114 HR 2480 IH: Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research, and Education Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-05-20
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
114th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 2480
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 20, 2015
Mr. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico (for himself, Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, and Mr. Pearce) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To increase research, education, and treatment for cerebral cavernous malformations.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research, and Education Act of 2015 or the CCM–CARE Act.  2.FindingsCongress finds as follows:
(1)Cerebral cavernous malformations (referred to in this section as CCM), also known as cavernous angioma, or cavernoma, is a devastating blood vessel disease characterized by vascular lesions that develop and grow within the brain and spinal cord.  (2)Detection of CCM lesions is achieved through costly and specialized medical imaging techniques, often not accessible or convenient to patients who need them.
(3)While CCM is a common type of vascular anomaly, many individuals are not aware they have the disease until the onset of serious clinical symptoms. CCM is often inherited unknowingly.  (4)CCM affects an estimated 1,500,000 people in the United States.
(5)Individuals diagnosed with CCM may experience neurological deficits, seizure, stroke, or sudden death.  (6)Due to limited research, there is currently no treatment for CCM other than brain and spinal surgery, and only for certain patients. There is also a shortage of trained physicians to provide skilled and timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for CCM.
(7)While the hereditary form of CCM may occur among any ethnicity, the presence of a mutation called the common Hispanic mutation, has passed through 17 or more generations of American descendants from the original Spanish settlers of the Southwest in the 1590s. New Mexico has the highest population density of CCM in the world; Texas, Arizona, and Colorado also have high rates of CCM due to the common Hispanic mutation.  3.Expansion and coordination of activities of National Institutes of Health with respect to cerebral cavernous malformations researchPart B of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

409K.Cerebral cavernous malformations research activities
(a)Expansion and coordination of activitiesThe Director of NIH, in coordination with the directors of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and other national research institutes, as appropriate, for the purpose of conducting research and related activities concerning cerebral cavernous malformations (referred to in this section as CCM)— (1)shall strengthen and coordinate efforts of the National Institutes of Health; and
(2)may award grants and cooperative agreements to public or nonprofit private entities (including State health departments, political subdivisions of States, universities, and other medical or educational entities).  (b)ActivitiesThe research and related activities described in subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)Basic, translational, and clinical researchThe Director of NIH shall conduct or support, through funding opportunity announcements, grants, or cooperative agreements, basic, clinical, and translational research on CCM, including research on— (A)proteomic, pharmacological, and cell biological analysis of CCM molecules;
(B)continued development and expansion of novel animal models for preclinical research relating to CCM;  (C)early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of CCM;
(D)biological mechanisms for lesion genesis, development, and maturation;  (E)biological mechanisms for lesion bleeding and symptomology;
(F)novel biomedical and pharmacological interventions designed to inhibit new lesion development, lesion growth, and lesion bleeding;  (G)pre-clinical and clinical research related to repurposing currently approved drugs for treatment of CCM;
(H)contributions of genetic variation to clinical presentation as targets for therapy;  (I)identification and development of biomarkers to measure phenotypic variation;
(J)research related to improving the quality of life for individuals with CCM and their families; and  (K)clinical training programs aimed at increasing the number of scientists and clinicians who are trained to treat patients and carry out the research described in this paragraph.
(2)Facilitation of research resources; clinical trial preparedness
(A)In generalThe Director of NIH shall award grants and contracts to public or nonprofit private entities to fund all or part of the cost of planning, establishing, and providing basic operating support for a network of CCM Clinical Research Centers, including Coordinating and Participating centers regarding research on various forms of CCM.  (B)Clinical and research coordination centers (i)In generalThe Director of NIH shall identify and support the development of 3 geographically distributed national clinical and research coordinating centers with unique clinical expertise and the potential for coordinating multi-site clinical drug trials with respect to CCM.
(ii)DutiesThe coordinating centers identified under clause (i) shall provide a model for the participation centers described in paragraph (3), facilitate medical research to develop a cure for CCM, and enhance the medical care of individuals with CCM nationwide, including by— (I)maintaining an institutional infrastructure capable of hosting clinical trials and facilitating translational research projects and collaborations for clinical trials;
(II)implementing the programs dedicated to patient education, patient outreach, and awareness developed by the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Consortium under subsection (c)(3)(B);  (III)developing the capacity to establish and maintain communication with other major CCM research and care institutions internationally for information sharing and coordination of research activities;
(IV)demonstrating clinical expertise in the management of CCM and appointing a director and support staff, including a trainee and patient representative, for CCM research programming;  (V)treating a sufficient number of eligible patients for participation with particular focus on unique subpopulations, such as patients with the common Hispanic mutation, Ashkenazi Jewish mutation, or CCM3 gene mutation carriers; and
(VI)maintaining a telehealth infrastructure to support and provide clinical consultation for remote and underserved communities.  (3)Participation centers (A)In generalThe Director of NIH shall identify and support the development of 6 to 10 clinical and research participation centers to facilitate medical research to develop a cure for CCM and enhance the medical care of individuals with CCM, in partnership with the coordinating centers under paragraph (2) and other national and international entities, as appropriate.
(B)EligibilityTo qualify for selection as a participation center under subparagraph (A), an entity shall— (i)at the time of selection—
(I)be affiliated with an established research network of the National Institutes of Health; and  (II)have the potential to participate in a multisite clinical drug trial with respect to CCM;
(ii)demonstrate— (I)an institutional infrastructure capable of hosting a clinical trial site and facilitating translational projects and collaborations for clinical trials;
(II)the capacity to maintain communication with other major CCM research and care institutions internationally for information sharing and coordination of research activities, especially through health information technology; and  (III)clinical expertise in CCM management or complete the CCM clinical training program under subsection (c)(4); and
(iii)have a sufficient number of eligible patients with CCM.  (C)Duration of supportThe Director of NIH may provide support for participation centers under this section for a period not to exceed 5 years. The Director of NIH may extend the period of support for a center for 1 or more additional periods, not to exceed an additional 5 years, if the operations of such center have been reviewed by an appropriate technical and scientific peer review group established by the Director of NIH and if such group has recommended to the Director that such period should be extended.
(c)Cerebral cavernous malformations consortium
(1)In generalThe Director of NIH shall convene a Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Research Consortium (referred to in this section as the consortium).  (2)MembershipThe consortium—
(A)shall include representatives of— (i)the coordinating centers selected under subsection (b)(2); and
(ii)at least 1 national CCM patient advocacy organization, which may be an entity that receives a grant or contract under subsection (b)(2)(A); and  (B)may include representatives of the National Institutes of Health or the Food and Drug Administration, in an advisory or ex officio role.
(3)ResponsibilitiesThrough a consensus based decisionmaking model, the consortium shall divide assignments and be responsible for— (A)developing and implementing training programs for clinicians and scientists in accordance with paragraph (4);
(B)developing patient education, outreach, and awareness programs and materials, which may be tailored for specific regional needs at coordinating centers, including— (i)a regional multimedia public awareness campaign;
(ii)patient education materials for distribution by regional physician and surgeon offices;  (iii)an education program for elementary and secondary school nurses to facilitate early detection and diagnosis of CCM in areas in which there is a high density of cases of CCM;
(iv)regular regional patient and family-oriented educational conferences; and  (v)nationally relevant electronic health teaching and communication tools and a network of professional capacity and patient and family support; and
(C)preparing a biannual report to Congress, in accordance with paragraph (5).  (4)Training program for clinicians and scientists (A)In generalThe consortium, in cooperation with the coordinating centers, shall establish or expand a physician training program, including information and education on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of CCM, and training and continuing education through programs for scientists, physicians, medical students, and other health professionals and care coordinators who provide care for patients with CCM, telehealth, and research relevant to CCM, for the purpose of supporting the development of new participation centers through educational programming to gain the expertise needed to become clinical and research participation centers with the potential to participate in clinical drug trials.
(B)StipendsThe Director of NIH may provide stipends for health professionals who are enrolled in the training programs described in subparagraph (A).  (C)EligibilityTo be eligible to participate in the training program, an individual shall be affiliated with an entity that is in an existing clinical research network of the National Institutes of Health.
(5)Report to CongressThe consortium shall biennially submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that describes the research, education, and other activities on CCM conducted or supported through the Department of Health and Human Services. Each such report shall include— (A)a research plan;
(B)provisions specifying the amounts expended by the Department of Health and Human Services with respect to various forms of CCM, including those affected by the common Hispanic Mutation, Ashkenazi Jewish mutation, CCM3 gene mutations, and other familial and sporadic forms of cerebral cavernous malformation; and  (C)recommendations for particular projects or types of projects that the national research institutes or other entities in the field of research should conduct on inherited or non-inherited forms of CCM..
4.Centers for Disease Control and prevention cerebral cavernous malformations surveillance and research programsPart B of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 243 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 317T the following:  317U.Cerebral cavernous malformations surveillance and research programs (a)In generalThe Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may award grants in such sums as may be necessary and cooperative agreements to public or nonprofit private entities (including State health departments, political subdivisions of States, universities, and other medical or educational entities) for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on cerebral cavernous malformations (referred to in this section as CCM).
(b)National cerebral cavernous malformations epidemiology programThe Secretary of Health and Human Services shall award grants and cooperative agreements, including technical assistance, to public or nonprofit private entities for— (1)the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on CCM; and
(2)epidemiological activities, including collecting and analyzing information on the number, incidence, correlates, and symptoms of cases and the clinical utility of specific practice patterns.  (c)National surveillance programThe Secretary shall—
(1)provide for a national surveillance program for the purpose of carrying out epidemiological activities regarding CCM, including collecting and analyzing information on the number, incidence, correlates, and symptoms of cases of CCM and the clinical utility (including costs and benefits) of specific practice patterns; and  (2)wherever possible, ensure that the surveillance program is coordinated with the data and sample collection activities of the National Institutes of Health under section 409K.
(d)Technical assistanceIn making awards under this section, the Secretary may provide direct technical assistance, including personnel support.  (e)Coordination with clinical centersThe Secretary shall ensure that epidemiological information is made available to clinical centers as supported by the Director of the National Institutes of Health under section 409K.
(f)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section..  5.Food and Drug Administration cerebral cavernous malformations clinical trial preparedness and support program (a)Investigational new drug applicationThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall coordinate with clinical centers, investigators, and advocates to support appropriate investigational new drug applications under section 505(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(i)) in an effort to hasten the pace of clinical trials for cerebral cavernous malformation.
(b)Orphan product developmentWhere applicable in rare subpopulations of cerebral cavernous malformation requiring unique pharmacological intervention, including subpopulations with the common Hispanic mutation or CCM3 gene mutations, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall support appropriate requests for designations of drugs as orphan drugs under section 526 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360bb).


