to a suit brought by an employee or applicant for employment of that program or activity under this section for a remedy authorized under subsection (d).
 (ii)DefinitionIn this paragraph, the term program or activity has the meaning given the term in section 606 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d–4a).
 (B)Effective dateWith respect to a particular program or activity, subparagraph (A) applies to conduct occurring on or after the day, after the date of enactment of this Act, on which a State first receives or uses Federal financial assistance for that program or activity.
 (3)Remedies against State officialsAn official of a State may be sued in the official capacity of the official by any employee or applicant for employment who has complied with the applicable procedures of subsection (d), for equitable relief that is authorized under this section. In such a suit the court may award to the prevailing party those costs authorized by section 722 of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1988).
 (4)Remedies against the United States and the StatesNotwithstanding any other provision of this Act, in an action or administrative proceeding against the United States or a State for a violation of this section, remedies (including remedies at law and in equity, and interest) are available for the violation to the same extent as the remedies are available for a violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) by a private entity, except that—
 (A)punitive damages are not available; and (B)compensatory damages are available to the extent specified in section 1977A(b) of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a(b)).
					5.Confidential tip-line addressing employers with widespread and systemic workplace harassment
			(a)Confidential tip-Line established
 (1)In generalNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall establish a confidential tip-line that supplements the Commission’s existing process for submitting a Charge of Discrimination, and that has the characteristics described in paragraph (2), to—
 (A)receive, log, and acknowledge the receipt of reports by employees, applicants, bystanders, or other individuals who attest that they have experienced or witnessed workplace harassment, including sexual assault and other forms of sexual harassment;
 (B)provide informational materials to reporting individuals described in subparagraph (A); and (C)make available reports described in subparagraph (A) to—
 (i)the Commission; and (ii)Commission-approved fair employment practices agencies for potential investigation.
 (2)Operation of the tip-lineThe Commission shall ensure that the tip-line established under this section will— (A)explicitly notify reporting individuals that the tip-line does not allow anonymous reporting, but does allow the submission of confidential reports, independent of a Charge of Discrimination or a Federal or State administrative complaint, by those employees or applicants who have experienced workplace harassment, including sexual assault and other forms of sexual harassment, and by those employees, applicants, bystanders, or other individuals who have witnessed such conduct;
 (B)provide an option for reporting individuals to make a report that would not identify individual employees, but would identify the entity, employer, division, or subdivision responsible for the workplace harassment, including sexual assault and other forms of sexual harassment;
 (C)educate reporting individuals about how to preserve the right to make any reports, complaints, or charges that the individuals would otherwise have been eligible to make, independent of any report to the tip-line, including—
 (i)the right of the reporting individual to file a Charge of Discrimination that will result in the Commission or a Commission-approved fair employment practices agency taking action (and the risk of losing that right if the reporting individual fails to file a timely Charge of Discrimination); and
 (ii)a clear explanation of any deadlines or limitations periods; (D)instruct reporting individuals about how to file a Charge of Discrimination with the Commission and encourage reporting individuals to file a Charge of Discrimination in order to allow the Commission to more effectively investigate the workplace harassment;
 (E)emphasize that reports to the confidential tip-line— (i)will not prompt individualized investigations, except in the limited circumstances described in clause (ii), subparagraph (I), and subsection (b), and such investigations will fully comport with applicable due process requirements;
 (ii)will be monitored by the Commission and Commission-approved fair employment practices agencies to identify trends and determine whether investigations should be undertaken, for instance, when the Commission has received multiple complaints regarding a particular employer or there is evidence of a broader pattern or practice of workplace harassment;
 (iii)shall not be discoverable in civil cases, unless the reporting individual waives the confidentiality of the submitted reports; and
 (iv)shall not be shared with other Federal agencies; (F)engage fair employment practices agencies at the State and local level to apply and be thoroughly vetted and reviewed for approved access to the confidential tip-line;
 (G)share information from the tip-line, including information on opened investigations, only between and among participating approved fair employment practices agencies and the Commission to facilitate coordination and avoid conflicts in investigations and resolutions;
 (H)offer an option to each reporting individual, at the time of reporting, to elect to be informed, to the extent practicable, if the individual's report leads to an investigation, so that the reporting individual may choose to provide further information or participate in any resulting investigation; and
 (I)protect the identity of individuals making reports and employers by making such reports confidential within the tip-line and only available to the Commission and Commission-approved fair employment practices agencies, and require that information obtained can be used only for the purpose of investigation related to the submitted complaint or complaints, in full compliance with applicable due process requirements.
