IV
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1046
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

February 23, 2010

RESOLUTION
Recognizing the significance of Black History Month.

Whereas the first Africans were brought involuntarily to the shores of the America as early as the 17th century;
Whereas these Africans in America and their descendants are now known as African-Americans;
Whereas African-Americans suffered enslavement and subsequently faced the injustices of lynch mobs, segregation, and denial of basic, fundamental rights;
Whereas despite slavery, African-Americans in all walks of life have made significant contributions throughout the history of the United States, including through the—
(1)writings of Booker T. Washington, Phyllis Wheatley, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Ralph Ellison, Zora Neale Hurston, and Alex Haley;
(2)music of Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Bessie Smith, and Duke Ellington;
(3)resolve of athletes such as Jackie Robinson, Althea Gibson, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, and Muhammad Ali;
(4)scientific advancements of George Washington Carver, Charles Drew, Benjamin Banneker, and Mae Jemison;
(5)vision of leaders such as Frederick Douglass, Mary McLeod Bethune, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, and Shirley Chisholm; and
(6)bravery of those who stood on the front lines in the battle against oppression, such as Sojourner Truth, Fannie Lou Hammer, and Rosa Parks;
Whereas in the face of injustices, United States citizens of good will and of all races distinguished themselves with their commitment to the noble ideals upon which the United States was founded and courageously fought for the rights and freedom of African-Americans;
Whereas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived and died to make real these noble ideas;
Whereas Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States, making him the first African-American chief executive and breaking one of the last racial barrier in politics in this country;
Whereas the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass inspired the creation of Negro History Week, the precursor to Black History Month;
Whereas Negro History Week represented the culmination of Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s efforts to enhance knowledge of Black history started through the Journal of Negro History, published by Woodson’s Association for the Study of African-American Life and History; and
Whereas the month of February is officially celebrated as Black History Month, which dates back to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period of time in February to recognize the heritage and achievement of Black Americans: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)recognizes the significance of Black History Month as an important time to recognize the contributions of African-Americans in the Nation’s history, and encourages the continued celebration of this month to provide an opportunity for all peoples of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation; and
(2)recognizes that ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the Nation.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


117 HR 3857 IH: Basic Assistance for Students In College Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-06-11
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. 3857
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 11, 2021
Mrs. Torres of California introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor

A BILL
To provide for the basic needs of students at institutions of higher education.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Basic Assistance for Students In College Act or the BASIC Act. 2.Data Sharing (a)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall develop and implement an agreement to—
(1)securely share data among the respective Federal agencies of such Secretaries in order to, notwithstanding section 483(a)(3)(E) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1090(a)(3)(E)) and section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (commonly known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974), identify students described in subsection (b) who may be eligible for Federally funded programs to support basic needs through— (A)the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), a nutrition assistance program carried out under section 19 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2028), or a nutrition assistance program carried out by the Secretary of Agriculture in the Northern Mariana Islands;
(B)the supplemental security income program under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.); (C)the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
(D)the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786); (E)the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.);
(F)Federal housing assistance programs, including tenant-based assistance under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)), and public housing, as defined in section 3(b)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(1)); (G)Federal child care assistance programs, including assistance under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.) and the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program under section 419N of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070e);
(H)the free and reduced price school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.); (I)the refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan under section 36B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
(J)the Earned Income Tax Credit under section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;  (K)the Child Tax Credit under section 24 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or
(L)any other Federally funded program determined by the Secretary to be appropriate; and  (2)coordinate efforts to provide assistance to institutions of higher education to facilitate the enrollment of eligible students in the programs listed in paragraph (1).
(b)Covered studentsStudents described in this subsection are students who— (1)have applied for Federal financial aid;
(2)are enrolled at institutions of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)), including full-time and part-time students; and (3)have not opted out of the information sharing under this section through the process described in subsection (c) or any other process established by the Secretary of Education.
(c)Inclusion on FAFSA
(1)In generalStudents and borrowers, through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid under section 483 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1090), may authorize the Secretary of Education to disclose to the Federal agencies described in subsection (a)(1) information provided by the applicant on the application described by this subsection, as well as such applicant’s student aid index and scheduled Federal Pell Grant award, to assist in identification, outreach and application efforts for the application, award, and administration of such means-tested Federal benefits programs, except such information shall not include Federal tax information as specified in section 6103(l)(13)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (2)Opt-outThe Secretary shall provide an opportunity for students and borrowers to opt out of the authorization described in paragraph (1).
3.Grants to support the basic needs of studentsTitle VIII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1161a) is amended by adding at the end the following:  BBGrants to support the basic needs of students 899.Grants to support the basic needs of students (a)DefinitionsIn this section:
(1)Basic needsThe term basic needs means the needs of students that support their success while enrolled at an eligible institution, including needs such as— (A)food;
(B)housing; (C)transportation;
(D)child care; (E)health care; and
(F)technology. (2)Community collegeThe term community college means a public institution of higher education at which the highest degree that is predominantly awarded to students is an associate degree, including a 2-year Tribal Colleges or University, as defined in section 316.
(3)Eligible institutionThe term eligible institution means an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102) that participates in programs under title IV. (b)Planning Grants (1)In GeneralThe Secretary shall award planning grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible institutions to enable the eligible institutions to conduct research and planning to reduce incidences of student food insecurity, housing insecurity, and homelessness and to meet other basic needs of students, by carrying out the activities described in paragraph (2).
(2)ActivitiesAn eligible institution receiving a grant under this subsection shall use grant funds to carry out the following: (A)Establish a basic needs steering committee that will be responsible for creating and approving the basic needs strategy described in subparagraph (C), and that will be comprised of relevant campus stakeholders, such as—
(i)students who have experienced challenges in meeting basic needs; (ii)student government representatives;
(iii)institutional staff representing the areas of student financial aid, housing, dining, student affairs, academic advising, equity support services, accessibility services, and well-being services (including counseling or psychological services); (iv)faculty;
(v)relevant administrators, including local human services administrators; (vi)community-based organizations; and
(vii)representatives from local governmental agencies. (B)Conduct research regarding—
(i)the level of unmet basic needs at the institution, disaggregated by race and ethnicity, income quintile, status as a first-generation college student (as defined in section 402A(h)), Federal Pell Grant eligibility status, disability status, status as a student parent, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), or other subgroup as determined by the institution; (ii)the presence of institutional barriers (such as award displacement) and current institutional interventions to address basic needs insecurity;
(iii)
(I)the resources and activities available to address basic needs of students, both on campus and off campus, as of the date of the research; and  (II)the impact of such resources and activities; and
(iv)opportunities for coordination and collaboration between the institution and government or community-based organizations, such as— (I)the local office that administers benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) and carries out employment and training programs under that Act or the temporary assistance for needy families program (TANF) and subsidized programs that meet the work requirements under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
(II)organizations that participate in the Federal work-study program under part C of title IV; or (III)low-income housing assistance organizations, including those assisting with tenant-based assistance under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)), and public housing, as defined in section 3(b)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(1)).
(C)Create a basic needs strategy that describes how the institution will— (i)seek to address or meet the basic needs of students through on-campus and off-campus providers; and
(ii)incorporate the research conducted under subparagraph (B), including with respect to the subgroups identified under clause (i) of subparagraph (B), into the basic needs strategy. (3)Grant amounts; duration (A)AmountA grant under this subsection shall be in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
(B)DurationA grant under this subsection shall be for a period of not more than 2 years.  (4)ReportNot later than 60 days after the end of the planning grant period under this subsection, each eligible institution that receives such a grant shall submit a report to the Secretary describing the outcomes of the planning grant, regardless of whether the eligible institution intends to apply for an implementation grant.
(c)Implementation grants
(1)In General
(A)Authorization of awardThe Secretary shall award implementation grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible institutions to enable the eligible institutions to develop infrastructure to meet the basic needs of students, by implementing a basic needs strategy developed through a grant award under subsection (b) or another existing basic needs plan approved by the Secretary, and carrying out the activities described in paragraph (2). (B)Ongoing external fundingIn order to be eligible to receive an implementation grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall identify, in the application for such grant, an ongoing non-Federal funding mechanism to support the activities carried out with grant funds after the grant period has expired.
(2)ActivitiesAn eligible institution receiving a grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds to carry out at least two of the following: (A)Providing free or subsidized food, secure sleeping arrangements, temporary housing, priority access to existing on-campus child care, and other basic needs to eligible students.
(B)Conducting outreach to students to reduce stigma, educate, and encourage students to participate in programs and receive services (including programs and services provided through grant funding) to meet basic needs. (C)Educating students about public assistance programs (including State and local public assistance programs, and the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), Federal housing assistance programs, and other income-based Federal assistance programs), supporting students' applications for those programs, and providing case management and training for students to maximize the public assistance that students receive to meet basic needs.
(D)Coordination and collaboration between the eligible institution and government or community-based organizations, such as the local office that administers benefits through the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) or a low-income housing assistance organization. (E)Purchasing materials, equipment, transportation, or facilities to reduce incidences of food and housing insecurity and address the basic needs of students at the eligible institution.
(F)Hiring and training personnel to build basic needs infrastructure and implement programming to meet the basic needs of students at the eligible institution. (G)Other activities or services determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(3)Grant amounts; duration
(A)AmountA grant under this subsection shall be in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 total for each 5-year period. (B)DurationA grant under this subsection shall be for a period of 5 years.
(4)ReportThe Secretary shall prepare and submit to Congress a report that describes— (A)the impact of the grant under this subsection on eligible students;
(B)best practices for the provision of basic services to eligible students; (C)the obstacles faced by grant recipients; and
(D)State or Federal policy barriers to meeting the basic needs of students at institutions of higher education. (5)Best practicesThe Secretary shall disseminate to eligible institutions information about best practices, as described in paragraph (4)(B).
(d)Reservation; Priority; equitable distribution
(1)ReservationIn awarding grants under subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall reserve an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of the total amount available for grants under those subsections for grant awards to community colleges. (2)PriorityIn awarding grants under subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall give priority to the following:
(A)Eligible institutions with respect to which not less than 25 percent of enrolled students are students that are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant under subpart 1 of part A of title IV. (B)Eligible institutions that are described in section 371(a).
(3)Equitable distributionIn awarding grants under subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall ensure an equitable distribution of grant awards to eligible institutions in States based on State population. (e)LimitationAn eligible institution receiving a grant under—
(1)subsection (b) shall not use more than 50 percent of grant funds for personnel expenses; and (2)subsection (c) shall not use more than 75 percent of grant funds for personnel expenses.
(f)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2028, of which— (1)$40,000,000 are authorized to be appropriated to carry out planning grants under subsection (b); and
(2)$960,000,000 are authorized to be appropriated to carry out implementation grants under subsection (c)..


