117 HR 502 IH: Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-01-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
117th CONGRESS1st Session
H. R. 502
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 28, 2021
Ms. Barragán (for herself, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, and Mr. Khanna) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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 concerned

A BILL
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of dental services under the Medicare program.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2021. 2.Coverage of dental services under the Medicare program (a)CoverageSection 1861(s)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2)) is amended—
(1)in subparagraph (GG), by striking and at the end; (2)in subparagraph (HH), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
(3)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:  (II)dental and oral health services (as defined in subsection (lll));.
(b)Dental and oral health services definedSection 1861 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:  (lll)Dental and oral Health ServicesThe term dental and oral health services means services (as defined by the Secretary) that are necessary to prevent disease and promote oral health, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergency conditions, including—
(1)routine diagnostic and preventive care such as dental cleanings, exams, and x-rays; (2)basic dental services such as fillings and extractions;
(3)major dental services such as root canals, crowns, and dentures; (4)emergency dental care; and
(5)other necessary services related to dental and oral health (as defined by the Secretary).. (c)Coverage of routine diagnostic and preventive care as a preventive serviceSection 1861(ddd)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ddd)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(D)Dental and oral health services described in paragraph (1) of subsection (lll), relating to routine diagnostic and preventive care.. (d)Payment; coinsurance; and limitations (1)In generalSection 1833(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)) is amended—
(A)by striking “and” before “(DD)”; and (B)by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: “and (EE) with respect to dental and oral health services (as defined in section 1861(lll), other than those services described in paragraph (1) of such section), the amount paid shall be the payment amount specified under section 1834(z).”.
(2)Payment and limits specifiedSection 1834 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:  (z)Payment and limits for dental and oral health services (1)In generalThe payment amount under this part for dental and oral health services (as defined in section 1861(lll), other than those services described in paragraph (1) of such section) shall be, subject to paragraph (3), the applicable percentage (specified in paragraph (2)) of the lesser of the actual charge for the services or the amount determined under the payment basis determined under section 1848.
(2)Applicable percentage
(A)In generalFor purposes of paragraph (1), subject to subparagraph (B), the applicable percentage specified in this paragraph is— (i)for the first year beginning at least 6 months after the date of the enactment of this subsection, 0 percent;
(ii)for the year following the year specified in subparagraph (A) and each subsequent year through the seventh year following the year specified in subparagraph (A), the applicable percent specified in this paragraph for the previous year increased by 10 percentage points; and (iii)for the eighth year following the year specified in subparagraph (A) and each subsequent year, 80 percent.
(B)Special rule for certain low-income individualsFor purposes of paragraph (1), with respect to dental and oral health services described in such paragraph that are furnished to an individual who is a subsidy eligible individual (as defined in section 1860D–14(a)(3)), or who would be a subsidy eligible individual if the individual were enrolled in a prescription drug plan or an MA–PD plan under part D, for the first year beginning at least 6 months after the date of the enactment of this subsection and each subsequent year, the applicable percent specified in this paragraph is 80 percent. (3)Limitations and Secretarial authority (A)FrequencyWith respect to dental and oral health services that are—
(i)routine dental cleanings, payment may be made under this part for only two such cleanings during a 12-month period; and (ii)routine exams, payment may be made under this part for only two such exams during a 12-month period.
(B)Secretarial authority
(i)Authority to apply additional limitationsThe Secretary may apply such other reasonable limitations on the extent to which dental and oral services are covered under this part, including through application of a prior authorization requirement. (ii)Authority to modify coverageNotwithstanding any other provision of this title, if the Secretary determines appropriate, the Secretary may modify the coverage under this part of dental and oral health services to the extent that such modification is consistent with the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force.
(iii)Authority to waive frequency limitationsThe Secretary may waive any frequency limitation or other limitation as described in this paragraph for an individual (or category of individuals) as determined appropriate by the Secretary.. (e)Payment under physician fee scheduleSection 1848(j)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(j)(3)) is amended by striking risk assessment) , and inserting risk assessment), (2)(II),.
(f)Dental prostheses
(1)In generalSection 1861(s)(8) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(8)) is amended— (A)by striking (other than dental) and inserting (including dental); and
(B)by striking internal body. (2)Special payment rulesSection 1834(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(23)Payment and limits for dental prostheses
(A)In generalThe payment amount under this part for dental prostheses shall be, subject to subparagraph (C), the applicable percent (specified in subparagraph (B)) of the amount otherwise payable for such dental prostheses under this section. (B)Applicable percent (i)In generalFor purposes of subparagraph (A), subject to clause (ii), the applicable percent specified in this subparagraph is—
(I)for the first year beginning at least 6 months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, 0 percent; (II)for the year following the year specified in clause (i) and each subsequent year through the seventh year following the year specified in clause (i), the applicable percent specified in this subparagraph for the previous year increased by 10 percentage points; and
(III)for the eighth year following the year specified in clause (i) and each subsequent year, 80 percent. (ii)Special rule for certain low-income individualsFor purposes of subparagraph (A), with respect to dental prostheses furnished to an individual who is a subsidy eligible individual (as defined in section 1860D–14(a)(3)), or who would be a subsidy eligible individual if the individual were enrolled in a prescription drug plan or an MA–PD plan under part D, for the first year beginning at least 6 months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph and each subsequent year, the applicable percent specified in this subparagraph is 80 percent.
(C)Limitations and Secretarial authority
(i)In generalPayment may be made under this part for an individual for— (I)not more than one full upper and one full lower dental prostheses once every five years; and
(II)not more than one partial upper dental prostheses and one partial lower dental prostheses once every five years. (ii)Secretarial authority (I)Authority to apply additional limitationsThe Secretary may apply such other reasonable limitations on the extent to which dental prostheses are covered under this part, including through application of a prior authorization requirement.
(II)Authority to modify coverageNotwithstanding any other provision of this title, if the Secretary determines appropriate, the Secretary may modify the coverage under this part of dental prostheses to the extent that such modification is consistent with the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force. (III)Authority to waive frequency limitationsThe Secretary may waive any frequency limitation or other limitation as described in this subparagraph for an individual (or category of individuals) as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(g)Repeal of ground for exclusionSection 1862(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y) is amended by striking paragraph (12). (h)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2022.
3.Increased FMAP for additional expenditures for medicare cost-sharing for dental and oral health servicesSection 1905 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d) is amended— (1)in subsection (b), by striking and (ff) and inserting (ff), and (ii); and
(2)by adding at the end the following new subsection:  (ii)Increased FMAP for additional expenditures for medicare cost-Sharing for dental and oral health servicesNotwithstanding subsection (b), with respect to the portion of the amounts expended by a State for medical assistance for medicare cost-sharing (as defined in subsection (p)(3)) for qualified medicare beneficiaries described in subsection (p)(1) that is attributable to the coverage under part B of title XVIII of dental and oral health services (as defined in section 1861(lll)), as determined by the Secretary, the Federal medical assistance percentage for a State that is one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia shall be equal to 100 percent..
4.Preventive Services Taskforce
(a)In generalSection 915(a)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 299b–4(a)(1)) is amended, in the first sentence, by inserting , including at least 1 oral health professional after expertise. (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect January 1, 2022.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2618
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 21, 2011
			Mr. Quigley
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		A BILL
		To enhance certain prohibitions and penalties relating to
		  certain forms of firearms trafficking.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Border Security Enhancement Act of
			 2011.
		2.Increase in maximum
			 penalty for certain intentionally false statements relating to
			 firearmsSection 924(a) of
			 title 18, United States Code, is amended—
			(1)in paragraph (1),
			 by striking subparagraph (A) and redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as
			 subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively; and
			(2)by adding at the
			 end the following:

					(8)Except as otherwise provided in this
				subsection, subsection (b), (c), (f), or (p) of this section, or in section
				929, whoever knowingly makes any false statement or representation with respect
				to the information required by this chapter to be kept in the records of a
				person licensed under this chapter or in applying for any license or exemption
				or relief from disability under this chapter shall be fined under this title,
				imprisoned not more than 10 years, or
				both.
					.
			3.Certain
			 firearms-related offenses considered to be specified unlawful
			 activitySection 1956(c)(7)(D)
			 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section
			 922(1) (relating to the unlawful importation of firearms), the
			 following: section 924(a)(1)(A) (relating to misrepresentations relating
			 to firearms),.