 (b)Charge of DiscriminationIn the event that a member of the Commission determines that information received from the tip-line warrants an investigation, the member may initiate an investigation by filing a Charge of Discrimination in accordance with section 706 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5).
 (c)Education about the tip-LineThe Commission shall disseminate information and educate the public about the tip-line established under this section.
			(d)Unlawful practices with respect to the tip line
 (1)Other unlawful practiceIt shall be unlawful to engage in any unlawful employment practice described in section 704 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–3) with respect to the tip line under this section, including contacting or making threats to contact law enforcement authorities, such as the police, immigration officials, or other officials, with respect to an employee or applicant because that employee or applicant has made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing under this section.
 (2)ConfidentialityIt shall be unlawful for any officer or employee of the Commission, or any Commission-approved fair employment practices agencies, to make public in any manner whatever any information obtained by the Commission pursuant to its authority under this section, prior to institution of any proceeding under section 706 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5), except that the Commission, or any Commission-approved fair employment practices agency, shall offer information to reporting individuals in accordance with this section.
 (3)EnforcementThe enforcement provisions described in section 4(d) shall apply in the same manner to the enforcement of a violation described in paragraph (1) or (2).
				(e)Effective date
 This section shall first take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year for which $1,500,000 is appropriated to carry out this section.
 (f)Annual minimumThe Commission shall not be required to implement this section in any fiscal year for which less than $1,000,000 is appropriated to carry out this section.
			6.SEC filings and material disclosures at public companies
 (a)DefinitionsIn this section— (1)the term Form 10–K means the form described in section 249.310 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation; and
 (2)the term issuer has the meaning given the term in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)).
 (b)FindingsCongress finds that— (1)shareholders and the public should know whether corporations—
 (A)are expending company funds to resolve, settle, or litigate claims of workplace harassment, including sexual harassment; and
 (B)along with the executives and managers of those corporations— (i)are complying with prohibitions against workplace harassment, including sexual harassment; and
 (ii)facilitate a culture of silence, disrespect, intimidation, and abuse that negatively impacts the health and safety of the workers of those corporations and the value of those corporations; and
 (2)the requirements of this section will— (A)establish necessary transparency and accountability; and
 (B)provide an incentive for corporations to— (i)promptly address workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, as that misconduct occurs; and
 (ii)foster a culture in which workplace harassment is not protected and does not occur.
 (c)Information requiredNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission shall promulgate a regulation that requires any issuer that is required to submit an annual report using Form 10–K to include in any such submission—
 (1)during the period covered by the submission— (A)with respect to workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, and retaliation for reporting, resisting, opposing, or assisting in the investigation of workplace harassment—
 (i)the number of settlements reached by the issuer as a signatory or when the issuer is a beneficiary of a release of claims; and
 (ii)whether any judgments or awards (including awards through arbitration or administrative proceedings) were entered against the issuer in part or in whole, or any payments made in connection with a release of claims; and
 (B)the total amount paid by the issuer or another party as a result of— (i)the settlements described in subparagraph (A)(i); and
 (ii)the judgments described in subparagraph (A)(ii); and (2)information regarding whether, in the aggregate, including the period covered by the submission, there have been three or more settlements reached by, or judgments against, the issuer with respect to workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, or retaliation for reporting, resisting, opposing, or assisting in the investigation of workplace harassment that relate to a particular individual employed by the issuer, without identifying that individual by name.
				7.Professional training, including bystander training, and public education campaigns
 (a)Commission authorityThe Commission shall have the authority to— (1)reasonably adjust the fees the Commission charges for any education, technical assistance, or training the Commission offers in accordance with section 705(j)(1) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–4(j)(1));
 (2)use the materials developed by the Commission for any education, technical assistance, or training offered by the Commission in accordance with section 705(j)(1) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in any education and outreach activities carried out by the Commission; and
 (3)use funds from the EEOC Education, Technical Assistance, and Training Revolving Fund, established under section 705(k) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to pay the full salaries of any Commission employees that develop and administer any education, technical assistance, or training programs offered by the Commission.