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3598
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 7, 2011
			Ms. Clarke of New
			 York introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To prohibit fees with respect to electronic benefit
		  transfer debit cards used in connection with unemployment
		  compensation.

		1.Prohibition on charging fees
			 in connection with EBT debit cards in connection with unemployment
			 compensation
			(a)Approval of
			 State lawsParagraph (4) of
			 section 3304(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at
			 the end the following new sentence:

					For
				purposes of this paragraph, expenses of administration includes any fee in
				connection with the use of electronic benefit transfer debit cards for the
				payment of unemployment
				compensation..
			(b)Unemployment
			 fund definitionSubsection
			 (f) of section 3306 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following
			 flush sentence:

					For
				purposes of this subsection, expenses of administration includes any fee in
				connection with the use of electronic benefit transfer debit cards for the
				payment of unemployment
				compensation..
			(c)CertificationSection 303(a)(5) of the Social Security
			 Act is amended by striking and at the end and inserting the
			 following: Provided further, That, for purposes of this
			 paragraph, expenses of administration includes any fee in connection with the
			 use of electronic benefit transfer debit cards for the payment of unemployment
			 compensation; and.
			(d)Effective
			 dateIn the case of any
			 State, the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to
			 compensation paid for weeks which begin after the end of the 1-month period
			 beginning on the last day of the first session of the State legislature which
			 begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.


114 HR 5428 RH: Military Residency Choice Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-06-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IB
		Union Calendar No. 640
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5428
		[Report No. 114–816]
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 9, 2016
			Mr. Forbes introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

		November 14, 2016Additional sponsors: Mr. Knight,  Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Carter of Texas, Mr. Miller of Florida, and Mr. Issa
			November 14, 2016
			Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

		A BILL
		To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to authorize spouses of servicemembers to elect to use
			 the same residences as the servicemembers.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Military Residency Choice Act. 2.Residence of spouses of servicemembers for tax purposes (a)Residence for tax purposesSection 511(a)(2) of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 4001(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: The spouse of a servicemember may elect to use the same residence for purposes of taxation as the servicemember regardless of the date on which the marriage of the spouse and the servicemember occurred..
 (b)ApplicabilityThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any return of State or local income tax filed for any taxable year beginning with the taxable year that includes the date of the enactment of this Act.
			3.Residence of spouses of servicemembers for voting
 (a)In generalSection 705(b) of such Act is amended— (1)by striking State or local office and all that follows through the period at the end of paragraph (3) and inserting State or local office—; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:  (1)a person who is absent from a State because the person is accompanying the person’s spouse who is absent from that same State in compliance with military or naval orders shall not, solely by reason of that absence—
 (A)be deemed to have lost a residence or domicile in that State, without regard to whether or not the person intends to return to that State;
 (B)be deemed to have acquired a residence or domicile in any other State; or (C)be deemed to have become a resident in or a resident of any other State; and
 (2)the spouse of a servicemember may elect to use the same residence as the servicemember regardless of the date on which the marriage of the spouse and the servicemember occurred..
 (b)Effective dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the enactment of this Act.

		November 14, 2016
		Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4875
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 17, 2010
			Mr. Kanjorski (for
			 himself and Mr. Carney) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		A BILL
		To provide for the construction, renovation, and
		  improvement of medical school facilities, and other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Medical School Construction Grant
			 Act.
		2.FindingsCongress makes the following
			 findings:
			(1)Construction
			 employment declined by 53,000 in December 2009, and has fallen by 1,600,000
			 since the economic downturn began, according to the Bureau of Labor
			 Statistics.
			(2)By 2020, the
			 United States will face a shortage of about 85,000 physicians, due in part to
			 the aging population, according to the Council on Graduate Medical
			 Education.
			(3)The American
			 Academy of Family Physicians recommended in 2006 that to meet the need of
			 primary care physicians in 2020 the United States would need to train 3,725
			 family physicians and 714 osteopathic physicians annually, with an overall goal
			 of a 39 percent increase in family physicians.
			(4)The Association of
			 American Medical Colleges has called for increased enrollment at Liaison
			 Committee on Medical Education accredited schools from 15 to 30 percent over
			 the 2002 levels by 2015. This increase would boost the number of graduates to
			 about 20,000.
			(5)The Federal
			 Government has not supported significant construction of medical schools since
			 the 1960s and 1970s.
			3.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)Medical
			 schoolThe term medical school means any 4-year
			 allopathic or osteopathic medical school.
			(2)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human
			 Services.
			4.Grants
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall establish a program to award grants
			 to eligible medical schools for the purpose of constructing, renovating, or
			 improving medical school facilities to increase the supply of
			 physicians.
			(b)EligibilityTo
			 be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), a medical school
			 shall—
				(1)be accredited by
			 the Association of American Medical Colleges;
				(2)submit to the
			 Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
			 information as the Secretary may require; and
				(3)provide assurances
			 that the medical school will ensure accountability and transparency in
			 expending grant funds.
				(c)Use of
			 fundsAn entity shall use amounts received under a grant under
			 subsection (a) to construct new medical school facilities or renovate or
			 improve existing medical school facilities to increase the supply of
			 physicians.
			(d)AllocationThe
			 Secretary shall allocate amounts appropriated to carry out this section among
			 medical schools based on the following:
				(1)First priority in awarding grants shall be
			 given to new medical schools that are accredited to admit students beginning
			 with academic years 2009 through 2014.
				(2)Priority in
			 awarding grants shall be given to medical schools that seek to establish a new
			 branch of an existing school.
				(3)Priority in
			 awarding grants shall be given to medical schools that serve one or more
			 medically underserved populations designated under section 330(b) of the Public
			 Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(b)).
				5.Authorization of
			 appropriationsThere is
			 authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for each
			 of fiscal years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.


115 HR 5646 IH: Protecting against Opioid Prescription-abuse during Prenatal Year Study Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-04-27
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
115th CONGRESS2d Session
H. R. 5646
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 27, 2018
Mr. Curtis (for himself, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Diaz-Balart, and Mrs. Love) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a report on opioids prescribing practices for pregnant women.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Protecting against Opioid Prescription-abuse during Prenatal Year Study Act or the POPPY Study Act. 2.Report on opioids prescribing practices for pregnant women (a)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shall develop and submit to the Congress a report—
(1)on opioids prescribing practices for pregnant women and recommendations for such practices; (2)that provides recommendations for identifying and reducing opioids misuse during pregnancy;
(3)on prescription opioid misuse during pregnancy in urban and rural areas; (4)on prescription opioid use during pregnancy for the purpose of medication-assisted treatment in urban and rural areas;
(5)evaluating current utilization of non-opiate pain management practices in place of prescription opioids during pregnancy; (6)providing guidelines encouraging the use of non-opioid pain management practices during pregnancy when safe and effective; and
(7)that provides recommendations for increasing public awareness and education of opioid use disorder in pregnancy, including available treatment resources in urban and rural areas. (b)No additional fundsNo additional funds are authorized to be appropriated for purposes of carrying out subsection (a).