117 HRES 123 IH: Expressing appreciation and recognition for the scientific, medical, and pharmaceutical community in the historic development of the COVID–19 vaccine in record time.
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-02-15
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.

IV117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 123IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 15, 2021Mr. Calvert (for himself, Mrs. Steel, Mr. Valadao, Mr. Issa, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. McClintock, Mr. Carter of Texas, Mr. Diaz-Balart, and Mr. Cole) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceRESOLUTIONExpressing appreciation and recognition for the scientific, medical, and pharmaceutical community in the historic development of the COVID–19 vaccine in record time.Whereas the COVID–19 pandemic originated in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019;Whereas COVID–19 has taken the lives of over 2 million individuals worldwide and over 475,000 Americans;Whereas, on May 15, 2020, the Trump administration initiated Operation Warp Speed, which was formed to encourage public-private partnerships to streamline the development and approval of a COVID–19 vaccine;Whereas under the leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, Chief Advisor Dr. Moncef Slaoui, and General Gustave F. Perna, Operation Warp Speed accelerated the development of the COVID–19 vaccine while maintaining world-class standards of safety and efficacy;Whereas thanks to the tireless work of the scientific community and tens of thousands of dedicated Americans who participated in the vaccination trials, on December 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration issued the first emergency use authorization for a vaccine for the prevention of COVID–19;Whereas just one month after approval, pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna collectively have distributed 41,411,550 COVID–19 vaccine doses across the United States;Whereas due to the outstanding work of these pharmaceutical companies and the safe and expedient regulatory approvals facilitated by Operation Warp Speed, as of early February 2021, 32,867,213 Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID–19 vaccine; andWhereas the development of the COVID–19 vaccine has allowed our Nation to combat the virus, begin the healing process, and move closer to a full reopening of our Nation’s economy: Now, therefore, be itThat the House of Representatives recognizes and thanks the scientific, medical, and pharmaceutical community for their vital contributions to this Nation and expresses gratitude for their leadership and efforts to end the COVID–19 pandemic.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3113
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 11, 2008
			Mrs. Dole (for herself
			 and Mr. Burr) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To reinstate the Interim Management Strategy governing
		  off-road vehicle use in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina,
		  pending the issuance of a final rule for off-road vehicle use by the National
		  Park Service.

		1.Cape hatteras national
			 seashore, north carolina
			(a)Reinstatement
			 of interim management strategyDuring the period beginning on the date of
			 enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which the Secretary of the
			 Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, issues a
			 special regulation and long-term off-road vehicle management plan for the use
			 of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina (referred to in this section
			 as the Seashore), the Seashore shall be managed in accordance
			 with the Interim Protected Species Management Strategy/Environmental Assessment
			 issued by the National Park Service on June 13, 2007.
			(b)Inapplicability
			 of consent decreeThe consent
			 decree dated April 30, 2008, and filed in the United States District Court for
			 the Eastern District of North Carolina regarding off-road vehicle use at the
			 Seashore shall not apply after the date of enactment of this Act.


109 HR 6080 IH: Resources Origin and Commodity Knowledge Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2006-09-14
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 2d Session
H. R. 6080
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 14, 2006
Mrs. Drake (for herself, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. English of Pennsylvania, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Boswell, Mr. Brown of South Carolina, Mr. Sherwood, Mrs. Cubin, Mr. Petri, and Mr. Simpson) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Resources