				(b)Workplace training
 (1)In generalThe Commission shall provide for the development and dissemination of workplace training programs and information regarding workplace harassment, including sexual harassment.
 (2)Contents of trainingThe training provided by the Commission under this subsection to managers and nonmanagers shall be consistent with the findings of the Commission, on matters including—
 (A)what constitutes workplace harassment, including sexual harassment; (B)the rights of individuals with respect to workplace harassment and how to report workplace harassment;
 (C)how individuals, including bystanders, who encounter workplace harassment can intervene or report the harassment; and
 (D)how employers and managers can prevent workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, from occurring in the workplace.
 (3)Contents of informationIn providing information under this subsection, the Commission shall— (A)prepare and distribute information that is consistent with the findings of the Commission;
 (B)develop and disseminate a public service advertisement campaign that— (i)distributes information with respect to the matters described in paragraph (2); and
 (ii)advertises the confidential complaint database established under section 5. (c)Effective dateThis section shall not take effect in any fiscal year for which less than $1,500,000 is appropriated to carry out this section.


IV
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 584
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

May 25, 2010

RESOLUTION
Recognizing the importance of manufactured and modular housing in the United States.

Whereas manufactured and modular housing play a vital role in meeting the housing needs of the people of the United States and are an important source of quality, affordable housing, including both homeownership and rental housing;
Whereas the manufactured and modular housing industries in the United States have approximately $6,000,000,000 annually in sales and employ approximately 70,000 people in factories and retail centers alone;
Whereas 18,000,000 people in the United States, representing all segments of the population, including emerging demographics, live in manufactured or modular homes;
Whereas because they are important sources of affordable housing, manufactured and modular housing are a critical part of the solution to the ongoing crisis in the housing market in this Nation;
Whereas the factory production process provides manufactured and modular housing with technological advantages, value, and customization options for consumers seeking quality housing and sustainable homeownership;
Whereas manufactured homes are built to a national standard under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, which governs construction, engineering, quality, safety, and systems performance;
Whereas that Act supports innovation, consumer safety, efficiency, and quality while preserving the affordability and customization of manufactured housing;
Whereas creating affordable homeownership opportunities helps build communities and requires the cooperation of the private and public sectors, including the Federal Government and State and local governments;
Whereas the laws of the United States, such as the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000, encourage manufactured housing homeownership and should continue to do so in the future;
Whereas June is designated as National Homeownership Month; and
Whereas the third week of June is recognized as Manufactured and Modular Housing Week: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)recognizes the importance of manufactured and modular housing in providing decent, sustainable, and affordable housing;
(2)recognizes the importance of manufactured and modular housing in contributing to homeownership in the United States;
(3)recognizes the importance of homeownership, including homeownership of manufactured and modular homes, in building strong communities and families; and
(4)recognizes and fully supports the goals and ideals of Manufactured and Modular Housing Week and National Homeownership Month.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6422
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 14, 2012
			Mr. Moran (for
			 himself and Mr. Crenshaw) introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Natural Resources, for a
			 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
			 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
			 committee concerned

		A BILL
		To establish a program to provide grants to nonprofit
		  organizations to enable such organizations to assign and support volunteers to
		  assist foreign countries in the administration of their natural resources in an
		  environmentally sustainable manner.

		1.Short TitleThis Act may be cited as the
			 International Conservation Corps Act
			 of 2012.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)There is a significant deficit in the
			 capability of many developing countries to manage their natural resources
			 sustainably, which is fundamental to achieving economic development, poverty
			 alleviation, conflict avoidance, good governance, and regional security.
			(2)Developing countries with a great wealth of
			 natural resources are facing a great risk of conflict. Issues that arise in
			 these countries include corruption, disputes over control and distribution of
			 the resources and resulting wealth, fighting over and destruction of resources
			 and resource-rich areas, and human rights abuses.
			(3)Developing countries that successfully
			 manage their natural resource wealth, however, continue to benefit from these
			 resources without resulting conflict.
			(4)It is in the security interest of the
			 United States to share the vast experience and proven methodologies that the
			 United States has achieved over many decades with developing countries
			 struggling to establish their own successful natural resource management
			 programs and policies.