114 HRES 593 IH: Expressing support for designation of the week of February 1, 2016, through February 5, 2016, as “National School Counseling Week”.
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-02-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 593
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 1, 2016
			Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California (for herself, Ms. Jackson Lee, Mr. Levin, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Honda, Mr. Hinojosa, and Mr. Grijalva) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing support for designation of the week of February 1, 2016, through February 5, 2016, as National School Counseling Week.

 Whereas the American School Counselor Association has designated the week of February 1, 2016, through February 5, 2016, as National School Counseling Week;
 Whereas school counselors have long advocated that the education system of the United States must provide equitable opportunities for all students;
 Whereas school counselors have long emphasized the importance of personal and social development in contributing to academic achievement;
 Whereas school counselors help develop well-rounded students by guiding them through their academic, personal, social, and career development;
 Whereas school counselors play a vital role in ensuring that students are college and career ready and aware of financial aid and college opportunities;
 Whereas school counselors may encourage students to pursue challenging academic courses to prepare them for college majors and careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields;
 Whereas school counselors provide support for students whose family members have been deployed to conflicts overseas;
 Whereas school counselors help students cope with serious and common challenges of growing up, including peer pressure, bullying, mental health issues, school violence, disciplinary problems, and problems in the home;
 Whereas school counselors are also instrumental in helping students, teachers, and parents cope with trauma and community and national tragedies;
 Whereas school counselors are among the few professionals in a school building that are trained in both education and social and emotional development;
 Whereas despite the important contributions of school counselors to student success, counseling positions are not always protected when local budgets are cut, especially in tough economic times;
 Whereas the average student-to-counselor ratio in the Nation’s public schools, 482-to-1, is almost double the 250-to-1 ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and other organizations;
 Whereas the celebration of National School Counseling Week would increase awareness of the important and necessary role school counselors play in the lives of students in the United States; and
 Whereas the week of February 1, 2016, through February 5, 2016, would be an appropriate week to designate as National School Counseling Week: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)honors and recognizes the contributions of school counselors to the success of students in the Nation’s elementary and secondary schools; and
 (2)encourages the people of the United States to observe National School Counseling Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the crucial role school counselors play in preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of society.