A BILL
To establish the Mineral Commodity Information Administration in the Department of the Interior, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as Resources Origin and Commodity Knowledge Act.
2.Findings, purpose, and policy
(a)FindingsThe Congress finds the following:
(1)Mineral commodities are essential to the United States economy.
(2)The United States is the world’s leading user of mineral commodities.
(3)Mineral commodities processed domestically accounted for $478,000,000,000 in the United States economy in 2005.
(4)The value of imports of raw and processed mineral commodities totaled $103,000,000,000 in 2005.
(5)The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve uses mineral commodity information data and reports to calculate the indexes of industrial production, capacity, and capacity utilization, which are among the most widely followed monthly indicators of the United States economy.
(6)Manufacturers and consumers of mineral commodities in the United States depended on foreign countries for 100 percent of 16 mineral commodities and for more than 50 percent of 42 mineral commodities that are critical to the United States economy.
(7)The Department of Defense requires mineral commodity information on strategic minerals to manage the National Defense Stockpile.
(8)Mineral specialists assist the Department of State fulfill United States obligations under the Clean Diamond Trade Act (19 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.) and as a signatory to the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme, which is a multinational effort to stop the flow of conflict diamonds.
(9)New and innovative uses of minerals are vital to maintaining the high quality of both the natural environment and human environment in the United States.
(10)Knowledge and understanding of mineral mining and usage, both domestically and internationally, is important for maintaining the national security and economic security of the United States.
(b)PurposesThe purpose of this Act is to create the Mineral Commodity Information Administration to ensure information vital to the United States economy, domestic security, and the high quality of life enjoyed by all residents of the United States continues to be provided to the many customers that rely upon the data.
(c)PolicyThe Congress declares that—
(1)it is in the national interest to maintain and disseminate information on domestically produced mineral commodities, regardless of ownership of the resources involved; and
(2)it is in the national interest to maintain and disseminate information on international mineral commodities and resources, international mineral industry activities, and international mineral commodity markets.
3.Establishment of mineral commodity information administration
(a)EstablishmentThere is established the Mineral Commodity Information Administration, which shall be under the general direction and supervision of the Secretary of the Interior and shall not be affiliated with or be within any other agency or bureau of the Department of the Interior.
(b)AdministratorThe management of the Administration shall be vested in an Administrator, who shall be appointed from by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among individuals who have outstanding qualifications with a broad background and substantial experience in the mineral industries and in the management of mineral resources.
(c)Other officials and employees
(1)In generalThere shall be in the Administration an Associate Administrator and 4 Assistant Administrators who shall perform, in accordance with applicable law, such functions as the Administrator shall assign to them in accordance with this Act. The functions the Administrator shall assign to the Assistant Administrators shall include the following functions:
(A)Commodity information and analysis, including development and maintenance of—
(i)historical and current mineral commodity information, including the degree of import dependence of the United States;
(ii)international mineral commodity and resource information;
(iii)domestic mineral commodity and resource information by State, county, and region;
(iv)material flow and recycling analysis, showing disposition in the United States of mined materials into stocks in use, waste, and residuals; and
(v)ongoing analysis of United States mineral commodity exports, and analysis of imports of mineral commodities and processed materials of mineral origin that are destined for consumption in the United States, categorized by the country of origin.
(B)Mineral industry analysis, including the continuing assessment and analysis of events, trends, and issues affecting the minerals sector of the domestic economy, including exploration spending and activity, mineral production trends, mineral stocks and inventories, merger and acquisitions activity, and labor and workforce trends.
(C)Data acquisition and analysis, including management of data collection, statistical analysis, analytical forecasting and modeling, and regular data quality assessments.
(D)Information systems and services, including information technology management, publications and production dissemination, and library services.
(E)External affairs, including congressional and legislative liaison, communications, and public affairs, and international and intergovernmental affairs.
(F)Budget, financial, and human resource management, including budget and financial management, human capital management, employee training, professional development, procurement and contract management, and small business support.
(2)Transfer of existing positionsWithin 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall transfer to the Administrator the following positions:
(A)United states geological surveyFrom the United States Geological Survey, not less than 200 full-time equivalent positions, including all filled and unfilled commodity and country specialists within the United States Geological Survey Minerals Information Team immediately before the enactment of this Act.
(B)Department of interior, generallyFrom the Department of the Interior generally not less that 100 full time equivalent positions of an administrative nature, including communications and public affairs specialists, congressional and legislative liaison specialists, human resources personnel, librarians, administrative assistants, information technology management specialists, publication service specialists, and budget analysts.
(3)Subsequent appointmentsThe Administrator may appoint such employees as may be necessary to positions that are transferred under paragraph (2), but vacant on the date of the transfer of the positions. Such appointments shall be subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service. Such positions shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
(d)Written and electronic materialsThe Secretary of the Interior shall transfer to the Administrator all existing written and electronic materials under the control of the Department pertaining to mineral commodities and mineral resources, including mineral commodity time series data, library materials, maps, unpublished data files, and existing mineral commodity reports prepared or held by the United States Geological Survey and its predecessor agency, the Bureau of Mines.
4.Duties of the Administrator
(a)Mineral commodity data and information programThe Administrator carrying out a central, comprehensive, and unified mineral commodity data and information program to collect, evaluate, assemble, analyze, and disseminate data and information regarding mineral resources and reserves, mineral commodity production, consumption, and technology, and related economic and statistical information, that is relevant to the adequacy of mineral resources to meet demands in the near term and longer term future for the Nation’s economic and social needs.
(b)Mineral commodity data time series
(1)In generalThe Administrator shall continue to maintain all existing mineral commodity data time series maintained by the Department of the Interior immediately before the enactment of this Act, and shall develop such new mineral commodity data time series as the Administrator finds useful and proper after consulting with other Federal and State agencies and the public.
(2)Public commentThe Administrator shall—
(A)provide for public review and comment regarding all mineral commodity data time series maintained by the Department of the Interior immediately before the enactment of this Act, by not later than 15 years after such date of enactment; and
(B)seek public comments on a continuing basis on the adequacy and accuracy of any time series added after the date of the enactment of this Act, not later than 5 years after the inception of such new series.
(c)Projections of usage patterns
(1)In generalThe Administrator shall—
(A)not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, prepare and make available to the public an analysis of projected mineral commodity usage patterns by the United States at 10, 25, and 50 year intervals following such date of enactment; and
(B)update such analysis and make it publicly available every 5 years thereafter.
(2)ConsiderationsIn preparing such analyses, the Administrator shall take into consideration—
(A)market trends;
(B)geopolitical considerations; and
(C)the reasonably foreseeable advances in basic industries, high technology, material sciences, and energy usage.
(d)Annual reportThe Administrator shall annually publish and submit to the Congress a report on the state of the domestic mining, minerals, and mineral reclamation industries, including a statement of the trend in utilization and depletion of the domestic supplies of mineral commodities.
(e)Mineral commodity reportsThe Administrator—
(1)shall continue to prepare and distribute all series of mineral commodity reports prepared and published by the Bureau of Mines and the United States Geological Survey as of the date of the enactment of this Act, including—
(A)all volumes of the Minerals Yearbook;
(B)Mineral Commodity Summaries;
(C)Mineral Industry Surveys;
(D)Metal Industry Indicators;
(E)Nonmetallic Mineral Product Industry Indexes;
(F)material flow studies and recycling reports; and
(G)Historical Statistics for Mineral and Material Commodities;
(2)may develop, prepare, and publish additional reports related to mineral commodities as the Administrator considers appropriate.
(f)Analysis with respect sustaining energy usage
(1)In generalThe Administrator of the Mineral Commodity Information Administration shall, in 2007 and each year thereafter, following the issuance of the Annual Energy Outlook analysis prepared by the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, prepare and publish an analysis of the foreign and domestic mineral commodities that will be required by the United States to sustain the energy supply, demand, and prices projected by such Annual Energy Outlook analysis.
(2)Joint agreementThe Administrator of the Energy Information Agency and the Administrator of the Mineral Commodity Information Administration may, at their sole discretion, enter into a joint agreement for preparation of a unified analysis to meet the requirements of this paragraph.
(g)Other Approval not requiredThe Administrator—
(1)shall not be required to obtain the approval of any other officer or employee of the United States in connection with the collection or analysis of any information; and
(2)shall not be required, prior to publication, to obtain the approval of any other officer or employee of the United States with respect to the substance of any analytical studies, statistical, or forecasting technical reports that the Administrator has prepared in accordance with law.
5.Exceptions to information availability
(a)In generalNotwithstanding section 552 of title 5, United States Code, and except as provided in subsection (b), data and information provided to the Administrator by persons or firms engaged in any phase of mineral or mineral-material production or large-scale consumption shall not be disclosed outside of the Administration in a nonaggregated form in such a manner as may disclose data and information supplied by an individual or other person, unless such person authorizes such disclosure after the person is provided notice and an opportunity to object.
(b)Disclosure to Federal defense or homeland security agenciesThe Administrator may disclose nonaggregated data and information to any agency of the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Defense, upon written request by the head of the agency for appropriate purposes.
6.Advisory Committee
(a)EstablishmentNot later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the Mineral Commodity Advisory Committee.
(b)FunctionsThe Advisory Committee—
(1)shall respond to all questions referred to it by the Administrator regarding any matter related to the activities authorized by this Act;
(2)shall undertake such studies and inquiries as are necessary to provide answers, advice, and recommendations on matters referred to it by the Administrator; and
(3)in carrying out such studies, may seek information from individuals, business enterprises, colleges, universities, and any State or Federal agency.
(c)Participation in reviews of materialsThe Administrator shall invite the Advisory Committee to participate in any public review of materials prepared pursuant to section 4.
(d)Membership
(1)In generalThe Advisory Committee—
(A)shall consist of 15 individuals appointed in accordance with paragraph (2); and
(B)shall include—
(i)one representative from each of a mineral exploration company, a metallic mineral producer, an industrial mineral producer, and an aggregate producer;
(ii)one representative from each of the State geologists, mining labor organizations, and the mining finance industry;
(iii)two representatives from small businesses;
(iv)three representatives from manufacturing industries; and
(v)three purchasing professionals.
(2)AppointmentThe Administrator shall appoint the members of the Advisory Committee from among individuals who—
(A)are not officers or employees of the Federal Government; and
(B)are United States citizens.
(3)TermEach member of the Advisory Committee shall be appointed to serve a term of 4 years.
(e)Organization and meetingsThe Advisory Committee—
(1)shall select a Chairman and Vice-Chairman from among its members;
(2)shall organize itself into such subcommittees as the members determine to be necessary; and
(3)shall meet not less than 2 times each year.
(f)Compensation and expensesSubject to the availability of appropriations, each member of the Advisory Committee—
(1)shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Advisory Committee; and
(2)shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the member’s home or regular place of business in the performance of services for the Committee.
(g)Support and records maintenanceThe Administrator—
(1)shall provide administrative and technical support for the Advisory Committee; and
(2)shall maintain the records of the Advisory Committee.
(h)FACAThe Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the Advisory Committee only to the extent that the provisions of such Act do not conflict with the requirements of this section.
7.DefinitionsIn this Act:
(1)AdministrationThe term Administration means the Mineral Commodity Information Administration established by this Act.
(2)AdministratorThe term Administrator means the Administrator of the Administration.
(3)Advisory CommitteeThe term Advisory Committee means the Mineral Commodity Advisory Committee established by this Act.
8.Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this Act $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years through 2007 through 2017.