109 HR 4158 IH: School Energy Crisis Relief Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-10-27
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4158
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 27, 2005
Mr. Baca (for himself, Mr. Becerra, Mr. Costa, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Gutierrez, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Ortiz, Mr. Salazar, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Ms. Solis, Mr. Israel, Mr. Ford, Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Hinojosa, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Reyes, Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California, Mr. Serrano, Ms. Velázquez, Mr. Owens, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Ruppersberger, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Higgins, and Mrs. Jones of Ohio) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

A BILL
To authorize the Secretary of Energy to establish a program of energy assistance grants to local educational agencies.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the School Energy Crisis Relief Act.
2.School energy grants
(a)Establishment of programThe Secretary of Energy shall establish a program to make grants to eligible local educational agencies that have experienced the highest percentage increase or expenditure increase in transportation and heating fuel costs (including costs incurred by eligible local educational agencies or by entities under contract to provide transportation to such entities) among all local educational agencies in the State for a specific time period during the 2005-2006 school year, in comparison to the same time period during the 2004-2005 school year.
(b)Eligible local educational agencies
(1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), a local educational agency shall be eligible for a grant under this section if it is among the top 10 percent of all local educational agencies in its State for numbers or percentages of children counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6333(c)).
(2)ExceptionIn the case of a State with fewer than 50 school districts, a local educational agency shall be eligible for a grant under this section if it is among the highest among all local educational agencies in its State for numbers or percentages of children counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6333(c)).
(c)State allocationEach State shall receive, in the aggregate, an amount based on—
(1)the population of children between ages 5 and 17 of the State according to the most recent Census, in comparison to all other States; and
(2)the regional cost of transportation and heating fuel, in comparison with the average national cost, as determined by the most recent statistical data from the Energy Information Administration.
(d)Use of fundsAmounts provided under this section to eligible local educational agencies may be used to pay for the cost of transportation or heating fuel purchased by the eligible local educational agencies or for transportation fuel purchased by entities under contract to provide transportation services to such agencies.
(e)DefinitionFor purposes of this section, the term local educational agency has the meaning given that term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).


116 S3875 IS: American Space Commerce Act of 2020
U.S. Senate
2020-06-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3875IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 3, 2020Mr. Rubio (for himself, Mr. Scott of Florida, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Wicker, and Mrs. Feinstein) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide bonus depreciation for certain space launch expenditures, and for other purposes. 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the American Space Commerce Act of 2020.2.Special allowance for qualified domestic space launch property(a)Allowance of bonus depreciation for qualified domestic space launch propertySection 168(k)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended in clause (i), by striking or at the end of subclause (III), by striking or at the end of subclause (IV), by adding or at the end of subclause (V), and by adding at the end the following new subclause: (VI)which is qualified domestic space launch property (as defined in paragraph (11)), .(b)Extension of termination of bonus depreciation for qualified domestic space launch property(1)In generalSection 168(k)(2)(A)(iii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking before January 1, 2027. and inserting before January 1, 2027 (in the case of qualified domestic space launch property, before January 1, 2033)..(2)Application of applicable percentageSection 168(k)(6) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(D)Rule for qualified domestic space launch propertyNotwithstanding any other provisions of this paragraph, in the case of any qualified property which is qualified domestic space launch property, the term applicable percentage means, in the case of property placed in service after December 31, 2023, and before January 1, 2033, 100 percent..(c)Qualified domestic space launch property definedSection 168(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (11)Qualified domestic space launch property definedFor purposes of this subsection—(A)In generalThe term qualified domestic space launch property means property placed in service before January 1, 2033, that is—(i)a space transportation vehicle or payload (as such terms are defined in section 50101 of title 51, United States Code) that is launched from the United States, or (ii)other property or equipment placed in service for the purpose of facilitating a space launch from the United States.(B)Special rule for space launches from aircraftA space transportation vehicle or payload that is launched from an aircraft shall be considered to be launched from the United States if, and only if, such space transportation vehicle or payload is—(i)substantially manufactured within the United States, as determined by the Secretary, and(ii)launched from an aircraft on a flight that originated from United States soil. (C)United StatesThe term United States includes the possessions of the United States..(d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2023.


I
108th CONGRESS 2d Session
H. R. 4972
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 22, 2004
Mr. Markey (for himself, Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California, Mr. McNulty, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Frost, Mr. Owens, Mr. Hinchey, and Mr. Deutsch) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration

A BILL
To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to permit certain individuals who are under the minimum legal voting age to complete voter registration application forms, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Gateway to Democracy Act of 2004.
2.Findings; Purpose
(a)FindingsCongress finds the following:
(1)The right of citizens of the United States to vote is a fundamental right.
(2)It is the responsibility of the Federal, State, and local governments to ensure that voter registration laws and procedures enhance the participation of eligible citizens as voters.
(3)Young adults often fail to participate in the first election for which they are eligible to vote.
(4)Young adults are consistently the age group with the lowest voter turnout. According to the Bureau of the Census, in the 2000 general election only 45.4% of 18 to 24 year olds were registered to vote and only 32.3% voted. The statistics for the 1998 general election were even more dismal, as 39.2% of such individuals were registered and a mere 16.6% actually went to the polls.
(5)One of the reasons for the failure of young adults to vote is that most States require registration prior to the election itself, so that it is too late to establish voter eligibility on Election Day.
(6)The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 established that the simultaneous application for voter registration with the application for a motor vehicle driver’s license provides the government with an effective mechanism for increasing access to voter registration.
(7)While many States allow individuals to get their license before they meet the age requirement for voter registration, few States allow registration at that time if the potential voter has not yet reached the minimum voting age.
(8)In order to remove this barrier, increase the effectiveness of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, and ensure that the maximum number of young adults is given the opportunity to register to vote, a procedure should be established to allow young adults who do not yet meet the voting age requirement to nevertheless register to vote at the time they apply for their driver’s licenses.
(9)Hawaii, Connecticut, Iowa, Florida, Maine, Missouri, and Texas have already implemented successful pre-registration programs which allow individuals to register to vote prior to meeting all of the eligibility requirements for registration.
(b)PurposeIt is the purpose of this Act—
(1)to increase the effectiveness of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993;
(2)to expand the categories of individuals who are given the opportunity to register to vote under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to include young adults who do not yet meet the minimum age requirement to vote; and
(3)to encourage civic engagement by young adults.
3.Permitting Certain Individuals Under Minimum Legal Voting Age to Complete Voter Registration Application Forms
(a)Forms Provided With Applications For Motor Vehicle Driver’s LicenseSection 5(c)(2)(C)(ii) of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–3(c)(2)(C)(ii)) is amended by striking requirement and inserting the following: requirement (or, in the case of an applicant who is under the minimum legal voting age, an attestation that the applicant will reach such age prior to voting).
(b)Forms Provided by Other Designated Voter Registration AgenciesSection 7(a)(6)(A)(i)(II) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–5(a)(6)(A)(i)(II)) is amended by striking requirement and inserting the following: requirement (or, in the case of an applicant who is under the minimum legal voting age, an attestation that the applicant will reach such age prior to voting).
(c)Mail Voter Registration Form
(1)In generalSection 9(b)(2)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–7(b)(2)(B)) is amended by striking requirement and inserting the following: requirement (or, in the case of an applicant who is under the minimum legal voting age, an attestation that the applicant will reach such age prior to voting).
(2)Conforming amendment regarding check-off box for ageSection 303(b)(4)(A)(ii) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15483(b)(4)(A)(ii)) is amended to read as follows:

(ii)The question If you are under the minimum legal voting age, will you certify that you understand that this application will not become effective and you will not be able to vote in any election prior to reaching that age? and boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether or not the applicant will so certify..
(d)Rule of Construction Regarding Minimum Age For Submission of FormsSection 8 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg–6) is amended—
(1)by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (k); and
(2)by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsection:

(j)Minimum Age For Submission of FormsNothing in this Act may be construed to require a State to accept any voter registration application form from an individual who, at the time of submitting the form, has not attained the age at which the individual may apply for a motor vehicle driver’s license in the State..
4.Maintenance and Availability of Information on Individuals Under Minimum Legal Voting AgeSection 303(a)(1)(A) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15483(a)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:

(ix)In addition to the information on legally registered voters which is maintained on the list, the State shall maintain information on those individuals in the State who have completed applications for voter registration prior to reaching the minimum legal voting age, and shall make the information available to election officials in the State..
5.Effective DateThe amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to applications to register to vote in elections occurring in a State after the date on which the State is required to comply with the requirements of section 303(a) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (relating to the implementation of a computerized Statewide voter registration list).


116 HR 8855 IH: Help End Redundant Claims Unnecessarily Leaving Employers Suffering Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-12-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8855IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESDecember 3, 2020Mr. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma (for himself, Mr. Budd, Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Reschenthaler, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Gaetz, Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania, Mr. Perry, Mr. Banks, Mr. Steube, Mr. Baird, Mr. Flores, Mr. Biggs, Mr. Keller, Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia, and Mrs. Lesko) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and ReformA BILLTo prohibit Federal employees from making allegations or appeals with respect to an adverse action to more than one entity, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Help End Redundant Claims Unnecessarily Leaving Employers Suffering Act or the HERCULES Act.2.Limit Federal employees adverse action appeal avenues(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, an employee who alleges or appeals, as the case may be, a covered matter to a reviewing entity that has authority to consider such allegation or appeal may not subsequently or simultaneously allege or appeal such covered matter to any other reviewing entity.(b)Rules of constructionSubsection (a) shall not be construed as—(1)restricting to whom an employee may appeal for review of a decision of a reviewing entity with respect to a covered matter; and(2)affecting or otherwise modifying the rights of employees—(A)under any collective bargaining agreements; or(B)to seek judicial review of any matter.(c)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Covered matterThe term covered matter means—(A)any action or final decision that an employee can appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board;(B)any action or final decision that involves a complaint of discrimination of the type prohibited by any law administered by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and for which the employee can seek review by such Commission;(C)any matter with respect to which the procedures under section 7121(a) of title 5, United States Code, apply;(D)prohibited personnel practices under section 2302 of such title; or(E)unfair labor practices under section 7116 of such title.(2)EmployeeThe term employee has the meaning given such term in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code.(3)Reviewing entityThe term reviewing entity means—(A)the Merit System Protection Board;(B)the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;(C)the Office of Special Counsel; or(D)the Federal Labor Relations Authority.(d)ApplicabilitySubsection (a) shall apply only with respect to—(1)covered matters for which the initial allegation or appeal to a reviewing entity occurs after the date of the enactment of this Act; and(2)contracts entered into after the date of the enactment this Act.


I
112th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4611
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 24, 2012
Mr. Schock introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To extend the temporary suspension of duty on 2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine.

1.2-Amino-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine
(a)In generalHeading 9902.13.42 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to 2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine) is amended by striking the date in the effective period column and inserting 12/31/2015.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1688
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 12, 2011
			Ms. Mikulski introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Homeland Security and
			 Governmental Affairs

		A BILL
		To amend the provisions of title 5, United States Code,
		  relating to the methodology for calculating the amount of any Postal surplus or
		  supplemental liability under the Civil Service Retirement System, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Save Our Postal Worker Jobs Act of
			 2011.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)The Inspector
			 General of the United States Postal Service has reported that—
				(A)the Postal
			 Service has overpaid into the Civil Service Retirement System by as much as
			 $75,000,000,000; and
				(B)the Postal
			 Service has overpaid into the Federal Employees’ Retirement System by as much
			 as $6,800,000,000.
				(2)The Postal
			 Service announced that it may have lost as much as $10,000,000,000 in fiscal
			 year 2011.
			(3)The Postal
			 Service has proposed reducing the number of employees of the Postal Service by
			 more than 200,000 through attrition and layoffs.
			3.Modified
			 methodology
			(a)In
			 generalSection 8348(h) of
			 title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
			 following:

					(4)(A)To the extent that a
				determination under paragraph (1), relating to benefits attributable to
				civilian employment with the United States Postal Service, is based on any
				provision of law described in subparagraph (C), such determination shall be
				made in accordance with such provision and any otherwise applicable provisions
				of law, subject to the following:
							(i)The average pay used in
				the case of any individual shall be a single amount, determined in accordance
				with section 8331(4), taking into account the rates of basic pay in effect for
				such individual during the periods of creditable service performed by such
				individual. Nothing in this subsection shall be considered to permit or
				require—
								(I)one determination of average pay
				with respect to service performed with the United States Postal Service;
				and
								(II)a separate determination of
				average pay with respect to service performed with its predecessor entity in
				function.
								(ii)In determining the portion of an
				annuity attributable to civilian employment with the United States Postal
				Service, with respect to any period of employment with the United States Postal
				Service that follows any other period of employment creditable under section
				8332 (without regard to whether such employment was with an entity referred to
				in clause (i)(II)), the total service of an employee for purposes of any
				provision of law described in subparagraph (C) shall be the sum of—
								(I)any period of employment with the
				United States Postal Service; and
								(II)any period of employment
				creditable under section 8332 that precedes the period described in subclause
				(I).
								(B)(i)Not later than 6 months
				after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Office shall determine (or,
				if applicable, redetermine) the amount of the Postal surplus or supplemental
				liability as of the close of the fiscal year most recently ending before such
				date of enactment, in conformance with the methodology required under
				subparagraph (A).
							(ii)(I)If the result of the determination or
				redetermination under clause (i) is a surplus, the Office shall transfer the
				amount of such surplus to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund not
				later than 15 days after the date of such determination or
				redetermination.
								(II)If a determination or redetermination under
				clause (i) for a fiscal year is made before the Office makes a redetermination
				under paragraph (2)(B) with respect to the fiscal year, the Office may not make
				a determination under paragraph (2)(B) with respect to the fiscal year.
								(C)The provisions of law described in
				this subparagraph are—
							(i)the first sentence of section 8339(a);
				and
							(ii)section 8339(d)(1).
							(5)For purposes of this
				subsection—
						(A)the term Postal Service Retiree
				Health Benefits Fund means the fund established under section 8909a;
				and
						(B)the term Postal Service
				Fund means the fund established under section 2003 of title
				39.
						.
			(b)Coordination
			 provisions
				(1)AmendmentSection
			 8909a of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
			 following:

						(e)Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
				the amount payable by the Postal Service under subsection (d) in any fiscal
				year ending on or before September 30, 2021, shall be determined without regard
				to the requirements under section
				8348(h)(4).
						.
				(2)Rule of
			 constructionNothing in this Act, or an amendment made by this
			 Act, shall be construed to affect the amount of any benefits otherwise payable
			 from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund to any individual.
				(c)Technical
			 amendmentThe heading for
			 section 8909a of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking
			 Benefit and inserting
			 Benefits.
			4.Additional
			 provisions
			(a)In
			 generalSection 8348(h)(2) of
			 title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
			 following:

					(F)Notwithstanding any other provision of this
				subsection, for purposes of determining the Postal surplus or supplemental
				liability for each of fiscal years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020—
						(i)paragraph (4)(A) shall not apply to a
				determination under paragraph (1); and
						(ii)the determination under paragraph (1) shall
				be made by applying the methodology that was used to carry out this paragraph
				with respect to the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year referred to in
				paragraph
				(4)(B)(i).
						.
			(b)Relating to a
			 postal surplusSection 8348(h)(2)(C) of title 5, United States
			 Code, is amended—
				(1)by inserting
			 2021, after 2015,; and
				(2)by striking
			 if the result is and all that follows through
			 terminated. and inserting the
			 following:

						if the result is a
			 surplus—(i)that amount shall be transferred—
							(I)to the Postal Service Retiree
				Health Benefits Fund, if the surplus is for fiscal year 2020 or a preceding
				fiscal year; and
							(II)to the Postal Service Fund, if the
				surplus is for fiscal year 2021 or a subsequent fiscal year; and
							(ii)any prior amortization schedule for
				payments shall be
				terminated.
						.
				5.Treatment of certain
			 surplus retirement contributionsSection 8423(b) of title 5, United States
			 Code, is amended—
			(1)by redesignating
			 paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
			(2)by inserting after
			 paragraph (4) the following:

					(5)If, for fiscal year 2010, the amount
				computed under paragraph (1)(B) is less than zero (in this section referred to
				as surplus postal contributions), the amount of such surplus
				postal contributions shall be transferred—
						(A)to the Postal Service Retiree Health
				Benefits Fund to pay any liability to the Postal Service Retiree Health
				Benefits Fund for fiscal year 2011;
						(B)if all liability to the Postal Service
				Retiree Health Benefits Fund for fiscal year 2011 has been paid, to the
				Employees’ Compensation Fund established under section 8147; and
						(C)if all liability of the United States
				Postal Service to the Employees’ Compensation Fund has been paid, to the United
				States Postal Service for the repayment of any obligation issued under section
				2005 of title
				39.
						.
			6.Effective
			 date
			(a)In
			 generalThis Act and the
			 amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this
			 Act.
			(b)Intent of
			 CongressIt is the intent of Congress that this Act apply with
			 respect to the allocation of past, present, and future benefit liabilities
			 between the United States Postal Service and the Treasury of the United
			 States.


117 SRES 305 IS: Recognizing the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States and the need for greater access to music education for African-American students and designating June 2021 as African-American Music Appreciation Month.
U.S. Senate
2021-07-15
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. RES. 305IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 15, 2021Mr. Booker (for himself, Mr. Durbin, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Brown, and Ms. Klobuchar) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryRESOLUTIONRecognizing the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States and the need for greater access to music education for African-American students and designating June 2021 as African-American Music Appreciation Month. Whereas spirituals, ragtime, blues, jazz, gospel, classical composition, and countless other categories of music have been created or enhanced by African Americans and are etched into the history and culture of the United States;Whereas the first Africans transported to the United States came from a variety of ethnic groups with a long history of distinct and cultivated musical traditions, brought musical instruments with them, and built new musical instruments in the United States;Whereas spirituals were a distinct response to the conditions of African slavery in the United States and expressed the longing of slaves for spiritual and bodily freedom, for safety from harm and evil, and for relief from the hardships of slavery;Whereas jazz, arguably the most creative and complex music that the United States has produced, combines the musical traditions of African Americans in New Orleans with the creative flexibility of blues music;Whereas masterful trumpeters Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis achieved national and international recognition with the success of West End Blues by Louis Armstrong in the 1920s and So What by Miles Davis in the late 1950s;Whereas Thomas Dorsey, the father of gospel music, used his composing talents to merge sacred and secular styles that created a revolution in music;Whereas talented jazz pianist and vocalist Nathaniel Adams Coles recorded more than 150 singles and sold more than 50,000,000 records;Whereas the talent of Ella Fitzgerald, a winner of 13 Grammys, is epitomized by a rendition of “Summertime”, a bluesy record accompanied by melodic vocals;Whereas Natalie Cole, the daughter of Nathaniel Adams Coles, achieved musical success in the mid-1970s as a rhythm and blues artist with the hits This Will Be and Unforgettable;Whereas, in the 1940s, bebop evolved through jam sessions, which included trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and the alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, that were held at clubs in Harlem, New York, such as Minton's Playhouse;Whereas earlier classical singers such as Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, one of the first widely known African-American vocalists, and other early African-American singing pioneers, including Nellie Mitchell Brown, Marie Selika Williams, Rachel Walker Turner, Marian Anderson, and Flora Batson Bergen, paved the way for the female African-American concert singers who have achieved great popularity during the last 50 years;Whereas the term rhythm and blues originated in the late 1940s as a way to describe recordings marketed to African Americans and replaced the term race music;Whereas lyrical themes in rhythm and blues often encapsulate the African-American experience of pain, the quest for freedom, joy, triumphs and failures, relationships, economics, and aspiration and were popularized by artists such as Ray Charles, Ruth Brown, Etta James, and Otis Redding;Whereas soul music originated in the African-American community in the late 1950s and early 1960s, combines elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and jazz, and was popularized by artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Bill Withers, and Jackie Wilson;Whereas Motown, founded as a record label in 1959, evolved into a distinctive style known for the Motown Sound, a blend of pop and soul musical stylings made popular by prominent Black artists such as Marvin Gaye, James Mason, and Mary Wells;Whereas, in the early 1970s, the musical style of disco emerged and was popularized by programs such as Soul Train and by artists such as Donna Summer;Whereas reggae is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and incorporates some of the musical elements of rhythm and blues, jazz, mento, calypso, and African music, and was popularized by artists such as Bob Marley;Whereas rock and roll was developed from African-American musical styles such as gospel and rhythm and blues and was popularized by artists such as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Little Richard, and Jimi Hendrix;Whereas rap, arguably the most complex and influential form of hip-hop culture, combines blues, jazz, and soul and elements of the African-American musical tradition with Caribbean calypso, dub, and dance hall reggae;Whereas the development and popularity of old-style rap combined confident beats with wordplay and storytelling, highlighting the struggle of African-American youth growing up in underresourced neighborhoods;Whereas contemporary rhythm and blues, which originated in the late 1970s and combines elements of pop, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, hip hop, gospel, and electronic dance music, was popularized by artists such as Whitney Houston and Aaliyah;Whereas Prince Rogers Nelson, who was known for electric performances and a wide vocal range, pioneered music that integrated a wide variety of styles, including funk, rock, contemporary rhythm and blues, new wave, soul, psychedelia, and pop;Whereas a recent study by the Department of Education found that only 28 percent of African-American students receive any kind of arts education;Whereas African-American students scored the lowest of all ethnicities in the most recent National Assessment for Educational Progress arts assessment;Whereas students who are eligible for the school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) have significantly lower scores on the music portion of the National Assessment for Educational Progress arts assessment than students who are ineligible for that program, which suggests that students in low-income families are disadvantaged in the subject of music;Whereas a recent study found that—(1)nearly 2/3 of music ensemble students were White and middle class, and only 15 percent of those students were African American; and(2)only 7 percent of music teacher licensure candidates were African American; andWhereas students of color face many barriers to accessing music education and training, especially students in large urban public schools: Now, therefore, be itThat the Senate—(1)recognizes—(A)the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States;(B)the wide array of talented and popular African-American musical artists, composers, songwriters, and musicians who are underrecognized for contributions to music;(C)the achievements, talent, and hard work of African-American pioneer artists and the obstacles that those artists overcame to gain recognition;(D)the need for African-American students to have greater access to, and participation in, music education in schools across the United States; and(E)Black History Month and African-American Music Appreciation Month as an important time—(i)to celebrate the impact of the African-American musical heritage on the musical heritage of the United States; and(ii)to encourage greater access to music education so that the next generation may continue to greatly contribute to the musical heritage of the United States; and(2)designates June 2021 as African-American Music Appreciation Month.