113 S870 IS: Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act of 2013
U.S. Senate
2013-05-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 870
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 7, 2013
			Mr. Udall of New Mexico
			 (for himself and Ms. Hirono) introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to
		  promote the education of pregnant and parenting students.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Pregnant and Parenting Students Access
			 to Education Act of 2013.
		2.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are—
			(1)to ensure that
			 each pregnant and parenting student has equal access to the same free,
			 appropriate, high-quality public education that is provided to other
			 students;
			(2)to improve high
			 school graduation rates, career-readiness, access to postsecondary educational
			 opportunities, and outcomes for pregnant and parenting students and their
			 children; and
			(3)to assist each State and local educational
			 agency in improving its graduation rates and fulfilling its responsibilities
			 under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.)
			 with respect to pregnant and parenting students.
			3.Grants for State
			 and local activities for the education of pregnant and parenting
			 students
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of Education is authorized to make grants
			 to States to carry out the activities described in subsection (d). A grant made
			 under this section shall be for a minimum of 3 years, and the Secretary shall
			 have the discretion to renew the grant at the end of the grant period.
			(b)ApplicationA State desiring to receive a grant under
			 this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such
			 manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably
			 require, including, at a minimum, the State plan described in subsection
			 (f).
			(c)Allocation of
			 funds
				(1)Reservation of
			 funds for national activitiesFrom the funds made available to
			 carry out this Act, the Secretary may reserve not more than 5 percent for
			 national activities.
				(2)Allotment to the
			 Secretary of the InteriorThe
			 amount allocated for payments under this Act to the Secretary of the Interior
			 for any fiscal year shall be, as determined pursuant to criteria established by
			 the Secretary, the amount necessary to meet the needs of—
					(A)Indian children on
			 reservations served by secondary schools for Indian children operated or
			 supported by the Department of the Interior; and
					(B)out-of-State
			 Indian children in elementary schools and secondary schools in local
			 educational agencies under special contracts with the Department of the
			 Interior.
					(3)Formula grants
			 to StatesThe Secretary shall
			 allocate to States having approved applications the funds remaining after the
			 application of paragraphs (1) and (2) based on the percentage of the State’s
			 number of teen births compared to the number of teen births nationally, except
			 that the minimum grant for a State shall be $300,000.
				(4)Supplement not
			 supplantGrant funds provided under paragraph (3) shall be used
			 only to supplement the funds that would, in the absence of such Federal funds,
			 be made available from non-Federal sources for the education of pupils
			 participating in programs assisted under this Act, and not to supplant such
			 funds.
				(d)Use of
			 funds
				(1)In
			 generalFunds made available to a State under this Act shall be
			 used for the following:
					(A)To provide or enhance educational programs
			 and related services that enable pregnant and parenting students to enroll in,
			 attend, and succeed in school, and that are culturally and linguistically
			 competent.
					(B)To designate a
			 Coordinator for Education of Pregnant and Parenting Students in the State
			 educational agency to direct and manage the State educational agency’s
			 activities related to this Act, in collaboration with the State’s designated
			 employee responsible for the State’s efforts to comply with and carry out, to
			 the fullest extent, its responsibilities under title IX of the Education
			 Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.).
					(C)To prepare and
			 carry out a State plan described in subsection (f).
					(D)To develop and
			 implement high-quality professional development programs for local educational
			 agencies and school personnel.
					(E)To direct grants to rural and other local
			 educational agencies without capacity to prepare an application for funds so
			 that such local educational agencies may carry out the activities described in
			 subsections (e) and (f) of section 4.
					(F)To ensure that information about the
			 program is disseminated to all local educational agencies and made publicly and
			 readily available on the State educational agency’s Web site, including—
						(i)the
			 name and contact information for the individuals described in subparagraph
			 (B);
						(ii)a
			 list of subgrantees; and
						(iii)an
			 explanation of the rights of students and responsibilities of schools under
			 title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.),
			 including investigation and complaint procedures as required under subsection
			 (a) and (b) of section 106.8 of title 34, Code of Federal Regulations (as in
			 effect on the date of the enactment of this Act).
						(2)Reservation for
			 State-level activitiesFrom the funds made available to a State
			 under this Act, a State may reserve not more than 10 percent for State-level
			 activities.
				(3)SubgrantsThe
			 State shall distribute at least 90 percent of each State grant as subgrants to
			 local educational agencies in accordance with section 4.
				(e)Coordinator for
			 Education of Pregnant and Parenting StudentsThe Coordinator for
			 Education of Pregnant and Parenting Students in the State educational agency
			 described in subsection (d)(1)(B) shall—
				(1)gather information on the nature and extent
			 of State and local efforts to prevent teen pregnancy and the nature and extent
			 of barriers to educational access and success facing pregnant and parenting
			 students in the State, including information on reported incidents of
			 discrimination;
				(2)develop and carry
			 out the State plan described in subsection (f);
				(3)collect and report information to the
			 Secretary of Education, such as that which is listed in subparagraphs (A)
			 through (G) of section 6(a)(6);
				(4)facilitate the coordination of services
			 with the State agencies responsible for administering programs affecting
			 children, youth, and families (including for the purposes of maximizing the
			 leveraging of resources from such agencies), including—
					(A)Temporary
			 Assistance for Needy Families;
					(B)Medicaid;
					(C)Children’s Health
			 Insurance Program;
					(D)teen pregnancy
			 prevention, family planning, and maternal and child health programs;
					(E)Women, Infants and
			 Children Food and Nutrition Service;
					(F)Supplemental
			 Nutrition Assistance Program;
					(G)child care
			 programs;
					(H)early childhood
			 education, home visitation, and child welfare programs;
					(I)workforce
			 investment programs and postsecondary education;
					(J)housing assistance
			 and homeless assistance programs;
					(K)school-based
			 health services programs; and
					(L)programs carried
			 out by federally qualified health centers (as defined in sections 1861(aa)(4)
			 and 1905(a)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)(4) and
			 1396d(a)(2)(B))), health centers (as defined in section 330 of the Public
			 Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b)), and outpatient health programs and
			 facilities operated by tribal organizations;
					(5)coordinate and
			 collaborate with educators, service providers, and local educational agency
			 pregnant and parenting student liaisons;
				(6)provide technical assistance and training
			 to local educational agencies, including the dissemination of best practices;
			 and
				(7)report to the Secretary any complaints
			 received by the State about discrimination based on pregnancy or parenting
			 status and what actions were taken to address those complaints.
				(f)State
			 planPursuant to subsection (d)(1)(C), each State shall submit a
			 plan to provide for the education of pregnant and parenting students. Such plan
			 shall include the following:
				(1)A
			 description of how such students will be given the opportunity to meet the same
			 rigorous academic achievement and college and career-readiness standards that
			 all students are expected to meet.
				(2)The policy, protocol, or procedure that
			 each district or State implements once a pregnancy has been discovered on
			 campus; including how each district ensures the student understands his or her
			 rights under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et
			 seq.).
				(3)A
			 description of how the State will identify such students.
				(4)A
			 description of training programs to raise awareness of school personnel
			 regarding the rights and educational needs of pregnant and parenting
			 students.
				(5)A
			 description of procedures designed to ensure that students eligible for
			 Federal, State, or local food, housing, health care, or child care programs are
			 informed of their eligibility for, assisted in enrolling in, and able to
			 participate in such programs.
				(6)A
			 description of procedures designed to ensure that students eligible for
			 Federal, State, or local after-school programs or supplemental educational
			 services are enrolled in and able to participate in such programs.
				(7)Strategies that
			 respond to the problems identified under subsection (e)(1).
				(8)A demonstration that the State and its
			 local educational agencies have developed, reviewed, and revised policies to
			 remove barriers to enrollment and retention of pregnant and parenting students
			 in schools in the State.
				(9)Assurances
			 that—
					(A)State educational agencies and local
			 educational agencies will not stigmatize, discriminate against, or
			 involuntarily segregate students on the basis of pregnancy or parenting;
					(B)local educational agencies will designate a
			 pregnant and parenting student liaison to communicate with the Coordinator for
			 Education of Pregnant and Parenting Students in the State educational agency
			 and oversee the provision of services at the local educational agency and
			 school levels; and
					(C)State educational agencies and local
			 educational agencies will ensure that transportation is provided for students
			 who have an inability to pay for transportation and who—
						(i)choose to attend programs for pregnant and
			 parenting students located outside of their school of origin; or
						(ii)need transportation to and from school and
			 the student’s child care provider for the student and the student’s child,
			 respectively.
						(10)Description of how the State will ensure
			 that local educational agencies comply with requirements of this Act.
				(11)A description of technical assistance to be
			 provided to local educational agencies.
				(g)Professional
			 development and public educationEach State and each local educational
			 agency shall include in professional development and public education materials
			 reference to, and shall ensure that school personnel, students, and family
			 members of students are aware of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
			 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.) and its implementing regulations, which set forth the
			 Federal civil right to be free from discrimination on the basis of a student’s
			 pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery
			 therefrom. This includes the right to be free from harassment and
			 stigmatization on those bases, as well as the following:
				(1)The right to
			 enroll in any school or program for which they would otherwise qualify.
				(2)If enrolled into a
			 special program or separate school, the right to an education equal in quality
			 to that offered to other students in the mainstream or
			 originating school.
				(3)The right to
			 decline to participate in a specialized program or separate school.
				(4)The right to continue their education in
			 the school in which they were enrolled, or would have been enrolled, prior to
			 the student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy,
			 or recovery therefrom, including elementary or secondary schools, charter
			 schools, honors and magnet programs, Advanced Placement and International
			 Baccalaureate programs, career and technical education programs, special
			 education and non-public school placements, alternative options or programs,
			 migrant education, free and reduced lunch programs, services for English
			 language learners, physical education programs, after-school academic programs,
			 and any others for which they are otherwise qualified.
				(5)The right to participate in school
			 activities including graduations and other ceremonies; to receive awards or
			 peer recognition; to participate on field trips, student clubs and councils, in
			 after-school activities, including cheerleading or athletics teams; and in any
			 other school-related programs, subject to providing a medical release if that
			 is required of all students who have physical or emotional conditions requiring
			 the attention of medical personnel and who want to continue
			 participating.
				(6)The right to the
			 same benefits and services offered to students with other temporary
			 disabilities.
				(7)The right to an
			 excused absence for as long as the student’s physician deems it medically
			 necessary, without penalty, and automatic return to the status the student held
			 prior to the leave of absence.
				(8)The right not to
			 be retaliated against for raising awareness of, complaining about, or reporting
			 discrimination.
				(h)Coordination for
			 support servicesLocal
			 educational agencies may coordinate with social services agencies, public
			 health agencies, youth services providers, or other community-based
			 organizations for the purposes of ensuring that pregnant and parenting students
			 have access to the academic support services they need to continue their
			 education; and to raise awareness among agencies about pregnant and parenting
			 students and their educational rights and opportunities.
			(i)Pregnant and
			 parenting student liaisonThe
			 duties of a local educational agency’s pregnant and parenting student liaison
			 shall include—
				(1)identification, by consulting with school
			 personnel, and by self-reports, of pregnant and parenting students in need of
			 services to help them stay in school and succeed;
				(2)gathering information on the nature and
			 extent of barriers to educational access and success facing pregnant and
			 parenting students in the geographic area served by the local educational
			 agency, including information on reported incidents of discrimination;
				(3)ensuring and facilitating the continued
			 enrollment of pregnant and parenting students in school in an academic program
			 that best meets the educational goals of the student and his or her
			 family;
				(4)ensuring that the educational and related
			 barriers faced by pregnant and parenting students are addressed, and that any
			 services and referrals provided are culturally and linguistically
			 competent;
				(5)informing pregnant and parenting students
			 of educational and related services extended to pregnant and parenting students
			 and of their right under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20
			 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.) to continue their education; and
				(6)coordinating the provision of services in
			 conjunction with the Coordinator for Education of Pregnant and Parenting
			 Students in the State educational agency and with community organizations and
			 partners.
				4.Local educational
			 agency subgrants for the education of pregnant and parenting students
			(a)In
			 generalA State educational
			 agency receiving a grant under section 3 shall make competitive subgrants to
			 local educational agencies for the purpose of facilitating the enrollment,
			 attendance, and success in school of pregnant and parenting students. Services
			 may be provided on school grounds or at other facilities.
			(b)ApplicationLocal
			 educational agencies seeking subgrants shall submit an application to the State
			 educational agency in time and manner required by the State. The application
			 shall include—
				(1)an assessment of
			 the educational and related needs of pregnant and parenting students in the
			 local educational agency;
				(2)a description of the local educational
			 agency’s plan for addressing those needs, and assurance that the specific
			 services and programs for which subgrants are being sought are culturally and
			 linguistically competent;
				(3)assurance of the local educational agency’s
			 compliance with local educational agency requirements established in section 3;
			 and
				(4)a description of the local educational
			 agency’s plan for continuing specific services and programs for which subgrants
			 are being sought in case of the loss of or absence of Federal
			 assistance.
				(c)AwardsSubgrants under this section shall be
			 awarded on the basis of need and the strength of the application in meeting the
			 requirements and goals of this Act. Priority consideration shall be given to
			 applications from local educational agencies serving students in geographic
			 areas with—
				(1)teen birth rates that are higher than the
			 State average; or
				(2)teen birth rates below the State average
			 but having one or more racial or ethnic groups with teen birth rates higher
			 than the State average.
				(d)DurationSubgrants
			 under this section shall be for periods not to exceed 3 years.
			(e)Required
			 activitiesSubgrant funds shall be expended for activities that
			 include—
				(1)the provision of academic support services
			 for pregnant and parenting students, which may include, but are not limited to
			 academic counseling, the development of individualized graduation plans,