116 HR 1536 IH: Protecting Our Children’s Future Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-03-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1536IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 5, 2019Mr. Mitchell (for himself and Mr. Byrne) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo modify the congressional budget and appropriations process to provide fiscal stability for the
			 United States, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents; effective date
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Protecting Our Children’s Future Act of 2019. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents; effective date.
					Title I—Biennial Budgeting
					Subtitle A—Congressional Budget Process
					Sec. 101. Updating purpose of Congressional Budget Act.
					Sec. 102. Definitions.
					Sec. 103. Revision of timetable.
					Sec. 104. Biennial concurrent resolutions on the budget.
					Sec. 105. Committee allocations.
					Sec. 106. Multiyear authorizations of appropriations.
					Sec. 107. Additional amendments to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to effectuate biennial
			 budgeting.
					Subtitle B—Conforming Amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives and the Congressional
			 Budget Act of 1974
					Sec. 111. Rules Committee recommendations.
					Sec. 112. Conforming amendments to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
					Subtitle C—Conforming Amendments to Titles 1, 5, 31, and 39, United States Code
					Sec. 121. Two-year appropriations; title and style of appropriation Acts.
					Sec. 122. Amendments to title 31, United States Code.
					Sec. 123. Government strategic and performance plans on a biennial basis.
					Subtitle D—Change of Fiscal Year
					Sec. 131. Change of fiscal year.
					Title II—Direct Spending Programs Subject to Annual Appropriations
					Sec. 201. Annual appropriations required for direct spending programs.
					Title III—Zero-Based Budgeting
					Sec. 301. Zero-based budgeting.
					Title IV—Procedure for Consideration of Appropriations Measures Consistent with a Budget Resolution
					Sec. 401. Adoption of reconciliation procedures for appropriations bills.
					Title V—No Budget No Pay
					Sec. 501. No budget no pay.

 (c)Effective dateUnless specifically provided for otherwise in this Act, the amendments made by this Act shall take effect immediately before noon on January 3, 2021.
			IBiennial Budgeting
			ACongressional Budget Process
 101.Updating purpose of Congressional Budget ActParagraphs (1) and (2) of section 2 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 are amended to read as follows:

 (1)to assure effective control over the budgetary process and Federal spending; (2)to facilitate the determination biennially of the appropriate level of Federal revenues and expenditures by the Congress and the President;.
 102.DefinitionsSection 3 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

 (12)The term direct spending has the meaning given to such term in section 250(c)(8) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
 (13)The term biennium means the period of 2 consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year.. 103.Revision of timetableSection 300 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 631) is amended to read as follows:

 300.TimetableThe timetable with respect to the congressional budget process for any Congress (beginning with the One Hundred Seventeenth Congress) is as follows:
							First Session

										On or before:Action to be completed:
										First Monday in AprilPresident submits budget recommendations.
										April 15Congressional Budget Office submits report to Budget Committees.
										Not later than 6 weeks after budget submissionCommittees submit views and estimates to Budget Committees.
										June 1Budget Committees report concurrent resolution on the biennial budget.
										June 30Congress completes action on concurrent resolution on the biennial budget.
										July 1Biennial appropriation bills may be considered in the House of Representatives.
										September 15House Appropriations Committee reports last biennial appropriation bill.
										November 15Congress completes action on biennial appropriation bills.
										January 1Biennium begins.
							Second Session

										On or before:Action to be completed:
										First Monday in AprilPresident submits budget review.
										Not later than 6 weeks after President submits budget reviewCongressional Budget Office submits report to Budget Committees.
										July 31Congress completes action on reconciliation legislation..
				104.Biennial concurrent resolutions on the budget
 (a)Contents of resolutionSection 301(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 632(a)) is amended— (1)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by—
 (A)striking April 15 of each year and inserting June 30 of each odd-numbered year; (B)striking the fiscal year beginning on October 1 of such year the first place it appears and inserting the biennium beginning on January 1 of the following year;
 (C)striking the fiscal year beginning on October 1 of such year the second place it appears and inserting each fiscal year in such period; and (D)striking each of the 4 ensuing fiscal years and inserting each fiscal year in the next 2 bienniums;
 (2)by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:  (4)subtotals of new budget authority and outlays for nondefense discretionary spending, defense discretionary spending, Medicare, Medicaid and other health-related spending, other direct spending (excluding interest), and net interest;;
 (3)in paragraph (6), by striking for the fiscal year and inserting for each fiscal year in the biennium; and (4)in paragraph (7), by striking for the fiscal year and inserting for each fiscal year in the biennium.
 (b)Additional Matters in concurrent resolutionSection 301(b) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended— (1)by striking paragraph (1), and by striking paragraphs (6) through (9);
 (2)by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), respectively;
 (3)in paragraph (2), as redesignated, by striking for such fiscal year and inserting for either fiscal year in such biennium; (4)by striking paragraph (3), as redesignated, and inserting the following:

 (3)set forth such other matters, and require such other procedures, relating to the budget as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Act, but shall not include a suspension or alteration of the application of the motion to strike a provision as set forth in section 310(d)(2) or (h)(2)(F);; and
 (5)in paragraph (4), as redesignated, by striking the semicolon and inserting a period. (c)Views of other committeesSection 301(d) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 632(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentences: Each committee of the Senate or the House of Representatives shall review the strategic plans, performance plans, and performance reports required under section 306 of title 5, United States Code, and sections 1115 and 1116 of title 31, United States Code, of all agencies under the jurisdiction of the committee. Each committee may provide its views on such plans or reports to the Committee on the Budget of the applicable House..
 (d)Hearings and reportSection 301(e) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 632(e)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1)—
 (A)by striking fiscal year and inserting biennium; and (B)by inserting after the second sentence the following: On or before June 1 of each odd-numbered year, the Committee on the Budget of each House shall report to its House the concurrent resolution on the budget referred to in subsection (a) for the biennium beginning on January 1 of the following year.;
 (2)in paragraph (2)— (A)by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), and (F) as subparagraphs (B), (C), (E), (F), (H), and (I), respectively;
 (B)before subparagraph (B) (as redesignated), by inserting the following new subparagraph:  (A)new budget authority and outlays for each major functional category, based on allocations of the total levels set forth pursuant to subsection (a)(1);;
 (C)in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated), by striking mandatory and inserting direct spending; and (D)after subparagraph (C) (as redesignated), by inserting the following new subparagraph:

 (D)total outlays, total Federal revenues, the surplus or deficit, and new budget authority and outlays for nondefense discretionary spending, defense discretionary spending, Medicare, Medicaid and other health-related spending, other direct spending (excluding interest), social security and other major functional categories, as appropriate, and net interest as set forth in such resolution as a percentage of the gross domestic product of the United States;; and
 (3)in paragraph (3)— (A) (i)by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively;
 (ii)by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D); (iii)by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D); and
 (iv)by striking the period and the end of subparagraph (D), as redesignated, and inserting ; and; (B)before subparagraph (B), as redesignated, by inserting the following new subparagraph:

 (A)new budget authority and outlays for each major functional category, based on allocations of the total levels set forth pursuant to subsection (a)(1);; and
 (C)at the end, by adding the following new subparagraph:  (E)set forth, if required by subsection (f), the calendar year in which, in the opinion of the Congress, the goals for reducing unemployment set forth in section 4(b) of the Employment Act of 1946 should be achieved..
 (e)Goals for reducing unemploymentSection 301(f) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 632(f)) is amended by striking fiscal year each place it appears and inserting biennium. (f)Economic assumptionsSection 301(g)(1) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 632(g)(1)) is amended by striking for a fiscal year and inserting for a biennium.
 (g)Section headingThe section heading of section 301 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by striking annual and inserting biennial. (h)Table of contentsThe item relating to section 301 in the table of contents set forth in section 1(b) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 is amended by striking Annual and inserting Biennial.
 105.Committee allocationsSection 302 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 633) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)(1) by—
 (A)striking for the first fiscal year of the resolution, and inserting for each fiscal year in the biennium,; (B)striking for that period of fiscal years and inserting for all fiscal years covered by the resolution; and
 (C)striking for the fiscal year of that resolution and inserting for each fiscal year in the biennium; (2)in the first sentence of subsection (b), by striking subsection (a) and inserting subsection (a)(1);
 (3)in subsection (f)(1)— (A)by striking for a fiscal year and inserting for a biennium;
 (B)by striking the first fiscal year and inserting either fiscal year of the biennium; and (C)in subparagraph (A), by striking as reported;
 (4)in subsection (f)(2)(A), by— (A)striking first fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year of the biennium; and
 (B)striking the total of fiscal years and inserting the total of all fiscal years covered by the resolution; and (5)by striking subsection (g).
					106.Multiyear authorizations of appropriations
 (a)In generalTitle III of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by adding after section 315 the following new section:

 316.Multiyear authorizations of appropriations(a)It shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any measure that contains an authorization of appropriations for any purpose unless the measure includes such an authorization of appropriations for that purpose for not less than each fiscal year in one or more bienniums.
								(b)
 (1)For purposes of this section, an authorization of appropriations is an authorization for the enactment of an amount of appropriations or amounts not to exceed an amount of appropriations (whether stated as a sum certain, as a limit, or as such sums as may be necessary) for any purpose for a fiscal year.
 (2)Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to an authorization of appropriations for a single fiscal year for any program, project, or activity if the measure containing that authorization includes a provision expressly stating the following: Congress finds that no authorization of appropriation will be required for [Insert name of applicable program, project, or activity] for any subsequent fiscal year..
 (c)For purposes of this section, the term measure means a bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report.. (b)Conforming amendmentThe table of contents set forth in section 1(b) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 315 the following new item:

								Sec. 316. Multiyear authorizations of appropriations..
					107.Additional amendments to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to effectuate biennial budgeting
 (a)DefinitionsSection 3 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, as amended, is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

 (14)The term Medicare means programs within budget function 570. (15)The term Medicaid and other health-related spending means programs within budget function 550.
 (16)The term other direct spending means programs other than those within budget functions 550 and 570, excluding Social Security and net interest..
 (b)Completion of House Committee action on appropriation billsSection 307 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 638) is amended— (1)by striking each year and inserting each odd-numbered year;
 (2)by striking annual and inserting biennial; (3)by striking fiscal year and inserting biennium; and
 (4)by striking that year and inserting each odd-numbered year. (c)Completion of House action on regular appropriation billsSection 309 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 640) is amended to read as follows:

 309.House approval of regulation appropriation billsIt shall not be in order in the House of Representatives to consider any resolution providing for an adjournment period of more than three calendar days during the months of November and December of any odd-numbered calendar year until the House of Representatives has approved annual appropriation bills providing new budget authority under the jurisdiction of all the subcommittees of the Committee on Appropriations for the fiscal year beginning on January 1 of the following year..
 (d)Reconciliation processSection 310 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 641) is amended— (1)in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking any fiscal year and inserting any biennium;
 (2)in subsection (a)(1), by striking such fiscal year each place it appears and inserting any fiscal year covered by such resolution; and (3)by striking subsection (f) and redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (f).
						(e)Section 311 Point of order
 (1)In the House of RepresentativesSection 311(a)(1) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 642(a)) is amended— (A)by striking for a fiscal year and inserting for a biennium;
 (B)by striking the first fiscal year each place it appears and inserting either fiscal year of the biennium; and (C)by striking that first fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium.
 (2)In the SenateSection 311(a)(2) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended— (A)in subparagraph (A), by striking for the first fiscal year and inserting for either fiscal year of the biennium; and
 (B)in subparagraph (B)— (i)by striking that first fiscal year the first place it appears and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium; and
 (ii)by striking that first fiscal year and the ensuing fiscal years and inserting all fiscal years. (3)Social security levelsSection 311(a)(3) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by—
 (A)striking for the first fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium; and (B)striking that fiscal year and the ensuing fiscal years and inserting all fiscal years.
 (4)ExceptionSection 311(c) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by inserting with respect to new budget authority or outlays after shall not apply. (f)Maximum deficit amount point of orderSection 312(c) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 643) is amended—
 (1)by striking for a fiscal year and inserting for a biennium; (2)in paragraph (1), by striking first fiscal year and inserting either fiscal year in the biennium;
 (3)in paragraph (2), by striking that fiscal year and inserting either fiscal year in the biennium; and (4)in the matter following paragraph (2), by striking that fiscal year and inserting the applicable fiscal year.
						BConforming Amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives and the Congressional Budget Act
			 of 1974
 111.Rules Committee recommendationsNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives shall submit to the House conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives to effectuate this title.
				112.Conforming amendments to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974
 (a)Section 202(e)Section 202(e)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by striking (b)(2)(A) and for excise taxes assumed to be extended under section 257(b)(2)(C). (b)Section 302(f)(1)Section 302(f)(1) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by inserting or outlays after new budget authority.
 (c)Section 308(a)Section 308(a)(3)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is repealed. (d)Section 308(d)Section 308(d) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by striking 252(d)(5) and inserting 252(c).
					CConforming Amendments to Titles 1, 5, 31, and 39, United States Code
 121.Two-year appropriations; title and style of appropriation ActsSection 105 of title 1, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:  105.Title and style of appropriation Acts (a)The style and title of all Acts making appropriations for the support of the Government shall be as follows: An Act making appropriations [here insert the object] for each fiscal year in the biennium of fiscal years [here insert the fiscal years of the biennium]..
 (b)All Acts making regular appropriations for the support of the Government shall be enacted for a biennium and shall specify the amount of appropriations provided for each fiscal year in such period.
 (c)For purposes of this section, the term biennium has the same meaning as in section 3(13) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 622(13))..
				122.Amendments to title 31, United States Code
 (a)DefinitionSection 1101 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (3)biennium has the meaning given to such term in paragraph (13) of section 3 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 622(12))..
					(b)Budget contents and submission to the Congress
 (1)ScheduleThe matter preceding paragraph (1) in section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

 (a)On or before the first Monday in April of each odd-numbered year, beginning with the One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, the President shall transmit to the Congress the budget for the biennium beginning on January 1 of the following calendar year. The budget transmitted under this subsection shall include a budget message and summary and supporting information. The President shall include in each budget submission the following:.
 (2)ExpendituresSection 1105(a)(5) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted and the 4 fiscal years after that year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium for which the budget is submitted and in the succeeding 4 years. (3)ReceiptsSection 1105(a)(6) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted and the 4 fiscal years after that year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium for which the budget is submitted and in the succeeding 4 years.
 (4)Balance statementsSection 1105(a)(9)(C) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking the fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium. (5)Government functions and activitiesSection 1105(a)(12) of title 31, United States Code, is amended in subparagraph (A), by striking the fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium.
 (6)AllowancesSection 1105(a)(13) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking the fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium. (7)Allowances for unanticipated and uncontrollable expendituresSection 1105(a)(14) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking that year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium for which the budget is submitted.
 (8)Tax expendituresSection 1105(a)(16) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking the fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium. (9)Estimates for future yearsSection 1105(a)(17) of title 31, United States Code, is amended—
 (A)by striking the fiscal year following the fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium following the biennium; (B)by striking that following fiscal year and inserting each such fiscal year; and
 (C)by striking fiscal year before the fiscal year and inserting biennium before the biennium. (10)Prior year outlaysSection 1105(a)(18) of title 31, United States Code, is amended—
 (A)by striking the prior fiscal year and inserting each of the 2 most recently completed fiscal years; (B)by striking for that year and inserting with respect to those fiscal years; and
 (C)by striking in that year and inserting in those fiscal years. (11)Budget contents and submission to CongressSection 1105(a)(28) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking beginning with fiscal year 1999, a and inserting beginning with fiscal year 2022, a biennial.
 (12)Information supporting biennial budgetsSection 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