115 S554 IS: To provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 2002 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2017.
U.S. Senate
2017-03-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 554IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 7, 2017Mr. Paul (for himself and Mr. Lee) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 2002 of the concurrent resolution on the budget
			 for fiscal year 2017.

		IHealth, Education, Labor, and Pensions
			101.The prevention and public health fund
 (a)In generalSubsection (b) of section 4002 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 300u–11) is amended by striking paragraphs (3) through (8).
 (b)Rescission of unobligated fundsOf the funds made available by such section 4002, the unobligated balance is rescinded. 102.Community health center programEffective as if included in the enactment of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–10, 129; Stat. 87), paragraph (1) of section 221(a) of such Act is amended by inserting , an additional $235,000,000 for fiscal year 2017, and $235,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 after through 2017.
			103.Reinsurance, risk corridor, and risk adjustment programs
 (a)Transitional reinsurance program for individual marketSection 1341 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18061) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (e)No force and effectEffective January 1, 2018, the Secretary shall not make payments under this section.. 104.Support for State response to substance abuse public health crisis and urgent mental health needs (a)In generalThere are authorized to be appropriated, and are appropriated, out of monies in the Treasury not otherwise obligated, $750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 and 2019, to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary) to award grants to States to address the substance abuse public health crisis or to respond to urgent mental health needs within the State. In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary may give preference to States with an incidence or prevalence of substance use disorders that is substantial relative to other States or to States that identify mental health needs within their communities that are urgent relative to such needs of other States. Funds appropriated under this subsection shall remain available until expended.
 (b)Use of fundsGrants awarded to a State under subsection (a) shall be used for one or more of the following public health-related activities:
 (1)Improving State prescription drug monitoring programs. (2)Implementing prevention activities, and evaluating such activities to identify effective strategies to prevent substance abuse.
 (3)Training for health care practitioners, such as best practices for prescribing opioids, pain management, recognizing potential cases of substance abuse, referral of patients to treatment programs, and overdose prevention.
 (4)Supporting access to health care services provided by federally certified opioid treatment programs or other appropriate health care providers to treat substance use disorders or mental health needs.
 (5)Other public health-related activities, as the State determines appropriate, related to addressing the substance abuse public health crisis or responding to urgent mental health needs within the State.
					IIFinance
 201.Recapture excess advance payments of premium tax creditsSubparagraph (B) of section 36B(f)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:

 (iii)Nonapplicability of limitationThis subparagraph shall not apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2020..
			202.Premium tax credit and cost-Sharing subsidies
 (a)Repeal of premium tax creditSubpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking section 36B.
 (b)Repeal of cost-Sharing subsidySection 1402 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is repealed. (c)Repeal of eligibility determinationsThe following sections of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are repealed:
 (1)Section 1411 (other than subsection (i), the last sentence of subsection (e)(4)(A)(ii), and such provisions of such section solely to the extent related to the application of the last sentence of subsection (e)(4)(A)(ii)).
 (2)Section 1412. (d)Protecting Americans by repeal of disclosure authority To carry out eligibility requirements for certain programs (1)In generalParagraph (21) of section 6103(l) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (D)TerminationNo disclosure may be made under this paragraph after December 31, 2019.. (e)Effective dates (1)Premium tax creditThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019.
 (2)Cost sharing-subsidies and eligibility determinationsThe repeals in subsection (b) and (c) shall take effect on December 31, 2019. (3)Protecting Americans by rescinding disclosure authorityThe amendments made by subsection (d) shall take effect on December 31, 2019.
					203.Small business tax credit
 (a)In generalSection 45R of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

 (j)Shall not applyThis section shall not apply with respect to amounts paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019..
 (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to amounts paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019.
				204.Individual mandate
 (a)In generalSection 5000A(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— (1)in paragraph (2)(B)—
 (A)by striking after 2015 in clause (iii) and inserting in 2016, and (B)by adding at the end the following new clause:

 (iv)Zero percent for taxable years beginning after 2016., and (2)in paragraph (3)—
 (A)by striking $695 in subparagraph (A) and inserting $0, (B)by striking and $325 for 2014 in subparagraph (B) and inserting , $325, for 2014, and $695 for 2016, and
 (C)by striking subparagraph (D). (b)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to months beginning after December 31, 2016.
				205.Employer mandate
				(a)In general
 (1)Paragraph (1) of section 4980H(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ($0 in the case of months beginning after December 31, 2016) after $2,000. (2)Paragraph (1) of section 4980H(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ($0 in the case of months beginning after December 31, 2016) after $3,000.
 (b)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to months beginning after December 31, 2016. 206.Federal payments to States (a)In generalNotwithstanding section 504(a), 1902(a)(23), 1903(a), 2002, 2005(a)(4), 2102(a)(7), or 2105(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 704(a), 1396a(a)(23), 1396b(a), 1397a, 1397d(a)(4), 1397bb(a)(7), 1397ee(a)(1)), or the terms of any Medicaid waiver in effect on the date of enactment of this Act that is approved under section 1115 or 1915 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1315, 1396n), for the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, no Federal funds provided from a program referred to in this subsection that is considered direct spending for any year may be made available to a State for payments to a prohibited entity, whether made directly to the prohibited entity or through a managed care organization under contract with the State.
 (b)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Prohibited entityThe term prohibited entity means an entity, including its affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, and clinics—
 (A)that, as of the date of enactment of this Act— (i)is an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code;
 (ii)is an essential community provider described in section 156.235 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), that is primarily engaged in family planning services, reproductive health, and related medical care; and
 (iii)provides for abortions, other than an abortion— (I)if the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest; or
 (II)in the case where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself; and
 (B)for which the total amount of Federal and State expenditures under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act in fiscal year 2014 made directly to the entity and to any affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, or clinics of the entity, or made to the entity and to any affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, or clinics of the entity as part of a nationwide health care provider network, exceeded $350,000,000.
 (2)Direct spendingThe term direct spending has the meaning given that term under section 250(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900(c)).
 207.MedicaidThe Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) is amended— (1)in section 1902—
 (A)in subsection (a)(10)(A), in each of clauses (i)(VIII) and (ii)(XX), by inserting and ending December 31, 2019, after January 1, 2014,; (B)in subsection (a)(47)(B), by inserting and provided that any such election shall cease to be effective on January 1, 2018, and no such election shall be made after that date before the semicolon at the end; and
 (C)in subsection (l)(2)(C), by inserting and ending December 31, 2019, after January 1, 2014,; (2)in section 1905—
 (A)in the first sentence of subsection (b), by inserting (50 percent on or after January 1, 2020) after 55 percent; (B)in subsection (y)(1), by striking the semicolon at the end of subparagraph (D) and all that follows through thereafter; and
 (C)in subsection (z)(2)— (i)in subparagraph (A), by striking each year thereafter and inserting through 2019; and
 (ii)in subparagraph (B)(ii)(VI), by striking and each subsequent year; (3)in section 1915(k)(2), by striking during the period described in paragraph (1) and inserting on or after the date referred to in paragraph (1) and before January 1, 2020;
 (4)in section 1920(e), by adding at the end the following: This subsection shall not apply after December 31, 2019.; (5)in section 1937(b)(5), by adding at the end the following: This paragraph shall not apply after December 31, 2019.; and
 (6)in section 1943(a), by inserting and before January 1, 2020, after January 1, 2014,. 208.Repeal of DSH allotment reductionsSection 1923(f) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r–4(f)) is amended by striking paragraphs (7) and (8).
			209.Repeal of the tax on employee health insurance premiums and health plan benefits
 (a)In generalChapter 43 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking section 4980I. (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019.
				210.Repeal of tax on over-the-counter medications
 (a)HSAsSubparagraph (A) of section 223(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking Such term and all that follows through the period. (b)Archer MSAsSubparagraph (A) of section 220(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking Such term and all that follows through the period.
 (c)Health flexible spending arrangements and health reimbursement arrangementsSection 106 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subsection (f). (d)Effective dates (1)Distributions from savings accountsThe amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to amounts paid with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.
 (2)ReimbursementsThe amendment made by subsection (c) shall apply to expenses incurred with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.
					211.Repeal of tax on health savings accounts
 (a)HSAsSection 223(f)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 20 percent and inserting 10 percent. (b)Archer MSAsSection 220(f)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 20 percent and inserting 15 percent.
 (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to distributions made after December 31, 2017. 212.Repeal of limitations on contributions to flexible spending accounts (a)In generalSection 125 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subsection (i).
 (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. 213.Repeal of tax on prescription medicationsSubsection (j) of section 9008 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is amended to read as follows:

 (j)RepealThis section shall apply to calendar years beginning after December 31, 2010, and ending before January 1, 2018..
			214.Repeal of medical device excise tax
 (a)In generalChapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subchapter E. (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to sales in calendar quarters beginning after December 31, 2017.
 215.Repeal of health insurance taxSubsection (j) of section 9010 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is amended to read as follows:

 (j)RepealThis section shall apply to calendar years beginning after December 31, 2013, and ending before January 1, 2017..
			216.Repeal of elimination of deduction for expenses allocable to medicare part D subsidy
 (a)In generalSection 139A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: This section shall not be taken into account for purposes of determining whether any deduction is allowable with respect to any cost taken into account in determining such payment..
 (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. 217.Repeal of chronic care tax (a)In generalSubsection (a) of section 213 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 10 percent and inserting 7.5 percent.
 (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. 218.Repeal of Medicare tax increase (a)In generalSubsection (b) of section 3101 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:

 (b)Hospital insuranceIn addition to the tax imposed by the preceding subsection, there is hereby imposed on the income of every individual a tax equal to 1.45 percent of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) received by such individual with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)..
 (b)SECASubsection (b) of section 1401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:  (b)Hospital insuranceIn addition to the tax imposed by the preceding subsection, there shall be imposed for each taxable year, on the self-employment income of every individual, a tax equal to 2.9 percent of the amount of the self-employment income for such taxable year..
 (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to remuneration received after, and taxable years beginning after, December 31, 2017.
				219.Repeal of tanning tax
 (a)In generalThe Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking chapter 49. (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to services performed on or after December 31, 2017.
				220.Repeal of net investment tax
 (a)In generalSubtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking chapter 2A. (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.
 221.RemunerationParagraph (6) of section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (I)TerminationThis paragraph shall not apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.. 222.Economic substance doctrine (a)In generalSubsection (o) of section 7701 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is repealed.
 (b)Penalty for underpaymentsParagraph (6) of section 6662(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is repealed. (c)Increased penalty for nondisclosed transactionsSubsection (i) of section 6662 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is repealed.
 (d)Reasonable cause exception for underpaymentsParagraph (2) of section 6664(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is repealed. (e)Reasonable cause exception for nondisclosed transactionsParagraph (2) of section 6664(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is repealed.
 (f)Erroneous claim for refund or creditSubsection (c) of section 6676 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is repealed. (g)Effective dateThe repeals made by this section shall apply to transactions entered into, and to underpayments, understatements, or refunds and credits attributable to transactions entered into, after December 31, 2017.
 223.Budgetary savings for extending medicare solvencyAs a result of policies contained in this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund under section 1817 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i) $379,300,000,000 (which represents the full amount of on-budget savings during the period of fiscal years 2018 through 2027) for extending Medicare solvency, to remain available until expended.


113 HRES 312 EH: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2397) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2610) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-07-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 312
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

July 23, 2013

RESOLUTION
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2397) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2610) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes.

That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2397) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. The bill shall be considered as read through page 157, line 2. Points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI are waived.
(b)No amendment shall be in order except those printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution, the amendment described in section 2 of this resolution, and amendments en bloc described in section 3 of this resolution. All points of order against amendments printed in the report of the Committee on Rules and against amendments en bloc described in section 3 of this resolution are waived.
(c)Each amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules shall be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, may be withdrawn by the proponent at any time before action thereon, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole.
2.After disposition of amendments printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution and amendments en bloc described in section 3 of this resolution, it shall be in order for the chair of the Committee on Appropriations or his designee to offer an amendment reducing funding levels in the bill.
3.It shall be in order at any time for the chair of the Committee on Appropriations or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting of amendments printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution not earlier disposed of. Amendments en bloc offered pursuant to this section shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their respective designees, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The original proponent of an amendment included in such amendments en bloc may insert a statement in the Congressional Record immediately before the disposition of the amendments en bloc.
4.After the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment, there shall be in order a final period of general debate, which shall not exceed 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations.
5.When the committee rises and reports the bill back to the House with a recommendation that the bill do pass, the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
6.At any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2610) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. Points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI are waived. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the chair of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII. Amendments so printed shall be considered as read. When the committee rises and reports the bill back to the House with a recommendation that the bill do pass, the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

Karen L. Haas,Clerk.


113 HR 5409 IH: Unaccompanied Alien Children Transparency Act of 2014
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-09-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5409
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 8, 2014
			Mr. Barletta introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

		A BILL
		To require consultation with State and local officials prior to awarding a grant or contract for
			 housing facilities for unaccompanied alien children.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Unaccompanied Alien Children Transparency Act of 2014.
		2.Requirements before awarding grants or contracts for housing facilities for unaccompanied alien
			 childrenSection 235(i) of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of
			 2008 (8 U.S.C. 1232(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
			Before awarding any grant or contract under this subsection that provides for housing of
			 unaccompanied alien children, the Secretary shall—(1)notify in writing State and local elected officials regarding the location of the facility and the
			 duration of the grant or contract;
				(2)provide State and local elected officials a written assessment of the grant or contract’s impact on
			 the community’s public safety, and educational and health systems;
				(3)provide State and local elected officials a written assessment of the grant or contract’s impact on
			 the community’s fiscal needs;
				(4)certify in writing to State and local elected officials that all unaccompanied alien children to be
			 housed at the facility will have undergone health screenings, including
			 vaccinations, and will not present a risk to the public health;
				(5)certify in writing to State and local elected officials that all unaccompanied alien children to be
			 housed at the facility will have undergone background checks and will have
			 been determined not to present a risk to public safety;
				(6)certify in writing to State and local elected officials that all persons charged with the care of
			 the unaccompanied alien children to be housed at the facility will have
			 undergone background checks and will have been determined not to present a
			 risk to such unaccompanied alien children;
				(7)provide for a 30-day period, beginning on the date that the Secretary notifies the State and local
			 elected officials, during which such State and local officials may review
			 the proposed contract or grant, along with the assessment and
			 certifications required by paragraphs (2) through (6);
				(8)conduct a public hearing in the locality in which the facility in the grant or contract has been
			 proposed, not later than 10 days after the conclusion of the 30-day
			 comment period described in paragraph (7), for which—
					(A)advance public notice has been provided, in mediums available for general circulation in the
			 proposed jurisdiction, at least 10 days before the date of the hearing;
			 and
					(B)a representative of the Department of Health and Human Services is in attendance in an official
			 capacity for the purpose of receiving public comments;
					(9)provide for a 7-day period, beginning on the date that the hearing under paragraph (8) concludes,
			 during which the Governor of the State, may submit to the Secretary an
			 affirmation of the grant or contract, which, if not timely submitted,
			 shall preclude the Secretary from awarding the grant or contract; and
				(10)provide for a 7-day period, beginning on the date that the period under paragraph (9) concludes,
			 during which a majority of the governing body of the county in which the
			 facility in the grant or contract has been proposed may submit to the
			 Secretary an affirmation of the grant or contract, which, if not timely
			 submitted, shall preclude the Secretary from awarding the grant or
			 contract.
				.