			 assistance with class scheduling, assistance with planning for and gaining
			 access to postsecondary educational opportunities, assistance securing tutoring
			 or other academic support services, supplemental instruction, homework
			 assistance, tutoring, or other educational services, such as homebound
			 instruction services to be provided during extended leaves of absence due to
			 pregnancy complications, childbirth, or the illness of a student’s child, to
			 keep the student on track to finish the student’s classes and graduate;
				(2)assistance to
			 pregnant and parenting students in gaining access to quality, affordable child
			 care and early childhood education services;
				(3)the provision of
			 transportation services or assistance so that parenting students and their
			 children can get to and from school and child care, respectively, and so that
			 pregnant students unable to walk long distances can get to school if
			 transportation is not already provided for that student;
				(4)the provision of services and programs to
			 attract, engage, and retain pregnant and parenting students in school,
			 including informing pregnant and parenting teenagers and their family members
			 and caring adults of their right to continue their education, the importance of
			 doing so, and the consequences of not doing so;
				(5)the education of
			 students, parents and community members about the educational rights of
			 pregnant and parenting students;
				(6)the professional
			 development of school personnel regarding the challenges facing pregnant and
			 parenting students and their educational rights;
				(7)proactive outreach
			 efforts to assist pregnant and parenting teenagers with excessive absences and
			 to re-enroll pregnant or parenting teenagers who have dropped out of
			 school;
				(8)the revision of school policies and
			 practices to remove barriers and to encourage pregnant and parenting students
			 to continue their education, including—
					(A)the revision of attendance policies to
			 allow for students to be excused from school, school activities, after-school
			 activities, or school-related programs for—
						(i)attendance at pregnancy-related medical
			 appointments, including expectant fathers who are students;
						(ii)fulfillment of
			 the student’s parenting responsibilities, including arranging child care,
			 caring for the student’s sick child or children, and attending medical
			 appointments for the student’s child or children; and
						(iii)such other
			 situations beyond the control of the student as determined by the board of
			 education in each local educational agency, or such other circumstances which
			 cause reasonable concern to student or the student’s parent for the safety or
			 health of the student, for example addressing circumstances resulting from
			 domestic or sexual violence; and
						(B)the creation and
			 implementation of a policy flexible enough to meet the individualized lactation
			 and medical needs of student mothers, including reasonable break time from
			 class, access to a clean, private space and protection from retaliation for
			 this purpose;
					(9)the provision to
			 student parents, and at a student’s request, also to a non-student parent or
			 other family members and caring adults, of training and support in parenting
			 skills, healthy relationship skills, strategies to prevent future unplanned
			 pregnancy, and other life skills such as goal setting, budgeting, time
			 management, financial literacy, networking, job interviewing, applying for
			 college and securing financial aid; and
				(10)the provision to
			 pregnant and parenting students of educational and career mentoring services
			 and peer groups, whether during school hours or after school.
				(f)Allowable
			 activities
				(1)In
			 generalSubgrant funds may be expended for allowable activities
			 such as—
					(A)the provision of
			 child care and early childhood education for the child of the parenting
			 student, either by providing these services directly on school grounds or by
			 other arrangement, such as by providing financial assistance to obtain such
			 services at a child care facility within a reasonable distance of the
			 school;
					(B)the provision of case management services
			 to pregnant and parenting students, such as assistance with applying for and
			 accessing public benefits and Federal financial aid for postsecondary education
			 and training;
					(C)the provision of, or referrals to,
			 pregnancy prevention, primary health care, maternal and child health, family
			 planning, mental health, substance abuse, housing assistance, homeless
			 assistance, legal aid services, including paternity testing, establishing
			 parental rights, child custody arrangements, and other services needed by the
			 student;
					(D)the provision of
			 emergency financial or in-kind assistance to a parenting student to fulfill the
			 basic human needs of a student and the student’s child;
					(E)efforts to create a positive school climate
			 for pregnant and parenting students, including addressing discrimination
			 against, harassment and stigmatization of pregnant and parenting students;
			 and
					(F)the provision of training practicums for
			 graduate students in social work to carry out the purpose of the grant.
					(2)Medically
			 accurate and complete information
					(A)In
			 generalWith respect to information provided under paragraph
			 (1)(C) and subsection (e)(9), whether provided by local educational agencies or
			 by contract or arrangement as described in subsection (g), the information
			 shall be, where appropriate, medically accurate and complete and
			 developmentally appropriate for the intended audience.
					(B)DefinitionFor
			 purposes of this paragraph, the term medically accurate and
			 complete means verified or supported by the weight of research conducted
			 in compliance with accepted scientific methods and—
						(i)published in
			 peer-reviewed journals, where applicable; or
						(ii)comprising
			 information that leading professional organizations and agencies with relevant
			 expertise in the field recognize as accurate, objective, and complete.
						(g)Activities of
			 nonprofit community organizationsLocal educational agencies may provide and
			 expend subgrant funds on required activities authorized in subsection (e) or
			 allowable activities authorized in subsection (f) directly or by contract or
			 arrangement with social services agencies, public health agencies, youth
			 services providers, or other nonprofit community-based organizations with
			 experience effectively assisting pregnant and parenting students to stay in
			 school by conducting the activities described in subsections (e) and
			 (f).
			5.Conversion to
			 categorical program in event of failure of state regarding expenditure of
			 grants
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall,
			 from the amounts specified in subsection (b), make grants to local educational
			 agencies in a State described in subsection (b) for the required activities
			 specified in section 4(e) and the allowable activities specified in section
			 4(f).
			(b)ApplicationA
			 local educational agency desiring a grant under this section shall submit an
			 application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary
			 may require.
			(c)Specification
			 of fundsThe amounts referred
			 to in subsection (a) are any amounts that would have been allocated to a State
			 under section 3(c)(3) that are not paid to the State as a result of—
				(1)the failure of the State to submit an
			 application under section 3(b);
				(2)the failure of the State, in the
			 determination of the Secretary, to prepare the application in accordance with
			 such section or to submit the application within a reasonable period of time;
			 or
				(3)the State informing the Secretary that the
			 State does not intend to expend the full amount of such allocation.
				6.National
			 activities
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of
			 Education shall carry out the following activities:
				(1)Review of State plans to ensure they
			 adequately address all of the elements listed in section 3(f) of this
			 Act.
				(2)Provide technical
			 assistance to State educational agencies.
				(3)Provide guidance to Federal programs and
			 grantees likely to have contact with pregnant and parenting students and their
			 family members and caring adults regarding the educational rights of pregnant
			 and parenting students and the State educational agencies responsibilities,
			 including the responsibilities under this Act.
				(4)At the end of each 3-year grant period,
			 conduct a rigorous, evidence-based, comprehensive evaluation of the local
			 educational agency programs funded by these grants and their effectiveness in
			 improving graduation rates and educational outcomes for pregnant and parenting
			 students, including acceptance and enrollment in higher education. The findings
			 of such evaluations shall be reported to Congress.
				(5)Conduct a one-time national evaluation of
			 pregnant and parenting student access to education program service delivery
			 models, directly or via contract with an independent research institution.
			 Identify and disseminate the findings and best practices at the State and local
			 levels, including models of programs that are successful at, or show promise
			 of, serving specific racial or ethnic groups or have been modified and tested
			 with specific racial or ethnic groups, and create an online best practices
			 clearinghouse as a resource for other State educational agencies and local
			 educational agencies.
				(6)Annually collect and disseminate
			 nonpersonally identifiable data and information, in a manner protective of
			 student privacy, and disaggregated by each school or alternative program
			 identified pursuant to subparagraph (B) and by whether services for pregnant
			 and parenting students are offered in school or off-site, on—
					(A)the number of pregnant and parenting
			 students enrolled in school;
					(B)rates and participation of pregnant and
			 parenting students in mainstream or originating schools, rates and
			 participation of pregnant and parenting students in alternative programs and,
			 for each alternative program, an indication as to whether it is offered in a
			 mainstream school or off-site;
					(C)pregnant and parenting students’
			 performance on academic assessments;
					(D)pregnant and parenting students’ graduation
			 rates, dropout rates and transfer rates;
					(E)rates of usage by pregnant and parenting
			 students of child care services or assistance (if offered);
					(F)rates of usage by pregnant or parenting
			 students of other services offered (broken down by type of service); and
					(G)such other data and information as the
			 Secretary determines to be necessary and relevant.
					(7)Coordinate data
			 collection and dissemination with the agencies and entities that receive funds
			 under this Act and those that administer programs in accordance with this
			 Act.
				(b)Reporting
			 ratesNotwithstanding
			 subsection (a)(6)(B) through (F), if the number of pregnant and parenting
			 students in a particular school or program in a State is smaller than a size
			 determined by such State, it shall be reported by the applicable local
			 educational agency, and if the number of pregnant and parenting students under
			 the jurisdiction of a local educational agency in a State is smaller than a
			 size determined by such State, it shall be reported by such State.
			7.Effect on Federal
			 and State nondiscrimination lawsNothing in this Act shall be construed to
			 preempt, invalidate, or limit rights, remedies, procedures, or legal standards
			 available to victims of discrimination or retaliation under any other Federal
			 law or a law of a State or political subdivision of a State, including title VI
			 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), title IX of the
			 Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), section 504 of the
			 Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), the Americans with Disabilities Act
			 of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), section 1557 of the Patient Protection and
			 Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18116), or section 1979 of the Revised Statutes
			 (42 U.S.C. 1983). The obligations imposed by this Act are in addition to those
			 imposed by title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et
			 seq.), title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), the
			 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), and section
			 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C.
			 18116).
		8.Definition of
			 StateFor purposes of this
			 Act, the term State means each of the 50 States, the District of
			 Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern
			 Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, and
			 any other territory or possession of the United States.
		9.Authorization of
			 appropriationsThere is
			 authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act such sums as may be
			 necessary for fiscal years 2014 through 2018.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 2526
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			December 19, 2007
			Mr. Menendez (for
			 himself, Mr. Durbin, and
			 Mr. Kennedy) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To protect health care workers and first responders,
		  including police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other workers
		  at risk of workplace exposure to infectious agents and drug resistant
		  infections, such as MRSA and pandemic influenza.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Worker Infection Protection
			 Act.
		2.Protecting
			 workers from infections
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of
			 Labor and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall jointly develop and
			 issue workplace standards, recommendations, and plans to protect health care
			 workers and first responders, including police, firefighters, emergency medical
			 personnel, and other workers at risk of workplace exposure to infectious agents
			 and drug resistant infections, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
			 aureus (referred to in this Act as MRSA) and pandemic
			 influenza.
			(b)Workplace
			 safety and health standards
				(1)Temporary
			 standardNot later than 6
			 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor, in
			 consultation with the Director of the National Institute for Occupational
			 Safety and Health, pursuant to section 6(c) of the Occupational Safety and
			 Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655(c)), shall develop and issue an emergency
			 temporary standard for the protection of health care workers and first
			 responders and other workers at risk of exposure, to prevent occupational
			 exposure to infectious agents and toxins, such as MRSA and pandemic
			 influenza.
				(2)Permanent
			 standardNot later than 6
			 months after the issuance of the emergency temporary standard under paragraph
			 (1), the Secretary of Labor shall issue a final permanent standard for
			 occupational exposure to infectious agents and toxins, including MRSA and
			 pandemic influenza, under section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health
			 Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655(B)).
				(3)RequirementsThe emergency temporary standard and final
			 permanent standard under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall, at a minimum, provide
			 for the following:
					(A)The development and implementation of an
			 exposure control plan to protect workers from airborne and contact hazards in
			 accordance with the Guideline for Protecting Workers Against Avian Flu issued
			 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (March 2004), the Centers
			 for Disease Control and Prevention Interim Recommendations for Infection
			 Control in Health Care Facilities Caring for Patients with Known or Suspected
			 Avian Influenza (issued May 21, 2004), and the World Health Organization (WHO)
			 Global Influenza Preparedness Plan (issued April 2005).
					(B)Personal protective equipment, in
			 accordance with the requirements of sections 1910.134 and 1910.132 of title 29,
			 Code of Federal Regulations.
					(C)Training and information in accordance with
			 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Bloodborne Pathogens standard
			 under section 1910.1030(g) of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations.
					(D)Appropriate medical surveillance for
			 workers exposed to infections agents, including MRSA or pandemic
			 influenza.
					(E)Immunization against the pandemic influenza
			 virus, if such a vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration
			 and is available.
					(4)Effective
			 dateThe temporary emergency
			 standard issued under paragraph (1) shall take effect not later than 90 days
			 after the promulgation of such standard, except that the effective date for any
			 requirements for engineering controls shall go into effect not later than 90
			 days after the promulgation of the permanent standard under paragraph (2). The
			 provisions of the emergency temporary standard under paragraph (1) shall remain
			 in effect until the permanent standard takes effect under paragraph (2).
				(c)Pandemic
			 Influenza Preparedness Plan Revisions
				(1)Minimal
			 requirementsNot later than
			 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health
			 and Human Services shall revise the provisions of the pandemic influenza plan
			 of the Department of Health and Human Services to conform with the minimal
			 worker protection requirements described in subsection (b)(3).
				(2)Final
			 standardsNot later than 30
			 days after the promulgation of a permanent standard under subsection (b)(2),
			 the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall modify the pandemic influenza
			 plan of the Department of Health and Human Services to conform with the
			 provisions of the occupational safety and health standard issued by the
			 Secretary of Labor under such subsection.