 (40)Totals of new budget authority and outlays. (41)Total Federal revenues and the amount, if any, by which the aggregate level of Federal revenues should be increased or decreased by bills and resolutions to be reported by the appropriate committees.
 (42)The surplus or deficit in the budget. (43)Subtotals of new budget authority and outlays for nondefense discretionary spending, defense discretionary spending, direct spending (excluding interest), contingencies, and net interest.
 (44)The public debt.. (c)Estimated expenditures of legislative and judicial branchesSection 1105(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking each year and inserting each even-numbered year.
 (d)Recommendations To meet estimated deficienciesSection 1105(c) of title 31, United States Code, is amended— (1)by striking the fiscal year for the first place it appears and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium for;
 (2)by striking the fiscal year for the second place it appears and inserting each fiscal year of the biennium, as the case may be,; and (3)by striking that year and inserting for each year of the biennium.
 (e)Additional outyear dataSection 1105(d) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting (1) after (d) and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (2)Each budget submission shall include a budget message and summary and supporting information and, as a separately delineated statement, the levels required in paragraphs (40) through (44) of subsection (a) for at least each of the 4 ensuing fiscal years after the biennium covered by the budget submission under such subsection..
 (f)Capital investment analysisSection 1105(e)(1) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking ensuing fiscal year and inserting biennium to which such budget relates. (g)Supplemental budget estimates and changes (1)In generalSection 1106(a) of title 31, United States Code, is amended—
 (A)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by— (i)striking Before July 16 of each year and inserting Before April 7 of each even-numbered year and before September 15 of each year; and
 (ii)striking fiscal year and inserting biennium; (B)in paragraph (1), by striking that fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year in such biennium;
 (C)in paragraph (2), by striking 4 fiscal years following the fiscal year and inserting at least 4 fiscal years following the biennium; and (D)in paragraph (3), by striking fiscal year and inserting biennium.
 (2)ChangesSection 1106(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by— (A)striking the fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year in the biennium; and
 (B)striking Before July 16 of each year and inserting Before April 7 of each even-numbered year and before September 15 of each year. (h)Current programs, projects, and activities estimates (1)The PresidentSection 1109(a) of title 31, United States Code, is amended—
 (A)by striking On or before the first Monday after January 3 of each year (on or before February 5 in 1986) and inserting At the same time the budget required by section 1105 is submitted for a biennium; and (B)by striking the following fiscal year and inserting each fiscal year of such period.
 (2)Joint economic committeeSection 1109(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking before March 1 of each year and inserting within 6 weeks of the President’s budget submission for each odd-numbered year. (i)Year-Ahead requests for authorizing legislationSection 1110 of title 31, United States Code, is hereby repealed.
 (j)Performance plansSection 1115 of title 31, United States Code, is amended— (1)in subsection (a)—
 (A)in the matter before paragraph (1) by striking an annual and inserting a biennial; (B)in paragraph (1) by inserting after program activity the following: for both years 1 and 2 of the biennial plan;
 (C)in paragraph (5) by striking and after the semicolon; (D)in paragraph (6) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and inserting and after the inserted semicolon; and
 (E)by adding after paragraph (6) the following:  (7)cover each fiscal year of the biennium beginning with the first fiscal year of the next biennial budget cycle.;
 (2)in subsection (d) by striking annual and inserting biennial; and (3)in paragraph (6) of subsection (f) by striking annual and inserting biennial.
 (k)Pilot projects for performance budgetingSection 1119 of title 31, United States Code, is amended— (1)in paragraph (1) of subsection (d), by striking annual and inserting biennial; and
 (2)in subsection (e), by striking annual and inserting biennial. (l)Managerial accountability and flexibilitySection 9703 of title 31, United States Code, relating to managerial accountability, is amended—
 (1)in subsection (a)— (A)in the first sentence by striking Beginning with fiscal year 1999, the and inserting Beginning with fiscal year 2022, the biennial and by striking annual; and
 (B)by striking section 1105(a)(29) and inserting section 1105(a)(28); and (2)in subsection (e)—
 (A)in the first sentence by striking one or before years; (B)in the second sentence by striking a subsequent year and inserting for a subsequent 2-year period; and
 (C)in the third sentence by striking three and inserting four. 123.Government strategic and performance plans on a biennial basis (a)Strategic plans (1)Title 5Section 306 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking February of any year following and inserting April of .
 (2)Title 39Section 2802 of title 39, United States Code, is amended— (A)in subsection (a), by striking September 30, 1997 and inserting September 30, 2022;
 (B)in subsection (b), by— (i)striking five years forward and inserting six years forward; and
 (ii)striking at least every three years and inserting at least every 4 years; and (C)in subsection (c), by inserting , including a strategic plan submitted by September 30, 2022, meeting the requirements of subsection (a) before the period.
 (b)Performance plansSection 2803(a) of title 39, United States Code, is amended— (1)in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking an annual and inserting a biennial;
 (2)in paragraph (1), by inserting after program activity the following: for both years 1 and 2 of the biennial plan; (3)in paragraph (5), by striking and after the semicolon;
 (4)in paragraph (6), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and (5)by adding after paragraph (6) the following:

 (7)cover each fiscal year of the biennium beginning with the first fiscal year of the next biennial budget cycle..
						DChange of Fiscal Year
				131.Change of fiscal year
 (a)Change of calendar periodSection 1102 of title 31, United States Code, is amended— (1)by striking October 1 and inserting January 1; and
 (2)by striking September 30 of the following year and inserting December 31 of that year. (b)Effective dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) shall be effective on January 1, 2022.
 (c)TransitionDuring the period between October 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, Congress shall provide discretionary appropriations at a rate comparable to the rate of funding provided in fiscal year 2021.
					IIDirect Spending Programs Subject to Annual Appropriations
			201.Annual appropriations required for direct spending programs
 (a)In generalTitle III of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is further amended by adding after section 316, as added by section 106(a) of this Act, the following:

 317.Annual appropriations required for direct spending programs(a)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the biennium beginning in fiscal year 2022 and each biennium thereafter—
 (1)each direct spending program shall be subject to annual discretionary appropriations; and (2)no funds may be obligated for any such program using any amounts other than amounts provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
 (b)In this section— (1)the term biennium has the meaning given that term in section 3(13); and
 (2)the term direct spending program— (A)means—
 (i)any program with respect to which budget authority is provided (before the date of enactment of this section) by law other than appropriation Acts;
 (ii)any program that is funded (before the date of enactment of this section) through entitlement authority; and
 (iii)the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; and (B)does not include—
 (i)the old-age and survivors insurance program established under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), but not including disability insurance benefits under section 223 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 423);
 (ii)Medicare programs; (iii)all programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
 (iv)the TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code).. (b)Clerical amendmentThe table of contents set forth in section 1(b) of such Act is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 316 the following new items:

							Sec. 317. Annual appropriations required for direct spending programs..
 (c)President’s budget submissionSection 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, as amended by section 122(b)(12), is further amended by adding at the end the following:

 (45)such information as is necessary for the making of accurate biennial appropriations for direct spending programs subject to the biennial appropriations process, and recommendations on legislative changes to bring spending on such programs to a sustainable basis, if applicable..
 (d)Rules Committee recommendationsNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives shall submit to the House conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives to effectuate this title, including the requirement that the authority to appropriate funds for direct spending programs subject to the biennial appropriations process is with the Committee on Appropriations.
				IIIZero-Based Budgeting
 301.Zero-based budgetingSection 1105 of title 31, United States Code, is amended— (1)by striking subsection (a)(2) and inserting the following:

 (2)consistent with subsection (i), a budget for each department and agency which contains the following information—
 (A)A description of each activity for which the department or agency receives an appropriation in the current fiscal year or for which the department or agency requests an appropriation for the budget year.
 (B)The legal basis for each activity. (C)For each activity, three alternative funding levels for the budget year, and a summary of the priorities that would be accomplished within each level, and the additional increments of value that would be added by the higher funding levels. At least two of these funding levels shall be below the funding level for the current fiscal year.
 (D)For each activity, one or more measures of its cost efficiency and effectiveness.; and (2)by adding at the end the following:

 (i)As soon as practicable, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall publish guidelines to carry out subsection (a)(2). The guidelines shall require that the baseline budget of each department or agency is assumed to be zero and each proposed expenditure shall be justified as if it were a new expenditure..
				IVProcedure for Consideration of Appropriations Measures Consistent with a Budget Resolution
			401.Adoption of reconciliation procedures for appropriations bills
 (a)In generalTitle III of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is further amended by adding after section 317, as added by section 201(a) of this Act, the following:

 318.Senate procedures for appropriations bills(a)An appropriation bill or joint resolution reported by the Senate Committee on Appropriations in compliance with the allocations made under section 302(b) shall be privileged in the United States Senate and the motion to proceed shall be non-debatable. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the provisions of section 305 shall also apply to the consideration in the Senate of appropriations bills that comply with the allocations made under section 302(b).
 (b)Debate in the Senate on any appropriations measure reported under this subsection, and all amendments thereto and debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 20 hours, except in the case of an omnibus appropriations bill, where each subcommittees section shall be subject to 20 hours of debate.
 319.Extraneous matter in appropriations measures(a)Upon a point of order being made by any Senator against material extraneous to an appropriations measure as defined by this section, and the point of order is sustained by the Chair, any part of said title or provision that contains material extraneous shall be deemed stricken from the bill and may not be offered as an amendment from the floor.
 (b)A provision of an appropriations measure considered pursuant to this section shall be considered extraneous if it authorizes or otherwise establishes one or more Federal agencies or programs, establishes new terms and conditions under which a program or agency operates, authorizes the enactment of appropriations, or otherwise specifies how appropriated funds are to be used. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, limitation amendments or amendments to direct spending programs that are subject to the appropriations process which make such programs consistent with their 302(b) allocation shall not be considered extraneous.
 (c)Upon the reporting or discharge of an appropriations measure, and upon the submission of a conference report on such appropriations measure, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate shall submit for the record a list of material considered to be extraneous under this section. The inclusion or exclusion of a provision shall not constitute a determination of extraneousness by the Presiding Officer of the Senate.
 (d)When the Senate is considering a conference report on, or an amendment between the Houses in relation to, an appropriations measure considered pursuant to this section, upon—
 (1)a point of order being made by any Senator against extraneous material pursuant to this section; and
 (2)such point of order being sustained, such material contained in such conference report or amendment shall be deemed stricken, and the Senate shall proceed, without intervening action or motion, to consider the question of whether the Senate shall recede from its amendment and concur with a further amendment, or concur in the House amendment with a further amendment, as the case may be, which further amendment shall consist of only that portion of the conference report or House amendment, as the case may be, not so stricken. Any such motion in the Senate shall be debatable for two hours. In any case in which such point of order is sustained against a conference report (or Senate amendment derived from such conference report by operation of this subsection), no further amendment shall be in order.(e)Notwithstanding any other law or rule of the Senate, it shall be in order for a Senator to raise a single point of order that several provisions of a bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report violates this section. The Presiding Officer may sustain the point of order as to some or all of the provisions against which the Senator raised the point of order. If the Presiding Officer so sustains the point of order as to some of the provisions (including provisions of an amendment, motion, or conference report) against which the Senator raised the point of order, then only those provisions (including provisions of an amendment, motion, or conference report) against which the Presiding Officer sustains the point of order shall be deemed stricken pursuant to this section. Before the Presiding Officer rules on such a point of order, any Senator may move to waive such a point of order as it applies to some or all of the provisions against which the point of order was raised by the affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. Such a motion to waive is amendable in accordance with the rules and precedents of the Senate. After the Presiding Officer rules on such a point of order, any Senator may appeal the ruling of the Presiding Officer on such a point of order as it applies to some or all of the provisions on which the Presiding Officer ruled..
				(b)Conforming and clerical amendments
 (1)ConformingSection 904(c)(1) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 is amended by inserting 319, after 313,.
 (2)ClericalThe table of contents set forth in section 1(b) of such Act is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 316 the following new items:

								Sec. 318. Senate procedures for appropriations bills.
								Sec. 319. Extraneous matter in appropriations measures..
					VNo Budget No Pay
			501.No budget no pay
				(a)Holding salaries in escrow
 (1)In generalIf by June 30, 2021, and June 30th of the first year of a Congress (beginning with the 117th Congress), both Houses of Congress have not jointly agreed to a concurrent resolution on the budget, during the period described in paragraph (2) the payroll administrator of each House of Congress shall deposit in an escrow account all payments otherwise required to be made during such period for the compensation of Members of Congress and shall release such payments to such Members only upon the expiration of such period.
 (2)Period describedThe period described in this paragraph is the period which begins on June 30, 2021, or June 30th of the first year of a Congress, and ends on the earlier of—
 (A)the day on which both Houses of Congress agree to a concurrent resolution on the budget for that Congress pursuant to section 301 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974; or
 (B)the last day of the applicable Congress. (3)Withholding and remittance of amounts from payments held in escrowThe payroll administrator shall provide for the same withholding and remittance with respect to a payment deposited in an escrow account under paragraph (1) that would apply to the payment if the payment were not subject to paragraph (1).
 (4)Release of amounts at end of the CongressIn order to ensure that this section is carried out in a manner that shall not vary the compensation of Senators or Representatives in violation of the twenty-seventh article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the payroll administrator of a House of Congress shall release for payments to Members of that House of Congress any amounts remaining in any escrow account under this section on the last day of the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress or the Congress in which the amounts were withheld (as the case may be).
 (5)Role of Secretary of the TreasuryThe Secretary of the Treasury shall provide the payroll administrators of the Houses of Congress with such assistance as may be necessary to enable the payroll administrators to carry out this section.
 (b)Treatment of Delegates as MembersIn this section, the term Member of Congress includes a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to the Congress. (c)Payroll administrator definedIn this section, the term payroll administrator of a House of Congress means—
 (1)in the case of the House of Representatives, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, or an employee of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer who is designated by the Chief Administrative Officer to carry out this section; and
 (2)in the case of the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate, or an employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate who is designated by the Secretary to carry out this section.