			(5)The many United States senior professionals
			 retiring from both the public and private sector with extensive experience and
			 expertise in the field of natural resource management, acting in a voluntary
			 capacity, presents a unique and important opportunity to help other countries
			 develop the capacity to manage their natural resources sustainably.
			3.Establishment of
			 program
			(a)In
			 generalNot later than 1 year
			 after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with
			 the Secretary of State, shall establish a program to provide grants to
			 qualifying nonprofit organizations to enable such organizations to assign and
			 support volunteers to assist foreign countries identified under section 4 in
			 the administration of their natural resources in an environmentally sustainable
			 manner.
			(b)Details of the
			 programThe Secretary shall
			 develop and implement the program such that it includes providing professional,
			 scientific, and technical assistance and training to aid foreign countries in
			 their efforts to—
				(1)develop, manage, and protect national
			 parks, natural and cultural heritage sites, and other protected areas;
				(2)protect wildlife; and
				(3)develop capacity to sustainably manage
			 their natural resources.
				4.Identification of
			 foreign countries
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of
			 State, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Agency for
			 International Development, shall—
				(1)identify foreign
			 countries as appropriate for participation in the program;
				(2)notify such
			 foreign countries of the program; and
				(3)encourage such
			 foreign countries to seek to participate in the program.
				5.Award of grants
			 to qualifying nonprofit organizations
			(a)Application
				(1)Required
			 informationTo be eligible to
			 receive a grant under the program, a qualifying nonprofit organization shall
			 submit to the Secretary an application including information regarding the
			 expertise, past experience, and demonstrated capacity of the organization, as
			 well as such other information as the Secretary may require.
				(2)Time, form, and
			 manner of applicationThe
			 application described in paragraph 1 shall be submitted to the Secretary at
			 such time, and in such form and manner, as the Secretary may require.
				(3)Solicitation of
			 applicationsThe Secretary shall solicit from qualifying
			 nonprofit organizations applications for grants in accordance with this
			 section.
				(b)Approval
			 processAs soon as is
			 practicable after the date of receipt of an application by the Secretary under
			 subsection (a), the Secretary shall approve or disapprove the
			 application.
			(c)Provision of
			 grantAs soon as is practicable after the date on which the
			 Secretary approves an application of a qualifying nonprofit organization under
			 subsection (b), the Secretary shall provide a grant to such organization.
			6.Use of
			 fundsAny organization that
			 receives a grant under section 5 shall use funds received under such grant
			 to—
			(1)recruit highly
			 skilled and experienced volunteers to participate in the program; and
			(2)place such
			 volunteers with foreign countries participating in the program to work in
			 appropriate projects in the program, subject to section 8.
			7.Reporting
			 requirement
			(a)Submission of
			 periodic reportsAt times
			 specified by the Secretary, any organization that receives a grant under
			 section 5 shall submit to the Secretary periodic reports that include all
			 information that the Secretary determines is necessary to evaluate the progress
			 and success of projects in the program for the purposes of ensuring positive
			 results, assessing problems, and fostering improvements.
			(b)Internet
			 publication of reportsThe
			 Secretary shall make reports under subsection (a) available to the public
			 through the Internet website of the Department of the Interior.
			8.Terms and
			 conditions of volunteer service
			(a)Assignment of
			 volunteersExcept as
			 otherwise provided in this Act, the assignment of volunteers in appropriate
			 projects in the program shall be on such terms and conditions as the Secretary
			 may determine.
			(b)Compensation of
			 volunteersVolunteers
			 selected for participation in projects in the program shall not be compensated
			 except for a stipend to cover travel costs, health and travel insurance costs,
			 living costs, and accommodations, awarded in such amounts as the Secretary
			 determines to be appropriate.
			9.FundingOf the unobligated amounts available to the
			 Department of the Interior for fiscal years 2013 through 2017, notwithstanding
			 any other provision of law specifying the purpose for which such amounts are
			 provided, $10,000,000 is authorized to be made available to carry out this Act
			 for each of the fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
		10.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)ProgramThe term program means the
			 program established pursuant to section 3.
			(2)Qualifying
			 nonprofit organizationThe
			 term qualifying nonprofit organization means an entity described
			 in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax
			 under section 501(a) of such Code.
			(3)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.