110 HRES 1273 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-06-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 1273
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 12, 2008
			Mr. Kennedy (for
			 himself, Mr. Wolf,
			 Ms. Baldwin, and
			 Mr. Rohrabacher) submitted the
			 following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of the House of
		  Representatives regarding the human rights crisis of Laotian and Hmong people
		  in Laos and Thailand.

		Whereas tens of thousands of Laotian and ethnic Hmong
			 forces served honorably and courageously in defense of the national security
			 interests of Laos, Thailand, and the United States;
		Whereas special ethnic Hmong military and paramilitary air
			 and ground forces, along with United States Armed Forces and clandestine
			 forces, conducted many heroic and successful large-scale air and ground
			 operations against North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao guerrilla forces, including
			 the rescue of United States Air Force, Navy, and Army pilots shot down in Laos
			 and Vietnam during the Vietnam War;
		Whereas Laos and the Royal Lao Government fell to the
			 Communist Pathet Lao and invading North Vietnamese forces in 1975;
		Whereas Pathet Lao guerilla forces, in cooperation with
			 invading military forces from North Vietnam, established the authoritarian,
			 one-party communist regime that continues to rule Laos and maintains a strict
			 monopoly on political power;
		Whereas tens of thousands of Lao and Hmong people,
			 including the Royal Lao family, many in the Royal Lao Government, and the Royal
			 Lao Army as well as those individuals who served with the United States Armed
			 Forces and clandestine forces were persecuted, imprisoned, or killed by the Lao
			 People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) regime;
		Whereas tens of thousands of Laotians, including ethnic
			 Hmong who served with United States Armed Forces and clandestine forces during
			 the Vietnam War, fled the communist regime and were given political asylum and
			 refugee status in Thailand and eventually resettled in third countries such as
			 Australia, Canada, France, and the United States;
		Whereas His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand
			 and the Royal Thai Government have historically provided political asylum and
			 compassionate humanitarian assistance to Lao and Hmong refugees who have fled
			 the brutal LPDR regime;
		Whereas tens of thousands of Laotians and ethnic Hmong
			 have been granted political asylum in the United States and resettled to become
			 productive, positive, prosperous, and good citizens and members of their
			 communities;
		Whereas the LPDR, a one-party state, has a serious and
			 repeated record of human rights violations, religious persecution, and military
			 and security force attacks against its own citizens, especially against the
			 minority ethnic Hmong people;
		Whereas the LPDR regime refuses to allow human rights
			 organizations unfettered access to areas of concern in Laos where, according to
			 Amnesty International and other independent human rights organizations,
			 intensified military attacks against unarmed Lao and Hmong civilians continued
			 in 2007 and 2008, including in Bolikamsai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Xieng
			 Khouang Province;
		Whereas the Department of State reported in its 2007
			 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Laos that Laos restricts its
			 citizens from enjoying the freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion, and from
			 undertaking activities to change their government;
		Whereas the LPDR regime in Laos continues to deny
			 independent human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human
			 Rights Watch access to, or monitoring of, Lao and Hmong returnees from Thailand
			 or those individuals who are captured or surrender in Laos;
		Whereas as a result of ongoing political violence and
			 military attacks in Laos directed against thousands of Laotian and Hmong
			 people, asylum seekers continue to seek refuge in Thailand;
		Whereas over 7,000 Lao and Hmong political refugees and
			 asylum seekers have fled Laos and sought refuge from the Lao Government at a
			 make shift camp at Ban Huay Nam Khao, Phetchabun Province, Thailand;
		Whereas in January 2007, the United Nations High
			 Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) issued a statement of concern regarding
			 Thailand’s decision to deport 16 Lao and Hmong from Nong Khai, Thailand, to
			 Laos without screening them to see if they needed international protection, and
			 repeated its offer to help Thai authorities put in place a screening system;
			 and
		Whereas the United States has a vital national security
			 interest in and moral obligation to assist its former allies and those Laotians
			 and Hmong seeking political asylum at Ban Huay Nam Khao, Nong Khai, and
			 elsewhere in Laos and Thailand: Now, therefore, be it