		II

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. 1387

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED

		  STATES

			July 13, 2005

			Mr. Chafee (for himself,

			 Mr. Kerry, Mr.

			 Kennedy, and Mr. Reed)

			 introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the

			 Committee on Energy and Natural

			 Resources

		A BILL

		To provide for an update of the Cultural

		  Heritage and Land Management Plan for the John H. Chafee Blackstone River

		  Valley National Heritage Corridor, to extend the authority of the John H.

		  Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, to

		  authorize the undertaking of a special resource study of sites and landscape

		  features within the Corridor, and to authorize additional appropriations for

		  the Corridor.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the

			 John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley

			 National Heritage Corridor Reauthorization Act of

			 2005.

		2.John H. Chafee

			 Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

			(a)Commission

			 membershipSection 3(b) of

			 Public Law 99–647 (16 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended—

				(1)by striking nineteen members

			 and inserting 25 members;

				(2)in paragraph (2)—

					(A)by striking six and

			 inserting 6; and

					(B)by striking Department of

			 Environmental Management Directors from Rhode Island and Massachusetts

			 and inserting the Director of the Rhode Island Department of

			 Environmental Management and the Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive

			 Office of Environmental Affairs;

					(3)in paragraph (3)—

					(A)by striking four each place

			 it appears and inserting 5; and

					(B)by striking and after the

			 semicolon;

					(4)in paragraph (4)—

					(A)by striking two each place

			 it appears and inserting 3; and

					(B)by striking the period and inserting

			 ; and; and

					(5)by inserting after paragraph (4) the

			 following:

						(5)1 representative of a nongovernmental

				organization from Massachusetts and 1 from Rhode Island, to be appointed by the

				Secretary, which have expertise in historic preservation, conservation, outdoor

				recreation, cultural conservation, traditional arts, community development, or

				tourism.

						.

				(b)QuorumSection 3(f)(1) of Public Law 99–647 (16

			 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended by striking Ten and inserting

			 13.

			(c)Update of

			 planSection 6 of Public Law

			 99–647 (16 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended by adding at the end the

			 following:

					(e)Update of

				plan(1)Not later than 2 years after the date of

				enactment of this subsection, the Commission shall update the plan under

				subsection (a).

						(2)In updating the plan under paragraph (1),

				the Commission shall take into account the findings and recommendations

				included in the Blackstone Sustainability Study conducted by the National Park

				Service Conservation Study Institute.”

						(3)The update shall include—

							(A)performance goals; and

							(B)an

				analysis of—

								(i)options for preserving, enhancing, and

				interpreting the resources of the Corridor;

								(ii)the partnerships that sustain those

				resources; and

								(iii)the funding program for the

				Corridor.

								(4)(A)Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the

				Secretary shall approve or disapprove any changes to the plan proposed in the

				update in accordance with subsection (b).

							(B)Minor revisions to the plan shall not be

				subject to the approval of the

				Secretary.

							.

			(d)Extension of

			 commissionPublic Law 99–647

			 (16 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended by striking section 7 and inserting the

			 following:

					7.Termination of

				commissionThe Commission

				shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of the

				John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley

				National Heritage Corridor Reauthorization Act of

				2005.

					.

			(e)Special

			 resource studySection 8 of

			 Public Law 99–647 (16 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended by adding at the end the

			 following:

					(d)Special

				Resource Study

						(1)In

				generalThe Secretary shall

				conduct a special resource study of sites and associated landscape features

				within the boundaries of the Corridor that contribute to the understanding of

				the Corridor as the birthplace of the industrial revolution in the United

				States.

						(2)EvaluationNot later than 3 years after the date on

				which funds are made available to carry out this subsection, the Secretary

				shall complete the study under paragraph (1) to evaluate the possibility

				of—

							(A)designating 1 or more site or landscape

				feature as a unit of the National Park System; and

							(B)coordinating and complementing actions by

				the Commission, local governments, and State and Federal agencies, in the

				preservation and interpretation of significant resources within the

				Corridor.

							(3)CoordinationThe Secretary shall coordinate the Study

				with the Commission.

						(4)ReportNot later than 30 days after the date on

				which the study under paragraph (1) is completed, the Secretary shall submit to

				the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on

				Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes—

							(A)the findings of the study; and

							(B)the conclusions and recommendations of the

				Secretary.

							.

			(f)Authorization

			 of appropriationsSection 10

			 of Public Law 99–647 (16 U.S.C. 461 note) is amended—

				(1)in subsection (a), by striking

			 $650,000 and inserting $1,000,000; and

				(2)by striking subsection (b) and inserting

			 the following:

						(b)Development

				fundsThere is authorized to

				be appropriated to carry out section 8(c) not more than $10,000,000 for the

				period of fiscal years 2006 through 2016, to remain available until

				expended.

						(c)Special

				Resource StudyThere are

				authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out section

				8(d).

						.


110 HR 4019 IH: Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-10-31
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4019
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			October 31, 2007
			Mr. Baca introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Financial
			 Services

		A BILL
		To amend the Truth in Lending Act to enhance disclosure
		  of the terms of home mortgage loans, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of
			 2007.
		2.Enhanced mortgage loan
			 disclosuresSection 128(b)(2)
			 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1638(b)(2)) is amended—
			(1)by striking
			 (2) In the and inserting

					(2)
			 Mortgage
			 disclosures.—(A)In
				generalIn
				the
					;
			(2)by striking
			 a residential mortgage transaction, as defined in section 103(w)
			 and inserting any extension of credit that is secured by the dwelling of
			 a consumer;
			(3)by striking
			 shall be made in accordance and all that follows through
			 extended, or;
			(4)by striking
			 If the and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and
			 inserting the following new subparagraphs:

					(B)Statement and
				timing of disclosuresIn the case of an extension of credit that
				is secured by the dwelling of a consumer, in addition to the other disclosures
				required by subsection (a), the disclosures provided under this paragraph
				shall—
						(i)state in
				conspicuous type size and format, the following: You are not required to
				complete this agreement merely because you have received these disclosures or
				signed a loan application.; and
						(ii)be
				furnished to the borrower not later than 7 business days before the date of
				consummation of the transaction, and at the time of consummation of the
				transaction, subject to subparagraph (D).
						(C)Variable rates
				or payment schedulesIn the case of an extension of credit that
				is secured by the dwelling of a consumer, under which the annual rate of
				interest is variable, or with respect to which the regular payments may
				otherwise be variable, in addition to the other disclosures required by
				subsection (a), the disclosures provided under this paragraph shall—
						(i)label the payment
				schedule as follows: Payment Schedule: Payments Will Vary Based on
				Interest Rate Changes; and
						(ii)state the maximum
				amount of the regular required payments on the loan, based on the maximum
				interest rate allowed, introduced with the following language in conspicuous
				type size and format: Your payment can go as high as ___ , the
				blank to be filled in with the maximum possible payment amount.
						(D)Updating
				aprIn any case in which the disclosure statement provided 7
				business days before the date of consummation of the transaction contains an
				annual percentage rate of interest that is no longer accurate, as determined
				under section 107(c), the creditor shall furnish an additional, corrected
				statement to the borrower, not later than 3 business days before the date of
				consummation of the
				transaction.
					.
			3.Civil
			 liabilitySection 130(a) of
			 the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1640(a)) is amended—
			(1)in paragraph
			 (2)(A)(iii), by striking not less than $200 or greater than
			 $2,000 and inserting $5,000, such amount to be adjusted annually
			 based on the consumer price index, to maintain current value;
			 and
			(2)in the penultimate sentence of the
			 undesignated matter following paragraph (4)—
				(A)by striking only for and
			 inserting for;
				(B)by striking
			 section 125 or and inserting section 122, section
			 125,;
				(C)by inserting
			 or section 128(b), after 128(a),; and
				(D)by inserting
			 or section 128(b) before the period.


114 SCON 25 IS: Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should submit the Paris climate change agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent.
U.S. Senate
2015-11-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. CON. RES. 25IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESNovember 19, 2015Mr. Lee (for himself, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Vitter, Mr. Shelby, Mr. Thune, Mr. Scott, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Hatch, Mr. McCain, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Tillis, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Coats, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Sasse, Mr. Daines, Mr. Toomey, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Paul, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Enzi, and Mr. Cornyn) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign RelationsCONCURRENT RESOLUTIONExpressing the sense of Congress that the President should submit the Paris climate change
			 agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent.

 Whereas the United States is party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, with annexes, done at New York May 9, 1992, and entered into force March 21, 1994 (in this resolution referred to as the Convention);
 Whereas the Convention requires the United States to adopt national policies and take corresponding measures on the mitigation of climate change, by limiting its anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, but does not require the United States to commit to specific targets or timetables for emissions reductions;
 Whereas, during the Convention’s advice and consent process in the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate (in this resolution referred to as the Foreign Relations Committee) a question arose whether future protocols made pursuant to the Convention containing targets and timetables for emissions reductions should be submitted to the Senate for advice and consent;
 Whereas the Foreign Relations Committee submitted a written question, Would a protocol containing targets and timetables be submitted to the Senate? to which the Executive Branch responded, If such a protocol were negotiated and adopted, and the United States wished to become a party, we would expect such a protocol to be submitted to the Senate.;
 Whereas the Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by Senator Claiborne Pell, issued Executive Report 102–55 regarding the Convention in which it noted that a decision by the Conference of the Parties to adopt targets and timetables would have to be submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent before the United States could deposit its instruments of ratification for such an agreement;
 Whereas Executive Report 102–55 further noted that a decision by the executive branch to reinterpret the Convention to apply legally binding targets and timetables for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases to the United States would alter the shared understanding of the Convention between the Senate and the executive branch and would therefore require the Senate’s advice and consent;
 Whereas, under the auspices given by the Executive Branch that future agreements made pursuant to the Convention containing targets and timetables for emissions reductions would be submitted to the Senate, the Senate gave its consent to ratification of the Convention on October 7, 1992;
 Whereas, in December 2011, at the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP–17) in Durban, South Africa, the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action was established, inter alia, to develop a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention to be completed no later than 2015 and adopted at the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP–21);
 Whereas, subsequent to COP–17, representatives of President Barack Obama, including the Special Envoy for Climate Change, have made public statements indicating that the United States intends to finalize a climate change agreement at COP–21 that contains targets and timetables for emissions reductions;
 Whereas the Executive Branch has made clear through its public statements that it intends to negotiate a climate change agreement at COP–21 that contains legally binding provisions as well as nonbinding provisions—including targets and timetables for emissions reductions—attached as an addendum or schedule to the legally binding agreement;
 Whereas the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Laurent Fabius, who will host COP–21, has stated, We must find a formula which is valuable for everybody and valuable for the U.S. without going to the Congress.;
 Whereas the Department of State developed guidelines known as the Circular 175 Procedure (C–175) to facilitate the application of orderly and uniform measures to the negotiation, conclusion, reporting, publication, and registration of U.S. treaties and international agreements;
 Whereas C–175, inter alia, set forth eight factors for determining whether any international agreement should be brought into force as a treaty or as an international agreement other than a treaty;
 Whereas the Executive Branch must give due consideration to the eight factors outlined in C–175, and the utmost care is to be exercised to avoid any invasion or compromise of the constitutional powers of the President, the Senate, and the Congress as a whole;
 Whereas the eight factors are as follows: (1) the extent to which the agreement involves commitments or risks affecting the Nation as a whole; (2) whether the agreement is intended to affect State laws; (3) whether the agreement can be given effect without the enactment of subsequent legislation by the Congress; (4) past United States practice as to similar agreements; (5) the preference of the Congress as to a particular type of agreement; (6) the degree of formality desired for an agreement; (7) the proposed duration of the agreement, the need for prompt conclusion of an agreement, and the desirability of concluding a routine or short-term agreement; and (8) the general international practice as to similar agreements;
 Whereas COP–21 will be held in Paris, France, from November 30 to December 11, 2015; Whereas, at COP–21, the United States will be expected, inter alia, to commit billions of dollars in taxpayer money to fund the Green Climate Fund and other financial mechanisms to fund mitigation and adaptation projects in developing countries;
 Whereas the Paris climate change agreement, either in the form contemplated by the President or in its current draft form released on October 5, 2015, by the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform, reflects the characteristics of a treaty as set forth in C–175, and does not reflect the characteristics of an international agreement other than a treaty; and
 Whereas, pursuant to commitments made by the Executive Branch to the Senate during the advice and consent process for the Convention the Executive Branch stated that any protocol containing targets and timetables would be submitted to the Senate: Now, therefore, be it

 That it is the sense of Congress that— (1)the statements made by the Executive Branch to the Senate during Senate consideration of the Convention and set forth in Executive Report 102–55 remain valid and in force and, accordingly, any agreement adopted at COP–21 containing targets and timetables, whether deemed legally binding or not, must be submitted to the Senate for advice and consent pursuant to Article II, section 2 of the Constitution;
 (2)any agreement or decision made at COP–21 that contains targets and timetables—whether they are contained within a legally binding instrument or attached as a nonbinding schedule or addendum to a legally binding instrument—shall be considered by the Congress to be an agreement containing targets and timetables;
 (3)a decision by the Executive Branch made at COP–21 or any other venue to apply targets and timetables for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases to the United States would alter the shared understanding of the Convention between the Executive Branch and the Senate and would therefore require the Senate’s advice and consent;
 (4)the Department of State developed the Circular 175 Procedure to determine how international agreements would be negotiated, and the eight factors contained in the Procedure strongly support the conclusion that any agreement made under the Convention that contains targets and timetables for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases must be submitted to the Senate for advice and consent;
 (5)until all commitments on emissions targets and timetables made at COP–21 are submitted to the Senate for advice and consent and subsequently ratified by the Executive Branch, such commitments shall have no effect on the interpretation of United States law or the international obligations of the United States; and
 (6)Congress should refuse to consider any budget resolutions and appropriations language that include funding for the Green Climate Fund or any affiliated body or financing mechanism unless and until all agreements on emissions targets and timetables reached at COP–21 are submitted to the Senate for advice and consent.