115 S1130 IS: Rural Emergency Acute Care Hospital Act
U.S. Senate
2017-05-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1130IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 16, 2017Mr. Grassley (for himself, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. Gardner) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a sustainable future for rural
			 healthcare.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Rural Emergency Acute Care Hospital Act.
 2.FindingsCongress finds the following: (1)According to the University of North Carolina’s Center for Health Services Research, 55 rural hospitals have closed in the Unites States since January 2010.
 (2)In 2014, iVantage conducted a study for the National Rural Health Association and found 283 hospitals at risk of closure based upon performance indicators that matched those facilities already forced to close in this decade.
 (3)Researchers at the University of North Carolina identified inpatient volume as a substantial contributing factor to the financial performance of rural hospitals, with many of the at-risk hospitals having an average daily bed census of less than two.
 (4)Adverse impacts to the local economy and the loss of timely access to emergency medical care are 2 major effects of rural hospital closures.
 (5)According to the National Center for Rural Health Works, the typical rural hospital creates over 140 jobs and generates $6,800,000 in compensation while serving an average population of 14,600.
 (6)The 2014 iVantage study estimates that the 283 at-risk hospitals could result in the loss of 36,000 health care jobs, 50,000 community jobs, and $10,600,000,000 in gross domestic product.
 (7)Time is the most critical factor for achieving successful outcomes in emergency medicine, and emergency medical clinicians refer to the time-sensitive period during which successful outcomes may be best achieved as the golden hour.
 (8)The National Conference of State Legislatures states that 60 percent of trauma deaths in the United States occur in rural areas, where only 15 percent of the population is represented.
 (9)The disproportionate percentage of trauma deaths in rural areas is likely attributable in large part to a combination of response time to the scene and distance to the nearest emergency room to stabilize trauma victims.
 (10)The percentage of trauma deaths occurring in rural areas could continue to increase as more rural hospitals close, further limiting access to emergency services and requiring patients to travel longer distances to receive emergency medical care.
 (11)The creation of a rural emergency hospital designation under the Medicare program will allow facilities in rural areas to provide emergency medical services without having to maintain inpatient beds.
 (12)In addition to providing emergency care, rural emergency hospitals could convert the space previously used for inpatient services to provide other medical services including, but not limited to, observation care, skilled nursing facility care, infusion services, hemodialysis, home health, hospice, nursing home care, population health, and telemedicine services.
			3.Rural emergency hospital program
			(a)In general
 (1)Rural emergency hospital and services definedSection 1861 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x) is amended— (A)in subsection (e), in the last sentence of the matter following paragraph (9), by inserting or a rural emergency hospital (as defined in section 1861(jjj)(1)) before the period at the end; and
 (B)by adding at the end the following subsection:
 (jjj)Rural Emergency Hospital; Rural Emergency Hospital Outpatient Services(1)The term rural emergency hospital means a facility that— (A)(i)as of December 31, 2016—
 (I)was a critical access hospital; or (II)was a hospital with not more than 50 beds located in a county (or equivalent unit of local government) in a rural area (as defined in section 1886(d)(2)(D)), or was a hospital with not more than 50 beds that was treated as being located in a rural area pursuant to section 1886(d)(8)(E); or
 (ii)was a critical access hospital described in clause (i)(I) or a hospital described in clause (i)(II) that ceased operations during the period beginning on the date that is 5 years prior to the date of the enactment of this subsection and ending on December 30, 2016;
 (B)provides 24-hour emergency medical care and observation care that does not exceed an annual per patient average of 24 hours or more than 1 midnight;
 (C)does not provide any acute care inpatient beds and has protocols in place for the timely transfer of patients who require acute care inpatient services or other inpatient services;
 (D)has elected to be designated as a rural emergency hospital; (E)has received approval to operate as a rural emergency hospital from the State under section 1834(v)(3)(A); and
 (F)is certified by the Secretary under section 1834(v)(3)(B). (2)The term rural emergency hospital outpatient services means medical and other health services furnished by a rural emergency hospital on an outpatient basis.
 (3)Nothing in this subsection or section 1834(v)(3) shall be construed to prohibit a rural emergency hospital from providing extended care services..
					(2)Payment for rural emergency hospital services
 (A)In generalSection 1833(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)) is amended— (i)in paragraph (8), by striking and at the end;
 (ii)in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (iii)by inserting after paragraph (9) the following new paragraph:

 (10)in the case of rural emergency hospital emergency services and services provided by a rural emergency hospital or other provider of ambulance services to transport patients who require acute care inpatient services or other inpatient services from such rural emergency hospital to a hospital or critical access hospital, the amounts described in section 1834(v)..
 (B)Payment amountSection 1834 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m) is amended by adding at the end the following subsection:

							(v)Payment rules relating to rural emergency hospitals
								(1)Payment for rural emergency hospital outpatient services
 (A)In generalThe amount of payment for rural emergency hospital outpatient services of a rural emergency hospital is equal to 110 percent of the reasonable costs of providing such services.
 (B)Telehealth servicesFor purposes of this paragraph, in determining the reasonable costs of providing rural emergency hospital outpatient services, costs associated with having a backup physician available via a telecommunications system shall be considered reasonable costs.
 (2)Payment for transportation servicesThe amount of payment for services provided by a rural emergency hospital or other provider of ambulance services to transport patients who require acute care inpatient services or other inpatient services from such rural emergency hospital to a hospital or critical access hospital is equal to 110 percent of the reasonable costs of providing such services.
								(3)Requirements for rural emergency hospitals
 (A)State approval to operate as a rural emergency hospitalNo payment shall be made under this subsection to a facility, or to a provider of ambulance services providing transportation services from such facility, unless the State in which the facility is located has approved the facility's designation as a rural emergency hospital.
									(B)Certification of rural emergency hospital
 (i)In generalNo payment shall be made under this subsection to a facility, or to a provider of ambulance services providing transportation services from such facility, unless the facility has been certified by the Secretary as a rural emergency hospital.
 (ii)Certification requirementsThe Secretary shall certify a facility as a rural emergency hospital if the facility— (I)meets the criteria for rural emergency hospitals described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of section 1861(jjj)(1);
 (II)either— (aa)is verified by the American College of Surgeons or a State as having the resources required of a level IV trauma center or higher; or
 (bb)employs healthcare professionals that successfully completed within the preceding 4 years— (AA)the Advanced Trauma Life Support Course offered by the American College of Surgeons; or
 (BB)another trauma training program for healthcare professionals that is accepted by a State trauma system for certification purposes;
 (III)has in effect a transfer agreement with a level I or level II trauma center; and (IV)meets such staff training and certification requirements as the Secretary may require.
											(4)Coinsurance
 (A)In generalThe amount of payment for rural emergency hospital services or transportation services made to a rural emergency hospital or other provider of ambulance services under this subsection shall be reduced by the coinsurance amount described in subparagraph (B).
 (B)Coinsurance amountThe coinsurance amount described in this subparagraph, with respect to an item or service provided by a rural emergency hospital or provider of ambulance services, shall be calculated in the same manner as the coinsurance amount for an outpatient critical access hospital service is calculated under section 1866(a)(2)..
					(b)Waiver of distance requirement for replacement CAHs; subsequent redesignation of rural emergency
 hospitals as CAHsSection 1820(c)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–4(c)(2)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (B)(i)(I), by inserting subject to subparagraph (F), before is located; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:  (F)Option to waive distance requirementBeginning on the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, for every critical access hospital located in a State that is certified as a rural emergency hospital under section 1834(v)(3)(B), the State shall have the option of waiving the distance requirement described in subparagraph (B)(i)(I) with respect to another facility located in the State that is seeking designation as a critical access hospital under this paragraph.
 (G)Redesignation of a rural emergency hospital as a critical access hospitalA rural emergency hospital that was previously designated as a critical access hospital under this paragraph may elect to be redesignated as a critical access hospital (in the same manner that the hospital was originally designated as a critical access hospital) at any time, subject to such conditions as the Secretary may establish..
				(c)Studies and reports
 (1)StudiesThe Secretary of Health & Human Services shall conduct 3 studies to evaluate the impact of rural emergency hospitals on the availability of health care and health outcomes in rural areas (as defined in section 1886(d)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(2)(D))). The Secretary shall conduct a study—
 (A)2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act; (B)5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
 (C)10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2)ReportsNot later than 6 months after each date that the Secretary of Health & Human Services is required to conduct a study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress containing the results of each such study.
 (d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to items and services furnished on or after the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 4.Inclusion of emergency medicine as health services under the National Health Service CorpsSection 331(a)(3)(D) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254d(a)(3)(D)) is amended by inserting , and includes emergency medicine provided by physicians in a rural emergency hospital (as defined in section 1861(jjj) of the Social Security Act) before the period.
		5.Permitting hospitals with approved residency programs in emergency medicine to include time spent
			 by interns and residents in the emergency department of a rural hospital
			 in full-time equivalent count
 (a)Indirect medical educationSection 1886(d)(5)(B)(iv) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(B)(iv)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subclause:

 (III)Effective for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2017, all of the time spent in patient care activities in the emergency department of a rural hospital by interns and residents in emergency medicine from a hospital with an approved medical residency training program (as defined in subsection (h)(5)(A)) in such specialty shall be included in determining the number of full-time equivalent interns and residents in such program if the hospital with such program incurs the costs of the stipends and fringe benefits of the interns or residents during the time the interns or residents spend in that rural hospital in accordance with subclause (II). In this subclause, the term rural hospital means a hospital that is located in a rural area (as defined for purposes of paragraph (2)(D))..
 (b)Direct medical educationSection 1886(h)(4)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395(h)(4)(E)) is amended— (1)in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and;
 (2)by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause:  (iii)effective for cost reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2017, all of the time so spent in the emergency department of a rural hospital by residents in emergency medicine from a hospital with an approved medical residency training program in such specialty shall be counted towards the determination of full-time equivalency in such program if the hospital with such program bears all, or substantially all, of the costs of training such residents in the rural hospital. In this subparagraph, the term rural hospital means a hospital that is located in a rural area (as defined for purposes of subsection (d)(2)(D)).; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following new sentence: For purposes of this subparagraph, the emergency department of a rural hospital described in clause (iii) is a nonprovider setting..