		That the House of Representatives
			 strongly supports and urges that—
			(1)the Lao Government should—
				(A)end the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in
			 Laos by immediately ceasing all military and security force attacks and actions
			 against Lao and Hmong civilians and dissident Laotian political and minority
			 religious groups;
				(B)provide immediate, unfettered international
			 access by independent human rights, humanitarian, and United Nations
			 organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
			 (UNHCR), to closed areas and military zones in Laos where Laotians and Hmong
			 are being killed, starved to death, persecuted, or have been internally
			 displaced or fled;
				(C)comply with the
			 provisions of H. Res. 402 from the 108th Congress which urges the Lao
			 Government to move toward an open, prodemocratic society that respects the
			 human rights of its people and to cease its military attacks and its
			 persecution of Laotian and Hmong citizens including student activists;
			 and
				(D)release the
			 leaders of the Lao Students Movement for Democracy of October 1999 and other
			 Lao political and religious opposition leaders and prisoners of conscience;
			 and
				(2)His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of
			 Thailand, the Royal Thai Government, and commanders of the Thai Army and
			 military, including the Thai Third Army, should—
				(A)allow UNHCR access to the over 7,000 Lao
			 and Hmong political refugees and asylum seekers at Ban Huay Nam Khao and
			 elsewhere in Thailand;
				(B)continue to allow
			 the over 7,000 Lao and Hmong political refugees and asylum seekers at Ban Huay
			 Nam Khao to be given humanitarian assistance and sanctuary and to remain in
			 Thailand until such time as they can be resettled in third countries by UNHCR
			 and nongovernmental organizations;
				(C)allow transparency and access for
			 journalists, humanitarian aid groups, and human rights monitors seeking to help
			 the Laotian and Hmong refugees at Ban Huay Nam Khao to assist by providing
			 humanitarian and resettlement assistance;
				(D)refrain from any
			 further repatriation of Lao and Hmong refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand
			 who have fled from the LPDR regime in Laos; and
				(E)continue to allow Lao and Hmong refugees
			 and asylum seekers from Laos fleeing the LPDR regime’s intensified military
			 attacks as well as Lao political, religious, and opposition dissidents to have
			 sanctuary in Thailand until they can be assisted by the UNHCR and the
			 international community.


110 HR 7007 IH: National Commission on American

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-09-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 7007
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 23, 2008
			Mr. Ackerman (for
			 himself, Mr. McCotter,
			 Mr. Kanjorski, and
			 Mr. Wolf) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Science and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Oversight and Government
			 Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
			 Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
			 jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To establish the American Cybersecurity Commission to
		  investigate the current threats to the cybersecurity of American business and
		  infrastructure from foreign entities.

		1.Short TitleThis Act may be cited as the
			 National Commission on American
			 Cybersecurity Act of 2008.
		2.Establishment of
			 the CommissionThere is
			 established a commission to be known as the National Commission on
			 American Cybersecurity (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the
			 Commission.
		3.Duties of the
			 CommissionThe duties of the
			 Commission shall be—
			(1)to analyze the
			 cybersecurity of American business, national infrastructure, and United States
			 Government non-military and non-national security related computer systems
			 against compromise from foreign entities, both governmental and private;
			(2)to assess the
			 current effectiveness of those American institutions and National
			 infrastructure in remaining secure against foreign interference; and
			(3)to
			 recommend a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for American business,
			 national infrastructure, and United States Government non-military and
			 non-national security related computer systems.
			4.Membership
			(a)Number and
			 AppointmentThe Commission
			 shall be composed of 13 members as follows:
				(1)1
			 member, who shall serve as the chairman of the Commission, appointed by the
			 Speaker of the House of Representatives.
				(2)2
			 members appointed by the majority leader of the House of
			 Representatives.
				(3)2 members appointed by the minority leader
			 of the House of Representatives.
				(4)2
			 members appointed by the majority leader of the Senate.
				(5)2
			 members appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.
				(6)4
			 members appointed by the President.
				(b)Qualifications
				(1)ExpertiseEach
			 member of the Commission shall be appointed on the basis of recognized
			 expertise, experience, or familiarity with computers, the internet, or the
			 security issues specified in section 3.
				(2)Non-government
			 sectorMembers of the Commission may not be officers, employees,
			 or elected officials of any government while serving as members of the
			 Commission.
				(c)Political Party
			 AffiliationNot more than 7 members of the Commission shall be
			 from the same political party.
			(d)Continuation of
			 MembershipIf a member was appointed to the Commission because
			 the member was not an officer, employee, or elected official of any government
			 and later becomes such an officer, employee, or official, that member may
			 continue as a member of the Commission for not longer than the 60-day period
			 beginning on the date that member becomes such an officer, employee, or
			 official, as the case may be.
			(e)TermsEach member shall be appointed for the life
			 of the Commission.
			(f)Basic
			 PayTo the extent or in the
			 amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts, each member of the
			 Commission may be compensated at a level not to exceed the daily equivalent of
			 the annual rate of basic pay in effect for a position at level IV of the
			 Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each
			 day during which that member is engaged in the actual performance of the duties
			 of the Commission.
			(g)Travel
			 ExpensesEach member shall receive travel expenses, including per
			 diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under
			 subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
			(h)Quorum7
			 members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may
			 hold hearings.
			(i)MeetingsThe Commission shall meet upon the call of
			 the chairman or a majority of its members.
			5.Staff of
			 Commission
			(1)DirectorThe Chairman of the Commission, in
			 accordance with the rules agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint a
			 Director. The Director shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the equivalent of
			 that payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section
			 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
			(2)StaffThe Chairman of the Commission, in
			 accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the
			 compensation of additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the
			 Commission to carry out its functions, without regard to the provisions of
			 title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service,
			 and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of
			 chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and general schedules pay
			 rates; except that no rate of pay fixed under this paragraph may exceed the
			 equivalent of that payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule
			 under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
			(3)Experts and
			 ConsultantsSubject to rules
			 prescribed by the Commission, the Commission may procure temporary and
			 intermittent services under section 3109(b) or title 5, United States Code, but
			 at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily rate paid to a person
			 occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315
			 of title 5, United States Code.
			(4)Staff of Federal
			 AgenciesUpon request of the Commission, the head of any Federal
			 department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel
			 of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its
			 duties under this Act.
			6.Powers of
			 Commission
			(a)Hearings and
			 SessionsThe Commission may,
			 for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times
			 and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers
			 appropriate.
			(b)Powers of
			 Members and AgentsAny member or agent of the Commission may, if
			 authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is
			 authorized to take by this section.
			(c)Obtaining
			 Official DataThe Commission may secure directly from any
			 department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable it to
			 carry out this Act. Upon the request of the Chairperson, the head of that
			 department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission.
			(d)Administrative
			 Support ServicesUpon the request of the Commission, the
			 Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a
			 reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the
			 Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this Act.
			(e)Subpoena
			 Power
				(1)In
			 generalThe Commission may
			 issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the
			 production of any evidence relating to any matter which the Commission is
			 empowered to investigate. The attendance of witnesses and the production of
			 evidence may be required from any place within the United States at any
			 designated place of hearing within the United States.
				(2)Failure to Obey
			 a SubpoenaIf a person refuses to obey a subpoena issued under
			 paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission may apply to a United States
			 district court for an order requiring that person to appear before the
			 Commission to give testimony, produce evidence, or both, relating to the matter
			 under investigation. The application may be made within the judicial district
			 where the hearing is conducted or where that person is found, resides, or
			 transacts business. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished
			 by the court as civil contempt.
				(3)Service of
			 SubpoenasThe subpoenas of the Commission shall be served in the
			 manner provided for by a United States District court under the Federal Rules
			 of Civil Procedure for the United States district courts.
				(4)Service of
			 ProcessAll process of any court to which application is made
			 under paragraph (2) of this subsection may be served in the judicial district
			 in which the person required to be served resides or may be found.
				(f)ImmunityThe
			 Commission is an agency of the United States for the purpose of part V of title
			 18, United States Code. A person may not be excused from testifying or from
			 producing evidence pursuant to a subpoena on the ground that the testimony or
			 evidence required by the subpoena may tend to incriminate or subject that
			 person to criminal prosecution. A person, after having claimed the privilege
			 against self-incrimination, may not be criminally prosecuted by reason of any
			 transaction, matter, or thing which that person is compelled to testify about
			 or produce evidence relating to, except that the person may be prosecuted for
			 perjury committed during the testimony or made in the evidence.
			7.Reports
			(a)Interim
			 ReportsThe Commission may
			 submit to the President and the Congress interim reports as the Commission
			 considers appropriate.
			(b)Final
			 ReportsThe Commission shall transmit a final report to the
			 President and the Congress not later than 24 months after the Commission’s
			 first meeting. The final report shall contain a detailed statement of the
			 findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its
			 recommendations.
			(c)Reports
			 Available to the PublicAll findings and reports issued by the
			 Commission shall be made available to the public.
			8.TerminationThe Commission, and all the authorities of
			 this Act, shall terminate 30 days after the date on which the final report is
			 submitted under section 7(b).


115 HR 7131 IH: Preserving Home and Office Numbers in Emergencies Act of 2018
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-11-14
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.

I115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7131IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 14, 2018Mr. Thompson of California (for himself and Mr. Francis Rooney of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for a moratorium on number reassignment after a
			 disaster declaration, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Preserving Home and Office Numbers in Emergencies Act of 2018. 2.Moratorium on number reassignment after disaster declaration (a)In generalSection 251(e) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 251(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(4)Moratorium on number reassignment after disaster declaration
 (A)In generalDuring a covered period with respect to an area, a number assigned in such area may not be reassigned, and the assignment of such number may not be rescinded or otherwise modified, except at the request of the subscriber to which such number is assigned.
 (B)Extension at request of subscriberAt the request of the subscriber, the prohibition in subparagraph (A) shall be extended with respect to the number assigned to such subscriber for 2 years beyond the end of the covered period.
						(C)Subscriber right to cancel and resubscribe
 (i)In generalIn the case of a number that is assigned to a subscriber for the provision of wireline voice service at a residence that is located in an area that is in a covered period (or in the case of such a number with respect to which the subscriber requests an extension under subparagraph (B)), if the major disaster involved results in covered damage to such residence—
 (I)the provider of such service may not charge the subscriber any early termination or other fee in connection with the cancellation of such service; and
 (II)if the subscriber cancels such service, such provider (or any other provider of wireline voice service that serves the location involved)—
 (aa)shall permit the subscriber to subscribe or resubscribe, as the case may be, to wireline voice service with such number at such residence or at a different residence (if such number is available in the location of such different residence); and
 (bb)may not charge the subscriber any connection fee or other fee relating to the initiation of such service.
 (ii)TimingClause (i) shall cease to apply with respect to the number at the end of the covered period or at the end of the extended period under subparagraph (B), as the case may be.
 (iii)LimitationExcept as provided in this subparagraph, the prohibition in subparagraph (A) and any extension of such prohibition under subparagraph (B) shall cease to apply with respect to a number when the subscriber cancels the service with respect to which the number is assigned.
 (D)Identification on Commission websiteThe Commission shall publicly identify on the website of the Commission each area that is in a covered period.
 (E)DefinitionsIn this paragraph: (i)Covered damageThe term covered damage means, with respect to a residence, damage—
 (I)that renders a residence inaccessible or uninhabitable, or that results in displacement from the residence; and
 (II)with respect to which the President determines that an individual or household is eligible for housing assistance or other needs assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
 (ii)Covered periodThe term covered period means, with respect to an area, any period that— (I)begins on the date of a declaration by the President of a major disaster under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) with respect to such area; and
 (II)ends on the date that is 1 year after the date on which such declaration expires. (iii)Wireline voice serviceThe term wireline voice service has the meaning given the term voice service in section 227(e)(8), except that the term wireline voice service does not include commercial mobile service (as defined in section 332(d)).
							.
 (b)Effective dateParagraph (4) of section 251(e) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 251(e)), as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (c)Transitional ruleClause (iii) of subparagraph (E) of paragraph (4) of section 251(e) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 251(e)), as added by subsection (a), shall apply before the effective date of the amendment made to section 227(e)(8) of such Act (47 U.S.C. 227(e)(8)) by subparagraph (C) of section 503(a)(2) of division P of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115–141) as if such amendment were already in effect.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 107
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 6, 2009
			Mr. Vitter introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		A BILL
		To authorize funding for the Advancing Justice through
		  DNA Technology initiative.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Funding DNA Technology Initiative
			 Act of 2009.
		2.DNA
			 InitiativeThere are
			 authorized to be appropriated for the programs, grants, and other activities
			 under the Advancing Justice through DNA Technology initiative announced by the
			 President on March 11, 2003, $217,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and
			 2011.


110 HR 6836 IH: To designate the facility of the United States Postal

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-09-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6836
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 8, 2008
			Mr. McCotter
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Oversight and Government
			 Reform

		A BILL
		To designate the facility of the United States Postal
		  Service located at 140 Merriman Road in Garden City, Michigan, as the
		  John J. Shivnen Post Office Building.

		1.John J. Shivnen Post Office
			 Building
			(a)DesignationThe facility of the United States Postal
			 Service located at 140 Merriman Road in Garden City, Michigan, shall be known
			 and designated as the John J. Shivnen Post Office
			 Building.
			(b)ReferencesAny reference in a law, map, regulation,
			 document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred
			 to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the John J.
			 Shivnen Post Office Building.


115 SRES 525 ATS: Designating September 2018 as National Democracy Month as a time to reflect on the contributions of the system of government of the United States to a more free and stable world.
U.S. Senate
2018-05-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		III
		115th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 525
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 24, 2018
			Mr. Grassley (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Casey, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Enzi, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Booker, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Reed, Mr. Markey, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Udall, Mr. Coons, Ms. Warren, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Rubio, Mrs. Shaheen, and Mr. Barrasso) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

		September 12, 2018Committee discharged; considered and agreed toRESOLUTION
		Designating September 2018 as National Democracy Month as a time to reflect on the contributions of
			 the system of government of the United States to a more free and stable
			 world.

 Whereas, 2,000 years after the ancient Greeks laid the groundwork for democracy, the founders of the United States built an even greater system of government, a democratic republic, propelling the United States to become the most advanced nation in human history;
 Whereas the model of government of the United States has been reproduced around the world; Whereas, according to Freedom House, despite the expansion of democracy worldwide, today more than 1 in 3 people in the world do not live in states considered free;
 Whereas the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, with the addition of the Reconstruction Era amendments, including the 14th and 15th Amendments, and the 19th Amendment, enshrine the rights and civil liberties of citizens of the United States, including the right to vote in free and fair elections;
 Whereas the perpetuation of the ideals of democracy does not happen on its own, and can be stalled or reversed;
 Whereas surveys show that citizens of the United States are losing faith in the democratic system; Whereas, according to a study published in the Journal of Democracy—
 (1)91 percent of young people in the United States in the 1930s thought it essential to live in a democracy; (2)only 30 percent of young people in the United States in 2018 think that it is essential to live in a democracy; and
 (3)24 percent of young people in the United States in 2018 think that democracy is a bad or very bad way of running the country; Whereas Freedom House concluded that Democracy as the world’s dominant form of government is under greater threat than at any point in the last 25 years;
 Whereas former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor said The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned anew by each generation of citizens;
 Whereas President John F. Kennedy said Democracy is never a final achievement. It is a call to effort, to sacrifice, and a willingness to live and to die in its defense;
 Whereas President Ronald Reagan said Democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man;
 Whereas World War II demonstrated the fragility of democracy and its accompanying civilized life; Whereas British Prime Minister Winston Churchill observed that Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have ever been tried;
 Whereas President George Washington said the United States must recognize the immense value of the national Union and work towards its preservation with jealous anxiety and wrote that the security of a free Constitution may be accomplished by teaching the people themselves to know and to value their own rights;
 Whereas President Thomas Jefferson wrote Educate and inform the whole mass of the people … . They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty; and
 Whereas evidence of the diminution of strong support for democratic principles in recent years among citizens of the United States suggests the government of the United States must once more teach and educate the people by taking appropriate actions to highlight and emphasize the importance of democratic principles and their essential role in our freedoms and way of life: Now, therefore, be it

 That the Senate— (1)designates September 2018 as National Democracy Month;
 (2)encourages States and local governments to designate September 2018 as National Democracy Month; (3)recognizes the celebration of National Democracy Month as a time to reflect on the contributions of the system of government of the United States to a more free and stable world; and
 (4)encourages the people of the United States to observe National Democracy Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that— (A)provide appreciation for the system of government of the United States; and
 (B)demonstrate that the people of the United States shall never forget the sacrifices made by past generations of people of the United States to preserve the freedoms and principles of the United States.


		II

		Calendar No. 204

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. 113

		[Report No. 109–136]

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 24, 2005

			Mrs. Feinstein (for

			 herself, Mr. Coburn, and

			 Mr. Ensign) introduced the following

			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the

			 Committee on Indian

			 Affairs

			September 12, 2005

			Reported by Mr. McCain,

			 without amendment

		A BILL

		To modify the date as of which certain tribal land of the

		  Lytton Rancheria of California is deemed to be held in trust.

		1.Lytton Rancheria of

			 CaliforniaSection 819 of the

			 Omnibus Indian Advancement Act (114 Stat. 2919) is amended by

			 striking the last sentence.

		September 12, 2005

		 Reported without amendment